Filipino Mentality: Behavior, Beliefs, Traits, and Traditions [Archive] - Page 10

jonaz

June 6th, 2008, 12:38 AM

Let's admit it, we Filipinos are divided on almost anything particularly when it comes to politics. I'm not only talking of ordinary everyday Pinoys here, I'm talking of ALL; business people, Church people, politicians, military, students, labor, civil society, forum members, etc. and other sectors of the society that matters.

Other people say that we lack nationalism and I tend to agree with them every time I opened the morning paper or log in on internet forums. There's always something that divide and separate us. There's always a point of contention where we cannot agree on. There's always an issue we cannot see eye to eye with.

Critics say we lack nationalism because there's no external pressure that threatens our very own existence so we invent one and look at our fellow Pinoys. Is that true? To me it rings some sense to it. Because we're in the middle of the ocean and we sleep at night without fear that a neighboring country will sneak and attack us we tend to be complacent. Unlike in other countries, the "love of country" sense is not that strong in us because there is "no real and direct threat" to our country from an external power EXCEPT from our fellow Pinoys (local communist, moro insurgents, domestic terrorists, secession groups, etc.), which adds up to our division.

The only positive thing that unite us and we all agree on is on international sports like boxing and billiard, (Pacquiao, Bata Reyes, et.al.) and basketball (when China was still sleeping) where we are pitted against foreign countries. At least, in those instances we really feel what being a Filipino is like. There’s magic every time we watch Manny Pacquiao battle those feisty Mexicans and pulverized them into submission. We feel like we’re Leonardo DeCaprio shouting at the top of our voices, “I’m the King of the World!” Or when Bata Reyes does his magic in the billiard table and snatch those championship trophies away from the Americans and Europeans. Deep inside, somebody is shouting, “I’m the Greatest!” Those are the moments that we’re proud of and relish being Pinoys but sad to say it’s not nationalism per se. It a simple expression of triumphant feeling and exultation brought about by victory over stiff competition. It is not love of country it is love of winning because nobody loves a loser.

But do we really have a sense of nationalism? I think so. But unlike other countries, where there is external and physical cohesion and unity in expressing national pride, our sense of nationalism tends to be expressed in individual fashion. I don’t know but that is what I feel. You love your country but you are not sure if the person next to you feels the same way. Meaning, because we are divided as a people there are issues that gets in the way that prevents us to share and express our respective feelings of love of country. So what happen is we express our love individually according to our perception and biases.

Now tell me, do we really have a sense of nationalism?

jpdm

June 6th, 2008, 12:54 AM

^^Fortunately, setting aside the bigotry, idiotic comments, bias, and canine loyalty to PGMA and her administration and intolerance of a very very few scc members in this forum (economy, politics):ohno:, most of the scc members if not all, exhibit deep sense of nationalism... :)

This deep sense of nationalism is exemplified everytime scc members talk about our economy, patronizing our local companies, local entrepreneurs and local products. When we speak of the best government for us, when we discuss the achievements of our fellow Filipinos.....:cheers:

Globalization (Neoliberalism) actually made nationalism more relevant because in the end, our national interests must prevail to survive in this highly competitive global economy.. Long live the Filipino Nation! :cheers:

jpdm

June 6th, 2008, 01:12 AM

Critics say we lack nationalism because there's no external pressure that threatens our very own existence so we invent one and look at our fellow Pinoys. Is that true? To me it rings some sense to it. Because we're in the middle of the ocean and we sleep at night without fear that a neighboring country will sneak and attack us we tend to be complacent. Unlike in other countries, the "love of country" sense is not that strong in us because there is "no real and direct threat" to our country from an external power EXCEPT from our fellow Pinoys (local communist, moro insurgents, domestic terrorists, secession groups, etc.), which adds up to our division.

Nagtutulog-tulugan e....

The problem is we are being attack, albeit in subtle way...foreigners do business and work in the country without permits (Chinese, Korean, Indian illegals for instance), illegal aliens smuggle goods and sell products to the local market without paying taxes (Divisoria, Baclaran, Baguio even in Greenhills), foreigner fishermen enter illegally in our fishing grounds illegally....foreign companies and vested interests violate our laws and by using Pinoy cohorts (modern day Pinoy traitors)laws, policies and programs are implemented to the detriment of our fellow Pinoy entrepreneurs....(WTO, AFTA, local trade policies, cheap medicine bill, safeguards against unfair foreign business practices..)

If not today, we pnoys must pursue and strengthen our claims to Sabah, Scarborough shoal and Kalayaan islands...

These are part of our national patrimony and we must fight for them...

P.S.

We strengthen our capabilities to do it..

barukdok

June 6th, 2008, 04:30 AM

here's a show of nationalism of pinoys on a global scale: the search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, an online poll. guess how many Philippine sites are in the running for the top 7 and top 77? this show of force says a lot.

click my signature below for the link.

Nabartek

June 6th, 2008, 08:23 AM

Nagtutulog-tulugan e....

The problem is we are being attack, albeit in subtle way...foreigners do business and work in the country without permits (Chinese, Korean, Indian illegals for instance), illegal aliens smuggle goods and sell products to the local market without paying taxes (Divisoria, Baclaran, Baguio even in Greenhills), foreigner fishermen enter illegally in our fishing grounds illegally....foreign companies and vested interests violate our laws and by using Pinoy cohorts (modern day Pinoy traitors)laws, policies and programs are implemented to the detriment of our fellow Pinoy entrepreneurs....(WTO, AFTA, local trade policies, cheap medicine bill, safeguards against unfair foreign business practices..)

If not today, we pnoys must pursue and strengthen our claims to Sabah, Scarborough shoal and Kalayaan islands...

These are part of our national patrimony and we must fight for them...

P.S.

We strengthen our capabilities to do it..

It's easier to blame foreigners. But we often forget that foreigners won;t be able to do this without the participation of Filipinos. Just like who allow themselves to be dummies of the Koreans.

renell

June 6th, 2008, 08:36 AM

It's a bit hypocritical to blame foreigners coming into our country when our country basically lives on Filipinos (legit or alien) living overseas propping their families through Western Union or something.

I completely disagree that "reclaiming Sabah" is directly linked to Filipino nationalism. I have nothing to do with that Malaysian province, as do millions of Filipinos. Technically the Philippines as a national construct never had Sabah, unless the government believes for some reason we are descended from the rule of the Sultan of Sulu. I support laying claim to the Kalayaan islands not on nationalism (no one freaking lives there nor is it anything significant historically) but on economic terms. I agree that nationalism is also linked with 'external pressure' to some extent but a basic definition of nationalism would be 'pride', and not many Filipinos can have something to be proud of.

Perhaps we have to redefine to the general public what nationalism is. People are getting tired of revolutions EDSA style, which is what the title alludes to (I'm guessing here). We need to institutionalize national symbols and national holidays like Araw ng Kagitingan.

Weina

June 6th, 2008, 09:41 AM

It's easier to blame foreigners. But we often forget that foreigners won;t be able to do this without the participation of Filipinos. Just like who allow themselves to be dummies of the Koreans.

exactly! Filipinos are really good on putting the blame of their misfortunes on others not themselves. Hello, are we nuts? How come others would be able to affect us when we won't allow it in the first place? There's so much ineffeciencies in the gov't that is why others are able to take advantage of that. Smuggled goods, illegal workers would not land in our shores when our customs, dfa officials are just doing their jobs. So all this attack ekeks are nothing but just pure alibis/cover ups of our own shortcomings and inefficiencies. So unless we strenghten our gov't and it's system, the morals and attitude of the people others could still take advantage on us.

We Filipinos should realize that the real enemies is OURSELVES, our DISUNITY on matters that can make our country move forward, our INDIVIDUALISTIC ATTITUDE that is not really helpful or effective in achieving change we desire, our lack of or shallow understanding of patriotism/nationalism. These are our enemies, not the chinese, not the koreans, nor the indians or other nationalities.

Juan Pilgrim

June 6th, 2008, 02:49 PM

^^ okay. just send me PM.

^^ I just sent you a P.M.

I thank you and your wife in advance.

:horse:

J.P.

bartstrife99

June 6th, 2008, 03:49 PM

Watch this video, hopefully this will inspire all the Filipinos

Video by BigFoot Entertainment

E1tGCYfKRC8

..

Well the video is very inspiring, Working together and keeping together will move our country in the right direction toward progress of our country!

" Faith in People, Faith in God " 500 pesos

"The Filipino is worth dying for? " Ninoy Aquino

"Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa" F. Marcos
" Let us work and unite together for our prosperity in the near future by loving our one and only country!" BartSTrife

dinabaw

June 6th, 2008, 04:14 PM

na pasubo ata si @stilto :lol:

stlito

June 7th, 2008, 12:35 AM

^^ heheh. not at all. all for the love of the country, i'll share with a filipino. :lol:

fbgcxxxx

June 7th, 2008, 01:01 AM

Thanks!

hehehe. okay. he can have the bills that go along with her. :lol: :jk:

Lito, sumbong kita kay Fanta !!! :lol:

stlito

June 7th, 2008, 01:08 AM

hehehehe. Baka nga makita n'ya to. :lol:

Louman

June 7th, 2008, 02:58 AM

After seeing the picts of food, I'm surprised no one's even mentioned these delicious filipinos...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Filipinos-snack-choc-roll.jpg/800px-Filipinos-snack-choc-roll.jpg

crappypants

June 7th, 2008, 03:33 AM

is that brown on the outside white on the inside.
i also know banana. yellow on the outside and white on the inside.

dinabaw

June 7th, 2008, 05:27 AM

^^ ROFLMAO... oi baka nalibang ka sa MILF maritess "moro intergrated liberation front":lol:

crappypants

June 7th, 2008, 06:01 AM

^^dirty mind :lol:
that's what they call filipinos too or asians that are white on the inside yellow on the outside. banana

dinabaw

June 7th, 2008, 06:06 AM

^^ I thought filipinos are different .... balimbing craggy green in the outside and sour white in the inside ROLFMAO

jvillanueva

June 7th, 2008, 03:16 PM

Is the Philippines worth crying for, despite of political instability?
Who will shed tears for the Motherland .
Who will lend a hand to lift her spirit,
to hold the lonely Flag that symbolize her name.

Count me in, you may?

How Much Do We Love The Philippines?

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same time. This is an essay written by a Korean student we want to share with you.
---------
My Short Essay about the Philippines

Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed completely after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father's brother also died because of famine.

Korean government was awfully corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economy situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only BR three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through a horrible experience. In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him.
President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea.

He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off.

Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And I have loved my neighborhood.

Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children. When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a
priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boat men, for the boat men were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God.

I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships.

It changes the world.

Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country.

You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others. That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

-----------

Now I will second her/his curiosity. Is the Philippines worth crying for?

Who will shed tears for the Motherland.

Who will lend a hand to lift her spirit, to hold the lonely Flag that symbolize her name.

If you love the motherland, it's just a click to spread this message.

"Life with CHRIST is an endless hope, without HIM, a hopeless end.

++++++++

well... count me in.... I find it very sad to see that there are more foreigners who appreciate our country more than its citizens.....

GREAT MESSAGE!

WE LOVE YOU KOREANS MORE THAN OURSELF.

DID YOU KNOW WHAT KOREANS DID WITH OUR PEOPLE IN WORLD WAR II?

Juan Pilgrim

June 8th, 2008, 03:53 AM

^^ heheh. not at all. all for the love of the country, i'll share with a filipino. :lol:

crappypants and stlito.

puedeng umurong anytime.

although, alam ko ang mga matatapang na PILIPINO walang inu-urungan.

SALMAT ULI KABAYAN!

:horse:

J.P.

orangejuice

June 8th, 2008, 02:26 PM

mahirap gawin yan, mas madali at malinis pa rin ang pinoy tabo way.
save trees, use tabo.:lol::lol::lol:

ano yun? dahil sa malaking "tubol"?

Nakakatuwa naman ang topic about the tabo!
Speaking of tabo and paghuhugas ng bum after magbawas, the Europeans also don't wash after magpoopoo. Kasi my husband, who is Irish-French, said na sa akin daw nya narealize ang kahalagahan ng paghuhugas pagtapos magbawas. Kasi hindi daw uso sa Europe naghuhugas, punas nga lang ng tissue or baby wipes! Hindi stressed ang paghuhugas for hygienic purposes. Kasi sabi ko sa kanya na syempre mahalaga magsabon at magbanlaw pagtapos magbawas kasi mauwi ka pa sa infection kapag hindi gaano nalinis di ba? So natuto sya after magbawas, naghuhugas, or derecho naliligo na. Kadalasan daig pa ako, 2 beses sa isang araw kung maligo, kahit na winter! Kapag nasa Pinas kami, 3 beses maligo sa isang araw sa sobrang init!

Ung mga inlaws ko ( Father in law - Irish, Mother in law-French ), I doubt na naghuhugas! Or naliligo araw-araw! Kasi pansin ko lang whenever they come visit na punas punas lang walang ligo! Saka sa Paris, the house of my inlaws have a bidet, sa France uso daw itong bidet noon, pero ngayon daw hindi na masyadong uso maglagay ng bidet sa mga bahay. Ung bidet parang katamaran lang pagdating sa paghuhugas pagtapos magbawas! I never tried it.

Juan Pilgrim

June 9th, 2008, 02:51 AM

I really love the PHILIPPINES.

WHY?? You asked me. Gusto ng brother ko sa Pilipinas na tumakbo sa POLITIKA.
http://www.apec.org/apec/leaders__declarations/1996/1996_economy_representatives.primarycontentparagraph.0002.ImagePic.Sec.jpg

Gusto niyang suportahan ko siya sa kanyang political aspirations.
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/a/a2/Edsa2001.jpg

Anong motivation niya:
Mangngurakut,
pagkaperahan ang campanya at election,
at kung sasamaing palad aT mananalo:
nakawan ang caban ng bayan.
SaNA sa pagtutol ko at sa hindi pagsuporta
manahimik na siya,
at kung hindi pa rin,
sana matalo.
http://www.jhom.com/topics/envy/images/art/art2_large.jpg
If not, I may be forced to try the the BIBLICAL approach.
Remember CAIN AND ABEL??

:horse:

J.P.

kiretoce

June 9th, 2008, 03:49 AM

What did I do for my country today? I had munggo at malunggay for dinner! :okay:

bartstrife99

June 9th, 2008, 05:15 AM

Juan Pilgrim

June 9th, 2008, 04:24 PM

My wife brought back mounds and mounds of Filipino Snacks!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j165/stlito/IMGP0587.jpg

****-change na rin ang avatar ko.
just some PHilippine products i buy.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c54/marites4/DSC01641.jpg

What a big surprise. :banana::pepper::cucumber::banana::pepper::cucumber::banana::pepper::cucumber:

I received a parcel today from SKYSCRAPERCITY, PHILIPPINES.
No name, no address, mailed 06/06/08 from HILLSBORO OR.:rock::rock::banana2::banana2:

I REALLY FELT THE LOVE. MARAMING SALAMAT.

Please PM your mailing address so I can return the favor!
No good deed is left unrewarded.

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINO.

:horse:

J.P.

kiretoce

June 9th, 2008, 04:41 PM

^^ I know who sent you that package, just by the location of the sender you mentioned.

Igsuonnimo

June 9th, 2008, 04:50 PM

Maraming Selamat J.P. :)

Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang posting mo ay para na rin akong nakakarinig ng Fado

bravo J.P. :)

:applause: :tyty: :rock:

Juan Pilgrim

June 9th, 2008, 05:25 PM

Maraming Selamat J.P. :)

Sa tuwing nakikita ko ang posting mo ay para na rin akong nakakarinig ng Fado

bravo J.P. :)

:applause: :tyty: :rock:

Before I say anything.

First and foremost, ano ba ang meaning ng FADO?

was it a compliment, baka minumura mo na pala ako.
( BAKA 'TADO NA ANG TAWAG MO SA AKIN
O KAYA'Y FAVO OR TURKEY.)

賛辞に大変感謝します。

:horse:

J.P.

Juan Pilgrim

June 9th, 2008, 05:30 PM

^^ I know who sent you that package, just by the location of the sender you mentioned.

Kimbro, care to share who this anonymous benefactor is??

:horse:

J.P.

Juan Pilgrim

June 9th, 2008, 05:33 PM

http://anton.blogs.com/flag/large.jpg

courtesy of http://anton.blogs.com/flag/large.jpg

stlito

June 9th, 2008, 10:06 PM

Kimbro, care to share who this anonymous benefactor is??

