IN DEFENSE OF THE MASANG PINOY WHO ELECTED NANCY BINAY

Much has been said about the election of Nancy Binay in the Senate. If my recollection is right, this is the first time that there has been so much mudslinging to a lady senatoriable that is so below the belt already that the so-called “intellectuals” of the society are crying out for the Filipinos to rethink of their decision and deemed what happened as “kabobohan” of the majority. I would love to see Dick Gordon take that final seat in the magic 12. Yet, the people have spoken, and I am referring to the “majority vote”- the “Masa Crowd” who are fiercely powerful during election period. This is not to defend “Nanay Binay” but the “Masang Pinoy” who elected her.

I feel it improper that even those who were elected by the “masa crowd” are saying that the result should not have been so when it was also the “masa” that elected them to their posts. Whatever is wrong with the “masa” is an issue of debate. However, let me say that it is this crowd were the politicians, both the “trapos” and the “conscientious” go to, to seek for their much needed support come election day.

The “Masa Crowd” dictates who they would want to serve them. Yet, it is not “kabobohan” if they are not well aware of the facts and opinions of others about how unfit other candidates are, or in this case Nanay Binay, to be a senator. How has our education system helped the “Masang Pinoy” to open their eyes of who are actually sensible to elect? If the government would only prioritize a good education for the masses, then I believe ignorance would not have been a problem. How many of those in the office have given importance to education? How have our politicians tried to win this crowd over and leave them hungry and desperate after the election.  

Were the masses at fault in the overall outcome of the senatorial election? HELL NO! We leave them with no option but to trust their gut feel and not see the truth- WHEN THE TRUTH IS THAT IT IS NOT ONLY NANCY BINAY WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE WON THE RACE? If all of these senatoriables would have been conscientious, they know that some of them are unfit to be a senator, much less, even to run for that post.   

 Many of us thought that we have learned our lessons from the past. Still, I am not surprised that the people have seemingly repeated history. But give the masses a break, they do not deserve to be ridiculed and bullied, even Senator-elect Binay. The people have spoken. They have exercised their power. Now it is time to educate them and for the government to spearhead that.  

Let those in the office do their job now. I just hope though that they would find time to go back to the masses and as a thank you to them, give them what they truly deserve. If they are not going to do that, then stop the blame on the "Masang Pinoy."  They are humanly entitled to a better education, to be respected, and to be treated as Filipinos who are worth dying for!    

 

           

           

 

 

           

 

           

           

           

ISANG BUKAS NA LIHAM PARA SA AKING MGA KLASE

        

Limang buwan ng pagtitiyaga ang iginugol ninyo sa ating klase. Sa mga panahong iyon, pinilit ko kayong gisingin sa katotohanan ng inyong pag-aaral. Sinubukan kong hasain ang inyong pag-iisip at ninais kong bigyan ng ningas at makatulong sa paghubog ng mga nananamlay ninyong perspektibo sa buhay.

 
        

Hindi lingid sa inyong kaalaman ang aking pagtatanggol sa inyong lahat. Sa aking puso't isipan, hindi ko hahayaan na kailanma'y may mga karapatan na nayuyurakan ng iilang mapang-api at ganid sa salapi at kapangyarihan. Saksi ang aking karanasan sa iba't ibang klase ng pang-aalipusta sa mga mag-aaral at ito ay nagdulot ng disilusyon sa akin at sa mga kapwa ko mag-aaral noon. Subalit ako ay naniniwala sa pag-asang dulot ng matinong edukasyon.  

May mga pagkakataong batid kong halos maihi kayo sa takot sa mga tanong na aking ibinabato sa klase. Na kung maari lamang ay hindi ko mabunot ang inyong "class card" o hindi ko kayo mapansin sa pagnanais na takasan ang aking mga "nanganganak na tanong." Sa kabila noon, natutuwa akong mabatid na ang lahat ng iyon ay nagtulak sa inyo upang hindi umasa sa inyong mga kamag-aral kung hindi ay gumawa ng paraaan para sa inyong sariling kaligtasan sa ating klase.

 

         

I may have pushed you to study harder, yet, I regret it not for I know that you were able to see that YOU CAN DO IT ON YOUR OWN! Na kaya ninyong tumayo sa sarili ninyong mga paa at patunayan na hindi ninyo kelangang umasa sa inyong mga kaibigan upang makapasa at magkaroon ng sariling disposisyon sa buhay.
 
