Read all About It: Pork Barrel Scam

You've got the words to change a nation, but you're biting your tongue
You've spent a life time stuck in silence, afraid you'll say something wrong 

If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song
So come on ,come on...Come on, come on

You've got a heart as loud as lions, So why let your voice be tamed?
Baby we're a little different, there's no need to be ashamed
You've got the light to fight the shadows, so stop hiding it away

Come on, Come on

I wanna sing, I wanna shout. I wanna scream till the words dry out
so put it in all of the papers, i'm not afraid. they can read all about it. read all about it oh

Song exercpt from: Read All About It - Emeli Sande

That song is dedicated to all the people who are speaking out about our current SYSTEM.

[ you can listen to it as a background music: Read All About It]

I've read a lot about the PORK BARREL SCAM lately. And from these blogs:  MOMANDPOP and DULZSPEAKS

We all know, that the news is not "NEW". We knew all along our tax are being used that way, but I guess those anonymous comments that gave those mindblowing figures and with rationale made us even go wide-eyed, wide-mouthed, heavens worthy of a shock.

 But here's a view of Social Transformation (which is what I see .... that is happening to our country now).... 

This metamorphosis of the caterpillar or worm to a butterfly is a powerful metaphor for societal transformation.  The people who awake to the new possibilities are like the imaginal cells of their own society. The process of societal transformation starts with the emergence of these individuals who carry with them the seeds of the future. They are "imaginal" in that they carry in their innovation an aspect of the image of the future of their society. These innovative individuals, these bearers of the future become the "deviants" of their own society. They are not recognized as the bringers of good. Rather they are attacked as disturbers of the present, destroyers of self-defeating habits of the old society (the caterpillar) which has been superficially framed as the "good life". In extreme cases, they can be killed. Kennedy, King, Gandhi, Rizal, Bonifacio, Javier, Aquino, and others were killed because they were too dangerous to the system. The auto-immune response of the old society tries to get rid of these visionaries." - Butterfly Effect, Nicanor Perlas

For a background of the "Butterfly Effect" please click on this link --> Butterfly Effect 

My initial reaction to the information given out by them anonymous... was of course.. ANGER.

It made people go screaming mad, some were giving out hopeless comments, that it is the way it is... and all that shizznit... and we cannot do anything about it.

Zilch. Nada. Let's just keep paying our taxes while they go spend the money or sit on it with their stinkin ass and let them go buy that luxury car or that luxury unit next door while the rest of the working class, keep providing for them and while most of our brothers and sisters still live in shantys and we continue to disempower them.

Well, it's a system that has been going on for years.. and if you've read the blog... if we wanna go "due process", our laws were made to protect people just like them.

And we can't possibly do another People Power... because folks.. it's insane to keep and do the same things over and over again and expecting different results.

So too in society at large. We see chaos all around. We can respond in two ways. We can complain and dis-empower ourselves with a sense of hopelessness. Or we can see this as an external symptom that the old order is collapsing and waiting to be transformed into a level of complexity and order. - The Butterfly Effect,  Nicanor Perlas

There are actually two ways to go about it.... (aside from the fact... that we can just sit back and live our own life).
 

FIRST OPTION: The Revolution.
Create different groups.

Ask everyone not to pay taxes. Call on the support of the police officials who are fed up of the system. Military officials who will drop their guns against us and pointed to them corrupt..
One group as mercenaries to assassinate all the corrupt bloodlines and leave no one behind (Wow, just like them dark wars).

Then create a different take over group.  One that carries the voice of the multitude..... now who would that be, would be a whole huge debacle. As we overthrow a system... what would ensure us that the system we place would be the perfect system.... etc.. and many other complications will rise from this. Whuddunit. Bright minds should gather and think about how to go through it seamlessly. And how do you know those underground plans wouldn't be filled with various snakes who can rat against you?

However noble the cause.... revolutions.... that can turn out bloody... cannot be our foundation for a new society that we envision.... for the system that we envision...

