Irresponsible MIS-information

A few weeks ago, I was tasked to sit in a meeting attended by members of a certain Barangay. The meeting was initiated by a Redemptorist Priest conducting Mission work in the parish. It was a task that was simply given to me due to an absence of another officer so I had no idea what the meeting was all about. Coming to the venue, I was given the usual reception and sat in front.

At first, I was bored with the meeting. I did not see the point of me attending that meeting while they discuss matters about their GKK (for Gagmayng Kristyanong Katilingban). To my surprise, towards the end I was to witness something so disconcerting that I had to expose it even if only through this blog.

One of the pressing issues in my present area is the putting up of a Coal Powered Power Plant. That barangay that I went to was the Barangay where this structure was to be constructed. As part of the military, we had no business taking sides on any of the contradicting issues that surround the project. And so sitting there while this priest was discussing his obvious bias against the project, I had to remember my uniform and keep silent despite the prodding of my heart.

The priest talked about how this project will destroy the environment and all other negative effects of the said project. Admittedly, all of what he said had valid grounds. The thing that bothered me is how he disguised his intention into an exposure of the truth for the people to be able to decide for or against such project without the slightest mention of the other side of the issue. When one of those in the audience asked if he offered any alternative means for the people in that locality to improve their lives he had none. He just had this constant jabber on how this project can be bad for the locality.

I particularly did not like how he took advantage of the people’s little knowledge on the issues. Yes, he was convincing, but he was simply scheming to sway people to support his cause. In reality, he was not giving the people the opportunity of an informed choice rather he was brainstorming him to support his bias. This is what disgusts me.

I would have appreciated him if he did not bring the name of the Catholic Church. I have a very high respect for the clergy because I believe that they are supposed to set the morality of society. To be honest, most of the values that I have as a person are Christian in origin. But meeting him makes me realize that those who have decided to dismiss faith as an integral part of their life had valid ground. I feel that, as a priest, he had more responsibility in providing the people with the right information for them to decide intelligently. Listening to him, I felt that he had no concern to address the true concern of the people; his only goal was to stop the construction of this controversial power plant, very unbecoming of a priest.

Again, I reiterate that I had no issue for or against the putting up of that power plant. I feel that my responsibility is not to the power plant but to the people that I serve. I believe that it is my responsibility, as a public servant, is to allow the free flow of ideas related to that matter. Whatever the outcome, it will be because it was the true choice of the people rather than a victory of those who had better brainstorming methods.

You see, like soldiers, the priesthood has this moral ascendancy to the people. When we do something, we have some form of effect on the people that we interact with. The kind of person that we are has a big impact on the people that we serve. I believe that is the reason why we are expected to become leaders. This vocation will never escape leadership thus the importance of responsibility.

Going back to that incident, it was not responsibility that was shown rather it was purely taking advantage of one’s moral ascendancy to put forward a selfish interest. Whatever the issues are, I think that each person will choose what will benefit them. Our job is to help them make good choices by providing them the right information without any bias. When that audience asked what alternatives are being offered by the priest to improve their lives, it was a clear manifestation that he was indeed weighing his options before making a choice. I believe the people who attended that meeting would have done the same if only they were provided with the necessary information.

In the time when people had no idea what lies beyond what we know now as the Atlantic Ocean, a lot of theories came out. Some said that there were giant monsters beyond it; others claimed that it was a dead end to the edge of the world. It took one brave explorer (I think its Christopher Columbus but I am not sure) to sail through it and discover what he would call the New World. Going back to his native country, he realized that he had that responsibility to provide the information of his discovery to the people. That information allowed the Early Puritans who wanted to escape persecution to decide to travel to that New World and establish the first colonies of what was to become the United States of America.

The outcome of the Power Plant project is something that we will never know now. But like how it has always been in history, information becomes an important factor. In an age where information is everywhere, I think there is more responsibility to provide it to the people that need it. More importantly, I think there is greater evil in denying information to those who need it.

I just feel great

I have not really announced it formally in this blog but most of the closest friend who follow this blog have been informed that I got married last April. Not that I am trying to hide the information, its just that I also do not see the need to announce it to everybody, I do not think that I am some celebrity that people have to know what are the new things that I did with my life, well the thing is I did get married and I am enjoying every bit of it.

