"May 21 Judgment Day"

That day is getting closer. Repent and believe the Gospel (Mk. 1:15)

Billboards and vans guarantee that May 21 this year is the Judgment Day. The familyradio.com tells that the Bible guarantees that.

I would be very thankful if the website  cites where in the Bible regardless of edition or translation tells the date, “May 21, 2011”.

To those who believe that Judgment Day is indeed a matter of a week, I hope that they have already donated all their properties and riches to charities or destroyed them.  After all money (property) is the root of all evil. (cf: 1Tim. 6:10) That includes bank accounts; belongings such as  houses, jewelries, investments and cars.

What good still are these for when the end of time (if that is what they mean) is at hand? If you prefer to keep these or cannot detach yourselves form your possessions despite believing the Bible, the word of God guaranteeing it;  it's either you are false prophets or simply make God a liar.  At worst, hypocrite.

To me, the word “guarantee” means the occurrence of truth beyond reasonable doubt. One plus one has a guaranteed total of two. After Sunday, the next day is a guaranteed Monday.

In truth, the Bible says that “[B]ut of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." [Emphasis mine] (Mt. 24:36) Thus, not even Christ knows.

It is absolutely correct that what the Bible says as signs of end times like wars, earthquake, famines; nations will rise against nations (Mk. 13:8) are happening right now including the prevalence of false prophets (2Peter 2:1) but Matthew is firm and clear in saying that no one knows when but the Father alone.

I am not saying that the end of time doctrine is false. It is true. The Bible tells so but the exact month, day and year is not revealed by God nor will it be revealed by God because He cannot contradict Himself.

Judgment Day is tricky but I understand that they mean as the end of the world. In all that we do, think or plan, we are judged. If that is the message, i.e. "to be judged" per se the billboards and vans want to convey, they are just wasting their resources and time.  In fact the familyradio.com knows that they are judged in what they are telling that the Bible guarantees the exact judgment day, month and year.

If it is really judgment day --- end of the world --- on the specified date, Catholics have no reason to fear. Every time during Mass the priest prays “Deliver us O Lord from every evil and grant us peace is our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in JOYFUL hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.” [Emphasis mine]

Catholics believe that no one knows the time except the Father. Those who make God a liar have all the reason to fear for His judgment.

God willing if we are still around on May 22, the implication is that God made a mistake.  But how can God who said that He is the Truth (cf. Jn. 14:6) say something that is false?  Through God's grace and love, starting May 22 if we are still around, I'm sure that there are a lot who continue to study what the Bible says as to when will be the end of the world and try to give another exact date.  I did not only learn Aesop's fable when I was a kid about a boy crying wolf! wolf! wolf! but I also learned in my catechism class that false prophets are agents of Satan who is the father of all lies.

To those who believe that the end of the world is May 21 this year, in case you have not yet given for free --- not for sale --- (Money has no use after death.) all of your properties and wealth; please remember us in the Philippines. We are a poor country and you can give your millions or in kind to:

CARITAS MANILA

2002 Jesus St.

Pandacan, Manila

Philippines

Tel: (632) 563-9311; (632) 563-9308; (632) 563-9309; (632) 563-9298; (632) 564-02-05

Fax: (632) 563-93-06; (632) 564-6678

E-mail: cm@caritasmanila.org.ph , segundamana@caritasmanila.org.ph

Thank you in advance for your donations. 

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Photo Credit:

http://agabus.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Family-Radio-Judgment-Day-May-21.jpg

Manny Pacquiao to End Philippine Poverty: How?

Before entering the ring in his recent fight with Shane Mosley, the representative from Saranggani province mentioned that the fight of his life is to end poverty in this country.

That sounds good. Majority of Filipinos must be very happy to hear their favorite boxing champ launching a fight outside the ring. Hopefully, Rep. Pacquiao wins.

The $35,000 question is “paano” --- how?

Since Pacman was elected into office, thanks to his constituents, I am sorry but I haven’t heard anything from him that directly aims to fight poverty. When he goes back to Congress, hopefully, he presents one. Most that are heard is his persona as a boxer where all praises are heard and read mostly in the streets, coffee and barber shops.

How can a billionaire congressman execute his plan in knock outing poverty is a mystery to me unless like one of the great saints, he distributes his wealth to the poor and the needy. Most of us in the 21st century where gold and money seem to have salvific importance if not insurance; to live as poor by choice is easier said than done.

