Juan's Life Tragedy

He was born on a simple town on the North Province and was called “Juan”. Grew without knowing who his father is, He lives happily with her mother, relatives and his co-barrio people in Nalipatan. Known as having a ‘gaget’attitude and pleasing personality, he is popular and for the first time was in love to Aning. Juan is the opposite of Aning in characteristics yet he is certain that He loves her. As a young innocent boy, Juan wanted to have romance with her out of his love towards Aning. After the ‘forceful’ act of getting Aning’s virginity, Juan had fears so he escaped and went to the city—Manila.  Later on, he found and lived with his father who is a rich politician. His father made sure that Juan gets the best living as possibly could be—food, shelter, clothing and education. He learnt a variety of things not only as a city boy but in politics and women also. He met every kind of person as he do his best studying in University of the Philippines with a law degree. But as he experiences these comforts in life, a sudden death of his mother and relatives broke his heart. He never got the chance to see and talk to them again. Also, he realized the big difference of living in a city compared to his province.

            In spite of his intelligence, Juan barely distinguish what is right and not. He is always confuse. He came to a point where he fancied his sisters and even had sex with Agnes. At the age of 40, he became so rich. He traveled abroad and had conversations with his father’s colleague and connections in Japan, Australia, Europe and other countries. So, his thinking broadened in every possible aspect. But never in romantic relationships. He can be regarded as a sadist for he do not care  about Aning who is indeed in pain watching him afar flirting with other women. Instead, he became abusive, selfless and vulnerable. He do anything he wants without any consideration. Finally, his father entering his old age, asked Johnny (Juan’s English name) to settle in marriage. He married Bibi whose father used to be a revolutionist and she is an accomplice. Bibi then, got pregnant. This made Johnny very happy. Unlikely, it seems that God is not in the favor of Bibi’s pregnancy. Due to her cancer, the twin babies she was carrying is in danger afterwards led to Bibi’s deathbed. Johnny was left with his twins—Anos and Liw.

            Juan Bacnang’s feet brought him to a seemingly endless path. His ordinary life in barrio

Nalipatan could have been simple and humble as it is but destiny played with him. Along his happiness comes always the opposite of it. Through the unique feature of his feet, he unveiled the truth of his longing father and the dela Cruz’ ancestry. His blood of being a dela Cruz gave him the confidence that he could be like his father—a well-known politician of his time. Reading this novel of F. Sionil Jose is like remembering how Filipinos have lived before, at some point. Otherwise, I was awakened how we, Filipinos as part of Philippine history run our politics nowadays. Indeed, there could never be one politician out there without ‘corruption’ to hold his position. No matter what status we were born, we will always go back to where our origins came from. Like Juan Bacnang, he used his surname to attain the peak of success—being wealthy.

            I learned that what ultimately matters most will not be what others say about your life. One mistake that Juan committed is when he tried to please everyone around him. I, myself do not know all the keys to success but I figured out that was one key to failure. Life is not a game that we just can do it all over again and start from the beginning, neglecting what went wrong. The Feet of Juan Bacnang verified me that life is a trade. Selling some of our valuables in order to gain better, if we are wise enough. Life will always include circumstances that incite fear. In such a world, we have a choice: to face it or run away. Juan did the latter.

If Juan chose to stay in the barrio with his mother, she could have not died. Juan might have rescued his mother with his presence. Juan risked everything he had in order to be a city man just like the saying goes, ‘what we most want from life, we often can only gain by giving up something else that is equally important to us’. Also, I used to believe that what does not destroy me makes me stronger but in the novel’s case with such values possessed by Juan, sooner than I thought, what really destroys us makes us stronger. When Juan encountered literate men and he felt as if he knows nothing, his desire to pursue more in his academics strengthened him. Maybe that is the reason why my urge to do better in my studies add up every time I fail.

            However, I am stunned with the main character’s bravery. Regardless of disappointments and miseries, he moved on. They were allowed to shape Juan’s heart so that he will grow. Indeed, he did. Juan did not die out of love, but die into his sins to be forgiven.

           

Questions to Author: Does Juan’s life resemble any particular Filipino politician today?

                                 Why did you choose ‘feet’ as the asset of the story?

