If Your Kasambahay Was Articulate

I know we've all secretly (and aloudly) asked why poor people make"dumb" decisions.  Yes, let's be honest, that's what we call them...."poor people."  

Christianity dictates we care for them and doing that requires empathy.  

I think this piece best illustrates their mindset and, I think, helps one nurture empathy. 

Imagine if your helper could speak English and was articulate, this is probably a piece they'd write.

This Is Why Poor People's Bad Decisions Make Perfect Sense

Posted: 11/22/2013 5:18 pm

Linda Tirado

There's no way to structure this coherently. They are random observations that might help explain the mental processes. But often, I think that we look at the academic problems of poverty and have no idea of the why. We know the what and the how, and we can see systemic problems, but it's rare to have a poor person actually explain it on their own behalf. So this is me doing that, sort of.

Rest is a luxury for the rich. I get up at 6AM, go to school (I have a full course load, but I only have to go to two in-person classes) then work, then I get the kids, then I pick up my husband, then I have half an hour to change and go to Job 2. I get home from that at around 12:30AM, then I have the rest of my classes and work to tend to. I'm in bed by 3. 

This isn't every day, I have two days off a week from each of my obligations. I use that time to clean the house and soothe Mr. Martini and see the kids for longer than an hour and catch up on schoolwork. Those nights I'm in bed by midnight, but if I go to bed too early I won't be able to stay up the other nights because I'll fuck my pattern up, and I drive an hour home from Job 2 so I can't afford to be sleepy. 

I never get a day off from work unless I am fairly sick. It doesn't leave you much room to think about what you are doing, only to attend to the next thing and the next. Planning isn't in the mix.

When I got pregnant the first time, I was living in a weekly motel. I had a minifridge with no freezer and a microwave. I was on WIC. I ate peanut butter from the jar and frozen burritos because they were 12/$2. Had I had a stove, I couldn't have made beef burritos that cheaply. And I needed the meat, I was pregnant. I might not have had any prenatal care, but I am intelligent enough to eat protein and iron whilst knocked up.

I know how to cook. I had to take Home Ec to graduate high school. Most people on my level didn't. Broccoli is intimidating. You have to have a working stove, and pots, and spices, and you'll have to do the dishes no matter how tired you are or they'll attract bugs. It is a huge new skill for a lot of people. 

That's not great, but it's true. And if you fuck it up, you could make your family sick. We have learned not to try too hard to be middle-class. It never works out well and always makes you feel worse for having tried and failed yet again. Better not to try. It makes more sense to get food that you know will be palatable and cheap and that keeps well. Junk food is a pleasure that we are allowed to have; why would we give that up? We have very few of them.

The closest Planned Parenthood to me is three hours. That's a lot of money in gas. Lots of women can't afford that, and even if you live near one you probably don't want to be seen coming in and out in a lot of areas. We're aware that we are not "having kids," we're "breeding." We have kids for much the same reasons that I imagine rich people do. Urge to propagate and all. Nobody likes poor people procreating, but they judge abortion even harder.

Convenience food is just that. And we are not allowed many conveniences. Especially since the Patriot Act passed, it's hard to get a bank account. But without one, you spend a lot of time figuring out where to cash a check and get money orders to pay bills. Most motels now have a no-credit-card-no-room policy. I wandered around SF for five hours in the rain once with nearly a thousand dollars on me and could not rent a room even if I gave them a $500 cash deposit and surrendered my cell phone to the desk to hold as surety.

Nobody gives enough thought to depression. You have to understand that we know that we will never not feel tired. We will never feel hopeful. We will never get a vacation. Ever. We know that the very act of being poor guarantees that we will never not be poor. It doesn't give us much reason to improve ourselves. We don't apply for jobs because we know we can't afford to look nice enough to hold them. I would make a super legal secretary, but I've been turned down more than once because I "don't fit the image of the firm," which is a nice way of saying "gtfo, pov." 

I am good enough to cook the food, hidden away in the kitchen, but my boss won't make me a server because I don't "fit the corporate image." I am not beautiful. I have missing teeth and skin that looks like it will when you live on B12 and coffee and nicotine and no sleep. Beauty is a thing you get when you can afford it, and that's how you get the job that you need in order to be beautiful. There isn't much point trying.

Cooking attracts roaches. Nobody realizes that. I've spent a lot of hours impaling roach bodies and leaving them out on toothpick pikes to discourage others from entering. It doesn't work, but is amusing.

"Free" only exists for rich people. It's great that there's a bowl of condoms at my school, but most poor people will never set foot on a college campus. We don't belong there. There's a clinic? Great! There's still a copay. We're not going. Besides, all they'll tell you at the clinic is that you need to see a specialist, which seriously? Might as well be located on Mars for how accessible it is. "Low-cost" and "sliding scale" sounds like "money you have to spend" to me, and they can't actually help you anyway.