:horse:

J.P.

definitely not from me. So it's gotta be from Maritess (crappypants). I haven't had the time time to send mine 'til today. Enjoy!

stanleymalls

June 10th, 2008, 07:20 AM

^^^^ Is that true? so kaya pala nila tayo mahal!

Hayyyy....... I wish I could go abck to the time when the Philippines was the Envy of Asia. Kung hindi lang talaga si Marcos ang naging presidente, naku. Ang ganda na talaga ng Pilipinas, more than anywhere else! Hayyyyyyyy............

Maxxclip

June 10th, 2008, 07:27 AM

^^maganda naman talaga ang Pilipinas @stanley, kung hindi lang tayo nadamay/ nakasama sa WWII :)

Mercato

June 10th, 2008, 11:57 AM

Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)
:lol:

Wind Shear

June 10th, 2008, 02:08 PM

DID YOU KNOW WHAT THE FILIPINO PEOPLE DID DURING THE KOREAN WAR BROKE OUT!
Philippine's is the 1st Asian Country defend their Asian neighbor from Colonizer! that the reason why some Koreans really love Filipino!

In addition to that, Philippines has the 5th largest military contingent in Korean War. Also, it is the only country that has experience engaging against commies (The Huks).

Juan Pilgrim

June 10th, 2008, 02:44 PM

stlito[/B];21563539]definitely not from me. So it's gotta be from Maritess (crappypants). I haven't had the time time to send mine 'til today. Enjoy!

salamat pa rin!
wan week din kaming hindi mag-gro-grocery sa dami ng padala mo.

http://www.nwspeechpathservices.com/sitebuilder/images/Shaking_Hands_Asian2-327x345.jpg

PM me your mailing address so I can return the favor.

my son liked the CHAMPORADO,
while my daughter liked the GUNATAANG MAIS a lot.

Ako favorito ko yung NILAGANG BAKA,
ANG SARAP NG SABAW, PERO, WHERE'S THE BEEF. :jk:

Sa Viernes, naman yung PANCIT BIHON for Seder.

http://iftf.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/great_leap_forward.jpg
LET US NOT FORGET THOSE WHO ARE STARVING AND REALLY HAVE NO FOOD TO EAT.

:horse:

J.P.

kiretoce

June 10th, 2008, 02:51 PM

^^ You Jewish?

Juan Pilgrim

June 10th, 2008, 03:10 PM

^^ You Jewish?

NO. But FRIDAY is KOSHER Day.
this week and last FRIDAY.(SHEVOUS)

You Know...
like SATURDAY is ITALIAN day (pizza, spaghetti...)
SUNDAY is ASIAN day (tapsilog, beef rendang, young chow fried rice...)
...WEEKDAYs are mostly PB & J, Ham & Cheese, Hotdogs, Souvlaki, Falafel...
:horse:

J.P.

Igsuonnimo

June 10th, 2008, 03:35 PM

Juan Pilgrim

June 10th, 2008, 05:21 PM

Fado (translated as destiny or fate) is a music genre which can be traced from the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins. In popular belief, Fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality Fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure.
I'm learning a lot from you kaibigan my friend (flying kiss, sabay ihip pa sa hangin)

I still don't really get it.

But if a Brazilian or Portuguese Music Genre
reminds me of you, then I can not do anything about it!

Muito Obrigado!

http://www.visitingportugal.com/images/fado-small.jpg

:horse:

J.P.

Matteo

June 11th, 2008, 12:40 AM

what if you buy a calvin klein shirt thats made in the philippines?

Juan Pilgrim

June 11th, 2008, 02:54 PM

what if you buy a calvin klein shirt thats made in the philippines?

Matteo, If you had the freedom to choose
between the two shirts you like,
and both shirts
are of COMPARABLY equal quality and price.

http://www.coopamerica.org/images/header/04-7-Sweatshops_Header_B_05.jpg

and you decided to pick the shirt
because it is MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Then my friend, YOU bought this shirt
ALL FOR MY BELOVED COUNTRY: THE PHILIPPINES.

:banana::carrot::cucumber::pepper:
:applause::applause::applause:

:horse:

J.P.

kiretoce

June 11th, 2008, 03:03 PM

Please forgive my nitpicking, but "comparatibly" isn't a word. It's comparatively; or, if you so desire, you can also use the word "comparably" as well. :colgate:

Juan Pilgrim

June 11th, 2008, 03:09 PM

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j165/stlito/IMGP0587.jpg

How can one be so lucky?
Receive 2 parcels full of MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES GOODIES
in one week that's how.

I just received most of what is in the image above in a huge box.
Thank you very much.
That was very generous of you.

I will keep your name and mailing address in my record.

:horse:
J.P.

Juan Pilgrim

June 11th, 2008, 03:11 PM

Please forgive my nitpicking, but "comparatibly" isn't a word. It's comparatively; or, if you so desire, you can also use the word "comparably" as well. :colgate:

Thanks!

terrapinoy

June 11th, 2008, 05:39 PM

It was 96 degrees in the shade last Sunday, we proudly celebrated Philippine Independence Day in Baltimore, Maryland. :banana:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05900.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05907.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05894.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05897.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05884.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05890.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05881.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05895.jpg

kiretoce

June 11th, 2008, 05:47 PM

I wonder why the Filipino community down here in Florida (or here in Central Florida at least) doesn't have anything planned for any Philippine Independence Day celebrations? But we do have PhilFest every April! :nuts:

terrapinoy

June 11th, 2008, 06:03 PM

^^ The yearly fiesta has slowly become a big thing. Everyone looks forward to the gathering and some friends of mine from D.C. would rather go here to celebrate than the festival in Washington. Hmm... Central Florida in June must be a scorcher. Maybe that's why they celebrate in April or they're just too busy going to the beach. :lol:

leechtat

June 11th, 2008, 07:06 PM

the old guy is eating the face of that child!! somebody stop him.. :lol: wala lang...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/DSC05890.jpg

^^ congrats to the organizers of such events. mabuhay ang pilipinas!

kiretoce

June 11th, 2008, 07:25 PM

The yearly fiesta has slowly become a big thing. Everyone looks forward to the gathering and some friends of mine from D.C. would rather go here to celebrate than the festival in Washington. Hmm... Central Florida in June must be a scorcher. Maybe that's why they celebrate in April or they're just too busy going to the beach. :lol:

Yeah, June down here is a bear. April is much favorable, weather wise; and it's timed during Spring Break. :okay:

Juan Pilgrim

June 11th, 2008, 07:49 PM

June 12, 1898
the date we got our Independence from SPAIN.

I just heard from my brother,
that TITA GLOW advanced the celebration
of the Philippine Independence Day this Year.

The Official Holiday of no work/ no school
was moved up to JUNE 9, 2008.(Lunes)
To make it a 3 day HOLIDAY weekend.

What do YOU think???
Should she be doing this????

I can never see the US of A
moving the celebration of
the birth of their NATION.
The 4th of JULY is ALWAYS on JULY 4.

:horse:

J.P.

I WONDER WHAT THE PHILIPPINES
WILL BE DOING ON THEIR BIRTHDAY
THE 12TH OF JUNE (TOMORROW)???

Juan Pilgrim

June 11th, 2008, 09:57 PM

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!!!

http://anton.blogs.com/flag/large.jpg

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINO!!

MABUHAY ANG ARAW NG KALAYAAN!!

:horse:

J.P.

bariQ

June 12th, 2008, 01:42 AM

merry independence day everyone :D
:party:

jpdm

June 12th, 2008, 03:38 AM

Philippine Star
Opinion
Declaration of Independence
ROSES & THORNS By Alejandro R. Roces
Thursday, June 12, 2008

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leads today the 110th anniversary celebration of the declaration of Philippine Independence with various activities scheduled in historic venues in the country. Flag-raising ceremonies and programs are scheduled simultaneously in the Rizal Monument, Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery and the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. Flag raising ceremonies are also scheduled today in various historical sites all over the country.

On June 12, 1898, the independence of the Philippines was proclaimed for the first time with General Emilio Aguinaldo leading the throng gathered in his historic house in Kawit, Cavite where the Philippine Flag was hoisted up and the Philippine National Anthem played for the first time.

The National Historical Institute also commemorates several events that occurred on this same day throughout the course of history. In the year 1812, one of the first modern Filipino nationalists, Pedro Pablo Pelaez, was born. Few people know that he was a staunch defender of Filipino priests. He is one of our early nationalists who shares this recognition with our national hero, Jose Rizal, who would become martyred many years later.

In 1941, General Aguinaldo would urge the people to unite as one in body and soul and cooperate wholeheartedly with the United States in order to save democracy. He was 93 when President Diosdado Macapagal officially changed the date of independence from July 4 to June 12. As a Cabinet member then, this columnist was responsible for the change of our Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. The Americans gave us our independence on July 4 to make it coincide with their own Independence Day. In that way, we could celebrate Independence Day at the same time. The problem was that all countries celebrate their Independence not on the day when they attained it, but when they declared it. That explains why we changed our Independence Day from July 4 to June 12.

We are happy to note that the government is celebrating our independence by highlighting and giving recognition to beautiful and artistic exhibits of government agencies, as well as continuing programs that offer departmental services to people. Seminars, job fairs, provision of medical assistance, the opening of rolling stores and the showcasing of historical and cultural shows have been held from June 9 until today to bring to fore the K3 or Kagalingan, Kaisahan and Kalayaan ng Bayan (the Excellence, Unity and Freedom of the Filipino people).

We must remember that our forefathers rallied together to fight for independence against a foreign power. Being able to proclaim independence means that not only were they Filipinos who fought for their country but a nation united in shared values and shared pride.

Celebrating the positive traits of the Filipino is certainly a good way of celebrating our independence. Declaring all men free and equal is not enough. Some means must be devised to keep them free and equal. And one way is providing the alternative ways in order to keep them productive, continuing to uplift the Filipino spirit.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

Mabuhay ang pilipinas!:cheers:

adverg

June 12th, 2008, 03:56 AM

I strongly agree what Jaeyoun Kim sent message to us, thou it seems shameful to us some other races pointing an example that make us wake from this teribl nightmare we are facing, but we have to face the truth whether is it painful or not, it is our mistake, individual mistake that we are left behind by our neighbors. but I do believe, if we really meant to love our country not just by words, it's not yet too late for us to recover from our failure. It's a matter of dedication through nationalistic principles we say "we can make it". This dream of becoming develop country through nationalism cannot be in reality by just a moment. there must be one generation to sacrifice for it.

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 05:24 AM

Askal82

June 12th, 2008, 05:31 AM

Happy Independence Day!! :)

icarusrising

June 12th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Mabuhay! :D

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9224/p5251804cs6.jpg

I did camwhoring at the Skybar... all for my beloved country.

espresso1018

June 12th, 2008, 06:21 AM

Happy Independence Day to all my kababayans! Today marks the 110th year of commemoration of the Philippine Independence. In today's celebration there was no grand parade but instead there were plenty of booths for job fairs, exhibits and even medical assistance. IMHO this is a brilliant idea because the expenses for big floats in the parade would be devoted to helping the poor. So others there who want to go visit Sentro K3 in Luneta, we can still go there and catch up with today's activities.

icarusrising

June 12th, 2008, 07:00 AM

Renditions of our National Anthem in Spanish and in English...

Filipinas
for Jose Palmas

Tierra adorada
Hija del sol de Oriente
Su fuego ardiente en ti latiendo esta.
Patria de amores!
Del heroismo cuna,
Los invasores
No te hallaran jamas.

En tu azul cielo, en tus auras,
En tus montes y en tu mar
Esplende y late el poema
De tu amada libertad.
Tu pabellon, que en las lides
La victoria ilumino
No vera nunca apagados
Sus estrellas y su sol.

Tierra de dichas, del sol y amores,
En tu regazo dulce es vivir.
Es una gloria para tus hijos,
Cuando de ofenden, por ti morir.

The Philippine Hymn in English
by Camilo Osias and A.L.Lane

Land of the morning,
Child of the sun returning,
With fervor burning,
Thee do our souls adore.
Land dear and holy,
Cradle of noble heroes,
Ne'er shall invaders
Trample thy sacred shore.
Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds
And o'er thy hills and sea,
Do we behold the radiance, feel and throb,
Of glorious liberty.
Thy banner, dear to all our hearts,
Its sun and stars alight,
O never shall its shining field
Be dimmed by tyrant's might!
Beautiful land of love,
O land of light,
In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie,
But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged,
For us, thy sons to suffer and die.

bitoy

June 12th, 2008, 07:54 AM

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080612/capt.3983645d0d2f4416ae741820bad15698.philippines_independence_day_mla104.jpghttp://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080612/capt.34f1eff0600f451bb660ecb4cf15a65f.philippines_independence_day_mla102.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080612/i/r1278708976.jpghttp://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080612/i/r2279739238.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080612/i/r2825380298.jpg

:yawn: :goodnight

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 07:58 AM

ang ganda ng uniform nila. ano sila?

ashley12

June 12th, 2008, 07:59 AM

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

-from: fbgcxxxx and Ashley12

bitoy

June 12th, 2008, 08:24 AM

ang ganda ng uniform nila. ano sila?

Mga Kataponeros sila. :lol:

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080612/capt.2b153e4abfbe4f47ab5d5da43e9616cf.philippines_independence_day_mla101.jpg

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reviews military honour guard.

bariQ

June 12th, 2008, 08:33 AM

those sombreros are something original :D

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 09:00 AM

those sombreros are something original :D

they're made in tayland:D

icarusrising

June 12th, 2008, 09:09 AM

ang ganda ng uniform nila. ano sila?

That's called the rayadillo...

Rayadillo or Milraya is a cotton blue pin-stripped uniform used by the Spanish armed forces as their tropical uniform and later adopted by the Philippine Army of the First Republic. From a distance, this uniform looks light blue to pale grey in color. There were many shades of Rayadillo cloth used for making military uniforms, plus the varied conditions of wear and tear tend to remove the blue pin-stripped color of the fabric with every next washing. A sample Spanish "Dark Rayadillo" uniform shows that the actual color of General Antonio Luna's tunic in his most famous photograph would have a grayish tinge.

Source (http://www.falangefilipinas.4t.com/photo2.html)

[dx]

June 12th, 2008, 09:13 AM

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080612/i/r2825380298.jpg

spontaneous opera syndrome. hehe

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 09:15 AM

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080612/capt.2b153e4abfbe4f47ab5d5da43e9616cf.philippines_independence_day_mla101.jpg

.

parang gusto ko rin isuot:D mas guapo:D ako dyan:D pag yan ang suot ko sa work.

diz

June 12th, 2008, 09:26 AM

The independence day parties are more fun in NYC, Seoul, Baltimore, etc. :lol:

They should do something about the real host Manila!!!

bagel

June 12th, 2008, 09:35 AM

That's called the rayadillo...

Rayadillo or Milraya is a cotton blue pin-stripped uniform used by the Spanish armed forces as their tropical uniform and later adopted by the Philippine Army of the First Republic. From a distance, this uniform looks light blue to pale grey in color. There were many shades of Rayadillo cloth used for making military uniforms, plus the varied conditions of wear and tear tend to remove the blue pin-stripped color of the fabric with every next washing. A sample Spanish "Dark Rayadillo" uniform shows that the actual color of General Antonio Luna's tunic in his most famous photograph would have a grayish tinge.

Source (http://www.falangefilipinas.4t.com/photo2.html)

So yung suot ng PNP ngayon based on rayadillo milraya? Kasi blue pinstripe rin na medyo modern atsaka short sleeve.

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 11:21 AM

The independence day parties are more fun in NYC, Seoul, Baltimore, etc. :lol:

They should do something about the real host Manila!!!

Because, we're outnumbered by the Koreans, Chinese and Americans. We are a minority living in the Philippines.:DJ/K

Mas bongga pa ang chinese new year kaysa PID.:D

Juan Pilgrim

June 12th, 2008, 02:53 PM

Mabuhay! :D

I did camwhoring at the Skybar... all for my beloved country.

Ayos yan ginawa mo.

LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH!

I hope you left the young waitress a big tip--
--nakuha mo ba yung cel #?

:horse:

J.P.

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 03:00 PM

Ayos yan ginawa mo.

LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH!

I hope you left the young waitress a big tip--
--nakuha mo ba yung cel #?

