Sangkusing

The term "the media" is thrown around a lot but is very important to the world, as it exists to tie the human race together and keep people across the globe up to date.

Mass media has a purpose, and forms have two or three, which include to:

However, free-wheeling Philippine media are basically profit oriented – especially during election campaign period. - profit for the media entity/ owner and all the way down through the opinion makers, writers and reporters. Broadcast media usually say they take no sides in a political mudslinging but encourage dissensions to up their own ratings. The selfish motive becomes evident when they shift sides as election time nears.

I still have to see media persons working at exposing mainly wrongdoings anywhere while trying to steer protagonists toward the truth for the common good.

ni Wilfredo G. Villanueva

Nakasimangot ang mga lolo’t lola ko. Akala kasi nila pa-abante ang bayan, na sa kalaunan, siguro isang daang taon magsimula ng sila ay pumanaw, eh, maganda na ang hinaharap ng mga salinlahi. Hindi pala.

Paano ba naman sila matutuwa kung:

Una, ang matibay na pwesto sa mga survey, eh, ang isang taong hitik na hitik sa mga allegations ng pandarambong. Dati kasi, nakitaan lang daw ng isang ginintuang arinola—isang paninira lang at walang katotohanan—si Presidente Elpidio Quirino, eh, sapat na yun para hindi siya manalo sa re-eleksiyon laban kay Ramon Magsaysay. Ganun katindi ang pagkasuklam ng tao sa korapsyon. Noon yun. Ngayon, tila yata baligtad na ang mundo, mas korap, mas kinagigiliwan ng tao;

Pangalawa, anong kabalbalan ito? Ginawa ni Francis Tolentino at Duterte, yung magpakita ng kalaswaan ng Play Girls at manghila ng babae’t lapirutin sa harap ng madla, maraming nasuklam, akala natin, ‘di na mauulit, ngunit mali tayo. Inulit ni Jonvic Remulla. Kinarga pa, ginawang parang sex toy ang babae na pakiwara ko, eh, nagtititili sa tuwa’t galak. Nasaan na ang dalagang Pilipino na mahinhin at mayumi? At nasaan na ang lalakeng Pilipino na inilalagay sa pedestal ang kababaihan? Tila yata baligtad na ang mundo, mas bastos, mas kerengkeng, mas katawa-tawa’t kinagigiliwan ng tao;

Pangatlo, ang kagilagilalas na si Leni Robredo, na-traffic na sa pangalawa-pangatlo sa mga survey. Kailangan pa bang pag-isipan yun? Abogada na nag serve sa mahihirap. Economist na nag-aral sa UP Diliman. Ina ng tahanan. The other half of the Robredo miracle in public service. Tinatalo ni Bongbong? ‘Di maabutan si Chiz Escudero na makata ang pananalita pero trapong-trapo sa isip at gawa? Tila yata baligtad ang mundo, mas magaling magneobra ng tao, mas magaling magbalasa ng prinsipyo, mas kinagigiliwan ng tao;

Pang-apat, hirap din si Mar. Malagihay ang boses niya sa mga infomercials niya, parang statesman ang dating, pero mabagal ang usad. Tingnan natin kung makatutulong ang endorsement ni Guia Gomez, na hindi raw pinababayaan ni Mar ang San Juan kapag may kalamidad. Kausap ko nga ang isang taxi driver noong isang araw. Mabait siya, kapwa kasi kami Bicolano, pero kinakampanya, ulit, kinakampanya raw niya sa mga kaibigan at kamag-anak niya na huwag iboto si Mar. Kahit daw kasi local government ang may kasalanan kung bakit nabulok ang mga bigas na dapat daw sana ay para sa mga nasalanta sa Tacloban, eh, si Mar pa rin daw ang may kasalanan. Basta daw. Tila yata baligtad ang mundo, mas matindi pa ang kakulangan sa tao, gaya ng pagnakaw, pag-misrepresent at mambastos sa mga institusyon ng bayan, eh, mas kinagigiliwan ng tao, at;

