"Oranges are not the only fruits"

I like oranges. But I like strawberries too. 

“Oranges are not the Only Fruits” is definitely one of the most thought provoking literatures I have ever read. It speaks of one’s search for truth, identity and acceptance. Jeanette’s story resounds most of our unspoken questions - “Who am I?” “What do I believe in”? “What kind of person should I become?

Jeanette Winterson leads the readers back to the years when she was a child living with her adoptive parents in England. Sadly, Jeanette was adopted because her mother wanted to have a child in a sexless manner so she could be trained to be a “servant of God.” With a mother who is, apparently, an extremely fundamentalist “Christian”, Jeanette was obligated to be indoctrinated into practicing and believing the same things her mother did and told her to do but even just in the first few pages, we already get an impression that Jeanette is different.

The novel begins with “Genesis,” which is also the first book of the Bible. We begin to gradually picture how she sees her mother’s interpretation of the world. I liked the irony behind the concept of dividing the novel into the first few books of the Old Testament – from Genesis to Ruth – because it effectively captures the different phases of Jeanette’s life – from confusion to rediscovery. It was her way of retelling her story and reinterpreting what was known.

Although Jeanette’s technique in weaving fairy tales, Arthurian myths, Bible stories and her personal narrative together can seem quite confusing, I think it served its purpose well. It allowed room for various meanings to her text and clearly showed what storytelling really meant – there is no single, standard reading. “Very postmodern,” I thought.

Oranges are not the only fruits. There are apples, bananas, cherries, grapes and so on.I stumbled upon an article yesterday about a research by a Taiwanese professor that theorizes that people’s personalities can be reflected in the kinds of fruit we eat most often. If apples are your favorite, it means that you’re careful and methodical but if it is bananas, it means that you’re forceful and insistent. If you eat bananas often, you’re political advocates of change. Interestingly, eating oranges meant that you’re “queer”, “unique” and “creative.” Although it remains to be a theory, I thought it was ironic that oranges are symbols of authenticity and uniqueness because most people would associate oranges as “ordinary.”

In the book, we find that oranges are symbols for the boxes that society has built around us such as expectations from various institutions of who we should become. We see throughout the book that when Jeanette starts to feel confused and doubtful about things, she was always being offered oranges. Unfortunately, we each have our own oranges and small chalk circles – and we have allowed ourselves to be defined by them in varying degrees.

Since Jeanette was born, she has always believed that “the world ran on very simple lines,” that there were only two sides of the coin. There were only males and females. There was only good and evil. Sex was an antonym for morality. No in-betweens.

Reading Oranges was like reading Plato’s Myth of the Cave. One wouldn't know the realm beyond the cave until he or she realizes that he or she is a prisoner blinded by darkness inside. However, I am not extremely radical to say that religion, gender and race blind people from seeing the truth. In fact, I think, those are essentially “good” and are tools for us to see things clearly. It has possibly become problematic because we keep imposing perspectives on each other, instead of offering more “lenses.” At the end of the day, I think it is still entirely man’s (and woman’s) choice to believe what he wants to believe in.

Although I’m not really a fan of labels, I too am a Christian, a Born-again if you wish me to be precise. I used to think it was all just plain religion – lifeless, rigid, restrictive and extremely boring. I grew up in a Christian home and in a Christian school until I was fifteen - a classic sheltered environment, as most people would say. Luckily, I do not have an extremely religious fanatic mother and a church that does not think so highly of itself and does not have a distorted view of God and people. I loved God, my mom and my church and I still do. Unfortunately, most teachers in the Christian school viewed everything black and white and subtly taught the students to see things the same way they do – in its most literal sense (probably a little less crazy than the Society Jeanette grew up with).

As a child, it was so easy to believe my school’s bizarre belief system like “Harry Potter was a demonic film,” “sex is evil” and “being gay is like having a disease.” People in school were often afraid - afraid to do this and that and ask the hard questions because otherwise, they would get in trouble or they would “burn in hell.”

I remember having a best friend in grade school who was bullied every day of his life for being “gay.” He never hanged out with the guys, never played basketball and all those things that boys were expected to do. He never admitted, of course, but I knew he was different. At a young age, I learned from my mother that being different was not necessarily a negative thing; I don’t have to try to “belong.” I asked her about my friend’s situation one time, “Mom, my friends don’t like (let's just name him Alfred). They think he’s ‘bading.’ If he really is, how should I treat him?” I think my mother was shocked hearing this from a seven-year-old but she gave me a wise advice, delivering it in such a way that I was imagining she was Lady Galadriel or a Greek goddess of some sort. “Whether he is or he isn’t, be his friend. He’s special just as we all are.” Even Sunday school in church taught me that we should “love one another” just as how God loves people – unconditionally. Fortunately, Alfred was not exorcised or kicked out for being “gay” (eventually he admitted – to me, at least).

