Salvaged!
By Rolo B. Cena
The Gulf Files
Dumaguete Star Informer
05 September 2010
On the 23rd day of August, while the world was seriously watching the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the world’s Chinese Community was closely monitoring the developments of the Manila hostage taking that started early that day.
The 22-year old resplendent Mexican Model Jimena Navarette was crowned Miss Universe while Philippine’s bet, Filipino-Indian Maria Venus Raj ended as fourth runner up.
55-year old dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza, multi-awarded and hailed by his superiors as one of the country’s top officers, was gunned down after the 11-hour hostage taking ordeal in the Quirino Grandstand. Mendoza was dismissed from service following the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman for extortion and alleged involvement in drug trafficking and related cases. Ironically though, in the Philippine soap dish, when an officer is allegedly involved in drug trafficking, expect that “Padrinos” are in the house.
Her brighter chance to the magic three would have been possible when the world, Raj and Miss Universe’ judges included, were not affected by the Manila incident. Raj was a consistent top bet in the believed-to-be politics-free, tourism-centered and centuries-old beauty competition. Contrary to international perception, there was no right or wrong answer to the question posed by William Baldwin to Raj. In HR parlance, her answer may be right in her own judgment and understanding of the question. The thing is that she did not embellish anything that would give impact to the judges, more so, catapult her to the throne.
Tourism has been one of the major sources of income of the “Pearl of the Orient.” Apparently, the flamboyant multi-cultural Filipino community plus the irresistible eco-tourism of the country are among the factors attributed to our booming tourism industry. These two, plus all other socio-economic and political factors contribute to the balanced dynamics of the industry.
Unfortunately, as my fear dictates, the balanced dynamics is not after Mendoza hostaged Chinese tourists and even killed eight (8) of them mercilessly. Arguably though, one event can be Raj’s bright-hope-in-a-sad-day romp to the fifth slot in the most prestigious beauty searches on earth.
Putting my two cents in, we are repeating the history not because history repeats itself, but because we never have succeeded in correcting the mistakes recorded in our history, much more, in learning from these omissions and commissions.
Undoubtedly, the country may have some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world, to say the least, at par with any islands in the Caribbean, Pacific, or in the neighboring isles. Imagine Negros Oriental to have been voted as one of the Top 20 Best Islands to Live In by Travel Magazine in 2007. Recently, Boracay resort was voted as among the top 10 tourist destinations in Asia.
But the deadly hostage crisis, in addition to Abu Sayyaf kidnapping activities, the escalating and unresolved media killings, set to reinforce the country's status in the list of the most dangerous places on earth. It substantiates the Southeast Asian nation’s stereotype of the country as a lawless, corrupt and chaotic land.
Perhaps, it stands to reason why, referring to the Manila incident, Rommel Banlaoi, Head of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism, reacted by saying "This will clearly have a tremendous impact on the Philippines' tourism industry and the country's ability to attract foreign investment."
In August 2000, Jeffrey Schilling, an American Muslim convert, was kidnapped while visiting Abu Sayyaf camp in Jolo Island. He escaped after almost eight months of ordeal.
In May 2001, three Americans and 17 other tourists are snatched from the famed Dos Palmas Resort in southwestern Palawan Island-province. This included American couple missionary Martin and Gracia Burnham. The other American was beheaded while Martin was killed in an offensive military rescue operation. Gracia survived.
According to statistics from the Department of Tourism, the industry bounced back in 2004 after the 2001 to 2003 socially-plagued crisis. 2004 recorded 2.3 million visits compared to 2003’s 1.9 million. In 2009, 3 million international visits were registered, the highest so far in the tourism industry of the country. Although compared to our neighbors like Thailand’s 14.15 registry of the same year, our tourism industry is obviously chugging behind.
Apparently, looking at the statistics, it would seem to note that we have recovered from the stigma of the 2001world-covered kidnapping issue. As Pete Troilo, Manila-based business intelligence director with the Pacific Strategies and Assessments risk consultancy group, quoted: “the Philippines was actually as safe for foreigners as most other Asian countries.”
However, the way we painted the tourism industry is as bizarre as the damaged politics left by the Arroyo Administration. The pastel we used is the unique and high-profile security threats that resulted to a canvass unfairly reputed for being far more dangerous than other places in Asia. The stroke we used was the lawless and merciless activities of the Muslim bandits of the southern Philippines that paved the way to complete the weirdest of all masterpieces in the world of visual arts.
