Saturday, May 5, 2012
Can I be blamed if I feel...?
Can I be blamed if I feel this way?
Can I be blamed if I feel sad when you're away?
Can I be blamed if I feel like you always have your way?
Can I be blamed if I feel like you want me to stay?
Can I be blamed if I feel sad when you're away?
Can I be blamed if I feel like you always have your way?
Can I be blamed if I feel like you want me to stay?
What can you say about someone who...?
What can you say about someone
who broke your heart
way before things have even started?
What can you say about someone
who mended your broken heart
after the same one broke it?
What can you say about someone
who asks you to prepare about the future
that hasn't even happened?
What can you say about someone
who talks about things
as if the same one has seen it ended?
I can say nothing about that someone,
yes I have no words;
for I stand in awe of that someone
who did those things before.
who broke your heart
way before things have even started?
What can you say about someone
who mended your broken heart
after the same one broke it?
What can you say about someone
who asks you to prepare about the future
that hasn't even happened?
What can you say about someone
who talks about things
as if the same one has seen it ended?
I can say nothing about that someone,
yes I have no words;
for I stand in awe of that someone
who did those things before.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
There is a time for everything.
I have a private dreams blog. I just posted two dreams. One happened in December 2011. The other March 2012. I wasn't able to post them as they happened. But these dreams, and my posting them 'later' taught me that indeed, there is a time for
everything. I haven't posted these two dreams for a reason, because they
were waiting for something. It wasn't time yet for them, and this
happens to be the perfect time.
To end this post, let me share the following verses:
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 15-17
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time to judge every deed.”
To end this post, let me share the following verses:
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 15-17
A Time for Everything
3 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
...
15 Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account.
16 And I saw something else under the sun:
In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
17 I said to myself,
“God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time to judge every deed.”
Envy is Evil.
Envy is evil. We all are aware of that. Even if one does not believe that it is anymore. But why is it evil?
I've put a lot of thought in this, and probably feel convinced enough to the gut that another word about it feels like it won't do much more. At least for myself. But let me pour out anything I think about why it is indeed evil.
Endlessly thinking of how another person will always have something that you'll never have. This ceaseless observation that would lead to longings to have (lust), to covet (if applicable), to destroy (one's self, or the other). And the list never ends.
And, there's also the instance of trying to please others, and "improve" and "beautify" ourselves just to get to the point of getting the object of our envy's attention. And what's next? We forget to love ourselves, to give importance to what we have; and everyone does have a lot, we're just too blind to see it.
Alas, we can't be blamed for being feeble. We are only human. But that's what we need sheds of truth for -- to remind us of who we are, and what we can be, no matter our current state. Life is not easy. That is why there is always the temptation of envy. We always have a choice. We can always fight. Doesn't guarantee winning every time, but there will be "wins" if we at least try all the time to make a right decision. And there is also HOPE. Without it, without a reason to live, without love for ourselves, without any glimpse or expectation for something good to look to in the future, what do we have?
Self love. I'm not sure about the others who have no problem with this, and I cannot speak for them certainly. But I believe a lot of people are suffering from this. I must emphasize that we must teach ourselves, or at least learn, to love ourselves. This will banish the illusions of envy -- of the things it asks us to do to "quench", just for a short while, its tingle.
Lastly, I can't help but say how much LOVE indeed is the ultimate solution. And I'm not talking about our misconception of "love" that is either lesser, or more than, the required amount that it misses the target. I'm talking about the right kind, the pure type of love, that is so hot it melts away everything evil, in the end showing gleaming gold like in a furnace.
I've put a lot of thought in this, and probably feel convinced enough to the gut that another word about it feels like it won't do much more. At least for myself. But let me pour out anything I think about why it is indeed evil.
Endlessly thinking of how another person will always have something that you'll never have. This ceaseless observation that would lead to longings to have (lust), to covet (if applicable), to destroy (one's self, or the other). And the list never ends.
And, there's also the instance of trying to please others, and "improve" and "beautify" ourselves just to get to the point of getting the object of our envy's attention. And what's next? We forget to love ourselves, to give importance to what we have; and everyone does have a lot, we're just too blind to see it.
Alas, we can't be blamed for being feeble. We are only human. But that's what we need sheds of truth for -- to remind us of who we are, and what we can be, no matter our current state. Life is not easy. That is why there is always the temptation of envy. We always have a choice. We can always fight. Doesn't guarantee winning every time, but there will be "wins" if we at least try all the time to make a right decision. And there is also HOPE. Without it, without a reason to live, without love for ourselves, without any glimpse or expectation for something good to look to in the future, what do we have?
Self love. I'm not sure about the others who have no problem with this, and I cannot speak for them certainly. But I believe a lot of people are suffering from this. I must emphasize that we must teach ourselves, or at least learn, to love ourselves. This will banish the illusions of envy -- of the things it asks us to do to "quench", just for a short while, its tingle.
Lastly, I can't help but say how much LOVE indeed is the ultimate solution. And I'm not talking about our misconception of "love" that is either lesser, or more than, the required amount that it misses the target. I'm talking about the right kind, the pure type of love, that is so hot it melts away everything evil, in the end showing gleaming gold like in a furnace.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Yesterday
There is just so much we owe to yesterday
Because he is in charge of whatever worry that we carry today
So let us not be tight towards him and not give him what he's due
For he's supposed to take care of every worry and woe
Before our every night ends
We should not neglect our task that is to, with ourselves, make amends
To let go of grudges, exhaustion, and worry
That we can appreciate and behold tomorrow in its full glory
Tonight, that is what exactly I will do
To give thanks for the rest and repose that I am entitled to
And cast on the shoulders of what is to be yesterday
All the transpirations, and weariness of today
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Question that I want to ask the Philippine Government
Right now, I was actually reading "Harry Potter: The Goblet of Fire". But before I could go on with the rest of the chapter I was at, I suddenly had this question pop out loudly off my mind; I actually have already been thinking of it for ages, with various degrees of intensity in my head: What kind of work/job do or can High School/Non-College Graduates have (referring to either those that has started or haven't started college)?
