...in all fronts. #ElectionNight ========================================================================= by PAM It's the proverbial 'calm before the storm'. Or, is it the 'calm morn after a stormy night'? In the blue corner, Sec. Hillary Clinton - the 'veteran' of US politics; the potentially first woman President of the United States of America (USA)... and yet, she talks and brawls like a man. In the red corner, Mr. Donad Trump - the eccentric 'Washington outsider' and business mogul who had no qualms about expressing his racist, sexist and anti-semitic views, among many other vile opinions. People all around the world - whether they admit it or not - are biting their nails as they stare at the poll figures in the race to the White House. The world holds its collective breath... not exactly knowing what to hope for. Not that the White House is anything significant to all, at least, no more than what it represents for the longest time: power, influence, and all sorts of opportunities reserved for the 'most powerful' country in the world. Yes, 'for the longest time', indeed. The incumbent US President, Barack Obama, changed that. President Obama has been hugely criticized by many Americans for being "weak" and making the USA slump to all-time low since its climb to become a 'superpower', allowing "new powers", such as China and the "new" Russia, to rise and rival USA's global leadership. They have risen to almost equal footing as the United States of America, economically (for China) and in political influence. And yet, that
There is light at the end of the dark tunnel of bitter campaign.
seeming 'weakening' of USA brought 'global balance' - a term always used by President Obama... although, admittedly, most of the world was not used to such balance and didn't know what to do with some power being handed over by President Obama to be shared with the world. And, by sharing that power, I'm sure President Obama also expected that the global community would share the responsibility of taking care of the world and its citizens. Others are just too thankful to receive this power and take this responsibility with much humility... and yet, others who covet absolute power grabbed the 'gift' like an entitlement without a care of the responsibility that goes with it! I'm sure President Obama knew what a precarious ledge he walked as he makes these concessions - although, he, with all sorts of good intentions, I expect, believes that there is not a single country that should possess such enormous power that puts it above all others. And that any sort of huge global influence should be rooted on values... and compassion to humanity, rather than on military and economic might. And, one's love for one's country does not necessarily mean amassing excessive amount of wealth fro itself in a world where many go to sleep hungry, and lording over the whole population as a hulking power. The Obama administration put its money where its mouth is as far as its international commitment is concerned. In my own country, especially in the education sector where I
Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Alumni Association, making a difference in the local agriculture sector.
belong, I feel the positive impact of his view of American leadership. I see how the aid/assistance extended to the education sector by the USA has been making a world of difference to the quality of education in my country... making the road to self-sufficiency visible in the horizon. It's a wonderful way to forge friendship built on true equality between two sovereign nations. But, of course, not all of us in my own country view President Obama's action in the same way I do. Obviously, many Americans do not share President Obama's views either... many feel that the concessions have been compromising their own welfare, dropping them behind from the progress caravan. They could be right. And yet, President Obama insists that progress does not necessarily mean not working as hard as the Americans' ancestors for privileges that they wish to enjoy. Then again, he is a "global citizen" who actually experienced first hand the plight of people from countries not as progressive as the USA... and he might be forcing his values to a country so wrapped up in its own greatness - inherited from hardworking immigrants that the man in the red corner seems to despise; a country that is not ready to embrace the 'flattening' of global power and the interdependencies of nations that render the world upright. In a few hours, when the election returns stop moving, and freeze to put a stamp on history books, the world will know which parts of the USA, and which fraction of American population, think in the same way, or differently, as President Obama. That is, assuming that President Obama's still reliable popularity is transferable to the woman in the blue corner. And, yes, in the near future, we shall see which belief is best for the world. In the meantime, we narrow our eyes towards the light at the end of the tunnel, and watch as a country in conflict with itself decide how it wishes to lead itself as it pushes through the dark tunnel of bitter and divisive campaign. ***
...we know there's hope. ===================================================================== by PAM Eight years ago, I was working on getting 're-integrated' to the Philippine society. I just got back from the United States of America (USA) then, fresh from five years of stay previously in NY State. I watched the Americans eagerly as one of their major political parties, the Democratic Party, nominated the man to become the first black President of the USA, Barack Obama. He went on to win the election and took up the Presidency. It was a defining moment for the USA. They just broke through the racial discrimination barrier in such a powerful and meaningful manner. Now, eight years have passed... amid all the stirring rhetoric, post-slavery discrimination is stronger and more divisive than ever, not just in the USA, but all around the world. The manifestation of meaningless hatred and discrimination these days have been violent and gruesome - an utter disrespect to human life. Therefore, it was wonderful to listen to the 'quiet force' beside President Obama - the First Lady, Michelle Obama - speaking eloquently in the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to rekindle the message of hope against discrimination... not just racial discrimination, but discrimination in all its many forms, such as gender, age, ethnicity, body size and shape, and religion. What struck me the most in her speech, however, was how she spoke beautifully on how leaders impact the lives and the future of children through education, health care, safety and security, and just being a good example as leaders.
"...when we go to the polls, that's what we're deciding... this election, and every election, is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives."
