Life Hacks at SPSPS School of Law

"The preparation for the Bar Examination starts at Day 1." Who would forget this line during orientation in law school? 

We have heard how life in law school is difficult. No matter how difficult, we have reasons that motivate us to continue with the struggle. The reason builds up the motivation, consequently it is the same reason that fuels hard work.

Hard work does not mean study hard, rather study smart. Most law students could attest that reading tons of cases, thick books, codals, reviewers, and quick references are humanly impossible to do. Hence, study smart!

Studying smart includes examining the bias of your teachers. They are the first you need to hurdle before graduating and taking the most-awaited bar examinations. So, here are some of my life hacks in law school at St. Paul School of Professional Studies:

1. Criminal Law 1- Atty. Merin

He will require you to memorize Article 2 of the Revised Penal Code and recite it in class. He admires it when you exactly recite the same words as they were originally written. Likewise, he always asked the class to memorize Articles 11-15. Though we haven't recited them in class, it pays a lot to be prepared! Atty. Merin likes to repeat his previous lessons the following meeting. Such method helps you to identify the topics that require more focus in preparation for the major examinations. 

2. Criminal Law 2- Atty. Moreno

Just prepare your pen and paper. Write everything that he says in class. 90% of the items in the examinations are discussed in class. He has a more creative, but nerve-racking style of recitation. Just imagine that fish bowl technique where we get to pick a piece of rolled paper for the question. 

3. Constitutional Law 1- Atty. Modesto

Prepare to be intimidated. He applies the Socratic Method. Atty. Modesto usually gives assignment covering the topics for the next meeting. The items are hypothetical legal problems. From there, you read the chapters or the specific topics of the book that concern the given items of the assignment. I believe his strategy was very effective for me. In preparation for the examination, review the assigned cases and memorize the relevant excerpts of the decision pertaining to the political doctrine/principle.

 

4. Constitutional Law 2- Atty. Siosana

I had a complete opposite class experience in Consti 2. Atty. does all the lectures, except for the cases to recite in class. She's very considerate and approachable. Make it sure to memorize all the provisions of Article 3 in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Lastly, never miss the announcement of pointers the meeting before the major examinations. 

5. Obligations and Contracts - Atty. Lopez

The subject itself is complicated but the discussions look and sound very easy. Undeniably, Atty. has the expertise of the subject. Definitely, you will admire the way how Atty. lump the complementary provisions accordingly. She discussed the entire provisions on Obligation and we reported in class the topics concerning Contracts.

6. Legal Ethics- Atty. Catalon

Memorize the Lawyer's Oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility (if possible). Go over with the pointers for the Final Examinations. Study them and definitely, you'll get the reward in topping the examination!

7. Persons and Family Relations- Judge Cuaton

The subject is very interesting and probably relatable. Memorize the definition of marriage, the requisites and the other enumerations in the Family Code. Just be straightforward in writing your answers during examinations. Basic questions about the subject are definitely asked.

 

8. Human Rights Law - Atty. Giron

Atty. Giron highly appreciates class debates. It was because of him that I have learned how to voice my political views in class because I normally keep my views to myself. He loves to hear the opposing views of my classmates. Though we were using the book of Coquia, i have learned a lot in HRL from the book of Petralba. I would consider Atty. Giron as a mentor. He is very supportive with my debating career. He is likewise one of my shadow advisers in the Student Government.

9. Labor Law - Atty. Camiller

I salute Atty. Camiller in his experties.

Don't Get Me Wrong

September 21 -the  day of the Declaration of the Martial Law. The day when our government has put our freedom to rest.

Although several decades have already passed since its declaration in 1972, the time won't excuse us from dismissing thousands of human rights violations committed by our government during those years. I can still remember my politically-active college days when we always handle “Never again to Martial Law!” placards on the streets. Those scenes were supplemented by public film showing in the campus about Marcos regime. We were proud. We were brave. No Marcos loyalists or historical revisionists can make me tired of educating the public about remembering that horrible mistake in the past. 

We realized that an autocratic rule has never been a popular decree. Had it been admired, then EDSA 1 would never happen. There could be no blood spilled on the Philippine soil.

Today, we enjoy the fruits of the labor of our relatives who fought against the Martial Law. We benefit so much from the consequences of our countrymen who sacrificed in the People Power. We are now blessed with so many freedoms. We are nobody but caretakers of it. Do we need again to shed more blood if we take away the freedom bestowed upon us? Let us not waste what our history has offered us.

When we talk of history, we always have to connect it to what is happening at present. I make it a point that history is not just about memorizing names, dates, and places, but rather understanding how history shapes the present and predicts the future.

I am a history instructor and currently facing a potential serious problem in the academe that most in the workplace cannot fully see. Even if this article is for public consumption, I hope that people won’t get me wrong.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Aren't we?

