to the brave 19 soldiers who fought

First, I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the victims of this ambush. It never eases the pain but hopefully, God will mend the broken hearts of the families.

I came from a line of military men. My father, a retired Army. My tito, also from the Army, my tito Alfred, God rest him, a CAFGU member, another tito Alfred from Army and my lolo, God rest his soul, a retired Army too. I had plans of going to PMA to be a military officer but something happened along the way and it did not happened. But still, my respect and admiration for the AFP never ceased.

As of the moment, there are controversies in the AFP organization that is being investigated. But that is not why I am writing this blog.

41 members of the Army’s Special Forces vs 200 Abu Sayyaf and MILF engaged in a losing battle for the Army. The soldiers were overwhelmed. “We were only 40. There were more of them,” Balili, who was among the 11 wounded soldiers, said from a hospital bed in Zamboanga City. The attacked happened while the Army is trying to capture a suspect who is hiding in the Al-Barka town in MY province, Basilan.

When the smoke cleared, 12 soldiers lay dead, among them, three junior officers. Twelve other soldiers were wounded, one of whom would later die in a hospital, and 10 more were initially declared missing but an MILF official said six of the missing soldiers were found dead yesterday. I checked the news and there are a total of 19 Army Special Forces whose specialty is said to be in the water and underwater jobs. The rebels executed six of the eight elite Army soldiers they captured following Tuesday's encounter.

In major military camps all over the country, flags flew at half-mast as the Armed Forces of the Philippines mourned the death of the 13 soldiers.

In an entry on its Facebook account, the AFP relayed its condolences to the families of the 13, saying their death "will not be in vain."

"Team AFP extends its sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones left by 13 brave men who died in the Basilan encounter. Their death will not be in vain, as they have honorably served the country and the Filipinos. The AFP mourns with the family members with Flags in all major AFP camps in half-mast," it said.

The President declared that he will use KAMAY NA BAKAL, or Iron Fist, but as it turned out, it will be used against the AFP?!

This is what it says on GMANews online, “On the other hand, the President expressed dissatisfaction with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the incident and vowed to implement drastic reforms in the military.

“Ako hindi talaga natutuwa at gusto kong malaman ang puno’t dulo ng buong operasyon na ‘to… dapat talaga masiyasat kung ano ang dahilan na ganito ang naging resulta sa ating Sandatahang Lakas at iwasto natin," he said.

He reiterated that he will meet with military and defense officials to discuss the matter.

“Magkakaroon kami ng command conference bukas [Friday] sa [Camp] Aguinaldo nang hapon para nga mag-report sila [tungkol] sa buong operations: ano ba ang pakay ng operasyon? Ano ba ‘yung plano? Maraming detalye na gusto kong talakayin sa kanila," he said.

“At hihingan ko ng detalye ng pagwawasto na kanilang dapat ginawa na noon pa lang panahon na may trahedya sa Sulu sa mga Marines… ang laki ng pagbabagong dapat mangyari," Aquino added.

The President also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

“Nakikiramay tayo sa lahat ng mga pamilya na nawalan ng kanilang mga miyembro," he said.

At least 19 soldiers, including four officers, were killed in the clash in Basilan last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, GMA News' Raffy Tima reported on News To Go that all the 49 soldiers involved in the clash, including the fatalities, have been accounted for.

The MILF claimed that government troops strayed into rebel-held territory but the military denied the allegation”

GOODNESS!  MILF is blaming the AFP while the AFP was just trying to do their job and EVEN THE PRESIDENT BLAMES THEM?! I can’t believe it.

What kind of government do we have?!

I accidentally found this video in YouTube and found it very interesting. i would like to use this as tribute to the soldiers who died. 

