Friday, February 29, 2008
Will the Students Show Up?
This is the question that races my mind. I'm not sure whether the Ateneans would participate in the Inter-Faith Rally for Truth, Justice, and Accountability later in Ayala. The proximity of the venue and the pressing academic load may be reasons why students would not attend the rally. These are very valid points, but as Dr. Tolosa reiterated, commitment entails sacrifices. VP Cuyegkeng would also say that this would be a wise time to use our cuts.
I would understand if students would not come in great numbers later (even if Ateneo already provided the transportation and security). These sort of things are not ingrained in the fabric of our Atenean consciousness. But I appeal to the Filipino within the Atenean, please continuously pray not only for our country but also for ourselves that we may be able to discern the truth so that we can fight for justice, accountability, and genuine social change.
Unlike the Ateneo contingent, I'm sure the students of PUP will be there in full force. Here are some videos of Jun Lozada's visit to PUP yesterday.
The Senate star witness [Lozada] touched off riotous scenes at the PUP in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Thursday as dozens of students forced open the campus’ main gate to allow others who had been denied entry to get in, even as school guards fought to keep the steel gate shut because of a purported bomb threat.
The bomb threat turned out to be a dud.
[via Inquirer.net]
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Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tama Na! Itama Na!
The common notion of social involvement (e.g. Gawad Kalinga, Pathways, community-apostolate work) and political involvement should never be dichotomized. These are two facets of a fight for democracy, justice, and equity. We cannot simply address poverty and ignore how our political system (and the plundering and pillaging of those in power) perpetuate this vicious cycle of suffering and oppression. Thus, we as Ateneans should not merely immerse ourselves in "apolitical" involvements but we should also be involved in the political.
The task of nation-building is not merely a task of building houses, it should be both systemic and introspective. If we truly are men-and-women for others, we should be critical about our paradigm of social involvement.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Partial and Unofficial Results of the Elections
RESOLUTION GE 08-03Partial and Unofficial Results as of February 23, 2008 (19:42)
TOP 4
SOSE SOM SOH SOSS TOTAL PERCENTAGE
President
Omi Castanar 780 801 259 728 2568 56.58%
Jauro Castro 137 396 47 413 993 21.88%
Gab Perez 116 286 119 197 718 15.82%
Abstain 58 105 31 66 260 5.73%
Vice President
Dustin Balictar 459 387 84 514 1444 31.79%
Monique Salcedo 341 760 235 510 1846 40.63%
Abstain 293 442 137 381 1253 27.58%
Secretary General
Bea Gomez 278 399 99 548 1324 29.14%
Pepi Sison 510 760 224 475 1969 43.33%
Abstain 305 430 133 383 1251 27.53%
Finance Officer
Westin Contreras 542 827 217 495 2081 45.79%
Kim Sto. Domingo 211 324 93 448 1076 23.67%
Abstain 339 438 146 465 1388 30.54%
Source: Chief Commissioner Ione Salud
Since this is not yet official, I have yet to formally thank the people that has supported me through the whole election season. But when the results do become official, I will make sure that I will show my appreciation to the people that made the BIG SWITCH possible.
Eveything is still overwhelming for me. The whole experience was incredible. But I know that there is more to come.
I know that there are people who are not pleased with the results but I will take this as a challenge and as an inspiration.
May God bless the thoughts of my mind, the will of my heart, the words of my mouth, and the works of my hand.
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Week has Gone By
The first half of campaigning is over. It was a difficult week, especially for an independent candidate. It's hard to introduce myself to the students. Some found it hard to understand why I'm running independent. While some found it hard to understand why Sanggunian itself is important. It was difficult to go from table-to-table, bench-to-bench, and room-to-room to talk about my campaign. It was difficult to keep my spiel short (especially since mine is I think the longest of all the candidates).If I were to choose the most difficult moment of my first week of campaigning, it would be the moments when I am alone, tired, and weary. Those were moments when I come to examine the things that I've done and the options that I chose. Those moments come once everyday and whenever they do, I try to hold back tears. This campaign drains not only my physical energy but my spirit as well.
Whenever I am alone I often ask myself whether I made the right decision to run and to run as an independent. I am not doubting my decision, rather I'm trying to seek the goal I initially set for myself. Oftentimes, when we get into the thick of things, we tend to lose sight of our goals. In the course of my campaigning I often lose sight of my important goal, my vision. It's in the moments of weakness that I am reminded of my discernment last December.
I chose this path not because of any self-interest. I knew fully well that the road ahead would be difficult. I would never have chosen this arduous path if all I was thinking about was myself. The same goes, I would like to believe, to the people who risked their hearts and souls for their visions. When I was discerning last year, a lot of questions came to mind. But as I continued to silence my thoughts, things started to become clearer. I had a lot of fears but my final decision gave me peace of mind. In that moment, I knew that I made the right decision.
