Advent 2010: Are You Ready?

It’s the first Sunday of Advent, a season where we prepare and wait for the nativity of Christ and His second coming. The readings especially the Gospel are about Eschatology --- “a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically: any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment.”

As the world endures war, poverty, social injustice, calamities from earthquake, flood, famine or drought of great magnitude, lawlessness, greed and other social evils; the signs of the end times from the Scriptures ring the bell. In Mark 13:8 we read, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes from place to place and there will be famines. . .”

I am not saying that the end of the world is soon to take place for not even Jesus knows the time but only the Father (cf: Mt. 24:36) Instead, I am just reminding everybody, me included, to “Repent and believe the gospel.” (cf: Mk. 1:15) for in there are the words of eternal life. (cf: Jn 6:68)

Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD observes that:

“For many of us, Advent refers to the coming of Sta. Claus, Christmas bonuses, sumptuous parties, and gift-giving. But Advent reminds us, too, of the Lord’s coming at the end of the world or Christ’s Second Coming, or our end in death. Are you prepared for His coming, especially of the latter?”

Not all of us can answer that wisely as long as we are occupied focusing the material side of life. As a good start, the commercialization of Christmas must be stopped and its intended meaning should be spread.

May this Advent truly prepare us to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

May all of us encounter Jesus this Christmas and experience His touch! -30-

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Photo Credit:

http://www.faithclipart.com/category/advent-clipart.html

Pacquiao's Next Big Fight

The condom debate in the country has not yet reached the “Therefore” premise and there’s no reason to believe that the story flickers to extinction.

When I was in school, I cannot forget one of my instructors’ irony saying “The more you know, the more you don’t know and the more you don’t know, the more you know.”

Both Houses of Congress are populated with people with  better if not the best minds. They are diploma, "laude"or "honoris causa" holders of distinguished universities at home and abroad. Despite such distinction, it is a mystery that our legislators cannot enact laws that would make the Philippines at par or better with our Asian neighbors.

Enter Rep. Manny Pacquiao of Saranggani Province.

Honestly, I absolutely don’t read anything about Mr. Pacquiao when it’s about boxing but my eyes were stuck to an item of one of the dailies saying that he will oppose the RH bill.

The story does not end there.

We know Rep. Pacquiao's academic and intellectual yardstick but I was surprised with his excellent reasoning when he said:

“[G]overnment officials should stop blaming the growing population for the country’s economic woes and strive to change the situation by serving with honesty and sincerity . . . [w]e have an annual budget and a certain amount is set aside for various projects. The problem is corruption . . . [The] money intended for certain projects is being pocketed by corrupt government officials . . . I don't believe that we are poor because there are more people. The problem is corruption.”

Somebody could have explained him and dissected the real problem and persuaded him to issue  a press release. Rep. Pacquiao could have not pronounced the statement before the press if he does not believe in what he says.

I agree with Rep. Pacquiao that corruption causes poverty in this country.  Sadly, some of our officials intentionally fail to address it for their own personal aggrandizement. Otherwise, if our leaders really have the political will, after the fall of the fascist dictatorship, the country should have started its pace toward national prosperity but to no avail. We still believe candidate Noynoy Aquino’s mantra that "Kung Walang Kurap, Walang Mahirap" (No poverty in a corrupt-free society) but his shifted attention to artificial contraception (to reduce population) as the ringing remedy to solve our economic woes seem to suggest that it is now false or foolish to believe the slogan that pushed him to win the presidency by an unprecedented landslide.

If Filipinos are truly die-hard fans of the legendary Pacman, they must not only support him inside the boxing ring. They must especially give him the necessary support inside the ring of Congress when at this time; Manny is fighting for a noble and bigger cause --- the fight to respect life and the sanctity of marriage. Manny may not be seen kneeling for a short prayer before a fight (to oppose RH bill) or seen doing the sign of the cross with his Rosary but the unconquerable heart he has inside the ring fearing no bigger or taller opponent, Rep. Pacquiao, a man of faith, is even more fearless and determined to fight what he believes in knowing that the author of his unbelievable success is also the author of  life.

