For the love of my country. :)

I love the Philippines is a phrase that seems a little too cliché nowadays. Everywhere I turn, I could always see three stars and a sun being donned by so many people -- accessories, shirts, caps, bags... you name it; but when we look around us, we could see vandalized walls, homeless people lying on the streets begging for food, corruption, killings, and bad governance making the headlines of the nation's leading. So are we Filipinos guilty of hypocrisy? I hope not.


When I was a bit younger, I took pride in being a third-generation Chinese immigrant by virtue of my mother. I also loved the idea that my father is of mixed descent. Somehow, I did not pay attention to the fact that I was born and raised as a Filipino. I could not care less about the things going on. I did not realize that somehow, I owe my sense of being to this hallowed land in which God has chosen to place me. I did not think that being a Filipino was a blessing and that no matter what I do, my birth certificate will always say that I am a Filipino.

It was later on in life that I wondered whatever possessed me to think that having a mixed background would be an advantage. It's not as if I'm gonna be able to go to China for free or have unlimited plates of Tapas in Spain. Being a Filipino is an imprint that we could never remove without a scar like a tattoo or draining all your blood and finding someone of the same blood type who is French or Spanish. No matter how much we rely on cosmetic surgery, we could never deny that we were born Filipino.


Much of my pride in being a Filipino lies in the fact that I know my history (maybe not as well as before) and that there are a lot of things that I could be truly proud of. My favorite moment in Philippine history would be the People Power Revolution. I love the fact that it was such a peaceful, bloodless revolution. I love the fact that it has inspired several movements around the world. I love the fact that the Philippines will never be the same since that momentous event in history. I love the fact that whatever the legacy of Edsa was is still engraved in the hearts of every Filipino. But at a certain point, I started doubting the importance of such an event.

Before Cory Aquino died in August, Edsa seemed like a thing of the past -- that people have spat on the sacrifices made by those who lined up. Or maybe those who lined up along Edsa grew tired of the same old politics which caused the revolution in the first place. I am no political expert and I will never claim to be one despite taking my masters in a program of the political science department, but I found that somehow the popularity of Edsa waned maybe because people thought that no matter how many times they rallied against the forces of evil in the government, it doesn't change the fact that corruption exists in the system. They are tired of waiting for the messianic figure who makes promises and breaks them eventually. But just as we thought that hoping for the reversal of our fate started to dwindle, the loss of the symbol of democracy has reawaken the dormant spirit of Edsa in our hearts. We started to believe again. Now that our 'people power saint' has gone to meet her creator, we knew that we could only affect change if we worked together.

As a result, scripts made by playwrights have been torn and history books are being rewritten. We have summoned the scion of the heroes of our democracy to lead us, and in what seems to be an unprecedented feat in the recent history of Philippine politics, a long-time presidentiable gave up his chances at the presidency (or at least delayed it for another six years). I thought, maybe for the first time since 1986, we will have a president by the people, and not just anyone who had his or her eyes on the position for a very long time only to advance his or her own political agenda. Noynoy Aquino may have never thought that after his mother's death, he would be called upon to lead our land. As I see it, the country needs an inspirational leader over an experienced one. Why?

Let me paint you a picture.

Estrada and Arroyo have dashed the hopes of so many people. In my perspective, it caused  a weak sense of national identity. We do not want to be identified as Filipinos simply because those who are in Malacanang broker only their personal interests. Policies are being pushed not only because they're needed but also because it will make them more potent, and in effect, will have positive reviews. They are not selfless at all. Just look at how Malacanang intervenes or reacts to any election-related news. For me, they should not even reserve the right to 1) challenge the opposition because they are not in the running for the presidency anymore and 2) bash the competition because they themselves only have a few (if there are still any) good points left. And besides, with all the wealth they've gathered for themselves vis-a-vis the growing incidence of poverty hounding the country, who wouldn't have such low morale?