Or else, he runs for the presidency. Even if he gives his wealth and embraces a life of simplicity, his billions really helps but cannot end poverty. “The poor,” the Scriptures say, “are always in our midst.”

Some political observers believe that Rep. Pacquiao is building his formidable machinery for the next presidential elections. If he is secretly planning for that, it is high time for him to help the current government in its fight against graft and corruption. The first Pacman can do is to disassociate himself from perceived corrupt officials. “Tell me who your friends are and I tell you who you are.” Manny Pacquiao did not steal any centavo from the government but his being with perceived crook and corrupt officials drops the jaw of the cynics. We are all human that can easily fall from grace and embrace sin.

This sounds somewhat nonsense but the Chinese say that a thousand miles journey starts with a single step.

Since I am not from Saranggani, I have no way of saying if Rep. Pacquiao sponsors feeding programs for the indigents or has projects that shoulder complete medical bills for the needy or other outlets that greatly help the fishermen, farmers, the outcast and victims of social injustice.

We don’t know if Rep. Pacquiao is helping a lot behind the scene and we hope so. If the congressman from Saranggani is successful in ending the grinding poverty of this country, he will be remembered in history as someone who has done what any other president of the Philippines was not able to accomplish or for any other third world country leader failed to do.

“To see is to believe.”

In the meantime, we wish congressman Pacquiao good luck and may his noble and even Christian plan bear much fruit.

Basic Ilocano Phonological Differences

The Ilocano language spoken in Northern Luzon, some parts of Mindanao and elsewhere are the same except in accent or phonology. The disparity lies on the different dialects of the language where vocabularies from one place could have a different meaning to another or totally not understood.

Native Ilocano speakers from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union and parts of Pangasinan can accurately tell where one is from by merely listening how one speaks (accent and pronunciation) the language.

As I proceed, let me remind that just like in any other Filipino language, there are no long vowels in Ilocano. Although “u” or “o”, “f” or “p”, “v” or “b” are spelled, they have similar Ilocano tone and so with “Ilocanized” Spanish words such as f(p)iesta or V(B)iernes.

In Ilocos Norte, first and last letters are pronounced distinctly and properly although in Batac, “wen” (yes) is sometimes pronounced as “wa” or “owa”. In Laoag they say “Wen met ket.” (True indeed.) All of the letters are pronounced including the vowel “e” as in egg.

In Vigan, it is slightly different. They say “Wen me ke.” The “e’s” in the last two words are not pronounced but with a guttural stoppage. Still the “e” is “e” as in egg. In Bangued, the sentence is pronounced similarly like that in Vigan but the “e’s” are pronounced longer. Some towns of Ilocos Sur pronounce “wen” as “win” (pronounced exactly as “win” in English).

In general, there is an unwritten rule in Laoag that all terminal consonants preceded by "e" (as in egg) are pronounced syllabically.  Example: kammet (to eat using a bare hand), pammaneknek (proof or evidence), dalikepkep (to cross arms on the chest).

In contrast, in Vigan, terminal letters "t", "k", and "p" of the above words are not pronounced.  They are said as kamme, pammanene and delikepke. The "e's" in the first two words and the last syllable of the third word are pronounced as maragsa (^) i.e. Filipino grammar.

In La Union, "r" and "e" are thickly pronounced while in Pangasinan, the "e" sound is pronounced as "i" and vice versa.  They also pronounce "r" and "e" as they are pronounced in San Fernando, La Union.  Example: In La Union, newspaper is "newspapUr."  the terminal syllable is pronounced as "ur" as in "burr".  In Pangasinan, "kenka" (to you) is pronounced as "kingka" while "lingga" (sesame seed) is pronounced a "lengga".

Although words are pronounced differently in different accents, Ilocanos understand each other except in cases of dialectical differences.

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*I don't have enough background in linguistics.  This article is merely based from mere observation.  -COR INVICTUS

P-Noy's Porsche Drives Him "Down"

Just like in some sports, one’s rating cruises up and down depending the input exerted and performance displayed in the tennis court, golf course or on chess board.

The same rule determines how a sitting president is gauged.

In the case of Mr. Aquino, his popularity as head of state plunges after buying a Porsche sports car. Many believes that in these difficult times, acquiring expensive “toys” should be eschewed to show solidarity with the suffering nation.

I have problems with that line of reasoning. Personally, it’s non sequitur that the president’s compassion is no longer focused on the poor and the ills of this country. It’s also unfair to say that other government officials driving a second hand car deserve to be labeled as “pro poor”. The point is; one’s intent is known based from action and not by possessions.

