Philippine Election - Small things can cause big outcomes...

Who are to blame? Should I trust them?

They said this… They said that… 

They promise here... They promise there.

In every country, there are rulers.

Every ruler is chosen by election process.

In every election, there are candidates.

Every candidate has to undergo different processes of selection in order to be approved as a candidate.

Every election period, the COMELEC releases DO’s and DONT’s for the candidates.

Do’s and Don’t’s on how they could campaign so the voters would know them.

Therefore, each candidate knew very clearly where they could put their fliers, posters, banners etc. They kept on promising that they would improve the lives and position of the people and the country if they were elected. Are they telling us truths or just another lies just like the previous candidates who were elected and had done nothing good to us and our country? They kept on promising things to the Filipinos but would they really do it afterwards? Why don’t they just do it now?

I’m just thinking about it. Good thing I’m still not a voter. If I am, I would probably not vote anybody. Why?

Simple things but if you sum it all, it could be a great disaster to the whole universe. I don’t know if I’m making sense to the readers, I just want to blurt out the opinions I have in my mind. 

What do you think of trees? To me, they’re living things. They are part of the nature. And they give balance to the whole Earth. The Hydrogen and Oxygen cycle, the Water and Evaporation Cycle, and the Flooding and the balance of nature. They have feelings, just like humans. They can get hurt and feel sadness, bitterness, happiness, jealousy etc. Taking care of them is like a laughing matter now to those people who are very uncaring. I don’t know what to call them. They are those people who think they own the Hollywood-like world. Socialites, always on the pubs and party’s, always going out for some goodie happy-go-lucky trips, always spending money for not worth while things, and doesn't care about the world, environment, and people who are not like them. 

Going back to the real reason why I’m writing this. I am very disappointed to the candidates of this year’s presidential election. I heard in the television that candidates cannot put their fliers, posters, etc. to some particular places. Like in private walls and properties… and the TREES. But as I was on my way to my province for a short vacation, and back to Manila, I was really sad to see the trees that were full of campaign materials from different candidates.

I can’t stop myself from telling my grandmother that I am now beginning to dislike and hate every candidates running for whatever positions they like. How am I going to let these candidates rule my country when they are not yet in the position to rule us and the country and look at what they’re doing already? They are destroying the Nature, buying votes, killing each other etc. 

Trees are not just trees. They shed millions of tears in every stapler bullets or nails that were put to them. They cry for help in every burden brought by those campaign materials they have to carry and keep posted, put by the minions of the candidates. And they know how to get revenge when all of them realize there are too many people who doesn’t care and aware about their real existence already.

Another thing, they got so many fliers. So many papers were made into campaign materials like that. Giving it all away like it’s just a piece of crap. But if you try to analyze it, how many trees were cut just to make all those fliers and posters? Yes, they are good campaign materials. People who saw those materials would remember who to vote and not to vote. But after the election, what will happen to those plastic posters and papers? 

They could have just held a big campaign meeting-de-avance-like in every barangays or cities. And continue meeting people, greeting them, shaking hands with them, etc. 

They could have just put the money they used in those campaign materials into more good use. Like they could give a feeding program and worthy workshops to people below poverty line and others who have difficulties looking for jobs. 

That’s a worthier deed.

That is a simpler action that could give deeper impact to the people. 

Now tell me, readers… Are they worth our votes, trusts, and lives? When even the simple “No campaign materials to be put on trees.” policy, they can’t even follow. They can’t even think of a worthier strategy to show that they really mean what they say. How could they make the Philippines a better country? Or maybe, it’s because they really don’t mean it?

Sorry to those who already have someone in mind to vote… Let me have the benefit of the doubt.

Sincerely,

-Mopy

Philippine Election -What's in it for me?

I'm just wondering. Since it's election time again, many are 'nagkukumahog' to run this time. And seeing what happened to the Philippines for the past few years, I wonder what could these bunch of runners can do for the country if ever they win the votes of many. 

