The Unbroken Reverie

I together with other eight intellectuals of our High School Editorial Team were chosen by our adviser to represent our school, Don Bosco in a seminar-conference on journalism yesterday, July 10, 2009. This seminar-conference was conducted inside the old meeting hall of the mayor of Mandaluyong City, at the 4th floor of the old building in Maysilo Circle.

Only three big schools: Don Bosco, La Salle, and Lourdes, were invited to participate in the said seminar-conference; the rest, if not public, were semi-private schools. Though, La Salle and Lourdes did not send their representatives. Perhaps they do not consider gaining from a free seminar on journalism. Right.

The speaker was Albert Almendralejo. He began his journalism career as a contributor of the school organ of San Beda College. On account of that, he became the student council president of the said college. This exposed him in the task of event-organizing and engaging more with different people which means more writing. Some works he handled were the Guinness successful Colgate Lovapalooza where more than 6000 lovers kissed simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, and Bakal Boys (Children Metal Divers): an indie film featuring the lives of unfortunate children in Baseco, Tondo scavenging iron and metal scraps in the dark, muddy waters of Manila Bay. Almendralejo has a degree in Management but, apparently, he is reaching higher in the field of media.

Almendralejo taught us how to capture readers for our articles and how we can reach out to other people as journalists. He just said that our articles must be related to the readers' interests and we could help the disregarded members of our community by addressing in our works their situations and needs. I would not elaborate this for now.

We were expecting three speakers that day but unfortunately only one of them was able to come. We just spent the remaining time of the course with a series of exchange of ideas.

After the course, we were stranded in the City Hall because it was raining and the roads around were already submerged in water. Our adviser called to school to send us a service so we could go back there but since it was already past five, the head of our department had already left the school. We had no choice but to brave the deep flood and the heavy rain.

Getting stuck somewhat gave way for us to bond with one another, which was a good thing. One of them told me some good remarks, and I was happy because I had the chance to show my kindness by giving back to him the favor. Through our conversations, I learned some new great things about them.

Going home, I had to ride a pedal-operated tricycle to cross the sunken road. I asked the driver to drop me to the near gasoline station where I could wait for a jeepney. Jeepneys were quickly filled by other waiting passengers. Just about after eight jeepneys I was able to roll up. Nevertheless, I consider myself lucky because I had three schoolmate-friends inside the jeep. They told me they were from McDo, and they asked me why I was wet and where I was from. I told them what happened, that we were jammed in YJAM (Youth Journalist Association of Mandaluyong).

All in all, it was a memorable day for me. A simple yet an enjoyable adventure.

Filipinos used to be like puppets on strings that were controlled by the Spanish rulers. They were obedient to each orders imposed to them without even knowing its actual purpose. They were ignorant and innocent to the injustices that were being done to them. Some even tried to be like the Spanish colonists in their thoughts, feelings, and approach in life, which sequentially ended in transforming their entire characters to new beings by acquiring even the culture and traditions of their exploiters. (This describes how colonial mentality works in the Philippines. Do you still remember Doña Victorina – the Filipina native in Noli Me Tangere who tried dreadfully to look like an Española?) To cut a long story short, the Filipinos were a depiction of a nation with a mesmerized and spellbound will.

These and more happened because we were deprived by our colonizers of our right to be educated in our own country, to be well-informed. They did that for the reason that they did not want us to see and realize the exploitation, oppression, and the abuse that they were doing in our country.

On the friar’s aim of obscuring Rizal’s message from the Filipinos, making them difficult to understand for the Filipinos (get how they’re making us idiots?), Jose Rizal cautiously instructed everyone who had received his novels, letters, and other compositions to preserve them so it could do its purpose and act as a sender of his message to the future generation. On Rizal’s manifesto written on December 15, 1896 (Manifesto to Certain Filipinos), he declared that education is important because through it and our supplementary effort, we may acquire a personality of our own, identity of our own, and this would make us worthy of the liberty that we are enjoying this day.

The youth as the fair hope of the motherland. This is Rizal’s vision for the youth.