One By One

Alter Bridge

Underneath the desert sun
They bid my brother's blood to run
Many miles away
Hell has come today

Fire raining from the sky
See the face of fear
Asking one last time
Let me get home safe
Before it's too late

ONE BY ONE
THE BRAVE WILL FALL
LIFE IS LOST AGAIN
THEY GAVE IT ALL

Deep within the castle walls
So many grievous
Few with souls
Echo endlessly
Ode to memories

This sacrifice of flesh and blood
For a promised land that may not be won
Let us not forget the hero laid to rest

And they gave it all
A price we can't ignore
Is there hope in what they're dying for?
For every hero born
From every family torn
We will honor you forever more

Christian and Depression

What happens when a Christian is depressed? Could it be that he has made something that needs to be corrected? Is being depressed sin against God?

Maybe we also need to look at this in an open mind. Not that I am saying that Christians should never be depressed. We need to ask the questions that needs answers.

I have gathered information from several articles found in the internet. Hopefully, this will help. I placed them here to also help me.

First, what is depression?

Helpguide.org says “We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness.

Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.

Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

•    you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
•    you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
•    you feel hopeless and helpless
•    you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
•    you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
•    you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual
•    you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior
•    you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

•    Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
•    Loss of interest in daily activities.  No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
•    Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
•    Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
•    Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
•    Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
•    Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
•    Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
•    Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
•    Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Depression and suicide

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.

Warning signs of suicide include:

•    Talking about killing or harming one’s self
•    Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
•    An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
•    Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)
•    Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
•    Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)
•    Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”
•    A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy

The cause of your depression helps determine the treatment

Understanding the underlying cause of your depression may help you overcome the problem. For example, if you are depressed because of a dead end job, the best treatment might be finding a more satisfying career, not taking an antidepressant. If you are new to an area and feeling lonely and sad, finding new friends at work or through a hobby will probably give you more of a mood boost than going to therapy. In such cases, the depression is remedied by changing the situation.”

Discouragement vs. Depression

Exactly what is discouragement? And how does it relate to what we call “depression”? “Discouragement” might be defined in the following way. Discouragement is a temporary feeling of disappointment or disheartenment, resulting from a disadvantageous turn of events — either physical, material, social, emotional, or spiritual. Note the emphasis upon “temporary.” If one does not address the source of his discouragement, and come to grips with it, his distress may evolve into “depression.”

By way of contrast, “depression” may be defined as a protracted period of despondency that greatly curtails, or even destroys, one’s ability to function as a healthy and happy person. If depression is not properly and urgently addressed by the Christian, with the solutions to one’s problems being sought in the Word of God (whenever possible), the tragic situation can result in spiritual stagnation, overt apostasy from the faith, and sometimes, even suicide.

Biblical Cases

The Bible contains a number of examples of people who lapsed into the state of spiritual terror that may aptly be described as “depression.” Let us briefly reflect upon a few of these cases.

1.    Saul, of Old Testament fame, was a man who started brilliantly as Israel’s first king. He was robust and courageous and hence had the admiration of his subjects. Eventually, though, he imbibed the spirit of disobedience, and so was informed by God’s prophet that the kingdom would ultimately be torn from his grasp. We are told that “the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled [terrified, ASVfn] him” (1 Samuel 16:14). The latter expression simply means that God allowed Saul to reap the mental consequences of his rebellious disposition. The king was given to fits of prolonged depression wherein he repeatedly attempted to kill David (cf. 18:9ff). Finally, he took his own life!

2.    Judas is another example of a man so immersed in depression as a consequence of his betrayal of the Son of God that he committed suicide (Matthew 27:3-5).

More on the positive side, consider these cases:

1.    Job’s religious motives were challenged by Satan, and the hateful Deceiver was allowed to inflict the patriarch. Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health, and still he courageously refrained his lips from sinning (Job 1:13-2:10). When, however, his three friends arrived and sat down, mourning for seven days [thus treating him as one already dead!], it was more than the great patriarch could stand, and he lapsed into a state of deep depression. He wished that he had been born dead, or that he might have died at birth (Job 3). Happily, though, eventually he was able to climb out of his distress and, after repentance, was restored to the Lord’s favor.

2.    Similarly, the noble Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, because he was so ill-treated by evil Israel, gave way to the pangs of depression and cursed the very day of his birth (Jeremiah 20:14ff). But he too was able to overcome that depth of grief.