:horse:

J.P.

guapong waiter nakita ko nag serve sa kanya:D

Juan Pilgrim

June 12th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Because, we're outnumbered by the Koreans, Chinese and Americans. We are a minority living in the Philippines.:DJ/K

Mas bongga pa ang chinese new year kaysa PID.:D

Migo, kala mo lang KOREANS AND CHINESE (mainland & Taiwan)
yung nakikita mo diyan,
pakinggan mo magsalita.
PILIPINO ang mga yan.
Kahit na BINONDO CHINESE o BICOLANO CHINESE sila
CHINESE FILIPINO pa rin sila. :)

Kahit na yung kala mo AMERICANS.
makinig kang mabuti.
PILIPINO RIN YAN,
nagpa GLUTHATHIONE AT NOSE LIFT
from JUAN SANCHEZ, M.D. (sori sa plugging):)

:horse:

J.P.

amigo32

June 12th, 2008, 03:22 PM

Migo, kala mo lang KOREANS AND CHINESE (mainland & Taiwan)
yung nakikita mo diyan,
pakinggan mo magsalita.
PILIPINO ang mga yan.
Kahit na BINONDO CHINESE o BICOLANO CHINESE sila
CHINESE FILIPINO pa rin sila. :)

Kahit na yung kala mo AMERICANS.
makinig kang mabuti.
PILIPINO RIN YAN,
nagpa GLUTHATHIONE AT NOSE LIFT
from JUAN SANCHEZ, M.D. (sori sa plugging):)

:horse:

J.P.
:D peke? :lol::lol::lol: ah hindi natuto lang silang mag pilipino. bombay nga eh, akala ko maloloko ko sa utang, magaling pala magtagalog:D

dinabaw

June 12th, 2008, 03:39 PM

^^ lol eh yung tito ko sumakay ng bus sa LA may 2 negrang mabaho ang kili sabi ng tito ko "ang babaho ng kili2 ng mga to" sabi nung negra "ano kamo" ..taga angeles pala! :lol:

crappypants

June 12th, 2008, 05:43 PM

yung pareng bombay nakasabay namen sa Singapore kinausap ba naman ng sira ulo kong tiyahen. ang sabe ng tiyahen ko five, six? five, six? Payong payong?
yun pala ang galeng magtagalog. :lol:

icarusrising

June 12th, 2008, 06:28 PM

Ayos yan ginawa mo.

LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH!

I hope you left the young waitress a big tip--
--nakuha mo ba yung cel #?

:horse:

J.P.

I was referring to this skybar (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=21657799#post21657799).:D

guapong waiter nakita ko nag serve sa kanya:D

You must have been looking at a mirror. Bwahahaha! :lol:

Juan Pilgrim

June 12th, 2008, 06:31 PM

I was referring to this skybar (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=21657799#post21657799).:D:lol:

Excuse my ignorance!:lol:

:horse:

J.P.

icarusrising

June 12th, 2008, 06:37 PM

Excuse my ignorance!:lol:

:horse:

J.P.

It's nothing... No harm done. ::okay:

Juan Pilgrim

June 12th, 2008, 10:20 PM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/12.jpg

:horse:

J.P.

stlito

June 13th, 2008, 12:35 AM

Happy Independence Day!

bitoy

June 13th, 2008, 01:50 AM

^^ Giyera na! :lol:

stlito

June 13th, 2008, 02:04 AM

^^ hahaha.having 3 boys laging may giyera sa bahay. :lol:

rage@cebu

June 13th, 2008, 02:45 AM

pinapakain namin lahat ng top military, DND, foreign ministers, officials who visit Cebu almost everyday. :) i just wonder ang daming palang pondo ng gobyerno when it comes good food.

Maxxclip

June 13th, 2008, 05:06 AM

Happy Independence Day!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j165/stlito/IMGP0602.jpg

:nono:
ang watawat ay hindi laruan (toy)...tsk tsk tsk...

hindi pupwede yan sa lolo kong beterano;)

amigo32

June 13th, 2008, 05:38 AM

puede ipakulong yan:D talaga, iniingatan yan

stlito

June 13th, 2008, 06:49 AM

:nono:
ang watawat ay hindi laruan (toy)...tsk tsk tsk...

hindi pupwede yan sa lolo kong beterano;)

Do you see my kids playing with the flag? It was an honest mistake. I came to the states when I was 8 years old. You all need to lighten up.

Mercato

June 13th, 2008, 03:25 PM

After 6 rounds of Absolut, I read somewhere (I can’t recall w/c thread) that Filipinas is an artificial creation. That and with thoughts of Puerto Rico… :cheers2::cheers2:hmmm, we are just an artificial country after all! Without the Spanish and the Americans, we would’ve been absorbed into Indonesia and my name wouldn’t be Mercato but Jaffar or Rasheed, anyway. Not necessarily a bad thing but it is true.

The following SSC threads and the solution!!!! The perfect solution to all 10 problems is to re-integrate ourselves as the U.S. Commonwealth of the Philippines and rejoin our brethren, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. :|Why?? Observe the ff SSC threads:

1. Problem of Population Explosion – The whites cannot contain us in Filipino reservations coz we are too many. Our race will be guaranteed survival because we will outmultiply everyone else. Plus we will be well fed, w/ social security & welfare. When a significant number of our people are more educated, our population will stabilize; the WASP establishment will see to it that birth control methods are implemented. That will solve the 1st problem.

2. Reintroduction of Spanish – we will join our brethren the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and all the millions and millions of US Hispanics who will be interested to visit us and our cultural heritage sites. The result will be a natural integration of both Iberoamerican and Asiatic cultures, thus strengthening ties. It will be sorta like a Reconquista by the Hispanistas. (The US itself is headed there anyway). That will solve the 2nd problem.

3. Pinas as an English Speaking Country – needless to say, our educational system will improve vastly and thus our English language skills will also be reinforced. Like Puerto Rico. That solves the 3rd problem.

4. Migration to the US, FOBs plus the promise to Fil War Veterans – will be helped greatly and will render most things moot and academic. That solves the 4th problem. :D

5. Philippines achieving First World Status – needless to say, the fastest shortcut...

6. Spratleys Problem – needless to say, the fastest shortcut...

7. Corruption in the Phils., Why is the Phils. Poor – this’ll take awhile, though. But at least, haughty local Fil. politicos will learn to heel and obey a higher authority and will be on a short leash like a good doggie. The WASP establishment will see to that...

8. Phil. Defense Forces thread – needless to say, the fastest shortcut to achieving nuclear weapons... :banana:

9. Rice shortage – moot and academic. :cheers:

10. Preservation of Heritage Sites like the Intramuros, etal – plenty of money and funding from several New York & jewish groups. :)

Our ultranationalists and local communists? To be burned at the stake or shipped to Gitmo. :lol:

Benefit to the US? It will establish a firm 300,000sq km foothold in Asia and will turn the Pacific into a Mare Americana. From Alaska to the West Coast to Honolulu to Manila. We will be the largest trading post to China.

The proverbial hitting 10 birds with one stone. Any comments, suggestions, violent reactions? Je je je… :hahaha::sly::runaway::goodbye:

Juan Pilgrim

June 13th, 2008, 03:25 PM

pinapakain namin lahat ng top military, DND, foreign ministers, officials who visit Cebu almost everyday. :) i just wonder ang daming palang pondo ng gobyerno when it comes good food.

Mabuhay ang PILIPINONG nagmamahal sa PILIPINAS.

:horse:

J.P.

flesh_is_weak

June 13th, 2008, 04:49 PM

^^but i want US citizenship :lol:

kiretoce

June 13th, 2008, 05:36 PM

If the Philippines were like Puerto Rico and is a United States Commonwealth, Philippine-born Filipinos would then be classified as "statutory" US citizens.

flesh_is_weak

June 13th, 2008, 05:39 PM

^^but we cant run for office in the mainland, right?

kiretoce

June 13th, 2008, 05:49 PM

^^ (Link (http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2003/vol7n38/Poll0738-en.html))

Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states "No Person except a "natural born" Citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution shall be eligible to the Office of President; …" Constitutional scholars can point to no definitive case law after 1790, the year of the Constitution’s enactment, establishing the eligibility of Americans with "statutory" citizenship to hold the office of President.

Obviously the Constitution’s framers wished to exclude newly arrived immigrants admitted to citizenship in the newly formed republic, especially their recent enemies. To presently exclude American citizens born in U.S. territories, however, is considered by most Constitutional scholars to be a stretch.

Amendment XIV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution states "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

Before the passage of the Panama Canal Treaties in 1977, the Panama Canal Zone had been a U.S. possession, with some families of "natural born" American citizens permanently residing there for generations. In order to protect the "natural born," status of anyone born in the Zone to at least one citizen-parent, Congress passed 8 USC 1403. Experts cite other legislation providing the same "protection" to the offspring of "natural born" American citizens in the U.S. territories.

The Congressional offices of Hawaii and Alaska, both former U.S. territories turned states, have no definitive answer and, as yet, no one from those new states has made a run for the Presidency. In 1964 the late Sen. Barry Goldwater accepted the nomination of the Republican Party to run against incumbent President Lyndon Johnson. Goldwater was born near Phoenix in 1909, three years before the Arizona territory was admitted to statehood. The nature of his citizenship was never raised seriously as an issue and, had he won the election, all assume that he would have been seated.

flesh_is_weak

June 13th, 2008, 06:03 PM

^^ok, ok... :D

my children, should i have one, and should the Philippines become a commonwealth, would have a hard time :lol:

* * *

ok, on other issues...i saw the independence day ball on TV, and i think it was too much, and so full of pretense...wake up everyone, half of this country is starving...and that little 'rigodon' featuring members of the elite, ugh, so feudalistic...

a better option would be giving up the money spent for it to charity..."sorry foreign dignitaries, no vin de honeours this year, the money's going off to charity"

and oh, all public officials, especially the high-ranking ones, should loose their handsome allowances...they're servants after all, why cant they live like servants?

kiretoce

June 13th, 2008, 08:37 PM

A predatory attitude against foreigners (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080613-142376/A-predatory-attitude-against-foreigners)

A decade ago, my son played soccer for his grade school team. Once, they were playing against a team with mostly foreign kids. I recall that in the heat of the contest, some fellow Filipino parents, while cheering on the kids, protested the referee’s call and wondered aloud why the referee would call a foul against his “kapwa Pilipino” [fellow Filipino]. One called the referee “bulag” [blind], the ref walked out briefly, and in that interval, that parent asked me to be his advocate. I politely declined. This was a soccer game, for heaven’s sake. It’s a sport. Why pounce on the referee with such hostility, with such an unsporting attitude? Why should nationality matter when the kids just wanted to play football? And what lesson do we teach our kids if we ask for a rigged contest? Nationalism is a convenient trump card, but how low can we go?

Over this past summer vacation, I witnessed quite often a familiar scene at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Filipinos were indifferent to foreigners, especially those who didn’t speak English, or who couldn’t even answer their Arrival Cards or find the right queue at Immigration. Occasionally I would see good Samaritans who would volunteer to help, and I would try to do my own bit to help. Once, I saw an old Chinese couple completely at a loss on what to do next when they disembarked—though at another time, an innocent Korean teenager found her Arrival Card incomprehensible, and mercifully several Filipinos pitched in to translate.

But generally the attitude from both government officials and ordinary citizens was “Why should I care?” With public officers, this was no surprise; after all, if they can be cold and uncaring to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who bankroll the republic, why expect them to show any more sympathy for aliens? (I have seen excited OFWs sent to the back of the immigration line simply because they failed to fill in some parts of their Arrival Card.) But why has the same mind-set persisted with the common folk? Shouldn’t they see themselves in the hapless alien, especially since millions of Filipinos toil under even more hostile conditions abroad?

Yesterday we celebrated our Independence Day, and I think one explanation can be traced to that big event 110 years ago. Historically we have been victimized by foreign conquerors, carpetbaggers and other opportunists, and we have come to see the foreigner as “the enemy,” to be overcome and defeated in return. This attitude is outdated, misinformed and unfortunate.

To use the jargon of international law, it defines independence in terms of “external self-determination” and ignores the imperatives of “internal self-determination.” Today the enemy is not the predatory foreigner. The enemy is our rapacious and heartless fellow Filipinos.

At several points during the whistleblower Jun Lozada’s testimony and interviews, I was struck that the most scandalous clauses in the national broadband network (NBN) contract of ZTE Corp. were inserted at the request of the Filipino side, not of the Chinese. In other words, it was the Philippine government contingent that looked for ways to circumvent our anti-corruption laws, and the Chinese merely played along. It was the Filipino side that kept on jacking up the price of the project, way above the original estimates discussed with the Chinese. I can imagine them thinking: If this is how these low-life govern themselves, then who are we to object?

The stereotype of the foreigner as the enemy today is way off the mark because we have bred our own indigenous species of tyrants and thieves. But worse, while before we could blame US imperialism for inflicting on us the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship, today what we have is our homegrown creation. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was enthroned by People Power. She remains in the Palace because a whole nation has chosen to look the other way, despite the Garci tapes, the Joc-Joc Bolante fertilizer scam, the ZTE-NBN scandal, the IMPSA power plant project controversy, etc. We have no one to blame but ourselves that today we have truly “a government run like hell by Filipinos.”

Yet, this doesn’t explain our aloofness to foreigners who do not, and couldn’t even be suspected, of being our colonizer. Certainly the xenophobia—the apathy to Chinese traders and, for that matter, to Vietnamese refugees a decade ago and more recently to Korean language students—cannot be explained by the colonial past. Worse it cannot explain the opportunistic stance against tourists of all colors and from all continents, the sense that every tourist is a walking invitation for the next swindle.

I suggest that it is because we assume a Darwinist posture vis-à-vis vulnerable groups, and instead of seeing the foreigner as a fellow prey in the social and political food chain, we see them as potential food. We miss the norms for the facts. We do not realize that all excluded aliens must affirm solidarity with one another—be they Filipino domestic helpers in Singapore (last month, a local paper said that Filipina maids tend to answer back), or an Indian applying for naturalization as a Filipino, or a European planning to spend his retirement pension in our islands.

So when a senator tells the foreign traders, “Get out of the country if you can’t live with us!” before we applaud, first let us ask ourselves: What if an OFW is told the same thing by his host country?

My generation was reared on the idea that it was necessary to form a “united front” with the national elite to cast off the avaricious foreign oppressor. Today I think that we should instead join hands with progressive foreigners and fight the most shameless, the most arrogant, and most intellectually backward elements of the Filipino elite and their ilk, here and abroad.

driftwood

June 14th, 2008, 01:09 AM

mwg12a

June 14th, 2008, 05:06 AM

^^^ True, that's why PR is still a colony and not a state because their election was in favor of "NO" to being a US state for the 3rd time in a row...

Mercato

June 14th, 2008, 11:27 AM

eonynx

June 14th, 2008, 11:36 AM

if i remember my political science subject right, one of the most brought up definitions of the word "nation" is that it is an "imagined community". the difference is that some are so diverse ethnically and liguistically while others are not, or have little of that diversity.

driftwood

June 14th, 2008, 10:42 PM

I see someone’s reading too much into it again. Don’t lose sleep over your sophistry and spinning.

Filipinas was a cluster of barangays and tribes and was “artificially” carved out of the Southeast Asian archipelago by 2 successive waves of Western Colonial Powers and an Asiatic power. After the wars amongst the 3 powers Spain vs. USA vs. Japan; we were readily given independence on a silver spoon. So what is there to crow about? Heck, we are not even one single tribe but many??(despite the best delusions of Andres Bonifacio)?

How can the clusters of barangays & mini sultanates (which isn’t any different from the ones in Malaysia, Brunei & Indonesia anyway), compare with nations formed of their own accord and willpower, to wit, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Germany, Britain, France, Iran, Russia, etc… (I better avoid the word Spain before someone froths in the mouth & go rabid).

:banana:Oh, I'm sorry, was I reading too much into your post? Don't worry though, I can promise you that I didn't lose one second of sleep over it.

And I guess despite your theory that my post was mere sophistry and spinning, you deemed it necessary to reply anyway.

Nations formed of their own accord and willpower? But just like these nations, aren't the Philippine islands (the clusters of barangays and mini-sultanates as you call them) standing together now as one nation due to their own accord and willpower? Aren't we still an independent nation now because of that willpower? And yet you downplay the struggles that our forefathers had to go through, claiming that our independence was readily handed on a silver spoon... you must've forgotten the heads that were served up on silver platters in exchange for that silver spoon. And to even suggest going back to being a U.S. commonwealth... so much for nationalism. :ohno:

P.S. On Spain... I love Spain!!! What's not to love? Yummy food and beautiful señoritas! :lol:

crappypants

June 14th, 2008, 11:18 PM

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x307/medpaisa18/phil/930270_12034053302879.jpg[/QUOTE]

yes that guy in the glasses is unmistakeably Filipino.
a hybrid of Spanish, Malay/polynesian and CHinese.

renell

June 15th, 2008, 04:56 PM

I see someone’s reading too much into it again. Don’t lose sleep over your sophistry and spinning.

