Love
One can not explain
...these things
It is a beautiful mystery
... that must be enjoyed.
... not solved =)
Most specially
...this one
The one we have.
When the time of testing came
... it is always logical to separate
... but we did not.
There was a time you asked me to.
... to spare me from pain
... that's what you told me.
That was brave of you.
But how could I leave
a brave soul like you?
I can not.
I will not.
It was brave.
It was right.
It was selfless.
It was beautiful.
A Hollywood scene captured and done in Manila.
These things...
These traits...
... is what made you even
... more beautiful.
These things...
These traits...
... specially the ones hidden
... and very private
... the ones in the hearts of hearts
... is what made you even
... more beautiful.
Most specially when you are at rest
... at peace in
... loving a version of me
... no one else sees,
... no one else admires,
... no one else adores.
How could you love a beast like that?
How could you be at peace with a beast like that?
A 21st century Tinkerbell sent to a lost boy from Tundo.
I am humbled.
I am blessed.
I am glad you had the wits
... to know me first.
And I am glad that as you know me
... you loved me after.
Now, I can not see me
... nor can I see you.
Only we.
Only us.
My heart beats...
Beb, Beb
Beb, Beb
Beb, Beb
Beb, you call forth my better self
... to work on becoming a better man.
Alaishu, Beb!
Tuesday
Misery is really a blessing! Really? Promise!
The very feeling of misery is our mark of greatness.
It is our soul's way of telling us that we are better than this. That our very and current situation is an affront, an insult on who we are truly. We are divine beings currently encapsulated in human form = )
Misery is the clanging and heavy alarm bell that signals something is wrong with our situation.
But sadly, we almost always embrace misery. We carry it around no matter how heavy it is. We drag it around no matter how noisy it is.
We think this is the way to live.
Until one day, without an obvious transition, like the sun as it sets on the horizon. We start to believe that.
We get use to its presence... its companionship that it kills the very life it tries to preserve. Misery by design was to be a signal. A blip. But now, it ate life that it became life.
Someone said that in order for us to know if misery has become our lot, our life - try answering this simple question - what is it that we truly want from our lives? What kind of life would we want to live?
If we hesitated. Offered defensive maneuvers. Thought about the answer, then misery is already afoot in our lives. Misery is now a visitor who overstayed its welcome. We need to "tell" it, its time to go = )
Paulo Choello had a glimpse on how to politely ask misery out when he suggested for us to ask - what is your personal legend?
Knowing the answer and doing something that brings our lives closer to the realization of our personal legend is key. It is life. A life to the full.
"Why think like mere men..."
It is our soul's way of telling us that we are better than this. That our very and current situation is an affront, an insult on who we are truly. We are divine beings currently encapsulated in human form = )
Misery is the clanging and heavy alarm bell that signals something is wrong with our situation.
But sadly, we almost always embrace misery. We carry it around no matter how heavy it is. We drag it around no matter how noisy it is.
We think this is the way to live.
Until one day, without an obvious transition, like the sun as it sets on the horizon. We start to believe that.
We get use to its presence... its companionship that it kills the very life it tries to preserve. Misery by design was to be a signal. A blip. But now, it ate life that it became life.
Someone said that in order for us to know if misery has become our lot, our life - try answering this simple question - what is it that we truly want from our lives? What kind of life would we want to live?
If we hesitated. Offered defensive maneuvers. Thought about the answer, then misery is already afoot in our lives. Misery is now a visitor who overstayed its welcome. We need to "tell" it, its time to go = )
Paulo Choello had a glimpse on how to politely ask misery out when he suggested for us to ask - what is your personal legend?
Knowing the answer and doing something that brings our lives closer to the realization of our personal legend is key. It is life. A life to the full.
"Why think like mere men..."
poverty's blessing?
The blessing of poverty is the fact that the 'motivated because of hunger' poor see how the economic system moves and interacts because it is of importance to him. It means life and death to him. A slight movement in the economic system affects him for he is not insulated from any sudden, even if it is the slightest movement, like the 'fat-rich' because of the very fact that he is poor and hungry.
Serious, I hope our economic think-tank really knows what it means to be poor FIRST HAND and not limited to a ivory-tower concept of GDP. Even is GDP is the gold standard of the economic metrics.
The poor does not want luxury. The poor simply wants whole economic system to be stable. Even with high variability. The poor does not even expect fairness. The poor operationally grasp the concept of unfairness. I mean, they are poor already. They get it! The poor also operationally understand the concept of unpredictability. By this, I mean that their whole lifetime is a training in coping with unpredictability of things, like hunger = )
The rich does not get that!
But my hope, and prayer, is for poor people not embrace the preaching that self-worth is measured in how much money one has.
"Blessed are the poor..."
Serious, I hope our economic think-tank really knows what it means to be poor FIRST HAND and not limited to a ivory-tower concept of GDP. Even is GDP is the gold standard of the economic metrics.
The poor does not want luxury. The poor simply wants whole economic system to be stable. Even with high variability. The poor does not even expect fairness. The poor operationally grasp the concept of unfairness. I mean, they are poor already. They get it! The poor also operationally understand the concept of unpredictability. By this, I mean that their whole lifetime is a training in coping with unpredictability of things, like hunger = )
The rich does not get that!
But my hope, and prayer, is for poor people not embrace the preaching that self-worth is measured in how much money one has.
"Blessed are the poor..."
Monday
self-worth as an economic term
If there's something I realize about the current global economic situation is that economic growth is a limited indicator of stability.
The Americans bought and borrowed their way to self-worth. And when the system reached the limits, our current situation unfolded.
Self-worth is a very elusive thing. Honestly, one can only base it on one thing. And that one thing is... Christ alone.
The Americans bought and borrowed their way to self-worth. And when the system reached the limits, our current situation unfolded.
Self-worth is a very elusive thing. Honestly, one can only base it on one thing. And that one thing is... Christ alone.
the Bible's Exodus story and La Islas Filipinas
Some chronology first.
Adam and Eve. Then, Noah. Then Abraham. Then, Isaac. Then, Jacob. Then, Joseph. Then, Moses.
Between Joseph, the Dreamer, and Moses, the Ten Commandments, is 400 years.
And in that 400 years, Israelites, God chosen people transformed to become slaves of Egypt. In all that 400 years, they were enslave not only physically but also mentally. That when the time came for them to be free men, courtesy of God and Moses, they needed another 40 years in the wilderness.
So, what has that got to do with us, Filipinos.
For one, we were enslaved by the Spanish Conquistadores for over 300 years. They enslaved us because they wanted spices. Yes, the things we put on our food. Like Aji Ginisa Mix. Think about how highly we were regarded :- )
And of course, they needed supplies to strengthen the dreaded Spanish Armada.
And during this time, we were transformed from a proud race of Lapu-Lapu and of Sultan Kudarat to Indios.
So, now what?
Well, the Israelites had to learn certain things. God taught them by the miracles they experienced. Think parting of the Red Sea and the manna from heaven. But even with this, the Israelites still insisted in going back to Egypt and be slaves again. Why? Well, they do not know anything else other than be slaves.
Which is also, sadly, true to us Filipinos.
We are still Indios.
We rather have aid rather than trade. We rather be slaves to the homes and offices of the 1st world. Is this all we know?
I know the President is only doing her job when she goes out of the Philippines to seek aid. I know that. I believe that.
But I hope she also knows that because of this, we, are not respected as a race. I had a recent rubbing with a white man. He was surprise that I can actually think.
If Israel had the parting of the Red Sea, we have our Edsa of 1986.
Israel still sinned even though they saw the Red Sea part. Think, worshiping a golden calf.
And we, the Philippines still have our Erap experiment. We still have our Oakwood and Manila Peninsula Mutiny. We still have our ZTEs. We still have our Euro Generals. We still have our Fertilizer scam.
I guess, the over 300 years of being an Indio does not disappear overnight, like in 20 years.
Serious, I think we are learning what it means to be a nation. We have to know, really know, what is right and what is wrong. I just hope, and pray, that we do not go the path of how America became a great nation. I hope we do not go the path of how France became a great nation. If one follows history, both countries went to civil war.
And if you read, deeper, they were lifted from their quagmire because the Spirit moved.
I hope and pray, that when the Spirit moves to the East this time, He does not have the same movement and imprint like in the west, which was civil war.
"Lord, lead us to path everlasting..."
I am not an Indio. I am a Filipino!
Adam and Eve. Then, Noah. Then Abraham. Then, Isaac. Then, Jacob. Then, Joseph. Then, Moses.
Between Joseph, the Dreamer, and Moses, the Ten Commandments, is 400 years.
And in that 400 years, Israelites, God chosen people transformed to become slaves of Egypt. In all that 400 years, they were enslave not only physically but also mentally. That when the time came for them to be free men, courtesy of God and Moses, they needed another 40 years in the wilderness.
So, what has that got to do with us, Filipinos.
For one, we were enslaved by the Spanish Conquistadores for over 300 years. They enslaved us because they wanted spices. Yes, the things we put on our food. Like Aji Ginisa Mix. Think about how highly we were regarded :- )
And of course, they needed supplies to strengthen the dreaded Spanish Armada.
And during this time, we were transformed from a proud race of Lapu-Lapu and of Sultan Kudarat to Indios.
So, now what?
Well, the Israelites had to learn certain things. God taught them by the miracles they experienced. Think parting of the Red Sea and the manna from heaven. But even with this, the Israelites still insisted in going back to Egypt and be slaves again. Why? Well, they do not know anything else other than be slaves.
Which is also, sadly, true to us Filipinos.
We are still Indios.
We rather have aid rather than trade. We rather be slaves to the homes and offices of the 1st world. Is this all we know?
I know the President is only doing her job when she goes out of the Philippines to seek aid. I know that. I believe that.
But I hope she also knows that because of this, we, are not respected as a race. I had a recent rubbing with a white man. He was surprise that I can actually think.
If Israel had the parting of the Red Sea, we have our Edsa of 1986.
Israel still sinned even though they saw the Red Sea part. Think, worshiping a golden calf.
And we, the Philippines still have our Erap experiment. We still have our Oakwood and Manila Peninsula Mutiny. We still have our ZTEs. We still have our Euro Generals. We still have our Fertilizer scam.
I guess, the over 300 years of being an Indio does not disappear overnight, like in 20 years.
Serious, I think we are learning what it means to be a nation. We have to know, really know, what is right and what is wrong. I just hope, and pray, that we do not go the path of how America became a great nation. I hope we do not go the path of how France became a great nation. If one follows history, both countries went to civil war.
And if you read, deeper, they were lifted from their quagmire because the Spirit moved.
I hope and pray, that when the Spirit moves to the East this time, He does not have the same movement and imprint like in the west, which was civil war.
"Lord, lead us to path everlasting..."
I am not an Indio. I am a Filipino!
Sunday
blessings from the dark
"Remember, in times of darkness, even the weakest and feeblest light shines the most...the brightest... allowing the others the freedom to let their light shine, too! "
Monday
honesty's value in life
Honesty is the best policy.
I don't mean that in a "good moral and right conduct kind of a way". I meant that as a building block in success.
Think, if Manny Pacquiao does not know where he is right now in his training and only embraces belief in himself , what would happen to him in December 6? What if Monsieur Pacquiao only has positive thinking on his side and does not train, what would happen in December 6?
Honestly knowing where we are now drives why we need to prepare. Why we need to train.
And we only move forward if we are also are honest with what we really want. And sometimes, no, most of the times we find out first what we do not want then we gravitate to what we really want.
One must have an honest view of oneself, his heart of hearts and the environment he is in. Without this, everything is futile. Everything is simply frustration.
We must accept the truth and be honest with ourselves.
Honesty is the best policy.
"... lead me to path everlasting."
I don't mean that in a "good moral and right conduct kind of a way". I meant that as a building block in success.
Think, if Manny Pacquiao does not know where he is right now in his training and only embraces belief in himself , what would happen to him in December 6? What if Monsieur Pacquiao only has positive thinking on his side and does not train, what would happen in December 6?
Honestly knowing where we are now drives why we need to prepare. Why we need to train.
And we only move forward if we are also are honest with what we really want. And sometimes, no, most of the times we find out first what we do not want then we gravitate to what we really want.
One must have an honest view of oneself, his heart of hearts and the environment he is in. Without this, everything is futile. Everything is simply frustration.
We must accept the truth and be honest with ourselves.
Honesty is the best policy.
"... lead me to path everlasting."
Saturday
I was student and I loved it!
This last Tuesday and Thursday I was a student to the truest sense again. And I enjoyed every minute of it. I learned a lot. I had a great teacher. A "superb" learning facilitator.
The funny part was that it was a seminar on "Presentation Skills". I mean, I thought I was fine with presentation skills. But Professor Sevilla-Soriano proved me wrong. I still have a long way to go. And I voluntarily immersed myself. I drank the "Kool-Aid" and went back for more. Again and again.
I never imagine the English language can be that beautiful. That alive. Shakespeare was awaken.
She taught. We learned. She discussed. We learned. She pushed. We learned. She pinned us down. We learned. She made us laugh. We learned.
She was dramatic.
She was passionate.
She was.
She is.
She reminded me that we are communicating to emotional beings who happen to think.
And she, finally, made me fully understand what this statement mean - "We can not not communicate!"
Ma'am, thank you for the excellent understanding and splendid assistance that you have given us as your student. I am grateful. Now, English and communication is different and alive with heightened energy and awareness because of you, po.
:- ) I forgot, He was often referred as "Great Teacher..."
The funny part was that it was a seminar on "Presentation Skills". I mean, I thought I was fine with presentation skills. But Professor Sevilla-Soriano proved me wrong. I still have a long way to go. And I voluntarily immersed myself. I drank the "Kool-Aid" and went back for more. Again and again.
I never imagine the English language can be that beautiful. That alive. Shakespeare was awaken.
She taught. We learned. She discussed. We learned. She pushed. We learned. She pinned us down. We learned. She made us laugh. We learned.
She was dramatic.
She was passionate.
She was.
She is.
She reminded me that we are communicating to emotional beings who happen to think.
And she, finally, made me fully understand what this statement mean - "We can not not communicate!"
Ma'am, thank you for the excellent understanding and splendid assistance that you have given us as your student. I am grateful. Now, English and communication is different and alive with heightened energy and awareness because of you, po.
:- ) I forgot, He was often referred as "Great Teacher..."
Monday
parallel and intertwined thoughts
First, on the current economic affairs.
The beauty of capitalism and its money is that it flows to "the idea", to "the systems", that promises good returns. And of course, where there is money - the dynamics is usually tilted towards the greedy. But that has always been. It is humanity's wound. That's why we needed a Savior in the first place :- )
But that slice of the story is important only to media corporations whose primary business model is providing free content and let advertisers foot the bill. Greed and misbehaving people and the effect of such acts is of human interest after all. According to Journalism 101 :- )
But is that the only story? Or is that the only story that can be sold?
What about the system's penchant to reward short-term thinking? I mean, why did the money go to Housing Projects that was not sustainable in the first place? Why did it not go to green technologies? Sustainability projects?
Is short-term thinking such an addiction? A disease?
If so, how could we "cure" it? Hmmm, tell the truth.
The Inconvenient Truth :- )
That's it?
What about basic education, secondary education and tertiary education embracing sustainability and putting it front in center in their respective syllabi?
I mean, seriously, this is not a joke - why don't we put the classroom right in the middle of the forest? Right smack in the middle of a farm?
Why extract the truth, put it on books and teach it a classrooms when you can take away the "middle man"? Put the classrooms in the forest and let learning come alive for the first time in the Philippines! I mean, Aristotle and Plato never went to the classrooms that we consider to be ideal and yet the thoughts they had still speaks to us. I mean, what thoughts have came out of our "accredited" education system?
Who put the "middle man" in the first place? When did we embrace that that's the way how things should be?
I mean Porter advocated in the 80's the idea of competitive advantage. What if the Philippines real strength is really about and rooted on having mud on our feet? And because of our "confusion" as a race - we have not turned the strength into a competitive advantage? I mean, can anyone replicate the "laboratory" - our natural resources, that we have here in the Philippines?
What does it mean to us that we have in the Philippines the center of the center of the center of biodiversity? Do we even freaking appreciate what that truth and that fact means?
Let me give you a number - if United States of America and European Union ever consider replicating what we have here in the Philippines into their lands, assuming it is technically feasible, it will cost them something around $3 TRILLION dollars plus compounded interest rate of inflation and some 300 million years!
And if our financial calculators, whether what you have is Texas Instrument's or HP's, comes up with a number, the next step is compare that number to the price we sell our lands to the Koreans in Baguio, in Tagaytay and in Batangas - then you'd understand that we sold ourselves short! We sold our lands cheap! We simply and "voluntarily" let them stole our treasure!
So, can we have "forest classrooms" na and Off Lotion to go with that, too? Serious, can we get "dirty" already and sink our feet and our minds into the mud?
Do we really know that we are rich as a nation? I mean, only "rich" people can afford to be lazy! Juan Tamad? Hello!
And I am not limiting the idea of being rich in having zeroes on the right:- )
Now let's go back to the western hemisphere's economic troubles that will reach our shores like a tsunami, if not abated, next year.
What if all the wealth that was created by this $54 Trillion Credit Default Swap "industry" was based on a paradigm that will not hold up anymore? It may be true before but it may not be true anymore today. Has anyone check on this?
Experts "vainfully" estimate that all the wealth that the global economy produces is in the similar outrageous number. Mind you wealth is different from money :- )
Wealth disappears. Money on the other hand is of value only if you need something. Plus, when the whole earth is a wasteland, it will dawn on us that we can not really eat money :- )
"Be still and know I am God..."
