Sunday I'm in Love

Because I am too lazy to finish my paper for CommRes, I shall blabber about my day.

Well, for one, it wasn’t my usual Sunday except I still had a hard time waking up at 6 in the morning just to get to church. :))

I finally got to catch up with my mentor after how many weeks. And what turned out to be a “chat” turned into something else. I wish I could tell you though but you know, there are some things kept in private. :P Seriously. I wasn’t expecting anything bizarre today. But I’m glad I did wake up at 6 in the morning. It was all worth it J

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What is man that You are mindful of him?

This? We don’t deserve this. But He thinks of us. He values us. He delights in us. And that is more than enough.

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After church, the girls and I met up with Dad and had lunch in BonChon. Oh please, if you haven’t tried it, you’re missing half of your life! It’s very affordable though for high-quality dishes. Their bulgogi rice and chops are a fave! The chap-chae’s good too but I’m not much of a fan of noodles so I don’t appreciate as much as others do (my sister specifically). I wanted to try something new, like their burger but Mom ordered already. Howel, I shall explore it the next time I visit J  

Of course, Sunday lunch won’t be complete without lavishing ourselves with coffee and gelato in Café Ti Amo. It’s a really cozy and laid-back coffee place but a lot of people go there too so sometimes it can get too crowded and noisy. Yeah. It means it’s that good J Oh and there’s free wi-fi too! My dad and my sister always order the waffle with ice cream (I’m not sure what it’s called – affogato ba?) and I tried it for the first time with the rich mouth-watering dark chocolate ice cream on top and man, it tastes like heaven! I was hoping there was peppermint chocolate (my second favorite flavor) though. There’s always a next Sunday anyway :P

My goodness. I haven’t overindulged for a looong time already. Haha! I must lose these chicken chops and pounds of gelato over the week! (Weh, 'di nga? Haha!)

We had a little walk around GB, and the girls bought Christmas CDs (I do not know why they still buy CDs when they can just ask me to download it on Torrent). Haha. Sayang pera.

And then we randomly decided to go play bowling (oh yez, imagine I was with adults 46 and above and my sister of course). Shocking right? Me, playing a sport? I used to think, is bowling even a sport? Haha. But hey ah, it’s hard to perform the proper approach and delivery of both the footwork and handwork. Aaaand besides, I have duckpin bowling for PE this sem, I don’t wanna look stupid you know. :))

My Lola used to be a professional bowler but she stopped 10 years ago. When I was little, I used to tag along and watch her compete. She was tad awesome. She tried one frame earlier (note, she wasn’t even wearing bowling shoes and is SEVENTY YEARS OLD and has a knee injury) and she was able to hit 9 pins. She is SEVENTY years old. SEVENTY. Nakakamangha lang masyado :))

In all fairness, my game was fair enough. I had two strikes, so I guess I’ll manage :)) Kamille (my sister) and I wanted this to be a regular Sunday thing – bowling instead of pigging out. :)) It’s healthier somehow, right?

We didn’t stay for long because my Lola had to go home early because she has another gimmick. Tell me about cool. :))

When we got home, the house started singing “Merry Christmas.” There was already a fresh pine tree decorated at our sala, with angels and silver balls everywhere. And I caught my cousin cooking turkey for dinner. For at least an hour, I felt like I was in America. :))

So apparently, we had a thanksgiving dinner, with turkey served of course. :) It’s sad though the family wasn’t complete today. But it’s fine. I had a great time with them anyway. :)

And I guess I’ve been really learning to enjoy my time with family and value each one of them, regardless… :))

Spiritual Bulimia

I was just reading an article on bulimia and well, it made me think that perhaps at some point or another, we have all been spiritually bulemic. 

I used to be "another believer". I believed all the right stuff - that Jesus is the Son of God, died and rose again. I had become a "believer," but I had no idea what it meant to be a follower. People had taught me what Christians believe but no one had told/showed me exactly how Christians live.

So as we do in our culture, I used to think that maybe I needed to buy and succumb to more Christian stuff. I had everything Christian - T-shirts, books, devotionals, etc. I developed a common illness that haunts most of us Christians - spiritual bulimia.