May your tribe increase, Manny, if I can still call you that way.  “Even to the death fight for truth, and the Lord your God will battle for you.” (Sirach 4:28) 

The measure is not academic achievement or knowing too much or too little. What counts sometimes is modesty and simplicity by being not too much opinionated (with foolishness).

Manny, hindi ka nag-iisa.  Kung walang kikilos, sino ang kikilos?  Kung di ngayon, kailan pa? (Manny, you are not alone; if no one fights, who will fight?  If not now, when?) -30-

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Photo Credit:

http://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?congress=15&id=pacquiao

Thanksgiving Thanks

My former classmate who is in the US Midwest area shared me her first experience attending a Latin American-Catholic evening Thanksgiving Mass. Here are the excerpts translated from her Portuguese.

“The temperature was harsh in sub-zero but I insisted in going to the Mass. The church was half-full of Hispanics from all ages. The choir, easily mistaken as one of the best pop bands gave its best with the best instruments singing Spanish charismatic songs in the Latin beat. All of them were dancing, clapping, raising and waving their hands giving thanks and frequently shouting a word of praise. Some occasionally embraced one another and some were on their knees with heads touching the floor in intense prayer. While the music is difficult to resist, I joined in what the congregation was doing by experimenting my salsa steps. If there is an unforgettable scene, it was the dancing mothers carrying their babies and the reverence of the gathering regardless of the high volume of the sound system which is traditional during Hispanic gatherings.

That was the picture inside the church several hours before the Mass.

As I was engulfed with the spiritual breeze. Although I did my best and did it very hard not to shed tears, I was not able to stop them from falling down which I occasionally dabbed. At that point, I knew that the Spirit that filled the church and all came down upon me. I cannot explain but at that time, I did not fear anything and I cannot put in words the peace I experienced. After the priest put his hands on my head, back in my pew, although the heater was not that strong, I was hot and I started to quiver and breathe deep and fast. At that time, I remember what I read that when Karol Józef Wojtyła was told that he was just elected as the new pope while reading something (Thus, he did not expect to be elected.), he fell down from his chair convulsing. Writers from the non-secular media said that John Paul II was penetrated by the Spirit.

Finally, during the Mass and song extravaganza, I gave my best to the Lord praising, thanking and asking Him for more. 

Next year, I'll be there again.

I wished you were with me in experiencing a 'pentecost' and testing your salsa skills.

Take care.”

Filipino Thanksgiving Day: When?

We wish the United States a blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day. In a matter of hours, the traditional turkey dinner garnished with yam, cranberry paste, traditional delicacies and wine is shared by family members and friends who arrived home from near and afar to celebrate the holiday rich in history.

On the early hours of November’s last Thursday, while finding for good local programs on my radio set and from the internet, anchors extensively discuss the history and significance of the great American holiday. Some entertain calls from the US sharing their thoughts on turkey day.

Since we copied the US version of Halloween, extravagant and material celebration of Christmas and yes, even their radical secularism and relativism, I wonder if there is also a “Thanksgiving Day” here in the country.

At the moment, I doubt. Filipinos are not accustomed with the turkey taste and not all is familiar in roasting the bird with stuffing and the right combination of spices.

There’s nothing wrong if we have our own national Thanksgiving Day --- a day when the country stands still and give thanks to God or Allah, a time when we give our due as a nation to the Almighty and give thanks for the love our relatives, friends and loved ones shared.

Probably, (extravagant) thanksgiving is better when tendered many times in a year when there is a graduation, a birthday, a wedding, passing a board exam, an approved visa to visit a foreign country, election victory, job promotion, house-warming, successful surgery, safe arrival from another place or country, new car or whenever one feels proper to give thanks to the Lord.

If and when we have our own Thanksgiving Day and if we are indeed a good copycat, it will be great to feel the aura when one people under one flag with different languages, creed and ethnicity come together and savor the meaning of brotherhood and acknowledge that everything we have come from above.

When will that be?

To our American friends, Maligayang Araw ng Pagpapasalamat (Happy Thanksgiving Day) and Maligayang Araw ng mga Pabo (Happy Turkey Day). -30-

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Photo Credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yellow_sunrise.JPG

Will There Be War Between the Koreas?