With that question, I wonder if the Philippines can be able to house citizens who have graduated from High School, and still give them hope and assurance of work? Is a college degree really that necessary to have a future, even just decent food to the table, including some bills and monthly rents? Is it possible in the Philippine society to cater to high school Filipino graduates by allowing them to have decent jobs?
There are people who have graduated from high school and haven't started college; and most of them are losing hope in life. Various circumstances surround them, which are the reason for not being able to finish (or even start) college. And, most to their grim, that is the start of a fading hope.
I wish for the Philippine government to be able to create a kind of society that would allow a just-enough opportunity for these people, whom I believe comprise a big sum of the Philippine's population. I believe it that for them, finishing high school is already an achievement, and entering college a big hurdle. But, I also wish that we, the society, I believe a basic unit or part of the Philippine gov't, can be able to give something back to them as a reward for having achieved something, which is a high school education.
High school education is not a joke; it is not worthless. I hope we can give it its proper due, and recognize it for its true worth. I hope we can be a pool of possibilities for people who finished their high school education. And, in return, that empowerment will be their hope -- a hope that will uplift majority of the Philippine's society.
I, a Filipino citizen, highly blessed to have graduated from college just recently, dream of being one of the people who caused change, a transformation, to our society. I envision seeing our land having just enough jobs for our countrymen, even those who only had a high school education. I hope that the work of my hands, that which I will be doing in the near future, can be a brick that would build up a shelter for these people, one that will help them help themselves. Be it an educator, an entrepreneur, a business-owner, a public servant, or a mere citizen, I wish to help in any way I can.
Hoping not to end in wishful thinking,
Hew "Luke Quaint" Miggoid
PS
Are there good benchmarks we can follow to create jobs for our countrymen? Have we really been that proactive in transforming the labor system in the Philippines?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Your Return (The Moment Of)
It was in an unexpected situation when I saw you.
An unpleasant place where we met.
I see you're quite brand new.
With that dazzling new look, clothes, and cut.
As your appearance have changed, so has your name.
There's just so much time has done on you.
Your gaze is sharp and still and fixed.
Your face looking moist, soft, and smooth.
And I stand beholding your countenance.
I still see the innocence in your eyes.
Behind your eyes, your mind thinks there's no return.
There is no hope, only good bye to who you were.
Your dreams, your good ambitions, they have disappeared.
All you think is left are your mistakes in front of you.
You tighten your grip for fear of your past, while your future looks bleak.
The only hope left for you is a bitter end.
Oh how I wish I could tell you, "do not fear".
How I yearn to restore your faith in life, and in yourself.
These magic words are enough to bring you back your life.
Words we all long for, much particularly words of love.
I hope in the end, may love, like light, finally find us from our being lost.
At last, we'll have our lives back.
Notes:
Have we ever met someone we knew before, who was really close to us? Only to know that person has changed so much? And, that "change", isn't so "good"? And have we ever wondered why they have changed "that way"? And is there any way to "get them back"? Those are the questions that filled the lines and letters of this poem. I hope you find a deep connection with it as I have.
An unpleasant place where we met.
I see you're quite brand new.
With that dazzling new look, clothes, and cut.
As your appearance have changed, so has your name.
There's just so much time has done on you.
Your gaze is sharp and still and fixed.
Your face looking moist, soft, and smooth.
And I stand beholding your countenance.
I still see the innocence in your eyes.
Behind your eyes, your mind thinks there's no return.
There is no hope, only good bye to who you were.
Your dreams, your good ambitions, they have disappeared.
All you think is left are your mistakes in front of you.
You tighten your grip for fear of your past, while your future looks bleak.
The only hope left for you is a bitter end.
Oh how I wish I could tell you, "do not fear".
How I yearn to restore your faith in life, and in yourself.
These magic words are enough to bring you back your life.
Words we all long for, much particularly words of love.
I hope in the end, may love, like light, finally find us from our being lost.
At last, we'll have our lives back.
Notes:
Have we ever met someone we knew before, who was really close to us? Only to know that person has changed so much? And, that "change", isn't so "good"? And have we ever wondered why they have changed "that way"? And is there any way to "get them back"? Those are the questions that filled the lines and letters of this poem. I hope you find a deep connection with it as I have.
Monday, January 30, 2012
"Indak" (Dance) by Up Dharma Down (English Interpretation)
I've Googled the lyrics of the song with only the intention of getting deeper into it, and I've noticed there were already translations. The sight of many translations disheartened me quite a bit.
I wish to write my own translation some time in the future, when the "feeling is right", when the song "runs through my veins", and on that time that my heart is in "full communion with the song". To be honest, right now, those aren't the case. But, little by little, I think it's getting less and less scripted that I'm telling myself to write my own english "interpretation" (and I refuse to use "translation") of the song.
So, enough for my introduction (aka "rant"). After the first song I wrote an english "interpretation" of (Tadhana by, of course, my beloved Up Dharma Down), I "fell in love"with this song. It's fresh, it's new, it's still alive. "Tadhana" is still nice, but this is just the "song of the moment" for me.
So, here goes my interpretation of the song in english:
Habang nalulungkot ka, isa nama’y natutuwa
Notes: I think Armi has that habit of improvising lyrics, especially towards the end, or at least giving it a little twist so there is a difference between those recorded in the studio, and those performed live. I'm just not sure which is which.