Bulimia, of course, is a tragic eating disorder, largely linked to identity and image, where people consume large amounts of food but vomit it up before it has a chance to digest.

I developed the spiritual form of it where I did my devotions, read all the new Christian books and then vomited information up to friends, classmates and pastors. But it had never had the chance to digest. I had binged myself on church and whatever Christianese there is but was spiritually starving to death. I was marked by an overconsumptive but malnourished spirituality. I was suffocated by doing Christianity but thirsty for God. I thought to myself that there must be another way of doing this theeeng.

I remember when I was younger (don't get me wrong, I'm not that old), along with many others, had this episode of putting "Christianese" (literally) all over my bodeh (I hope you notice my sarcasm). Oo, yung tipong pinagsisigawan na "Kristiyano ako! Kristiyano ako!".

Church was cool, comfortable and well trendy (I'm not saying it's a bad thing though; I think it's a necessity to draw unbelievers not just in church but to Christ).

It was cool to be a Jesus freak, to be a "Christian". We preach Jesus whenever and wherever (yung tipong nakaka-annoy na). And it feels "good." It only feels good.

I call this spiritual masturbation which refers to the feel-good emotionally charged Christianity. It never really gives birth to anything except that.. well, it feels good.

But there must be more than feeling good, and doing church and "Christianity." There must be more than just handing out tracts or selling Jesus like a shampoo or a laundry soap (affordable diba?). Honestly, I used to feel like a used-car salesman like people's salvation depended on how well I articulated things. Shane Claiborne (one of my fave authors) even said that he had heard a pastor shared one time that he was in a "different kind of business" with the "best product in the world." What the hell, right?

It's a shame though that Christians had become so normal, that many of us are stuck (where? I don't really know). 

But I don't think Jesus himself was "normal." He never seemed to do anything normal. When our leaders anoint people with oil, he picked up some dirt off the ground to heal a blind guy and spits in it and then wipes it on the guy's eyes. What is weird? He turned water into wine to keep a party going. He walked on water, my goodness. It's scary. It scared his friends to death. Now, is it easy to listen to hear Him talk and walk away as if we had just watched a nice movie?

It's sad because it has become difficult to know who Jesus really is. Or what Christian life really is.

But the more I get to know Him, the more it messed me up, the more I became in love. Foh real.

To 'Mother'

Just recently, I had a conversation with my mentor who's about to give birth in a few months. She was telling me how excited and at the same time nervous she was. She said she never experienced taking care of a baby; she wonders what it's like to change diapers, breastfeed, and carry the baby for the first time.

I am obviously not a mom but I guess I'm having a glimpse of what it's like to mother.

Pause for a sec. No, I'm not with child or even wanting to get pregnant soon.

We are not all mothers but I think every woman is called "to mother."

It's in her DNA. She was made to nurture, to train, to educate, to bring life and beauty to the world around her. She is uniquely gifted to help others in their lives become more of who they really are - to encourage, to nurture and to ezer them towards their true selves.

At a young age, I did not really expect that I was going to start taking care of young girls (young-er and well, more troubled than me). I used to think "I am not mature enough yet," "I am not yet ready." And well besides, I was worried that I couldn't balance it with all the clutter and demands in my life. But I guess this has always been buried in my heart so I decided to drop all those excuses and responded to the call of motherhood (or pastoring or discipleship, whatever you wanna call it).

I have been reflecting that what I (ought to) do (in church, we call "lifegroup leading") isn't just simply meeting my girls and bombard them with "must-do's" and "advices" or listen to them rant about their boy-problems. But I am (supposed to be) birthing life in them by inviting them into deeper realms of healing, to deeper walks with God, to deeper intimacy with Him. They may not be fully aware of this but this has been my deepest longing, not just for my girls but even to other women who have been lost, stuck and wounded just as I was.

Last semester, I had a camping class (oh yes, we have that in school) and on our last camp-out, I met this girl (let's call her J) who was silent throughout our entire stay. One morning, I saw her crying alone in her kubo. I had no idea of who she was and what she was going through but I knew in my spirit that God was leading me to approach her. And I did. I just started praying for her and offered words of life that God wanted her to hear. J was in desperate need of healing, of freedom, of life - of God. And from then on, she was healed, set free and brought to life by God and because of God.

