We have the right to know!

Malicious minds exist only because we are being repressed from having the knowledge about sex. To the parents who are against sex education (or whatever you want to call it just so you can have peace of mind), please read the “Notes for We Other Victorians”, which I found on the internet. I hope that the people would realize what our society’s standards do to us. (Standards which the people themselves created.) We make the rules that hinder us from obtaining total freedom.

Part one: We ‘Other Victorians’

Summary

Foucault argues that we generally read the history of sexuality since the 18th century in terms of the repressive hypothesis

• since the rise of the bourgeoisie, purely pleasurable activities has been frowned upon because they were not productive, thus
• sex was a private, practical thing only married couples did.
• Sex outside these confines is not simply prohibited, but repressed.
• Not simply an effort to prevent extra-marital sex, but also an effort to make it unspeakable and unthinkable.
• Discourse on sexuality as well as sex is confined to marriage.

Outlets of confession, where sexual feelings could be released safely: prostitution and psychiatry.

• Steven Marcus labels those who turned to psychiatrists or prostitutes in the Victorian era as the other Victorians.
• These ‘other Victorians’ created their own space for discourse on sexuality that freed them from the confines of conventional morality.

The 20th century is no different, according to the repressive hypothesis.

• Freud made open and frank discussions of sexuality possible, but discourse still confined to the academic and confessional realm of psychiatry.
• RH includes the idea that we cannot free ourselves from this repression simply by means of theory: we must learn to be more open about our sexuality, to talk about it , to enjoy it.
• Discourse on sexuality, seen as a revolt against a repressive system, becomes a matter of political liberation rather than intellectual analysis.

Foucault suggests the repressive hypothesis is essentially an attempt to give revolutionary importance to discourse on sexuality.

• The repressive hypothesis makes it seem both defiant and of utmost importance to our personal liberation that we talk openly about sex.
• Our discourse on sexuality, in its promise for a better, freer way of life, is a form of preaching.

Foucault wishes to address the modern paradox of our discourse on sexuality:

• why do we proclaim so loudly that we are repressed, why do we talk so much about how we can’t talk about sex?
• RH: we are so aware of our repression because it is so evident, and liberating ourselves is a long process that can only be advanced by open, frank discussion.

Foucault asks three questions about the repressive hypothesis:

•  Is it historically accurate to trace what we think of today as sexual repression to the rise of the bourgeoisie in the 17th century?

•  Is power in our society really expressed primarily in terms of repression?

•  Is our modern- day discourse on sexuality really a break with this older history of repression, or is it part of the same history?

Note: can the repressive hypothesis (an F’s arguments about it) be applied to any other social practice? (e.g. drug use: why is it prohibited? (why) Is talking about it prohibited? In what circumstances is it alright to talk about (e.g. clinical)? Is talking about and doing drugs seen as an example of political revolt?)

In questioning the repressive hypothesis, Foucault is not primarily interested in contradicting it,

• he does not want to deny the fact that sex has been a taboo subject in Western culture. His interest is primarily the discursive fact of sexuality:

• he wants to know how and why sexuality is made an object of discussion/ knowledge.
• Ultimately, his interest is not in sexuality itself, but in our drive for a certain kind of knowledge, a certain perspective, and the kind of power we find in that knowledge.

[http://peernet.lbpc.ca/Philosophy/_private/notesforweothervictorians.htm]

Serbisyong totoo. Paglilingkod sa Bayan.

I heard in the news that the constitution will soon oblige doctors who will graduate from the University of the Philippines to work in the country for at least three years. It’s an issue, because we all know that our professionals choose to migrate and work abroad in search for greener pastures. Nobody can blame them for choosing the more practical option when there are very limited opportunities available in the country.

Nevertheless, I see the purpose of this law. We all know that students who study in UP are scholars of the entire Filipino nation (iskolar ng bayan). As explained earlier in the news, only 25% of the total cost of education is shouldered by the students of the said university. 75% is paid through the taxes of the citizens of the Philippines. Thus, the law only serves the purpose of encouraging the students to give something back to their country.

[The doctors are also given options if they choose not to stay and work in the country for at least three years. They could just pay twice the total amount of their education in UP. Or their transcripts would not be cleared, thus, they wouldn't be able to work in other countries.]

While listening to the news, I noticed that the lawyer who was explaining this new law kept on emphasizing the fact that the students owe their countrymen. The way that this law would be enforced is something that concerns me. I see the vision of keeping our professionals in the country so as to help in the progress of our economy and in other developments we wish to meet. Of course, we also want to lessen “brain drain”. It is painful to see that our talented and intelligent people only train here in the country to serve foreign nations.