Tatakbo, gagalaw
(Tripping, swaying)
Mag-iisip kung dapat bang bumitaw
(Wondering if I should let go of my hands)
Kulang na lang atakihin
(The only thing left [that still hasn't happened] is my heart failing [me])
Ang pag-hinga’y nabibitin
([And] as my breathing skips)
Ang dahilan, alam mo na
(The reason [why], that you [already] know)
Kahit ano pang sabihin nila
(Despite whatever that they say)
Tayong dalawa lamang ang makakaalam
(Only the two of us will know [about it])
Ngunit ako ngayo’y naguguluhan
(But right now I'm feeling so confused)
Makikinig ba 'ko sa 'king isip na dati pa namang magulo?
(Will I listen to my mind that has since been a mess)
O iindak na lamang sa tibok ng puso mo
(Or will I just dance to the beat of your heart)
At aasahan ko na lamang ang hindi mo aapakan ang aking mga paa
(And I will only hope that you won't just trip [or step] on my [delicate] feet)
Pipikit na lamang at mag-sasayaw habang nanonood siya…
(I'll just close my eyes and I will dance while [in one corner] he'll watch)
Paalis at babalik
(I am going, and I'll come back)
May baong yakap at suklian ng halik
([Bearing] with me hugs and [an] exchange of kisses)
Mag-papaalam at nag-sisisi
(I'll say goodbye, and [as I am] regretting it)
Habang papiglas ka ako sayo ay tatabi
(While you [try to] resist [me], beside you I will sit)
Tayong dalawa lamang ang nakakaalam ngunit hindi na matanto
(It's only the two of us who know [about it] but [now] I can't figure out [anymore])
Kung sino nga ba ang pag-bibigyan ko
(Who it is that I should [keep or] have around)
Makikinig nga ba sa isipan na alam ang wasto
(Should [or will] I just listen to my mind that knows what is right)
Ngunit pipigilan ng pag-ibig niya na totoo
(But dissuaded by his love that [I know] is true)
Iindak na lamang ba sa tibok ng puso mo
(Will I just dance to the beat of your heart)
At aasahan kong hindi mo lamang aapakan ang aking mga paa
(And I will hope that you will not just trip [or step] on my [fragile] feet)
Pipikit na lamang at mag-sasaya[w] habang nalulungkot ka
(I will just close my eyes [and I will dance] in reverie, while you're in [your] misery)
Pipikit na lamang at mag-sasaya, habang nalulungkot ka
(I will just close my eyes in reverie, while you're in misery)
Habang nalulungkot ka
(While you're in misery)
Ako'y litong-lito, tulungan niyo ako
(I feel so confused, will anyone help [me]?)
Di ko na alam kung sino bang aking pagbibigyan (ko)
(I don't know anymore who I will [consider to] have around)
Ayoko na ng ganito, ako ay litong-lito
(I don't want this anymore, I feel so confused)
(While you're in misery, the other one is merry)
May isa (o minsan) naman ay lumuluha
(And another one [or sometimes] grieves)
Notes: I think Armi has that habit of improvising lyrics, especially towards the end, or at least giving it a little twist so there is a difference between those recorded in the studio, and those performed live. I'm just not sure which is which.
I haven't seen them live yet. I don't even have any of their CD's. But despite the temptation in cyberspace, I would rather wait and buy their albums. I also await the day to see them live. Kudos to Up Dharma Down. I'm a true fan.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Unveiling of Next Week
My Saturday night is a really exciting night. I'm excited about a lot of things. I'm anxious about a lot of stuff. And those things I'm thinking about (that makes me excited/anxious) will mostly happen in the coming week. ;-)
Starting tomorrow, I'll be busy, but I'm very excited about it. My Thesis Defense is scheduled on Monday. I'm supposed to prepare for an overnight. I might also be assigned to print "Demo Kits" for our thesis defense. I don't wanna forget that I should bring with me some scratch papers to use for the test-printing of our system. Another thing is I'll bring all my "appliances" (cables, internet, etc.). I hope my group mate does not forget his printer. Then, after preparing for an overnight (my attire should be ready, presentation materials, clothes, etc.), when I get to my group mate's house, we'll be starting our rehearsal. I plan for us to review our document very well, but to also focus on the flow of our presentation.
This is my last defense ever for my undergraduate degree. Talk about happiness and excitement! I'm about to end a phase of my life. ;-) After that, I'm totally free!
Next week, Tuesday, I might meet with my former professor, now turned IT professional. Hahaha. A group date (with two other friends in college). After that, I might go to school, then accompany my best buddy, and have an overnight at their place (for the 3rd consecutive time)! ;-)
I'm also planning to clean up my room next week, because I never really had the chance to do so. Our house helpers are not doing the deed that right lately. Maybe I can rearrange my stuff myself. :-)
And how about some physical activities? I have a planned jogging exercise at my college's sports center. I'm looking forward to it! I also want to try swimming with my thesis mates once our defense is over.
So, here's a good night! :-D
Starting tomorrow, I'll be busy, but I'm very excited about it. My Thesis Defense is scheduled on Monday. I'm supposed to prepare for an overnight. I might also be assigned to print "Demo Kits" for our thesis defense. I don't wanna forget that I should bring with me some scratch papers to use for the test-printing of our system. Another thing is I'll bring all my "appliances" (cables, internet, etc.). I hope my group mate does not forget his printer. Then, after preparing for an overnight (my attire should be ready, presentation materials, clothes, etc.), when I get to my group mate's house, we'll be starting our rehearsal. I plan for us to review our document very well, but to also focus on the flow of our presentation.
This is my last defense ever for my undergraduate degree. Talk about happiness and excitement! I'm about to end a phase of my life. ;-) After that, I'm totally free!
Next week, Tuesday, I might meet with my former professor, now turned IT professional. Hahaha. A group date (with two other friends in college). After that, I might go to school, then accompany my best buddy, and have an overnight at their place (for the 3rd consecutive time)! ;-)
I'm also planning to clean up my room next week, because I never really had the chance to do so. Our house helpers are not doing the deed that right lately. Maybe I can rearrange my stuff myself. :-)
And how about some physical activities? I have a planned jogging exercise at my college's sports center. I'm looking forward to it! I also want to try swimming with my thesis mates once our defense is over.
