April 21, 2009

Manila was cooking when we left for Hong Kong last week.  I assumed that Hong Kong would be just a tad cooler but every bit as sunny.  Hong Kong was indeed cooler but, on our second and third days, it was rainy as hell.

I got an invitation to talk to some young adults about the Mindanao conflicts.  I grabbed at the chance and took Pom with me as it meant one promise kept.

Our host was the Li Po Chun United World College.  It boasts of being one of the top finishing schools in the world and many of its graduates eventually would be awarded places in the Ivy Leagues.  That meant that in whatever room I was in I’d be in rarefied atmosphere with smart young people.

The school is located in just about the farthest township they could find to build a school—Ma On Shan District.  We needed to take at least three trains to get to the island or the ever popular Mong Kok shopping district.  Had it been in our plan to go juvenile and visit Disneyland on Lantau Island the school would even be farther away.  But no such plans for us, except for the possibility of trying those cable cars near the spanking airport.

Aside from having the smartest kids and faculty, our host school could not be better located.  Most of its rooms and dormitories overlook a small bay with white sand and ringed with greenery.  We saw boats and we knew that the students made good use of them on some days.  In all my years being hosted by hundreds of colleges and universities as a student and teacher leader I have never been to such a lovely little school as Li Po Chun.  Even their cafeteria food is far from lousy.  But the best meal we had in the school was prepared for us by Nitu and Magan Savant with their Filipina help Venus from Malaybalay.

It was very nice to see all of the students we had as volunteers last month.  We felt bad for not being able to attend their Rainbow Café (a cross-dressing student party) and Art Exhibition that featured Brazil’s Ted Gola as one of its featured student artists.  But we considered ourselves lucky enough to catch the last bus from the island to the school as it were.

In this trip I got to know and love Hong Kong even more.  Ma On Shan, for example, is a township that is by itself a world class city.  It is serviced by efficient trains, buses and cabs that run on schedules you can set your mobile phone clock on.  It has those ubiquitous tall apartment buildings complete with malls in their first few floors.  You are never far from a 7/11 and some good restaurants in Hong Kong.  It has parks and sports complexes and hills so verdant and accessible on winding footpaths and stairs.

If in the future I get to win the lottery I’d rent an apartment in the area for a year and live in an efficient cosmopolitan city, for a change.

But our trip was not all dandy.  On our second day and our first time out it rained heavily.  We only managed to visit the only Ikea store I know of in Hong Kong (although I’m aware there are several).  Then we had a very delicious beef noodle meal at a restaurant Ron Papag and I discovered four years ago.  As I was tucking in the divine beef slices, beef balls and crunchy vegetables I remembered Ina Silverio and her aversion to MSG.  I slurped the last drops of the broth in her honor.  All the while it was raining cats and dogs outside.

We took the tram back to Central District because that was where we knew we could get a bus back to the New Territories.  But stupid me could not find it and so we, drenched to the bone while lugging a heavy camera, spent about an hour running in circles.  We asked so many locals where we could catch bus 681 but no one could tell us anything.  Just when I was ready to give up and suggest that we flag a cab instead a police officer appeared where we were taking a shelter.  All he did was to get on the radio and we were given good instructions on where to find the darned bus stop.  It turned out it was on the ground floor where the Philippine Consulate is holding office.  I knew there must be a reason why it was so hard to find help when we needed one.

Last Sunday, I spent most of the day lecturing.  There was one Filipina among the audience.  I had a good time.  I could not exactly recall the last time I delivered such a talk to students.

While I was lecturing Pom was collected by dear friend Rey Asis and she was introduced to the thousands of domestic helps who made it a habit to congregate at the Blackman Square every Sunday.  One DH celebrated her birthday that day and fed Pom, Rey and others so much delicious food.  Pom had a grand time with Rey and another Guilder Fely Rose Torres who was also her colleague at Gabriela.  Pom then went back to the school to collect me at about four in the afternoon.

We traveled back to the island and took the Peak Tram.  What do you know?  We only saw a wall of gray when we reached the top.  I felt bad because it could have been a good photo op for Pom (who had command of our camera).  There was about twenty seconds though when the fog lifted and we were able to see a suggestion of how beautiful the view could have been on a clear night.