I smoke. It's expensive. It's also the best option. You see, I am always, always exhausted. It's a stimulant. When I am too tired to walk one more step, I can smoke and go for another hour. When I am enraged and beaten down and incapable of accomplishing one more thing, I can smoke and I feel a little better, just for a minute. It is the only relaxation I am allowed. It is not a good decision, but it is the only one that I have access to. It is the only thing I have found that keeps me from collapsing or exploding.

I make a lot of poor financial decisions. None of them matter, in the long term. I will never not be poor, so what does it matter if I don't pay a thing and a half this week instead of just one thing? It's not like the sacrifice will result in improved circumstances; the thing holding me back isn't that I blow five bucks at Wendy's. 

It's that now that I have proven that I am a Poor Person that is all that I am or ever will be. It is not worth it to me to live a bleak life devoid of small pleasures so that one day I can make a single large purchase. I will never have large pleasures to hold on to. There's a certain pull to live what bits of life you can while there's money in your pocket, because no matter how responsible you are you will be broke in three days anyway. 

When you never have enough money it ceases to have meaning. I imagine having a lot of it is the same thing.

Poverty is bleak and cuts off your long-term brain. It's why you see people with four different babydaddies instead of one. You grab a bit of connection wherever you can to survive. You have no idea how strong the pull to feel worthwhile is. It's more basic than food. You go to these people who make you feel lovely for an hour that one time, and that's all you get. You're probably not compatible with them for anything long-term, but right this minute they can make you feel powerful and valuable. It does not matter what will happen in a month. 

Whatever happens in a month is probably going to be just about as indifferent as whatever happened today or last week. None of it matters. We don't plan long-term because if we do we'll just get our hearts broken. It's best not to hope. You just take what you can get as you spot it.

I am not asking for sympathy. I am just trying to explain, on a human level, how it is that people make what look from the outside like awful decisions. This is what our lives are like, and here are our defense mechanisms, and here is why we think differently. It's certainly self-defeating, but it's safer. That's all. I hope it helps make sense of it.

Written November 24, 2013

Of True Grit

Success, apparently, is about grit - yes, not giving up...courage and resolve...strength of character. 

Check this short video from a teacher who has researched on that and if you're interested to know more, there's an accompanying piece here.  

Written November 17, 2013

Marshmallows and 10 Psychological Tests That Will Change You

Had a nice conversation yesterday afternoon when my mom mentioned she'd attended a seminar on leadership and that one of the key take-aways for her was to "know thyself."  

True, true and, serendipitously, I'd bumped into an article last night about "10 Psychological Tests That Will Change What You Think You Know About Yourself."  A mouthful, yes, but it does list a favorite: The Milgram Experiment.  

It's a fun read and you can find it here.  

Love the one on easily being corrupted by power.  It's something so evident in the Philippines - where a small number of people that due to social status, money, etc. often treat those in the majority (the poor, etc.) abusively - often, in subtle ways that we no longer notice.  

Written October 21, 2013

Malala and the Human Spirit

For those of us who still complain about how hard our lives are - "Damn, the internet's down again, I can't believe we're down to eight helpers again...." - let's pause for a few minutes to hear the story of Malala Yousafzai - who, of course is the 16 year old Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for fighting for the right of women to be educated.

From The Huffington Post:

The Nobel Peace Prize nominee said that when she learned she was a target while living in Pakistan, she often thought about how she would react if she found herself face-to-face with a terrorist. At first, she thought she would fight back. But then she realized, she could not stoop to his level.

“If you hit a Talib, then there would be no difference between you and the Talib,” she said. “You must not treat others with cruelty…You must fight others through peace and through dialogue and through education.”

Once she decided she could not respond with violence, Yousafzai thought about what she would say to a terrorist.

“I would tell him how important education is and that I would even want education for your children as well. That’s what I want to tell you,” she envisioned saying, “now do what you want.”

Wow, huh?

You can check out her amazing interview with Jon Stewart here which you can share with your kids.  It may be the 21st Century, but, yes we still need heroes. 

Making Leaders

Had a bit of a talk last night with the kids on leadership.  

From an LA Times article: 

Winston Churchill put it, "The price of greatness is responsibility."

Studies show that taking responsibility is one of the key traits people expect from a leader. In one 2006 study, two researchers at the University of Kent in England conducted a laboratory experiment in which human subjects in a group were given money and a choice: They could either keep it all or contribute some portion to a "group fund" that would be doubled and divided equally between all participants. Some people cooperated for the good of all, while others did not.

In a second phase of the experiment, the participants were asked who would be the best leader for the group. Eighty percent of the time, they chose the person who had contributed the most to the fund in the first phase. When people can choose the people who will lead them, they prefer people who proactively take responsibility for group welfare.

Finally, we'd gone through this piece with them:

5 Steps to Helping Your Child Become a Leader

By Scott D. Krenz

Being a leader and developing leadership skills is learned. While some children may have a little more confidence in themselves than others, it does not necessarily make them a leader. It has been proven countless times throughout history that anyone can learn to be a leader. As a parent, you will play a huge part in whether your child is a leader or follower in life.

