Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "...And A Time to Every (Movie) Under Heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “...And A Time to Every (Movie) Under Heaven”

    There was a time from the mid-60’s to the mid-90’s when movies inspired a lot of people to frequent theaters, because their curiosity were aroused by something they had not yet been aware of in the past. Special effects, which originated from the creativity of men, put them way ahead of what was customary; allowed them advantage over the ignorance of the masses; and eventually merited them the acclaim of the latter.

    A prophet leading a massive number of people across an extensive body of water; an extra-terrestrial capable of flight and possessing extraordinary strength; a space craft, named after a renowned naval vessel, which travels faster than light; the dramatic sinking of a celebrated ocean liner; and many such fabrications of clever cinematic directors are not really attributive to their skills. They became award-winners and submerged themselves in fame and fortune not because they knew how to fool the patrons of their craft; but rather, they coincidentally existed in a time when the uncommon and the diverse were revered.

    From the late 1970’s until 1983, George Lucas’ first three “Star Wars” films had moviegoers creating picket lines when the motion pictures were released. Crowds, enthusiastically, entered cinemas and either stood throughout the length of the movie or sat on the floor at the foot of the screen that, they had to adjust their eyes and bend their necks to fulfill their craving for a different kind of entertainment.

    When the next trio of the saga was created in the first decade of the 21^st century; lesser fanatics of sci-fi films rushed to view 20^th Century Fox’s production.

    Why?

    Because throughout the decades; there existed other forms of this genre; even better and more improvised in comparison. It is human nature to feel ennui over what has become conventional through its repetitive occurrence. The beginning of the new millennium inspired numerous comic book superheroes and cartoon animations to be presented with real-life performers; perhaps, for the reason that this type of entertainment was that which directors saw as divergent from what was usual.

     Come the period when Batman, Spiderman, The Transformers, and those of their kind are no longer what catches the public’s eye; the individuals who introduced these to the world shall either give way to others of their trade with more innovative gifts in comparison to theirs; or attempt to measure up to their level; because the world does turn and allows a time for everything.

    

PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY: When Everybody Talks and Nobody Thinks

PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY:When Everybody Talks and Nobody Thinks

    I used to think ‘EMPIRICISM’ was a method of governance; as a democracy, monarchy, or socialism; and that a country under this idealism was ruled by an emperor. When I became aware of its lexical definition; I related it to the term “trial and error”. To the present day, since I had become aware of it in the mid-1980’s; I notice how the Filipino people continuously practice this method of satiating themselves of their never-ending, and futile, search for the perfect leader of their nation.

    Ferdinand Marcos was in his tenure as head-of-state when I was born in 1971. The public was not at all pleased with how successfully he remained in power for two decades, in spite of his stern and somewhat fascist manner of holding sway over the country. In 1986, Corazon Aquino unseated him via the support and romantic enthusiasm of the masses which was eventually termed “People Power”; only to be called a “puppet” of the United States with regards to the topic of bases ensconced in strategic regions of the country. Her term ended and was replaced by a celebrity-turned-politician who the people (again) put in power; most likely to emulate the accomplishment of Ronald Reagan. Joseph “Erap” Estrada failed to live up to the nation’s expectations; and was overthrown by a the Philippines’ version of Napoleon Bonaparte; (when the subject of height came to question): Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who earned the people’s spite for an uncovered clandestine telephone conversation she was involved in, and extinguishing a rival candidate’s chances of relinquishing her authority by means of duplicity. A candidate the people (yet again) considered worthy because he held a pseudonym as a ‘king’ who lashed at his foes with rolling fists to their abdomens. The death of Fernando Poe enlivened sympathy for those who stood against GMA’s accused oppression. Before the 2010 presidential elections, a descendant of the Aquino clan had his picture on the cover of Life Magazine with the caption “Can Noynoy save the Philippines?”

    Benigno Aquino III impressively stood above other candidates with the number of votes the people (once more) gave him; believing with much ardor that he would emulate the achievements of his mother 24 years earlier. He apparently managed to hold office despite intermittent public gripes and complaints. Upon the occurrence of a massacre; and his inaction concerning the issue; the very same individuals who placed him on his throne raised their fists with thumbs turned down, as in the trial of a tyrant standing before a guillotine.

    With this device called “People Power”, the citizens of the Philippines unknowingly practice the philosophy of empiricism: even the uneducated and unlearned. When the gum they use to stem a leaking pipe loses its viscosity; they replace it with another one that they believe will do the job which the prior could not.

    ‘This brand looks better than the other one. Let’s try it.’

