Sunday, January 12, 2014

IDENTITY BENEATH MY WINGS

Have you ever degraded for many times? Being a homosexual isn’t easy. You have to go beyond the eyes of hypercritical people. You will probably know the meaning of “discrimination.” I am just a gay who also believes in fairytales, who also dream, who also wants to be respected and who also wants to be loved. But how can I reach this objectives if when my own family is criticizing me?

It was a cold evening in November, waiting for my parents and siblings to arrive. I was sitting in the sofa, playing a doll and checking the wall clock, time to time. It was exactly 9 o’clock in the night when I heard a knock on the door, “It was them!” I thought to myself. I open the door immediately, “Mom, Dad! Finally you’re here!” I said in a very energetic tone regardless of tiredness of waiting. My two siblings just stared at me as if I made a wrong move. My Mom greeted me, but my father didn’t.

I was 12 year old when I noticed my family is being cold at me, especially my Dad and my two siblings.
One time, I saw myself alone in the dark and silently crying. I saw my two siblings were happy unwrapping their gifts that was given by our Dad. I felt something in my eyes; my tears were slowly falling down. I have this unusual feeling, my heart is slowly grinding. My Mom tried to comfort me, but it’s too late.
And now that I am 17 year old, still, I and my Dad rarely talk. We don’t have that time to talk with each other. I lately knew that he can’t accept me for who I am because of being Gay. But what can I do? Stop this feeling? If he can’t accept me, at least, respect me as his son. I have my emotions too; I am not numb! Gays are human too; we can feel the feelings of heterosexuals! They don’t know the feeling of being neglected as a human.


Three years from now I want to be professional in my profession, which is Journalism. I wanna prove to my father, that I can continue living without his guidance! J L

Thursday, January 9, 2014

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Script)

Narrator: The course of true love never did run smooth and never did it stumble worse than on one summer's day, when all Athens was bright with expectancy for the wedding of Duke Theseus and Hippolyta. But love was not as simple for others in the town. Hermia loved Lysander. Lysander loved Hermia. And what could have been better than that. At the same time, Helena loved Demetrius... But Demetrius did not love Helena. Instead he loved Hermia. What could have been worse than that? Only Hermia's father. Although there was nothing to choose between the two young men. Hermia's father had chosen; And he had chosen Demetrius!

Lysander: So quick bright things come to confusion!

Narrator: And such was the law of Athens that, If Hermia disobeyed her father she would be shut up in a nunnery for the rest of her life. The lovers were in despair. But despair leads to desperation; And desperation to desperate measures... The very next night, first Hermia then Lysander crept from the town. At midnight they were to meet in a wood not far from Athens. And from there to fly away together to some distant place where the cruel law could not touch them. And all might have turned out well had not Hermoa confide in Helena who was her best friend. For Helena, hoping for no more than a grateful smile, told Demetrius. Outraged, Demetrius rushed after the runaways, meaning to win Hermia's heart by plunging his sword in Lysander's. And after him... stumbled Helena, Still hoping for a kindness to be flung over his shoulder, like a bone to a starving dog. And so the four lovers hastened to the wood. But they were not the only ones to leave the town that night. For the secrecy of the wood. Peter Quince, the carpenter, and scholar of the company; Nick Bottom, the weaver, a great man and a tower of strength in any enterprise which not even he would deny. Flute the bellow's mender, Snug the joiner, Snout the tinker and Starveling the tailor.


Peter Quince: Is all our company here?

Narrator: Six good men of Athens. They were met in secret to rehearse a play for the wedding of the Duke. The play they'd chosen was, most fittingly, about love. It was the most lamentable tragedy and most cruel death of Pyramus and Thisbe. Nick Bottom of course, was to play Pyramus; although he could have taken any, or all the other parts with equal success.

Nick Bottom: Let me play Thibe, too.

Peter Quince: No, no, you must play Pyramus.

Nick Bottom: Let me play the lion too. I will roar, RAWRRRR! That I will make the Duke say, "Let him roar again!" RAWWWWRRRRR!

Narrator: It was a strange wood, huge and mysterious, and haunted by more than spinning spiders, beetles, hedgehogs and softly gliding, spotted snakes. Oberon, dread king of the night-time world, with Puck his wild henchman, and all his goblin train! I'll met by moonlight proud Titania! Titania, his queen!

Titania: What, jealous Oberon? Fairies, skip hence! I have forsworn his bed and company!

Oberon: Tarry, rash wanton! Why should Titania cross her Oberon? I do but beg a little changeling boy to be my henchman.

Titania: Set your heart at rest: The fairy land buys not the child of me. His mother was a votress of my order---

Oberon: Give me that boy!

Titanis: Not for thy kingdom! Fairies, away!

Oberon: Well, go thy way: thou shalt not from this grove til I torment thee for this injury. My gentle Puck, come hither... *whispers*

Narrator: Even the seasons were disturbed, for as among the mortal lovers, there was discord between the spirit king and queen and so dangerous a quarrel made a sickness in nature.