For some reason (and probably a product of being a daughter of my mother), I have always been inquisitive and curious about things. I have always wanted to know why some people think this is “good” and that was “wrong.” I loved asking questions; it’s like going on an adventure like Alice and Bilbo Baggins. When I was in high school, I once asked in our Values class, “Why is it that people seem to be more gracious and forgiving to a man who cheated his wife more than a gay man? Aren’t we supposed to love each other just the same?” The class became silent and the teacher ignored me and changed the topic. I find it odd that homosexuality is regarded as a greater evil but adultery has become normal. It frustrates me even until now that most of those who call themselves “Christians” do not want to be around gays or do not even know how to talk to them, especially the straight men. I don’t think God is an exclusive God. If He was still on earth, I think He would be still the same Man who would engage conversations with a woman who is one of the top societal rejects and has give husbands. He would still be the same Man who would forgive a prostitute. He would still be the same Man who would made Himself known to a young gay man bullied by the same people who call themselves “followers of God.” That’s more like what Christianity is about – it’s looking past the labels institutions have placed on us; it’s not defining someone’s identity because she’s a woman, a lesbian or he’s gay or he’s straight. It’s just simply loving God and loving people. It’s sad to think that most people have misinterpreted who He is, what Christianity is and what a man or a woman is.

Despite the Christian environment I grew in, I had learned and relearned throughout the years that gays are not “demons” and they should be loved and treated just as how we want others to do the same for us.The expectation among sheltered “religious” people is that they will eventually “rebel” like Jeanette. We could easily blame her mother for driving her mad, her adoption and her shady past. Half of the time as I was reading, I was thinking that Jeanette couldn’t just blame her mother all her life but it was still her choices that determined who she is now. It was her choice that she became a lesbian. It was her choice to destroy the “walls of religion” and expectation. Her story isn’t unfamiliar to most of us I would believe. I am quite sure that there have been many Jeanettes in various places in society.

I agree with Jeanette that there are no “perfect men” or perfect women.” Some beasts and frogs don’t exactly turn out to be enchanting princes. However, as it is with other girls, I used to believe otherwise (blame Disney, yes). We were taught to believe that someday, a prince without blemish who’s gentle and charming will come at the right time and at the right place. This is where I and my mother often disagree (and still do). She would always tell me that God would give me His best – “GB” meaning God’s best. Yes, God blesses us by surrounding us with people who blesses us and all that but I think no man or woman is one’s “best.” Again, it’s still a choice – my choice who to marry and if I will marry. This concept of perfection and holiness has built detrimental walls of expectation. No wonder most marriages fail and are unhappy because we think of our relationships unrealistically. We don’t see each other for who we really are. Most of my relatives would always ask me why I still do not have a boyfriend. “Are you a lesbian?” my aunties pried. I am not. I have always liked boys even if I appeared too strong around them but I wouldn't want to turn into this perky cheerleader who always gets the hunky guys. I like being myself. I was told when I was younger that if I continue being this tough, independent girl, “I will never marry.” For years, I believed that but I guess it’s a learned skill to distinguish which is true and which are lies. What my aunties said? Lies. I don’t think marriage is only for those who are perky and are “out there.” I believe in marriage. I believe that relationships can be real. However, I also don’t believe that marriage is the only path for all men and women.

I used to think that being a perfect woman was “achievable.” If only we read more intelligent books, did more good deeds, become more beautiful, lost more weight and so on, we would have been more “accepted,” more “perfect.” I had to learn (and still am learning) how to break through that wall, just like all women will have to do, even our daughters and granddaughters – regardless of race, gender and religion. Becoming that Proverbs 31 woman is not possible and it won’t be. This pursuit for perfection has been greatly misunderstood and we must start to relearn what it means to become a woman – and it will not be easy.

Oranges are Not the Only Fruits show that there is a world out there waiting to be explored – it doesn’t necessarily have to be as drastic as changing sexualities or deconstructing religious beliefs. Sometimes, it’s just as simple as re-exploring what it means to be beautiful or re-claiming our rights in the workplace or reevaluating our principles. We have to know what we are doing and why we’re doing what we’re doing.I will be forever grateful to my mother who taught me the importance of asking questions – that there is more than what I know and what people know. The more I asked, the more I understood. Reading Jeanette’s struggles with her mother made me appreciate my mom all the more. I’m glad that although she was a Christian, she saw things differently as most would expect from “Christians.” She never forced me to believe what she believed in. She knew that even when I was little, I will eventually become my own person; that I would have to make my own choices and I will be accountable to those. I can truly say that my mother really modeled what is like to be a Christian and what it’s like to be a woman of purpose.