Pang-lima, ano ito, ang isang senador na walang ginawa kundi lokohin ang tao—

Ambush daw, hindi naman; Maka-people power daw, hindi naman;

Maka-Diyos daw, hindi naman kasi nga may chika-babes; May sakit at lulugu-lugo daw, hindi naman

—eh siya pang may ganang halukayin ang nanahimik na isyu ng Mamasapano. Hindi naman sa ayaw natin malaman ang buong katotohanan, pero binabaran na ‘yan ng husto, alam na ng tao kung sino ang nag-utos at ‘di nag-utos, ginawa naman ng administrasyong Aquino ang nararapat gawin para maibsan ang sakit na naramdaman ng mga naulila, ipinakita na ito ay battlefield circumstance—fog of war o kalituhan ng digmaan—at focus on objective—Marwan at BBL. Matagumpay ang misyon, napakalaki ng epekto sa war against terror, pero ginagawang issue na paulit-ulit laban sa Pangulong Aquino, para pabagsakin siya. Tila yata baligtad ang mundo, yung maraming kasalanan sa tao, mas pinapanigan at dinidinig yata ng tao, o media lang?

Nasaan ang kabayanihan kung kailangang-kailangan? Nasaan ang kagandahang asal, ang respeto sa babae, ang paggalang sa awtoridad na ginagawa naman ang tama, bayan bago sarili, dalisay sa mata ng Diyos at tao?

Pero, teka, huwag natin tuldukan itong artikulong ito sa kawalan ng pag-asa. Marami din namang pagbabago, na sa tingin ng marami ay hudyat para angkinin natin ang magandang kinabukasan:

Isa, buhay na buhay ang mga tao sa social media laban sa kasamaan. Sa aking small circle of friends, maraming dati ay tahimik lang, eh, nangangalit na rin sa mga gawaing Binay, Poe at Duterte. Paisa-isa nga lang, pero dati kasi zero, ngayon namumulaklak at namumunga na. At maraming consistent sa paglaban, mga keyboard warriors, sila Cynthia Patag, Mary Grace Gonzales, Ramon Bautista, Jim Paredes, Leah Navarro, Irineo Salazar, ang Netcab (Netizens Coalition Against Binay), at marami pang iba. 

May good news nga ako. Ang isang kaibigan ko na anti-PNoy ang pakiwari ko, ‘lam nyo ba, sa huling pagkikita naman, eh, PNoy, Ro-Ro daw siya? Epekto ito ng walang humpay na paglaban ng mabubuting tao sa mga troll, walang magawa, basta galit lang sa yellowtards daw. Malakas ang kabila, pero determinado rin ang mga keyboard warriors na patumbahin ang consciousness na wala na tayong magagawa diyan, mananalo talaga ang kadiliman, itiklop na natin ang dilaw na tabing;

Pangalawa, halos magkakakilala na ang mga mabubuting tao. Alam na ang next move. Palagi kasing buhay ang networks of friends sa Facebook, mga blog katulad nito—The Society of Honor—at ng Rappler, kung baga, well-oiled na ang makinarya para sa paglaban at pagtaguyod ng tama. Walang kaduda-duda na malapit na naman tayo sa critical mass, tipping point o puno na ang balde, katulad ng pagtawag ni Cardinal Sin sa EDSA, handa na ang tao. Ang pic ni Binay na nakatawang parang nakaisa, ang reopening of the Mamasapano Senate hearings ang maguudyok sa tao para magpakita na puputok na ang bulkan, may kaakibat na kidlat, kulog at lindol.

Pangatlo, nakaposisyon na rin ang simbahan at ang Armed Forces of the Philippines. Dapat lang na neutral sila, pero dapat din malaman ng masasama na hindi papayag ang dalawang elementong ito sa pagyurak ng mga institusyon, ng konstitusyon, ng tamang asal—galit sa korap, magnanakaw, lantakan sa pagsisinungaling.