Oberon: Fetch me this herb...

Puck: I'll put a girdle round about the earth! In forty minutes!

Narrator: The herb that Puck had gone to fetch grew far away in the West. It was a certain purple flower, possessed of strange powers. If the juice of it was dropped on sleeping eyes then the moment they awoke, the sleeper will fall wildly, madly in love with the very first living creature their magically anointed eyes beheld. No matter who or what it was.

*Demetrius and Helena sa kagubatan kung nasaan naroroon si Oberon*

Demetrius: I love thee not, therefore pursue me not!

Helena: I am your spaniel; and Demetrius, the more you beat me, I will fawn on you! Spurn me, strike me, Neglect me, lose me; only give me leave, Unworthy as I am to follow you!

Demetrius: I am sick when I do look on thee!

Helena: And I am sick when I look not on you!

Demetrius: Let me go, or, if thou follow me, do not believe. But I shall do thee mischief in the wood!

Helena: We should be woo'd, and were not made to woo! *crying*

*Biglang lumabas si Oberon mula sa pagkakainvisible*
Oberon: Fare thee well, nymph. Ere he do leave this grove, Thou shalt fly him, and he shall seek thy love! *chant* I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, with sweet musk-roses and with eglantine. *dumating si Puck after the chant* There sleeps Titania some time of the night. Will the juice of this I'll streak her eyes. And make her full of hatefull fantasies. Take thou some of it, and seek through this grove. A sweet Athenian lady is in love with a disdainful youth; anoint his eyes: But do it when the next thing he espies may be the lady. Thou shalt know the man by the Athenian garments her hath on.

Puck: Fear not, my lord, your servant shall do so.

*sa lugar ni Titania*

Titania: Come now, a roundel and a fairy song...

Fairy singing: You spotted snakes with double tongue, Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen; Newts and blind-worms do no wrong, Come not near our fairy queen... Weaving spiders come not here; Hence you long-legged spinners, hence! Beetles black approach not near, worm no snail, do no offence.

*tulog na mga fairies at pumasok sa scene si Oberon*
 Oberon: What thou seest when thou dost wake, Do it for thy true love take. Wake when something vile is near!

*Lysander and Hermia pumasok na ulit sa scene*

Lysander: We'll rest us, Hermia, if you think it good.

Hermia: Be it so Lysander; find you out a bed, for I upon this bank will rest my head.

Lysander: One turf shall serve as pillows for us both.

Hermia: Nay, good Lysander; for my sake, my dear, lie further off yet. Lie further off, in human modesty; such separation as may well be said becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid... So far be distant; and goodnight, sweet friend.

*Pumasok na si Puck sa dalawang natutulog*

Puck: This is he my master said, despised the Athenian maid; and here the maiden, sleeping sound, on the dank and dirty ground. Pretty soul, she durst not lie near this lack-love, this kill-courtesy! *chanting sa mata ni Lysander* Churl, upon thine eyes I throw all the power this charm doth owe.

*Pumasok sa scene si Demetrius and Helena, malapit sa natutulog*

Demetrius: Hence, hence, I charge thee, hence, and do not haunt me thus! *iniwang mag isa si Helena*

Helena: 'wilt thou darkling leave me? But who is here Lysander, on the ground? Dead, or asleep? I see no blood, no wound. Lysander, if you live, good sir, awake! *nagising si Lysander*

Lysander; Not Hermia, but Helena I love: Who will not change a raven for a dove!

Helena: Good troth, you do me wrong, Good soothe, you do! Fare you well!

Lysander: Hermia, sleep thou there and never mayes thou come Lysander near! All my powers, address your love and might, to honour Helen and to be her knight!

*nagising na si Hermia afterwards*

Hermia: Lysander! Lysander, lord! Alack, where are you?

*Yung scene ng mga craftsmen*

Narrator: From love in earnest to love in play: the six good men of Athens.

Nick Bottom: Are we all met?

Peter Quince: Here's a marvellous convenient place for our rehearsal.

Narrator: So their parts were allotted: Pyramus, the lover, to Bottom; Thisbe, the lady, to Flute...

Flute: Let me not play a woman. I have a beard coming.

Narrator: Thsibe the lady, to Flute, Snug to play the lion, *Rawr* Starveling to represent the moon. And Snout to be the wall that cruelly separated the lovers, one from another. And Peter Quince, the scholar, to direct the play.

*Craftsmen were rehearsing*

Narrator: But though they had chosen the time and place for rehearsing with care, so as to be quite secret, they had an audience, though they know it not.

Puck: What hempen homespuns have we swaggering here, so near the craddle of the fairy queen?

Thisbe/Flute: Most radiant Pyramus, most lily-white of hue! I'll meet the, Pyramus, at Ninny's tomb.

Peter Quince: At "Ninus" tomb, man! Why, you must not speak that yet; that you must answer to Pyramus. You speak all your part at once, cues and all! Pyramus, enter! Your cue is past.

*Puck managed to change Bottoms head into that of an ass.*

Peter Quince: Pyramus, Enter!!

