Season’s Greetings!

To all of you, dear readers, Season’s Greetings! I hope you are all snug in the bosom of your respective families, and that the coming year brings you happiness and the best of everything -for you, your loved ones, and the country we all love.

Thank, you in particular, for continuing to visit this blog, and for enriching the discussion that takes place in the comments sections. We may vigorously disagree more often than not, but that we continue to exchange views and learn from each other, offers up the prospect of our all being part of the solution and not the problem.

Season’s Greetings!

This e-mail made me laugh:

“Christmas Carols for Psych Students”

1. Schizophrenia—Do You Hear What I Hear?

2. Multiple Personality Disorder—We Three Kings Disoriented Are

3. Dementia—I Think I’ll be Home for Christmas

4. Narcissistic—Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

5. Manic—Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and…..

6. Paranoid—Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me

7. Borderline Personality Disorder—Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

8. Personality Disorder—You Better Watch Out, I’m Gonna Cry, I’m Gonna Pout, Maybe I’ll Tell You Why

9. Attention Deficit Disorder—Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy – can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?

10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder—Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell s, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

And for all of you, holiday films!

Avatar
Manuel L. Quezon III.

79 thoughts on “Season’s Greetings!

  1. TO EVERYBODY HERE, YOUR FAMILIES, AND TO ALL MY BROTHERS IN THE FIELD!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

  2. Mery Christmas everyone!

    Especially to you, Manolo, Bencard, CVJ, Shaman, Vic Supremo, Ca T, Ramrod, Manuel Buencamino, Karlo, Carla Devils, Tiling, Benign0, Dodong……..geezz dapat di na ako nag mention ng name baka mag tampo yung iba….Ah basta MliagayangPasko po sa lahat!

    Anyways sorry guys1 (Ohh been sending sorry messages to everyone the whole day).

    Really I’ve been sooooooooooooooooooooooo busys lately…

  3. 10 Defining Moments in 2007

    1)Makati Standoff and the Aftermath: The impatient and reckless Trillanes and company, the Media mass arrests, the Curfew.

    2)ZTE-NBN Scandal: The crusading journalist, the brave whistleblower, the resignation of Daddy chair,FG’s “Buck-Off”,the Scared Romy “Monchichi” Nery.

    3)May Senatorial Elections and the New Majority: “Genuine Opposition” victory ,the new majority bloc (Villar,Cayetano,Escudero,Estrada plus independents and administration senators)

    4)Bribery in Malacanang:P500,000 in brown bags for governors and congressmen, the brave Governor “Amang”Panlilio.

    5)Impeach Me:Fake Pulido complaint and the “Impeach Me immunization”.

    6)Sumilao Farmers:Have a heart San Miguel!

    7)Presidential Pardon :The hasty Presidential Pardon of Convicted Presidential Plunderer.

    8)Ayala Mall Big Fart:One for Ripley’s “Believe or Not”

    9)Batasan Bombing: Another one for Ripley’s.

    10)Presidential Junkets: Que horror!30 plus congressmen on junket to buy Jamon Serrano in Madrid!

  4. someone emailed this to me…..

    There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world does leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won’t come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
    Today, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol asa catechism song for young Catholics.It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

    The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
    Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
    Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
    The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
    The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books ofthe Old Testament.
    The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
    The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
    Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
    The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief inthe Apostles’ Creed.

    So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how this song became a Christmas Carol…so pass it on if you wish. Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone…..

    really?

    The popular song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The “true love” mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the “days” represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.

    However, many have questioned the historical accuracy of this origin of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. It seems that some have made an issue out of trying to debunk this as an “urban myth,” some in the name of historical accuracy and some out of personal agendas. There is little “hard” evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical discrepancies. However, the “evidence” on both sides is mostly in logical deduction and probabilities. One internet site devoted to debunking hoaxes and legends says that, “there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ was created or used as a secret means of preserving tenets of the Catholic faith, or that this claim is anything but a fanciful modern day speculation. . ..” What is omitted is that there is no “substantive evidence” that will disprove it either.