                                 Why is the setting in an Ilocano perspective? Do you intend to say something?

Political Awakening: From This Man’s Perspective

           He is not a man who knows how to persuade his audience by mere information and message relays nor stating the facts but a Filipino who has an innate desire to change the current status of the Philippines in spite of the wrongful decisions and actions on his generation, from the time the Spaniards came to reign up until Rizal’s executions. Throughout his talk, he did not avoid the mistakes that have been done in the past instead, he used the past as an evidence that ‘the ruins and stains recorded in our history must be every Filipino’s driving force in order to begin anew—to start as one. What went wrong was that during those centuries, Filipinos was not accountable on the real meaning of ‘unity’. He is no other than F. Sionil Jose, who I can say is indeed a good model for youths, an experienced writer and a motivator as well that caught my attention.

I, a part of the young people, have been awaken by Sir Sionil Jose for many reasons. First and foremost, I was struck by what he said in this context: Being rich is good but being rich attach with political purposes by using certain position in the government creates ‘monster-like humans’ in our society. Although much historical events happened within our country brought significance which made who we are now, still many factors give implications that more have to improve to get Filipinos a better and a fair living. Reality is, we should not dare ever settle for what we stand for. Juan dela Cruz has to rise up and bring out the best in him. Listening to his stories came throuh in my mind before I even realized how grateful and blessed I am and we are as we live in 21^st century without fearing everybody. Because no one can tell when you will last breathe; betrayal is all around you. Thanks to every Filipino (our heroes) who fought in our behalf today. It took courage and brave for them in order to acquire freedom, justice and independence that we enjoy, unfortunately we are unaware how much have been lost—time to continue their fight for the inner problem of inequality between Filipinos that hinder others to expose their own thoughts.

What scared me suddenly as his perspective words strung in my ears was the question that I asked myself at the back of my mind: “Have I done something so far for our country?” Well, I figured that I have. Regardless of not participating rallies and making noises in front of Malacanang or wherever, education is what I contribute and my weapon at the moment. Even Sir Sionil Jose believes that to be educated is a leap forward to serve our motherland. Sometimes, out of education comes next political action. By engaging ourselves upon learning politics entails a background about ‘what’s really happening’. It will make us easier to get in through the battle of poverty and other disturbing issues also. It might take us some time to achieve our goal—the equality that every considered poor Filipino family is anticipating and all ever wanted, it does not matter anyway. Why? According to F. Sionil Jose, what really matters is the willingness of trying to be acquainted with our economy and doing our best to solve even the least problem that we face. Above all, to trust that something will result as an award for whatever action we did beyond of love for our country.

The savoir-faire that we overcame when typhoon Yolanda strike the Philippines is just another manifestation wanting to capture our eyes, telling us ‘Hey! Nothing is left unless you wake up now!’ As for the author Sionil Jose, he uses a Jose Rizal-like strategy using his mighty pen on writing novels to captivate our eyes that will eventually set our minds straight. The Feet of Juan Bacnang is one of his good works. It is up to you to find out what are his intentions. More than that, every Juan can be an impact towards change. So, brace yourselves because Filipinos will soon get to embrace.

Seeing the Unseen

            Cinematography of today advanced and improved a lot compared to the past few decades. Technologies have brought new flavor in our moving pictures industry. But what is commonly viewed by the audience through the movies are not just that; the appreciation must be deeper according to Professor Deocampo. There is more as he said. There are two kinds of viewing a cinema as categorized by Prof. Deocampo—textual and contextual. Textual is a field containing symbolic codes and signals projected on a screen. These are the literal meanings we see and our minds conceive every single moment we watch them. In textual, we do not manipulate or analyze what the characters are doing nor read between the lines the actions they portray but merely telling through the text. However, contextual is a field that needs more understanding that goes deeper analysis. It is a field of knowledge wrapped with meanings surrounding the text. In this, we read beyond the movements of each character. We tend to ask random sensual questions such ‘why is the arrangement of the scene like that?’, ‘Is the director wants to impart something to the viewers?’, ‘Is there implications from the ending?’, ‘Does the movie created to lead to realizations, confusions or to widen our imaginations instead?’ By these guided questions, we respond contextually. Historical meanings produced could be regarded as contextual reading because we start to incorporate what kind of issues were being associated. From individuals to a certain group to society up until as a whole—a country. Afterwards, we look on the characteristics possessed on different roles and we give critique to each personality. Furthermore, Prof. Deocampo discussed how a single scene may change the entire movie. At first, it seem like it doesn’t make sense at all because we simply do not focus on them but they represent for things we barely notice too.