Nick Bottom/Pyramus: If I were fair, fair Thisbe-

*Lahat ng kasama ay na shock, literal na shock sa pagbabago ng mukha ni Bottom!*

Peter Quince: O monstrous! O strange! We are haunted! Pray masters! Fly, masters! Help!

All: Help!!! *they run for their lives*

Nick Bottom: Why do they run away?

Peter Quince: Bless thee, Bottom, bless thee! Thou are translated!

Nick Bottom: Iiiiiii see their knavery: this is to make an ass of me, to fright me, if they could... I will sing, that they shall hear I am not afraid. *singing* The ousel cock, so black of hue, with orange-tawny bill, the throstle, with his note so true, the wren with little quill... The throstle, with him note so true-u-ue... The wren with the little qu-i-ill. *tinutulak siya ni Puck while singing, nakarating siya kng saan natutulog si Titania*

Titania: *nagising sa pagtulog* What angel wakes me from my flowery bed? I, gentle mortal, sing again: Mine ear is much enamoured of thy note. So is mine ey enthralled to thy shape, On the first view to say, to swear, I love thee.

Nick Bottom: Methinks, mistresss, you should have little reason for that.

Titania: I am spirit of no common rate; And I do love thee: therefore go with me. I'll give thee fairies to attend on thee....

*Puck and Oberon are talking*

Puck: *bumulong kay Oberon at natatawa siya*

Oberon: This falls out better than i could devise. But has thou yet latched the Athenian's eyes with the love juice?

Puck: I took him sleeping.

Oberon: *may nakitang parating* Stand close: this is the same Athenian.

Puck: This is the woman, but not this the man!

*Across Oberon and Puck*

Hermia: Out, dog! Out, cur! Hast thou slain him then?

Demetrius: I am not guilty of Lysander's blood!

Hermia: See me no more, whether he be dead or no!

Lysander: *sad tone* There is no following her in this fierce vein...

*camera to Oberon and Puck*

Oberon: What has thou done? Thou hast mistaken quite, and laid the love-juice on some true love's sight. About the wood go swifter than the wind, and Helena of Athens look thou find.

Puck: I go, I go, look how I go! Swifter than arrow from the Tartar's bow! *lumipad palayo si Puck*

*Si Demetrius, natulog nalang sa may punong kahoy, nagsawa na sa kakasunod kay Hermia*

Oberon: *chanting* Flower in this purple dye. Hit with Cupid's archery, sink in apple of his eye. When his love he doth espy.

*biglang dumating si Puck*

Puck: Captain of our fairy band, Helena is here at hand. Shall we thier fon pageant see?

*pagdaan ni Helena, nagising si Demterius*

Demetrius: O Helen, goddess, nymph, perfect, divine!

Helena: O spite! O hell! I see you are all bent to set against me for your merriment. *parating na si Lysander* Youboth are rivals, and love Hermia--

Demetrius: Lysander, keep thy Hermia. If I ere I love her, all that love is gone, and now to Helen is ii home returned!

Lysander: Helena, it is not so--

Demetrius: Look where thy love comes; yonder is thy dear! 

*sa di kalayuan nakita ni Hermia ang tatlo na nagtatalo*

Hermia: You juggler! You canker-blossom! You thief of love!

Helena: Have you no modesty, no maiden shame?

Hermia: *na shock!* You puppet, you! Puppet? Thou painted maypole!

Helena: *Paatras kasi susugod na si Hermia, natatakot*

*sa di kalayuan, nandoon din si Puck and Oberon, nanunuod*

Puck: Lord, what fools these mortals be.

Helena: She was a vixen when she went to school!

Hermia: Let me come to her!

Lysander: *pinipigilan si Hermia* Get you gone, you dwarf!

Oberon to Puck: This is thy negligence: still thou mistak'st. Or else commite thy knaveries wilfully.

Puck: Believe me, king of shadows I mistook.

Oberon: Thou seest these lovers seek a place to fight. Hie therefore, Robin, overcast the night... *Pumunta sa gitna ng kagubatan si Lysander at Demetrius at doon balak mag laban, sumunod si Puck* And lead these testy rivals so astray, that one comes not within anothers way... *Nagkaroon ng makapal na usok sa pagitan ni Lysander at Demterius* Then crush this herb into Lyander's eye...

Puck: *chanting* When thou wak'st, thou tak'st true delight in the sight of the former lady's eye; And the country proverb known, that every man should take his own... *Lumipad na palayo si Puck and Oberon*

Narrator: But the madness of love still lingered in another part of the wood.

Titania: Sweet love, what desir'st thou to eat?

Nick Bottom: Truly, a peck of provender; I could munch your good dry oats. *Hikab* But I pray you, let none of your people stir me: I have an exposition of sleep come upon me.

*fairies, laughing*

Nick Bottom: Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arms.