This, in a greater sense, is what's in God's heart. More than worship-leading and all the front acts we do in church, this is what matters most - bringing Jesus' reality to them.

And it costs a lot. I mean, a lot. I often have to die a thousand small deaths to myself.

Most of the time, you don't get recognized with what you do, no matter how radical and life-changing it may be. The story I told you earlier, for instance - it was only me and God who witnessed everything that happened. And sometimes, the people you invest your lives into, don't really see how much effort, love, tears and prayer you pour your heart into. And let's all be honest here, it hurts our pride - it even shatters it.

Thus, mothering is not only about the ones we are birthing our lives in. It's also God working in our own hearts too. Admit it, it is difficult to love. Being a "mother", then," exposes our weakness and our selfishness and our bent toward sin. And it's a good thing ;) He is bringing forth life in us to bring forth life to others. :)

But regardless of the cost, this what we call "mothering" is undoubtedly powerful - it brings light and beauty to a dark and fallen world.

Of course, one learns this from her mother. And I must say my Mom has done a great deal of this. Although she may not be perfect and often we disagree with a lot of things and hurt each other, she is the greatest ezer I have ever known. And I appreciate all that she has done and is doing to mold me into the woman that God has called me to be. I could truly say that "she done a beautiful thing for me."

I, in turn, seek to do and be something beautiful for others and for the next generation.

Desaparecido

My grandpa turned on the television. News flashed. He looked at me with his frustrated eyes. He started telling me another story...

Edita Burgos is going to court. There is a ruffle of white lace at her throat. The cap of dark hair is the same, the black jacket and fading slacks the same. She sits quietly, smiling and nodding at the newcomers who come to offer their support. She has the complaint in a folder, along with a cover letter addressed to the prosecutor general.

“It is therefore with a ray of hope that I am herewith filing my Affidavit Complaint,” reads her letter, “for the violation of Article 124 of the Revised Penal Code (Arbitrary Detention) or possibly murder, in the enforced disappearance of my son.”

For four years, Edita Burgos believed her son was alive. This is not her first time to file a complaint, or her second. In the four years since several armed men hauled 37-year-old Jonas Burgos out of the Hapag Kainan restaurant at Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Avenue, Edita Burgos has filed no less than six complaints at various institutions, signing her name at the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation Division, at the Commission on Human Rights, at the Court of Appeals, all the way to the Supreme Court.

Today, Edita T. Burgos, mother of a missing person, “Jonas T. Burgos, Filipino, 41,” will file her seventh plea for judicial aid, this time for the criminal offenses of arbitrary detention and obstruction of justice against several high-ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In June of 2010, the Supreme Court claimed that the Philippine National Police and the AFP had failed in their duty “to conduct an exhaustive and meaningful investigation into the disappearance of Jonas Burgos,” and expressed dissatisfaction with the findings of both military and police. The high court said “serious lapses” in data prevented them from ruling on the claims filed by the Burgos family. The Court then assigned the Commission on Human Rights to take over the investigation.

On March 15, almost a year after the order, the CHR submitted its report to the Supreme Court, which includes the filing of criminal charges against a Maj. Harry A Baliaga Jr., identified by a busboy in Hapag Kainan as one of Burgos’ captors. Another witness identified Baliaga as an officer assigned to the Bravo Company of the 56th Infantry Division. According to the CHR, “Most, if not all the actual abductors would have been identified had it not been for what is otherwise called as evidentiary difficulties shamelessly put up by some police and military elites.”

Jonas Joseph T. Burgos may or may not be a member of the New People’s Army. His mother is unwilling to say otherwise. Some of his friends admit he may have once been part of the movement. Newsbreak Magazine claims sources who have put Jonas among the members of the communist movement in Bulacan, the same area where more than 20 activists (including UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño) were either killed or abducted in the last decade.

When Burgos was dragged out of Ever Gotesco Mall screaming “aktibista lang ako,” a security guard took down the number of the getaway car, TAB 194, later traced to the plate of a vehicle impounded by the AFP’s 56th IB.