SECOND OPTION: Peace is the Way - Butterfly Effect

Well, we have to accept the fact that War cannot drive out War. And that HATE cannot drive out HATE. Only peace is the way.... and only love can drive out hate. only light.. can drive out darkness.

and you can say.. yadda yadda. What is peace to the multitude that is suffering? Yadda Yadda.. how can you say that while the rest of the country are starving? And thats just another bunch of "feel-good" theory.

But, my dear friends.... this is scientifically proven... and in the City that I am living in... we are reaping the results as more and more of us... "USE THIS WAY".

For a background of the "Butterfly Effect" please click on this link --> Butterfly Effect



We can all do this wherever we are..... situated... whether you are a government official genuinely wanting to serve our nation, a student, a mother, a teacher, a farmer, a lover, a healer, a gasoline boy, and insert all kinds of people.....

#1 -  Envision the kind of Philippines you want to live in. How do you see our politicians? How do you see our system? How do you envision the grandest version of Philippines? Do we see ourselves rising and becoming the Tiger of Asia... how do you envision progress? Would you want it sustainable? Go wild. Visualize the kind of Philippines you want to live in..... what are the values that we would carry as a NATION? Are we living up to our PREAMBLE ? (we have one of the best preambles by the way...)

#2 - In your own little way, what can you do ..... that can aid and support this vision? What initiatives will you take on... to address the challenges that we are facing today?

#3 - Connect with individuals who are doing "heart-based" work for our country, for their own city.... and learn from them.. or invite them to work with you....

#4 - Keep in touch with CHANGE AGENTS. People who are willing to go off the beaten path... back to being - what is true in our NATURE. Our Nature as Human Beings on this planet... as caretakers... and a brother's keeper.

#5 - Say these ... 4 positive phrases that work over and over again in your mind like a tape recorder whenever you are not doing anything: I love you, I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Thank you. :)

There is another aspect of the butterfly that moves us from the realm of metaphor to the realm of science. There is the so-called "butterfly effect" of the new science of complexity. We often hear how the flap of a butterfly's wings can influence weather patterns around the world. Small changes, if properly situated, can cascade and have large scale effects.

In 1969 Margaret Mead said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has". She never imagined that barely a decade later her historical analysis would receive empirical support from natural studies in the form of the new science of complexity. - The Butterfly Effect, Nicanor Perlas

Doing all these.. is not easy. It takes courage to.... do what WORKS for everybody. It takes courage to deviate from things that are normal... to going back to our natural state.

I tell you this path... Option #2... is the hardest part.  The easiest part is not to care.. and not participate.. it's also very easy to be evil. For people who stick to evil deeds are the ones who aren't courageous enough to answer the call that their hearts are saying....... but the bravest people I know.. are those people who would FIGHT and STICK TO THE VISION OF THE KIND OF PHILIPPINES WE WANT TO HAVE... and the VALUES that we CARRY as FILIPINOS.

I have high hopes. :) Because, everyday, I meet people who are in the realm of bringing in positive changes, and awesome sustainable solutions to the challenges we have today.
And yes, the old worm cells, will try to eat away.... the imaginal cells... but... let's carry on and keep transmuting everyone... and activate their Imaginal Self....

Carry on. Spread the Love... Give the Love around. :)

Knowing zee Candidates

Okay.. so election is coming up...

how many days to go? 11!

I vowed I'm gonna research about each of them.. but I got busy....

good thing I stumbled upon a website... which actually did the whole thing..

researched about most of the candidates and their stands about various...

laws & bills...

so... for the whole lot ..

visit Filipino Free Thinkers. Know your Candidates.

this will be just a quickie update.