The beauty of capitalism and its money is that it flows to "the idea", to "the systems", that promises good returns. And of course, where there is money - the dynamics is usually tilted towards the greedy. But that has always been. It is humanity's wound. That's why we needed a Savior in the first place :- )
But that slice of the story is important only to media corporations whose primary business model is providing free content and let advertisers foot the bill. Greed and misbehaving people and the effect of such acts is of human interest after all. According to Journalism 101 :- )
But is that the only story? Or is that the only story that can be sold?
What about the system's penchant to reward short-term thinking? I mean, why did the money go to Housing Projects that was not sustainable in the first place? Why did it not go to green technologies? Sustainability projects?
Is short-term thinking such an addiction? A disease?
If so, how could we "cure" it? Hmmm, tell the truth.
The Inconvenient Truth :- )
That's it?
What about basic education, secondary education and tertiary education embracing sustainability and putting it front in center in their respective syllabi?
I mean, seriously, this is not a joke - why don't we put the classroom right in the middle of the forest? Right smack in the middle of a farm?
Why extract the truth, put it on books and teach it a classrooms when you can take away the "middle man"? Put the classrooms in the forest and let learning come alive for the first time in the Philippines! I mean, Aristotle and Plato never went to the classrooms that we consider to be ideal and yet the thoughts they had still speaks to us. I mean, what thoughts have came out of our "accredited" education system?
Who put the "middle man" in the first place? When did we embrace that that's the way how things should be?
I mean Porter advocated in the 80's the idea of competitive advantage. What if the Philippines real strength is really about and rooted on having mud on our feet? And because of our "confusion" as a race - we have not turned the strength into a competitive advantage? I mean, can anyone replicate the "laboratory" - our natural resources, that we have here in the Philippines?
What does it mean to us that we have in the Philippines the center of the center of the center of biodiversity? Do we even freaking appreciate what that truth and that fact means?
Let me give you a number - if United States of America and European Union ever consider replicating what we have here in the Philippines into their lands, assuming it is technically feasible, it will cost them something around $3 TRILLION dollars plus compounded interest rate of inflation and some 300 million years!
And if our financial calculators, whether what you have is Texas Instrument's or HP's, comes up with a number, the next step is compare that number to the price we sell our lands to the Koreans in Baguio, in Tagaytay and in Batangas - then you'd understand that we sold ourselves short! We sold our lands cheap! We simply and "voluntarily" let them stole our treasure!
So, can we have "forest classrooms" na and Off Lotion to go with that, too? Serious, can we get "dirty" already and sink our feet and our minds into the mud?
Do we really know that we are rich as a nation? I mean, only "rich" people can afford to be lazy! Juan Tamad? Hello!
And I am not limiting the idea of being rich in having zeroes on the right:- )
Now let's go back to the western hemisphere's economic troubles that will reach our shores like a tsunami, if not abated, next year.
What if all the wealth that was created by this $54 Trillion Credit Default Swap "industry" was based on a paradigm that will not hold up anymore? It may be true before but it may not be true anymore today. Has anyone check on this?
Experts "vainfully" estimate that all the wealth that the global economy produces is in the similar outrageous number. Mind you wealth is different from money :- )
Wealth disappears. Money on the other hand is of value only if you need something. Plus, when the whole earth is a wasteland, it will dawn on us that we can not really eat money :- )
"Be still and know I am God..."
Thursday
a work in progress
like all
i am
a work
in progress...
my hope
is that
i have
done
more good
than
bad.
for those
i have hurt
i am
terribly,
tearfully
sorry...
I hope
and I pray
... that forgiveness
could be found.
... that peace
reside once more
in the hearts of hearts
i pray.
... and will give
the very best of me
to become the man
He wanted me to be.
i am
a work
in progress...
my hope
is that
i have
done
more good
than
bad.
for those
i have hurt
i am
terribly,
tearfully
sorry...
I hope
and I pray
... that forgiveness
could be found.
... that peace
reside once more
in the hearts of hearts
i pray.
... and will give
the very best of me
to become the man
He wanted me to be.
Friday
a global economic recalibration
For all the news and fears that has spawned out of the current economic situation, I firmly believe that what's happening is a simple case of recalibration. And by simple, I do not mean easy, painless.
But it is simply a recalibration of an Economic System to a new and expanded set of reality.
It is the Economic System's way of saying that we are all connected not only in a conceptual and philosophical way but also in our wallets and in our pockets. It's the System's way of saying to each one of us to be responsible for our individual actions and decisions really affects a country, a race across the globe. In fact, our very own lives as we handed it down to the next generation.
It is an Economic System entering a new phase. Like a toddler, expressing his own unique individuality, character.
I hope that the Powers that be see it that way, a System growing. I hope the Politics acknowledges that.
"... subdue it!"
"how?"
"... understand it then act!"
"subdue..."
But it is simply a recalibration of an Economic System to a new and expanded set of reality.
It is the Economic System's way of saying that we are all connected not only in a conceptual and philosophical way but also in our wallets and in our pockets. It's the System's way of saying to each one of us to be responsible for our individual actions and decisions really affects a country, a race across the globe. In fact, our very own lives as we handed it down to the next generation.
It is an Economic System entering a new phase. Like a toddler, expressing his own unique individuality, character.
I hope that the Powers that be see it that way, a System growing. I hope the Politics acknowledges that.
"... subdue it!"
"how?"
"... understand it then act!"
"subdue..."
Wednesday
on life and on controversy
There's no life without growth.
There's no growth without change.
There's no change without controversy.
There's no growth without change.
There's no change without controversy.
on problems and on solutions
Before: If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.
Now: If we are not part of the problem, we can not be part of the solution.
So, if we want to solve something we have to accept that we are also part of the problem, the problem called apathy...
Now: If we are not part of the problem, we can not be part of the solution.
So, if we want to solve something we have to accept that we are also part of the problem, the problem called apathy...
Tuesday
the fall from 2nd place
Been reading things about the Philippine history lately.
It's painfully funny when you re-encounter the fact that our economy, for a long time, at the early part of the 20th century, was 2nd only to Japan in Asia. I mean, we were even bigger than China. Bigger than South Korea. And yet those two nations, has already hosted the Olympics to date.
What happened?
Greed and corruption?
But greed and corruption is everywhere. Wall Street is going through a greed and corruption tele-novela right now but it is unthinkable that USA would lose its preeminent position as the number 1 economy anytime soon.
So, what gives?
Then, you ask - what were we doing "right" during those times that we were held in "esteem"?
The answer, America!
We were the primary westernization object of America at that time. She put in place industry, democracy, rule of law and free education. To give you a glimpse of what they were doing at that time, think what they are doing now in Iraq and in Afghanistan but scale it down a bit in terms of TV coverage, 24-hour cable news and talking heads :- )
When America was running the show here, we have to understand that we did not have any flourishing industry. Business was not the strong suit of the Spanish Conquistadores. They are into kings and queens. So, how come we were 2nd in terms of economic size?
Simple answer - most of our lush forest was exported by the Americans in the Philippines to Americans in the United States of America! This would explain why during this time the foreign exchange was $1:PhP1 to $1:PhP2. The Americans in America must give the Americans in the Philippines a reason to stay in the Philippines to "build the country". Meaning, the earnings of Philippine-based Americans would not depreciate if these earnings would be brought to the United States.
As time rolled on towards the 60s and the 70s, what begun as an economic adventure during the start of the 20th century has turned into a proof of concept exercise. The Americans wanted to prove, and has already proven around this time, to the whole world that democracy, as a "product", can be exported to the Far East and thrive.
Simply put, the Philippines were the living testimonies to the Asian monarchies and the two, then, powerful Communist regimes (remember USSR aka Russia and Red China) that there is another way to govern people.
Remember, we were the ones who elected all our Presidents after Emilio Aguinaldo including the 20-year President. Coincidentally, around President Marcos' ascent to Malacanang, our forest and mineral resources, the primary engine of our economic growth for the past decades, is showing its limits. (This is, for me, the start of the end of an American Adventure to the Far East. A new chapter is being written. More on this on the next blog.)
And as the Asian region embraces democracy and communism's powers waned, America's hold on the Philippines relaxed.
This is why the Philippines has been esteemed by its Asian neighbors during 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. We were a very big social experiment. A very huge commitment. A statement. An example of what the United States of America can do! We were the result of a strategy to promote and to sell that democracy is the way of the future to and for the Far East.
And being a testimony to the wonders of democracy, it is but natural that we, the Philippines, will be a country under the scrutiny of the microscope. That's why you hear stories and read emails stating that the South Koreans were envious of the "progressive" Philippines back in the 60s. But my plea is this - please, my fellow Filipinos, do not stop at "they were envious of us" because they were not simply envious. They were doing homework!
My point, we fell from 2nd place because our economy, for the longest time was base on natural resources, forest and minerals. And by now, we have exported almost 80% of it, compared to early 20th century numbers, across the globe. Now that we do not have much anymore to sustain our ever growing population, 90 million and counting, what's next?
Well, we are, apparently, a messed up race. Our psyche is one of a pampered and spoiled brat! We want results now, that we are exporting our next natural resources - our people, and selling our lands to foreigners!
Though we can do reforestation for we already have a science for that. And thank God, we are aware that we have to enforce the law. But I think, it is far more challenging to "reforest" the soul of our people.
And the challenge starts with knowing what really happened to us, as a country, minus the finger-pointing and the impatience of a hormonally fired up teenager! We have to accept that it takes time to change! We have to accept that our past economic success up to the 1960s is an off shoot of the fact that we were a big and "successful" sales pitch for democracy to the Far East!
We have to know this. We have to accept this fact! We have to accept that we, the Philippines, had a role to play for democracy to spread in Asia, not that we wanted it or we were even aware of it during those times :- )
But we have to know it and accept it now so that we can start to write a new chapter.
This will not be the first time a country looks back to the past to get better. All that we know of the Great Roman Empire, was written 300-400 years after the start of Roman Empire. This written history was the writer's way to understand why they are where they are so that they can propagate Pax Romana even further. Another example is actually the story of United States of America. They looked to the past and transported an idea from the Romans which we now called - democracy!
To end, as our Asian neighbors studied us in the past decades, its time for us to study them now for they have progressed so much. Now, it is our turn to stay up late and burn the midnight oil. Now we know how the South Koreans and Singaporeans felt during the 1960s :- )
Lord, I will be still and know that You are God! You are in control! You have a plan for us, Filipinos!
It's painfully funny when you re-encounter the fact that our economy, for a long time, at the early part of the 20th century, was 2nd only to Japan in Asia. I mean, we were even bigger than China. Bigger than South Korea. And yet those two nations, has already hosted the Olympics to date.
What happened?
Greed and corruption?
But greed and corruption is everywhere. Wall Street is going through a greed and corruption tele-novela right now but it is unthinkable that USA would lose its preeminent position as the number 1 economy anytime soon.
So, what gives?
Then, you ask - what were we doing "right" during those times that we were held in "esteem"?
The answer, America!
We were the primary westernization object of America at that time. She put in place industry, democracy, rule of law and free education. To give you a glimpse of what they were doing at that time, think what they are doing now in Iraq and in Afghanistan but scale it down a bit in terms of TV coverage, 24-hour cable news and talking heads :- )
When America was running the show here, we have to understand that we did not have any flourishing industry. Business was not the strong suit of the Spanish Conquistadores. They are into kings and queens. So, how come we were 2nd in terms of economic size?
Simple answer - most of our lush forest was exported by the Americans in the Philippines to Americans in the United States of America! This would explain why during this time the foreign exchange was $1:PhP1 to $1:PhP2. The Americans in America must give the Americans in the Philippines a reason to stay in the Philippines to "build the country". Meaning, the earnings of Philippine-based Americans would not depreciate if these earnings would be brought to the United States.
As time rolled on towards the 60s and the 70s, what begun as an economic adventure during the start of the 20th century has turned into a proof of concept exercise. The Americans wanted to prove, and has already proven around this time, to the whole world that democracy, as a "product", can be exported to the Far East and thrive.
Simply put, the Philippines were the living testimonies to the Asian monarchies and the two, then, powerful Communist regimes (remember USSR aka Russia and Red China) that there is another way to govern people.
Remember, we were the ones who elected all our Presidents after Emilio Aguinaldo including the 20-year President. Coincidentally, around President Marcos' ascent to Malacanang, our forest and mineral resources, the primary engine of our economic growth for the past decades, is showing its limits. (This is, for me, the start of the end of an American Adventure to the Far East. A new chapter is being written. More on this on the next blog.)
And as the Asian region embraces democracy and communism's powers waned, America's hold on the Philippines relaxed.
This is why the Philippines has been esteemed by its Asian neighbors during 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. We were a very big social experiment. A very huge commitment. A statement. An example of what the United States of America can do! We were the result of a strategy to promote and to sell that democracy is the way of the future to and for the Far East.
And being a testimony to the wonders of democracy, it is but natural that we, the Philippines, will be a country under the scrutiny of the microscope. That's why you hear stories and read emails stating that the South Koreans were envious of the "progressive" Philippines back in the 60s. But my plea is this - please, my fellow Filipinos, do not stop at "they were envious of us" because they were not simply envious. They were doing homework!
My point, we fell from 2nd place because our economy, for the longest time was base on natural resources, forest and minerals. And by now, we have exported almost 80% of it, compared to early 20th century numbers, across the globe. Now that we do not have much anymore to sustain our ever growing population, 90 million and counting, what's next?
Well, we are, apparently, a messed up race. Our psyche is one of a pampered and spoiled brat! We want results now, that we are exporting our next natural resources - our people, and selling our lands to foreigners!
Though we can do reforestation for we already have a science for that. And thank God, we are aware that we have to enforce the law. But I think, it is far more challenging to "reforest" the soul of our people.
And the challenge starts with knowing what really happened to us, as a country, minus the finger-pointing and the impatience of a hormonally fired up teenager! We have to accept that it takes time to change! We have to accept that our past economic success up to the 1960s is an off shoot of the fact that we were a big and "successful" sales pitch for democracy to the Far East!
We have to know this. We have to accept this fact! We have to accept that we, the Philippines, had a role to play for democracy to spread in Asia, not that we wanted it or we were even aware of it during those times :- )
But we have to know it and accept it now so that we can start to write a new chapter.
This will not be the first time a country looks back to the past to get better. All that we know of the Great Roman Empire, was written 300-400 years after the start of Roman Empire. This written history was the writer's way to understand why they are where they are so that they can propagate Pax Romana even further. Another example is actually the story of United States of America. They looked to the past and transported an idea from the Romans which we now called - democracy!
To end, as our Asian neighbors studied us in the past decades, its time for us to study them now for they have progressed so much. Now, it is our turn to stay up late and burn the midnight oil. Now we know how the South Koreans and Singaporeans felt during the 1960s :- )
Lord, I will be still and know that You are God! You are in control! You have a plan for us, Filipinos!
Thursday
meaningful 34 and counting
I was born on 25 September 1974. The "middle child" in a brood of three boys: Elisalde, Elisier and Ellis.
Nanay told me, she started to feel contractions at home around 1am. As any non-native Manileno in the 70s, it is usually your parientes, parientes in our situation for we are Ilonggos, who accompanied you to the hospital. Nang Nellie and Lola Ping were there to give support and assistance.
They rode a cab that passed by Divisoria. But at 1am, Divisoria is filled with very strong and unfriendly odors. Divisoria afterall is one amazonian wet market.
As Nanay recalled, she pushed me out into the world around 5am in the morning at Far Eastern University Hospital in what the doctors called "a painless childbirth" :- ) Only to know afterward that the whole "painless childbirth" process was with side effects like nervousness and chills :- )
By the way, Tatay was never physically present during all of our childbirths. Nasa viaje sya. And I say that not as a put down. I say that with utmost love and respect to the man who gave himself totally to us, his family. I knew about sacrificial love from Tatay. If there's one legacy he has given me, that would be it.
Everything I am, I owe to him and Nanay. I thank God for He has put me in a family that never made me feel incomplete or that there was something lacking even though our home was in Tondo, Manila. And in the 70s, that address meant something else. Actually, up to now, Tondo still carries a sting, a toned one though.
This 34th birthday is very significant to me.
For one my father got married at the age of 34. Ever since, he has told his boys to get married at the age of 34. That would probably explain why I was never in the hurry to get married during my 20s. And this belief of marrying "late" was also bolstered when only 3 of my 12 high school friends married during their late 20s. Not that we are commitment-phobic or anything. I really believe that we, the Kaka, this is what we call ourselves, take marriage and beginning a family as one of the top 3 most serious and noble privilege given to man.
I spent the first half of the day in bed. Praying. Very meaningful tears trickled down. Mouth wide open as I silent scream my gratefulness and my prayers to Him. And He spoke and led me to Elijah. That name alone speaks to me in a lot of different ways. But the one thing that specially spoke to me was the time when Elijah said to his servant (1 Kings 18:43-45),
"Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again seven times." And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising out of the sea." And he said, "Go up to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'" And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.
It spoke to me because Elijah asked the servant to go seven times and it all started with a cloud like a man's hand rising and ended with a great downpour! Very dramatic. Actually, very Hollywood :- )
Reminds me that God is very dramatic God. Drama and the theatrics is intimately entwined in my soul. It calls out the warrior in me :- )
... and the drama begins anew at age 34!
Nanay told me, she started to feel contractions at home around 1am. As any non-native Manileno in the 70s, it is usually your parientes, parientes in our situation for we are Ilonggos, who accompanied you to the hospital. Nang Nellie and Lola Ping were there to give support and assistance.