The AFP has offered a range of reasons why the plate number of a confiscated vehicle in its custody ended up decorating the tailgate of a car racing down Commonwealth Avenue carrying the missing Jonas Burgos. AFP officials said the plate could have been stolen by members of the NPA to frame the AFP. They said the illegal logger from whom they snatched the car may have had a grudge on the military, and found a way to install the plate on the abductors’ vehicle. They said the battalion was away during the incident, leaving the compound open to robbers.

Edita Burgos says she does not understand the goals and methods of the New People’s Army, but she knows her son, and all she wants is to have him back. He is a Filipino and a citizen, rebel or no rebel. She has stood before reporters and human rights reporters from Manila to Geneva, holding up a photo of her lost son, the boy she says is most like his father, press freedom icon Joe Burgos.

President Aquino says he has not forgotten Jonas Burgos. He says they are looking for him. He says, at the very least, they want to know what happened to him. When he released the Morong 43 last December, he talked about Jonas Burgos.

The word “impunity” has been used many times in the last decade, to describe a state where murderers go about their bloody business, with no fear of capture or accountability. It was a state that Aquino promised to end with his presidency. Yet impunity does not need a small woman in a blue dress to applaud the work of butchers, or to command the massacre of the enemy. All impunity needs to flourish is the awareness that justice is unlikely, and that those in power have concerns more important than the death of a journalist in Palawan. As of March this year, 45 extrajudicial killings have been documented under Aquino’s watch.

If the facts prove true, and Jonas was indeed abducted as a member of the New People’s Army, there is a reason his family is willing to add the possibility of murder to this seventh complaint. In 2007, Bulacan farmer Raymond Manalo and his brother escaped from what he described as months of torture when he was caged, beaten, burned and made to drink his own urine by members of the Armed Forces, in a testimony that the Supreme Court described as harrowing and believable. Manalo claimed he saw the rapes of UP students Empeño and Cadapan, as well as the murder of another farmer. Edita Burgos knows this. Her sons know this. And so she says she believes he is still alive, all the while admitting that many times, she is afraid he is cold and hungry.

Now, Edita Burgos goes to court. The numbers of those who used to fill the streets in protest have dwindled. A few go with her, a little more than a dozen, a motley few with tired eyes. They are the mothers and brothers and sisters of the lost, all silent, all searching for their own Jonases, all willing to stand behind Edita Burgos, holding up placards with the face of a desaparecido.

http://www.inquirer.net

A Little Bit of Summer, Salt and Everything Nice (2)

Blabber note: Geez. I actually forgot about this. :s Anyway, for the sake of "remembrance", I gotta publish this.

Palawan Getaway

May 1-5

Instead of having a grand debut (which apparently still happened O_o), Mother took the Nunez girls out of town. So after how many years of wooing and nudging, we finally went to Palawan!

As soon as we arrived, we went on a city tour. We saw and held overpopulated crocodiles (Ninang almost ate one), went to Bakers' Hill (where breads come from heaven) and had a "moment" (inside joke :p) at the Mitra's mansion.

The next day, we went to the Underground River. Of course, we had to see it! In fact, as far as I can remember, it is nominated as one of the new Eight Wonders of the World. So yes, it must be that remarkable. Halfway through the cave, there's this what they call a "cathedral" wherein rocks were naturally shaped like lions, saints and even the face of Jesus! I almost cried O_o

Afterwards, we shopped a little for pearls and trinkets. I actually found two pretty summer earrings :) And then we had dinner at KaLui's. Geez, the restaurant deserves six stars! The ambiance is superb! The food is great! And we all had to be barefooted - definitely a thumbs up! I now have my ideal home :p

On our third day, we went island hopping at Honda Bay (another first!). We were lucky to tour around three islands even if we were behind schedule. While on the boat, I had an amazing God-moment. I wasn't really expecting any encounter with Him. I was even a little distant because I was too caught up with summer. Then as I was watching the waves and the sun with all its glory, I began to cry. I was just in awe of beauty and for some reason, I felt like there was this cool water consuming my insides. Maybe peace, maybe joy, maybe wholeness. :)

Of course when you're in Palawan, you have to snorkle! I had a glimpse of my own heaven - I swam with Nemoooo and his friends from all over the underwater world :) I didn't even know how deep the sea was but whatever, it was the seaaa so what the hell. Haha! Oh and we went pier diviiiing! :) Perfect summer adventure!