The recent exchange of artillery fire between North and South Korea could just be the beginning of the worse to come. Right now, the US nuclear carrier USS George Washington is heading to the Korean Peninsula to join South Korea’s “military exercises” while the South remains full alert for any eventuality.

Filipinos should not take lightly the unfolding events in that part of the world. The visiting American forces in Mindanao and their facilities can join the fray in case of war. Even if we don’t read in the news, the US facilities in the south have the latest top of the line logistics and capabilities to attack or thwart any external attack (to the Philippines) from any rogue country in the region. North Korea and its ally, China, are aware of the American military presence in the Philippines and in case of an all out war between the Koreas, although the possibility is remote, a possibility remains a possibility that North Korea aims its missiles to Mindanao which could be within their range.

The latest provocation of the North is the worst of its kind since Korea’s partition in the 50s but I believe that the North is not stupid to engage in a “hand to hand” combat with the South whose arsenal is far better equipped and modern.  Minus the US helping the South, in a conventional war, the South, relying on American warfare technology and equipment has the advantage but would suffer a heavy casualty because of North's massive military size and cavernous armory.

Food, water, medicine and other resources are critical factors that can decide the outcome of war. North Korea is a third world country compared with the economic blessings the South enjoys. Therefore, North Korea, despite its saber-rattling noise knows that it cannot win a war over South Korea unless it unleashes nuclear weapons. When desperate and resorts into that, once the US starts defending the South,  American technology has the capability to shot down nuclear missiles from the North while still airborne inside the North’s territory. The North also knows that if the US retaliates, their country will not be seen on the map again.

North Korea must not miscalculate its next move because the calculated response of the South and the US is devastating. -30-

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Photo Credit: 

http://www.hrana.org/USS_George_Washington.asp

Rep. Janette Garin’s Condom Request

"It's good that the Vatican is now trying to open its door but it's quite ironic for them to allow condom use only for male prostitutes . . . We pity couples with HIV and partners whom they continuously deprive of the right to copulate as husband and wife . . . [I]f condoms are for male prostitutes, is it highly immoral to deprive married couples with this? We believe in the sanctity of marriage and family, the basic unit of our society. They should be prioritized more than prostitution.”

That’s the appeal of  Iloilo Representative Janette L. Garin  petitioning Pope Benedict XVI to allow couples to use condom.

Using condom to prevent pregnancy or for sexual promiscuity is not a social crime punishable with a jail term.   As such, when it is readily available, any one can  have it.  Using condom to prevent the transmission of life or for sexual promiscuity is a crime before God. One might invoke that conscience can  rightfully decide whether artificial contraception is right or not.  That is true on the condition that the conscience is well-informed and matured.

What is the point of the solon from Iloilo in asking the Pope to allow couples to use condom when at this age of radical relativism and secularism; when everything believed or reasoned out is deemed  objectively correct and thus, any act at our disposal is right?

The Church position on the use of contraceptive has not changed and will not change and thus, Ms. Garin is just singing the Impossible Dream.

Clarifying the position on the Pope’s comment in a new book, “the Vatican said condoms were the lesser of two evils when used to curb the spread of AIDS, even if their use prevented a pregnancy.”

To whom is Rep. Garin referring to on the word “they” to deprive the right of husband and wife when one of them has the HIV virus to have sex?  If she’s referring to the Church,; if one of the faithful couple is asexually afflicted with the disease, control or restraint is a conjugal virtue for humans don’t live the life of lower forms of animals. This is where the Pope’s words come into light when the use of condom is  so-called a lesser evil.

Garin further complains that “If condoms are for male prostitutes, is it highly immoral to deprive married couples with this?”

Rep. Garin for sure knows that prostitution is the oldest  profession.  There is no indication that the flesh business goes bankrupt soon or in the next five or more centuries. The Church does not condone prostitution but it is a lesser evil for those in the business to use condom to prevent the spread of the disease and the infection of others of the dreaded disease. The representative from Iloilo  fantasizes in indicating that the Church or the bishops are prioritizing prostitution instead of the sanctity of marriage and family. The reverse is exactly true. The Church priority is the respect of life through the sanctity of marriage; meaning, the marital act must always be open for the transmission of life and thus artificial contraception is wrong.