Pang-apat, maganda ang nakikita ng tao sa Ro-Ro team. Professionally handled ang campaign. Malakas lang talaga ang ugong sa ginawa o ‘di ginawa ni Mar sa Tacloban. Bagito si Leni Robredo sa larong ito, pero mukhang palaban ang ale. Si Mar naman, parang nag-reinvent ng bahagya. Tila mataas ang pinanggagalingan, moral ascendancy o angat sa matuwid na kaugalian ang habol na imahe. Nakatutuwa ang passion ni Leni, at hindi siya tatahimik na lang kung may kailangan sabihin o sagutin. Proactive din siya dahil sa kanyang mga outreach. Tila pinagsamang Magsaysay at Cory. Si Mar Roxas at Leni Robredo naman ang dapat manalo, pero the position is still up for grabs hanggang sa huling yugto ng kampanya, kasi nga malaki ang nakataya:

Babalik ba ang maka-Marcos?

Okay lang ba ang may corruption allegations kahit na maski sino’ng tanungin mo, eh, guilty beyond reasonable doubt, gawa nang ayaw naman sagutin ang mga paratang?

Kung maliit na tao pwede bang patayin nang walang isip-isip, pero kung malaking tao, dapat may due process?

Pwede ka na bang maging presidente dahil idolo ng marami ang tatay mo sa sine?

Hindi pa naman talo. Marami pang mangyayari. Andyan ang nagbabadyang disqualification ni Grace Poe at ni Rody Duterte. Pero kahit na ma-clear pa rin sila ng Comelec o ng Supreme Court to run for presidency, kailangan pa rin talagang paghandaan.

Nakakabagabag din, para kang inilaglag sa gitna ng karagatan, malayo sa pampang, kailangan lang huwag masindak sa matataas na alon, relax (cool lang parang Mar at Leni) to conserve energy at para hindi lumubog, focus and enjoy the swim to shore. May Diyos naman. ‘Di niya pababayaan ang mababait na tao.

Sana naman mapangiti na rin ang mga lolo’t lola ko.

I now find myself in the new normal year of 2016. Like the original New Normal TV series in the US, the year 2016 echoes a frightening reality. There is no such possibility as going back to normal times. What with the tumultous pre-campaign word war and tabloid media where certain quarters are entertaining the possibility of resurrecting the horrors of martial law, the threat of terrorism, the subtle creeping invasion of China, the escalating traffic mess, population explosion, divorce, same sex marriage, etc.- all happening in my progressively sensitive senior years.

Added to these, I am now unable to send my thoughts to my contemporaries, friends and relatives. Gmail has branded my email messages as spam and has therefore blocked and bounced my bulk mail. So, I have temporarily stopped writing blogs waiting for feedback from my favorite email recipients. Unfortunately, I got very few queries.

I am now in the process of trimming my emailing list, maintaining those who showed concern and some interest. I need to keep writing to exercise and stimulate my brain cells to keep them from shrivelling.

Part of my realization for the new normal is that time marches on unempeded and determines my chronological age. My biological age is determined by my health conditions and can therefore slow down plummeting chronological age. Psychological age also hinders or accelerates aging and is determined by how old I feel I am. While we don't have control over chronological age, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful mental outlook. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third psychological age – an age that is greatly enhanced and affected by one’s self-esteem.

Apart from deep Faith, the most relaxing and recreating forces are healthy and religious attitudes, good sleep, music and laughter. But our secret should be on the internal satisfaction and happiness we derive by knowing in conscience that we are doing our utmost to ensure that our grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will inherit a country that is better than what we inherited from our ancestors. 

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, in his inaugural speech delivered last 30 June 2010, pointed out something close to everyone’s heart — the siren, better known as the “wangwang”. For starters, it was an effective and a precedent-setting move –.

“Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin. x x x Ngayon, sa araw na ito – dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. x x x “

But alas – towards the tailend of his 6-year term, Noynoy is again facing a challenge in the form of an overwhelming MetroManila-wide traffic mess that banning “wangwang” can no longer ease. More drastic alternatives and solutions are called for.