Puerto Princesa is absolutely a paraiso. I promise I have to come back. :) It'll take another entry for this. Haha. So I must stop. :)

Tita Grace, Kelsey and the rest of the Mendozas, thank you very much for accommodating us :)

Surprise surprise, you're 18!

May 12-13

The pictures said it all. Once again, I was slammed with a surprise party. :))

I couldn't even articulate everything that happened that night. I guess I was too overwhelmed.[Malamang no?!] I could not believe that I have influenced many lives and have been treasured by them for the past eighteen years. These people who mean a lot to me were literally all there - like my Dad who never went to any of my birthday parties, my grandmother from Baras who's now in a wheelchair, the entiiiire Nunez and Olano family, my past and present mentors, my batch, my college and church friends. Even if I wanted a simple get-together at home, they still created a big fuss over my turning-18. :))

So for "bringing out the queen in me" and making me feel special at least for these two nights, I am truly grateful. :)

A Little Bit of Summer, Salt and Everything Nice (1)

It has been almost two months since I last updated my blog. And just like any undocumented months, a lot has happened.

Summer. Happened.

Think of the sun, the beach, the random sleepovers and whereabouts. Too cliche huh? But it wasn't as banal as I thought.

Capones Island, Zambales Trip

March 25-26

Voila! Destination one: Zambales - my early summer vacay with the UP folks. Apparently, it was our last camping trip. Yes, believe it or not, we have Camping as a subject in PE.

We went swimming, hiking, surfing and pier diving ;) All of which I secretly love doing.

One of the UP mountaineers who went with us was Romeo Lee. If you're from UP, it would be impossible for you not to know him. He's an "artist" (must be from FA), a rockstar and the so-called-founder of Eheads. Oh and he's a self-proclaimed "ukay-ukay man."

Capones Island, surprisingly, has white sand beaches and faces the horizon of the setting sun. It is definitely exceptional.

Holy Week at Bicolandia

April 20-25

Finally after how many years, I and my family visited our hometown - Camarines Sur, Bicol which meant going on a 10-hour ride back and forth. But regardless, it was worth it. :)

We stayed at CWC for almost two weeks. It was inevitable for us not to try wakeboarding; it was hard to learn though but very thrilling! We also went swimming (almost everyday) at the manmade lake, climbed the huge inflatables and watched the pretty sunset as we sit on top of the iceberg.

We also visited my Lola and Papoo's farm in Ginobatan, Albay. To make it meaningful, we planted 100 cacao trees. Surprisingly, it was a first and it feels good to have given life. :)

Throughout the week, penitences and processions scattered across the town. I saw one man who vigorously and brutally scrapes his back with blades - no, not tanzans but huge blades. Apparently, it made me realize how devoted and fatalistic (not just the Bicolanos) the Filipinos are.

We also paid a visit to the Cagsawa Ruins which used to be a church but was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

A Bicol trip won't be complete without visiting Bongalon. It has become my second home and my second family. If given a chance to minister there, I will not think twice. :) (It will take another entry to write about Bongalon, I swear :P)

I was also reunited by my cousins and tita's and tito's (who are almost my age). We reminisced and reminisced and reminisced and talked about planning the upcoming family reunions. We even had egghunting on Easter Sunday which was completely insane :)) Oh, the Clasios are simply the best \m/

Throughout the trip, one thing I learned most is that I must never forget my roots and ultimately, the value and love of family. :)

Driving ;)

April 27 and still counting..

Right after Holy Week, I immediately enrolled in A1 driving school. It wasn't as difficult as I thought. Until recently, I have been enjoying the sense of freedom driving (somewhat) gives. So tomorrow, I will get my license so I wouldn't have to hassle drivers and mothers anymore. Haha! But I still have to practice more. I'm still kind of... reckless. A bit? Haha!

[cont.]

