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People Are Politically Mature, I Think

2008-02-04

Maneuverings for the position of Speaker of the House (Philippines) are again dangled at the surface, and I am amused. The present speaker is in danger of being ousted by his peers, but he seems to be clinging to his chair no matter what. He just finished delivering a speech where he 'divulged' information that seem to throw mud at the administration (specifically the president). Now the people are fed up with this circus. If he speaks the truth, then why only now? If he witnessed irregularity in the past, then why did he remain silent? It's even worse on his part if he's just making all these up!

There's nothing to it--people are mature enough to judge character. Let the reader decide. Let peace reign!

[I deliberately omitted names and issues so as not to add to the circus.]

Offer The Other Also

2008-02-06

It's Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent--time to look inwardly and see the more important things in life, things overlooked in our daily routines. We have people around us--friends and strangers--who may need assistance of any sort. We look after those in need, providing what we can depending on our means. When we meditate on the more profound realities, our quarrels with one another seem very insignificant.

When someone hurts us, saying all sorts of things about us, we seek vengeance almost immediately! We cry foul and look to heaven for some justice. Yet, in spite of that feeling, even calling to God for vengeance, we ourselves do to the 'offending' person what we complained about. The Christian way in dealing with such problems is to look at the crucified Lord and see how much pain and suffering he endured for all of mankind. He didn't do anything to deserve that torture. If one cursed us, we don't curse back but bless. The injustice we endured will be without merit if we take revenge and do the same to them. Jesus said, "To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt (Luke 6.29 RSV)."

Judge Fulgencio Z. Anicete, 1931-2008

2008-03-03

Exactly a week ago, my beloved father passed away quietly, ending a long bout with COPD, exacerbations of which became more frequent lately. I'm sure he's resting there in heaven, watching over us on earth. Requiescat in pace...

Many relatives and friends gave their gestures of love and support, including from my godfather, Ninong Amor, all the way from California. He sent me and the family many letters of condolences. I published part of his letter to me in Capampangan, our mother tongue...

'...Ketang belita meng meangu bie at angga na ketang aldu ning pangakutkut na, alos e mamaku keng kanakung kaisipan itang larauan na, babalik itang milabas a madalas keng misasabi ketang Judge's chamber na, at kareng lakad mi keng Rotary Club. Unabis, keng pamiabe mi, ala kung atatandanan a mikontra kami. Istung ating pisasabian keng kapulungan a tatagunan mi, parati keng mikakampi anya malagad mung tutu ing ating sasalangsang. Balu re amanu ing Compare ku. Mayap at tapat yang kaluguran y Daddy mu. Dakal ya likuan a kayapan.

Nung sanang mikapamikatagun ku, adinan ke sanang makuyad a eulogy ketang burul na; a sabi ku sana...

"Makanyan lalabas keti babo yatu,
anti mung paninap ing bye na ning tau;
ayup yang linimpad, besibas yang atu,
sala yang kinislap, mipaid yang banglu,
ban lalam ning aun kasakmal nyang abu!

"At ika Judge Fullen Z. Anicete, e raka kalupa
deta ning keraklan taung mauala bie,
ayalang melakwan nanu man ping bague;
king ika daka'la't myaliwang adle
ding keke likwan mu king ba'kang e mate.

"Lalam nang marimla ning kekang kutkutan
painawa nakang mitmung karatunan,
ya nang sunlag keka ing tune katutwan
at king paglakbe mu aliwang balayan
manatili keka tutuk mung kanwanan!"

...Nung nanu ing panandam yu king panga-angu na bie ning Compare ku, aliwa mu ykayu ing menandaman. Dakal la, at kayabe ku kareta. Sana ing panaun supan nakung masalese, at king pamanantabe ning Mayupa, itang meging kaburian na, mipamintu keti sulip anti banua, kalupa na naman ing pamagbalik na kaya ning kayang lelangan y Fulgencio Zabala Anicete. Midinan ya sanang lubus a katajimikan...'