Fast forward to February, I begin to feel the weight of the choices I made. I begin to feel the weight of my years in Ateneo falling upon my shoulder like a cross to Calvary. The cross is heavy but it was bearable. God would not give us trials that we cannot weather. We may falter along the way but what matters is that we rise up, even when it is against the odds.
A week has gone by and I'm already getting tired. But I know that in my weakness He will be my strength. I do not preach as if I am perfect. I have faltered many times. But I stand by the decisions that I made. I know that I cannot continue on my own, there will always be space for grace.
---------
For everything that's been happening, I'm still happy. I found a purpose higher than winning itself. May it continue to enthuse me as I face another week ahead of me.
Friday, February 15, 2008
I'm Pouring All My Heart into This
Why Independent?
First, my principle dictates that I do not join pol. parties just so that I can use it as my political machinery. I respect the fact that political parties are formed to ensure leadership and ideological formation. If I joined last December, with only 2 months before the election, there will be no opportunity for this formation.
Second, my running as an INDEPENDENT Sanggu President is a statment that Sanggunian is for ALL of us, not only for the political parties.
What are my Plans for Sanggu?
1. Principled Leadership
It's disappointing that when we think of student leaders, Sanggunian doesn't come first into mind. I promise that I will fully commit my last remaining year in Sanggu. I may not be the popular candidate but I believe that popularity is not the measure of good leadership.
2. Transparent Representation
It's very simple - tell the students (USE THE PROMOBOARDS!) what is happening in the school committee meetings and the meetings with the Board of Trustess. Tell us how you are representing us. That way, the students can already tell their parents that there will be a 5% tuition fee increase next year.
3. Pro-Active Formation
As representatives of the student body, the Sanggunian is in the best position to help in designing the Integrated Non-Academic Program of Ateneo (e.g. InTACT, NSTP, JEEP, Immersion).
4. Socio-political Inolvement
Sanggunian should take the initiative in educating the students about the various socio-political issues of our nation. This does not only include talks and stands on the issues but a sustained fervor for involvement. This entails Sanggu officers who are both knowledgeable and immersed in these issues.
The most difficult question - Why?
I really believe that Sanggu should earn the trust of the students. My campaign is all about a Sanggu that speaks to the students. I am running because I believe that Sanggu is still worth investing in. Running as an independent candidate is difficult. But what I lack in loudness and in numbers, I make up for in heart and in dedication. I sincerely want to lead our Sanggunian. I have no political party interest, no self interest - only the interest of the students I represent.
For questions, suggestions please e-mail me: omi4president@gmail.com
For more details about my campaign please visit my blog: http://omi4president.multiply.com
If you believe in my campaign and for what I stand for, please forward this email to your friends, org-mates, blockmates, and your loved ones. Tell them about how you are HOPING for a better Sanggunian next year.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
I am Running for Sanggunian President Because
After a series of unfortunate events, (for people living under a rock, please check the excellent website of The Guidon) I believe that a lot of people have become disheartened with our Sanggunian.
First, there was this Gadfly hoopla (I am totally in favor of increased student activism in Ateneo but I DO NOT agree with moves that create further division among the student body). Honestly, it has gone way out of proportion. I can't assess whether the current state of affairs was directly affected by their spamming and their blogging. Nonetheless, I believe that pessimism and cynicism will not solve anything. What we need is something, people, and events that will give us hope on our institutions especially Sanggunian.
Second, we have the issues of resignations. Sanggunian officers have every right to resign, especially if their duties as student representatives meddle with more important priorities such as academic pursuits. Although I aprreciate their efforts to respond to the inquries of their constituents (not of the whole student body) about their resignations, I believe that the student government should be more forthcoming about the onset of their resignations. At least, the constituents should have been informed of their resignations after it has been approved.
Third, Ateneo was "shocked" by the news of Karl Satinitigan's situation, "ouster", and later on (as Gadfly Society puts it) "assassination". Karl has personal concerns and we have no right to meddle with those. As the narration goes, there was no way for anyone to find out about his situation (especially the one concerning his enrollment). But of course, different versions have been circulating from some unknown source about cover-ups and what-nots. For me, Karl's apology is a good step towards making things better. It's good that he responded amidst everything. On another note, I sincerely believe that the statement of Cabrei does sound like Karl's situation made a lot of negative impact in Sanggunian. The position of president is very important but I do believe that with 42 top officers, systems for compensating the absence would have been in place. If the antagonizing tone was accidental, it should be clarified in the emergency forum on Monday before it leads to further detriment.
What bothers (this is an understatement) me the most is the exchanges in the comments section of The Guidon's website. There are a lot of accusations and counter-arguments being thrown. Definitely, these things are not making things better. These things are making the situation all the more confusing and appalling. Students are even comparing us to Philippine politics!
It is in this incredible (opportune or unfavorable) situation that I am about to venture into my campaign for my Sanggunian presidency. I have decided to run long before these issues took its current shape. But I do have a strong theory that these things have been brewing for a long time. The systems in place, the people participating in the system, and the unforeseen events coalesced into this dangerous concoction.
