"Selective criticisms; Selective judgements"

It has been quite a while since I last wrote, yet this is quite not an ideal topic for me to break the ice.

Recently there were some issues that has caught everybody's attention, drawing each and everyone's opinion as well, and with all due respect, everyone's entitled to it.  But generally, I am quite irritated as how the majority responded to each of these issues.

My opinion is that, we (Filipinos) have a selective criticism behavior.  What's worst is that some of them speak as if they are "holier than thou", injecting their moral concerns while bashing the supposed guilty party. 

I am not siding anybody, this is my personal take. 

Here are some of the examples (a few happened in a not so distant time, up to the latest, based on my awareness of such events) of how people, not sometimes, but most of the time, become selective critics:

1.  The "Diana Zubiri scene at Ortigas Flyover", remember how the public and great "know-all" and "moral guardians" reacted to this photoshoot by FHM at that time?  Some people criticized, even filed case to  FHM and Ms. Zubiri for such act, calling it as well as a distraction to the traffic, much more, it was "improper" for her to be in such outfit in public. Let me compare it to what we have now:

  The recently concluded Bb. Pilipinas had a parade of beauties, and in their bikinis.  And how did the general public reacted?  Ms. Zubiri was alone when the people criticized her in her bikini, while just recently, people applauded and admired the 40 candidates who paraded in similar outfit.  Majority rules?  And I was not aware of anybody complaining of such "distraction" and moral issues.

2.  Remember how the public reacted to then President GMA's comment on her sex-life despite her poor administration, and how people right now frolic on PNoys supposed "lovelife" despite his poor administration as well?


3.  I recalled back in the 90's how Sen. Sotto bashed Eraserheads with their song "Alapaap", supposedly suggesting that the song was about drugs, their other song "Kaliwete" also gathered criticisms of supposed sexually suggestive double meaning, there are other local artists that were also labeled of such "crime"; Last year, the CBCP banned a local rap-artist song entitled "Banana", a supposed parody of another foreign artist's (Akon) song. 

Why selective?  Listen to our local radios, and you can point out some songs which not only we can imply double meaning, some songs talk "directly" about sex, drugs, alcohol.  Latest songs to name a few are Katy Perry's "Peacock", Akon's "I Just Had Sex"  Rihanna's "S&M"  which explicit talks about the singer's sexual fascination/fetish.  Aside from the lyrics, check out the videos, and these also enjoy airtime in some of our local music video channels.

And where are our "moral guardians"? Must be tuning to a different station.

4.  I had enough of the Janjan issue and I need not elaborate on it.  My take?  Why feast your fangs on one incident, when there are other shows that, it may not have shown a minor being abused on live televisions, but these shows have an effect on kids that is worse than what that Janjan kid had experienced.  if these critics are very much concerned on the issue, they should be more concerned of the millions of kids watching at home, exposed to shows which imply a basic business-earning formula, "sex sells".  How come these noontime shows with scantily clad dancers get away with it?  With celebrities doing sexy dance numbers, telenovelas with sexy scenes, there was even one show of Party Pilipinas with the theme "Strip Tease", and it didn't even received criticisms. 

Talk about abuse of minors, imagine the kids who watched these kinds of shows, and tell me how do their minds perceive those images and scenes from the tube.

5.  AFP corruption issue is quite funny and sad.  I have so much respect to the men and women who put their lives on the line for the country and our people, and it is quite sad, and disgusting that some of them taint this noble profession.  And what's more embarrassing is that with the state of our national defense, the supposed budget for modernization, and due compensation to those whose lives are at stake are "stolen" by those who were expected to lead.

Funny that some of these supposed brave officials resort to hiding when issues are thrown against them.  And it is quite irritating that some of them, who are supposed to be molded by an elite institution to uphold, trust, loyalty and integrity, blame the public, the society, the civilian community had tainted their idealism with corruption and deceit. 

Sadly, how one can come out, exposing anomalies of which he was once part of, and with this "courageous" act of expose, he is now considered as a "hero", a medium for change.  Truly this is one brave act, but on the other hand, it is more of a cowardly act, why?  In exchange of his expose, he should not be accused of such crime of which he was once part of? (Rabusa to file raps vs former bosses over AFP corruption)

6.  Advertisements, in order to sell, should have an "it" factor, a creative, catchy theme, gimmick.  What bothered just the other day is the pulling out of one of my recent personal favorite McDonald's Commercial saying that the ad conveyed a wrong message on relationships to viewers, especially minors. 

