Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
On Silence
There are moments when everything that needs to be said has already been said, and thus the only thing left to say is nothing at all. But there are moments when silence springs not from exhaustiveness but from exhaustion. Frankly, it is easy to get tired of the promises that were being shouted during the election season.
All of the candidates (party-affiliated or not) speak of change. But what is change? Will there be genuine change when these candidates come to power in Sanggunian or will it only perpetuate the vicious cycle of incompetence? Can an independent president who claims to have a “fresh perspective” (if such really exists) really make a difference? Can a Sanggunian led by three of the four top officials from the political party that claims to have monopoly over a “strong Sanggu” really deliver its promises? Can a Sanggunian filled with vacancies due to abstentions really function to its fullest capabilities?
Our silence does not mean we are in favor of the candidates or the winners of elections. On the contrary, we believe that the elections did not answer any question but only posed more. Our silence is not one of support but of utmost skepticism on how the rhetoric of change has been easily thrown around by candidates who want to gain popular support.
On a final note, we would like to get the attention of this Ateneo IGEA. If you are looking for stupid all you need to do is look at the mirror.
All of the candidates (party-affiliated or not) speak of change. But what is change? Will there be genuine change when these candidates come to power in Sanggunian or will it only perpetuate the vicious cycle of incompetence? Can an independent president who claims to have a “fresh perspective” (if such really exists) really make a difference? Can a Sanggunian led by three of the four top officials from the political party that claims to have monopoly over a “strong Sanggu” really deliver its promises? Can a Sanggunian filled with vacancies due to abstentions really function to its fullest capabilities?
Our silence does not mean we are in favor of the candidates or the winners of elections. On the contrary, we believe that the elections did not answer any question but only posed more. Our silence is not one of support but of utmost skepticism on how the rhetoric of change has been easily thrown around by candidates who want to gain popular support.
On a final note, we would like to get the attention of this Ateneo IGEA. If you are looking for stupid all you need to do is look at the mirror.
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Assassination of Karl Satinitigan
Disclaimer: The title is an allusion to the Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial (February 6, 2008) entitled "The Assassination of De Venecia"
We are terribly disappointed at how the Sanggunian has handled the current chain of events. We are referring to the recent string of resignations in the student council, with great emphasis on the issue of Karl Satinitigan's non-enrollment.
We have read the article in The Guidon entitled "Top Sanggu officers resign." We agree to the students' reactions when they say that the Sanggunian should have told the students about these resignations and vacancies. We agree when students talk about how Sanggunian should have been more transparent with the internal workings of the council.
We have also read the statement of the newly sworn Sanggunian President, Cabrei Cabreira, on the status of Karl Satinitigan. We are terribly disappointed at how the statement deflected the various issues raised by our group and other students by saying that "laudable efforts from our lower units were significantly negated by the absence of clear-cut leadership."
Why are they (the President speaking in behalf of the Sanggunian) putting blame on Karl Satinitigan? Is the President of the Sanggunian the only one liable for this "absence of clear-cut leadership?" Aren't the Vice President and the other officers also culpable? Why does it sound like the Karl Satinitigan issue is being used as a fire escape from the burning building known as the Sanggunian? Can't the Sanggunian take care of its own? If it can't, how does it expect to "take care" of the student body? Karl Satinitigan is first and foremost a student and part of the Sanggunian constituency.
If there was one thing that the new president said that was right, then it would be the importance of the coming Sanggunian elections. It would be the true measure of how students perceive this recent chain of events. We wouldn't be surprised if, like the on-going plebiscite regarding the number of course representatives, the quota would not be reached.
We are terribly disappointed at how the Sanggunian has handled the current chain of events. We are referring to the recent string of resignations in the student council, with great emphasis on the issue of Karl Satinitigan's non-enrollment.
We have read the article in The Guidon entitled "Top Sanggu officers resign." We agree to the students' reactions when they say that the Sanggunian should have told the students about these resignations and vacancies. We agree when students talk about how Sanggunian should have been more transparent with the internal workings of the council.
