Just this Sunday, I finished a book by David Baldacci with the same title. While devouring the book, I was thinking... will absolute power corrupt even the most honest mind?
I wish that with the (absolute) power soon to be given to the Philippines' president-elect, his ideals remain intact on preventing, if not, totally eradicating corruption in the government. I hope that power do not overthrow the very reason he was elected -- a promise of clean and transparent government.
My hopes are high that with the coming leadership, the country may be able to move forward from the looming darkness, which for some time have been brought by the current administration. I am hoping that the Filipinos will be given the inspiration they need from a leader who although to some, may be lacking the competence he still remains to be the symbol of simple hopes and truthful ideals, of highest position in its humblest, of everything else any traditional politicians is not.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
!@#@$%#@&^
With all the word wars on television, radio and print ads, which they seem to enjoy, there can't seem to be a place where decent plantform-laying can occur. The possible avenues, it occured to me, has already been infested by futile mockering. Parepareho na lang - traditional politicians - they seem to all be!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Hours ago at work
3:10 :I feel better that my blood seems to circulate now, and that I think my nerves are working better than about ten minutes ago.
Ten Minutes ago : I just finished the last set of Purchase Order I am to review for the day. Well I have one left to confirm some details to the purchaser, but apart from it, I have nothing more – to do. At least not that is urgently required for the day. Because I must admit, there are three Approvals for Turnover still waiting to be reviewed. Boring. Maybe I just find it more pleasing to be doing a number of things at a time. Maybe I’m just challenged by a pile of work and exhibiting once more the art of multi-tasking I once was good at back in the university.
Ten Minutes after : I don’t know, but I bet, I will have the same bored look before I went to the ladies room to have a walk. The monotony, just like a song, “is killing me softly” woah!!!
Good Luck!
Ten Minutes ago : I just finished the last set of Purchase Order I am to review for the day. Well I have one left to confirm some details to the purchaser, but apart from it, I have nothing more – to do. At least not that is urgently required for the day. Because I must admit, there are three Approvals for Turnover still waiting to be reviewed. Boring. Maybe I just find it more pleasing to be doing a number of things at a time. Maybe I’m just challenged by a pile of work and exhibiting once more the art of multi-tasking I once was good at back in the university.
Ten Minutes after : I don’t know, but I bet, I will have the same bored look before I went to the ladies room to have a walk. The monotony, just like a song, “is killing me softly” woah!!!
Good Luck!
Early Conspiracy
It’s like a show of puppets in a well-crafted skit.
Long before the May Twenty-Ten Elections, they all seem to have prepared themselves already in parading with their most extravagant, most convincing, and some funny, costumes. Some foolery, some with the purest intentions, some, I don’t know, but just the same, they all pose an image of trying-so-hard-to-win-the-masses politician.
Whether he is your companion in pedaling your way to your dreams, or the “protector” of OFW’s and the rights of the poor, or the second-to-throne housing director, or your leftist Mayor of the country’s top business district, or the all-time critic of almost everyone and anyone, and the many others who someway, somehow are making themselves known before the electorate; or simply the incumbent, they are all the same politician’s face – power and greed dominating (this is general, I still give the other leaders their rightful place in perhaps the Nobel Peace Prize?) values and sincere intentions.
It seems to have been planned in the most perfectly persuading way they can, like a magician’s crazy antics in a children’s party, where only perhaps the children and a little adult would clap their way out to an encouraging, “more! more!” , only to get a bluff out of it.
I fear I might see the show worsen in 12 months, being more and more convincing to the masses. I fear that the most selfish plan would triumph. I fear that we would be blinded by the genius of every man behind this big road show.
I hope it won’t.
I trust that in the months to come, like intelligent spectators, we still get to see the flaws and correct them. I believe we could be more curios now to not allow ourselves to be deceived again by some colorful posters or mushy lines, and that like a “pakipot” Filipina, we carefully choose; and even if it takes a hundred years before that “yes” its fine, as long as the one we are giving our vote to is worthy of our trust.
Long before the May Twenty-Ten Elections, they all seem to have prepared themselves already in parading with their most extravagant, most convincing, and some funny, costumes. Some foolery, some with the purest intentions, some, I don’t know, but just the same, they all pose an image of trying-so-hard-to-win-the-masses politician.
Whether he is your companion in pedaling your way to your dreams, or the “protector” of OFW’s and the rights of the poor, or the second-to-throne housing director, or your leftist Mayor of the country’s top business district, or the all-time critic of almost everyone and anyone, and the many others who someway, somehow are making themselves known before the electorate; or simply the incumbent, they are all the same politician’s face – power and greed dominating (this is general, I still give the other leaders their rightful place in perhaps the Nobel Peace Prize?) values and sincere intentions.