So, here's a good night! :-D
Saturday, November 12, 2011
On Volunteerism
It's at my last year (and last term) in college that I have sincerely contemplated and thought about volunteerism. In the previous years, I hated it. Why? I'm not the type to go out and "explore lands", and "help others" by "volunteering" in events called for by different organizations. Why? Because I think that, though noble, they're too temporal and unsustainable. Too one-sided. I dream instead of helping people by becoming rich, then engaging in philanthropy.
I believe in supporting a cause that I really believe in, then going full-blown with it; not of volunteering just about anywhere the wind of volunteering blows, and at the end of the day, fooling myself that I was satisfied for that night for helping others, then forgetting it the day after. I'll just renew the "contract", and help again, then I'll feel good again, then I'll forget the feeling. Then I'll do it again to feel good for helping. But, it never really ends. The short-term needs of people are met; they are left there hoping for another wave of volunteers. Do they really obtain hope in getting a better life just from volunteers? My thought is that volunteering should end, because the need for it has been eliminated; that just means that people have become self-sufficient. That is what I want to see.
I have been "unsupportive" and "inactive" a lot of times because I lack the necessary appreciation of things; usually because I think that if something is not sustainable, why waste in investing? I'd invest if I'm sure about the thought already. I wouldn't want to join an organization and stay there for the "association" nor the company. It's the cause, not the friends you gain.
I'm lucky, though, to have finally "found" what I believe is a cause that I genuinely wish to support; that is the EDUCATION OF THE POOR. There are lots of poor people lacking the same education I have. The kind of education that empowers decisions, gives voice to people. The challenge here is that even those who are educated still encounter that problem; so, it mustn't be the kind of education that you can find in books. Maybe it's the kind of education about surviving in life, and succeeding. It's about the kind of education of finding out that you have that identity as a Filipino, as an individual, and you have a power to choose.
I wish to engage in volunteerism acts soon related to Education. I particularly want to teach. And, what I love the most about Education is not teaching technical subject matters; it's about empowering the minds of people, both young and old (particularly the fresh and young minds). It's about showing them that they have the capacity to grow, to absorb. The impediment of lacking the "materials" is a treatable illness, and the impoverished can still enjoy education beyond the books. That is something I want to see. That is a cause I would want to support.
Upon writing this, I've realized something about myself. I've been too inactive, too busy waiting for "that one thing", that I have missed out on experiences that could help prepare me for "that one".
Help--it starts early; do not delay it. Do not be like that servant who received one talent, and buried it on the ground, waiting for a "worthy cause" to spend the talent with; cos, in the end, time ran out for him, and that "cause" he was waiting for never came (Parable of the Talents). Maybe we are the ones who would create a "cause". Increases don't mean never losing a talent you have invested. It may be a part of the process. But the important thing is to use the talents, and eventually there will be an increase.
Another principle I've learned here is that what you sow is what you reap. Engaging in volunteer acts doesn't go without it's own rewards. The superficial benefits may be for the short-term, but the learning, the experience, that is something that builds up in time.
This is a new page in time. I hope to engage in this personally, and heave a great amount of learning.
Links:
1. Parable of the Talents - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25:14-30&version=NKJV
2. What you sow is what you reap - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians%206:7,9-10&version=NKJV
I believe in supporting a cause that I really believe in, then going full-blown with it; not of volunteering just about anywhere the wind of volunteering blows, and at the end of the day, fooling myself that I was satisfied for that night for helping others, then forgetting it the day after. I'll just renew the "contract", and help again, then I'll feel good again, then I'll forget the feeling. Then I'll do it again to feel good for helping. But, it never really ends. The short-term needs of people are met; they are left there hoping for another wave of volunteers. Do they really obtain hope in getting a better life just from volunteers? My thought is that volunteering should end, because the need for it has been eliminated; that just means that people have become self-sufficient. That is what I want to see.
I have been "unsupportive" and "inactive" a lot of times because I lack the necessary appreciation of things; usually because I think that if something is not sustainable, why waste in investing? I'd invest if I'm sure about the thought already. I wouldn't want to join an organization and stay there for the "association" nor the company. It's the cause, not the friends you gain.
I'm lucky, though, to have finally "found" what I believe is a cause that I genuinely wish to support; that is the EDUCATION OF THE POOR. There are lots of poor people lacking the same education I have. The kind of education that empowers decisions, gives voice to people. The challenge here is that even those who are educated still encounter that problem; so, it mustn't be the kind of education that you can find in books. Maybe it's the kind of education about surviving in life, and succeeding. It's about the kind of education of finding out that you have that identity as a Filipino, as an individual, and you have a power to choose.
I wish to engage in volunteerism acts soon related to Education. I particularly want to teach. And, what I love the most about Education is not teaching technical subject matters; it's about empowering the minds of people, both young and old (particularly the fresh and young minds). It's about showing them that they have the capacity to grow, to absorb. The impediment of lacking the "materials" is a treatable illness, and the impoverished can still enjoy education beyond the books. That is something I want to see. That is a cause I would want to support.
Upon writing this, I've realized something about myself. I've been too inactive, too busy waiting for "that one thing", that I have missed out on experiences that could help prepare me for "that one".
Help--it starts early; do not delay it. Do not be like that servant who received one talent, and buried it on the ground, waiting for a "worthy cause" to spend the talent with; cos, in the end, time ran out for him, and that "cause" he was waiting for never came (Parable of the Talents). Maybe we are the ones who would create a "cause". Increases don't mean never losing a talent you have invested. It may be a part of the process. But the important thing is to use the talents, and eventually there will be an increase.
Another principle I've learned here is that what you sow is what you reap. Engaging in volunteer acts doesn't go without it's own rewards. The superficial benefits may be for the short-term, but the learning, the experience, that is something that builds up in time.
