Pasaporte ni Ama at Ina

Photo Credit to Rappler.Com

Habang pinapanood ko yung movie na "ANAK" sobra ang tumulong luha sa akin. Siguro dahil hindi ko maintindihan yung mga anak na ganun ang turing sa mga magulang nila. Karamihan siguro sa inyong mga nakakabasa ay alam na ang istorya ng ANAK, ang kuwento ay tungkol sa isang ina na naiwan sa isang sitwasyong kinailangang piliin ang pangingibang-bansa upang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanyang mga anak. Subalit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito ay nawala sa tamang landas ang panganay niyang anak at naranasan niya ang lahat ng uri ng pambabastos mula rito. Sa nasabing pelikula ay naipakita ang dalawang papel na napakahirap gampanan, ang maging isang OFW at ang maging isang Ina. Walang magulang, walang ina ang nanaising makita ang kanyang mga anak na halos mamatay na sa gutom at lumaki sa kamangmangan dahil sa kahirapan. Ang pinakamahirap na desisyon ay yung pag-alis sa piling ng mga mahal sa buhay upang maiwasan ang lubhang paghihirap. Ito lang eh.. ito lang ang kailangang isipin ng mga anak para ituwid nila ang landas na tatahakin nila. Hindi pinupulot ang pera na ipinapadala ng mga magulang para lamang sa pagbuo ng isang magandang hinaharap. Kung may trabaho lamang sana dito sa Pilipinas na magbibigay ng disenteng pagkukuhanan ng kabuhayan ay hindi na kailangan pang mangibang bansa ng karamihan sa ating mga magulang. Wala ng ganitong totoong drama ng buhay na sumisira sa ilang tahanan dito sa ating sariling lupa. Hindi ito kasalanan ng ating mga magulang, bagkus ay itinulak lamang sila ng sitwasyon para lumayas at yakapin ang buhay na malayo sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay.

Ako ay masasabing biktima din ng ganitong pangyayari. Ang aking ama ay seaman na namatay  sa dagat nung ako ay mag-aapat na taong gulang pa lamang. Wala akong muwang, dumating sa puntong sinabi ko sa aking ina na bibili na lamang kami ng bagong tatay dahil nasa kabaong na ang aking ama na sinsaabi nila noong patay na. Hindi ko siya kilala sapagkat sa loob ng 3 taon na ako ay nabuhay sa mundo ay palagi siyang nandun sa barko at mga 2 o 3 beses lang ata niya ako nakarga sa kanyang mga bisig. Sa isang iglap ay nawala ang lahat ng kanilang mga pangarap ng aking ina. Naiwan si mama na kinakaharap ang kalbaryo kung saan kukuha ng pangtutustos sa aming pang araw-araw na pangangailangan. Dumating sa puntong walang-wala na, lubog sa baha ang bakuran, sampung piso na lamang ang laman ng bulsa niya at gabi-gabi ay narirniig ko ang kanyang paghikbi dahil sa sobrang hirap na nararanasan namin. Literal na kulang na lang ay mamalimos  na kami ng tulong para makaraos sa pinagdadaanan namin.Hindi ko alam ang patutunguhan noon pero hindi kami pumayag na maging ganoon na lamang ang buhay kaya lumaban kami. Sa tulong ng mga taong nagmamahal sa amin, kahit papano ay natulungan kami. Sila ang nagbigay ng instrumento para maisagawa namin ang nasa plano naming pagsusumikap at pag-aaral ng mabuti.para makatapos.

Ano ang pinupunto ko sa aking nabanggit sa taas? ito ay ang pagkundena ko sa pagiging siraulo ng mga taong may mga magulang na handang magsakripisyo para sa ikauunlad nila pero isinasantabi yun at sinasayang dahil lamang sa hindi katanggap tanggap na sumbat na "nasaan ka nung kailangan kita?". Nagsasakripisyo nga di ba??? para lang sa inyo. Para hindi na kailangang mamalimos, magdildil ng asin at para sa kinabukasan na rin. Walang magulang ang makukuntentong makita ang mga anak nila na naghihirap at kumakalam ang sikmura sa gutom. Sana magsilbing inspirasyon ang lahat ng aking nabanggit sa mga taong hanggang ngayon ay sarado pa rin ang utak sa paghihirap ng kanilang mga magulang, mapa OFW man o namamasukan dito sa ating bansa na kumikita lamang ng kakarampot sa araw-araw.

Hindi ako naniniwala sa palasak na katwirang: "lumaki akong pasaway dahil wala ka! wala akong gabay".. mas dapat tayong maniwala sa "Lumaki akong maayos dahil wala ka! natuto akong lumaban at magpakabuti para balang - araw ay makakabalik ka na at hindi na kailangang mag abroad pa"

Open Communication, A Key to a Team's Success

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

I love to watch war movies, stories about soldiers and how one platoon can work as one. Movies and series like Band of Brothers, Enemy at the Gates and Stalingrad are some of those that I really love.

As I was watching those movies, I realized one main component of a victorious fight and it is efficient and effective line of communication. No plan will be executed accordingly if the individuals in the unit are working based only on their own perspective. 

Applying it into workplace, there's this term called Open Communication. It is the condition where an employee is free to provide his insights without any fear of retaliation, bad impression or judgment from the management or his colleagues.

As you can see, one team will be able to deliver accurately if the members are talking to each other on the concerns that really matters. The need to talk about an issue right away, be it criticism of an error or acknowldedgment of a glitch is a must in order to rectify it urgently as well.

To tell you honestly, I am really a fan of open communication as I strongly believe that it is what a team needed in order to have a harmonious relationship with each other. The least that i want myself to be in is a situation wherein I have no idea that my actions are already causing a damage to the team's performance. At such, that's where a team mate supposedly would interfere...not to criticize but to correct what is wrong.

