Thursday, 26 June 2014

Admit it! Futurism is good!

Admit it! Futurism is good!

Funeral of the Anarchist Galli by Carlo Carrà, 1911

Admit it! Futurism is good! Says this writer despite being an Anti-modern, ContemporAntiquitarian enthusiast.

Basing on the works of Evola, Carrà, Severini, Balla, and others whom had spen time creating various works, Futurism tends to counter the currents such as a continuing past, seeing a much developed society that has advantages and opportunities, all inspired by Scientific achievement and the promotion of progressive, if not revolutionary ideas.

Futurist Armored Train by Gino Severini, 1915

Giacomo Balla, Speeding Automobile, 1913
Admittingly speaking, Futurism tends to glorify an idealised future. Prior to those being expressed by science fiction enthusiasts, these futurists tend to emphasise speed, technology, youth and even violence, as well as objects such as the car, the aeroplane and the industrial city. And being a ContemporAntiquitarian would say that the scene itself, like others whom are originally countercultural had contributed to the creation of modern art. 

However, those from the so-called "thinking class" understands the said art, but some, if not most artists insists that the art was for everyone. Soviets used Futurism as well as other genres such as Costructivism "all for the working class" in creating an idealised society as industrialized, modern, and further developed compared to the past-centric, tradition-strapped west. The tomb of Vladimir Lenin had invoked modernity so was the proposed monument for the Third International by Tatlin, while movies like Metopolis anticipates a coming social war that has to be averted by a robot, anyways, the future can be peaceful yet difficult to maintain, else, with crisis and unfairness, injustice prevailing then right were these artists to see blood, fire, death, destruction coming before recreation.

Antonio Sant'Elia, Futurist City, 1914
But today's perception of "futurism", in its word itself isn't as idealistic or realistic as in the past, but rather an illusion being peddled by those whose primary intention of promoting is to profit, to commercialize. They'd rather glorify massive production of consumer goods, of nonsense "pride", beauty that is shallow, and a series of trends that are meant to be thrown away on the following day. Much more that they nearly disregard nature itself to satisfy greed of the few, and a youth that had gone degenerating thanks to a culture that cultivates shit rather than gold. 

No offense, but in short, today's order of things is deforming the future and of progress as contrary to the presentation. If the old Matsushita had spoken of social justice above profit, nowadays it had been the contrary, or even reducing the former into a mere statement. An idealised future what Mr. Matsushita would had meant more than modern day goods he had produced from his company, but also a people contributing, building a community that is beyond expectations.

Obviously, some, if not most, or few would understand futurism or even art with a cause. The canned, distributed and sold culture of today lies meaningless outcomes. Some would still have consciousness that includes changing the world, but few are willing to become antimodern, to be countercultural, of utilizing things modern for something that is beyond what is regularly being peddled for those whom "understood" rather pauses, banners its appearance. 

But again, speed, youth, technology, class war, and the subsequent creation of an ideal society would be expressed and glorified as time comes.

Sunday, 22 June 2014

"Internet is American, and Democracy is Greek."

"Internet is American, and Democracy is Greek"

It was last time during the protest against Obama's visit to the Philippines when Carlos Celdran, and others had afford to make a comment about activists using the internet. 

Like Celdran's statment telling that the Internet was made by the Americans seemed to be rude towards the left for being anti-Imperialist (or let's just say in their terms as anti-American), so are the others to think that to be "Anti-Imperialist" is to abhor anything modern, that anything modern is anything but "foreign", or to accept "Globalization" is an act of "Internationalism".

That is somehow quite contradicting. 

This writer, in reading those posts made in response to the protest against Obama and the latest agreement permitting US troops having unoffical posts in Philippine shores lies the fact that these people chose to capitulate, save for the Philippine flag to its once overlord and its trying hard paternalism. But come to think of this, just because the United States of America had offered modern gadgetries, you, the Filipino whom supposed to modernise on its own rather chose to be "the white man's burden" like before? Do they have any options other than having US troops, policies stationed and imposed? Are there any students from the National Defence College willing to create new military doctrines instead of contenting at having the Philippines acting as a buffer zone? So are patriotic industrialists whom, regardless of using western thinking willing to utilize those thought for genuine domestic development?

In fact, this writer had earlier made a poem in response to Celdran's statement, here it goes:

Rockets were invented in China
Democracy was started in Greece
America was settled by English
Sitting Bull does not consider himself American.

Guns were made in Europe
While Republicanism was idealized in Rome
Jefferson was inspired by Voltaire, the French
And Spaghetti and Pizza is Italian

Then you say Internet is made by Americans?

Anything you have said is beyond parameters nor boundaries
For these people behind those things benefited Humanity
It is the systems repressive made Filipinos against
And not the people who are sick and tired of an endless test.

People may had thanked America and its peoples
But does it mean you should also thank the rotten system too
The Philippines should step itself alone like the most
To show its own independence, against aggressors both the "cracker" and the "gook"

(Sorry for the racist rant, but that's what Americans love to describe)

That poem somehow should recall that things and idea around the United States and all over the world are from other countries. But does not mean despite having those things they have no right to assert independence and the will to be themselves as a community. The system chose to get content in aid on the first place, that people rather chose to be just consumers of wholesale westernization leaving the domestic made ones, regardless of being modern be crippled by the former's massive imports. Failure to assert independence by means of self development had unveiled weakness just like what happened in China during the Qing dynasty. 

Speaking of self-improvement as a nation, one may remember how Japan during the Sengoku and Tokugawa periods did have some western ideas used for their development regardless of their isolation. Some intellects who used to have Samurai swords and writing haiku had to study Ragaku "western learning" in pursuit of utilizing western idea for domestic development; one should even remember that Panday Pira, a craftsman-blacksmith had developed Cannons copied from foreign designs even those of Europe just to defend Manila against Spaniards, Pirates and marauders from the sea, but does it mean they had compromise entirely ptheir patriotism by using western or eastern thought in pursuit of domestic aspirations? Even Andres Bonifacio did inspired from both foreign and native influences in pursuit of struggling for independence against Spain. Obviously, it is human choice,  has the decision whether or not to use modern gadgetries made in America or in any other country in their daily lifestyle, even the famed Anti-Imperialist Recto and Tañada also used things from America or speaking in Spanish, but it didn't compromise their political standing nor character as an individual especially in insisting Philippines as an independent, self reliant country than a mendicant one. 

But despite all these what this writer had stated, people rather think of the future as devoid if not reduced of patriotism. Those who had favored globalization insist less or no tariffs and an entirely open trade without any restrictions. They would even say that anything is based on international, rather than production capital with foriegn investors willing to invest in the Philippines, so is the influx of foreign goods that would say "benefit everyone" since it is cheaper than "domestically produced."

However, all despite the influx of foreign goods and wholesale westernization does it mean Filipinos should give up the right to say no and assert independence by developing its own? How wonder people had afford to oppose Chinese intrusion yet numb in having American presence. Yes, America did contribute to anything around the world, even the Chinese had benefited from America such as TsingHua University, but how come some countries whom afford to have things foreign also assert independence by developing its own? By making copies and adapting certain things, or ideas into their settings? Did those thoughts entirely compromise native thought? Maybe yes because it had used things foreign and hence likely to embrace things foreign, or maybe no because those "foreign" things had also contributed to native thought by adapting to native setting, if not modifying such as in music played by a Visayan singer or in tropicalized car batteries from Motolite. 

