Showing posts with label hero. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hero. Show all posts
CNN chooses Efren Penaflorida as "2009 Hero of the Year"
In an acceptance speech at the Kodak Theatre in Holliywood, teacher Efren Penaflorida spoke of serving others above oneself to be happy. He was tops in a field of 10 finalists honored by “CNN’s Heroes: An All Star Tribute,,” an annual recognition of international news organizations of people doing selfless acts for the benefit of humanity.
The first Filipino to receive such an award, 29 year-old Penaflorida was selected and voted by 14 judges out of 10 nominees chosen from 9,000 candidates worldwide this year. Among the judges were Gen. Colin Powell, movie actress and TV personality Whoopie Goldberg, and singer Elton John.
A son of a tricycle driver and a laundress, Efren was given the tribute for his work in “Kariton Klasrum,” a teaching program on pushcart that brought the learning of math, science and English into the street for impoverished children in Cavite.
The young mentor who almost dropped out of school because of poverty received a $100,000 prize for his work in the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC,) a volunteer youth organization which conducts the learning program.
In its inception, the DTC relied on the sale of discarded bottles and newpapers to support the pushcart classroom which had inspired others to do the same. Youth groups approached the organization so they can implement the same program to their communities. With the new direction of DTC, Peñaflorida said he will continue to give weekly lessons to the poor using the money in his winning. He encouraged others to contribute time and assist those in need. (Photo Credit: Mike Alquinto/ AP/ CNN) =0=
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Bravo Manny Pacquiao!
Filipinos are beaming with happiness to see Manny Paquiao win over Miguel Cotto---a TKO on the 12th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in last Vegas, Nevada last Saturday, November 15, 2007.
“Pacquiao dropped Cotto with a right hand early in the third round, but he wasn't badly hurt and came back to finish the round strong. But after Pacquiao put Cotto on the canvas with a big left hand as Cotto was advancing forward late in the fourth round, the Puerto Rican was never the same again.” AP/Yahoo.news.com (11/15/09, Dahlberg, T.)
The Filipino prizefighter’s unprecedented success robbed his Puerto Rican rival the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown, securing his legendary place in sports history. Pacquiao’s amazing victory made him the first to nail a glowing record of seven victories in different weight classes--- an spectacular feat no boxer had achieved before.
"The General Santos City native Pacquiao – who started fighting as a 106-lb in the strawweight division – also holds the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight crown. He previously ruled the WBC light weight, WBC super featherweight, International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight, WBC flyweight and RING Magazine’s featherweight divisions."---GMA.newsTV (11/15/09)
No crime during the boxing match?
Forgetting the problems of rough politics, the rebellion in Mindanao and disastrous natural calamities, millions of Filipinos watched and celebrated the grand fight in Manila and all over the world. The thieves, kidnappers, and petty criminals in Manila stopped their trade to watch Pacman. A number of senators and congressmen were warned of coming to Las Vegas, Nevada---as in the past, to watch the game. The same warning was relayed for this match with Cotto.
Though good for Pacquiao, the match with the Filipino boxing hero and Hatton earlier this year, caused more than half (163 absent vs. 100 present) of the legislators to absent themselves from their jobs to watch the fight--- certainly an embarrassment to those who consider public service seriously. (see related blog below.)
To the thrill of his fans who milled in front of TV sets and danced in the streets, Pacquiao used his awesome speed and power to vanquish Cotto. For this match, the popular boxer was said to have earned at least $13 million and his opponent, $7 million.
Pacquiao is a source of pride and inspiration--- a true gift to the Filipino people! (Photo Credits: AFP/ Ralston, M.; AFP/ Directo, J.) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009
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Manny Pacquiao in a Time Magazine cover
"What is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring."---Manny Pacquiao, Filipino boser Examiner.com (11/05/09)
Since Pres. Corazon Aquino hugged the cover of Time Magazine as the “Woman of the Year,” the only Filipino to land the cover of the popular print is non-heavy weight boxer Manny Pacquiao. The 10th professional boxer to land on Time’s cover (Asia edition,) Manny joins fellow pugilists Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Frazier, Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali, Jack Dempsey, Primo Carnerra, Gene Tunney and Mike Tyson.
Prizefighter Pacquiao is slated to encounter Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in a four-ringed boxing match in MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on Novermber 14, 2009. His phenomenal skill and star appeal have made him a Filipino folk hero who brings inspiration to his countrymen.
Manny's popularity and success prove that he is better as a boxer than as a politician in his town in Mindanao.(Photo Credit: allbestofthephilippines.blogspot) =0=
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Honoring World War II Veterans in the Northeast
by Eduardo Pena
West Orange, New Jersey
Some 200,000 Filipinos served with American troops during World War II. About 18,000 of those Filipino veterans are alive today and we have an opportunity as the younger generation of all nationalities to recognize and greet these brave soldiers who fought alongside the US Military on behalf of Freedom.
In conjunction with the inaugural Barong Invitational awards ceremony, a special event will be held Friday evening, August 28th at the Beaver Brook Country Club in Annandale, NJ to honor the FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS.