        

Paumanhin sa mga pagkakataong inuga ko ang inyong pananampalataya at paniniwala. Hindi ko nais na mawalan kayo ng pag-asa sa Lumikha. Ang nais ko lamang ay makita na anuman ang sabihin ng iba, panghahawakan ninyo ng lubos ang katotohanan ng Ama sa langit. At inuulit ko, lubos ang aking paniniwala sa Maylalang ng langit at lupa- ang pag-asang nagdulot sa akin ng kasiyahan at pagnanais na makatulong sa mga kabataang tulad ninyo- ang Diyos na nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa aking buhay at pagkatao.

        

Kung alam ninyo lamang ang aking pagnanais na kayo ay makakuwentuhang personal, alaman ang inyong saloobin at ipanalangin ang inyong mga mithiin. Subalit ang oras sa paaralan ay hindi sapat upang ang lahat ng ito ay mangyari. Kung kaya't sa bawat "hi" at "hello" sa pasilyo, sa opisina at kung saan mang lugar ng campus, isang nag-uumapaw na  pagngiti ang aking isinusukli sa bawat isa sa inyo- isang pagngiti na nagnanais sabihing "Huwag kayong bibitaw, huwag kayong susuko, kakampi at kasama ninyo ako sa inyong paglalakbay."
 
        

MARAMING SALAMAT sa mga panahong pinagsamahan natin. Saksi ko ang langit sa pagsasabing napakarami kong natutunan sa loob ng limang buwan ng ating pagsasama-sama. Sa lahat ng ito, isang bagay ang nais kong manatili at itatak sa inyong mga puso.... HIGIT SA PAGIGING PROPESOR, AKO AY KAIBIGAN NG BAWAT ISA SA INYO......SALAMAT... HANGGANG SA MULI NATING PAGKIKITA....

 

BURNING LIGHTS BY CHRIS TOMLIN

I have always been a fan of Chris Tomlin's music. From his "Indescribable" sound to the classic "How Great is Our God", Chris' gift of music never fails to deliver the goods, impressing the critics and moving the hearts of soul winners everywhere. His amazing storytelling definitely touches the heart of his listeners. Its impact is seen on how his ministry has flourished and blessed by his Audience of One. This year is an exciting time for the man as he just released his seventh studio album aptly titled, "Burning Lights" which charted at #1 in the Billboard 200 (all across genres). His songs were witnesses to my journey with the Lord. They were testaments to God's faithfulness and love. Without further ado, I now present to you a special countdown of the five (5) most played tracks in my mp3 player from #BURNINGLIGHTS!

5) CROWN HIM (MAJESTY) (feat. Kari Jobe): This is a contemporary approach to one of my most favorite hymns "Crown Him With Many Crowns." The new bridge brings the power of the song to new heights as we worship and prostrate ourselves at the throne of the Crowned King.

4) COUNTLESS WONDERS: "Your beauty fills the sky/ Your glory reigns in brilliant light/ Great God of countless wonders/ I will lift my eyes." The chorus of this music strikes a chord in my heart. It strengthens the weak to gaze upon the wonders of God's creation and see that the Maker of heaven and earth is Lord of all that is seen and unseen.

3) THANK YOU GOD FOR SAVING ME (feat. Phil Wickham): A collaboration of two Christian musical greats, this song of gratitude reflects back on God's salvific power and man's humility, acknowledging that it was God alone who made salvation possible for all men.

2) WHOM SHALL I FEAR (GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES): This song echoes Psalm 27:1 which says, "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?" Need I say more?! I'll just say...AMEN!

1) SOVEREIGN: If there is one song (in a long time) that mirrors my faith in God and in his ways, this song would be it. It throws an astounding resignation to God's sovereign will regardless of situations and circumstances. The song's chorus reminds me to TRUST, and to NOT falter in relying in God's sovereign grace and love.

Burning Lights is one of the most theologically succinct contemporary Christian albums I've heard in years; not discounting the fact that it makes us aware of who are in the presence of an infinite and loving Savior. Be sure to head on to Itunes store and your record bars and purchase a copy of this worthy album!

FEARLESS

(from searchquotes.com)

Every time I would see people who are abused, who are fooled and made as though they are possessions of others, I would feel uncomfortable and agitated. Yes, I cannot look at injustice, much less tolerate the abuses of the powerful, to the extent of demeaning the lives of the oppressed, the downtrodden, and the exploited.