“Being a Leader” does not necessarily mean that a person is in a position to tell others what to do. Many of the most powerful or influential leaders in history simply “led” themselves, but through their powerful individual choices they influenced millions or even entire generations of people around the world. One of the most important traits of a leader is the ability to make decisions for yourself, being able to stand up to peer pressure and set a personal standard of behavior.

Leaders and followers step into their roles at a very young age. You can walk into a kindergarten class and within a very short period of time you will know which children are going to be the leaders in the class and who will be the followers.

As a parent, the question you need to ask is:

“Do I want MY child to be a leader or a follower?”

Because it really is up to you! It is up to you to instill your children with the knowledge and skills to be a leader everyday of their life...beginning TODAY!

There are a few simple skills you can help your child learn and develop that will help them become a leader. These skills will empower your children with the confidence and tools to make choices for themselves and not have to follow the crowd or cave in to peer pressure.

5 Qualities of a “Leader.”

A “Leader” says “Yes, I Can!”
It's called the power of Positive Attitude.
A Leader understands there will be many people throughout their life who will tell them why they CAN NOT do or be something. A leader stays focused on maintaining a positive attitude no matter what the people around them say or do. A leader stands up to peer pressure everyday to make choices for themselves.

Teach your children to say “Yes I can!” even when they are not sure. Help them understand the power of a positive attitude.

A “Leader” says “It's not a problem, it's a Challenge!” It's called Overcoming Adversity.
Everyday life is filled with challenges, however, many people call them “problems” and therefore they are overcome by their magnitude. One of the crutches in life that leaders do not use is the phrase “I Can't.” Leaders learn very quickly in life that saying “I can't” is just an excuse not to try. It makes it easy to give up. The first step to being a leader is to always say “Yes, I Can.” There is always another solution. You just need to ask a different or better question to find more solutions. Each challenge in life is an opportunity to learn a new lesson.

Teach your children to ask better questions and be creative in finding solutions to life's challenges. Help them find the lesson in each of life's challenges.

A “Leader” says “Never give up, never give up, never give up!” It's called Perseverance.
The easiest answer or path whenever something gets hard in life is to stop or give up. A Leader knows that the easiest path is not always the best path. A simple well-known quote expresses the power of perseverance very well:

“Perseverance prevails when all else fails.”

Quitting is easy. It's a habit that begins at a young age. Children need to learn at a very young age the power of building positive habits in life.

Teach your children the power and importance of not quitting and fulfilling their commitments in life. Help them develop a habit of persistence and fulfilling commitments.

A “Leader” says “I may fail or make mistakes BUT I always learn and move ahead!” It's called Commitment.
Mistakes and failure are an integral part of life. We tend to learn the most in life from our mistakes or failures. Leaders learn to do their best and are not beaten down by their mistakes. Leaders learn to ask themselves a powerful question each time they make a mistake or fail: “What can I learn from this experience?”

Teach your children it is OK to make mistakes in life as long as they learn and do their very best. Help them find the lesson in each of life's experiences.

A “Leader” says “I will always do my best!” It's called Excellence.
“EXCELLENCE” or doing your very best, is a daily decision. It's easy to be average. It takes a focused effort every day to do your best. It really is an attitude. Leaders choose to do their best in everything they do. It's not about being better than other people; it's just about challenging yourself to be your best.

Teach your children to do their own best and not worry about comparing themselves to other people. Help them understand the importance of challenging themselves to do their very best everyday.  

Written October 11, 2013

"The World's Greatest Hoax!"

Don’t believe everything you read:  Fake reviews used to sell major Hollywood picture.

By: Jay Buenaflor

January 29, 2014

Blurbs are short quotes for books and films (“One of the year’s best”) and an ad shrouded in mystery thought it could get away with fabricating fake commendations for “The Three Musketeers” starring Milla Jovovich and Orlando Bloom. 

The sham quotes by non-existent critics for the $75 Million Alexandre Dumas adaptation came out in the entertainment section of The Philippine Star in late 2011.  Together with three other dubious proclamations, “This year’s best action movie” was attributed to a fictitious “Ray Pierce” of Variety, the venerable Los Angeles-based entertainment-trade weekly.

Upon being informed of this, the magazine’s editor in chief, Tim Gray, issued a terse “our lawyers plan to deal with it” reply. 

An investigation into the glowing tributes, including one from Hollywood Reporter (“Awesome”), has concluded that neither of the write-ups nor pundits exist.  Two other publications mentioned – Empire Movies and Screen Movies.com – appear to be as genuine as the Hitler diaries.

Pioneer Films, the movie’s local distributor, has denied putting out the ad in question.  “That’s not ours.  It’s in black and white and very wordy,” said Ian Tan of the company’s creative department.  Various attempts to confirm with The Philippine Star who had put it out have faced a dead-end (“Our records don’t go that far back,” replied its advertising division).     