    It is certainly possible that this view of the song is legendary or anecdotal. Without corroboration and in the absence of “substantive evidence,” we probably should not take rigid positions on either side and turn the song into a crusade for personal opinions. That would do more to violate the spirit of Christmas than the song is worth. So, for the sake of historical accuracy, we need to acknowledge this uncertainty.

    However, on another level, this uncertainty should not prevent us from using the song in celebration of Christmas. Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship and proclamation. Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more important is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God’s grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was a secular “nonsense song,” they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?

    May your hearts be filled with the true meaning of Christmas….

    Peace on EARTH, goodwill to ALL.

  5. MELE KALIKIMAKA

    Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say

    On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day

    That’s the island greeting that we send to you

    From the land where palm trees sway

    Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

    The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night

    Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way

    To say “Merry Christmas to you.”

  6. Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
    “Do you know what I know? Do you know what I know?
    In your palace warm, mighty king,
    Do you know what I know? Do you know what I know?
    A Child, a Child shivers in the cold–
    Let us bring him silver and gold,
    Let us bring him silver and gold.”

    Said the king to the people everywhere,
    “Listen to what I say! Listen to what I say!
    Pray for peace, people, everywhere,
    Listen to what I say! Listen to what I say!
    A Child, A Child sleeping in the night
    He will bring us goodness and light,
    He will bring us goodness and light.”

    Peace and Goodness this Season will Bring to All…Merry Crhistmas..

  7. 11. Bipolar Disorder–Joy to the world…Silent night…The Lord is come…Holy night…Let earth receive her King…

  8. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon.
    Halina’t tayoy’ magsi-awit at alalahanin ang tunay na katuran ng Pasko sa mundo….

    ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT

    Lyrics: Levi Celerio

    Ang Pasko ay sumapit
    Tayo ay mangagsi-awit
    Ng magagandang himig
    Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig
    Nang si Kristo’y isilang
    May tatlong haring nagsidalaw
    At ang bawa’t isa
    Ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay
    Bagong taon ay magbagong-buhay
    Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan
    Tayo’y magsikap upang makamtan
    Natin ang kasaganaan
    Tayo’y mangagsi-awit
    Habang ang mundo’y tahimik
    Ang araw ay sumapit
    Ng Sanggol na dulot ng langit
    Tayo ay magmahalan
    Ating sundin ang gintong aral
    At magbuhat ngayon
    Kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan

  9. If the true meaning of Christmas would just be known and lived by us, Filipinos, maybe our country would not have as many problems as it has. Well, anyway….

    Merry Christmas to everyone and a Better New Year!

  10. Merry Christmas to everyone and hopeful New Year to all.

    Its been three years the Filipinos are celebating Christmas under the dark shadow of this regime.

  11. To MLQ3 and all my friends in this blog(regardless of political persuasion)

    We wish you a merry Christmas
    We wish you a merry Christmas
    We wish you a merry Christmas
    And a happy New Year.
    Glad tidings we bring
    To you and your kin;
    Glad tidings for Christmas
    And a happy New Year!

    Thank you
    Thank you
    “Ang babait ninyo”
    Thank You!

    From EQ and family

  12. balatucan, i hope your POLITICAL christmas wish doesn’t dampen the mood of everybody in this blog. go join your pack at tordesillias’.

  13. balatucan, i hope your POLITICAL christmas will be realized soon. No need to go to tordesillias’. Almost all, except two or three, share your sentiment.

  14. I received this post from a visitor named mp.net stating his impression of ellen’s blog, actually its from Gen. Martir’s blog since we’ve had a lively discussion going on and it goes like this:

    Kaya ko lang na sabi na left leaning commies dahil anu ba yan tingnan mu ang mga first posters ,may Gabriela pa dude I cant help it they are really annoying they sounds like those you saw in tv news, rally duon , rally dyan anu ba yan nakaka peste na yan. I bet they are the same ones who put gma in power now they ranting like hell hindi ma satisfied ang ma nga yan ika nga mga radical.