Determined to give my wife a better time, we hurried back to catch the Star Ferry to Kowloon for the HK skyline light show.  What do you know again?  Just as the peak tram left its platform, the lights came out in their full glory.  But how can one enjoy such a view when we were travelling down backwards?  Was it worth the crick in the neck to catch what we missed in our two hours or so on Victoria Peak?

There were no foul-ups on our way across the harbor however as our timing was spot on.  We caught the ferry just as soon as one was about to leave.  It was still a bit hazy but the better for Pom to snap pictures of buildings with their top floors bathed in eerie halos.  This was one of the reasons we came to HK for.  The ferry docked in Kowloon a few minutes before the show started.  Pom saw it all through the lens, not wanting to miss a good shot at all.  Just as soon as I sensed that it was winding down I told Pom we should be going back as I have been told that the last bus leaves Central at nine o’clock.  We made it to the stop in time to catch the one we thought was the last bus back to Ma On Shan.  To cap the night, we ate some more beef noodles and dim sum on the side at Ma On Shan’s Sunshine Mall before hailing a cab back to the campus.

In all, it was a fun day of us.  But I could not help but feel very sorry for the many Filipinas we saw as we hurried about Central District.  As it was raining, hundreds of them huddled in groups inside muggy pedestrian underpasses or under building awnings.  We heard much laughter as they played bingo and card games, ate and tried selling stuff to each other.  But as soon as they saw our camera they covered their faces.  I wanted so much to take more pictures of them but I could not bring myself to stop and compose a good shot to show their misery.  I was afraid of offending them.  I feel as bad when I take pictures of greater misery in the Philippines but something in the looks they gave me told me to not to reveal their circumstance.  How dare Tsip Chao look down on these people who only suffer this ignominious condition because of poverty?  How dare the Philippine government applaud at more Filipinos going abroad when it knows perfectly well many are bound to suffer this isolation?

We got to talk to some of them on the bus and trams.  The ones we chatted with were all averse to admitting they were domestic helps.  One even joked that she was a tourist like us—albeit one who has a 10-year working visa.  I wanted to tell them there should be no shame in doing that work, as I loved my father more when I learned he worked as a janitor to support himself while studying, but what’s the use when you have guys like Chao who think they own Hong Kong and the entire South China Sea as well?

On Monday, we again took the train and the bus back to the island.  Fely Rose informed me on Facebook that the forecast was thunderstorms for the day.  But I promised some friends to buy some things for them and damned if I don’t go visit Mong Kok when I’m in Hong Kong!  But we had to meet some more friends at Jordan first.  There, we saw friends who seemed happy to see us as well.  We were asked to bring home some items for some of their other friends.  Then off to Mong Kok we went, graciously escorted by Rey.We checked out photo gears for friends and it was fun.  I imagined we were shopping for ourselves.  I saw so many lenses I wanted so much to have.  Alas, we have no money for such purchases.  I was happy to find a camera battery grip for Boy Bagwis and was even able to haggle for an even better price for it.  Alas again, when I asked the seller to test it, one of the buttons did not work.  I also looked around for second-hand fish-eye lenses for Ferdie Mendoza but they had none.  We tried all the second-hand camera stores Rey knew of, even inside seedy buildings where they sell so many porn videos, to no avail.

On our way back to the MTR station, we tried to look for some things we could afford.  We made a couple of small purchases but that was it.  The rest of their merchandise could be had in Manila at much cheaper prices.  Besides, our former volunteers wanted to have tea with us and it would probably be the last time I get to see these friends.  Some of them were graduating and are off to uni in a few months time.  We took three trains all the way to the school.  We packed our bags and went off to see the students.  There was no tea but there was much laughter.  Pom and I had a great time but it had to end very quickly.

We left for the airport an hour later than planned.  We had to wait for the next bus nearly an hour before we boarded it.  We planned on buying some more other stuff at the airport but, as soon as we checked in, we were informed we had to hurry.  So we spent our last minutes in Hong Kong running like crazy.  We boarded the plane with no minute to spare.  We were still panting like we ran a marathon when the plane started to taxi on the runway.