Aquino Administration: To Expect More or Less

         The unending political issues and its related Aspects have been trending nowadays especially here in our country Philippines despite of being an independent state and action-free. Dr.. Nicole Curato, a well-known professor and UP Diliman in 2013 TOYM awardee had the chance to share her beliefs and principles Regarding politics. Presented She her best ideas through answering the five questions she considered as a reflection to what we expect this year Should the administration in 2014 under Pnoy. For once, I am disgusted of myself for I have so little to contribute as a Filipino and as part of our nation. Yet, I look forward for a change that will provide every Pinoy a better shelter, security and a better community.

            On her question, "Disaster Preparedness: Did we learn? ' Stated the difference she build back better Between Vs. build back safer. The post-reconstruction Yolanda is currently been organize by our government and some organizations aiming to help rebuild what were lost on our possessions. According to Curato, disaster capitalism is monitoring after the first few months after construction. In this case, so we must be careful not to abuse. Private sectors abuse 'premises's leading them to corrupt them to Become wealthier. If ever the reconstruction goes wrong, the effect will be on us especially to poor families who have lost homes THEIR During the strong typhoon. Therefore, we must have the presence of the government with us. Furthermore, she pointed out why we experience a mild daily traffic particularly in Metro Manila and Katipunan. Due to inclusive mobility, I believe we have the traffic regulations are Towards the bias against private owners but the commuters. The classic case in Bill is a great example of our real situation. Because of Irresponsible middle-class assholes, Bill encounters an urban justice every day. However, this is an easy say but not too simple to solve. This is an issue of dignity are priority illustrates who have the power in the city.

                        Have you ever wondered why that is, our economy becomes better (as they say) and yet the poor remains to be poor? Become many even poorer. The increasing level of inequality is a factor of this's leading. Almost everyone that our DISCourse ŢĖŁŀŞ is due to our laziness. But I bet to Disagree. Regardless of more than 7% added to our GDP last year, our farmers in Spite of THEIR hard work and effort, THEIR income is just the same while the higher officials' salary grew. Henceforth, a jobless growth. It is very disturbing indeed that the poorest of the poor are economically better off and more than 20% in our involuntary us are hungry for the past 3 months. Yes, the rich can afford anything. Do they even have conscience? I doubt. Although I there is nothing holding us together as a nation, how can They have so much while others have only few?  They have no slightest clue that others are suffering while They have luxurious living. They not consider the poor invisible without sympathy. That is the reason why our society is messed up.

            On the contrary, corruption as a budget processes must be participatory. And we, ordinary citizens can be part of the budget allocation Because we have the freedom of information. From government agencies to approval to the Senate to debate up to allocation, it is our right to know. In conclusions, to Achieve the equality that the masses have been longing for quite some time now, then who are the potential candidates? Well, there is no clear contender but surely, we must omit racism, criticism, political dynasty and incompetence so that someone will represent the poor. Let's start with organizing the poor instead of organizing for the poor. If incorrectly, we did not do enough, assess ourselves how effective we are in good governance and how we are in the past years.

Ang Pilipinas, Isang Dantaon ang Makalipas (2014-2114)

