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.

On the Origin of Man

According to Spencer Wells, a geneticist, the first man lived in Africa.

Based on the DNA analysis from people in all regions of the world, every human today has descended from him, however he left in several waves of migration.

Blair Hedges, a molecular biologist at Pennsylvania State University, says that genetic evidence accurately tells us that humans are of recent origin and arose in Africa.

He proves this by saying that the African populations have the most ancient gene pairs that code for specific traits and the greatest genetic diversity, which means that they are the oldest. Hence, this evolution theory could probably true. However, there is no genetic evidence that supports the idea of intermixing.

Based on Wells’ research, the first men evolved in Africa and gradually expanded to Eurasia.

Eventually, they spread out through Australia, Middle East, Southeast Asia, China and in Europe. This was determined by studies based on the y-chromosome, which is a good tool for population studies because it is basically unchanged though generations except for random mutations.

His evidence based on DNA in the y-chromosome indicates that the migration began between 60,000 and 50,000 years ago. Factors would probably be the increase in population, which stirred competition and innovation; a change in consumption of food, language and more importantly, climate change.

I find it really interesting that such genetic studies are able to conclude the origins of man, with strong and reasonable arguments.

Having to know how all of us are connected amazes me because I have never heard of any accurate biological story ever before.

From the African, the Australian, the Asian to the European, it is proven that we all have the same blood.

It does make sense though if we do really come from the Africans because of how authentic and ancient their culture is until today.

Also, science has proven that the Africans are the oldest people around the globe.

Although these studies are found to be accurate, they are not necessarily true. Because Wells use logic as his method, then it could only be valid but not be true. (It will take another entry to expound on that, so let's just leave it there)

This theory of man is just one of the many theories that geneticists, archaeologists and historians are responsible for. However the dates of expansion and colonization may be correct, they almost appear to be too recent.

I think that most geneticists are getting data that agree with most archaeological and fossil data yet all of the different methods used for dating can generate errors.

Knowing methods of science, more fossils, archaeology and ancient DNA are still needed for the whole picture of human evolution.

However, I think that no man can prove completely without any hint of doubt, insufficiency or error concerning the real evolution of man. It is way beyond human intelligence, no matter how much we try; we are mere humans. Hence, I believe that nothing can be certain, even science cannot be certain.

But I think these studies and analysis are vital in our understanding of one’s beginning and one’s identity, to be able to develop a strong and competent species.

Do you think Adam is African?

F.H. Batacan's Smaller and Smaller Circles

Smaller and Smaller Circles was an unexpected delight.

It is a suspense- detective story which reminds me of the television series, “CSI,” only it has a local flavor in it.

The story revolves around the lives of two Jesuit priests, Father Guz Saez and Father Jerome Lucero, in search of the culprit behind th

e serial killings in the community of the Payatas dump site.

It reminded me of the tandem of Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Similarly, Father Gus, the main character, is a forensic pathologist while his sidekick, Father Jerome is a clinical psychologist.

Jerome, the younger priest and a former student of his is more serious and intense with a capricious temper, especially when stuck in traffic jams and meeting with Atty. Arcinas. On the other hand, Gus is calm, relaxed and is very fond of music. Eccentric as he may appear, he likes to listen to Bach, Gregorian chants, the Doors and the Sex Pistols when examining corpses.

The murderer is seething with rage within his shy and aloof personality which was shown in the latter part of the story. All throughout the novel, it felt like I was reading the mind of a serial killer, of a psychopath.

It pushed me to dwell deeper than the glimpses of horrifying images and watching a terrifying story unfold. As the reader is brought into the mind of a psychopath he eventually understands how he thinks and his psyche.

In fact, the story begins sinisterly and the first picture the reader sees is the world through the eyes of the killer - “I feel like I’m always being watched. I hate being watched.”

In my opinion, it is the mind of the killer that is the driving force of the story and not the curiosity of what may happen next. Throughout much of the novel, the killer is a phantom whose voice haunts the reader in alternating chapters, which I think contributed to the dread and suspense, by filling the presence of a character the reader does not see until the end.

No wonder it is difficult to put down. I actually finished it in one sitting and that doesn’t happen very often. I suppose that is the best thing about the book is that it is a fast read, in spite of its careful attention to details.

Every detail was uniquely illustrated by the author that I even forgot how good a Sherlock Holmes book was. It felt so real, as if I was seeing the dead bodies myself with their faces peeled off and chests bastardized.

It was evidently well-written, with wit, good choice of words and use of clear images and other artistic elements to draw the reader towards the story.

For instance, the title “Smaller and smaller circles” was a metaphor used to illustrate the paranoia of the murderer. Similar to that of a piece of bread or a piece of cheese he feels like he is encircled by rats, scuttling around him and watching him. These rats, apparently in his mind are the two Jesuit priests, assisted by the NBI and a reporter named Joanna Bonifacio.

Furthermore, I also think that the familiar setting helped readers to appreciate the story.