We had so little time and even less resources on this trip.  But we were resolved to come back as soon as we can.  Hopefully, things will be better next time.  Not just for us but for all the Filipinos we’ve seen and met in Hong Kong.

= = = = = =

March 17, 2009

Communications 110 (Media Ethics), UP CMC, 17 March 2009

by Raymund B Villanueva

Radio Cluster Coordinator, Kodao Productions

I wish to thank this class for inviting Kodao Productions to talk about the portrayal of the urban poor in Philippine Media.  The fact that the question is even posed suggests that media portrayal of urban poor communities is sometimes problematic.  We are happy to put in our two cents worth on this discussion, content with your implied acknowledgement that Kodao is one of the few media outfits that look at the plight of urban poor communities.

First, allow me to introduce Kodao.  We are a multi-media production house that produces videos and radio programs.  Kodao is also a prime mover for the creation of a national network of community radio stations and programs, as it is also actively involved in the establishment of community radio stations around the country.  Several of our video projects have received awards and citations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and our radio program have received awards from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas and the Catholic Mass Media Awards.

Kodao’s latest radio program is Kaya Natin ‘To, Kids on DWIZ, 882khz.  Our anchorpersons, radio drama talents, reporters, writers were urban poor kids, some of whom were out of school youths and victims of domestic violence, rape, incest, abuse and so on.  Sila ay taga-Vitas, Tatalon, Manresa, Olandes, Veterans, Matandang Balara.  Urban poor talaga.  Wala na kaming pera at ang aming huling episode ay noong Disyembre 27.

As an independent production outfit, Kodao was not spared from state persecution.  Kodao has been accused of being a Communist Party of the Philippines propaganda unit when the Arroyo regime declared a state of national emergency in February 20, 2006.  In July 2 of the same year, Radyo Cagayano, a community radio station Kodao helped establish in Baggao, Cagayan was blown up and burned down by suspected elements of the 5^th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

One accomplishment Kodao Productions is very proud of is the establishment of a Visayas-wide video production network last year.  This was done through trainings we provide non-government and sectoral organizations that wish to harness the persuasive, educational and informative powers of video in furtherance of their advocacies.  Kodao is an active member of a loose alliance of progressive production outfits like Tudla, Southern Tagalog Exposure, May Day Productions, Amado V. Hernandez Resource Center, CineKatipunan, Pokus-Gitnang Luson, and others.  Kodao is one of only two Philippine member-organizations of the Montreal, Canada-based World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters.

One compelling reason why independent multi-media production outfits come to be is the fact that we live in a class society where economically and politically-marginalized sectors are themselves underserved by the mass media.  One of the most marginalized, even maligned, sectors in Philippine society is the urban poor.  While we may be able to create a list of shows that have the urban poor communities as topics, issues and locations, these shows hardly portray them sympathetically.  Sure, shows like “Home Along the Riles” try to portray the humanity of urban poor residents but they hardly acknowledge their universal right to abode enshrined in our Constitution.  In fact, anti-urban poor institutions like the Metro Manila Development Authority have established their media outfits to specifically target what they call “eyesores” and “cause of traffic problems” who are, in most cases, urban poor communities and residents.

I am not here to debate whether the MMDA is legally and morally justified in its moves against urban poor communities.  What I am saying is that, like Nestle, Unilever, SM workers, urban poor communities are underserved by the more powerful and popular commercial media in presenting their plight, their struggles, hopes and dreams.  Because like the former, urban poor communities could not hope to bring in the advertisements their adversaries have at their ready disposal.

As independent media practitioners, we view our work not as employment but advocacies.  In other words, we are not swayed by the whims and demands of entities who buy lots of airtime or column inches.  We are in a position to choose which topics or issues to discuss in our productions independently.  We are also in a position to craft our productions in the way we see fit without fear that advertisers might get angry with us.

And so, independent media outfits like have come up with “Mula 3^rd Avenue Hanggang dulo” (Sipat), “Daang Bakal” (Tudla), and Paagi-A Ko [Excuse Me], Tapak [Patch], Malinghalong Kalambuan [ Deceptive Development], ‘Nay Victoria, and Na-uling nga Pangandoy [Charred Dreams] (all by Alternatibo Media Productions based in Visayas).