It's just that, sorry to say, that most people whom gone consumerist due to the massive influx of westernization had end what had been stated earlier: Globalization as Internationalism, Protectionism as Oligarchic, Patriotism as Isolationism, and Anti-Imperialism as against the people in general than the system who had afford to occupy or subjugate a country such as the United States in pursuit of its own interest. Celdran's statement saying that "Internet is made by Americans" mocks those who designed thinking that those inventions are made "for humanity" such as those who clamor for software freedom and internet as a right. 
Internet, computers, anything modern may had been made in the United States of America, but those who had contributed to its development does not care about which specific country, even theirs who should use, but for humanity in general. To use Celdran's logic then he should remember that Democracy is Greek, Republicanism is Roman, and His race is a hybrid of Malay and Hispanic bloodlines. Even the Intramuros he had used to be proud of was Spanish with its churches made hy the Catholic Church he had abhorred. That left-wingers trying hard conservatives and self-proclaimed  people of the third way had been opposed due to their "barbarism" are staunch advocates of 8 hour work days and social security nets. 

And Left wingers are also Internationalists despite being Patriotic. In fact, Marx had solidarise with the Poles in their self determination against Russians, that the Soviet Union, then Maoist China and Titoite Yugoslavia had solidarise with the Palestinians, Celdran and his folk are ignorant of this if that's the case:

"Workers of the world, Unite!"

Mark Twain, known for his Tom Sawyer and Hucklebery Finn, also opposed American intrusion in Philippine shores. And at once announced his anti-imperialism in several newspaper interviews, which were widely reprinted. As according to the New York Herald in the 1900:

“I have read carefully the treaty of Paris [between the United States and Spain], and I have seen that we do not intend to free, but to subjugate the people of the Philippines. We have gone there to conquer, not to redeem.... And so I am an anti-imperialist. I am opposed to having the eagle put its talons on any other land.”

Then to use Celdran's statement then Mark Twain, the American is also anti-American for he's anti-Imperialist and anti-Internventionist. Pat Buchanan, the well known Palaeoconservative can also be considered anti-American for Palaeoconservatism, especially within the Republican Party opposes Interventionism as what Neoconservatives, also in the same party advocated. 

As a writer, would say that anything had end blurred due to the lack of foundation for a self reliant economy. Did the government promote inventors, innovators, improvers of existing foreign things to promote genuine development? Nope, students from the Mapúa Institute of Technology whom used to design, invent sophisticated weaponry for the Armed Forces had their designs be sent to the United States for "improvement", simply because America is Modern, America is better in military weaponry, but damn! Why not improve the Military Arsenal at Bataan so that these students from Mapúa that happened to be inventors can able to realize their blueprints domestically? Perhaps that's the problem of relying to a bigger superpower while China, during Mao Zedong had afford to reverse engineer Scud missiles, T-55 tanks from the Soviet Union! It took years for them to have that country, a once weakling during the era of CiXi, Puyi and Chiang Kai-Shek to become a threat. They do have things and ideas from the west, but they do have a mindset, creativity, ingenuity to make something better than what they had been bought.

Regardless of contribution does not mean you need to give wholeheartedly your national dignity. It takes years to mold a modern society by using both foreign and native thought. Thailand during the era of Mongkut and Chulalongkorn had used western thought in pursuit of keeping Thailand independent. Turkey under Ataturk had to modernise Turkey and at the same time keeping traditions firm so as to revive lost ones in pursuit of rebuilding Turkey from the ashes of the Ottoman empire. The Philippines has chances of be on its own by having them reinstruct time and again as a nation. For failure to control wholesale westernization by utilizing both native and western thought ends its people having less patriotism save for a flag being waved and a national anthem being sung during a boxing match. 

"Wither Filipino?"

"Wither Filipino?"

(Or all after the debate after attempts omitting Filipino 
as part of tertiary education curriculum, and its insistence
in keeping the said subject and its relevance
to contemporary Filipino society)

"Wither Filipino?" This seemed to be a question to most Filipino students these days as the system ought to discontinue studying the National Language at tertiary level.

The issue, brought last week by the neoliberal-oriented Commission on Higher Education (CHED), had brought flak by members of "Tanggol Wika" or "Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino" (Alliance of Filipino Language Defenders) in which in its statement is calling for the following:

1.) Panatilihin ang pagtuturo ng asignaturang Filipino sa bagong General Education Curriculum (GEC) sa kolehiyo 
(Retaining the teaching of Filipino subjects in the new GEC in college)

2.) Rebisahin ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order 20 serye 2013 (Revise CHED Memorandum Order 20 series of 2013)

3.) Gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa pagtuturo ng iba’t ibang asignatura
 (Use Filipino as a medium of instruction in different subjects)

4.)Isulong ang makabayang edukasyon
 (Push for nationalistic education)

The alliance, and its statement being presented was formally introduced during a consultative assembly last Saturday after weeks of public clamor over a 2013 CHED memorandum 20 in which introduced a new curriculum that will be implemented in school year 2018-2019.
According to CHED, the new curriculum is made to accommodate DepED's k12 program, in which it is rather geared for creating semi-skilled workers rather than gearing students for higher education and its courses being offered. The said curriculum actually emphasises English, rather than Filipino as its medium of instruction, aside from basic sciences, mathematics, and Technical-Vocational courses that somehow justifies its intention to create semi-skilled workers and to justify education as necessary for cheap labor. It may as well also possibly reduce approaches in Philippine history and culture as it emphasise subjects whose consciousness that is driven towards foreign, rather than domestic interest.

But according to Tanggol Wika's David Michael San Juan, the group had insisted that the proposed curriculum should include 3 to 9 units of Filipino subjects, especially if Filipino is to be widely-used as a medium of instruction in some subjects including Mathematics and Sciences.

There's indeed a lack of flack from most Filipinologists, knowing that the proposed curriculum, specifically its near omission of teaching Filipino language as suggested by CHED, had actually affected Filipino teachers, knewing that the subject they had taught to its students for years may possibly be scrapped, or in the minimum, having its units lessened  all in favor of English as its medium of instruction in most subjects Filipino often used, hence describing the proposed curriculum as gearing towards globalization, rather than national consciousness, with the creation of semi-skilled workers for multinational and transnational companies rather than professionals willing to take part in nation building.

In fact, as most writeups concerning the issue, especially those in online sites such as Rappler and GMA News, had became an object of discussion and debate by those whose by-words are globalization and integration, while on the other as preserving national identity and patriotism. 
The former had even speak much of practicality as one of its reason, or even history citing Filipino intellectuals like those of Rizal or F. Sionil Jose had works written whether in Spanish or in English, while others would even why should they study their own tongue in college knowing that they had studied it in Primary and Secondary level, and even citing the use of international language, especially English as necessary for transactions like business matters, up to the narrowest of all the statements like tuition fees. Such statements given by those whom favoring omission had rather giving up their Filipino-ness save admiration in going to beaches such as Boracay, waving the flag, and watching boxing matches that showcases "Filipino pride", or altogether be trashed out as an endless wanderer seeking fortunes around the globe, emphasising personal interest rather than its own homeland above all.
That somehow made the latter think that they're really giving up identity and heritage all in favor of an illusion such as those of integration, of reducing patriotism into a mere scholastic issue being studied in primary and secondary levels, if not being treated as a showcase for tourism, while terms like global village, regional development through integration, and international standards being emphasised, that actually benefits international parasites such as the west.

And the fact that the issue continues to tackle upon both by those favoring omission and those trying to keep Filipino as part of the curriculum, why the Philippines, whilst bannering patriotism had preferred being dictated by outside interest? Good to hear about technical and vocational education being encouraged in today's k12 curriculum, but did the present system speaks about industrialization in order for these graduates, as well as engineers setting, if not strengthening foundations of Philippine industry? What's wrong in studying Filipino language, or even using the said language, aside from English in other subjects such as sciences and mathematics? Or is the need for a patriotic, scientific, mass oriented education complicated? 

Actually, DepED has much priorities to do before insisting k12 and other related programs guised as reforms in the education sector. Lack of schools, teachers, materials for educating millions of Filipino children has to be tacked upon instead of unjust imposing a curriculum that in fact intensifies commercialization, commodification of education. And since it had geared towards neoliberal interests, then the studying of one's own culture, including its language has to be omitted in favor of the demands of the market. It may sound practical to those whose idea is all about treating education as just factor for having a job than means to cultivate knowledge and consciousness as part of community.      