Please join us and enjoy a casual evening with family and friends to celebrate the lives, meet the veterans and share a moment with men who have gone unrecognized for many years. Let’s give them the “THANK YOU” they deserved and make it a special event for them. (Photo Credit: Chris Cabrera: Khowaga)=0=
Cost: $30 per person
Event includes appetizers, buffet style meal, sodas, juices and beer
Everyone interested in attending should RSVP by AUGUST 15th and provide email address to Eduardo Pena at eduardopena@gmail.com
Note: BARONG INVITATIONAL 2009
Checks may be sent via paypal or mailed to:
Eduardo Pena
6 Dogwood Drive
West Orange, NJ 07052
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West Orange, New Jersey
Some 200,000 Filipinos served with American troops during World War II. About 18,000 of those Filipino veterans are alive today and we have an opportunity as the younger generation of all nationalities to recognize and greet these brave soldiers who fought alongside the US Military on behalf of Freedom.
In conjunction with the inaugural Barong Invitational awards ceremony, a special event will be held Friday evening, August 28th at the Beaver Brook Country Club in Annandale, NJ to honor the FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS.
Please join us and enjoy a casual evening with family and friends to celebrate the lives, meet the veterans and share a moment with men who have gone unrecognized for many years. Let’s give them the “THANK YOU” they deserved and make it a special event for them. (Photo Credit: Chris Cabrera: Khowaga)=0=
Cost: $30 per person
Event includes appetizers, buffet style meal, sodas, juices and beer
Everyone interested in attending should RSVP by AUGUST 15th and provide email address to Eduardo Pena at eduardopena@gmail.com
Note: BARONG INVITATIONAL 2009
Checks may be sent via paypal or mailed to:
Eduardo Pena
6 Dogwood Drive
West Orange, NJ 07052
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Reading Ninoy Aquino's letter
As Pres. Corazon Aquino’s demise starts to settle permanently in our senses, I can’t ignore an email a friend sent me. It is part of the “forwards” I receive each day. But this one is exceptionally good to read and think about. It comes from Philippine hero Ninoy Aquino--- writing his daughter Ballsy in 1973.
I thought, for its incisive and compelling content, Ninoy's letter deserves to be posted for those who haven’t read it.
Ninoy, the martyred husband of Cory may well be a father who lives, trying to share something lovable, beautiful, and sublime for his family and the rest of the world. (Photo Credit: Mon Solo)=0=
NINOY'S LETTER TO DAUGHTER BALLSY 1973
August 18, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
Makati, Rizal
Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City
My dearest Ballsy,
I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.
An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!
I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.
During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.
The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the SantaRitaElementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.
I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love... You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.
From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.
Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.
Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.
Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.
Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so.
Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.
You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.
Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.
I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.
I love you,
Dad
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Posthumous tributes to President Corazon Aquino
''She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior Ninoy and helped lead our nation to a brighter day.''---Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
“We feel sad because who will defend us now that she’s gone? ... But with her death, the EDSA spirit returned and united us again” ----Makati bank employee Araceli Franco
“Oppressed masses in Asia, nay the world, touched their forelocks in gratitude to her (Aquino) for the inspiring example of her courage in the face of adversity.”---Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim
“Former President Aquino was the symbol of a restored democracy in the Philippines and promoted friendly relations between our country and the Philippines.” ---Japan Prime Minister Taro Aso
“Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president."--- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
“Maraming salamat po Tita Cory sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay mo sa mga mahihirap ng Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pasay City kung saan kayo ikinasal ni Ninoy noong October 1954. Ang aming parokya ay taos pusong nagdadalamahti sa iyong pagpanaw at nanalangin sa Poong Maykapal na bigyan ka ng tunay na kapayapaan at kaligayahan sa kanyang kaharian. Tita Cory di mo lang ibinalik ang kalayaan at demokraysya sa sambayanang Pilipino, mas lalong kahanga-hanga at mahalaga na hinikayat mo ang sambayanang Pilipino na bumalik sa Diyos sa mga panahon ng panganib, kagipitan at kasakitan. Pagpalain ka ng Poong Maykapal Tita Cory. Di ka namin malilimutan. Sa iyong pamilya kami ay nakikiramay at nanalangin.. Good bye Tita Cory. We love you.”---- Fr. Soc, SSP
"Ms. Aquino played a crucial role in Philippines history, moving the country to democratic rule through her nonviolent 'people power' movement over 20 years ago," Gibbs said. "Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation." —--White House press secretary Robert Gibbs
“Salamat, sapagka’t kayo ang nagbalik ng tunay na demokrasya. (Thank you because you brought back true democracy).”---Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay
“She represented the best of the Filipino of the past and the future."---former Pres. Fidel Ramos
“Mrs. Aquino will be remembered as a beacon of democracy not only in she Philippines but also around the world." ----United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
"I came all the way from Isabela for several hours just to see Aquino's remains. Mahal ko ang dating presidente. Mabuti nandito na ako ng 1 p.m." ----Senior citizen Clara Taguba
”Former President Cory Aquino has demonstrated in the clearest terms that steep moral values and strength of character are what our nation need in times of unabated corruption and political and social decay,” ---Sen. Mar Roxas.