The president did not steal his fund in buying the sports car. Why is the president singled out when there are other high ranking government and military officials perceived as corrupt but are not paid with attention despite their “hidden wealth”?

Sometimes life is not fair. The president can afford a Porsche and is entitled to it.

Ombudsman Merci: Merci et Adieu

When I was busy with other things, embattled Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez unexpectedly quit her post despite her firm words that she won’t quit her post. From nowhere, she personally tendered her resignation to the president.

In her press conference, she reiterated that she was not shielding the Arroyos from a possible barrage of cases filed against them. Out of 10 questioned for their opinion, I doubt if three say that Gutierrez is honest.

The Ombudsman is gone. She should have done it as early as after the inauguration of Pres. Aquino out of propriety and to give the new president a chance to appoint another capable for the post.

How did she have a change of heart?

During Lent, so the story goes, Gutierrez in her self-retreat acknowledged that it is in the interest of the nation for her to go rather than to undergo an expensive and protracted impeachment trial that may polarize the country.

We appreciate that but again; she should have done it much earlier. But is it possible that she quit because she can no longer rely on the support of un-named influential persons of the past administration? In plain words, was she dumped like a dirty and wet rag?

Now that she is gone, individuals from all corners want her charged in court for her perceived misdeeds while in office.

Ombudsman Gutierrez is now a history. In exchange, Filipinos want justice done to those involved in corruption activities during the Arroyo administration.

That can only be done if the next Ombudsman is really serious in putting a close to stories where millions if not billions of government money disappeared like a smoke.

Fiesta Season

May is also known as the Fiesta month. Many towns and barangays throughout the province celebrate their feasts in honor of their patron saints.

It is interesting that although barangays are clustered in short distances, per each in a town holds a fiesta celebration with pomp and fun.

Nothing is wrong in celebrations made up of sports competition, stage presentations and the like. Remembering and contemplating the life of a patron saint by honoring him/her on his/her feast day should be given more weight. Fiestas are essentially religious and not secular events.

Upon reflecting their heroic lives full of faith and trust in God, we are challenged to emulate what they did to their neighbors.  They teach us to trust and love God in good times and bad.  Despite facing martyrdom they did not recant their faith or wavered to do good and holy.

For me, the latter is the essence in celebrating feasts; to appreciate and follow the footsteps of extraordinary men and women in history and eras --- and not by holding expensive parties or drinking sprees.

Anyway, we have been doing those since Spanish times. What else is new?

Los Angeles Lakers Melt Down

Heaped adulation for Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s victory over the ageing Shane Mosley is here to stay till days after his return home. Repeating over and over and over in the news how the congressman from Saranggani province out-pointed Mosley makes no sense.

Basketball is the most popular sports in this country although not our national sports. So far, I have not seen any “breaking news” from Manila papers internet editions saying that the Los Angeles Lakers were swept into the dustpan by the Dallas Mavericks in a stunning fashion.

When the Lakers suffered their third defeat, I knew that they were finished.

What went wrong with the mighty Lakers? They were a worse team than the Mavericks of course. For the dazed Lakers fans, who of them expected the result of the series?

I am not a Lakers fan but in fairness to them, they were a powerhouse under Phil Jackson until they melted down in the post-season conference. If I were a Lakers fan, I say that things could be different if Kobe Bryant is not a selfish player. He makes a lot of shots that don’t count. Bryant is not the same Bryant of five years ago. Unfortunately, Kobe has a hard time accepting that fact.

Frustrated for the team’s sure embarrassing defeat, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom were ejected after committing flagrant fouls.  Resulting into such dirty tricks is a clear sign of unsportsmanlike the young must not emulate.

That made the Lakers performance worse. However, the team, during regular course of the season when the Lakers are winning, they appear to be the best players that they can easily defeat their opponents at will. I understand the pride exuding from the back to back champions. The luster of that pride was totally shut off by the Mavericks with unbelievable result.

If it is true that Phil Jackson now goes into retirement, it’s heavy for him to bring along his first and last career sweep out defeat. He is one of the greatest coaches in the NBA history if he is not the best. I wonder though why he left the Chicago Bulls when Jordan was no longer there. Probably Jackson knew that the Bulls were no longer championship contenders.

Years later, Jackson came back to coach the formidable Los Angeles Lakers of Kobe Bryant and Shaquile O’Neal where they won five championships.

Probably Jackson also sees the deterioration of the Los Angeles Lakers --- they are no longer a threat to other teams next year.

