Ningan and Buboy Garduque: Confession and Apologies

This thing is getting out of hand. I must confess to you, my friends, that the whole "A Feel-Good Story About The Philippines" is one big hoax that I came up with.  Yes, I wrote everything.  Including the fake "LA Times article."

I'm extremely sorry if this whole affair caused you pain and suffering. I am sorry. If it's any consolation, my "sorry" is as sincere as hers:

Before I go on, I'd first like to commend those who saw that it was all made up and have sent in priceless comments. This from Dani Orosa in the UK:

It left me feeling both optimistic and frustrated at the same time. Optimistic in a sense that I can see so much potential in our little country, and that I'm pleased because ningan is indeed a reality. We really are such happy people. How many countries can say their people are are happy in every sense of the word? So happy that you can't really even describe it properly, that it's more an internal feeling that's hard to put a name to. I think we really are blessed as a country for it's people more than anything else, it really is one of our greatest assets.

I'm also a bit frustrated because along with this happiness sometimes I think we're a bit naive too, this is my Western sensibility speaking. ie the GDP and GNH, as happy as any country can be, if it's still corrupt then nothing is ever going to work properly and it's people won't benefit. I know that part of the way we are as a people is largely due to the fact that we ARE a third world country, part of me wonders what would happen if we managed to claw our way out of that, would as a people, we still be the same? Would we change?

Your piece really had my head going back and forth, really made me think. About governments, environment, class, national identity, all sorts of stuff. It makes me proud of where I come from, happy, and I think I understand why we are the way we are more. It also makes me want to do more, to want to try and change how people work, how people perceive things, how to try and educate people so that they question things and not be so submissive, question authority, and demand/expect better from themselves and from our country because we should and we deserve it.

Perhaps, her best compliment: My brain hurts from all this thinking!!!

Comments from other readers:

Interesting in Peter Pan's world...hehe...but you never know.

And it's good to keep on repeating these visions. It will come true.

I love how this guy writes about us!!! Now if only the whole country can see themselves they way this dude sees us!! MORE POSITIVITY :)

Ok, those comments were nice and...thank you for that. But, here's the problem. Apparently, some people have taken this story to be the gospel truth. Other comments:

Kumusta, po? Gusto, ho, namin sanang ma-meet si Buboy. Napakaganda, po, nang-ginawa niya para sa atin. Gusto, ho, namin siyang pasalamatan. Pwede ba, ho, kaming bumisita? Pasensya na, po, kung medyo straight-forward kami.
                                                    Fourth Year Class of Succor Colleges, Cavite 


And this from Egypt:

Hello! We read about wonderful man called Buboy and how he transfformed your nation. Things bit of difficulty now here in Egypt. We would like somebody like him for our next leader. Death to Mubarak and his minions!! Is possible if we outsource our presidency to the Philippines? May a thousand blessings enter your domain, sir!!
                                                                     Abu Qirqas Freedom Brigade

Like I said, things are getting out of hand. Hence, my dilemma. Do I tell them the truth or do I continue with this grand delusion? Actually, it really isn't a dilemma. As you very well know, certain grand delusions are actually good for you: Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, the Three Kings and the Easter Bunny. I mean, who am I to spoil a good party with the truth?


I keep going back to that last scene in "Brazil." You know, the one where Jonathan Pryce's character is catatonically blissful - happy in his head only - while he actually lives in a dystopic society.  Reality isn't important, right? It's your perception of it that counts.

Like I said: No dilemma.

So, now I'm searching for an actor - in his 70's - to play El Presidente. Any suggestions? Send them in.

Also, there were those who sent in their entries for the country's new name. So far:

Jollibee Republic
Islas Kalakaran
Pacquiaoland
Republic of Kalikasan

Last one's my favorite. Send in yours.

Lastly, special mention to Rocky Camus for having sent in this quote from the "Harry Potter" author:

We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.
                                                                                 J.K. Rowling
Speaking of imagination, did I mention that "Imagine" is one of President Garduque's favorite songs? That he also happened to play bass on an experimental jazz outfit that John Lennon came up with in New York while he was on his five-year music hiatus?

Imagine the possibilities....