Welcome to the world of ‘contributors.’ “This is most probably put out by someone who is a contributor,” continued Mr. Tan.  “They’re people who put out ads and articles in newspapers and online and come to us expecting something in return.  We usually give them movie passes, but, never money.”

A free movie in exchange for a P65,000.00 promotion?  The transaction seems ludicrous.  “They usually get space in the papers for much less and, sometimes, for free,” countered Mr. Tan. “They usually do this to build their credentials and go around show what they’ve done and parlay it into paying PR (public relations) work.”

Take a quick view online and of any local newspaper and it’s increasingly difficult to figure out self-serving articles and those that are, uhm, objectively subjective.  Here’s a tip:  The former, called advertorials or native advertising, sometimes have no bylines. 

When asked why there seems to be an “epidemic” of dishonesty  - the Napoles story and a plagiarizing photographer, Senator and Supreme Court Justice come to mind – University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos said, “We have lowered the standards for rule of law so people are able to game the system and get away with it.  It is not surprising that you have incidents of “fakes” because it is simply a symptom of people / organizations gaming the system and enough public being indifferent altogether.” 

“We have forgotten what it means to be ‘excellent,'” continued Ms. Carlos . 

For the record, the genuine appraisals for “The Three Musketeers” were scathing, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it a swashbuckler wielding a “disappointingly blunt sword” and it tallying a measly 24% positive on the reviews aggregator Rottentomatoes.com. 

Disturbingly, a questionable December 18 ad for “In Fear” seems to say this nightmare isn’t over.  GQ seems to proclaim it as “More terrifying then Blaire Witch Project.”  The misspelling seems to suggest a real bad copy writer or a contributor has struck again.  I’m off to investigate. 

A Whim Comes To An End

It was fun while it lasted.  Yes, I'm drawing Truth Inc. to a close. 

Truth Inc. started late 2010 and truth be told, the response wasn't overwhelming.  Those who did respond?  Made everything worthwhile.  My appreciation is genuine. 

The back and forths by email by some of the readers showcased my stance that Filipinos are smarter than those advertised by the Willie Revillames of the world. 

Another thing I've learned:  Writing is tough.  For a pretentious wanna-be like me?  It's a lonely, lonely, gruelling endeavour. 

So, I've moved on to my next adventure:  Podcasting. 

Hope you can join me there:  Istoryahan.

Thanks for the memories and good night.

The best (darn) radio program you've never heard of....

I've shed copious tears lamenting the fact that Filipinos are not exposed to alternative, commercial-free (read: relatively independent) and listener supported media that's actually common fare for thriving and progressive democracies. 

It's common fact to friends and readers that I view a majority of Filipinos as naive and unenlightened children and that we are where we are precisely because of that fact. 

Why?  There's, I'm sure, an 898 page thesis for that but for now I'd like to focus on the fact that it's partly because we're more attuned to visceral newstertainment (see "Cristy Ferminute") than to cerebral discussions on...let's say..."How Brazil got out of poverty and became part of the so-called BRIC countries of newly developed economies." 

"Boring," you'll say.  "Exactly, what I mean," I'll retort.  Yes, I'll agree with you when you say that the US also has its share of junk culture, but I ask:  Do not discount the fact that at least 10% of it's population listen to National Public Radio and its informative news and cultural programming.

Lately, though, my tears have turned slightly into that of joy.  It's not quite close, but "Bayan at Batas," at least, is well within radar-range of the BBC.

Over dinner at my parent's place (thanks for the fish fillet, Mom), Marvin Aceron - one of the brains behind the program and whose day-job is being a lawyer - intimated that it all came about by accident.  "My law firm partner's father had a program on that station (government-owned DZRB) and they we're looking for somebody to fill in a vacant hour.  My partners and I thought, 'Why not?'"

What started out as discussions on celebrated court cases soon elevated into something quite unusual in the Philippine setting.  I suppose episodes dealing with Jesus Christ's trial, Oscar Wilde, the Yamashita treasure and the Galman case is but natural if it's made by brainy, Jesuit-educated lawyers who happen to be fans of the Beatles and whose tagline seems to be "Love is greater than justice."

It flies high when they attempt to give voice to personalities and ideals Filipinos have not been exposed to (Mandela, Gandhi, St. Thomas More) and shed light on forgotten Filipinos who've helped shape this country (Enrique Jurado, Gomburza, Amado Hernandez).

Other standout episodes include those on the Balangiga massacre, the landmark US abortion case "Roe v.s Wade" (heart-wrenching piece that rivals any telenovela) and the OJ Simpson Trial (a "CSI"-like dissection of what was once a convoluted, media-driven affair).

If, however, you'd just like to try and see first what the program is all about, do yourself a huge favor and check out their best (so far):  "Sumilao Farmers Case."  Done together with figures involved in this story of Mindanao tillers who walked 1,700 kilometers for their land, it becomes memorable for being one about faith, hope, love and the importance of wearing a good pair of flip-flops.