Painted by the weather, the dumpsite, the kids and the streets, the story obviously took place in the Philippines, particularly in Quezon City where the actual Payatas dumpsite is located. A Filipino can instantly imagine the places, the weather, and especially the characters. Because Filipino readers are familiar with the Quezon City area and places such as Katipunan, Payatas and even Ateneo, the story becomes alive and real.

The seemingly rain-and-shine weather also contributes to the Filipino background. The setting is close to my dorm so I can easily picture each scene as if I was watching a film.

Moreover, I appreciate how the author used foreshadowing in the story. In my opinion, the side-story of Father Saenz’s impacted tooth and the scene when they saw the medical mobiles served as the keys to unraveling the mystery of the crime.

Although it was written in a comedic way, it was actually showing a possibility that the suspect is affiliated with medicine.

On the other hand, what I didn’t like about the story was the Latin phrases, French conversations and Italian musings which didn’t serve any use at all. It had no significance in the story. It could have hindered the reader from completely appreciating the book. It could have discouraged him because it creates a feeling of exclusion.

“Smaller and Smaller Circles” contains so much sentiments of rage, with characters inflicting this kind of yoke – the murderer against his former P.E. teacher and classmates whom his victims represent.

However, underneath it all is the “rage” toward poverty which is very evident in the Philippines. Atty. Arcinas, for instance, pushes himself up the ladder of fame and success because he wants to forget his roots in the notorious slums.

The murderer lives pretentiously as a middle-class dentist because it enables him to hunt down the “tweenish” boys who remind him of his past friends who like him were all abused by a P.E. teacher in Payatas. Carlos, the culprit, unfortunately also came from a poor family.

The book undoubtedly allowed the reader to become so engaged and involved - creating an illusion that he is part of the happenings.

I cannot help but feel goosebumps as the author pictures out the bodies and how the poor boys were killed.

Moreover, I also liked how the author was able to illustrate the realities of crime scene investigation in the Philippines. He was able to cite the scarce merits and numerous flaws of our investigating system.

At the same time, he was able to suggest the capabilities of the Filipino mind – whether elimination or creation of crime.

However, nonetheless, it is still a gripping detective story. The scenes appear to become so alive and real that it is captured clearly by the reader - the vivid, powerful and elaborate descriptions of people, places and situations instill the story in his mind.

Ultimately, the story is a breath of fresh air in a culture bombarded with obscure poetry and mushy and overly sentimental short stories and novels. Smaller and Smaller Circles is definitely an authentic Filipino masterpiece.

Philippine Politics and Governance

The Philippine politics and governance today has been regarded by many as poor, corrupt and inefficient. We have heard stories of presidents, rich congressmen and bureaucracies filled with lust for power and pesos. At the same time, we hear stories of civilians oppressed by injustice and poverty. In a book I read few weeks ago, Kasuya and Quimpo’s Politics of Change in the Philippines, it poses questions such as whether nothing has really changed in Philippine politics and whether there are feasible prospects for political and social change in the future.

With all the problems faced by both the government and the citizens, I argue that reforms are still possible.

Despite the establishment of democratic and reform-based institutions, oligarchic rule continues to persist. In fact, Philippine politics is even referred to as having an elite democracy. Thompson further describes the Philippines as being a “bourgeois” polity, one in which the only major social division is class. Throughout the years, both during democratic and authoritarian rule, the concentration of power in the hands of the elites has never changed (Quimpo, 2010). From Aguinaldo to Quezon to GMA, it comes to show that only the rich and educated can hold position and possess power. In reality, the large majority remains to be left to fend for themselves, as it has been for countless decades in a class-based society where only few families rule exclusively, politically and financially. These elites are also economically dominant because they own and run most of the businesses and corporations in the country. Even P-Noy is both a product and representative of the ruling class of political dynasties and is therefore aligned with his class interest. Only those with the “guns, goons and gold” are able to run for office and dominate society. According to Rocamora, election campaigns “have become so expensive that only rich people or those dependent on rich financiers could run.” Political dynasties and corrupt officials remain in power while endemic poverty, wide income gaps and weak governance continues to plague the Filipino society. According to Rivera and McCoy, the Philippine state remains a weak state dominated by powerful political-economic classes, just as it was in the early post-colonial years. Miriam Coronel Ferrer adds that we are in fact close to become a “failing” state if not yet a failed one.

According to Thompson, Philippine “bourgeois” politics comes in three forms: populism, clientelism and reformism. He sees Philippine politics as merely going through cycles. Hence, arguing that nothing much has changed in Philippine “democracy.” Instead, it only comes to show that we have always been a Philippine “bourgeois” democracy.

Apparently, only the political elite can afford to be patrons and have a network to develop their personal connections in the government and gain advantages and privileges in running their businesses and corporations. These bourgeoisies happen to perpetuate clientelist politics. Moreover, Philippine politics has long been described as clientelist. Quimpo describes a clientelist regime as one based on networks of dyadic alliances, involving the exchange of favors between politicians and their supporters – material benefits for political support. In other words, clientelist politics is clearly built on patronage. As patronage and clientilism continues to persist, it gives more room for corruption and more opportunities for our so-called public servants to ransack our resources and for institutions to become tools for “predation.”

