Distant past and the C mentality……

   “Onor onor, utang na loob, delicadeza” are traditions that are ingrained in the Filipino culture. Three hundred years of occupation had never ended in our psyche and at some point in our time, we have practiced it.  Here we are in the 20th century, such practices are still visible, if not subtle and rampant. It must be the reason why I do not have a political future. Who runs our mother country... if not the oligarchs (a socialist term) and dynasties (this was way back when Moby Dick was still a minnow) that are passed on from husband to wife, to sons and daughters,  and so on. To advance once cause, you either join them or buy yourself into office, which, and by the way,  public offices are a means to amass more wealth at your constituents’ expense. Have you ever heard of,  “if you can’t beat them, then join them.” Or, if one is able to do so independently, one becomes a mere token, relegated to an occupant in a space and time. Somehow one’s cause is a lost cause. But if one is willing to use and be used, then your cause is lost in translation. A vicious cycle I might add, eventually joining the ranks. Scratch my back and I’ll scratch your back. Well, talking about irony, or I should say, 30 pieces of silver. What difference does it make “Barrio” or “Barangay”, a politically correct parlance reflecting the
national sentiment.  However, in crude term,  I’d say SSDD.
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..........................................................................China Syndrome…….Philippine style

   Who is the puppeteer? The word war between China and Philippines have subsided a bit over Panatag Shoals, (Scarborough), the mineral-rich environment as claimed by many nations. Maybe Japan took the headlines away when it bought a group of Islands claimed by both China and Japan. China responded with show of military might just like it did in its dispute with the Philippines and now covets the Island of Okinawa. Is this land grabbing or bullying at its best...or what? And going back to the original question, during the height of dispute between China and Philippines, there were high level diplomatic talks and backdoor dealings and most of the times the right hand does not know where the left hand is. The right hand speaks and the left hand talks. If one opens the dictionary and look for the word treason, whose picture shows up. Divided we fall.The hoopla

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............................................................. The hoopla about brouhaha……Separation of Church and State….

   Remember when there was passionate discussion about Reproductive Bill? Oh well, is now overshadowed by the RA 10175, (more on this later, a reprieve for 120 days SC has ruled) and is on the back burner.  What do you think? Is it an economic issue or a moral issue, individual freedom or an alternate choice? Who can control oneself, better still who makes decision for oneself?  For both proponents, what is there to offer and alleviate the plight of the poor. You be the judge! You make your choice. Oh no! not again……Separation of Church and State. Quote of the day from the retired Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Oscar Cruz  “Philippine politics is a Great Business *and it is worth investing because the profits are really big and priests have no place in politics. “(CBCPNews report and ABS-CBNnews.com posted 10/11/2012) (*italics and underline are mine for emphasis). You get my drift why some opt to run for public office, talk about messianic complex or maybe resurgence of social theology.

 

............................................................. It might interest you. ……Student journalist Intellectual Schism re: Op Ed on RH                                      

   Now that I have your undivided attention. The first salvo fired by The Varsitarian regarding the instance of dissent by the professors of Ateneo and La Salle about Reproductive Health was "lemons and cowards". The Guidon and the LaSallian responded with equal impunity. Word war has started along those RH lines. May God have mercy on us all! Then came a headliner from Kristine Felisse Mangunay of Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 10, 2012, newsinfo.net to spoof the ongoing feud:” Ateneo, La Salle profs not so duwag, they make sabi RH stand” And the first to blink for its PR epic failure of catastrophic proportion is “UST publication adviser apologizes for “Varsitarian” editorial.(www.gmanetwork.com)  Mea maxima culpa.

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........................................................……Locally, I mean, Urdaneta City itself, I might add……..

   Have you noticed any difference the last time you visited your Town? Let me know! The I might add is that The Town proper or Poblacion (see I still have that C mentality but ..) is relatively cleaner than the past; banks along the Macalong River, specially at the vicinity of (used to be) Matadero  is devoid of debris! Credit is due to the leadership of the current Mayor and those who are concerned about the environment who tirelessly cleaned them and who enlisted the help of those who are affected by it. More to be done and is a step on the right direction. Kudos to you! On the other hand, the Pat-yas still needed a lot of work, lots and lots of them.

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………....................................................The lighter side of life……..work and no play makes Don a…….​

​   During my tenure at one of the 4th largest Financial institution of the country, good ol’ USA, hardly ever had I called in sick. But on this particular day, playing golf beckons. Weather wise, it was neither hot nor cold, a perfect autumn day and the sun was out.  It is particularly special because the course is very prestigious and well known nationally. After all Florida is known for all kinds of golf courses. Some of you might argue or beg to differ but I will stand my ground. To make the (telling a lie or I know nothin’ or as one of my dearest friend would say “tuwa tan yatellam”) story short, I called our secretary and informed her that I am unable to come to work today. And the conversation was a no s….r Me:  Kelly, I am unable to come to work today. Please inform anyone who might particularly ask. Kelly:  I will, Don. So, what ails you, may I ask? In case the big Kahuna inquires? Me: I have a vision problem! I cannot see myself at work today!



.............................................................. You are hero in my book...

   There are many Urdanetans whose career peaked during their prime, remained at home to help in any way they can, volunteered great deal of their time for community service and being apolitical is a feat one cannot replicate. There is no pretense that hey aspire none other than but self fulfillment and personal satisfaction. They are the unsung heroes who do not seek accolade for their work nor gloat in their successes. And if they ask for contributions, in cash or in kind or a little of your time, let us not hesitate to do our part. The likes of Teofanes Manantan and others in their respective communities, locally, and overseas where they have assimilated themselves and now part of the community , tells a story of how Urdanetans are reflected by the iconic symbol of "Nuang". -- G. Don Arellano, OLLA '66.