The youth are advocates of idealism. Dreams, hopes, desires, and goals are more evidently expressed by the youth. That could be why Rizal depended very much on the youth. He believed that the youth is the key towards a great country. He also believed in education for the youth. In fact, a number of his letters, novels, poems, and even his manifesto mostly emphasize education. He believed that we can achieve unity and progress through education.

May the Philippines continue to bear heroic and daring youth, steadfast in eradicating the wrong ideas but opens himself to the steadfastness of his great mind, vigilant against deprivations of truth, justice and freedom. Belated Happy Independence Day!

P.S. Nevertheless, really, what is Colonial Mentality? – We have been hearing about it since we were young. It is the despised wicked mentality of Filipinos we have discussed in our HEKASI, along with Mañana Habit, Crab Mentality, and Ningas Cogon. Colonial Mentality, according to Wikipedia, is a concept that refers to the acceptance, by the colonized, of the culture of the colonizer.

It is funny that most of the people who went there were only up to the dog tags and not really to rally for a change in our country. Littering, swearing, etc. were so widespread during the event. 40,000 people present? If not for the dog tag, for the concert? We Filipinos are too eager to make a change, yet we are too lazy and selfish to do so.

DOG TAG YOU WANT? - NO THANKS, I'M NOT A DOG.

The best place to start change is within each one of us; the essence of the advocacy. AKO MISMO actually reminds us that we can; there is hope for change and progress in our country.

Thank you to Mr. Juan Step for the inspiration to write.

“Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows that it brings abundance to drive away hunger.” – St. Basil

(The following story is my adaptation of the story from the homily of Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB, and from the article by Fr. Armand Robleza, SDB on CodeRED)

Mikey was a lovely raindrop up in the sky. One day, he looked at the clouds and said, “How beautiful it is to stay in this sky. I sparkle like a diamond in the sun. I am pure as the angels without the dirt of the earth. From the sky I can see the whole world. The universe is mine.”

Until the Great Spirit, one day, approaches him, “Mikey, fall down into the earth!”

Mikey replied, “What? Are you serious? Fall down to the earth and die?”

But the Great Spirit came in with assuring words, “Yes. If you drop down, the earth will swallow you; but the rice will grow, the farmers will have something to harvest, and the children will have something to play around.”

Mikey, knows no longer what to do, spoke softly, “You want me to die?” The Great Spirit became silent, and Mikey became very silent too.

The morning came and the fields were greener. The grasses were all satisfied from their thirst. It must have rained the previous night.

Mikey, in spite of so many issues that were being thrown at him, he ran… for student council president. He was no longer afraid to dive into the unknown. He got out of his comfort zone. He took a great leap of faith. He hoped to amplify the use of his gifts, and dared to become more.

“Get away from your comfort zone. Fall down from that abundant and lavish life!”

Jesus said according to Matthew, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

So often, life seems to be filled with so much huge paradoxes. You have to fall in order for you to rise once more. You have to go down that you may go off yet again. You have to die… for you to live all over again. I realized it would only seem so until we have finally fully understood His way. He said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways are my ways.”

"You cannot fly a kite unless you go against the wind and have a weight to keep it from turning somersaults. The same with man; No man will succeed unless he is ready to face and overcome difficulties and is prepared to assume responsibilities" - William J. H. Boetcker

Diamonds are created under pressures of the earth. They are produced more or less a hundred miles below the ground where pressures are five times higher than on the surface, and where temperature is hot enough to dissolve iron. With carbon exposed to such conditions, the circumstances are perfect to transform carbon into a diamond.

In the same way as the diamonds are formed, true leaders also emerge under pressure. Situations force true leader to the surface. Similar to the diamonds, they erupt when situations require strong leadership. Carbon is everywhere, charcoal and graphite abound; but diamonds are few, just like true leaders are rare.

Pardon me for saying this, but in life, shit really happens. Harsh words could be spoken to you, criticism could be whispered, and conflicts could happen; but how you face and handle these pressures will measure your ability to make a difference… to be a leader.