In all the teams that I have been with all throughout my career, i have always promoted this mindset. I am not really a fan of backstabbing, as I believe that being open in a respectful way will benefit the whole of the team and eventually the company. Unfortunately, I have also realized that this mindset is not intended for all people. 

There are instances that suggestions will be interpreted as arguments and your perception will be translated to a personal attack. It is inevitable as every meeting or communication is accompanied not only by what you are saying but also with how you have said it. Is it sarcastic? Does it seem that you would want to imply something? You see... There are so many factors to consider.

While it is right to lay down your side on every situation, be sensitive as well. Here are some tips to a more harmonious relationship in line with open communication:

1. After a heated meeting, talk to that someone that you think you have offended and just settle things right as soon as possible.

2. Always try to pinpoint the error respectfully in front of the concerned person. NOT to your other colleagues. Not just because it is unethical but also in order for the concerned party to rectify the error right away. This will free the team from unnecessary problem in the future.

3. Never judge your colleague based on your impression without asking him first. There may be some things that you have not considered in your assessment.

4. Stick to the issue. Don't ever interrupt your colleague or insert other topic that will create an impression of fault finding.

5. Open communication comes with an open mind. Don't assume that the argument is already personal unless the tone is quite obviously disrespectful already. If that happened, resist professionally.

5. Last but not the least is RESPECT and TRUST. Without this, any relationship will somehow collapse even if it has started in good fate.

I hope this helps you understand some points. I, myself is also having some difficulties in applying the things that I have mentioned above but I am trying my very best. Always remember, a team will not be a team if the members are divided and full of hidden comments. A war will not be won if the soldier's tactics and actions are not aligned to their captain or their unit.

Conflict: Paano Makakaiwas?

Photo Courtesy of Google Image

Karamihan ng conflict sa isang pag-uusap ay dahil sa mayroon ng perspective ang mga taong nag-uusap. Natatabunan nito ang totoong essence ng usapan dahil una pa lang ay may dating ng hindi maganda. Maaari sana siyang maiwasan kahit na mahirap kung lahat tayo ay matututong makinig at ianalisa ang mensahe at hindi ang kung sino ang nagsasalita.

Ibabahagi ko lamang ang kuwento ko noong boss ko ay isang Dutch National. Maangas ang unang impression ko sa kanya dahil pag dating sa meeting talagang kikwestyunin ka at minsan ay may sarcasm pa. Pero ni minsan ay hindi ko naramdamang galit siya dahil sa way ng pag deliver niya. Noong nagkaroon na kami ng pagkakataong makapag-usap ng one to one, lalo ko siyang naintindihan. Hinikayat niya akong magsalita kung ano ang nasa isip ko dahil ang lahat ng ideya gaano man daw kalaki o kaliit ay ideya pa rin.

Pag dating sa meeting, sabihin mo lahat in a professional way dahil iyon ang pagkakataon na magkaroon ng talakayan na ikagaganda dapat ng isang organisasyong kinabibilangan mo. Isa sa hindi magandang practice ang pananahimik sa loob ng silid pero ang dami mo palang gustong sabihin na ang epekto ay imbes na maibahagi mo sa lahat ay sa mangilang-ngilang tao mo na lang tuloy naibabahagi. Isang sitwasyon na maaring magbunga pa ng hindi pagkakaintindihan at ang epekto? Magkakaroon ng misconception sa kung ano ang issue, kung ano ang napag-usapan at kung ano ang totoong sinabi. 

Malungkot mang aminin ang sinabi ng boss ko pero totoo...karamihan daw sa ating mga Pilipino ay ganoon. Bigla ko tuloy naisip..kaya siguro hindi kami uminlad-unlad dahil totoong karamihan sa atin ay ganito. Hindi sa senado, sa mga matataas na opisyal ngunit mas lalo na sa mga maliliit na organisasyon.

Imbes na mag-usap ng tinitingnan ay ang konteksto ng sinasabi para maayos ang isang bagay or mag meet half way kumbaga? Walang natatapos dahil may kanya kanyang pananaw at walang gustong magpatalo.

Pero ano nga ba ang dapat na gawin para maging produktibo ang isang pag-uusap at hindi maging negatibo? Basahin ang ilang tips na ito na halaw sa isang artikulong naisulat sa wikang Ingles.

1. Avoid unnecessary details.

Don’t sidetrack. For example, if the time something happened isn’t important, don’t waste time getting it right.

2. Don’t ask another question before the first one has been answered.

If you ask how someone’s children are, don’t jump in with your family health before she has answered.

3. Do not interrupt another while he is speaking.

Also, try to make your story short, giving the other person a chance to speak and not interrupt.

4. Do not contradict, especially if it’s not important.

You are inserting unnecessary details into the person’s story. “The person who contradicts, frequently restates the matter in another way.”

5. Do not do all the talking.

Ask questions to find out what you both have in common.

6. Don’t always be the hero of your story, however, the story should have a hero.

Build up others as well as yourself.

7. Choose a subject of mutual interest.

Draw the person’s interests out and don’t “hinge the conversation on politics when it should be on potatoes or on poetry.”

8. Be a good listener.

You will naturally become one if you follow the above rules.

9. The conversation should be in harmony with the surroundings.

Do not “talk about cheese when the moon would be a more fitting topic.” Also, don’t discount the appropriateness of silence.

10. Do not exaggerate.

Not everything is “the best,” “the worst,” or “the funniest.”

11. Do not misquote.

“Use the quotation for the occasion; do not make an occasion for the quotation.”