                Dahil sa naganap na pananakop ng mga dayuhan lalo na ng mga Espanyol noong ika-19 na dantaon, wala mang mabilisang pagbabago ng mga panahong ito, namulat naman sa katotohanan at nagising na ng tuluyan sa kani-kanilang mahimbing na pagtulog ang mga Pilipino. Manapa’y isa na itong hudyat at sinyales na ang ‘ganap na pagbabago’ ay nasa mga kamay ng bagong henerasyon—mga kabataan ng ika-21 na dantaon na siyang mismong ang ating pambansang bayani na ang nakahinuha noong siya ay nabubuhay pa. Hindi natin maikakaila ang mga salitang kanyang binitawan, “Ang Kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan”. Tila isang bangungot para sa nakararaming Pilipino ang mahigit kumulang 300 taon nang pang-aalila ng mga Espanyol. Marahil, ito ay sa kadahilanang ang ating lahi ay napaka-alam sa konsepto ng ‘kalayaan’, sa nakalipas na mga taon. Nananalaytay sa ating mga ugat at dugo ang pagka-Pilipino na tayo lang ang nakaka-intindi. Mahigit isang dantaon na rin noong sina Rizal, Bonifacio, Del Pilar at iba pang Pilipino ang kinilalang pinuno at namuno sa mga kilusan at reporma para sa kalayaan laban sa kinilalang Inang Espanya. Sila ay mga imahe na lamang ng pagkamagiting at mga modelo na dapat (raw) tularan ng mga kabataan ngayon. Ngunit, sino, ano at paano ang Pilipinas pagsapit ng 2114?

                Sa pag-usbong ng teknolohiya ngayon, ang mga Pilipinong kilala bilang masisipag ay natutong maging ‘tamad’. Umaasa hindi sa sariling kakayahan ngunit dumedepende sa kapwa Pinoy na dati-rati ay ating ipinagmamalaki dahil tayo lang ang may angking kalooban nito. Aktibo man ang mga estudyante sa mga organisasyon ngunit mabibilang na lamang sila. Kapansin-pansin na mangilan-ngilan na lang rin ang nakikisali sa mga rally at munting pag-aalsa. Sa patuloy na paglaki ng ating populasyon, napakabilis rin ng pagbaba at pagliit ng porsyento ng mga bomoboto. Sino ang sinisisi? Walang iba kung hindi ang Gobyerno. Sino ang nagrereklamo? Tayong mga Pilipino na kung tutuusin ay wala naman lubusang ‘totoong pakialam’, walang ginagawang aksyon’ at ‘walang pakinabang’ sa mga pagkakataon na ito. Wala tayong karapatan magreklamo kung alam natin mismo sa ating mga sarili na wala tayong itinulong  upang sanang baguhin ang bulok na sistema at pamahalaan. Mukhang naglaho na nga ang kamalayan ng Pilipino at hinukay na sa baong malalim ang pinanghahawakan nating sandata laban sa mga Kastila—na isa tayong bansa na may ‘demokrasya’, ‘marunong makipagsabayan’ at ‘hindi na paaalipin sa gapos ng kanilang panlilinlang at kalabisan’. Datapwat, napakarami nang pinagbago ang Pilipinas simula noong tayo ay nagdeklara ng ganap na kalayaan sa mga manggagamit na Kastila.

Masakit man tanggapin, kitang-kita ang mga nakakalat sa bawat kalyeng iyong madaraanan--ang mga squatters na walang permanenteng tirahan at kabuhayan, walang panustos sa kani-kanilang pamilya kung hindi manlimos sa mga sasakyang kanilang makikita. Araw-araw rin na problema sa mga kalsada ang traffic lalo na sa mga ciudad. Hindi ba’t pahiwatig na ito na paubos na ang disiplina ng bawat isa at walang kontrol sa daloy ng mga sasakyan? Sino ang nagkulang? Imbis na magtuon sana tayo ng pansin sa problemang pang-edukasyon, pampamilya, pangpamayanan at kung anu-ano pa ang posibleng solusyon para sa ikabubuti ng lahat, naririyan pa ang problema sa mga basura na sanhi ng baha at mabilisang pagtaas ng tubig sa ilang parte ng bansa. Kung kaya naman, napakaraming ari-arian ang nawawala; maraming buhay ang nasasawi dahil sa simpleng kawalan ng disiplina sa pagtatapon at sa kakulangan ng reserbang mga pit o dam na konektado sa pondong nilalaan ukol dito. Napakatalino ng mga Pilipino pero hindi na nagagamit sa pangkasalukuyang kaayusan kung hindi sa kaabusuhan at sa pansariling kapakanan na lamang.

