The Homecoming

My mother accompanied me to the jeepney terminal. I am excited. Mixed emotions. I have butterflies in my stomach.

It’s been almost 10 years since I left Bilibiran. December 11 was my day to come back. I was not prepared for it. I was clueless of what to see. The decision to return was slapdash. And the feeling is nostalgic.

I traveled for almost two hours. While seated in front of the jeepney, I counted the times my seatmate fell off his hand on my lap and banged his head on my shoulder out of drowsiness. I picked out a human rights book from my bag and read about poverty in the Philippines. I returned the book inside my bag. The sight of squatters along Pasig River is enough to talk about poverty.

So much has changed in Binangonan. It became more urbanized. As the jeepney passes by my alma mater, I was amazed on how it has been transformed into a more beautiful structure. I’ve learned that there’s already a high school at the back side of BES (Bilibiran Elementary School) and that many of my former teachers were already retired. Others are now resting in peace.

As soon as I graduated in elementary our family moved to Manila due to matters of consequences. We left my uncle’s house in Montevilla Subdivision that served as our sanctuary for almost four years. We moved there after my father’s death.

That house is comparable to the garden of Eve. It is a bungalow with a plethora of trees – atis, guyabano, chico, star apple, santol, papaya, mango, macopa, chesa, rambutan, kamias, golden shower, bayabas, avocado, coconut, and would I ever forget the grapes that clings upward to the tall water tank. Whenever I am at the top of the water tank I can see the whole view of Rizal including Laguna de bay and Antipolo. I feel like I own the whole world. The water tank has been my favorite hang-out while eating grapes, watching the panoramic view and envisioning my dreams.

At the backyard we have a small hut where I used to sleep, eat, read and spend my leisure time. It was my refugee camp whenever I got scolded. I used to build a tree house out of wood strips at a small mango tree at the backyard. At the roof I used to fly kites and read novels. Sometimes I would climb the roof through the chico tree beside the house. Usually, I used the back side where I would climb our neighbor’s wall to get to our roof. The whole house and lot is enclosed by cacti and gumamela flowers serving as its fence. We have different flowering and non-flowering plants - name it, we have it. In front of the house is a vacant lot where I used to plant kamote. Another vacant lot at the left side of the house, facing the large mango tree, is where my grandfather used to plant corn, kamote, watermelon, squash and kamoteng kahoy.

I remember those days when my brother and I would roam the whole village looking for spiders; when I would climb each trees looking for fruits, swing at the macopa tree, entertain customers of my uncle’s pizza business, religiously water my vegetable garden and all the plants we have, feed and bath our dogs (cutray, petray, josapa, boom, others whom I no longer remember the names for there was a time that we have almost 20 dogs). There was a time I fell off from the avocado tree and got a broken foot. I used to collect stones and dig the soil for earthworms. At the age of 10 I’m already a trying hard geologist, biologist, gardener and ecologist. I would look for black widow spiders in every tree and do everything to kill them. Until now I am still haunted by spiders in my dreams.

I drop off my bag at Mai’s house and headed to the subdivision.

As I stood in front of the house and scrutinize its new look, so much has change. It has its new owner. Many of the trees and plants were no longer there and those that were left have been trimmed. The trees look malnourished. The house has been renovated and the backyard became a haven for roosters. The whole place became so constricted, so pale, so foreign. The front vacant lot is now a forest while a house already stood at the former left side vacant lot. Gone were the grapes and water tank. The plants that served as fence were replaced with cement. Gone was the garden of Eve. I was about to cry but I suppressed my melancholic feelings. I still have a reunion to attend later, I told myself.

On my way to Mai’s house, I passed by the house of the old lady whose dog bit me when I was in grade three. I saw the old lady cleaning her front yard. I didn’t see the dog.