Causes and Cures

In order to deal with discouragement and/or depression, one must first be able to correctly diagnose the source of his problem. Second, he must be aware of the options available for the remedial solution to his problem, or if there is no immediate solution, he must concentrate his attention upon that Source of strength that will allow him to accept the situation as it is, and even to grow thereby. As noted earlier, the causes of depression may be classified under various headings. Let us give our attention to several of these.

Let me observe initially, however, that this article is not intended to deal with possible physiological causes of some forms of depression, e.g., neurological or chemical imbalance maladies. Our aim here is to address those categories of depression that have spiritual bases, and thus can be remedied with applications from the Scriptures. And these are far more numerous than many are willing to admit. Unfortunately, many people today are looking for the quick-fix, “pill” solution.

1.    Physical — Let us suppose a man is involved in a terrible car accident and he becomes paralyzed from the neck down. How shall he handle this misfortune? First, he may need to come face-to-face with the fact that he simply cannot change the situation. Second, he could become a self-pitying, depressed recluse and finally waste away. On the other hand, he might summon the courage to be a balanced, productive person, who even by his handicap is able to marvelously glorify God! There are numerous examples in this latter category who have influenced thousands by their courage and determination.

How should one react if he discovers he has a most serious, possibly fatal, illness? He may, with firm determination, attempt to fight the illness, and perhaps he will win. If he sees that the battle is being lost, he must realistically acknowledge that death eventually claims us all. It is the price we pay for humanity’s involvement in sin (Romans 5:12). But anger, frustration, and depression (though perhaps initially natural) will not remedy the situation. The believer must fortify his spirit with the fact that those who die “in the Lord” are exceedingly blessed (Revelation 14:13), and they will enter a state that is “very far better” (Philippians 1:23).

2.    Material — How should one respond who has suffered a severe financial blow? If the treasury of his heart (cf. Matthew 6:21) has been filled with materialism, he may not be able to handle the losses. When the stock market crashed in 1929, some were so crushed they committed suicide! One who trusts in God for all things might (after a brief emotional adjustment) be constrained to say with Paul, “we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall therewith be content” (1 Timothy 6:7-8). Of course it would not be sinful to vigorously work for the restoration of that which was obtained honorably; hard work is the eraser of “hard luck.” Too, it is possible that one may have to face the fact that he simply will not always be able to live at the high standard to which many have become accustomed. God has never promised economic luxury to His people; only daily sustenance. In any case, depression has never solved a financial woe!

3.    Social — Many a poor soul has descended into the depths of depression when forsaken by a dear friend. Unrequited love has been the undoing of some. How does a young bride-to-be deal with the heartache of being forsaken by her fiancŽ just hours before the wedding ceremony? Of course she will be deeply hurt, but she must recognize several things.

o    There is One who will never forsake the Christian (cf. Psalm 118:8; 2 Timothy 4:16-17).

o    The providence of God may be at work; the Lord may have someone better in mind for His young saint.

o    In spite of this tragedy, in due time it certainly is possible that this person could live a wonderfully happy and fruitful life — even though single.

The point is this: one must never give in to depression; the human spirit must fight back.

4.    Emotional — How does one cope with the tragic death of a spouse, or a child? Surely such a heart-breaking blow must be almost more than one can bear. True, but these things are a part of the world in which we live, and they will continue to occur whether we learn to deal with them or not! In such dark hours of adversity the child of God may reflect upon several things. First, if the loved one was in a state of innocence (e.g., a child) or was faithful to the Lord, we must not sorrow in the way those without hope do (1 Thessalonians 4:13ff). There is recognition and association beyond death (cf. Genesis 25:8; 2 Samuel 12:23; Matthew 8:11; 17:3ff; Luke 16:9,19ff). Second, even if the deceased died outside of Christ, depression will not bring back that loved one! This is a hard fact that must be faced. Moreover, we can be comforted by the fact that God is aware of our grief (Psalm 56:8; 103:13; 2 Kings 20:5) and He is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3), who is able to help us bear the burden (Psalm 55:22). Finally, all of our heartaches will be removed in heaven (Revelation 21:4). We must thus take courage and bear up!