However, in the implementation of the law, I hope that our leaders would not just impose the rules, but also explain and make the people understand the reason behind it.

We know that one problem in our country is the implementation of the law. People like Bayani Fernando only sees that the solution is discipline. He then used an “iron hand” to impose the rules. In return, the people felt “rebellious” towards him.

Imagine if someone forces you to do something. Would you do it voluntarily? Perhaps you would rebel and break the rule instead.

I hope that in implementing this new law about our future doctors, our leaders would not just impose, rather they’d make them understand its purpose.

It would definitely be for the good of our country if we would be able to encourage our doctors to stay and serve our people. Moreover, it would also help our economy especially when the Philippines is gearing towards medical tourism, and strengthening our tourism through becoming a retirement destination. Investments would come in, and no professional would need to work far away from home and from their families, when they could earn a decent compensation within the Philippines.

I hope our future doctors will develop a passion to serve their countrymen. I hope that through this law, they would decide to become the spark to the change we want to see in the Philippines.

RP’s New President!

Please see link to read full article published in Asian Journal.

Benigno Aquino III, RP’s 15th President

Thursday, 10 June 2010 18:20 Marie Angeli Syjueco and Louie Jon A. Sanchez | AJPress Manila

The speeches of the lawmakers discussed the flaws of the Philippines’ first automated elections held recently. But they all agreed that Aquino and Binay’s victories remain credible despite the flaws in the system.

Several political and public figures voiced out their aspirations for the new government. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile urged the people to move forward to a new beginning. “Let’s forget the past. Let’s look at the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, activist Juana Change believes that change has already started upon the election of President Noynoy. She wants to advice the new president to keep an eye on the leaders the Filipino people elected. “They are not perfect. They might make mistakes. If they do something good, then praise them. If they do anything wrong, then speak to them,” she said.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, on the other hand, is delighted with the nation’s celebration. He wishes the new president good luck and all the best. “We’ll be supporting him in his program of change for what is good. We have high hopes that soon there would be changes for the good of our country,” he said.

Senator Pia Cayetano of the Nacionalista Party also declared her support for the new administration. “Our family is always in the side of justice and in the side of what is good for our country,” she said. Moreover, she also clarifies her obligation as a member of the opposition. “We also have the obligation to fiscalize; an obligation to make sure that the policies are directed to what would be good for the country. Personally, I am excited for the next six years for our country,” she said.

Furthermore, Senator Franklin Drilon expresses his support for President Aquino. “Let’s all unite and support President Noy. We are happy for this very important event,” he said.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published June 11, 2010 in Asian Journal New York p. A1 )

“Hail to the chief and to his vice.”

I never thought I’d be witnessing history face-to-face. When I woke up yesterday morning, I found out that it is the day that everyone has long been waiting for. It’s “independence day”. My editor called me, and told me to go to the Batasang Pambansa to cover the proclamation of the President-elect Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar “Jojo” Binay.

I am one of the media who used their press power to get inside the hall. An ID stating the words “foreign press” was all I needed to get in.

I stood there in the house of representatives with people like Kris Aquino, James Yap, Charo Santos-Concio, Boy Abunda, Shalani Soledad, Dingdong Dantes, Ogie Alcasid, and many more. It is such a pleasure to be able to meet these people. Too bad I have no time for photo opportunities with them. It was like a jungle out there. It’s every man for himself. And there exists that thing we call “survival of the fittest”.

Photo taken through my cellphone. The Aquino sisters and other VIPs.

I was able to use my skills in basketball yesterday. Box-out! Eyes on the ball! Focus! Or else I wouldn’t be able to get a scoop. I was able to get interviews with Senate President Enrile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, famous activist Juana Change, Manila Mayor Fred Lim, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Franklin Drilon, and Boy Abunda (he even touched my face).

Reporters like Jessica Soho are really very lucky, because they get special treatment. It’s really different when you’re often seen on TV.

I was really disappointed when during the presscon I wasn’t able to ask the final question to Noynoy Aquino.

Nevertheless, I am one with the Filipino people who are rejoicing, because the NOYBI proclamation marks a brighter future and a new hope for our dear country, the Philippines.

I witnessed how the people unite while they cheer “NOYBI”. It is a sign of a new chapter in the Philippine history. This experience is definitely something money can’t buy, and nobody can steal away from me.