Filipinas was a cluster of barangays and tribes and was “artificially” carved out of the Southeast Asian archipelago by 2 successive waves of Western Colonial Powers and an Asiatic power. After the wars amongst the 3 powers Spain vs. USA vs. Japan; we were readily given independence on a silver spoon. So what is there to crow about? Heck, we are not even one single tribe but many??(despite the best delusions of Andres Bonifacio)?

How can the clusters of barangays & mini sultanates (which isn’t any different from the ones in Malaysia, Brunei & Indonesia anyway), compare with nations formed of their own accord and willpower, to wit, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Germany, Britain, France, Iran, Russia, etc… (I better avoid the word Spain before someone froths in the mouth & go rabid).

:banana:

I don't want to raise my figurative online hand and say it was me but I did mention Benedict Anderson's "Imagined Communities" and the ideas behind it.

I think it's such an abstract idea for those first-time readers. Nationalist certainly would choke at the idea. But indeed there is substance to the "barangays and sultanates" claim. Under the Spanish-Portuguese-Pope agreement (I'm vague on the details) the Philippine Islands were supposed to be under the jurisdiction of the "other Iberians". Though it is no chance or luck that nationalism is the 19th century's most prolific and widespread "ism" (think socialism, Romanticism, Chartism yeah who even knows that, utopianism, anarchism, etc.) The country was united under certain factors of the Katipunan, the revolt against Spain; these factors is what nationalism should promotes.

However today the country is struggling to find meaning to "these factors", maybe if we had a successful national sporting team. The Katipunero ideal is out of date with today, and it is not applicable to all 7107 islands. The nation is facing troubles internally, and unlike other diasporas we are not being forced outside, we are rushing to go outside (and I can't blame those who have, including my parents). How are we to promote a trans-Filipino nationalism when we are still at strife with our Muslim comrades? When Manila is seen by other regions as "imperialist" and not working with a common interest?

Wars are often fuel for nationalists, victorious or not. But not when it's civil. Look, the "glue" that binds the nation is wearing off, other nations give is a new layer once in a while. We haven't.

eonynx

June 15th, 2008, 05:51 PM

I don't want to raise my figurative online hand and say it was me but I did mention Benedict Anderson's "Imagined Communities" and the ideas behind it.

However today the country is struggling to find meaning to "these factors", maybe if we had a successful national sporting team. The Katipunero ideal is out of date with today, and it is not applicable to all 7107 islands. The nation is facing troubles internally, and unlike other diasporas we are not being forced outside, we are rushing to go outside (and I can't blame those who have, including my parents). How are we to promote a trans-Filipino nationalism when we are still at strife with our Muslim comrades? When Manila is seen by other regions as "imperialist" and not working with a common interest? .

i think, both the simple and complicated answer why we struggle to find meaning to the factors of "natioanlism" or nation as its meaning/definition is explored in a number of posts here is economics. the seemingly insurmmountable difficulties we collectively have keeps many of our countrymen in a survival mode. a succesful national sporting team can provide a rallying point. but as you yourself aptly put it, we are not being forced outside but are rushing to go out. we do have these trans-filipino nationalism. we feel any news about our suffering ofws as if they were our own. that feeling of oneness with their triumphs and travails i think, could one of the proofs that filipino nationalism on a global scale does exist. if we are a prosperous/developed nation, feelings of nationalism would likely have be different.

others see foreign imperialism replaced by homegrown ones. the landlords against their landless workers. the perceived/real imperialism of one region against the other- or against all others. the perceived/real imperialism of a language system that favors the primacy of one over all others. the perceived/real marginalization of a certain religious group. and so on and so forth. our different forms of historically ethnic/cultural, linguistic, economic, religious, and other struggles have become diverse. like we are diverse ourselves. under such a perpetuallly abstract and concrete wasteland, it's sometimes hard to feel nationalistic. as you yourself put it, "the 'glue' that binds the nation is wearing off...." but it's baffling that we can be so tribalistic/regionalistic at the same time that this feelings/acts of nationalism are lacking- or at least they appear to be so.

mwg12a

June 16th, 2008, 08:37 AM

Very good observation Renell and oenyx, it somehow opened my mind into a new facade or view as to why alot of us or the filipinos are this way. It all stems out from one thing economic reasons. Philippine politics might be the next reason for it that alot of the filipinos are frustrated and that is why we started having this imperialist Manila because we do look for somebody to blame. Language just happen to be one thing we can start on to find another reason for lack of unity. Had we alway enjoy the prosperity of a good economy, I'm sure that pointing fingers on one another would probably almost non-existence.

renell

June 16th, 2008, 02:42 PM

The paradox to this dilemma is that whilst economics may play a factor in dividing the nation, solving its issues isn't the solution. Those who have improved their livelihoods since post-Marcos era (the Fourth Republic ircc) haven't really become "more nationalistic", rather most of them have emigrated and taken with them their talents. Nationalism cannot be taken for granted. Right now it's associated with machismo, 19th century ideal, "Let's take Sabah back" ideas i.e. out of touch and irrelevant to the common Filipino.

This is again going back to the "implosion" theory that I raised - it's not like our woes are being facilitated by a foreign factor such as invaders or occupiers. There's another thread about "Filipino mentality" frequented by similar users: it is apt and relevant to this thread. We should also ask in this thread, what does a Filipino value the most? Do they feel priviledged to live in the country?

Anyway I cleaning up the dishes which reeked of tinapa, which made me think of Filipino fishes, which made me think of Bangus, which was the "Pambansang Isda", which made me think of this thread. It is a sign of the times when our national symbols, which is supposed to "symbolize" a national cultural identity, are unavailable and unaccessible to most of our compatriots under the poverty line. Call me a hypocrite when I say that I hate eating bangus:D, but that fact should strike you. It is hardly a national symbol. And Lechon the national dish? If we were say communist and the pig symbolized capitalism and the "pigs" that were the elites it'd be very symbolic;). I have a feeling whoever installed that as a symbol just liked it so much he put it there. And also the Barong Tagalog, which was not the national costume until 1975. Pragmatically it should be the basketball singlet which should be the national costume, and instant noodles the national dish [rich or poor, it can delight anyone's taste buds. of course for the wealthier you can add a few meat cuts and eggs]

Juan Pilgrim

June 16th, 2008, 05:25 PM

crappypants

June 16th, 2008, 08:12 PM

Did you know SanMiguel beer was voted no. one beer in Asia. affordable too.
don't eat too much sisig or we might have less people loving the PHilippines. :joke:

Juan Pilgrim

June 16th, 2008, 09:06 PM

^^I have made it a point to sample all the beer in this planet
at least try one bottle of each.http://www.amwayz.com/images/logo_02.jpg
I have tried a lot and yet I know there are still more out there.
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:QVNSTW08hpf5tM:http://bp0.blogger.com/_d2loZqBoOgU/R68aZWRCVxI/AAAAAAAAAKg/JqaS4UPJuCU/s400/Updated%2BBeer%2BCrown%2BCollection%2B(February08).jpg
I am not an expert on beer either.
http://beercancollection.net/beer_can_collection.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y1GNQNF5L._SL500_AA240_.jpg
But IMHO SAN MIGUEL BEER/ PALE PILSEN IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
http://www.sanmiguel.com.ph/uploads/Image/Newsroom/icecoldSMBPale_main.jpg

:horse:

J.P.

kiretoce

June 16th, 2008, 09:38 PM

In praise of the Pinoy male (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=121862)

I’ve been accused in the Internet of saying that we should assume that good-looking and bright Pinoy men are gay unless proven otherwise. It was a quote from my dear friend, Jessica Zafra, whose blog is subtitled “Pumping Irony.” I guess irony really is one of the least figures of speech relished in this country. When you write with your tongue stuck to your cheek, some people will take it literally – and consign you to hell-dom in their blogs and in the borderless world of cyberspace. Thus, I am reprinting an essay I wrote two years ago praising, tsa-rannnn, Filipino men. With no irony this time.

Okay, we’ve heard what’s wrong with the Pinoy male. They are just boys who grew up and are now loaded with testosterone and muscles. They treat girls either as Mary Magdalene (pang-good time) or the Virgin Mary (pure and virginal, pang-Misis). They have a fidelity quotient below zero.

Now that we’ve expelled the bile, let’s talk about the good things about the Pinoy male. Yes, they exist, and here are some of them:

1. They’re good-looking. I lived briefly in Singapore two years ago and one day, the cast and crew of Bridal Shower came for the Singapore International Film Festival. Since it was directed by my friend Jeffrey Jeturian, I went and watched again this film I’ve seen earlier in Manila. The Singaporeans – blasé, rich, and comfortable – marveled at the scenes showing the classiness and style of Makati. And more: the two girls beside me nearly screamed when they saw Alfred Vargas, Juancho Valentin, and Douglas Robinson taking off their shirts and showing off their buffed bodies.

“Are you from Manila?” they asked me after the film showing, their eyes still glazed at the sight of such male beauty.

“Yes,” I answered, smiling sweetly, for I knew what the next question would be.

“Do you have such really cute guys walking on the streets of Manila?”

“Oh yes. There’s more where they came from!” I answered, and the girls tittered with delight.

Because our race is such a mélange of cultures – Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American – we have some of the cutest guys in Asia, or even the world. The Eurasian mix never fails to impress, whether the hyphenated Filipino is walking in Greenbelt, on Fifth Avenue, or near Piccadilly Square. The brown-black hair, those almond eyes and aquiline nose, that skin the color of honey never fail to get second looks.

2. They’re cosmopolitan. When I lived in Malaysia for a year, I went to the gym to put some order into my day. In between the huffing and the puffing, I would read the magazines. FHM Malaysia and Singapore had interviews of women who always claimed that they favored Filipino men over the rest of the maledom in Asia. And why?

“Because they’re sophisticated and cosmopolitan,” said one pretty woman who grew up in Sydney. “They won’t coop me up at home, would let me take a career, even balance that career and a family life.”

All along, I thought that these things we take for granted are already part of life in the rest of Asia. But they aren’t. Freed from the constraints of chauvinism and patriarchy in the last 20 years, the Filipino male is now cool about equal rights and such. Whether he is a house husband or a professional, he doesn’t give a hoot about who makes more money. As long as he gets a cable TV with 500 channels worldwide while pulling and pushing that crib with the baby in it, he would be OK.

3. They’re light-hearted. When I studied in the UK and the US, my classmates were always amazed at the Pinoys they met. “Why do you smile all the time? Why do you crack jokes at yourself and your country? Why do you have the sun smiling on your faces?”

Well, because I guess it’s the only thing we have – our wit and our humor. Sure, gas prices just rose by P1.50, that 12-percent E-VAT made us cut down on our fine-dining, our traditional politicians are still bleeding the country dry. But our incurable optimism will make us endure, survive, and I am sure, prevail. Because in our hearts we know that one fine day, our traditional politicians will die from over-eating, we will survive.

I was having dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant in Megamall one day when I saw a young politician with five of his province mates. They were speaking in Bicolano, and they made fun of everything – from the seaweeds they called rikot (grass), the waitresses’ cheongsam uniforms they called suman, to another congressman they called budos because of his beer belly. It’s this refusal to be downtrodden, to lose steam, and to give up that, I guess, will save us from the doldrums of our national despair.

4. They’re fashionable. More and more, even straight men are veering away from their careless look: fat bodies in sweat-stained T-shirts, mega-hyper baggy jeans and super-clunky shoes. With bad skin to boot. Now they go to the gym to trim and tone, wear slimmer shirts and jeans, and even have skin treatments for that deep-down clean look. They go to good barber shops or parlors, indulge in the spa, and put on moisturizer to hydrate skin exposed to the sins of the times – pollution, smoking, and late nights out.

When I was in Boracay last summer, I was amazed to see men in their thirties and forties look as if they were ten or more years younger. Their chests were not as hard as shields and their thighs not as big as your gym trainers’, but there were enough hardness and muscle and tone to make heads turn, and turn again.

5. They’re multi-lingual. And I don’t mean just foreign languages. I mean in the many Philippine languages, too. They can switch from their native Ilonggo to Filipino to English, and then from there to Spanish or Nihonggo or French. Or to the new language of the world – Mandarin!

It must be my generation (over thirties?), but there is something sweet about a Pinoy who can do Taglish without trying hard to do so. In my book – and academic research bears this out – those who are good in English are also good in Tagalog because they had excellent teachers in school. And the contemporary Pinoy who switches from Tagalog to English to another mix-mix of languages is doing so not to sound cute but to emphasize a point, or a cluster of meanings within that breathless swing.

Whenever I traveled around Asia, they wondered when did I learn English? At age five, in school. Many of you? Well, yes, many in the Philippines. And where did you learn Spanish?, asked the Latino cab driver in New Jersey. In school, also, for two years of my life, memorizing conjugaccion and Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios and the poems of the 19th-century Spanish writers.

Where did you learn Chinese? asked another. Oh, the bad words, from my classmates who studied at Xavier School Manila. And French, the last asked, why do you understand them? Oh, just a few words, from watching the subtitles of French films that used to be shown at the Ayala Museum in the 1980s, when it used to show foreign films – a true oasis of its times.

6. Finally, they’re tall. It must be the mixture of all those races, the milk we drank, or the shrimp crackers we munched in school (the shrimp crackers?), but many Filipinos are growing taller and taller.

Even without the benefit of elevator shoes, stretching exercises, or those painful operations that stretch your bones, I see more Filipinos who are 5’8” and above. And for me, that is good. When I was growing up, I was one of the very few tall students in the community and the school. I was so self-conscious about my height I would slouch when I stood, and slumped when I sat. Until one day, somebody told me to be proud of my 5’11” height.

Now, I feel like a dwarf among these young men (YM) I see strutting down Loyola Heights, up Gateway, or into Glorietta. Cute, lean and leggy, they strut their stuff like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Their spiked hair like small torches in the air, they have finally learned to walk tall, and to walk free.

amigo32

June 17th, 2008, 04:31 AM

may beer pang tsimay?:D

kalbongdad

June 17th, 2008, 07:14 AM

nice piece.....it was as if the piece was talking about me.....although i don't have spiked hair that rose like small torches in the air...:lol:

mwg12a

June 17th, 2008, 07:15 AM

It started with one bottle each of San miguel Beer, my friend and I.
last Friday...
http://www.virtualregalo.com/regalo/smb_solo.jpg
The more San Miguel beer the more we profess our love for the Philippines.
http://www.virtualregalo.com/regalo/smb_6pack.jpg
We kept on talking and ... over more cerveza and sizzling sisig...
http://www.virtualregalo.com/regalo/sisig.jpg
We decided to meet again next Friday...
to love our country--- The Philippines---even more.
:horse:

J.P.

I had San Miguel beer last saturday but we didnt realize it was Philippines independence day as well, I must say , the san miguel in the US doesn't taste as good as San Miguel in the Philippines. I tasted like light beer to me. Atleast we all got together and even watched that Journey's latest video. everybody were impressed, half of the pinoys there didn't know anything about Arnel Pineda til that night. It was awesome though...

amigo32

June 17th, 2008, 08:15 AM

Bakit hindi ba bottled in the Philippines ang SMB ng US?

mwg12a

June 17th, 2008, 08:23 AM

There is only thing I wanted to ask here from what renell posted. I thought it's "adobo" the national dish? Is it really lechon??? he he

mwg12a

June 17th, 2008, 08:27 AM

bottled. lasang light lang. ewan ko kung bakit ...

bukid

June 17th, 2008, 08:35 AM

^^
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:QVNSTW08hpf5tM:http://bp0.blogger.com/_d2loZqBoOgU/R68aZWRCVxI/AAAAAAAAAKg/JqaS4UPJuCU/s400/Updated%2BBeer%2BCrown%2BCollection%2B(February08).jpg
I am not an expert on beer either.
http://beercancollection.net/beer_can_collection.jpg

J.P.

wow ang gandang tingnan ng iba't ibang mga beer in cans. may idea na ako kung ano ang magiging interior ng bahay ko. papagawa ako ng shelf sa living room na lalagyan ko ng mga nakahilerang iba't ibang mga beer in cans na lahat puro may laman pa.

amigo32

June 17th, 2008, 08:44 AM

bottled. lasang light lang. ewan ko kung bakit ...

japek:D

wow ang gandang tingnan ng iba't ibang mga beer in cans. may idea na ako kung ano ang magiging interior ng bahay ko. papagawa ako ng shelf sa living room na lalagyan ko ng mga nakahilerang iba't ibang mga beer in cans na lahat puro may laman pa.

at matiis mo bang panoorin na lang?:D

bukid

June 17th, 2008, 09:17 AM

at matiis mo bang panoorin na lang?:D

maglalagay naman ako ng maiinom ko sa ref. :D hindi naman dalawa lang ang bibilhin ko. marami tapos yung iba display, yung iba iinumin.