Politics had become so dirty that most politicians came to be labeled as trapo (traditional politician) which means “a dirty old rag.” Sadly, the cycle just repeats the charges of election fraud, corruption, nepotism and incompetence. Although “democracy” was restored in 1986, corruption still plagues many of our government officials; corruption has been known as the “currency of governing” in the country. In fact the plague has victimized the past two presidents namely Estrada and Arroyo who were embroiled in huge corruption scandals. Previous governments were described as predatory with government officials as predators who feed on the state and the powerful prey on the weak (Diamond, 2001). According to Quimpo, the presidency and the political parties have paved the way for the predatory regime in the country. During Marcos’ time, he and his cronies employed various ways of acquiring and securing ill-gotten wealth. He created monopolies in vital industries and placed them under the control of his cronies. He also gave large dole outs to relatives and other acquaintances. He established the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) for his supporters to partake in the loot, exploiting resources by all means. Unfortunately, the exploitation and expansion of wealth and powers worsened when the Estrada and Arroyo administration sat on the pedestal. Thus, it would be difficult for P-Noy to clean up all the mess and advance his reforms – both in the institutions and in the presidency. However, the Philippine presidency is recognized as very powerful; he is even called the pangulo. Hence, with his dominant role in Philippine politics, P-Noy can possibly reform and if not eliminate, lessen corruption. It would be interesting to see how P-Noy will be able to transcend his class background and political orientation.

Political parties in the Philippines are personality-based organizations largely organized around dominant local political clans and warlords, and anchored on clientelistic, parochial and personal inducement rather than on issues, ideologies and party platforms (Teehankee, 2010). It is quite true that the political clans are the political parties in the Philippines. They only desire the benefits of office – getting its leaders in to government and enjoying patronage and other perks and privileges.

The Philippine state has also been described as patrimonial, meaning relationships are defined by personal considerations and connections. In our case, personal interests are more valued than that of the nation. GMA, for instance, wanted to win the presidency in 2004 and her party in 2007. Thus, he asked the helped of the Ampatuan to deliver votes. In turn, the Ampatuan was rewarded with funds from different government agencies, guns from DILG and AFP and freedom to dispense with the province’s IRA as the family pleased (Ferrer, 2010). In effect, the Ampatuans had the confidence to use violence just to perpetuate them in power. This is another example of predation.

Another problem that lingers in Philippine politics today is that we have a weak criminal justice system. There is no rule of law. Justice for the victims of human rights isn’t given. Instead of strictly implementing the rules of law, police forces would rather engage in bribery and tolerate the law-violators. Instead of conducting immediate hearings, prosecutors delay the imposing of justice. As this behavior continues, crime rates go up and corruption permeates because criminals can easily get away with their crimes. In addition, citizens are discouraged from filing cases because of the common notion that they would not prosper anyway. Thus, justice is not brought to the civil society, when it is the most important thing given to the civilians and it is what defines true democracy. However, the fact is that the justice system is not even fair in passing down decisions, as little as imposing punishment on a police officer, or if not, delaying the court trials. As a result, citizens get discouraged in partnering with the police force in maintaining peace, order and justice.

In a predatory regime like ours, can we really say that we have democratic institutions, that we are a democratic state? According to Kasuya, the Philippines still does not qualify as a democratic state despite of 20 years after “re-democratization.” In fact, her research suggests that although the majority of the Filipinos prefer democracy as a system of government, many do not clearly understand what it means. The notion of democracy is blurred.

However, there are various legal measures, movements and advocacies that were built for the sake of steering the society towards good governance; in other words, building a “reform constituency.” Constitutional provisions were given to reform the state such as the passing of the Local Government Code which authorizes civil organizations to participate in the policy-making process at different levels of local governance. The 1987 Constitution also regulates the terms of elected government officials. There are also various NGOs and civil society organizations that participate in reforming politics. An example is that of Jesse Robredo and Ed Panlilio’s Kaya Natin which promotes good governance.

Despite of all these reforms, the Philippines never attained liberal democracy where there is extensive protection for individual and group rights, inclusive pluralism in civil society, civilian control over the military, accountability of officeholders, and an independent, impartial judiciary (Diamond, 1996). Most of all, corrupt officials and elite rule has never been eliminated. After more than 20 years of democratization, there are still many cases suggesting that Philippine democracy is not yet fully achieved.

Nurturing civil society is one of the most important means to promote democratic consolidation in the Philippines. Many say that we already have hundreds of civic volunteers. However, according to Kasuya, a cross-national study shows that in the Philippines, only 1.9% of the economically active population is in the civil society sector and 6% of the adult population is engaged in volunteer activities. Hence, the Philippines doesn’t really have a vibrant and participative civil society. With that being said, civil society sector must be strengthened and encouraged. NGOs and POs and other civil society watchdogs can provide reports, research results to aid the Congress in policy making and policy advocacies. The civil society can also conduct check-and-balance in terms of analyzing annual budgets; they can determine how these budgets are used and such. In the case of local government officials, instead of being hostile to these organizations, they must partner with them in reforming the society. According to Tadem, reformist technocrats, the middle class technically trained experts, have a potential to advance these reforms. They push for greater transparency and accountability and favor the involvement of civil society groups in policy making process. The media sector also must work hand-in-hand with the NGOs and POs in establishing transparency and accountability. With the increasing participation of media, government officials will be pushed to become more transparent and corrupt-free as journalists involve in exposing anomalies and such. Moreover, citizens will be more informed about the state of the country.