Then she asks, “Is it highly immoral to deprive married couples with this [the use of condom]?”

The answer is “yes” if a healthy couple (HIV/AIDS virus free) uses condom to prevent pregnancy.

I don’t know if one gets angry or laughs sarcastically  while reading government officials’ statement about condom. They unceasingly look for loopholes or resort to distorted  reasoning to make the public believe that what they say is correct. Said in other words, they want to outwit the Church or the bishops who have the authority on moral issues. Since they imply that based from their line of reasoning, the Church is wrong in not allowing the use of condom  to  regulate birth, the implication tells that  our  pro-condom representatives in Congress know better than the Magisterium ---  morally or ethically speaking.

Believe it or not, the Church Magisterium has never been found to have erred not even once for the last 2,000 years and there is no reason to believe that the Church is now wrong on its stand on condom. -30-

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Photo Credit:  www.congress.gov.ph

Sec. Carandang Slurs Catholics

“The local Church cannot be more popish than the Pope,” said Sec. Ramon Carandang, head of the Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office on our bishops’ stern stand on the use of condom, i.e. artificial contraception.

I respect the opinion of Sec. Carandang and his right of free expression but he should have the decency of a government official in not using a derogatory word ("popish") to stress a point. If he is a Catholic, practicing or not, he also insulted himself wittingly or unwittingly.

Carandang continues further, “I think our own clergy should be informed by the views of the Vatican because they’ve always referred to the Vatican when they stated their position”

Mr. Carandang is exactly correct! That’s the reason why the bishops diligently teach the immorality of artificial contraception taking their cue from the Vatican.

I am just wondering why at this time of confusion on the use of condom stirred by Benedict’s comments, our officials are choosy in pointing a finger at the Church sticking on condom. Why are they silent on the issues of graft and corruption (stealing at the expense of others), rampant and unabated violence (killing), immoral conduct of officials (concubinage/adultery), poor record of social justice and violation of human rights to name some --- all of which the Vatican teaches as against the tenets of Christian values?

“[N]ow that the Vatican’s position is such, then I think that should result in a corresponding flexibility on the part of our Church.’’

What flexibility is Mr. Carandang talking about? If he means the use of condom to thwart the spread of STDs, I agree. In fact that is the essence of the papal statement although at this point, it is illogical if not reckless to draw a conclusion based from a part of the pie. Let us read the entirety of the new book which is still to reach our bookstores and understand the context of the statement.

At this early, Vatican spokesperson Federico Lombardi is clear in saying that the Pope is not changing Church teaching on condom use. So, what are the cafeteria opinions all about?

Are Carandang and the government ready to accept that fact? Lombardi’s capacity makes his statement as the official stand of the Church.

Mr. Carandang should now be convinced that the position of the Church on artificial contraception remains unchanged. -30-

Condom and the Catholic Church: A Personal View

More than enough clashing opinions caused by Benedict XVI’s response to a question about condom have inundated the channels of communication. In turn, minds are agitated to the point of confusion if not apathy in understanding whether the Church position on condom has loosened or changed.

The condom issue has produced a debate of global turbulence after the pope airs his opinion on the extreme and limited use of condom to prevent the spread of the AIDS virus.

Condom is primarily invented to prevent pregnancy but when sexually transmitted diseases (STD) became pestilence, it doubles as a barrier in contracting the dreaded disease.

What the Pope expressed could be a random opinion in response to a random question while in the process of an interview. While waiting for a copy of “The Light of the World” to hit the book shelves, it is wise not to rush into conclusion on the intended point the Pontiff wants to convey. From what we read there is nothing official the Pope said. He merely expressed his opinion.

Some foreign publications think that Benedict intends to change a Church doctrine that prohibits the use of artificial contraception.

That is not true.

Although he is the visible head of the Catholic Church, the Pope cannot alter or nullify any pronounced doctrines such as the Trinity or Parthenogenesis. From the very start, the Church is against artificial contraception because “the Catechism of the Catholic Church specifies that all sex acts must be both unitive and procreative”. (2366)

That simple sentence, easy to understand, prohibits the use or artificial contraception.

When Adam and Eve came into being, Genesis relates, God commanded them to "be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.”