Juan Pilgrim

June 17th, 2008, 02:09 PM

http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/files/images/budweiser-bottling-plant.jpg

http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48748588_missouri-governor-blunt-seeks-ftc-review-proposed-

“I am deeply troubled by the recent attempt by InBev to purchase the St. Louis-based company, Anheuser-Busch,” Gov. Blunt wrote in a letter to the FTC Chairman William E. Kovacic. “In particular I am concerned that this sale would have destabilizing impacts on our nation and state’s long-term economic interests. I am opposed to this buyout and am asking you to conduct this review as quickly as possible.”

Gov. Blunt noted InBev’s takeover of the largest American brewer would result in more than half of the beer sold in the United States being controlled by a single company. Gov. Blunt also pointed out that if the sale goes through, the beer beverage market would soon be dominated by two companies, together with the parent ownership of Miller Brewing by London-based SABMiller, restraining effective competition and trade in the beer market.

The governor said he believes strongly that America’s economic system is best served by maintaining vigorous free competition among businesses.

For Missouri and the City of St. Louis, the InBev buyout holds a potentially significant economic impact. Anheuser-Busch provides more than 5,000 jobs for Missouri workers. Direct company operations in St. Louis have a $3.8 billion economic impact on the region and $5 billion total impact to Missouri’s economy. When considering the company’s domestic operations as a whole, Anheuser-Busch has contributed $36 billion to the U.S. Gross National Product.

“I am strongly opposed to the sale of Anheuser-Busch,” Gov. Blunt said. “Over its 150 years in business, Anheuser-Busch has become not only one of our state’s most recognizable businesses, but the brand name ‘Budweiser’ has become an iconic symbol of American culture to people around the world. Anheuser-Busch is a great Missouri company, a great employer, a great corporate citizen and the maker of great products that are responsibly enjoyed in Missouri and around the world.”

Last week Gov. Blunt directed the Department of Economic Development to explore every option and any opportunity we may have at the state level to help keep Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, Missouri.

Source: Missouri Governor

Erratum: SAN MIGUEL BEER SHOULD BUY ANHEUSER-BUSCH, THE MAKER OF BUDWEISER BEER.
I DON'T KNOW WHO SAM MIGUEL IS?

:horse:

J.P.

renell

June 17th, 2008, 04:36 PM

According to my research yeah, it is lechon. I would have never thought of that.

In an abstract way, I like the idea of adobo as the "national dish", seeing as it can consist of different meats (the different linguistic groups of our country) and it can be either in a sauce or fried (representing our land and our seas :D). Plus you mix it with rice signifying the white occupiers :lol:

This website mightn't be so reliable, but it is on top of the Google search "national dish Philippines". It mentions lumpia and bistek, afaik lumpia is an East Asian delicacy as well and as for bistek...my mom calls it "bistek tagalog", I'm not too sure if that indicates its regional origins though.

kiretoce

June 17th, 2008, 05:08 PM

In an abstract way, I like the idea of adobo as the "national dish", seeing as it can consist of different meats (the different linguistic groups of our country) and it can be either in a sauce or fried (representing our land and our seas :D). Plus you mix it with rice signifying the white occupiers :lol:

Looks like you put much thought into that, Renell. In fact, too much of it seems. :lol: :jk: :nocrook:

driftwood

June 17th, 2008, 05:15 PM

^^ All this talk of adobo is making me hungry. :drool: :lol:

kiretoce

June 17th, 2008, 05:18 PM

^^ You're telling me, it's almost lunch time here where I am! Unfortunately for me, my baon today is rather uninspiring....it's chicken noodle soup. :(

driftwood

June 17th, 2008, 05:28 PM

^^ ... for the soul? :lol: Ooops, sorry, off-topic.

mwg12a

June 18th, 2008, 12:26 AM

I guess it's the adobo is what really worth crying for especially when it's already lunch and diner time like in my case right now. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee he he

Porknight

June 18th, 2008, 05:57 AM

I'm gonna buy some land in the philippines ? is this patriotic ?

renell

June 19th, 2008, 07:55 AM

Looks like you put much thought into that, Renell. In fact, too much of it seems. :lol: :jk: :nocrook:

Actually, not really. It was just one of those amazing epiphanies I get once in a while. You know, like when Archimedes went out of his bath and ran naked shouting 'Eureka' or when Hitler woke up and said "I think I'll invade the Soviet Union" ;)

Juan Pilgrim

June 19th, 2008, 02:50 PM

If you are buying this land in the PHILIPPINES
because you LOVE the PHILIPPINES,
OR you LOVE THE FILIPINOS,

then

it is PATRIOTIC.

It is all in the INTENTION.

:horse:

J.P.

Juan Pilgrim

June 19th, 2008, 07:47 PM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/19.jpg
ILO ILO BANNER LOOKS GRRRREEEAAAATTT!

Maxxclip

June 20th, 2008, 01:51 AM

im proud of being a Filipino because i can enjoy the food that we have like lechon, adobo, sinigang, kaldereta, embotido, hardenera, dinuguan with puto, balot, halo-halo, pancit, at marami pang iba...

crappypants

June 20th, 2008, 02:25 AM

maybe the reason more pinoy men are conscious about their looks and work out is because more and more are becoming rbs. Joke lang
that's great though more and more pinoys should be vain , with the help of Vicky Belo and the likes, we should be the bestlooking peoples in ASia.

kiretoce

June 20th, 2008, 05:06 AM

maybe the reason more pinoy men are conscious about their looks and work out is because more and more are becoming rbs. Joke lang

:rofl: That cracked me up, Marites! :lol:

RonnieR

June 20th, 2008, 05:11 AM

kiretoce

June 20th, 2008, 05:20 AM

^^ RB(s) stands for Rainbow Brite(s). It's our SSC term for a member of the LGBT community. :colgate:

mwg12a

June 20th, 2008, 06:20 AM

then what is LGBT stand for?

overtureph

June 20th, 2008, 07:22 AM

Gabriel F. Fabella: ‘Father of June 12’

By Kristoffer R. Esquejo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:30:00 06/16/2008

THIS MONTH MARKS TWO EVENTS OF National importance. One was the commemoration of the 110th Philippine Independence Day on June 12 and the other is the celebration of the University of the Philippines Centennial on June 18.

Most Filipinos do not know that 2008 also marks the 110th birth anniversary of an academician, who is known as the “Father of June 12.” He was Gabriel F. Fabella.

While serving as chair of UP Department of History and Acting Director of UP Clark Air Base Branch 50 years ago, he made a valuable contribution to the first event.

Nationalist gesture

In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal, father of the incumbent President, moved the date of Philippine Independence from July 4 to June 12. This nationalist gesture strengthened the fact that before the infamous Treaty of Paris of 1898, there was an independent Philippine Republic in the wake of the 1896 Revolution that ended Spanish colonial rule.

The American colonial government had timed the date of our formal separation from the United States in 1946 to fall on the date of the US Independence Day, perhaps to remind Filipinos of the ties binding us to Americans.

Youth activism

Macapagal’s action in 1962 was an indicator of the changing political temper in that decade when the youth in the colleges and universities were beginning to be concerned with national identity. It also made him won the distinction of being a nationalist president.

Since then, Macapagal had been commended for his well-deserved decision. However, it would be unfair and unjust if Filipinos would not acknowledge the man who fired the opening salvo in 1954 and tirelessly fought and campaigned for June 12 as the country’s proper Independence Day.

Inspiration

How did Fabella start it all?

In Celedonio Ancheta’s book, titled “Father of Independence Day,” Fabella said his inspiration came from Emilio Aguinaldo himself.

He first met the first president of the republic face-to-face when he visited Aquinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite in 1926. After the war, his visits were more often, especially during the general’s birthday celebrations. In 1953, he was partly responsible for Aguinaldo’s conferment of a UP Doctor of Laws degree honoris causa. Eventually, he never missed the remaining birthday celebrations of the old man and became so endeared to the Aguinaldo family.

Octogenarian veterans

As years went by, Fabella still realized the lack of proper recognition due Aguinaldo for his valuable services to his country. When Fabella attended the June 12 celebrations in Kawit in 1954, he noticed the octogenarian veterans of the revolution bent with the weight of years and sweating it out under the heat of the sun. It occurred to him that those living heroes deserved a better deal.

It was a disgusting fact that the people’s interest in the importance of that date was declining. This was reflected in the absence of the invited speaker at the 1960 celebration and the simple occasion in 1961.

He must do something. Why not campaign for the change of the independence celebrations from July 4 to June 12? That was the cue. A year later, he began writing for the papers starting with the Philippine Collegian.

He made the UP constituency aware of his project, but like any new and bold idea, some colleagues laughed it off. Unaffected, he said, “I will keep up the campaign until June 12 becomes the day for our independence celebrations.”

PHA resolution

In 1959, Fabella sponsored a resolution unanimously adopted by the Philippine Historical Association (PHA). This was endorsed to a committee who had it polished into its present printed form, but the basic arguments were Fabella’s. Here is the summary of his arguments favoring June 12 over July 4.

First. The United States does not celebrate its independence on the day its independence was recognized by England, but rather on the day the Americans declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. American independence was only recognized on Sept. 3, 1783. Following American precedent, we should naturally adopt June 12 since it was on that day in 1898 that Philippine independence was declared.

Second. Philippine independence celebrations thus far are generally overlooked and forgotten by the rest of the world. Falling at it does on the same day as that of the United States our celebrations are overshadowed by those of the United States.

Third. In determining the date of the granting of independence to the Philippines, the Filipino people had little or nothing to do with the fixing of the date. As a matter of fact, they really cared little for the date. All they wanted was independence irrespective of the exact day.

Thanksgiving Day

Now that we are a sovereign nation we are entitled to fix our independence celebrations and, as Fabella insisted, the most logical date is June 12. Instead, July 4 can be declared Thanksgiving Day as the Filipino people’s recognition of the good done by the United States, he said.

Other renowned people such as former Education Secretary Alejandro Roces and Rep. Ramon Mitra Sr. helped Fabella’s campaign. Aguinaldo, who was duly informed of the campaign, extended his full, unconditional and enthusiastic support. Unfortunately, the resolution was not given attention the following two years.

Proclamation No. 28

Fabella’s long wait bore fruit when Macapagal signed Proclamation No. 28 on May 12, 1962. The proclamation moved the day of independence from July 4 to June 12. It also declared June 12, 1962 a special public holiday.

Following this was the signing of Republic Act No. 4166 on Aug. 4, 1964. It states that the June 12 declaration be the official Independence Day, while July 4 is the Philippine Republic Day. Since then, the day of independence has been celebrated on June 12.

Macapagal’s proclamation reaped praises and resulted in the rejoicing of many. The celebration at Luneta on June 12, 1962 was splendid. Aguinaldo himself was the honored guest. During the occasion, plays about the events that happened during the declaration of independence in 1898 were staged.

Ready to die

Half a million Filipino viewers witnessed this. The PHA also celebrated the success. A gathering was held at Channel 10 in the GSIS Building on Arroceros Street in Manila on June 11, 1962. Two years later, Aguinaldo died, fulfilled and happy at the age of 95.

Few days after the approval of R.A. No. 4166, a member of the PHA teased Fabella by asking, “Well, Fabe, are you ready to die now?” The professor answered, “Yes, I am. If I had done nothing else but to change our independence celebrations from July 4 to June 12, I shall die content.” His statement showed that he considered the change of the day of independence as his biggest success.

Credit monopolized

Sadly, Macapagal monopolized the credit for it. After using Fabella’s arguments, he neither recognized nor mentioned that someone from UP had done a decade of tireless campaign in changing the Independence Day celebrations from July 4 to June 12.

Moreover, Macapagal claimed that it was the fulfillment of his very own idea, which he formed when he was still a congressman. He denied the allegation that his decision was an act of vengeance in the wake of the US disapproval of his proposed $73-million War Damage Bill.

Because of these statements, it can be said that the late president had selfishly claimed the full credit. As the then incumbent president, he turned into reality the lifelong goal of an academician. In other words, he merely acted upon the idea of someone, like Andres Bonifacio realizing the idea of a revolution ignited by Rizal in his second novel.

Holiday economics

Like his daughter, the incumbent President, who decreasingly values important events for the sake of her holiday economics, Macapagal had ignored the efforts of unsung heroes like Fabella. [President Macapagal-Arroyo declared June 9, a Monday, a nonworking holiday as part of her holiday economics but retained the Independence Day celebrations on June 12, which she made a regular working day.]

Fabella did not receive any credit except being mentioned in several newspapers and dubbed by his contemporary scholars the “Father of June 12.” After getting this support, Fabella did not lose faith in promoting nationalism and addressing problems regarding national interests.

Partido Nacionalista

The injustice done by Macapagal to Fabella’s role may be explained by the fact that the latter was a member of Partido Nacionalista, the rival of the President’s Partido Liberal. It should be noted that Fabella ran and won as an assemblyman of the lone district of Romblon for one term (1935-1938). Though Fabella abandoned politics and returned to teaching, he remained an active party member.

In 1960, Fabella attended the 25th anniversary of the First National Assembly of the Commonwealth. Most of those who attended were his pre-war colleagues in the party such as former President Sergio Osmeña. Somehow, Fabella’s influence in the party was constantly acknowledged. This could be proven by a letter from then Senate President Ferdinand Marcos, who asked for his support in 1964 against the reelectionist Macapagal.

Perseverance

Nowadays, his living contemporaries are getting older and fewer while the present generation no longer knows him and his deeds.

Born on March 18, 1898, Fabella was the 10th of 13 children of a poor couple from Banton, Romblon. In spite of poverty, he managed to finish not only his primary and secondary schooling but also his tertiary education. Through hard work and perseverance, he gradually realized his dreams, proving that not even poverty is a hindrance to anyone’s success if determination is present in a goal-oriented individual.

3 degrees in 3 years

Even his fellow Romblomanons today rarely knew that he was the first-ever Bantoanon to finish three degrees (BSE, BA, and HSTC) from UP in just three years (1917-1920), an MA History degree holder (1931), lawyer (1934), UP professor (1923-1934; 1946-1963) and assemblyman of Romblon (1935-1938).

Here are his exceptional qualities.

He was a Romblomanon leader. During his early years, he showed his profound ability as a journalist, a playwright and an organizer of various provincial organizations.

At 37, he became so popular when he defeated the so-called “Dean of the Lower House” and traditional politician Leonardo Festin as Romblon representative in the First National Assembly under the Commonwealth.

A leading Nacionalista party member of Manuel L. Quezon, Festin was known to be undefeated in Romblon and had served for seven consecutive terms (1916-1935). To Quezon’s dismay, Festin lost to a neophyte lawyer whose rigorous campaign and charisma gained tremendous support from the electorate.

He was an academician. Most of his life was dedicated to teaching—from private to public and from elementary in Capiz, high school in Romblon and Tayabas (now Quezon), and finally college at UP. Of course, many still know the several schools he founded and owned shortly after the war not only in Romblon but also in Mindoro and Batangas.

Popular professor

Before his retirement in 1963, he served as both chair of the UP Department of History and acting director of UP Clark Air Base (1958-1960).

Although known as a popular terror professor, he mentored numerous students who became successful in many arenas and the most successful was the future president, Marcos, who used to study far into the late hours under him during his pre-Law days at UP.

He was a historian. He wrote about a hundred articles in various scholarly magazines and he was involved in several academic organizations until his death. Even until now, the PHA reveres him as one of its founding members and its first president who served four terms starting 1955.

He was a Rizalist. Aside from being an active Knight Commander of Rizal, he strongly believed in the ideals of the national hero reflected through his own writings and speeches.

Insurgent records

He was a nationalist. Along with his being the “Father of the Philippine Independence Day,” he was also the first to bring back home the first microfilm copies of Taylor’s Insurgent Records from the United States in 1954.

On Jan. 29, 1982, the old and sick professor finally joined his Creator on his way to Manila from Canada. He died fulfilling his dream not to die in a foreign land, leaving a good name and a legacy to his children, relatives and province mates. Most of his children are successful graduates of UP and are living in different places abroad.