We have also read the statement of the newly sworn Sanggunian President, Cabrei Cabreira, on the status of Karl Satinitigan. We are terribly disappointed at how the statement deflected the various issues raised by our group and other students by saying that "laudable efforts from our lower units were significantly negated by the absence of clear-cut leadership."
Why are they (the President speaking in behalf of the Sanggunian) putting blame on Karl Satinitigan? Is the President of the Sanggunian the only one liable for this "absence of clear-cut leadership?" Aren't the Vice President and the other officers also culpable? Why does it sound like the Karl Satinitigan issue is being used as a fire escape from the burning building known as the Sanggunian? Can't the Sanggunian take care of its own? If it can't, how does it expect to "take care" of the student body? Karl Satinitigan is first and foremost a student and part of the Sanggunian constituency.
If there was one thing that the new president said that was right, then it would be the importance of the coming Sanggunian elections. It would be the true measure of how students perceive this recent chain of events. We wouldn't be surprised if, like the on-going plebiscite regarding the number of course representatives, the quota would not be reached.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
In His Words
We can only serve our country by telling her the truth, however bitter it be.
--------
Can't you see the perfection in the present?
Claiming that the status quo is perfect is a twisted and ignorant comment. It leads us to question the reader's power of observation. It is also saddening to find those who have developed thick skins, myopic eyes, and deaf ears. Although we do not seek perfection (there is and will be no such thing), we strive for a society that values freedom.
--------
Can't you see the perfection in the present?
Claiming that the status quo is perfect is a twisted and ignorant comment. It leads us to question the reader's power of observation. It is also saddening to find those who have developed thick skins, myopic eyes, and deaf ears. Although we do not seek perfection (there is and will be no such thing), we strive for a society that values freedom.
The 30th of December is Not Just a Holiday
Remember, remember the 30th of December
A blue-blooded mason was shot
We know of no reason
Why this blue-blooded mason
Should ever be forgot
Good day!
Allow us first to apologize for this intrusion of ours. We do, like many of you, appreciate the comforts of everyday routine, the security of the familiar, the tranquility of repetition. We enjoy them as much as anyone would. But in the spirit of commemoration - whereby those important events of the past, usually associated with someone’s death or the beginning of some bloody revolution, are celebrated with a nice holiday. We thought we could mark this December the 30th, a day that is sadly no longer remembered, by taking sometime out of our daily lives to sit down and think for a while.
There are of course those who do not want us to speak. In fact even now, as they read through this, they are already closing their minds to the truth that we speak and brand us as cowards and mere ranters. Why? Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words are the means to meaning; for those who will listen – the enunciation of truth. And the truth is there is something terribly wrong with this country and our own Ateneo community. We have cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression, poverty and suffering – all these feasting upon our apathy, ignorance, and inaction. But while some have the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you are called destabilizers and anarchists – coercing your conformity, and soliciting your submission and consent. How did this happen? Who’s to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others. They will be held accountable. But again, truth be told, if you’re looking for the guilty, you need only to look at a mirror. We know why you did it. You were afraid, who wouldn’t be? With everyone trying to live a happy, care-free, and comfortable life, only someone deranged would go out of his/her way and act. Everyone is pre-occupied with the worries and demands of mere living – getting high grades, being appreciated by parents, connecting with friends, finding a life-partner, celebrating victories and achievements, mourning over failures and disappointments. There were a myriad of problems that conspire to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear, apathy, and inaction got the best of you. You are resigned to conform and remain silent.
This year, we sought to end that silence. This year, the Society disturbed you from your dwellings of comfort, to remind you what you have forgotten. More than 100 years ago, a group of young men dreamt of a nation that is theirs and the greatest of them died a martyr’s death by gunfire. Our only hope is that his death will not be in vain. We may be free from the colonizers of past, but are we truly a nation worthy of the blood of our heroes? Do our actions give honor to the people who came before us and to the future that lies beyond us? Fairness, justice, freedom, democracy, and nationhood are more than just words. They are perspectives. So if you see nothing, if the crime of inaction remains unknown to you, we would suggest that you allow the 30th of December to pass unmarked. But if you see what we see, if you feel as we feel, and if you would seek as we seek. Then prove yourselves worthy to be called the hope of the motherland. Take a stand and stop thinking of yourself alone! Futures are destroyed for every second of your inaction.