They rode a cab that passed by Divisoria. But at 1am, Divisoria is filled with very strong and unfriendly odors. Divisoria afterall is one amazonian wet market.
As Nanay recalled, she pushed me out into the world around 5am in the morning at Far Eastern University Hospital in what the doctors called "a painless childbirth" :- ) Only to know afterward that the whole "painless childbirth" process was with side effects like nervousness and chills :- )
By the way, Tatay was never physically present during all of our childbirths. Nasa viaje sya. And I say that not as a put down. I say that with utmost love and respect to the man who gave himself totally to us, his family. I knew about sacrificial love from Tatay. If there's one legacy he has given me, that would be it.
Everything I am, I owe to him and Nanay. I thank God for He has put me in a family that never made me feel incomplete or that there was something lacking even though our home was in Tondo, Manila. And in the 70s, that address meant something else. Actually, up to now, Tondo still carries a sting, a toned one though.
This 34th birthday is very significant to me.
For one my father got married at the age of 34. Ever since, he has told his boys to get married at the age of 34. That would probably explain why I was never in the hurry to get married during my 20s. And this belief of marrying "late" was also bolstered when only 3 of my 12 high school friends married during their late 20s. Not that we are commitment-phobic or anything. I really believe that we, the Kaka, this is what we call ourselves, take marriage and beginning a family as one of the top 3 most serious and noble privilege given to man.
I spent the first half of the day in bed. Praying. Very meaningful tears trickled down. Mouth wide open as I silent scream my gratefulness and my prayers to Him. And He spoke and led me to Elijah. That name alone speaks to me in a lot of different ways. But the one thing that specially spoke to me was the time when Elijah said to his servant (1 Kings 18:43-45),
"Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again seven times." And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising out of the sea." And he said, "Go up to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'" And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.
It spoke to me because Elijah asked the servant to go seven times and it all started with a cloud like a man's hand rising and ended with a great downpour! Very dramatic. Actually, very Hollywood :- )
Reminds me that God is very dramatic God. Drama and the theatrics is intimately entwined in my soul. It calls out the warrior in me :- )
... and the drama begins anew at age 34!
Tuesday
not the same
The teaching process is different from the learning process. That much I know. When we taught it does not mean they have learned squat.
Would it be better if we care to know the answer to the question of, "How do we learn?" so that we are better equipped to teach?
This is after all is the century of reverse engineering. If we do that, how would the schools look like? Hmmm, I see a new revenue stream :- )
Would it be better if we care to know the answer to the question of, "How do we learn?" so that we are better equipped to teach?
This is after all is the century of reverse engineering. If we do that, how would the schools look like? Hmmm, I see a new revenue stream :- )
i was. now, i am not
i was.
now,
i am not.
can't you
not see?
can't you
feel?
i was.
now,
i am not.
do not
let
who
i was
haunt
do not
dig the dead
...it is dead
dead.
do
not let
who i
was
haunt
the
beautiful
and pristine
future...
can't you not see
how our tears
made my being
alive?
vibrant?
a neruda poem?
i was.
now,
i am not.
i am we.
i am us.
now,
i am not.
can't you
not see?
can't you
feel?
i was.
now,
i am not.
do not
let
who
i was
haunt
do not
dig the dead
...it is dead
dead.
do
not let
who i
was
haunt
the
beautiful
and pristine
future...
can't you not see
how our tears
made my being
alive?
vibrant?
a neruda poem?
i was.
now,
i am not.
i am we.
i am us.
Monday
Saturday
Tondo's view on Lehman's, AIG and Merrill Lynch
They have been hogging the limelight for the past few days. It really makes you worry. Not that worrying helps.
Maybe worrying helps if you are the Federal Reserve Chairman or the Secretary of Treasury of United States of America :- )
Some "worry facts" from CNN: US dollar reserves now is less than the dollar reserves of Poland and of Brazil. It also does not help that what we have now is something similar during the Great Depression of late 1920s to early 1930s.
Hmmm, what does that mean to me?
Well, the economic system that we all subscribe to and embrace centers on the ability of people to consume. If we can not consume anymore (out of fear or worry, like what we have now) or we are stopped to consume (like in a case of a terrorist attack), then we are into trouble. Recessions and depressions abound.
This is a Tondo boy's take on this matter. The technical stuff maybe a bit off but the soul will be spot on. So here goes,
Someone needed the money to build something. They needed a loan, a mortgage. The agencies that needed to decide who suppose to get these financial services (e.g. loans and mortgages) relaxed their controls a bit. They saw something in the economy that justifies relaxing those controls. (Mind you these are "really smart people" who listened to their "bias" and who got found out just now!)
Thus, people who were supposed to be disapproved for loans got approved. Thus, the seed for a crisis was planted.
And when the world view of those "really smart people" came crushing down because it is really a "groinial bias", the system that came "alive" from that bias obviously came crushing down, too. Thus, the headline news. It also does not help that the system we are talking about grew that big and that wide, thanks to globalization.
Common wealth, common poverty ;- )
Actually, 1st world wealth, global trouble :- )
Now, the Fed and US Treasury are busy in the ICU trying to stabilize the "patient", the global economy. Doing a Dr. House on us. In monetary terms, around $700 billion. But do not be overwhelmed by the number. In the long run, the US will make money out of this "blip". That's the beauty of our present day economics.
They, the US Treasury and Federal Reserve, need to stabilize us, the whole world, because if they are in the ICU longer, the whole world starts to not consume thus we spiral into the dreaded economic comma. They need to stabilize us so that we can consume so that the global economy continues to roll and the benefits distributed. Equitably, hopefully.
And what has this got to do with Filipinos? Well, the United States of America is really the primary engine of the whole economic system. And the USA is the major trading partner of the Philippines. Most of our exports find its way to US. If that engine bogs down, the US economy, longer than it should be, then our economy also goes into the emergency room, operating room or even the ICU. If the US is in trouble, Europe will be in trouble. Japan will also be in trouble as well as India and China. Why? Because the US is the major trading partner of the whole world :- )
But here's the silver-lining on all of these, the prices of oil will go down because right now the number one consumer of oil, that's the US, does not have the appetite for it. As simple economics states, when supply remains constant and demand decreases, prices goes down. Thus, the Philippine transport sector should applaud this Lehman-AIG-Merrill Lynch news. They will now have more money on their pockets, thus a Merrier Christmas to them! :- )
My point, not all bad news is bad news. It could be bad news for some but it good also be good news for some. Think it through. Do not ever take what the talking heads say as fact. Think. Gokongwei started to build his empire during World War II :- )
And times like these, makes the jobs of teachers easier. Students are suddenly made aware of something other than texts, facebook accounts, multiply and friendster. Something like, the world economy and how it affects our lives.
Lastly, I love what a CNN anchorwoman ask the writer of Rogue Economics, "Can we regulate greed?"
Greed is good. It is good because it is logical.
Love of money is the root of all evil.
Maybe worrying helps if you are the Federal Reserve Chairman or the Secretary of Treasury of United States of America :- )
Some "worry facts" from CNN: US dollar reserves now is less than the dollar reserves of Poland and of Brazil. It also does not help that what we have now is something similar during the Great Depression of late 1920s to early 1930s.
Hmmm, what does that mean to me?
Well, the economic system that we all subscribe to and embrace centers on the ability of people to consume. If we can not consume anymore (out of fear or worry, like what we have now) or we are stopped to consume (like in a case of a terrorist attack), then we are into trouble. Recessions and depressions abound.
This is a Tondo boy's take on this matter. The technical stuff maybe a bit off but the soul will be spot on. So here goes,
Someone needed the money to build something. They needed a loan, a mortgage. The agencies that needed to decide who suppose to get these financial services (e.g. loans and mortgages) relaxed their controls a bit. They saw something in the economy that justifies relaxing those controls. (Mind you these are "really smart people" who listened to their "bias" and who got found out just now!)
Thus, people who were supposed to be disapproved for loans got approved. Thus, the seed for a crisis was planted.
And when the world view of those "really smart people" came crushing down because it is really a "groinial bias", the system that came "alive" from that bias obviously came crushing down, too. Thus, the headline news. It also does not help that the system we are talking about grew that big and that wide, thanks to globalization.
Common wealth, common poverty ;- )
Actually, 1st world wealth, global trouble :- )
Now, the Fed and US Treasury are busy in the ICU trying to stabilize the "patient", the global economy. Doing a Dr. House on us. In monetary terms, around $700 billion. But do not be overwhelmed by the number. In the long run, the US will make money out of this "blip". That's the beauty of our present day economics.
They, the US Treasury and Federal Reserve, need to stabilize us, the whole world, because if they are in the ICU longer, the whole world starts to not consume thus we spiral into the dreaded economic comma. They need to stabilize us so that we can consume so that the global economy continues to roll and the benefits distributed. Equitably, hopefully.
And what has this got to do with Filipinos? Well, the United States of America is really the primary engine of the whole economic system. And the USA is the major trading partner of the Philippines. Most of our exports find its way to US. If that engine bogs down, the US economy, longer than it should be, then our economy also goes into the emergency room, operating room or even the ICU. If the US is in trouble, Europe will be in trouble. Japan will also be in trouble as well as India and China. Why? Because the US is the major trading partner of the whole world :- )
But here's the silver-lining on all of these, the prices of oil will go down because right now the number one consumer of oil, that's the US, does not have the appetite for it. As simple economics states, when supply remains constant and demand decreases, prices goes down. Thus, the Philippine transport sector should applaud this Lehman-AIG-Merrill Lynch news. They will now have more money on their pockets, thus a Merrier Christmas to them! :- )
My point, not all bad news is bad news. It could be bad news for some but it good also be good news for some. Think it through. Do not ever take what the talking heads say as fact. Think. Gokongwei started to build his empire during World War II :- )
And times like these, makes the jobs of teachers easier. Students are suddenly made aware of something other than texts, facebook accounts, multiply and friendster. Something like, the world economy and how it affects our lives.
Lastly, I love what a CNN anchorwoman ask the writer of Rogue Economics, "Can we regulate greed?"
Greed is good. It is good because it is logical.
Love of money is the root of all evil.
Friday
the idea that's Philippines
I heard both speeches.
Obama's. McCain's.
Beautiful.
I love the whole democratic exercise across the Pacific. They have a publicized process of choosing candidates. They argue about issues and not about the personalities. And they actually put forward a solution on how to address those issues. More on substance. Minimal on rhetoric.
Beautiful.
America. How could you do it? Produce leaders with passion and abilities?
Maybe it's because they have a narrative, a story. I mean, America at the very beginning is simply an idea. An idea that was brought about by the suppression of an expression of faith from the across the Atlantic. And what a beautiful story it is!
Maybe, that's what we, Filipinos, lack. We don't have a story. We don't have a narrative.
Maybe it's time for Philippines version 2.0.
Maybe the idea has come, the idea of Philippines.
Obama's. McCain's.
Beautiful.
I love the whole democratic exercise across the Pacific. They have a publicized process of choosing candidates. They argue about issues and not about the personalities. And they actually put forward a solution on how to address those issues. More on substance. Minimal on rhetoric.
Beautiful.
America. How could you do it? Produce leaders with passion and abilities?
Maybe it's because they have a narrative, a story. I mean, America at the very beginning is simply an idea. An idea that was brought about by the suppression of an expression of faith from the across the Atlantic. And what a beautiful story it is!
Maybe, that's what we, Filipinos, lack. We don't have a story. We don't have a narrative.
Maybe it's time for Philippines version 2.0.
Maybe the idea has come, the idea of Philippines.
Wednesday
on crying
when we feel so much loss
we cry...
when we feel so much helplessness
we cry...
when fear eats us up
we cry...
when we feel so happy,
we cry...
when we have so much joy
we cry...
had a "burning bush" moment this morning
... met Him
... He talked
... I listened
... I cried :- )
... I was blessed
... I understood
... affirmed.
we cry...
when we feel so much helplessness
we cry...
when fear eats us up
we cry...
when we feel so happy,
we cry...
when we have so much joy
we cry...
had a "burning bush" moment this morning
... met Him
... He talked
... I listened
... I cried :- )
... I was blessed
... I understood
... affirmed.
John Adams
"(We) have to study politics and war so that the next generation can study mathematics and science so that the next generation after that can study arts and music..."
being a son
the book
it read me
as i read it
we conversed
we reasoned
He spoke the truth
told me about the lies
made me see the truth
allowed me to embrace it
allowed me to embrace Him
... in a way very personal
... in a way I never thought I needed
He answered the questions
... questions i could not verbalized
... questions spoken not in tongues
... questions lost in the sea of our blood
... questions only our dreams could understand
... questions only a wounded soul will ask
... in a language only a longing heart can express
... in a language, to a lost world, would be taken as silence
The thing He spoke about
made me cry
...deep
...dry
...my heart wailed
my heart saw home
my heart came home
my heart understood why He had to save us
... and it is all good.
... it is silent.
it read me
as i read it
we conversed
we reasoned
He spoke the truth
told me about the lies
made me see the truth
allowed me to embrace it
allowed me to embrace Him
... in a way very personal
... in a way I never thought I needed
He answered the questions
... questions i could not verbalized
... questions spoken not in tongues
... questions lost in the sea of our blood
... questions only our dreams could understand
... questions only a wounded soul will ask
... in a language only a longing heart can express
... in a language, to a lost world, would be taken as silence
The thing He spoke about
made me cry
...deep
...dry
...my heart wailed
my heart saw home
my heart came home
my heart understood why He had to save us
... and it is all good.
... it is silent.
Saturday
tests and competitiveness
We have always lagged in the competitiveness study because we never implemented a standard test across the country measuring our competitiveness against the other countries.
It seems that we do not want to know how well (or how bad) is our competitiveness level compared to the world.
And the people that were tapped to improve this situation tends to use their "right-brain" more than the detail-loving and itty-gritty "left-brain"... :- )
It seems that they are contented with conclusions and sound bites.
Lord, You are GOD ALMIGHTY!
It seems that we do not want to know how well (or how bad) is our competitiveness level compared to the world.
And the people that were tapped to improve this situation tends to use their "right-brain" more than the detail-loving and itty-gritty "left-brain"... :- )
It seems that they are contented with conclusions and sound bites.
Lord, You are GOD ALMIGHTY!
Wednesday
Tuesday
Prayer of the Knights of the Roundtable
"Lord, give us the wisdom to see your will...
The courage to choose it...
And the strength (and faith) to endure it."
The courage to choose it...
And the strength (and faith) to endure it."
Sunday
"Engineering Classrooms" version 2.0
Level 3 accreditation.
So, what now?
I understand the love affair with research studies into sciences and mathematics. All industrialized and prosperous nation started with the love affair with science and mathematics. England in the 16th century, United States of America in 18th century, Germany at the turn of the 20th century, Japan after World War II, South Korea in the 1950s and now India and China reaps the love affair that started four decades ago.
I understand that, I agree with that 100% and I definitely advocate it.
But let's not limit the love affair with creation of new knowledge, research. Let's spread the love also to the technology (and by technology I mean the whole system and not limited to laptops-software-LCD projectors) of actual transmission of knowledge and facilitating of learning in the classrooms.
And I think the engineering school in old Intramuros is poised to actually reap the accolade (as in the paternal pat-on-the-back) and economic benefits if it actually sees its real position and is actually aware of what's in play.
First, there's nothing wrong with making tons of money. The Bible speaks against the the love of money not money itself. In fact putting everything into monetary terms makes everything easier. For one, we can see how the whole system behaves. Just follow the money = )
What makes business beautiful is that it has a reality check meter internally built on it, profits. It's like the heartbeat to us humans.
And if we are to embrace Matsushita humanistic profit definition, "Profit is a reward given by society for a job well done", then we are onto something transcendental from the Land of the Builders. A true contribution not only for the Filipinos but to the whole Malay race, Asians.
Filipinos value education greatly. And the school that delivers education the best, will be rewarded by the bulk of what our dear OFWs are sending every year. And if we are to believe the 2007 figures, our new heroes sent an astonishing $20 Billion. More or less = )
And if we ask why our OFWs sent money home, childeren's education would belong to the Top 3 reasons. Thus, the bulk comment = )
So, if we look at the bottom lines of our top earner schools, they have not even scratched 0.2% of that. Talk about room for GROWTH!!!
But what stops a "cardinal" school from really cashing on this and at the same time feel good that they truly have contributed to the development and advancement of the Filipino Mind?
One word - Fear!
And this Fear Monster allows "foxy" business entities mascarading as educational institutions reap what is left in the table. Actually, what's left on the table is the whole cake. (These "foxy" schools do this by size and by reach through a interdependent business relationship.)
As they say, "Eyes that look are common. It is the ones that see that's rare..." And let me add what JFK said, "We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes..."
Oh, boy!
What to do with 99.80% room for growth?
Simple - the classrooms = )
And mind you, simple does not mean 1+1 = 2. But it is actually beautifully simple. And having business stripes is the first fundamental step. The rest you have to really "see" what's in front of us = )
Lord, help us teach like You. Remind us that we have Your Holy Spirit.
So, what now?
I understand the love affair with research studies into sciences and mathematics. All industrialized and prosperous nation started with the love affair with science and mathematics. England in the 16th century, United States of America in 18th century, Germany at the turn of the 20th century, Japan after World War II, South Korea in the 1950s and now India and China reaps the love affair that started four decades ago.
I understand that, I agree with that 100% and I definitely advocate it.