That is not a request but a “command”. Who are we to say “NO”?

To decide when to have a new life or when not to have a new life through the use of condom or other contraceptives is immoral for in so doing is playing the hands of God who alone has the omnipotence to decide when a new life is to be.

Upon learning the pontifical response, House minority Edcel Lagman, author of the reproductive health measure Bill 96 gleefully said, “That is a welcome development because the papacy is opening up to the eventual contraceptive use.”

The truth of the matter is we grope for holes to insist and justify that artificial birth control is all right to assuage poverty instead of exerting efforts to fight and eliminate graft and corruption which to my belief are the foremost roots of our poverty.

It is clear that Benedict XVI did not mean the use of condom to regulate birth but rather to prevent the spread of AIDS. Since the end game we want is the green light from Rome on the use of contraceptives, we don’t run out of ideas to suggest that the stand of the Church is wrong through distortion.

No matter what, there is no reason to believe that the Church changes its position on artificial contraception and there is no reason to believe that debates on the issue cease soon.

We must accept the fact that Christ, the Truth (Jn. 14:6), does not deceive or can be deceived.  His teachings which the Church interprets through the Magisterium is always the truth no matter how hard we insist that He is wrong. 30-

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Additional reading materials:

http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101123-304740
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101122-304724
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101123-304742
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=109223 

Photo Credit:   Wikipedia

A Cardinal for Mindanao? Forget it!

Pope Benedict XVI names 24 new cardinals but there is no Filipino to take the seat of retiring Ricardo Cardinal Vidal of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

It is recalled that Sen. Joker Arroyo expressed his desire on the senate floor that the Holy See should name an additional cardinal for the Philippines. Recently, the senator reiterated his plea for an increased number of cardinals by calling the attention of the Papal Nuncio and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to act as channels. Mr. Arroyo notes the disproportionate number of cardinals who shepherd the majority of our population who are Catholic.

The Holy See alone has the final say on the number of cardinals a country should have and has no intention to entertain lobbyists requesting for additional cardinals especially when they come from the side of the State.

For the record, a bishop or an archbishop is as good as a cardinal in taking care of the spiritual needs of the Catholic community.  These days, despite their sincere effort to evangelize how many among us are open  to what they are saying?  If  we believe that they are ineffective, why the need for a third cardinal for Mindanao? A cardinal after all is primarily tasked to elect a new pope and act as a papal adviser. Other than that and the title, the pastoral ministry of bishops and cardinals is essentially the same.

Why is the Philippines interested for more cardinals when in this age of relativism and secularism, who cares to listen when they transmit the official teachings of the Church?  Who cares for a Mindanao cardinal pleading for religious tolerance and freedom;  attacking the evil of graft and corruption; abuse of the environment; hooliganism and the need of peaceful coexistence in the island regardless of faith, ethnicity and language?

Right now, who are listening to Cardinal Rosales, (Ret.) Cardinal Vidal and the bishops?

In return, they and the Church are mocked as if what they are teaching is foolishness and that we have a better understanding and idea on pressing moral issues than them.

That is sad but it is also true.

The sexual misconduct of the clergy, let me point out, which the Church does not condone does in no way affect the validity of what they preach but rather clouds their credibility instead. Be it so as it may,  faithful Christians should listen to the words of Christ who said and continues to say “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” (Mt. 23:3)

The door is not closed from inside on the possible addition of another cardinal in the future. As we wait that opportune time, the Catholic majority and all Christians should grow in faith and come to believe that the Church preaches truth for the salvation of all. -30-

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Photo Credit:

www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/arroyo_bio.asp

Enrile: No to Manny Pacquiao Presidency

At this time when fanatics are savoring the latest victory of Manny Pacquiao over Margarito in Dallas, Mr. Enrile was reckless in openly saying that he is not in favor for Sarangani representative Pacquiao to be (one day) president and as a peace negotiator in troubled Mindanao.

The EDSA-I hero spoils widespread celebration for the feat of an illustrious son who once again raised the Philippine emblem at the top of the world in the middle of the boxing arena.

Most in the channels of mass communication these days are about praises, adulation, exultation, reverence, hero worship, respect, honor, glory, wonder, brilliance and credit to name an acute few for Manny Pacquiao.