“She will be remembered not just an icon of democracy since she restored democracy in our country, but also because for being simple, humble and prayerful," Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco
“Para sa ina ng demokrasya, sulit naman kasi binigay nga ni Cory (yung) buhay niya para sa atin." ----Roman Rabina, House of Representatives employee.
“The Philippines has lost a wonderful leader who is widely admired in Britain for her courage and inspiration.”---- UK Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham
”The greatest honor you see is on the streets right now, a lot of people are going there” ----Sen. Richard Gordon
”Though suffering from failing health, she condemned the anti-democratic machinations of Mrs. Arroyo to cling to power beyond her term ending in June 2010. From her sickbed, she sent a powerful message of support to thousands of demonstrators protesting Mrs. Arroyo's Con-Ass scheme. She called it ‘a shameful abuse of power!’” ---National Democratic Front
"We will provide full military honors befitting a former President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief. This includes the firing of volleys starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, military vigil during the entire wake, flags on half mast in all camps and the offering of mass in all military churches." ----AFP public affairs chief, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner
"Cory Aquino is what a true leader must be, honest and true at a crucial moment in the nation’s history.”----Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales
''Today our country has lost a mother.''---former President Joseph Estrada
“She was the template for the avenging daughter which we saw in Pakistan and Burma [Myanmar]. Secondly, she highlighted the importance of women to democratization.” ----Bruce Gilley, assistant professor of political science at Portland State University
“There are so many other presidents who are liars and thieves, but why did it have to be you?”---Filipina businesswoman Baby Dantes
“I can feel the pain, the loss of a loved one, so I am in prayer. If these two families reconciled, there will be a miracle for the Philippines” ---Imelda Marcos
“We will miss Tita Cory. All of us have lost a woman who stood bravely for freedom, unification and for bringing people together while her family lost a mother so my heart goes out to them.”--- United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney
"She was very much committed to helping those who are disadvantaged and her legacy remains. We're very sad for her family's loss but what she represents is an inspiration to the world.”----Stephen Anderson, Director for the United Nations World Food Program (RP).
(Photo Credits: AP/ Marquez, B; Malaya/ Daguatan, P; AFP/ Garcia, N; Reuters/ Torralba, A; AP/ Cheryl Ravelo; Reuters/ Torralba, A.)
RELATED BLOGS: Ninoy Aquino: undimmed, forever young & at play Posted by mesiamd at 8/22/2008; Pres. Cory Aquino's power of hope & gratitude Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009; Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009
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Araw ng Kalayaan
ARAW NG KALAYAAN MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS
JUNE 12, 2009
Sa Kabataang Pilipino
ni Jose Rizal
Itaas ang iyong noong aliwalas
ngayon, Kabataan ng aking pangarap!
ang aking talino na tanging liwanag
ay pagitawin mo, Pag-asa ng Bukas!
Ikaw ay lumitaw, O Katalinuhan
magitang na diwang puno sa isipan
mga puso nami'y sa iyo'y naghihintay
at dalhin mo roon sa kaitaasan.
Bumaba kang taglay ang kagiliw-giliw
na mga silahis ng agham at sining
mga Kabataan, hayo na't lagutin
ang gapos ng iyong diwa at damdamin.
Masdan ang putong na lubhang makinang
sa gitna ng dilim ay matitigan
maalam na kamay, may dakilang alay
sa nagdurusa mong bayang minamahal.
Ikaw na may bagwis ng pakpak na nais
kagyat na lumipad sa tuktok ng langit
paghanapin mo ang malambing na tinig
doon sa Olimpo'y pawang nagsisikap.
Ikaw na ang himig ay lalong mairog
Tulad ni Pilomel na sa luha'y gamot
at mabisang lunas sa dusa't himuntok
ng puso at diwang sakbibi ng lungkot
Ikaw, na ang diwa'y makapangyarihan
matigas na bato'y mabibigyang-buhay
mapagbabago mo alaalang taglay
sa iyo'y nagiging walang kamatayan.
Ikaw, na may diwang inibig ni Apeles
sa wika inamo ni Pebong kay rikit
sa isang kaputol na lonang maliit
ginuhit ang ganda at kulay ng langit.
Humayo ka ngayon, papagningasin mo
ang alab ng iyong isip at talino
maganda mong ngala'y ikalat sa mundo
at ipagsigawan ang dangal ng tao.
Araw na dakila ng ligaya't galak
magsaya ka ngayon, mutyang Pilipinas
purihin ang bayang sa iyo'y lumingap
at siyang nag-akay sa mabuting palad.
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America honors heroes on Memorial day
America's fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed.”----Allen Boyd
On March 25, 2009, the United States remembers and honors those who died for their country. The Memorial day is intended to pay tribute to all those who put their life on the line in America’s wars.
From the time of the civil conflicts that gave birth to American democracy to the wars that brought dedicated soldiers to the theaters of combat in Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and more recently to Iraq and Afghanistan, the heroism and sacrifices of countless men and women are recalled with gratitude.