Now, do we think that commercial media outfits are unethical in their portrayal of urban poor communities in their reportage or production of shows?

This question is not an easy one to answer.  This is probably because I believe that majority of the local media practitioners try hard to be objective in their news reportage.  Of course there are lapses and there are lazy journalists who seem to equate some urban poor communities with one crime or nefarious deed—Maharlika Village in Taguig as a drug haven, Balut in Tondo as stabbing alley, Tatalon or Litex in Quezon City as snatching center, and others.  It sometimes feels like these are the only stories that could be expected from Maharlika Village, Balut in Tondo or Tatalon and Litex in Quezon City.  There are also newspaper columnists who seem to hate “squatters” so much they no longer see the violence and inhumanity these communities are being made to suffer either being demolished or left alone. Sige nga?  Subukan nilang tumira sa ganitong mga komunidad kahit isang linggo lang?

We must also guard ourselves from the danger of portraying urban poor communities as abjectly depressing areas devoid of a rose or two.  I noticed on the AVP as we were waiting for the forum to begin that all the pictures were grim, sad.  Instead, try to find a smile or two when filming the people there.  Then you’d be leaving the place with a gem of a shot or a story.  In all the films that were produced by the independent progressive multi-media groups, they all end with a positive note—that the urban poor communities struggle to make things better for themselves and the community in general.

But here is what I think the greater affront by the media on urban poor communities: While a great number of the commercial media’s viewers base are the urban poor communities in Metro Manila and in all the major cities in the Philippines, no corresponding airtime and column inches are devoted to discuss their issues and struggles.  In fact, I hazard to pose that most shows urban poor residents see on TV, hear on radio and read on newspapers are only meant to entertain them and make them forget that outside the edges of their 110-volt, reconditioned Japanese television sets are their inhumane squalor and poverty, on top of the daily threat by powerful landowners and the MMDA that their houses are to be demolished anytime.  Jackpot prizes on “Wowowee” or “Eat Bulaga” occasionally won by some urban poor residents are well and good, but how many families have these jackpot prizes gotten out of the “squatter areas?  ”Sa hindi matatawarang kapangyarihan at impluwensiya ng mas midya sa ating bansa, bakit hindi alayan ng mas malaking oras ang nakararami sa kanilang viewers na taga-urban poor upang tulungan sila sa kanilang pakikibaka para sa sariling bahay at lupa at makataong pamumuhay?  Hindi ba ito dapat ang ginagawa ng mga ka-pamilya at ka-puso, para maging tunay na maging iba tayo?

This is, I think, the biggest question on the Media Ethics on Urban Poor Portrayal. Ano po sa tingin niyo?

Maraming salamat po.

= = = = = = =

UP Solair’s open garden was filled with love last Saturday—not just because it was Valentine’s Day.  After weeks of preparations, the ‘Labs ko si Ka Roda’ event was held there to pay tribute to Piston chairperson emeritus Medardo Roda.

Proof of how much Ka Roda is loved was the early arrival of most of the performers and attendees.  The UP Solair garden was filling up nicely an hour before the program was to start.  This was a pleasant surprise.  And good thing many arrived early because Ka Roda himself and his family arrived 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the program.  We had the rare luxury of starting at exactly five o’clock in the afternoon.

Ka Roda and family were surprised to see how many people turned up.  Ka Roda himself was nearly smothered by the number of people who wished to shake his hands and ask him how he was doing.   The frail man gamely smiled and exchanged pleasantries to all.  Vintage Ka Roda.

Katrina Sarah Maramag kindly agreed to lead the singing of the national anthem.  No, it wasn’t because she was wearing a red “Serve the People” shirt that she was asked. Magaling naman talaga si Birong at pretty siya noong hapong iyon.

Piston sec-gen George San Mateo gave it his usual touch when he delivered the welcome and opening remarks—rousing and a bit long-winded.  But it wouldn’t be George if it was otherwise.

The officers of Piston’s Bicol Chapter were loveable as they struggled through ‘Sarung Banggi’.  I know those guys were more comfortable with a karaoke mike but they braved through their song and finished it with panache.  Ka Roda was clapping and singing along throughout the song.  It was a nice start.