Though I am harshly against the role he played during the Marcos fascist dictatorship, I believe that he is very careful at the twilight of his political career carving and bequeathing a worthwhile legacy. Now, almost 90, the Ateneo, UP Diliman and Harvard alumnus is still sharp if saying that he is still one of the best senators is unethical so as not to reduce the significance and contributions of his colleagues.

What he said about the Filipino boxing icon is “perfectly” accurate that Mr. Pacquiao as president “devaluates the presidency” and “that it is not enough that Pacquiao won a seat in the House of Representatives; and that he is being idolized by millions of people” (that he can take the role of a peace negotiator).

Well said and no matter how hurting what he said, Sen. Enrile did not take back his words regardless of whatever negative or even vulgar and impolite comments against him and against those who agree with him receive in turn.

I am not taking out any inch of Manny’s wizardry inside the ring nor take for granted his magnanimity and modest equanimity. Precisely, the first has nothing to do in politics. Unlike some Asian neighbors, there has never been any exchange of fists in our Congress between solons during heated arguments. The second may be a plus factor but a president or a peace negotiator needs intellectual reserve and fecundity.

At the tender age of 32, if and when he so desires to run for the presidency, that will be in 2022 at age 44. Per age requirement, a candidate must be 40 on the day of elections (See Article VII, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution).

Between now and 2022, a lot of political, national and international fortuitous events are plateful but Filipinos will have the last say if there will be a Pres. Manny Pacquiao.

Filipinos will also have their first say if Pres. Pacquiao was indeed a wise choice or was merely a product of hypnotized minds.

The Mindanao problem is a complex issue. At this point, I believe that there are others who are more capable than Rep. Pacquiao to sit on the negotiating table. The problem is not only about land or influx of government projects and aid to the island. More than that is the terrorism issue that is known to have foreign connections which the intelligence community asserts. For one to play the role of Kissinger, I believe that s/he must be familiar with history and its facts and whatever offshoot that may ensue that has something to do not only on the peace and order of Mindanao but on its economic, social and cultural well-being as well.

In fairness to Mr. Pacquiao, I believe that he has a bird’s eye view on the heart of the problem of his mother island but I doubt if he is perceptive, analytical and capable enough to find from bales of hay a common solution of the problems to once for all achieve peace in that distressed part of the country that has seen and continue to see the faces of suffering, apathy and violence.

Mr. Pacquiao is very capable in hiring the best minds as his adviser but they are not Mr. Pacquiao. In a “life or death” situation he has to rely on his guts and not from the advisers which could not be enough to bring forth a fruitful outcome.

I hope that our too much if not stupid idolizing of Pacman will not lead this country into an eco-political mess. If Mr. Pacquiao really loves this country to which he has bestowed a bunch of unequaled honor, even if pushed hard enough to run for the presidency, it is better for him to retire in GenSan or to any great city of the world and enjoy his family and fortune. If he wants to help the country and us, there are dozens of ways to do it privately. He should let the more prepared others to help find peace in Mindanao. Better, he should spend more time looking ways to help his constituents in Sarangani and do something too for the country not only through boxing but through humanitarian grounds as well.

Many may disagree with Sen. Enrile but in freedom of expression, anyone is free to voice a dissenting opinion.

Others don’t stop there. Some use words and phrases not even good for an old dirty dog against the person exercising his/her right of expression or of opinion but resorting into that filthy defensiveness clearly implies immaturity and lack of decency in a civilized society. -30-

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Photo Credit:

www.pinoygigs.com/blog/2010/05/juan-ponce-enrile-the-profile/

Pacquiao's Speed and Power: Are They Enough?

In a matter of hours, Rep. Manny Pacquiao enters into the ring in Dallas to fight a bigger, taller and heavier Antonio Margarito of Mexico. One of the dailies says that 100 million people, Pres. Aquino included, pray for Manny’s victory.

While it is accurate to say that Pacquiao has the speed and KO punch, these are not enough to ensure victory. The speed of Sugar Ray Leonard did not save him from defeat from the hands of Terry Norris, Roberto Duran and Hector Camacho. Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest” could not rely on the speed of his fists and foot work to demolish Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Leon Spinks, Joe Frazier and Trevor Berbick.