But let's not limit the love affair with creation of new knowledge, research. Let's spread the love also to the technology (and by technology I mean the whole system and not limited to laptops-software-LCD projectors) of actual transmission of knowledge and facilitating of learning in the classrooms.
And I think the engineering school in old Intramuros is poised to actually reap the accolade (as in the paternal pat-on-the-back) and economic benefits if it actually sees its real position and is actually aware of what's in play.
First, there's nothing wrong with making tons of money. The Bible speaks against the the love of money not money itself. In fact putting everything into monetary terms makes everything easier. For one, we can see how the whole system behaves. Just follow the money = )
What makes business beautiful is that it has a reality check meter internally built on it, profits. It's like the heartbeat to us humans.
And if we are to embrace Matsushita humanistic profit definition, "Profit is a reward given by society for a job well done", then we are onto something transcendental from the Land of the Builders. A true contribution not only for the Filipinos but to the whole Malay race, Asians.
Filipinos value education greatly. And the school that delivers education the best, will be rewarded by the bulk of what our dear OFWs are sending every year. And if we are to believe the 2007 figures, our new heroes sent an astonishing $20 Billion. More or less = )
And if we ask why our OFWs sent money home, childeren's education would belong to the Top 3 reasons. Thus, the bulk comment = )
So, if we look at the bottom lines of our top earner schools, they have not even scratched 0.2% of that. Talk about room for GROWTH!!!
But what stops a "cardinal" school from really cashing on this and at the same time feel good that they truly have contributed to the development and advancement of the Filipino Mind?
One word - Fear!
And this Fear Monster allows "foxy" business entities mascarading as educational institutions reap what is left in the table. Actually, what's left on the table is the whole cake. (These "foxy" schools do this by size and by reach through a interdependent business relationship.)
As they say, "Eyes that look are common. It is the ones that see that's rare..." And let me add what JFK said, "We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes..."
Oh, boy!
What to do with 99.80% room for growth?
Simple - the classrooms = )
And mind you, simple does not mean 1+1 = 2. But it is actually beautifully simple. And having business stripes is the first fundamental step. The rest you have to really "see" what's in front of us = )
Lord, help us teach like You. Remind us that we have Your Holy Spirit.
Wednesday
intelligent but lost
I knew her.
Two years.
The first, very promising.
The second, reality stepped in.
They say,
to know someone
...for real!
Wait,
...until they tasted success,
...until they have power!
Power of love
is worlds apart from
Love of power
I am
Power corrupts completely
Position of leadership
...magnifies everything.
All our values...
All our flaws...
All our strength...
All our weakness...
All our joys...
All our pains...
All our composure...
All our insecurities
... are suddenly up on the screen!
Would you like to be someone
... to be emulated?
... to be abhorred?
Lord, please raise leaders...
Lord, please raise followers, too!
Two years.
The first, very promising.
The second, reality stepped in.
They say,
to know someone
...for real!
Wait,
...until they tasted success,
...until they have power!
Power of love
is worlds apart from
Love of power
I am
Power corrupts completely
Position of leadership
...magnifies everything.
All our values...
All our flaws...
All our strength...
All our weakness...
All our joys...
All our pains...
All our composure...
All our insecurities
... are suddenly up on the screen!
Would you like to be someone
... to be emulated?
... to be abhorred?
Lord, please raise leaders...
Lord, please raise followers, too!
Friday
the 5 years that flew by so fast
All I wanted to be after college graduation was to be a CEO. That's it. But I never knew that my journey would have a U2ish arc on it.
Almost 6 years ago, I let go of my sure yet uncertain but definitely excited, "Yes..." to an escalating tug towards being part of the academe. It was past midnight, October 2002. I was channel surfing, then "Dead Poet's Society" dropped on me. And I said, "Here we go..."
By March 2003, I wrote my very first matured, fully aware and serious resignation letter to open myself to what my heart was telling me to do. By April 2003, I facilitated my first class as a full-time faculty at the School of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management of Mapua Institute of Technology in old Intramuros, Manila.
And seemingly, time stood as it flew so fast. I guess this is what happens when one listen's to one's heart = )
I have my share of heartbreaking stories of students.
Been approached by parents of graduating students. I was asked and requested if I can pass their struggling and confused children so that they can march. I had to painfully say, "No..."
I hear my friends tell me that they love their children so much that they are willing to shield their kids to all the hurt and pain of this world but is that the right way to go? Are we not disabling them?
I had front row seats also to students who were excellent and promising in a year and suddenly do a 180 degree turn towards anonymity. Some "fell in love" and had their hearts broken. Some were simply abused by the people they trusted and then left behind with tears on their eyes. Some, recovered very fast. Some, romantically held on and made a home with their misery as their youthfulness fade away. Lord, do they even know that we only pass this way once?
I was also privy to a number of family struggles. Children of "broken" homes. Children of hurt people continually hurting other people. Some of these students find refuge in their studies. At least, in the classrooms, when you get the right answer, you will be rewarded. When you put the effort, you will reap a harvest of good things. Something that they do not see when two older people tell them that they still love one another but it could not work anymore.
A number of students of this same situation take their lot in life differently. They take it as their excuse to rebel and abuse themselves with alcohol and I do not even want to know anymore. They have so much anger mixed with so much vulnerability that they open themselves to prowling wolves.
But not all are "Maalala mo kaya" stories. Most, are blessings that keep professors forever young or should I say, youthful! = )
They bless you unknowingly with their honest remark, with their unexpected gratitude.
It is very rewarding to have contributed to a life, to a journey of another person. It is very rewarding to have enabled an environment where students could honestly see themselves and awaken in them that hazy... that glimmer... that spirit... that faint sound...that whisper...that side of them that says to them, "you can do better than this..."
I'd like to believe that once learning facilitators have enabled students to see this and be aware of this side of them, what happens next are simply grades.
It even does not matter if they get a 5 or a 3. What matters is that they realize that this grade was important because this was a defining moment in their lives.
Lord, may we always, as learning facilitators, allow our students who gave us the privilege to be part of their lives, define themselves.
With this, the 5 years flew...
Almost 6 years ago, I let go of my sure yet uncertain but definitely excited, "Yes..." to an escalating tug towards being part of the academe. It was past midnight, October 2002. I was channel surfing, then "Dead Poet's Society" dropped on me. And I said, "Here we go..."
By March 2003, I wrote my very first matured, fully aware and serious resignation letter to open myself to what my heart was telling me to do. By April 2003, I facilitated my first class as a full-time faculty at the School of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management of Mapua Institute of Technology in old Intramuros, Manila.
And seemingly, time stood as it flew so fast. I guess this is what happens when one listen's to one's heart = )
I have my share of heartbreaking stories of students.
Been approached by parents of graduating students. I was asked and requested if I can pass their struggling and confused children so that they can march. I had to painfully say, "No..."
I hear my friends tell me that they love their children so much that they are willing to shield their kids to all the hurt and pain of this world but is that the right way to go? Are we not disabling them?
I had front row seats also to students who were excellent and promising in a year and suddenly do a 180 degree turn towards anonymity. Some "fell in love" and had their hearts broken. Some were simply abused by the people they trusted and then left behind with tears on their eyes. Some, recovered very fast. Some, romantically held on and made a home with their misery as their youthfulness fade away. Lord, do they even know that we only pass this way once?
I was also privy to a number of family struggles. Children of "broken" homes. Children of hurt people continually hurting other people. Some of these students find refuge in their studies. At least, in the classrooms, when you get the right answer, you will be rewarded. When you put the effort, you will reap a harvest of good things. Something that they do not see when two older people tell them that they still love one another but it could not work anymore.
A number of students of this same situation take their lot in life differently. They take it as their excuse to rebel and abuse themselves with alcohol and I do not even want to know anymore. They have so much anger mixed with so much vulnerability that they open themselves to prowling wolves.
But not all are "Maalala mo kaya" stories. Most, are blessings that keep professors forever young or should I say, youthful! = )
They bless you unknowingly with their honest remark, with their unexpected gratitude.
It is very rewarding to have contributed to a life, to a journey of another person. It is very rewarding to have enabled an environment where students could honestly see themselves and awaken in them that hazy... that glimmer... that spirit... that faint sound...that whisper...that side of them that says to them, "you can do better than this..."
I'd like to believe that once learning facilitators have enabled students to see this and be aware of this side of them, what happens next are simply grades.
It even does not matter if they get a 5 or a 3. What matters is that they realize that this grade was important because this was a defining moment in their lives.
Lord, may we always, as learning facilitators, allow our students who gave us the privilege to be part of their lives, define themselves.
With this, the 5 years flew...
cinemalaya
I'm a movie buff.
Right now, I can't wait to see Dark Knight. Been reading all the reviews and it's consistent across the board. From what I read, its a transcendental film. I think I will enjoy confirming that review.
Well, passion transcends everything. Including the actor himself.
Last night, my friends from way-back-teenage years and Beb went to the main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to watch and "critic" Baby Angelo. Actually, it's more proper to say to appreciate the thespian skills of our friend, Jojit Lorenzo. (It was also a pleasant surprise to see and meet Ms Rapunzel Hernandez again. Now, not just a student and a commercial talent but as an actress.)
For all its worth, the film "Baby Angelo" is clean. I mean, the story rolled on smoothly. The shots were utilitarian. Maybe that's the look they were trying to get = )
I know Jojit personally. Maybe that will explain my initial struggle in trying to figure out the character he is playing. All in all, it is the subtle ways of acting that made me appreciate the film from the first frame up to the last. It's the ability to say one thing and mean another. It's the ability to keep a serene front as one holds the vile and strong feelings inside. An interesting way to keep the story's tension.
On another level, it is an amazing time to be in cinema making again in the Philippines. It seems that societal angst that brought out the cinematic gems of 1970s is back.
We are truly creative when we are pushed to the wall. I love these situations. No wonder, this year's Cinemalaya has 77 entries. A fact that confirms a creative time and it also does not hurt that the technology in story telling is becoming accessible, cheaper, to a larger audience.
Societal angst brought about by challenged economy is very good for the creative people = )
Indeed, every situation has a silver lining. And we only see it when we make the effort to look.
"... everything works out for the good..."
Right now, I can't wait to see Dark Knight. Been reading all the reviews and it's consistent across the board. From what I read, its a transcendental film. I think I will enjoy confirming that review.
Well, passion transcends everything. Including the actor himself.
Last night, my friends from way-back-teenage years and Beb went to the main theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to watch and "critic" Baby Angelo. Actually, it's more proper to say to appreciate the thespian skills of our friend, Jojit Lorenzo. (It was also a pleasant surprise to see and meet Ms Rapunzel Hernandez again. Now, not just a student and a commercial talent but as an actress.)
For all its worth, the film "Baby Angelo" is clean. I mean, the story rolled on smoothly. The shots were utilitarian. Maybe that's the look they were trying to get = )
I know Jojit personally. Maybe that will explain my initial struggle in trying to figure out the character he is playing. All in all, it is the subtle ways of acting that made me appreciate the film from the first frame up to the last. It's the ability to say one thing and mean another. It's the ability to keep a serene front as one holds the vile and strong feelings inside. An interesting way to keep the story's tension.
On another level, it is an amazing time to be in cinema making again in the Philippines. It seems that societal angst that brought out the cinematic gems of 1970s is back.
We are truly creative when we are pushed to the wall. I love these situations. No wonder, this year's Cinemalaya has 77 entries. A fact that confirms a creative time and it also does not hurt that the technology in story telling is becoming accessible, cheaper, to a larger audience.
Societal angst brought about by challenged economy is very good for the creative people = )
Indeed, every situation has a silver lining. And we only see it when we make the effort to look.
"... everything works out for the good..."
the entrepreneurial cab driver
This one is totally unexpected. I'm glad it was a pleasant one.
I ride cabs and I love chit-chatting with the drivers to see how they see the world behind the wheel. I thought I met them all already. I mean, I've met Mr Pogi (those cab drivers who like to share their prowess with women). I also met Mr AM (those cab drivers who have readily embraced the opinions of AM commentators thus their very angry disposition in life). I also met Mr Sweat (those cab drivers who have unique and totally unforgettable smell). I also have met Mr Hardworking (those cab drivers who would have those nano second naps on the wheel.) I also have met Mr Contract Star (those cab drivers who are opportunistic in a bad way). I also have met Mr Sana Masakyan ko uli itong cab na ito (those cab drivers who simply love their jobs, a blessing to others) But I was wrong. And I'm glad I was wrong.
About two Saturdays ago, I met Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver.
I just came from a bank and hailed a cab to go to Imaj in Makati. As I sat in the front seat and as ready myself to stike a conversation, I noticed boxes of brownies placed on top of the emergency hand brakes. That's odd = )
As we spend along, I was surprised when the driver offered if I like to buy some brownies. He said that it was his wife who made it. According to him, his wife learned it from a seminar held in their barangay and he was just being a loving husband and helping the wife help the family during these economically trying times.
I bought the story and I bought a box for 70 pesos. I know that's a bit overpriced for a box of brownies but I'd like to "encourage" him to continue this and I was simply impressed.
From a standpoint of closing a sale, I was a captured audience. The average time commuters spend inside a cab is the holy grail of one-to-one guerrilla marketing.
Personally, I prefer that cab drivers work for their tips and show they deserve some additional money rather than telling me a story about how life is hard and how unfair the governement is and on top of that mag papakonsensya pa by saying, something like "buti pa kayo sir, nakakapag-taxi pa..."
Well, I do understand their predicament that's why in my own little way I give a little on top but I rather hear and see someone try something else, something different, something felt and sincere like Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver.
Here's a possibility for those entrepreneurial minds, what if this very economic challenge that we are in today makes us consider ways we never would have bump into when things are easy and rosy.
What if Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver is a new channel of distribution for comfort food products?
Think about that.
Lord, thank you for making me meet Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver. I was blessed by his courage, his never-give-up attitude.
I ride cabs and I love chit-chatting with the drivers to see how they see the world behind the wheel. I thought I met them all already. I mean, I've met Mr Pogi (those cab drivers who like to share their prowess with women). I also met Mr AM (those cab drivers who have readily embraced the opinions of AM commentators thus their very angry disposition in life). I also met Mr Sweat (those cab drivers who have unique and totally unforgettable smell). I also have met Mr Hardworking (those cab drivers who would have those nano second naps on the wheel.) I also have met Mr Contract Star (those cab drivers who are opportunistic in a bad way). I also have met Mr Sana Masakyan ko uli itong cab na ito (those cab drivers who simply love their jobs, a blessing to others) But I was wrong. And I'm glad I was wrong.
About two Saturdays ago, I met Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver.
I just came from a bank and hailed a cab to go to Imaj in Makati. As I sat in the front seat and as ready myself to stike a conversation, I noticed boxes of brownies placed on top of the emergency hand brakes. That's odd = )
As we spend along, I was surprised when the driver offered if I like to buy some brownies. He said that it was his wife who made it. According to him, his wife learned it from a seminar held in their barangay and he was just being a loving husband and helping the wife help the family during these economically trying times.
I bought the story and I bought a box for 70 pesos. I know that's a bit overpriced for a box of brownies but I'd like to "encourage" him to continue this and I was simply impressed.
From a standpoint of closing a sale, I was a captured audience. The average time commuters spend inside a cab is the holy grail of one-to-one guerrilla marketing.
Personally, I prefer that cab drivers work for their tips and show they deserve some additional money rather than telling me a story about how life is hard and how unfair the governement is and on top of that mag papakonsensya pa by saying, something like "buti pa kayo sir, nakakapag-taxi pa..."
Well, I do understand their predicament that's why in my own little way I give a little on top but I rather hear and see someone try something else, something different, something felt and sincere like Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver.
Here's a possibility for those entrepreneurial minds, what if this very economic challenge that we are in today makes us consider ways we never would have bump into when things are easy and rosy.
What if Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver is a new channel of distribution for comfort food products?
Think about that.
Lord, thank you for making me meet Mr Entrepreneurial Cab Driver. I was blessed by his courage, his never-give-up attitude.
Sunday
551
Beb and I eat out a lot.
Currently, our taste buds is in Italian-mode. For one, tomato-based products is good for the heart. Olive oil, too. Put in some soup to start the course, well, we are unto something.
Twice a month, we seem to be in the mood of trying out a new place but we order some similar stuff and some new ones. You know, just to find out how a place does one dish and eventually know which place serves the best kind of something.
For iced tea, try the bottomless from Rai-Rai Ken :- )
For really great pasta, you should have tasted the Olive Oil Angel Hair Pomodoro in the now closed Alda's. I swear, I can eat that pasta everyday. Well, so much for the walk down taste buds memory lane :- )
But over the past weeks, we were "led" to a really nice place. Serendipity. This place is in Manila. The restaurant is on the second floor of what used to be Ramada Hotel. If you're in the restaurant, you can see the cars and jeepneys passing by Pedro Gil = )
We order what the place consider "Must Trys" and ordered the usual "All Meat" pizza plus a banana shake and a Coke Zero.
As customary, I asked Beb for some alcohol for sanitary purposes and we waited and chatted until the food was served.
The soup came first. I had a seafood in tomato and she had mushroom soup. It was fabulous. Then, the "good for the heart" sandwich came. I loved it. She loved it. And then, the "usual" pizza . It was a pleasant surprise. We ate the food with total abandon until our stomach was full. This one is one of the better dinners we had in a long time.
But here's the best part of this 'gluttonous' adventure, it was only PhP 551 and I will use "only" because we had similar rewarding experiences and it cost us more than that.
Can't wait to go back there and try some other "Must Try". :- )
Lord, thank you for giving the means to enjoy the bounty of Mother Earth.