To aggregate all these events, it certainly doesn't sound like the Philippines is a place international tourists want to visit for leisure. Adding fuel to the fire, they actually see vividly the reality when they come to the country.
No one is exempt from this: all of us salvaged the tourism industry of the country. Do we still have something to offer to the world?
Published in Dumaguete Star Informer, 05 Sept 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Punctuated!
By Rolo B. Cena
The Gulf Files
Dumaguete Star Informer
29 August 2010
On the 21st day of August, we celebrated the 27th Death Anniversary of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., former President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ strongest political opponent. Ninoy’s assassination, which catapulted the late Cory Aquino to power, is as of even date still unresolved.
The assassination punctuated the life of the greatest opposition leader in the Philippines. Undoubtedly however, the Marcoses did not envision that the punctuation would mean another punctuation mark in the history of Philippine Politics three years after: Marcos was overthrown via the EDSA 1 peaceful revolution.
Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, who was then 23 years old when Ninoy was assassinated, handily won last May’s presidential race to become the second member of the family to occupy the most sought-after post in the imperial palace by the river.
His rise to power punctuated another strong leader who left him with nothing by economically and politically unstable nation: billions of deficits and obligations, rising unemployment, escalating poverty, unresolved crimes, apparent graft and corruption, political ruins, etc. His predecessor, the scandalous petite woman, who ruled the country for two terms, was almost equally greedy as the strongman.
Arguably though, becoming the president was the dream of the late Ninoy Aquino, too, matter which stirred the political arena of the times. No one can discount that perception; not even the weakest of minds. It was precisely the reason why the late dictator caused the voluntary exile of the family to the America’s.
Vetoing in his early days in power numbers of Executive Orders that rippled all houses, midnight appointment, that has been a long practice, was again punctuated by Pres. Noynoy. Due to petitions from concerned parties though, it is under review by the Department of Justice. With only a handful of executive orders issued, the 50-year old Aquino is facing controversies already. Understandably, judging his performance is premature at this point.
Last week, it was reported in one of the national broadsheets that the newly-installed president is considering Charter Change if it is necessary in dealing with rebellion in the south. But isn’t this the same charter change pronounced by FVR during the last days of his term? Isn’t this the same Cha-Cha GMA enunciated in the last days of her second term?
The Cha-Cha of FVR was criticized; it was opposed by no less than the former President Corazon Aquino, the mother of Noynoy. The cha-cha of GMA was highly criticized, sensationalized, feared and strongly opposed even without seeing the platform of the planned change by no less Corazon Aquino herself and her team. The Cha-Cha of Noynoy has not even become the staple of the tabloids; it has not reached dual-house debates and movements behind picket fences. What difference do we have when we accommodate the Cha-Cha of Noynoy from the Cha-Cha of FVR or GMA? Aren’t they the same dog with different collars?
What really is the matter with us Filipinos?
The entire 85-million Filipinos thought that installing Noynoy would finally put full stop to the issue of charter change knowing for a fact that the constitution has been amended right after his mother, the icon of democracy whom the world admired, was sworn in to office. What then is this: testing the waters under the bridge? Is this the prelude?
Absolutely, if I may put my two cents in, this is going to be tough for Noynoy and his administration. For one, leading the community of Filipino people to achieve the normal course of life is not easy. While it was easy for him to win the race, winning the support of the entire archipelago to bring the country back to normal is not. Battling the socio-political and economic challenges is equally hard as mapping the game plan to convict the assassin of his father.
But at the forefront, he has no choice. With only a scant amount of petty cash left in the nation’s coffer, his political and economic agenda for the entire populace must be executed and implemented. His plan for peace settlement with the Muslim rebels must be articulated; program to end graft and corruption laid down and implemented; plan to provide home for the homeless, job for the jobless and food for the poor Filipino people carried out, etc.
Above all, his plan to punctuate political greed that has become the root cause of all these long-running socio-economic problems must be done at once.
The question now is: Can Noynoy intelligently punctuate all these socio-economic and political evils that his predecessors failed to and disprove his critics?
The Gulf Files
Dumaguete Star Informer
29 August 2010
On the 21st day of August, we celebrated the 27th Death Anniversary of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., former President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ strongest political opponent. Ninoy’s assassination, which catapulted the late Cory Aquino to power, is as of even date still unresolved.
The assassination punctuated the life of the greatest opposition leader in the Philippines. Undoubtedly however, the Marcoses did not envision that the punctuation would mean another punctuation mark in the history of Philippine Politics three years after: Marcos was overthrown via the EDSA 1 peaceful revolution.
Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, who was then 23 years old when Ninoy was assassinated, handily won last May’s presidential race to become the second member of the family to occupy the most sought-after post in the imperial palace by the river.
His rise to power punctuated another strong leader who left him with nothing by economically and politically unstable nation: billions of deficits and obligations, rising unemployment, escalating poverty, unresolved crimes, apparent graft and corruption, political ruins, etc. His predecessor, the scandalous petite woman, who ruled the country for two terms, was almost equally greedy as the strongman.
Arguably though, becoming the president was the dream of the late Ninoy Aquino, too, matter which stirred the political arena of the times. No one can discount that perception; not even the weakest of minds. It was precisely the reason why the late dictator caused the voluntary exile of the family to the America’s.
Vetoing in his early days in power numbers of Executive Orders that rippled all houses, midnight appointment, that has been a long practice, was again punctuated by Pres. Noynoy. Due to petitions from concerned parties though, it is under review by the Department of Justice. With only a handful of executive orders issued, the 50-year old Aquino is facing controversies already. Understandably, judging his performance is premature at this point.
Last week, it was reported in one of the national broadsheets that the newly-installed president is considering Charter Change if it is necessary in dealing with rebellion in the south. But isn’t this the same charter change pronounced by FVR during the last days of his term? Isn’t this the same Cha-Cha GMA enunciated in the last days of her second term?
The Cha-Cha of FVR was criticized; it was opposed by no less than the former President Corazon Aquino, the mother of Noynoy. The cha-cha of GMA was highly criticized, sensationalized, feared and strongly opposed even without seeing the platform of the planned change by no less Corazon Aquino herself and her team. The Cha-Cha of Noynoy has not even become the staple of the tabloids; it has not reached dual-house debates and movements behind picket fences. What difference do we have when we accommodate the Cha-Cha of Noynoy from the Cha-Cha of FVR or GMA? Aren’t they the same dog with different collars?
What really is the matter with us Filipinos?
The entire 85-million Filipinos thought that installing Noynoy would finally put full stop to the issue of charter change knowing for a fact that the constitution has been amended right after his mother, the icon of democracy whom the world admired, was sworn in to office. What then is this: testing the waters under the bridge? Is this the prelude?
Absolutely, if I may put my two cents in, this is going to be tough for Noynoy and his administration. For one, leading the community of Filipino people to achieve the normal course of life is not easy. While it was easy for him to win the race, winning the support of the entire archipelago to bring the country back to normal is not. Battling the socio-political and economic challenges is equally hard as mapping the game plan to convict the assassin of his father.
But at the forefront, he has no choice. With only a scant amount of petty cash left in the nation’s coffer, his political and economic agenda for the entire populace must be executed and implemented. His plan for peace settlement with the Muslim rebels must be articulated; program to end graft and corruption laid down and implemented; plan to provide home for the homeless, job for the jobless and food for the poor Filipino people carried out, etc.
Above all, his plan to punctuate political greed that has become the root cause of all these long-running socio-economic problems must be done at once.
The question now is: Can Noynoy intelligently punctuate all these socio-economic and political evils that his predecessors failed to and disprove his critics?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Driving Integration Through Holistic Change
By Rolo B. Cena
Published in Shaheen, Official Corporate Magazine
Astra Industrial Group, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
May 2010 Issue
The egress of 2009 business year, after the Mid-2008 US Financial Crisis that lasted almost until the end of the 2009 second quarter suggests the possibility of an equally profound change in business climate vis-à-vis economic life of every company as a whole. Astra Industrial Group (AIG), as it sets its best foot forward for 2010, is undergoing many major transitions to date, some of which involve clearly defined meaning of corporate life, character and shape that carry them out.
Among the major and notable planned changes are the standardization of Human Resources Management Policies and the introduction of a new Business Process Solution (ERP) for the conglomerate.
Standardized HR Policies
As early as May 2009, AIG organized a meeting of all Human Resources In-Charge from all subsidiaries to discuss common grounds that would eventually become materials to create a standardized HR Policies. After the meeting, several steps have been undertaken to proceed with the project, including the creation of HR Committee, interviews with key officers and visits to all subsidiaries by the HR Advisor Emmanuel Robueno.