12. Cultivate tact.

Do not be untruthful, but also don’t feel the need to be hurtful. Do not say someone looks unwell, sick, or tired. This will do nothing to further conversation and only make the person uncomfortable. Don’t hint at it either by asking if she had a long night. Remember silence is an option. “Say the right thing, or say nothing.” (Source:The Art of Conversation)

Mahirap man pero ang pakikipag-usap ay ang dahilan bakit umiikof ang mundo natin. May makakausap tayong hindi kanais-nais at meron din namang maayos. Lagi lang tandaan na tingnan ang mensahe at i-assess ang mga pangyayari. Makabubuti din na linawin natin ang punto ng taong kausap natin para maiwasan ang tagpo na lalo pang magpapagulo imbes na magbubuo. Isipin lagi na walang nagmamagaling at ang gusto lang ay ilabas ang mga mahusay at paraang ikagagaling ng sitwasyon at higit sa lahat ay panatilihin ang respeto.

Pero kung ang mga bagay na ito ay naisagawa na pero ganun pa rin? Kailangan ng huwag lumaban sa usapang walang patutunguhan...magpakumbaba at tumigil na (isang bagay na maski ang inyong lingkod ay nahihirapan haha dahil ayaw ko ngang nabubully..pero I am trying to practice it naman.. Haha)

Ciao! ;)

Sinong Nagsabing Walang Plano ang LP?

Yung eksenang nung Mayor eh hindi inihabla tapos nung Presidente eh hindi natakot na lumabas? Tapos sasabihing natatakot daw para sa kaligtasan? Parang may mali.

Yung eksenang bonggang pambubully ni Trillanes kay Cayetano na may matching pag try na patayin pa ang mic? Kabastusan to the highest level. Alam kong maingay si Cayetano at nakakabwisit talaga, pero may bearing ang mga tanong niya at kinukuha ni Trillanes ang atensyon.

Yung eksenang chairwoman si De Lima pero parang abugado nung witness.

Yung eksenang paiba-iba ang statements tapos sinasalag nila De Lima kapag naiipin na?


Well, desperate move is still a move.

Then media will sensationalize it and then there goes Joseph Goebbel's quote, "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it."

Hintayin natin ang next move ng LP, ICC will pick it up just like what Sass said. Just like what has been done to Kenyatta of Kenya. Habang nasa trial si Duterte, Leni will take over. Ano ba? Bulag pa rin ang marami na kalakaran to ng Amerika at ang katulong nila asa Pilipinas ay ang LP noon pa. Bakit? It's all about national interest mga te. Kahit na nuknukan ng bait ng mga ibang bansa, may agenda yan sa atin mapa China man o America. Now, Duterte is trying to change the game by being neutral with China dahil subok na ang America sa kaso ni Marcos. I am not saying that Marcos is best or good, what I am saying is hindi pumapanig si Duterte sa mga Amerikano dahil subok na ang reputasyon nila sa Iraq, Libya, Syria, at sa iba pang mga bansang pinatalsik ang mga lider.

Ang tanong ngayon...kung sa panahon ni Marcos nagtagumpay sila, paano lalabanan ng mga tao ang kalokohang iyan ngayong lahat ng impormasyon at propaganda ay natatabla na. Self-destruct na ang LP dahil lahat ng skeleton in the closet ay lumalabas na.

Kung naniniwala ka pa rin na matino ang LP? Ewan ko na lang. Either anak mayaman ka, elitista or wala ka lang talagang pakialam sa logic. Eto na lang eh, 30 years namuno sila bakit 3rd world country pa rin tayo? Bakit ngayon ni hindi sila manahimik at makipagtulungan sa mga proyekto ng Gobyerno at talagang hinahanapan ng butas ang pangulo?

Bakit ipinagpilitang manalo si Leni Robredo kahit harap-harapan ng nakikita ang pandaraya? Tugma lahat iyan. Iyan ang dahilan bakit ako bwisit na bwisit noong nanalo si Leni dahil una hindi siya ang nanalo, pangalawa checkmate si Duterte. Just wait and see...their plan is coming. Sabi ko sana mali ako, pero pag nangyari iyon...gusto kong sabihin sa mga taong pilit pinagtatanggol ang LP at si Robredo.."Congrats! Ano nga ulit yung sinabi mo dati? Na walang ganung plano?"

Ipagdadasal ko na mali ako....huwag kayong magrereklamo kapag hindi pa rin umayos ang bansa natin kung si Leni ang naiupo at balik hayahay ang mga kampon ng LP. Well di pala magrereklamo kasi karamihan naman sa supporters nila ay mga di alam ang totoong konsepto ng hirap.

Ano nga ba ang Ugnayang Panglabas?

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Mariin ang di pag sang-ayon ng ibang mga tao sa mga binibitawang salita ni Pangulong Duterte. Iba-iba ang opinyon sapagkat diumano ay nasasaktan ang ugnayan nating panglabas lalo na sa Estados Unidos.

Pero, ano nga ba ang Ugnayang Panglabas na nagiging isyu na ngayon? Isang bagay na hindi binibigyan ng masyadong atensyon, dati sapagkat wala naman tayong problema dahil wika nga ng ating Pangulo ay sunod-sunuran lamang tayo noon.

Ngunit, iba na ang panahon ngayon. Kasabay ng pagpili ng ating pangulo sa daang "independent" or "less dependent"  ay ang dapat na pag-alam natin sa kung ano ba talaga ang International Relations at Diplomacy?

Halika at panoorin natin ang pagpapaliwanag sa mga bagay na dapat nating malaman sa paksang nabanggit.

Link to 10 Things you need to know on International Relations and Diplomacy:

International Relations and Diplomacy

Petition to Support Duterte's War on Drugs (Please Sign)

Amidst all the criticisms and misinformation that are being thrown into the Duterte Administration, there is still no doubt that the majority of the people are backing up this fight. Why does the President always bringing the issue up on all his speeches? Perhaps like a broken record already. 