I have witnessed history unfold right before my eyes. It was really tiring. My legs, feet and head were aching. But all these didn’t matter, because I feel very good and very happy for my country. We now finally have a president after nine years of not having a real one. On the ninth day of June, our nine years of suffering has finally come to an end.

In yesterday’s event, I was also able to observe how Filipinos use “power trip”. Everyone feels more important than everybody else—the rich, the pretentious, and the media. If only we feel the same way when compared to other races—that we are more important than the foreigners we now look up to—then probably our country would become a better place. And we would become a better people.

My shoes even got broken. But it’s just one funny incident that would remind me of an entirely significant event that marks the new beginning for the Filipino nation.

prank calls

Since I subscribed to Sun Cellular, one disadvantage is that I frequently receive calls and texts from unknown numbers, meaning strangers. Because of Sun Cellular’s unlimited call and text services, some people just can’t stop themselves from abusing technology.

I woke up this morning to more than 5 text messages from this one number, which has been calling me non-stop. And it is really annoying. I told my colleague about what happened, because I came up with an idea of letting him speak to this prankster. Yes, “I may be odd, but I always get even.” (Laughs)

When the prank caller called, I gave my phone to my colleague. And this is how their conversation went:

Colleague: Hello, hello, hello, hello, hello, hello…

Prank caller: Hello, pwede po ba kay ____?

Colleague: Bakit?

Prank caller: Gusto ko lang po siya makausap.

Colleague: Bakit?

Prank caller: Ay. (Call ended)

(Laughs) Priceless. I really laughed out loud. Answering “bakit?” all the time in any conversation has been an inside joke here in our office. I didn’t know we would be using it in an instance like this one. It’s really funny.

I hope people would just stop wasting other people’s time by making calls like this one. It’s really annoying.

priceless “jewelries”

I love accessories. And I think accessories are my weakness. When I was in high school, I always find myself attracted to different accessories, be it necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings. I just love the way they look. And I always buy matching accessories with my girl friends—friendship bracelets, friendship rings, etc.

Somehow, I have already outgrown this habit. Although there are still some of my favorite accessories I wear everyday. For me, these are my priceless jewelries. Though they’re not made out of gold or silver, they mean a lot, because of the people who they remind me of.

I wear a Ninoy baller. I bought this with my friend, Shar, when the I Am Ninoy project was launched. It’s special because it reminds me of a good friend, and also, because of the message engraved on the baller: “The Filipino is worth dying for.” These are Ninoy’s famous words, which inspire me to become a good Filipino. My love for country keeps getting stronger. I also started wearing this baller (again) when Noynoy Aquino ran for presidency in the very recent national elections. I wear a green rosary bracelet. This was a gift from my friend, Trish, which she gave me on our last Christmas in college. I think that’s in 2008. I believe it’s my lucky charm. I wore it on my job interview for my very first professional job, wherein I got accepted.

I wear a brown-bead bracelet with a flower. Kat gave it to me. If I’m not mistaken, she gave me two of these. But the other one got broken. I just love wearing it, because it’s cute, and because it came from a special friend.

A thing about these accessories is that they bring memories of special people in my life. :)

I also wear a necklace. Before, it was just the necklace my barkada and I bought from our college retreat. Its pendant has the photo of St. Joseph and Baby Jesus. I transferred the pendant to the turtle necklace Jecca gave me as a pasalubong from Boracay. She knows I love turtles. And in our recent trip to Boracay, I wasn’t able to buy a turtle necklace. This necklace reminds me of my best girl friends.

I also wear anklets. My boyfriend, Nene and I have the same anklets. We bought them from the places we go to, to remind us of good times.

These are the accessories that you would see me wearing. I don’t leave the house without them. It’s like bringing a piece of those special people with me wherever I go. :)

must be my quarter life crisis

Routines can really be very tiring. Although for some these probably bring comfort. I have my own routines. And part of it is traveling back and forth to Bonifacio Global City everyday. It is exhausting. The travel takes up most of my energy. (You should know what I am talking about if you also take public transportations on your way to school or work.) It’s definitely one thing I hate about my job right now. And this gave me the thought.

Out of all the billions of people existing in this world, there’s probably some people who don’t have ambition. I’m pretty sure there exists this kind of human beings. I don’t know if they’re the ones we usually call “happy-go-lucky”. But if there exists the type of person who has a very simplistic view on life and the world, I’m curious about what’s going on inside their heads.