    In time’s passing: ‘No. It looks just as bad. Let’s try another one from the old brand.’ and so the perpetual cycle continuous.

    The reality of man’s imperfection will never assist in mollifying the quest for an ultimate solution or remedy in politics; especially in the Philippines. Even if changes and alterations occur incessantly, the Filipino masses are versed in the act of finding something they can whine about: the gum, the pipes, the water system; everything will unavoidably fall under criticism. And since these individuals behave with a simplified emulation of the French Revolution, empiricists all and never satiated; they will bring the burden of perpetual irresolution upon themselves; and they have only themselves to blame for the consequences of their unquenchable stupidity.

    Woe to the minority who are unwilling infected with the same bloodline and nationality; but with a divergent mindset that is stifled by democracy.

   

    

Justice, Vengeance, and Avarice: The Balance of Life

Justice, Vengeance, and Avarice: The Balance of Life 

      

    In the real world, since antediluvian eras and moments in time which can hardly be organized chronologically; balance has always existed. However, this truth may be contested when the ‘yin and yang’ take so long to shift sides; as when generations of various peoples fell under the rule of the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans and other ancient, ‘superior’ cultures in history; possibly never realizing that their long line of descendants would witness the period when an old man-(with a colotrful wardrobe and an extended index finger)-stomps his foot and says “MY TURN”.

    At present, the self-proclaimed “universal uncle” may seem to take forever to relinquish his reign, or lose it, to another potential omnipotence. Those who are non-conformists to rock n’ roll, basketball, and junk food would begin to wonder if their succeeding kin will ever know a different influence. Yet, because nothing lasts forever; that reality will inevitably come…if the world does not come to a cataclysmic end, first.

    From a historical perspective, balance is attained by what is proverbially known as “the world’s turning”, or simply, alterations in the passing of time. But, it is also achieved by man’s fabricated concepts; which, in the words of Philippine National Police Deputy Director Leonardo Espina are branded as “fairness and justice”. These are what the latter requested during his speech at the House of Representatives with regards to the January 25-Mamasapano massacre of his men at the hands of MILF and BIFF rebels. His delivered oration, in its foremost sentences, present narratives of inhumane actions carried out on a number of his wounded soldiers; and his entreaty for an explanation concerning the incident. But it concludes thus: “Dapat fair play lang ho lahat. (Everything should be‘fair play’). That’s what I want, that’s what I request: Fairness and justice for my men.”

    It would be unavoidable for some who had the privilege to be spectators of his delivery, and witnesses to his emotional demeanor, to assume that he wanted ‘revenge’; a contradiction to his earlier announcement that he and his faction were “all for peace.” Perhaps the director’s closing words would be less misconstrued if he said he wanted, and was requesting for, ‘balance’?

    “Justice, fairness, fair play…”, these are abstractions men have construed, with the intent to make battles, self-centered aspirations, and even vengeance, seem virtuous realities in life; all concerned with relative views and ambitions. In the middle ages, crusaders and Jihad warriors even used the name of their gods as precepts to attaining political motives against those who stood in their way.

    The notion called ‘peace’ is an ironical idealism to itself. There must be war for peace to be realized. Before serenity or solitude, there must be disorder and dissent. Yet, how will peace be achieved if EVERYBODY is given the opportunity to demand; to insist; to disagree or to contest for their own interests? If the Mamasapano conflict presented an opposite outcome, though it may not be given the opportunity to be telecast over the media; there might just be an officer of the Muslim cluster asking his superiors for authorization to retaliate; with a conduct as moderate or more aggressive. Should President Benigno Aquino III ever overcome his indifference to the current issue, and give the PNP commander his blessing to precipitate his notion of “justice”; the supposition above may just become a consequential actuality; and then the figurative ‘see-saw’, which has existed for over a century, continues.

    And thus, here is the idiotic impotency of the peace process. It is a session of hypocrisy: conflicting assemblies with representatives shaking hands and embracing one another; acting like two class bullies intimidated by their teacher to be good examples to their respective fraternities. Outside of the school; there shall be an inverted atmosphere.

   At present, the temporary victors are the Muslim elements in the Philippines. Hopefully, or probably, after the 2016 presidential elections; Filipinos will be treated to a new and fresh political circumstance. A more determined head-of-state may dissolve the Mindanao issue; or a feebler one might just forfeit the country’s reputation as the sole Christian nation in Asia.

     When one side of the scale teeters in its favor; the other must counter in order to prevent an imbalance. If the latter fails to do so; there will always be another to take its place; as a fictional version of Marcus Aurelius corrected a fervent and loyal general: “There is always someone left to fight.”