I don’t think man (or a woman) is destined to be deprived of adventure and exploring the unknown. Yes, I believe in God. Yes, I am a Christian. Yes, I believe in marriage. Yes, I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I think having sex with the same sex is wrong. But it does not make me ignorant. It does not mean I’m only eating oranges. We each have our own adventures and our own Jericho walls. It’s really up to us if we’ll stay behind those walls or journey through the unknown.

“Walls protect and walls limit. It is in the nature of walls that they should fall. That walls should fall is the consequence of blowing your own trumpet.”

Regardless of gender, one can only grow if he or she allows him or herself to learn new things, unlearn old thinking and relearn old ones. What will happen in the future all depends on the choices we have to make and how we allow ourselves to grow.

x

Promise, Peksman, I Swear

“Promises, they say, are meant to be broken.”

Cliché as it sounds, the concept of “keeping a promise” remains a significant factor in terms of how people connect and communicate with each other.

A man’s word of honor is believed to be a life-binding commitment and once a person says “you have my word,” he is taken at par value. Although it is the general rule that having “word of honor” is an admirable trait itself, there are those who take the words “honor” or “my word” lightly. They use their words carelessly and with utter disregard for the full meaning and impact of the word or the commitment that goes with it. Sadly, this is present in every area of our society, in families, communities, businesses and governments.

In an increasingly capitalist and market based-society, written contracts and waivers are crucial to every transaction. Gone are the days when agreements would be sealed with a handshake. Some claim that modern practices have actually helped lessen the worth of word of honor. Particularly, in Philippine society, many say that word of honor or “palabra de honor” isn’t as valued as before. With the advent of mobile technology and social media, relationships have been become more impersonal and distant with less personal and face-to-face interaction. This has led to the degrading value of “palabra de honor”. However, there are some who also say that despite the various cultural and societal influences, “palabra de honor” is still practiced and valued by Filipinos today, yet such assertion is still debatable and remains to be proven.

In Japanese culture, however, this trait is clearly prevalent. Honor and integrity are deemed important and one’s actual word of honor is still weightier than his signature on a piece of paper. My grandpa said that in Japan, if one breaks his promise, he does not only dishonor himself, he dishonors his employee, his colleagues and, more importantly, his family. He is looked upon with distrust and disgust. In fact, sometimes, the effect on the family is so grave that relationships within becomes irreparable. It is apparent, then, that the word of honor is significant in sustaining relationships.

In the Philippines, however, there’s no clear evidence of whether “palabra de honor” is still being practiced by most Filipinos. Skeptics argue that just by observing the politicians in the country, there really is no sense of “palabra de honor” anymore. Rarely do we find politicians who stand by their word. In a country where much cynicism towards politicians is present, political campaigns become jokes and hideous stage dramas, especially now as more showbiz personalities enter the arena. Plans and platforms become empty promises, as politics and elections have become glitzier popularity contests.

There are those who argue that “palabra de honor” is now just considered as a traditional value we inherited from our Spanish colonizers.

During our ancestor’s time, they believed that the proof of one’s manhood or integrity was when he kept his word. Written contracts were unnecessary because they stood behind what they promised. In trades and agreements among “datus” and merchants, a handshake was enough to seal the deal. The “dangal” was valued; the concept that one would rather die than be dishonored is a treasured value. The dignity, honor and prestige of a person are considered as priceless, even more than material wealth. My grandfather said, “in our generation, nobody will respect you if you do not keep your word.” Thus, based on this perspective, one may assume that older generation greatly values “palabra de honor.” In contrast, the degree of importance to such value among the Filipino youth is still a question.

Many say that today, the upbringing of the typical Filipino has changed.

Broken marriages, dysfunctional families, single-parent homes and increasing number of OFW parents are deemed as factors in causing the disregard for one’s word of honor.

According to one of our pastors,"the youth today easily break their word because of various factors such as the parents’ upbringing, lack of values education in schools and plausibly, technology.”

In a post-modern world, wherein traditional communicative values are both valued and disregarded, it is important to retrace these behaviors to improve the relationships – both professional and personal in any society. "Palabra de honor” must be re-examined because it is supposed to be a “good value.”

I personally think that this value must be nurtured, but well, let's see in a few years. #thawtsbecauseimbored

QWERTY: A Film Analysis

To serve and protect the people. 

The irony to this is shown in QWERTY, a film about the corruption and harassment that lurks in the Philippine police force. It revolves around a cop, Leo Concepcion, on his last day of duty before he departs for Qatar, yet due to unexpected unfortunate events, he gets caught up with the flawed system he works for. Unluckily, he has been wrongly involved in a torture video that went viral. 