Indeed, an incredible speech! Speeches like this one are some of the reasons why I thank God for technology, because now, it's easy to capture and preserve the moment; and in one's very own cyber space, too. At times when despair looms, our 'cyber repository' helps us too keep rekindling the message of hope... in just a press of a button and a few strokes on the keyboard. And it helps us to keep going... keep hoping, keep the inspiration to work towards a happy world where there are no discrimination, no inequality, and where children are loved and cared for, where children grow up to become very good people.
***
What it all means to us...
It's incredible how a speech of the First Lady of USA could mean something for someone in another country. I guess, we all do live in a moral world where certain truths are shared. Therefore, some messages issued in one place resonate in another.
I just hope that the message lasts... and appreciated, and put to practice and good use - in our daily lives. Even in our workplace, and especially in the Academia... when we "choose" the people to lead our organizations, our groups, our teams, we should think about how they will be shaping our Institution, and especially our students, for the next
It's all about students' success, and just a little bit about our own.
years. Are they going to be good examples to our students... are they going to be models worth emulating? In the first place, would they be able to, at least, communicate effectively with our new generation of learners? Are they willing to learn 'the language' of our new generation of learners, and reach them in their 'own space' to understand how they thrive, and what makes them thrive in knowledge? Are they willing to persevere towards this end... learning new things, exploring possibilities? Are they willing to open their minds to understand the 'new style of learning' that this new generation adhere to and fight for rather than forcing upon them old and outdated methods that should have been long buried six feet below the hallowed ground of innovation in teaching-learning? Do they have the drive, energy, inspiration and the right motivation to persevere towards this end? After all, in this profession, isn't effective communication the key to successful teaching-learning; and that effective communication begins from the teacher's knowing and understanding the learner, and vice versa?
We often talk about commitment at work, and I believe that commitment is, indeed, very important to be effective in one's duties and responsibilities. And yet, in the teaching profession, one need not have a lofty leadership platform to illustrate commitment, in ways that are both effective and positively 'affective' to help our students, and even our colleagues, to discover the very best version of themselves. In fact, the 'quiet places' where one can concentrate deeply on one's mission as educator can be more conducive in creating avenues for student success in learning. Often, it is these creations that endure the test of time, more so than those created in the often 'busy and noisy' environment that surrounds the leadership 'perched seats'.
As an educator, whose mission, first and foremost, is to educate students successfully,
one has to be prepared to commit to the mission be it on "perched seats" or in "quiet
Leadership is an opportunity to serve, not an ascension to unbridled source of authority that shackles one to its enslaving allure.
places". And yet, there could be time to be effective in one or the other. The opportunity to fulfill the educator's mission from a 'perched seat' comes rarely, and it is a "call to serve". Therefore, when an opportunity presents itself to perform one's duty as educator in it, one has to humbly seize the opportunity to serve and work one's heart out to fulfill the mission from there. However, one has to be very careful not to be too attached to the seat lest it becomes a shackle in its 'imagined allure', and one is unable to extricate one's self from it without a crushing heartbreak in the end. Therefore, the 'perched seat' must be treated as a golden opportunity to serve - with humility. And when serving, one must do so to the best of one's ability and with all of one's heart... but with a heart that's anchored on God. So that when the heart 'whispers' something, one knows that that is God's voice, and following one's heart is following God's will. One has to commit fully to accomplishing the task at hand at all times - joyfully and with love, always working like there is no tomorrow... so that when the time is up, when the time comes to pass on the baton to someone else, one moves on happily and freely with no feeling of dejection. Instead, there will be a joyful feeling of fulfillment and a deep sense of gratitude to God for an accomplished mission... no heartaches, no regrets... only a priceless peace of mind.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
...you'll be missed. =========================================================================== by PAM
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve our country as Prime Minister..."
Just when I'm really, really liking David Cameron, UK's immediate past Prime Minister (PM), due mainly to the wider involvement of UK in global development through education and cultural exchange; and have been considering his opinion on many things in my collage-of-things-that-I-enjoy-thinking-about just because we are in the same age bracket, he decided to exit 10 Downing Street prematurely - after merely a year into his second term as British PM. Okay... from another perspective, it could also be said that fate decided to evict him from 10 Downing Street. Of course, his move out of 10 Downing Street crystallized from 'Brexit', UK's decision to leave the European Union in a tumultuous referendum, which happened about three weeks back. People would argue that Cameron brought this to himself by calling the referendum,
Giving tribute to his beloved wife and children as he said his last goodbye to the country that he so ably served as Prime Minister for six years.