Dilemma (Oh)

Olaño, Karmela Mica N. BA Communication Research from UP Diliman. Transferee.

I'm on my second year in college. But until today, I'm still not sure about my course.

Shocking, right?

I have always wanted to write. I may not be as fluent and as good (yet) like the others. But I think this what I enjoy doing and (maybe) what I do best.

Check.

I grew up in a family that sits on the dinner table and constantly discuss and debate about social and political issues. Well, aside from family business matters.

My grandfather used to work for Manila Times and was a frustrated lawyer.

My mother went to law school for two years. And is a former political activist.

And well yeah, my father - a politician.

At 7, I was forced to read the newspaper by my grandfather so he can treat me to Mcdo.

Since I don't know when, I would see my mother read day and night, bringing home books from work.

My father. He was the debater. And he can talk and talk for hours about trapos and poverty and Cha-cha and so on.

(Random thought: I think I have been trained well. Maybe I'm a little caught up with my own insecurities. Maybe not just a little. Maybe too caught up.)

Born into a family of writers, readers, politicians and activists. Check.

This dream of being a writer? I say it's God-given too.

When I was asking God about my calling, He said that I was going to be the voice of my generation. He gave me a picture of myself holding a huge trumpet, leading thousands of armies of young men and women.

What's even more interesting is that these were youth from different countries. Not just Filipino youth, not just UP, not just youth ministry.

God-given dream? Check.

But I'm not really sure if Communication Research suits me best. I don't really enjoy researching and writing comprehensive papers. Well, sometimes I do. But I'm just not sure with where I am now.

I am currently taking a semi-CommRes subject. And I don't find myself happy and fulfilled. And the professor has nothing to do with it because she is extremely good at what she does.

On the other hand, I kind of enjoy writing and analyzing news. I recently made an investigative report about a congressman in Samar. And well yeah, I got a 1.25. ;) My Journ subject somehow gives me a sense of purpose. I have always been motivated to write, to learn.

But...

I don't know. I guess have to think and pray more about this.

But what I am sure of is that He has good plans for me. And my future is secure in Him.

(Okay, now I need to finish my final paper so I can freely enjoy summer. Ciao!)

The EDSA Fever

Despite the scorching heat and traffic, many Filipinos were festive and optimistic as they gathered in EDSA to celebrate the 25th People Power I anniversary.

Daisy Banaoag, an 18 yr old UST student, said that although she was unable to witness firsthand the People Power Revolution, she feels euphoric as she celebrates with the rest of the Filipinos.

She said, “iba yung feeling na andito ka mismo sa EDSA, nakakaluha sa saya lalo na noong nireinact nila ang salubungan.”

Banaoag added, “kahit hindi pa tayo pinapanganak noong 1986, we must still acknowledge yung ginawa ng mga tao noon for us dahil kung hindi sa kanila, hindi natin maeexperience yung freedom na meron tayo ngayon.”

Lope Bisnar, a 57 yr old housing agent from Cavite, said, “iba yung pakiramdam na nandito mismo ngayon, parang nananatili pa rin yung pakiramdam ng pag-asa.”

Bisnar said that despite the problems faced by the country today, he still remains hopeful that the promise of EDSA will be fulfilled someday.

“Pagkatapos ng 25 taon, naniniwala’t umaasa pa rin ako sa pagbabago,” he said.

Policarpio Martiga, a 71 yr old civil rights activist from Bulacan, added, “bagamat hopeless sa pagbabago ang karamihan sa atin, nais ko pa rin ituloy ang pagbabagong nasimulan namin noon.”

Martiga, an advocate of non-violence activism, said that there has always been hope but prays that people will begin to see it and fight for it.

"Kaya kami nandito ngayon kasama ang pamilya namin para buhayin ang kasaysayan, buhayin ang pag-asa at ang diwa ng EDSA,” he said.

Jocelyn Gumban, a 43 yr old street vendor who has been selling yellow shirts and ribbons since 1986, said that the celebration this year seems to be more festive unlike the previous years.

“Mas okay ngayon, mas buhay, mas masaya, mas ginugunita natin ngayon yung nangyari noon,” she said.