If there is a coaching vacancy on what Jackson perceives as a strong team, I'm sure that he ends his retirement and be on the floor again directing games.

We wish Phil Jackson and the Lakers well. Hopefully the famed Lakers can regroup and reinvent themselves under a new coach.

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Photo Credit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LA_Lakers_logo.svg

Pacquiao Won But . . .

Days before the fight, my prediction to friends was a “close fight”.

I was right.

Many believed that Rep. Manny Pacquiao would score a (devastating?) knock out against the aging former champion. If not, a defeated Mosley would have a disfigured face like Cotto’s and Margarito’s.

Contrary to the lofty expectation of most Filipinos, Shane Mosley gave Pacman a good fight. And to borrow the words of the great Muhammad Ali, Mosley’s face was still "pretty".

I am not a boxing expert but Rep. Pacquiao’s knock down in the 10th round looks like not a knock down to me. I leave that to the experts to discuss.

What I don’t understand is why did Rep. Pacquiao unable to score a knock out against his seven year senor. Mosley showed his age in the fight but flashes of his defensive skills shone but not enough to dethrone the Filipino boxing icon.

If Pacquiao were fighting a Mosley in his prime, I believe that the representative from Saranggani would have been knocked out in the later rounds.

Manny’s speed and footwork were there but the exchange of blows that downed Mosley could not finish him. He was dazed but back on his feet.

I’m not taking away any credit Rep. Pacquiao reaped in defeating the aging Mosley but like his other opponents he turned into punching bags, Mosley was an exception.

Rep. Manny Pacquiao should go home as soon as possible and resume his duties as an elected official.

Congratulations congressman!

Pacquiao Mostly

Once again, Filipinos everywhere and the nation are euphoric in anticipating the much talked-about Pacquiao-Mosley fight. Filipinos are indeed tireless in searching for their modern heroes. It looks that the search is over. They believe that the congressman from Sarangani province, Manny Pacquiao who doubles as a boxer is a hero.

From the very start, I know that he is not a hero for he has not done so far anything that is noble for the country risking or giving his life. And well --- he is still alive.

I don’t buy either the idea that his victories reap honors for the country. While it cannot be denied that Pacquiao is an excellent boxer, he was the “best promoter” of the corrupt and inefficient government of Gloria Arroyo. Boxing fans of different nationalities not familiar with the Philippines can familiarize themselves about the country by going to the internet. Of course, they don’t say anything out of respect and diplomatic courtesy but every time Pacquiao demolishes his opponent in the ring, this country is “unmasked”.

Is it better now under Pres. Aquino? I am not shy to say that P-Noy, the son of a distinguished couple who did so much for the country in dismantling dictatorship reminds all that the country, no matter how slow, is getting its feet together as his fight against corruption rages.

I have not heard anyone who is a member of a congress that also boxes. Americans precisely know that congress people are elected to enact laws. Period. If a US congress person does not do the job or does other things not in consonant with the definition of the job, Americans cry foul saying “Rep. N.N. is elected to enact laws and not to . . .”

In this country, we don’t care as long as Rep. Pacquiao is seen my millions of Filipinos box on television. It is better as far as I’m concerned if we watch his performance in Congress. Of course, it is not expected that he engages a debate with any of his colleagues but it is interesting to know how he fares in nursing the needs of his constituents and for the entire nation as well.

But who cares? Majority of Filipinos prefer to watch Rep. Paquiao in the ring and know everything about him as a boxer instead of tracking his achievement in Congress.

Sometimes, priorities don't make sense in this country mostly inhabited by Pacquiao fanatics.

Airing of Seven Last Words Controversy

I prefer Bach or Chopin instead of listening to any radio station in Vigan but during Lent, while monitoring for lectio (The sorrows of the Virgin Mary traditionally sung in a crying or wailing tempo.) one commentator has gone reckless.

Piecing the ropes together, I understand that Fr. Roque Reyes of the St. Paul Cathedral refused permission to a radio station for them to air the "Siete Palabras". If my understanding is accurate, the priest said “no” because the station has been attacking the Church and the clergy unfairly. (I stand corrected for this.)

In turn, the station informed the audience that the Seven Last Words coverage will emanate from St. Augustine’s Parish in Bantay but also negated by Fr. Magdaleno Ruelos, Jr.

The Lenten religious event is for the public and therefore, I don’t think that seeking permission to air it is necessary in the same way as permission for radio or television coverage for the feast of Christ the King is necessary.

The story does not end there.