Titania: O how I love thee! How I dote on thee! *nahiga ang dalawa* *naghihilik si Bottom*

Titania: O how I love thee! How I dote on thee! *hinawakan ang mga tenga ni Nick Bottom*

Narrator: *biglang dumating sila Oberon and Puck* Oberon saw his chance to take revenge and with it, pity followed. *kinuha ni Puck ang bata*

Oberon: Now I have the boy, I will undo this hateful imperfection of her eyes. *chanting* Be as thou wast wont be; See as thou wast wont to see. *pinatakan sa mata si Titania*

Titania: *nagising: My Oberon! What visions have I seen! Methought I was enamoured of an ass!

Oberon: There lies your love!

Titania: *SHOCK of Nick Bottom*

Oberon: Come my queen take hands with me. *lumipad na sila palayo*

*kinaumagahan, naghahanap na ang mga taga Athens sa apat na nawawala, at para ikasal na rin*

Narrator: DukeTheseus with his bride, up early to celebrate their wedding day with a hunt...

Thesues: *Nakita ang apat na natutulog* But soft, what nymphs are these? Go bid the hunstman wake them with their horns! *horning*

Narrator: Amongst the party was Egeus, father of Hermia, his disobediet child.

Egeus: I beg the law, the law upon his head! *Pointing to Hermia*

*Dinamayan ni Demetrius ang nag aalalang si Hermia*

Thesues: Fair lovers, you are fortunately met. Egeus I will overbear your will; for in the temple, by and by, with us, these couples shall eternally be knit. Away with us, to Athens. Three and three, we'll hold a feast in great solemnity. *Umalis na sila Theseus at aiwan na lang ang apat na lovers*

Demetrius: Are you sure that we are awake? It seems to me that yet we sleep, we dream.

Narrator: *Kay Nick Bottom* And so another dreamer, Bottom, was transformed again from ass to actor, and left the wood to join his anxious company in Athens to celebrate with their play Duke Theseus's wedding day.

*Play, Pyramus and Thisbe*

Peter Quince: This man is Pyramus if you would know; This beauteous lady Thisbe is, certain; This man, with lime and rough-cast, doth present Wall - that vile wall which did thses lovers sunder; This man, with lanthorn, dog and bush of thorn, prensenteth Moonshine. This greastly beast, which lion hight by name... *rawrrrrrr* (Natakot si Thisbe/Peter Quince, kaya tumakbo)

Egeus: Well run, thisbe.

Narrator: But bully Bottom, the weaver, was best of all. He lived Pyramus, he died Pyramus.

Pyramus: Thus die I, thus, thus, thus, (Stabbing himself) *laughing audience, nonstop laugh*

(Natapos na ang gabi)

Narrator: now the mortals have succumbed to sleep, into the palace creep the happy spirits.

Oberon: *Chanting* through the house give glimmering light.... Sing and dance it trippingly

Titania: *Chanting* Hand and han with fairy grace, will we sing and bless this place.

Oberon; *chanting* Now, until the break of day,  through this house each fairy stray. To the best bride will we, which by us shall blessed be. Trip away; make no stay; Meet me all by break of day.


Narrator: And so at last, after the madness of the Midsummer's night, the course of true love came home in smiles and laughter, to peace, contentmen, and a well-earned rest.

BLAME GAME: YOLANDA'S AFTERMATH

November 8, 2013 – who would have forgotten this date? The super typhoon Yolanda, Haiyan as its international name, smash its eye in the most part of Visayas region, most especially the Tacloban and its neighbouring provinces. According to the research and obvious damages, it is the strongest typhoon recorded in history to make landfall, killing almost 5, 300 people, still 1, 613 remain missing and 23, 501 individuals were injured having a total number of 1, 112, 731 houses were damaged, over 22 billion cost of damage to agriculture, and most of the casualties were from the badly-hit Eastern Visayas according to PDRRMC. Now, tell me, who to blame of this aftermath? Was it the government’s way of disregarding the people in the shore before the storm surge? Do they lack this so-called ‘preparedness?’ Or was it simply because it’s God’s way to remind us to repent now?