In that case, CBCP should look into other similar media with similar  issues of having/sending a wrong message on relationship to minors.  Are they aware that some television shows/telenovelas depict that almost all relationships involved a love triangle, and the parties/characters involved are young teen celebrities?  I recall one kiddie talent show before, the host asked the kids who among their co-participants are their crushes. 

Pulling said advertisement and saying it a success is really a failure, with the technology today, this clip is available anytime in the internet.  And if they are very much concerned as to how kids would perceive relationships, (related to my previous paragraph), below is a billboard of said youngstars endorsing an apparel brand:

"Return to Temptation".  What does that supposed to mean?  How can you explain to a minor what temptation is about, when another billboard shows this:

Now, what is temptation?



Sadly, this is how people look at things, and yet these same people act like they are the authority, and based on some of the items I mentioned.

And this is how I see things as well.

Loving that Sunday Music

I have always wondered, even way before,

Why is it that during Sundays, most of the radio stations, are playing those old, classic music?  

This was the case when I was in the province, and I was surprised to know and to have observed this similar case with most of the radio stations here in Manila, except of course the stations who are playing mainstream music, on Sundays, they are playing songs as early as the 80's.  But what I am referring to here are music from the 60's, and even earlier.  Yes, those artists that if there was MTV back then, it would be in full black and white color.

Much as I admire the latest and the contemporary songs that we have now, however fact is most of the stuff that we have now are products of post-editing, mixing and used with the latest gadgets and effects.  The true mark of a good song/songwriter, or even a singer for that matter, is that he or she can still deliver the same energy, the same intensity, the same feeling, the same message of the song plainly with his song.  I recall one similar passage (if I'm not mistaken, it was from MTV Unplugged), and this may not be in verbatim, "Real musicians generate the same power, with or without electricity", or something similar to that effect.

Strangely, I love listening to these genuine, unadulterated music, untainted with any hint of electronic enhancements.  I appreciate the way it was then; PURE MUSIC.  SIMPLY MUSIC.

Although right now, record companies are re-releasing these songs on CD format, digitally re-mastered.  Even those songs available online, (yes, I am one of those who downloads, and I know I am not alone), have been edited, polished.  However, for me, I would still prefer their original sound, I would choose listening those songs on vinyl over the cds that we have now. Listening to those small creaks while the turntable plays those vinyl brings an unexplainable feeling of calmness, and a sense of enjoyment.  It is something that me, and my mother and my lola would enjoy listening to, and I would like to sing along with them, just give me time to look for the lyrics and study the song. 

We lost our vinyls when we moved back then.  Which leads me to one of my quite personal wishes at present, to have a fully restored vinyl player, and to "treasure" hunt those albums to start my collection.  Personally, I would be happy, but I hope, my mother and my lola would be happier if I could bring back a piece (or songs) from their time.  As for now, I settle myself by giving them copies of such songs in cds, and I hope, that soon, hopefully, I will give them that vinyl player and those LPs, that we'll listen and sing along with. 

 

What is really the true value of EDSA 1?" (my thoughts on PNOY's message during EDSA's 25th Anniversary)

I was born on 1982, and I was about a little over 3 years old when EDSA Revolution (EDSA 1) took place.  As a toddler (obviously), I was not aware of the historic event that took place at that time.  Politically speaking, from the limited sources, I had to puzzle the events that brought about such gathering.  There were pros and cons.  Up to now, I still am learning and understanding it.  I am not writing this to judge the people behind the dictatorship, nor the people who were united to oust it.  I am writing this because I would like to dissect, and probably probe, and what and why did PNOY came up with such message during yesterday's celebration.   Here are my thoughts.


I have nothing but respect to the people who gathered around, 25 years ago, united for a common cause. It was indeed a very fateful day for the Filipino people.  And I have the same respects to the people who during those "dark" times, stood up for what is right.  And I deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by them, of which served as catalysts for change.


For me, the real values of EDSA 1 are 3 things; Freedom, Respect, Unity.


However, as I listened to the radio yesterday, frankly I was saddened and got irritated by the reports of the contents of PNOY's speech, stressing, hitting the terms and leadership the previous presidents, specifically that of the Marcoses and the Arroyos.  After 25 years, I'm sorry but the son of one of the pillars of EDSA 1 is once again merely sensationalizing the issues that was a thing of the past. 