5.    Spiritual — Much of our discouragement/depression is the consequence of our guilt, resulting from sinful conduct or the neglect of spiritual responsibility. This was the problem of Saul and Judas mentioned earlier. Some charge that preachers are always trying to make people feel guilty. The fact is, it is the responsibility of God’s preaching servants to proclaim the truth — in a loving manner, yes; but forcefully nonetheless. If that burdens some with guilt, so be it. There is a way to take care of that — repent of sin!

The psalmist described pointedly the grief that can attend the guilty conscience. Listen to him:

“Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah; for I am withered away: O Jehovah, heal me; for my bones are troubled. My soul also is sore troubled? I am weary with my groaning; every night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. My eyes waste away because of my grief” (Psalm 6:2-7).

The weary soul who is laboring under the intolerable weight of a guilty conscience has a way out. He can repent of his evil (which demands undoing that wrong, as much as humanly possible) and solicit Jehovah’s forgiveness.

The person who is not a Christian may submit to the Lord’s saving plan and receive remission of sins (Acts 2:38), being assured that his evil has been blotted out (Acts 3:19,) and hence remembered no more by the Creator (Hebrews 8:12). The unfaithful child of God may repent and pray, and thus have the same assurance. It is true that the consequences of sin may extract a severe price for years to come [an adulterous relationship may have to be severed; imprisonment may be required for a crime committed], but with God’s help, such a life need not be enslaved by overwhelming depression.

Concluding Counsel

If one is to learn how to conquer, or at least control, depression, there are certain attitudes he must learn to identify and avoid — attitudes that have a tendency to nurture the moods in which depression can flourish. Let me mention a few of these matters in brief.

1.    Too many of us are, to a degree, self-centered. We are constantly wondering why someone did not speak to us, or we are aggravated because our needs are not being addressed by the church. The truth is, if many would get busy with the needs of others, they would not have the time for preoccupation with personal problems. Remember this, even from the cross the Savior was thinking of others!

2.    What we constantly think about, we tend to become (cf. Proverbs 23:7; Mark 7:21-23). Those who focus almost continuously upon the negative — how bad I feel, how hard I have it, woe is me! — tend to dredge themselves deeper into depression. We must learn to concentrate upon more positive things, to count our blessings. Pleasant thoughts and words are “sweet to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).

3.    A preoccupation with the trivial along with a corresponding lack of spiritual activity, can create a void in one’s life that allows depression to move in. An idle mind and life truly are the devil’s workshop.

4.     Sometimes those who are depressed have a tendency to seek out the companionship of others with similar problems. These persons thus feed upon one another’s distresses, and actually end up destroying each other. When you are troubled, associate with those who can build you up.

5.    Do not be intimidated by the opinions of your critics. You can never live up to the expectations of some people, and you will be under a constant strain if you try. Simply attempt to please God and be aware of the fact He understands your frailties and He will lovingly bear with you as you grow.

6.    Do not expect instant, magical solutions to your problems. God is not going to perform miracles and make your life on earth a present “heaven.” By following the instructions of the Scriptures, be patient and work to solve your difficulties.

7.    Finally, one must leave the unsolvable to God. Trust Him no matter what. Learn to be content no matter how dire your conditions are (Philippians 4:11-13). Recognize the fact that tranquility of mind does not depend upon the external, but upon the internal.

For his own wellbeing, and to enhance his service to others, the Christian must learn to control his stress. The life of trust is not one of continual fretfulness. With a serene confidence, therefore, let us show the world the true joy of Christianity.

The road to depression recovery

Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different in different people, so are the ways to feel better. What works for one person might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases. If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, take some time to explore the many treatment options. In most cases, the best approach involves a combination of social support, lifestyle changes, emotional skills building, and professional help.

•    Ask for help and support
•    Make healthy lifestyle changes
•    Build emotional skills
•    Seek professional help

[this too shall pass...]