Well getting married is not really a surprise to me. For one, I have always knew myself as the marrying type. I feel that raising a family is always the best foundation of wanting to become a good person. People who think that to be good at something has nothing to do with family is totally insane. After graduating from the academy (yehey!!!) I felt that things that I will be doing had to have some form of fulfillment. Well the salary that I get monthly did not give me that, in most cases before I got married, I wake up and realize that have done nothing productive with the money that I earned. There were times that I envied my classmates who had siblings that they help sending to school, at least they will have that satisfaction of being able to help another person. The time came when I no longer derive that much pleasure at staying late and enjoying the music of some live band. The glitz and glamour of being a young and dashing Army Lieutenant was not that enjoyable either. Well, at first, the idea of being a "crush ng bayan" was fun but when you realize that none of this people have seen the real you it becomes frustrating. In most cases, these "admirers" have been betrayed by the idea brought about by the coming of a telenovela entitled "Tayong Dalawa." They seem to have forgotten that although PMA Graduates are portrayed in that series as positive, in the real world, what makes a person is not their being PMAyers but actually the kind of person they are deep inside. And as I said, they seem not to be interested with these things, its just the idea that they are so and so with that young and dashing lieutenant. And so when she came, it was simply heaven sent.

To be honest, it surprised me how marriage life occurred to me the way it occurred to me. I mean, this blog is a witness how I sort of envisioned my love life to be some form of fairy tale. Thinking about it now, I realized that its not actually the exact events that makes our love life fairy tale-like. Its more about the amount of love and commitment you put into it. Sometimes you don't actually need an explanation for it, you just know that deep inside you are in love and that you are willing to give it all.

I think I have found my place in this world at this stage of my life. I have a career that fulfills me as a person, a loving wife that is so adorable without her knowing it and, the grandest of it all, a baby girl that will come soon.

I realized that sometimes, our imaginations are so filled with elaborate details on how we are to be happy. We dwell too much on these thoughts that we fail to live according to the moment and enjoy its many surprises. I think the best things in this life can be found on the simple things. It does not need so much of rationalization or imagination, its just faith. Its more of embracing the present and trying your best to become a better person each day believing on the good things to come.

I love you people.

Totally hating Tayong Dalawa... again

Reading from underside, I just had to write another one of my morbid criticism about the first soap opera that I totally hate. This was supposed to be a comment on Nina's Blog but realized that I could totally put everything in one blog entry.

The thing that bothers me with this soap opera is that it totally lacks some form of responsibility in the way they portray their plot. When they first came out, they capitalized mostly on people's curiousity (and popularity) of the Philippine Military Academy. Although it is true that application to the Academy went up because of the show, they seem to have forgotten the whole point why PMA is PMA in the first place. I hate the fact that they do not have the slightest effort to find out what the Academy does to its graduates and incorporate it to the kind of characters that the two David Garcias portray. In the show, PMA is just some history that has nothing to do with their characters period. Their portrayal as officers also have the same flaw. For one, I hate the fact that Dave is able to go home everyday from work as if he has an 8 to 5 work schedule. I wish I had that kind of assignment. They are also so off in the kind of "missions" that Jake Cuenca's character handle. I think I do not have to point the obvious difference of the PNP and the AFP . It would have been more believable if they were wearing the blue uniform chasing those gun runners. Even if they are terrorists, they were clearly stepping into the responsibility of the Police which goes after criminals. I especially hate it when Dave goes the extra mile of putting on that black thing on his face, its just ridiculous, it does not serve a purpose operating in an urban terrain. Again, all thanks to the irresponsible writing done by the writers of the show.

Another very recent scenario also bothers me. When Audrey's father Stanley was convicted of murder, his mother was implicated for not giving off her son to the authorities. The way I remember it in my law class, a person can not be implicated if they do not alert the authorities about the crimes of a relative. Our laws have particularly stipulated that since it is natural for any person to protect their relatives even if they have committed henious crimes.

The thing is, being in media entails a lot of responsibility. Even if these shows are purely for entertainment, there is not doubt that those who patronize it attribute what they see to the real world that they live in. When one writes something that will have an impact on people, they must be careful and bear in mind the implications of what they write about to their audience.

It is true that the show is a success business wise. I have had countless debates regarding my comments on the show with people who love the show, but that does not excuse the writers to be irresponsible. I think with ABS-CBN becoming more and more aware of their great impact to our country should start thinking of inculcating responsibility as one of their cornerstones not just in their news and public affairs offering but also in their other shows.