As it seems, QWERTY is based on the real-life police torture video in one of Manila’s precincts posted on YouTube two years ago, which caused worldwide indignation and has become the “talk-of-the-town” until today. The video showed a naked suspect with a string on his genitals, grimacing in pain as the Senior Inspector tugs at the string each time the victim fails to answer questions; it was reported later that the man died (Amnesty International, 2010). 

QWERTY blatantly pinpoints the wrongs of the system and various mechanisms were used to achieve such.

There are several significant elements shown, which only proved how much depth and substance the film had, despite reviews and comments saying how pointless and redundant it seemed it was. Palpably, it is done in film noir style – in black and white. 

Pure black-and-white films have become rare as digital technology emerged; thus, there are good reasons why directors utilize occasional black-and-white films. It is interesting to note that QWERTY was not a historical, “flashback” film, yet it was still portrayed in black and white to fabricate the expected film noir. Britannica says that a film noir or “dark film” is a style of filmmaking characterized by elements such as cynical heroes, dark, bleak lightning effects to enhance the drama. Normally, it uses high contrast lightning such as black and white (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Often, classic film noir create moods such as melancholy, alienation, desolation, disillusionment, pessimism, ambiguity, moral corruption, evil, guilt, desperation and paranoia. It appears that the film contains such atmosphere – dark, desolate and intense. Plausibly, the use of bleak colors, in this case, black and white, can help portray the QWERTY’s theme and narrative effectively.

The black and white element seen in the film seemed insignificant at first and was probably just an effect the director wanted to make it look and feel “dramatic.” However, it was also needed as reinforcement to the suspense and fear that the audience is expected to experience. In QWERTY, just at the beginning of the film, when the credits are being “typed” down just like how the cop types his crime report in the typewriter, one can already sense the invoked fear and bleakness that exists throughout the film, without prior knowledge of the plot. 

Just the mere effect of the grayscale colors, the impact of the film’s violence and brutality is more heightened. For instance, in one scene when Concepcion was off to duty and was on his way to the precinct, he passes through a narrow alley, with the walls trying to cave him in, walking away from the camera. Without narration and dialogues and other explicit mechanisms, the mere contrast evoked the tension and the gravity of the drama. Because of the deep-focus shots, low-key lighting and especially the effect of black and white, such eerie atmosphere and suspense is experienced by the viewer. The high-contrast (black and white) lighting and contrast, therefore, is essential in the composition of the film noir style in QWERTY, bearing in mind that it portrays police violence and corruption. As a result, the brutality of several scenes is enhanced.

QWERTY speaks of polarities – black and white – good and evil. It portrays both the “familiar” picture of a violent, corrupt, inhumane cop like Dela Cruz and the “ideal” noble cops who abide by their principle – “to serve and protect the people.” Thus, although we all have the general perception that police men are corrupt, violent and inhumane, the film portrays that there are still seemingly “noble” cops (well, at least one cop) who disagrees and are displeased with how the “norm” within the police system is perpetuated. They cannot change the system themselves; they either conform anyway or willfully attempt to untangle themselves from it instead. An escape from the police force and a search for a better job abroad may be the only means to be free yet, on his last day of duty, he finds himself enslaved by the system. It seems that once you’re in, you may never be free. Such despair, hopelessness, frustration and extremities can be felt all throughout the movie. The black and white contrast is obviously a huge factor to these seemingly nuisances.

As much as grayscale colors are critical in conveying the message of the film and can indeed be a symbolic artistic expression, the title is also an important metaphor for one to understand the film in its entirety. QWERTY refers to the universal keyboard style used originally in typewriters, computers and mobile phones. It is said that the original keyboard style is not the most functional of designs but to change all keyboards in the world is no longer possible due to its universal prevalence, just like corruption in the police force (DJ Mojo Jojo, 2012).

The 2012 Cinemalaya featured a similar film, Posas. A significant amount of brutality and corruption is also portrayed in the very center of the institution that seeks to eradicate it. Posas contained the same anger and frustration evoked not just by the characters but also by similar dramatic elements such as low-key lighting and akin camera angles. While QWERTY was a full-feature black and white film, Posas did not have the same contrast; it was colored. However, the colors were also bleak and pale, highlighting the torture and the horror experienced by both the victims and the viewers. For instance, in Posas, the darkness of the torture room, where the suspect was gagged and drowned and soaked in, reflected the darkness of how they treated the prisoners. This obscurity can also be found in a scene where they tortured the poor man who was blindfolded and chained, where only sinister colors can be seen. In contrast, in QWERTY, from beginning to end and morning to evening, the colors were always gloomy, since it is black-and-white – probably an amplification of how impious not only the police force was but how the portrayed world is in reality. Moreover, both films also showed the darkness of the alleyways which revealed the many unknown things that take place therein.