which exposed a horrendously messy Tory Party, and divided UK to a bitter debate. Cameron was usually adept in taking 'calculated risk' since his fresh-faced MP days... and he is a real risk taker, too. But he got this one wrong... obviously! The EU leave-remain referendum eventually resulted to a 52%-48% win for the Brexiteers, led by one of Cameron's old friends from his Old Etonian boyhood, the flamboyantly indomitable former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. While in heated and bitter debate, it was indeed remarkable to watch the two prominent Old Etonian battle it out, making their case to the British public with Cameron campaigning to remain in EU and BoJo campaigning for the opposite. It turned out that Cameron's charm, or the lack of it, was no match to Johnson's no holds barred messily out-and-out appeal that incited the British public to let the worst in them poke its nasty head through, especially on the issue of immigration. The scandal on his late father's involvement in seeking to grow his business through investment in tax havens, implicating Cameron, which unfolded prior to the vote didn't help his case. His popularity dipped as more and more flaws in hid government were found and magnified under the lenses of the referendum. These got everyone's mind wandering away from all the other practical issues of being in or out of EU. I watched in awe of the eloquence, and admittedly, sometimes in pure disgust, as the debate between the two camps went bitter and ugly. While always remaining quite intelligent in words, the opposite sides missed going in depth on essential aspects of their respective arguments. And yet, I have to admit that it was a wonderfully entertaining alternative to the Philippines' own Presidential and Vice-Presidential race around the same time. But, let's not go there... because I cannot say that I've recovered from that as of yet. Going back to David Cameron, I'm really fascinated by his sharp mind and eloquence, becoming the
Farewell, PM Dave! Will miss all the eloquence and rhetorical swagger.
youngest British PM in almost 200 years at the age of 43 years... it's the UK, so that's gotta mean something huge. While he did have a 'snubbish' upbringing... and many believed he brought this to 10 Downing Street, including myself, he got a number of things good for UK. He moved to 10 Downing Street while raising a young family, and that's after the world saw him and his beautiful wife, Samantha, mourn the death of their eldest son, Ivan, from a neurological disorder. I also enjoyed tremendously his gag of a sense of humor - that 'very British' kind - that he used so masterfully in besting counterparts across the aisle in the Commons. :) Amid the challenges that go with his work as British Prime Minister, he seems to be a good family man. It is particularly wonderful to see how he beams with pride of his wife, and what tender words he has for his children. All the wonderful speeches, all the progress that UK enjoyed under his Premiership... there are simply so many things to think and marvel about his brand of leadership. Although, of course, other people have other ideas, believing he made a mess of the government he led and failed miserably to forge unity in the Tory party on the way to Brexit. Anyway, I just realized that I took all the good 'Cameronian' stuff for granted over the last six years. In fact, I'm so utterly surprised that, after all these years, I can't find a 'David Cameron' tag in my blog! I was fascinated, but I never actually expressed it, believing then that there was plenty of time to, one day, write something here about David Cameron. And then... Brexit happens. And the 'future' suddenly became the past. And all that was left for me to do is to stay up all night and watch him go about the business - a remarkable British tradition with Her Majesty, The Queen - of "changing of guards" in the highest office of the British government, family in tow. And, I have to say that, with a shade of yellow in her first-day-as-PM coat, Theresa May is probably off to a good start... never mind that she doesn't have children! *wink-wink*... *sigh* See, if some Brits can hurl something hurtful like that to a woman who was bound to become their PM, there is no telling how they'd rate their outgoing PM based on 'sky-high standard'. Anyway, I wish Cameron and his family the most wonderful days after life at 10 Downing Street. I will always be fascinated... then again, from the "Lord of the Rings" to James Bond to Beatles to Adele, I've always been fascinated by many things British since girlhood... it just doesn't always seem that way. Or, doesn't it? *** Photo credit: Grabbed from the BBC video - many thanks! ***
The day has finally come, and we are to make a national decision that will spell the next six years for us. May we all be guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing our new leaders.
I hope for the very best for my dear country! God bless the Philippines! God bless us all!
***
Image credit: Thanks, Google, for the "2016 Philippine National Elections" doodle.
...hopefully, because the Filipino can! #RoRo2016, #roxasrobredo ===================================================================== by PAM As the national elections approach... within a few hours now, there is "silence" as the "undecided" contemplate their options. While I have not expressed my preference in writing yet (at least, not here), I have been wearing my choice for President-VP on my wrist - and it's the Roxas-Robredo tandem, the Liberal Party's bet comprised of Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and Camarines Sur 3rd Distict Rep. Leni Robredo. And, mind you, my choice has nothing to do with the incumbent President, Benigno C. Aquino III, and his endorsement of the Roxas-Robredo tandem! As I am in the Education Sector, and I firmly believe that the bright future of any country lies in how the national leaders make use of education to serve as the lifeblood of the country, the education and human resource development program of the candidates for national office is very important to me. As the nation's 'lifeblood', the education system should be 'healthy' and 'flowing without 'obstruction' to 'deliver oxygen' throughout 'the body', and maintain healthy 'bodily
Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, discussing his education and human resource platform to the members of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) in February 2016.