In today’s MOTORING TODAY December 23, 2015, Ray Butch Gamboa stated:

“Subic never fails to amuse me whenever I go there. And I was there for two straight weekends. The first was upon the invitation of Toyota Motor Philippines for the culminating leg of the Vios Cup. While the second week was for the 2^nd and final leg of the only motor sports competition that auto companies openly compete against each other, the STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge. And all the time I never failed to see drivers make a complete stop at every intersection to give way to those who came ahead. And not one dared to tailgate the car ahead but similarly made a full stop (like the way it should be done while crossing a stop thru intersection) and patiently waited for their turn. And this scene was repeated even at intersections where there were no traffic enforcers in sight. It looked like second nature to these guys—like obeying traffic rules and regulations were a way of life—and it is. 

With all due respect to those running other parts of the country, most people I know, myself included, only see this in Subic. And most people who have seen this, myself included can only hope this can be replicated in Metro Manila or at the very least in EDSA—as a popular TV series is similarly titled, “Wish ko lang.”

We just had the head of the PNP-HPG, Police Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao for an interview in the Motoring Forum segment of our TV show Motoring Today and he mentioned that what’s needed in EDSA to continue whatever small gains they have achieved in managing traffic in the metro’s main thoroughfare is more HPG and MMDA personnel. And I would agree with the gentleman except for a qualifier—more personnel who are dedicated, straight and firm who would implement the law without fear and favor.

This was how it all started in Subic. No one was above the law—no senator, no congressman, no military, no police, no media. Make that happen, HPG Chief Gunnacao, and you can be as popular or unpopular like Senator Dick Gordon, who started it all in Subic. But it still works and people still give credit to good old Dick. Then perhaps EDSA can be another Subic. Or is it, “Wish ko lang?”

I hope not. Go for it, sir! It can be a worthy legacy”.

It seems that for many for us vehicular congestion or traffic gridlock is the most palpable problem among Pinoys. How we deal with heavy traffic and manage it triggers awareness of a series of other problems.

Former MMDA boss Francis Tolentino missed to take advantage of this golden opportunity to expand his political base. And instill the seed of discipline among the travelling masa. Perhaps, the contending presidentiables should take a cue from this.

Mar Roxas’ plan of relocating the international airport from Pasay to Clark serviced by a reliable rail system is a logical ground-breaking start. But it’s a long way off from expecting discipline among our confused voting masa. A disciplined electorate will pave a straight way for Mar to the Palace.

Our political circus continues

Credits from Society of Honor, George Sison, Conchita Razon

        Clowns are supposed to be funny. Why am I not laughing? Instead I find myself shaking my head, sometimes even my fists, in disbelief and frustration.

        Just when the debates were getting a little more interesting, when it seemed that we were giving the candidates a fair opportunity to weigh in on worthwhile issues like reproductive health, our taxes, the ills of poverty and traffic and ill-gotten wealth, suddenly we have to deal with gutter-speak.

        Do you feel like I do? I sometimes wonder how they grew up without any qualms about using the foulest language. I watch the video grabs and think: “I can’t believe he said that.” Sadly however, yes, he did.

        To make matters worse, these distasteful remarks are greeted with raucous laughter. I am embarrassed and deeply mortified. I feel like hiding my face in shame. It is an affront to any code of decency, un-statesman-like, totally offensive. There oughta be a law!

        Time was when we looked up to the leaders of the land and those who aspired to represent our nation and our people here and abroad. We taught our youth to emulate them. We held their principles up to the light, were inspired by their words, admired them for their values and dreamed that our children would learn from them and someday follow their example. No more?

Marked improvement

        The other day, someone said that there has not just been a marked improvement in our gross national economic indexes, but also that a definite rise was noted in the standards held by our young people. They have raised the bar, she said, and this soon will be seen and felt in every aspect of our lives; in our choice of lifestyle, our business ethics, in the way we treat one another, in how we choose our leaders. The standard has been set up high, and it’s all to the good. Encouraging news to be sure.