Jesus Saves!

2008-04-10

The following joke (entitled Jesus Saves!) seems to be irreverent but such conversations--between God and Satan--occur in the Holy Bible. In the Book of Job, God argued with the devil. From Job 1.6-12 RSV, the following is read:

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, "Whence have you come?" Satan answered the LORD, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nought? Hast thou not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse thee to thy face." And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

This story partially answers the persistent question on God's goodness. If God is good, why is there suffering on earth? Job suffered a lot, including the loss of his family and all his property, just to test his faith. And who did it--the devil! God allows suffering but it's not for us to split hairs about it. Good may come from evil.

Jesus Saves!

Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering.

Finally fed up, God said, "That's it! I have had enough. I am going to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job."

So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.

They moused; they faxed; they e-mailed; they e-mailed with attachments; they downloaded; they did spreadsheets! They wrote reports; they created labels and cards; they created charts and graphs; they did some genealogy reports; they did every job known to man.

Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.

Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went off...

Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld. Jesus just sighed.

Finally the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming:

"It's gone! It's all gone! "I lost everything when the power went out!"

Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work... Satan observed this and became irate.

"Wait!" he screamed. "That's not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work and I don't have any?"

God just shrugged and said, Jesus saves!

Keka Judge Fullen Anicete

by Amor C. de Jesus

2008-04-22

Juez yang mituringan, king kekaba na ning bie na
Uling malwat menungculan alang matsurang gewa na
Detang taung makadalum a mamarap king Sala na king balen ning Santo Tomas at Minalin a pagsilbyan na, mididinan lang justicia at pareas ing lawe na.
Gewa na ing catungculan, uling biasa ya caring batas at ilang meging giya na.
E na lalun ing bili mu, ma-influencia o makwalta, at caring decision na bucud mu ding ebidencia yla retang tutukian na.

Familya nang caluguran, pepakit na ing lingap na
Uling angga king tauling inawa, e kinupas ing lugud na
Lalu na kang Natividad, ing maganaca nang asawa
Labis-labis ing panirug matyagang menese kaya
Ena alos atanggap-tanggap ing macu at lakwan nala detang anac at apo na a mal dili ketang bie na.
Ngeni ing catataulian muli at marap ne ketang miglalang kaya.

Anya balen Capampangan pasalamat ka't kilala
Ning maningning a licwan na at agawa king balayan
Itang Knights of Columbus nung nucarin mig Grand Knight ca
Carela pepakit mu ing lugud pamanpalataya at mal mung Iglesya.
E wari maging Rotarian ca, Presidenting menungculan
Ticyan mu detang Four Way Test detang apat a surian king pamicaparang tau at caring abe mung Rotarians.
E ulogy o tawling pamun ing buri ku sanang gawan ketang pamaglacbe mu ketang aliwang karinan:

Metung kang mayap a tau, Lider ning balen a tibwan,
Carapatdapat a Juez, maguinu at gagalang,
Modelu ding Cayanacan a dapat ping paciapusan.

At king sariling canacu O canacung caluguran
Judge Fullen Z. Anicete, era na ka acalingwan.

Science and Faith

2008-05-30

In these past few days, I've been involved with a friend debating via email on the existence of God because science for him seems to disprove God's existence. Obviously I defended God's existence, but I had a hard time explaining how can faith and science be not contradictory using his viewpoint. On my friend's part, he used knowledge of quantum theory in "demolishing" God, but I stood my ground. I had difficulty giving my side because he doesn't accept the usual common sensical explanations, like the first cause and the designer principles. He's asking for direct evidence from science, and of course there's no such thing. You can't see under the electron microscope an angel's feather, or perhaps look through a very powerful telescope and see God there at the edge of the universe! So how can we go about that predicament?