Ultimately, QWERTY is an exceptional work of art. With the use of various mechanisms, such as monochrome contrasts, lighting and compositions, the message and the intended artistic expression are effectively expressed in its fullest measure, despite its predictability and redundancy. An intense emotional impact is inevitably cultivated in the experiences of the viewers, at least in mine. Such elements make it not only impacting but it also makes it more real than reality. That, I believe, is the measure of a well-crafted film.

Is the Internet Making us S2pd?

In an age of instant noodles, McDonalds and digital technology, people now want to get things done rapidly and proficiently. Inevitably, the emergence of Internet has filled the increasing need for more speed and efficiency. It has wrought much change and has become a recurrent subject in most media studies and “talk-abouts.”

The Internet has paved the way for an on-going debate of whether the increasing use of such has become an addiction or simply a natural evolution. Many say that it has made us more competent since more information is available. On the other hand, some critics and scholars have claimed that the harmful effects of the Internet far outweigh its benefits. They argue that it has made us become overly dependent on the Internet and at some level, “stupid.” 

Even so, I believe it has greatly impacted how we think, write and speak but it does not leave us passive and powerless.

According to David Crystal, “the online mode of writing has become especially adopted to the new world of communicative efficiency and rapidity” (Parungao, 2011). In short, our words and phrases have become simplified and shortened because we want to get our and their message across as fast as possible. 

Aside from saying, “by the way”, in Netlingo, we say, “BTW.” In fact, in sending e-mails, even businessmen simplify their messages. “C2C” means consumer-to-consumer, an acronym used to describe the sale and purchase of an item from one individual to another, as in the case of online auctions like eBay (Netlingo.com). Thus, using internet language can be more time and work-efficient, considering how fast-paced our society has become. In this sense, the Internet can be a positive functional medium, allowing us to pool our resources to accomplish more.

However, some see it as harmful and destructive and can, for instance, cause a general deterioration in the quality of language and work. In other words, it can downgrade our intelligence and therefore damage how we think. Instead of reading for context and nuance, the Internet encourages us to merely skim for fast facts that lack substance. 

Critics assume that reading bullet points and Twitter postings turns our thoughts into bullet points and Twitter postings. 

On an extreme note, moreover, there are claims that the internet is not only shaping our lives but physically altering our brains. 

The Internet, as they say, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers. 

Nicholas Carr, a technology scholar, spurred the debate on whether such notion is true and claimed that Google is making us more “dumb." He even supports this claim with biological assumptions. According to him, modern neuroscience shows that our habitual practices can actually change our “brain structures.” 

For instance, the brains of illiterate people are structurally different from those of people who can read. If learning to read could shape human brains, we can assume that our addiction to Internet can do something similar. In fact, according to a study made on its effect on student performance, using the Internet for “recreational purposes” had a negative effect on test performance, particularly for reading scores.

Given the cases illustrating how the Internet and using its language can be harmful, it cannot be denied that it has brought much influence to culture and society. In my opinion, however, the Internet is much influential but it does not leave the individual powerless – overly dependent and therefore, “stupid.”

Critics of the Internet use science to press their case, backing up with research that shows how it can change our brains when in fact, according to Harvard professor Pinker, every time we learn a fact or skill the wiring of the brain changes. It is true though that the pervasive use of the net can be distracting or addictive, especially to people with attention deficit disorder. 

However, if we think about it, distraction is not a new phenomenon. Hence, I argue that instead of bewailing the Internet, the solution must be to develop strategies of self-control, as we do with every “distraction” in life.

The expression of informality in writing has greatly increased – something which has not been seen in English since the Middle Ages. True, it can damage the structural notion of what writing must be. However, I think that as the Internet is becoming linguistically diverse, it is able to reach out to the minorities and their languages. 

In fact, according to Crystal, it has encouraged a dramatic expansion in the variety and creativity of language. More than that, encouraging intellectual depth is the responsibility of universities. 

According to Pinker, “it’s not as if habits of deep reflection, thorough research and rigorous reasoning ever came naturally to people.” Thus, they must be gained in institutions such as schools and maintained with constant upkeep, which we call “analysis, criticism and debate." 

Besides, intellectual competence is not gained by merely propping a heavy encyclopedia on our laps nor are they taken away by efficient access to information on the net.

Information has been increasing immensely and the Internet has been helping us manage, search and retrieve more information, from Twitter and previews to e-books and online encyclopedias. 