It's not a perfect program.  Typical of mainstream fare, it falters when it is marred by "pabatis," slow starts, insider jokes and unfocused "barkada"-like discussions (I've to admit the latter is part of the charm.  The show is the answer to that question: "Wonder what would happen if my drinking buddies put on a radio show.") 

Undeniably, though, it's democracy at work.  It's where alternative voices and thoughts are given a fun and entertaining venue, a writer can go toe-to-toe with an Undersecretary and bombshells like "seats to the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) board are rewarded to religious groups for their electoral support" are thrown around. 

Sidenote: The last answers my long-running question of why 1/4th of AM stations are run by these organizations.

True democracy works best when its citizens are informed and enlightened.  We've done a half-decent job on the former but been abysmal with the latter.  It can be considered mature and progressive when it allows - defends - those who bring forth topics that are not supposed to be brought forth.  

At the rate we are making babies, intelligence is what's going to save us.  To keep pace, we'll have to move away from being merely a labor export and manufacturing economy to one that will rely on creativity and knowledge.  By extension, "Bayan at Batas" is helping save the Philippines.  Who knows, they just might enrich enough of us to help change the status quo in about....oh....387 years.          

Radio is one of the last frontiers of media democratization brought about by the internet (see what it's done to print media and films) and "Bayan at Batas" through its podcasts is paving the way.  It's not quite a revolution yet, but, there's undeniably a whiff of "Spring " coming out of my headset.

Now that I've let the cat out of the bag and, thus, forcing the government to probably shut them down, catch them Sunday nights on 738 AM (DZRB) from 7 til 8 PM or better yet, spend Sunday night with the kids and the loved ones and  then download them from iTunes (last 20 episodes only) or here http://bayanatbatas.podbean.com and listen to them Monday morning to ensure a more enlightened week ahead. 

(A Lack Of) Sense And Sensitivity

or "How They See Us Part II"
or "The Balls and Chains Keeping Us Down Part III"

Went to sleep in Manila / woke up 15 years later in the same place / except now, it's Calcutta
                                                                            My vain attempt at being Bob Dylan

My words - believe it or not - fail me. Please watch these two first. I…just…might…recover…

Part 1:


Part 2:



I'd already started on a piece for this but sat on it and let it simmer for a month. Looked at it again and it felt like it was what it was: A viewpoint from an educated, upper middle-class, bleeding-heart liberal.

It talked about how I often took public transportation and actually felt like I was “among my people." "Crap," I agree with you. My ideology - just like others in this country - will never allow me to understand what most of the people in this country feel. We just may think we do.

I had said that “needless to say, there are two Philippines.” The one I belong to: The influential, know-it-all, predominantly conservative, comfortable, English-with-an-accent speaking better half and the voiceless, toothless (literally and figuratively), ill-educated and hungry other half.

The ideology of the first group will never allow it to see the reality of the second one. “Shame on my people,” I said. Another gem I came up with: “Ideology trumps reality.”

But, on repeated viewing of “City of Guilt” I realized – call it an epiphany – that I got it all wrong. So, this is the piece I should have written all along:

To ex-Mayor Lito Atienza: Thanks to you, I now know why there’s been an absence of fleas on my body: It’s the pesticide in the condom I’ve been using! No wonder. Suggestion to Trust’s marketing folks: “Hindi lang pang-proteksyon, pang-tanggal pa ng kuto!”

To Congressman Ed Zialcita: Don’t lose too much sleep trying to figure out ways of coming up with laws to make the country a better place. Your idea – which I think is brilliant – is to send most of us abroad, anyway. Don’t worry about it, we’ll be fine there.

In fact, we won’t stop you if you decide to get a job in Canada. Don’t worry, with your impeccable English, you’ll easily get a job.

Even better, I’ve realized that with all the lives lost in Japan and the Middle East, my wife’s excuses tonight will pale in comparison. My line: “Honey, you know, according to a great Congressman we’re the Slave Manufacturing Capital of the world. So, please get undressed because, tonight, we’re F***ING FOR JAPAN. BANZAI!!"

I mean, somebody's got to wipe the butts of the Western world.  Why shouldn't we do it?  Here’s a campaign for you, you humiliated Marketing people at the Tourism Department: “Come to the Philippines - the Slave Manufacturing Capital – and see how they are made! Feel free to make one yourself!”

And, lastly, to that guy who once said these: "Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another," "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me,"

Please hush.  Your ideology – great on paper, by the way – has no basis with reality. Your views are obviously nothing but the rantings of, yes, a crazed bleeding-heart liberal. Look at us: We have the power, but, we won’t care for and love each other. Please see the light as we have.

Here’s a warning, too: You come back here without changing your views...don't worry, we won't kill you again...we'll just laugh and mock you, once again. This time, though, it'll be live on primetime on TV5.