        I was raised in a world where good solid values were essential, during a time when principles held true, when nationalism and patriotism were not just empty words to get someone elected.

The parameters were defined. The rules were clear, and stepping out of line was not tolerated.

But slowly, it all began to change. We saw the birth of a more “liberated” and soon permissive generation. Before we knew it, what used to be out of line in the good old days quickly became A-OK, acceptable and even politically correct.

        How did that happen? When did we slide down the slippery slope? Was it the fault of my generation? I look back and cannot help but wonder how I personally may have contributed to the decline.

        What has happened to us? Someone shouts out curses and we respond with laughter. Obscenities receive our applause. We are no longer affected by deliberate rudeness or disrespect. An official behaves like a hooligan and we call it his macho swagger. When he threatens to paint the streets red with the blood of the bad guys we can’t wait for the spectacle.

        We do not need to explain this behavior to the children. They will just take it and believe that it is the new normal. We should definitely be worried.

        I notice that since P-Noy’s return from his visit with Pope Francis, despite the rigors of office, he has an aura of peace and calm. He exudes an air of excitement and anticipation as well.

        I hear he is looking forward to June next year when he can finally hang up his political gloves and surround himself with family, his favorite music, and finally live a normal life. But I hope he can still whisper into the ears of his successor.

        Can anyone blame him? All I know is that when it is over, I will miss his honest face. God bless him.

        It is now up to the electorate to choose what kind of leader they think they need.

        The loudest political noise we hear is extolling the virtues of various personalities. We can hear a different but weak echo pointing to an agenda for good governance.

Indefatigable Loida

        Sociocivic leader, philanthropist and entrancing speaker Loida Nicolas-Lewis tendered a luncheon for a hundred of her friends on Bonifacio Day at the Luna room of Rockwell. She went on to rally them to support Mar-Leni with probably the same passion that Andres Bonifacio summoned when he called on the KKK members to fight for freedom from oppression.

        Loida started her talk by recalling the oppression we suffered under Marcos’ 21-year rule.

“For the period of 21 years, the Philippines underwent its longest, darkest period in its history,” she said.

        That meant the loss of human and civil rights; the loss of our reputation as a country that leads its Asian neighbors in literacy, economic ascendancy, democratic system of government; the loss of lives of those who opposed Marcos; and the martyrdom of Ninoy Aquino. Most of all, during those 21 years, the culture of corruption began to take root in our psyche.

        When destiny carried P-Noy to the presidency, he succeeded in moving the country from the bottom third in the world to the middle third in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. The country badly needs the cooperation of right minded voters to erase negative patience and to further significant gains already achieved. Let me name some of these gains:

        In her PowerPoint presentation, Loida underscored why Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo should be the next president and vice president of the Philippines. Their integrity is beyond question, she stressed. Walang bahid, walang scandal. Mar’s educational background is solid—a graduate of Ateneo de Manila and the Wharton School of Economics. His work experience as investment banker at Allen and Company in New York adds to his impressive curriculum vitae. Add his involvement in government service as congressman, senator and trade secretary under the Erap and GMA administrations. Erap even acknowledged that Mar was his best Cabinet member and could truly be a good president.

        Then we have his team-mate, Leni Robredo with her local government turf. Much of what is done well, or is messed up, depends on local governments. Good local governments, such as Albay under Governor Joey Salceda, or even Davao under Mayor Duterte, do their jobs in making things progressive, inclusive and safe locally.

        It is said that we need at least 18 years to get rid of the culture of corruption that has taken root in the country and to bring about inclusive growth. That would be six years of P-Noy, six years of Mar and six years of Leni that would surely turn things around – 18 years of sustained GDP of 6 – 7%

        The indefatigable Loida concluded: “Twenty one years of President Marcos produced a corrupt nation. Eighteen years of good governance will make the Philippines a head nation and no longer the tail in the family of nations. Then the Philippines will truly be the Pearl of the Orient. It will then truly become a noble race, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, God’s own people— and this transformation has started but needs to be continued.”