Now, people will begin to ask why I am still watching it despite of me hating it. For one I do not necessarily watch it because I like it, I watch it because everybody practically watchest and from where I am, its only Channel 2 or dvds. I pity the people that I watch it with because what they see in that television set is what they will believe in. To be honest I have become more popular because of the show, but then again it is never an excuse for lack of responsibility.

Lessons in MIndanao

In about two months, I have already spent a year assigned in Mindanao. I have not written much in that year but mind you, I have a lot of thoughts about my stay. I will try to share these thoughts now.

After graduating from the academy, the next important thing is the first assignment. Months before my graduation, I have made up my mind that I wanted to be assigned in Mindanao. As I go on with this narrative, I hope to be able to explain why I made that decision.

When we arrived, I was a bit confused with the new environment. I simply felt that Davao City was too overwhelming. A very big city yet different from those that I have been accustomed to in Luzon. But I was excited to the adventure that I am about to go through. More than being able to do what I was supposed to do, I wanted to find my purpose in this new place.

Being in Mindanao allows you to meet a variety of people. In Luzon, people usually think that its only Christian and Muslim. Coming here is totally different. For one, Mindanao is generally a “tri-people” place. Aside from the Christians and Muslims, there are the indigenous people who are native to her. I first met the Lumad people of Davao. They are a fascinating group of people who has embraced modern culture yet still very rooted to their culture. I enjoyed listening to them when they talk about their customs and traditions. It seemed that they never fail to surprise. The more they talk to me, the more I realize that I have not seen much of this beautiful place. On a sad note, I felt that some of their traditions are the very reason why they remain to be poor. Their elders view education more as an added value for the dowry (especially for the women) rather than a means to improve their lives. Parents would encourage their children to stay home rather than explore the world and discover their interests. Although many are becoming enlightened with the benefits of education, still I pity those who remain complacent and blame their miseries to the government who obviously can not provide everything they need. When I left them, much as I wanted to help them, I realized that no matter how hard we try we can only do so much for people. After which it will solely be their decision whether they want more of what life has to offer. Accepting that reality brought me to so much frustration that almost made me want to go home.

But then again, the whole experience was educational, as it taught me to adjust my standards to the realities of the complexity of human society. That is why coming to Sarangani became more pleasing. I saw people who remained committed to helping their localities and public servants who wanted the best for their community (and of course those that are not). I saw little places trying their best to improve their current state and above all very proud of their heritage which is truly very admirable. Coming here, renewed my commitment to ensure that the service that I do to them should be made towards helping them achieve their aspirations. On a personal note, I am reminded of thoughts that I had as a cadet of wanting to "be the change I want in this world." I am finding my purpose together with an amazing group of soldiers that continues to validate my decision not so long ago of joining the Philippine Army.

Today, I am faced with the tremendous task of organizing a gathering of young people and teach them how to take part in nation building. Somehow I realized that the religious facade of the Mindanao conflict is but an icing on the cake of bigger problems that are not so obvious. I have resolved that the Mindanao issue is not of religion or culture but of a struggling people wanting to go up and yet only a few wanting to push them up. I realized that the solution to ending the war in Mindanao is really just to lend a genuine helping hand to the people of Mindanao. I need all the help I can get and somehow it is overflowing. I know it will keep on coming. Please pray for me and above all pray for Mindanao.

I'll have more of posts like this in the coming days.

How close is the series Tayong Dalawa to the real thing in PMA?

When the teasers for this telenovela started to come out, I have been bugged by all sorts of question about PMA. I tried to answer some but then again when almost everybody asks the same question one becomes tired of it and eventually I just smile or maybe shut up. And so, when the date of its first episode was finally revealed, I was one of those who wanted to see it. Not because I idolize Kim Chiu or what but because I wanted to know how close their portrayal is to the real thing. When it was already being shown, I had to answer more questions, this time there is already a basis upon which questions can be asked, so I'll try to make this as enlightening as possible.

For those people who have consistently visited my blog in the past years, you would realize that i have practically blogged about the whole four years of my stay at PMA except for the first nine months when I was plebe (I think you know why I was not blogging during those times). I am not so certain of this but I think I was the first one that did this and I think nowhere in the Internet or perhaps in any form of media can you find an almost daily account of a cadet's life at the Philippine Military Academy. I did not intend it to happen but blogging was my way of relieving the stress while I was a cadet. My accounts may differ from one cadet to another but generally this is how life in PMA is.