In fact, in a study made by the Pew Research Centre’s Internet and American Life project, interviewing a panel of more than 370 internet experts, 81% of them agreed with the proposition that “people’s use of the internet has enhanced human intelligence." 

Elon University’s researcher Janna Anderson said that “there is no doubt that the Internet is making much more information available, instantly, in more formats to more people, thus this tool is definitely enhancing the intelligence of those who are fortunate enough to be able to go online.” 

Far from making us stupid, online technology is a tool for us to acquire a vast wealth of information at the touch of our fingertips. 

My mother told me that to write research papers, she would need many hours to look for the right books and research material from the multi-storied UP Main Library. Today, one doesn’t need that much time because the Internet cuts the time by half.

In my opinion, the individual has the responsibility to filter all information and use what he or she needs. In most instances, the bombardment of information provided by the Internet makes an individual lazy to do critical thinking. 

But the responsibility again lies on the individual to counteract that premise.

Titus Andronicus: Tinarantadong Asintado

This, by far, is the goriest and most vulgar play I've ever seen. But congrats to Dulaang UP for being so brave and daring, as always. This play is a real definition of art.

Titus Andronicus: Tinarantadong Asintado is basically a story of brutality and violence that has been lurking in the “carnival” of politics and society of our country today. Adapted from the original play of Shakespeare, it is simply a game of revenge among influential families. The story starts with the retired municipal police chief (Carding) who massacred the current mayor’s campaign leaders and their families two weeks before the elections, upon the order of the incumbent mayor’s opponent – the Vice Mayor (Armando). In revenge, the mayor allied with the Castillos including Clarissa to assassinate Carding but instead, Carding’s eldest son was killed. Carding, then, had Clarissa’s eldest son kidnapped. Meanwhile, Clarissa had her revenge on Carding by having his only daughter Salve raped and mutilated (by her sons), and framing Carding’s sons Richie and Rocky for the murder of Armando’s brother Antonio. Carding, then, reached the brink of insanity and butchered Clarissa’s sons and fed it to her. He eventually slays her; Armando kills Carding; Carding’s son Ryan kills Armando; and Ryan becomes the mayor of the town. At the end, they all meet the Clown of life and death. 

Familiar, huh?

Kurakot, kurakot

I have recently been reading a lot of case studies and been doing a lot of research work (duh, I'm a CommRes major) so I might as well apply what I'm learning.

The P728 Fertilizer Fund case has been dismissed - forgotten, even. And despite of all the facts that have been disclosed, it seems impunity still lingers and cripples our society.

The issue of corruption in the Philippines is gaining more attention and it appears that it is not just a problem of perception but a reality. These days the people witness what mayhem natural disasters could actually destroy the country. Corruption, in comparison, is a continuing manmade catastrophe that is weakening and destroying the nation. The cases of corruption are increasing not just in number but in the amount of money involved. The figures in the big cases now run into hundreds of millions and even billions. The Fertilizer Fund Scam, one of the largest scams in recent Philippine history, has exposed one of the most organized crimes in the administration which has greatly evolved in ugly forms and distressing amounts.
The Senate committees on Agriculture and Food, and Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon Committee) conducted a series of public hearings on a fertilizer fund scam in March 2006 and concluded that agricultural funds anticipated for farmers were diverted by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-joc” Bolante for the 2004 electoral campaign of President Gloria Arroyo.

After numerous hearings and discussions, the Blue Ribbon Committee led by Senator Richard Gordon, issued Committee Report No. 54 last February 26, 2009. Among many of their findings, they discovered that massive corruption accompanied the distribution of fertilizers all over the country. Commissions were offered to some, demanded by, and given supposedly to, elected and appointed government officials. There were recipients who did not receive a single drop of fertilizer. The P728 million in funds supposedly used for the purchase and distribution of fertilizers to farmer beneficiaries were used instead primarily for the re-election efforts of administration candidates by the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Jocelyn Bolante was a former undersecretary for finance at the Department of Agriculture shortly after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the presidency at 2001. Previously, the Senate accused President Arroyo of vote-buying by authorizing the release of P728 million funds supposedly for fertilizers to the local government officials. Despite numerous invitations to and cases issued against Bolante, he did not honor nor heed any of them. He was subjected for condemnation for his repeated audacity. He, instead, fled to the United States where he found refuge. Bolante's trip to the US was believed to be an intentional attempt to escape the command of the Senate. His flight was a clear indication of guilt according to Senator Gordon.

According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) report dated September 2005, the track of nearly 3 billion pesos was released by the Department of Agriculture during the presidential campaign last 2004. The investigation found that big portions of that money were diverted and distributed to congressmen, mayors and governors who were friends of the Arroyo administration. They also found out that a portion of the money mysteriously ended up in the hands of dubious private companies. According to the records of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), none of the companies existed. Department of Agriculture insiders, Commission on Audit (COA) investigator and farmers say that the money was directed to the Arroyo campaign and farmers did not receive any centavo of the said funds.