Unenlightened remarks poisoned the minds of listeners when it was said that the job of priests is to look for sinners and lead them to conversion “instead of” not catering to their religious needs.

Did the priests ban some faithful in participating the sacraments or tell them that they should not go to Church to fulfill their obligation? I don’t think so.

For years, the seven last words of Christ have been aired on radio but I don’t buy that. Faithful should go to the Church instead of listening from the radio or watching it from TV unless there is a valid reason. To be Christian is a 24/7 business and not just during Christmas, Lent, wedding, funeral or baptism. After all, on Good Friday, how many are busy drinking or preparing food or their trip for the Sabado Gloria festivities?

Priests year in and year out and not only during Lent perform their tasks to nourish the souls of the faithful by offering Mass and performing sacraments. Priests teach moral issues such as the evil of artificial contraception, the evil of the abuse of the environment, greed, graft and corruption and others consistent with the teaching authority of the Church that attack the dignity of human life in whole.

Then the commentator asked the priests “After this life, where shall we meet? In heaven or in hell?”

How did the argument end there?

Well, these days, Philippine clergy is occasionally attacked from all directions because of its consistency in fighting for what is right and what is moral. I agree that there are some priests who are not good or even worse than an ordinary person but they are still priests, sinners like us. Bad priests are better than no priests at all. When there are no priests, there are no sacraments and when there are no sacraments, where is salvation?

Now is Eastertide, a time to rejoice and be glad for Christ has conquered death. One way to rejoice is never to be serious with childish commentaries.

Happy Easter!

Osama bin Laden is Really Dead

It has been a long time since posting my last article and boy; I missed a lot of issues worth discussing. Hopefully so long as time is gracious, I will attempt to share my opinion on stories that hit the headlines lately.

First off, a lot has been read or heard since US Pres. Obama reported to his country and to the world the death of Osama bin Laden by a surgically precise covert operation of the US Navy SEAL. Despite the American president’s pronouncement, less than 24 hours later, the world is skeptic if the number one terrorist has indeed met his end. As of this writing, there is no available proof that bin Laden is really dead aside from what Mr. Obama’s world report.

Here in the Philippines and rightly so elsewhere in the world, millions of doubting Thomases want to see physical evidence such as the remains of the al Qaeda founder. Somewhere, probably there are videos or still pictures of the assault showing the 9/11 mastermind lying on his pool of blood with a bullet wound in the head but authorities look not ready to present gruesome pictures or videos to the public.

Personally, Pres. Obama’s television statement serves as a proof that bin Laden is really dead. How could a US president lie before the world on an issue of global interest? If Mr. Obama is lying not only to his fellow Americans but to the world, what  good does he get out from that? Besides, media outlets are now saying in “details” (if that is an accurate word) how the operation was executed starting from the first stages of the mission.

What makes the news “unbelievable” is how bin Laden is found and killed.

It was just like finding a pin in hay. The United States has spent a good fortune and time in finding its foremost nemesis for a decade. During that time, some quarters even believed that bin Laden has been dead for a long time but only to be resurrected perennially by his recorded video broadcasts.

Bin Laden’s custom-made lair is just a few kilometers away from military installations and Pakistan is a nuclear-powered country with sophisticated radar capabilities. Obviously they were overpowered by American technology. SEAL commandos were able to penetrate the area while “invisible” reinforcements were on standby in international air space and waters just in case.

We don’t know how quick the mission was carried out but the unbelievable that we see in movies sometimes happen in real military operation.

It was a sophisticated job but it is done. And what’s the proof?

The American president said it.

Japan, You Are Not Alone!

I have seen the terrifying and heart-rending footages of the big quake and tsunami that hit your country and your people. I share with your grief and suffering and fervently pray to the Almighty that you can quickly recover from the  cataclysmic devastation. May the world community pinch in to help for a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Japan, you are not alone!

Tsunami and 8.9 Quake Message: "I'm Omnipotent"

This blog condoles the Japanese government and the Japanese people for the devastation and lose of lives and properties they suffer from the effects of a massive earthquake and tsunami.

While monitoring the global community and our archipelago when tsunami warning was in effect, the world stood still and I am sure many prayed.

I must be honest and I do apologize.

While spending time before the internet and television, I laughed sarcastically not because of the devastation and human suffering of our Japanese neighbor but the deep lethargy of man who is only awaken when God “speaks”.

It is Lent, a time to reflect the Paschal mysteries in which our Lord proved that he truly love us by dying on the cross unconditionally and willingly with open arms. If the Lord is really a loving God, why the 8.9 destructive quake and tsunami?