The bullish Mike Tyson at the prime of his career was knocked out by James Douglas in Tokyo in 1990. Joe Frazier, a heavy puncher lasted just in two rounds against George Foreman in 1973 and Foreman, one of the strongest heavyweights lost to Ali in Zaire in 1974 by a devastating knock out in the 8th round.

Floyd Mayweather, staggered in the early rounds in his fight versus Shane Mosley said after the bout that boxing is a contact sport and one gets hit. As the country cannot wait for the hour when Pacquiao tries his luck in testing the skills of a man noted to have a durable chin, we must be reminded of an old wise saying that chicks should not be counted until the eggs are hatched.

Does God favor someone when we are talking on "the more brutal the punishment inflicted; the better"? -30-

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Photo Courtesy:  aljun7fp from Photobucket

Aung San Suu Kyi: Free At Last!

Finally, after 21 years of isolation, Myanmar’s ruling military junta has set free Aung San Suu Kyi, a democratic activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Just like Ninoy Aquino, Aung San Suu Kyi’s spirit, courage and determination to help liberate her people from persecution, oppression and military dictatorship were not doused by imprisonment and other injustices thrown upon her. Now that she is free, (I pray that the junta will not drag her back to jail.) I am sure that the political icon continues to fight for the welfare of her country and people in an even more potent way.

I look forward to the day when Myanmar and its people will live in democracy and enjoy the blessings of social justice and freedom no matter when.  The Burmese people have suffered a lot and hopefully, very soon, they will join us in the free world.

"While the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma . . . She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world. The United States looks forward to the day when all of Burma's people are free from fear and persecution." –US Pres. Barack Obama

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Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Carmen Mislang's Misdeed

The misdeed of Mislang is the reason for others to be “gagged” if that is the right term.

Sec. Ricky Carandang, a former radio-TV anchor said that all accounts of officials on social networking sites are to be suspended until guidelines are drawn up for their use.

Where did Mr. Carandang secure his right to silence or censor public officials in the social networking sites? How wise is that? Anything expressed there by officials in the privacy of their domicile within the parameter of law is no one’s business --- the government included --- unless there is intent to suppress the constitutional freedom of speech. If officials are discouraged or not allowed to interact with others in their Tweeter, Facebook, Friendster or My Space accounts, this government said to be democratic will go down in history as worse than the Marcos dictatorship.

Setting guidelines in using the sites is a prior restraint and equates censorship.

If Carandang is still in his old job, I believe that he is among the first to air his dislike on the idea of guidelines our officials have to follow. If “officials” are those in the government, it is foolish to believe that Carandang or the government can monitor their online activities 24/7. Doing such is a clear invasion of privacy.

It is recalled that the Nazis and secret Communist police kept a good eye on their citizens’ private activities.

It is too bad that every official is now a suspect to do foolishness like what Mislang did.

If Carandang is serious, Pres. Aquino should tell Ricky to clean his office, tell him to crank up his car --- done with his job. -30-

Our Apathetic Youth

In a recent integration activity of youth leaders from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in Mountain View Nature Park in Busay, Cebu, apathy is found out as the top problem of the youth today. It was observed that the youth are not that interested on social issues.

Social issues make the whole pie. To compress the term, every aspect that affects our lives in the society are social issues especially in the realms of government, politics, religion, health, security, education, economy, poverty and social justice.

In fairness to the “hope of the Fatherland” as our national hero Jose Rizal called them, the youth have been raising pertinent social issues calling for the eradication of graft and corruption, improvement of the academic curricula, search for peace and order solution, alleviation of poverty, good government and governance, etc.

How did the government respond to the cries of the youth longing for credible reforms? The sad irony is that: our leaders and the government are apathetic themselves in listening to what the youth is saying. They are more concerned in their personal interests.

There’s no question that the Reproductive Health (RH) bill is one of the burning issues today that directly affects the youth. Anyone following the issue can quickly say that the government is only presenting one side of the coin and that is “The bill is good for Filipinos and the country.”

