Events Archives | Page 2 of 4

Million People March, Makati

October 5, 2013

The second Million People March took place yesterday in Makati, the business district of the metro. My work’s just a couple of blocks away from the gathering center, and it’ll be foolish to skip it. I failed to attend the first one in Luneta, and there was no way I’d miss yesterday’s protest.

Before I went to college, my relatives and high school classmates thought I’d definitely be joining rallies since I tend to be outspoken and don’t care much about authorities. After all, I enrolled in UPLB so there was no way I’d escape being an activist. But I graduated from UPLB without joining a single rally. It’s not because I’m apathetic (okay, maybe a little), but sometimes, it’s just hard for me to understand why they were protesting at all. It won’t feel good to be part of a protest if I only know very little about the issue. And I tried to know, but I rarely get answers.

That’s also the reason why I don’t talk much about politics. There are so many things I don’t understand, and to give my opinion is like embarrassing myself. One must not talk about things one doesn’t understand.

When the news of the pork barrel scam exploded, I was enraged along with everyone else. I’m part of the working middle-class who gets more than 10% deducted from my salary. Of course I am enraged. Of course I want to be one with the people. I want corruption to stop, and I want those who abuse their power and steal from the country to stop what they’re doing and pay for their crimes.

The #ScrapPork protest yesterday was the first protest I joined, because it’s one that I understand. I got a little confused though because I didn’t particularly think that the people would also be calling for PNoy’s resignation and his alleged involvement in it. I know he’s not a saint and I’m pretty sure he’s not always threading a “daang matuwid.” But I don’t exactly want him to step down. Because if he did, Binay would definitely step up and that poses graver threats to the country. I must also not that it was ironic how all that the even took place right in front of Ninoy’s statue.

Overall, joining the rally was a pretty good experience, even a bit hypnotizing. It was also an eye-opener. I may be complaining about the amount they deduct from my salary that goes straight to the pockets of politician, but I realized that they take more from the laborers who work everyday, with very little rest, to just receive a meager salary. And for the first time, I start to understand how some of my college schoolmates attend rallies about issues not entirely related to them, but they still seemed so passionate about it. Because you see, some sectors really need help from other sectors in making sure their concerns reach the right ears.

I don’t have the heart of an activist. Sometimes, I just don’t care, and sometimes, I try to comprehend but simply couldn’t. Right now, I can’t think of a valid solution to the current crisis the country is facing. To say that every corrupt officials should step down is like saying that 90% of the current government officials must resign. What will remain then? Who will run this country?

There’s a feeling of hopelessness that I’m pretty sure occurs in every Filipino from time to time (or all the time, of course). But there are those who are still hopeful, and sometimes, I still am. However, I am realistic, and I’m pretty sure that if our government will truly be clean, it will take a few more generations before that happens.

Project EDSA: Lakbay Para sa Kapayapaan

June 12, 2013

Project Edsa: Journey of Peace in Edsa is a project off AAI, AFP, DLF, OPAPP, and MMDA that aims to create the longest peace mural in the world. Well, that’s the technical definition. After joining the event for two saturdays, I realized it’s a lot more than just aiming to build the longest mural, it’s more about creating a masterpiece that’s not just done by a single person, but by different individuals and groups hoping to create change through a peace mural. It’s a lot more about the process than the end product.

I was a bit skeptical at first when I heard their goal. Raising awareness and stopping at that is something that I don’t really understand. Because really, what’s good with awareness if no action is done after? They aim to deliver the message of peace to mass public passing by EDSA everyday. But peace is such a vague concept. It’s something that everyone already knows, is raising awareness still necessary? We need more action because everyone’s already aware of it! Well, I’m not sure if the mural is enough to make anyone who sees it want to achieve peace. What I learned in college is that for every activity like this one, the goals must be something tangible. The goals must be clear, must be S.M.A.R.T. (simple, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time-bound). I can probably understand it more if the project aims to promote art in public places. Now, that’s something I want to see happen in the entire archipelago.

Still, it’s a project I fully support because of the things it does to everyone who participated. I don’t care much if it’s the “longest peace mural” in the world. Because the longest or not, it’s a project that matters. However, I guess that’s necessary if we want to make a noise (a positive one). But I do care about every individual who believes that they can be part of something bigger than themselves. And I want to be part of something like that, too. It’s better than not doing anything. My participation and contribution may be small, but it’s really better than nothing. I’m just a photography hobbyist, and they still let me be one of the official photographers. I am often laughed at for my ugly doodles and not-so-artsy drawings, but they let me paint the walls. This project just goes to show that anyone, as long as they have the will to do so, can participate in change. And in this country where change is not something you can clearly see in the administration, it’s such a welcoming sight.