Six-Word Memoir Contest Awarding

Took advantage of the FPJ event as the venue to award the winners of the Six-Word Memoir Contest.  Here they are:

                                                    Rocky Camus and me Mum

                                                              Gino Tadiar's

                                                               Pete Lacaba's

                                                           Dani Orosa's

Thanks again to Boyet Abrenica and the good people at Sud for the great shirts. 
Till next contest!!!

Note:  The dark photos?  Yes, I didn't know the flash needed separate batteries. 

A Few Words About The FPJ Event

Text of speech I was SUPPOSED to deliver at the Remembering Ronnie event. Things just got off to a great start that I didn't feel like butting in with my thoughts....

The question on everybody's mind right now is, no, it's not "I wonder what's for merienda." Rather, "What am I doing here?"

This afternoon has been billed as a get-together talking about Fernando Poe Jr. But, as I lay it down in the next few seconds - it really is about ourselves.

In my observation, I've noticed that there seems to be two Philippines. One is made up of the better educated, English speaking and understanding, more comfortable upper classes. I must admit I belong to this group but it is the other grouping that I am most intrigued with. They're the neglected, voiceless, figuratively toothless under-educated masa.

One thing I noted about this masa crowd is that you can still find them - almost six years after his death - watching the movies of Fernando Poe Jr. I've seen them watch an old movie of his behind the counter of a cafe and at carenderias. These are movies from the 70's and 80's! That's when I started becoming curious. "This is some phenomenon," I thought.

Why him...

I'll let the scriptwriter Pete Lacaba take over here. He writes, "The standard Fernando Poe Jr. movie deals with themes that appeal to the popular imagination and express certain popular aspirations.

The Poe character is usually a patient, long-suffering individual who, when his patience has been stretched to the limit by the violence of his oppressors, is not averse to using fists and guns to defend or avenge himself. It is a character the Filipino peasant, likewise blessed with legendary patience, may find easy to identify with...

One strong quality of the Poe character is that he is incapable of wallowing in despair. He may be assailed by doubts, but in the end he always gets over his doubts and goes into action. The Poe character believes in the necessity of struggle, operating on the assumption that the human condition presents much to protest against but nothing to despair about. Thus, the Poe movie always ends on a note of hope. Perhaps the hope is illusory, and then again, perhaps it could be a stimulant for the downtrodden."

That should explain why he almost became President, why another actor who operated under the same modus became President and came second the last election. This is what we, in the upper classes, will not comprehend and will continue getting surprised by the behaviour of the "masa."  Pete Lacaba's words, by the way?  Written in 1979.
 
Check out your favorite bookstore and you'll see it chockfull of biographies, autobiographies of "foreigners." Look for the same type of books on Filipinos and the selection is very thin. A biography on Rizal, maybe, one on Rudy Fernandez, a collection of writings on Cory, maybe...

What does this say about us? It seems to say that we Filipinos don't have great stories. My thinking is this, great stories don't have to be about white, black or yellow people. It, too, can be about people with a brown complexion.

Imagine what would happen to us when we realize - hey, we Filipinos have great stories. Maybe, just maybe we can be great after all. Like I said, it'll be about ourselves...

The tepid and quizzical response I got when I started telling people about this get-together is an indication of where we are as a people. Believe me, we do something like this in let's say Rancho Cucamonga, California talking about - let's say John Wayne - we'll probably be able to have 60 guests at the local library. We have to to able to start celebrating ourselves. Like I said, it'll be about ourselves....

The response among my class can be described as dismissive. I suppose to "us" he belongs to a different class. The class not to be taken seriously.

So, absent of a biography on FPJ, I was hoping that this afternoon would suffice for now. Am looking forward to hearing stories about him....about ourselves.

In closing, I also noticed that he is a true Filipino. True Filipino, in the sense that he seemed to be one of contradictions.  Here's a champion of the so-called masa - representing them in their fight against usually fair-skinned contravidas - obviously representing our passed down by generations desire to rebel against our oppressors when he - FPJ himself - is of Spanish - by way of Catalonia - and American descent.

Also, here's the story of a person whose image was that of a devoted husband, but, who we later find out actually has kids with another woman.

Was supposed to close the event with this "thanks" to my Mom who played host:

Let me tell you a bit of myself. I grew up in a small town and in the 70’s, movies were the only form of entertainment. My Mom made me aware of that world in that darkened at a very tender age. Believe me, watching “Jaws” at 5 years old? Not a good idea.

Then one day my Mom told me: “You’re not going to school today, we’re going to watch a movie being made.” I still remember my Dad’s protestations about this. That I shouldn't miss school.  Looking back, we should have heeded him. It was amazing: They were these skilled people doing fun things....seriously. That looked like fun and I wanted to be part of it.

My brothers and I have been hooked since. Warning to parents and parents-to-be: Be careful what you expose your children to.