On this age, I see the rise of new Marcoses who love censorship and curtailment of rights. I was once told to take down my post concerning a potential debate over school policy. Since when did the social media prohibit the public from discussing critics? Everyone is free to express their opinion as long as it does not injure the rights of others. I appreciate those who create discourses over different avenues like facebook, twitter, blogspot, google plus, and many more. If only some people in the academe where I am teaching knew how twitter and facebook liberalize oppressed societies in the modern world, then they should not self-impose autocratic rule over these networking sites. Funny that I am referring to respected people who are masters of their own fields and expected to be well-versed on societal issues but remain to be parochial.

More than that, I am quite disappointed on how the horrors of our history are coming right before my eyes. I cannot afford to listen how simple critics towards the administration correspond an immediate expulsion. Why do we deprive the student of his right to education on the basis of his being critical, vigilant, and brave? Where is our mandate to introduce a pool of debates and dialogues when we repress the others from expressing what they want? The mandate of the university belongs to  the students. The absence of the latter does not create the former. I just hope that the “student-leaders” take some time to contemplate on their roles and responsibilities.

Why is it too difficult for the people in the university to just accept the formation of thesis and anti-thesis? The society will always be a spectrum of conflicting values. Why are they so sensitive in dealing with constructive criticisms? The last time I checked, the word "university" means a place where people exchange ideas. 

This writing might put me in the bad light. At least, I allow the school to rethink of itself and repair its internal problems. To my university, let us not bring back the past. We are over with the Martial Rule.

Why Teaching Happened To Be My Choice?

Before me are selected Junior High School Japanese students at the Philippine National Youth Commission main office on August 3, 2013 as I share to them my experiences as a student exchange grantee in Tomakomai, Japan 

“What made you decide to teach?” Most friends ask me this question repeatedly.

Teaching is not the profession I prepared in college. I never dreamed of teaching. When I was a kid, my parents used to ask me what will I become when I grow up. It seemed to be the most difficult question asked by my parents. I cannot immediately respond on what really interests me. Instead, I always recite to them the dangers of every professions I know. My siblings and parents would laugh when I used to childishly expose the misfortune of an engineer if his building collapsed, the danger of a seaman if his ship sank, the mishap of a police officer if he gets killed, the danger of a pilot if his plane gets crashed, and the teacher's misfortune of developing a high blood pressure in the course of disciplining his students. So I ended up with no distinct answer about my future.

UP Diliman Asian Center Building.

Early this year, I had a spectrum of choices. I just need to decide what’s best for me. I already had the ticket in pursuing my MA in Asian Studies major in China Studies after passing both the examination and the interview in UP Diliman Asian Center. I already had the ticket to work at the Philippine Tariff Commission after recognizing all my documents sent to their main office, where I believe to be my step in entering the Foreign Service Institute at the Department of Foreign Affairs. All of these were just series of attempts. Still, no regrets.

Back then, June was fast approaching and I got no more time to decide except to pursue my Master’s Degree. However, I still have a lot of preparations to consider. I was on a dilemma. I began weighing the costs and benefits of every possible options that come to mind. Suddenly, I thought of teaching in a State University in our province which my mother also gladly considered.

So here are my thoughts before I conclude my decision: I was sickly way back in college. In fact, I was lucky enough to manage myself in attending our Graduation rites despite many days lying on bed.  I never attended any rehearsals or even our graduation mass. In my long absence, I never had any chance of bonding with my closest batch mates. I even showed at our graduation venue a minute before the processional starts and left after joining few groufies with my batch mates.

Naval State University. A premier state university
 in our hometown where I finished my secondary.

Being seriously sick legitimizes my decision to stay in our hometown. By then, I prayed for the acceptance of my intent to teach at Naval State University. I submitted my letter to defer my enrollment in UP Diliman and called the office in Tariff Commission about my decision not to pursue working. I laid out my explanations and sighed after closing all my doors in all possible places to work or study. Of course, my mother was happy to look after me after four years of being away from home. I remember when I was in first year college when I just visited our hometown only on sembreak, Christmas vacation, and summer, and I always remember how my mother reacted about how strange I look every time I return home.

Time just flies and June arrived. I cannot forget my awkward moments in NSU. Actually, I really felt that I wasn’t accepted in the first place because I have never received even a single call after I was told to wait for the result of my application. A friend, who is already a faculty member in NSU informed me that I need to show up at the Dean’s Office. I was excited, thinking that I might be personally told to teach. As I enter the office, I saw a lot of people conversing and only to find out that there will be a faculty meeting. There was no turning back. Anyway, maybe I was intentionally called to attend that meeting. I just sat silently. I believe the Dean was surprised of my presence considering that I wasn’t called for an appointment and yet I am already at the faculty meeting. That was very awkward! I already blended in the crowd and maybe the Dean's hands were tied to send me out from the room. After the meeting, I was told that my documents were not  yet sent to the President’s Office. I was then assisted to see  the President for an interview. It was too unusual that in my case, I attended the faculty meeting first before I was formally hired. It was the most embarrassing moment I had in life. 