Bayan chairperson Carol Araullo came well-prepared and had her speech written down.  She talked about the time when she and Ka Roda were at odds over some tactics in the past.  But Carol is Carol and Ka Roda is Ka Roda.  In the end, it was moving that Carol admitted how much she admired Ka Roda from the time when she was a young student leader up to the present when she heads Bayan.

The People’s Chorale came in full force and was well-prepared.  Their performance of ‘Moonriver’ and ‘Around the World’ brought the house down.  It was moving when the more senior activists sang along.  Boni Ilagan and Mon Ramirez even swayed while fully displaying they still knew the songs’ lyrics by heart. Bisto!

KMU deputy secretary general Roger Soluta spoke in behalf of chairperson Elmer Labog (who was out of the country) and EVP Lito Ustarez who was indisposed.  Ka Roger spoke of how he first met Ka Roda inside a courtroom where he was accused of drug running while Ka Roda was facing rebellion charges.  He recalled one of Ka Roda’s favourite jokes to the delight of the crowd.  For an impromptu speech, it was good.

Tambisan sa Sining arrived early and had plenty of time to rehearse.  It showed on their performance.  It’s seldom that they perform as a group nowadays but it was for Ka Roda they were performing for last Saturday and they were happy to do it.  They did not wear red, though, and even hassled everyone who wore red at the time.  And even if they did not perform their signature songs, Tambisan was delightful and funny.

Ka Roda was energetic up to this point.  He would shout “Balik, balik” (More, more!) and “Tuloy lang!” (Go on!)

Ka Roda’s long-time colleague and sometime nemesis at the KMU Norma Binas spoke next.   Ka Norma came with a list of anecdotes about Ka Roda—how hard-headed Ka Roda and the late Ka Bel were in regard to their diets, how Ka Roda hated cold weather, how their group have to fight off a snake that slithered into Ka Roda’s old car through a hole on its floor.  Ka Norma refreshed everyone’s memory about how funny and (sometimes) exasperating Ka Roda was in his prime.

Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano arrived in time to deliver his message. He praised Ka Roda’s steadfast stance against the counter-revolutionaries who polluted the mass movement some time in the last decade.  When Ka Paeng sang his own signature ‘Patak ng Ulan’ everyone was bowled over.  Nothing beats a mass leader who, aside from being good as a speaker and organizer, can sing with aplomb.

Walkie Mirana, Roselle Pineda, Amihan Euza Mabalay, Sarah Maramag and Jasmine Icasiano made the crowd feel the love even more with well-chosen and well-sung Filipino love songs.  Their minus-one CD was defective so we had to resort to an Ipod as back-up.  This contributed to some ‘dead air’ but Roselle was quick with her funny spiels.  This were the exact reasons why I was ordered to get this group—magaling, kahit sa sitwasyong alanganin. (I also saw how they practiced diligently weeks before the event.  And it showed.)

Next, Kodao’s ‘Ruta ni Ka Roda’ (written, directed and edited by Risa Jopson) was shown to its biggest audience yet.  After the tribute, I received many text messages saying they cried when they watched the video.  I was very happy for the video but sad with the realization that many comrades have not seen it yet despite the fact that it was the first of Kodao’s ‘tribute videos’ and it had been two years since it was finished and first distributed.

And now, it can be told.  I found it very easy to ask Prof Jose Maria Sison through Facebook to sing for Ka Roda on video.  He immediately said ‘okay’ and delivered with days to spare.  I sent him You Tube links of the Mabuhay Singers’ cover of the Ilocano Folk Song ‘Naranniag Nga Bulan’ and its lyrics and that was it.  So, yey! to Facebook and You Tube.  And despite Ka Joma describing his effort as “amateur’ it was a hit.  People were delighted to watch him sing and Kodao received several requests for copies of the video.

Piston current chair Steve Ranjo spoke next about Ka Roda’s long, dedicated, fruitful and vital role as long-time leader of the transport sector. If I were Steve, I’m sure I would have liked to be given more time to talk about Ka Roda.  But there were time constraints.  Still, there are more opportunities to do that.

Piston’s entire National Council performed next.  They sung “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.” Good thing they did or some people may not have forgiven us if this song was left out.  I gave them an ‘A’ for effort.  But then again, I don’t think the audience minded too much if they were off-key.