It seems to have been planned in the most perfectly persuading way they can, like a magician’s crazy antics in a children’s party, where only perhaps the children and a little adult would clap their way out to an encouraging, “more! more!” , only to get a bluff out of it.
I fear I might see the show worsen in 12 months, being more and more convincing to the masses. I fear that the most selfish plan would triumph. I fear that we would be blinded by the genius of every man behind this big road show.
I hope it won’t.
I trust that in the months to come, like intelligent spectators, we still get to see the flaws and correct them. I believe we could be more curios now to not allow ourselves to be deceived again by some colorful posters or mushy lines, and that like a “pakipot” Filipina, we carefully choose; and even if it takes a hundred years before that “yes” its fine, as long as the one we are giving our vote to is worthy of our trust.
Friday, May 8, 2009
The anatomy of a winning Pacman
As usual, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight put a stop to the life of every Filipino, on an early afternoon, Sunday; and I am sure that even more than half the world awaits on whether which will prevail – the east or the west.
I was never a Pacman fan, but I must admit, whether just curious on who will win, or just don’t want to be left behind in an after-match tete-a-tete in almost every corner in the country, or just because I have no choice because everyone in the house would watch; I watch his fights, and I don’t miss a single one of his well-publicized, and high earning international bouts in this century, except for this one.
But even if I wasn’t able to watch the second round which again defined Pacman’s (and the Philippines’ sports) victory, I had every detail of that momentous triumph. Thanks to the news – TV and print, and to the buzzing storytellers I could easily get from almost anywhere. And well true enough, it was again where the news revolved, and where again for many times now, has shadowed even the worldwide phenomena of the spreading Swine Flu Virus or the unusual striking of a typhoon in the Bicol Region, in early May when we’re still in the summer season. And like the lost summer heat, it was hot news!
But I respect the fellow. I admire his being disciplined, determined, strong-willed, and Christ-centered. I’m honored I’m a Filipino because he is and because he makes us proud to be one; and because every time the Philippine anthem is sung (even when the melody seems altered all the time, every time: just differently composed) and the Philippine flag is raised above the millions of boxing fans or mere spectators, it makes me more boastful of my race.
And we must admit too that he has created a group of followers – commoners and politicians alike. He has made for him a name that is his – Manny “the Pacman” Pacquiao. He is revered to as our day’s hero; for as how they would report it in the news, crime rates go down when he fights, but note that watching his fights also creates death caused by either heart attacks or strokes by overly excited and eager fans. Pacquiao is simply making boxing loved by every Filipino more than basketball, I guess. Where this popularity leaves him is still the big question, but years ago, the people of his home province has already witnessed the desire of this aspiring congressman, to win not just in the boxing ring but also in the political arena. As critics would say, he simply has no experience, he don’t even speak straight English (but he’s learning) how could he author a bill and even defend them? “gagamitan lang siya ng ibang pulitiko para makakuha ng boto.” The news again of his vying for a seat in Congress is all over the radio. Proof perhaps of this ardent desire, is his going to high school (minimum educational requirement). This road to being a politician, aside from his stint as a TV personality and an actor, and as being once again or rather now, given the highest ranks for a reservist, is well a long path and I know he has made it clear like his boxing career.
Again, I am not a fan, but I acknowledge his works and his accomplishments as having six belts in various weight divisions; and as Bob Arum called him after that 2-round winning fight, “He is the greatest fighter the world ever have.” It was normal, for a promoter who has again grew his stake into bigger fortunes, because some boxing analysts would call him as still, ONE of the greatest; and yes, he his perhaps, in my lifetime, one of them. And honestly, I would love it as that. The picture of his kneeling down in one corner of the ring after every win, whispering a silent prayer of perhaps, gratitude; and his raising of two hands in a stance, so powerful and signifying of every Filipino’s pride, his thankful bow, and proud, sometimes, arrogant smile - I would want it to remain that way.
It may not be fair to say he is incompetent of the job he is seeking. No one could really tell how good a Congressman he may be or how influential a leader he may be. A joke was said; he could not and would not be corrupt like most of them do, because he’s wealthier than all of them combined. Or it maybe, that if he wins a seat, he would ask for more than what the others would, because compared to the fortune he has, it may be “chicken”. A comment was also said, with his charisma, he could easily make the others to vote for a cha-cha or con-con, no questions asked; or that he could easily get a commanding vote. Another would ask what does he knows. But others would also say, whoever said that only the educated can serve? Or only the experienced can run for an office? True enough, leadership should not be equalled to a degree, profession or fame, it must not.
For now, I can only insinuate what may happen, and what may not. Whether the Pacman would go as far as extending the ring one mile further, I'm not sure, but for now, it may be better if he don't.