And of course I could not offer up the bible because for him all these stories were "made up". He made the bible at par with fairy tales, and others like Greek mythology and other folk stories in many countries. It seemed the conversation was drowned by an ocean of relativism, where nobody can possibly know the truth, or which truth. And because one can never know the truth, no truth is accepted except that which is founded on the natural sciences. Such way of thinking is obvious scientism, but most of the time the one scrutinizing the truth only has a superficial scientific knowledge. God can't be "undone" by science, real science. In such a situation, what am I to do? There is no ground to stand on!

A few hours ago, while viewing EWTN, I encountered a certain Dr. Anthony Rizzi Ph.D., who providentially was the guest at EWTN Live! He's a physicist who seems to have all the answers regarding my problems. See his website at www.iapweb.org and look around the site. There is a book for sale entitled The Science Before Science: A Guide To Thinking In The 21st Century; I would try to obtain such book. Alternatively, I'll try to watch his upcoming TV series on EWTN this coming September; that way I won't have to purchase it. There are many other books dealing with the proper understanding of science in the real world.

I ended my conversation knowing that his issues were left hanging. If we see each other again (on-line), I'll be better prepared. I do hope that the Holy Spirit will be with him in his quest, and likewise to all of us believers.

4 Belts For Manny Pacquiao

2008-06-30

A few hours ago, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacqiao snatched a new title from David Diaz of Chicago (formerly from Mexico), making him the new WBC Lightweight champion of the world. He's truly the modern-day hero of the Philippines.

God bless you!

Senior Citizens

2008-07-31

I received the following jokes through email. The original authors were not mentioned...

Lost In The Darndest Places

An elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to report that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher: "They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the accelerator!" she cried.

The dispatcher said, "Stay calm. An officer is on the way."

A few minutes later, the officer radios in. "Disregard." He says, "She got in the back-seat by mistake."

Family

Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, live in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts her foot in and pauses. She yells to the other sisters, "Was I getting in or out of the bath?"

The 94-year-old yells back, "I don't know--I'll come up and see." She starts up the stairs and pauses, "Was I going up the stairs or down?"

The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea, listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, "I sure hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood." She then yells, "I'll come up and help both of you... as soon as I see who's at the door."

Old Friends

Now this one is just too precious...

Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards.

One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me... I know we've been friends for a long time, but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."

Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her.

Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?"

Senior Driving

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang.

Answering, he heard his wife's voice urgently warning him, "Herman, I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on Interstate 77. Please be careful!"

"Heck," said Herman, "It's not just one car. It's hundreds of them!"

Driving

Two elderly women were out driving in a large car, both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red, but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself, "I must be losing it. I could have sworn we just went through a red light."

After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection and the light was red again. Again, they went right through. The woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light had been red, but was really concerned that she was losing it. She was getting nervous.

At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red and they went on through. So, she turned to the other woman and said, "Mildred, did you know that we just ran through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us both!"

Mildred turned to her and said, "Oh, crap, am I driving ?"

Gloria Catacutan Vargas, 1927-2008

2008-08-28

Four days ago, my beloved aunt, a great person we lovingly call Ima, passed away while confined at Luna Hospital in Quezon City, Philippines. I'm sure she's resting there in heaven, reunited with Tatay, her husband who prepared the place there, watching over us on earth. Requiescat in pace...

Family members, many relatives and friends here and abroad gave their gestures of love and support. A notice was disseminated by her second son, P/SSupt Noel Vargas...

Pagpanaw ni Ima

Maraming salamat po sa pakikiramay at pakikidalamhati ninyo sa pagpanaw ni Ima noong nakaraang Linggo, 24 August 2008... Last year si Tatay (9 September 2007)...

Nakaburol sa Matuang Bale sa Pampanga
Libing sa Sabado 30 August 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

Now this message was accompanied by a poem in our mother tongue, Capampangan, which was translated into Tagalog subsequently. A short note follows.

Alang Cayangganan Ing Lugud Na Ning Indu

Alang cayangganan ing lugud ning indu
Keka o penganac supling kang tinubu
Anti ka mong sibul a malati tulu
Malino ka danum, maniaman kang tutu.