Currently, our taste buds is in Italian-mode. For one, tomato-based products is good for the heart. Olive oil, too. Put in some soup to start the course, well, we are unto something.
Twice a month, we seem to be in the mood of trying out a new place but we order some similar stuff and some new ones. You know, just to find out how a place does one dish and eventually know which place serves the best kind of something.
For iced tea, try the bottomless from Rai-Rai Ken :- )
For really great pasta, you should have tasted the Olive Oil Angel Hair Pomodoro in the now closed Alda's. I swear, I can eat that pasta everyday. Well, so much for the walk down taste buds memory lane :- )
But over the past weeks, we were "led" to a really nice place. Serendipity. This place is in Manila. The restaurant is on the second floor of what used to be Ramada Hotel. If you're in the restaurant, you can see the cars and jeepneys passing by Pedro Gil = )
We order what the place consider "Must Trys" and ordered the usual "All Meat" pizza plus a banana shake and a Coke Zero.
As customary, I asked Beb for some alcohol for sanitary purposes and we waited and chatted until the food was served.
The soup came first. I had a seafood in tomato and she had mushroom soup. It was fabulous. Then, the "good for the heart" sandwich came. I loved it. She loved it. And then, the "usual" pizza . It was a pleasant surprise. We ate the food with total abandon until our stomach was full. This one is one of the better dinners we had in a long time.
But here's the best part of this 'gluttonous' adventure, it was only PhP 551 and I will use "only" because we had similar rewarding experiences and it cost us more than that.
Can't wait to go back there and try some other "Must Try". :- )
Lord, thank you for giving the means to enjoy the bounty of Mother Earth.
Monday
on the past 2 millenia
Lets' start with the death and resurrection of Christ.
Christianity spread like wildfire through the known world thanks to the "acute" timing of Pax Romana. The blood of the martyrs pave the way that by the 3rd century, Christianity is not anymore a "sect" but the embraced "religion" of the known and civilized world.
Thanks again to the roads build by the Romans to secure the empire, Christianity traveled. And thanks to Alexander the Great, too, for because of his empire, a common language permeated in the known world.
Christianity traveled to the ends of the earth that early church leaders, in order to be "at par" with the church martyrs, had to travel inwardly to spread the faith. Thus, the monks were born. Clear example, St Augustine.
As we passed by the 1,000 years mark, the faith had to be 'reborn'. The epitome of this movement were the lives of St Aquinas and St Francis and later on in the life of Martin Luther and Swingili (?).
But by the 1,500 year mark, and the first version of globalization in the guise of the Conquistadors, faith had to be 'reborn' anew. Thanks to the life of John Calvin and Wesley Brothers, it kept on marching on.
But by this time, faith had a 'mysterious cousin' - reason and logic introduced by the likes of Voltaire and Descartes on one end and balanced by Blaise Pascal on the other end. This times were times of great debates that led to the bloodiest of wars.
But by the turn on 1,700 years mark, the whole world was becoming 'crowded'. The wars of the past used by kings and queens is not anymore enough to sustain life. Its allure was growing stale. A new system had to be born - free markets. Thanks to the likes of Adam Smith. The idea of free markets became the 2nd degree cousin of logic and reason.
As industrial revolution gained steam to reach where we are now, we are faced with a new reality. A reality that shaping to be like "the whole world belongs to everyone". That the whole world does not belong to rich countries but it belonged to all us. That the world is a common wealth.
By today, the first 8 years after the 2,000 year mark, we are once again asked to be still and see the whole new world unfolds.
High oil prices, so high that solar and wind power is starting to look like a clear and viable choice. Ever wondered where the wind came from? I still remember that experiment they had when they kept a number of people caged called "biosphere"? Scientist observed trees falling down at a certain height and weight because inside the biosphere, wind did not exist to strengthen the barks of the trees as it grows. Interesting = )
What if the whole world can only afford to have one country like that of the US in its present set-up?
What if for the whole world to truly succeed in its 2nd round of globalization, it had to redesign and rethink the ideas of Adam Smith in a profound way. I mean, Smith assumed that resources are infinite, right?
To borrow the lines of Charles Dickens from A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."
Brilliant. He speaks anew.
But here's another line, "... the love of money is the root of all evil."
I love that even better.
Christianity spread like wildfire through the known world thanks to the "acute" timing of Pax Romana. The blood of the martyrs pave the way that by the 3rd century, Christianity is not anymore a "sect" but the embraced "religion" of the known and civilized world.
Thanks again to the roads build by the Romans to secure the empire, Christianity traveled. And thanks to Alexander the Great, too, for because of his empire, a common language permeated in the known world.
Christianity traveled to the ends of the earth that early church leaders, in order to be "at par" with the church martyrs, had to travel inwardly to spread the faith. Thus, the monks were born. Clear example, St Augustine.
As we passed by the 1,000 years mark, the faith had to be 'reborn'. The epitome of this movement were the lives of St Aquinas and St Francis and later on in the life of Martin Luther and Swingili (?).
But by the 1,500 year mark, and the first version of globalization in the guise of the Conquistadors, faith had to be 'reborn' anew. Thanks to the life of John Calvin and Wesley Brothers, it kept on marching on.
But by this time, faith had a 'mysterious cousin' - reason and logic introduced by the likes of Voltaire and Descartes on one end and balanced by Blaise Pascal on the other end. This times were times of great debates that led to the bloodiest of wars.
But by the turn on 1,700 years mark, the whole world was becoming 'crowded'. The wars of the past used by kings and queens is not anymore enough to sustain life. Its allure was growing stale. A new system had to be born - free markets. Thanks to the likes of Adam Smith. The idea of free markets became the 2nd degree cousin of logic and reason.
As industrial revolution gained steam to reach where we are now, we are faced with a new reality. A reality that shaping to be like "the whole world belongs to everyone". That the whole world does not belong to rich countries but it belonged to all us. That the world is a common wealth.
By today, the first 8 years after the 2,000 year mark, we are once again asked to be still and see the whole new world unfolds.
High oil prices, so high that solar and wind power is starting to look like a clear and viable choice. Ever wondered where the wind came from? I still remember that experiment they had when they kept a number of people caged called "biosphere"? Scientist observed trees falling down at a certain height and weight because inside the biosphere, wind did not exist to strengthen the barks of the trees as it grows. Interesting = )
What if the whole world can only afford to have one country like that of the US in its present set-up?
What if for the whole world to truly succeed in its 2nd round of globalization, it had to redesign and rethink the ideas of Adam Smith in a profound way. I mean, Smith assumed that resources are infinite, right?
To borrow the lines of Charles Dickens from A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."
Brilliant. He speaks anew.
But here's another line, "... the love of money is the root of all evil."
I love that even better.
On Manny Pacquiao = )
I watched the bout again that night. The bout that made history for us Filipinos and Asians too - the first ever Asian to win four championship belts.
It was very uplifting. The one thing, without debate, that makes Filipinos very proud. How I wish we do not stop at this proud moment. How I wish it makes us ask ourselves how come Manny Pacquiao became Manny Pacquiao?
Sana we truly see the whole story.
We all saw the Manny Pacquiao boxing on the ring. How he danced and stung. We all saw how he tried to help David Diaz up after the referee had waved his hands. We all saw the victorious Manny Pacquiao. We all saw the historic moment.
But I hope we can see the training camp version Manny Pacquiao. The Manny Pacquaio that's trying to shed some excess pounds. The Manny Pacquiao that's watching what he eats as he increases the intensity of his training regiment. The Manny Pacquiao in the gym. The Manny Pacquiao that's starving himself = )
I like this bit coming from Manny, "Sa tutoo lang mas mahirap yung training kaysa sa fight."
Well, that's why Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao = )
It was very uplifting. The one thing, without debate, that makes Filipinos very proud. How I wish we do not stop at this proud moment. How I wish it makes us ask ourselves how come Manny Pacquiao became Manny Pacquiao?
Sana we truly see the whole story.
We all saw the Manny Pacquiao boxing on the ring. How he danced and stung. We all saw how he tried to help David Diaz up after the referee had waved his hands. We all saw the victorious Manny Pacquiao. We all saw the historic moment.
But I hope we can see the training camp version Manny Pacquiao. The Manny Pacquaio that's trying to shed some excess pounds. The Manny Pacquiao that's watching what he eats as he increases the intensity of his training regiment. The Manny Pacquiao in the gym. The Manny Pacquiao that's starving himself = )
I like this bit coming from Manny, "Sa tutoo lang mas mahirap yung training kaysa sa fight."
Well, that's why Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao = )
Friday
Thursday
affirmation from Him (confessions 2.0)
I can be good.
I am good.
I have been good.
I am salt and light.
I have helped women.
I have said helpful things to women.
I have done helpful things to women.
There have been a few times I felt so blessed.
And I found out why the Holy Scriptures said,
"God so love the world..."
I have been so blessed.
Lord, You're too much for me.
My humblest moments.
My most joyful moments.
Moments I rather stay on, forever...
Moments that eats me up
... when I am thinking evil
... when I am evil
And I am reminded that
... I can be good
I have embraced pure thoughts
Some are still in my head
Being attended to 24x7
And everyday
something godly pops up
... in my head
I have served those I profess to love
I have served those who held me dear
I have served those who loved me dear
I am godly...
I am hopeful...
Thank you, Lord!
Lord, You are my Audience of One!
I am good.
I have been good.
I am salt and light.
I have helped women.
I have said helpful things to women.
I have done helpful things to women.
There have been a few times I felt so blessed.
And I found out why the Holy Scriptures said,
"God so love the world..."
I have been so blessed.
Lord, You're too much for me.
My humblest moments.
My most joyful moments.
Moments I rather stay on, forever...
Moments that eats me up
... when I am thinking evil
... when I am evil
And I am reminded that
... I can be good
I have embraced pure thoughts
Some are still in my head
Being attended to 24x7
And everyday
something godly pops up
... in my head
I have served those I profess to love
I have served those who held me dear
I have served those who loved me dear
I am godly...
I am hopeful...
Thank you, Lord!
Lord, You are my Audience of One!
Wednesday
confessions
I can be evil.
I am evil.
I have been evil.
I am rotten.
I have hurt women.
I have said hurtful things to women.
I have done hurtful things to women.
There have been a few times I snapped.
And I found out why Catholics said,
"Wrath is one of the deadly sins..."
I am not proud of it.
Lord, I do not want to do it again!
My weakest moments.
My darkest moments.
Moments I rather forget.
Moments that creeps in
... when I try to do good.
... when I am good.
And I am reminded that
... I can be evil.
I have embraced evil thoughts.
Some are still in my head.
Being attended to 24x7.
And everyday,
something evil pops up
... in my head
I have hurt those I profess to love
I have hurt those who held me dear
I have hurt those who loved me dear
I am rotten.
I am hopeless.
I am work in progress...
I have been forgiven...
Thank you, Lord!
Lord, You are my Audience of One...
I am evil.
I have been evil.
I am rotten.
I have hurt women.
I have said hurtful things to women.
I have done hurtful things to women.
There have been a few times I snapped.
And I found out why Catholics said,
"Wrath is one of the deadly sins..."
I am not proud of it.
Lord, I do not want to do it again!
My weakest moments.
My darkest moments.
Moments I rather forget.
Moments that creeps in
... when I try to do good.
... when I am good.
And I am reminded that
... I can be evil.
I have embraced evil thoughts.
Some are still in my head.
Being attended to 24x7.
And everyday,
something evil pops up
... in my head
I have hurt those I profess to love
I have hurt those who held me dear
I have hurt those who loved me dear
I am rotten.
I am hopeless.
I am work in progress...
I have been forgiven...
Thank you, Lord!
Lord, You are my Audience of One...
Tuesday
on nature's service to humanity
As humanity's population increase, we in turn demand so much resources from nature. We demand that nature to be stable and predictable for our lives to move without a hitch.
Issues arise for nature is neither both.
But here's the blessing of the situation.
As we demand more from nature, we start to see nature for its reality, complexity and sophistication. We start to see that it is actually alive. Connected.
And then, we ask the correct questions... = )
Issues arise for nature is neither both.
But here's the blessing of the situation.
As we demand more from nature, we start to see nature for its reality, complexity and sophistication. We start to see that it is actually alive. Connected.
And then, we ask the correct questions... = )
Monday
"Paul" on Filipinos
We were exchanging views. Just shooting the breeze.
From out of the blue I had this itch to ask him, "So, Paul what do you think of us, Filipinos?"
Before I let you in on his answer, let me tell you who Paul is.
Fair?
Paul came from the land of kings and queens. He's been in Asia for more than a decade now. His most recent engagement in Asia is in the role of helping China's manufacturing sector be at par with 1st world standards. He is a hands on guy. Operations guy. An expat. He is married to a beautiful Filipina lass.
Now, back to his answer to my question of what he thinks of us, Filipinos.
He simply said, "Stop talking already and get on doing it..."
I love it.
I smiled and said, "All our old school leaders will die soon. As long as the new generation kids, like us, do what's right, in the end, it will all add up."
He smiled.
I love that even more.
Lord, help us understand that well done is always better than well said!
From out of the blue I had this itch to ask him, "So, Paul what do you think of us, Filipinos?"
Before I let you in on his answer, let me tell you who Paul is.
Fair?
Paul came from the land of kings and queens. He's been in Asia for more than a decade now. His most recent engagement in Asia is in the role of helping China's manufacturing sector be at par with 1st world standards. He is a hands on guy. Operations guy. An expat. He is married to a beautiful Filipina lass.
Now, back to his answer to my question of what he thinks of us, Filipinos.
He simply said, "Stop talking already and get on doing it..."
I love it.
I smiled and said, "All our old school leaders will die soon. As long as the new generation kids, like us, do what's right, in the end, it will all add up."
He smiled.
I love that even more.
Lord, help us understand that well done is always better than well said!
on communicating
What's the use of news telling, of communicating if all it does is to make us angry... numb to society's needs?
Thursday
on numbers and on stories
Know the numbers behind the stories...
Know the stories behind the numbers...
Know the stories behind the numbers...
Tuesday
the problem with President bashing
True, the President has her faults. I mean, think about the Garci Tapes.
But to attribute that that's the reason why we are where we are is like saying it is my Mommy's and my Daddy's fault that I am who I am now.
Wait.
True, Mommy and Daddy is a big part of our lives. But even if we have the best Mom and best Dad in the world, we can still go astray. And some have really gone astray. They have gone astray not because of Mommy and Daddy but because of the choices they made themselves.
It is also true that not all bad Moms and bad Dads will lead to bad children. The child can break free from this vicious cycle if he choose not to become a victim anymore and transcend the painful episodes of his life.
So, when can we start transcending ourselves as a race?
Let me start by praying, "Lord, thy will be done!"
But to attribute that that's the reason why we are where we are is like saying it is my Mommy's and my Daddy's fault that I am who I am now.
Wait.
True, Mommy and Daddy is a big part of our lives. But even if we have the best Mom and best Dad in the world, we can still go astray. And some have really gone astray. They have gone astray not because of Mommy and Daddy but because of the choices they made themselves.
It is also true that not all bad Moms and bad Dads will lead to bad children. The child can break free from this vicious cycle if he choose not to become a victim anymore and transcend the painful episodes of his life.
So, when can we start transcending ourselves as a race?
Let me start by praying, "Lord, thy will be done!"
Friday
on joy and on relief
"... the saddest thing that we can do is to exchange relief for true joy."
~ John Eldredge
~ John Eldredge
Wednesday
this saturday last
It's an excellent thing when we unknowingly bless others, they bless us back. I'm humbled by the expression of gratitude.
I can not hold it all in. I have to write. It needs expression.
How can we give something if we do not have it?
How can we give love if we did not received it first?
How can we bless other people, if we were not blessed first?
We can give to others because we have received first from Him...
The thing is, we have to personally know what He gave us so that we can enjoy it and share it with others. For His gift is so indescribably magnificent, we can not hold it all in. We have to share it for it is meant to be shared = )
I can not hold it all in. I have to write. It needs expression.
How can we give something if we do not have it?
How can we give love if we did not received it first?
How can we bless other people, if we were not blessed first?
We can give to others because we have received first from Him...
The thing is, we have to personally know what He gave us so that we can enjoy it and share it with others. For His gift is so indescribably magnificent, we can not hold it all in. We have to share it for it is meant to be shared = )
Monday
the corrupting effect of always blaming corruption for our woes
When I pressed him to answer the top three problems that the Philippines have on the short term and on the long term, he said "... corruption!"
If we are going for a high score in rhetorics, that answer is absolutely perfect. Don't get me wrong, corruption is really a problem. But my problem with the "corruption problem" is the fact that it is as old as humanity. It's like saying we will never solve it. If that's the case, why even bother stating a problem that will never be solved = )
But of course, there were brief and so far in between moments in our history where corruption was controlled. But only to resurface again. Well, that's that.
But, maybe, we have mistakenly identified The Problem.
I mean, even if the solution is right to the "wrong problem", since it is the "wrong problem" the right problem still exists and continues to wreck havoc. It's like prescribing headache medications when the real problem is that it is time to wear a pair of glasses.
The corruption in our government will still exist and it will be, sadly, in steroids soon.
Why do I say that?
Well, our country, the "pearl of the orient" Philippines is in a period where it has to invest so much and serious money in infrastructure to make herself competitive once more. She has to dynamically LINK all her islands into a network of economically thriving markets. Markets that does a healthy business locally, regionally and globally.
