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. :)

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.

Another Affair

I've noticed the trending in Filipino movies about infidelity, lately.

At first came in, No Other Woman. And though, I hate to say it, I watched this with my Tita who really wants to watch it with me. You see, she's from a province and it was a rare request, and so I just tagged along. It happened. But, it had a good ending. I guess, I felt it was kinda okay.

Then came..... A Secret Afair. Okaaaaaay. Then... The Mistress.......

What are they teaching kids now?

Movies reflect our culture. Seems like our culture when it comes to commitment....  is slowly going down the drain.

I know probably its all about money..... since I heard: "No Other Woman" earned a lot and is prolly one of the highest grossing films from last year.... (and yeah, I was responsible for 3 seats that time).

But, but, but, oh welll....... just airing this out. I know.. to each his own... and its quiet sad to see, it's slowly probably becoming a "norm".  But, is normal.... really healthy?

And we all know.... that when it hits mainstream... and everybody is doing it..... well, who cares?

Ok, wait till I have myself an affair. And I'll say what's on the other end. But, I clearly know how it feels like being on the receiving end. And it sucks.

Either way, the people on the other end.... will either do the same thing out of revenge, like the one in "The Mistress".... or.... the person will go through his journey of aches and pains... of never wanting to commit na. But, that's life right? It can't all be rosy and rainbows.....

Anyway, this will give more jobs and money  to psychologists, counselors, marriage advisor.... and booze , motels, hotels, make-ups, clothes, plastic surgeries, weight loss products...  etc.

Note: These are just my ideas, opinions and reflections. Nothing against people into secret affairs... because once again.... "to each his own". I'm just concerned, how this will be in the future.

Fabulous 2011

So long 2010... and Hello 2011!

2010 was a great year for me!

And even up to the last day... 2010 gave me one eye-opening experience... and I learned something about myself. That with everything I have gone through, I still do get scared and I have a lot of doubts in my mind - STILL. I also realized the mind is powerful but not as majestic as the heart. That the mind still relies on what you feel. And that what you feel does the rest of the job. What a work it is... to really get out of my mind and come to my senses..... what a greater work to get out of my box..... Arrrgghhh... that it's easier to post a status message over at Facebook than actually doing it. But, hey... just because I posted it.. doesn't mean I am already there.. I posted it because I needed the reminder. That was my year-end drama... now I have one last chance na lang daw. Booohooo. Pass this Tina... transform transform...


And I am even looking forward for a fabulous 2011.


(I have always planned to post a 2010 checklist but I guess I will have to post it later).

Meanwhile for my blog ritual... Imma post what I shall be having

This year.... is going to be a fabulous one for me!

I am choosing to do wonderful, unexpected things.
I choose to be more kinder...
I choose to be progressive and not procrastinate (Go Crown Ambassador!)
I choose to be a better woman inside and out...
I choose to stop running away (i almost attempted that just recently. ego still soooo strong.)
and with that....
I choose to tame and befriend my ego...

I choose to face all fears with confidence.. (GO TINA!!!)
I choose to see the beauty of the sunset..
I choose to have a "PERFECT DAY" once a month. =)
I choose to think out-of-the-box (Think RANCHO!!!)

I choose to focus on what I want and not by thinking what others might say...
I choose to surprise people - in a good, fun way. :)
I choose to be more cheerful and more charitable.... specially to the people I have judgments with.

I choose to be more adventurous (Gooooo extreme sports! HAHA!)
I choose to be fit slim and healthy as I can be for me and my family! (Sign up na TINA!)
I choose to lose the excess weight that does not serve me for the past couple of months! :)
I choose to be open to changes...
I choose to be more relaxed and beautiful...

I choose to go to even more places in the world I have never been before..
I choose to be more patient to people I do not like..
I choose to be the best girlfriend ever! *hearts&flowers*
I choose to have no obstacles... only challenges and opportunities to learn. :)

I choose to focus on more wonderful things about every person I meet.... =)
I choose to simply savor love and life... =)
I choose to stay awake more...
I choose to be more outgoing and free spirited...

I choose to change the world in my own little way...
I choose to not be weary in doing good...
I choose to lovingly serve everyone I meet... (just stay awake Tina!)


HAPPY FABULOUS NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU, my dear Friends.... =)



Cheers for a wonderful 2011!



Let's keep our vision and make this world a better place!

Stop and Surrender

Now, I stopped trying to control events, and just trust and have faith that everything will fall into a natural order, one that works.

you know the popular saying:


(via heymrblue)

so... yeah. and that the good thing about things falling apart, is that you can choose to pick up which pieces you want to have in your life.