Seeing the Philippines right now, it seems like there were really no good things that happened to make it a better living place. So many shortages, wars, inflation and unattended pending help from those who were struck by the calamities we have encountered.

Just recently, in my Economics class, we had reporting by groups. My group tackled about the Finance thingy of the Philippines and the next group discussed about the Trading thingy. The Galleon era and the era now. We have learned that the current 'utang' (debt) of the Philippines in the World Bank is about Php 300 billion now or something close to that. (not really sure)

The Philippines was born to be one of the most blessed country in the World. So gifted.

But how come we belong to the 3rd world countries?

How come we can't even pay our debts?

How come Filipinos were born very gifted but people chose to be so dumb instead?

We're an agricultural country but how come we can't even supply our own with the basics needs?

How come we have so many laws but we're so poor in following it?

How come we have so many buildings and techs like 'nakikipagsabayan tayo kahit papaano' but then, so many children can't go to school?

How come they were fixing the roads and the industrial buildings but can't fix the needies?

How come there are people who dies of being hit by cars just under the overpass?

How come there are so many talented Filipinos but they kept on focusing the fame to those who brings so much money for themselves and not for the country?

How come most of the successful businessmen are foreign and not from our own race? And we tend to make 'samba' and use these foreign items when ours are more beautiful naman?

How come 'ung sariling atin, mas mahal'?

How come we have so many 'libreng school para sa mahirap "daw"', and yet so many Filipinos can't attend schools?

How come there are so many 'how come's? Can't we make a difference?

How can these candidates of 2010 Elections serve the Philippines? Can they make a difference? Is that difference going to be good or bad?

Pinapalaki nila ung mga daan kasi daw para di na masyadong trapik. 

Totoo ba? nabawasan ba ung trapik? Hindi naman. Madami kasing makukuha dun. Wala un sa daan. Nasa gumagamit un.

Bakit sa Japan at States, maliliit ung mga public highways nila pero maayos naman? Diretso pa mostly ung mga daan, hindi paliko-likong parang spaghetti. Wala magulong trapik. 

Kasi maayos ung laws nila. Hinuhuli ung dapat hulihin. Inaayos ung dapat ayusin. Walang kotong. Walang gitgitan. Nasa iisang lane kaya hindi buhol buhol.

Ung bicycle lane nila, para lang talaga sa bicycles at skaters. Sa ibang bansa nga, may Horse lanes pa. Bakit satin hindi pwedeng ganun??? Kasi pati ung bicycle lanes ginagawang car lanes or paradahan. Anong silbi nun?

Gusto kong makasakay ng malayo sa kabayo pag may lakad akong hindi ganun kaimportante. Gusto kong maranasan mag-skates or mag-bike when going somewhere without thinking that I might not be safe cause I might get hit by a car or something.

Gusto kong makakita ng kandidatong nakikipagkamay sa taong grasa. 

Gaano ba sila maka-tao? Gaano sila mapagkunwari? Gaano nila makakayang humalik sa lupa?

It's not about kung sinong galing sa mahirap.

It's not about kung sinong they thought is para sa mahirap.

It's about kung sinong tatayong magpapakahirap.

It's not about kung sinong mag-aahon satin sa kahirapan.

It's not about kung sinong magbibigay satin ng tulong para yumaman.

It's about kung sinong maglalakas loob to make the lives of each and every Filipinos pantay pantay.

Walang mahirap, walang mayaman. Nagtutulungan, nagmamahalan, nagbibigayan.

Gusto kong makakita ng kandidatong namamalengke sa wet market para magpakain ng mga malnourished people, hindi nangangampanya sa dry market with his/her bodyguards with matching banda's.

Gusto kong makakita ng tunay na pagbabago. Gaya ng pangarap ng mga taong tunay na nakakakita sa reyalidad na nangyayari sa bansa at sa mundo.

Sincerely,

-Mopy

Teacher's Arigatou!

Usually, we would say that teachers suck, not good, and annoying. Usually, we would think that teachers only think of themselves, that they don’t care about their students, and they just teach us craps. Wholeheartedly, just this week, I realized that not everything we think about others is right. 