                Wagas rin sa pagtaas ang presyo ng mga bilihin katulad ng bigas, noodles at mga de latang ulam; mga gamit pangligo; maging ang kuryente. Wala nang libreng tubig, pati na rin ang mga kasuotan ay halos lahat may tatak na galing sa iba’t ibang bansa. Nasaan ang pagmamahal sa sariling produkto? Nasaan ang tinatawag mong nasyonalismo? Nasaan na ang pagkakaisa na binuo at pina-igting ng ating mga bayani? Tila nasayang ang hirap, pagod at pawis na kanilang ginugol upang masiguro na tayong nabubuhay sa henerasyon ngayon ay makaranas ng maginhawa at payapang buhay. Di yata’y sa paglisan ng mga dayuhan sa ating kapuluan, waring ang sarili nating bansa o kapwa lahi ang siyang ating nagiging kalaban—sa politikal, kultural, ekonomikal at maging sa relihiyon na usapan.

                Sa ilalim ng mapangahas na mga politikong nakapwestong pinanggigilan ng masa at binabato ng mgapagkukulang nila bilang mga pinuno ng mga bansa, hindi ko lubos maisip na napakabaluktot na ng ating prinsipyo at paniniwala hinggil sa ekonomiya na dinaranas ng ating bansa ngayon. Marapat na lamang na sa pangkaramihan ang bigyang pansin ng mga nakaupong may kapangyarihan at may mga posisyon ngunit hindi tama na sa kanila lahat ibinabaling ang kamalian—kung bakit walang progreso ang ekonomiya natin. Binigyan natin sila ng pagkakataon na maging lider ng bansa, ipinagkaloob ang karapatan na magdesisyon para sa bawat mamamayan kung kaya naman hiling nila ang ating partisipasyon upang maging makabuluhan ang paunti-unting aksyon na kanilang ginagawa.

                Lahat tayo ay may layunin at gampanin na dapat panagutan. Obligasyon rin natin bilang estudyante na mag aral para sa magandang kinabukasan at makatulong sa ating pamilya. At kung anuman ang kinatatayuan natin bilang miyembro ng ating lipunan—sa kumpanya ka man nagtratrabaho, sa unibersidad nagtuturo, sa dagat tumutungo, sa bukid nagtatanim, sa tahanan namamalagi o naghahanap-buhay sa ibang bansa. Lahat tayo ay nagbibigay kontribusyon para sa ikauunlad ng ating bayan. Kaya nga lang, hindi pa rin ito sapat para maibalik ang ekonomiyang naglagay sa atin sa mataas na ranko sa Asya na lubusang nakilala sa pangkadaigdigang tala. Kung kaya naman maging ang pondo sa edukasyon ng mga pampublikong paaralan at unibersidad ay nadamay na rin. Hinaing ng mga mag-aaral ay ibalik ang pondong tinanggal dahil karapatan naming mag-aral at sa paraang ito naniniwala kaming nasusuklian namin ang ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng mabuti. Ang mga sahod ng mga pampublikong empleyado ay bumaba rin kaya hindi natin sila masisisi kung mawalan man sila ng ganang magtrabaho at paglingkuran ang taong-bayan.

                Gayunpaman, ang pagtangkilik ng milyong-milyong Pilipino sa mga produktong galing sa mga sikat na bansa ay isang paraan ng biglaang pagbaba ng ating ekonomiya. Hindi na nakapagtataka makaraan kahit isang dekada mula ngayon ay tuluyan na tayong dumepende sa mga tatak na produkto ng Amerika, Tsina, Korea, Canada at mga kalapit bansa—ugat na ang Pilipinas ay hindi kayang tumayo sa sarili nitong mga paa. Kailan tayo matututo? Kapag may magtangka ulit angkinin ang ating bansa? Nang sa ganun, bumalik ang ating takot na nadama ng mga Pilipinong nagdusa noon? O baka naman kapag may magnais bombahin ang karatig sulok ng Inang Bayan? Ang ating mga base-militar ay sadyang napakahina at napakadaling pasukin kumpara sa mga bansang maituturing nating mahigpit na katunggali. Kailanman, maaring maraming Pilipino ang mamatay dahil sa maluwag na seguridad nito at proteksyong wala sa kasiguruhan.