A change in the system of government is not necessarily a solution to steering towards good governance. A shift from a presidential government to a parliamentary government isn’t the answer to the crisis we face. Trapos could very well take advantage of the shift to extend their stay in office and continue with their politics of patronage and predation.

We have to reform the state. We have to transform the orientation of local governments, political party system and wean them away from presidential patronage and put a stop to political violence through the strengthening of the rule of law. The 1987 Constitution has already provided legal measures to achieve these. Term limits, anti-political dynasty bill, the party-list system, prohibition on private armies, devolution, regional autonomy, electoral and military reforms are all steps to achieve reforms. Unless, political elites continue to break the law, the Philippine state will continue to thrive in backwardness. The civil society must take action.

Education, I argue, is the key to resolve poverty and corruption. The common tao should let them know their rights and allow the people to exercise them. He should be vigilant and be politically aware. It is through education where citizens can participate in political and social affairs. Citizens should also be educated morally. For instance, they should be taught on proper behavior. For instance, the habit of plagiarism can easily turn into corruption when one sits in Congress or the attitude of “feeling VIP” can easily turn someone into an attitude of the Queen of Hearts such as that of GMA.

Reform security sector.

Eliminate pork barrel allocations.

Strengthen criminal justice system. Strengthen rule of law. Having a weak criminal justice system, there should be an immediate prosecution of law-violators. The Congress, for instance, should conduct immediate committee hearings and investigations. The Ombudsman must be competent and fair to combat graft and corruption, monitoring the performance of officials especially those placed in high positions. The Congress must carefully study each line item in the respective budgets of the departments. Institutional mechanisms such as the Truth Commission, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Audit, etc. should perform their functions effectively to prevent corruption and ensure transparency and accountability. Anti-graft institutions must be established both within and outside the government. Competent officials must be placed in position and not just the rich and powerful.

With a reform constituency running which is represented by the P-Noy’s good governance campaign, it doesn’t assure us whether these reforms will take place. My concern is that in a P-Noy administration, it is not guaranteed whether they will have political strength to undertake these reforms.

Reaksyon sa Dulang "Information for Foreigners"

Warning: this is an attempt to write in fluent Filipino

Ang Information for Foreigners ay isang interactive na dula na pumapaksa sa pang-aapi at pang-aabuso sa mga sibilyan. Mula sa Argentina, binago ang dula para maging angkop sa lokal na setting.

Linalarawan nito ang pagkawalan ng katarungan mula noong panahong diktaturang Marcos hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Sa bawat eksena ay pinakita ang iba’t ibang karahasan sa iba’t ibang mukha – aktibista man, babae o simpleng magsasaka.

Unang pinakita ang eksperimentong ginawa sa Yale University kung saan kinukuryente ang isang estudyante kapag hindi siya sumagot ng tama sa mga tinatanong sa kanya.

Sumunod dito ang mga kuwento ng mga dinukot, tinortyur at pinatay na mga sibilyan katulad ni Jonas Burgos, isang simpleng magsasakang dinukot at hinihilaang pinatay ng mga militar. Hanggang ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang paghahanap ng mga ina’t kapatid sa kanya.

Iba’t ibang paraan ng pang-aabuso ang ipinakita sa dula. Isa na lamang ang submarine na kung saan inilulublob ang mukha ng isang babaeng sa isang batsa ng maruming tubig. Itinortyur rin siya sa pamamagitan ng watercure kung saan may nakatakip na basahan sa mukha at binubuhusan siya ng tubig sa bibig habang nakatingala siya - hanggang siya’y malunod.

Sa katunayan, ang ganitong karahasan ay isinagawa noong panahon ng mga Amerikano para kwestyunin at parusahan ang mga tulisan, ang mga patuloy na nag-alsa laban sa mga kolonyal. Matapos ng maraming taon, isinagawa rin ang watercure noong Batas Militar sa mga taong lumalaban sa gobyernong Marcos.

Maliban dito, isang paraan din ng pagtortyur ang pagkulong sa loob ng magkakapatong na gulong. Ito ay ginawa sa aktibistang taga-UP na nagngangalang Shirley, na hanggang ngayon ay nawawala pa rin.

Mula noong panahon ng Batas Militar at hanggang sa kasalukuyan, mapapansin ang pagkawalan ng hustisya sa mga biktima. Walang tigil ang mga pamamaslang, pagdukot, pagtortyur, at ang mga iligal na armas sa mga pribadong hukbo ng mga naghahariang politiko.

Sa panahon ng mga Espanyol, Amerikano at ng Batas Militar, malinaw kung sino ang gumagawa ng karahasan ngunit sa panahon ngayon, hindi makakasiguro ang mga tao kung sino ang may pasimuno. Hindi alam kung sino ang kaaway dahil walang nahuhuli at napaparusahang mga kriminal. Patuloy pa rin ang pagkawalan ng hustisya – ng katarungan.

