Build, Build, Build

…then, destroy, destroy, destroy

By Apolinario Villalobos

That is how it is in the Philippines. Infrastructures are built and left to deteriorate due to haphazard maintenance. Bridges are provided with lights such as those of Quiapo and Sta. Cruz in Manila, followed by colorful launching complete with media coverage and ribbon cutting, then left to the mercy of vandals and the natural elements due to the negligence of local governments. All airport terminal buildings are in sorry state, one of them even with periodic failure of a lone escalator, while the other one always lands on the pages of broadsheet due to falling ceiling panels. The other one is reported to be with clogged toilets.

Once the “underside” of the LRT (Light Rail Transit) was colorfully painted by a mayor of Manila City, but when he lost in the election, the winner upon assumption of post, practically “deleted” the mark of the previous mayor. Millions of pesos were spent for paints to cover the former “design” and color of posts of the transit system and for the new paint, complete with outdoor plants that in time wilted due to their new environment. Today, the “underside” is again in sorry state. Highways and roads that are still in tip-top condition are destroyed to give way to new “toppings” every time new officials assume post or when the term of the incumbent is about to be finished.

The “Build, Build, Build” of the Duterte Administration

By Apolinario Villalobos

THE NEW ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO “BUILD, BUILD, BUILD”….THEN WHAT?

HOW CAN THE GOVERNMENT AFFORD TO SPEND FOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURES IF IT CANNOT EVEN FINISH A SIMPLE PROJECT SUCH AS EFFECTIVE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AROUND MANILA, MANY OF WHICH ARE LEFT UNFINISHED DUE TO LACK OF BUDGET? AND, THERE IS YET AN IMPORTANT ISSUE ON THE DOABLE OPTION IN DIVERTING THE TRAFFIC FROM THE MAIN THOUROUGHFARES. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE IS A NEED TO IMPROVE THE FACILITIES OF THE PHLIPPINE ARMY, PHILIPPINE NAVY AND COAST GUARDS. THE MILITARY IS SO DEPENDENT ON DONATIONS. THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE COASTAL AREAS AROUND THE ARCHIPELAGIC COUNTRY ARE INADEQUATELY PROTECTED DUE TO THE LACK OF SHIPS AND PATROLS BOATS. ETC. ETC. ETC. ETC. ET.

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEAVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURES TO FOREIGN INVESTORS, PERIOD. ON THE OTHER HAND, IT SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON THE REPAIR OF WHAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN BUILT AS THESE STRUCTURES ARE SHAMEFULLY DILAPIDATED. GOVERNMENT LEADERS SHOULD WORK ON THE PRINCIPLE OF “CONTINUITY”, SO AS NOT TO WASTE THE PEOPLE’S MONEY.

THE PROBLEM OF THE PHILIPPINES AS A NATION ARE HER LEADERS AND THINKERS KUNO IN THE GOVERNMENT WHO REFUSE TO MAINTAIN WHAT HAVE BEEN BUILT BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS. THEY WOULD RATHER BUILD THEIR OWN STRUCTURES ON WHICH TO IMPRESS THEIR NAMES. WORST, SOME OF THESE MORONS DESTROY WHAT HAVE BEEN BUILT DESPITE THEIR BEING USEFUL AND IN THEIR PLACE, BUILD THEIR OWN!

IT IS THIS ATTITUDE THAT INDICATES SELFISHNESS AND CORRUPTION THAT SINKS THE PHILIPPINES FURTHER DOWN THE PIT OF DAMNATION EVERY TIME A NEW ADMINISTRATION TAKES OVER THE REIGNS OF THE GOVERNMENT!

AT THIS POINT IN TIME, I AM WONDERING IF PRESIDENT DUTERTE IS BEING WISE ENOUGH IN GETTING PEOPLE TO FILL UP THE POSITIONS IN HIS ADMINISTRATION. MOST OF THEM MAY JUST CAUSE HIS DOWNFALL DUE TO THE FRIENDLY TRUST THAT HE GIVES THEM.

