Erap and Gloria Walking on the Aisle: From Cebu with Love!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Photo from the Philippine Star

Guess what, I’m so surprised seeing the almost impossible political foes. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo walked on the aisle with Former President Joseph Erap Estrada as his escort! Say what?!

At the wedding of the daugher of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia to the mayor of the town of Lilo-an (also in Cebu) last weekend, these two VIPs were invited and guess what…Gloria and Erap went on the aisle together, kapit bisig pa! This is something you won’t see everyday after former lambasted the latter last SONA. Seemingly irreconcilable since they are both of opposing views and Erap was replaced by Gloria during People Power 2 in January 2001…and Erap is a staunch critic of the President.

Not only Erap and Gloria, but also the former ABSCBN anchors Vice President Noli DeCastro and former Senator Loren Legarda walked on the aisle just behind Erap! Say what!?! Yup, they’re at friction with each other regarding the vice presidency post back then…and now…like Erap and Gloria…walking on the aisle!

I may be a critic or a skeptic that this is a publicity move by both parties since after former President Cory Aquino passed away last weekend. There have been uneasy political situations during the wake…seems that Cory Magic lives on to these people…well I hope they are sincere about it, but Philippine politics…is more like a starfruit or balimbing. Yet, I love seeing political factions united and civil as one. After all, this is what Tita Cory would want (but I dunno about Aquino-Arroyo relations though).

Yet even if this is a publicity stint or what, I commend them for being civil with each other and smiled at the uneasy situations. But beyond the photo, what lies ahead is on how this country should progress from a third world economy to another economic powerhouse. This may just a facade. But the people needs genuine and sincere service. And I hope they both walk with each other together with the Filipino people towards prosperity and peace.

Oh alas, the question: Politico = sincerity. That I have to ask the people.

Di Ka Nag-Iisa! Salamat at Paalam Tita Cory

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

I wouldn’t make it long and complicated with adding up the details. I’m currently listening to the mass being held in Manila Cathedral. I didn’t make it on her wake, but with prayers and dedication to the proclaimed “Mother of Philippine Democracy,” it’s a sad day.

The weather somehow cooperates. Rain pouring because the heaven is mourning, but the sun shines because we also celebrate her life and what she did. Seems that we’re tracing back to the “heaven’s mandate.”

It made me realize though that we as human beings have a mission in life to fulfil. As I was reading “The Fifth Mountain” by Coelho, I later realized the full colour of Tita Cory’s life, from her sufferings to her victories. Somehow, she became one of my institutions of inspiring to live life to the fullest. Somehow, it made me realize that having faith in God doesn’t meant suffering and pain as most people would thought of. Somehow, it made me think that in this life, there are some things that we take for granted but needs focus and emphasis. Somehow, the sacrifices that she made as a housewife and a viuda made me realize that strength doesn’t come alone but through support and through faith.

She may not be the perfect president. She may not have lived up to the expectations of the Filipinos after EDSA Uno. She may have weathered several coup d’etat attempts. She may have not eradicated feudalism. But she brought back what is supposedly for the Filipino people…democracy. And somehow inspired us all to live with the democracy that was restored after 2 decades of totalitarian rule.

And as 2 decades have past, the wounds were healed, at least. There is something about our mother. There is something about Tita Cory. Now, she is with Ninoy and God, her mission fulfilled. It made me realize that we too have a mission to fulfill as Filipinos. It made me realize that being apathetic does not do good to our society. Apathy is somehow we have to combat. Apathy is what Tita Cory fought within us. That we, Citizen Pinoy, are responsible for the actions of our countrymen, ourselves as Filipinos. That change comes from us and not only just a marked social revolution. She’s really the “ilaw ng tahanan.” Ilaw ng Bayan! 

Somehow, Corazon Cojuanco Aquino touched my life even though I do not know her personally nor somewhat close to the Cojuancos or Aquinos. But somehow, there is something about her that made me sad learning about her death. There is also somehow a reason to celebrate as well. Life, dedication, passion, love of country, love of family, sacrifices have reasons, suffering ends. 

The skies mourn her passing, but the sun shines at the same time. Tita Cory is no longer here, but as what Coelho said, “she went back to the Great Spirit.” She is everywhere now, somehow more powerful and omniprescent than she was still in her mortal life. 

For us Filipinos, we may not live in a perfect world. Corruption lingers after EDSA Uno. Feudalism still lingers and power still to the elitist few. Yet we couldn’t just leave Tita Cory’s legacy burnt to ruins, we couldn’t blame her. We still have a long way to go but she made a move that a housewife has done so greatly. It’s time that we, the Filipinos, should continue our struggle to achieve the true meaning of democracy. That we Filipinos have a responsibility to fulfill. That we Filipinos should learn our lesson from the history. That we Filipinos shouldn’t take things for granted. We still have to carry on with this struggle. Kumilos/maghulag kita!

To Tita Cory: “Talagang di ka nag-iisa! Mabuhay po kayo!” 

Mabuhay ka Tita Cory! Madamu guid nga salamat sa imo nga pag-guia sa amon halin sa kadulom sang diktaturya pakadto sa demokrasya! Madamu guid nga salamat! Padayunon tani namon guihapon ang imo nga kausa, sa pakigbato sa korupsyon, sa pakigbato sa matuod nga demokrasya para sa katilingban kag sa banwa sang Pilipinas! 

Philippine Typhoon Names of 2009

Sunday, August 2, 2009

You might even wonder why the name “Jolina” came in the scene of the name of typhoon. Jolina fans, rise and be counted! 

On average, the Philippines is a receipient of about more or less 20 typhoons/tropical disturbances per year. Some go on landfall, others just passing by the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

I still remember when the typhoon’s or tropical disturbance’s name in the Philippines is named from women which usually ends their name in “ng.” Because the old popular belief that women’s attitude of unpredictability and mood swings are the best description a weather disturbance, especially a typhoon has.

Only later in the 20th Century did the names changed from a chauvinist to a more gender-sensitive list of names which depicts more of popular Philippine culture.
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Para Kay Tita Cory! Salamat at Padayon!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Dahil ngarag na ang utak ko sa pagod, ito muna po ang iaalay ko sa alaala ni Tita Cory. 

 The Miracle of EDSA: The Road to Freedom

 

Photo by Flow Galindez

EDSA for short spans around 24 kilometers. Considered to be one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, this road has contributed so much to Philippine history and economy. Dedicating this post in memory of the late former president Tita Cory Aquino.

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