It’s been two weeks since the calamitous typhoon hits Tacloban and the rest of Samar, but still the headlines and contents of televisions and radios are still the repercussion of the storm. Those people begging for help, food, water and medicines. Babies are crying, old ones are being bed ridden, others in need of medical assistance, and most of them are starving to death. You just can’t resist, you feel like your heart is being wrecked into pieces. Still, many places from Visayas province haven’t received any relief goods. President Noynoy Aquino starts scratching his head because he doesn’t know how to deliver the goods from the needy. They’re lacking boats, airplanes and trucks.
Gladly, the foreign people were helping us. The countries that we had old grudges were ready to help the fatalities. People we used to call “Hilaw na kano,” we should have thanked for their airplanes and boats. We used to call them “sakang,” but thank you for lending us medical practitioners for assisting the needy patients. We used to call them “tsekwang hilaw” but they never think twice on helping the dupes by giving millions of dollar. We used to call them “mabahong Arabo,” but they never hesitate on helping the sufferers. Because of Yolanda, people were unified. The slitness of eyes, the complexions, and the pointedness of nose were unnoticeable.
Now, let’s talk about the government and its way of informing the inhabitants of the place. Does the administration supervise the natives before the super typhoon bump? How was the information dissemination regarding to the strength of the said typhoon? What about the precautions? The thought that’s still bunging to my mind is the fact that there are at least two days before the shattering typhoon, but still, thousands of people wasted their lives in just a blink of an eye. Who to blame of this fatal? No, not the government, of course! According to the interviews, from governors, mayors to Barangay Captain, they made all the things to save the citizens. What about the deceased bodies? Numerous of it was in the side of the roads or buried in the huge debris, or just inside their house. Who to blame again? Was it P-Noy because he has nothing to do? Was it Binay’s fault that he put first his name in the relief goods, which leads to delayed releasing? Was it Mar Roxas’ fault because of his slow procedures. Was it Korina Sanchez’s fault for the inaccurate and unethical way of reporting? Was it Henares fault because he delayed the help from international communities? Or Napoles’ fault because people are busy watching her trial and didn’t prepared much for the typhoon?
Have you ever notice that the value of money in the place has nothing to do with their primary necessities? In just a blink of an eye, the worth of money eroded away. Money is just a paper or coin, it can be tore into pieces, can be burn into fire. Some sufferers were searching for food, others stealing and looting. You can’t eat your paper money nor can’t drink your coins. Your money can’t save you from the strong wind, unstoppable rainfalls, tornado, storm surges and tormenting floods. The only thing that would save us is our “pakikipagkapwa,” being always prepared and obedient.
Filipinos has so much pride, but you know what? Decades and centuries from now, we can’t forget the aid we had received from US, Britain, Australia, UNICEF, Japan, China, Taiwan, ASEA, Belgium, Canada, Qatar, Denmark, European Union, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK, Red Cross, World Vision Mercy Corps, Doctors without Borders, Vatican, Ireland, Vietnam and NBA players.
I realize that I should stop blaming, because it doesn’t help at all. It worsens, actually.
Whether it’s God’s way to repent us, we will, surely, rise again. With our observant and vigilant eyes, one, unified voice, the conscience of political figures and businessmen, the aid of the international community, and of course our love. Love for our fellow, the world we live in, peace and justice, and to our pearl of the orient seas.


Author’s Note: I’d like to thank Jonathan Navarra of AB English (College of Arts and Letters) for translating some phrases here from Tagalog to English. This article I made is for my friend Grace Nerbes of Bicol College.  11/25/13

JOSE RIZAL: A TRAITOR OR A MARTYR?

Each nation has its own self-styled “National Hero.” Here in the Philippines, we have our very own Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonzo Realonda, and according to the history he sacrifices his own life for our own freedom. Based on Philippine Commission, there are three requirements that Rizal go beyond to seize the title. The first was “A prominent or central personage taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or event.” Secondly “The person distinguished valor and enterprise in danger, or fortitude on suffering.” And finally, ‘A man honored after death by public worship, because of exceptional service to mankind.”

Several eminent people were nominated to be the National Hero – Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Jose Rizal, General Antonio Luna, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio. Of all thses contenders, why Jose Rizal? Behind this was the interventionist William Howard Taft, President of Philippine Commission. He intervenes in a cause. He did choose Rizal because in the first place, Rizal was dead at that very moment. And Taft knew that Rizal won’t run against the grain of American Colonial Policy.
Now the question is, is Rizal a Traitor or a Martyr? What do you think? Majority of the people would probably say “He is a hero blah blah blah…” They were saying that Rizal is a hero because they were told by their ancestors, they were told by their parents? But how sure they are? Reading through the Constantino’s “Veneration without Understanding” really change my discernment about Jose Rizal. But when I was in my lower years and haven’t read that thesis, I give the impression of being “a strong man that has a strong fighting spirit for his own motherland.” My beliefs were unexpectedly changed. My psyche about Rizal suddenly changed after reading that thesis because I knew that Rizal fight for “Liberty” only, not the “Freedom” that inhabitant sought for.