That's why my vote is for Noynoy (as president) and Mar (as vice). I do not believe that we need leaders who have such a long list of credentials. I do not want to elect leaders who are only going to steal from the people. Our country needs a morale booster -- an honest leader who can push for policies without having to be recognized too much. We need a humble leader who could reach out to the masses and be the broker of their interest. We need a selfless leader who could fight for our democracy and will not change a constitution that is actually working. Above all, we need a leader who believes in God and will apply his faith in all the things that he will do for this country, just as the La Sallian prayer goes, "I will continue, o my God, to do all my actions for the love of You."

I wouldn't even care about volunteering. I've already started. And yeah, it was fun. Here are the pics from the etonAPOtalaga PiNoy Power concert last Monday, September 21, 2009. :)

yellow ribbons :D

Gomez sisters Kat and Clar. :)

Jenn Lazo was present too. (she's Noynoy's political communications assistant)

Met Bam Aquino too. Starstruck moment, believe me. :)

Aquino grandchildren, Jonty and Jiggy :)

New found friends: Liya, Margaux, Georg and Aaron :)

and to wrap up the night of celebrating freedom and love for the country:



and yes, the song's still stuck on my head up to this day, but in a good way. It's a simple reminder that we should not let anyone seize the freedom that we have achieved and are continuing to achieve as a nation and also to love our country because it is a blessing in itself from God that we could proudly call ourselves Filipinos. Let us dream for our country. Let us dream for a brighter future and put a stake on it. :)

Blogs from the Past Series #10

I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE

Apr 2, '09 9:07 PM for everyone

Sabi ni Rhea, IN LOVE AKO.

SASABIHIN KO SA INYO NGAYON... IN LOVE AKO!

Actually, matagal ko na itong pinipigilan.

Matagal ko nang inililihim sa inyo.

Pero ngayon, narealize ko,

...BAKIT KO KAILANGANG ITAGO KUNG SOBRANG LUPIT NUNG NARARAMDAMAN KO?

...KUNG NAGBIBIGAY ITO SA AKIN NG WALANG HANGGANG KASIYAHAN?

...KUNG ALAM KO NA DAHIL SA KANYA, PATULOY AKONG NABUBUHAY AT NAIINSPIRE SA LAHAT NG GINAGAWA KO?

...KUNG ALAM KO NA SA BAWA'T KILOS KO, SYA ANG INIISIP KO?

...KUNG BAKIT LALONG TUMATAG ANG AKING PANANAMPALATAYA?

...KUNG SA PAGMULAT NG AKING MGA MATA SA UMAGA HANGGANG SA AKING PAGTULOG NG GABI, SIYA ANG LAMAN NG AKING PUSO'T DIWA.

...KUNG SYA ANG DAHILAN NA NARITO AKO.

...KUNG MINAHAL NIYA AKO KAHIT DI AKO PERPEKTONG TAO.

...KUNG BAKIT HINDI MAPAPANTAYAN NG MGA SALITANG MAKIKITA NYO SA BLOG ENTRY NA ITO KUNG GAANO SYA KAGALING AT KALUPIT.

... KUNG BAKIT NARARAMDAMAN KO ANG LANGIT DITO SA LUPA.

...KUNG BAKIT ALAM KONG PAGKATAPOS NG BUHAY NA ITO, ALAM KONG MAKAKASAMA KO PA RIN SYA.

I admit.

I HAVE BEEN SELFISH.

But you know what?

I SHOULDN'T BE.

Because

HIS LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNCONDITIONAL.
HE HAS ALWAYS REMAINED FAITHFUL EVEN IF WE WEREN'T.
HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN STILL.
HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN US EACH DAY.
HE HAS TURNED OUR MOURNING, SORROWS AND PAIN TO EVERLASTING JOY.