It's a preventative measure that will cease our nation in becoming a Narco Country. Drug addicts rights now are only in an estimate of 3.7 million Filipinos, will we wait until it reach twice, thrice or higher than its current state? 

Let us not let these drug lords and Protectors be our Mayor, Governor or even President in the long run. Let's not get to that point when it is already late and we are already in the core of the problem.

In line with this, show your support by signing in this petition. Let us all make a change and have our voices be heard. We should do this not only for ourselves but more importantly for our dear children who will be vulnerable in the future. Step up! Raise your fists for them.

Link to the Petition:

We Support President Duterte's Fight on Illegal Drugs

The Rise of Alternative Intellectuals (Thinking Pinoy & Sass Rogando Sasot)

Photo Grabbed and Courtesy
Of Thinking Pinoy and Sass Rogando Sasot

Mainstream media has been in the hot seat these past few months. Reporters and writers from big media institutions are now subject of questions regarding impartiality and being biased. As I have mentioned in my previous facebook posts, I have noticed the difference on how news and commentaries are being written or presented today compared on how it was during the previous administrations.

Fortunately, Filipinos nowadays are no longer blinded with the truth that the so called usual "intellectuals" are offering. People noticed that indeed there's something wrong with how the information is being relayed to us. It is safe to say that some of us have been enlightened already. With the collapse of mainstream media's credibility is the rise of some bloggers. You may say that they are just mere bloggers who lack the credentials of being a real journalist, but not in some blogger's case.

There's Mocha Uson, Even Demata, Get Real Philippines and many others who somehow rose up due to the popularity of the Presidentiables and Vice Presidentiables that they have supported. As you can see, people have longed to hear positive news about their preferred candidates which mainstream media has failed to provide. At such, they searched for new and unorthodox writers, opinions and ideas...thus supporting bloggers instead. I am not saying that their posts are accurate but it gave an ease to readers who are sick and tired on sensationalism and negative comments about their candidates.

In my case, there were two bloggers that really caught my attention and I confess that I am one of their avid readers and now listener. They are Thinking Pinoy who chose to be anonymous and Sass Rogando Sasot, someone who is very good in International Relations because it's her field of Studies in The Netherlands.

Why did I got hook with them? It all started when they tackled the issue about South China Sea (by the way it's Not West Philippines Sea as that one is not internationally accepted). They pinpointed the root cause of that conflict which unknowingly originated from the Philippines and the conflict of interest of then DFA Sec. Albert Del Rosario. 

See Link

http://www.thinkingpinoy.net/2016/07/ph-china-on-west-philippine-sea-issue.html?m=1

That really caught my attention and came as a surpise, well I didn't know that, I just said to myself.."oooooohhh..really?". Ever since, I observed and read all of Thinking Pinoy's articles and I really learned a lot from it. Of course, being a previous writer myself, it's always a must for me to validate first if the information is true and it turned out that yes! Indeed it is true.

Upon reading TP's posts, I also bumped into one account whose write-ups are also informative. It was from a Transpinay based in The Netherlands, Sass Rogando Sasot. She gave me the same impression just like with TP but this time she is not in incognito mode. She lay bare her true personality and she is imparting her knowledge in International Relations through her facebook page. 

However, due to her attack in the the real issues, her facebook page has been blocked, first for days only and now for 30 days prompting her to create a facebook page. This is because of the "yellow minded" people who can't accept the fact that their arguments are being slayed by one person who is so good in rebuttal. All of her statements will make you think and the people who oppose her arguments are not liking that. But TP and Sass can never be silenced hence they also created a podcast to further explain everything with their voices.

It is indeed the rise of the alternative intellectuals. A field that has long been monopolized by people like Winnie Monsod, Randy David and Yellow Political. Analysts. It is about time to check on the other perspective and exercise the true meaning of Freedom of Expression..which should be coming from different angles of an issue or even a party.

Though more inclined with President Duterte's side, I strongly suggest all of you to read their posts and listen to their podcasts even if your perspective is not in the same page. They are offering their knowledge in one unusual package...witty, happy, in layman's term and as if you are in a comedy bar. 

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/politicalsass/

Podcasts:

https://www.facebook.com/KanTalk/

Ang Genocide ng Rwanda (Nasaan ang Human Rights?)

Marami na ang nasabi tungkol sa Mga katagang human rights. Sa totoo lang? Sobrang lalim nito na hindi rin kayang ipaliwanag ng katawang lupa ko.

Ngunit isa lang ang totoo, karapatan ng lahat ang Human Rights lalo na ng mga inosenteng indibidwal. Marami ang nakikialam sa ginagawa ni Duterte, marahil dahil sa concern o di naman kaya ay may hidden agenda. Sa lahat ng nabanggit na tungkol sa karapatang ito, bakit may mga nangyari pa rin na nakalusot sa mata ng buong mundo? Ang punto ko dito, lahat ng tao ay may karapatang pantao pero sana nag-aapply ang tuwirang pangingilam sa mga bansang mas nangangailangan ng tulong sa labas at hindi ang mga bansang pinipilit itayo ang nasira ng dangal.

Panoorin natin ang isang pangyayaring naganap sa Rwanda. Magsilbi sanang tagamulat ang mapapanood ninyo. Hindi para magtanim ng sama ng loob sa mga kung sinumang hindi gumalaw o tumulong, kundi para magsilbing aral at tingnan ang kasalungat na perspektibo tungkol sa laban ni Digong.

Tatagan ang inyong loob at ihanda ang sarili sa mga mapapanood. Pero eto ang katotohanan, eto ang malinaw na against sa humanity at human rights. Eto ang ibig sabihin ng kasamaan.