Moreover, teaching can easily be appreciated. I was never into this but now that I am in the academe, I always make it a point to give something new for my students. I may not have education units but I know this does not make me less effective, though it's natural to feel inferior since I lack the knowledge when it comes to strategies and all those teaching jargons.

The road was unclear for me after my graduation, but no matter what, we decide to who we become. Let us just be brave and make decisions to which road are we going to take.

Top Ten Outstanding Political Science Students of the Philippines 2013

Being able to make it on the Top 3 among the Top 10 Outstanding Political Science Students of the Philippines after a tough elimination round is beyond all my expectations during the National Political Science Convention held in Vigan City. I wrote this not just solely to proclaim my happiness but simply to inspire others and to articulate my little feelings of resentment. We had the best moments in Vigan City where along with it is the joy and fun I had with my fellow finalists coming from the different regions of the country. Exchanging thoughts and opinions with the youths of my age and other faculty members from the other universities who attended the assembly is an opportunity which I can never forget.

I thanked those universities who adopted and hospitably entertained me during the entire convention. They never failed to make me feel comfortable despite the loneliness of being a lone delegate from the university which I am representing. Never mind that I was struggling from being financially challenged unlike my fellow finalists who were totally supported by their universities, never mind that there was no consideration in the costs of preparing all my documents in the college unlike all of my fellow finalists, still, everything is worthy. After all, recognition is nothing. What is more of being an outstanding is the drive to genuinely serve the people. 

List of Finalists (this is just based on what I remembered)

1. Sonny B., University of San Carlos

2 Jenny P., University of San Carlos

3. Guiller D., University of the Philippines Visayas- Tacloban

4. John, Bicol University

5. Mark V., Western Visayas State University

6. Arisa B., De La Salle State University- Dasmarinas

7. Zafh, St. Louis University- Baguio

8. Mark. A., De La Salle State University- Dasmarinas

9. Juris, University of Eastern Philippines

10. Jamie. Far Eastern University

Isang Mapagpalayang Bagong Taon sa Lahat!

2012 BACKTRACKS

1.  First time I made my hair blonde.

Blonde hair for the whole month of August! 

2.  First time I traveled abroad.

[Inset] My pose together with a friend as we are going to board at ANA Airlines bound to Tokyo, Japan

3.  First time I was not included in an honorific scholarship in college.

4.  First time I joined a search for Mr. DSS.

This was the craziest experience. I'm on pressure! Nevertheless, this never ended.

5.  First time I visited my mother’s hometown in Panglao, Bohol.

[Inset] A pose with my mother outside the ancestral house.

6.  First time I sang in a videoke bar.

How to welcome 12-12-12? A videoke experience will suffice that. The picture was taken on December 12, 2012 at 12:12 past midnight.

7.  First time I joined a Grand Reunion with my first time seen relatives.

Together with my cousins! :) 

8.  First time I'm in a serious relationship.

For the mean time, I want us to stay away from public recognition as we are both public figures. Time really has a say. 

9.  First time I went to the campuses of UP Los Banos, UP Diliman, and UP Manila.

10.First time I traveled via land trip to Manila vice versa.

11.First time I rode a bump car.

Star City bump car! 

12.First time I attended Simbang Gabi in Tacloban City.

13.First time I ate a lamb’s meat.

Lamb's meat is ...stretchy? :)

14.First time we were robbed inside our boarding house.

15.First time I touched a snow.

16.First time I rode in a cable car.

17.First time I got addicted to coffee.

18. First time I traveled via Shinkansen or publicly known as bullet train

19. First time I used LRT in traveling from Taguig to UP Diliman.

20. First time I took a peek in the Senate's Budget Hearing among Philippine Senators.

Before we witness the Senate Budget Hearing, I took the opportunity to sit on a desk inside the Senate Museum Hall.

An Interpretation to Rizal’s Poem Entitled “To the Filipino Youth”

What was Rizal's wish for the Filipino youths? What do Filipino youths need to possess according to Rizal? Did he hope for the youths to be genius or brave? These main questions seek to investigate  the reasons for Dr. Jose P. Rizal in writing his popular poem, "A La Juventud Filipina".

Jose Rizal was 18 years old when he wrote the prize-winning poem, A La Juventud Filipina, an immortal poem which is so much cherished by every Filipinos, especially the youths. What does this poem tell about?

The poem’s theme, “Grow, O Timid Flower”, simply shows persuasion. To ‘grow’ sounds compelling from Rizal who always wanted to make everyone rise amid the cruelty that dominates under the leadership of Spain. Using the word ‘timid’, he described the Filipino youths of his age as cowards who learn nothing but submit themselves to wills of the Spaniards. Definitely, Rizal wrote the poem out from disappointment. No matter what, he still sees the hope for every Filipinos. Like a flower opening from its overnight closure, he expected the youths to grow and shine.

Rizal mentioned “Spaniard’s holy land” and “crown’s resplendent band” in the 4^th stanza of his poem showing good attributes to the Spaniards. These words were chosen to balance his thoughts of criticizing them in the 3rd stanza, where Spaniards put "chains" to every Filipinos. Rizal called to untie the chains and prevail the youths' “spirit free”.