And so, I go back to ABS-CBN's Tayong Dalawa. For one, I do not like how they portrayed the way one goes to PMA. First and foremost, the Academy does not discriminate social status among her potential cadets. I hated how the richer David Garcia seemed to get in that easily while the poorer one was having a hard time getting in because of "financial problems." If truth be told most of the cadets and even those who have graduated already from the Academy are those from humble beginnings. They are sons and daughters of farmers, ordinary laborers and even jobless parents. Another startling truth is that most of those who do not survive training are those who came from well-to-do families. I do not have the figures to support this claim but, if you ask any PMA graduate they will give you the same observation. I think that this is because those who came from good lives are not used to the difficulties of training as a cadet that is why they back out while those who have been used to being poor and all see PMA as their passport to a better life. In fact, one of the things that made me stay inside the Academy was the stories of these classmates who were forced into PMA by their circumstances. I felt that I had to respect my place in the Academy because for many of my peers inside its halls, it was their way out of their miseries. Of course, I have to respect the writers of this series, it was necessary for the drama of the show. I am making this assertions to encourage those young people from humble beginnings not to be discouraged by their social status but instead use it to motivate them to dream big. The Academy is a place for everybody who dares to achieve beyond their expectations and be the best that they can ever be regardless of economic status.

All of the marching and routine activities that was shown was real. Most people even are startled that we actually do the funny thing in the hallway moving from one place to another where we seem to just slide our foot in little steps briskly instead of walking the normal way. That by the way is what we call "trotting." In the Academy you are earning your privileges as you grow in rank including your privilege to walk. When you are a plebe (a new cadet) you are to always trot inside barracks and always double time when outside. Those are just few of the things that you have to do which if I will try to enumerate all can be written into a whole manual on how to become a plebe at the Academy.

Some of the buildings that was used in many of the scenes was off limits to civilians even if you are Kim Chiu. I find it funny how in the confrontation scene with Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu when they graduated, they were confronting each other near the stairways of Lim Hall which is Administration Building. In my four years at the Academy, I can not remember a time that I brought along a civilian there much more go into a dramatic confrontation with anyone. Its actually the building where the offices of the Academy are. With that I mean most of the top honchos of the Academy are there going about their usual business. When we go there we try to be very careful of everything that we do because there are more eyes that will observe our demeanor. Of course, the viewers do not know what building is what.

When Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu were "roaming around" and they got lost somewhere in the woods until Anderson was bitten by a snake, I find that hilarious. I do not think they could have strayed so far into the woods that he can't possibly know where they are. Even if he was to join the Air Force, I think anyone who has gone through PMA has a very good sense of direction and to be lost that way was unimaginable. Also, with the training that he received, it was the stupid first aid for his snakebite. If indeed he was bitten by a poisonous snake, he would have died before he was able to go home the following morning. I felt that the writers should have considered him already graduating from the Academy with very good survival instincts when they wrote that scene.

Another part that got me confused was how Gerald Anderson was able to roam around Baguio City in civilian clothes while he was still a cadet. In the dialogue, I think he applied for a "Weekend Pass." I do not remember such a thing as a weekend pass, what we have then was "Weekend LEAVE." Assuming that he blurted out the wrong words, it would still be impossible since a cadet is only allowed to go on weekend leaves when he is already on his last year, believe me it was my task to make the necessary communications for this type of leave when I was a cadet. Considering the uniform that he wore when he met Kim Chiu (meeting at Melchor Hall is still not allowed but that's another story), he was a yearling or a second year cadet, he is still not allowed to enjoy such privilege. Meaning, he went out of camp without authority, an offense that could have him discharged from the Academy. If I was to do something like that as a cadet, I would not even think of riding a boat at Burnham Park for fear that I might be seen and be caught. Again, with due respect to the writers, that was an incorrect portrayal.

Well, I still do have many comments, in fact one thing that kept me from watching that series was just to see if they had the correct portrayal. But then again, I still put my praises up to those who came up with the show since I think it is still the closest portrayal of life in the Academy that I have seen so far. I would like to personally thank them for putting my Alma Mater into the limelight. I think that most of those I commented upon can be justified with their cinematic reasons. I loved it when every now and then some people I know inside the Academy are included in the scenes, it brings a smile in the face. For that, thank you very much