Indeed, Fabella was a unique individual who possessed admirable traits. No doubt he was truly dedicated to the advancement of our national identity as Filipinos. As we observe our independence this month, it is but fitting and proper to honor this “Father of June 12” of ours by remembering his greatest legacy to this country he loved so much.

* * *

(Kristoffer R. Esquejo is a graduate of BA History magna cum laude [April 2007] at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Taking up MA History, he is an instructor at UP Department of History.)

Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/features/features/view/20080616-143018/Gabriel-F-Fabella-Father-of-June-12

bitoy

June 20th, 2008, 08:21 AM

^^ LaGing BiTin... :lol:

Maxxclip

June 20th, 2008, 08:23 AM

^^from time to time pala nagiging member ako ng LGBT... minsan binibitin ako ni misis sa ere :D

bitoy

June 20th, 2008, 08:30 AM

^^from time to time pala nagiging member ako ng LGBT... minsan binibitin ako ni misis sa ere :D

WOW! suwerte mo, be proud, kasama yan sa 4play. :D

Maxxclip

June 20th, 2008, 08:34 AM

:lol:

kiretoce

June 20th, 2008, 03:30 PM

then what is LGBT stand for?

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender

amigo32

June 20th, 2008, 04:18 PM

kiretoce

June 20th, 2008, 04:23 PM

^^ Ignoramus here....who's Vicky? Is that a real person, or is that another word to mean something else in gay speak?

amigo32

June 20th, 2008, 05:14 PM

Vicky Belo google her:D

Juan Pilgrim

June 20th, 2008, 07:23 PM

Sinamahan ko ang papa ko sa Philippine Consulate sa New York.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_E75qB3Jq-uQ/Rt35vOq4ogI/AAAAAAAAAMM/_UcRZwgrXog/DSCN4776.JPG

Ayaw ko man pumintas pero ang PANGET talaga ng
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE BUILDING SA NYC
ALONG 5TH AVENUE MIDTOWN PA NAMAN?

http://www.hobotraveler.com/blogphotos/187-05-street-children-philippines.jpg
IT LOOKS LIKE THE OLD WALL
WHERE I USED TO RELIEVE MYSELF at P. NOVAL, MANILA!

http://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/manhattan/midtown/fifthave/42nd-59th/30651fifthave.jpg
Mas dignified looking pa yung building ng CARTIER sa 5th AV as a Chancery!:ohno:

:horse:

J.P.

crappypants

June 20th, 2008, 07:33 PM

that's in Manila. I see a jeep in the background.

stlito

June 20th, 2008, 09:09 PM

^^ baka may jeep na ngayon sa NYC that's contributing to their traffic crisis :lol:

Juan Pilgrim

June 20th, 2008, 09:18 PM

that's in Manila. I see a jeep in the background.

^^ baka may jeep na ngayon sa NYC that's contributing to their traffic crisis :lol:

The second image was indeed taken in the Philippines,

I was trying to make the comparison
of THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE BUILDING in NYC(first Image)
and the OLD WALL in P. NOVAL STREET in MANiLA (second image).

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear.

:horse:

J.P.

stlito

June 20th, 2008, 10:21 PM

^^ I see. We only see 1 image. I'm still only seeing one image.

tigidig14

June 20th, 2008, 10:30 PM

haha nasan yung nakalimutan yung pagkukumparang pics

Juan Pilgrim

June 21st, 2008, 03:06 AM

I have no idea how the images suddenly disappeared.

sori po.

kiretoce

June 21st, 2008, 03:56 AM

^^ The website probably isn't allowing any hotlinking of its images.

stlito

June 21st, 2008, 08:12 AM

^^ I think it depends on your browser. when I use firefox, i cannot see the image, but if i use ie, it works.

orangejuice

June 22nd, 2008, 06:04 PM

Nauuso na sa mga Pinoy ang magpa-" Vicky Belo." In short, magparetoke! Sa bagay, marami naman all over the world mahilig magparetoke, ung iba very invasive pa.

mwg12a

June 22nd, 2008, 11:10 PM

Mostly asians does that, in the west its just the aging women mostly...

What are the usual procedure filipino men ask for in cosmetic surgeries? I'm just curious...

crappypants

June 23rd, 2008, 12:29 AM

^^skin whitening, facials, liposuction, hair transplants, face lifts, penis enlargement and many more

bitoy

June 23rd, 2008, 12:44 AM

^^ Penis enlargement? Masubukan nga yan sa Pinas.. :lol:

kiretoce

June 23rd, 2008, 01:37 AM

skin whitening, facials, liposuction, hair transplants, face lifts, penis enlargement and many more

Hmm....you seem to be very knowledgeable about stuff like this, Marites. :sly:

crappypants

June 23rd, 2008, 01:37 AM

^^there are pills you can take now. :lol:

crappypants

June 23rd, 2008, 01:38 AM

Hmm....you seem to be very knowledgeable about stuff like this, Marites. :sly:

I just watch a lot of her shows. :lol:

Juan Pilgrim

June 23rd, 2008, 01:41 AM

thank you po for that enlightening explanation.

I hope I did not infringe on anyone's rights or properties.

:horse:

JP

mwg12a

June 23rd, 2008, 12:18 PM

^^skin whitening, facials, liposuction, hair transplants, face lifts, penis enlargement and many more

Penis enlargement? there is no such thing yet.. it's all myths... Guys are so just fixated on the size of their penises, even westerners or north americans... I know for sure because I hear psychiatrist talking about these about their clients all the time . It's really the performance that count... use tongue for crying out loud!!!! he he

^^ Penis enlargement? Masubukan nga yan sa Pinas.. :lol:
Naku manong tsinoy, baka ang procedure nila sa pinas, itatali si manoy sa may pintuan tapos hintayin my magbukas. Sige ka!!! HA HA

amigo32

June 23rd, 2008, 12:57 PM

Penis enlargement? there is no such thing yet.. it's all myths... Guys are so just fixated on the size of their penises, even westerners or north americans... I know for sure because I hear psychiatrist talking about these about their clients all the time . It's really the performance that count... use tongue for crying out loud!!!! he he

Naku manong tsinoy, baka ang procedure nila sa pinas, itatali si manoy sa may pintuan tapos hintayin my magbukas. Sige ka!!! HA HA

minamaliit mo na namn ang kakayahan naming mga Pinoy doctor:D

mwg12a

June 23rd, 2008, 01:12 PM

Hindi naman sa minamallit ko ang mga pinoy MDs diyan. Kase alam ko na ligaments at vessels lang ang naandoon, the cells on those tissues does not regenerate like the muscle cells and skin cells. If they managed to dislodge it, where would you attach the added tissue? that added part might also be a foreign body so it would be susceptible for infections and might not survive in the long run especially if it's not compatible with the living tissue already in the human body? And if there is a foreign body added, tt would render the organ less functioning and it won't erect the way it is supposed to erect. Just a little FYI but you can ask doc Jeff since he probably knows the explaination better than I am. I'm not a cosmetic surgeon ..

orangejuice

June 23rd, 2008, 02:37 PM

^^skin whitening, facials, liposuction, hair transplants, face lifts, penis enlargement and many more

Penile enlargement? Possible ba yan? Papano yun, pahabaan ba o patabaan????? :lol:

bitoy

June 23rd, 2008, 06:22 PM

Naku manong tsinoy, baka ang procedure nila sa pinas, itatali si manoy sa may pintuan tapos hintayin my magbukas. Sige ka!!! HA HA

Yan, magandang suggestion, medyo sawa na ako sa latigo at posas.. masubukan din dapat yan... :lol:

Pero, meron dito sa Portland, Pinoy nag-pa implant ng plastic tube and he was 80 years old and recently married to a young woman, nag ka anak pa. (pero, dedo na siya)

(crappypants might know who I'm talking about) ---- Hehehehe

mwg12a

June 24th, 2008, 03:43 PM

there you go, inflatable erection. I know of a senior gentleman, not pinoy, who had that implanted on him. I am not sure where the button is when he wants to inflate it...he he

orangejuice

June 25th, 2008, 12:57 PM

there you go, inflatable erection. I know of a senior gentleman, not pinoy, who had that implanted on him. I am not sure where the button is when he wants to inflate it...he he

Daya! :lol:

orangejuice

June 25th, 2008, 01:13 PM

Colonial mentality of Filipinos thats also perpetrated by the Government and Institutions of the Republic.

For them, English and the Americanismo is the only way to be. They try to pepper their language with as much english words as they can like to make them sound more pleasing to their countrymen and welcomed to the nation they have always dreamed of belonging to.. The U.S. And the more they suck at Tagalog or in any other Philippine language, the more they are liked. Colonial Mentality.

You'd rarely find people in the Philippines talk about their own Filipino languages and Filipino history and Filipino culture. Nobody gives a shi* about them there. The more you are ignorant of them, the more you are liked. The more you don't know about your history and culture, 'the more Filipino you are'.

Kamot ulo. 'Kase naman i wasn't taught that eh... Forgot na me.. Cool e.."

Filipino languages? Tagalog? Filipino History? Who Cares??
"After all, I speak English. They don't!"

Colonial Mentality of the American Neocolonial Government of the Philippines
1946-2006

Kailan kaya mangyayari nang katulad sa Gresya at Italya, tayong mga Filipino magkakasalo sa wika pinaguusapan, pinagdedebatehan, pinahahalagan ang tunay na kasaysayan, kulturang totoo at hindi pinagdududahan, komersyo at kalakakalan sa wika at kultura ng bayan? (Philippines is among very few countries in Asia that doesn't use its language and culture in national economy. )

The identity of a Filipino today is of a person asking what is his identity. - Nick Joaquin

Marami akong Pinoy na kakilala at naeencounter, sa Pinas man o sa ibang bansa, pansin ko lang, priority nila para sa mga anak nila ay maging mga Inglisero at Inglisera, kahit nasa Pinas sila nakatira. Tapos hindi marunong managalog! Nagtataka ako kung bakit ikinahihiya ang sarili nating salita....me katawa-tawa ba sa wika natin? Bakit mga Intsik, Pranses, Hapon, etc.etc. kahit saan dako ng mundo sila mapadpad, proud pa rin sila sa wika nila....ipinapasa nila sa mga anak nila.

orangejuice

June 25th, 2008, 01:29 PM

I guess it's the adobo is what really worth crying for especially when it's already lunch and diner time like in my case right now. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee he he

Lalo na kapag nasa ibang bansa ka! Worse for my case coz vegetarian si husband....:(

Pero iba pa rin lasa ng adobo pag luto sa Pinas....I guess it's in the sangkap....

orangejuice

June 25th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Worth crying for para sa kin ---- I MISS PINOY FOODS! Iba na yung made, prepared, handwashed, boiled, fried, skinned, baked in the Philippines! :)

iamjomar

June 25th, 2008, 02:03 PM

^^for me, as long as there are tears, cry!!!

kiretoce

June 25th, 2008, 04:01 PM

Lalo na kapag nasa ibang bansa ka! Worse for my case coz vegetarian si husband....:(

Adobo is a very versatile dish. You can make adobo with almost anything. Have you tried adobong tokwa (firm tofu), adobong kang kong (or spinach if you don't have any kang kong available), or adobong sitaw (green beans will do as well)?

bitoy

June 25th, 2008, 07:41 PM

Daya! :lol:

Actually, it is more of a psychological effect ang nangyayari to those with tube-penile implant. Sabi kasi nung nag-pa implant, he felt like 40 year old again in bed. :D

(ako nga hindi ko na matandaan ang edad ko pag nasa kama ako, eh) :lol:

amigo32

June 26th, 2008, 09:49 AM

(ako nga hindi ko na matandaan ang edad ko pag nasa kama ako, eh) :lol:

parang 5 year-old?:D

dinabaw

June 26th, 2008, 10:17 AM

^^skin whitening, facials, liposuction, hair transplants, face lifts, penis enlargement and many more

i think you forgot this maritess, maraming nagkalat sa kapitbahay namin nito!

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7739/vaginalrepairxa1.jpg
from greenpinoy.com

:lol::lol::lol:

mwg12a

June 26th, 2008, 10:25 AM

^^^kaya na yan ng muscle control, kaegel excercise baby!!!!

Basta ako, walang problema dito, sabi ng mga ex ko, lalo na yuong unang gf ko na pinay, para daw poste ng meralco sa tindig at tigas LMAOOOOOOOOOOO

Oh Btw, good morning everyone!!!

dinabaw

June 26th, 2008, 11:13 AM

^^ maraming natumbang poste ng Meralco noong dumaan si Frank :lol: but small pusit is much better...pssst :lol:

orangejuice

June 26th, 2008, 11:56 AM

i think you forgot this maritess, maraming nagkalat sa kapitbahay namin nito!

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7739/vaginalrepairxa1.jpg
from greenpinoy.com

:lol::lol::lol:

HALA SIGE LAHAT NG PWEDENG I-REPAIR, I-REPAIR! :cucumber::naughty::cheer::carrot:

kiretoce

June 26th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Oh Btw, good morning everyone!!!

Maybe you meant "Good Morning (Wood) Everyone!" :naughty: ( :lol: )

mwg12a

June 26th, 2008, 04:13 PM

You said that, not me.. didn't even cross my mind ya know?? HE HE

^^ maraming natumbang poste ng Meralco noong dumaan si Frank :lol: but small pusit is much better...pssst :lol:

Natumaba man yan tatayo pa rin pag tagtuyo na HA HA, Pusit?? medyo I didnt get this one.. You mean sex change operation? Hell NOOOOOOOOO!!! I like my slong better , I am happy with what i've got he he

Juan Pilgrim

June 26th, 2008, 07:10 PM

I think I just made a big mistake,:ohno::ohno::ohno:

LET MY MISTAKE BE A LESSON TO ALL OF US:

sometime I get overly zealous in Loving the PHILIPPINES
and my fellow FILIPINOS as well.

let me relate the incident:

Dito sa trabajo ko merong bagong NARS na FILIPINA.
Bawal mag-usap ng hindi ENGLISH during work
kasi naprA-PRANING yun mga pasyente at ibang NARSES,
ina-akala tuloy nila sila ang pinag-uusapan.

to cut the long story short,
na-reprimand na si MANANG dahil dito in the past,
nuong naulit (sinumbong kasi nuong PANA na NARS)
sinuspinde si MANANG at
ni lahat pa nuong PANA na Adminstrator ang mga PINOY.

Hindi ako na kapag pigel,
nangusap ako na
"I wonder what will happen if all of us FILIPINOs called in SICK tomorrow?" FREEDOM OF SPEECH yadda, yadda, yadda...
and more ... I was really out of line:ohno:

Hindi nagustuhan ang nasabi ko kaya
ni report ako sa CLINICAL DIRECTOR,
na VERBAL COUNSELLING TULOY AKO ng BOSS.

I only realized later on
that I could have lost my job and
reported to the NATIONAL REGISTRY.
Paano na ang familya ko
meyron pa naman akong 3 babes.:ohno:

MAG-INGNGAT TAYO KUNG PAANO TAYO MAGMAHAL.

:horse:

JP

habagatcentral1

June 26th, 2008, 07:15 PM

^^ Masama na rin ang sobra. If you love the Philippines, it doesn't mean that you don't have to speak English or other foreign language. I was like that when I was at the call center...

Pero ang pagmamahal sa bansa ay hindi nalilimita sa pag-gayak o pananalita, kundi din sa gawa. Kung gusto mong tulungan ang Pilipinas, gumawa ng wasto.

Juan Pilgrim

June 26th, 2008, 07:29 PM

Waldenstrom

June 27th, 2008, 01:24 AM

Hirap talaga magtrabaho sa ospital, ingat lagi sa bawat kilos at salita at baka ma-I.R. agad.
Bakit naman kaya nilahat yung mga Pinoy? Sinuspinde sila?
Ok lang yan doc jp, at least naipakita mo yung pagmamahal mo sa Pinas, konting ingat nga lang.

habagatcentral1

June 27th, 2008, 03:00 AM

^^Sana nga brod, natuto na ako dito.

Mali naman talaga ako,
pero pinairal ko pa rin ang hambug ko,
sumobra, hindi dapat ng yari,
palagay ko tuloy imbes na tumaas ang tingin
sa mga kabayan natin ay bumaba pa tuloy dahil sa akin.:ohno:

:horse:

JP

Alala ko pa noon nasa call center pa ako, pag galit ako sa mga customers ko, imumute ko ang Avaya phone at sabay sigaw "Damn American Imperialists!!," tas sabay tingin ang mga tao sa akin...Ilang beses na rin akong napagsabihan..