The words that were provided by the wise men some time ago, now, I have to grasp it. “this too shall pass…”



I am not sure how to begin writing this one. Inay has always been the one I ran to whenever my father or my mother would spank me or get mad at me. That happens when I am in Batangas, if not, sorry my ass. Inay was there when I had an accident, she collapsed when she got near me. i was unconscious for hours after the accident.



Fast forward…

Year was 2009 or 2010 when Inay was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was at the Veterans. She had to go several radiations before being declared CURED. Then some months ago, she was diagnosed with cancer again, cancer of the bones. She was resisting radiation. She turned down medications. But after a few weeks, she had to be taken to the hospital again. Her health greatly affected. I was told that she cannot walk properly for some time. I visited her at the hospital. I was so angry at myself because I wasn’t there for the last few weeks that she was getting weaker and weaker. The last few days before September 21, 2011, my brother and cousins visited her.

September 21, 2011.

The day that I will always remember. I just slept for a couple of hours and then my mother texted me and said that I need to go to the hospital and hurry. I was empty. I can’t feel anything at the time. My sister called me up, crying. She asked me to go before I regret anything. Brought me back memories to the events that led to me being ridiculed after Itay was buried without me being there at the burial. It was my final interview at Dell when they have to bury Itay. I just brought my family along with me. We went to the Veterans as quickly as we can. I asked the taxi driver to please hurry up.

At the Veterans.

Once the cab stopped at the entrance of the hospital, I opened the door and run like crazy to ward 10 where Inay was. I dropped to my knees, held her hands, cried like a boy. I talked to her and whispered words to her ear. After a few minutes I went outside to check my wife and kids, and was told a minute after that Inay is gone. I ran back to her room and true enough, everyone is crying. I held her hand again, and whispered, “Inay, mahal na mahal kita. Pakisabi sa Itay sorry kung hindi ako nakapunta sa libing nya.” Then my sister called and I let her talk to Inay. After that, I went outside and witnessed how a dead loved one is labeled as cadaver. I kissed her before saying goodbye for now. had to go to the office and work. At least that’s what I call it.

Office.

Arrived at the office at 7pm. Had an argument with my daughter because she wants something and I cannot comprehend what she wants. The office scene was more of “events-sinking-in”. I began crying every once and in while because of Inay. Exchanging instant messages with my sister. Posting things on FB. Etc… I really wanted to go home that day. I wanted to sleep all day. But it failed. I had a total of roughly, 6 – 7 hours of sleep for the entire 3 days since September 21, 2011. My head was spinning that time. It was rough. Coffee infestation.

At the wake.

Fast forward to the wake of Inay. After our arrival, I stood passed the gate for some 5 to 7 minutes, crying. Was told to come inside because my daughter is still with me and she doesn’t want to come inside without me. after stepping inside the house, I stood a few steps away from the casket. I don’t want to see Inay inside it. but I had to. I mustered all my strength and looked at her inside the casket. She still is beautiful. I want to hug her again. I remembered things about her all of a sudden. i cried in front of her. i was so tired and restless that i had to sleep for more than 10 hours.

on the last day of her wake, there was necrological service held. after the service, each one take a look at her the last time and i cried again. i told myself that i have to carry her for the last time.

this is the best picture i have  of me carrying her casket. it was also raining but i couldn’t let go. and after she was placed inside her tomb, i was crying and the rain cried with me.

when we arrived back home, i almost broke down. i cried and my mother was hugging me telling me that “mas ok na yun kesa naman maghirap pa sya” i know. i understand. but i am hurting. and right now, i am still hurting.

i will forever miss you Inay...

The DELUSION of FILIPINO PRIDE

I have been wanting to write this article for a long time now. I’ve been looking forward to have this posted on my blog site.

Charice Pempengko. Arnel Pineda of Journey. APL of Black Eyed Peas. Manny Pacquiao. Lea Salonga. What do these people have in common? They’re all Filipinos. And they have already achieved their dreams. And they’re proud Filipinos.