Rizal is “WEAK,” to the point that he didn’t join the Revolution. Yes I know that because of his novels, El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere, the minds of people were set off. But I think Rizal’s idea is more of dream, a dream without an action is useless. Rizal’s two novels, in reality, arouse the Revolution and peoples mind. But how come Rizal didn’t join? How weak? How come? Absolutely a traitor!
And as far as I learned from the thesis of Constantino was, “He also wanted us to understood Rizal as a person not as God.
I read a book (about Rizal, I forgot the title) and this line catches my concentration: “No other Filipino hero can surpass Rizal in the number of monuments erected in his honor; in the number of towns, barrios, and streets named after him; in the number of educational institutions, societies, and trade names that bear his name; in the number of persons, both Filipino and foreigners, who were named “Rizal” or “Rizalina” because of their parents admiration for the Great Malayan; and in the number of laws, Executive orders and Proclamations of the Chief Executive and bulletin memoranda, and circulars of both the bureaus of public and private schools. Who is the Filipino writer and thinker whose teachings and noble thoughts have been frequently invoked and quoted by authors and public-speakers? None, but Rizal.” There are lots of affirmations about Rizal. But in the “Veneration without Understanding,” Rizal really dressed off by the author. If all people had a chance to read that thesis I am pretty sure that they will change their thoughts and preference too.
I think without Spanish Colonization, there is no “Jose Rizal.” Rizal must thank to the Spaniards because without them, Rizal won’t be created and existed in the history. Without Spaniards there is no “National Hero.” And without the cruelty of Spaniards, there is no Movement. I also thought that if Rizal wasn’t existed in that era, I knew that another name will be made; another man will be prominent instead of Rizal
If Marcelo H. Del Pilar doesn’t exist in his epoch, another name and another man will lead the propaganda. And Constantino all wanted to say that this was “all coincidence and accidentally.”
And another reason was, Rizal has the quality to fight for liberty, and so he is educated. He has the aptitude and mind. And after he was executed in Bagumbayan, Rizal got the limelight that added to his martyrdom to our country. But this doesn’t make sense because I am pretty sure that the remaining heroes can seize our “Freedom” not his “Liberty.”
What Constantino is trying to say is, Rizal is not a brave hero, and he is just a writer and not a really a great person despite of his achievements. And the reason of Rizal why he didn’t join the National Revolution is “the natives were not yet ready for the revolution.” Then if you don’t mind Jose Rizal, may I ask if “When?!” People were ready at that time because they were in excess of cruelty.
To sum it up, Rizal only wanted the Philippines to become a “state” or part of the Spain, a free Philippines. This is the contemplation I wanted to show to my fellow Filipino who was worshipping Rizal as a God.
To end this reaction paper, I realized that every hero has a dark side too. I would like to acknowledge the author to let me envisage the real thing behind Jose Rizal. And if someone dare to ask me “Why did Jose Rizal our National Hero?” I will desperately response “Blame it to the USA!!!” Because in the first place, they are the one who made this disarray. It is just so happen that Rizal made a “remarkable” way of fighting, in a very ilustrado way.
The attention of the people was focused on Rizal’s awarding to the point that the native almost forgot about the next invaders, Americans.
Let’s say that Rizal is a hero, in terms that he presages the predicament of the Filipinos made by the brutality of Spaniards and identify the needs of the people. And he is a hero because he stimulates the national consciousness and this kind of contribution of him is more on a “debt of gratitude” or “utang na loob” to our foremost national hero.

But he is not a hero on another side because he refused to join and lead the National Revolution and instead of joining, he used his medical ability in Spain the moment Bonifacio told the plans.

“Rizal is the driver, Bonifacio is the engine. Take away the driver, the car won’t move. Take away the engine, the car can still move by being pulled by the driver at the back.” – Anonymous blogger.

JOSE RIZAL: A TRAITOR OR A MARTYR?

Each nation has its own self-styled “National Hero.” Here in the Philippines, we have our very own Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonzo Realonda, and according to the history he sacrifices his own life for our own freedom. Based on Philippine Commission, there are three requirements that Rizal go beyond to seize the title. The first was “A prominent or central personage taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or event.” Secondly “The person distinguished valor and enterprise in danger, or fortitude on suffering.” And finally, ‘A man honored after death by public worship, because of exceptional service to mankind.”
Several eminent people were nominated to be the National Hero – Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Jose Rizal, General Antonio Luna, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio. Of all thses contenders, why Jose Rizal? Behind this was the interventionist William Howard Taft, President of Philippine Commission. He intervenes in a cause. He did choose Rizal because in the first place, Rizal was dead at that very moment. And Taft knew that Rizal won’t run against the grain of American Colonial Policy.
Now the question is, is Rizal a Traitor or a Martyr? What do you think? Majority of the people would probably say “He is a hero blah blah blah…” They were saying that Rizal is a hero because they were told by their ancestors, they were told by their parents? But how sure they are? Reading through the Constantino’s “Veneration without Understanding” really change my discernment about Jose Rizal. But when I was in my lower years and haven’t read that thesis, I give the impression of being “a strong man that has a strong fighting spirit for his own motherland.” My beliefs were unexpectedly changed. My psyche about Rizal suddenly changed after reading that thesis because I knew that Rizal fight for “Liberty” only, not the “Freedom” that inhabitant sought for.