I was never a Pacman fan, but I must admit, whether just curious on who will win, or just don’t want to be left behind in an after-match tete-a-tete in almost every corner in the country, or just because I have no choice because everyone in the house would watch; I watch his fights, and I don’t miss a single one of his well-publicized, and high earning international bouts in this century, except for this one.
But even if I wasn’t able to watch the second round which again defined Pacman’s (and the Philippines’ sports) victory, I had every detail of that momentous triumph. Thanks to the news – TV and print, and to the buzzing storytellers I could easily get from almost anywhere. And well true enough, it was again where the news revolved, and where again for many times now, has shadowed even the worldwide phenomena of the spreading Swine Flu Virus or the unusual striking of a typhoon in the Bicol Region, in early May when we’re still in the summer season. And like the lost summer heat, it was hot news!
But I respect the fellow. I admire his being disciplined, determined, strong-willed, and Christ-centered. I’m honored I’m a Filipino because he is and because he makes us proud to be one; and because every time the Philippine anthem is sung (even when the melody seems altered all the time, every time: just differently composed) and the Philippine flag is raised above the millions of boxing fans or mere spectators, it makes me more boastful of my race.
And we must admit too that he has created a group of followers – commoners and politicians alike. He has made for him a name that is his – Manny “the Pacman” Pacquiao. He is revered to as our day’s hero; for as how they would report it in the news, crime rates go down when he fights, but note that watching his fights also creates death caused by either heart attacks or strokes by overly excited and eager fans. Pacquiao is simply making boxing loved by every Filipino more than basketball, I guess. Where this popularity leaves him is still the big question, but years ago, the people of his home province has already witnessed the desire of this aspiring congressman, to win not just in the boxing ring but also in the political arena. As critics would say, he simply has no experience, he don’t even speak straight English (but he’s learning) how could he author a bill and even defend them? “gagamitan lang siya ng ibang pulitiko para makakuha ng boto.” The news again of his vying for a seat in Congress is all over the radio. Proof perhaps of this ardent desire, is his going to high school (minimum educational requirement). This road to being a politician, aside from his stint as a TV personality and an actor, and as being once again or rather now, given the highest ranks for a reservist, is well a long path and I know he has made it clear like his boxing career.
Again, I am not a fan, but I acknowledge his works and his accomplishments as having six belts in various weight divisions; and as Bob Arum called him after that 2-round winning fight, “He is the greatest fighter the world ever have.” It was normal, for a promoter who has again grew his stake into bigger fortunes, because some boxing analysts would call him as still, ONE of the greatest; and yes, he his perhaps, in my lifetime, one of them. And honestly, I would love it as that. The picture of his kneeling down in one corner of the ring after every win, whispering a silent prayer of perhaps, gratitude; and his raising of two hands in a stance, so powerful and signifying of every Filipino’s pride, his thankful bow, and proud, sometimes, arrogant smile - I would want it to remain that way.
It may not be fair to say he is incompetent of the job he is seeking. No one could really tell how good a Congressman he may be or how influential a leader he may be. A joke was said; he could not and would not be corrupt like most of them do, because he’s wealthier than all of them combined. Or it maybe, that if he wins a seat, he would ask for more than what the others would, because compared to the fortune he has, it may be “chicken”. A comment was also said, with his charisma, he could easily make the others to vote for a cha-cha or con-con, no questions asked; or that he could easily get a commanding vote. Another would ask what does he knows. But others would also say, whoever said that only the educated can serve? Or only the experienced can run for an office? True enough, leadership should not be equalled to a degree, profession or fame, it must not.
For now, I can only insinuate what may happen, and what may not. Whether the Pacman would go as far as extending the ring one mile further, I'm not sure, but for now, it may be better if he don't.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
If Only
I look at life as always on the perspective where I would see the light despite the vast darkness or where I find clear waters despite raging tides and storm. I am very optimistic. I really do. For if not, I know I also could have been easily derailed from this track. I always try to make the lonesome parts of life happy, to glue the broken pieces of other's hopes and mine, and to clear smudges on the painting of my own dreams. It was as if always easier for me to do away with the worries, it was like always a good escape.
I think I have so much fervor and enthusiasm in almost everyhing. I do because I love what I do not merely doing what I love. Its also called contentment. But honestly, as I always do, to this point, I'm afraid I'm losing it. But that is the least I am wishing for. I need the same strength to hold my chin up and continue walking my path.
I have so much in my list I wanted to do. I have so much dreams I want to wake up having. I have so much hopes and aspirations, I pray I achieve. And I know with my persevarance I can make things happen, not now maybe but in the future that is for me to create and not merely see.