In our history, there was no such thing as the perfect administration.  As always, he did what is best at doing; pointing fingers.  As he threw those words, and accusations; he should have thought about it.  As he blamed the previous administrations, is he not aware that former President Ramos was with him?  Why didn't he pointed out the flaws of Mr. Ramos' administration.  Or the fact that after EDSA 1, his mother, with all due respect, didn't had a perfect administration as well, why didn't he pointed that out as well.  More so, it is quite sad as he pointed out at after  25 years, the nation had suffered, he should have also thought, what have he done in those 25 years. During his years as a congressman and even a senator, what are the things that he had accomplished?  Can he even mention a single thing that made an impact?  It sickens me to hear him like he is "discreetly" saying that he is the Messiah, the one to save this nation from the past administrations' flaws, the one who will rid of corruption in this country, and the one who will lead us to the so-called "daang matuwid."


I am simply sick and tired that whenever he addresses the nation, he is always pointing fingers.  I was on the way to the office last Thursday, and I saw a group of people, nuns, soldiers, civilians, walking, with streamers in hand, saying, "Walk the Pnoy Talk".  Personally, this was both true, and pathetic.  True, he only has words, we have yet to see him walk his talk, and it is quite pathetic that there are a lot of people around him, his advisers who tolerate such action. 


It is quite ironic, that he is calling for unity, when he himself is dividing the nation, like he just did in his speech, to me it is just calling for the "majority".  I understand he still has personal issues with the Marcoses and the Arroyos, but as the leader of this country, he should have at least weighed things better.  The Marcoses now, with due fairness and respect to them, they are in their respective capacities are good leaders.  The Arroyos are a different story.  Bottom line is, call for the true essence of unity, and this time, let us move forward, with concrete plans, concrete directions, concrete leadership.


I apologize if I have offended anybody with this write-up, this is just me, exercising one of the values I have learned, freedom, this time, my freedom of speech.  This is me, one of the citizens of our country, who is also hoping, that the true values would lead us to a better, stronger future.

PNoy takes swipe at media sensationalism (Yahoo! News, c/o ABS-CBN Feb, 18, 2011)

This might get me into trouble; first and foremost, I am not much a person who knows a decent knowledge about politics but this is me thinking aloud, this is me writing as a citizen, and this is me, expressing my thoughts over this article.  I am not the model/ideal citizen that a country can hope for, yet I try to be.  I'm just a plain, ordinary guy who lives in this country, and this is my voice, and the following are just some of my thoughts and reactions about the subject, and its subject.

I have read this article last week, and I have been holding myself back from reacting to its contents.  My thoughts? Isn't it kinda ironic that the President, who I believe, was elected by media sensationalism, is now calling out to our people to "make the right decisions" and to "look into the truth and not be blinded by such media sensationalism, nor emotions triggered by such." 

A quick review; election 2010, let's look into the facts, the truth; if we have made the right decisions, there were candidates that were far, and I mean way better, more competent to handle the highest post in the land.  That was in-your face truth, but what happened to that?  Media sensationalism, and the result, we have what we have right now.  However, we should also acknowledge that is was a clean, fair elections.

No. 2, what are the things that had happened, and how did he respond to such events?  Not to mention, how did the people he appointed responded as well.   To the many issues, controversies, incidents, how did he and his men fair?  Frankly, it sucks, but again, what did some of us say, "let us give him a chance to prove himself".  Pardon my French but, what the eff, he had the guts to ran for this position, and despite his incompetencies that I hope he is aware of, he should or his so-called advisers should have at least know what they are going in to. Question is, will his early years be a training ground for him and for the some people he entrusted key government positions?  You only got 6 years, and I do hope it will not be extended.  We wish they could make the most of the remaining term.


No. 3, blaming the state of the nation from the past regime.  Sure, the country had a hell of a ride from the previous regime, but my point is that he should not dwell to that fact and make himself look like a clean slate.  Media sensationalism made him, frankly look like the new hope.  To further stress my premise, let's just say it was because of the previous regime that we are in these state now, what about the regime prior to that, and another regime back and further back, it would be the same lame excuse.  And he should take note that his mother was a part of the previous regimes.  Simply put, were there significant improvements made in our country?  Was it (the administration) better than her predecessor?  Fact of the matter is, instead of pointing fingers, he should start doing what he is supposed to do.


No. 4.  And this is quite sad, and embarassing, that despite the issues and problems, is it really of national interest that we are into and take fancy his personal life.  True, you got a nice prosche,  but man, you should be the epitome of a government leader who lives a simple life.  The sad part? Again some of us whould justify his act, we hear, "he's a bachelor, it's his own money."  Even if it was bought from out of his personal finances, it is still inappropriate.  