    Even white doves have to die some time, to be replaced later on; and so goes the perpetual cycle.

Online source:

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/433412/news/nation/full-text-pnp-dep-dir-general-espina-s-emotional-testimony

Mindanao: The New Jerusalem

Mindanao: The New Jerusalem

   

    If anyone ever said that comparing the Muslims of Mindanao to the Indian tribes of North America would do the latter an injustice; this would be a grave overstatement against the honor of Columbus, Vespucci and those who followed them in the colonization of the New World. The issue common to both peoples is that of displacement. Europeans were mostly the pioneers of what their various races might have termed as ‘expansion’, and occupation of an impressive fraction of the world. To say that the efforts and accomplishments of the Americans’ forefathers were not too prodigious would be an offense, since they successfully overcame the obduracy of the Sioux, Comanche, Apache and other factions of red men.

    In the Philippines, the current administration,-as well as those of the earliest period of the twentieth century-inherited the burden which the Spaniards were compelled to shoulder concerning the subject of Muslims. This is so due to the fact that, like the white settlers of the early United States; they have become intent on pushing indigenous individuals out of locations where they have established their roots even deeper than those of the most ancient trees standing as nature’s pillars in the environment.

    A general question that can be raised is: why will the Muslims, as Filipinos, not downgrade their hostilities and accept their incumbent government’s sovereignty? Presumably, it is due to the fact that the island does not have a land area extending as wide as one from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, for fair and reasonable resettlement. And, consequently, Islamic people have nowhere else, but the sea, to go to; upon the northerners’ seizure of their ancestral lands as well as the relocation of other local settlers thereon.

    Still, there may be underlying intentions which could be considered as potential reasons-(other than the taking of patriarchal territories)-which inspire an obstinate reactions by Muslim faction; as are perceivable with the current hostilities they have exhibited until the latest days of January, 2015. As ordinary citizens not versed with political themes, the masses may deduce the possible thinking of both sides during negotiations.

    Could the insurgents at Mindanao want more than just retention of their ancestral soil; it being a fact that their factions thrive on communist practices?

    Is Malacañang set on feigning peaceful negotiations with the clandestine intent of gradually obliterating the century-old hindrance to COMPLETE national rule?

    It would be akin to the conflict between crusaders and the warriors of the Jihad concerning the city of Jerusalem a vast number of centuries past; hiding behind and using the name of their deities in vain to conceal deeper ambitions.

    The mutual suspicions of either party will surely make the realization of peace and prosperity a far cry. The present era is no longer the age where indigenous people can be bought with trinkets, supernaturally-branded figurines, or even the currency of a foreign country. In addition, the capability of the present administration is not characteristic of being ‘convincing’ enough to inspire a facile submission.

    Hence, in the near or distant future; with the coming of more viable leaders from either movement; perhaps the Philippine flag will retain its third star via Malacañang Palace’s governance; alter into a crescent by the superiority of Muslim rule; or disappear completely; if not induce a revolutionary change on the entire ensign.

Online source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

Disturb the Sound of Silence!-Why are the Philippine politicians so mum?

“Hello, Darkness, My Old Friend…”

  

   Philippine politicians have previously been at each others’ throats; condemning and pitching so much disfavour against their fellow peers; and the latter’s actions. A number of them have been taking note of something wrong and worth criticizing with regards to the others of their stature. It was only last year when King Priam, wielding a cell phone, and the Spartan Queen Gorgo were at it in the senate hearings; Elvis Presley and Dirty Harry with their mutual detractions regarding power over Manila, and the  publicized eye-rolling of a ‘blind-sided’ leader of the Brady Bunch upon the delivered words of the Vicar of Christ. Yet, after the massacre of the forty-four SAF soldiers at Mamasapano, Maguindanao; all the hellfire in Philippine politics seemed to have died down.

    Is this to encourage that there should be chaos in Philippine government; as a symbol of their identity? On the contrary, this is would be delivered with empathy to the families of the slain warriors. If Vice-President Binay probably made a statement more impressive than those condolence-infested lines President Benigno Aquino III has delivered to the aggrieved, perhaps the masses would be so inclined as to overlook the foul play he and his kin have plagued over the city of Makati.

    Secretary Mar Roxas, a strong card of the Liberalist Party, needs to save face for the latter. He is a potential candidate for the position of head-of-state come the 2016 elections. Instead of attending funeral services and bearing the brunt of discriminations from mourning wives and parents; he should get on his motorcycle once more, without a helmet-(as he did last year) and ride out to Maguindanao as Richard the Lion Heart did with England roughly ten centuries ago. This time, it would do well if he let the protesters see him kick his bike’s stand before a group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom fighters; and walk with savvy into the very center of their assembly; than fall down once more.