I am running as an independent president not to promote myself as a messiah or as a panacea - that would be self-righteous of me. I am running because I firmly believe that the students should take back Sanggunian. I believe that for the longest time, students feel alienated (in a Marxist sense) by their representatives. As Abbi Luz in the recent headline story of The Guidon reveals, "Sanggu is isolated and the people running are still the same crowds".
Trends in student involvement show how averse students are of associating themselves with Sanggunian. Again, this is not entirely Sanggunian's fault. No one thing, person, or institution is to blame. We, the people who perpetuate the status quo share the blame. But the solution also includes us. It's about time that we think about what should be done, not what should have been done. If we have to act as problem-solvers (the philosophers looked down upon these breed), then we should all do so.
The problems plaguing Sanggunian is not isolated to them. It uncovers the issues that lie beneath the seemingly serene environment of Ateneo. What other indicators of brewing problems can we see? There are several, such as low turn-outs in organization activities, high occurrence of burn-out, high levels of stress and frustrations, and a creeping culture of distrust (to name a few).
People ask me the question "Why?". I say, "Why not?". This is our Sanggunian and we shouldn't be sitting on our laurels and wait for other people to fix (or further aggravate) this. The whole situation is puzzling everyone. I personally have no idea how to begin solving this puzzle but I will be needing everyone's help. I may not have experience as an officer in Sanggunian but if this is truly our Sanggunian, then its systems and processes should be understandable to the people who comprise it (all of us!).
I am not serving anyone's interest but the people whom I represent. What can I offer? Change We Can Believe In.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Yes We Can
Obama wouldn’t have a chance in PhilippinesPhilippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:12:00 02/07/2008
This is in reaction to the letter titled, “US Presidential hopeful is a candidate who inspires hope.” (Inquirer, 01/29/08) Christer James Ray A. Gaudiano suggests that the Philippines needs a Barack Obama. Yes, the Philippines needs a leader like him, but his emergence should correspond with change on the part of our electorate.
I’ve also read Obama’s “Yes We Can, Thank You” speech, and indeed he was very inspiring and convincing there. But here in our country, reality bites. Character is not enough. If we had a Barack Obama here, I doubt if he would be elected president. Just like what happened to Jovito Salonga and the late Raul Roco.
Change should occur not only in our politicians. The Filipino electorate should also change its attitude in choosing a leader. Voters should not choose their leaders on the basis of popularity as the only factor. They must also take into account the candidates’ principles and sincerity.
At this early time, we have many presidential hopefuls. Let us now start observing them -- thus serving as “watchdogs” not only for our very own selves but also for our nation.
[via Inquirer.net]
“We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible odds; when we’ve been told that we’re not ready, or that we shouldn’t try, or that we can’t, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people. Yes we can.”
Barack Obama, January 8, 2008
YES I CAN!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Movies About Unconventional Passion
During the long weekend, when the nights are lonelier, I watched to movies that came out last year and no one (I know) has heard of. The first was The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters and the other was Air Guitar Nation. Both are full-length documentaries that are both entertaining and worth watching.
The King of Kong is all about Americans who are crazy over old arcade games like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong. The documentary showed the story of how Steve Wiebe challenged the world's highest scorer in arcade Donkey Kong, Bill Mitchell. It's a movie about an underdog newbie getting the respect of a community built around a reigning champion. Plus, I like how the family of Wiebe supported him in his outlandish (albeit childish) pursuits.
On the other hand, Air Guitar Nation follows the first entry of the USA in the World Air Guitar Championship which has always been dominated by Europeans. Like The King of Kong, the movie also shows bitter rivalries between competitors, most especially between the two American representatives.
These documentaries are definitely not anything like An Inconvenient Truth or The March of the Penguins. These would definitely not change the world nor get an Oscar nod. On one level, some people might find the movies strange especially how people (Americans) go to great lengths and exert much effort for "useless" things. But on another level, it depicts the inner desire in people to be the best in something, anything. These movies showed how people all over the world can have overpowering passion for really strange stuff like video games and air guitar. I'm seriously looking forward to the documentary on speedcubing - Cubefreak.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Munting Pangarap Bago Matapos ang School Year
Nais kong gumawa ng music video ng Papaya Song
Tododododoot tododododoot (maniwala ka man o sa hindi, kapag hinanap mo ang "papaya song lyrics" sa Google, 'yan lang ang nakasulat sa mga webpages!)
Tanong: Bakit maputi si Edu Manzano?
Sagot: Dahil mahilig siyang mag-Papaya!!! Woohoo!!! Let's do the PAPAYA! Tododododoot tododododoot!!!
Dahil music video naman ang paksa, may naisip ako. Pangit yung rock music na tumutugtog sa video ng BME Pain Olympics (tignan ang naunang post). I suggest, palitan ang rock music with "Don't Touch My Birdie" by Parokya ni Edgar. *evil grin*