    I remember my brief stint in a university, I had this classmate who seemed always disrupting the classes calling for boycotts to protest tuition fee hikes and I remember I was the only one he could drag from our class (engineering studes don’t join rallies) for one, I could barely afford the tuition already, and secondly, he said there were pretty girls from the Saint Theresa’s College chapter of the LFS.

    My other classmates were asking me why I went with this guy when he’s just a trouble maker, a radical, he’ll amount to nothing and so will I if I don’t stop that nonsense. So my friend and I kept joining rallies and these classmates kept attending classes seriously, to the point of cheating collectively in the exams, one would stand watch at the door while the teacher went out of the room while the others solved the problems using the kodigos. Bottomline, I dropped out, my friend continued attending classes albeit irregularly but last time I heard he topped the board exams in EE, No. 2 at that.

    Thats why I never underestimate people who are not afraid to fight for justice, for our rights, for freedom, and now for good government. These are not idiots, they are more AWARE than most people and know perfectly well that these issues affect everybody. It won’t do us any harm if we listen to what they have to say, whether we are moved to action or not, at least we’ll be able to see the whole picture…

    Merry Christmas and a Hope Filled New Year to All!!!

  15. Thats why I never underestimate people who are not afraid to fight for justice, for our rights, for freedom, and now for good government. These are not idiots, they are more AWARE than most people and know perfectly well that these issues affect everybody. It won’t do us any harm if we listen to what they have to say, whether we are moved to action or not, at least we’ll be able to see the whole picture – ramrod

    Amen.

  16. When spending xmas isn’t about what to spend..
    or where to go…
    or what to eat and drink…
    or what gifts to give…
    or gifts you wish you’ll receive…
    or why even celebrate it at all…

    When celebrating xmas isn’t abt a question of with whom you’ll celebrate it with…

    then you know you’ve found a Merry, Merry Xmas. and may the Lord’s blessing stay with you, for many Happy New Years await you and those you share it with.

    that’s why December is the month with the highest suicide rates above any other month. too damn depressing for just too many damn folks.

  17. Thats why I never underestimate people who are not afraid to fight for justice, for our rights, for freedom, and now for good government. These are not idiots, they are more AWARE than most people and know perfectly well that these issues affect everybody. It won’t do us any harm if we listen to what they have to say, whether we are moved to action or not, at least we’ll be able to see the whole picture…

    Hear, hear.

    I wish you all and your families a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

    postcardheadlines.wordpress.com

  18. “Dirk Pitt :

    balatucan, i hope your POLITICAL christmas will be realized soon. No need to go to tordesillias’. Almost all, except two or three, share your sentiment.”

    Waaahhh!

    To Ben Kardo, I guess you are the only one who is in the mood to celebrate Christmas

    Merry Christmas anyway.

  19. In this season of hope it would be wise for everyone to concentrate on the message and not the messenger even of the Christ. The messengers of the anti-Christ would like it the other way around.

    Democracy Is More About Values, Says Pope
    Defends Human Rights in Address to Singapore Envoy

    VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Democracy is not just about following rules, but about accepting the dignity of every human person and his rights, says Benedict XVI.

    The Pope affirmed this Thursday in an address given to Barry Desker, Singapore’s new ambassador to the Holy See.

    The Holy Father suggested that the Southeast Asian nation has a “significant contribution to make to the economic and social advancement of the region,” since it is one of the area’s most developed countries.

    “While many parts of Southeast Asia continue to suffer from the effects of poverty, crime and political unrest, Singapore, as a prosperous, well-ordered and democratic country, gives an important lead that can offer hope and inspiration to others,” he wrote.

    The Pontiff continued: “Economic success, however, needs a firm ethical grounding if it is to bring lasting benefits to society. Indeed the needs of the person must always be placed at the heart of economic enterprise, since […] the human person is ‘the source, the center, and the purpose of all economic and social life.’

    “Likewise, an authentic democracy is not merely the result of a formal observation of a set of rules, but is ‘the fruit of a convinced acceptance of the values that inspire democratic procedures: the dignity of every human person, the respect of human rights, commitment to the common good.'”