From Birth to His Death, Money Reigns Supreme

In the Life of Man

By Apolinario Villalobos

Since the time he was born and while cruising the avenue of life, up to the time he is buried in the ground, man is either gripped by financial pressure or wallowing in riches. Man did not choose to be born. He is the result of copulating couples as they vent out their lust in the name of love or maniacal desire. Man has no choice when he begins his journey on Earth, making do with what may be on hand – either the cold sidewalk to sleep on while writhing with pangs of hunger if he belongs to a homeless poor family…or the sweet luxurious life if he is born to a filthy rich family!

If somebody will tell me that money is not everything in this world, I challenge him to go out without a single coin in his pocket and sleep on sidewalks for several nights without dinner. And, it is not right also to say that money is the root of all evils. It is the abusive exploitation resulting to the deprivation of others that makes money viewed as evil.  If there is only fairness in this world, there will be no problem on the issue of wage and the constant soaring of prices of basic commodities, as everything would be affordably fair.

Civilization brought about pollution, so that there is a need for money to counter its effect – medicines, protective clothing, hospitals, healthy food, even the simple surgical mask to somehow block the dirty air from entering our body in vast quantity as we breathe. Civilization created many desires and wants for man. While there was no need for flavor enhancers before, today, for food to taste savory, it must be enhanced with chemicals. While there was no need to travel somewhere before, today, it has become a necessity to satisfy the curiosity about a certain white beach, for instance. While there was no need for frivolous trappings, as simple cotton garments were enough before, today, man has developed a conceited desire to look better than the rest, in his expensive wardrobe and glittering jewelries.

In high-tech first-world countries, governments slap their citizens with sky-high taxes and almost nothing is left with them when they receive their wage, but in exchange for such, there are hospitalization benefit, medical care, etc. , although, controlled by the system. While working hard for the money, the citizens of these nations cannot enjoy its benefit on his free will. In some countries, big savings are questioned and if you are found to be carrying around big amounts, you become suspect of illegal activities. Citizens are forced to use “plastic money” for their “convenience” – the credit cards. In these countries, working parents deposit their children in Day Care centers while they work for the money, a big slice of which goes to the government.

Civilization brought havoc to the once docile life of man. Its onset created competition for food that affected even the so-called “uncivilized” humans living in the vastness of African deserts. Animals that they used to hunt occasionally for food have become scarce and brought to the brink of extinction due to drought that resulted from the destruction of the ozone layer…all because of unabated pollution. Animals hunted for food have become targets for “game hunting” and left to rot after they are felled by bullets from high-powered long-arms intended for such purpose. Big preys have become targets of bounty hunters for medicine and amulets. Those are just a few of the acts of exploitation committed by the moneyed for which the exploited poor persevere.

In the Philippines, there is a custom that calls for the throwing of coins on the path of the mourners as they bring the remains of the departed to the cemetery. Some archaeological diggings brought to light mummified remains with gold coins that cover their eyes. The practice of “changing money” has its roots from the brisk business of the shrewd money changers at the gate of the temples during the Biblical time. These money changers converted various foreign coins into the local tender that could be used as temple offering. Jesus died on the cross because of betrayal by Judas in exchange of several pieces of silver coins.

Money cannot be done away with even by all churches. How can edifices for worship be built without money? How can the evangelists preach on empty stomach? How can they go on shepherding their flocks if they get sick and got no money for medicine? How can a Mass be held early in the morning or evening if the lights are out because of unpaid electric bill?...etc.

There is nothing wrong with money for as long as it is respected and not abused. Most importantly, it should be acknowledged as payment for earthly necessities. Hypocrisy should be done away with in the treatment of money, because it is clearly the fair payment to the priest, for instance, who blessed the remains of the dead person or when he did other acts as required by his vocation, and again…nothing is wrong with that. My unsolicited advice in this regard is…RESPECT MONEY BY USING IT THE PROPER WAY. MOST IMPORTANTLY, DO NOT BE SELFISH BY GRABBING FROM OTHERS WHAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THEIRS!