Keka o penganac sucat mung ganacan
Cabuctut daca pa tatangka na na ngan
Detang sablang bage a kekang kailangan
Ban king kabait mu e ka wasang-wasang.

Siam ka pang bulan atiyan nang Indu mu
Dakal nang pasakit a kaya binie mu
Menganib yang mate king pangabait mu
Pauli na ning sakit a emu magkanu.

Iniang mibait ka king yatu misapuac
Pemalut na keka ing maputing ulas
Ing kayang delanan e ditac apuyat
Penese na keka mayumu nang gatas.

Potang masakit ka ating panamdaman
Karing keyang tacde karin naka y duyan.
Eya mipatudtud, eya makapangan
Pauli na ning lingap, keka anac ng mal.

Iniang malati ku kenu ku sinusu?
At kenu la tacde ding kinaul kaku?
Ninu ring minuma mingatbang pisngi ku?
Ala't e aliwa nune mu Indu ku.

Ibpa at Indu mu tutung pikabaluan
Ing tutu lang martir king kapibabatan
Mayumung lugud da, mayumung tagimpan
Dapot ing ablas mu mapait nung misan.

Potang matua naka ating panamdaman
Karing kakung tacde, ika ing kandungan
Bakung makayablas king kekang depatan
Indung mal kanaku keti king sikluban.

Pangacu ku Indu potang mirate ka
Aku ing tumanud kagum ning siping mu
Aku ing lumingap, sumaup mibata
Angga king kutkutan Indu yatad daka.

Kakutkut mu Indu aku muli naku
Layun kong lingapan detang kapatad ku
Uling aku namu ing matuang likwan mu
Lumingap karela, ita ning bilin mu.

Kasakit napala ing mamangulila
Likwan mong anac mu keti king masala
Nung akit mula mu mipapanangis la
Paninintunan da, lugud mu karela.

Nung datang na ing Pasku ampong Bayung Banwa
Ditac a tinape babo ning lamesa
Ela makapangan mipaglalawe la
Kabud na tutulu ing luwa karing mata.

Kasakit na pala ing ala nang matua
Ala nang mamaplus potang masakit ka
Ala nang dalungan nung atin problema
Ala ne ing Indu ku, ala na...
Ala na.

Walang Hangganan Ang Pagmamahal Ng Ina

Tagalog (slang) translation:

Walang hangganan ang pagmamahal ng ina
Ikaw na pinanganak, anak kang lumabas
Para kang sibol na maliit ang patak
Malinaw ang iyong tubig, masarap kang totoo.

Ikaw na pinanganak dapat mong tandaan
Nasa sinapupunan ka pa lamang meron ng plano si Inang
'Yung lahat ng bagay na iyong kailangan
Para pagkapanganak sa iyo dika kawawa.

Siyam na buwan ka palang sa tiyan ng ina mo
Marami ng hirap sa kanya binigay mo
Muntik ng mamatay sa pag silang mo
Dahil sa sakit na di mabibili.

Nuong pinanganak ka dito sa mundong ibabaw
Pinagbalot sa iyo puting kumot
Ang kanyang pinagdaanan ay hindi konting puyat
Pang-alaga sa iyo matamis n'yang gatas.

Kapag may sakit ka may dinaramdam
Sa kanyang balikat doon ka n'ya iduyan
'Di s'ya makatulog, di s'ya makakain
Dahil sa pag alaga, sa iyo anak nyang mahal.

Noong maliit ako kanino ako sumuso?
At kanino balikat ang yumakap sa akin?
Sino humalik sa magkabilang pisngi ko?
Wala at hindi iba kundi ang ina ko.

Ama at Ina mo totoo nating alam
Na totoo silang martir sa pag-titiis
Matamis na pagmamahal nila, matamis tamasin
Kaya lang ang binalik mo mapait kung minsan.

Kapag matanda kana't mayroong sakit
Sa aking balikat, kakalungin kita
Para maka bawi sa mga ginawa mo
Inang mahal sa akin dito sa mundo.