functions' that keep the nation active and vibrant, always receptive of the necessary reforms that will move it towards sustained progress. So far, the Roxas-Robredo campaign is clear in expressing the candidates' belief that, in ensuring "inclusive growth", the national government must put in place and prioritize a Program that provides "equal opportunities in health, education and other human development outcomes" across the population. In making sure that all Filipinos have access to these opportunities and that they are actually able to take advantage of these, they are enabled to be productive citizens of the nation and to effectively contribute to nation-building and to sustained progress. While other President-VP ticket would echo the same, none of them is as clear as the "RoRo2016" tandem in their proposed strategy to achieve this: with the national government as mere enablers and the provincial governments as anchors and implementers of such Program. The Presidential-VP campaign of the Davao City Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, and Sen. Peter Allan Cayetano, kept on mentioning their plan that favors "Federalism", but it is not clear how they wish to accomplish this. Perhaps, they are hoping to propose similar platform as that of #RoRo2016 tandem, but have no clue how to do it, and are more concerned to utter the "soundbites" that voters who prefer to be entertained by catchy phrases rather than be informed want to hear, hence the vague "federalism" utterance... and their supporters cheer like there was no tomorrow! Mind-boggling, indeed! *** To be ruled by a strongman? Never again! Speaking of things that boggle the mind, sometimes it exasperates me how we, Filipinos, think. We always say, we want "change"... and yet, when there is opportunity to actually change, we make a "U-turn" and dash towards our old ways that, in the first place, made us wish for "change"!
For instance, the www is laden with incredibly horrific things that Mayor Duterte said during the campaign and did as Mayor of Davao City, which show his utter disrespect for democracy and human rights, and were summarized by The Economist here and here. He seems to take pride in his lack of respect for the law, which contradicts his claim of being fierce "law-enforcer". And yet, hundreds cheer him to mind-boggling glee everytime he steps on the stage in his trademark devil-may-care macho swagger that puts the likes of Erap Estrada to utter shame. Perhaps,what capture the imagination are: (1) his largely 'comical' way of bashing people in the government and our political system in a manner that is very much in tune with "stand-up comedy" that Filipinos so love, and (2) his use of 'taboo' cuss words, which seems to invigorate the suppressed law-abiding but impoverished members of the masses and the champions of their cause. And yet, this is the national election where we decide the future of our country for the next six years, not a stand-up comedy that brings temporary relief from the challenges of our daily struggles through the metro traffic, paying sky-high taxes, and putting up with the spoiled brat antics of Pres. Noynoy and his sister, Kris Aquino, among other things. Obviously, Mayor Duterte does not only have the makings of a "strongman"... he, in principle, admits to being one! And, while Mar Roxas does not posses a strongly compelling track record for a sterling performance in public office, just some brilliance that is always-up-there, but never the gold standard in leadership, he is the better choice. Roxas has been very much the gentleman from the perceived "aristocratic class" in the Philippines who walks away from brawl whenever he can and
A new day dawns upon us as we take off to a bright future... ...let's stay on our wings and soar. #roxasrobredo, #RoRo2016
prefers to serve in the quiet and understated vicinity of policy making and playing the architect of a robust developmental framework. In the national elections of 2010, he gave way to Aquino, who was more popular then. This is in order to ensure the implementation of a development framework for the country that he architect for his own presidential campaign. Aquino won that election, Roxas did not make it as VP... the rest is history. In his six-year term as President, Aquino went on to exact revenge on his political enemies, and left governance to his cabinet, with Roxas always taking the "political bullet" that was meant for Aquino: in crossing swords with the Catholic Church on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 ( or "RH Bill"), on balancing Aquino's political vendetta on the Marcoses and Romualdezes and responding to the needs of Typhoon Yolanda victims, on the plight of the Fallen 44 soldiers in the Mamasapano clash, and on the high irregularities and massive corruption at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), just to name a few. Aquino used "Cory's yellow EDSA shield" and the public attention demanded by the excruciating noise of his youngest sister, Kris, to protect himself while exposing Roxas to the onslaught of brutal criticisms. And yet, Roxas went on quietly and patiently about his job... eyeing 2016 as his way of finally leading this country to the glory that it so deserves. Alongside Roxas in this election is the woman whose husband, the late former Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Jesse Robredo, who also took the "political bullet" meant for Aquino, and went on to serve with integrity and humility: Rep. Leni Robredo. The late Sec. Robredo had it worse than Roxas because Aquino himself could have stopped that "political bullet" from hitting Sec. Robredo then, but he did not - in favor of his callous friends. Fortunately, Sec. Jesse Robredo's track record as a public servant was so sterling in quality and unassailable in integrity that the "bullet" went ricocheting on Aquino and his favored friends. Throughout Sec. Robredo's ordeal, his wife, Leni, silently stood by him, serving the people in the grassroots in Naga City where Sec. Robredo was a beloved six-term mayor before serving in the Aquino cabinet. When Sec. Robredo was killed in an accident, Aquino was stunned by the overwhelming grief of the nation. It was a great moment for the Filipinos: in silence, they watched the political circus, but when the time called for it, they showed that they favor and value integrity in public service. It was Roxas who ran and stood side by side with the Robredo family in their grief. Like Roxas, Rep. Leni Robredo is a quiet worker. But, unlike Roxas, Rep. Robredo is in touch with and understands fully the sentiments of those in the grassroots. This makes her the ideal partner for Roxas. She works on the ground while Roxas works