I'm taking my pick :)

Vote wisely! Your vote is priceless! Next time ako na tatakbo.. vote nyo ko ha! HAHA! Marami ako plano sa Philippines. ayyy di pala ako... marami akong igather na free thinkers and the bigwigs in various sectors who have the heart for our country.

tsaka... gather ko lahat magaling. syempre.. pag ako tatakbo ... you are not really voting for me... you are voting for the people... whom I will be consulting with. HAHAHA >:)

okay ... echos ko lang yan :)

mag aasawa muna ako.. kasi baka pag ako na elect ... wala na mag di-deyt sa kin.. at wala nang magpapakasal sa kin.. HAHAHA

The Spring

The fire is crackling hot, the moon shines brightly. Teens were dancing with the music. I made my way with the swarm of sweaty bodies to where my group of friends are huddled over one bonfire. They were talking about something, and I am sure they were looking for me. As if on cue, Kylie called me.

"Nadia! There you are! and just in time." Kylie exclaimed, beaming with excitement.

I grunted. "What is it now?", I muttered. I slowly made my way to where they are.

I am Nadia and these are my friends.

Kylie. [Picture a girl beaming like the sun even in the moonlit sky and pause] My bestfriend in the world who is so the opposite of me. Since, we are completely the opposites, I don't know why I consider her as my best friend... maybe because among the group she is the only one who understands me.

That's Reno. [Picture a guy who eats as if there is no tomorrow and stops midway] He's a pig, at least that's what the group calls him and he seems to acknowledge the idea and loves it with a passion. He is a sensible person by the way. He is also more like Kylie. He understands me and understands everybody without judging them in any way.

Ravine. [Picture a girl grabbing a lipstick, looking at her image in the mirror and then stop] She's as hollow as a ravine. And, I'm not being mean. You say one thing to her trying slowly to let her get it and she replies completely out of the topic. Maybe, her mind wanders too fast and furious. But, she's a good dresser and has a big wardrobe like Imelda but not pricey because they are all from ukay-ukay and bargains.

Gen. [Picture a guy straining to read a book in the midst of loud noise and the dark sky and pause]. So his name is gay. Gener is his real name and he hates it. He prefers you call him Gen, eventhough it sounds so girly. Obviously, he is the geek and probably deep. But, all I hear him talk about everytime are stars and beetles.

They love to party till the wake of dawn. You might wonder how Gen would like it since he is obviously a geek. Well, he tags along with a book in hand but when he is not in the mood, he parties.

And, you might wonder why I am here since it is obvious I am not thrilled about partying with them. I love to party, that is when I am alone. No, I am kidding. I am only here for my friends who loves to call me K.J. when I know I am not. It's just my idea of fun is different from theirs. I go to their fun and try my best to enjoy it with their company, but do they go to mine? Noooooooooo. Definitely not. You know why? Because I don't invite them. I am a loner but I am not lonely. I just love to be with ME. Me and me alone.

Am I self-centered? No. I have a thing for.. wait.. I can't bore you with my lecture about being self-centered and loving oneself right?

"Where were you?" Kylie asked, without bothering to wait for a reply she went on, "Anyway, we have another wonderful outing idea!!!! And, I am sure you would love it!"

"Where? I've heard about that 'wonderful outing idea' of yours a dozen of times already and we always get stuck to parties as nonsensical as this!" I answered. "Sorry", that sounded harsh but a sorry would do the trick. "but this is not just my thing..." I added exasperately. I just have to let them know.

"Oh, we know that you are not having fun at these kind of parties at all and we are getting sick of it." Ravine said, cutting me off.

Now where did that come from? She is supposed to be hollow. Hollow as a wood. *knock knock*

"So, we decided to go to a place, where....", said Gen

"You would enjoy!", Reno continued.

"And what place would that be?", I asked, not too thrilled. Rolling my eyes and sitting beside Ravine.

Am I being too judgmental of my friends? Making them incapable of arranging a wonderful outing where we could spend lolling down a beach just the five of us? Well, I gave them a thousand and one chance to bring me someplace with water minus party people who drinks like there's no tomorrow and talking gibberish. And cheap, by the way. But, no. They bring me to places like this with teenies partying where you can't even tone down the volume.