So kung tatanungin nyo ako ngayon:
BAKIT?
..bakit ako nagseserve?
..bakit ako kinikilig?
..bakit kahit ang dami kong problemang personal na mabigat, di ako sumusuko?
..bakit ako nagiging optimistic?
..bakit ako nagwoworship?
..bakit nag-eenjoy ako sa buhay?
..bakit kahit maraming di mapapalad na pangyayari sa buhay ko, nagagawa ko pang ngumiti?
..bakit nagmamahal ako?

ito lang ang sasabihin ko sa inyo.

KASI MAHAL AKO NG DIYOS.
at MAHAL RIN NYA KAYO.

Nakakakilig 'noh?

Blogs from the Past Series #9

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY LOVE

 Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 8:54pm | 

Dear God,

Hi.

I'm guessing that you've been anticipating this letter for a while now. It's a bit overdue, in fact... 21 years and 2 months, to be exact. Well, I suppose that now is the perfect time to write you this because You've been nothing but great to me.

I know that our story has not been the most perfect. I was innocently following You as a child. We used to talk a lot whenever I prayed at night in front of the grotto of our home. But then, I thought that those prayers were to be answered immediately, not thinking that they were to be answered in YOUR PERFECT TIME. As I grew up, I chose to stray from You because I thought You didn't care for me whenever those prayers seemed unheeded. And though you sent me people to hear Your word, I turned a deaf ear. Instead of listening to You, I went with non-believers -- those who turned me against You. And though I thought I owned and had control over my life then, I didn't realize how lost I was without You by my side. I chose to banish You because I thought that I can do things on my own, even at the point of challenging you to turn things around when I thought that everything in my life simply went wrong. And after challenging you, I first thought that you simply defeated me. But no, I realized that You simply won me over again and that you brought me back to the light... something that I am truly grateful for.

Since then, you've made me realize how much I was loved by you through the people I've lived my life with. With them, You've made me realize that You were always here by my side and that sometimes, I just had to feel hurt and struggle, because You wanted to me to be your strong soldier. During the times you gave me a push, You made me hold on to You all the more. And you know what? It was way better than doing things on my own, because I know that everything I did was Your work.

When I was looking for the perfect job, You've searched it for me. At first, you made me experience what I thought I wanted for my life. But though I was happy with that, I felt that you wanted me to do something more, and that I had to risk. And even if my family isn't exactly well-off or stable, You gave me a mission. Even if I haven't always received monetary compensation (well, even now) on time, I don't resent you for it. I know that You're doing this because when I receive it, You have plans for me. Once I get it, I know that You will teach me how to spend it wisely. You will tell me to invest it in You and Your plans for me, my family, my friends and the people whose lives I'll touch, which does not entail any risk because it is a product of Your love.

You've been calling me to serve You. Over the past year and a half, You've brought me to places I've never thought of going for reasons other than sheer recreation or immersion. And the best part of those trips were because I dedicated them to You. You've brought me to the less fortunate, especially to GK Villages to show me that I'm still blessed amidst my own financial crisis -- to tell me that You will provide for me. You've brought me to camps to know You more and to make me realize that You've given me so much to share to others such as my talents and skills. You've brought me to sports fests and competitions so that I could adjust my outlook in contests and to teach me to have FUN doing YOUR way. You've brought me to far-flung places to worship you and to be a witness of Your unconditional love. You've brought me to training activities to help me realize that You indeed have plans for me, and that all I had to do is be humble and listen, to follow You, even when the road I'll take will be a challenge and a struggle. Even when people doubt the sincerity of my actions, God, You stuck by me, and You've kept me still, and for that I'm eternally thankful. Most importantly, You've brought me back to the HEART OF WORSHIP and say that IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU. You've welcomed me back with open arms. You've made me feel the awesome warmth of Your undying love. You've showed me heaven on earth, the most amazing feeling I can imagine.