Pangako ko Inang kapag ikaw ay maysakit
Ako ang magbabantay dito sa tabi mo
Ako ang mag alaga, tumulong magtiis
Hanggang sa libingan Inang ihahatid kita.

Pagka libing mo Inang ako uuwi na
At aking lilingapin ang mga kapatid ko
Dahil ako na lang ang matandang iniwan mo
Alagaan sila, ito ang bilin mo.

Masakit nga pala ang na uulila
Iniwan mong anak mo dito sa liwanag
Kung makikita mo lamang na nag-iiyakan sila
Hanap-hanap nila, pagmamahal mo sa kanila.

'Pag dating ng pasko at ng bagong taon
Kaunting tinapay taas ng mesa
'Di makakain nag titinginan lamang
Basta nalang tumutulo ang luha sa mga mata.

Masakit pala ang wala ng magulang
Wala ng mag aalaga kapag may sakit ka
Wala ng pagsasabian kapag may problema
Wala na ang Inang ko, wala na...
Wala na.

Ito ay katutubong kanta ng Kapampangan. Ang kapantay na Tagalog na kanta nito ay Ugoy Ng Duyan. A tribute sa lugud (pagmamahal) nina Ta'ta o Ta'tang at Inda, I'ma o Indu. The most famous Kapampangan songs are: Atin Ku Pung Sing-sing, Legwan Na Alayu King Bulsa, Aklis Ning Lub Ku... If you happen to know any Katutubong Kapampangan song, hardly heared or sang, paki e-mail sa akin para ma isaplaka/disk ng Kundiman Ning Kapampangan... Salamat!

Mensahe Ibat Kang Ninong Amor

Makatagulaling ya ing poema babu, kang Ima, kakang Glo, malugud a pengari, mapagmasabal a kapatad at kamaganak, ulirang talaturu at meging tapat a asawa at masuyung penganak. Ing bakas mong likwan keti king masala, ya ing matibe sandigan ding kekang bunga at sapni balang mipanginlag king maruc a gawa at mie lang lulugud king Guinu at parang tau. Ipangadi mi ing tanggapan naka ning Mayupa ketang karinan nang alang kapupusan a ligaya at katajimikan. Kaluguran daka Ate Glo.

King panga-anggu na bie ning pisan kung alang pilatan, Mrs. Gloria de Jesus Catacutan vda. Vargas, piragli keng gewa ining macuyad a poema at kaya at aliwa pang indu makaparikil ya...

Lugud King Mal A Indu

neng Almario C. de Jesus
Norwalk, California

Nung kakung isulat, lugud ku king Indu
Letrang Pilak o Guintu, ela pa makagyu
Uling Sinta keya, Sisuan na ning Pusu
Karing kandungan na, meragul, tinubu.

Ninu mo'y Indu mo? Metung yang Kometa,
mebaldug, kinislap, ya ing minie sala...
king dalumdum ning bye, bang ding kekang mata
akit da' ng dalise, at tapat a sinta.

King pangabait mu, itang penandaman na
alos kamatayan, ya ing meging dalo na.
Ena na pikabyang itang sakit at pibata na
baka musang luntu, keti king masala.

Pepasusu naka, at peparagul pa
karing uma't aplus a alang kapara.
At king pamagaral ing sabla tiru na
ytang Lugud king Dios, king tau't balen pa.

Anya nung ma-anggu ing bye nang Indu mu,
Anti mung mepitna, sala na ning yatu.
Ing silbag nang lugud nita nang Bathala
kabud na mipanpan, gulutan ding Tala.

Ala nang mamapis, kakaul, mumuma
ala nang tuturu at keka mamingwa,
ala kang lapitan busal na ning lugma
dapot ing lugud mo keya, e mapupus at dakila.

Pangadi Bayu Tuglung King Internet

2008-10-05

Prayer Before Connecting To The Internet
by Fr. John T. Zuhlsdorf

Translated to Capampangan (major Philippine language) from English by Renato B. Alzadon of Academia Ning Amanung Sisuan (ANASI).