So, you might really think I am such a big loser avoiding noise and the crowd and all. But, what I mean is that, it's totally O.k. to party in these kind of places - if - my friends just balance it out. There's a time for these kind of outings and a time for my kind-of-outing. And, I want my kind-of-outing NOW!

"You have to guess, and if you guessed it right... the third time... we go there! If not, we don't." Kylie announced.

I rolled my eyes once again. It's amazing, how it can stay in my socket and stand my rolling around and around and that my muscles and nerves never wears out. Sometimes, I feel it might not return to normal and I would be cross-eyed for the rest of my life.

This game. This game is so just like Kylie. She loves to play games. And, I do hope it doesn't turn around and be inhumane like what Jigsaw did when he got Cancer and he suddenly wants to test the human fiber.

"This is my only chance to be on an outing I want and you want me to play a game that gives me a 50/50 chance over getting the answers right" I said. "Great, just great."

"Come on. Guess..", said Ravine, completely ignoring my sentiments.

"Give me clues! At least." I said.

"Right, ok... Hmm...", Gen said, trying to give out a clue that would not be a complete giveaway but of course not some far-off clue. "It's a very cold place....."

"up in the mountains... and it has water!!!", Ravine continued beaming with excitement, completely unaware of daggerlike-eyes of Gen, Kylie and Reno. "Go on, go on answer it!"

"Awww, Ravine. You don't have to totally give it away..", Kylie said exasperated. "Alright, enough games. It's a spring. A cold spring. No people around. Just us and nature. Happy?"

"A spring?", I asked incredulously as if I heard the word for the first time.

Kapayapaan

Happy 76th Hunger Games!! errrm este Happy 76th Araw ng Dabaw!

Our theme for the year is: Kapayapaan.

When I arrived last night from a weeklong trip in Cebu-Bohol, I was excited to see my vibrant city amidst all the lights flickering from above the plane. I can't help but notice they all looked like that cardboard boxes/model houses architects make.

As we were heading home, most of the streets were alive and throngs of people are out partying in the streets. And the usual restaurants who would've been occasionally not that "full" is now suddenly filled with a whole lot of people and cars were just all around. The city has awakened and the party is in full swing.

Here's a list of the schedule: Schedule for 76th Araw ng Davao

Till here!

Enjoy the festivities if you are in town!! :)

Madayaw!!!

Photo Source: Silaab Dabaw

Who will run for the Senate this 2013?

There are 32 individuals running for Senate:

1.       Ricardo Penson (independent)
2.       Samson Alcantara (Social Justice Society)
3.       Greco Antonious Beda Belgica (Democratic Party of the Philippines)
4.       Baldomero Falcone (Democratic Party of the Philippines)
5.       Christian Señeres(Democratic Party of the Philippines)
6.       Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV
7.       Former Las Pinas City Rep. Cynthia Villar
8.       Former Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel 
9.       Former Senator Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal
10.   Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr
11.   Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara
12.   Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
13.   Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
14.   Senator Aquilino Martin Pimentel 3rd
15.   Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay
16.   Margarita “Tin-Tin” Cojuangco, 
17.   Former Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, 
18.   Former Senator Ernesto Maceda
19.   Former Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri
20.   San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito
21.   Zambales Rep. Maria Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay 
22.   Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce “Jack” Enrile Jr.
23.   Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan,
24.   Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares
25.   Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
26.   Senator Loren Legarda
27.   John Carlos De Los Reyes
28.   Marwil Llasos 
29.   Rizalito David 
30.   Former Philippine Constabulary chief Ramon Montaño
31.   Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn 
32.   Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño

Gah. What a Long list! Haha. Will try to see what their platforms are, and note their promises. :P  That is if I have the time! HAHA. I should right? Since it is our country? But, well, I just wanna see who we will have. :) So, if you have suggestions feel free to write below :) 

List from Yahoo! Philippines

Liwanag is Here.