    Family and life

    Benedict XVI encouraged Singapore to protect the rights of families, saying they make “a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the good of society.” He said the nation’s small population of Catholics witness to the importance of marriage and family life.

    The Pope added, “In championing human rights, the Church is especially concerned to defend the universal rights to life and to religious freedom. […] The right to life, from conception to natural death, is the first among rights, and the condition for all others. Moreover, the effective recognition of the right to freedom of conscience and religious freedom is one of the most serious duties of every community that truly wishes to ensure the good of the individual and of society.”

    Finally, the Holy Father again affirmed the Church’s rejection of using religion for political goals, and “especially the attempt to justify violence in this way.”

    “This new threat to world peace [international terrorism] calls for a renewed commitment on the part of States to the implementation of international humanitarian law,” he wrote. “The Catholic Church shares the concern of all those who seek to limit the suffering caused by armed conflict, and to promote the peaceful coexistence of peoples and nations.”

  20. hvrds, personally I think we are fortunate to have him as Pope. His messages are so apt for the times. Merry Christmas.

  21. A Unique Christmas Cheer

    I understand you. Oftentimes its so frustrating to see defeat after defeat (apparently)…But try to look at it this way, it took us 20 years to get rid of Marcos and 300 years to get rid of the Spaniards before that, now we are not just facing one person – GMA, but a whole mob, a highly organized, politically sophisticated, morally bankcrupt organism, that uses the rule of law to their advantage, flaunting our very own constitution as an instrument of oppression. It is not one person but the rule of numbers, they could rapidly close ranks to protect themselves and effectively counter any threat to their way of life. They know who oppose them, but we don’t know who they are mostly, they can sacrifice their own, awake sleepers in our midst, and most of all their weapon of mass illusion -”learned helplessness,” a psychological weapon they expertly wield over 80 million people, reducing most to apathy and inaction. Those who have the intelligence but are paralyzed in fear choose to rationalize their rule and would tell us to “move on,” its part and parcel of politics, and politics is the norm, in any country, in the world, ACCEPT IT, resistance is futile.
    Do not lose hope, to defend ourselves against this weapon is first to acknowledge it, understand it, and see the whole picture as a “battle for the minds and hearts” so don’t give in to frustrations, don’t lose heart. You have come a long way in life yourself, I’m sure you’ve hurdled many obstacles personally, and you have several personal victories to speak of. Try to draw strength from these personal victories and shine as your light will inspire others, the light that shines as you liberate yourself – will inspire others to liberate themselves.
    Do not be afraid, be a light in the darkness no matter if its just a small spark for now, believe…

  22. Merry Christmas to all! May God bless your passions in Latin, your philosophy in Greek, your prayers in Hebrew, and, of course, your partying in Pinoy:)

    To WillyJ: I quite agree. I’m glad he’s the Pope, as he has guts, sometimes too much–but, hey, nobody’s perfect…

  23. Merry Christmas everyone!

    Crispy pata and salads galore gorged, and the season of major hangovers, let us find cheer spiritually as we Filipinos have a lot of things to cheer ourselves about and I say amen to ramrod’s prescription that each one of us be a light, no matter how little, in the darkeness.

    Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead

    If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
    — Mother Teresa

    If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough. — Oprah Winfrey

    A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. — Erin Majors

    And my favorite song ever about Christmas — which is really about the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ:

    Oh Holy Night
    Oh holy night!
    The stars are brightly shining
    It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
    Long lay the world in sin and error pining
    Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
    A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
    For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

    Fall on your knees
    Oh hear the angel voices
    Oh night divine
    Oh night when Christ was born
    Oh night divine
    Oh night divine

    Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
    With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
    So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
    Here come the wise men from Orient land
    The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
    In all our trials born to be our friend.
    Truly He taught us to love one another
    His law is love and His gospel is peace
    Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
    And in His name all oppression shall cease
    Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
    Let all within us praise His holy name.

  24. I like ramrod’s messages(s) here. Let us not let the corrupt and morally bankrupt make a mockery of other people’s pain. If we forget that injustices were done, we would’ve become the accessories to these injustices.