Ang Solusyon sa Trapikong Sumasakal sa Kalakhang Maynila

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nagpapakahirap ang gobyerno at Metro Manila Development Authority sa paghanap ng paraan kung paanong mabawasan ang trapik sa kalakhang Maynila, ganoong ang solusyon ay nandiyan lang…ang Pasig River. Dapat linisin lang consistently ang Pasig River upang hindi gamiting dahilan ang mga water liliy na sumisira sa mga makina ng mga sasakyang pang-ilog tulad ng ferry. Subalit, ang mga proyekto sa paglinis ng Pasig River ay hanggang launching lamang….kodakan ng mga opisyal na gustong makita ang mga mukha sa diyaryo at TV….pagkatapos ng launching, goodbye na sa project….nagkalimutan na. Tuwing may bagong administrasyon, bagong proyekto din ang nilo-launch. GANYAN KAPANGIT ANG UGALI NG MGA NAKAUPONG OPISYAL….MGA MATATAKAW SA PHOTO OPPORTUNITY….ANO ANG NANGYARI SA “PISO PARA SA PASIG” NA SINIMULAN NI MING RAMOS NOONG PANAHON NI FIDEL RAMOS PRESIDENTE?....WALA!!!!!!

Hindi na dapat pang ipilit ang paggamit ng mga masisikip nang mga kalsada na pinupuno ng mga kotse ng mga mayayaman at mga bus na galing sa ibang bansa na ang hangad ang lokohin ang Pilipinas na tinatapunan ng mga bus na gawa nila. Nakakabahala ang planong paggawa ng subway sa Metro Manila dahil sa palyadong drainage system na ang iba ay iniwang nakatiwangwang. Siguradong pagbaha, maraming malulunod sa mga subway trains. KUNG ANG LRT AT MRT NGA LANG AY MAHIRAP NANG I-MAINTAIN DAHIL SA CORRUPTION, ANG SUBWAY PA KAYA? HINDI PWEDE ANG MGA GANYANG HI-TECH NA FACILITY SA PILIPINAS DAHIL SA CORRUPTION NA MALALIM ANG PAGKABAON SA SISTEMA….ISANG MAPAIT NA KATOTOHANAN!

Kung sa Bangkok, nagawang i-maintain ng gobyerno ang kalinisan ng main river nila na tinuturing din nilang major traffic artery, bakit hindi ito magawa sa Maynila? May floating market ang Bangkok na pwedeng gawin din sa Maynila, subalit ang problema ay ang mga burarang mga iskwater na nakatira sa mga pampang (river banks) na kapag inalis ay aalmahan naman ng mga komunistang grupo at mga human rights advocates kuno.

Ang Pasig River ay pwedeng gawan ng bicycle lane na may bubong mula Escolta hanggang Laguna at iba pang arteries na dumadaloy sa iba’t ibang lunsod at bayan sa buong kalakhang Maynila. Upang magkaroon ng seguridad ay dapat lagyan ng mga ilaw at mga pulis outpost sa mga designated entrance/exit areas kung saan ay pwedeng umakyat at bumaba ang mga commuting cyclists. Pwede ring lagyan ng mga rest areas na may snack kiosks para magamit na pahingahan. Sa simula pa lang ay dapat na itong kontrolin upang hindi magamit ng mga sidewalk vendors. Kapag nangyari yan, ang mga commuters ay gaganahang mag-bike kaysa sumakay ng bus, LRT o MRT dahil makakatipid na sila.

Ang hirap kasi sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas, karamihan ng mga nakaupong opisyal na mga matatalino kuno ay graduate at nagseminar sa ibang bansa kaya ang mga natutuhan ay HINDI ANGKOP sa Pilipinas. Yan ang resulta ng ugaling pangongopya ng mga Pilipino. Dapat ay isaalang-alang ang kultura ng mga Pilipino pagdating sa mga proyekto dahil unang-una, walang disiplina ang mga Plipino. Dahil diyan, ang nangyayari sa Singapore ay IMPOSIBLENG mangyari sa Pilipinas dahil sa ugali ng mga hangal na opisyal na ang palaging tinitinghan sa mga proyekto ay kung paano silang kumita ng komisyon…AT LALONG DAHIL SA KAWALAN NG DISIPLINA NG MGA PILIPINO, NA KAPAG SINITA SA GINAWANG MALI AY TATAKBO SA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION!!!!!