While facing my former elementary classmates during the reunion that night at Pat’s house (same village where I formerly reside), I was a bit silent and awkward. I have an overflowing reservoir of things to say about my life, my experiences and my achievements, since I left the place almost ten years ago. But I am at lost with words. I do not know when and where to start. My almost ten years of absence is a tough enemy. I felt I am a stranger. They even call me Manila boy.

While observing my BESprens, I have noticed that they may have undergone physical metamorphosis but their mannerisms are still very much the same. Though a lot of them have now promising careers and have settled for good, still their youthfulness is intact. Just like the old days, they’re still good-natured and lighthearted. Loads of personal stories were told and bountiful memories were reminisced that night. And I am glad that despite the long years I was gone, I’ve been warmly welcomed by the people whom I spent four young years of wonderful experiences and memories.

All throughout the night, I was smiling. In my 21 years of existence it was my first time to throw up just because of ethanol. I felt very dizzy but at the same time fulfilled. And as we slept at 4:0Oam in cold cement at Ajong’s terrace, I felt relieved. We struggled for a piece of blanket in a very cold dawn. I snuggled at Pat’s side. I sought comfort from his warmth. I just missed everyone.

As we exchanged goodbyes in front of my alma mater, I touched the fence of the school while viewing the interior. My spirit bid farewell. As I sat at the front seat of the jeepney, I took my last glimpse of them, expressed my gratitude, and I smile. I am very happy and contented.

So That You May Know the Truth

This is the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth. Every Isko and Iska of Pamantasan deserves to know this.

No Violation Has Been Committed in Choosing Relans Digital Photography

There were no formal and concrete guidelines for the graduation picture and yearbook. The Editorial Board acted in all good faith when it followed the same steps undertaken by the previous 2008 and 2009 Editorial Boards. If there may have been lapse on our part, it is maybe because there may have been miscommunication between the Editorial Board and OSDS.

Public bidding, as contemplated by Republic Act 9184, is prescribed only for projects funded out of government funds. In the case of the graduation picture and yearbook which is a project not by a government institution but by student organizations which carry another nature, it does not entail any funding from the University neither disbursement of any public fund. Hence, any prescription to place this project under the Bids and Awards Committee of a distinct government entity is misplaced. Clearly, RA 9184 does not apply to the projects of student organizations.

Considering that the University has customarily accorded authority to the SSC to create an annual Editorial Board to independently manage the publication of the yearbook, including the conduct of its version of a transparent bidding process for the selection of its service provider for this project, said practice was dutifully complied with. Necessary documents are available for public examination. We signed the contract with the mandate and power to transact official business so long as it is not contrary to law, morals, good customs and public policy. The power to regulate does not include the power to control.

Amenities and Past Mistakes

The graduation picture and yearbook is purely voluntary. The prices were determined through the kind of services sought from the company -- NOT due to amenities. The amenities all go back to the students in some forms of sponsorship during University and College activities. As a precautionary measure against corruption, the current Editorial Board has restrained itself from handling payments to insulate itself from pecuniary interests and other financial temptations that may cast doubt to its clean intentions.

If there had been unsavory issues committed in the past by other personalities, the accountability does not bear on the shoulders of the current Editorial Board. Those were not committed by the current Editorial Board. Undeniably, we cannot be made to suffer the consequences of someone else’s fault or omission. Putting the current Editorial Board at stake for the mistakes of others in the past does not in any way correct such mistakes. As for the current Editorial Board, we are completely aware of such mistakes made by others, and we commit ourselves to the satisfaction of our obligations as true leaders of our community.

Ang Pamantasan Allegations

Did the Ang Pamantasan, as a conveyor of truth (by the way it presented the news and commentaries on yearbook and graduation picture), had the guts to tell the whole Pamantasan the real reason why the approval of the said project was delayed? Is the dilemma just all about inexistent guidelines not having been followed? Why was the last batch’s approval of the same project been delayed too? Were there really powerful entities with vested interests and have personal bet on which company should handle the production of the graduation picture and yearbook? Was the Ang Pamantasan, with all strong conviction, really able to dig out and present the truth, and not just the superficial truths made available to it? Did it exert an extra mile in its efforts to uncover the truth that its readers ought to know instead of choosing what it only wants to convey?