Pangadi Bayu Tuglung King Internet

O kipnuan king upaya at alan-anggang Dios,
king anyu Mu lelang Mu kami
at sinabi Mu kekami ing dulapan mi ya ing cayapan, ing catutuan, at ing caniwan,
lalu't lalu na ing tagle cabanalan na ning Bugtung Mung Anak, Y Jesucristong Guinu mi,
itulut Mu, pagamu-amu mi Keka,
king kapamilatan nang San Isidro, Obispo at Doctor,
a sana king penandit ning pamaglayag mi king Internet
iyungyung mi la ding mata at gamat mi bucud mung king bague munie ligaya Keka
at pakibagayan mi la sana king mitmung lugud at kapakumbaban ding maldang caladwang kekaming akatalamitanan.
Kapamilatan na ning Cristong Guinu mi. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Tommy!

2008-11-20

It's little Tommy's 5^th birthday yesterday. The photo shows him blowing the candle, with cousin Ling-Ling looking on.

With the looming economic meltdown, such occasions must continue for the sake of our children. Some people say that there'll be no Christmas because of difficult times. No, this kind of mentality must be stopped! We might say that it's the quality that is important, not the quantity of food and drinks. Let the spirit of love prevail always!

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18.3-6 RSV)

Of Manny Pacquiao and Mar Roxas

2008-12-20

Two weeks ago, the country was glued to the TV waiting for the Dela Hoya-Pacquiao Dream Fight. Incidentally, the crime rate was zero--the criminals are also watching! Manny who is fondly called Pacman didn't disappoint his countrymen. He did what he said he'll do, and I think had he lost, nobody would have been disappointed. His training regimen is sometimes shown on prime-time news, and he's really doing his best to turn his body into a rock, and no beating from Oscar would affect him. The maxim "no pain no gain" really is true. Oscar is now definitely retired after that 8-round punishment, and I respect him for standing opposite a respectable boxer.

Congratulations Pacman!

A few days later, a large political rally (called "interfaith" rally) was held at the financial district of Makati. I would like to please the participants in saying that there was a "massive" crowd as reported by a news channel, but just a few went there (I'm speaking in relative terms). Just to make the story short, Mar Roxas, a "respected" senator, had his 15-minutes of fame on stage delivering a speech on the many ills of the country caused by the government. That's alright--we all respect the people's right to speak freely in a democracy. I was horrified--he cursed in no vague terms! I can't even mention what he said; we were trained from childhood to refrain from saying bad words. There goes that "good boy" image to the trash bin.

Worse, he refused to apologize to the people. How can he present himself for a higher office later? No congratulations for you...

Wherever we are placed, at home, work, on the street, or others, we must always do the right thing, big or small. People always cried that we have corruption all over; if we all become faithful in small things, we'll be faithful in larger things, ergo, no corruption. We all like to hear our divine master tell us one day, "...Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25.21 RSV)."

Guide the Children

2009-02-18

Yesterday, a nephew asked me about the meaning of some words he's trying to read from the computer screen. It's in fancy fonts and written in Spanish. In decades past, children were familiar with Spanish. That's not the point anyway...

The problem phrase in Spanish was: "Cinco Diablo". It pertains to the title of the music album of a certain band he's scrutinizing. I told him it stands for "five devil" [maybe that's five devils], and warned him of the dangers of being attracted to such things--the name might become a reality--meaning the devil might influence him sooner or later. It's laughable I have to admit, but who knows? It's similar to playing with ouija boards, e.g.; dangerous to the soul.

Then I asked the name of the band. I was surprised the group's name was "Saliva". What? I'm wondering, if such are the band name and album titles, the lyrics would also be garbage. I then intended to speak to his parents about this seemingly innocent stuff. That I'm going to do, but lest I forget, at least many of you readers out there get to read it first.

What is it about these stupid music that kids like? Worse, it might be something about bad or even "evil" lyrics. And the effect? I can only guess!