Si Jonas Burgos ay isa lamang sa mga 206 na desaparecidos, ang mga nawawala, at ang mga mukha nila ang matatanaw ng mga manunood bago nila sabihing, “the show is over, go back to your country.”

Ang pamagat na “Information for Foreigners” ay tila isang sarkastikong paglahad ng “Pilipino ka ngunit hindi mo alam ang mga pangyayari sa lipunan mo.” “Hindi mo alam ang iyong kasaysayan - nananatili kang bulag at bingi.” Ang dulang ito ay naghihikayat sa mga manonood at lalo na sa mga kabataan na magisip at alamin ang sarili nating istorya, ang realidad, ang mga karahasang napadama sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino.

Hindi kailangan maging eksperto sa kasaysayan ng Amerika o sa Pilipinas ngunit ang mahalaga ay alam ng isang Pilipino ang kanyang kasaysayan at ang kasaysayan ng mga tao sa buong mundo dahil ang lahat ay mag shared history ng opresyon at kawalan ng hustisya

Sa kabuuhan, ang dula ay isang lakbay sa kasaysayan ng ating lipunan na nagpipinta ng mga bangunguot na ating nadama at patuloy na nadadama.

Inilarawan ng dulang ito ang realidad na nangyayari sa normal na araw – mga taong dinidukot, dumadaming armas at mga inang patuloy na naghahanap sa kanilang mga anak.

Hangga’t hindi nahuhuli at napaparusahan ang mga kriminal, mananatiling bihag ng kasakiman ang taumbayan.

Hangga’t walang hustisya, hangga’t walang kapayapaan, maari natin sabihing hindi pa talaga malaya ang Pilipinas.

Kailangan ipaglaban ang kalayaan.

A Review on Dead Stars

Dead Stars is basically a love story about a man named Alfredo Salazar who incidentally meets a woman he fell in love with while engaged to his fiancée.

Compared to

other Filipino love stories, Dead Stars is the

most unusual because of its plot – having a complex main character, falling drastically in love with another woman as he is engaged to his fiancée for four years.

Also, it illustrates Filipino culture where society greatly affects how we make decisions. Alfredo could have pursued Julia when she left, but instead, he married Esperanza because that is what the Filipino society dictates, plus the fact that it was set during the 20s or 30s.

Moreover, I think what makes Dead Stars appealing is that it contains artistic symbols such as from the title itself, Dead Stars.

Scientifically, these are stars that have long been gone which can still be seen because the light which they gave off move slowly through the galaxies, making it appear like the actual star is still there when it is not.

In the same way, Alfredo thought that he really loved Julia but when they saw each other again, the love he thought was possible never was. Just like a dead star, the love did not exist.

An Analysis on George Orwell's 1984

Set during the totalitarian regime during the early 20^th century, 1984 is a picture of a dystopia where the government takes absolute control over the society with each person subject to surveillance. In this case, the story revolves around the person of Winston Smith. Although he tries to oppose the oligarchic system with the help of his girlfriend Julia, he is watched at every turn and is inevitably forced to submit to the Party in almost every aspect of his existence with Big Brother as the symbol for the Party’s dominance.

Winston Smith, a middle-aged man, becomes throttled by the party’s questionable principles. Apparently, the Party’s primary goal is to eliminate any possible slanderous or revolutionary thought and ideas from the public. Thus, they control the citizens and maintain their power through psychological manipulation – through a language named “newspeak”, Two Minutes Hate and by instilling the fear of the Thought Police and thought crime in all. In fact, based on the appendix of the book, newspeak does not include the word “freedom”. An idealist, Winston believes that there must be a hope for a better future where personal freedom can be attained by every individual. He rebels against the authorities by writing down his ideas of freedom in his diary. He starts with the line “April 4^th 1984” which I believe is very significant. The line provides a dramatic mood and a symbol that in 1984, people do not keep personal documentation; people aren’t free to express their opinions because such behavior is dangerous as it promotes independence and individual thought. Although Winston knows he will eventually be arrested, he continued to cunningly fight against the Party. In fact, he wrote “down with Big Brother” over and over in his journal.

Later in the novel, he meets Julia and engages in an intimate relationship with her which is apparently an act of rebellion since pleasure isn’t permitted in the society called Oceania. In my opinion, I think the Party suppresses all sexual acts to shift all their energy into meeting the Party’s own goals and needs. Moreover, sexual pleasure is also an individual act, promoting independence which the Party strongly bans. O’Brien even said in the latter part of the story when he was torturing Winston, “never again will you be capable of love, or friendship, or joy of living.”

In general, the plot was organized into three movements which helped the events and the intensity progress. Part One paints the world of 1984, a totalitarian world where the Party tries to manipulate everything even thoughts and emotions. It is in this part where the protagonist develops his rebellious notions. Part Two talks about Winston’s progressing relationship with Julia as they both share their deep reservations about the Party. Through O’Brien, they become involved in the Brotherhood, an organization that opposes the principles of Big Brother and the Party. However, it turns out that O’Brien was not a rebel after all; instead, he is a member of the Inner Party and heads the interrogation and torture of the criminals. Part Three describes how Winston was punished as he faced O’Brien. Eventually, he comes to love Big Brother.