Reality check. THEY ARE PROUD FILIPINOS. Basically, there’s nothing really wrong here. Except when you say, “I am a PROUD FILIPINO because of these people. “Did I just hear you say, “you’re a proud Filipino because of some other Filipinos?” come on, that didn’t sound right! Most Filipinos claim that they’re PROUD FILIPINO because of an external factor. ESPECIALLY after PacMan wins a fight! It would seem as though that we’re the ones fighting in the ring and not Manny.

There’s really nothing wrong with applauding for Manny or the others, what’s wrong is when one says that he’s proud to be Pinoy because of Manny and the others. Or he’s proud because of what Arnel Pineda, Charice and APL are singing on stage.

PRIDE should be from within. We should say, “I am a proud Filipino because I am a Filipino.” It should be from the inside looking out, not the other way around. Pride should also know when to stop.

I checked Wikipedia and they gave me this meaning for the word DELUSION. “A delusion is a false belief held with absolute conviction despite superior evidence.[1] Unlike hallucinations, delusions are always pathological (the result of an illness or illness process).[1] As a pathology, it is distinct from a belief based on false or incomplete information, dogma, stupidity, poor memory, illusion, or other effects of perception.”

We became delusional and grew up thinking that we are better than the others. Even locally, Tagalogs think the Bisayan speaking people are inferior to them. That everyone who speaks with a strong accent is Bisaya. We are a nation of racists. We hate racism, but we can’t face that fact. We can’t stare in the mirror and say that we need to change. Change our attitude. Be humble.

I am not sure about the Filipino pride but we are also in a society of fixers, corrupt officials, law-breakers, child-abusers, kotong cops, government syndicates, customs robbers, MMDA idiots, immigration scumbags, spoiled priests, and jejemon youth... collectively known as PINOYS.

I don’t want to be called PINOY. I am not PINOY. I AM A FILIPINO. And a proud one at that. Filipinos have lost the true essence of being a proud Filipino. We have lowered ourselves to the negativities around us.

As long as we don’t realize that we have a problem, this country will not move forward. We have to look long in a mirror and see what we have done and what we are doing. We need to stand up and say “tama na. sobra na. palitan na… ang mga kalokohan natin.”

I am still hoping for a better Philippines. For a better Filipino.

to where the beginnings end

the start of the last days. the end is now.
to where the fallen angels cry,
beg for mercy, and cries rivers of tears.
to where the love is hated. and once the loved ones,
cry for the humility of one.

Agosto, buwan ng Wikang Filipino.

Tuwing buwan ng Agosto, ipinagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Wika, at tuwing unang linggo ay ang Linggo ng Wika. Matagal na itong kalakaran. Wala naman akong tutol dito. Maganda nga na i-encourage ang mga Filipino na gumamit ng wikang Filipino.

Ang aking lang, bakit limitado ang Buwan ng Wika sa Filipino? Sa Pilipinas, hindi lang Filipino ang wikang gamit. Nandyan ang Bisaya, Ilokano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, etc… why limit occasion to Filipino? Why not use Buwan ng Wika FOR ALL the languages in the country?

Pwede namang baguhin ang kinaugalian. Oo nga’t Filipino ang pambansang wika natin pero, it doesn’t have to limit us from using our own local languages. Let the Pangasinenses use their own, the Bisaya use their own languages, marami yun! May Waray, Cebuano, Ilonggo, atbp.

Hindi naman natin kailangang baguhin ang title eh, we just need to expand the content and context. Celebrate the Buwan ng Wika in ALL the regions of the Philippines. Dapat i-encourage natin ang mga Filipino na gamitin ang wika para mahasa pa ng husto ang mga gumagamit nito. Saying naman kung mawawala lang ang mga ito dahil sa hindi paggamit ng mga Filipino.

Sana magkaroon tayo ng chance to spread out the languages that we have, and not to suppress them. Sana dumating ang panahon na pag Buwan ng Wika, hindi lang Filipino. Kundi Wika ng Pilipinas.