“Circumstances play a vital role in the development of an individual; the more severe the circumstances, the higher the chances of an ordinary person to become an extraordinary leader.” – Branimir Schubert

Rapper, actor and TV host Francis Magalona, diagnosed with leukemia last year, died Friday at 12:20 pm at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City. He was 44.

He battled cancer for almost eight months before finally passing away. The immediate cause of Magalona's death was heart failure. He received his last sacraments before noon.

Last August, Magalona informed the noontime show "Eat Bulaga" via text message that he was suffering from leukemia.

The rapper even requested for blood donations to replace the blood he was using at the Medical City hospital in Ortigas Avenue where he was being treated.

"I have been diagnosed with leukemia and I am preparing for my treatment. Sa tulong ng Panginoon, kakayanin ko po ito," he said. "Abangan nyo ang aking pagbabalik. 'Di ko lang kayo 'miss'... LOVE KO kayong lahat."

Magalona was a regular host of the noon time show "Eat Bulaga."

Host Vic Sotto announced Magalona's demise during the show Friday and asked the people to pray for Francis.

“We will surely miss him, pati na ng buong industriya. We request everyone to pause for a moment of prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Francis. Our condolences to the family. Kiko, we love you,” Sotto said.

The stars of the popular noontime show broke into tears as they prayed for the soul of Magalona.

The 44-year-old Magalona was the son of 1950's legendary actors and celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Launched as a teen star in the 1980s, Magalona's career boomed with his hit rap song "Mga Kababayan," which was included in his album "Yo!" released in 1990.

He was also the voice behind the hits "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Francis M left behind is wife Pia Arroyo and their eight children - Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actress Maxene Magalona.

Terence Almonte, 3rd year high school student from the house of Caravario, and standard bearer of the UNLI Party: “Unlimited Service, Fun, Learning, and Connection” won the presidency during the election of the Student Council held on February 16, 2009 in the High School Department of Don Bosco Technical College.

Almonte bagged the president position with a very slight lead – 12 votes – over his closest rival, yours truly, Mike Gallego of MENTOS: “Making Everyone Nurtured Through Our Service”, also from 3 – Caravario. Kevin Roxas of 3 – Kowalski, Almonte’s running mate, won with a total victory as vice president against Angelo Aquino of 3 - Rua.

On the other hand, Shaq Raymundo of 3 – Caravario and MENTOS party bested two other candidates, Kevin Villanueva of UNLI party, and Marc Seco, an independent candidate.

Here are the results of other contested Student Council positions: Treasurer – GJ Mascardo (3 – Kowalski; MENTOS party); PRO – Karlo Pasamba (3 – Variara; UNLI party).

Although many showed disappointment on the result of the presidential election, especially from the first and second years, where I got the majority of my votes, it was beyond doubt an election filled with so much thrill and suspense. In short, it was fun!

I may not be inducted as a Student Council officer, but in the eyes of our young ones in school, I am still a leader. I am so much glad that I was able to earn their respect and trust in just a very short span of time. I shall never forget that LEADERSHIP is ACTION and not position.

All of the candidates, with their supporters, did their best to campaign for their respective parties, putting up banners and posters on glass windows around the school, playing campaign tunes with the school’s centralized speaker, distributing bribes like candies and stickers, and delivering eloquent speeches particularly during the room-to-room campaign and the Miting de Avance where they explained their leadership principles, and government platforms.

This activity gave the students the chance to exercise their right of suffrage and enjoy the freedom in a democratic country. The SC adviser, Mr. Dexter Dela Cruz, and the school administrators had expressed their utmost support to the plans and visions of the SC officials.

Congratulations to our incoming student council officers! Good luck. Do your best! God bless our school!

Lord, God, allow your people to employ good judgment in choosing the righteous leader for our country in the 2010 election. Fill them with courage and strength that, in this significant time of change, they may fulfill their obligation to our country and its people.

Let it be.

Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

I, Mike G., support the cause of the Blog Prayer Brigade for the election of the Future President of the Republic of the Philippines and I do solemnly promise to recite the prayer, which I wrote, in my own convenient time and regularly as possible until the 2010 Presidential Election commences. Let it be written, let it be done.