Another thing, how come the public takes interest on his love-life?  The sad part, again, is that the people take "much" interest of it, sidelining incompetencies and some issues in his reign, over his sightings at a various places, and everyone is much interested as to who is he with.  Kris is Kris, that should be enough, if only we could rid of her but him, man, you're the President.  I respect that you're a bachelor and that you have all the right and privilege to do that, but my point is please, you're no Kris that every step or every word or even every thing she thinks of, she makes a fuss about it.  There are some celebrities who had hid their private lives from the privy eyes of the public, and my respect goes to them.  It is such a lame excuse that if you are a celebrity or a public figure, your life is an open book.  It is still your choice.  As for this part, please, one Kris is enough.

There a lot of things still that are in my mind, but as now, I'm gonna hold them back.  Again this is not a hate write-up, this is me thinking a loud.  This is me wishing for something better.  

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not. - Kurt Cobain

The song American Pie was written to commemorate the death of  rock legend Buddy Holly, saying that that was the day the music died; death of some of our greatest musicians also left us grieving, that again as the song implied, their music had gone along with their graves.

Contrary to the song, I came to know about Kurt Cobain's existence, and his music on the day he died, and up to now, it still lives within me.  So I am writing this piece on his birthdate, as my respects to the great musician. 

That was amost 17 years ago when I saw my sister, glued to our uncle's television set, (as we do not have our own cable connection yet at that time), I was very much intrigued because it was one of the rare instances that I got to see my sister in front of the television for that long and it was on MTV, and I remember MTV News was on at that time.  I saw a hint of grief in her.  I joined her and asked what happened.

"Kurt Cobain died."

I had no idea who he was at that time, and I felt ashamed for it, as I watch (on MTV) people grieving at the loss of  one of music's greatest icons.  And on that day, I attentively watched MTV as they paid tribute to him, playing countless music videos from Nirvana, live sets, documentaries, interviews, and even the whole Unplugged in New York Sessions.  Before we turned off the tv that time, MTV played thier "immortal", anthem-ic song (if there was such a term), "Smells Like Teen Spirit";as for me, another face/phase of rock music unfolded and awakened my senses.

Thank you, to the Grand-daddy of Grunge Rock, who should have been 34 today, your music lives on. 

4 Gaming Lessons That Might Just Get You That Big Promotion

http://ph.yahoo.matchmovegames.com/newsarticle/4-gaming-lessons

If only they can come up with a study as to the soft skills acquired by playing NBA 2k11 and WWE Smackdown vs Raw, or that I have yet to prove...

What is your inner age?

I always tune in to "Good Times with Mo, Mojo and Grace Lee" every weekday mornings on the way to work, and it is always a treat to listen to the different discussions from the radio hosts and the listeners, exchanging ideas, opinions, and even arguments. Subject topic was brought up this morning, and I immediately joined in the discussion (in my mind, that is).

What exactly is my inner age?

A number of callers said they have young inner age, as they related their innocent fascinations with cartoons, toys and theme parks, candies and junk foods as their meals,and many more. Some mentioned that they have "old souls". I got to thinking, what about me?

I am an old soul, trapped inside a 28 year old guy who is also a kid at heart.

I got a few fictional novels in my shelf, and I also got my stash of magazines and comic books as well.

Spaghetti will always be a complete meal for me, anytime of the day.

I download new songs, yet still, I maintain old songs on my file, I still keep my cassette tapes and CDs and just recently, I found haven of vinyls at Cubao Expo as I patiently go thru piles and boxes of vinyls looking for familiar songs that my mother loves and sings; next on my list is to have a working vinyl player.

The same goes with my collection of movies. I've got my copies of contemporary titles and I got Audrey Hepburn movies as well. Whenever I go DVD shopping (care of any resident Captain Hook) I always look for the old titles, with at least a presentable package as I compile them on my shelf.

I was delighted when I got hold of my copies of Bioman, Maskman and Shaider series. I
never grew tired of The Simpsons. Fushigi Yuugi will always be my favorite.

I can watch cartoons and amine with the kids and at the same time, I enjoy watching classic Sampaguita Pictures' movies with my Nanang Belen in full black and white color.

Even when I found out that is is scripted, I always always check WWE from time to time.
I enjoy playing video games on the computer, playstation consoles, yet still, amidst the new game titles, I have classic Nintendo games on my PSP still.

There are still many things to mention to justify my premise. And my family has no choice but to deal with it. :)

As they always say, "Age is just a number", "Growing old is a must, but growing up is a optional", as it should be. As for me, I try to get in touch with both worlds, though it may not be in balance. The important thing is, the world around us may grow old, it is still best to listen to the old souls for wisdom and guidance to deal with the world, and at the same time, always be a kid at heart, and learn to appreciate the even the simplest things in life.  

And just like Peter Pan, the kid who never grew old, said, 

"All you have to do is think one happy thought, and you'll fly like me."