Well, as according to Antonio Contreras, there's also fault amongst Filipino teachers for being unimaginative and ill-prepared in regards to their practise, but does it mean that the subject itself has to be scrapped off? Omitted altogether from the curriculum? Again, it may include history and culture as well since Filipino and other related subjects are part of recognizing an identity:

"While this may be the failure of how Filipino is taught in basic education, it does not negate the fact that we do really have a big problem when the manner our national language is taught is itself problematic. Indeed, the fault may also lie in many unimaginative and ill-prepared Filipino teachers. But then again, this is symptomatic of the level of attention and support the educational system gave the teaching of Filipino. After all, Filipino was just taught as a course, and as a medium for instruction in some subject areas, but not as the medium upon which all forms of knowledge will be engaged by the students. One just has to compare our situation with the poor-in-English but richer countries such as Korea, Taiwan and Japan where the medium of instruction is their national languages, to know how tragic the colonial legacy of fetishising English was for us."

Fetishising indeed, especially for a trying hard Yanqui who still thinks that English is the language of the liberator and of the modernizer. Time and again they would condemn Filipino for focusing on Tagalog as its base, a language that controls others directly from Imperial Manila.

But come to think of this: The 1987 Constitution has declared that Filipino as the Philippines' national language, reaffirming what was made in 1935 by Quezon and his SWP (Surian ng Wikang Pambansa). But in recognition of the diversity of our languages, the Constitution has also declared its fluidity and evolving nature, and sets these as the framework for its growth and intellectualization. Section 6 of Article XIV states that: “The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.”
Hence, Filipino has been trying to be reform, revise, enrich, on the basis of existing languages and dialects, even sociolects and vulgar terms. But, the fluidity, as what Contreras and his writeup stated, which ideally should assuage the resentment felt by adherents of other regional languages, is however also a cause for vulnerability and uncertainty when paired with the succeeding provision which states that: “Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication and as language of instruction in the educational system.” The vulnerability lies in the phraseology of this provision, where the propagation of Filipino as an official language for communication and instruction is subjected to that now familiar escape clause—the notorious “subject to the provisions of law and as Congress may deem appropriate.” To date, while the 1987 Constitution specifies Filipino as the national language, Congress has not passed a law where it “deemed appropriate” to make Filipino the medium of official communication and as a mandatory medium of instruction in all levels of the educational system.

And perhaps, to those whom favor omitting, scrapping the study of Filipino language had wanted to "wither Filipino" with education, culture, anything is been geared towards globalization and neoliberalism. And these two ideas peddled by the system, actually stunts, rather than improve national development regardless of its rhetoric, knowing that it had opposed moves for industrialization, a thriving culture, an education geared for national purpose, and a society that is capable of standing up on its own. There's no provision telling that Filipino be used as its medium of official communication as what other SouthEast Asian countries do instead of just English.
They would even babble ASEAN integration as one of its alibis, and if so, then let's speak the language of the majority such as Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Indonesia, or the hated Chinese for the latter is much taught nowadays in international schools around the world. As far as this writer knows that Filipino is also one of the official languages to be used in ASEAN just like other languages being stated and hence should been encouraged just like any other languages of countries in SouthEast Asia. In EU, Spanish, French, German, English are being used as official languages of instruction, so should be its SouthEast Asian counterpart.

Actually, this person, like any other commentators brought in the ways of the west yet carrying consciousness may had used English in his posts, citing comfortability in using the said language in regards to written works. But at the same time, he also speaks Filipino or in any other language directly especially in regards to comments particularly in social media sites and vis-a-vis with his friends and acquaintances; but to disregard altogether the study of native tongue or the culture of its own homeland is all but giving up themselves to other's selfish interest such as those whom chose to be dictated by bigger entities using integration and globalization as its pretext; and most comments favoring discontinuation studying Filipino and having a greater consciousness like studying Rizal's life, and Philippine history is against the current of illusions like Progress and Prosperity offered by Globalization and its pseudo-internationalist framework like regional integration. Rizal did make stories in Spanish, but he also instructs in Tagalog or any other Philippine dialect that made people understand his ideas and perspectives. 
And if studying Filipino in tertiary levels has to be given up then it's like giving up Japanese in Japan by the Japanese or giving up Turkish in Turkey by the Turks all for that goddamn globalization and hence be directly dictated by those in Wall Street in New York. The use of an international language is indeed necessary for bridging relations (and it's not English alone but also Spanish, German, Russian, French and even Chinese), but does not require discontinuing the study of one's native tongue, history, culture, anything that brought that person consciousness and identity. Malaysia did prosper, its people use English, but they encourage greatly their Bahasa Melayu as its native tongue, so is Indonesia in their very own Bahasa Indonesia.

And although the main topic focuses on Filipino language, it may possibly affect other subjects that inculcate Filipino consciousness and identity such as History and Culture. Regardless of their insistence that they had knew about their culture as Filipinos, few certainly understand about Filipino history well as most rather follow really distorted ones such as being shown in mainstream TV and in the Internet: of Manny Pacquiao and, the late Francis M's Three Stars and a Sun, and others that end commodified and peddled by interests, branding it those as Patriotism. Those people whom had brought contributions to contemporary Filipino history and culture are indeed significant, although actually it had been commodified and sold both their names and fames. Filipino pride had been treated a showcase for years and yet Filipino aspirations, of rebuilding dignity as a sovereign nation had been left in paper, hidden partially in the archives of everyone's lives in form of idea and imagination.

That somehow made this writer think these people, as blatantly anti-nationalistic, disregarding their native tongue, culture, identity, except during a boxing match or a beauty pageant. They had chose to be dictated by vested interest on the first place citing practicality as its reason, that also meant sacrificing what made them as Filipinos. San Juan's "Tanggol Wika" made its obligation to keep Filipino as part of tertiary education curriculum and still insisting against CHED and other institutions such as DepED, knowing that regardless of those insisting that they naturally knew their native tongue, is at the same time confused in what they're saying, much more that they often fail in conveying words that are concise and clear, especially that the language they're using is the language of their homeland.

Much more that "Tanggol Wika" calls for what education and culture should be: Patriotic, Scientific, and Mass-Oriented in order to revive Filipino-ness and genuinely adaptive in the call of times.

Thursday, 19 June 2014

"A message betrayed"

"A message betrayed"

(Or how mass media actually used the mass audience 
contrary to the words "demands of the market")

It seems that most people had been watching heavy dramas after arriving home at night. 

Mostly consists of adultery, slapping, and late coming of policemen, the usual format of heavy drama shows seemed to be same as in the past yet this time trying to be at least realistic courtesy of directors, scriptwriters, and producers whom are trying to gain ratings and artists with outmost popularity when it comes to their actions. 

To most people, it would been a breakthrough knowing that they are accustomed to heavy drama every evening, especially after dinner and before watching the late night news. But to others, it seemed to be annoying especially that every year two warring channels had showed much heavy dramas while foreign ones trying to emulate are those of adventure, if not forensic and fictionalized accounts in an historical setting. The Philippines had experimented with those but again they had injected heavily the sensibilities been accustomed to, especially those of love and relationships, fatalism, and other recognizable traits some Filipinos felt got sick and tired of. 

So is in Movies in which most producers had used the mass audience, in showing their accustomed movies whether it is comedy or drama. And as expected, it had disregard taste all in favor of the "demands of the market", knowing that showbusiness is a profit-generating venture of media conglomerates of today. 

In fact, both TV and Movies shared the same idea of being "corny", "exaggerated", "nonsense" yet at the same time "lucrative". People had gone accustomed to watch Vice Ganda or Kris Aquino, and most had gone irritated knowing that there are no more shows in the Philippines to watch of other than those being shown in cable TV while mediamen insist that people had liked their exaggerations so much no matter how exaggerate or corny their moves. 