In general, the plot was built around Winston’s mind and life which can be noticed on how the author manages to write in a narrative manner. Even if the novel was written in the third person, the point of view is evidently Winston Smith’s. After reading the book, it felt like I have been reading through Winston’s mind and seeing things the way he sees them. Through his eyes, I was able to see how the totalitarian society functions and how a person deals with having rebellious thoughts. In other words, the novel is more or less written in such a way that it is engaging, allowing the reader to think and feel as if he is suffering with the protagonist.

Moreover, there are striking parallelisms that grabbed my attention. For instance, it is similar to that of the short story discussed earlier namely “Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman,” a literary work dealing with the problems of the society. Harlequin, much like Winston Smith, tried to rebel against the social system by not following the strict observance of time. Winston, however, tries to resist the Party by expressing his thoughts through his journal and engaging in “sex crime,” countering the principles of the dominant oligarchy. Another similarity is that both protagonists are being watched closely. Harlequin is monitored by the Ticktockman who actively watches every person. In comparison, Winston is being watched by the Thought Police through telescreens, seeing those whose thoughts that imply disloyalty to the Party and its principles.

Another parallelism I noticed is that it concerned with the states that took place in real life. The Oceanian government fictionalized by Orwell is quite similar to that of Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union. Both regimes worshipped their respective leaders as “messiahs”, required the destruction of all individuality in order to promote the Party’s ambition over the individuals’, demanded absolute loyalty from their citizens and resulted to violence whenever disloyalty was seen. The Thought Police, in fact, is also similar to that of the Gestapo which led large scale purges and terror. The Spies and the Youth League, on the other hand, is parallel to that of the Hitler Youth and Little Octoberists which indoctrinated young people to the Party and encouraged them to report disloyalty observed in their elders, even among family members.

It is important to point out that there are several symbols found in the novel. The paperweight represents Winston’s own fragile reality and a connection to the past in which he could have been free. Winston tells Julia, “It’s a little chunk of history that they’ve forgotten to alter. It’s a message from a hundred years ago, if one knew how to read it.” The paperweight was like the world Winston and Julia wanted – where freedom and independence is possible. As the author puts it, “it was as though the surface of the glass had been the arch of the sky, enclosing a tiny world with its atmosphere complete. He had the feeling that he could get inside it and that in fact he was inside it… the paperweight was the room he was in and the coral was Julia’s life and his own, fixed in sort of eternity at the heart of the crystal.” However, when the Thought Police finally arrested Winston and Julia, one of the members smashed it into pieces in the same way as shattering their hopes and the world they have created. The old picture of St. Clement’s Church is another symbol of the lost past, which Winston tries to revive at least for the time being. Moreover, I noticed that the rats are also symbols of depravity. Winston and Julia represent rats trapped inside Big Brother’s cage. Despite of their fight against oppression, they can never outdo Big Brother. If people allow such rulers to perpetuate in power, then they will become no better than mindless, multiplying rats.

Apart from these symbols, I also like how the author foreshadowed the fate of the protagonist. For instance, when Winston sees the picture of St. Clement’s Dane and its accompanying rhyme in Mr. Charrington’s shop, he believes that it speaks of his ideal of truth and rebellion against the Party because it is part of the past. However, it also foreshadows his downfall. The rhyme starts with, “oranges and lemons say the bells of St. Clement’s” and ends with “here comes a candle to light you to bed, here comes a chopper to chop off your head.” Mr. Charrington’s shop became Winston and Julia’s hiding place but much later, I learn that a telescreen is hidden behind the picture and Mr. Charrington turns out to be a Thought Police. The rats, I assume, are also an object of foreshadowing their fate. In a scene when Julia and Winston were inside Mr. Charrington’s junkshop, rats suddenly appear. Winston murmurs, “Rats! In this room!” then Julia replies, “They’re all over the place.” Thus, I think the rats metaphorically refer to the Thought Police who have been watching them all along. Another foreshadowing can be seen when Winston and Julia repeatedly tell each other, “we are the dead.” I think it actually means that they know they will eventually be arrested and it’s only just a matter of time. In the end, their hopes will be destroyed and they will come to love Big Brother. Another significant event is when Winston met up with O’Brien, thinking he’s part of the Brotherhood, I think O’Brien actually gave a clue when he said, “you understand that you will be fighting in the dark. You will always be in the dark.” Winston probably thinks being in darkness means being unseen, paying the cost of being part of the Brotherhood. However, I think it was O’Brien’s way of saying Winston cannot achieve the freedom he is hoping for. Hence, he can never see the light and he will always be in the dark. Moreover, when O’Brien had spoken to Winston in a dream saying, “we shall meet in the place where there is no darkness,” it actually predicts with total accuracy Winston’s eventual torture.