Translation Problems: Mary Jane Veloso's Case

Photo Courtesy of Google Photos

Upon hearing the news that Duterte provided his go signal on Veloso's case, my initial comment was "For Real? is it real? (to the Kendra Tune). Well, if you are just open to only one perspective you'll probably see yourself being pissed to this man for the nth time. On the other hand, if you will just exercise your critical thinking, let's say provided that this information is true then you will realize that there might be a reason behind it.

Could it be what we can call "Reverse Psychology"? That Duterte is strongly lifting up the judicial system of Indonesia in order for Widodo to somehow lend his ears to our President's plea. We all know that we can't provoke Indonesia by just pleading for someone to just be exempted for a crime that someone supposedly commits. Remember, even though we know that there's this possibility that the case of Veloso is just a frame up, in the eyes of the Indonesian Government and people she has been caught with illegal drugs upon entering the country. It's the truth that they know unless proven otherwise that she was indeed a victim herself.

Let's say for example, we have a death penalty here and our authorities caught a Chinese Woman with illegal substance in her, would you still appreciate it if China intervenes and just ask our Government not to execute that woman if she has been proven guilty by our own court? If China condemns our judicial system and death penalty..do you think we will be happy with that?

Going back, povided that this information is true that Duterte has given his go signal...do you think Widodo is that stupid to just base his decision to that of Duterte? Of course he will think logically about it. Just like what had happened, when he let the proceedings of Veloso's alleged human traffickers be cleared first before the execution takes place. There's also this decision to indefinitely exclude Veloso from the death row. With all of these somehow "favors", what we can do to save Veloso? Strengthen her case against the alleged human trafficker and prove her innocence once and for all.

You see, there are so many things that you have to analyse and consider before jumping to a conclusion. I think, Filipinos are still premature when it comes to tactics and strategies. That's the saddest part of it all. Let's think and go beyond what our eyes and ears can hear.

To set the record straight, please see below Sec. Manny Pinol's Facebook post as he was part of our official delegation to Indonesia.

'I was there!'

RODY NEVER SAID 'YES'

TO VELOSO EXECUTION

By Manny Piñol

Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture

Is this another case of "lost in translation?"

Earlier today, Tempo editor Rey Bancod called to ask me to validate a news report coming from Jakarta, Indonesia quoting President Joko Widodo as saying that President Rody Duterte gave his "Go" signal for the execution of convicted drug mule Mary Jane Veloso.

This was followed by another interview by DZMM anchor Anthony "Ka Tunying" Taberna who also asked me the same question.

Well, here is my answer: No, I never heard President Duterte say that he was giving the Indonesian Government the "Go" signal to execute Veloso.

Why am I so sure?

Well, I was present during the bilateral talks between the Indonesian Government and the Philippine Government at the Istana Merdeka President Palace.

I was also present during the delivery of official statements by the two Presidents after the bilateral talks and I also joined the party during the State Dinner tendered by President Widodo for President Duterte and his Party.

During the bilateral talks, I was seated a chair away from President Duterte with Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. seated between us.

Across the table, Indonesian President Widodo was facing President Duterte and I was about two meters away from him.

Maybe it was out of habit that as a former newsman, I took notes of the exchange of statements between the two Presidents during the bilateral talks.

It was President Widodo who made the opening statement and President Duterte responded by reading a prepared statement.

I could not quote President Duterte verbatim but I am sure that the transcript of his statement would prove that what he said during the official statement was the following:

"We respect your laws. We will not interfere with your judicial processes but we are asking for clemency."

That statement referred not only to the case of Veloso but also for the 105 Filipino fishermen who are now detained in different jails all over Indonesia for alleged illegal fishing activities.

So is this another case of "lost in translation?"

Only the Indonesian side could explain that.

As far as I am concerned and as a former journalist myself, I can state with certainty that during the official bilateral talks between the two leaders, President Duterte never said he was giving a "Go" signal for the execution of Veloso.

In fact, he did not even mention her name and only referred to her as a Filipino whose fate under Indonesian laws he would respect."

Source Link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1106961956052939&substory_index=0&id=351448724937603

A Perspective in Media Sensationalism

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

I have never really been a fan of mainstream media ever since I started listening to independent media practitioners. Why? I am able to compare the way mainstream folks provide all the information versus those that are working independently. With the likes of Rolando Bartolome and Herman Tiu Laurel, I can't help but see the difference. I already accepted the fact that I am living in a society where vital information is being held while not so news worthy issues are being sensationalized for the ratings and profit's sake.

However, critical thinking is no longer in the backseat come May 2016 elections. People were able to see that glitch in the system of broadcasting that I was able to see long before Duterte came to power. One comment that really nailed it came from former DILG Secretary Rafael Alunan. And I may quote from his facebook post, please see below point from this man.

"When I was Secretary of Tourism, I flew to Japan to work out ways to bring in more tourists from there. My counterpart told me they were having a hard time promoting the country. 

Our local media, he said, loved to sensationalise stories, particularly crime and scandal stories, complete with screaming headlines and photos, oftentimes with tentative details and speculations, never accurate that people could really learn from. And when the story dies out, he said that somehow the press recycles it and noted that they liked to pit people against each other. Very divisive practice he said. Bad for nation-building.

Our local news is picked up by the international press. And if the stories are irresponsible - devoid of professionalism, prudence and circumspection - the impact on foreigners is negative. He said the Japanese were fearful to come here because of it. In Japan, he said the papers would report their crime stories in the middle pages, sans gory pictures, sensational headlines and only reported the basics - who, what, where, how, how many, why, etc. 

That was way back in 1991. A few years later, I sued a national daily with natural tabloid instincts for placing on their front page headline story that I was responsible for the release of a notorious killer in Mindanao. I was shocked out of my chair because I didn't know the fellow at all.  I checked the inclusive dates when that supposedly happened, and saw the glaring mistake immediately. It took place when I was blissfully working in the private sector selling to the local textile industry and Philippine goods abroad. I was not in government. I was mistaken for somebody else. 