the drawing board and fuel the development think-tanks. Both are intelligent and honest public servants who serve with unassailable integrity. If Roxas has yet to demonstrate fierce decisiveness in going after thugs in the government, it is because he has never had the opportunity to be on the helm. As member of Pres. Aquino's cabinet, he always had to do a balancing act between what needs to be done and what the Aquino core circle desires. And, he is too much of a gentleman to overstep the bounds of his authority. His time to demonstrate his leadership has finally come, and Filipinos are contemplating to give him this. However, he has to make sure that the vengeful Aquinos do not influence him in any way because if he does, he, too, will lose sight of what the nation really needs. Pres. Aquino leaves a prosperous, thanks mostly to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's robust economic long-term plan and Roxas's economic platform used by Aquino, but morally disillusioned country; and his endorsement of Roxas and Robredo, especially Roxas, is clearly a "kiss of death". But this is the time when Filipinos have to wield collective wisdom, and recognize the sincerity in Roxas's
A leadership in bloom... a country moving on to greatness. #roxasrobredo
desire to serve. People must see the brilliance in leadership that is quivering to show and illuminate the country to a bright future! The Filipino people must recognize that his time to lead has come. As for the VP race, the choice is VERY clear: Rep. Leni Robredo. Mayor Duterte's campaign has been "entertaining" - that much is true - if not exasperating for the morally upright and ardent believer of democracy and human rights. However, it's time to make a decision: do we march on forward under the leadership of the true architect of this economic progress that we are experiencing now, and bring it further to the grassroots for true inclusive growth; or do we make a U-turn and go four decades back to be ruled by a strongman in chaos and fear? To be ruled by a strongman? We've been that road before... NEVER AGAIN! Therefore,the choice is clear: we move forward!But we move forward with a leadership that is not colored by the "vindictive yellow"... because, when colored as such, it would be impossible to actually move on. Cory Aquino's color was yellow... that yellow of defiance with integrity, that yellow of spiritual resilience and hope, that yellow of justice but with healing and reconciliation, that yellow of joy in honest service to the nation, that yellow that meant faith in God. It was NEVER a vindictive yellow! Otherwise, there could never have been an EDSA revolution in 1986... 'people power' - peaceful and no bloodshed. It's a pity that Noynoy Aquino, of all people, does not get this... and now, he leaves office, happy for rounding up his enemies... but he lost most of what matters most - the 'borrowed' principle that he could've owned. Where's the joy in that? God bless us all! ***
"Philip, Philipina, Philippe"... for the Philippines.
It's been a hectic week once again! But, what else is new? Nah, not complaining... I'm just amazed that I'm still feeling like I can do a 5k run after that "marathon" I ran this week. Perhaps, the "pit stops" in this week's marathon were truly refreshing and exhilarating... they added to the energy rather than zapping it. Good, good!
So, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, visited the University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday as Lecturer in the 3rd installment of the University's Diplomats' Lecture Series. He spoke to the students about his career as a diplomat, hoping that his example might be of use for those who aspire to become diplomat themselves in the future. He emphasized the importance of being "curious about things around us" especially those that constitute diplomatic affairs such as political, economic and
H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, US envoy to the Philippines, visiting the University of Santo Tomas for the first time.
public affairs. "Accumulating knowledge about these diplomatic activities," he said, "will become very useful in your future career as diplomats." He said that "an innate curiosity of world affairs" can translate to an overseas role as a diplomat, but that it all "begins from understanding your own country."
For a diplomatic mission to be successful, he emphasized the importance of "strengthening people-to-people relationship through educational programs, cultural programs and youth programs". This is why he considers Education USA as one of the major programs of the US Embassy in the Philippines that he works hard for to keep moving forward and benefit the Filipinos, especially the youth.
Of his work as an American envoy to the Philippines, he made mention of the long-standing friendship between the United States of America and the Philippines as his basis in conducting his diplomatic mission in the country. And he came to his post in Manila with a rich background and experience.
With the challenges of climate change to which the Philippines is very vulnerable, the maritime security-related tension with economic and international political implications in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, the very promising economic growth that the Philippines is currently enjoying, the challenge of being at the cusp of political transition as the local and national elections loom, and many other interesting transitions in the ASEAN region where
Crystal Clear: H.E. Goldberg, making a strong point on... international maritime issues, especially the respect of freedom of navigation.
the Philippines play an important role, the Ambassador has got his job cut out for him. Of his appointment to a diplomatic post in the Philippines at such 'exciting times', he was said to be a perfect fit, being one of the US State Department's "best and brightest". And, indeed, he hit the ground running when he arrived in November 2013 to assume his post after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hammered the Visayas, leaving tremendous devastation in the area, and thousands of people needing emergency assistance. The Ambassador proved equal to the immensity of the task, standing side by side with Filipinos as they combat the daunting challenge.
Having seen first hand how the Filipinos who suffered from Yolanda's rampage bounced back over the last two years, he expressed his admiration for the Filipino's resilience during his Talk. He also spoke about the "impressive optimism of Filipinos" that is now resulting to a "commendable economic progress" among others, and the "admirable way by which the Philippines is dealing with the South China Sea issue".