The American people reach out to those who bravely offered their life in service to the country. To them and their loved ones, the nation is eternally thankful. (Photo Credits: PaJager; Torunaosuke; Hanneortal; mgegapicke; ArmyArchives; Hanneortal)=0=
"Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life."
--~Will Carleton
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Pacquiao unveils his People Champ’s Party
Filipinos displayed almost total unanimity in support for Manny Pacquiao during his boxing bout with Ricky Hatton. The entire nation was ecstatic to watch the astounding victory that carved Manny’s name among the greatest boxers of the world. As his countrymen prepared for a hero’s welcome in Manila, a brewing firestorm of controversy had started.
Drowning in admiration and accolades, Manny is reported to have formed the People Champ’s movement, a political party that will enable him to come back to politics after his defeat in the 2007 election. A petition to recognize the party which he heads as president has been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)----probably in preparation for him to seek a local elective post in General Santos City or run for congressman in Sarangani Province in Mindanao.
Early reactions to Pacquiao’s political move are mixed. Surely, no one can prevent him from seeking an elective government post, but a huge number of his fans are concerned. There are those who are disappointed. With the corrupting influence of many politicians who use the boxing champion’s popularity for their political gain, his admirers believe he can better serve the country as an outstanding boxer.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel is probably right in saying, “Pacman is idolized by millions of Filipinos, especially our youth, because of his strength and endurance. Many would be disillusioned if he taints his real power—the unique capacity to unite the people—by entering politics.” ----PDI (05/06/09, Alave, KL) (Photo Credit: Bret) =0=
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Pacquiao among Time Magazine’s most influential people of 2009
At the eve of this fight with British boxing professional Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao, Philippine’s phenomenal boxing super-star is celebrated among TIME magazine’s 2009 most influential heroes and icons. “Pound for pound, Manny Pacquiao is the best boxer in the world. But even more important than holding that distinction, Manny has connected with the people of his home country, the Philippines, to the point where he's almost like a god. The people have rallied behind him and feel like they're a part of him, because they can see his talent, his dedication, his grace and his class.”---Time (04/30/09, Lennox,L)
The only Filipino in the list, Manny ranks 22nd among celebrities and personalities like Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, US president Barack Obama, conservative radio talk show broadcaster Rush Limbaugh, actor Brad Pitt, Airline pilot Chesley Sullenberger, TV host Oprah Winfrey, and religious leader Rick Warren.
“Only two other athletes landed in the Time 100, top Spanish netter Rafael Nadal (60th) and Olympic hero swimmer Michael Phelps (72nd). Outside the 100 were baseball star Alex Rodriguez and golf great Tiger Woods, who wound up 106th and 134th, respectively.”---GMA.TV. News (04/28/09)
It’s certainly a cause of joy for the multitude of Filipinos who need a boost of hope in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. Pacquiao, aka Pacman, the once unknown 30 year-old from Mindanao, catapulted himself in sports with his expertise and winnings in international boxing. His humble beginnings, generosity, and astounding talent have earned him respect and admiration from his countrymen and his fans worldwide. (Photo Credit: Manresa Class of 1983) =0=
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Recalling Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I have a dream”
“We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.”---Martin Luther King, Jr. (08/28/63)Today, January 19, 2009, is a federal holiday in USA honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK,) the martyred black Baptist minister who was a preeminent pillar of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. His heroism is celebrated on the third Monday of the first month of the year, proximate to his birthday on January 15.
Known for his “ I have a dream” speech which galvanized blacks to pursue it’s relentless fight against racism and discrimination, MLK is remembered today coincident to the White House ascendancy of the first black President: Barack Obama. During the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,” Dr. King delivered the inspiring speech on August 28, 1963, from the steps Lincoln Memorial during a rally of about 250,000 people.
To remember and pay homage to eloquent black leader who dared to dream and presently enjoys an 86% positive approval rating across demographic groups in USA (Rassmussen Polls, January 2009,) the full text of "I have a dream" may be accessed and viewed at:
www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
Delivered more than half a century ago, the speech remains a unique barometer on how far United States has gone in improving its track records on civil rights, justice, and race relations. Admirable strides have been made to realize MLK’s cause, but there are still much to accomplish in the name of liberty, justice, and equality that USA and all nations of the world should do. (Photo Credits: Martin Luther King PD; traqair)=0=
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Para sa mga burak sa Heidelberg: An pagrumdom ki Rizal kan sarong taga-Baao
A Diciembre 30, amo a ka-aldowan ka pagka-badil ki Jose P. Rizal, kanatong heroe nacional na guinadan ka mga Kastila, 112 taon ng naka-agui. Sa pagrumdom ka guinibo ni Rizal para sa liberasyon ka Pilipinas, rumdumon ta an saiyang pamosong tula---Para sa mga burak ka Heidelberg---sinurat niya kan siya nasa Alemanya, Europa.