                Kaakibat nito, ang Pilipinas ay nananatiling lugmok sa kahirapan ngunit hindi pa huli ang lahat. Umaasa ako at ipinagpapalagay ko na pati rin kayo na sa pagdaan ng isang daan na taon, kabaliktaran na ang mangyayari—ang mga bansa katulad ng Amerika, Singapore, Middle East at maging ang Europa ang kusang lalapit sa ating bansa upang humingi ng tulong at proteksyon. Napakasarap sa pakiramdam at imahinasyon na isipin ang ganitong sitwasyon. Oo, hindi agad agad, padalos-dalos at hindi madali dahil unang una sa lahat upang makamtan ito, kailangan nating unahin at bigyan solusyon ang panloob-bansang problemang kinahaharap natin. Pagtutulungan, pagkakaintindihan, hustisya at isang misyon ang nais nating buuin sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas nang sa ganun, muling tumatag ang pundasyon at tiwala hindi lamang ng mga bansang may relasyon na handa pa ring makipagpalitan sa atin ngunit higit sa lahat ay upang ibalik ang tiwala ng bawat Pilipino sa isa’t isa.  Layunin nating iangat ang mga mahihirap, bigyan ng pantay na pakikitungo at itaas ang estado ng bansa. Sabi nga sa kasabihan, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa kanyang paroroonan”. Kung tutuusin, hindi lamang tayo lumingon sa ating pinanggalingan ngunit panandalian natin itong binalikan. Panahon na upang humakbang paharap at ibilang ang nakaraan bilang silbing aral at alaala na magtataguyod at magbibigay lakas sa bawat Pinoy na patuloy nakikipaglaban sa agos ng trahedyang dumarating, nakikipagbaka sa abot ng makakaya, at nakikipagkalakalan upang may maipakain sa pamilya.

                 Taong 2114, ipagdiriwang ang ika-100 na taon para sa “Araw ng Manggawa” na nabigyan ng permanenteng trabaho. Kasabay nito ang celebrasyon sa pantay-pantay na pakikitungo. Wala na ring korupsyon dahil sa payapang paghawak at pamamalakad ng Department of Finance. Malugod na napagkasunduan ng pamahalaan ang matiwasay na paghahati-hati ng nararapat na gawain ng mga iba-ibang ahensyang napili na dapat ipagpatuloy ayon kay Presidente Juan dela Cruz. Bukod sa pamamahala, tinutugunan at inumpisahan na rin ang pagtatayo ng mga bagong hospital, home for the ages at maging ang mga kilalang lugar sa ating bansa ay may matinding pagpapahalaga at alaga sa kalikasan upang maka-akit pa ng mas maraming turista. Mahigpit ng ipinagbabawal ang pagputol ng mga puno at pagtapon kung saan-saan. Sa kabutihang palad, lahat ay masiglang sumusunod sa mga batas na itinatakda upang mapreserba ang gandang angkin ng ating yaman at pinagkukunan ng pangunahing pangangailangan. Mas nalilinang ang mga talento at angking galing ng mga Pinoy sa mga bagong pinagkaka-abalahan at pinagkakakitaan na itinatag ng gobyerno. Wala ng batang nagugutom at humihingi ng pagkain sa lansangan. Wala ka na ring madadaanang natutulog sa mga hagdanan ng overpass o underpass. Nabawasan ang krimen at mangilan-ngilan na lamang ang nakukulong. Wala na ring naibabalitang pagnanakaw sa harap ng media kung hindi magagandang balita katulad ng pagsagip ng kapwa, pagkapanalo sa iba’t ibang larangan ng mga Pinoy na nakikikompetensya sa labas ng bansa at pagbisita ng matataas na pinuno ng ibang bansa patungo sa Pilipinas. Sa kabila ng ‘curfew’, naging maaliwalas pagmasdan ang kapaligiran, tahimik at walang takot ka nang nakalalabas anumang oras. Nadadagdagan na rin ang mga kagamitang pang-eskwela at binalik na ang mababang ‘tuition fee’ ng mga kolehiyong mag aaral kung kaya’t wala ng ingay ang naririnig sa harap ng mga unibersidad.

Higit sa lahat, ang separasyon ng state at simbahan ay matinding sinusunod; may respeto sa bawat pinaniniwalaan, may pagkakasundo at walang pinapanigan. Natuto nang mangilatis at mag-usisa ang bawat botante tuwing eleksyon kung sino ang karapat-dapat sa posisyon. Nagsibalikan ang mga OFWs sa ating bansa sanhi ng mas malaking sahod at para makasama ang pamilya. Lahat ng pangyayari sa Malacanang ay ipinapakita sa masa na lugod sinusubaybayan ng bawat Pilipino—bata man o may edad.