As recipient of the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship and having enjoyed the full benefit of the US Department of State's Education USA for five years in Cornell University, located in the beautiful finger lakes region of New York State, I feel duty-bound to support the efforts of the US Embassy in reaching out to Filipinos in friendship. Not that I don't enjoy it, because I do - tremendously! And, while I've followed from a distance the Embassy's activities over the years, I think I've never felt this much affinity to the Embassy since Ambassador Goldberg assumed the post at Roxas Boulevard. I believe in his sincere and faithful sense of mission to my country, and I'm an admirer of his mind's sharpness... although he can be quite severe in his facial expression - even when he jokes. Oops! Hmmm, 'diplomacy'... I need to exercise it some! :) Seriously, I'm a fan.
More power to you, Your Excellency!
***
Photo credit: The first photo was from Mr. Philippe Jose Hernandez, the Assistant Director of the UST Social Media Bureau (SMB). I took the other two photos.
...is 'my' Philippines! ==================================================================== by PAM If there are things that I consider "worth it" in enduring this incredibly uneventful stretch in the personal 'satisfaction section' of this awfully boring "life" I'm living right now (there, I said it!), one of them would be the opportunity to serve this country that I love. Since the time I was able to actually dream... I mean, really dream, serving my country has always been up there in my list. Can you blame me? I grew up reading books on our national hero, Jose Rizal. And, yeah, having studied in government-owned Elementary and High Schools, where the the daily recitation of Panatang Makabayan (or the Philippine Patriotic Oath) was the norm, did this to me as well! :) It's almost like a 'romantic relationship'. Then again, what do I know about romantic relationships, especially with an uneventful personal life with no giddy-happy 'episodes' in the 'screenplay' for the rest of the foreseeable future of this boring 'production' I'm in at the moment?! Man, I don't even see a simple vacation in the horizon - the relaxing kind, and no work connected to it in whatever way - even when I'm already panting with exhaustion here! Alright, love of country and rant should not be in the same post. So, let's start again, shall we? :)
We need to protect our sovereignty, we need to protect OUR seas!
Two days ago, I had a good opportunity to sit in a symposium on Maritime Security at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). It was hosted by the Philippine Navy, in collaboration with the AIM. I guess it was organized, amid all the issues the Philippines is facing regarding the West Philippine Sea, in order to gather as many representatives of different sectors in the society as possible to duly inform them... and later pitch in for the just and peaceful resolution of the issues.
Prominent personalities in Philippine politics were there, such as Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and the former Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Rafael Alunan III. Congressmen Roilo Golez and Francisco Ashley Acedillo are among the four speakers and four reactors who led the discussions, ably moderated by Prof. Mario Antonio Lopez. The Symposium was more than what I expected... the discussion was relevant, cerebral, and brief but fierce! Almost the kind of stuff that engineers enjoy participating in. Nice to speak with soldiers, I guess, particularly the Navy... they go straight to the point, which was nice. The lawyers in the group are mostly very sharp... more of public servants and social scientists, or business people, rather than 'hardcore' lawyers... so, the discussion went well, and didn't go round-and-round endlessly in a circle. :) I feel we have accomplished something there... at least, I went home satisfied with my notebook brimming with useful info. Some plans formed in my head, too, on what the role of engineers and Engineering Education Institutions might be in attaining Maritime Security. So, yeah, I enjoyed that one.
It looks like I am blessed with another opportunity to serve my country. Good! :) I'll deal with my life's boredom a little later... or, at the same time. :) Optimism... we gotta have it if we were to survive this tightly 'scripted life'! I prefer the more spontaneous and relaxed life any day... and I'm going to have it soon - it's happiness! Optimism....
QOTD #18: Eavesdropping is... impolite, my 'friend'. ================================================================= by PAM
"There are genuine concerns and it would be wrong to dismiss all of the condemnation of Washington as hyperbole. Big things are happening in the world and two are of central importance here.
"For one thing this is the age of big data, the cloud, and our growing reliance upon machines. Alongside this the technical ability to monitor, store and sift information is also growing exponentially....
"...The other great change is in the international arena. New economic powers are rising."