Rizal is “WEAK,” to the point that he didn’t join the Revolution. Yes I know that because of his novels, El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere, the minds of people were set off. But I think Rizal’s idea is more of dream, a dream without an action is useless. Rizal’s two novels, in reality, arouse the Revolution and peoples mind. But how come Rizal didn’t join? How weak? How come? Absolutely a traitor!
And as far as I learned from the thesis of Constantino was, “He also wanted us to understood Rizal as a person not as God.
I read a book (about Rizal, I forgot the title) and this line catches my concentration: “No other Filipino hero can surpass Rizal in the number of monuments erected in his honor; in the number of towns, barrios, and streets named after him; in the number of educational institutions, societies, and trade names that bear his name; in the number of persons, both Filipino and foreigners, who were named “Rizal” or “Rizalina” because of their parents admiration for the Great Malayan; and in the number of laws, Executive orders and Proclamations of the Chief Executive and bulletin memoranda, and circulars of both the bureaus of public and private schools. Who is the Filipino writer and thinker whose teachings and noble thoughts have been frequently invoked and quoted by authors and public-speakers? None, but Rizal.” There are lots of affirmations about Rizal. But in the “Veneration without Understanding,” Rizal really dressed off by the author. If all people had a chance to read that thesis I am pretty sure that they will change their thoughts and preference too.
I think without Spanish Colonization, there is no “Jose Rizal.” Rizal must thank to the Spaniards because without them, Rizal won’t be created and existed in the history. Without Spaniards there is no “National Hero.” And without the cruelty of Spaniards, there is no Movement. I also thought that if Rizal wasn’t existed in that era, I knew that another name will be made; another man will be prominent instead of Rizal
If Marcelo H. Del Pilar doesn’t exist in his epoch, another name and another man will lead the propaganda. And Constantino all wanted to say that this was “all coincidence and accidentally.”
And another reason was, Rizal has the quality to fight for liberty, and so he is educated. He has the aptitude and mind. And after he was executed in Bagumbayan, Rizal got the limelight that added to his martyrdom to our country. But this doesn’t make sense because I am pretty sure that the remaining heroes can seize our “Freedom” not his “Liberty.”
What Constantino is trying to say is, Rizal is not a brave hero, and he is just a writer and not a really a great person despite of his achievements. And the reason of Rizal why he didn’t join the National Revolution is “the natives were not yet ready for the revolution.” Then if you don’t mind Jose Rizal, may I ask if “When?!” People were ready at that time because they were in excess of cruelty.
To sum it up, Rizal only wanted the Philippines to become a “state” or part of the Spain, a free Philippines. This is the contemplation I wanted to show to my fellow Filipino who was worshipping Rizal as a God.
To end this reaction paper, I realized that every hero has a dark side too. I would like to acknowledge the author to let me envisage the real thing behind Jose Rizal. And if someone dare to ask me “Why did Jose Rizal our National Hero?” I will desperately response “Blame it to the USA!!!” Because in the first place, they are the one who made this disarray. It is just so happen that Rizal made a “remarkable” way of fighting, in a very ilustrado way.
The attention of the people was focused on Rizal’s awarding to the point that the native almost forgot about the next invaders, Americans.
Let’s say that Rizal is a hero, in terms that he presages the predicament of the Filipinos made by the brutality of Spaniards and identify the needs of the people. And he is a hero because he stimulates the national consciousness and this kind of contribution of him is more on a “debt of gratitude” or “utang na loob” to our foremost national hero.
But he is not a hero on another side because he refused to join and lead the National Revolution and instead of joining, he used his medical ability in Spain the moment Bonifacio told the plans.

“Rizal is the driver, Bonifacio is the engine. Take away the driver, the car won’t move. Take away the engine, the car can still move by being pulled by the driver at the back.” – Anonymous blogger.

LORDS OF THE PRESS


“Kung gusto mong makarating sa Langit, daanan mo muna ang patungong impyerno,” a very superb quote from an Anonymous writer that would simply talk about the abuses of Newspaper proprietors that was written by Sheila Coronel, “Lords of the Press.” Coronel talks about the abuses of owners of newspapers, such as Manila Times, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Star, Times etc. They used their powers to publicize their businesses, to cover their allies’ fault and issues, and business interests. Proprietors intervened on the editorials and opinions on the Newspapers, they even monopolize the writer’s not to put or print an issue that would somehow relates to their allies or self. Anyways, how this really started? And why are the proprietors simply abused their powers?  How proprietors do manipulates newspaper? How come they do it, as if they were the voice of the voiceless? It’s simply because of the MONEY. If not money, probably a friend! But what’s good about owning a newspaper company? They can simply do whatever they want, in just simple way; they can disseminate an issue about their enemies and hide their one. If newspaper can build a man, it can probably destroy a man! In Sheila Coronel’s “Lords of the Press,” she tackles about the bad sides of a newspaper owner, say for instance from Ramos regime, Manila Bulletin used the editorial pages of their newspapers because of the controversial awarding of the sale of Manila Hotel. Without knowing, Emilio Yap, Bulletin publisher, who has a business interest, then Ramos intervene and later decided that Yap is now also the proprietor of Manila Hotel. This kind of instance is really abusing because Yap used the power of the press, he did it because he is a business man and has an interest. This case reveals how press proprietors misuse their powers by using the opinion and news pages of their papers to campaign for their business interests. Yap takes the place of editors as a gatekeeper of news and information, deciding what readers will find in their morning paper.
Various editors automatically accept the ruling set by the holder and obediently highlight or even eradicate a story. Editors were afraid of their managers, so they do what the manager instructed them. Just what Miss Gladys Serafica once said, a journalist may die, either you do your work or not!
Sometimes politician owns a newspaper too. They also intervene of what are the things will be printed daily, they pressure the editors. Just like the former President Manuel Quezon, he notices the mass-circulation of newspaper. Then lately used in his campaign and political related issues.
Newspapering was definitely in the hands of big businessmen who were not ashamed of putting down their rivals, promoting their allies and governmental issues.
Way back in Marcos’ regime, he then identifies the power of the press and ordered the closure of newspaper when he declared martial law in 1972. Months were counts when the newspaper begun circulating again, but it’s far different because it was controlled by the mean president.