Who and what really are these TEACHERS anyway? According to the dictionary, is it someone who shares, teach, or impart knowledge or skill to somebody else. Therefore, teachers are not only those who have taken up the course Education. All of us can be a teacher. No age limits, no strict education standards, no restrictions, as long as you know what to teach, you can be a teacher.

There may really be some scrap teacher, but not all of them. Also, there are options and exemptions on how we classify people. You see, each of us has different point of views, standards and personalities. Other may think that Mr. Einstein is an insane one, but others would think otherwise. He’s a genius. Honestly, my dear people, whether a teacher is good or not depends on you, on us. Students can’t choose their teachers, though they can choose their schools.  

Imagine if someone is teaching us something and we don’t get it, we would say the teacher is not good. But other did get it, so, we would say, “Matalino kasi sila.” Then we would start looking for another teacher. A teacher who could teach us great things and we would think that this teacher is better or rather, perfect. I realize how pathetic those people who has this way of thinking. Guilty as charged. Perfection is just a matter of individuality, or a matter of changing how you view things. Whether the learning thing is boring or fun doesn't always depend on teachers. It also depends on the students. Cause true knowledge will only be acquired by those who really want to learn.

Different kinds of teachers we meet everyday. Teacher Policeman teaches us that jaywalking is bad. Teacher Nurse and Teacher Doctor teach us how to take care of our health. Teacher Mother and Father guide us in our lives. Teacher Fireman teaches us never to play fire. And of course, let’s include Teacher Classmates and Teacher Friends whom we could always ask for help when we have something that we can’t understand in class or somewhere else. We like some, we hate some. Still no matter what kind of teacher you meet in the future, don’t forget what you've always learned. They’re the one who taught us how to have pride and confidence, to be humble, disciplined and independent, and they’re the one who had taught us how to stand up when we fall and shakes us up when we’re on our lame selves.  

So, with all these things that our teacher had done, have we ever thank them for it? Have we ever tried appreciating them? Have we ever tried apologizing to all the heartaches and the pains we've given to them? Have we ever thought that, simple gesture of smile and giving gratitude to them could make them feel like the luckiest teachers in the world? Oh yes, that’s true. Even the grouchiest person in the world could turn into a cool, happy and wonderful person if you know someone appreciates your existence. Most people say I’m just a kid. By the looks, yes, but now that I already realized how pathetic I have been, that only means I am not a kid anymore. I’m now standing at the entrance of adulthood. Guys, now is the time that we wake up from being stubborn, out of control stamina's. Now is the time that we learn to say thank you to our teachers. 

(I first delivered this as my speech in my English 3 class. I ended it with this:

"For the ending, I’d like to take this opportunity to give gratitude to those who became my teachers in my earlier college years. To the villa girls who kept on checking my attendance during PE. Thanks. To my current group, The Gamers, consists of Paps, Brotherhood (Willmar), Momo-chan (Raiza), Mamu Joyce, Nefirtiri (Jarie), Ilatriva (Katrina), Kuya Beybi Davie and Master (Rom). Thanks for the friendship. Kuya Gab, thanks for coaching me at Computer Organization class. To everyone, thanks for being my classmates. And of course, Miss Tibayan, Arigatou-Gozaimashita!"

My teacher really liked it. I was so overwhelmed with joy knowing that I have touched the hearts of my audience. Maybe not all my classmates but at least, my teacher did.)

I am grateful to know that i have this gift to do such great touching pen works. This pen work is for all the teachers in the world. 

So to all the teachers i have met and I will meet in the future, ARIGATOU-GOZAIMASHITA!!!

Sincerely, 

-Mopy

Bagyong Ondoy

Metro Manila, Cavite, Pasig, Marikina and Makati were super flooded because of the Typhoon Ondoy that had hit us last Saturday, September 26, '09. State of Calamity time. It was hellish. So many people died and houses were destroyed. Our house was not flooded but outside, the water was in waist level (Normal human level). In k-7th street, the water was around 15 feet high. Our house became a temporary shelter for the people/families that had lost their homes, again.