What Excesses can Breed

By Apolinario Villalobos

Anything that is beneficial but taken in excess can be lethal, and anything that is done with good intention, but in excess, can be vicious.

Drugs are supposed to prevent or cure diseases, but when taken in excess can result to unexpected death of a patient, that is why some of these cannot just be bought over the counter of pharmacies, as they need proper prescription from authorized medical practitioners. On the other hand, an overdose of food can cause obesity which can lead to diseases. Drinking water in excess may affect the proper functioning of the heart that is why one of the worst thing that can happen to anyone, is the unchecked water retention of the body.

Too much love can mean pampering that could result to the “spoiling” of the person being “loved”. It can also drive one to commit a crime of passion because of the fatal attraction that developed. And, worst, it can lead the weak of emotion to the verge of insanity. The same is true with kindness which can result to the abuse of the kind-hearted. Along this line, too much familiarity among friends could develop abuse, too, on the part of the ones with weak discipline, disposition, and who are naturally selfish. 

It is not bad to be hardworking, but abusing the body to the point of exhaustion could mean fatigue and if left unchecked could be fatal, too. Also, in a group that is expected to work as a team, those working hard, may be abused by the indolent members who may become overly dependent. That is why, for the sake of teamwork, it is important that roles are played fairly.

As to the expression of faith, those who manifest it with utmost sincerity according to what their religion says, is admirable. However, their boisterous and arrogant attitude about their belief that only they have the right to be saved, really stink. It is revolting to see a faithful with outstretched hands and who walks on his or her knees from the door of the church to the altar, or pretend that he or she is overcome by the “spirit” while praying as shown by his or her fainting or uncontrolled shaking body…a scene that can be comical for others. All these overdose of faith is fanaticism.

Too much freedom in a nation can breed abuse on the part of inconsiderate and undisciplined constituents. And, too much discipline instilled in a person can make him too “sterile” and oblivious to the imperfect, albeit, normal actuations of others.

The Earth needs air and rain, but too much of it, results to typhoon and flood. The same is true with the cool and immaculate snow, as too much of it, results to snowstorm. The wildlife has its own way of “moderation”. And, it seems that lesser creatures are more intelligent than man in observing such discipline. I have seen film footages of different kinds of wild animals milling around drinking holes where the strong are shown chasing the weak with the obvious intention of enjoying the latter as dinner. After the overpowering animals have had their fill, they back off and leave the rest of the packs. But in the case of man, the situation is different, because for as long as there is an opportunity for the greedy to exploit, he practically sucks every drop of blood of the oppressed.

Greed and selfishness are innate in man’s character, but should be manifested in moderation to prevent exploitation of others that could result to their suffering. Unfortunately, it does not happen in politics where greedy officials are not satisfied with what they may have already stolen from the government coffer, and which could already ensure them of a comfortable retirement. They practically, want everything by all means….not only money but lifetime power!

The Beauty of Simple Life

By Apolinario Villalobos

The most beautiful people in the world are those who live the simplest life….that is my own view. For me, beauty is the essence of life and if it becomes complicated, it could no longer be considered as such. To sum it up, simplicity is beauty.

Beautiful people are just around us and I have encountered one in Buluan, Maguindanao. I contracted the guy who drove a pedicab for a couple of hour and as I found him to be trustworthy, aside from the tip, I also bought cookies for his kids and a kilo of fish for their dinner….simple gifts that I could afford. I was touched when he told me with utmost gratitude, “sir, sobra-sobra na po itong grocery” (sir, these grocery items are too much). The guy who eventually became like a brother to me, considered the cookies from the bakery and the fish from the wet market as precious groceries and which for my friend were special gifts, especially, because the Ramadan was closing. Unfortunately, for many people, only items at SM Supermart and other big outlets, that should be overflowing out of grocery bags are “GROCERIES”.