Alright, I have managed to start a new blog entry. Well, alright… the Mr. United Nations pageant in our school was held yesterday. Of course, I would not write about it if it did not get my attention. I will make this short and to the point.

The Social Studies and Communication Arts Education areas of the high school department really worked hard and did their best for this project. I am just a bit disappointed because someone who is very gifted and qualified was not favored by the judges to be included in the top 7, but they made someone who did not show any talent or wit but an awful attitude be in the top 7.

Here are some of the seven questions I remember from the judges during the Q&A portion, the candidates’ answers, bonus my simple annotations and own answers:

If you had the privilege to talk to the newly elected president of the United States, Barrack Obama, what would you tell him, and why?

The candidate said that he would ask Barrack Obama how is it like to be in a non-democratic country, because someday if he, too, becomes a president like President Obama, he will have an idea of what is it like. – Is the U.S. of A. a non-democratic country? And I am not sure if knowing what it is like will help me when I become a president. If I am asked the same question, this will be my answer:

The United Nations, International Monetary Funds, and World Bank have begun such population control programs as conditions for the assists that they give. Barrack Obama, being one of the most influential and powerful persons in the world, I think he has the voice to these world-governing organizations. I will ask him to impede the passing of inhuman laws being commenced as coercion in trade of their helps.

What is the best thing about being a Filipino that you can truly be proud of?

The answer of the candidate, who is a friend, was that if he has something to be proud of as a Filipino, it is his family values, because it makes a foundation for making good decisions later on in our lives. – The Filipino family values are truly something that we can be proud of as Filipinos. I think he was just not able to elaborate his answer well. By the way, I chose to have a different answer:

The realities that are happening in our country right now really bite. Philippines is a country with too much problems; dirty, poor, corrupt, and whatnot. But, in the face of all these apparent problems, they still make every effort to see its bright side. Filipinos are optimistic that they never lose hope that one day it will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Filipinos trust in God that they do not give up on the problems they encounter. FAITH. Faith connects us with God, gives us hope, and makes us persistent… something that lasts and is enough to sustain all of us. We have strong faith, and that is something that we, Filipinos, can truly be proud of.

You are aware of the loss (or decline) of the nationalism of the Filipinos. What should you do to counteract this and reinstate nationalism in our people?

The candidate’s answer was: “I would help in improving our environment.” – Say what? I think he got really nervous when the judge told him that it was a difficult question, that’s why he wasn’t able to think of a good answer.

Every Don Bosco school in the Philippines is known for its mission in forming tomorrow’s servant-leaders. Don Bosco is a school where students have the chance to exercise and develop their ability to lead by spearheading organizations and programs they want. Maybe, as a student, I can take advantage of this opportunity by organizing activities which may awaken my fellow students’ nationalism once more. Who knows, to greater extent, maybe I could summon a greater activity that would involve other different schools or even the whole nation.

If you could be in somebody else’s shoes for one day, who would it be and why?

The candidate said he would like to be Mahatma Gandhi, because he was a great man who contributed a lot to the freedom of his country and did many great things for its people. – I really like his answer. But I wasn’t thinking the same. As for me:

I am happy and grateful with what God has made of me and just by walking in my own shoes. I believe, that if in a way or another I could make a difference, I would find that way myself. But if I really had to, I would choose to live somebody’s life who has more difficulties and pains than I have. It would be a very great learning experience for me.

I think all the candidates were beyond doubt qualified in the said competition. They all got the looks, the talent, and the wit. I believe they all had a great time. Congratulations to all the Mr. U.N. and to our S.S. and C.A.E. areas for an indeed spectacular event.

He stayed on an island for weeks, ate all sorts of weird food and carried out every conceivable difficult challenge, all for one million dollars. He is the Survivor.

He was arrested without a solid cause, scourged, crowned with thorns, crucified and murdered on the cross? all for the salvation of our souls. He is the Savior.

Both had to battle for a prize.

For the Survivor, it was to gain material wealth. That is why he had to compete and treat everyone as an enemy, making sure that he alone prevailed till the end. The Savior, on the other hand, wanted to rescue as many lives as he could by His death on the cross, thus amid affliction, He remained meek and humble and treated everyone, even His persecutors, with love and compassion.