- Jonathan Marcus (BBC Diplomatic Correspondence) from the article, "Are US allies really shocked at spying?" BBC News, 26 October 2013 Yep, I've been reading (and listening to the news) about the alleged US Intelligence 'eavesdropping' on the German Chancellor's, Angela Merkel's, mobile phone. The details being uncovered regarding the alleged 'eavesdropping'/spying on Merkel, analyses of the reach and breadth of US Intelligence based on surfacing details on their activities (not counting the Edward Snowden leaked info), and the comments of experts are really shocking - for common mortals like myself, that is. I'm not sure if this should come as a 'shock' to the US Allies though. 'Cause, c'mon people, to whom do you run when you need "reliable intelligence" report? If the 'reach' of US Intelligence has become hard to imagine for us now... it's because their allies, and all of us, actually, allowed it to grow that much - to a "shocking" phenomenon that it is today. None of anyone's need for infomation warrants such disrespect for someone else's privacy. Therefore, are we going to allow Beijing to grow "intelligence tentacles", too? What do you mean "huh?" ? Don't tell me you didn't see that coming. You knew I was going to ask that! :) Alright, let's see... what's on in the football world right now? I need some 'beautiful game' to release ugly aggression over. ;) ***
Whew! ========================================================================== by PAM The past couple of days, the country saw two contrasting pictures: one, which is of a hero of a boy in the person of 13-year old Cris Valdez who won the International Children's Peace Prize, and the other, a picture of an arrogant man, in the person of Antonio Trillanes IV, who framed his self-important sneer in a powerful Senate seat and supposed Palace favorable connection (according to him, anyway). *** Ah, what a proud national moment! Cris Valdez, or "Kesz", is a true national hero. He grew up amidst poverty, in a place where garbage scavenging was the way of life, and yet, he brought joy and hope to many, many impoverished children in the Philippines... and incredible pride to the whole nation. He started as a pupil in the 2009 CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida's "pushcart classroom", and later became a volunteer himself. Through his "Championing Community Children" charity, he shared with other children whatever little he had, which was almost nothing materially, but a lot in the form of education, new Cris Valdez... Pinoy Pride.direction, and hope for a brighter future. He is a wonderful example to us, adults, showing that, really, all of us are capable of making a difference in this world if we keep our eyes - and hearts - focused on unselfish goals, and forget about flattering ourselves with personal glory. Congratulations, Kesz! Thank you for making us proud, and for being a shining example of heroism, a beacon of hope, and an inspiring compassion-in-action. This boy makes me think once more of the RH Bill, and why I am opposed to it - in its original version... and I hope those who favor it think harder, too. This is a boy who has nothing - I mean, nothing - just a generous heart. This is a boy whose life is the very definition of economic poverty... and yet, because of his values - Filipino values, to be clear - he is being a positive force that drives the wheel of hope towards better future for this country. Through his generosity, he is sharing this good news of hope to other children who are also engulfed in poverty and hardship. So, really, in this population dispute, is it the current number that is actually problematic or is it the erosion of values? And just what is the RH Bill addressing, the supposed problematic number or the erosion of Filipino values? And which one can solve the other... will the problematic number be erased by rekindling and reinforcing our Filipino values, or, can the reduce-the-number-by-all-means reinforce our values? And which possible scenario will lead us to a better future... and our children to a more joyful life? Really now... please! I would love to talk about this more. Later.... *** My goodness, Sen. Trillanes! Aaaargh, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV! Why, oh, why... why do you have to be such a... such a... 1, 2, 3... 10... such a funny senatorial clown? You make most of the nation laugh to bitter tears! You're a soldier... you're supposed to behave like a gentleman. Hmm... no, you are supposed to be a gentleman, sir! *sigh* So, yeah, after those national feel-good 'Robredo days' and the emergence of Robredo-like brilliant young leaders and public servants who embody the Filipino values - hardworking, respectful, honest, family-oriented, God-fearing, compassionate, and of positive behavior, JPE vs. Trillanes. Show down... the sewage. (Photo: Lyn Rillon/Inquirer)especially during stressful times - we see a picture of the exact opposite in the person of Sen. Trillanes. He provoked the Senate President, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, into 'crossing verbal swords' with him... on the 'hallowed floor' of the Philippine Senate, no less - for the whole nation/world to see. JPE, of course, plunged into the provocative political quicksand. *sigh* It was like a national backpedaling from the pleasantly glorious sunny days of integrity-in-public-service of the past few weeks to the nauseatingly shameless politicking-for-personal-gain. And we thought that that sort of politicking had been tossed and buried with the distant past as government officials and public servants set out to follow the Robredo example. Sen. Trillanes had to ruin our 'national good governance groove' with his Senate take over plot against the incumbent Senate President... and whatever good intentions he had (if there was any... at all) were lost in that stormy misconduct avalanche. And then, when his own arrogance-powered plot blew up violently to backfire on his own self-important sneer, he resorted to a low-class tasteless response and walked out like a frustratingly hard-headed brat, and then took to the press the next day to inflict more damage - not just to Enrile, himself, and the Senate, but also to the good guys at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Palace... but most importantly, to the nation! Boy, talk about eroding values! *sigh* So, just what exactly was all that 'oust-Enrile plot' about, Sen. Trillanes? I hope that this is not about giving in to 'persuasive external forces' to weaken the anti-RH Bill hard line? I hope that this is not another straying off from 'daang matuwid'. You guys can't help yourselves, can you? *sigh* ***
"Hillary's guy" haven't lost his touch... he just got better! ======================================================================== by PAM He brought the house down - as usual! Only this time, he was so much better than ever before... and I didn't think that was possible at all! Former United States President, Bill Clinton, formally nominated the current President, Barack Obama, for re-election in the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. And, man, was he AWESOME! He has always been a charismatic leader and exceptionally good orator, but I