Three of Ka Roda’s young granddaughters offered two songs to their lolo.  Halatang matanda na ang karamihan ng audience. Walang nakaka-alam sa mga kinanta ng mga bata! Hahahaha!  I hope those pretty kids now know how well-loved Ka Roda is.

By this time, Ka Roda was already tired and he showed it.  He gave the shortest speech he ever gave when I asked him for a response.  But he was moved.  Boy and girl, was he moved.

When everyone got up to sing ‘The International’ Ka Roda was bowed on his wheelchair but his fist was clenched all throughout.  He pounded it on the armrest as he bravely mouthed the words.  I remembered Nes Jacinto and Ka Dan Vizmanos who both did exactly the same thing last year.  Heroes all.

The following are some of the low points I saw during the program:

1. MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno incessantly chatted Ka Roda up.  He prevented Ka Roda from concentrating on the speeches and performances. (Kung hindi lang siya tumutulong kay Ka Roda…But he supports Ka Roda kaya naman he was invited.)
2. UP Solair’s microphones are too old!  Grounded na!  Sira na rin ang mga mike stands nila!  (Kasalanan pa rin ito ng rehimen!)
3. The lights were inadequate.  We did not know some light bulbs around the garden were busted!
4. There were some ‘dead air’ because of CDs that won’t play and wires that were tripped by the moving impermanent concrete tiles.

Patawad po.

I also wish to thank the following:

1. Glades Maglunsod, who was stage manager and coordinator with some of the performers.
2. Walkie Mirana, for coordinating with the People’s Chorale and the ‘Nationalist Divas.’
3. Mr Boni Ilagan and Ms Marilie Fernandez-Ilagan for securing discounted rates with the Solair Dean and backing me up in directing the event. Basta andun si Boni, malakas ang loob ng Kodao.
4. Piston, particularly Steve and George, for being patient with me.
5. Cherry Clemente for her help in coordinating with Ka Paeng.
6. All performers and speakers.
7. All those who attended.
8. UP Solair for the discount and the kind assistance of Mang Romy and crew.

Maraming salamat po.

Mahal niyo nga si Ka Roda!

= = = = =

February 16, 2009

February 8, 2009

Newly-minted press secretary Cerge Remonde was reported by today’s issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer to have asked critics of Mike Arroyo to present solid evidence that he meddled in the awarding of choice deals to dirty contractors.  Remonde was quoted to have said the accusations “…are nothing until they are able to present evidence that are (sic) admissible in court.”

I think this is problematic.  Mike Arroyo is the so-called First Gentleman but he is not a government official.  The honorific title does not entitle a private citizen like Mike Arroyo the services of the president’s chief liar, este, spokesperson.  So what business does Mr Remonde have in vigorously defending Mr Arroyo?

The nincompoop!  He should know that every word he utters in the performance of his job as press secretary should only serve the interests of his own office and that of his principal, gloria arroyo.  By speaking in behalf of Mr Arroyo, is he admitting that Mr Arroyo is involved in the affairs of the Office of the President?

Granting that the media only asked him to comment, he should know he should decline.  Defending Big Mike is not included in his job description after all.

Why does Mr Remonde have to defend Mr Arroyo?  Are the well-paid lawyers of Mr Arroyo, his congressmen-sons and brother not doing their jobs?  Don’t we have enough liars in government already?

Incidentally, in the editorial of the same issue of the same paper, Mr Remonde was slammed for defending Korean shipbuilder Hanjin when he is in no position to do so.

The press secretary is not exactly alone in committing these blunders.  Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita and the senators and congressmen allied with the current dispensation are just as guilty.  And who could forget the many blunders committed by former press secretary Ignacio Bunye to defend an indefensible fake president?

While we are at it, these mouthpieces condemn Senator Panfilo Lacson for consistently coming out with stories about Mr Arroyo’s wheeling and dealing with many government agencies.

Me?  I don’t have problems with that.  I think Mr Lacson’s expose is a rare case of a government official doing his job.

Something I am not prepared to say about Mr Remonde and ilk.

= = = = =

January 27, 2009

This just in:

Firm Sacks Employee for Using Water in Toilet

An Australia-based engineering firm has reportedly sacked an employee for using water instead of toilet paper in the washroom.