Galin sa Paris, Francia si Dr. Rizal--- nag-anad mag-bulong ka mga helang sa mata. Siya tinukduan ni Prof. Otto Becker sa Alemanya. Amo’dto kan siya nagsurat para sa kagayonan ka mga burak sa Heidleberg---habang namatean niya a kalipungawan kan pamilyang harayo, banwaan na saiyang 'di maling’wan. Dae nag-haloy, pakatapos ka nobela niyang Noli Me Tangere, si Rizal nagpuli sa Manila.
Sadi a magayon na paguiromdom ni P.B. Robosa (taga-Baao) ki Rizal. Sa color ka tataramon ka lugar sa Rinconada, Bicol, a amio ka burak ni Rizal magdanay man lugod kanato. Magka-igua man lugod kita ka pag-makulog sagkod pagkamoot na hanggang ngowan kaipuhan ka banwaan.
Para sa Mga Burak sa Heidelberg(To the Flowers of Heidelberg)
Ni Jose Rizal
Itinaga Baao ni P.B. Robosa
Pasadto kamo banwaan ko, dayuhan na burak
tagak sa raran kin mga nagbabaklay, iwinarak,
sa lomlom ka sirong kin azul na kalangitan,
sadto na an mga payaba ko pinag-iiningatan
iluyap ninyo, pagarang-arang kanakong rogan,
kining arayo pero di nalilingaw sa mga binayaan
Pasadto kamo, ag mabareta bago magliwanag,
kung kamo ka sirang ka aldow ibinubuklad,
sa pangpang ag agnow ka Neckar na ararom
sadto siya nakatindog, nang-guiguiromrom
pamumula sa tagsibol, darang kolor na magayon
Ipa-ngusip ninyo kun pag-abot ka saking ramrag,
ayaton kaninyo an hamot na kaninyong ambag,
habang luway na pina-iirongog “o ika, payaba ko”
siya man nagririmo-rimo, sa itaas ninyo tinotono,
kantang pagkaboot, sa sadiring bisara nya guinibo
Kun su silaw ka ramrag aboton na su kaitaasan,
tuktok Koenigsthul kalayuwan kin kaliwanagan,
namumulaag na silaw ka aldow mang-guisong na,
sa patag, kadlagan ag kakahoyan nanbubuway na,
ining lagalag, sabat man tulos an silaw na dara,
na sadto banwaan man nya, minabulos biyaya.
Isabi ninyo ku kamo luway na pinili ag pinutlan,
ku sya nag-agi-agi sa sadit ag matulid na a-agian,
sa rugbang torreng tuda ko panahon na nakaagi,
sa Neckar na may kadlagan, malimpoy na sabi.
Sabiyon su kanyang mga panambitan ag sinabi
pauno kamo luway-luway, tinulid, ingat na inani,
sadto kanyang libro isinuksuk ag pinagkahigo,
sa mga lumang pahina, kamo niyang itinatago.
Hatudan, hatudan, magayon na burak kin Rhine,
an biyong pagka-boot ko sa ngamin na nabootan,
katoninongan sa banwaan kong kinamondagan,
sa kababaihan-katangihan, kusog sa kalalakihan.
Ipagtaratara diaday, sa mga payaba kong marhay
sa ngamin, kabilugang banal, pauulian ka buway
Pag-abot sa baybayon kan pinayabang banwaan
matam-is na arok na pinamate di paglingawan,
ipatiprak sa pakpak kin angin na nakapalibot
tanganing su ngamin na inonra, ginalang, binoot,
mamate sa mga pisngi ninda--arok kong pina-abot.
Tibaad makaabot kamo sa banwaan kong tinubuan
dara pa gayon ag tinkad ninyong kolor na namasdan,
ta arayo kamo sa ragang kinabuklatan, nang-alisngaw,
namarong na amot, tibaad dagos nang naoda, nanlasaw.
An hamio ninyo, kalag ninyong tunay, di maisusuway,
di malilingangawan kan langit kun sari kamo nabuway.--- baaohistoricalsociety.blogspot.com
December 30, 2008 marks the day our national hero Jose P. Rizal was executed by the Spanish colonizers some 112 years ago. In remembrance of his martyrdom for the liberation of our country, let’s remember one of his famous poems---To the Flowers of Heidleberg which he wrote when he was in Germany.
Under the tutorship of Prof. Otto Becker, Rizal continued his advanced studies as an eye doctor there. It was about that time when he wrote the beautiful poem about the flowers of Heidelberg and his nostalgia for his family and his native land. It did not take long, after he finished the final chapters of his novel Noli Me Tangere, that he went home and met his death.
From Baao, Camarines Sur, here’s P. B. Robosa's beautiful translation of the poem. The words carry inexplicable emotions and images that only a wonderful Bicol dialect can express. May the scent of Rizal's flowers suffuse us--- his bravery and patriotism inspire us, as we celebrate his martyrdom.
To the Flowers of Heidelberg
by Jose P. Rizal
Go to my country, go foreign flowers!
Planted by the traveller on his way,
And there beneath that sky of blue
That over my beloved towers,
Speak for this traveller to say
What faith in his homeland he breathes to you.