It’s so convenient for anyone to say that the problem is rooted on corruption, but have we realized the efforts of the SSC to decrease the SSC fee as contrary to what other entities did considering that the SSC’s responsibilities are far bigger than theirs? It’s so easy to claim that the SSC and CSC Presidents will be receiving 10K from Relans, but is it really the truth? In the two previous Editorial Boards which handled Relans, no one from them received 10K! It’s so easy for us to judge that the SSC and CSC Presidents are not doing anything to solve this problem; Again, is it really the truth? Do we know all the struggles that the student leaders have gone through just to push for this project? No amount of money or any kind of amenities can equate the difficulty in proofreading thousands of descriptions, in personally lay-outing the designs and making templates for the yearbook -- all for the benefits of their constituents, while at the same time preparing for college days and college activities, as well as struggling to pass the academics.


It is hoped that write ups should not be made conclusive without concrete basis for we are depriving the people of their rights to know the truth. We should not talk about corruption when we cannot provide substantial evidences to prove it. Little knowledge can be destructive. We should not mix facts with personal judgment and perception. A newsletter issued months after the last issue has more than an ample time to search and validate the facts. It has no excuse at all in downplaying the need for fact validation and publishing a deeply lopsided view instead of a responsibly balanced article. Commentaries and Isyung Isko are not just about freedom of expression. Every article must be crafted in a responsible manner without disregarding the rights of others, as writing without solid basis is an abuse and violation of constitutional rights. We are challenging those who accused us of corruption to file a case against us and let the truth shake the four walls of Pamantasan!


Pieces of unbalanced news and baseless opinions can ruin someone’s credibility -- casting doubt on the credibility of claims for responsible journalism. With great power comes great responsibility and with great responsibility comes high accountability -- a dictum that with the passage of time the Media has not realized it has already complacently abused or forgotten -- leading to the breeding of false perceptions! Hiding behind the cloak of the enormously powerful “sword of the pen” does not help the community and is not a hallmark of true democracy -- but a monopoly of power when used to destroy the credibility of others while basking on its self-styled immaculate virtues.

Prayers

After all these, what will happen next? Can we not move and learn from the mistakes? We, the SSC and CSC, are more than determined to fulfill its commitment of serving the student body. Let the concrete guidelines be formally provided so that the next batch of Editorial Board be guided accordingly. We pray that this problem be resolved with SSC, CSCs, Ang Pamantasan and OSDS united as one. After all, we aim and serve the same purpose.

Ladies First

So many articles have been written about women and the LGBTs (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender) in which they are posed and highlighted as the most vulnerable sector on the issue of gender inequality, discrimination and other forms of abuse and violence. Several international and local declarations, conventions, treaties, protocols and laws were signed and enacted to promote the human rights and protect the susceptibilities of this so called defenseless sector.

Amidst the attention given to women as the center of gender inequality, I am raising a question as to why male discrimination is not that well recognized and is less talked when in fact this shadowed issue does exist and continue to shroud men’s lives.

It may not seem believable but the facts vividly show that there really are battered husbands. A poll undertaken in United Kingdom by MORI and commissioned by Here and Now had these main findings:

• 1 in 5 (18%) of men have been victims of domestic violence by a wife or female partner as opposed to 13% of women by a man.

