ALL HYPE AND MATERIALISM

( I just wish to share my blog on an online article of Phil. Daily Inquirer regarding an online petition to recall Pampanga Governor Among Ed Panlilio).

I am honored to have met Gov. Among Ed Panlilio last June 2008, also meeting his controversial lieutenant, Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu. I even teased the latter that she has become rather prominent because of the controversies at the Pampanga capitol. And because I used to work for a good governor too, who was almost similar to Panlilio in terms of religiosity, except that he is not a priest but a celibate Opus Dei, I only had encouraging words for Dabu - that you really cannot satisfy many in politics, especially if you are doing what is right.

Well Atty. Dabu may not be such a good public administrator, but that job really calls for utmost trust and confidence from her boss, the governor. Her job is among those considered by law as co-terminus with the appointing authority and thus, requires only trust and confidence from the latter. So making her the center of all issues for a recall of the incumbent is really mind-boggling. Besides, Panlilio hardly has been in office for a year and a half, and to judge him so unfairly in his performance, is really something I cannot understand from those Kapampangans calling for his recall or resignation.

My wife happens to be a Kapampangan and we lived in Mabalacat for more than 5 years. Hence, my keen interest in the issue. I also know for a fact how disappointed some favor seekers when they went to the capitol after Panlilio assumed office, and went back home empty handed. Why? They were used to the old system that when they visit the capitol, they would have at least something to bring home, either cash or some goodies.

I would assume that since Panlilio won on a platform of reform and good governance, he would not follow the footsteps of his predecessors in practicing patronage politics, hence the change is really felt, especially by many who have materialistic intentions.

For the fault-finders at the capitol, Panlilio is an easy target, but people should really think hard and analyze the intentions of those people trying to bring down a neophyte executive who must have done more good to Pampanga than harm. He has brought Pampanga to the national psyche because of his crusade against corruption and illegal gambling, and in showing us that good still triumphs over evil, if only a few good men will take lead.

If any harm has been done, it must really be in threatening the business of illegal gambling and its lords, and putting in peril the future of its beneficiary-politicians.

But like Panlilio and the many who believe in his crusade, I have faith that good will triumph over evil, but not without a price - which is the vigilance of the people of Pampanga against those who seek to take advantage of the materialism of many people. I hope that you will not live up to the joke that you people out there are “mukang pera” and show us that the great province of Pampanga can lead this country in a moral crusade for good governance.

Bunso’s birthday!

Joshua Rafael Andrei or simply Andrei, my youngest, turned four (4) years old Tuesday, September 2, 2008. We had a simple family celebration last Saturday, August 30 when I came home from a week-long work in the capital. While it was a very modest celebration, I could sense the joy in my son, getting his favorite “ube-flavored” cake and palabok from Red Ribbon, and of course, his dream “dump truck” toy.

Life has been difficult lately, almost since the year started, and having a small celebration is really quite a feat for the kids. Well it pains me a lot that they have to sacrifice so much at such a young age, but the realities of a failing economy is really taking its toll even on supposedly gainfully employed citizens like me.

As a parent, I would like my kids to have some treasured memories of their birthdays that whenever one is approaching, I am almost always apprehensive. I have always prayed to God for provisions, and indeed, He never fails me.

As a “bunso” or youngest child, Andrei is sweet, and I am proud of the fact that he is never a brat. Matter of fact, he is one of a kind, in comparison to other kids of the same age, at least those whom I have observed. While he is “bulol” like his dad when I was the same age, and most of what he says is incomprehensible to me, what I understand is that he talks a lot, understands a lot and is very expressive of what he thinks. This is a very positive sign that he would also grow up just like his siblings, full of ideas, questions and opinions – a sign that he is a bright kid, as would the elders would often say.

Well, all my kids are actually sweet, especially the younger ones. My only surviving girl, Angel shown in photo here with another sweet son, Gabriel is so fond of his “papa” too, and she is a great source of inspiration. Why not, when I have lost her elder sister in 2003 and thought I could never recover? Thank God, that while any child is irreplaceable, I still got another little girl to cheer me up. But it was not a fast or an easy process to go through.


But I have learned that truly one cannot live alone. One has to have some source of strength to draw from – a family. There are no perfect relationships, neither a perfect partner, but there is such a thing called patience, borne out of love.

I am just too glad and apprehensive again, that my only girl is turning seven (7) in October, and I am bound to provide for a good memorable celebration for her reaching a milestone. Right now, everything that’s running in my head is a set of options. Whatever it amounts to, that should be the subject of my next personal blog.

introspection

“So what makes the Filipino special? We are brown, spiritual, timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventurers. Seldom do all these profound qualities find personification in a people. Filipinos should allow - and should be allowed to contribute their special traits to the world-wide community of men- but first,we should know and like ourselves”. – Pastor Ed Lapiz

Sometimes after having spent so much of your youth being a fighter and an idealist, and eventually losing your way in the maze, you hardly find courage to bounce and leap. But then again, what is one’s life worth if not lived the way it should? Even the most incorrigible is given another chance, then why not me?

“In this age of darkness, there are two ways of spreading light: You may either be a candle, or the mirror that reflects its light.” – Ninoy Aquino


As one grows older, the more you realize how important legacy is. Since not everyone is cut out to be a hero, we can still make a difference in our own little ways. Nothing is too late for something good.


Be the change you want the world to be – Gandhi

(Because) we can change the future by changing it today - J. Maxwell