I have always believed in the equality of men. I have always resigned to the idea that we are created to be in harmony with each other. I have always thought that utopia is possible on earth. I guess that is the ideal- and the ideal is far from the concept of reality on earth. Yet, I strive at least to be fair in dealing with people around me; to make sure that I abuse and use no one for my own gain, but to be selfless and altruistic at all times, and sacrificial if necessary.

(from tumbler.com)

There goes my idealism of how people should be. Yet, my disillusionment troubles me as I find myself seeing no concept of fairness and integrity even for a day. How in the world should I act when I see others take advantage of the weaknesses of their fellows? How do I help the ones who are fighting for what is TRUE AND RIGHT? Maybe I got no power on earth to change and rehabilitate the tarnished system of the fools. Yet, I find myself a fool as well for tolerating what has to be stopped. Then I find myself breathing the air of the antagonists. I can't let this continue. At least that's what I say to myself. But my heart breaks when I can't do anything to help.....when help is all we need to aid our friends.

I find myself convincing and believing in theodicy.  Alas! that is all I've got to calm my anguished spirit! No one has the monopoly of life. My dry bones will attest even to this truth. But till my fellows are freed and are living the life they are meant to live and enjoy, I'll look no further to help their ailing souls. I am here. God will deliver. I will not fear. My soul will argue with the wicked and the God of angel armies will uphold righteousness and make sure that in the creation order, THE GOOD WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH OVER EVIL!

What is Your Life Philosophy?

(image from http://oposipe.zzl.org)

Teaching Philosophy in passing as a topic in my Humanities I class was tough. And describing it as tough is an understatement. Most of my students are fresh high school graduates and they do not really think about the ideas of truth, reality, ethics, metaphysics and all the stuff related to these seriously, much less, even take a pause to realize how their own worldview has affected the way they think, act and reflect upon life itself.

Nonetheless, all these ideas have a bearing on how they make their own philosophy of life. Whether they put it into writing or not, they definitely have their own. For one, how they decide on things are affected by the norms in their society, their beliefs, their values and their outlook. Dare I say that hopefully, I was able to awaken in their hearts and minds that young as they are, they MUST KNOW and ACT based on their beliefs and deepest convictions.

Here is a good reading as you ponder upon your own life philosophy => http://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2007/06/26/10-steps-to-developing-a-meaningful-life-philosophy

TO MY STUDENTS, here's a homework for you to do. Write your own philosophy of life with the title, "My Life Philosophy". IT SHOULD BE typewritten in a short bond paper (ONE PAGE ONLY), left justified, font times new roman size 12 and should be at least 300 words. PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. It should encapsulate your philosophy about the following:

1. LIFE: How do you view and value life itself? How do you see yourself as a part of nature and the universal creation? (How do see yourself as a member of the creation? Explain your meaning of life and its value.)

2. HAPPINESS: What is happiness/joy for you and how do you plan to take hold of this in your life? (How do you achieve happiness, satisfaction and live life to its fullest?)

3. TRUTH/REALITY: What is your truth and how do you make this truth tangible in your life? (Explain your truth in relation to how you live it.)

My prayer is for you all to take a moment to reflect and contemplate on that which is significant, that which holds priority in your life and that which makes you LIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE ITSELF. 

Explore and allow not yourselves to be burdened. Think and interact with your soul as you ponder on that which has the highest value in this world. As we face a new year, I hope this would tremendously benefit you all in facing life head on...

Live by a philosophical reflection, not a mere new year's resolution ^__^

CHEERS! IT'S CHRISTMAS!

(Image courtesy of Bloggertone)

When the child Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a throng of angels gathered in the heavens singing of the blessed news of the birth of mankind’s Savior.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” –Luke 2:14

This good news has been celebrated since then and man has not enervated yet of remembering the hope that he has.

The hope in the celebration lies in the CHRIST of the Christmas season. It may well be remembered that because of man’s inability to save himself from eternal damnation, God the Father deemed it necessary to send his Begotten, to live just like one of us and suffer and experience the sting of death in order to breathe life to his beloved creation.

Whatever happened to our celebration of the season calls for a deeper reflection. We have made Christmas too commercial and its essence has been overshadowed by our busyness of preparing gifts and engaging ourselves in parties divorced from what it actually meant in the first place. 

May we altogether return to the celebration of the angels when Christ was born, and forget not that Christmas is all about Christ. Let us all pause for a moment and thank the Holy Trinity for a gift undeserved and love unfathomed.

Merry Christmas everyone! Cheers from your Brother Blogger!