According to former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez, the P728 million was distributed to 105 congressmen, 53 governors, and 23 city and municipal mayors. He showed a list from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) proving to the releases. He also revealed that some of these beneficiaries actually received cash and not farm inputs, as Department of Agriculture rules had recommended. It now appears from Commission on Audit investigations that part of the agriculture funds went to questionable foundations. In the Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog region, Commission on Audit auditors tracked the funds to groups such as the Gabaymasa Development Foundation, Magsasaka Foundation and Aaron Foundation. Records of the Securities and Exchange Commission said that Gabaymasa's purpose is "to undertake integrated rehabilitation and restoration activities in areas affected by natural and man-made calamities,” but the Department of Agriculture issued to the foundation checks worth P23.1 million, supposedly to receive farm funds in Quezon, Marinduque, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Parañaque. On the contrary, Aaron Foundation is listed in the Securities and Exchange Commission as involving in livelihood projects and daycare centers for street children. It received P5.2 million, supposedly for agriculture projects in Batangas and Palawan. The Securities and Exchange Commission has no record of a Magsasaka Foundation but is listed as the recipient of P6.5 million for farm projects in Palawan. In Visayas and Mindanao, the agriculture funds went to various foundations like Ikaw at Ako Foundation (P13 million for projects in Bohol, Biliran and Agusan del Norte), Philippine Social Development Foundation (P31 million for projects in Agusan del Sur and del Norte and Surigao del Norte), Matatag na Republika Cooperative P3.2 million for Biliran) and People's Organization for Progress and Development, Inc. (P5.2 million for Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur).

After years of investigations, the issues concerning the fertilizer scam still has not been resolved. Joc-Joc Bolante and his colleagues remain silent and further charges have not yet been imposed.

According to Senator Richard Gordon, the Ombudsman failed to do its duty whe

n no resolution was made on this case even after more than a thousand days. In the February 2009 Executive Summary of the Blue Ribbon Committee he stated, “We denounce its (Ombudsman’s) inaction in the strongest possible terms. Instead of being part of the solution to corruption and justifying the existence of its office, it has instead become part of the problem, worsened the climate of corruption, and given cause for its abolition. By its blatant inaction and callous behaviour, it would seem as if it has been coopted by the corrupt. It seems that instead of apprehending the caravans of thieves, the Ombudsman has turned a blind eye and has allowed them to go on their merry way.”

Senator Francis Pangilinan also said that the investigation on the fertilizer scam will not end until Bolante, the suspected brains and chief implementor of the scam reveals the truth.

The P728 million involved in the fertilizer scam could have been spent in more important sectors such as the education and health instead of the presidential campaign. The fertilizers could have been given to the farmers in the regional areas rather than in the pockets of a few. The administration should have ensured that the fund will go to the rightful farmer-beneficiaries to boost the country's rice self-sufficiency, which presently stands at 90 percent according to

Senator Loren Legarda. According to the National Food Authority (NFA) last August 2005, more than 1.3 million metric tons of rice contracted by the government through the NFA have arrived the various disports in the country. The budget for rice importation could have been allocated to the rightful farmers. There would be no need for rice importation and there will be enough rice supply. The government should put priority to improve rice production in the country, instead of supporting an assortment of agricultural activities with a few millions here and a few millions there.

The Senate through its Blue Ribbon Committee diligently performed its function to investigate the fertilizer scam but the Ombudsman has been remiss in its duties. The mandate of the Ombudsman is found in Section 12 of Article XI of the Constitution: “The Ombudsman and his Deputies, as protectors of the people, shall act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against public officials or employees of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, and shall, in appropriate cases, notify the complainants of the action taken and the result thereof.” It is therefore puzzling why the Ombudsman has not decided on the cases regarding to the fertilizer scam which have been pending with them for more than 1,000 days. If the Ombudsman had exercised his powers aggressively, the result of the Fertilizer scam and other issues related to it

should have been released and the guilty government officials such as Bolante charged and convicted. According to the Republic Act No. 7080 [an act defining and penalizing the crime of plunder], “any public officer who accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of overt or criminal acts of at least P50 million shall be guilty of the crime of plunder and shall be punished by reclusion perpetua to death. The Court shall declare any and all ill-gotten wealth and their interests and other incomes and assets including the properties and shares of stocks derived from the deposit or investment thereof forfeited in favour of the State.” (As amended by RA 7659, approved Dec. 13, 1993).