  25. HEY! MLQ3! I know, I’ve been absent here for 100 years but thank you and merry christmas to you, your family, friends and love ones.

    I’m just totally annoyed that you failed miserably to list me on number 9 – xmas carols by pych studes! hmpt!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

    hehehe

  26. I totally disagree with ramrod christmas cheer.

    Its christmas day, a very especially day for all christians. Its a HOLY day a day to celebrateto not to fight or incite people to fight and cast judgement on peopel that doesn’t share your values.

    There are 366 days in a year. Cant we just set aside day to celebrate christmas?

  27. “But try to look at it this way, it took us 20 years to get rid of Marcos and 300 years to get rid of the Spaniards before that”
    =====================================================
    You can also look it the other way, you can prosecute this leaders for their alleged crimes and at the same time work withtem to move this counrty forward. Why go for win-loss when you can go win-win

    ====================================
    “that uses the rule of law to their advantage, flaunting our very own constitution as an instrument of oppression.”
    —————–

    but is wrong with using teh rule of law to your advantege? everyone uses the law to their advanatage dont
    day.

    “And who was oppressed, I dont feel oppressed at all!
    ” Those who have the intelligence but are paralyzed in fear choose to rationalize their rule and would tell us to “move on,” its part and parcel of politics, and politics is the norm, in any country, in the world, ACCEPT IT, resistance is futile.

    =====================================================

    No one really has a monopoly and , the magic formula of solutions to this countrys problem. We can only present to the 80 millions Filipinos our ideas. But at teh end of the day, everyone should be allowed to discern and they decide which way they wanted to go!

  28. This following poem is composed entirely of actual quotes from Gloria Arroyo:

    “Practice What You Preach!”

    I am only human
    I do not plan my life.
    I have no grandiose dreams
    The truth is I am cute and short !

    It is not a cabinet that meets at midnight
    Our Cabinet members were chosen on the basis of integrity.
    I have asked the Secretary to stop stage-managed kidnappings
    Just articulate what we are doing, less glitz, less porma!

    Let the trial begin!
    The court has spoken, and the message is clear.
    Well, if he wants me to visit him, I will.
    No one but no one can set conditions!

    I am the President of all Filipinos
    We shall give peace a chance
    The only peace for them is the peace of the graveyard
    They will be pulverized!

    Malacanang is not bothered
    The military now is very professional.
    There will be no peace table for them
    If they want to stay alive, they should surrender!

    The days of plunder are over
    Nobody is near a corridor of power
    My example is integrity
    Practice what you preach!

  29. totally agree with you, rego. most gloria-haters and leftist loons never rest. they eat, breath, sleep, work, “make” love and literally spend every minute of their life fighting imagined monsters – the product of their self-induced fear and hatred.

    btw, my family attended midnight mass at queens, ny and immensely enjoyed the mostly fil-am choir. the message: peace and goodwill to all men/women and children.

    best wishes for yet a better new year for everybody in this blog, and for all filipinos whether inside or outside the philippines.

  30. p.s., some are just like their npa comrades. unilaterally “declare” a christmas ceasefire right after raiding a police station, killing peace officers and robbing them of firearms and ammo. who do you think believe, or sympathize with, them?

  31. Maligayang Pasko, Manolo at lahat ng ka-blog.

    – Isinilang na ang Hari ng lahat – katapusan na ng mga naghahari-harian.

    – Ipinadala na ng Ama ang Manunubos – upang parusahan ang nambubusabos.

    – Nagsakatawang tao ang Dakilang Anak – upang wakasan ang kalupitan ng walanghiyang ina.

    – Sumasa-atin ang Diyos ng katuwiran – upang itapat sa Reyna ng baluktot.

    – Ipinanganak na ang Diyos ng katotohanan – nang mahubaran ang Pinuno ng Kasinungalingan.

    – Narito na ang Diyos ng liwanag – upang magsilbing ilaw sa karimlan.

    – Ngayon na ang araw ng Pasko – bukas naman ang araw ng pagtutuos!