I asked Atty Rene Cayetano, father of Sen. Alan Peter, to lawyer for me. He succeeded to have that paper recognise and acknowledge its gross mistake. But you know how it recanted and apologised a year later? Surely, it was not in the front page with equally eye-grabbing headlines. It was buried at the corner of a page somewhere in the middle of the paper in small print. So much for ethics, decency and fair play.  And you know what the cavalier response was on the side? "Don't worry, in the future we will also print your side?" What? After the damage is done? What kind of responsible journalism is that?

25 years later today, 2016, has anything changed? Do we have a responsible, professional press? Does it deliver informative news that enable the cause of nation-building? Is it development oriented? Is it sober, reliable and trustworthy? These are questions that require deep reflection. And if the answer is no, something has to be done. We cannot go on like this open-ended like a bunch of uncaring nitwits". - former Sec. Rafael Alunan

Well, it's up to us to believe who we want to believe. But for me? I chose to dig deeper before I believe an information. Research, check and validate; that's should be the name of the game.  One person or nation's reputation depends on how the media is depicting it. They are the only organization who unknowingly can manipulate my mind, your mind our minds.... So don't let it. The same goes with some social media organizations or individuals.

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Tutubi noon, Pokemon Ngayon

Mama, nakakita ng mga batang parang may hinuhuli. Sabi ng kasama niyang matanda, nanghuhuli ng Pokemon yan.

Mama: dati tutubi ang hinuhuli sa damuhan, ngayon mga pokemon na?

Nung ikinuwento ito sa akin, hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako o malulungkot. Hindi man ako anti-pokemon pero nakita ko ang sense ng sinabi niya. Tama naman eh, may nakikita pa ba kayong mga tutubi? Mga paro-paro na marami? Sa panahon ngayon ay madalang na lang at hindi tulad noong bata pa ako na nagkalat sa mga kabukiran o damuhan ang mga ganoong uri ng hayop.

Siguro nga naubos sila kakahuli ng mga kabataan noon at may katotohanan na pag nawala na sila ay hindi na mapapalitan agad. Nakakalungkot man pero hindi tulad ng mga Pokemon, ang mga tutubi ay totoong buhay, ngunit sa kasamaang palad ay unti-unti nang hindi natin nakikita.

Hindi na masisilayan ng basta-basta ng ating mga anak at tuluyan na nga tayong nasakop ng pagtaas ng antas ng teknolohiya. Kasama na diyan ang mga laro sa mga gadgets natin ngayon.

Again, walang masama na makisama sa daloy ng kung ano ang uso. Kanya-kanyang trip iyan at depende sa kasiyahan ng isang tao. Somehow maganda rin dahil hindi na mas lalo pang mauubos ang mga tutubi sa kapaligiran na teka, meron pa nga ba? Alam ko rin na ginawa ang larong iyan para magkaroon ng interaksyin ang mga bata at para maengganyong lumabas. Pero sasang-ayon naman siguro kayo sa katotohanang, mga tutubi ang hinuhuli noon at pokemon naman ang ngayon.

Ilocos Sur's Treasure: The Churches

I was born and raised in Bulacan but my roots came from the equally beautiful province of Ilocos Sur. Mama and Papa were both born and raised in the town of Sta. Maria, hence making me somehow a lost daughter of this province (haha as if it's looking for me). Well, there are so many things to be proud of with this place aside from the hospitable nature of the Ilocanos and the wonderful scenery that it can offer. Ilocos Region has been a cradle of our Historical evolution which is very evident in the structures that you will see when you go there.

What else could justify the claim that Ilocos Sur is rich in historical masterpieces than the churches that have become the witness of time passing us by?

Churches that witnessed the sorrow and triumph of our ancestors in the hands of the Spaniards, Americans, Japanese and up to the present time. Cammon, let's take a look:

1. San Vicente Church

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

From the time of the Spaniards until now, St. Vincent Parish Church has seen San Vicente evolved from a small sub part named Barrio Tuanong of Vigan City to an independent town that would be the local furniture town. Miracles are attributed to the parish’s patron saint, St. Vincent Ferrer, attracting pilgrims from far and near. The church façade has two layers of columns divided by ornate architraves. The convoluted cornices in the church’s top section add beauty to the structure. Octagonal columns top with mini-domes rise from the base on both sides of the church   façade. The ornate wooden pulpit is still preserved. The parish was established in 1795. (Refererence: www.sanvicente-ilocossur.gov.ph)

2. Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion (Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur) - My Hometown :)

Originally built by the Augustinian priests, rebuilt in 1810. The Church of Sta. Maria is one of the four Baroque churches in the Philippines that was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The other three are: Immaculate Conception in Intramuros (Manila City), Santo Tomas Church in Miag-ao (Iloilo), and San Agustin Church in Paoay (Ilocos Norte). (Reference: VisitPinas.com)

3. San Guillermo de Aquitania Church, Mansingal Ilocos Sur

One of the most beautiful churches that you can see in Ilocos Sur is the San Guillermo de Aquitania Church in Magsingal. On July 31, 2001, the San Guillermo de Aquitania was one of the Philippine colonial churches declared by the National Museum as a national cultural treasure. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts  had identified and selected it as one of 26 Spanish Colonial Era churches to be under its conservation program. Younger than its counterpart in Laoag City by approximately 247 years, San Guillermo de Aquitania Church was built by the Augustinian Recollects in 1827. Like other Ilocos churches, it is supported by imposing buttresses. The church’s retablo is regarded as the most important examples of Baroque-influence art in the Ilocandia. (Reference: Tourism.Ilocossur.gov.ph)