And this "infrastructure" is worth so much that all the past corruption cases that have managed to catch our anger and wrath will look like a puddle of mud compared to the depths of the Philippine Deep = )
Corruption exists because money exists. And corruption intensifies as volume and size of the transaction increases. So, as the Philippines accelerates in investing in its infrastructure expect corruption to accelerate, too.
The key thing here is to answer what makes "corruption" gain that bravado? What gives the people that courage to accelerate the hoarding of so much ill-gotten wealth?
The answer is the status quo and the people that benefit from the status quo = )
For all the headlines that the ZTE deal got, where the Filipinos shown the process of how the Philippine Government goes about the acquisition of 21st century essentials like a broadband network to link all government offices nationwide to better serve its citezenry?
We heard the story of how the power players went around the process with ease to enrich themselves but how come they can go around the process with ease in the first place?
If we are already comfortable with blaming corruption as the root of all these mess, then, corruption has already corrupted our minds so much that we are now unable to think = )
Thy will be done, Lord!
If we are going for a high score in rhetorics, that answer is absolutely perfect. Don't get me wrong, corruption is really a problem. But my problem with the "corruption problem" is the fact that it is as old as humanity. It's like saying we will never solve it. If that's the case, why even bother stating a problem that will never be solved = )
But of course, there were brief and so far in between moments in our history where corruption was controlled. But only to resurface again. Well, that's that.
But, maybe, we have mistakenly identified The Problem.
I mean, even if the solution is right to the "wrong problem", since it is the "wrong problem" the right problem still exists and continues to wreck havoc. It's like prescribing headache medications when the real problem is that it is time to wear a pair of glasses.
The corruption in our government will still exist and it will be, sadly, in steroids soon.
Why do I say that?
Well, our country, the "pearl of the orient" Philippines is in a period where it has to invest so much and serious money in infrastructure to make herself competitive once more. She has to dynamically LINK all her islands into a network of economically thriving markets. Markets that does a healthy business locally, regionally and globally.
And this "infrastructure" is worth so much that all the past corruption cases that have managed to catch our anger and wrath will look like a puddle of mud compared to the depths of the Philippine Deep = )
Corruption exists because money exists. And corruption intensifies as volume and size of the transaction increases. So, as the Philippines accelerates in investing in its infrastructure expect corruption to accelerate, too.
The key thing here is to answer what makes "corruption" gain that bravado? What gives the people that courage to accelerate the hoarding of so much ill-gotten wealth?
The answer is the status quo and the people that benefit from the status quo = )
For all the headlines that the ZTE deal got, where the Filipinos shown the process of how the Philippine Government goes about the acquisition of 21st century essentials like a broadband network to link all government offices nationwide to better serve its citezenry?
We heard the story of how the power players went around the process with ease to enrich themselves but how come they can go around the process with ease in the first place?
If we are already comfortable with blaming corruption as the root of all these mess, then, corruption has already corrupted our minds so much that we are now unable to think = )
Thy will be done, Lord!
Tuesday
an afternoon with the Director for External Affairs from The Palace
It was supposed to be Senator Richard Gordon. But something came up, I guess, for Senator Gordon canceled or our student lied to us the whole time. The nerve! = )
Personally, I actually doubted that the Senator was coming. We had MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando last Friday and I think "we are not that lucky". And the fact that the organizers were actually choosing between Senator Gordon and Senate President Villar weeks before the event is too good to be true = )
But hey, let's give the student the benefit of the doubt here!?!
But for all its worth, Director Rene Custodio did a splendid job. A very good communicator. I loved the PowerPoint, specially the "Gollum slide" .
But you know, maybe because it was a last minute thing and Director Custodio did not have the time to "really prepare" his talk, I felt disturbed.
The Director flashed the impressive 7.3% GNP growth of 2007. Anyone who took Economics 101 will really smile. But what if the audience actually had more than just plain vanilla Economics 101 and is smirking inside and sheepishly asking, "... but which among the four engines of the Economy actually delivered the growth?"
(Hint: They are considered the new heroes of the Philippines.)
Well, the canned Powerpoint presentation did not show that which brings me to another point. I teach in Mapua Institute of Technology. We're regarded to be the cradle of Engineering education in this part of the world and somebody from The Palace brought a canned PowerPoint presentation? Hmmm, it's either we were considered to be non-involved thus they can just impress us with their PowerPoint-making skill and rhetorics or the Director was really just being a boy scout.
Lord, I am hoping it is the later!
But for all its worth, I appreciate what transpired this afternoon. In flesh in blood, I saw my government. I saw that they really cared for what Citizen Mapua might think if they did not send someone over. I really appreciate the effort. I saw that the Director has the heart for this... but Sir Director, I just noticed po, you're starting to sound like JDV. Serious = )
And for Senator Gordon, here are the questions I prepared for you. If you have time, I hope po you can answer:
1. The Philippines has a lot of problems, in your opinion, what are the Top 3 short-term issues?
2. What are the Top 3 long-term issues?
3. And on both, what are you prepared to do to affect change?
4. On a personal level, what was, so far, is your greatest challenge?
Well, that's that...
Personally, I actually doubted that the Senator was coming. We had MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando last Friday and I think "we are not that lucky". And the fact that the organizers were actually choosing between Senator Gordon and Senate President Villar weeks before the event is too good to be true = )
But hey, let's give the student the benefit of the doubt here!?!
But for all its worth, Director Rene Custodio did a splendid job. A very good communicator. I loved the PowerPoint, specially the "Gollum slide" .
But you know, maybe because it was a last minute thing and Director Custodio did not have the time to "really prepare" his talk, I felt disturbed.
The Director flashed the impressive 7.3% GNP growth of 2007. Anyone who took Economics 101 will really smile. But what if the audience actually had more than just plain vanilla Economics 101 and is smirking inside and sheepishly asking, "... but which among the four engines of the Economy actually delivered the growth?"
(Hint: They are considered the new heroes of the Philippines.)
Well, the canned Powerpoint presentation did not show that which brings me to another point. I teach in Mapua Institute of Technology. We're regarded to be the cradle of Engineering education in this part of the world and somebody from The Palace brought a canned PowerPoint presentation? Hmmm, it's either we were considered to be non-involved thus they can just impress us with their PowerPoint-making skill and rhetorics or the Director was really just being a boy scout.
Lord, I am hoping it is the later!
But for all its worth, I appreciate what transpired this afternoon. In flesh in blood, I saw my government. I saw that they really cared for what Citizen Mapua might think if they did not send someone over. I really appreciate the effort. I saw that the Director has the heart for this... but Sir Director, I just noticed po, you're starting to sound like JDV. Serious = )
And for Senator Gordon, here are the questions I prepared for you. If you have time, I hope po you can answer:
1. The Philippines has a lot of problems, in your opinion, what are the Top 3 short-term issues?
2. What are the Top 3 long-term issues?
3. And on both, what are you prepared to do to affect change?
4. On a personal level, what was, so far, is your greatest challenge?
Well, that's that...
Monday
on becoming a University
It started during my graduate school studies.
I thought what the school can provide was enough to feed my hunger but it only made me realize that if I need to have my fill - I need to become my own university.
Thus, the journey begun in becoming my own university.
In this university, the curriculum has only four courses and the four courses are all co-requisites. These are DreamBig 101, Curiousity 101, Problem Solving 101 and Never Give Up 101.
And the only way I know I can move to the next class and the next lesson is when I have solved the problems and when my curiousity has been filled.
My university is the most fun and most relavant university I have ever been in.
Would you want to put up your own university?
I thought what the school can provide was enough to feed my hunger but it only made me realize that if I need to have my fill - I need to become my own university.
Thus, the journey begun in becoming my own university.
In this university, the curriculum has only four courses and the four courses are all co-requisites. These are DreamBig 101, Curiousity 101, Problem Solving 101 and Never Give Up 101.
And the only way I know I can move to the next class and the next lesson is when I have solved the problems and when my curiousity has been filled.
My university is the most fun and most relavant university I have ever been in.
Would you want to put up your own university?
Tuesday
on jellyfishes and on life
When one sees jellyfishes abound in the seas, it scientifically means that our seas are getting worse in supporting life. Jellyfishes apparently thrive when the environment is getting more polluted.
(In fact, as our seas get more polluted, scientists and environmentalist would agree, our seas are only getting back to its original state, a state at the dawn of time.)
But what's fascinating about these jellyfishes is the very fact that they are thriving when the seas are getting more difficult and rougher for life. When the fishes that we eat decreases in number thus getting harder to catch, jellyfishes, apparently, are having a hell of a party and spreading "love" thus the population explosion.
Fascinating.
Even more fascinating is the reason behind this ability. They thrive because they are simple creatures.
Fascinating.
As simple as "...abide in Me."
(In fact, as our seas get more polluted, scientists and environmentalist would agree, our seas are only getting back to its original state, a state at the dawn of time.)
But what's fascinating about these jellyfishes is the very fact that they are thriving when the seas are getting more difficult and rougher for life. When the fishes that we eat decreases in number thus getting harder to catch, jellyfishes, apparently, are having a hell of a party and spreading "love" thus the population explosion.
Fascinating.
Even more fascinating is the reason behind this ability. They thrive because they are simple creatures.
Fascinating.
As simple as "...abide in Me."
Monday
leadership's "best seat"
The best seat in the house is the worst seat in the house.
To be pressured and to be criticized is a privilege only leaders get.
To be pressured and to be criticized is a privilege only leaders get.
the "undo" button
Yes, that's the GUI we are all familiar with, the counter-clockwise arrow.
I still remember how "challenging" it was to write reports in a typewriter. If you made a mistake you have two options. One, risk making the page look like a multi-media artwork with Wipe-out or pull out the paper and re-type the whole page.
Because of this, I was more aware of what I write, type.
I was careful, very. And discriminating of my thoughts, too. Because I fear making a mistake and loathe redoing a whole page. Such a waste of time.
That's why I very much welcome the introduction of the "undo button".
This button erased my fear of making a mistake. For if I did one, I just click it and it's gone. On that context, it is a brilliant idea.
But any brilliant idea "unconsciously" applied in a different context, a different situation, we are in for some interesting mindset change that could be the end of the world ;-)
I mean, what if one whole generation who grew up with the "undo button" benefits unknowingly applies it to life?
What dangers does that pose to society? I mean, these generation with "undo button" benefits will soon be our leaders. They will make decisions. They will write policies. And they, in effect, will soon write the world's destiny.
We do not have an undo button in life. Once it's there, it's there. I am just curious. What dangers does having an "undo button" in life?
Or maybe, Monday is just slow for me and I can't think of anything to write.
Maybe I'll just press the ''undo button" = )
I still remember how "challenging" it was to write reports in a typewriter. If you made a mistake you have two options. One, risk making the page look like a multi-media artwork with Wipe-out or pull out the paper and re-type the whole page.
Because of this, I was more aware of what I write, type.
I was careful, very. And discriminating of my thoughts, too. Because I fear making a mistake and loathe redoing a whole page. Such a waste of time.
That's why I very much welcome the introduction of the "undo button".
This button erased my fear of making a mistake. For if I did one, I just click it and it's gone. On that context, it is a brilliant idea.
But any brilliant idea "unconsciously" applied in a different context, a different situation, we are in for some interesting mindset change that could be the end of the world ;-)
I mean, what if one whole generation who grew up with the "undo button" benefits unknowingly applies it to life?
What dangers does that pose to society? I mean, these generation with "undo button" benefits will soon be our leaders. They will make decisions. They will write policies. And they, in effect, will soon write the world's destiny.
We do not have an undo button in life. Once it's there, it's there. I am just curious. What dangers does having an "undo button" in life?
Or maybe, Monday is just slow for me and I can't think of anything to write.
Maybe I'll just press the ''undo button" = )
Wednesday
passionately doing things for nothing
From Dr. George Sheehan
- a philosopher, a medical doctor and a runner
"If you are doing something you would do for nothing - then you are on your way to salvation. And if you could drop it in a minute and forget the outcome, you are even further along. And if while you are doing it you are transported into another existence, there is no need for you to worry about the future..."
I hope and pray that you, whoever you are reading this now, find that "something that you would do for nothing..." and put your piece in making this world something we could be proud of showing my niece, your niece, my nephew, your nephew or even, God-willing, my kids, and your kids.
Father, Your will be done.
- a philosopher, a medical doctor and a runner
"If you are doing something you would do for nothing - then you are on your way to salvation. And if you could drop it in a minute and forget the outcome, you are even further along. And if while you are doing it you are transported into another existence, there is no need for you to worry about the future..."
I hope and pray that you, whoever you are reading this now, find that "something that you would do for nothing..." and put your piece in making this world something we could be proud of showing my niece, your niece, my nephew, your nephew or even, God-willing, my kids, and your kids.
Father, Your will be done.
Tuesday
U23D
I have Jeremiah to thank for introducing me to the rock virtousity and lyrical genius of U2.
What did me in first was the melodic howling and longing of Bono's voice in With or Without You. Try listening to that around 2am, on earphones, and you'll have an experience, a moment.
After that, I was hooked. Went from Joshua Tree to their earlier album, Boy, and the love affair blossomed that is in How to Dismantle an Automic Bomb right now.
That's why to be in an IMAX theater and experience U2 in 3D is lovely jolt to this fan. I am smiling from ear to ear.
I hope the October concert really happens.
I hope all rock stars is like Bono. A man with a roguish grin and a heart that epitomizes, "... and you give yourself away."
U23D is a moment I went thru in every iota = )
What did me in first was the melodic howling and longing of Bono's voice in With or Without You. Try listening to that around 2am, on earphones, and you'll have an experience, a moment.
After that, I was hooked. Went from Joshua Tree to their earlier album, Boy, and the love affair blossomed that is in How to Dismantle an Automic Bomb right now.
That's why to be in an IMAX theater and experience U2 in 3D is lovely jolt to this fan. I am smiling from ear to ear.
I hope the October concert really happens.
I hope all rock stars is like Bono. A man with a roguish grin and a heart that epitomizes, "... and you give yourself away."
U23D is a moment I went thru in every iota = )
Saturday
the gift of a crisis to the academicians
If there's one thing about a crisis that makes us academicians smile is the fact that it makes our jobs easier. For one, we are "teaching" an audience eager to know what happened and interested in how are we going to proceed with the situation at hand.
But let me also be the one to tell the "still open" academicians out there, that if we did a better job in teaching - this crisis would not be upon us.
We are part of the problem. We are part of the solution.
But let me also be the one to tell the "still open" academicians out there, that if we did a better job in teaching - this crisis would not be upon us.
We are part of the problem. We are part of the solution.
Friday
... because we are Asians
Is it possible for us, Filipinos or Asians, to have a different view than what the West, US and EU, tells us?
I am a self-enrolled student of history. And from what I have read so far, the first 18 century (that's the first 1,800 years) of the world was economically led by India and by China. And it seems that these last 200 years that we are in is actually, in that context, a blip. For the world as we know it now was from the pages of Western thought.
It's interesting to note that when you read through the pages of western history, war have always been part of it. Maybe it is because they really started with so little natural resources. Maybe that's even the reason why law was created, as a tool, to mediate between two parties that are having issues with a scarce resource. Maybe that explains why lawsuits are prevalent in the US = )
For us Asians, we do things differently. As much as possible, we talk. Nakikipag-kapwa tao muna tayo. Dinadaan natin sa mabuting usapan. We do not go out and sue everybody. We talk first. Maybe the reason behind this behavior is because we have so much natural resources that could support life within the midst of Asia. I do not know. That's only a maybe.
But even if that is a maybe, we have a situation that will test this hypothesis on cultural behavior in a big and critical way.
Believe it or not, we ALL own the "wealth" of the world. By ALL I mean those who lived before, those who are alive today and those who will still live in the future. If we are to believe the signs that Mother Earth is showing, we are now at the maximum capacity of the world to support the life that we dearly love. If we just go on with our merry way and not reflect, well - I am glad I am saved = )
The issue here is this, how are we going to proceed with sharing this common wealth, the ability of Mother Earth to support life?
Are we going to use the carbon cap road map of the West and use the market? Or are we going to use our Asian head and look for a different way?
(Before anything, I am thankful that the Americans institutionalized free education in the Philippines during the 20th century. I am able to think because of what they have done.)
I am a self-enrolled student of history. And from what I have read so far, the first 18 century (that's the first 1,800 years) of the world was economically led by India and by China. And it seems that these last 200 years that we are in is actually, in that context, a blip. For the world as we know it now was from the pages of Western thought.
It's interesting to note that when you read through the pages of western history, war have always been part of it. Maybe it is because they really started with so little natural resources. Maybe that's even the reason why law was created, as a tool, to mediate between two parties that are having issues with a scarce resource. Maybe that explains why lawsuits are prevalent in the US = )
For us Asians, we do things differently. As much as possible, we talk. Nakikipag-kapwa tao muna tayo. Dinadaan natin sa mabuting usapan. We do not go out and sue everybody. We talk first. Maybe the reason behind this behavior is because we have so much natural resources that could support life within the midst of Asia. I do not know. That's only a maybe.
But even if that is a maybe, we have a situation that will test this hypothesis on cultural behavior in a big and critical way.
Believe it or not, we ALL own the "wealth" of the world. By ALL I mean those who lived before, those who are alive today and those who will still live in the future. If we are to believe the signs that Mother Earth is showing, we are now at the maximum capacity of the world to support the life that we dearly love. If we just go on with our merry way and not reflect, well - I am glad I am saved = )
The issue here is this, how are we going to proceed with sharing this common wealth, the ability of Mother Earth to support life?