Gumban disclosed that she has earned more this year compared with the previous EDSA anniversaries, particularly during former President Gloria Arroyo’s time.

Sis. Maxima Pilaez, however, said that it isn’t as celebrated and as meaningful unlike before.

“Most of the people who are here today don’t really know the meaning of the EDSA Revolution,” she said.

Sis. Pilaez added that many of those who visited were just compelled to visit EDSA like the students, the military and even the MMDA.

Moreover she said, “it’s sad to see that the young don’t really care anymore. Kaya dapat buhayin ang spirit ng EDSA,”

However, Sis. Pilaez said that despite of such national apathy, she is thankful for the freedom that the Lord has given to the Filipinos.

PO1 Joey Pedro also said, “parang normal lang na fiesta at normal lang na work day ngayon.”

He said that the police was just required to go to EDSA in commemoration of the event.

But Pedro added, “mukhang successful naman yung event ngayon dahil wala naman masyadong gulo… peaceful at secured.”

Lorna Hinautan, a 30 yr old MMDA official, also said that the celebration is like any other holiday.

“Required lang rin kami pumunta… kung hindi required, hindi naman ako pupunta,” she added.

According to a source, around 30,000 people joined the celebration.

The People Power Revoliton ended the 21-year dictatorial rule of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. #

Note: This is also an article I wrote for my Journalism class. I have been enjoying writing news lately.

I interviewed an ex-convict

I just want to share an article I wrote on the 25th EDSA anniversary.

Ex-convict-turned activist shares his version of EDSA

MANILA - As the famous stretch of EDSA was once again colored with yellow ribbons, flowers and streamers, an ex-convict-turned-activist recalls how he felt when he witnessed a significant part of Philippine history unfold before his very eyes.

“Hindi ko malilimutan yung pakiramdam noong nagkaisa ang libu-libong Pilipino sa EDSA, mayaman at mahirap, para ipaglaban ang kalayaan,” said Policarpio Martiga, a leader of a non-violent activism group Aksyon sa Kapayapaan (Akkap Ka).

Policarpio “Ping” Martiga, 71, expressed how overwhelming it was to see EDSA filled with a spirit of hope, of unity and of change.

“Kahit alam namin delekado, sumugod pa rin kami ng mga kasamahan ko,” he said while the song “Magkaisa” plays in the background.

Martiga is one of the activists who blocked the military tanks in EDSA and begged the soldiers to join them in overthrowing Marcos.

“Noong sinabi ng mga militar na tumabi kami, imbis na sundin namin sila, nagsisipag-unahan ang mga tao na.pumunta sa harapan para pigilan ang pagsugo

d ng mga tangke,” he said.

While they were trying to stop the military from charging, he said the nuns and other civilians were giving flowers and rosaries to the soldiers atop tanks.

Martiga said that there were even military helicopters that were sent to bomb the protesters but to their surprise, it rained yellow flowers and ribbons.

“Tinaya namin ang buhay namin at nagtagumpay kami,” he said as he wipes a few drops of tears.

“Siguro sa kakadasal ng mga Pilipino naganap ang mirakulo – nauwi ang gulo sa mapayapang protesta,” he said.

The People Power revolution eventually ended the 21-year reign of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

Martiga said, “posible pala talaga ang pagbabago.”

He also said that change can really happen in the society but it starts in the life of one man.

“Kung gusto natin makamit ang pagbabago sa bayan, nagsisimula iyan sa sarili,” he said.

Martiga shared that he used to be a very notorious criminal and was even

jailed for thirteen years.

“Masama akong tao noon – binabayaran para pumatay ng tao dahil mahirap lang naman talaga ako,” he admitted.

But when Japanese missionaries came to his town and visited prisons to share about non-violent activism, he was forever changed.

“Simula noon, nagbago na ako at nahanap ko ang purpose ko sa buhay ko – at iyan ay para lumaban para sa kapayapaan, para sa kalayaan,” he said.

Martiga, who was wearing a yellow Cory-Ninoy shirt, said that durin

g the dark years under Marcos, he knew that he was called to do something greater.