It has been days since Liwanag World Festival ended... but we all know, it is the beginning of something bigger as we have tapped into a larger field. We have garnered enough media attention, to keep the ball rolling.

I'm getting feedback that the whole event was "too much" for the common mind to understand. It seems like people are so used to being in one box that people would try to label and box the event as "environmental", but, no wait... we have politics too... so we are also in that box. And we have the artists which showcased the whole Filipino culture... and there were business people too, the visual artists were there, techie people were behind the whole event as well. So, what is Liwanag? it seems like a ball of many things.... that in order for you to really understand it... you have to experience it. Not just by being in the event... but by getting to know the organizers, the supporters, the people behind the whole thing.

people can't seem to fathom the idea that... in order for us to create SUSTAINABLE CITIES or SOCIETIES we have to gather all the dimensions that would make it so. In our case.. we have identified 7 areas. [ human development, spiritual, ecological, economical, political, societal, cultural ] 

We have showcased all 7 in one event... and that confuses people... because when you make events.. you have to create a certain niche. Yes, i know. But, the event was meant to thread everything together. :) 

But to those who took the risk.. albeit the confusion, the curious, the believers, the visionaries and the revolutionaries.... they would all shook their heads if you missed the event.... many partnerships were being discussed, and future projects are being made.... 

there's more work to be done... but the message during the event was really this: "inner change" comes first..... everyone understood that.

Why Padyak?

Where did it all begin?

"The summer of 2012 was when an explanation, about why we are known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’, was heard by a group of new found friends in M.I.S.S.I.O.N[Movement of Imaginals towards Sustainable Societies through Initiatives, Organizing, and Networking]. It was said that there was a string of lighthouses all over the Philippine Islands that was like a string of glowing pearls for the mariners of more ancient days. It was also during that summer where, when a group of new found
friends talking about an upcoming festival of light, the first seed of meaning for a bike pilgrimage stringing beads of light all over our beloved country was first brought forth. Activating the entire Philippines with light and meaning indeed is a deeply meaningful thing to do. To also do it to support a festival that highlights the seven dimensions of sustainability that you are working hard to bring about it in the world is a very, very nice bonus." - by  Nicolas Amando Solana III

13 days to Liwanag

Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Padyak at Liwanag

Transcripts of Messages from Kuya Jude:

Jan.9: 5:28AM - "Dia na mi karon sa Villasis in a GK site named "Namnama" (Hope). Kahapon pala may nanganak dito, the husband's name is Salvador. And we were received as the 3 magis on bikes. I could not help but notice how providence lead us day by day.  Last sunday we were in Laoag (light) and it's Epiphany Sunday pa - a feast that celebrate Jesus as Light of the world. Whew, its really awe-inspiring. DISGUSTING*!! as Nick would describe it" 

*DISGUSTING - is a MISSION term coined by Nic Perlas as "amazing,stupendous, unbelievable".

Jan 11:
5:37am - Val and I will be staying for another night in QC. Bukas 4am kami magpapatuloy sa Batangas City. Felcon will bike ahead this afternoon. Today we will be meeting with Joey Ayala during breakfast. Lunch with Fr. Pics and in the afternoon with Tony Meloto. We will recalibrate schedule today and upload pictures. 
 
11:54am- Just finished tupi session with Joey Ayala at Tandang Sora, QC. Going to Intramuros to meet Fr. Pics, the biking priest... on commuting mode. Will share pix this afternoon.

Jan. 12: "3:30 pm Text from Jude: left 7am from Joey Ayala's house, Tandang Sora. Fr. Pics guided us from the exit of C5 until Nuvali, Laguna. Here now at Makiling Elem School. Rest 5 minutes. Wish to arrive to Batangas City Port by 7:30pm"

8:30pm: Touchdown Batangas City.