In the poem, he advocated for rising and waking up.  Did Rizal ever think of arm struggle? Though he wanted to make Filipinos spread around the flame, go for the sacred fire, and use one’s divine voice, Rizal was seemingly unclear about his specific moves to save the country. As we all know about him, Rizal neither introduced arm struggle or a bloody revolution to claim for victory. Instead, he advocated for an immortal strength, one that must use his intellect.

All of Rizal’s dreams to the Filipino youths are simply a replica to what he has done throughout his life. He was more bias towards using one’s own intelligence to fight against the flaming zone created by the Spaniards. He even portrayed a pen as mightier than a sword. On the 8^th stanza, he even wanted to transform the clear accent of every Filipinos, which is the voice of freedom of every Filipinos, to a magical art using a brush that is to be simply portrayed on a canvas.

Simply speaking, Rizal wants to communicate the means of making peaceful process to achieve freedom. This is an immortal messaged directed to the present and the future. It is imperative that we must fulfill our responsibilities as we use our skills, knowledge, talent, and strength in advancing our country.

Today, we are called to fight for what is good for the Philippines. Let us not waste the words of Rizal. We,Filipino youths, must identify our niche and maximize our knowledge and skills in our chosen fields. Let us continue working for the advancement of the Philippines.

What is to be a Filipino?

Does it make you less of a Filipino to boast for a wishful desire in having blue eyes and blonde hair on a white Christmas holiday?

I know that there are many Filipino people of my age who are deadly fanatic to Western culture. A friend of mine was even excessively proud to showcase his Italian scent of perfume. More than that, I cannot even fathom how arrogant those some parents who avoid speaking Tagalog or using the mother tongue towards their children when they give instructions. For me, there is nothing more of being a Filipino than appreciating our own language and a satisfied consumer on a brand made in the Philippines. Of course, this is too simple but I will initially settle on this.

It is extremely important to establish one identity that binds the fragmented view of being a Filipino. It is only through our sense of nationalism that we foster cooperation in advancing our country from the rank of being a 3^rd world state. All Japanese can identify themselves as Japanese, so as Chinese, Europeans, and Americans. All of them enjoyed at the helm of being politically and economically developed countries. With nationalism, we care for what concern the others. We eventually establish sense of belongingness to others whom we proudly identify as a Filipino. But who we really are? And what is it to be a Filipino?

 It is undeniable that the ever patriotic message people resort to is by citing Rizal’s undying view on “whoever knows not how to love his native tongue is worse than any beast or evil smelling fish” and also the known “tangkilikin ang sariling atin”. However, several thoughts can easily dispute this idea about patriotism on whether it is widely practiced or not. 

What really makes us say that we are Filipinos? Most students’ answers will be then based on physical appearance. We proudly recite that Filipinos have a “kayumanggi na balat”, which our elementary teachers would dictate us. Given this, how about the same feature among the Thais, Cambodians, or even the Vietnamese? Even if we think more distinct features that can separate us from the other nationalities in the world, we still can hardly identify on who we really are.

We Filipinos indeed do not have a unique physical appearance that set us apart from our brothers and sisters in Asia. We cannot solely claim that our beliefs of being Filipino are exclusively for us. Nevertheless, the issue that matters is on how to be a genuine Filipino that our forefathers whished us to be. Living with the illusions of possessing foreigner’s appearance was not the promise of Rizal for us, neither with Bonifacio, and nor with those all heroes listed on our history books.

For one to be a Filipino, we must be able to look beyond on what is reserved for our beloved country. We may learn from our haunted experiences from the past but must keep moving forward. Like the historical EDSA People Power 1, youths of today must learn how the attitude of unity and courageousness chained the people to march and topple the government. This indeed makes us appreciate social cohesion against a repressive regime. But what is truly happening right now only reflects the disappointments that our grandparents experienced years back. Some of our leaders continue to corrupt as a practice that long time ago plagued our government. If we already saw the impact of corruption in the society then our elected officials must move forward and keep away from this crime.

For one to be a Filipino, we must be able to help one another in building a one nation that promotes a culture of peace, a nation that will surely never break. But the current situation defeats the dream of our heroes. A Filipino nation has been contested. Some critique on the Imperial Manila and the secessionist Muslims in Mindanao.

For one to be a Filipino we must stand up and talk to what is necessary to discuss in this time when there is a social stress. These are the problems on our judicial system, educational system, our local government units, and other institutions that our heroes had fought for. It is through our discourses and debates that will straighten the road for development.

For one to be a Filipino, we must be able to understand the value of being brave. Our national hero was indeed a walking subversive. Bonifacio’s arm struggle had left a remarkable consciousness to the people too. Many Filipinos during those times willingly gave up their lives for one dream of setting Philippines free from the repressive Spanish government. With today’s problems that we Filipino people are facing, we must live up to what our role as citizens wanted us to be. We must be brave in times when the government is returning to its bad image from the past. Let’s not wait to be victims of impunity, enforced disappearances, and any tools that other entities use to take our rights away from us.