I want to teach in a university, to earn a Master's Degree, to pass another exam related to my profession, to start and grow a capital venture, to learn photography, to hone my skills in visual arts, to do more crafts, to build a house for my parents, to travel at least around the country, to volunteer for an NGO, to live more and help more.
But I'm afraid. I could not be that powerful to do all of them at the same time, as I always make myself comfortable with the art of muti-tasking. I must admit, I could not be that superwoman I used to think I could be. And with the present needs that is little by little accumulting in my bag of wants, where do I start then?
If only.
If I could also carry their dreams with mine. And make them happen as I carefully and unwearingly make mine. I hope it could be easier. I am not self-seeking, I don't.
If I could only have all we need and ask for, it wouldn't be hard, I wouldn't be guilty. It's stressful. Sometimes tiring. To seem to carry all on my just-developed shoulders. If I could, then I will. I am uncomplaining. It's hard for me to say no. I give what I can, more than how much I want it.
But I just don't have so much to give now. Time maybe, and as always, affection, but other than this simple luxuries, I have nothing. I can only boast on the intangibles I have acquired over the years of learning, of hoping, and of loving.
If only.
If I could ony be richer and more powerful, then it could be easy. But do I need them or they need it? I don't know. I fear I am being selfish, but the stronger fear is that, I might just make them depend on other's struggle and industry. I fear I will continue to inflict them fear of losing someone to hold on to. I fear I will not help them learn to stand on their own. And now, where will I stand? If I could only take both dreams and take more responisbilities, I could. It is for me to try anyway. Off I go?
I think I have so much fervor and enthusiasm in almost everyhing. I do because I love what I do not merely doing what I love. Its also called contentment. But honestly, as I always do, to this point, I'm afraid I'm losing it. But that is the least I am wishing for. I need the same strength to hold my chin up and continue walking my path.
I have so much in my list I wanted to do. I have so much dreams I want to wake up having. I have so much hopes and aspirations, I pray I achieve. And I know with my persevarance I can make things happen, not now maybe but in the future that is for me to create and not merely see.
I want to teach in a university, to earn a Master's Degree, to pass another exam related to my profession, to start and grow a capital venture, to learn photography, to hone my skills in visual arts, to do more crafts, to build a house for my parents, to travel at least around the country, to volunteer for an NGO, to live more and help more.
But I'm afraid. I could not be that powerful to do all of them at the same time, as I always make myself comfortable with the art of muti-tasking. I must admit, I could not be that superwoman I used to think I could be. And with the present needs that is little by little accumulting in my bag of wants, where do I start then?
If only.
If I could also carry their dreams with mine. And make them happen as I carefully and unwearingly make mine. I hope it could be easier. I am not self-seeking, I don't.
If I could only have all we need and ask for, it wouldn't be hard, I wouldn't be guilty. It's stressful. Sometimes tiring. To seem to carry all on my just-developed shoulders. If I could, then I will. I am uncomplaining. It's hard for me to say no. I give what I can, more than how much I want it.
But I just don't have so much to give now. Time maybe, and as always, affection, but other than this simple luxuries, I have nothing. I can only boast on the intangibles I have acquired over the years of learning, of hoping, and of loving.
If only.
If I could ony be richer and more powerful, then it could be easy. But do I need them or they need it? I don't know. I fear I am being selfish, but the stronger fear is that, I might just make them depend on other's struggle and industry. I fear I will continue to inflict them fear of losing someone to hold on to. I fear I will not help them learn to stand on their own. And now, where will I stand? If I could only take both dreams and take more responisbilities, I could. It is for me to try anyway. Off I go?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Summer Wishlist
I’m missing school: especially when my eight-year-old nephew played guessing game with me – his questions being drawn from the table of elements. I had at least I guess, 70% accuracy. Ehem.
But I’m missing school more because maybe, at this time of year, we have our break, just as my nephews. Oh! I just love summer – and the thought of being a sloth even for sometime. Hahaha!
And if I do have all the time I would want to do these for the summer:
1. Make a Scrapbook of my first real JOB.
2. Sketch.
3. Paint.
4. Learn the basics in photography.
5. Go somewhere far and cold.
6. Visit a beach.
7. Do gardening.
8. Read the book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
9. Prepare the best serving of halo-halo.
10. Meet with old friends.
11. Design a school’s yearbook.
12. Learn photoshop.
13. Go to Luneta Park for a picnic.
14. Play Badminton.
15. Watch a basketball game of my fave PBA team.
16. Watch seasons 2 to present of Heroes.
17. Make at least 3 business proposals for my brother-in-law.
18. Complete an Expert’s game in Minesweeper.
19. Watch a lot of movies.
20. Blog more!
What would you want?
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