• 1 in 9 women admit to having used physical aggression against a husband or male partner (compared to 1 in 10 men)

• 14% of men say that they have been slapped by a partner (compared to 9 % of women)

• 11% men have had a partner threaten to throw something heavy at them (compared to 8% of women)

• Only 4% of women explained that their behavior (either verbal or physical) was because of drink or drugs (compared to 10% of men)

• Nearly half (47%) of women say that their behavior (physical or verbal aggression or verbal reasoning) was because "it was the only way I could get through to him"

• Working class men (20%) are more likely to have been subjected to physical
aggression by a wife or female partner than upper or middle class men (15%)

Is there a men’s desk that would readily assist men in times of abuses? The answer is none. How about the male who are sexually abused in the workplace? Do these people have the nerve to report it to the police or to file a case against their female or gay offenders when the society believes and says that men are physically stronger than women? So much compassion and consideration before the law is given to female whores and less for call boys when in fact prostitution regardless of what sex is violation of human rights.

Persistently we see women who commit crimes get off scot free. This is especially true for mothers who have children. In some countries, what is completely erroneous is that a mother who kills her young baby is not held accountable for murder but the lesser crime of infanticide. This helps mothers but does nothing to protect the vulnerable children. By contrast there is never any sympathy for fathers with children who have equal care responsibilities and the judges show no concern for the feelings of the children who need their fathers.

Generally when women are convicted of killing their husbands they receive an average sentence of only 6 years, while male spousal killers got 17 years. In most cases of spousal murders were males are victims, female killers often claims self-defense. Where is gender fairness in justice? I thought everyone is equal before the law?

Screening programs are provided by the government for women related cancers such as breast and cervical cancer. However, there is no screening of analogous cancers affecting men such as prostate and testicular cancer. This is very unfair since deaths from prostate cancer are almost as high as deaths from breast cancer and 6.7 times higher than deaths from cervical cancer. The partiality is further skewed because research spending is in favor of women cancers. Have we not realized that being the major provider of the family men are also the major tax payers of the government yet no consideration is given to their health?

Another thing, women would always assert that men do not get pregnant, have no menstrual problems or do not nurse babies but come to think of it, circumcision of females has been against the law and norm in most countries however circumcision of males is still widely practiced. Men have to continually cover the posts of women while they are on maternity leave while getting no extra leave when their wives have babies.

Family courts have a powerful prejudice of awarding custody to the mothers in majority of the cases regardless of her behavior or of her financial capability to support and care for the children. An unmarried man cannot apply for a passport for a child except he has the permission of the mother. This means that an unmarried father is incapable to take his own children on any foreign land. A mother does not need the father’s consent to apply for a passport since nationality for children of unmarried parents is via the mother.

If a child resides only with one parent and the other parent has restricted visiting rights then a psychological dilemma called parental alienation occurs where the children are turned against the other parent. Since children are awarded custody to the mothers in most of the cases then the alienation is mostly against fathers.

Many studies have found that that the presence of the biological father is a potent protector against delinquency. Children who grow up without their biological fathers have poor performance at school. The issue here is one of status and total control since the children are the automatic passport to benefits. Mother-custody is often a misnomer since the children are very often left with a child-minder or with relatives. This is often the case even when the biological father is available and willing to care for the children.

When men seduce women it could be an act of lasciviousness punishable by law while when women seduce men it’s viewed as something favorable to men. A simple stare, hand gesture or a whistle can put a man behind bars while there is no law provided for pamimikot of infatuated and desperada women. These obsessed women use their pregnancy to lure men into forced marriage.

The society condemns pedophilia and DOM (dirty old man) but less denouncement is given to the matronas who are old women engaging in sex with younger men who are usually sex workers.

Even secretarial jobs are exclusive for females. Does this mean only female can make a good coffee, arrange a meeting, organize an event, reserve an airline flight, or make a good PowerPoint presentation?

When man fails to offer a woman a seat inside a bus or a train, he is labeled as uneducated, uncivilized and uncultured. I thought women have long been asking and fighting for equality? Is it not the price of it? The price to suffer the discomforts that men also suffers just because all are equal. In a modern world where equality is a constant struggle is chivalry still worthy of practice?