But again, those whom engage in the media industry, whether it is TV or Film thinks of these as business, and worse, they had to face the demands of the market that are actually demands of the few whose intention is to condition people than the people themselves. People may had expressed anything but not in an exaggerated tone as most depictions do, while media enthusiasts, especially those of writers, directors, artists, and producers ought to educate the senses of its audience rather than unjustly giving canned ones and describing that the mass audience demands it, yet actually it isn't. How wonder there are few or no shows that inculcate value of labor, knowledge, buildinh character and gaining consciousness, and instead promoting pseudo-welfare and shit such as those of talent shows like those of Willie Revillame and others in mainstream television and movies. This shows that it is exploitng the mass audience rather than what producers had been thinking of why they do so.

Anyways, here is the speech coming from, sorry to say, former First Lady Imelda Marcos to the members of Philippine Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) in then-Manila Hilton in mid 70s. and here it goes:

"Film making is not just an art, it is also a business. More often than not, aesthetic standards conflict with the demands of the market. A mass audience can't be unpredictable and cruel. It can consign a great film artist to oblivion or catapult a mediocre one to riches and popularity. 

This situation is a difficulty to be surmounted, a problem to be solves, rather than a hopeless taste of affairs to which everyone must resign himself.

The film, it has been said, is the art of the twentieth century. What is potent about it is its power of directness and compression so that a novel or story can be projected in all its sensuality, often only in an hour or two.

The film has its artistic inclinations, to be sure, but its impact on our minds, our empitions, is instantly overwhelming. For this reason, the film is a powerful mirror of nature. And for that reason too, it can be false and untrue, demeaning and distorted. It can be mislead the stranger into having a false or unflattering idea of ourselves and the values we live by.

It is true, of course, that many motion picture, whether made here or abroad, are considered trash. Only a few reach out for the possibilities of film as art, of film as social commentary, or film as the effective projector of the image of himanity as Westerner, Asian, or Filipino. The mission, it seems to me, is to project the authentic image of the Filipino, to transmute into living art his genuine longings and aspirations, his joys, and even his sufferings.

I can no longer accept the idea that the Filipino is frivolous, for example, or that the audience for films- the much derided mass audienceis too ignorant or indifferent to appreciate productions which follow the timeless dictum of all art: the exaltation of the human spirit.

We would like to see films of our native epics, portrayals of our native soul. Dramatizations of our authentic lives as individuals and as a people. Some of us have been fond of saying that these are the films which do not make money because they are too complex for the mass audience. There can be some disagreement about this. If the film is clear and honest, if the dialouge rings true to life, if the emotions are genuine rather than faked, our masses will understand. Moreover, it is the duty of any man who tries to avail himself of media-especially the motion picutr which directly appeals to the senses-to see to it that his audience is enriched rather than impoverished by the experience.

Indeed, a mass audience cannot become "Shakespearean" enthusiasts overnight. But a beginning must be made. A true artist educates the senses of his audience. A producer of films, even with one eye or both eyes on the box office, should be able to discern what is commercially rewarding within the bounds of art and good taste, he should not sacrifice these values on the altar of Mammon.

At a time when the eyes of the world are upon us, at the time when we are embarked on the task of regeneration through discipline, the challenge begins with our arts and our artists. Let us not, therefore, betray this vision. Let us be worthy of it."

At first, Sorry to use Marcos and her speech, as in her full copy of her speech from the book "A Compassionate society" as a reference conerning Film as an art, for it was during Martial law when the system had at first tried to use Cinema, just like TV, Radio, and Print to be used as one of propaganda mediums and yet only to turn things different. And actually, there are movies being made that showcases new society propaganda such as those of "Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa" that showcases an all-star cast. Quite historical knowing that it showcased the exploits of the Filipino in its hardships from the Spanish regime to pre-Martial Rule, yet the concusion ends up with promoting the "New Society" and its illusion of regeneration the Marcoses had insisted. 

However, not all movies being made those times are concieved as propaganda pieces like what this writer had stated, for most of which were made by production companies whose interest is to cater mass audience the usual ones such as Comedy or Drama. A few directors had dare to include radicalism and even afford to evade censors their works citing art, with social realism as its reference.

That somehow made the former First Lady least "right" that it had shown the Filipino, whether it is in a form of comedy, drama, or a social commentary its longings, aspirations, joys, and even sufferings. While on the side of directors, especially those whose craft is its extension of their causes, a means to express their messages partly hidden in a form of the artist's dialouge, gesture, or even the setting where the story being taken place. One would wonder why "Sister Stella L." Was shown to the populace despite its radically-charged message, that "Manila by Night" was also being shown despite changing its name as "City after dark." People had somehow understand the message of those movies, knowing that it had reflected reality by those whom using their craft as a means to convey their struggle such as civil rights, or to the maximum, national liberation.

And this writer would like to think that if Imelda had said so, about showing the Filipino its emotions and realities, then how come "Sakada" of Behn Cervantes didn't shown? Of Orapronobis? Dukot? And Bente? These movies had shown the truth that the system tries to hid so much knowing that they did their share in making their crimes against the people. The latter had shown its longings, aspirations, joys, and sufferings only to be blocked, harassed, coerced by the order that ironically speaks those words.

Nowadays, cinema, like TV, Radio, and Print is largely being dictated by interest, it had transmitted rather an exaggeration, a canned piece being peddled using "mass audience" as its alibi. And even those of "Independent" movies are being exaggerated by those whose intention is merely to join Cannes and any other international film festival rather than conveying a solid, thought-provoking message; much more that those "Indies" are being dictated by producers who are also in the mainstream scene.  

And hence, did these directors really made an artwork? Maybe, or maybe not. Actually, they had sacrificed themselves to fame than transmitting a message save those whom emphasising the latter than those of the former. They had depicted reality, but actually they didn't provide like what late directors Brocka or Bernal had took time in making a masterpiece. And film festivals such as those of Metro Manila had emphasised a dozen number of audiences in every cinema than the message, the quality of the film given. How come a movie starring Kris Aquino, Vic Sotto, or Vice Ganda had won rather than those of George Estregan jr? Save for those that are made in 1980s to early 2000s, this writer would say that those are in mainstream scene were good and hence provoking nostalgia to most audiences as compared to today's shitty, trying hard ones. Actually, media conglomerates had rather used the mass audience than letting the mass audience dictate regardless of saying phrases like  "demands of the market."

And these people, unnoticingly had sacrificed those values to the altar of Mammon as they emphasised profit over craft, of winning the prize than conveying a message. No wonder why those deemed crappy are the ones who won the prize, art has been negated in favor of the market. Right are those whom saying that old movies are at least having enough sense than nowadays that actually using the mass audience for the benefit of the few. Heavy dramas in Channels 2 and 7 been largely emphasied while other countries had focused on CSI if not Game of Thrones and any other series, including those of historical dramas from Korea. A few would still yearn for "Abangan ang susunod na Kabanata" and "Palibhasa Lalake", citing that they are tired of crying.

Anyways, there's hope for those whom chose to understand especially from a true artist who at first educates and at the same time entertains. No matter how few it is but still willing to understand for not all can become "Shakespearean" enthusiasts overnight. 

Perhaps, its up to the directors, to the producers, and the audience on how to really express somehting that is beyond the parameters of nonsense and exaggeration. Not all things profitable are with sense, nor with reason at all.

For what had anyone sees of is a betrayal of a message that was made years ago.

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

"Sons of the current in struggle"

"Sons of the Current in struggle"

"Civilized men cherish their ancient heritage. They are ever aware of the living past, whether ir be manifested by archaeological forms or by human survivors of ages since gone, for nothing significantly human truly dies."

These are the words former First Lady Imelda Marcos said in one of her speeches about Filipino culture, especially those of indigenous peoples and national minorities. In her speech she desires that Filipino culture ought to be preserved in pursuit of forging a new society, as well as a duty of every Filipino to protect national minorities against the impact of culture shock. Quite idealistic though so to speak that while trying to be in par with the contemporary is at the same time recognizing greatly the contributions of the ancient, and hence ought to be preserved, cherished and if possible, relieved. 