Jan. 13: "We have already finished the whole Luzon (Jan2 treck to Cape Engano Lighthouse. Jan3 Sta. Ana to Aparri. Jan4 Aparri to Sta. Praxedes. Jan5 to Laoag via Pagudpud, Bangui. Jan6 to Vigan. Jan7 to Baguio. Jan8 to Villasis, Pangasinan. Jan9 to QC Circle. We met with excellent bike citizens Papa Denz, TIna and the rest of the members of Folding Bike Pilipinas and the Firefly Brigade. Jan10 Ikot Liwanag, we visited Light Bearers Joey Ayala, Father Picz and Tony Meloto. Jan 11 Tandang Sora to Batangas City. We rode to Caticlan. Today we start our Visayas pilgrimage. As I try to look back, I was amazed at how things evolved, transformed and unfolded. I now see that all these were realized with the help and support of everybody, a Bayanihan in action. I was amazed by how persons, events, things would pop up. Amazed by the level of sincerity, warmth of friendship we receieved. These have energized and made us go on. Nicanor Perlas Movement of Imaginals (MISSION) Firefly Brigade-Philippines We Want Bike Lanes in RP Movement Cycle For Life."

More snippets soon!!

They inspire me and gives me goosebumps as I imagine what they are doing!! Huwaw

Padyak Tungo sa Liwanag 2013

As I post this blog, Kuya Jude, Kuya Falcon(Bayawan, Dumaguete) and Valerie (Baguio) is probably on the way to Batangas City from Manila on their 11th Day of biking for Liwanag of their 24day sojourn!

What's the gist? (Padyak Tungo sa Liwanag 2013)

Padyak tungo sa Liwanag 2013, a bicycle pilgrimage all over the country from Palaui Island, Sta. Ana,Cagayan to Davao City (Jan 2-Jan 29,2013). Its the personal way of carrying the ideals of Liwanag Worldfest 2013 for creativity and sustainability. Please join us as we string beads of light all over the Philippines. 

The plan is for biker friends to meet them along the way, and bike with them till whatever part of the Philippines or bike all the way to Davao!!!

What's amazing is, they will visit various historical sites very important in the Philippine history and also to light candles at lighthouses stationed along the Philippines.

more updates.. of their whereabouts soon!

Here is the itinerary they have: 

Place	Est. Dist (km)	Days Travel	Date
Dumaguete to Manila*		1	30-Dec
Manila-Palaui*		2	31-Dec
Palaui Island to		1	1-Jan
Sta Ana to Aparri	130.00	1	2-Jan
Aparri to Claveria	90.00
Claveria to Laoag City	90.00	1	3-Jan
Laoag City to Vigan City	100.00
Vigan to San Fernando City	140.00	1	4-Jan
San Fernando to Baguio City	75.00	1	5-Jan
Baguio to Dagupan	100.00	0.5	7-Jan
Dagupan to Tarlac City	100.00	0.5
Tarlac City to Manila	120.00	1	8-Jan	Via  Anggat, Bulacan (Enchanted Farm)
Manila to Batangas City	150.00	1	9-Jan
Batangas City to Caticlan	2go leaves at 9pm	arrives at 6am the next day
Caticlan to Culasi	100.00	0.5	10-Jan
Culasi to Sn Jose de Buenavista	120.00	0.5
Sn Jose de Buenavista to Ilo2	100.00	1	11-Jan
Iloilo to Guimaras
McArthur’s Wharf to Tumanda Wharf	45.00
Pulupandan Wharf to Kabankalan	75.00	1	13-Jan
Kabankalan to Mabinay	60.00	0.5
Mabinay to Bayawan	60.00	1	14-Jan
Bayawan to Dumaguete	100.00	2	19-Jan
Dumaguete to Santander
Santander to Cebu City	135.00	1	20-Jan
Cebu to Cagayan			21-Jan
Cagayan to Davao	298.00	3	22-Jan
Davao	150.00	5	26-Jan
	2,502 Km	24 days

WILD 2013

HAPPY 2013!

It's a WILD 2013

Wonderfully Interesting Love-filled Days!!!

i'm excited for this year!!!

Woot.