Well, let me stop talking here. Below are some of the photos I took. There are so many talented artists in the Philippines, and not-so-talented artists like me. Haha. But we all took part and below are some of the results.

[Read more…]

Kynan’s 7th

February 27, 2013

Kynan’s the baby brother I never had, maybe that’s why my parents, sibling and I spoil him rotten from time to time. He celebrated his 7th birthday last week and had his party last Sunday. It was fun, as you can see from his reactions. I have a whole lot of other candid shots of this cutie but I am afraid it’s all too much to fit in one post!

I wish more birthdays for my favorite weekend playmate and oftentimes mortal enemy. Haha. I also wish him more teeth, but I’m pretty sure I’d miss his toothless smile. Isn’t it precious? 🙂

Tumblr Fair ’12

August 10, 2012

If you missed the Tumblr fair, I feel a bit sorry for you. Well, not really. But you definitely missed out a lot!

I wasn’t really planning to go since I had no idea where San Juan City is but I just really, really wanted to see so many bloggers. Jinky asked me why I know (they don’t know me, but you know what I mean!) so many Tumblr bloggers and I said that I’ve been a user since 2009. Let’s just say that I’ve been stalking quite a lot of Tumblr bloggers for the past 3-4 years. She then asked me why I still look normal (Jinky: Anong nangyari sa’yo?!) because pretty much everyone we saw in the fair are fashion experts or something. Well, I focused on KPOP, okay. Haha.

I digress.

Anyway, it was a rainy Saturday but that didn’t stop me from going. Jinky instructed me on how to get there since she actually lives near San Juan Gymnasium! It’s the farthest I’ve commuted alone excluding my Makati-Laguna friday adventures. Commuting alone still excites me especially when I’m going somewhere for the first time. Thankfully, I didn’t get lost because the lady who sat next to me on my Quiapo bus ride helped me ask the the bus conductor where Pinaglabanan is.

I was too happy not to get lost that I didn’t mind waiting for Jinky at all. Haha! From her condo, we walked to the gymnasium which happens to be a gymnasium of a local public school. If it weren’t for Jinky, I wouldn’t have found the place!

I was surprised to see that there weren’t that many people. I mean, it’s the first Tumblr fair and I’ve seen quite a lot of reblogs for the promotional poster. But then again, it was a Saturday, the place was out of the way, and it was raining! I almost didn’t go myself, but Jinky would probably hate me if I didn’t. Hehe.

I had a fun time people-watching. It’s quite overwhelming to see fashion bloggers in real life! I’d probably be awestruck to see the likes of Kryz Uy or Tricia Gosingtian! Bring the fangirl-ing on! Actually, there were 4 Tumblr bloggers that I wanted to see but I only saw 3 of them. Still, it was enough to make me all giddy! I wanted to approach them but I only ended up visiting their booth and looking around the place. Not even talking because I was too shy hahaha. I’m a sorry excuse for an “adult”. I can’t even talk to girls.

So many people were so well-dressed that I felt quite silly in my jeans and blouse. I didn’t know we were supposed to wear five-inch heels or combat boots when going to the fair. Haha. [Read more…]

Cinemalaya Opening Night

July 23, 2012

I don’t get to watch Filipino indie films as much as I want. Having lived and studied in Laguna most of my life, my only chance to see indie films were when they show it in Elbi. I remember watching only 2 full-length indie films in college: Kubrador and Manoro. I didn’t understand both. Haha! But when I attended a screening in UPLB of multiple indie films about kids (Andong‘s my favorite!), I decided to watch as many indie films as I can.

When I finally moved to Makati for my first (and current huhu) job, I thought I’d have more time to attend indie film screenings. That didn’t go according to plan. Though I had all the chances in the world, I have failed to go to screenings. But this year, I made plans with friends to attend the opening night of Cinemalaya and I’m glad our plans pushed through! Well, they’re regular attendees, anyway, and I just tagged along.

We braved the harsh weather and trekked our way to CCP. Jinky, Kimpee and Sarah were already there, and Ate Marco, Ayessa and I arrived later. I was just glad to arrive whole at CCP, wet, but whole. It was my second time at CCP and I felt as if my drenched self was a bit out of place. The place was lovely, of course.

We didn’t get to see the opening program but we were just in time for Laurice Guillen’s introductory speech of Mario O’Hara’s Babae sa Breakwater. I enjoyed the film but it gave me mini-heart attacks every other scene. It was just incredibly intense and incredibly depressing, too. I guess that’s what a movie reflecting the lives of millions of Filipinos can do to you. I talked more about it here.

After the movie, we saw tons of celebrities in the lobby. We had a picture taken with Sir Lou Veloso who was in the film. Laurice Guillen was doing an interview so we didn’t have the guts to approach her. I heard Tita Gretchen and Tito Tony Boy were there, too, but I missed them. Huhu. [Read more…]