Women in rural areas would always complain that their families deprive them of having education since they are just expected to marry and be wives in their community. But what about those farmers and fishermen who deprives their sons with education on the notion that they will just inherit their fathers’ carabaos and boats and be like them?

When good looking male is single, with plucked eyebrows, polished nails, powdered face and glossy lips, they are readily tagged as gays and bisexuals. Have we forgotten that we are now living in an era when male now wears skinny jeans and has kikay kit? When two female are holding hands in public their act is interpreted as something normal and that they are just best of friends. However, seeing two gorgeous males having a meal or watching a movie, they are maliciously and easily branded as lovers. This is very true in showbiz where famous actors are always in the headlines for their alleged hidden identities. Isn’t it discrimination against men?

In most schools, male does not have the right to grow hair because the society believes that it so untidy and scruffy for male to have long hairs. So does it mean female with short hairs are also untidy and scruffy? Men are reprimanded from wearing earrings because the customs dictates that only women wear earrings when in fact so many tribes in the country and in the world show men wearing earrings as part of their culture. Why do women have a choice in how will they look, in their sense of fashion, and personal bearing inside institutions like this, while men do not have?

Women have numerous lifestyle opportunities versus men. At present they have the option to work, stay at home as a housewife, stay home with children, work part time and care for children part time. While men, as dictated by traditions and norms, have no option but to work and provide for the family or else they’ll be branded as irresponsible husbands and fathers. Bearing that big responsibility men die on average 7 years earlier than women. Before the age of 65 they are three times as likely to suffer heart disease and twice as likely to die from lung cancer as women. Unfortunately, widows are able to claim bereavement benefit, but there is no equivalent benefit for widowers.

Male comfort rooms do not have much privacy because individual urinals are not provided with enough covers. Other urinals have no cover at all. Are women the only ones who do not want to be peep with? I firmly believe that men value the thing between their thighs as much as women do.

Feminists rallied because of a liquor billboard advertisement saying “nakatikim ka na ba ng kinse anyos?” They condemn the body painting made on 2010 Ms. Universe contestants saying that the act is a form of demoralizing the sanctity of women’s bodies. But no one reacted on a billboard advertisement for Lee jeans featuring a naked man lying on the floor. A woman wearing Lee jeans is shown with her stiletto above the man's buttocks. The caption reads "Put the boot in".

Beauty pageants for women like Ms. Earth, Ms. International, Ms. World and Ms. Universe are exceedingly publicized in all Medias while male pageants receive so little publicity. Why did we coin the name Mother Earth, Mother Nature and Motherland when in fact we could have used neutral names so as not to favor inequality between the two sexes? Do female basketball teams have escorts too? Or do female boxing or wrestling games has round boys too?

When it comes to the defense of the country, men are expected to sacrifice their lives for “kingdom and country”. During World War I and II billions of men died fighting for freedom and democracy. Now that everyone is fighting for the interests of equality is it not fair if we send women together with men into future battles?

This is not the first time feminists have asserted, in a sensitive dominion, that differences between the sexes are deceptive. A generation ago, they argued that differences in sexual attitudes and behavior were merely relics of cultural conditioning. They claimed that women were as good as men and they deserved the chance to prove it. And so is it not high time to allow all women to experience the responsibilities of men for them to fully understand the price of the equality they are seeking for.

I am not anti-feminism nor am I a sexist, what I am just trying to say is that men suffer discrimination as much as women do and that men maybe physically stronger than women but when it comes to discrimination, abuse and violence men are vulnerable too. Because when it comes to human rights violation, regardless of sex or sexual preference, everyone can be a victim.

In Lualhati Bautista’s novel Dekada 70 it says that we are living in a man’s world. But is it not ironic that in what they declare a man’s world so many rights of men are not being promoted, protected and fulfilled? If it is really a man’s world then why is there so called ladies first?

I am not asking that women should pay dowries too all I am asking is for the humanity to realize and understand that tough guys wear pink too and that real men do cry.