And though I am still waiting for your gift to me, I am contented with THIS relationship. OURS. I know that You're still planning on the space of THIS TRIANGLE that he will occupy. Right now, it's You and Me. The best part? It will NEVER be AGAINST THE WORLD, because YOU LOVE ME as much as YOU LOVE THEM ALL. And you know what, that gift can wait. You've already given me the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL -- Your son, Jesus Christ, who came to proclaim Your Kingdom, to be a brother to all of us, to die in atonement of our sins and those of the whole wide world and to be the MOST PERFECT MANIFESTATION OF YOUR LOVE.

Now that I'm taking another step up in serving You, I leave everything up to You -- all Your plans for me, all the pains that I will encounter, all the sorrows because I have learned to depend on You. I know that I should allow you to be tough for me. The enemy will linger around, but with You there, I know that everything will be okay, just as it was always meant to be. Keep me safe. Protect the people I truly love and care for, Lord God. Be with them too. And when they turn their back on you, show them the beautiful light that you've shown me.

I Love You, God. I REALLY DO.

Always,
Carmel

Blogs from the Past Series #8

Amidst the tide of yellow and black (tribute to Cory)

 Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 7:36pm

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we celebrate the life and legacy of a person who gave herself to the Philippines as a sacrifice to free its people from the bondage of dictatorship and injustice.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we mourn for the person who mothered our land during the most trying moments of its history.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we commemorate the person who served as our model of faith and unyielding love.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we express our utmost gratitude to the icon who served as the nation's ceaseless hope.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we carry on the fire and passion of a woman who despite several adversities stood still and led this nation.

Amidst the tide of yellow and black, we stand strong as a nation, knowing that this is now a battle we must fight.

A battle which Corazon C. Aquino started twenty six years ago. a battle for true freedom, a battle to rebuild this nation.

We now dream of an ideal nation, one which Corazon Aquino wished to see.

And now that she has left us here to carry on, we must not cease.

Let us not spit on her sacrifice.

Let us be brave.

Let us stand strong.

Let us be Filipinos.

Filipinos who are worth LIVING FOR.

---

Over the past few days, I was watching several tributes being aired on tv. I was truly inspired by the way Cory Aquino defied the odds and rewrote books. Tomorrow, I hope to be part of her historical funeral. But my one true hope is that when she is laid to rest, her legacy will live on in each Filipino, for we wouldn't have been free if it weren't for people like her who sacrificed herself for the good of all.

Truly, God gave Cory Aquino as a gift to this nation. And just like every special gift, we must put value in whatever she has done for the country and to the world. Her unwavering faith and courage must always be remembered and enlivened by each person who calls him or herself a Filipino.

Blogs from the Past Series #6

God's victories

 Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 8:27am | 

Early morning inspiration :)


We always tend to ask for something. There's nothing wrong with that. It's our way of satisfying our human needs. For most of the time, we do it for self-actualization. But sometimes, somehow, when we pray for something, we fail to realize how important it is to rely on God's timing. We want the answers at once. And when He does answer, we are not satisfied. For the many favors I've asked from God, I have realized how amazing His will is.

For all the amazing victories and favors I've received I've always felt how the timing was great. But I've also realized that whenever I try to do things my way, I fail. An even more amazing thing that happens is that when someone tries to make me feel that I could not gain a favor from Him after I've genuinely prayed for it, He gives me more than I ask for.

However, I've also observed that for the many times that I've prayed for something and tried my way because of my impatience, the favor or victory does not come into fruition. If for those many instances that I've attempted to force my will and not His, I end up in bitter disappointment. It's as if God reminds me 'in My time, not yours'. And for the many times that I do not pray for His victories and favors, He taps my back and says 'forget Me not.'

I believe that if there's a way through anything, it's because God has paved the way for it, and we could only expect good things to happen if we pray for Him to guide us through it. Like a pathway that is invisible in the dark, the road can only be seen if we ignite the fire on the lamp to walk the right way. We could never do away with God for our victories is not for our glory, but His. :)