Are we going to use the carbon cap road map of the West and use the market? Or are we going to use our Asian head and look for a different way?
(Before anything, I am thankful that the Americans institutionalized free education in the Philippines during the 20th century. I am able to think because of what they have done.)
on rice and on price
The issue is not a shortage of rice per se but a shortage of rice that the poor can afford...
Monday
on passing and on learning
"I really believe that all students really want to pass their subjects but I doubt it if they really want to learn in the process..."
Tuesday
on rice and irrigation
For a country whose domestic product is mostly from agriculture, apathy and greed is the reason why only less than 40% of our farm lands is irrigated.
Irrigation is only one of the problems of our agricultural situation. Irrigation is highlighted anew because, believe or not, most of our farmers depend on rain and its clockwork seasonality.
And because of this dependence, when the seasons change due to global warming, our agricultural produce is affected. Why? Our farming process depends on rain and the quantity of it coming in on certain months. (I mean, have you ever ask why our classes opens on June? It is because by this time, we are done with the harvest, thus the children of the farmers who helped in the harvest can now go back to school.) When the rain comes in an unexpected time and in an unexpected volume, it directly affects agricultural outputs in economic terms. But really, what it means to the farmer is that they get poorer. Easier prey for vile people. And to us who buys and eats, complain of the price increase and offer well meant armchair insights on the solution = )
In the past, this fundamental problem of the Philippines could be hidden by importation. Thanks to free trade = )
But that solution assumes that this "apathy and greed induced rice shortage" is only local to the Philippines. That it would not spill to other countries.
But now, of course, we know that "the apathy and greed induced rice shortage" is fundamentally flawed, thus we are now in a period of recalibration and in asking the fundamental questions that will hopefully lead to structural changes in how we treat, manage and farm our very fertile lands.
I hope, we really go down to the bottom of it and not use the situation for grandstanding and scoring political points. I hope we really help our neighbor and not take advantage of them.
Lord, You are the God of the impossible. Please awaken the noble, the courageous and the strong side of our decision-makers and our implementers.
Irrigation is only one of the problems of our agricultural situation. Irrigation is highlighted anew because, believe or not, most of our farmers depend on rain and its clockwork seasonality.
And because of this dependence, when the seasons change due to global warming, our agricultural produce is affected. Why? Our farming process depends on rain and the quantity of it coming in on certain months. (I mean, have you ever ask why our classes opens on June? It is because by this time, we are done with the harvest, thus the children of the farmers who helped in the harvest can now go back to school.) When the rain comes in an unexpected time and in an unexpected volume, it directly affects agricultural outputs in economic terms. But really, what it means to the farmer is that they get poorer. Easier prey for vile people. And to us who buys and eats, complain of the price increase and offer well meant armchair insights on the solution = )
In the past, this fundamental problem of the Philippines could be hidden by importation. Thanks to free trade = )
But that solution assumes that this "apathy and greed induced rice shortage" is only local to the Philippines. That it would not spill to other countries.
But now, of course, we know that "the apathy and greed induced rice shortage" is fundamentally flawed, thus we are now in a period of recalibration and in asking the fundamental questions that will hopefully lead to structural changes in how we treat, manage and farm our very fertile lands.
I hope, we really go down to the bottom of it and not use the situation for grandstanding and scoring political points. I hope we really help our neighbor and not take advantage of them.
Lord, You are the God of the impossible. Please awaken the noble, the courageous and the strong side of our decision-makers and our implementers.
Thursday
"Milking" the Rice Crisis news
I know that journalists are trained to tell the truth as they see it. They can not write or tell a story that they think is about to happen for that will not be "news".
Sana, who ever tells the field reporters to take a look or "chase" a certain angle of a story add this angle of seeking and asking a supply chain specialist to explain to them the processes, the players and the underlying relationships that happens as rice seedlings turns to palay and then to rice and then to kanin finally.
Kasi, puro na lang raid dito, raid dyan. Tapos kausapin natin ang mga taong nakapila para sabihin nila sa atin na nahihirapan sila. Eh, alam natin yon! Tapos puro "Let's help the farmers." Ang tagal na natin sinasabi yan. Sana lang totoo na this time.
Sana, the media can come up with a visual and a computer simulation showing how the government subsidy will happen and help the whole situation kasi ang alam ko that billion dollar subsidy came from all our taxes and I pay my taxes.
Now, you probably be asking why should I ask that from the media? Why not from my Representative in the House of Congress? Well, simple lang ang dahilan - the quality of talent and of hearts that one institution attracts.
I mean, how many talented, gifted and passionate individuals have we met that belong to a staff of Congress? They probably exist but I can't easily associate the "talented-passionate-gifted" attributes to a Congress' staff.
Well, I am writing because I know things will get worse. Worse in a sense the prices of rice will still increase and the other food we eat like bread and our pandesal will join the bandwagon, too. Of course, our government will try its very best to appease our fears because if the fear goes to overdrive, then God help us all.
And as I observe it, the current media practice of news telling follows this line of thinking called the corrective and preventive events and all follow a "logical flow".
Let's take the "corrective stories" - go after the bad guys who are taking advantage of the situation. Raid dito, Raid dyan which leads to rice holiday which leads to local government executives saying "if you do that, we will imprison you!"
And for the "preventive stories", the news will take a look at the actions taken by the government and what are the plans to ensure that this rice situation will not happen in the future - How much rice are we importing? And of course, our billion dollar rice subsidy! (Where my taxes is included.)
Have you ever wondered how come the scientists and the rice experts only had limited airtime? I guess, and this is only a hypothesis, it's because they are considered "boring" by whoever decides and can't get advertisers money because in the end - media is still a business that needs revenues, profits. And police raiding warehouses of vile and evil people is exciting stuff. Good versus evil. And dishonest politicos, top rater! How about the human drama of the plight of the poor? Even better!
The news today are really old news. Serious. Sad. A start of Filipino's finest moment.
What if this way of simplistic news telling is the real evil? For it does not tell the much larger truth that needs to be told because we are limiting our version "truth" in the framework of profits = )
What if the people who watches the TV and read the broadsheets are tired of the news because it only tells the biases or the limited view of the two newsrooms?
Media would always say that they only report reality. But what if the reality they present is a reality that will only fit in a 30-minute news program because airtime is way too expensive? Ma'ams and Sirs do you know that you affect us as we affect you? Don't you know that we are both in this together? Can you please tell the "broader truth"? A truth that will set us free!
Hmmm, maybe this type of news telling could be profitable? I mean this is a classic definition of a "blue ocean"... = )
Or maybe, I am just being old and romantic in a sense that I am still hopeful that we can still make our situation better.
Lord, thy will be done!
Sana, who ever tells the field reporters to take a look or "chase" a certain angle of a story add this angle of seeking and asking a supply chain specialist to explain to them the processes, the players and the underlying relationships that happens as rice seedlings turns to palay and then to rice and then to kanin finally.
Kasi, puro na lang raid dito, raid dyan. Tapos kausapin natin ang mga taong nakapila para sabihin nila sa atin na nahihirapan sila. Eh, alam natin yon! Tapos puro "Let's help the farmers." Ang tagal na natin sinasabi yan. Sana lang totoo na this time.
Sana, the media can come up with a visual and a computer simulation showing how the government subsidy will happen and help the whole situation kasi ang alam ko that billion dollar subsidy came from all our taxes and I pay my taxes.
Now, you probably be asking why should I ask that from the media? Why not from my Representative in the House of Congress? Well, simple lang ang dahilan - the quality of talent and of hearts that one institution attracts.
I mean, how many talented, gifted and passionate individuals have we met that belong to a staff of Congress? They probably exist but I can't easily associate the "talented-passionate-gifted" attributes to a Congress' staff.
Well, I am writing because I know things will get worse. Worse in a sense the prices of rice will still increase and the other food we eat like bread and our pandesal will join the bandwagon, too. Of course, our government will try its very best to appease our fears because if the fear goes to overdrive, then God help us all.
And as I observe it, the current media practice of news telling follows this line of thinking called the corrective and preventive events and all follow a "logical flow".
Let's take the "corrective stories" - go after the bad guys who are taking advantage of the situation. Raid dito, Raid dyan which leads to rice holiday which leads to local government executives saying "if you do that, we will imprison you!"
And for the "preventive stories", the news will take a look at the actions taken by the government and what are the plans to ensure that this rice situation will not happen in the future - How much rice are we importing? And of course, our billion dollar rice subsidy! (Where my taxes is included.)
Have you ever wondered how come the scientists and the rice experts only had limited airtime? I guess, and this is only a hypothesis, it's because they are considered "boring" by whoever decides and can't get advertisers money because in the end - media is still a business that needs revenues, profits. And police raiding warehouses of vile and evil people is exciting stuff. Good versus evil. And dishonest politicos, top rater! How about the human drama of the plight of the poor? Even better!
The news today are really old news. Serious. Sad. A start of Filipino's finest moment.
What if this way of simplistic news telling is the real evil? For it does not tell the much larger truth that needs to be told because we are limiting our version "truth" in the framework of profits = )
What if the people who watches the TV and read the broadsheets are tired of the news because it only tells the biases or the limited view of the two newsrooms?
Media would always say that they only report reality. But what if the reality they present is a reality that will only fit in a 30-minute news program because airtime is way too expensive? Ma'ams and Sirs do you know that you affect us as we affect you? Don't you know that we are both in this together? Can you please tell the "broader truth"? A truth that will set us free!
Hmmm, maybe this type of news telling could be profitable? I mean this is a classic definition of a "blue ocean"... = )
Or maybe, I am just being old and romantic in a sense that I am still hopeful that we can still make our situation better.
Lord, thy will be done!
Monday
Intel-Philippines closing down in 2 years?
I heard it from the grapevine.
If this is true, yes, jobs will be lost. Families will have to "evolve" their lifestyles. I see pain. I see a chance for a rebirth. I see an opportunity to be a better Filipino. I see a chance to become a better version of ourselves.
I have to look at it that way for the other one does not help me move forward.
... and another thing.
Another thing far more disturbing. The kind that makes my heart go painfully silent . The capacity that Intel-Philippines facility was counted on will now shift to India. Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against India. This is not their fault. That's how the world works when we compete globally = )
Here's the funny thing about high volume manufacturers, which Intel is, most processes on the shop floor are automated. The significance of that statement is if all the raw materials are available and manpower is available to run the machines, the production yield will remain fairly the same. The output variability will be small. And the significance of that statement is if output is almost the same, the cost to produce per piece will remain the same wherever you are in the world. And why is this? If we are to compare manpower cost to the amount of setting up a facility like what Intel sets up, it is so small, one might laugh = )
So why is Intel shifting production to India? Is it because of this "minuscule" increase in manpower cost? Could be.
But if I am to put my money, if this is gambling (but this blog entry is really one for I am only hypothesizing due to limited information), Intel is shifting production to India because we have limited ability to see, to plan, to act and to manage very dynamic variables that can be currently described as "random". And because of this limited ability, the way we see and do our roles and the output that happens because of that is "not optimal" in management science terms. And because of this, it is better to invest in India than in the Philippines.
I think our collective intelligence as a race and as a nation (which have bright spots mind you, like Jose Rizal) and our way to get intelligence is limitedly inspired.
Why do I say that? I think Intel-Philippines employed the most number of Engineering Master degree holders in the Philippines. And these Engineering Masters are from our 1st tier universities and colleges. But, I guess even with that fact - it is still not enough.
I mean, consider the competition - India.
In India, what is required for a citizen, if one has the means to get an education is to get a graduate degree. I mean, finish college then pursue and finish graduate studies before one turns 24. And if you are really gifted, get a PhD before one turns 28.
If we are speaking base on statistics and using simple ratio and proportion, India will definitely have more Master Degree holders and Doctorate degree holders for they number close to 1.2 billion and we, the Filipinos, a little over 80 million.
But this simple numbers crunch is flawed too if we are to use it in comparison to today's Singapore for they only number only a little over 4 million but our economic output is nowhere near their's.
But I rather see today's Philippines like the late 1960s version of South Korea. I say that, because all is not lost. Look at where the South Koreans are now = ) You can hear those "noisy" bunch everywhere in Metro Manila and in our scenic and beautiful tourist spots.
So, am I saying the key is education? Probably. India is where it is now mostly because of decisions made more than 50 years ago regarding their educational system. Those decisions in the past is bearing fruits now and today's Indian generation is reaping the sacrifices of the past.
But is it really about that? Probably. Why do I say that? Well, the answer lies in what we hear when we ask the employees that has a master degree this question - "Why did you take your Masters?"
If the answer is something close to and resembles, "... better career opportunities and more money," then you know where the problem is.
Getting more money out of a Master Degree used to be the gravy and not the goal. A Master Degree used to mean a mark of person in search of something, a life's journey, for the benefit of mankind if I am to push it romantically.
Our present value set has "transactionlized" and commercialized something beautiful and we have perpetuated that watered down version of a Master's Degree.
... and that's the painfully funny thing. So, what do we do now?
Well, for me , I'll affect those who are in my sphere of influence. Will passionately present to them the limitation of our awareness of our reality. I will not tire because there's nothing else to do that holds me like this. That consumes me like this.
Lord, I am invincible until You are done with me. I will hold on to that. Thy will be done!
And for you, I pray that you embrace your call when it comes...
If this is true, yes, jobs will be lost. Families will have to "evolve" their lifestyles. I see pain. I see a chance for a rebirth. I see an opportunity to be a better Filipino. I see a chance to become a better version of ourselves.
I have to look at it that way for the other one does not help me move forward.
... and another thing.
Another thing far more disturbing. The kind that makes my heart go painfully silent . The capacity that Intel-Philippines facility was counted on will now shift to India. Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against India. This is not their fault. That's how the world works when we compete globally = )
Here's the funny thing about high volume manufacturers, which Intel is, most processes on the shop floor are automated. The significance of that statement is if all the raw materials are available and manpower is available to run the machines, the production yield will remain fairly the same. The output variability will be small. And the significance of that statement is if output is almost the same, the cost to produce per piece will remain the same wherever you are in the world. And why is this? If we are to compare manpower cost to the amount of setting up a facility like what Intel sets up, it is so small, one might laugh = )
So why is Intel shifting production to India? Is it because of this "minuscule" increase in manpower cost? Could be.
But if I am to put my money, if this is gambling (but this blog entry is really one for I am only hypothesizing due to limited information), Intel is shifting production to India because we have limited ability to see, to plan, to act and to manage very dynamic variables that can be currently described as "random". And because of this limited ability, the way we see and do our roles and the output that happens because of that is "not optimal" in management science terms. And because of this, it is better to invest in India than in the Philippines.
I think our collective intelligence as a race and as a nation (which have bright spots mind you, like Jose Rizal) and our way to get intelligence is limitedly inspired.
Why do I say that? I think Intel-Philippines employed the most number of Engineering Master degree holders in the Philippines. And these Engineering Masters are from our 1st tier universities and colleges. But, I guess even with that fact - it is still not enough.
I mean, consider the competition - India.
In India, what is required for a citizen, if one has the means to get an education is to get a graduate degree. I mean, finish college then pursue and finish graduate studies before one turns 24. And if you are really gifted, get a PhD before one turns 28.
If we are speaking base on statistics and using simple ratio and proportion, India will definitely have more Master Degree holders and Doctorate degree holders for they number close to 1.2 billion and we, the Filipinos, a little over 80 million.
But this simple numbers crunch is flawed too if we are to use it in comparison to today's Singapore for they only number only a little over 4 million but our economic output is nowhere near their's.
But I rather see today's Philippines like the late 1960s version of South Korea. I say that, because all is not lost. Look at where the South Koreans are now = ) You can hear those "noisy" bunch everywhere in Metro Manila and in our scenic and beautiful tourist spots.
So, am I saying the key is education? Probably. India is where it is now mostly because of decisions made more than 50 years ago regarding their educational system. Those decisions in the past is bearing fruits now and today's Indian generation is reaping the sacrifices of the past.
But is it really about that? Probably. Why do I say that? Well, the answer lies in what we hear when we ask the employees that has a master degree this question - "Why did you take your Masters?"
If the answer is something close to and resembles, "... better career opportunities and more money," then you know where the problem is.
Getting more money out of a Master Degree used to be the gravy and not the goal. A Master Degree used to mean a mark of person in search of something, a life's journey, for the benefit of mankind if I am to push it romantically.
Our present value set has "transactionlized" and commercialized something beautiful and we have perpetuated that watered down version of a Master's Degree.
... and that's the painfully funny thing. So, what do we do now?
Well, for me , I'll affect those who are in my sphere of influence. Will passionately present to them the limitation of our awareness of our reality. I will not tire because there's nothing else to do that holds me like this. That consumes me like this.
Lord, I am invincible until You are done with me. I will hold on to that. Thy will be done!
And for you, I pray that you embrace your call when it comes...
Wednesday
question and answer
Serious.
The questions one asks are the answers = )
Serious.
So, what are the questions you ask? The questions that moves you?
Interesting? Aflame?
The questions that makes you? The questions that become you?
Serious.
What's your question?
The questions one asks are the answers = )
Serious.
So, what are the questions you ask? The questions that moves you?
Interesting? Aflame?
The questions that makes you? The questions that become you?
Serious.
What's your question?
Tuesday
What's your burning question?
Serious.
What is your burning question?
The question that haunts you everyday?
The one thing, that once answered,
...you will be better off?
Do drop a note or two = )
What is your burning question?
The question that haunts you everyday?
The one thing, that once answered,
...you will be better off?