    Isang Paskong puno ng pag-asa, at mapagpalayang bagong taon sa atin lahat.

    Mabuhay!

  32. balatucan and Dirk Pitt,

    gloria who? i dont let her dictate my enjoyment of Christmas.

    on the contrary, i think only two or three share balatucan’s sentiments.

    yes, better heed Bencard’s advice. go to that circus at ellentordesillas.com

  33. Serenity Prayer

    God grant me the serenity
    to accept the things I cannot change;
    courage to change the things I can;
    and wisdom to know the difference.

  34. rego,

    Win/Win, or compromise may be ideal in a business sense or transactional relationships but not when it comes to matters of Integrity.
    I have spent a great deal of time here travelling (especially Mindanao) and even Crame, to touch base with old academy buddies from the marines, army, even PNP and these contacts only reinforced my earlier impressions. Its really a different story compared to being isolated from everything or everybody. The mind, no matter how brilliant cannot discern the truth by itself, we need to personally interact, we call it “fellowship.” If you really are serious in getting to the truth, go to the ground level, find out the realities on the field for yourself, do not be content of your own introspection, I know you’re smart and all, but it makes a lot of difference “being” with the men involved. If we really care for our family there is no substitute for being with them (or at least quality time) same thing with our country. I have even persuaded some to visit Ellen’s blog, some academy bloggers also. Even a general came to visit (of course, he’s on the aministration side). Fact of the matter is, some people tend to be more action-oriented rather than debate-oriented, not all people have the patience and time to debate, at times we have to act or its just empty words…and our country needs more than words…

    What has light got to do with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14

  35. rego,

    Please do not limit “oppression” to yourself only, of course you and I do not feel it. Talk to the families of Jonas Burgos, the families of those killed in “supposed” encounters, and check this website out, its very close to home (our home that is). Although like you I will be embracing another country in one year’s time (or less). They’re our people too…Honestly, its impossible to be oblivious once you’re in the middle of everything…

    http://www.bulatlat.com/news/6-30/6-30-pma.htm

  36. rego,

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR pala!!!

    Come January, you’ll find this interesting, I will be attending my foster father’s birthday (former general and a very close friend of Mike Arroyo) I will meet the couple personally for the first time there, and in the same month I will also be joining a PMAAA fellowship. I’m just trying to make the most of my stay here in the motherland.

  37. Sorry for the distinctly radical christmas message, I apologize if I irritated anyone. Its rather difficult not to feel this way when you try spending christmas with street children, incarcerated friends, and wounded friends also. I had no right to disturb your christmas this way…I apologize…

  38. “The Butcher” (Ang Berdugo!)

    “A former Army general accused of ordering the murders of communist sympathizers denied reports that he masterminded the murder of radio broadcaster Fernando Lintuan in Davao City last week.

    “Davao is too far. I don’t know the people there. Why should I order the kiling of that journalist?” former Army general Jovito Palparan told ABS-CBN.

    Palparan’s denial came after Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte hinted at Palparan’s possible involvement in Lintuan’s killing.

    Duterte claimed that Palparan, who was allegedly hired by a congressman as a military consultant, was sighted in Davao City two weeks before Lintuan’s killing.ABS -CBN Interactive”

    Human rights groups have documented large scale killings in places where General Palparan had been posted.

    In the light of the president’s claims to be taking action against extrajudicial killings General Palparan’s resistance to the change of policy raises many questions as to the role of a military general within the political structure of the Philippines.

    President Arroyo praise of General Palparan in a previous State of the Nation Speech (SONA) itself raises questions as to the political structure of command within the country. It is within this same speech that the president called upon everyone to work together to eliminate extrajudicial killings.

    The sceptics who may doubt the seriousness of this resolve will see in the continuing influence of General Palparan a confirmation for their scepticism.

  39. Equalizer,

    I came from Davao recently and had the good fortune of running into Mayor Duterte in the Waterfront Hotel restaurant, where they serve the best fresh seafood in the country (try it!), anyway, I found out from there that Duterte has an ongoing feud with Nograles (the congressman close to Palparan’s heart).

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