“Hindi ko na rin matiis ang pangaabuso ng diktaturang Marcos, ang mga kakabayan ko nawawalan ng trabaho, maraming nakukulong sa walang dahilan, matindi ang inhustisya. Kaya noon, walang tigil na ang mayapang pagpoprotesta ko kasama ang ilan sa mga kababayan ko,” he said.

Martiga was a former president of the Cory-Doy for President Movement in Pandacan.

Martiga added, “hindi ako titigil na gumawa ng pagbabago at ipaglaban ang pagbabago hangga’t nabubuhay ako.”

He said that he still prays that the Filipinos will not run out of hope for change.

“Kung ang isang mamamatay-tao ay nabago, posible ring mabago ang inhustisya sa lipunan,” he said.

Martiga also said with a smile of hope that the change does not end in EDSA.

He prays that today’s young people will carry out what the people of EDSA fought for 25 years ago.

Ping Martiga was just one among the thousands who were there at EDSA for the 25th anniversary celebration of People Power I, hoping that more than the yellow ribbons and flowers, the new President Noynoy Aquino will fulfill his promise for a better Philipp

ines.

“Wag na nga sana tayong pumayag na mawala pa muli ang ating kalayaan, huwag na nga sana tayo pumayag na muling mabawi ang demokrasya,” said Martiga. #

Mabuhay ka, sir :)

Tale as Old as Time

And because I couldn't sleep and I'm too engrossed with the internet as of the moment, I am left with no choice but to pour my energy into writing.

Today was interesting. Mom treated Kamille and her friends to (siyempre, sabit ako) the movies. And yes, we watched Tangled! Finally. It was out in the cinemas.

Apparently, I watched alone. They watched in another cinema. Yeah deal with it, I have issues. Haha!

Okay so I had more room for internalizing (some sort of habit when I watch movies.)

It was the typical Disney movie.

You find the princess, the knight-in-shining-armor, the villain and the animal side-kick. The typical run-and-save-the-princess plot.

If you've seen the trailer you know that it's about Rapunzel - the lost princess with long (I mean loooong) magical blonde hair locked in a tower. On her 18th birthday, she wishes to see the lanterns in person (these lanterns are her parents' way to lead her back home). Then a thief, not-so prince-like, not the kind of guy little girls fantasize about, shows up. And promised her to take her to see the lanterns (which is by the way a really cute scene) in exchange for a crown. And yes, eventually, they fell in love. But the old lady who held Rapunzel captive gets in the way.

When Eugene (the thief) tried to rescue Rapunzel, he gets killed by the lady. Rapunzel tries to heal Eugene with his magical hair but she will have to agree to stay in the tower forever. Eugene, apparently, cuts her hair and loses its power. So she can live. And since it's a Disney movie, there are no sad endings. Eugene lives and Rapunzel isn't a lost princess anymore. And they all lived happily ever after.

Commonly uncommon I suppose.

Obviously, I loved the movie.

And maybe because I could identify with Rapunzel in many ways. (Not to mention, the curse of living with an overprotective mother. Wait, I can imaging my mother singing "Mother knows best" haha) But well yeah, I haven't met my prince yet. :)

I guess every girl can relate to her story.

I have been locked in the tall tower too, deceived by the villain (whom I thought was to be trusted), living in lies, believing that I shouldn't unveil myself and that my only fate is to just be stuck in the tower forever. But I was born a princess. And I too was a lost princess.

But He came for me. Unlike Eugene, He has planned to rescue me in that tower and scream, "Mica! Mica! Let down your hair!"

He did. He always does.

That's the funny thing about it. If I try to hide again and return to my dungeon, He will always rescue me.

Now, in His freedom, I will live.

I am no longer afraid to show who I REALLY am - my beauty, my strength, my flaws and even my own long magical hair (but apparently, it's not blonde)

And I trust Him. He alone can bring joy and bring life and beauty.

And yes, He is more handsome and has better voice than Eugene. :)

He found me. I am His princess. His lover. His daughter even! And I long for that day when we'll watch the lanterns in the sky too. Just me and Him.

I long for that day too. Where He'll send me His prince. And come for me. And will share with me his adventure.

I too long for my own happy ending. :)