Bill Clinton: "What works in the real world is cooperation." (Photo: Charlie Neibergall/AP)don't think I've seen him give such an incredibly eloquent, engaging, heavy-punching and humorous speech ever before. Ah, talk about wine getting better with age! Bill Clinton made a case for Mr. Obama's re-election in a way that no one - not even Mr. Obama himself, I think - could ever do. His speech was well-written, brilliantly structured to send an irresistible message about Obama's inclusive policies and essentially "Middle Class First" Programs while assuring the world that "America is your friend" through his foreign policies. This as he leads the US to a long and hard road to recovery after eight years of war and gut-churning excesses at Wall Street that brought their economy (and the world's economy with it) to its knees four years ago under the watch of the Republicans. Without sounding like offering an excuse for Pres. Obama's failure to make good his promises from four years ago, Mr. Clinton delivered the message so effectively that it electrified the Democrats - worldwide, I suppose - and maybe brought an approving smile to the "undecided" voters' lips. My attention was glued to the TV screen - in awe - the whole time. It's a good thing that he didn't talk about abortion though. I specifically liked how he emphasized"advancing equal opportunity and economic empowerment is both morally right and good economics, because discrimination, poverty and ignorance restrict growth, while investments in education, infrastructure and scientific and technological research increase it, creating good jobs and new wealth for all of us" just because they were some of the things that I appreciated in the State of the Nation Address of our own President, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, in July. I was just recovering from the 'man, that Paul Ryan charisma has serious wattage, it actually convinces' thing, and the 'hey, Mitt is human, too' dramatic revelation in the Republican National Convention last week. Those got me seriously Obama + Clinton, 44 + 42... "Arithmetic!" (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)'scared'. Oh, boy, Americans aren't letting those Wall Street vultures take us to another free-falling economic ride, are they??? But the Democrats came back punching - with their biggest and most dazzling superstar no less. If there had been doubts as to whether or not Mr. Obama can win the election in November against the gathering momentum of the Romney-Ryan campaign... well, it looks like Citizen Bill might have just won it for him right there! I think it might just be 'game over' for Mitt Romney. Too bad for Paul Ryan.
Former President Clinton's leadership was one of my inspirations in pursuing the dream to obtain Fulbright Scholarship about ten years ago or so... to learn the positive things about the American Higher Education System and the American "can-do" attitude and bring them home to hopefully help complement ours in the Philippines, and keep moving forward. I was fortunate to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York for five years. His wife, Sec. Hillary Clinton, of the Department of State now was the New York State Senator then, and she visited Cornell a few times while I was there to look at progress in research at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that would help the New York Agriculture sector. It was a most wonderful experience, of course. Then again, it's probably the people I met - in Cornell and in Fulbright (and the US Department of Agriculture and Department of State) - who became very good friends that made the experience wonderful more than anything else. *** In the local politics front... I had a tough day yesterday and I woke up late today. But I woke up to Karen Davila's interview of the newly appointed Department of Transportation and
Sec. Jun Abaya and Karen Davila at "Headstart". (Photo: Karen Davila)Communications (DOTC) Secretary, who is also the elected Representative of Cavite, Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya. It did give me a good "Headstart" that I even found the time to drop by here and talk a little bit - to the cyberspace. Sec. Abaya is a University of the Philippines Applied Physics guy who obtained his M.S. in Electrical Engineering in Cornell, which I know for a fact to be a very tough Program, among many other outstanding academic achievements. I think the Basic Science and Engineering training is very useful for systematic, disciplined, problem solving-savvy and low-profile sort of leadership. Just look at the late Sec. Jesse Robredo whose basic training was Engineering - he made problem solving in governance looked so easy. While he has yet to obtain the nod of the Commission on Appointments, I think Sec. Abaya will do a great job at the DOTC because he has a very good track record in his relatively short career in public service and politics... but more than that, he has good things in mind that he wants to accomplish for the country's better future. Looks like we have another young and brilliant, less-talk-more-positive-action guy in the Aquino administration - excellent! Good luck, Sec. Abaya! *** Wait... tennis and football! Oh, and I enjoyed Maria Sharapova and Marion Bartoli's quarter-final match at the 2012 US Open! Maria dug herself out of a deep hole where the gritty Maria Shhhh... (Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)Frenchwoman pushed her in in the first set and first half of the second set... and the stylish Russian screamed herself out the hole - emerging as the winner in a three-set battle of wits and wills, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Maria's consistently steel determination to win is so awesome! Win or lose, you know for sure that she always puts up a good fight. Respect. Never mind how loud she plays (boy, she's loud!) - ear plugs help, ya know. Aw, wait... did Roger Federer just crashed in four sets against Tomas Berdych in their QF match?? Dang, I was just going to write about his Olympics Silver medal, Cincinnati triumph and nice form getting into the US Open (eons ago, of course)! What can I say... besides 'I am a grown up with grown up concerns who blogs during free time' that is? Oh, well.... The footie boys are on an International break... and Cristiano Ronaldo is apparently 'sad' at Real Madrid, and it isn't about the money, mind you (according to him, anyway)...and that Lionel Messi couldn't be bothered to comment! :) And Barça's "pale assassin", who tied the knot last summer, showed both Crissy and Messi who was boss - he won the 2012 UEFA Best European Player award! So, is that why Crissy is sad? Aw! Congratulations, Andrés Iniesta! Better late than never. ***