Both seemed to have lost their sanity and done things out of the ordinary. But not without a cause.

The Survivor wants to have everything for himself, while the Savior promises to bring about peace and happiness beyond this earth to those who will follow His steps.

Will you join the Savior, or would you rather be a Survivor?

I am a hero. I do what I believe is right. I do what I believe is good. I fight for justice. I fight for freedom. I am a hero. In a big way, in a small way. In my own way. I am a hero. I am Ninoy.

Twenty-five years ago, a man named Ninoy Aquino fought nobly for a cause he believed in. He was a man who believed in heroism, in justice, in freedom, and he committed his life to upholding these values in a manner he thought would be for the greater good.

This man Ninoy lived bravely. And in his conviction and courage, he died a hero.

Beginning August 21, 2008, we commemorate the 25th death anniversary of past Sen. Ninoy Aquino, a man who battled against repression during the Marcos regime. His fatality roused the Filipino people, who were once discouraged and terrified by the military rule, to march in the streets and shout for justice and freedom. He must be the source of pride, courage, and inspiration of the Filipino.

This celebration reminds us to take personal and communal duties as citizens on bringing justice and authentic freedom for which Ninoy surrendered his life. We must continue our struggle for the development of our nation. We should not lose hope for our country. We should prove the whole world that our heroes, like Ninoy, did not die for nothing. Let us show the world that, truly, “the Filipino is worth dying for.”

“I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis. I never sought nor have I been given any assurances, or promise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and fortified in the faith that in the end, justice will emerge triumphant.”

Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. His purpose was to come to the world, to be tempted and to overcome sin so that he could be tortured and die as atonement for the sins of all who accept his atonement. He was raised again to overcome death that we who believe in him can share in that resurrection. Jesus is the link between imperfect man and God.

He came to the earth as a man Himself and the world did not recognize him. He was their Creator and maker yet His own did not know Him. He has been the inspiration and Salvation of many, but also the downfall of many more. He is the most wonderful man who ever lived, but what is more wonderful is that He still lives!

He brought us the salvation. He taught us the best moral values, and how to be wise. Above all, He died for our sins. Very rarely will somebody give his life for a righteous man. But Jesus gave his life for everyone, righteous and unrighteous. He gave his life for the sinful like us, so that we all may be saved.

In order to become a real Christian, we need to follow the steps of our Savior who came down here on Earth to bring us the message of love and salvation. It is not easy to be like Christ. A true Christian, like Jesus, knows he has a choice of what path he wants.

I pray daily for humility and faith that I can be an example of Christ, and follow his teachings. If everyone would follow him the world would be a better place.

"If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." (John 10:37-38)

Sorry for not blogging. Wanna know how my friend is now? Doing good and I think he has totally forgotten about all his defeats. I realize he is just an amazing young man and I really admire his capacity to withstand all the trials (ruined friendship, parents’ separation, issues in school, etc.) that come his way; no matter how excruciating and thorny.

Two weeks ago, I got handpicked by our department principal in school herself to be the emcee for this year’s CEAP – NCR of Msgr. Gerry O. Santos General Assembly that was held at our school, particularly in Savio Auditorium last February 16, 2008. Day before, I asked the physics instructor, Mr. Chua, to give me some tips and advice on how to hold or facilitate a program, since it was only the first time that I would face many students from various schools in NCR as an emcee. There were not less than 100 representatives from more than 25 schools attended and I was a bit pressured in the beginning of the program. Again, it was my first time.

With Mrs. Medina (left); during the Technical Quiz Bee (right).

Before I overlook, last January 26, 2008 was the Grand Alumni Homecoming of Don Bosco – Mandaluyong. The night was sponsored by HS Batch ’83. There was a free buffet and free entertainment by Retrospect and DJ Jon Tupas. The Don Miguel Solaroli Digital Library was also open that night so we got to enter and take some pictures inside. Went there with my friends after we spent time in St. Paul Pasig annual fair: RePRESENT.

By the way, the FRIEND I was talking about in the beginning of this entry and the previous was I. See you, friends!