Please investigate these kinds of music! Let's guide our children, and make the good, the holy, and the moral attractive to them...

Revisiting Death

2009-03-13

A week ago (March 6), a very popular music/rap icon passed away after a painful and protracted bout against leukemia (AML). He's the forever young Francis Magalona, a.k.a. Francis M--his 44 years looks like just 22--that baby-faced. His fight against this kind of stubborn cancer is well-publicized. Many people unrelated to him, including me felt the loss, as if losing a brother. This incident made me revisit our old friend—death.

Death is a friend, but we don't seek it, it seeks us. It becomes an enemy if we actively long to see him. It's a mystery why some go through a lot of pain and suffering before he comes. It comes to some with no pain at all. Don't get me wrong, euthanasia is an abominable sin; as Christians, we accept the suffering and pain with its coming, as if it replaces our purgatory.

We should not dread death. I believe in God's mercy and we will surely have an opportunity to ask for mercy, only God knows when. One nanosecond on earth may represent a very long time in that instant when mercy is offered. Besides, death is the door to life, life of glory up there. "...Beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 20-21 RSV)."

Goodbye, Michael Jackson

2009-07-07

Four months has elapsed since my last entry, and many things happened, including socio-political and economic developments here and abroad.  While these are important, they often become so boring that we sometimes forget their significance.  We never run out of doomsayers who always see the negative in things.  We see politicians and "pundits" creating ghosts, and then becoming frightened by them.  Mere speculations end up in front pages; lies being repeated several times and then admitted as gospel truth.  They are asking, "what is truth" but they already have answers!  Religious events become politicized, and politics become sacralized.  People who ought not to be believed are put in a pedestal and almost worshipped!  This can go on forever.

More than a week ago (June 25), the famous singer Michael Jackson passed away for a still unknown etiology at a young age of 50.  Inspite of the numerous negative comments, Jackson was a great man for his circumstances, mainly out of his control.  They focus on his defects, but ain't we all imperfect?

Let's celebrate his musical genius, his songs, his contribution to the entertainment part of our lives.  I remember his songs during those good old days--Ben, I'll Be There, One Day In Your Life and the ubiquitous Christmas songs Give Love On Christmas Day and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.  I still remember the vinyl album Thriller, with all those famous tracks.  I'm always entertained by his unique dance steps, perhaps similar to what magicians do in their routines.  Many performers mimicked such moves but no one gets them as rhythmic as the original.

There are many things I would like to say but it's early morning already.  But before retiring, I'm sending my best wishes to his soul...  Goodbye Mike!

Cory Aquino, Farewell

2009-08-03

At 3:18 am last Saturday (1 August), Madam Corazon "Cory" Aquino, Philippine president from 1986-1992, passed away after a long bout with colon cancer.  She is rightly called the Icon of Democracy from the recent past as she led the country out of a protracted one-man rule, "introducing" peaceful revolution via "people power".  It may not be acknowledged by western historians but this manner of government change started it all--dominoes started tumbling!  Remember Poland?  This was followed by the eastern European countries, and also the former U.S.S.R.!  The late Pope John Paul II incidentally had a hand there too.

February 1986 was really very memorable for many folks over here.  As Mr. Ferdinand Marcos (ruling president at the time) was preparing to take a "new" mandate after "winning" the snap elections, a military coup was simmering.  A violent uprising being hatched very high in the defence establishment.  This plot was however uncovered and many officers were detained, and later presented to the public.  Because of this, Misters Juan Ponce-Enrile (Defence Minister) and Fidel Ramos (Vice Chief of Staff) with their loyal followers, jumped the gun, fortifying their defences at the headquarters building, and shrewdly calling a press conference about their captured colleagues and their plan, hoping to gain public support.  While they attracted a few, this provided for the "two fish and five loaves" for what will happen next.