Kung sa setting ng BPO, maipapakita mo ang pagmamahal mo sa bansa kung tutulungan mo ang ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng pag-alinsunod sa polisiya ng kumpanya (at syempre huwag gumawa ng krimen). Alam ko dayuhan sila pero namumuhunan naman sila sa atin, at sila rin ang nagpapakain sa atin. Sa ganoong paraan, matutulungan din natin ang ating bansa kahit na nalilimitahan tayong magsalita ng Filipino.

Delikado din kasi ang sobra at maaaring maging baluktot ang paniniwala, hanggang kumitid ang paningin sa mundo at pati na rin ang pag-iisip.

:)

Juan Pilgrim

June 27th, 2008, 02:26 PM

I did a lot of soul searching last night.

Bakit kaya nawala yung self restraint ko,
It didn't used to affect me as much in the past
cool lang ako palagi, hindi sensitive
parang may TEFLON ang skin ko.

Siguro dahil BROWN skinned did yung
NURSE ADMINISTRATOR from KERALA, INDIA
Gayun din yung CLINICAL DIRECTOR.
I probably just didn't expect it from the very people
I almost always consider as one of us.

I hope I learned my lesson from this incident.

orangejuice

June 27th, 2008, 02:33 PM

Pero seriously, di ba parang nakakatakot pag sex change/repair operation na kasi napaka-invasive procedure na nun eh, saka natural na bahagi un ng katawan mo di ba, magiging ganung ka-epektib ba naman ang end result nun pagtapos maretoke? Like pag babae ka tapos gusto mo magpa-sex change to lalaki.....papano yun??? Hindi ko maimagine......Sabagay siguro nga psychological din ang effect nito sa nagparetoke, gaya ng sabi ni tsinoy dito sa forum.

Sabi ng tita ko, me kakilala siya na baklush, entertainer sa Japan, maganda naman ung baklush, as in mukhang babae, me Hapon na nainlove sa kanya, sa pag-aakalang sya'y tunay na babae, pero nung madiskubre na hindi pala, ung Hapon pa ang nagsponsor sa kanya para mag-sex change operation. O di ba san ka nakakita ng ganyan!!!

orangejuice

June 27th, 2008, 02:36 PM

Adobo is a very versatile dish. You can make adobo with almost anything. Have you tried adobong tokwa (firm tofu), adobong kang kong (or spinach if you don't have any kang kong available), or adobong sitaw (green beans will do as well)?

Yeah I made adobong tofu na, adobong veggies, etc.

Pero alam mo naman, iba pa rin adobong manok pinaghalo with pork liempo parts.....:eat::cucumber:

kiretoce

June 27th, 2008, 02:40 PM

^^ That's why individuals undergoing sex reassignment surgery here in the US are required to seek counseling from mental health professionals, for them to assest the state of mind of those individuals seeking to make the transition from one gender to the next. Also, aside from hormone therapy, an individual is required to "live" as the other gender for a year (to get a feel for the life that they are about to start living) before going under the knife, because once you've transitioned, there ain't going back to what it was before.

crappypants

June 28th, 2008, 06:38 AM

^^ is the lesson never to trust a pana or to remain calm under pressure?
speaking of pana my cousin who works in Dubai used to relate to us that (tagalugin ko na lang para hindi maintindihan ng mga hindi dapat makaintindi. (oops guilty ako)
panas na mga katarbaho niya ay tuso at mga inggitero. siguro dahil sa kultura nilang caste system hindi nila maalis yung feeling superior. Pero meron din akong naging kaklaseng mga pana, wala namang spesyal sa kanila o naiiba kesa ibang lahi. hindi naman lahat sila matatalino (stereotype) masipag lang silang magaaral. kagaya nang mga koreano marame akong naging classmate na koreano ,mga bobo sila matiyaga lang talaga at masipag magaral. me nilaga pag me tiyaga.

dinabaw

June 30th, 2008, 07:35 AM

oo nga nakakatakot what if the gurls change their sex organ they still enjoy multiple oragasam :D

crappypants

June 30th, 2008, 07:54 AM

hindi ba pwedeng i rugby ule.

orangejuice

June 30th, 2008, 02:12 PM

hindi ba pwedeng i rugby ule.

Mag-imbento tayo ng pang-rugby! :banana:

Juan Pilgrim

July 2nd, 2008, 06:58 PM

Lesson learned!!!

Now it is time to move on,
hopefully wiser from the incIdent!

Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagmamahal sa ating Bansang Pilipinas!

ALL FOR MY BELOVED PHILIPPINES
kahit PRIDE KO lululununin KO!

:horse:

JP

Juan Pilgrim

July 7th, 2008, 06:21 PM

Tapos na ang 4th of July long weekend.

I along with my entire family OF 5 wore the colors
RED, WHITE AND BLUE in our t-shirts.

Same colors as the stars and stRipes of the US flag.
WE blended well with all the promenaders along the Jersey SHores.

Hindi nila alam ang naka desenyo pala sa aming mga suot ay
ang watawat ng PILIPINAS.
http://img.printfection.com/1/423/3286055/k37AI.jpg

All for my beloved PHILIPPINES!

:horse:

JP

kiretoce

July 7th, 2008, 06:39 PM

^^ Still keeping with the theme, since the 4th of July is Filipino-American Friendship Day. :colgate:

Juan Pilgrim

July 8th, 2008, 05:58 PM

^^ Still keeping with the theme, since the 4th of July is Filipino-American Friendship Day. :colgate:

KimBro, what is the real story about
the 4th of July
which is really the Independence Day of the US,
How did it become Filipino American Friendship Day!!!

I think tayo lang Pilipino ang nakaka-alam nito.
Hindi naman ito cine-celebrate dito sa US of Amerika.

:horse:

JP

kiretoce

July 8th, 2008, 07:28 PM

Filipino-American Friendship Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine-American_Friendship_Day), July 4, is a day in the Philippines designated by President Diosdado Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.

The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1942, when it was occupied by Japanese forces, and again for a brief period after the war. The country gained complete independence on July 4, 1946.

Initially, the nation's Independence Day holiday (Araw ng Kalayaan) was held on July 4. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Philippines declared independence from Spain in 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day was created in its place, and coincides with the United States' July 4 Independence Day.

manileño

July 8th, 2008, 08:23 PM

^ yes, that was when the lollipop of independence was handed to the PI. until D. Macapagal's term, filipinos were forced to think they were only a country born after the war when the US liberated them from the japs. June 12 was for a long time regarded as a day of defeat or tagalog elite opportunism! poor aguinaldo and katipuneros didn't even get to live to celebrate their nation's independence the day they fought for it. July 4th was designed to mock these first filipinos. hehe if i were someone in power, i would change the day of fil-am friendship and move it to some other day when we don't feel like we owe any debt to them, when the friendship is more reciprocal. the Bataan Death March (Araw ng Kagitingan) would have been a more meaningful celebration of fil-am friendship IMO..

anyway im writing this all for my beloved country, the Philippines! Mabuhay! :D

Juan Pilgrim

July 8th, 2008, 08:41 PM

^^I think we are the only country
that celebrates a FRIENDSHIP DAY with another country.

The PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP DAY
is not even known to most AMERICANS here in the US!

Does the US even acknowledge this DAY???
IMHO---NO!

I think we as a (PHILIPPINES) SOVEREIGN NATION
should STOP MAKING THIS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY!

Not because we hate America
or we are not friends with the US anymore
but for the sole reason
that the premise for DAY does not exist.
The United States of America does not even recognize this event.

:horse:

JP

bitoy

July 8th, 2008, 10:50 PM

bitoy

July 8th, 2008, 11:44 PM

^^I think we are the only country
that celebrates a FRIENDSHIP DAY with another country.

The PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP DAY
is not even known to most AMERICANS here in the US!

Does the US even acknowledge this DAY???
IMHO---NO!

I think we as a (PHILIPPINES) SOVEREIGN NATION
should STOP MAKING THIS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY!

Not because we hate America
or we are not friends anymore
but for the sole reason
that the premise for DAY does not exist
if the US does not even recognize the event.

:horse:

JP

What do you mean by "if the US does not even recognize the event". ?

kiretoce

July 9th, 2008, 12:01 AM

^^ I think he meant that Americans don't even recognize/celebrate the event of Filipino-American Friendship Day. That's because they're all busy celebrating their own independence day, it is July 4th afterall. :lol:

bitoy

July 9th, 2008, 12:04 AM

^^ That's what I thought. But some Filipino communities all over America are celebrating the Fil-Am friendship day. Just check the internet for more information.

*Even the Amrican Embassy in Manila celebrates the Fil-Am frindship day by being closed. :lol:

(July 4th kasi)

Juan Pilgrim

July 9th, 2008, 03:53 PM

I think we should continue JUNE 12 as our PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY.

The PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP DAYshould not be a NATIONAL HOLIDAY.

:horse:

JP

kiretoce

July 15th, 2008, 11:57 PM

A closer look at hilot -- A Filipino healing tradition (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/16/yehey/life/20080716lif1.html)

Massage is the perhaps the oldest form of therapy known to man, and in the Philippines it maintains a long and rich tradition. The Filipino art of bone setting and therapeutic massage was known by various name: hilot (Tagalog, Visayan, Bicolano, Manobo, Dumagat), hagud (Bukidnon), aplos (Bontoc) and ablon (Northern Ilocano) to name a few. Its practitioners known as manghihilot, mammulo and partera were a common sight throughout the archipelago.

Modality

Like any therapeutic tradition, Filipino hilot has its own unique healing modality. The foundation of Filipino hilot is more or less based on the concept of physical and spiritual channels latent in the human body. So long as energy and other bodily fluids flow freely through these conduits, the body is in optimum health. Thus, the most common diagnosis one will hear from practitioners of hilot is “May baradong ugat [A vein was clogged].”

It is interesting to note that the concept of energy meridians was present in the healing arts of other Asian countries as well. In his definitive article on hilot entitled “Healing Arts of the Philippines,” published in the Rapid Journal Vol. 5 No.3-4, Virgil J. Mayor Apostol, an ayurvedic therapist at the Chopra Center for Well Being in the United States and perhaps the most authoritative practitioner of traditional hilot today, relates that the urat and pennet (energy principles of hilot), has obvious parallels in the Ayurvedic and yogic traditions of India. Apostol explains that in the said healing arts, it was believed that nadis, or channels, that carry prana, or life force energy, exist throughout the body.

Common categories

Hilot is one of the three main branches of Philippine healing tradition. Filipino folk healers were generally categorized into three divisions—the manghihilot (masseurs and bonesettes), the albolaryo (healing repertoire consists of herb tinctures, prayers and rituals) and the kumadrona or partera (midwife). The Philippines healing tradition has a strong resemblance to curanderismo or folk medicine of Mexico, another nation that was subjected to Spanish rule for centuries. Like their Philippine counterparts, Mexican curanderos or healers come in the three types: The yerbero (herbalist), the sobador (masseur) partera (midwife).

Scientific rationale

The resurgence of interest in mind-body medicine in the last few decades has brought a lot of alternative methods of healing under scientific scrutiny. Some have passed, others failed. Though it cannot be denied that hilot has its metaphysical side and it will take some more time before it can be totally quantified scientifically, a number of its practices have a sound medical rationale. Massage for instance, on the most basic level, can abate the fear and anxiety of the patient. Physiologically, it can slow down the release of stress hormone cortisol and increase the body’s production of another hormone, serotonin, which can improve and boost immunity.

An additional scientific healing factor that must be considered is the healer’s personality. There are healers whose power of charisma is bordering on the miraculous that they can make you feel well just by knowing them. Not surprisingly, there were practitioners of hilot who admits that at times, they also harness the potential of the placebo effect in healing their patients.

Prudence

A possible clash between a patient’s religious beliefs and the principles or foundation of a particular alternative healing method must be put into consideration when opting to employ a particular therapy. The occult, reverence to nature spirits and mysticism were part and parcel of the majority of systems of hilot.

Even in the absence of professional and regulating standards regarding the practice of hilot today, potential patients can protect themselves from harm by using common sense. Among the factors to be considered when consulting a particular healer are hygiene, gender sensitivity and the practitioner’s reputation. Be wary of healers who claim to have all the answers. Any healing modality, Filipino or otherwise has its limitation and it is good to learn that despite its mystical nature, many practitioners of hilot today are to open a collaboration with doctors of conventional medicine.

Hilot is a gem of Filipino heritage. With responsible research, its potential can be realized as an effective alternative therapy that many Filipinos can benefit from.

Juan Pilgrim

July 16th, 2008, 11:08 PM

I SOLD my Billy Joel Concert AT Shea Tickets to help out a good friend.
His house in Iloilo was decimated by the Typhoon Frank. :ohno:
His youngest daughter, Bea my ina anak is still in the hospital at this time. :ohno:
ALL FOR MY BELOVED COUNTRY.

I just asked my bestfriend to get me this tonight:
http://media.fanfire.com/images/product/large/BJO/BJO43807.jpg

It was so easy living day by day
Out of touch with the rhythm and the blues,
But now I need a little give and take,
The new york times, the daily news...

:horse:

JP

overtureph

July 17th, 2008, 06:37 AM

Romancing colonialism and the colonized mind
HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose
Sunday, July 13, 2008

Attended the tail-end of the two-day conference on the Augustinian friar Andres de Urdaneta at the Instituto Cervantes recently. Before going into what I said at that last session, let me recount how I came to Manila in 1938 to enroll at the Far Eastern University High School in Azcarraga, now Recto. In the afternoons, after class, I swam in the Pasig or crossed through Escolta, to the Walled City then to the Luneta to swim in the bay behind what is now the Quirino Grandstand. I often idled in Intramuros, to gaze at the ornate altars of its dozen or so churches, notably Santo Domingo during the La Naval festival in October. Shortly after World War II when Intramuros was a desolate wilderness of grass and squatter huts, I sometimes visited the San Agustin church, the proud survivor of that war. It was not yet rehabilitated, the walls scarred, the huge paintings of departed Augustinians torn, and the garden at the back in shambles.

On those occasions that I pilgrimaged to the Ilokos, I marveled at the beauty, the durability of those old churches, particularly those architectural jewels in Santa Maria and in Paoay, and lamented, too, the laziness of their parish priests for not cleaning them up or sprucing up their yards. When I wrote that novel Po-on — the first in the chronology of a five-novel saga spanning a hundred years of our history — I delved deeper into the past of those churches and the friars who built them. A wise and compassionate Augustinian in the novel, Padre Jose Leon, teaches the main character, the peasant Eustaquio Salvador, Spanish and Latin and what he knew of the elementary sciences that the Augustinians took with them in their epic voyage to the New World and to Filipinas.

As Jose Ma. Fons of the Instituto Cervantes later said, “At least, there is one good Spaniard in the novel.”

Much as I appreciate the Augustinians, they are not my favorite Spanish order; the Dominicans are, in spite of the criticisms that have been leveled at them. The reason for this is personal — I spent four happy years in the Dominican-run University of Santo Tomas and had a memorable teacher, the Spanish Dominican Juan Labrador.

Pio Andrade was speaking when I arrived. He said that what Rizal wrote about agrarian discontent in Laguna was not true. I flared up immediately and said he had just called Rizal a liar. Onward in his presentation, as he extolled Spanish contributions to the country, I asked if he was apologizing for Spanish colonialism.

For those who were at the conference who heard my remarks and have wondered why I said them at all, let me elaborate.

The logic or primary purpose of colonialism/imperialism is the domination of a powerful country over a weak nation or people. It is exploitation, the plunder of the resources of a country to send to the mother country. Whether the colonizer is ancient Rome, or Spain, the Dutch in the 15th century or much later, the English, the Europeans, or in more recent times the United States and Japan, they are all the same.

They colonize often under several dulcet guises, to spread Christianity and Western Civilization, to give law and order to primitive societies, to make the world “safe for democracy.” What for is the United States in Iraq, if not for Iraqi oil?

And to repeat, the logic of colonialism is exploitation. It is immoral. No amount of romanticizing it, or apologizing for it as some Filipinos are now doing with Spanish colonialism, can banish the stain, the indelible stigma of colonialism.

For all his sterling qualities as a writer — and he was such a dear old friend — I fault the late Nick Joaquin for being an apologist of Spanish colonialism. We have had strident arguments when he repeated so often that gross statement that “everything good in this country came from Spain.”

I always reminded him that before Spain came, we had a commercial relationship with China whose civilization is much, much older than that of Europe.