As I was pondering, I thought what’s the point of having a goal? What’s the point of dreaming? Goals and dreams probably just complicate things. I mean, life could be simpler.

I want to become a great writer and/or a wealthy entrepreneur. But what if I’m someone whose outlook in life is very simple. What if the only things important for me is that I am able to eat everyday, sleep, perhaps go to work also, and go out and have fun. But I don’t want to be rich, famous and powerful.

I think it’s not such a bad idea to live that way. It’s simple. There’s no pressure. And perhaps, no failure. It really makes me wonder.

I wrote down 101 reasons why I want to become rich and wealthy. And to sum it all up, the real reason why I want to become rich is because I want to pay-it-forward. There are a lot of people who have been helping me, and I want to repay them by helping other people. The CA2020, for example, has taught me a lot of things through the Wealth Course, and in return I felt the need to also inspire other people.

Moreover, last night I wrote down reasons why I don’t want to be rich:

1. I don’t want to be rich, because I don’t believe money can buy everything.

2. I don’t think I need money to become happy.

3. I want to break free from society’s standards.

4. Money is not real.

5. I don’t need money to inspire other people.

6. I don’t need money to help other people.

7. I don’t need money to make change in this world.

8. I don’t want to play by society’s rules.

9. I want to make my own rules.

10. I feel lazy to make money.

11. Money complicates life.

12. I want life to be simple.

13. Not wanting to become rich is not a sign of mediocrity.

14. I want to keep my principles.

15. I just don’t want to become rich.

I’m weighing my options. I’m not saying I won’t become rich ever, because I know I will grow wealthy. It just isn’t my priority now. There must be more to life than just having lots of money.

conservativo primitivo

What’s wrong about teaching sex education in school?

I don’t find anything wrong about it. There may be one or two things that concern me. One is I see the need to make sure that the teachers are mature enough to teach sex education to their students. We wouldn’t want to give the students wrong impressions when discussing sex and sexuality in classrooms.

Moreover, I definitely see the need to educate the youth about their sexuality. It’s often a misconception that sex education is all about sexual intercourse. What people fail to see is that sex education will teach children about their body—their sexuality, which is, of course, a gift from God.

Would we rather let the children learn about sex from someone who doesn’t really understand the subject matter rather than learn it from the experts? Sooner or later, the children would grow-up and become curious about the changes happening to their bodies. They will talk about it with their friends or with whoever they talk to. And they may get the wrong information, because they’re talking to the wrong people. It is far better that these students should learn it from their teachers.

But a problem is that the society put up standards and limitations, which repress each and everyone of us, making “sex” or “sexuality” itself a taboo. And worse is that because of these restrictions, people tend to talk about sex with malice. For instance, when you hear the word “titi” (penis) or “puke” (vagina), I am pretty sure you’d laugh or feel offended, or feel awkward. Thus, substitute words such as “birdie” or “flower” are used.

Addressing “sex” this way is not a sign that we are mature enough to handle the topic. Giggling or laughing whenever we speak of “sex” is not a sign that we are grown ups. Sex education—be it dealing with our reproductive organs, our sexuality, or the sexual intercourse—should be taught and discussed, because it is part of the human life.

Our sex is a blessing from God. Why should we be stopped from talking about it? Why can’t we learn about it? Why can’t we speak of it as something that naturally happens? It is not a catastrophe. It won’t kill you if you talk about it. And definitely, it is not a sin to learn about the human body. What becomes a sin is when we speak of it with malice. Malicious minds and “green” minds existed only because people are repressed from talking about something that normally happens.

I understand that the church’s role is to protect the teachings of Catholicism. I also believe that sex is God’s gift, because having babies is a gift. But is the church able to educate the people? To educate means to explain the matter fully. And not just telling the people what to do and what not to do. The people should be able to understand.

The population is increasing. Yes, people are also one of the resources of a country. But when it becomes the burden, then we should do something about it. We should educate the people, so that they would become more responsible. God wouldn’t be happy either if He would see His children using His gifts irresponsibly.

Our norms and standards somehow contributes to our backwardness. How would we be able to move forward, if we wouldn’t take even just a step towards change for a better future?

Ugaling Baluktot: We never learned.

There was this TV advertisement many years ago, which showed the Filipino habit of saying: “Pwede na yan!” or “Siguro.” The commercial’s point was to discourage this habit that has long been engraved in our culture. It is not something I am proud of, and neither should any Filipino be.