Finally, what is to be perfectly a Filipino is to live up the mandate that our heroes had fought for more or less a century. For me, being a Filipino is more than appreciating our culture and products but simply to live what are we here for- to move forward for our country, to help one another, to speak up, and to be brave enough to fight for what is right. All these are attributed to us by all of our Filipino heroes.

A PRELUDE to MY FIRST SEMESTER 2012

Public Debate for UPVTC Student Council Chairperson last February 2012

The first half of my senior life in college particularly on my academics ran along with my first few months in the office of the Student Council. Sometimes, it really takes an effort to balance the two, there are sacrifices, and favor of one over the other depending on my short term call of interest. Nevertheless, I wrap up my experiences by standing proud, thankful, and breathing with contentment. 

Summer 2012. It all started with my efforts to attend the Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP) in UP Diliman with Dessa, one of my incoming councilors. We surely had a fruitful stay with our friends from other college student councils in the UP system. I was joined by my roommates King from UPCebu and Jonah from UPLB CFNR in one of UP Diliman boys dorm where I also happened to meet again a former schoolmate who transferred.. Moreover, we watched inspiring films  in the College of Mass Communication and leadership training at the College of Law.   After KASAMA sa UP was the General Assembly of Student Council (GASC). Amendments to the Codified Rules of Student Regent Selection was heatedly debated but ended up with a no-no decision to amend it.

KASAMA sa UP discussion held in one of the rooms at the College of Law, UP Diliman

Film Showing at MassCom Theater

Picture at 3rd Floor Vinzons Hall in UP Diliman. This picture I had with UPLB Chair Ynik Ante and UPCebu UPV-USC Lord Escatron was took after  former UP Student Regent Krissy Conti adjourned the GASC around 3 in the morning.

On April 6, I met my first nephew at the airport in Manila.  I know that I am not good in dealing with children  because I personally don't have interest in befriending with them but my nephew is an exemption. Of course,  aside from being a member of my family, I am entertained by his intelligence which makes him distinct to all other children I met.

A picture with my nephew Ken at Jollibee Baclaran during our lunch last April.

After our short acquaintance, I went to meet my co-student ambassadors at the Manila International Youth Hostel. We had a good time together during our stay all due because of our supervisors who gave us time to know more each other as a preparation for our pre-departure orientation at the DLSU-College of Saint-Benilde Hotel.

Snack time! This was one of the perfect bonding time.

This picture was took last April 8, 2012 when we had a registration at the CSB Hotel. We were the early birds!

Our MOA tour was also fun! I just bought one umbrella because of unexpected rains in Japan :)

Line! Excited and thrilled at NAIA Terminal 3.

Last few shots taken in our last few minutes stay in the Philippines!

This is really Japan! This was the food given to us during our lunch inside  ANA Airlines. More of this kind of food to eat for the next days. It was a 4-hour travel from Manila to Tokyo. 

On our way to Tokyo Dome Hotel, Taki-san showed us one of his tricks (shown above) . He was a very cheerful man during our Japan stay. He was like a father to all of us. He even gave us the opportunity to meet her daughter who treated us in McDonalds in Sapporo City, Hokkiado.

Bedroom at Tokyo Dome Hotel. Carpeted floor is awesome!

And this explains after grabbing these two flaglets. 

First night in Tokyo, Japan was fun. At the back is Tokyo Dome where indoor baseball games are  held. 

My favorite Doraemon!

Downtown Tokyo picture of my fellow student ambassadors.

We were heading to Minamisanriku this time while waiting for the Shinkansen or bullet train. Minamisanriku  town was seriously struck by tsunami last 3.11.11

Join us as we travel from Tokyo to Minamisanriku Town (video above)!  As ambassadors, we were able to listen stories and communicate with few survivors. Below  are the pictures collected in our tour in Minamisanriku Town, Sendai Prefecture.

A pile of destroyed cars washed away by the tsunami.

This photo was personally captured by my fellow student ambassador.
This is also a prominent tsunami aftermath picture in Japan.

Dinner at Hotel Kanyo. Sitting in that position challenges me more.

After we had lectures, talks, discussions in Sendai Prefecture, we finally went back to Tokyo for our trip to Sapporo City in Hokkiado Prefecture, the northernmost province in Japan. As expected, we will be experiencing a very cold temperature.

This is the official picture of Hokkaido Group. At our back is the MIR station  formerly owned by USSR.

This tour in Tomakomai National College of Technology will always be remembered! They are students of our age and its nice to mingle with them. I can't  forget how one of them burst into tears when we left.

We will miss Tomachops! This is taken at Tomakomai Municipal Hall  just after we met the Town Mayor. 