All he had to do was go to the Central Bank to look at the gold collection there, which was found in Surigao; the collection illustrates the scientific and cultural finesse of the earliest Filipinos — although we were not called Filipinos then. At the Newberry Library in Chicago is the Codex, the earliest account of the people of these islands. The upper classes wore fine clothes, jewelry, footwear. We had five indigenous alphabets before the Spaniards came.

I always silenced him thus: “Don’t forget the Spaniards killed Rizal.”

The paper of that brilliant scholar, Fernando Zialcita, is one more apology for Spanish colonialism. In his summary, he states, “Christianity did effect meaningful change. It taught that low-status people had dignity in themselves and could not be sold, or even sacrificed, as chattel. It sought to create a community that was broader than just an individual clan. Though social stratification was not abolished, a more humane stratification, one based on ownership of land rather than on ownership of human beings, was introduced.”

Had he stopped here, he would have been factual, he would have made his case. But then he concluded: “The challenge for us today is how to move up to a higher level of consciousness where every individual is truly cared for. But this level of consciousness could not have been possible without the transformation of consciousness that the missionaries — despite their flaws — effected during the 17th to 19th centuries.”

This is pure speculation. How could he know? Are the Indonesians because they are Muslims, the Vietnamese because they are Buddhists and the Indians because they are Hindus — not colonized by Spanish Catholics — any less imbued with “higher consciousness”?

So why then apologize for Spanish colonialism? Maybe those who do are not just nostalgic about the Spanish past — perhaps they also long for this country to be a Spanish colony again. After all, as a British historian stated, if the Axis powers — Germany, Japan, Italy and Spain — had won in World War II, Franco would have wanted the Philippines to revert to Spain.

And the Americans?

The poet Robert Frost, the writer Mark Twain and the industrialist Andrew Carnegie were among those who opposed the American invasion of the Philippines in 1898. When I visited Robert Frost at his cottage in Ripton, Vermont in 1955, he asked how the American occupation turned out. I told him, but for the public schools which the Americans built, on that very day I would probably be an unlettered peasant atop a water buffalo in my village in Luzon. I said, probably.

Indeed, America’s legacy to us is the public school system for which I am grateful. But I will never apologize for American imperialism, for their atrocities during the Philippine American war, their “free” trade, for Parity in 1946 and for the fact that their “benevolent neglect” also left in us a lingering hangover, a crippling dependency that hinders our development.

As for the Japanese, who in my generation will ever forget their bestiality in World War II? But that, too, we must transcend to realize what we can learn from them.

Ambeth Ocampo said something significant the other week when he was decorated by the French government. He said, “Let us not be prisoners of history.”

I would add, “Let us use it instead.”

History has its uses. For us who are colonized, it is important that we are freed from it, to use it not to glorify the colonizer, but to remember he was the enemy and could still be — and that from history, we should be able to extract those aspects of it which could bind us, which could lead us to freedom and justice.

The former colonizers and their acolytes certainly would like to romanticize the past for so many reasons, not so much to rewrite history from their point of view, but out of a sense of guilt, for a desire to re-impose their dominance or, if they are still around, their influence or residual power. This is a normal and understandable exercise.

But the colonized should never be party to this resuscitation of their glory which is our bondage and our shame. On every occasion, that they try to, the colonized should reject it, expose it for the fallacies that lie underneath such glowing reminiscence.

The intractable logic of colonialism demands such rejection. Just ask this simple question: All those profits from the galleon trade, those monopolies, to whom did they go? Certainly not to the Indios.

And more than this, the colonizers laid down the structures of oppression, the institutions of coercion which exist to this very day, for colonialism dies hard—it persists in actual forces of domination, of control, of helplessness and apathy in the colonized. And this is perhaps the most enduring and formidable obstacle in the building of a nation — the colonized mind.

Because colonialism is exploitation and therefore immoral, it is impossible to dignify it. It can, of course, be romanticized, and this only selectively, for certainly, the native did profit from colonialism’s collateral acolytes — the heroic friars, the Thomasites, the missionary doctors — all have deodorized colonialism to a limited extent.

Capitalism, with its logic of profit, is easy to dignify — the Rockefellers, the Fords have done this with their outstanding philanthropies, and certainly Bill Gates most of all. Too, all those businessmen who practice sincerely “corporate social responsibility” do fulfill capitalism’s humanitarian incremental functions.

And most of all, as we have seen in recent times, capitalism has morphed authoritarian regimes into democracies — to wit, South Korea, Taiwan, even Japan. But colonialism? The sooner the colonized writers, intellectuals and leaders recognize its unerring logic, the sooner, too, will they be able to get rid of their colonized minds that have warped their reasoning, their attitudes without their being fully aware these are destroying them and their country as well.

Speculations are worthless just as hindsight is the lowest form of wisdom. It is for this reason that memory is important, why we should always remember so that we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.

If the Americans remembered their loss in the Philippine-American war, they would never have gone to Vietnam. Or if they remembered Vietnam at all, they would not have gone to Iraq. And we should remember also that our revolution failed primarily because we couldn’t get our act together, we couldn’t unite. If we learned that lesson then, we would not be where we are today.

So, then, if I abhor Spanish colonialism, why do I like visiting Spain and even writing there? Why do I have Spanish mestizo friends and, most of all, why do I go to Instituto Cervantes?

Because I am one of the 90 million citizens called Filipino and Filipinas — how I love that name and all that it evokes, the land and its history, and most of all, the essence of what we are: human beings whose consciousness of nation and that nation’s boundaries were created by a colonial power.

Let me be very clear about this. I pay homage to the heroic Spain which sent those sailors in those puny ships to the New World, to Filipinas, and with them, those equally heroic priests like Andres Urdaneta, Miguel Benavides and so many more. I admire the noble Spain that nurtured Rizal — not the Spain that martyred him, the Spain of Cervantes, Zurbaran, Lope de Vega, Miguel de Unamuno, and Goya, the Spain of that poor Loyalist who declared: In my hunger I command! The writer Salvador de Madariaga (I invited him some 30 years ago to deliver our Jose Rizal PEN Lecture; he had sought me out in Berlin in 1960 because he, too, had read Rizal) — it was he who told me that a country need not be colonized by a foreign power — it can be a colony of its own leaders — the awful truth which describes us today.

We are destined to be free — but that destiny is not up for grabs, nor does it come easily. Often, it is denied us because we deny ourselves the free mind imprisoned in attitudes of our own making, implanted in us by miseducation, by our misunderstanding of history.

And so, to paraphrase that famous Manifesto: Filipinos, sugod! You have nothing to lose but your chains and a nation to gain.

http://philstar.com/index.php?Sunday%20Life&p=49&type=2&sec=47&aid=2008071220

overtureph

July 17th, 2008, 06:40 AM

A good read and a very interesting article.

Romancing colonialism and the colonized mind
HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose
Sunday, July 13, 2008

Attended the tail-end of the two-day conference on the Augustinian friar Andres de Urdaneta at the Instituto Cervantes recently. Before going into what I said at that last session, let me recount how I came to Manila in 1938 to enroll at the Far Eastern University High School in Azcarraga, now Recto. In the afternoons, after class, I swam in the Pasig or crossed through Escolta, to the Walled City then to the Luneta to swim in the bay behind what is now the Quirino Grandstand. I often idled in Intramuros, to gaze at the ornate altars of its dozen or so churches, notably Santo Domingo during the La Naval festival in October. Shortly after World War II when Intramuros was a desolate wilderness of grass and squatter huts, I sometimes visited the San Agustin church, the proud survivor of that war. It was not yet rehabilitated, the walls scarred, the huge paintings of departed Augustinians torn, and the garden at the back in shambles.

On those occasions that I pilgrimaged to the Ilokos, I marveled at the beauty, the durability of those old churches, particularly those architectural jewels in Santa Maria and in Paoay, and lamented, too, the laziness of their parish priests for not cleaning them up or sprucing up their yards. When I wrote that novel Po-on — the first in the chronology of a five-novel saga spanning a hundred years of our history — I delved deeper into the past of those churches and the friars who built them. A wise and compassionate Augustinian in the novel, Padre Jose Leon, teaches the main character, the peasant Eustaquio Salvador, Spanish and Latin and what he knew of the elementary sciences that the Augustinians took with them in their epic voyage to the New World and to Filipinas.

As Jose Ma. Fons of the Instituto Cervantes later said, “At least, there is one good Spaniard in the novel.”

Much as I appreciate the Augustinians, they are not my favorite Spanish order; the Dominicans are, in spite of the criticisms that have been leveled at them. The reason for this is personal — I spent four happy years in the Dominican-run University of Santo Tomas and had a memorable teacher, the Spanish Dominican Juan Labrador.

Pio Andrade was speaking when I arrived. He said that what Rizal wrote about agrarian discontent in Laguna was not true. I flared up immediately and said he had just called Rizal a liar. Onward in his presentation, as he extolled Spanish contributions to the country, I asked if he was apologizing for Spanish colonialism.

For those who were at the conference who heard my remarks and have wondered why I said them at all, let me elaborate.

The logic or primary purpose of colonialism/imperialism is the domination of a powerful country over a weak nation or people. It is exploitation, the plunder of the resources of a country to send to the mother country. Whether the colonizer is ancient Rome, or Spain, the Dutch in the 15th century or much later, the English, the Europeans, or in more recent times the United States and Japan, they are all the same.

They colonize often under several dulcet guises, to spread Christianity and Western Civilization, to give law and order to primitive societies, to make the world “safe for democracy.” What for is the United States in Iraq, if not for Iraqi oil?

And to repeat, the logic of colonialism is exploitation. It is immoral. No amount of romanticizing it, or apologizing for it as some Filipinos are now doing with Spanish colonialism, can banish the stain, the indelible stigma of colonialism.

For all his sterling qualities as a writer — and he was such a dear old friend — I fault the late Nick Joaquin for being an apologist of Spanish colonialism. We have had strident arguments when he repeated so often that gross statement that “everything good in this country came from Spain.”

I always reminded him that before Spain came, we had a commercial relationship with China whose civilization is much, much older than that of Europe.

All he had to do was go to the Central Bank to look at the gold collection there, which was found in Surigao; the collection illustrates the scientific and cultural finesse of the earliest Filipinos — although we were not called Filipinos then. At the Newberry Library in Chicago is the Codex, the earliest account of the people of these islands. The upper classes wore fine clothes, jewelry, footwear. We had five indigenous alphabets before the Spaniards came.

I always silenced him thus: “Don’t forget the Spaniards killed Rizal.”

The paper of that brilliant scholar, Fernando Zialcita, is one more apology for Spanish colonialism. In his summary, he states, “Christianity did effect meaningful change. It taught that low-status people had dignity in themselves and could not be sold, or even sacrificed, as chattel. It sought to create a community that was broader than just an individual clan. Though social stratification was not abolished, a more humane stratification, one based on ownership of land rather than on ownership of human beings, was introduced.”

Had he stopped here, he would have been factual, he would have made his case. But then he concluded: “The challenge for us today is how to move up to a higher level of consciousness where every individual is truly cared for. But this level of consciousness could not have been possible without the transformation of consciousness that the missionaries — despite their flaws — effected during the 17th to 19th centuries.”

This is pure speculation. How could he know? Are the Indonesians because they are Muslims, the Vietnamese because they are Buddhists and the Indians because they are Hindus — not colonized by Spanish Catholics — any less imbued with “higher consciousness”?

So why then apologize for Spanish colonialism? Maybe those who do are not just nostalgic about the Spanish past — perhaps they also long for this country to be a Spanish colony again. After all, as a British historian stated, if the Axis powers — Germany, Japan, Italy and Spain — had won in World War II, Franco would have wanted the Philippines to revert to Spain.

And the Americans?

The poet Robert Frost, the writer Mark Twain and the industrialist Andrew Carnegie were among those who opposed the American invasion of the Philippines in 1898. When I visited Robert Frost at his cottage in Ripton, Vermont in 1955, he asked how the American occupation turned out. I told him, but for the public schools which the Americans built, on that very day I would probably be an unlettered peasant atop a water buffalo in my village in Luzon. I said, probably.

Indeed, America’s legacy to us is the public school system for which I am grateful. But I will never apologize for American imperialism, for their atrocities during the Philippine American war, their “free” trade, for Parity in 1946 and for the fact that their “benevolent neglect” also left in us a lingering hangover, a crippling dependency that hinders our development.

As for the Japanese, who in my generation will ever forget their bestiality in World War II? But that, too, we must transcend to realize what we can learn from them.

Ambeth Ocampo said something significant the other week when he was decorated by the French government. He said, “Let us not be prisoners of history.”

I would add, “Let us use it instead.”

History has its uses. For us who are colonized, it is important that we are freed from it, to use it not to glorify the colonizer, but to remember he was the enemy and could still be — and that from history, we should be able to extract those aspects of it which could bind us, which could lead us to freedom and justice.

The former colonizers and their acolytes certainly would like to romanticize the past for so many reasons, not so much to rewrite history from their point of view, but out of a sense of guilt, for a desire to re-impose their dominance or, if they are still around, their influence or residual power. This is a normal and understandable exercise.

But the colonized should never be party to this resuscitation of their glory which is our bondage and our shame. On every occasion, that they try to, the colonized should reject it, expose it for the fallacies that lie underneath such glowing reminiscence.

The intractable logic of colonialism demands such rejection. Just ask this simple question: All those profits from the galleon trade, those monopolies, to whom did they go? Certainly not to the Indios.

And more than this, the colonizers laid down the structures of oppression, the institutions of coercion which exist to this very day, for colonialism dies hard—it persists in actual forces of domination, of control, of helplessness and apathy in the colonized. And this is perhaps the most enduring and formidable obstacle in the building of a nation — the colonized mind.

Because colonialism is exploitation and therefore immoral, it is impossible to dignify it. It can, of course, be romanticized, and this only selectively, for certainly, the native did profit from colonialism’s collateral acolytes — the heroic friars, the Thomasites, the missionary doctors — all have deodorized colonialism to a limited extent.

Capitalism, with its logic of profit, is easy to dignify — the Rockefellers, the Fords have done this with their outstanding philanthropies, and certainly Bill Gates most of all. Too, all those businessmen who practice sincerely “corporate social responsibility” do fulfill capitalism’s humanitarian incremental functions.

And most of all, as we have seen in recent times, capitalism has morphed authoritarian regimes into democracies — to wit, South Korea, Taiwan, even Japan. But colonialism? The sooner the colonized writers, intellectuals and leaders recognize its unerring logic, the sooner, too, will they be able to get rid of their colonized minds that have warped their reasoning, their attitudes without their being fully aware these are destroying them and their country as well.

Speculations are worthless just as hindsight is the lowest form of wisdom. It is for this reason that memory is important, why we should always remember so that we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.

If the Americans remembered their loss in the Philippine-American war, they would never have gone to Vietnam. Or if they remembered Vietnam at all, they would not have gone to Iraq. And we should remember also that our revolution failed primarily because we couldn’t get our act together, we couldn’t unite. If we learned that lesson then, we would not be where we are today.

So, then, if I abhor Spanish colonialism, why do I like visiting Spain and even writing there? Why do I have Spanish mestizo friends and, most of all, why do I go to Instituto Cervantes?

Because I am one of the 90 million citizens called Filipino and Filipinas — how I love that name and all that it evokes, the land and its history, and most of all, the essence of what we are: human beings whose consciousness of nation and that nation’s boundaries were created by a colonial power.

Let me be very clear about this. I pay homage to the heroic Spain which sent those sailors in those puny ships to the New World, to Filipinas, and with them, those equally heroic priests like Andres Urdaneta, Miguel Benavides and so many more. I admire the noble Spain that nurtured Rizal — not the Spain that martyred him, the Spain of Cervantes, Zurbaran, Lope de Vega, Miguel de Unamuno, and Goya, the Spain of that poor Loyalist who declared: In my hunger I command! The writer Salvador de Madariaga (I invited him some 30 years ago to deliver our Jose Rizal PEN Lecture; he had sought me out in Berlin in 1960 because he, too, had read Rizal) — it was he who told me that a country need not be colonized by a foreign power — it can be a colony of its own leaders — the awful truth which describes us today.

We are destined to be free — but that destiny is not up for grabs, nor does it come easily. Often, it is denied us because we deny ourselves the free mind imprisoned in attitudes of our own making, implanted in us by miseducation, by our misunderstanding of history.

And so, to paraphrase that famous Manifesto: Filipinos, sugod! You have nothing to lose but your chains and a nation to gain.

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