His STORY: Looking on a Camera Lens

            Movies have been so attached to the people of today’s generation but on its bad side, many of us merely have the capability to analyze and interpret a particular film. One great example is Bontoc Eulogy, an old documentary film which gave way how Filipinos lived during their time, leaving a significant mark whether we deserve to be free or be captured by the colonizers. It challenged its viewers through seeing the different perspectives incorporated on the scenes that made it a ‘story’. A story that was full of lies and yet touched by facts, as Professor Deocampo discussed. Marlon Fuentes being the narrator and the main role upon looking for his grandfather’s whereabouts led him to unravel the history of our ancestors. Indeed he has created a twisted-yet-believable wholesome story regarding the ‘issues of colonialism, migration and identity’ all focused on Filipinos. They have been colonized, migrated to America and were called savage, dog-eaters and the worst but the question is, were the Filipinos the ones who formed this idea? I believe that they were influenced by many factors. The fact that they have only limited and scarce resources and in lack most of the everyday supplies for survival made them who they were. However, this was opposed as to what our national hero Jose Rizal believed in. For what reason? Rizal was born on the 19^th Century, long way after the era of the said film. He wasn’t able to catch a glimpse and experienced the happenings on that period which changed our culture, values and principles. Rizal’s mindset is in contrast by means of his contexts used. Nevertheless, what we presently have now are “globalization and advanced technologies” that are continually in fast progress. Throughout the years of struggling, our history is still unfolding. Today, we are a nation built from our past that was temporarily forgotten but in one way or another we have remembered.

React Now: The Trial of Bonifacio

          FREEDOM. Freedom from conquerors and from the abuse; freedom from those who know evil as if the only option to solve every problem arising within our walls. Many Filipino heroes have indeed fought until their breathes last. To Jose Rizal who chose to sacrifice his own dear life instead of innocent lives being killed during the Spanish regime. And to Andres Bonifacio whom his love and passion for the revolution he created was unfathomable. He, who once known for being the ‘Supreme Leader’ of Katipunan, was later blinded by his love that in 1897 he was brought to undergo a few days trial but was convicted to death in the end.

                 Many sharp minds united as one, aiming the same goal—for the Philippines to be free and to attain justice and peace. Mere misunderstandings eventually led to hundreds of killings. Some were forced to become a spy, to tell lies more so. Others were payed just to spare their own lives. Only few remained true and loyal to their colleagues. In the midst of the attacks and firing held in Cavite, there were still Filipinos who had hope that one day everything will be under control and come to its end, although some chose to be vulnerable of the war.

             Otherwise, how could you say you are a Filipino? Is it by resembling Andres Bonifacio’s deed or acknowledging his courageousness during the war, regarding him as a hero who in spite of being not guilty and the lies been said about him stood still for that avid truth? Well, his allegiance proved him right that even a foe could be your secret enemy. There could be no other reason why Andres Bonifacio failed almost all of his battles but lack of leadership and sense of companionship. Regardless, he still is Bonifacio--our fearless hero and a Katipunero.

Records and Highlights: My Temporary Life

                  The year 1995 was a great start for every youth pilgrim from different parts of the world 

gathered to worship together and to celebrate the world youth day that took place from January 10-15 in Manila presided over by Pope John Paul II, exactly nine months and a week before an innocent baby girl was to be born. On the same year, month of October, day 21^st a Filipino boxer brought glory to the Philippines as he claimed the title of WBF Welterweight Champion--another triumph for Pinoys; another crown that gave hope and smiles. And while this was all happening, few hours ago at exactly one in the morning, a baby girl was heard crying in a labor room at Quirino Memorial Hospital along the city of Quezon, Project 4. A couple named 

Elisa Abenojar Fabia and Lorenzo Aventurado Bautista were rejoicing as they hold on to their baby’s embrace. An overflowing joy you can see through as these parents’ eyes glint while looking at her. By the way, I am that couples’ happiness—their first daughter. I, Lorie Mae Fabia Bautista to whom they put their love, time and effort from that moment on.
                   I am the apple of my mom and dad’s eyes for two years until I had my sister. My parents used to dress us alike, like ‘twins’. And so it became a normal scenario to be seen like that. Thankfully, God gave me a talent on dancing and mom discovered it sooner as I grow up. Mom got to be an accountant but lost the chance of taking the board exam since she met dad. My dad used to drive jeepneys where we get our source of income while mom takes good care of us.