One of the most exciting part of the trip is the homestay with our foster parents. I was assigned together with my foster brother from Bohol, who is also my fellow student ambassador. We were sent to a couple aged 59 and 60 years old. My foster parents have two children but they were not in Tomakomai during our homestay. I had fun with the Kubota Family. They definitely treated us as their sons. They toured us on those different nearby beautiful spots in Tomakomai and share about our culture and personal backgrounds. Eating their food and communicating with them is the hardest thing to deal with.

This was during the first day that we met our foster parents.

This one was during our farewell party. Tears and goodbye messages flowed in the hall. On the rightmost is my fellow student ambassador whom we shared the same foster parents. 

After our memorable trip in Japan was my trip to Bohol with my mother. We went to our ancestral house in Poblacion Panglao. It was in the first week of May that they celebrated their feast day there. I had a good time with the Boholanos whether or not they are my relatives. By then I found out that Tawala Beach is the best place to hang out specially at night time.

Captured here are only few of my relatives as we  all gathered  for a group picture during our Guiritan Clan reunion.  A good number of them are hailed from those different provinces in Mindanao.

Our ancestral house in Panglao, Bohol is just located at the corner  of the street facing the public market and the Petron Station. It is indeed a strategic location for businesses that's why the first floor is appropriated for business-seekers while the second floor 's antiquity is preserved.

After spending time with my relatives in Bohol, my mother and I went back to Naval, Biliran and there I had a short time rest for my next trip which is a call for my responsibility. I attended the General Assembly of Student Council in UP Los Banos. This time, we will come up for the UP Student Regent after its tedious process. I decided to take a bus ride from Naval to Manila. I was just alone in the trip and that was my first time. I had no one to talked to. It was a very very long trip that took 34 hours for me before I reached UP Los Banos in Laguna.

MAY LABAN NGA BA SI GREGORIO DEL PILAR?

May laban ba si Gregorio del Pilar? Meron ba talagang labanang magaganap na sasalihan ni Gregorio o may laban nga ba talaga siya kumpara sa kanyang mga kaaway?

Nagagalak akong ipakilala sa inyo ang kaisa-isang barkong pandigma ng Pilipinas na pinangalanang Gregorio del Pilar na inangkat pa mula sa Amerika. Siguro nga ay dapat nga namang ipagmalaki itong ating tagapagtanggol sapagkat si Gregorio ay isang beteranong mandirigma na nagmula pa noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Subalit ang aking pakay ay hindi ipagsigawan ang kakayanan ni Gregorio na ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas kundi ang nakaambang mga kalaban ni Gregorio na kapwa mga malalaking pandigmang sasakyang pandagat ng Tsina.

Ang pag-iisa ni Gregorio ay naghuhudyat ng kahinaan laban sa pinagsamang pwersa ng mga sasakyang pandigma ng Tsina. At ang anggulo ng kahinaan ay nagbibigay daan sa nakaambang gulo. 

Huangyan Island sa salita ng mga Intsik, Scarborough Shoal sa Ingles, at Panatag Shoal sa mga Pilipino, ito ang mainit na pinagaawayan ng Tsina at Pilipinas na umaasang maipaglalaban ni Gregorio.

Ang pagkakalabuan ng Tsina at Pilipinas ay tila baga laban ni David at Goliath. Ang Pilipinas bilang maliit na bansang walang panlaban ay may kapangyarihang angat kaysa sa malaking bansang Tsina. Ang pagkakaibigan ng Amerika at Pilipinas ay nagbibigay ng karagdagang pangamba sa Tsina na lusubin ang maliit na kapitbahay nito sa Timog Silangang Asya. Isang malaking pangamba ay ang  maliwanag na pahayag ni Barack Obama kay Noynoy Aquino nitong ika 9 ng Hunyo na tutulungan nito ang Pilipinas o ang mismong ASEAN sa pagbuo ng agreement sa Tsina tungkol sa “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea”, bilang ito’y gagamitin sa pagsasa-ayos ng mga hidwaan sa rehiyon.

Kung dadaanin sa simpleng legal na bagay, mas papaboran pa din naman ng maraming bansa ang ipinaglalaban ng Pilipinas na Scarborough Shoal bilang may 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) kumpara sa umaabot na ilang daang milya ang layo mula sa mismong kalupaan ng Tsina. 

Bilang karagdagan, ang Pilipinas mismo ay nabibigyan ng pabor dito sa International Law tungkol sa mga hidwaan sa teritoryo katulad ng sa Scarborough. Ito mismo ay alinsunod sa kaso ng “isla ng Palmas” na matatagpuan sa katimugang bahagi ng bansa. Ang isla ng Palmas ay napag-aagawan ng Netherland na dating sumakop sa Indonesia laban sa Amerika na sumakop sa Pilipinas pagkatapos matupad ang Treaty of Paris o ang pagbenta ng Espanya sa bansa sa mga Amerikano. Naging mainit din ang agawan sa islang ito. Sa napagkasunduan, nabigay ang Palmas Island sa Netherlands. Sa kasalukuyan, ang isla na ito ay nasa hilaga ng Indonesia. Ayon sa hatol, kahit mas malapit ang Palmas sa Pilipinas, hindi mismo nagkainteres ang Espanya sa islang ito habang hawak pala nila ang Pilipinas na siyang nagpatalo sa Amerika sa laban. Kung kaya’t ang Netherlands na mas nagpapakita ng soberanya sa isla ang nanaig. Naging kilala at basehan ang “Palmas Island case” pagdating sa mga hidwaan sa teritoryo. Kung sa gayon, pagmamay-ari ng bansa ang Scarborough Shoal kung i-base sa “Palmas Island Case” sapagkat noong 2010, isinali ng bayan ng Masinloc, Zambales ang Panatag Shoal bilang sakop ng kanilang munisipyo.