You might be getting the impression that Mom is maybe a bit unbalanced. Well, you’re wrong. Just like me? She’s waaaay craaaazyyy. When other parents tell you, “You should go into business school that’s where the money is or be a doctor”…she’s the one who encouraged me to take up filmmaking. She was the one who ordered my Dad to pay for my education in the US. So, Mom, thanks for hosting this affair and for having introduced me to that flickering image in that darkened temple.

Mom:  Thanks for being there....and for indulging me in my craaaazzzyyy ideas. 

And, Dad?  Thanks for letting Mom be herself.

Note: Yes, of course, I took pictures of the get-together.  Me being me, siyempre, I didn't put batteries for the flash. 

Unleashing My Inner DJ

This post wasn't due to be released for another month.  Woke up this morning feeling it was right to do this now.  It's been one of those weeks:  Felt some friends needed cheering up and, of course, the world has darkened a bit with what is happening in Japan, Libya and elsewhere. 

Music.  I could go on with quotes about its healing powers and all, but, I'd rather let it speak for itself....

This is How We Walk On the Moon - Arthur Russell
Radio - One of the pleasures living abroad.  Yes, that old-fashioned thing.  I stick to those fringe stations that are adventerous in their programming (to be discussed in a future post).  KEXP in New York is one of those and this is where I found this...


No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
They play, what I think, is very spiritual music.


Whole Of The Moon - The Waterboys
For me, this one's about those people who "blaze trails" and do things their way with no fear.  I suppose a tribute to iconoclasts.  May the world have more of you.  May we all see the "whole of the moon."
 
I pictured a rainbow, you held it in your hands / I had flashes but you saw the plan / I wandered out in the world for years while you just stayed in your room / I saw the crescent, you saw the whole of the moon / You stretched for the stars and you know how it feels.

I was grounded while you filled the skies / I was dumbfounded by truth, you cut through lies / I spoke about wings you just flew / I wondered I guessed and I tried, you just knew / With a torch in your pocket and the wind at your heels / You climbed on the ladder and you know how it feels / You came like a comet, blazing your trail.


Dancing In The Moonlight - King Harvest
Should bring a smile to your face and sunshine to your soul.


Hollywood Bass Player - Josh Rouse
Let's stay with the 70's with this one.  Okay, this one's actually from 2006 but it's by an American who loves that era.  First heard it in Spain - where he actually lives.  I'll always have sweet memories of our three years there.


It Never Rains in Southern California - Albert Hammond
I'm having a hard time getting out of the 70's.  This one's, I'd like to think, a ballad for Filipinos living abroad.  People back home think it's all about happiness, wealth and the good life.  It's not always like that.  "When it pours / man it pours." 


Strawberry Letter 23 - Shuggie Otis
What happens when you cross The Eagles with Prince?  Here it is, California Rock with Psychadelic Pop.  Yes, it's still from the 70's.


Rock Baby Rock - VST and Company
My critique on Filipino music:  We're so influenced by our colonial past that we have a difficult time coming up with one that's distinctly ours.  When we do, it's not appreciated by us.  But, hey, we do a great job of copying, eh?  For those of you keeping track:  This is disco, yes, but it's technically from the 80's, ok? 


I Wear Your Ring - Cocteau Twins
Ethereal - One of my favorite English words. Also the best one-word description for this group featuring Elizabeth Fraser. May recognize her from her work with Massive Attack. Off the excellent 1990 album "Heaven Or Las Vegas." The whole album? Ethereal.


Loving The Alien - David Bowie
Great artist.  Had a hard time choosing which of his songs to play.  I suppose this one works for the moment.  He openly mocks religion (But if you pray all your sins are hooked upon the sky /
prayers they hide the saddest view / believing the strangest things / loving the alien), but, sings it with a great melody.  You know my stand:  Sprituality and faith is great.  It's when it's used for purposes that actually contradict sprituality and faith that I'm against.


More Than This - Peter Gabriel
Since we're now getting into cerebral territory why don't we bring this one out.  It's a humbling experience knowing how long the world we know has been around, how vast and still unexplored it is, how we have not really understood the "why" of our existence...there just must be more than this (there is something out there / more than this / way beyond imagination / there is something else there / when all that you had has all gone).


This Must Be The Place - Talking Heads
Possibly the only way to close this piece:   Home is where I want to be....

An Englishman (Jeepney Driver) in Manila

or "How They See Us Part I"

Did you hear about this one? About the bus driver from London who became a jeepney driver?

My posts, as many of you know, are often long-winded exercises that usually last...ohh, forever. This time, I'll shut up and let this story do the talking. It'll take an hour, but, I think it's an hour worth wasting. It really is as much about us as it is his story.

Tip: Click "pause" on all videos at the same time in order to cutdown on the download time.

Part 1 of 6:



Part 2 of 6:



Part 3 of 6:



Part 4 of 6:



Part 5 of 6:



Part 6 of 6:



Great, great shout-out to one of our most loyal readers, Dani Orosa, who found this story on the BBC.