If only we can be true men and women of a nation forged in the blood of heroes - only then can we give that blue-blooded mason, a 30th of December that shall never, ever be forgot!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Christmas Message
Here's a reply to an e-mail we received last December 17, 2007. Our reply is dated December 27, 2007. The e-mail sent to us is posted after our reply.
Greetings of peace to you!
Firstly, we do not wish to be recognized. We really do not understand why people think that all we want is the attention. We do not understand why people think we are so proud to be in last November's The Guidon headline. All we want is for people to discuss the issues that we raise. It doesn't matter whether our group is mentioned or not. The important thing is that people talk about the people and events that comprises our realities.
We do not propagate hate. People who act need not be afraid.
Rizal was hated by his enemies yet praised by those whom he defends and those who believe the truth of words and his works. The same goes for the whole Propaganda movement.
Again, these projects/activities that you claim are not for the Society to do but for the people who see the truth of our words. But we do claim that as individuals, not as a Society, our members are exemplary Ateneans who toil hard in their various fields. Our members are students worth emulating in academics and in co-curricular academics. Please stop lambasting those whom you do not know.
Many have accepted the fact that we shall forever cling on to the secrecy of our identities. It is futile to demand our names. It would be healthy if you would follow suit. Please stop demanding for our identities and let's talk about what needs to be changed, how students can be better formed, and what critical decisions should the administration be doing.
Truly, we commend the people who started the Sumilao initiative. As individuals, we have contributed to the campaign in several ways. But what we said in our last e-mail is true. Ateneo's support for the campaign is questionable. We are primarily referring to the support from the students, more specifically their actual physical presence. The Ateneans ability to pool funds is truly unquestionable. We commend Sanggunian for their efforts. But it is also unquestionable that many remain unmoved. Word is going around about students conversing about the farmers, mistaking their name to be that of a certain dance group. There is also news that although the farmers are warmly welcomed by the community, only a handful of students, faculty members, and professionals actually go our of their way to visit the farmers in front of DAR and accompany them to their various marches around the Metro. If Ateneo truly supports the campaign, why are these things happening? Again, as individuals, we have contributed to the campaign in several different ways. We pray that you also did.
We recognize the many unsung heroes of our Nation who are found in the Ateneo community. But we know that these people are enlightened to the fact that their deeds need no special attention. They'd rather have the inaction of the many to be subjected under the magnifying glass.
We do not claim to be infallible. We do not claim to be perfect. We understand that many are not pleased with what we are doing. But we know that we are doing our part. Although we welcome criticism, we believe that the Atenean flame of passion should be re-channeled to more constructive things.
May Christ be always in your Christmas.
Laong Laan
---------
An e-mail we received from an undisclosed address.
Greetings of peace to you!
Firstly, we do not wish to be recognized. We really do not understand why people think that all we want is the attention. We do not understand why people think we are so proud to be in last November's The Guidon headline. All we want is for people to discuss the issues that we raise. It doesn't matter whether our group is mentioned or not. The important thing is that people talk about the people and events that comprises our realities.
We do not propagate hate. People who act need not be afraid.
Rizal was hated by his enemies yet praised by those whom he defends and those who believe the truth of words and his works. The same goes for the whole Propaganda movement.
Again, these projects/activities that you claim are not for the Society to do but for the people who see the truth of our words. But we do claim that as individuals, not as a Society, our members are exemplary Ateneans who toil hard in their various fields. Our members are students worth emulating in academics and in co-curricular academics. Please stop lambasting those whom you do not know.