Evidently, the author used irony to create a more interesting mood. For instance, when Winston hears O’Brien’s voice in a dream, telling him that they will “meet in the place where there is no darkness,” it has nothing to do with the freedom Winston was hoping for. Instead, it is in the Ministry of Love where thought criminals were tortured and where the lights are literally always on. Moreover, the irony in the names of the ministries is also an obvious contradictory nature of the Party. Criminals are tortured in the Ministry of Love. War is waged from the Ministry of Peace. Lies are communicated by the Ministry of Truth and the Ministry of Plenty oversees and manages the weak economy of Oceania where most citizens live in poverty. Similarly, the Party slogans are contradictory too – “war is peace,” “freedom is slavery” and “ignorance is strength.” Forcing acceptance of such lies removes the individual’s ability to think independently.

In my opinion, the underlying theme of the novel is the downfall of totalitarianism or authoritarianism in general. It’s somewhat a warning to the readers of the dangers of such government. This can be seen on how the author portrays a state in which authorities manipulate every aspect of life even to the point of controlling their thoughts and emotions just to perpetuate themselves in power. In other words, the novel provides a powerful and pessimistic view on the ability of power to corrupt everything good and noble about the human condition. I remember a historian named Lord Acton who said, “Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In reality, several governments have maximized their powers to dominate their society and push towards backwardness.

The world in 1984 is not as fictitious as we think it is. The world has seen and experienced the horrors of Stalin, Hitler and even our own Marcos. Many journalists were muffled, political opponents were executed, and even common citizens who just wanted the freedom to express themselves were tortured. The novel convinces the reader that such a society existed and could exist again if people forget the lessons taught by history, or fail to guard against tyranny, totalitarianism and oligarchy. An educated society, capable to understand history, should never allow the existence of a society that has no freedom, independence and free will.

A Movie Review on the King and I

Throughout the film, the customs and traditions of Siam is evidently seen. For instance, one can clearly see how the Siamese (now Thai) treat and value women. The king maintains a prejudiced posture toward women, snapping his fingers to call them to attention or to do his bidding. Also, the handful of wives who have been allowed to partake of Anna’s teaching continually refer to Anna as “sir.” When Anna asks them why, the headwife explained “because you scientific, not lowly like woman.” Hence, men were known to be more superior. Women, on the other, were treated as “slaves.” The King of Siam even called Anna directly as his slave.

Not only did the film portray Siam as socially stratified in terms of gender but also in terms of ranks and classes. Since the type of government then was monarchial, the King is regarded to have more prestige than anybody else. This can be shown when the King demanded that she follow the Siamese custom of never letting her head be higher than his. Hence, there is unequal access to respect and honor. Also, slaves like Tuptim aren’t allowed to marry anyone outside her class. In other words, she cannot move from her social status unless she is favored by the King, hiring him as a concubine. To live in the palace as a concubine, as the headwife mentioned, is the most rewarding position she can access. Siamese culture would say that it is rather a privilege.

Moreover, the conflict between Anna and the King resides in the hierarchy of their relationship – who will rule, who will decide and whose influence predominated the lives of the King’s children and his subjects. The conflict between Great Britain and Siam is essentially the same. The film assumes that Siam stands to gain in modernity while England generously contributes values to be adopted. The King’s goal conflicts with the goal of the British Queen who wants to develop trade routes and to establish a foothold in Siam. The King of Siam, on the other, wants to take advantage of British interest in his country to develop Siam into a modern country with a place in international trade. The presence of the British Ambassador may report the rumor that the King is a barbarian, precipitating the Queen’s decision to make Siam a protectorate. Thus the political analogy of the variation of boy-meets-girl plot in The King and I is the ascension of unofficial British domination over Siam, a domination that may have transformed the economic, political and ideological Siamese culture. By the same token, Anna’s presence will transform the King’s children and ultimately his kingdom, in a similar manner. In the film, Anna acts intellectually and morally superior to the King, offering advice on how to impress the British government and congratulating him for reading the Bible. She barely tolerates being in the Buddhist temple, as thought it was a profane place and not a religious area. Hence, in general, I suppose that the British see the Siamese as culturally inferior but also enticing, a possession to be captured and controlled.

In my opinion, The King and I is not simply a love story between people of different cultures. Its story is actually an analogy for a political relationship between their two countries. It is this political analogy underlying the relationship between Anna and the Siamese King that gives weight to the death scene. The deathbed scene resolves both of the central conflicts in the play – both the one between Anna and the King and the larger national conflict. The death resolves the first issue by removing the King’s backward politics from Siam’s foreign policy, allowing his more modern and Westernized son to rule the country with better diplomacy

On "Who Cooked the Last Supper"

As a woman, I am in favor of advocating the importance of women in the society, not because I myself am a woman but because I think she must be given the proper recognition for what she has claimed for herself. Countless women have succeeded in different fields of knowledge, contributing the most part in the society; some of which were persecuted, exploited and tortured. Yet despite of their achievements and failures, their names were forgotten, unwritten in history. Hence, I agree with Miles that she must be entitled to write history through her own perspective, not because I think she is superior or for the sole purpose of avenging her; but rather, history must be made accurate and complete because that is how we can clearly see what the future will be. And perhaps, there is nothing wrong with writing one’s own story, because that is how he sees certain things.