However, despite the message given, of cherish and aware, heritage isn't all about preserving old buildings nor revivng the past, but also realizing the aspirations fof the past in pursuit of building a better future. And in order to have renaissance is through revolution, a struggle to liberate both community and self so as to realize the supposed goals, aspirations end interrupted if not negated by those emphasising interest. Culture, like people, had gone exploited actually, and its impact is obviously much degrading knowing that while being shown to outsiders, emphasising just profits and given an unfair share to them regardless of their contribitions.

And if the state really cherish heritage, how come there are old buildings being demolished such as in Manila? Trees being uprooted so are the communities in the hills for logging and mining? The system failed to cherish heritage actually for they wanted a two-faced development to thrive. 
In Cordillera, the culture of the Cordillerans, be it the Kalinga, Ifugao, Bontoc, had been well known but at the same time its communities being exploited by mining interests. Those communities are well-springs of culture, and at the same time sources of precious minerals. Once, Marcos had attempted to build dams like Chico in then Kalinga-Apayao. However, the said proposal would affect communities as well as Rice Terraces that had been preserved, cherished, and well-known by inhabitants for genrations, and would even worse if mining and logging interests intensify their actions all in the name of "development".

That ironically, encouraged by those whom said about "embracement of minorities to lend substance to national unity" and that includes preserving culture and communities. Elders like Macliing Dulag had consistently oppose the system's moves, unmasking their hypocrisy and strengthening people's resistance against the current of repression. The system had failed, or even acting stupid to understand their stance on why they resist their moves "in the name of development" that actually putting a correct term for "exploitation." 

And at the same time parroting words such as preserving culture, and even patriotism itself, that actually reduced into a mere vaudeville of bread and circuses, of boxing marches and beauty contests people crying for the name "Philippines" to won, yet failing to defend its country from further exploitation both the community and the self with its consciousness that consists of escapism and just material consciousness. And One, two, or three would say "move on" that actually means "forget history and the memory of man's origins." 

Obviously, the struggle for liberation has gone protracted rather than stopped with its realizations. Protracted in a sense that those whom gained consciousness has to resist the currents and to encourage people to enlight in pursuit of a greater cause such as for freedom, land, justice, and life. And heroes, both recognized and nameless did their share in that unfinished struggle no matter how shitty it was and is in the eyes of the decadent order. 

The poem, which was made by Abu Yusuf and published in Moro Kurier in its April-June 1986 issue, seemed quite relating nowadays with the long suffering people, be it the Moros, the Cordillerans, Lumads, oppressed masses from Metropolitan Manila up to the provinces had stop contenting in the cycle of repression and instead taking the bitter cup of sacrifice so as to liberate both themselves and the homeland against the system as the oppressor.

However, there are those whom at first stuggling but eventually tired and instead capitulating to the illusions. Modern day Judases giving up a friend for thirty pieces of silver so to speak, they had given up the hardship, the ideals, if not fearing death and pain all for the illusion of "good life" presented by the order. 
The latter would present entirely the illusions partially realized such as infrastructures made to impress investors, an economy that benefits the compradores and the privileged few, prices in which the system fails to set controls and price ceilings knowing that it hampen the traders and its laissez faire, a culture that despite providing a showcase of nationalism yet in fact commodifies and exaggerates, negates true intentions behind symbols and aspirations. 

This writer would think that the poem made by Abu Yusuf isn't all about Moros, the Mujahideen, and their struggle for self determination, but also the entire Philippines itself, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, but sharing the same hardship and struggle for National and Social liberation. All giving up their mind, sinew, blood, and soul all for the revolution.

And that struggle is more than just a painting being conceived like Luna or the books being written such as those of Rizal. 

In kami Anak sug tuyuh nagparrang
Nagtabarru' ha maksud pasal kamahardikaan
Sumud kupah punud wai hanggawan
Bang mayan dih masipug bangsa sumayang.

Anak sug Pilihan dig nagkasat
Dih magpiksil sin baran nisan nakarak
Piya laud-gulangan asal binsanah
Sah dauhatun in maksud bat masampurnah,

Dig kami magkalupag sin kahalan
In bangsa mabinsanah ha kajaliman
Bunuh ha Para wajib pamimintangan
Saplag ha in katan sin kadayyusan.

Andoh kailo piyaganak in Anak sug
Wajib ba katan in mamaugbug
Halluh kami ha satroh dih masanud
Saplag da ha katan bata maluhnud

In kamu duen hayan ayaw mahaman
Tantu tuod in satreh kiyasaitanan
Manghinang umiba-an iban mangdupaing
Amoyanan in sabab hagkan in Anak sug nagparang!

English translation:

We, the sons of the current are in ardent struggle
Sacrificed in the cause for freedom
Fearless shall we join in the fertile soil of eternal rest
If only for peace and dignity of the race.

Anaksug, the unwavering paragon
Selfless even in the face of destruction
From the coast to the hinterlands, we have always been oppressed
Thus the waging of the cause for liberation

We can never allow our history to go to naught
Our people have suffered so much
The battle of Pata is a grim reminder

Oh, children of the seas
You were born with the obligation to defend
But take heed, beware against the tounges of the surrenderees
They are scattered in our midst to drown our cause

For you Warriors! Remain vigilant!
Verily, the hypocrites are evil doing!
They coerce and ever deceptive 
Precisely the reason why the Anaksug are in struggle!

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

China-made Phones: Harmless or not?

China-made Phones: harmless or not?

China-made telecommunications equipment, especially China-made cellphones have reached Manila's shores. And People may take interest due to their cheapness, while others rather abhor for their sinophobic sentiments if not for the cellphones being just ripoffs of some much well-known products. Will these manufacturers take the risk and the appraisal from their new customers?

Two Chinese telecommunication manufacturers, Huawei and Xiaomi, have entered the Philippine market with their cheap China-made cellphones and other telecommunication devices.

Huawei is known for its tablet distributed by PLDT, Smart Telecommunications, and Globe Telecom. The company is targeting to increase its market share in the country’s smartphone market by five-fold over the next three years, banking on its high quality and competitively-priced products. As Gavin Dai, Huawei Technology Philippines chief executive officer said, the company is looking at gradually increasing its market share in the Philippines to about five percent next year, and to 10 percent in 2015 from the current share of less than two percent.

On the other hand, Xiaomi, a newcomer in the Philippine cellphone market, has cited the country as the 3rd from its 10 retail markets outside of “Greater China", and has opened last April its Facebook page, featuring its new MI3 that also uses Android just like its other competitors. The company took on the global brand name "MI" back in April, and launched it in Singapore and Malaysia in February and May, respectively. It has its sights set on 10 countries this year that include Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, with an ambitious 60 million unit sales target for 2014, from the 18.7 million it sold last year.

Both manufacturers are known for their competitively-priced high-end smartphones, their unique implementation of the Android operating system, and even the growing number of their customers who prefer cheap yet cool gadgets regardless of where it came from.

However, in spite of these, some Asians, especially Filipinos choose not to cater to the cheapness of China-made phones, especially those who have security reasons after turbulent events surrounding Philippines and China, if not because they're cheap imitations or even fake, smuggled goods. In fact, there are even anti-China pages made in Facebook calling for a boycott of Chinese-made goods, whether is it because of being a cheap imitation if not an espionage tool supporting Chinese expansionist interests, as well as propagating hysteria about Huawei being used for espionage in the United States by the military. The CIA, under its former administrator Michael Hayden, has investigated Huawei on its possibility as a tool of China for espionage, and they have found relevant information regarding the company-founder Ren Zhengfei.
Zhengfei has been linked to the People's Liberation Army as its former soldier, and an engineer in its Information Technology Research Department, until his retirement in the early 1970's, after which he imported Hong Kong-made telecommunications equipment before he eventually shifted to manufacturing. Based on the gathered information, Zhengfai has also joined the Communist Party of China in 1978 during the era of Deng Xiaoping and his 5 modernizations; thus showing how capitalists can become "communists" as well. He has been a representative of private entrepreneurs, after being elected as a member of the 12th National People's Congress.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi had been a ripoff of an American-owned company, as it tries to imitate Apple and with its founder, Lei Jun, imitating the late Steve Jobs, especially when it comes to showing new gadgets complete with getup and casual introductions. Its current flagship, the MI3, is currently one of the fastest Android smartphones beating out the HTC One (M8) in recent tests. Also, another of their famous products is an Android-powered tablet which is reminiscent of the iPad mini, but with a color palette similar to that of the iPhone 5c. Critics however, stated that Xiaomi's low-price gadgets are merely cheap iPhone imitations that have no significant software nor hardware advantages. They also said that the company faces stiff challenges from its imitatee, particularly Apple and Samsung, which are also in the position to offer low-price smartphones.

But Despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding China-made gadgets and their manufacturers, there are still people who choose these products, as they prioritize cheapness over quality and origin when buying cellular phones and tablets. Some are even excited about the possible price of Xiaomi's latest MI3 after the company's soft opening in the Philippines. After all, for the owners, what they care about is their interest especially regarding their top of the line products which significantly aided their companies Xiaomi and Huawei to bloom in the international scene, in spite of whatever allegations they face, and their rigid competion with other brands in the first world countries such as Canada's Blackberry and Finland's Nokia which nowadays are known as Microsoft Mobile.

In actuality, China's export processing zones do assemble Apple's IPhone even if designed in the U.S., while local brands in the country like MyPhone and Cherry mobile are actually imports from China and even India. Newcomers in our market especially Chinese, take appraisal for the affordability of their tablets and cellphones, while they have to appease their customers that these products are no-espionage equipment and are neither fake nor risky as Sinophobes continue to speak of. Ironically, these accusers come from a country that also manufactures what the West satisfies and local cellphone brands import. The Philippines has the capacity to develop its own telecommunications equipment instead citing factories capable of manufacturing semiconductors and semiprocessed goods used in assembling telecommunications equipment, and it takes both enough will and time to create foundations to make a Filipino-made phone as an alternative to importing Chinese or Indian ones. 

Quite possibly, but it is just up to the people whether they consider buying these devices, both from "Red China" and "Taiwan" or not.

Sunday, 15 June 2014

"Grace for the Slaves, Rage from the discontented"

"Grace for the Slaves, Rage from the discontented"

(a post-Independence day Ramblings about the event,
the date, and consciousness most Filipinos had attained)

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It was last June 12, Thursday, when people from all walks of life had tuned in the TV sets, if not reading papers and sought, tackled about the events related to Independence day.

Ranging from President Aquino's speech at Naga, Vice President Binay's raising of the flag, up to the protests at US Embassy and its march from Liwasan towards Mendiola, Independence day seemed to be a celebration of rejoice and discontent, an event of mixed reactions from appraising the present system and its so-called "reforms" to criticizing the same system and its desperate measures and reactions; in other words, both grace for the willing slave and a rage from those whom those who are discontented about the system and its so-called "policies".

Prior to the protests, people had witnessed how the present system, through its representative, President Aquino, had again takes pride like his predecessors about his country and its "changes" brought together by his so-called reforms especially those of his righteous path, that, is marred by scandals like today's pork barrel scam that involved bureaucrats, cabinet secretaries and senators alike. Vice President Binay had shared same expressions as the president, so was Senator Franklin Drilon whom urging the majority to keep faith in the government amidst controversy people had watched upon to.

However, despite the festivities shown on national television, of statements calling for unity if not righteousness, not all are amazed (save those whom rather contented in those colorful craps) in their calls urging them to keep faith in the system, and instead thinking that their president is trying to escape from a possible barrage of criticism by celebrating at Naga instead of Manila, especially  after seeing groups assembled in both Manila and in Bicol on that same day as its day of protest, with Pork Barrel, the president, and his retinue, anything goes within the system as its subject of interest. There were issues that also being discussed as well like the never-ending agrarian issue of Hacienda Luisita up to the disputed Spratly and Scarborough shoal, that somehow these made some, of not most Filipinos having a glimpse of idea different from those what is presented by the order, and a few would have least having a consciousness, paving way for bigger calls for social change instead of contenting in today's status quo and heavy drama-filled memories.

But despite all these controversial issues, most people care partially, or even less about issues like  "Pork Barrel" or "Hacienda Luisita", and some of them had even altogether disregard, save for a smattering of information, as instead preferring the illusions, the so-called "good news" presented by the present order such as the state of economy and development being presented by the system and its analysts aside from the pride being brought by athletes and artists and justify that the "Filipino can do" those kinds of shit.
Otherwise, they just escape from an inconvenient reality and watch heavy dramas instead after a day's work. And somehow one would think, such as this person's, that the present Filipino consciousness had been a mishmash of sorts that emphasises pride if not escapism, and that includes celebrating holidays in which the system wanted to instill not just revisiting the past but also appraise present illusions that tends to stave off the effects of today's controversies. If not resorting to arrests simply because of voicing out dissent. They could babble about development, progress, and stability, yet actually that development is all but trickle down with the last drop goes to the least satisfied, leaving the rest seeing those fruits as illusions being presented but not given democratically by those whom speaking heavily about it; much more that they are willing to fight for that knowing that they had worked for long and still not enough to satisfy their needs.

Anyways, no offense to those whom chose to satisfy on what goes on under the present administration, as well as that so-called "Pinoy Pride" and the "Democracy" being enjoyed upon; but Filipino consciousness, especially today's nationalism is all but a façade, a cosmetic rather than a driving force for its people to build a still dilapidated nation. As People had rejoiced about Pacquiao's or Donaire's victories in boxing matches and Filipinas like Maegan Young and other "beautiful girls" who won in several beauty contests, that so-called "Pinoy pride" rings from time to time trying to stave off major problems alongside shifting the main issue to those of noontime shows and heavy dramas during evenings. But despite all these, did it end up age old tensions between the rich and the poor nor had helped in distributing the land from the landlords to the landless and given sufficient wages and standards of living from the employers to the employees? Again, that pride, that shallow consciousness cannot stave off the entire problem regardless of making people sedated on that event, just like a singer years ago whom had to sing in a place whose people willing to take up arms after a well known personality got shot and killed for his beliefs, much more that his beliefs are as same as those whom willing to take revenge after the killing.

Perhaps, other than making everyone glued into the TV screen or in a Flatscreen PC monitor there's nothing contributative other than the system, with its producers and the media men whose intention is to profit from what goes on and branding those victories as part of Filipino consciousness aside from urging, at the orders of the government to pay taxes and keeping faith in the system regardless of the controversies; yet without these "patriotic" events, both holidays, boxing matches, and beauty contests, the average Filipino had rather contented in wholesale westernization, specifically those of the American kind, much more that they are apathetic in present issues particularly those what protesters being protested: whether it is all about land, bread, peace, justice, anti-imperialism or whatsoever least that they are satisfied in being a shallow patriot that is occasionally turned on during a boxing match and any other festivity including that goddamn independence day.

And Hence, this writer called those events as grace for the slaves. Grace in a sense that they satisfied on those illusions what the order had given to regardless of the controversies least that the system had did its good share of developments such as in the name of Aquino's "Righteous Path". Like his predecessors, they had shown anything that stimulates development, ranging from infrastructure to trying to place price limits in goods and services, and hence making people, especially the downtridden as if having faith in a system providing those illusions and half-truths given.  
But not all are satified on those illusions, especially those whom are actually starving, dispossessed, repressed, disenfranchised, and in fear. These people, whom having their eyes opened are the ones chose to rage out of their discontent about today's things, that regardless of the systems achievements is not enough to resolve old issues as officials still clinging to the status quo of feudalism and corruption, trying to stave off issues by a range of paper reforms and publicity antics, including those of populism and diverting issue from one to another.