Do drop a note or two = )
Saturday
crisis of rice and the evil of pursuing profit for profit's sake
This is the easy story that sells airtime that attracts advertising money that eventually earns profit that sustains a lifestyle that enslaves... that promotes the status quo:
"Globally there is a rice shortage.
Someone is hoarding our rice inventories
to increase price.
The people that hoards our rice inventories
are the people that are friends to the powers-that-be
for there are the people that can really get away with it.
And the reason these people can get away with this
is because the government are in cahoots with them
they make money out of it, too
And why do the government people need to make money out of it?
It is because, they are greedy people!"
That's a nice story. But that's not the whole truth.
And if it is not the whole truth, then it is lie.
There's a silver lining for this sudden interest in rice production
I hope the media really tells the whole story.
Because, they are not still telling the whole story.
And I hope the people that can effect change
can see the whole and true situation
Consider this related events
We increase rice production...
By developing locale-based rice seedling
By developing irrigation
By developing organic fertilizers or even the chemical ones
Be developing farm to market roads
But if we do not fix the next link,
The middle man LIKE the threshers and the millers
All is lost.
We get the rice we eat not from the farms
but from the middle man.
And the middle men are not "scientists"
The middle men are business people
whose objective is to make a profit
And they make a profit because they understand
... Negotiations and the law of demand and supply.
Why do you think the farmers are still poor?
Is because the lack of hard work?
Or is the lack of knowing the value chain?
The issue on the farm is one of technology
The issue on the farm is one of science
And science do not lie
It follows the law of nature
But the issue on the middle man is different
It is a battle between good and evil.
A battle that has been waged since the Garden of Eden.
Ask these questions?
What process does the NFA go thru to know how much rice to import?
What are the variables involved in it?
What is the formula they use?
And who gave them the raw data they use in computing for the unknown in the formula?
And how did they get this data?
Are the sources of these data reliable?
The light comes from knowing the central issue of - who really benefits from the status quo?
The situation will only change if the party that is being hurt by the status quo will reach millions, like the whole Philippines = )
The status quo will learn to adapt but the status quo will not be sustainable because our realities are different to the reality that birthed the current system.
We need a new system and a new heart in bringing rice from the farm to our dining tables. This trying moment could be the Filipino's finest moment, yet.
Lord, thy will be done!
"Globally there is a rice shortage.
Someone is hoarding our rice inventories
to increase price.
The people that hoards our rice inventories
are the people that are friends to the powers-that-be
for there are the people that can really get away with it.
And the reason these people can get away with this
is because the government are in cahoots with them
they make money out of it, too
And why do the government people need to make money out of it?
It is because, they are greedy people!"
That's a nice story. But that's not the whole truth.
And if it is not the whole truth, then it is lie.
There's a silver lining for this sudden interest in rice production
I hope the media really tells the whole story.
Because, they are not still telling the whole story.
And I hope the people that can effect change
can see the whole and true situation
Consider this related events
We increase rice production...
By developing locale-based rice seedling
By developing irrigation
By developing organic fertilizers or even the chemical ones
Be developing farm to market roads
But if we do not fix the next link,
The middle man LIKE the threshers and the millers
All is lost.
We get the rice we eat not from the farms
but from the middle man.
And the middle men are not "scientists"
The middle men are business people
whose objective is to make a profit
And they make a profit because they understand
... Negotiations and the law of demand and supply.
Why do you think the farmers are still poor?
Is because the lack of hard work?
Or is the lack of knowing the value chain?
The issue on the farm is one of technology
The issue on the farm is one of science
And science do not lie
It follows the law of nature
But the issue on the middle man is different
It is a battle between good and evil.
A battle that has been waged since the Garden of Eden.
Ask these questions?
What process does the NFA go thru to know how much rice to import?
What are the variables involved in it?
What is the formula they use?
And who gave them the raw data they use in computing for the unknown in the formula?
And how did they get this data?
Are the sources of these data reliable?
The light comes from knowing the central issue of - who really benefits from the status quo?
The situation will only change if the party that is being hurt by the status quo will reach millions, like the whole Philippines = )
The status quo will learn to adapt but the status quo will not be sustainable because our realities are different to the reality that birthed the current system.
We need a new system and a new heart in bringing rice from the farm to our dining tables. This trying moment could be the Filipino's finest moment, yet.
Lord, thy will be done!
Friday
handsome and beautiful
Just overheard
"On those days
when they had young people's praise
and old people's blame..."
"On those days
when they had young people's praise
and old people's blame..."
Monday
Good Friday wisdom
When my high school friends, the Kaka, meet - the conversation that unfolds is part nostalgia and part transcendental in a funny way.
Every moment is a special moment. We affirm one another. We strengthen one another. We make one another young. We make one another seasoned with wisdom the next.
A part of the conversation this Friday past that's worth mentioning is the treatise between two opposing thoughts: [1] Life is short, let's be happy (happy in a sense of threading on irresponsibility) and [2] Life is short, so why make it shorter?
The conversation landed on this topic because we are all in our mid-30s. I am the youngest in this group. Some are turning 36 this year. Some are turning 35. And I am (I think Gary, too) turning 34. Aside from this biological fact, Edward, our sports science expert, is working on his graduate thesis that has something to do with the dynamics of exercise and nutrition.
One or two of the Kaka are Edward's lab rats = )
So, they were sharing the journey and the experience of being Anakin to Master Edward. From the smile-filled exchange, it seems that Edward's hypothesis is being proven right. (I'll let Edward publish his results in academic journal.)
And since, some of our are actually family men - health is paramount. As they say, one of the ways for a man to show his love to his family is to love the wife and to stay healthy.
I saw the "life is short, so why make it shorter..." with fresh eyes.
I know I will feel guilty if ever my life will become shorter because of my habits. I will feel guilty because I won't be able to finish what I am suppose to finish on this earth.
When I was 28, I had this breakthrough (to borrow from Jerry Maguire) about the "why" question I have been asking since college.
I felt small when I found out what was my calling. But as I followed the calling, I never felt more alive in my life. I honestly leave everything in the classroom. I love the feeling of being exhausted at the end of the day. I feel good that I did not shortchange the class, the school and above all, the Audience of One.
Well, life is short, so, why make it shorter?
Let's add - live strong!
Every moment is a special moment. We affirm one another. We strengthen one another. We make one another young. We make one another seasoned with wisdom the next.
A part of the conversation this Friday past that's worth mentioning is the treatise between two opposing thoughts: [1] Life is short, let's be happy (happy in a sense of threading on irresponsibility) and [2] Life is short, so why make it shorter?
The conversation landed on this topic because we are all in our mid-30s. I am the youngest in this group. Some are turning 36 this year. Some are turning 35. And I am (I think Gary, too) turning 34. Aside from this biological fact, Edward, our sports science expert, is working on his graduate thesis that has something to do with the dynamics of exercise and nutrition.
One or two of the Kaka are Edward's lab rats = )
So, they were sharing the journey and the experience of being Anakin to Master Edward. From the smile-filled exchange, it seems that Edward's hypothesis is being proven right. (I'll let Edward publish his results in academic journal.)
And since, some of our are actually family men - health is paramount. As they say, one of the ways for a man to show his love to his family is to love the wife and to stay healthy.
I saw the "life is short, so why make it shorter..." with fresh eyes.
I know I will feel guilty if ever my life will become shorter because of my habits. I will feel guilty because I won't be able to finish what I am suppose to finish on this earth.
When I was 28, I had this breakthrough (to borrow from Jerry Maguire) about the "why" question I have been asking since college.
I felt small when I found out what was my calling. But as I followed the calling, I never felt more alive in my life. I honestly leave everything in the classroom. I love the feeling of being exhausted at the end of the day. I feel good that I did not shortchange the class, the school and above all, the Audience of One.
Well, life is short, so, why make it shorter?
Let's add - live strong!
Saturday
It was a GOOD Friday! ver 2.0
It was fun. It was reflective.
Levi arrived around 8pm and shared his story as he covered and took pictures of re-enactment of crucifixion in Pampanga.
We were boys for a moment. And then men in a heartbeat. And then, fathers and boyfriends the next.
It was a Good Friday!
Levi arrived around 8pm and shared his story as he covered and took pictures of re-enactment of crucifixion in Pampanga.
We were boys for a moment. And then men in a heartbeat. And then, fathers and boyfriends the next.
It was a Good Friday!
It was a GOOD Friday!
I really think that if you really want to have a reflective Holy Week, it is best to stay in the Metro. Promise.
Yesterday was Good Friday.
I got friends way back from High School that has this penchant for doing a Visita Iglesia. So, when the annual invite arrived, I said, "Yes!" (The invite also helped to brighten the mood for the past days were really serious for me.)
I am blessed to have this privilege of spending time with high school buddies. It was over 21 years ago when I met most of them. Yes. I am that old. God willingly, I will be 34 this 25th of September.
As we journeyed through our 14 selected churches in a AUV driven by Gary and then by Normand, Jojit described the whole experience as something akin to an episode of an Amazing Race. And I guess with that you will have this idea that this Visita Iglesia is different and right in a lot of levels.
As we enter each of the churches, we reflect and said our prayers led by Gary's wife Cecil. I felt something particular, a peace, as we enter a church ran by the Pink Sisters in New Manila. I went down on my knees and communed with God Almighty as I did that morning.
After the 3rd church, someone suggested lunch so we had one. By past twelve, we were off again. Jojit was taking his pictures for documentation. And as we reached Sto. Domingo, we fetched our birhday boy Edward that enlightened us about the story behind the two intertwined churches in Legarda. We finished our 13th and 14th station in historic Intramuros where Caucasian tourists abound.
After that we went to Alvin's place on Quezon City and drove to Jojit's pad where we renewed and strengthen the bond that started more than two decades ago.
The conversation was fluid. From health, to getting old, to the environment, to business, to movies, to God, to marriage, and to whatever...
It was a Good Friday!
Yesterday was Good Friday.
I got friends way back from High School that has this penchant for doing a Visita Iglesia. So, when the annual invite arrived, I said, "Yes!" (The invite also helped to brighten the mood for the past days were really serious for me.)
I am blessed to have this privilege of spending time with high school buddies. It was over 21 years ago when I met most of them. Yes. I am that old. God willingly, I will be 34 this 25th of September.
As we journeyed through our 14 selected churches in a AUV driven by Gary and then by Normand, Jojit described the whole experience as something akin to an episode of an Amazing Race. And I guess with that you will have this idea that this Visita Iglesia is different and right in a lot of levels.
As we enter each of the churches, we reflect and said our prayers led by Gary's wife Cecil. I felt something particular, a peace, as we enter a church ran by the Pink Sisters in New Manila. I went down on my knees and communed with God Almighty as I did that morning.
After the 3rd church, someone suggested lunch so we had one. By past twelve, we were off again. Jojit was taking his pictures for documentation. And as we reached Sto. Domingo, we fetched our birhday boy Edward that enlightened us about the story behind the two intertwined churches in Legarda. We finished our 13th and 14th station in historic Intramuros where Caucasian tourists abound.
After that we went to Alvin's place on Quezon City and drove to Jojit's pad where we renewed and strengthen the bond that started more than two decades ago.
The conversation was fluid. From health, to getting old, to the environment, to business, to movies, to God, to marriage, and to whatever...
It was a Good Friday!
11 out of 34
That's the number of people that did not make the cut.
I know they tried. I know they gave the effort. I know. And my heart truly breaks when I see someone who tries and struggles but in the end, it was not meant to be this time.
Maybe the next.
I believe that there are no unintelligent people on earth. I think everybody is intelligent.
We do not perform "as expected" because we are not yet fully aware of what it means to be in a moment. A moment that will be gone forever. It could also be because we do not have a burning question that we really want to answer. (And by "a burning question" I meant something like being in a situation wherein you are head over heels over someone and even if your pride and your vanity won't allow you to admit it, you want to know if that someone feels the same way as you do. As in you really want to know!)
I am curious to know what will be the answer if I ask the class why they go to school. Would they say the usual answer like duty to parents and for a brighter future? Or would they truly surprise me with their honest, naked, raw and vulnerable replies?
I am hoping to be surprise but their answers. Lord, please surprise me = )
Lord, I raise everybody who were once my student. Thank You for the privilege. I hope I did more good than harm = )
Father, please make them realize the truth that the college diploma that they receive in school is just a start. That it is not an entitlement for a bright future but simply a chance to make a wonderful future.
Father, help them also see that they can be their own university. Father, give them a burning question. Please.
And Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be of service to You. Thank you for the mercy You have shown my inconsistent me.
I know they tried. I know they gave the effort. I know. And my heart truly breaks when I see someone who tries and struggles but in the end, it was not meant to be this time.
Maybe the next.
I believe that there are no unintelligent people on earth. I think everybody is intelligent.
We do not perform "as expected" because we are not yet fully aware of what it means to be in a moment. A moment that will be gone forever. It could also be because we do not have a burning question that we really want to answer. (And by "a burning question" I meant something like being in a situation wherein you are head over heels over someone and even if your pride and your vanity won't allow you to admit it, you want to know if that someone feels the same way as you do. As in you really want to know!)
I am curious to know what will be the answer if I ask the class why they go to school. Would they say the usual answer like duty to parents and for a brighter future? Or would they truly surprise me with their honest, naked, raw and vulnerable replies?
I am hoping to be surprise but their answers. Lord, please surprise me = )
Lord, I raise everybody who were once my student. Thank You for the privilege. I hope I did more good than harm = )
Father, please make them realize the truth that the college diploma that they receive in school is just a start. That it is not an entitlement for a bright future but simply a chance to make a wonderful future.
Father, help them also see that they can be their own university. Father, give them a burning question. Please.
And Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be of service to You. Thank you for the mercy You have shown my inconsistent me.
Thursday
there are only a few days more "life-heigthened" than today
It's so serious is funny.
Here's the thing, no matter how our lives turn out - we ALL end up the same way... dead. I won't be the first one to say that. King Solomon was right when he wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes with an epic proportion statement of - "Everything is meaningless."
A comedian also once that we should not take life so serious because we will not come out of it alive = )
But please do not get me wrong. I do not intend to advocate that we should all be merry and party because that is simply stupidity. And that will ruin the environment even further.
You know what, I also happen to realize that Jesus Christ, aside from the usual role we give Him as our Lord and Saviour, that He is also an economist.
I mean, He was the first one who told that we should not store up riches that gather moths. He said that we should instead gather riches in heaven.
That thought makes economic sense now that we are in this midst of "green revolution". All the economic growth that we had over the past century and all the riches and wealth we created have decayed our environment. Just a thought.
Well, for those who mean well for me and those who I love, please pray for us. Pray for healing and for God to show mercy.
And pray for the leaders of the world, that includes our GMA, that they move the way He wants them to move.
Life has more meaning when one knows that it is finite.
We will all go back home... someday.
Here's the thing, no matter how our lives turn out - we ALL end up the same way... dead. I won't be the first one to say that. King Solomon was right when he wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes with an epic proportion statement of - "Everything is meaningless."
A comedian also once that we should not take life so serious because we will not come out of it alive = )
But please do not get me wrong. I do not intend to advocate that we should all be merry and party because that is simply stupidity. And that will ruin the environment even further.
You know what, I also happen to realize that Jesus Christ, aside from the usual role we give Him as our Lord and Saviour, that He is also an economist.
I mean, He was the first one who told that we should not store up riches that gather moths. He said that we should instead gather riches in heaven.
That thought makes economic sense now that we are in this midst of "green revolution". All the economic growth that we had over the past century and all the riches and wealth we created have decayed our environment. Just a thought.
Well, for those who mean well for me and those who I love, please pray for us. Pray for healing and for God to show mercy.
And pray for the leaders of the world, that includes our GMA, that they move the way He wants them to move.
Life has more meaning when one knows that it is finite.
We will all go back home... someday.
Tuesday
64.56 ver 2.0
Why so "high" a standard?
First, this is a perception.
Second, it is not a "high" standard because this is the the generation that will have to solve problems such as global warming... such as, how do proceed when rice prices increases because our lands will be used to produce corn which is an additive for ethanol?... such as, how do we handle a reality where the prices of oil is over $110/barrel?
If our minds are not used to "thinking", then we will always be slaves to those who talks the loudest. We will always be victims.
I firmly believe that we are all intelligent. It is the ability to think that I usually question. But this is not a put down. Because "to think" is a verb. It's an act. It's a decision like a decision to stand up and walk. It's like a decision to see someone... to woo someone... to love someone.
I've known people who have average intelligence but are relentless thinkers. And these people will "defeat" highly intelligent people who are lazy thinkers.
Here's the thing, I know for certain that all of you study. That all of you listen. That all of you read. That all of you put an effort. I know that for certain.
But I am only hoping when it comes to the thinking part.
First, this is a perception.
Second, it is not a "high" standard because this is the the generation that will have to solve problems such as global warming... such as, how do proceed when rice prices increases because our lands will be used to produce corn which is an additive for ethanol?... such as, how do we handle a reality where the prices of oil is over $110/barrel?
If our minds are not used to "thinking", then we will always be slaves to those who talks the loudest. We will always be victims.
I firmly believe that we are all intelligent. It is the ability to think that I usually question. But this is not a put down. Because "to think" is a verb. It's an act. It's a decision like a decision to stand up and walk. It's like a decision to see someone... to woo someone... to love someone.
I've known people who have average intelligence but are relentless thinkers. And these people will "defeat" highly intelligent people who are lazy thinkers.
Here's the thing, I know for certain that all of you study. That all of you listen. That all of you read. That all of you put an effort. I know that for certain.
But I am only hoping when it comes to the thinking part.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)