I am not a Theologian and I don’t assume to be one but our finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite will of God. The Lord surely has a message. And the message reminds us how powerful He is that no one can stop Him. At the same time He  invites us to go back to Him.

Our country, still fresh from Ondoy and Pepeng nightmares know what flood is. Together in the last 12 hours or so, as a people and as a nation chaining together through Prayer Power, once more, we were one. We deep gratitude, the Philippines is spared.

Prayer works and is so powerful.

Going back to my sarcastic laugh which I again apologize, it is foolish to only know God when  danger is at the tip of the nose. In good times in bad., we take refuge in Him. Christ alone can listen and act to our needs (forget the government and government officials) with mercy and compassion.

How would one, accused of stealing millions of pesos and properties, murder and other grievous sins again man feel when a seven-foot tsunami is just several meters away from his mansion that he stole and has nowhere to go? Would he think first how to safeguard his stolen wealth or ask God’s forgiveness? In that hypothetical scene, in a matter of minutes if not seconds, everything that he worked for hardly through graft and corruption; his life and of his family are to be called history.

The moral is that one should be always ready to face an incorruptible Justice and material wealth cannot save anyone.

This is the first Friday of Lent. As a brotherly reminder to our corrupt officials and those living as if there is no more God, please do an examination of conscience and search your soul (if you believe in soul) that life is short compared with an infinite glory or damnation.

As we walk on our Lenten Journey, we Filipinos must be contented that Christ knows the meaning of suffering. He was homeless; he was rejected, falsely accused and murdered. His closest friends were the poor --- simple fishermen --- one of them ask Him, “Where do we go? You have the words of eternal life?”

“Despite our lukewarm attitude and sinfulness, thank you very much for sparing our country and please continue to do so from the hands of our fellow Filipinos.”

To Japan and our Japanese friends, all we can share is our prayers. We are a third world country.

Maria Aragon, A Canadian With Filipino Roots

It is only now that I came across with this 10-year old Canadian with Filipino descent. This video with 18-million hits and still counting has pushed her into the the limelight of the international entertainment industry. Thanks for her recent duet with Lady Gaga who was moved into tears by the talent of the young Canadian --- it adds a punch to the headlines.

Comparing with another talent, my personal opinion is that Maria is much better in her expressions and "stage presence". She is kiddy because of her age but there is no doubt that she has an enormous talent, most of which are still dormant. In comparing Maria,  language issue out of the topic but strictly her "presence" while singing and in dealing with the press.

Filipinos must be happy that Maria Aragon is of Filipino descent. She has never been to the Philippines. Accolades and honor she receives are strictly hers and for Canada.

But sometimes, we, Filipinos are in dire need of heroes and on an unending quest looking for someone who could raise the Philippine flag to show that despite the graft and corruption the government endures, Filipinos are still proud with their talents.

Let us be contented that the roots of Maria are from the Philippines.

She has a long way to go and has much yet to be reaped and be proud of!

Imelda Marcos Urges Gadhafi to Step Down?

The former flamboyant First Lady, Imelda Marcos advices the Libyan dictator to step down and urges him to follow the example of her husband to avoid bloodshed.

I am not sure if the octogenarian Ilocos Norte House representative’s memory is failing or the news story is accurate.

Ninety per cent of the story delves with the current unrest in Libya and related international stories but there is no direct quote from Imelda (House representative from Ilocos Norte and not Ilocos Sur) urging Gadhafi to step down.

Ferdinand Marcos did not step down. The world knows that. He was ousted by the Filipino people he oppressed in an almost bloodless People Power. He clung to power till the end for like any dictator, Marcos planned to be president for life with her immediate family members as successors in a botched dynasty-institution attempt. When told to "cut it and cut it clean", Mr. Marcos said that he was so "frustrated".  Said differently but with the same meaning, he did not want to leave office.

If Marcos was not indeed interested in bloodshed as his wife now claims; the contrary proves correct.  Victims of his brutal rule now starts collecting $1,000 compensation per head for the suffering and bestiality they endured.

They are 7000 plus souls of young and  old; rich and poor; senators and common tao. Some of them were summarily executed, tortured, imprisoned without due process, disappeared from the face of the earth, raped and treated worse than a dog.

But what else is new for a revisionist who wants to rewrite history?
 

Filipinos are not dumb.

They know the real score.

And so the world does.

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Photo Credit:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Marcos_Clark_Air_Base_cropped.jpg