Hurrah for Independence

This are factors in Philippine politics that remain constant eversince independence was first declared in this forsaken land.

The people are inspired by false hopes. The Filipinos are educated in such a way that heroes are like angels from the heavens- they live to give us salvation from sufferings. The fact is that main characters of our historical novela are, themselves, the protagonists who go against unpopular true heroes. Take for instance Aguinaldo. Yes, the first president of the Philippines who allegedly stood against the Spaniards by declaring freedom from the centuries old Spanish problem. Ever thought how Aguinaldo gained the top position during his time? Review history: He had his rival Bonifacio assasinated. Antonio Luna, as well- stabbed on the back while his mother laughs like crazy on their azotea. He declared independence amidst strong disapproval from his wisest adviser Apolinario Mabini, who claimed it wasn't time for that because he somehow smelled something fishy with the Americans roaming around that time in the Pacific. (Not knowing his boss has already been influenced by their dark side...) Oh how amazing how history repeats itself in the Philippines. It's amazing we take the death of liberty from the past, and democracy in the present- through waving Philippine flags and thunderous applause.

Lies. Denying is art here. Works like magic in politics. In the Philippines, if you lie as a career, you'd most likely get the highest ranks. The likes of Miriam Defensor-Santiago (I lied! Hahaha!), Wilde Almeda (I'd kill myself if Estrada wins), Lolit Solis (from the Metro Manila Film Awards controversy), Gloria Arroyo (I will not run for reelection. I did not use goverment funds for my electoral campaign, I got not even a single centavo from jueteng), and now, Eduardo Bunye (you've got to learn to deny if you're Gloria's press secretary, you know...), are but obvious examples. Yet lies still sell, specially when mixed with too much palabok. Combine controversies, lies, crying faces on TV, and Senate hearings: You've come up with both a perfect coverup for a real issue that is happening on the background, or a good way to build up yourself for the next elections! It happened when Aguinaldo declared independence when he knows the Americans were almost to invade us. It's still happening now.

Fall guys. Bonifacio is a great example. Poor guy. He would have been the first good Erap in Philippine history. The one who stands up as Gary (of the controversial audio CD) today is another example. Poor guy... he probably has a great utang-na-loob for Mike Arroyo to have his name and life at stake, just to save the pig's ass.

Controversy. Philippine culture would not be complete without it. It seems like Filipinos have learned to live by it. Probaby due to the fact that most politicians already came from showbiz roots. Or most politicians go for showbiz fame just to gain popularity. Controversies and false stories come with the package. How about professionalism? How about truly focusing on the real issue? If you're Gloria, you could probably tell that to your people while you do the dirty fixes behind the scenes.

Nepotism. Never leave the family behind when blessings that come with power arrive. The returns of fame and authority should be distributed not to those who deserve it, but to those with whom you have blood relations. Filipino muna? Filipino first? Nooo... Utang na loob muna. Friends muna. Asawa muna. Anak muna. Hell... ako muna! Since they bought their votes anyway, it's time to reap the fruits of the campaign labor. Politics is business here. Preparations begin not by building up your name through honest, honorable deeds; but building up your bank accounts for pre-election purposes.

There's no reason to celebrate Independence day, since we've been dealing with the same bastards and dirt since days of the Spanish regime. Independence day is for those who think we're now free from those who took our ancestors as slaves. Where's Europe now? Where's the United States now? How about Japan? Do they suffer because of their misdoings in the past? Compare their lives with ours now. Who suffers the most? When they left, we're left with more problems than Jose Rizal had anticipated in his last days in Fort Santiago. Rizal could be laughing at us now. Fools! You read my novels, yet you never learn from it. My message is obvious, yet you never have noticed it. Never learning from your simplest and most obvious mistakes only means one thing: You're all a bunch of retards! I'd kick Rizal myself (again) off from heaven if I hear him say that.

Let's all wear black on June 12... and have a great time. Yipee.