4.  Vigan Cathedral

The St. Paul’s Cathedral is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is considered a major religious landmark not only of northern Luzon but the country as well. Visitors must include a visit to the cathedral when in Vigan as it has been a center of Roman Catholic devotion for centuries. The church as it stands now was completed in 1800. The original structure was built in 1574 upon the command of the Spanish founder of Vigan, Juan de Salcedo. It was a mere chapel then, made of wood and thatch. In 1641, the chapel was replaced by a church.Overall, the cathedral follows a Baroque architectural design that has been modified by Ilocanos to strengthen the structure against earthquakes. This is now known as earthquake Baroque. Testament to the style’s effectivity is the fact that the structure’s original interior walls are still in tact. (Reference: vigan.ph)

5. Sta. Lucia Church 

St. Lucy the Martyr Church was built by Father Juan Pascula Barreda and Father Manuel Arguelles in 1887. Its dome and ceiling was repaired and the surroundings were reinforced by Father Venusto Mata. its bell tower was damaged by an earthquake but was repaired eventually. It's one of the most beautiful churches in Ilocos. Its interior has a painted ceiling, pulpit and a carved retablo.

The Church has an image of the Dark Virgin of Santa Lucia, the patroness of those with failing eyesight. (Reference: Wikifilipino.com)

6. Bell Tower, Vigan

The Church has a deep brown, neo-gothic façade. Like the Saint Paul Cathedral, one can see that it also incorporates the distinctively Vigan earthquake baroque in its architecture to save the structure from the destructive force of earthquakes that visit the land. It is amongst the oldest surviving churches in Ilocos Sur and is under the care of the Augustine Order, first of who was Father Montoya Osa. Visitors will also see within St. Augustine Church the statue of Our Lady of Charity, who is Nueva Segovia’s patroness. From the church, she is said to have watched over the city over many generations. The church suffered damages from World War II and so it underwent reconstruction in 1950. The surroundings of the church and belfry are quite historic as well. Visitors will walk upon the same grounds where Diego Silang and his troops were said to have fought with the Spaniards in 1763. (Reference: www.vigan.ph)

These are just some of the wonderful heritage of this province. Religion and Architecture have been a great part of its history whuch I am really very proud of. So next time, if you happen to go to the north, please make sure to pass by and explore these treasures.. The Churches.

Disclaimer: All the pictures used are not mine and have just been lifted from Google. Proper labeling of source or references were also done to some of the paragraphs and descriptions that were used.

Ang Aking Hindi Perpektong Pagsulat

Photo Courtesy of Google Image: AlternativeLearningSystem.blogspot.com

Nagsusulat ako ng Nakatayo, nakaupo, nakahiga, nasa MRT at kahit anong posisyon pa ay nagsusulat ako dahil maraming mga bagay ang pumapasok sa isip ko. Hindi ako masalita dahil mahina talaga ako sa salitaan o daldalan..salamat sa pagiging introvert ko at sa walang tiyaga sa diskusyunan. Hindi dahil sa takot ako kundi dahil tinatamad lang talaga akong magsalita kaya idinadaan ko na lamang sa sulat.

Ang pinakapaborito kong topic sa totoo lang ay pulitika. Hindi ba obvious sa mga posts ko sa Facebook? Kung friend kita doon ay malalaman mong mahilig talaga ako sa pulitika. Dahil naniniwala ako na sobrang laki ng epekto nito sa ating pang araw-araw na pamumuhay. Walang biro, malaki talaga..kasing laki ng butanding.

Anyway, moving on..paano at kailan nga ba ako nagka-interes sa pagsusulat. Nagsimula iyan nung High School ako kung saan ay naisali ako sa isang Essay Writing Contest at umabot ako sa District level at awa ng Diyos ay itinanghal na Champion sa buong District 4 ng Bulacan. Actually halos nakalimutan ko na nga ang detalye haha, pero basta ang alam ko panalo ako noon. Nasabi ko sa sarili ko, kaya ko palang ilagay sa papel kung ano ang aking nasa utak.

Dito na nagsimula ang aking pagkabighani sa pagsusulat at gaya ng dati kong sinabi sa facebook page ko? Mas lalo pa akong naengganyo nang marinig ko na ang mga komentaryo ni Rolando Bartolome sa radyo na isang Palanca awardee. Block timer siya sa radyo, hindi popular na mga ideya ang tinatalakay niya at madalas ay nababan pa. Ganoon kasi siya ka passionate pag nagbigay ng comments tungkol sa pulitika. Doon ako nagsimulang magbasa at naging tulay din yun para i-pursue ko ang aking pagsusulat na umabot sa school newspaper namin. Hindi man mabibigat na istorya o balita, masaya na rin na umabot ako sa posisyon na Editor in Chief sa aming Gazette. Sa yugtong iyon ninais ko sanang kumuha ng journalism noong high school subalit hindi iyon ang landas na tinahak ko.

Pumasok ang College at ako ay napasama naman sa Weekly newspaper namin sa UE. Naging parte ako ng Caloocan Bureau bilang Features Writer pero hindi rin iyon nagtagal sa kadahilanang kailangan ko ng mag focus sa aking pag-aaral ng kursong aking pinili. Maikli man ang panahon ay may mga natutunan din ako doon...katulad ng hindi talaga madali ang maging isang manunulat. Mahirap at sobrang nakaka stress lalo na kung kailangan mong mag-produce ng worth it na artikulo.

Sa madaling salita ay inukit ko na lamang ang lahat bilang isang pampalipas oras, outlet kumbaga. Hindi ako magaling lalo sa teknikal na aspeto ng pagsusulat at sa mga malalalim na grammar. Pero alam kong may ideya ako, may malalim na ideya sa mga bagay na nagaganap sa ating lipunan. Ngunit nang mga nakaraang administrasyon ay mas pinili ko na lamang na sumabay sa agos sapagkat wala din namang mapapala kahit na magsususulat ako. Magmumukha lamang akong bitter sa facebook page ko kung puro ako opinyon, samantalang ang lahat ng tao ay wala namang pakialam.