I'm just resting while a power much greater than me takes over. :) (thinking about rest, makes me want to go have a massage!!!! i BADLY NEED ONE! maybe mamaya before i go to sleep.)

but, but, i have to get back on track. I have a "challenge", I'm working out on..... some goal.. which I will reveal as soon as I ACHIEVE it. it's in my PRIORITY FOLDER.

The recent uhmmm experience I had, I mentioned was terrible, right? It almost shattered a belief, that I keep holding on to... but, then... my angels are always around to keep me back on track. I have always believed that you need not a lot of pain and suffering to grow. Because, Jesus said: "It is finished". But, of course... you have a choice to go through all that. And like many gurus would say: "There are many paths to the mountain top."

I've always believed that Love operates on a win-mode. Being successful in life need not have a lot of negative tension involved, and that we don't really have to struggle all the time.

So... I surrender and just love. :) It's like I'm melting into another world. Some may call it a fantasy, but sometimes the truth can seem like a fantasy. Of course, I still have a feet on both worlds. And someone taught me how to take the rose-colored glasses off, if necessary. And, I did.

They say the world changes, when we change. It reflects back to us what we have been giving all along. It softens when we soften. It opens when we open our hearts.

It's this moment when LOVE matters more than anything. Not psychology, not neurosis. Just Love. That warm feeling, that despite all those broken promises, shattered dreams, half truths, hostility, you found a way to stop fighting the world... and let things be.

There'd be moments I may forget, but that's part of our journey....

*spreads the love to y`all*

peace IN! (haha. trying to be cool, eh?)

Day 1: Your Best Friend

This is funny.

I had to think long and hard for this post.

Because up until now, I don't have what they call the "best friend".

I always think a best friend is the one you were with since childhood. I have this "best friend" ideal. And for so long a time... ever since I was younger.. my whole search was focused on having one.

Really.

It wasn't about boys or mates, but merely about having a BEST FRIEND. and many a time, i have called some friends.. "BEST FRIEND"

but, the ones I call those.. are not people I am close to right now.

If not, we are deemed to strangers... it's as if.. we silently ask ourselves "were we really friends?"

In High School... I was more on to being with a group rather with a single "BEST FRIEND".

Siguro, i have long given up the hope about finding one.

The LESSON for me?

I was so focused on the ideals... that a slight imperfection can make me go away. A slight deviation of "what should be" would make me want to start something new with a different friend. I realized I wasn't looking for a BESTFRIEND. and that I never really understood what it really means. I was like a woman looking for Mr. Right. In my case, the PERFECT FRIEND.

Now? I don't have the "I have to have a BEST FRIEND syndrome".

I've learned through time that some people are just downright blessed to have a "soul mate" right by their side growing up. And that ever since they were young they know how to appreciate what it means to have a "best friend". And it doesn't mean my life isn't complete without that (because for awhile i thought it was everything).


and just early last year.... I began to REALLY, WHOLEHEARTEDLY appreciate all my FRIENDS. and that friendship isn't something exclusive you can share with just one person but with the rest of the world. (i know it sounds crazy, i thought it was like that before... )

and...

I realized ... I can never appreciate my FRIENDS around me... if I don't know how to be a BEST FRIEND to MYSELF.

Yeah, i don't have a specific "best friend", like in those movies.... but, I have ME. my other self. the one who knows everything. the one who braves to confront the darkest parts of me. the one who loves. the one who knows whether im happy or sad.

and what's the good news?

I'm not exclusive.

My friendship extends to everybody around me. And that... in everything... I'll be my BEST.

*blows kisses*

P.S. my heart is still warmed whenever i see childhood best friends walking past me.

Xoxo,

Liberty

it's raining

Today... I GRIEVE...

Last week.. i received a message that one of our close family friend passed away.

It's been a year or so since I last saw Tay Ronnel.

He was one of the most influential person I've met in my life. Very articulate and he has this overflowing generous heart. Although, he may seem a bit "strict" and intimidating.. I find him that most of the time... but he keeps you at ease with his humor. That's the best thing about him.

He'd often question me about my choices, and would tell me he admires me for being me. Although, i have made a choice recently that MAY lead to him telling me.. "guess you are not as obedient as you may seem to be." I never heard that from him. Instead, he respected my choice.

He was a great father... a testament to that is his two sons, Kyle and Kevin. And was an influential leader of the lot. Thanks for sharing the walk with us Tay Ronnel. You have been one of my angels on earth.

And just today... I received a message... Joseph Manasseh passed away. :( He was, oh so young. just 2 nights ago I received a message of him being in ICU there in Manila. :( :( :(

The rain always pours to people who deserves the sun the most...

to his family who have been every bit of my family as well (although we had a bit of a ... lie low moment...) my loving thoughts are with you all....

i really don't know what to say in moments like these... specially, to you my dearest Chaya. But, i just want to let you feel that in times like these.. we are here for you.

all my love...

(is lighting a candle... and an incense.. for their transition... )