While the company denied firing the employee, its manager Byron Carter said Filipino worker Amador Bernabe’s toilet habits posed a ’serious health risk’ to his other employees and he had been counselled a number of times about the issue.

The 43-year-old machine operator was working for Townsville Engineering Industries (TEI) Bohle on a working visa from The Philippines and used water to clean himself instead of toilet paper, a local newspaper ‘The Townsville Bulletin’ reported.

Carter said health and hygiene issues had been raised by other staff members. “The issue concerning Bernabe is not about toilet etiquette, it is about hygiene and the health of other employees.” “Bernabe’s technique to cleanse himself with water after his toiletry visits leaves the toilet cubical splashed with water suspected to be contaminated with faeces and wet soggy toilet paper lying on the floor,” Carter said.

“Other employees complain about the mess and the possible spread of disease and will not use the cubicles until they are cleaned and disinfected” he added.

This brings to mind the Pinoy kid who was suspended by his school in Canada for using  spoon in eating instead of a fork.

Now, why am I concerned?  A few things:

1. Is using water in the toilet instead of paper, and for that matter a spoon instead of a fork, enough reason to sack a worker or to suspend a student?

2. Is it no longer true that Australia, and for that matter Canada, are more tolerant countries—given the fact that they are emigrant societies and are therefore inherently diverse (in everything, including toilet and eating habits)?

3. Regarding the Pinoys’ preference for spoons over forks, one should only see a person eating rice with a fork like most occidentals do.  Many mess things badly.  They eat fifty percent of the actual food on their plate and the rest are scattered on the table and on their chins.

4. Regarding the Pinoys’ preference for water over toilet paper, I only have this to say: NO SKID MARKS!

In the last, this is in perfect conjunction with the Pinoys’ predilection to take a bath everyday while other cultures hardly do it once a week.  And if they do, they wallow in the bath water along with all their libag and balakubak.

= = = = = =

Last Christmas I wrote about three old men, one of whom was already dead at the time.  Earlier this year one of them died as well and the last one is barely hanging on.  I wish for him to live a little bit longer as we are planning a huge event to honor him while he still can see how much he is loved.

But this holiday season for me is all about kids.

Last Saturday, five days before Christmas, our radio program’s main guest was little ten-year old Nicole.She was very small for her age but quite tough and feisty for someone so young.  It’s no surprise really.  This kid sells rags on Manila’s mean streets right after school, weaving in and out of deadly traffic to earn thirty pesos everyday.  Her family lives in Tatalon, a nasty barangay of drug addicts, other petty crimes and grinding poverty.  Her father is house painter who is usually out of job while her mother is a laundrywoman.  We asked little Nicole why they are poor, she told us it’s because government officials pocket money meant for the poor.  We asked little Nicole what must be done, she yelled, “Oust gloria!” and “Imperyalismo ibagsak!”  We asked Nicole what she wanted for Christmas and she told us she just wants a day at the Quezon Circle with her family.  We asked Nicole what she really yearned for Christmas she told us she wanted a day at StarCity (a carnival).  Nicole told us in a quivering voice she has never been to StarCity and that none of four siblings (two of whom have become adults) have been to a carnival.

I saw Fred, the booth technician, hanging on to the kid’s every word.  It took a lot from me to hold back tears.

Last Sunday, I met Bechay and her parents.  I had the happy task of telling them that ten-year old girl will be sponsored by one of CERV’s former volunteers.  She will be receiving education support from Rebecca Snell of Australia, ensuring her fare and lunch money—two of the biggest reasons why millions of Filipino kids drop out of school.  But while making one kid happy is more like my idea of Christmas, I kept thinking about Nicole.

Monday came and it was the day I promised I’d take my seven-year old niece Chloe to Snow World inside StarCity.  We brought Andrea along, Pom’s precocious ten-year old niece.  My entire side of the family was there too.  It turned out that Chloe couldn’t bear the minus 15 degree chill but Andrea was showing a lot of teeth throughout—grinning like a horse from sheer joy.  We all had a good time bonding but my thoughts were punctured by Nicole and her dream of visiting the place.