Nitong taon lang din, na-aproba ng UN ang pag-angkin ng Pilipinas sa isang “undersea landmass” na tinatawag na “Benham Rise” na matatagpuan sa Karagatang Pasipiko. Hitik sa mineral ang naturang “undersea landmass” ayon kay Energy Secretary, Ramon Paje. Ang lugar na ito ay unti-unting umaangat na pinaniniwalaang maapakan na ng mga Pilipino ilang milyong taon mula ngayon.

Batay sa ganitong tagumpay ng Pilipinas mula sa pag-aproba ng UN sa Benham Rise nitong 2012, sa simpleng legal na usapang mas malapit ang Panatag Shoal sa Pilipinas, sa pagbibigay hatol ng hidwaan sa teritoryo na nakabatay sa kaso sa Isla ng Palmas (na lumalabas na pabor sa Pilipinas), at sa pahayag na suporta ng Estados Unidos sa bansa tungkol sa Scarborough na inilapag ni Pnoy sa White House nitong ika-9 ng Hunyo ay nagmistulang malakas at malaki ang Pilipinas laban sa Tsina. Dito ay mas naging katakot-takot ang porma ni Gregorio del Pilar.

Walang interes ang Tsina na isumite ang isyung ito sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). Kahit na sa panahon pa ni Estrada ay isinumite niya ang gusot na ito sa UNCLOS bilang maging subject sa mga angkop na batas. Sa International Law, walang aksyon na magaganap kung isang bansa lamang ang nagsumite ng consent nito sa international body. 

Sa kasalukuyan, bilang stratehiya ng Tsina na maging mahina ang ekonomiya ng bansa ay itinigil nito ang pag-angkat ng mga saging sa Pilipinas. Subalit hindi ito dapat ipangamba, ang pagtaas ng 6.4 porsiyento ng ating Gross National Product nitong unang kwarter ng 2012 na pinakamataas sa buong Timog Silangang Asya at pumapangalawa sa Tsina (na may 8.1%) kung isali sa ranking ang Silangang Asya. Ito ay magiging panlaban natin sa matagal nang pagmamaliit ng Tsina sa bansa.

Kahit na masasabi nating magiging matagumpay ang Pilipinas sa labang ito, magiging galit man ang Tsina sa anumang bansa, ay walang giyerang magaganap. Lumipas na ang isang dekada mula ng matapos ang Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig ay hindi na ito nasundan dahil sa iniiwasang malaking gastos. Hindi ko inaakalang maging katotohanan ang Ikatlong Digmaang Pandaigdig na pamamagatang “China vs. Philippines and friends”. Hanggang bullying lamang ang makakaya ng Tsina at hindi ko sila makikitang magsasayang ng napakalaking pera sa kabila ng gustong maging world superpower. Hindi man nila ito lantarang ipinapahayag ay makikita ang kanilang intensyon na agawin ang titulo ng 21^st century na nasa US supremacy. Malaki na ang impluwensiya ng Tsina sa Africa na siyang 3^rd largest training partner ng kontinente at unti-unting kinakabig naman ng Tsina ang Europa na naghihikahos sa eurocrisis. 

Anupaman, ipinagmamalaki ko si Gregorio del Pilar. Kahit na nakatambay lamang siya at naghihinitay sa mga kapwa Amerikanong barkong pandigma ay masasabing naitagumpay parin niya ang laban! Hephep! Hurray! :D

sources:

The Diplomat: Manila takes on the Goliath

related articles in Philippines Daily Inquirer

related articles in Philippine Star

Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

web.achive.org. (The Island of Palmas)

www.gov.ph (Statement on Presidents meeting with Obama)

betterphils.blogspot.com

haguejusticeportal.net (on Island of Palmas Case)

ANG BAGONG KABANATA SA PULITIKA NG PILIPINAS

Naging makasaysayan ang naturang hatol ng senado sa kaso ng ating dating Punong Mahistrado na si Renato Corona noong ika-29 ng Mayo, taong 2012. Ang limang buwang masining na pakikipagtalastasan na masusubaybayan natin sa medya ay umani ng malakas na atensyon sa sambayanang Pilipino. Matagal na tayong ginambala ng isyung ito. Dahil dito’y di natin maipagkakaila na naging matunog ang kaso ni Corona sa kapwa nating mga mag-aaral, mga magsasaka, mga drayber na nagpapahinga sa lilim ng punong kahoy, at pati na rin sa mga tambay.