Everyone from the outside believe that it was really like a super typhoon because of the damages. But logically, I believe that it wasn't. Half of it can be but I believe that type of rain could never make the whole NCR and some near provinces here full flooded.

Logically thinking, the typhoon Ondoy of 2009 was not even half-way stronger than of the typhoon Milenyo or Katrina of 2006 that had hit the Philippines. I can compare it because I have a photographic memory. The storm was still mild as compared to bagyong Milenyo. And to think that it hit NCR with just rains, no winds at all.

On the first six months of the year 2009, we had a very indescribable weather. Rain and shine. It's summer but it's raining. We had typhoons out of season. We had continuous light and heavy rains but it never flooded that much. 

So why did it flood that much? I think, it iss because the La Mesa Dam waters were released. In Full open Gates. They could have had released the water slowly. They know there is a storm and they decided to release the water by opening the 4 gates wide and clear to prevent the La Mesa Dam from breaking but they didn't it occur to them that it can be released slowly? Did it not occur to them that they might release too much water by fully opening the gates and they will not be able to save the same amount of it for the entire Manila Area supply for the next 6-10 months?

The reason why they decided to release the waters is to prevent it from cracking and yet they didn't try foreseeing the possible damages outside the walls if they do that. In result of their panicked decisions, NCR was flooded in a drastic way which made the government make it to an area for State of Calamity.

In my opinion, if they released the water slowly, it would still manage to flow to Manila Bay without causing much flood damage that it had caused with the full 4 gates opened and the Dam will also not crack since the correct amount of water is being released.

But it already happened, what else can we do? Build the nation by BAYANIHAN all over again. And see things as it was said in the news. No questions asked.

Hindi na ako magtataka if 6 months from now, they will announce in the news that the La Mesa Dam do not have the sufficient amount of water to supply the entire Manila Area already. Because they released too much amount of water at the Ondoy Storm and wasn't replaced by the next storm's rain waters that came.

This is just my opinion though.

Sincerely,

-Mopy

Cory Aquino

Siya pa lamang ang taong namatay kung saan halos lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas ay nagkaisa at nagdasal para sa kanya. Sa kanyang pagsakabilang buhay, tila naulit ang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas sa panahong namatay ang kanyang yumaong esposo ng siyang lalong nagpasiklab ng digmaan laban sa presidente na si Marcos nuon. Nang ilibing si Ninoy Aquino, buong bansa din ang nagkaisa, sumubaybay at nakipaglibing sa pamilyang Aquino. Sa panahong iyon, galit ang pawang nararamdaman ng mga tao para kay Marcos at pagdadalamhati kay Ninoy Aquino. Matapos iyon ay naganap ang makasaysayang People Power or Edsa Revolution. At ngayon nga ay tila naulit ang pangyayaring yaon, lamang ay kapayapaan at pagdadalamhati ang nararamdaman ng mga tao para kay Cory Aquino.

Madaming naitulong sa taong bayan ang matatag na babaing ito. Kung kayat talagang minahal siya ng mga tao at naging huwarang pinuno rin sa ibang bansa. Kaya naman...

Republic of the Philippines Former President Corazon Aquino, the mother of Democrat.

Tita Cory, thanks for being an inspiration to every Filipinos living in this world. Thank you for staying brave despite the challenges you've faced upon serving us as our President. Thanks for being a good example for making us realize that war doesn't always need shredding blood all over the corners of the world. Thanks for making us know that unity and faith in God is the best weapon in order to survive in this life's challenges and have peace...

May you now rest in peace and enjoy your life in the Spirit World with your good husband who also brought a good history to us, Filipinos. Please still guide us and make us remember the things you have done to us. We, the Filipino people that you left here living in Earth, will surely always keep you in our hearts and will never forget you. Your goodness and greatness. We will continue to fight for the rights of every Filipinos like what you did for us...

Maraming maraming Salamat Tita Cory. Mabuhay ka! Thanks for changing the World. Especially the Philippines!