Many have accepted the fact that we shall forever cling on to the secrecy of our identities. It is futile to demand our names. It would be healthy if you would follow suit. Please stop demanding for our identities and let's talk about what needs to be changed, how students can be better formed, and what critical decisions should the administration be doing.
Truly, we commend the people who started the Sumilao initiative. As individuals, we have contributed to the campaign in several ways. But what we said in our last e-mail is true. Ateneo's support for the campaign is questionable. We are primarily referring to the support from the students, more specifically their actual physical presence. The Ateneans ability to pool funds is truly unquestionable. We commend Sanggunian for their efforts. But it is also unquestionable that many remain unmoved. Word is going around about students conversing about the farmers, mistaking their name to be that of a certain dance group. There is also news that although the farmers are warmly welcomed by the community, only a handful of students, faculty members, and professionals actually go our of their way to visit the farmers in front of DAR and accompany them to their various marches around the Metro. If Ateneo truly supports the campaign, why are these things happening? Again, as individuals, we have contributed to the campaign in several different ways. We pray that you also did.
We recognize the many unsung heroes of our Nation who are found in the Ateneo community. But we know that these people are enlightened to the fact that their deeds need no special attention. They'd rather have the inaction of the many to be subjected under the magnifying glass.
We do not claim to be infallible. We do not claim to be perfect. We understand that many are not pleased with what we are doing. But we know that we are doing our part. Although we welcome criticism, we believe that the Atenean flame of passion should be re-channeled to more constructive things.
May Christ be always in your Christmas.
Laong Laan
---------
An e-mail we received from an undisclosed address.
HINDI NIYO KAYA PANINDIGAN YUNG MGA SINASABI NIYO KAYA AYAW NIYO MAGPAKILALA. PARA KAYONG MGA BAKLA NA NAKA-CLOSET. ANG SARAP LANG KASI MAGALIT SA MUNDO, MANIRA, GAYA NG GINAGAWA NIYO PERO HINDI NAMAN KILALA KUNG SINO ANG GUMAGAWA. TAKOT KAYO SA SASABIHIN NG MGA TAO EH KAPAG NAKILALA NA KAYO KAYA NAGTATAGO KAYO SA PANGALAN NA GAYFLY ESTE GADFLY SOCIETY. YUN TALAGA ANG DAHILAN KUNG BAKIT AYAW NIYO MAGPAKILALA. SIGURO MGA LOSERS LANG KAYO NA KULANG SA PANSIN. OH YAN PINANSIN KO NA KAYO, SIGURO ANG SAYA NIYO NA.
PARA KAYONG MGA LIGAW NA BALA TUWING NEW YEAR, NAKAKASAKIT, PERO HINDI ALAM KUNG SAAN NANGGAGALING. SO ANO PANG PURPOSE NIYO KUNG HINDI MAG PROPAGATE NG HATRED??
ANG KAPAL NAMAN NG MUKHA NIYO, GINAGAMIT NIYO PA ANG PSEUDONYM NI JOSE RIZAL. IBANG IBA NAMAN ANG PINANINDIGAN NI JOSE RIZAL SA PINANINDIGAN NIYO AT NAGPAKILALA SIYA SA LIPUNAN, HINDI TULAD NIYO NA MGA DUWAG.
HINDI KAYO MIRROR NG SOCIETY DAHIL SA LIPUNAN, ANG MGA TUNAY NA NANINIDGAN AY NAGPAPAKILALA, HINDI NAGTATAGO. AT IKINAMAMATAY NILA ANG KANILANG PINANININDIGAN. HINDI TULAD NIYO NA PURO SALITA LANG, WALA KAYONG MGA ACTIONS/PROJECTS.
SANA MAGKAROON NAMAN KAYO NG BALLS NA MAGPAKILALA, LALO PA KAYO SUSUPORTAHAN NG LIPUNAN KUNG GANUN. HAHANGAAN KO PA KAYO LALO KAPAG GINAWA NIYO IYON AT SUSUPORTAHAN ANG MGA ADHIKAIN NIYO.