On our way home and while waiting for the traffic light to turn green at a street corner, a woman with a thin and frail child in her arms tried to grab the soda my sister was drinking.  My startled sister cried out.  That put a damper on our upbeat mood.  But if I was that woman and my child is dying with hunger in my arms, I would do far worse.  I’d kill even if needed to save my child.

Driving around the city these past few days I saw a lot more kids begging on the streets.  Most where caroling but in the Philippine context, they were really begging.  And they were joined by a lot more adults.  Most were namamasko but in the Philippine context, it is really begging.

Christmas came and Pom and I gave dozens of gifts to our godchildren, nieces and nephews.  We felt like kids ourselves when we were opening gifts.  (Of course, we grinned and shrieked like kids for every gift we liked and obligatorily smiled for every gift we didn’t like so much—especially when the giver was present.)

Now, it’s the day after Christmas.  I again remember Nicole and wonder if she received any gift at all.  I remember all the kids who asked me for pamasko but who I failed.

There will come a time, hopefully in the near future, when I may be able to raise funds to take Nicole and her siblings to StarCity.  But there will never be a time when I can afford to give gifts to every kid who knocks on my car window.  There are just too many poor kids around.

Something is really wrong with this country.  We can not even assure our children of a good Christmas, not to mention assure them of a life the rest of the year. Perhaps, it is time we listen to kids like Nicole.

= = = = = =

Muntadar al-Zeidi will be, from hereon, a household name for years to come.  While many will think of him as notorious, millions, if not billions, around the globe applaud his most memorable act to date: throw shoes at Bush and call him a dog.

I watched the deed over CNN this morning—a man throwing a pair of shoes at Bush who appeared to be having a press conference.  I learned later that Bush was in a hush-hush last visit to a country he ravaged with unjust war.  Al-Zeidi also called him a dog before throwing his footwear against the US President.

Succeeding reports educated me that throwing/hitting someone with a shoe and calling him a dog are the worst insults an Iraqi may hurl against another person.  An Iraqi at the receiving end of those insults is driven to great shame.  Bush’s response?  “So what if he threw shoes at me?”

But even with Bush’s apparently nonchalant response, I think it was false bravado on his part.  Even to a non-Iraqi, Al-Zeidi’s act is hugely embarrassing.  That Bush is (still) the President of the lone superpower and is the holder of the most powerful office in the world should magnify the insults a million-fold.  That billions around the world must be viewing it again and again should multiply it even more.

This incident will be one of the things Bush will be most remembered about even when he is no longer President.

Now, was Al-Zeidi justified in doing it?  Let me put it this way—if your country were ravaged by a war justified on totally baseless claims (WMD); if millions of your countrymen were dead because of it; if foreign aggressors are still occupying your country; and if the brains (now, this is a misnomer) behind all these comes to your country still saying he was right, won’t you feel the same degree of rage that this journalist felt?

Don’t get me wrong—I was shocked by what I saw on TV and I was still shocked when I reviewed it on YouTube.  I asked myself how a United States President could be treated in such a manner.

But when I put myself in Al-Zeidi’s shoes (pun intended), I can’t bring myself to denounce him.  I believe he was feeling the same towering rage Senator Mar Roxas felt when he called gloria’s cha-cha “Putang-ina!” And if I can bring myself to understand Roxas, why can’t I understand Al-Zeidi?

In fact, my only problem with the Iraqi journalist was his aim.

= = = = = =

December 15, 2008

mahirap maghukay ng malalim para sa mga tagong damdamin
sapagkat yaong malalaking butil lamang ang dapat palitawin
yung maliliit nama’y hayaan na lamang sa ilalim
at kung walang matisod ay di dapat manimdim

hindi madali ang mangapa sa madilim na hukay
ganun din naman ang paghahanap sa kahulugan ng buhay
ngunit kung ginto ay kumislap at nagpahanap
dalhin na ito sa ibabaw nang masilayan ng liwanag

paminsan-minsan ka man tumula aking kaibigan

ginto ang mga itong masarap basahi’t pakinggan
ano pa kung itong bagong gintong iyong alay
mayabang akong sabihing para sa aking tunay

Disyembre 6, 2008

Quezon City

2:00 n.h

(Sagot sa tulang alay ni Meg)