While I was on my way to Baseco Compound in Tondo, one early morning, I stopped for a mug of coffee and a pack of Skyflakes cracker at a sidewalk carinderia for breakfast. While I was about to open the cellophane wrapper of the biscuit, a scavenging couple and their young kid of about 4 years old, stopped by and asked for a glass of drinking water from the carinderia owner. As it was not yet 7AM, I presumed that they have not taken anything yet to warm their guts up. They could have just hit the road as shown by their empty plastic garbage bag. I invited them for breakfast of coffee and Skyflakes which they declined but due to my insistence, they sat down. I opened the biscuit wrappers for them as they were hesitant to pick them up. The woman shared her Skyflakes with her husband and their kid while carefully inserting the two packs in her soiled and dirty backpack…she did it as if she was doing a ritual in handling a fragile object. The Skyflakes crackers were treated with special care as they would probably become the family’s lunch for the day. I was almost moved to tears upon hearing the kid repeatedly say, “sarap, sarap” while munching bits of biscuits with much care.

When Jesus bid his disciples goodbye, the farewell fare was unleavened bread that he broke into several pieces to be shared by everybody. Wine which could have been limited in quantity was passed around. It was a special occasion that initiated the series of events leading to the spiritual salvation of Christians for generations to come.

Today, occasions can never be considered “special” if it is not held in expensive restaurants, five-star hotels, or resorts, with the expense that should run up to almost or even more than a million pesos!

Life in this world has greatly become complicated!....an ugly reality!

Baras Bird Sanctuary Revisited

By Apolinario Villalobos

The last time I visited the Baras Bird Sanctuary was during the successful celebration of the Bird Festival 2017 last May. Lately, I visited it again but it was some kind of a reunion with college buddies, Rey Malana, the owner of the avian reservation park and Charles del Campo who was with his second wife, Neneng. When we arrived, the park wardens were busy with the laying down of new tiles for the pathway that wound around the bamboo and “kakawate” grove. Mr. Malana, himself, showed as around while pointing to interesting birds, some of which belong to very rare species. While going around, we had to cover our head with salakot to protect us from bird droppings.

Overhead, branches of trees and leaning bamboos lush with foliage and twigs were dotted with nests. Birds of various species were oblivious of our presence. Egrets were either on the ground while the rest were minding their nest. Fallen bamboos were left to rot to maintain an ambience akin to a forest. Meanwhile, a few feet away from the pathway, the brownish Upper Katungal or Kapingkong River continued rushing toward the Ala River.

After our tour, Rey treated us to a film showing that featured a documentary about the sanctuary. I was personally amazed at how the city and Baras with its Bird sanctuary were beautifully presented, especially, from the bird’s eye view.

Rey confided that he has been a nature lover ever since he observed the regular homing of egrets to the bamboo grove of their farm. To keep the avian park well-maintained, the city government has granted it a subsidy. Working in tandem with Rey in keeping the birding hobby and nature awareness in Tacurong alive is Ms. Emelie P. Jamorabon of the city tourism office. She surprised me with her thorough knowledge of the birds that have found home in the swamps around the city, as well as, the Bird Sanctuary itself. When I paid her a visit, she excitedly opened a site in the internet about the birds of Tacurong posted by avid birdwatchers who regularly visit the city.

Both Mr. Malana and Ms. Jamorabon are hoping that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) could further help the city government in preserving the identified homing areas of endemic and migratory birds, especially, the almost three hectares Baras Bird Sanctuary. Another identified area is a swamp within a private land in Carmen, which according to Ms. Jamorabon will be developed into a subdivision.

Those who are interested to visit Tacurong, the gateways are Davao, General Santos and Cotabato cities. The staff of the City Tourism Office on the second floor of the City Hall, and the receptionists, as well as, the park wardens of the Baras Bird Sanctuary are more than willing to assist for quick tours.