Go and say... say that when the dawn
First drew your calyx open there
Beside the River Neckar chill,
you saw him standing by you, very still,
Reflecting on the primrose flush you wear.
Say that when the morning light
Her toll of perfume from you wrung,
While playfully she whispered, "How I love you!"
He too murmured here above you
Tender love songs in his native tongue.
That when the rising sun the height
Of Koenigstuhl in the early morn first spies;
Is pouring life in the valley, wood, and grove,
He greets the sun as it begins to rise,
Which in his native land is blazing straight above.
And tell them of that day he staid
And plucked you from the border of the path,
Amid the ruins of the feudal castle,
By the River Neckar, and in the silvan shade.
Tell them what he told you
As tenderly as he took
Your plants leaves and pressed them in a book,
Where now its well worn pages close enfold you.
Carry, carry, flowers of Rhine,
Love to every love of mine,
Peace to my country and her fertile land,
Virtue to her women, courage to her men,
Salute those darling once again,
Who formed the sacred circle of our home.
And when you reach the shore,
Each kiss I press upon you now,
Deposit on the pinions of the wind,
And those I love and honor above and adore
Will feel my kisses carried their brow.
Ah, flowers, you may fare through,
Conserving still, perhaps, your native hue;
Yet, far from fatherland, heroic loam
To which you owe your life,
The perfume will be gone from you;
For aroma is your soul; it cannot roam
Beyond the skies which saw it born, nor e'er forget.
"I embrace you"
Rizal's letter to Friedrich Ullmer (the son of Pastor Ullmer, Wilhelmsfeld) from 1887 (Photo Credits: Bill Barber; Sinaglaya; Bill Barber; Donnamarijne; Bill Barber; Bill Barber)
=======================================================
Nudity in UP Campus & Rizal's Ultimo Adios
"Craftiness must have clothes, but truth loves to go naked."---English Proverb
A tradition of public nudity has developed in the University of the Philippines (UP). On its 100 years of glorious existence, the school has a rash of flesh-baring events--- inspired by the iconic metal image of a man in an act of “oblation” right at the campus gate.
The thought of giving oneself naked has turned to be an irresistible wild dream in the academe. It’s a heart-rousing idea that seems to rub the minds of people who subscribe to the sane and the absurd. Perhaps they take themselves too seriously. They can be deluded by their self-importance, believing that they are smarter than others and thus deserving of occasional tantrums. There is covert hubris in many UPians. They may be enamored by the grand words of the second verse of Jose P. Rizal's Ultimo Adios etched on the base of Guillermo Tolentino’s oblation sculpture standing in the school grounds:
"In the fields of battle,
deliriously fighting,
Others give you their lives,
without doubt, without regret;
Where there’s cypress, laurel or lily,
On a plank or open field,
in combat or cruel martyrdom,
If the home or country asks,
it's all the same--it matters not.”
---Jose P. Rizal, National Hero
The connection of nudity today in UP and Rizal’s heroism is at best tenuous. Yet, for 50 years, the oblation run has been a yearly project of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity. It started as a prank and had since then become one of the most celebrated in the university.Nudes, wearing only masks and bonnets parade themselves around the campus. The justification of the bizarre display of the mons veneris and the penile appendage is usually a protest for an “issue” that bothers the community. Although not all are convinced of the “alibi,” the event brings eager crowds nonetheless to watch the warm flesh pass by. Amidst heckles and laughter, the men give away roses to merry spectators, but many are oblivious and dismissive of the rationale behind the run.
The oblation run held on December 16, 2008 had only 10 nude men streaking their way around the campus. But I thought they had one in June where a hundred participated. For the latest run, APO chose to protest the boiling charter change (Cha-cha) controversy which is occupying the mind of the nation. They also fussed about President Gloria M. Arroyo, the environment and climate change.The fewer turn-out of those wanting to show their flesh might have been the consequence of an early morning photo shoot of about 100 nude UPians to celebrate the school’s service to the country a week before. Capping the school’s centennial year celebration, on December 13, 2008, the dawn picture session had almost a hundred UPians exposing their skins. What was once considered a joke had turned out to be a controversial collective legitimate expression of selfless offering: “UP Para sa Bayan” (UP for the Nation.)
The nude mania also caught the fancy of the fine arts luminaries of the university. Earlier in June this year, works of National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino, Napoleon Abueva, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Abdulmari Imao and Vicente Manansala, among others were displayed in a public mall in Quezon city, in an exhibit titled, “100 Nudes/100 years.” It was supposed to be a self-congratulating reunion of UP artists to show the whole world of the school’s “big reservoir of talents.”
I don’t know if the Pavlovian concept on operant conditioning works on the psychology behind this nudity hullabaloo. If I have my psychiatry straight, humans like animals, are governed by rewards and punishments. When forbidden behavior such as shedding one’s clothes is reinforced by approving attention, many will do it again. There’s no negative backlash, no punishment and no incentive to prevent UP from doing the oblation run. Nudity which can be pleasurable, is tolerated, and even approved of by university authorities. En masse in front of satisfied onlookers, the event becomes a rousing surreal occasion akin to Bacchanalia.Liberals, anarchists, and free thinkers can look at public nudity differently even if there are laws against indecent exposure. They usually laud anything contrary to the norm. They want unbridled freedom without much responsibility. Their perspective can be summed up with what iconoclastic John Lennon said when he was still alive.