Sa mga panahong ito ay mas nakilala natin ang ating mga hinalal na senador kung paano nila naipaglaban ang tama para sa bayan. Di ko makalimutan ang araw ng paghahatol na sa kabila ng pilahan ng mga kawawang estudyanteng biktima sa pagaabandona ng gobyerno sa edukasyon ay naging malakas ang tunog ng mga telebisyon ng mga suki nating kainan sa tapat ng kampus. Nagsiksikan tuloy ang kainan ni Mano Ohsan na dinadayo ng mga mapalad na “iskolar ng bayan” na tapos nang makapag-enroll at kasama ang ibang nagpapalipas lamang ng oras habang hinihintay ang mabagal na resulta ng bracket assignment nila sa STFAP.

Tumatak sa isipan ko ang paliwanag ni Sen. Defensor-Santiago tungkol sa pagiging “quasi-judicial” ng Senado. Ibig sabihin lamang na ang desisyon ng bawat senador ay may halong “judicial” at halong “pulitikal”. Nagiging pulitikal lamang kapag iniisip nila kung ano ang magiging epekto ng kanilang desisyon sa mismong sarili nila. Dahil sa ayaw ng karamihan si Corona, nagiging ayaw narin ng ibang senador si Corona na maupo pa sa pwesto. Eleksyon na naman sa 2013! Syempre, may “k” ka sa mga tao kung “guilty” ang hatol mo kay CJ Corona.

Nakakatuwa at nakakataba ng puso na maraming mga Pilipino ang interesado sa pulitika ng Pilipinas. Maraming masang Pilipino ang nakakaintindi sa isyu ni Corona, bilang isang midnight appointee na minsan ma’y sumasalamin sa katiwalian ng dating pangulong GMA. Kung galit ang taumbayan kay GMA, galit din ang taumbayan kay CJ Corona. Syempre, boss niya si GMA. Kinamumuhian natin siya sa kanyang mga umaapaw na tagong yaman habang marami ang nagugutom sa lansangan at minsan ma’y nakakain lamang ng isang beses sa isang araw. Kinamumuhian ko siya bilang pinakamataas na alagad ng  batas na mismong may planong takasan ang ilang batas na napag-aralan.

Kahit papano ay naging mahalagang bagay din ang panunungkulan ni Corona sa pamamahagi ng lupa sa mga nagigipit na magsasaka sa Hacienda Luisita. Nadaya man sila ng pamilya Cojuangco-Aquino, naging matagumpay naman ang mahigit isang dekadang pakikipaglaban nila sa lupang matagal nang inagaw. Bilang karagdagan ay nangangamba tayong magmistulang diktador ang ating pangulo kung malakas ang impluwensiya ni Aquino sa tatlong sangay ng ating gobyerno (ang Ehekutibo, Lehislatura, at ang Hudikatura).

Kontrabida man si Corona sa paningin ni Aquino, at kontrabida man si Arroyo sa buhay nating lahat, maliban sa sariling lalawigan kung saan siya ay nahalal na Kongresista sa kabila ng maraming katiwalian, ay makikita natin silang tatlo na kontrabida sa masang Pilipino. Ang walang katapusang debate sa K+12 at ang patuloy na pagkaltas ng badyet ng gobyernong Aquino sa edukasyon ang siyang nagpapaitim sa kanyang dilaw na simbolo.

Ngayon na ang panahon na magbalik serbisyo ang Senado sa mga dapat maisabatas na  mga naisumiteng panukala. Ang haba ng panahong nasayang. Tila nakalimutan na ba ang pang-aagaw ng Tsina sa Scarborough na teritoryo ng ating bansa? Mahalagang marinig natin ang opinyon ng Senado at ng Kongreso sa isyung may kinalaman sa “foreign policy” ng Pilipinas.

Kinakailangan din na magkaroon tayo ng bagong Punong Mahistrado na walang kinikilingan at walang pinoprotektahan. Bagama’t siya’y magiging appointed ni Pangulong Aquino ay hindi nararapat na maging tuta siya ng ating Pangulo o maski sinumang makapangyarihan sa bansa.

Ngayon ay Hunyo na! Ilang buwan nalang ay magiging matunog na naman ang mga tatakbo sa eleksyon sa susunod na taon. Alam kong magiging abala na naman ang medya sa pagpapakilala ng ating mga kandidato pero sana naman ay mas bigyang pansin ang kumakalam na sikmura ni Juan dahil sa lomolobong kahirapan. Hindi ba’t nangunguna tayo sa lahat ng nasa Timog-silangang Asya sa Gross National Product sa first quarter (January-March) nitong taon? Ang pasan ng gobyerno ay mapatunayan at maiparamdam ang ganitong balita sa mga naninirahan sa Payatas at sa mga taga Silverio Compound.