When then Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal Sin was informed, he called for "people power".  People flocked the areas of concern to protect the "rebels".  For some reason, I wasn't concerned about these things, and there was no sense of urgency or danger.  Perhaps the millions of people who went at EDSA were also unaffraid.  Perhaps there was safety in numbers.  Perhaps as Filipinos it's in our nature to be fatalistic and just go go go!  I guess religion also played a role--the government soldiers still didn't want to massacer millions just to protect a few people.  The rest was history.  Cory was installed as the eleventh president of the country, and the first female to take the post.

There was euphoria everywhere, and it took some time to put things back as before.  That was a great achievement by all, and particularly for the new president.  While I maintain my admiration for Tita Cory (fondly called by many), there are many things that could have been done to translate this revolution to benefit the majority of our countrymen who are poor.  [What could have been done is anyone's guess; positives and much negatives in her administration--better discussed in another post.  Because of this, people should not overdo the lip-service for the fallen leader.  Let's give her the respect and not use this for personal or political purposes.  I placed this side note because Filipinos have a penchant for turning anything to politics.]

President Cory Aquino... farewell!  Now you're with Ninoy, your spouse and our hero, and there's no longer any pain from the illness.  Now you can do much more for the country from there.

Proud To Be A Filipino

2009-08-07

When great things happen that put the Philippines in a good light, people would instinctively exclaim "I'm proud to be a Filipino!"  "I was hiding my head in a hole until this thing happened, what a wonderful feeling!"  Many such things come to mind: the restoration of democracy through a peaceful revolution in 1986, the triumph of Lea Salonga in the music and entertainment scene, victories of many sportsmen and women in their fields, especially for Manny Pacquiao lately, and many others...

When bad things apparently happen, these same folks profess to be ashamed of their nationality.  Surely, bad things always happen, and we should do our part in stopping them, or at least mitigating their effects.  But our national pride never fades; it goes on and on.

Perhaps it is similar to what happened (it may still be happening) to the Church in the past few years.  I guess everybody remembers the clerical scandals involving minors.  Many Catholics lost their faith.  They failed to see the forest because of the rotten trees.  You know what?  I'm proud to be a Catholic.  I might include here the politicking of many bishops and priests--I'm very disappointed with them, but I'm still a proud Catholic.  [Obviously, pride as used here pertains to its positive meaning, not its negative, being the first among the 7 capital sins.]

I'm proud to be a Filipino, no matter what!

Good Works and Media

2009-10-07

The Philippines, particularly Luzon was recently devastated by two powerful typhoons--Ketsana (Ondoy) and Parma (Pepeng)--leaving behind a lot of miserable people, needing humongous relief, mainly food, clothing, medical care, and shelter.  The image on the right shows typhoon Parma almost stationary above North Luzon, soaking it, being followed by supertyphoon Melor (went to Japan).  Obviously there is a need to give relief packages to them, and people who actually do the handing of the items.  Some popular personalities however said things on air that prompted this writing.  One says that people, particularly politicians and actors, ought not to show their faces while handing the packages, or perhaps not to give their names when donating.  Please, let's not criticize people for doing good!  Let's not put malice where there is none.  The faint of heart might lose interest in the whole thing just because of such idle talk.  They somehow remind us of the following biblical passage:

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6.1-4 RSV)

They do seem to have a point, right?  But then turn one chapter back and read...

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5.14-16 RSV)

Now this is the reason why private interpretation of scripture does not always work.  The two passages seem to be contradictory at first glance; note that both came from St. Matthew's gospel.  But there is no contradiction!  It boils down to the real intent of the person.  If the real intention was to be seen doing good, then the act of gift-giving is hypocritical--there'll be no reward from God.  For politicians, it is indirect vote-buying at the least.  But if the person goes to the aid stations with pure intentions, then the presence of cameras is incidental only.  So folks who condemn these people need to shut up; nobody can really read minds, nobody can see the intent of people.  In conclusion, I leave this passage for our own meditation:

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you." (Matthew 7.1-6 RSV)

Let's continue being neighbors to everyone; let's rise again after this fall. Think positive, walang iwanan!