“The main hang-up in the world today is hypocrisy and insecurity. If people can't face up to the fact of other people being naked, or whatever they want to do, then we're never going to get anywhere. People have got to become aware that it's none of their business and that being nude is not obscene. Being ourselves is what's important. If everyone practised being themselves instead of pretending to be what they aren't, there would be peace."---John Lennon, Beatles singer
Lennon’s opinion is just one side of the coin. He can’t be taken seriously all the way for there are conservative moral and cultural issues that must not be ignored by Filipinos. As a counterpoint, I can only refer at the photos of the oblation run shown in the blog. I suspect they have become raunchier and debased than the years past. With some clues of what goes on during the run, I need to repeat my two-cent worth of opinion about this school-sanctioned nude exhibitions in a supposedly sane university: Surely, there is amusement in nudity, but such display is distracting and unwarranted. Young masked students running with no clothes on, giving away roses to onlookers is such a powerful emotion-rouser that we risk forgetting the grievances behind why we do it. It’s generally regarded as a mischievous prank rather than a serious protest. In spite of the fun, there is this troubling question whether such an event brings the most benefit in the long run. It makes us think if merriment and humor are always the best ways to air our problems and solve them.
After stating my closing thought, I couldn’t help but laugh when I read a smart quip about being nude---“Don't arrest me. I was born this way." It seemed the inane controversy on nudity in campus would stay. But with the rate ethical behavior and righteousness is expended these days, I would not be surprised if UP and many of her children might go astray. Photo Credits: in dekost; in.dekost; indekost; pmt007; in.dekost; in.dekost)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "The Oblation Run: a risque prank becomes a raunchy protest"
Posted by mesiamd at 6/20/2008; "UP Para Sa Bayan" Posted by mesiamd at 12/13/2008
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KUNG AKO'Y MAGING DESAPARECIDO, INAY
ni Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.
Kung ako'y maging isang desaparecido
Pilitin po ninyong hanapin ako, inay
Kung sakali mang tuluyang nawala ako
Ay makita man lang ang malamig kong bangkay.
Nawala man ako'y para sa pagbabago
Tangan ang prinsipyo't pangarap ko sa buhay
Isang marangal na libing po ang nais ko
At isang tula ko sa lapida'y ilagay.
Nagmamalaki akong ako'y aktibista
Na prinsipyado itong sinuong na landas
Na ang tumatahak nama'y pawang bihira
At karaniwan, ang tulad ko'y dinarahas.
Aktibista'y may pag-ibig sa kanyang kapwa
Kaya't nilalabanan ang sinumang hudas
Na sa bayan natin ay nagsasamantala.
Panlipunang pagbabago ang tanging lunas.
Akong inyong anak ay alam nyong lalaban
Sa anumang sistemang mapagsamantala
Mahal kong inay, nais kong inyong malaman
Isa ka po sa pinakadakilang ina
Sa mundong itong kaytindi ng karahasan
Dakila ka dahil tulad ni Birheng Marya
Ay inalay mo sa pagbago ng lipunan
Ang anak mo para sa paglaya ng iba.
N.B. Ang tula ay pinadala sa akin ng makatang si Greg V. Bituin, Jr. Isang pangamba sa mga nawawala sa ating lipunan at pag-alaala sa mga pinaslang na walang katarungan---AFM (September 16, 2008)
Ninoy Aquino: undimmed, forever young & at play
"They shall not grow oldAs we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the hourglass condemn
At the going down of the sun
And at the rising of the sun
We shall greet them in our hearts
Undimmed, forever young and at play
In the fields of the Lord.”
----Warrior King: The Triumph & Betrayal of An American Commander in Iraq (Sassman, Nathan Lt. Col., Martin Press, NY, 2008, p.293)
“It is even more clear to me now that Ninoy was never really mine or my children’s to lose; he has always belonged to the people he chose to serve and to die for,” former Pres. Corazon (Cory) Aquino said of her husband Benigno (Ninoy ) Aquino whose 25th year of his assassination is being remembered this year. Ninoy Aquino came home from exile in August 21, 1983 from Boston, USA as the prime political adversary of then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos and wife Imelda Marcos. Upon arrival in Manila, he was escorted by military men and minutes later he was gunned down in the tarmac. Years of investigations of the gruesome killing failed to unmask the top people behind the murder. A lone gunman Rolando Galman, killed with Ninoy at the airport, was blamed for the murder. Ninoy’s martyrdom sparked a series of mass actions and protests against Marcos, forcing him out of Malacanang Palace and ending his dictatorship with Imelda.
Today, trying to bring back her health from treatments for colonic cancer, Cory faces new wounds of the ignominious murder whose real mastermind(s) and killer(s) are still on the loose. As the memory of the bloody shooting fades in the memory of the country, the culprits who escape judgement under the law, have gone old or have died of natural causes.