Money is the bottom line of media business. Media such as newspaper is an immense business that would probably make a proprietor rich. Politicians were taking advantage to their friends who own a newspaper. They were taking care of their names in public, bad issues or rumors against them. They were building friendships with the proprietors and paying some amount under the table. Proprietors are mandated to do their jobs, to get rid of bad issues leaning to their FRIENDS!
Going back to the former President Estrada issue, the alleging BMW, it’s such a shame for the side of Manila Standard to print erroneous information, without any consent to the ex-President. Estrada, and correspondingly bullied by the media, that’s how media powerful was! Imagine how a newspaper can affect an entity? Estrada didn’t do anything against the editors after apologizing with him. But imagine how Razon, one of the Manila Standard owners, asked the President “What do you want me to do Mr. President, fire my editors?” Although Razon anticipated it as a joke, but what if the President say “Yes,” what is now the situation? He didn’t assume of what the result will be.
Of course, the President has the power to get rid of the editors, he just consider it anyways. The President can threat a libel suit and a tax audit to them.
He has the most intervention in the circulation of newspaper; Sheila Coronel is talking about Emilio Yap, owner of the Manila Bulletin. He operates his own newspaper, he presides as the gatekeeper as an editors’ job. He mandated his editors which are news or stories would be printed or circulated. Doubtless, Yap’s editors were doing their job, as ordered by the boss. Yap definitely runs his business with an iron hand! He is doing this because of money, if not, a friend!
Proprietors of newspapers such as Gokongweis Family, Emilio Yap, Prieto Family and Soriano Family don’t content of what businesses and money they have. They have Agribusinesses, Money Banks, International Airports, International Ports and Airlines, but why are still overruling the newspaper? They are not yet satisfied of what they have; they fool the public because they didn’t release the facts what they are needed, they were covering the bad side of their friends. They can make the public revolve in their hands.
“Newspapers are published even if they lose money because their aim is not profit but influence. In a country where there is intense competition among rival elites for business opportunities subject to arbitrary and not always impartial state regulation, businesspeople use every weapon in their arsenal to influence those who run the machinery of government. One of those weapons is newspaper.” Phrase from the Sheila Coronels’ “Lords of the Press.” It is basically says that newspapers nowadays were being used because of public figure or business interests in some other ways.
In present, one of the radio stations in Sorsogon was owned by a politician, it’s quite horrible to knew that he also mandates what, when, where and who to broadcast news. Of course, the radio announcers were afraid to get rid on their job, that’s why they do whatever the owner commands. The owner screens his name from public, that’s an advantage of having a radio station. He even uses it when election is approaching.
If you will scrutinize the ABS-CBN station, they are Pro-Pnoy (Noynoy Aquino) last election. Most of their advertisement was from Pnoy. Imagine, now, politicians were intervening Television too. They weren’t contented invading the newspaper. If you could notice again, the Former President Cory Aquino’s Burial was aired 24/7, last November (I think), the station impeded the programs that would be televised, like drama’s because of nonstop updates. This simply means that politicians were allied to the proprietors of TV Station. “Lopez” (I think) the owner of ABS-CBN is obviously a friend of Aquino. But come to think, this Lopez is actually intervening the news that would be aired in TV reports. Well, what do you expect from a friend? MONEY, of course! Not only in the ABS-CBN station, but also in GMA too. The owner of the latter station is friend of Manny Villar, that’s why you can perceive it last election; many of their advertisement were from Villar.
Think it again, if this “intervention” in newspapers and Televisions will practice in all over the world, can you imagine how chaotic is the world? These mediums are very influential, proprietors and politicians who owns a Newspapers, Televisions and Radios can make the public gyrate in their hands.
“Money is the reason why the earth keeps rotating.” Quote from anonymous that can be related by the mean owners. Maybe if they don’t have the money, their world might abolish.
Remember, “Kung gusto mong makarating sa Langit, daanan mo muna ang patungong impyerno,” if all people will do this conjecture, I CAN’T ENVISAGE!
“But for now, the only remedy is public awareness. If readers are made aware of the impact of proprietorial intervention on what they read and if they demand more from the newspapers they buy, then some of the problems posed by press ownership maybe resolved.”
A simple, yet splendid idea from Sheila Coronels’ “Lords of the Press.”

This critical analysis is not to get annoy you from the owners of Newspapers, Radios and Televisions, this just prognosticate you from the “behind-the-scene.”