Miles proved an interesting fact: women were freer in earlier times than in our own. It seems ironic though since the more society advances, the freer women become but as Miles stresses, prehistoric women are more privileged. Women used to hunt and ran, roamed where they would and freely make love with the partner of their choice. Basically, they did what men did before. In contrary, male domination has later been evident in every aspect of our lives. Women are supposed to do feminine roles like taking care of the baby and cleaning the house. In other words, the more evolved our society is, the more restrictions women face, the greater the scope of man’s domination. In my opinion, I think that it is quite true, seeing some women still suffering from discrimination in many parts of the world like China and India. Arranged marriages, abortion, sex slavery and other ways of suppressing the freedom of a woman are still practiced today.

Also, I agree with Miles when she said that women are not inferior and never were; but I also think that they are not superior either and should not be. When God formed human beings, He did not create Eve under the soles of Adam’s foot or above his head but Eve was created from Adam’s ribs. She was taken out of his side. Hence, she is flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. In fact, biologically speaking, man has six ribs on the left and seven ribs on the right. Hence, woman was ought to be the man’s helpmeet, not a helper or boss, but simply man’s equal, a complement and not an opposite. If men are not the measure of full humanity, neither are women standing alone. Only with the understanding that men and women can unite against all that drags us down will we make a stand for our common health and happiness. We, women, are here to take our full place alongside men and bear with them the weight of life in the world.

Although I am in favor of uplifting woman and treating her in a special way, I must disagree that she is to be worshipped. In my opinion, God has both the heart of man and woman. He is not entirely woman. He is both nurturing and strong at the same time because that is how He treats men and women alike. He doesn’t show any favoritism; that is how I see it, at least on my observations on people. However, I agree that the woman is special because she is the one who could nurture and bring forth life but she is not an immortal. She is not overly divine to kill men and abuse them whenever they like because she is still human, made of flesh and blood. They should not manipulate men just because they possess characteristics men don’t have. I don’t find it reasonable. I think that women like Miles are able to claim that our sex should be more valued and superior because they themselves have been hurt just because they are females. All I am saying is that to genuinely achieve peace and justice, then it would not be appropriate for woman to overpower men. In the same way, they are not supposed to be inferior too. They are to engage in the corporate, political and religious realm, succeeding at all fields without stepping on the other sex’s foot. In fact, I admire female political leaders, who have brought stability in their countries, for instance, our own Cory Aquino who brought democracy back to our land. There are some whom I haven’t even known made a difference in their own peoples – queens who fought for justice and against corruption. However, these are just some of the few women who succeeded in leadership. Generally, I think men are still more capable of effectively leading because it is part of their instincts. Based on the different men I’ve observed, they are more instructional. When conversing with them, they just want to get straight to the point and tell you what to do. On the other, girls would want to talk for a certain topic for several hours and are more emotional. Other than that, men are built with abstract minds. Although there are women that think more in a complex way, generally they are more concrete. There are several other facts that would prove that men are more capable of leading, and I myself, a woman, would adhere to that. However, that does not mean that they are more superior. All I am saying is that I do not see the point of claiming superiority over another sex. It’s too subjective for one to say that.

I’m not saying that I am pro-men and anti-feminism. I am pro-equality which is why I absolutely do not agree with the notion of man over woman or woman over man. Miles, on the other, stated that the notion of God brought about the historic defeat of women. It was because of the concept of “one God” that man ruled over women. I think that is not true because He made man and woman uniquely. Just because God created Adam first, it does not mean God played favoritism. In fact, He created Eve last because she was the most beautiful. (I think I do believe in the saying, save the best for the last) She was the crown of creation. And when she ate the fruit from the tree, she was not pushed. She fell; both Adam and Eve did. Adam was supposed to oversee every creation, so he was also responsible. Because of sin, beliefs and mindsets were twisted. Hence, religions became patriarchal, men abused women and women wanted revenge. Yet I believe that they were created to become one, meaning equal.

Although I am not a feminist, I feel enraged when I hear stories about women who were tortured, forced to marry, sexually abused at an early age, beaten by husbands and so on and so forth. In some circumstances however, I think that it is also our fault why we women are oppressed. This is because many of us still do not realize our worth, our purpose, our importance as women. We are to bring life, unveil our beauty and inspire respect from men. Instead, women especially today dress like whores, involve greatly in prostitution and pose in magazines for the urges of the other sex. How can men revere us? How will they learn how to respect us? However, I think that does not sum up the question to why women are despised. There could be a lot of opinions from different people but we just could not ignore the fact how terrible women were treated. From the child brides in Pakistan to the sexually abused females in Africa, I believe that it is about time that people come to realize the woman’s worth. She is to be free, respected, privileged and loved.

Learning about these women is vital to the necessary process of restoring women to their place in the world, for our own times and those to come. For we need this more and more as we make our way through a new millennium in the determination to achieve what we want. Feasting on these marvelous stories of what women have done for the last five thousand years will inspire us to build a new and better world. Most of all, they will remind us all how wonderful women are and how special she is.