Ngunit naiba ang ihip ng hangin mula noong 2016 election, dahil for once ay may mga tumakbo na mga karapat-dapat sa puwesto. Lumabas ulit ako bilang ako na manunulat sapagkat nakikita kong kailangan ng mga tao ng magpapaliwanag na mula naman sa ibang perspektibo at pananaw. Kung hindi naglabasan ang mala political analysts na tulad ko at tulad ng ibang nagpopost tungkol sa pulitika ay monopolyo pa rin ng impormasyon ang mangyayayari sa atin.

Hindi mo na kailangan ng Editor para lumabas kung ano ang nasa utak mo. Hindi mo na rin kailangang maging sobrang galing sa English para lamang makapagsulat. Hindi ibig sabihin na aabusuhin ito at kahit ano na lamang ay puwedeng maisulat. Ang punto ko ay, malaya na tayong magbigay ng kuro-kuro dahil sa social media kaya hindi na mahirap ang magsulat. Subalit kaakibat nito ay ang responsibilidad na alamin at pag-aralan mo muna ang iyong isinulat bago mo ihayag. Isang bagay na nakakalimutan na din yatang gawin maski ng mga lehitimong tagapagbigay ng mga balita.

Ngayong pumasok tayo sa isang hindi pangkaraniwang kabanata ng ating lipunan sa pamumuno din ng isang hindi pangkaraniwang pinuno. Marapat lamang na magkaroon ng rebolusyon sa impormasyon at pagpapahayag.


Marami na ang lumalabas para tumulong sa paggising sa ating mga isipan. Hindi man perpekto ang aking pagsulat, isa lang ang masasabi ko...may mga taong kahit paano ay bumabasa kung ano ang nasa isip ko. Tulad ko, maski ikaw... Oo ikaw, hindi ka man journalist ay ihayag mo ang saloobin mo na tingin mo ay tama at huwag kang mahihiya. Ngunit huwag ka ring salaula sa kumento para lamang makapang bash.

Hindi man ako naging journalist, kahit paano ay may ideya ako kung ano at para saan ang propesyong ito. Ang magbigay ng impormasyon... Ng tamang impormasyon. Saludo pa rin ako sa mga mamamahayag na pinipiling magsabi ng tamang impormasyon at hindi nagpapadikta, oo marami pa.

Sabi nga ni Mocha Uson.. "I am not a Journalist". Pero kahit di tayo perpekto at journalist may karapatan pa rin tayong magpahayag. Hindi nakakahiyang tumulong sa sambayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat. Hindi man maging viral, ang mahalaga ay nakapag ambag ng pananaw. Again, just be responsible with it.

Hindi Na Nga Ba Tayo Puppet?

Ang Pilipinas ay isang napakayamang bansa, hindi lamang sa mga likas na yaman kundi maging sa mga talento. Tayo ay namamayagpag sa larangan ng BPO at pagpapadala ng mga tao sa ibang bansa para ibahagi ang ating talento doon. Ito ay sa tulong ng mga bansang katulad ng US, Gitnang Silangan at Europa. Ito ay walang duda na nakakapagbigay sa atin ng kita at malaki ang naitutulong sa ating ekonomiya.

Ngunit may naiiwan, ano? Ang dapat na backbone ng ating ekonomiya... Ang agrikultura, pangingisda at manufacturing. Ang mga ito ay matagumpay na naisulong ng mga bansa sa Asia or Timog Silangang Asya katulad ng China, Vietnam, Thailand at Malaysia. Dito tayo nahuhuli, dahil ang ating mga likas na yaman ay hindi nagagamit ng maaayos. Natengga rin tayo sa larangan ng paggawa at ang ating mga imprastraktura ay hindi rin ganoon kalayo ang iniusad. Ito ang sa tingin kong maaaring dahilan ng pakikipag ugnayan ng mas malalim sa mga nabanggit na bansa. Ito ang malaking maitutulong sa atin ng bansang Tsina.

Kapag napagtagumpayan nating pagyamanin ang mga larangan na sinabi ko, magagamit natin ito sa ating national interest. Ang pagpapayabong natin sa agrikultura sa tulong ng mga bansa sa Asya at ang pagpapayabong natin sa ating puwersang paggawa sa mga multinational companies at ibang bansa dahil naman sa ating mga talento ay mistulang hitting 2 targets with one arrow na maaaring mag-ahon pa ng husto sa ekonomiya.

Kahit na sang-ayon ako sa lahat ng mga sinabi ni Duterte against sa US, kailangan din nating makisama (wala tayong choice). Para na rin sa mga kumpanyang nandito at sa mga kababayan nating nandoon. Pero, huwag sa puntong masyado na tayong nagpapakababa na lahat na lang papakialaman maski ang internal na issues natin. Natural lamang na kundinahin natin ang ginagawang "pagsakop" ng Tsina sa ilan sa ating mga isla, pero isipin din natin ang maaaring maitulong ng bansang ito sa atin. Kailangan tayo ang maglaro sa kanila at hindi yung sila ang lumalaro sa atin sa sarili nating bansa at lupa.

Isa lang ang sa tingin ko ang magandang nangyari, ang pagpapakilala natin sa ating bansa bilang independent at hindi tuta ng kahit na anong bansa Tsina man o America. Subalit nakakalungkot na mismong sa loob ng bansa ay marami ang kontra. Lalo na ang mga taong walang ginawa sa loob ng ilang taon kundi ang magpayaman sa kaban ng bayan. Kasama na ang mga normal na mga Pilipino, may tinapos man o wala na masyadong nabubulagan sa lalim ng problema at mas pinili ang manira kesa ang magbuo.

Photo Courtesy of CNN (not mine)