    Families and blood lines of the deceased warriors of the SAF, without being reminded of the fact; have realized that their endeared were all in the rank and file of the armed forces of their own volition. Without any World War, as seventy-three years ago; men are not conscripted by the government to combat a national threat. Soldiers in the armed forces, at present, have chosen to put their lives on the line; and their families have accepted their decision to do so. But this statement does not absolve the people in authority who are responsible for producing answers and explanations for the unfortunate incident. Even the lowliest authoritative body of the community; as in a ‘barangay’ can come up with autopsies and even fabricated details for some common crime.

    So why does the Philippine government, with its ‘board of inquiries’, have officials shrugging their shoulders at the faces of those who are involved in the aftermath of the recent slaughter?

    Janet Bolinget-Carap, the widow of PO2 Peterson Carap, expressed her perplexity as she wonders how her husband and his team were capable of surviving for two months without food and water during training; only to die in one day’s mission.* Sarcasm aside; training is not hostile because the only opponent is one’s psychological and physical aspects. Still, if the usual PNP officers have autopsies and submitted details of their encounters-be it explaining their or their adversaries’ deaths; there is something to objective to understand. And their loved ones can be certain that their husbands, 

fathers, and sons did die; or kill, with honor and dignity; not simply believing they did.

    Again, what is the Philippine government doing? All of a sudden, the nest of hornets has fallen into quietude. Nobody appears to even extend a defence against the protestations of the masses against Benigno Aquino III.

    It is probably the time to wonder if all these were part of a grand scheme. Which one; and for what; nobody knows to date. If there existed a pithy saying which suggests that: “one has to do a little wrong to achieve a greater right”; the next question in this scenario would be:  “And what ‘right’ is that supposed to be?”

Online source:

*http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/6699981/roxas-meets-saf-44s-kin-but-has-no-answers#

"Ma! Pa! LOOK Here!"

“Ma! Pa! Look here!”

    At the age of an adult, with the responsibilities and the obligations that come along with it; people in the given situation-or predicament- would occasionally turn their mind’s eye back to the days when they enjoyed the carefree life of a child: nothing significant to do or accomplish except what they themselves considered relevant; a few irritating home works and assignments; perhaps some ‘vengeance’ on a playmate who, the day before, may have turned out the victor in some conjured game wherein foul play was the method undertaken for his designation as winner.

     Adults and elders usually do not make a ‘big thing’ nor treat the woes of the youth as they threat their own. One child, wronged by another, would most probably get the same admonishment as his offender. “Who cares who’s supposed to be ‘it’?”, the usual mom, dad, or guardian will usually be of the opinion; when a toddler approaches with a mound of specifics and boisterously tearful reports; an arm extended and a finger pointed at another peer who transformed from friend to foe.

    This ‘disregard’, however, does not sit and remain as the frustration of lads and lasses in their ages of innocence. The act of giving no importance to another individual is not, to be fair, not only committed by the indifferent elders to the youths. It is an act, or a fault, which is distinctive of persons in authority.

    Is this not a reality which residents in certain disregarded community experience? In the Philippines, a number of the plebeian, underdeveloped, or semi-rural localities have individuals raising charges or demands against their neighbors for some reason or another; and the known authorities-‘the barangays’ do nothing about it, except feign the task of taking down a report. Bring the unfair billings of a landlord to the attention of some higher authority; and the response will be a pile of reassurances, as a parent fixed on calculating his tax return; repeating the word “yes” to his child, emphasizing how the next door neighbor’s offspring tagged him unfairly.

    Some people in the world might even say the same of the Lord: the rewards and the vengeance taking too long to come to reality; after all the prayers and entreaty. But spiritual beings are not in the level of humans to interact with hence perhaps the message will have to take longer than usual. Still, a COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF is of flesh and blood. A head of state is someone that can understand the language of the masses. So at present, the Filipinos are crying out-as children telling on a culprit-to their president; to act on the previous subject regarding the slaughter of SAF soldiers. Is it not frustrating when people in authority, parents or presidents alike, merely raise their hands and attempt to placate the people with empty words?

    Finding facts and finding fault is not exactly “retaliating” or “punishing”.

    God drowned the Egyptians billions of centuries ago after they wronged the Jews. Perhaps it is time for this lone Asian Christian nation to have someone in authority who can-and who cares-to raise columns of water and bring fire from the skies as gestures of taking the Filipinos seriously and not as simple kids playing hopscotch.