And that independence day carries both,  knowing that the system and its fanboys are satisfied with today's achievments, while the rest are raging in discontent because of the controversies, crisis that had happened everyday.


And since this writer tackles about last Friday's event, there are those whom had even argue about that day itself as illegitimate. In a Last year's writeup once described how a spectator from July 4, 1946 raising of the flag in midst of a ruined Manila had opposed celebrating June 12, citing it as a mere flag waving event being led by Aguinaldo while the latter as a product of negotiations that had brought Tydings McDuffie and the 1935 constitution with its provision that the Philippines be declared independent after several years as a commonwealth under the United States, not knowing that both of them had ceremonially raised flags high.
For both "peace time" and "post-war" generations, they would think about celebrating July 4, knowing that the Philippines, a once commonwealth had been recognized by countries around the world as an independent state, and at the same time seeing the United States trying to assume itself as willing to decolonize its own territories, that actually turning them into neocolonies through its policies such as "Bell Trade Act", "Visiting Forces Agreement" and today's "Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement." 
And most of these agreements are rather a continuation of the earlier agreements Uncle Sam had imposed towards Juan, despite being watered down in its content and words politically correct to prevent a possible mass outburst.

There's even an article made by former UP Dean of Mass Communications, Luis Teodoro, that also stated those whom insisting July 4 rather than June 12 as Philippines' own "independence day". As he said:

"One of the former, a Bobby Reyes, has been arguing for over a decade that the war the Katipunan and Emilio Aguinaldo fought against the Spaniards, and which culminated in the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898, was only one of several wars for Philippine independence. Among the other wars he includes the revolts that occurred in a number of communities and provinces during Spanish occupation. Aguinaldo had little domestic and international support, Mr. Reyes argues — and didn’t Aguinaldo have Andres Bonifacio killed?"

“There are many Filipinos and Filipino Americans who think that Independence Day celebrations are commemorations of a fictional independence,” he continues in an article that appeared about a decade ago that’s still online. “We (should) celebrate only what is real and factual. We cannot distort historical facts. We cannot celebrate an event that only ‘resembles the truth.’ It was only on July 4, 1946, when the United States granted it independence that the Philippines became politically free as a country.”

That somehow this writer would again think that they are really having their patriotism intentionally lost in favor of an illusion of good life presented by a superpower if not a consciousness that is leaned towards Americanism than Filipinism. Both the inter-war and post-war generation had settled on what Uncle Sam had made regardless of its first few years making racial slurs and bullshit while at the same time providing them with junk guised as new. Much more that Mr. Reyes and others would even wanted to say that the Philippines doesn't deserve independence, save for a mere cultural autonomy under American suzerainty.

But despite all the insistences made by an avid brown Yanqui, come to think of this, if the struggle for Philippine independence is all but fictional, how come Aguinaldo's first republic had continued resisting despite limited support from outside yet a majority willing to sacrifice their lives under the flag? Perhaps his consciousness was all about how the united States of America paid the valor, perseverance, survival of the Filipinos with independence in midst of ruins their troops and Japan's did 4 years ago, and hence has to take pride of not knowing that his nation is actually had become a neocolony of its former colonizer. U.S. Planes had to bombard Manila while its troops had to hurriedly advance knowing that guerillas surrounding Manila were willing to advance in spire of Japanese resistance, much more that they had to bombard the city not just to flush out the enemy but to insist the young republic to depend on their aid especially in construction. One should remember that tranvias old people cherished were eventually replaced by jeeps simply because American automobile companies had export surpluses and calling it as construction efforts, while trains are eventually disregarded in favor of roads knowing that automobile companies demand those!  How wonder why some places were intact during the war like HongKong and Singapore, while Manila, the pearl of the orient has to be ruined and be called as Warsaw of the east? The Philippines would had less worries except a few repairs towards Manila and other cities if not for the massive bombings made by the Americans in pursuit of just killing Japanese!
Anyways, Mr. Reyes may still insist those events as semilegendary if not fictional regardless of the contributions made by the 1898 generation (including those of Quezon) trying to insist their homeland be independent again and "realized" in 1946;  while old soldiers, both from the Katipunan and from Aguinaldo's, all whom had witnessed bloodshed and struggle for independence would rather prefer their cherished June 12 than what was given yet in fact turning their homeland into a neocolony on the 4th of July, 1946.

But aside from the statements of Mr. Reyes, there are others had really even tend to disregard that occasion altogether and instead pushing for the Philippines to be one of Uncle Sam's own territories like Hawaii and Alaska, knowing that Americans had provided them with modernity and its White, Anglo-Saxon men better to administer than Filipinos themselves. Like Mr. Reyes, these "trying hard Yanquis" rather settle on cultural autonomy, or worse, reducing anything cultural to a museumified piece whole the rest goes on wholesale westernization as the Philippines continuously under the care of the benevolent American nation with its stars and stripes being flown. Actually, the issue on contested Spratlys and Scarborough with China provides these "trying hard Yanquis" a rallying point to have additional American aid regardless of those treaties as unequal; especially with provisions like free water and electricity for the American troops, but does it guarantee independence such as what happened in 1935? Or be it again like those of 1942 when the Philippines is being treated as a buffer zone? Of unnoticingly having its own "being raped in the backroom" by a neighbor while trying to protect its allies as according to the late Manuel Quezon?

Again, their consciousness about Philippines as a nation is all but a mishmash of sorts ranging from illusions of grandeur, pride, up to being desperate for Uncle Sam and wanting him to reclaim Philippines for himself. They took pride in artists, athletes, and its contrinutions, yet failed to realize aspirations especially those of long ago. Sound strange that they speak about independence and freedom yet at the same time desperately calling Uncle Sam for aid instead of rolling their sleeves and handle it for themselves. So much for "change starts from the self" while the nation didn't change its own course such as trying hard Americana. 

Or worse, to accept a so-called "fact" that the Filipinos are blantantly "anti-Nationalist" if not "anti-social" in its contemporary culture. Serving only their individual pursuits, and unconcerned with general welfare such as reviving Filipino consciousness that is, far from the usual depiction.

Well, regardless of their insistence as "trying hard Yanquis", of having their own consciousness be filled up with meaningless pride and illusions, then right is the Hispanist Guillermo Gomez Rivera to speak about what Mr. Reyes had opposed, that June 12 was at least a Filipino illusion made by Filipinos rather than July 4 in which these trying hard Yanqui commentators like Mr. Reyes and the Filipino American generation had insisted. Both had least having Filipino consciousness yet different interpretations such as the former borne out of struggle, of blood and honour while the latter was just given and really existing since 1946 with its agreements still trying to reaffirm the supremacy of its once colonizer as its debtor, or even altogether disregarding the struggle as fiction in favor of America's commitment to developing the homeland of a million "little brown brothers" willing to serve the white man. This writer somehow sided with Rivera's regardless of he as an Hispanist, knowing that Aguinaldo's flag waving is not just a Filipino-made illusion, but an illusion that includes blood, sinew, mind of Ilustrado and the majority masa to advance struggle for national existence, and that is far greater than a series of lobbying and negotiations that benefits the ruling few that ironically, from the ilustrados themselves like Buencamino and Paterno. Yet sadly, Aguinaldo did surrender while the rest being executed for being called bandits than as revolutionaries like those of Sakay and the former Magdiwangs trying to revive their Katagalugan struggle; while the Philippine state had became a mere territory of the United States with the latter experimenting them with democracy, modernity, and at the same time comparing them to Africans, Native Americans, and other "uncivilized" nations.
So are the nativists, whom had even elaborated that the Filipino struggle, no matter how illusory it was like those of Rivera's, as more than just independence alone, but a "crusade" as well: in which an oppressed yet morally upright people are called to destroy the old, repressive order and to build a society that is righteous in its morality greater than its colonizers; Bonifacio had read the ideas of the west while at the same time sharing those the aspirations of the oppressed laboring masses in building a society that not just free and independent but also just, that their revolution is more than just revolving and inciting hatred as inspired by Rizal's novels and everyday hardships, but also a cleansing one as what inscribed in Katipunan's Cartilla and other writeups, manifestos that tends to bring Filipino consiciousness as more than just national independence but also of self-liberation.
Both of them, regardless of their different inclinations would somehow showed that the Philippines is still in a state of struggle for identity regardless of its independence being bannered upon. That the Philippine state in which Rivera stated has to remold in pursuit of righteousness as what Salazar and the nativists insisted. And that consciousness that had brought people into patriotism as more than just paying taxes and taking pride in its contributions, but also realizing aspirations such as land for the landless, bread for the workers, justice for the masses, and freedom for the people regardless of its ethnicity. In fact, those whom had gained national consciousness and had really fought for National independence are until today being accused of subversion, ostracised for being against colonizer's gratitude, even executed for being deemed as "bandits" such as those of Macario Sakay and a number of nameless revolutionaries being called ladrones and bandoleros (thieves); much more that until today those whom fighting for real national consciousness are being accused as subversive while tolerating those whom are treating patriotism as a façade for commercial, or rather say cosmetic interests.