I started going to school when I was four years old and became a medallist with an add-on ribbons ‘best in math and in writing’. Our life went very smoothly but one day our parents decided to part their own ways. Hence, we moved to my grandma’s place in the streets of Poblacion Zone 2, town of San Quntin, in Pangasinan. I continued studying at San Quintin Central Elementary School on Kinder II level. Every school year, I received an award as an honor student and was chosen as part of classroom officers. Eventually, I decided to run for the position of secretary on Supreme Student Council. On my second grade, I had the opportunity to be a mathematics contestant as a representative of our school. Back then, I was not so sure if I really am qualified, had been I given such logico-mathematical intelligence. I tried; I won. I have the gift in numbers. Towards the end of my elementary days, I was a consistent math wizard winner. By the end of my sixth grade, I made my family prouder as a first place on an interschool history competition. Whereas in writing, I was an editorial writer of our newspaper. I graduated being the first honorable mention of our class; a journalist and a student that best excel in math.

       In high school, I went to Divine Grace Montessori of Tayug. DGMHS is known for its excellence and effective foundation upon preparing and molding students as we go in college. During my first year, I had the most terrible experience travelling back and forth I almost quit since I usually vomit due to headache.
After a few months, I adopted just so well and found my place as a learner there. I have got to show and improve more on my academics. I kept up being a math contender and a science challenger as well. It was a privilege to represent my school. I could not be more proud to my Alma Mater. Then August, 2011 came. I took the UPCAT and passed. As a child, I used to dream wearing accountant attire, having my own office, serving clients and managing finances. I imagined myself studying in University of the Philippines. Suddenly, one day I woke up and my imagination came true. To be a UP student is to see a bright future ahead of me. Undecided what career I will pursue, I bet, the only option is UP or never. I took the risk—to be an ‘Iskolar ng Bayan para sa Bayan’ in Los Baños, Laguna.

        Year 2012, month of June was the most exciting yet scary beginning of my college life. I had to admit—I adjusted for so long. For the most part, I missed my family. I entered UP with the degree of BS Math. I did not expect math has to be so hard that it made me cry. Yet, I love math more than ever. I hardly walked out of my comfort zone. When I did, I was beyond happy. The freedom I never felt flows like a stream to me now. Indeed, a sign that I am part of the UP community. Every semester is a roller coaster full of fun. After three semesters, I finally got the chance to shift to BS Civil Engineering. Currently being challenged with my new course, this is where I am supposed to be from the very beginning, that I know of.

                              I treasure them the most.
My mom and four siblings to whom I get my strength from.

    Time passed by so fast. It never occurred to me I have no father looking after us. The last moment I remembered seeing him was back when I was a grade 2 student and the situation was horrible I always wanted to escape from it. Yet, my mom never showed weakness in her. She is my wonder woman, my strength and my best friend. She keeps on reminding me of
the things I should do and avoid. I was
and will always be thankful for raising me up to stand on my own. Teaching me how to be independent when she went abroad, at first I barely understand why I should be but now, it is clear to me. As for where I am and who I am now, grace is at work.

    Just this year, 23rd of February was the day I became a Christian. It was magical to receive a gift such salvation and to acknowledge Him as my Savior. Putting God in my life is the ultimate decision I ever made I would never regret and reset. Regularly, I attend a small group and youth services along with my Christian friends. I was able to join a leadership camp in our church Victory last October. The camp empowered us and we had an amazing experience as we seek and know Him. Truly, we cannot find God unless we know we need God. One thing will remain, His love never fails and His grace never ends; keeping no records of our sins. Whatever happens, I will continue walking, fighting and living for His purpose. If there is one verse in the bible loudly speaks in this season of my life that would be no other than John 1:16.

Now, I am a fine lady ready to face the world.