The Caged Bird: A Children's Book

      A children's book about a country, a song, its writer and a musician.

Hoy, did you know that there once was a land that was clean, green and pollution-free?

Its beauty so captivating, its riches so bountiful and its people so warm that it lured men from different parts of the world. 

Let's fast-forward our story to 1929 (Parents: Use fast-forward effect here) when that land - now called the Philippines - was on its 364th year of being occupied by these foreigners.

This is where we find our writer - by all accounts, an unexceptional man who led an unexceptional life but who was rather exceptional with words (Parents: Re-do that sentence with a British accent.  We were, after all, under them for two years).  His name?  Huseng Batute.  Funny name, right?  That, of course, is his stage name (Parents: Explain "stage name") but in the interest of keeping you from getting bored we'll leave it at that.

He was a wordsmith - he and others had come up with something called balagtasan: a contest done in poetry (Parents:  Do an example of this - "Nananalig akong nagsisimula ang pamahalaan sa ibaba at kumikilos paitaas dahil.....") - who longed for his beloved country to be free.  To express this, he wrote a poem and asked a friend to write music for it. 

The song was about a country imprisoned and in poverty and pain.  Of a country that once had grace and tranquility but was now in sorrow and despair.  It longed to be be free...when its people would rise up and break free...break free from their slavery.  For a time when freedom would reign supreme.

Let's fast-forward our story, again, to a few more years - the late '70's (Parents: Fast-forward effect again).  Here we find a singer longing to write a patriotic song.  Try he did, but, it was the song written by our friend, Huseng Batute, that kept haunting him.  So Freddie Aguilar said to himself, "Instead of writing a new song, why don't I do a remake of that song."

So, Freddie approached his record producer and, after playing him his version, asked if he could record it.  The producer graciously asked Freddie, "Maybe you should sing something else.  Don't you know that song is now banned?"

You see, the Philippines, by this this time, was no longer held captive by people from other countries but was now under the iron fist of someone called a dictator - someone who had made life difficult for a lot of people.  The dictator did not allow certain songs to be played.  Certainly, you must understand, he wouldn't allow one about pain, suffering and a longing for freedom be played.

But, Freddie was determined.  Because he was determined, he found a way.  How?  He was able to have the WIFE of the dictator fall in love with his version.  I suppose, after this, the dictator couldn't do anything about it. 

The dictator - as you may understand - didn't make a lot of people happy.  One of those who voiced his complaint was a man named Ninoy.  Ninoy talked loud and clear about the wrongdoings of the dictator.  As you may understand, this did not make a lot of people happy, either.  One day, someone shot and killed Ninoy to silence him - forever.

Millions felt a great sadness and longed to say goodbye to Ninoy.  One of those who lined up for hours to pay respect was our friend, Freddie.  After Ninoy's family recognized him, they asked if he could sing the song that spoke about freedom.  He declined at first because he didn't have a guitar with him.  They asked him to sing acapella - without a musical instrument - instead.  This, he did, with much power and love that it brought tears to many. 

A few years later, the people would finally rise up and kick out the dictator.  This happened because they were no longer afraid.  Guess what?  It was our song that helped keep the faith in this struggle alive. 

Today, things are not yet so free with the Philippines.  We're still not fully free from poverty nor suffering.  There is still much great pain and sorrow. 

Perhaps, one day, with your help...yes, your help...this country will finally be free and the caged bird - the bird that cries in captivity - will finally break free. 

This is the song:




My beloved country
Filipinas is your name
Pearl of the Orient
Blest with unblemished beauty
But alas! robbed of your longed-for freedom
Always weeping in poverty and pain.

My country, Filipinas
Land of gold and flowers
Love has given her grace and tranquility
And her radiance and loveliness
drew rapacious foreigners
My country, they have imprisoned you
Thrown you into sorrow and despair.

Even birds who freely fly
When caged will struggle to escape
What more of a country endowed with
nobility
Would she not strive to break free?

Filipinas, my cherished land
My home of sorrow and tears
Always I dream to see you truly free.
How lovely it is to live in one's native land
If there is no slavery and freedom
reigns supreme

A people who are now oppressed
In the morrow shall stand up
The east will turn a fiery crimson
And mark the dawn of freedom.

For my father who gave me a brain, my mother who gave me a heart, my two wonderful kids, my wife who is raising them well, my cousin, Jeannine, who showed me love of country and to not fear Filipino music and finally to those who gave their lives so that we may all live free - J.B.

For my mother, my brother, Marcus, and Grandma and Grandpa - K.B.

JAY BUENAFLOR was born in the United States, grew up in the Philippines, worked abroad for 14 years and is back - for now - in the Philippines.  Wheww.  He lives in Paranaque together with his wife, Kelly, and two kids, Kara and Marcus. 

KARA BUENAFLOR was born in the United States and is currently in the process of learning to love the Philippines.  The interests of this seven year old include arts and crafts, history, reading and gymnastics.