This is a new page in time. I hope to engage in this personally, and heave a great amount of learning.
Links:
1. Parable of the Talents - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25:14-30&version=NKJV
2. What you sow is what you reap - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians%206:7,9-10&version=NKJV
Monday, November 7, 2011
Xenophon, Socrates
Xenophon, Socrates:
"Do not be surprised at my plain speaking; the wine helps to incite me, and the kind of Love [Eros] that ever dwells with me spurs me on to say what I think about its opposite.
For, to my way of thinking, the man whose attention is attracted only by his beloved's appearance is like one who has rented a farm; his aim is not to increase its value but to gain from it as much of a harvest as he can for himself. On the other hand, the man whose goal is friendship is more like one possessing a farm of his own; at any rate he utilizes all sources to enhance his loved one's worth.
Furthermore, the favourite who realizes that he who lavishes physical charms will be the lover's sovereign will in all likelihood be loose in his general conduct; but the one who feels that he cannot keep his lover faithful without nobility of character [kalokagathia] will more probably give heed to virtue [areté].
But the greatest blessing that befalls the man who yearns to render his favourite a good friend is the necessity of himself making virtue [areté] his habitual practice. For one cannot produce goodness [agathos] in his companion while his own conduct is evil, nor can he himself exhibit shamelessness and incontinence and at the same time render his beloved self-controlled and reverent."
"Do not be surprised at my plain speaking; the wine helps to incite me, and the kind of Love [Eros] that ever dwells with me spurs me on to say what I think about its opposite.
For, to my way of thinking, the man whose attention is attracted only by his beloved's appearance is like one who has rented a farm; his aim is not to increase its value but to gain from it as much of a harvest as he can for himself. On the other hand, the man whose goal is friendship is more like one possessing a farm of his own; at any rate he utilizes all sources to enhance his loved one's worth.
Furthermore, the favourite who realizes that he who lavishes physical charms will be the lover's sovereign will in all likelihood be loose in his general conduct; but the one who feels that he cannot keep his lover faithful without nobility of character [kalokagathia] will more probably give heed to virtue [areté].
But the greatest blessing that befalls the man who yearns to render his favourite a good friend is the necessity of himself making virtue [areté] his habitual practice. For one cannot produce goodness [agathos] in his companion while his own conduct is evil, nor can he himself exhibit shamelessness and incontinence and at the same time render his beloved self-controlled and reverent."
Friday, October 7, 2011
Casting Doubts about the "RH" Bill
I'm pretty interested about the RH Bill topic. I normally don't buy something out of face value. When the bill was first mentioned (prolly in 2006/2007?), I was hopeful and open-minded about it. But, when I got educated about the implication of contraceptives (moral, physical, social, cultural, etc.), and so on, my opinion changed. I think those who "deny" the disadvantages of contraceptives, and it's heavy connection with the bill, are highly uneducated about it, and that they do not really have a decent say about this bill.C To be fair, I want to learn more about the bill, too. But, maybe I can do that by asking questions.
Here are the things I want to scrutinize about the RH Bill:
- What does it say about adoption/people who have difficulties in child bearing?
- What does it say about orphans, and the people who already are the "victims" of poor reproductive healthcare, particularly "mistakes" that cannot be undone?
- What about the idea that the poor should've had been unborn, instead of living an "undignified life"? Does the RH Bill really dignify human life by deciding, or suggesting, that those who live "undignified lives" should not suffer, and not be born instead for that to happen?
Also, in the future, I want to comment about this post: http://scapnational.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/student-leaders-stand-up-for-the-rh-bill/ - I heavily want to criticize the comments of the Tapat leader. It's worth criticizing.
I also hope that those who are against the bill present more credible, logical arguments against it. We need modern thinkers. But, just because something is not modern, does not mean it's not good at all.
(I had to cut this short because I need to sleep already)
Here are the things I want to scrutinize about the RH Bill:
- What does it say about adoption/people who have difficulties in child bearing?
- What does it say about orphans, and the people who already are the "victims" of poor reproductive healthcare, particularly "mistakes" that cannot be undone?
- What about the idea that the poor should've had been unborn, instead of living an "undignified life"? Does the RH Bill really dignify human life by deciding, or suggesting, that those who live "undignified lives" should not suffer, and not be born instead for that to happen?
Also, in the future, I want to comment about this post: http://scapnational.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/student-leaders-stand-up-for-the-rh-bill/ - I heavily want to criticize the comments of the Tapat leader. It's worth criticizing.
I also hope that those who are against the bill present more credible, logical arguments against it. We need modern thinkers. But, just because something is not modern, does not mean it's not good at all.
(I had to cut this short because I need to sleep already)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Good Samaritan Dilemma: To Help or Not to Help?
My Reply to a Friend who helped a beggar, and got treated nastily in return. ;-)
Just cos someone is poor and is a beggar, does not mean that the right thing to do is to give him money or free food. Often times, these people do the begging as a profession, and do not have pure intentions behind doing it.
I have witnessed before how my brother gave away a well-prepared sandwich that I very much wanted. Instead of giving me the sandwich, he was moved with so much pity to give the kids the sandwich we brought for us to eat. And, when the kids went a bit far away (after acting very pitiable), they just threw away the sandwich saying "Pwe! Ang pangit ng lasa! (Bah! It tastes bad!)" Then, they ran away mocking and laughing away like they were just acting and having fun all the time.
Rule or lesson to be learned: Don't just trust from the outward looks of a person. There is a difference between a person who is really in need, or the general poor who is always at need.
Maybe we obtained this sympathy from the example of the "Good Samaritan". But, we must learn how to distinguish the person who really needs our help. In the story, the person who got helped by the Samaritan was not a poor fellow, but simply a guy who got mobbed by thieves, and knocked off to near death. That is the person who really needs help.