WAG NIYONG IISIPIN NA DAHIL MAY PAGBABAGO SA LIPUNAN AY DAHIL SA GINAGAWA NIYO. ANG KAPAL NAMAN NG MUKHA NIYO KUNG GANUN. NAKIKIHALO PA KAYO SA MGA SUMILAO, EH HINDI NAMAN KAYO NAG-START NG MOVEMENT TO SUPPORT THEM. NAKIKISAWSAW PA KAYO.
HINDI KAYO EMBEDDED SA SOCIETY KUNG HINDI MGA LOSERS KAYO NA WALANG ALAM KUNG HINDI MAKITA ANG KAMALIAN NG LIPUNAN. SANA MAKAHANAP KAYO NG KAUSAP AT MGA KAIBIGAN PARA HINDI KAYO NAMEMESTE NG MGA TAO. BAKIT DI KAYO MAGSULAT NG MGA MASASAYANG BAGAY? BAKIT PURO HATRED LANG?
PARA KAYONG MGA LIGAW NA BALA TUWING NEW YEAR, NAKAKASAKIT, PERO HINDI ALAM KUNG SAAN NANGGAGALING. SO ANO PANG PURPOSE NIYO KUNG HINDI MAG PROPAGATE NG HATRED??
ANG KAPAL NAMAN NG MUKHA NIYO, GINAGAMIT NIYO PA ANG PSEUDONYM NI JOSE RIZAL. IBANG IBA NAMAN ANG PINANINDIGAN NI JOSE RIZAL SA PINANINDIGAN NIYO AT NAGPAKILALA SIYA SA LIPUNAN, HINDI TULAD NIYO NA MGA DUWAG.
HINDI KAYO MIRROR NG SOCIETY DAHIL SA LIPUNAN, ANG MGA TUNAY NA NANINIDGAN AY NAGPAPAKILALA, HINDI NAGTATAGO. AT IKINAMAMATAY NILA ANG KANILANG PINANININDIGAN. HINDI TULAD NIYO NA PURO SALITA LANG, WALA KAYONG MGA ACTIONS/PROJECTS.
SANA MAGKAROON NAMAN KAYO NG BALLS NA MAGPAKILALA, LALO PA KAYO SUSUPORTAHAN NG LIPUNAN KUNG GANUN. HAHANGAAN KO PA KAYO LALO KAPAG GINAWA NIYO IYON AT SUSUPORTAHAN ANG MGA ADHIKAIN NIYO.
WAG NIYONG IISIPIN NA DAHIL MAY PAGBABAGO SA LIPUNAN AY DAHIL SA GINAGAWA NIYO. ANG KAPAL NAMAN NG MUKHA NIYO KUNG GANUN. NAKIKIHALO PA KAYO SA MGA SUMILAO, EH HINDI NAMAN KAYO NAG-START NG MOVEMENT TO SUPPORT THEM. NAKIKISAWSAW PA KAYO.
HINDI KAYO EMBEDDED SA SOCIETY KUNG HINDI MGA LOSERS KAYO NA WALANG ALAM KUNG HINDI MAKITA ANG KAMALIAN NG LIPUNAN. SANA MAKAHANAP KAYO NG KAUSAP AT MGA KAIBIGAN PARA HINDI KAYO NAMEMESTE NG MGA TAO. BAKIT DI KAYO MAGSULAT NG MGA MASASAYANG BAGAY? BAKIT PURO HATRED LANG?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Manila Peninsula Incident
Yesterday, when it was announced that classes from 6:00PM onwards were suspended because of a coup threat in Makati, everyone rejoiced. Did they rejoice because there's another attempt to topple GMA or is it just because of an early vacation?
Last night a lot of students were complaining about the curfew. Did they complain because there might be bloodshed at night or is it just because they have to call the late night parties off?
Some were calling Trillianes brave. Some called him stupid. Some didn't care at all.
Andres Bonifacio would have been so proud of us.
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