The Marcos family has been “rehabilitated” with the passage of time, rejoining Philippine politics as though nothing so nefarious and brutal ever happened. The case of Ninoy and the conspiracy behind it have been a metaphor of the Filipinos’ lack of trust in the court system. It speaks of the countless murders left unsolved in the country. Not only is justice slow, it’s riddled with corruption and nepotism that favor the rich and powerful. =0=
A Torture Chamber, A Safe-house For Travelers, A Street Named After A Bishop...Some Of Naga City's Notable Landmarks
Jose V. Barrameda, Jr.’s interesting account on some memorable landmarks in Naga City published in Bicol Mail this week (07/24/08, Barrameda, J.V.Jr.,) includes Penafrancia Avenue, the genteel paved road from Plaza Quince Martires at the city proper to the old Penafrancia Church. Though he didn’t describe much of what is in the stretch of the famed avenue, he gave us a glimpse of the old buildings that dotted the city in the past. Their historical significance proved very enlightening. The Naga Police Station in Barlin Street served as an infamous torture chamber where brave Bicolano heroes and martyrs met their unjustified deaths during the Spanish time. Barrameda wrote:
“During the mass arrests in September 1896, Florencio Lerma (who was also held in the Casino Español); Cornelio Mercado; Don Tomas Prieto, alcalde of Nueva Caceres; and Macatio Valentin were brought to and tortured in the cuartel by Civil Guards under the direction of Captain Francisco Andreu, chief of the Guardia Civil in Ambos Camarines, and Don Ricardo Lacosta, Spanish civil governor of the province. The horrific torture wrenched the first of two legally infirm confessions from the frail pharmacist Prieto which the authorities used as basis for the arrest, torture and prosecution of scores of Filipinos in the province, some of whom were also subsequently forced to sign fabricated confessions under extreme duress.”
The author then clearly described Casa Tribunal along Elias Angeles Street, an edifice of brick and wood where the municipal council (ayuntamiento) similar to that in Spain, transacted government business in Naga in the last quarter of the 1800’s. The building also provided free accommodations to travelers who came to the city. After the Spanish and American occupations, the Casa Tribunal served a different purpose:“Destroyed by American bombs in World War II… it was eventually rebuilt as a smaller wooden building that became the city police headquarters. After the century-old Spanish cuartel being used by the PC-INP burned down in 1978, the city government constructed a new building at the cuartel site which housed the Naga City Police Department. The former police headquarter building on this site became the Naga City Library until the latter’s transfer to its new, modern building in the City Hall complex.”
On the other hand, the Casa Espanol of Arana Street which was a social and recreational center of people of Spanish descent in Naga and neighboring towns had disturbing incidents when the Katipunan was discovered in Manila: “Civil Governor Ricardo Lacosta ordered to mass arrest all over Camarines starting in September 1896. The Casino Español became one of several holding areas for harsh interrogation and violent torture. Among those taken to the Casino were Antonio Arejola, Camilo Jacob (from the infirmary of the San Francisco Church), Florencio Lerma (who was subsequently transferred to the nearby Cuartel General of the Guardia Civil), Macario Melgarejo, Mariano Ordenanza and Manuel Pastor, and from Daet, Roman Cabesudo, Ponciano Caminar, Diego Liñan, Valentin Lipana, Gregorio Luyon, Adriano Pajarillo, and Pedro Zenarosa. Many arrests were made on mere denunciation by Spaniards in meetings in the Casino.
Two years after, in 1898, enraged Nagueños violently trashed the clubhouse during the bloody uprising led by Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo."
Today, our young generation of Bicolanos may never know of Casa Real in General Luna Street where as early as 1588, the place, facing Naga River, served as the residence of the alcalde mayor of Nueva Caceres who had jurisdiction over the entire Bicol peninsula and Catanduanes. Unfortunately, like the buildings Barrameda described, the Casa Real had been razed, torn down, and largely forgotten.Penafrancia Avenue was once called Calle Via Gainza, a famous city street memorializing Francisco Gainza, the illustrious Bishop of Nueva Caceres credited for establishing Colegio de Sta Isabel (Universidad de Sta Isabel) in 1868, the nation’s first normal school for girls. The great bishop also made curriculum improvements for the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary which became then, Bicol region’s top study hub for priests, religious, and lay citizens. As a pope delegate, Gainza was with the Bishop of Manila in opposing the stripping of the religious affiliations of rebel priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora (Goburza) as sought by the Spanish government in Manila.
What was unclear though was why Calle Via Gainza which aptly pays tribute to the bishop’s admirable contributions to Naga City was renamed as Penafrancia Avenue. The reason for the change was unclear.
In our minds, street names like Calle Via Gainza could have been better left alone. In a way, they are sentinels of a period in history gone by. Retaining old street names helps preserve our cultural linkage with the past. In simple practical terms, the postman’s job of delivering letters is made easy when old street names are retained. Unless there’s an imperative to make changes, old names better stay as they are. As invaluable remnants of the old, they make us remember the richness of our past; they make us feel the meaning of history. =0=
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