Notes: Someone who needs help, when he or she receives help, does not have the right to choice, unlike in my example. Another thing is, the poor people (beggars in general) won't stay as poor/beggars if they had enough discipline and will to get out of their situation. I can say that my dad came from a poor family, but he managed to get us out of that situation. "If there is a will, there is a way." In everything we must practice good judgment and wisdom. ;-)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Concussion: I Got Mobbed!
I was asking myself if I should write this or not... I still do not know until now.
I was on my way home from OJT. It is my second day. I think to myself that I can get used to Makati pretty fast after a few trips. I am a country-side boy. I live in the province, and grew up there, in Laguna.
Before we went out of office, I asked my fellow interns and officemates a funny question (a line from a song, in fact, which was the closest to the thought I had that time). We then parted ways, and I went alone because I had a different route. I decided to listen to the song I quoted a line from.
On the bus stop at MRT Ayala Station, when I was about to board a bus, people were pushing, and I was just trying to stand there still and not push with them. They were undisciplined. Then, suddenly, I felt a fast hand move inside and outside my left pocket, as if picking something out of it. Without missing a beat, I grabbed the outside of my pocket to feel if I still have my phone in it. My other phone was gone. I immediately caught sight of a guy in white t-shirt, with a backpack, hurriedly walking in front of me, maneuvering his hands as if trying to hide something. I immediately ran to this guy and grabbed his right arm. I told him to give me back my phone and immediately cried for help as I am aware of the potential danger since he was aggressive and bigger.
The guy started punching me non-stop, as I was crying "help, thief!" It stopped when he punched me the last few times, and my hearing started to sound different. I thought it was a big concussion -- but it was just my MP3 falling off. I felt like I was so helpless that I was just like a Christmas tree that one can freely pick from at will, stealing anything they like without me being able to do anything about it. I thought I also lost my MP3 by that simple jab, and that he was too much of an expert. But, I realized that it just fell, and having a sentimental value to me, I immediately stopped and picked it up... I was glad it was not stolen too.
Just a few seconds after all that happened, recovering from a mild concussion, a man came to me telling me that he was shouting at me repeatedly. He saw the man running while I cried for help. He said he would accompany me, but he thinks he already rode a bus. I followed him. I asked him questions like what did he look like, where did he go, did he see everything, can he describe the person? He only said that he had a white shirt. I immediately became paranoid of every suspicious-looking/pretentious guy in white. I tried to point to one, and he said that, "no, he had a back-pack". I told him that the previous guy I was grabbing was who I thought was the thief. I told him that he was too "guilty for punching me". He commented that the person I was talking about "might just be humiliated in public" to do that. But, I am not sure if he really saw the scene where I got jabbed and pummeled by the guy.
Anyway, I thought that I grabbed the wrong guy, that in the middle of being punched the "real thief" was running away, and that I had to take whatever step I had to get back to the thief. But, coming to piece if together, the guy I grabbed was very suspicious, defensive, and started punching me right away when I attempted a talk. And, when I lost just a few-moments attention at him, he immediately disappeared. I might have got it correctly, but the police or people in charge I was expecting to help me control the situation just weren't there.
I felt so unsafe, so helpless, like people like the police weren't there when you needed them. There were lots of people who saw it, I got humiliated, and got no resolve. They all just watched there as I cried for help in the middle of the bus stop. I feel like Makati is too un-secure with all the criminals like that. I'd rather stay home in Laguna because it's much peaceful here. I think my earlier sentiments about not wanting to live a work life like this is very much satisfied by this situation. It just happened probably a half-hour before the incident.
The jabs were not painful. I just felt like I was being thrown away in different directions with different hooks. They only started feeling painful after all the action, when I was looking for the supposedly "other" thief, and when I was ready to give up and accept that I lost him. I think this time that I got him, but nobody was there in the middle of the crowd, and with the presence of the police, to help me. I have seen lots of suspicious people having different modus operandi in that station, yet there is no sufficient security going on. Will the government really care? Or will they only care for their own government?
PS
I stopped halfway the punching series, because I feared that I might lose more than just my phone, including my beloved MP3 player...
I was on my way home from OJT. It is my second day. I think to myself that I can get used to Makati pretty fast after a few trips. I am a country-side boy. I live in the province, and grew up there, in Laguna.
Before we went out of office, I asked my fellow interns and officemates a funny question (a line from a song, in fact, which was the closest to the thought I had that time). We then parted ways, and I went alone because I had a different route. I decided to listen to the song I quoted a line from.
On the bus stop at MRT Ayala Station, when I was about to board a bus, people were pushing, and I was just trying to stand there still and not push with them. They were undisciplined. Then, suddenly, I felt a fast hand move inside and outside my left pocket, as if picking something out of it. Without missing a beat, I grabbed the outside of my pocket to feel if I still have my phone in it. My other phone was gone. I immediately caught sight of a guy in white t-shirt, with a backpack, hurriedly walking in front of me, maneuvering his hands as if trying to hide something. I immediately ran to this guy and grabbed his right arm. I told him to give me back my phone and immediately cried for help as I am aware of the potential danger since he was aggressive and bigger.
The guy started punching me non-stop, as I was crying "help, thief!" It stopped when he punched me the last few times, and my hearing started to sound different. I thought it was a big concussion -- but it was just my MP3 falling off. I felt like I was so helpless that I was just like a Christmas tree that one can freely pick from at will, stealing anything they like without me being able to do anything about it. I thought I also lost my MP3 by that simple jab, and that he was too much of an expert. But, I realized that it just fell, and having a sentimental value to me, I immediately stopped and picked it up... I was glad it was not stolen too.