President Arroyo also claimed that she was innocent. Assuming she had no idea on the schemes of Bolante, it is puzzling why she tolerated such action. There has also been no instruction from the chief executive to advance the investigation of the Ombudsman. The administration should have taken action in making resolutions on the Fertilizer Fund Scam.

This is not the first corrupt operation that has been committed and if the authorities in the Executive Department are not careful and more prudent, more deliberate, and more careful in the release of funds, this will not be the last. This lack of monitoring by officials in the administration casts a shadow on its integrity.

It’s not surprising then that the Philippines has been rated the most corrupt Asian economy by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC). The fertilizer scam is one clear and famous evidence of corruption during the Arroyo administration left unheeded or unpunished. Truly, if we do not put a stop to corruption, we will be fated to continuous dishonor - a reputation most unfair to our people, millions and billions of whom will be forced to find their future in foreign countries.

Hence, the outcome of the scam provides the readers not just the particular wrongs and mistakes committed by certain people. They also lead to the bigger picture of corruption and greed that is so rampant not only now, but which has been intensifying over recent years.

Sadly such corruption left unpunished has a tremendous effect on the trust and faith of the Filipino people toward its government officials. In the June 2009 Pulse Asia Survey, 46% of the Filipinos disapproved the performance of Pres. Arroyo. The fertilizer scandal has resulted to big losses of resources as opposed to the gain of wealth and power of the people in authority. Lastly, it shows us the oppressing schemes of hungry politicians having access to massive amounts of public money and using power and influence without guilt to gain more.

References:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15330294/Senate-report-on-fertilizer-fund-scam-14th-Congress http://www.scribd.com/doc/12936112/Final-Complaint-vs-Ombudsman http://www.pcij.org/stories/2005/farmfunds.html

Rizal X

In lieu of our national hero’s 150th birthday, Dulaang UP’s Rizal X is an attempt to showcase different facets of Rizal’s life and works. It aims to reintroduce, and rediscover Rizal to the times we live in, making him more relevant to our generation. However, the play is not just about him but it is also about the characters he brought to life, the people he has changed and the lives he has inspired.

Since it consists of fragments of stories related to Rizal and his works, there were different messages conveyed all throughout. The apparent main message, however, is that through Rizal’s life and influences, we, the youth, should always remember who we are as Filipinos. We should stop being blind and apathetic to the ills of the society because we are the hope of our country. As Rizal’s inspiration and as a people with vision and capable of doing something for our beliefs and ideals, we should continue dreaming and aspiring; we must never forget our roots.

The collection of stories was presented through various media - monologues, dance, music, film, visual arts and vignettes, which I think was helpful in achieving its objectives. Moreover, what made it more successful was the flavor of popular culture, such as the “conyo” and famous trends and songs. Personally, it has convinced me to rethink Rizal and his ideals and what my generation is doing about it.

Although I was able to understand the general theme and message of the play, there were scenes that left me confused. I don’t think there was anything wrong with the concept itself. However, I must say that the flow was messy (either it was intentional or not); the scenes and scenes were somewhat cluttered because it had too much ideas. Thus, it was a bit ineffective in clearly delivering messages; unless, you analyze the scenes closely and replay it in your mind over and over again. The idea of “fragments” must have been tied neatly into a whole or at least needed to be powerful individually. For instance, the scene “La Deportacion” where Rizal’s realizations in Dapitan was presented through a song and dance number did not have much impact.

Moreover, some dialogues are too compressed that it was difficult to grasp everything the actors are trying to say. In the scene where literal performance of activism and fighting to the death for one’s beliefs was illustrated, the progress of their lines were too fast that one will forget what the previous actor said. Although the scene was artistically depicted, I noticed it ended the audience thinking: what was it about?

However, there were scenes that I appreciate, like the monologue of Rizal’s women. It helped the audience to understand the scene with the variety of their costumes and the actresses’ distinct and clear use of diction. More than that, the execution of scenes was also made more effective by the music and its lyrics. If it weren’t for the music, I don’t think it i wouldn’t be able to understand the entirety of the play.

What caught my attention most was one of the actresses that played the role of the modern “Sisa.” She was one of three women who portrayed the real lives of three mothers who made the headlines in the tabloids for heinous crimes done to them in the course of their work. Personally, I think she stood out among the rest because her acting was believable and realistic. It seemed effortless and her face was very expressive. There was a distinct variety in her expressions, which I think is an important skill in acting. Her diction was very clear and was very colorful. Since she did not only play the role of an abused woman, she had to use different “deliveries” which she was able to pull off. No wonder she easily caught my attention and I was able to connect with her.

Ultimately, Rizal X is a great artistic piece that brings life to our generation. I hope that this production has refreshed dreams and has stirred up the nationalism of young men and women, as it did to me.