What is at stake is not simply the regulation of birth that controls the rapid growth of population which they pinpoint as the main cause of poverty. There is a moral issue which the government is silent on whether artificial family planning and the distribution of contraceptives and paraphernalia are right or wrong. That may not be the job of the government but for the sake of transparency as promised, whatever the position of the government is must be made known public and it is up to the experts to enlighten and guide us.

Right now, pro-RH and anti-RH factions are out justifying their stands to the point in saying that Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae is not an infallible document. There is a grain of salt there but it does not necessarily mean that if fallible, it is wrong or a total lie.

In particular, it is good if the government opens its book on how much is lost from graft and corruption and other illegal activities supposedly in billions and what if this amount should have been kept in our treasury or used productively instead of being pocketed. Yet, the government is silent.

During the First Quarter Storm in the 70s, the youth were very active in the streets protesting the decline of the economy and the worsening graft and corruption. Instead of being heard, they were met with an iron fist. Some of the student leaders were summarily executed, disappeared, tortured and dumped to jail  to languish without due process. After the fall of Marcos, the youth went to the streets again several times to protest uselessly.

In other countries, protesters are given the chance to be heard.

Were the issues raised by the youth during and after Marcos given consideration? Definitely not.

In other words, the youth today don’t care about social issues simply because the government does not need the youth to remind the authorities on what to do for the welfare of the citizenry in a just, fair and democratic  society. The so-called democratic government does not want to be minded and reminded.

Thus, who can blame the youth if their interests are focused in texting, logging in to Facebook, learning the  detail of the lives of some showbiz personalities, watching telenovelas and others that have nothing to do on important issues affecting the nation?

As the future pillar of this country, the youth should reinvent themselves in finding ways to actively participate in nation-building. Young and idealist, the country needs them on the condition that the government lends them an ear. -30-

Carmen Mislang’s Tweet: Out of Tune

With the exception of some, Filipinos are known for their courtesy and hospitality to visitors and foreigners. However, that trademark is slowly carried away by strong current of egotism but hopefully, not into oblivion.

When visiting new places and meeting new friends, Filipinos are also known for their refined demeanor and tacit urge in learning new things that last for a lifetime.

Our Vietnamese friends familiar with these should have their jaws dropping when right in their city, a Philippine presidential speechwriter in the person of Carmen Mislang complained in her Tweeter about the sucking wine and the possible danger caused by their speeding vehicles in the streets of Hanoi.

For the open-minded, Mislang has all the right to express anything she wants in her Tweeter, Facebook,  My Space or  in any other social network site. She did not malign or defame anyone nor was her opinion libelous. She was just expressing what is in her mind, period. And that is not a crime. If the wine doesn’t taste good to her, who can help even if it is one of the finest from Sonoma Valley? She might prefer a "tapuy" instead. Same is true with her safety assessment on the traffic in busy Hanoi. Perhaps the plight of cars in EDSA or Quiapo is safer for her.

What is definitely wrong is her arrogance and un-Filipino character that as a visitor and a member of the presidential delegation, she should have shown a sense of diplomacy. Mislang, although not elected, is not an ordinary citizen the fact that she rubs elbows with the president occasionally in drafting speeches. If I were P-Noy, I let her go for giving me a red face in the midst of a diplomatic visit to a friendly country.

Her Tweet according to ABS-CBN radio anchors was immediately deleted by her but that makes no difference when in this time of technology, anything in the net can spread quickly.

We appreciate Mislang’s quick thinking but the damage has been done.

At the end of the day, we cannot blame the patriotic Vietnamese in bad-mouthing us back in a subtle way. While it is true that the Philippines helped Vietnam in their past conflicts; have accepted some of its citizens fleeing from an unwanted government, Vietnam today is poised to overtake our economy in the not too distant future. Right now, we might enjoy the best tasting wine from Italy or California or a better and safer flow of traffic than Vietnam but so long as we continue to be conceited and manifest our “Spanish blood”, somewhere along the mile, Vietnam will have its last laugh.

Let me repeat that the presidential speechwriter has all the right to say anything she wants  based from her perception but her position and the place where she Tweeted should have restrained her finger in pressing “enter”.

We are thankful, the Vietnamese are not haughty. -30-

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