Just a few seconds after all that happened, recovering from a mild concussion, a man came to me telling me that he was shouting at me repeatedly. He saw the man running while I cried for help. He said he would accompany me, but he thinks he already rode a bus. I followed him. I asked him questions like what did he look like, where did he go, did he see everything, can he describe the person? He only said that he had a white shirt. I immediately became paranoid of every suspicious-looking/pretentious guy in white. I tried to point to one, and he said that, "no, he had a back-pack". I told him that the previous guy I was grabbing was who I thought was the thief. I told him that he was too "guilty for punching me". He commented that the person I was talking about "might just be humiliated in public" to do that. But, I am not sure if he really saw the scene where I got jabbed and pummeled by the guy.
Anyway, I thought that I grabbed the wrong guy, that in the middle of being punched the "real thief" was running away, and that I had to take whatever step I had to get back to the thief. But, coming to piece if together, the guy I grabbed was very suspicious, defensive, and started punching me right away when I attempted a talk. And, when I lost just a few-moments attention at him, he immediately disappeared. I might have got it correctly, but the police or people in charge I was expecting to help me control the situation just weren't there.
I felt so unsafe, so helpless, like people like the police weren't there when you needed them. There were lots of people who saw it, I got humiliated, and got no resolve. They all just watched there as I cried for help in the middle of the bus stop. I feel like Makati is too un-secure with all the criminals like that. I'd rather stay home in Laguna because it's much peaceful here. I think my earlier sentiments about not wanting to live a work life like this is very much satisfied by this situation. It just happened probably a half-hour before the incident.
The jabs were not painful. I just felt like I was being thrown away in different directions with different hooks. They only started feeling painful after all the action, when I was looking for the supposedly "other" thief, and when I was ready to give up and accept that I lost him. I think this time that I got him, but nobody was there in the middle of the crowd, and with the presence of the police, to help me. I have seen lots of suspicious people having different modus operandi in that station, yet there is no sufficient security going on. Will the government really care? Or will they only care for their own government?
PS
I stopped halfway the punching series, because I feared that I might lose more than just my phone, including my beloved MP3 player...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Place
I would wait at the place
Where everyday we met
But I just have this feeling
That tonight you won't be there
Tomorrow when I wake up
I will forget everything
The memories of the place
And live life anew
One day I will come back
To the place long forgotten
Feeling something familiar
And there we'll meet again
Where everyday we met
But I just have this feeling
That tonight you won't be there
Tomorrow when I wake up
I will forget everything
The memories of the place
And live life anew
One day I will come back
To the place long forgotten
Feeling something familiar
And there we'll meet again
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Notes On Existentialism: Is A Young Female Dog A Bitch?
Caution: some words may be offensive to some readers, but it is not the writer's intention to offend in any way. This blog post is only intended to inquire about the existentialist viewpoint in relation to the term "bitch".
Do we call a virgin female dog a bitch? That is what I asked myself tonight as I thought of our 3-month old female pointer (mix breed?) pup-dog. Or, I am badly mistaken to attribute to the origin of a borrowed term to refer itself. If I'm correct, we call a female dog a bitch not because it sleeps (or mates) with a lot of male dogs by nature. We only use the word "bitch" as a derogatory term to females who act like a female dog, in the sense of behaving the same way sexually.
But, considering that the term "bitch" had the original meaning of a female specie having many sexual partners, where it is not the norm, or is distasteful for them to act in such way. Let us go back to asking, is a young female dog a "bitch" because it expected to act like a bitch? Or is it only a bitch only when it does act like a bitch?
Is a being's essence pre-determined, and thus exists; or is its existence determines its essence?
Anyway, I am aware that I have equivocated or mixed up the meaning of terms (or term) particularly the word bitch. I may have mixed up its usage, and exchanged the original context in which they were used (as to dog-human reference). But, come to think of it, it will lead you to existentialist enquiries. :)
Do we call a virgin female dog a bitch? That is what I asked myself tonight as I thought of our 3-month old female pointer (mix breed?) pup-dog. Or, I am badly mistaken to attribute to the origin of a borrowed term to refer itself. If I'm correct, we call a female dog a bitch not because it sleeps (or mates) with a lot of male dogs by nature. We only use the word "bitch" as a derogatory term to females who act like a female dog, in the sense of behaving the same way sexually.
But, considering that the term "bitch" had the original meaning of a female specie having many sexual partners, where it is not the norm, or is distasteful for them to act in such way. Let us go back to asking, is a young female dog a "bitch" because it expected to act like a bitch? Or is it only a bitch only when it does act like a bitch?
Is a being's essence pre-determined, and thus exists; or is its existence determines its essence?
Anyway, I am aware that I have equivocated or mixed up the meaning of terms (or term) particularly the word bitch. I may have mixed up its usage, and exchanged the original context in which they were used (as to dog-human reference). But, come to think of it, it will lead you to existentialist enquiries. :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A Sunday Without Church: The Power of Words
I was not able to go to church this Sunday. It has been like that for about a month now. Since my stay in Manila, and going home on Saturday evenings, I find myself having a hard time going to church. I do not think that it's because I am staying in Manila, but it may have something to do with it.
From what I have observed, I do not wake-up from my bed on few occasions, resulting to me feeling like missing the church service. First is, whenever people are starting to prepare for church, but do not wake me up or remind me that they are going. Second is, whenever people are starting to prepare for church, but tell me sarcastic, negative remarks about me not going to church.
I immediately lose interest in church given those situations, and decide to let them go ahead, and figure out things on my own when everyone's gone. I hate being under the attention of others for something negative, just for me to do something good. I do not want to do good things just because people are thinking bad of me. I want to do good things because in my heart I know those are the things that I should be doing.
I have noticed that negative remarks do not help me at all. On Sunday mornings, it's either I want to go, or am not that interested. If in my heart, I want to go, and others would start on me by saying negative things about being disinterested, I hate that feeling. It's as if I would like to tell them to shut-up because they are wrong, and I need not prove them anything. I don't want to prove them wrong in their own terms, because I am doing "church", among others, for myself, and not for them. But, I end up keeping it to myself, discouraged, and ultimately get affected and uninterested. I hate that feeling, but sadly, it happens all the time.