What does this habit imply about our people? Basically, it shows how passive we are. When we say “Pwede na yan!”, it only shows that we are contented with anything that’s there. And saying “Pwede na yan!”, of course, means that what we’re talking about is something small and unsatisfactory. It is not the best that’s why we say “Pwede na yan!”

In the commercial, the example shown was a man doing a horse sculpture (as far as I remember). His finished product is not of quality. One foot of the horse is longer than the other. And he just said, “Pwede na yan!”

But no it isn’t! Our country is suffering, because we always say these words—these BAD words. [However, we don't realize how powerful words are.] For instance, when choosing a leader, we settle for bad politicians rather than search for the best leaders. We are an overpopulated country. And out of all these millions of people, how is it possible that we could not find a good leader?

During the time when we we’re struggling as a nation. And people thought that there was no other option but to accept GMA as president. The Filipinos did that bad habit of saying “Pwede na yan!” once again.

Why should we settle for anything less, when we could have the best? And no, we shouldn’t say that we do not have a choice, because we always have options. Not making a choice is also a choice.

On the other hand, “Siguro” shows how uncertain we are, or probably how ignorant we are. We should aim to discover and learn. No wonder our country do not value our inventors, because we don’t seek knowledge. We have wasted talents. We have wasted ideas.

These are just some of the things that keep us from moving forward, because we are contented and we don’t seek certainty. Moreover, we often “try”, we never really “DO” something. There is a very fine line between trying and doing, but later on we should realize that there is a very big difference between the two.

I learned from a CA 2020 coach that “trying” is within the boundaries of not doing. He took his cellphone out from his pocket. He was holding it in his hand, then he told me to “try” get his phone. I took it. Then he told me. I didn’t “try”, I just did it. Since, then I avoided saying the word “try”. It is a word that shows weakness and passiveness.

I also noticed that most of the time when people get invited to parties, they would say “I’ll try to come”, but they don’t. Thus, instead of just “trying”, do your best to do it. Or it is really either you do it or you don’t.

We Filipinos have the talent. We have the intelligence. But we lack the will power. A habit of a nation is hard to change. However, an individual’s habits are easier to manipulate. A change in each person will make a big difference when we put them together.

On writing about politics

Politics is definitely a sensitive topic because it involves different people’s ideologies. Human beings are complex. Each has his or her own perspective and opinion. This is the reason why I am careful when it comes to discussing about politics. I often blog about politics and issues concerning the government before. But after much thought and because of different experiences, I decided to be more careful when it comes to voicing out my opinions.

I never had the chance to blog about the recent Philippine national elections, because of the same reasons. I remember attempting to write about why I support Noynoy Aquino, but I didn’t publish that article. I was being more cautious of what I want to say.

At home, we often have discussions about political issues. And I can say that I am aware of the Philippine politics. Thus, I also have my opinion regarding the matter. There are instances that I also get into argument with other people who don’t share the same perspective as mine.

For example, a few days before the Philippine elections I got into an argument with someone, because he believes that stopping corruption alone would not solve all the problems of the country. Somehow, by the way he said it, he has accepted that corruption is inevitable and that the only key to the Philippines’ progress is to strengthen its primary industry which is agriculture.

He is criticizing Noynoy, because he finds him incompetent. As we all can remember, Noynoy’s number one goal was to stop corruption in the country. And for me, that is the first step to be able to solve the rest of the problems that our country is facing. 

I also strongly believe that strengthening the different industries of the Philippines is very important to have a stable economy. Moreover, I also think that with the existence of corruption, we wouldn’t be able to implement steps to fulfill this goal. Corruption consumes all the funding that are supposed to be alloted for the purpose of developing the country.

This is just one instance where I got into an argument because of politics. Another one was during the ZTE scandal. I was so disappointed with my friend, because he was accusing Jun Lozada of so many things. And I asked him, could you do what he did?

All these people could do was criticize Lozada. I am not saying that he is perfect. He had his share of misdeeds. But we should not take his sacrifice for granted. That big move was not simple. And all those people, who criticized him and questioned his intentions, should at least consider the fact that Lozada just made a choice. And that choice was to serve his country in his own way.

I have a lot to say about politics, because as a leader I understand its language. I also admit that I am still very idealistic. And I dream of a progressive Philippines.

I have a lot of arguments about Dick Gordon, about Manny Villar, etc. But I chose not to write about them, because I want to be wise and responsible with the things I say. There are times that I feel like I just want to keep my thoughts to myself, but what is the use of my opinions if I wouldn’t say it out loud.

Every now and then I will be writing about politics especially when I feel strong about a particular issue.