That somehow made this writer again, speaking of the latter treating patriotism as for commercial interests yet currying aid such as those of the United States as "Grace for the Slaves", and Independence day being treated as a mere celebration just like Pacquiao's boxing matches, the Late Francis Magalona's "Three stars and a sun", and any other symbolical events while actually seeing most Filipinos really accepting themselves as "little brown Americans", "Asian Niggers" as bigots like to describe much about Juan and his kind. 
While on the other hand, those whom gaining national consciousness and eventually struggling for national liberation are setting both rage and enlightenment for the discontented many. Regardless of being subversive in the eyes of the order, least they had to expose anything that is behind the facades being presented by the system, and to counter those what its apologetics trying to convey time and again. Of what is independence if the system chose to content in wholesale westernization and relying on a superpower than standing by its own feet and develop its own capabilities? Of what is democracy if it is not for the laboring masses? So much for having proposals, ideas that are being left in paper for the system chose to remain satisfied on what a bigger entity has been offered, that made its people accept that their nation is weak and hopeless regardless of being independent, save consciousness for boxing matches, tshirts, and other attractions presented to tourists.

But still, despite all their rants, their whinings, and harassments, Right was the protests last June 12 knowing that the struggle for freedom remained unfinished whether the topic is about corruption, landlessness, anything in which the system had failed to resolved because of their interests.

Right was the man from Ateneo de Naga whom end jailed for venting rage against the head of state whom assuming himself as clean yet coddling the corrupted. The path called righteous had been crooked actually by those whom had rather betrayed principles for pieces of silver.

Right are those whose intention is to expose what is hidden partially in a façade called development whose name is corruption. Knowing that behind every edifice of glass and steel are shantytowns made by those whom had built the former yet being forgotten.

and, Right are those whose call is to continue the unfinished revolution. People may call it as an illusion, but compared to others, that illusion is Filipino and it has to realize.

Again, as what this writer had said in his last time's writeup:
Filipinas, Hasta la Muerte! El Pueblo Armado, Vencera!

Saturday, 14 June 2014

"Science Fiction often anticipates Reality"

"Science Fiction often anticipates Reality"

 photo Japanese-propeller-trains-from-1936_zps1073afef.jpg
Mountain monorail - Kikuzō Itō, 1936

It was days ago when this writer found a series of pictures coming from websites featuring old Japanese and Soviet concepts of the future. Whether it was made pre or post-war, yet driven by nostalgia and imagination would say that those whom had posted afford to relive their memories by scanning those pictures and posted it away. Leaving the rest to those whom sought and perhaps refeatured.

 photo Japanese-pre-war-US-Arctic-exploration-vehicle_zps87e39c95.jpg
Japanese picture feat. a Snow Cruiser
 obviously based from a "Popular Mechanics" magazine article

Actual Snow Cruiser, minus the turret.

cutaway drawing of the actual Snow Cruiser 

Some of which were actually realized and made others inspired to create. The snow cruiser in which a Japanese science magazine had afford to replicate was based in an actual snow cruiser that was made in America. Although it had no turret and likely to be used for research regarding the Antartic. Quite idealistic those times actually, that inspired by scientific achievement lies the artwork like pictures given. 

At first, seemed quite strange from both past and present about the wonders being brought by those willing to realize that was at first drawn, lithographed, painted, and featured in various science-related magazines if not postcards. Few of which were developed in an experimental scale leaving the rest as proposals, or just plain simple objects of imagination partly hidden waiting to be resurfaced via the internet.

Most of which were emphasised on machines if not atoms and the universe due to breakthroughs in the field of science and technology. In which science fiction enthusiasts (both artists and writers), since all but inspired by scientific achievements had time and again trying to replicate a concept of a future based from their perception, if not aspirations of those yearning for progress, stability, and for themselves, longevity. Quite interesting though about these perceptions of the future, some of which were being realized although in an experimental scale by those willing to realize those kinds of that at first drawn and posted in various science-related magazines around the world, particularly in developed countries with science and technology being treated as a foundation of their society.

And generation after generation these aspirations continue to be replicated. Earlier ones speak much of steam and later on in diesel, afterwards nuclear and eventually solar, wind, or any other natural source that can harness power to create a future.

Actually, prior to making this hell of a kind writeup,  there were two other related writeups posted years ago in this page featuring postcards describing the future two centuries past. Compared to the ones posted today, it seemed quite crude, focusing on steam-driven machines, airships, if not trains, and early version of cars alongside horse-drawn carriages. But these crude impressions pave way to much improved ones such as the use of diesel, rather than coal or to some scale, paraffin to man over the machineries in every factory, that the once rich man's toys had became everyman's vehicle, and of massive efforts in electrifying societies in pursuit of steering development, with the creation of dams for both irrigation and electricity supply like those of the Soviet Union in its period of building and innovation.

There was even a writeup about Nazi Germany's fascination with the future, that despite Hitler's fondness for anything rural and folkish, most of the idea-concepts of the future were even fulfilled by makers such as Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and others whose creations been contributed to modern day warfare such as missiles, tanks, and airplanes; including those of Hitler's Volkswagen in which he himself allegedly said to be the one designed, yet actually with its concepts borrowed from the Czech's own Tatra. 

Well, all despite its strangeness, if not contradictory to existing realities or purely imaginative, this writer actually sees these as part of a never ending quest. In which these pictures turned realizations are in fact concepts tempered with a series of tinkering and experimentations so as to bring  it to life. A thriving society sometimes demands science so as in demanding culture. And thus somehow one would think that science fiction often anticipates reality, with those whom willing to realize had took days, months, even years to turn that was drawn or imagined into what is being held and man with. That the tales of Daedalus brought idea how man able to fly, or the tale of Mahabharata brought inspiration to the creators of atomic bomb that shook Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
 It may also consider it as ComtemporAntiquitarian, in a sense that those creations, being a realization of past blueprints made it happen generation after generation and hence continue to move forward with its first few foundations strongly stood and withstand the test of time. Few would dare to understand linking both the aspirations of the pasts and the realization of its present, of old blueprints comes new structures withstanding time and tremor; that old factories are edifices of a past long promised yet eventually forgotten. This writer may had worried about the state of flour mills at Pasig years ago, few years from now they'll be demolished while people care less about its contribution to the city's development, as well as one of a realizations once being discussed in economic and industrial circles of the past. 

Nowadays, people is still continuously searching for an idealized future regardless of being fictional or experimental in its scale. Artists, architects, engineers, inventors, writers, or any other science and technology enthusiasts trying to become gamechangers and engineers of the human spirit so as the body.

And perhaps it is part of man's quest to forge that is at first all but a blueprint. They made it in an anticipation in which few willing to "bring those figures into life" through intense research and development. And regardless of its strangeness, if not weirdness comes widespread acceptance.