The danger in telling people negative things even though they do not feel the same way we do is we make judgments of them, when in fact we are wrong. Our judgments turn into poisonous words, affecting others.
The next situation is when I do not feel that interested. When people tell me how disinterested I am, it just reinforces what I already feel. It just gives me more reason to lose interest. Is that how we should talk? Does anyone still know how to use more positive, and encouraging words? Because that will help everyone. I believe we do, but we just do not.
I have learned yesterday, Saturday, March 26, that I should just use kind words in exchange of harsh ones to tame a fire, and reduce it into a tiny, beautiful spark. My friend was already fusing about him going early to our meet-up for a subject in school, ranting violently. But, I held my equally-sharp speech nonchalantly, and instead simply said sorry. What happened is my friend immediately felt understanding.
Words should be chosen with understanding, and wisdom. We oftentimes take our words too easily, and simply say that we did not mean things. But, I believe we should be fully accountable for all the words that we say. If we ever make mistakes with words, we should be open, humble, mature, and honest enough to admit them, and correct them afterwards. People can be forgiving and understanding on the other hand, too.
Imagine the power of words. I am encouraging everyone, most especially myself, to carefully and wisely choose their words each time. This may not be an easy one. But, to the most, I just pray to have that kind of wisdom in my heart throughout my life, much like the prayer of King Solomon.
PS
I feel really sad today that I was not able to go to church. Of course, I could not show that to anybody because my actions do not speak for myself. But, in my heart I am very repentant. Sometimes these contradicting situations make me feel confused, and oftentimes leave me at the side of the errant.
I already had plans last night of going to church, and seeking God. In fact, I actually prayed for a genuine experience of my Christian faith. I might not have had that today, in the going-to-church sense, but I still believe in it, and looking forward to that experience. Right now, I do not want to limit my experience of God in my ability to go to church, and my inability to do so.
I still feel really sorry, but I want to get this off my head.
From what I have observed, I do not wake-up from my bed on few occasions, resulting to me feeling like missing the church service. First is, whenever people are starting to prepare for church, but do not wake me up or remind me that they are going. Second is, whenever people are starting to prepare for church, but tell me sarcastic, negative remarks about me not going to church.
I immediately lose interest in church given those situations, and decide to let them go ahead, and figure out things on my own when everyone's gone. I hate being under the attention of others for something negative, just for me to do something good. I do not want to do good things just because people are thinking bad of me. I want to do good things because in my heart I know those are the things that I should be doing.
I have noticed that negative remarks do not help me at all. On Sunday mornings, it's either I want to go, or am not that interested. If in my heart, I want to go, and others would start on me by saying negative things about being disinterested, I hate that feeling. It's as if I would like to tell them to shut-up because they are wrong, and I need not prove them anything. I don't want to prove them wrong in their own terms, because I am doing "church", among others, for myself, and not for them. But, I end up keeping it to myself, discouraged, and ultimately get affected and uninterested. I hate that feeling, but sadly, it happens all the time.
The danger in telling people negative things even though they do not feel the same way we do is we make judgments of them, when in fact we are wrong. Our judgments turn into poisonous words, affecting others.
The next situation is when I do not feel that interested. When people tell me how disinterested I am, it just reinforces what I already feel. It just gives me more reason to lose interest. Is that how we should talk? Does anyone still know how to use more positive, and encouraging words? Because that will help everyone. I believe we do, but we just do not.
I have learned yesterday, Saturday, March 26, that I should just use kind words in exchange of harsh ones to tame a fire, and reduce it into a tiny, beautiful spark. My friend was already fusing about him going early to our meet-up for a subject in school, ranting violently. But, I held my equally-sharp speech nonchalantly, and instead simply said sorry. What happened is my friend immediately felt understanding.
Words should be chosen with understanding, and wisdom. We oftentimes take our words too easily, and simply say that we did not mean things. But, I believe we should be fully accountable for all the words that we say. If we ever make mistakes with words, we should be open, humble, mature, and honest enough to admit them, and correct them afterwards. People can be forgiving and understanding on the other hand, too.
Imagine the power of words. I am encouraging everyone, most especially myself, to carefully and wisely choose their words each time. This may not be an easy one. But, to the most, I just pray to have that kind of wisdom in my heart throughout my life, much like the prayer of King Solomon.
PS
I feel really sad today that I was not able to go to church. Of course, I could not show that to anybody because my actions do not speak for myself. But, in my heart I am very repentant. Sometimes these contradicting situations make me feel confused, and oftentimes leave me at the side of the errant.
I already had plans last night of going to church, and seeking God. In fact, I actually prayed for a genuine experience of my Christian faith. I might not have had that today, in the going-to-church sense, but I still believe in it, and looking forward to that experience. Right now, I do not want to limit my experience of God in my ability to go to church, and my inability to do so.
I still feel really sorry, but I want to get this off my head.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Retreat + Japan Sentiments. :(
I learned a lot from yesterday and today's retreat. It was really short but was very sweet. I was the usual "epal" -- not belonging to the block I was with, talked a bit lengthy at times when called, and what-not. Good thing I was accompanied by a friend there, who considers me as his "best friend" (how flattering).
One of the things that I have learned from the retreat is that we may say things but mean more than just that. We may also say things that we do not really mean. Sometimes, we want to talk about something but can't speak them out. There are moments that we get enlightenment, though.
Okay, I'm gonna continue editing this blog. I'm not yet finished. I need to do something else... :p
I feel for those who are in Japan right now. :(
One of the things that I have learned from the retreat is that we may say things but mean more than just that. We may also say things that we do not really mean. Sometimes, we want to talk about something but can't speak them out. There are moments that we get enlightenment, though.
Okay, I'm gonna continue editing this blog. I'm not yet finished. I need to do something else... :p
I feel for those who are in Japan right now. :(
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