Using the existing Administration / HR Policy Manual of Astra Polymers as one of the major sources or reference for the AIG-wide Human Resources Policies Manual, the HR Committee is, as of even date, all set to finalize the standardized Policy for implementation across the subs. The product shall be fully implemented in the business year 2010.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
With the current scenario that our Group is seen as a major regional industrial player, it is critical to have efficient and effective business processes across the group that can result to maximum return on investments while employing the highest standard of quality. Along this line, growth strategies that can keep all subsidiaries attuned to common ground and connections should be implemented to support the business growth: enterprise resource planning fully backed up by quality IT Infrastructure.
As Chairman Sabih T. Masri stated in his letter dated 19th November 2009, “Information Technology is a very effective tool that is going to be instrumental in fueling our growth plans.” As such, the need to streamline business processes across the group is extremely necessary as well as the integration of an enterprise resource planning platform to support all operations thus providing operational visibility and excellence in financial control and reporting features.
Chairman Masri further demanded, “We are therefore embarking on an initiative to opt a best-fit integrated ERP platform that enhances our business operations and provides common view of truth between finance, operations and commercial functions. AIG is going to facilitate the process of putting up the enterprise-wide solution in place.”
Creating an AIG-wide IT infrastructure is a complex task. A conglomerate-wide awareness on the project should yield expected buy-ins from all subsidiaries regardless of ranks. Undertaking the initial steps can be crucial; implementing such an ambitious project requires team-based effort to achieve the target.
The clear and present danger
Change has been very difficult. Modern-day management scientists have identified one major roadblock to Change: Corporate Attitude.
The broad spectrum of “attitude”, which of course encompasses the character and behavior of the company and the individual, determines the way the company or the individual shall handle planned or introduced change. In most cases, resistance is apparent among those employees who served the company for quite a period or to those whose ages do not reconcile with the advent of technology.
Corporate attitude, which should be sensibly and sensitively addressed to alongside with employee attitude, can overpower the latter. The former can be an indicator of the successful implementation even if the project is on its planning stage yet regardless of whether or not the employee attitude is in tune with the corporate. Corporate attitude speaks about the ultimate support from the Top Management and line managers, authority and budget.
Once Corporate Attitude becomes overly aggressive or extremely weak, it cannot overpower the indifferences of the employee attitude in which case, the project may fail. Corporate Attitude should propel employee attitude in accepting change process in which case, it should only be at its best implementable and comprehensible level.
Therefore, it is critical for the management to look into the corporate attitude deeply by analyzing its corporate agenda to keep it attuned to the employee attitude, in relation of course to the project and its impending implementation. The need to integrate at the same time the study of the employee attitude into the corporate should be considered for control and accountability purposes. When this action is overlooked, then consequently these two attitudes may clash and may produce negative internal commotion. The resultant extent would be sour-graping after informal organization ensues.
Management Support, Authority & Budget
Management support is not limited to the mere proclamation of the project and the creation of the Team who shall handle the nitty-gritty of the project. It includes empowerment of the Team with blanket authority based on the undertaking originally mandated by the Board. The Management should be able to back up its recommendations and decisions also in order to maintain the integrity and credibility of the Team. The Team’s integrity and credibility should be the concern of the Management if successful implementation is ultimately its objective.
More to management support, budgetary constraints should also be the concern of the management. Enough budgets to cover the infrastructures, manpower requirement and the incidental expenses should be allocated and approved.
The fully integrated conglomerate
As Chairman Masri stressed, “AIG’s inherent strength lies in industrial and geographic diversification that serves to ensure business stability and enhanced performance.” These two apparent strengths should favorably conjunct with each other to create a marriage that would bring about the synergy that can propel change process.
While all subsidiaries may believe that working on their business processes using their own system works as planned, fully integrated system or policy or procedure is still the best way to further enhance the strength our conglomerate is known for.
As a diversified conglomerate, the need to streamline business processes and integrate enterprise resource planning infrastructure should be on top of the line as this, once implemented across the subs, will bring about the harmony that would standardize protocols and facilitate processes. Full integration should cater the need to address the geographic diversification that concerns the management.
As the Board involves everybody to participate actively in this initiative, Chairman Masri finally urges that “Arriving at the best fit enterprise-wide IT solution for a conglomerate like ours is a complex task. Your usual dedicated involvement is solicited in selecting such a platform that maps with our processes and instill best practices of the industry that our subsidiaries belong to. Further, I wish to emphasize the organization responsibility vested in you in transforming our company through change management initiatives that will streamline our processes and introduce operational excellence, thus unlocking value from this strategic investment.”
Published in Shaheen, Official Corporate Magazine
Astra Industrial Group, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
May 2010 Issue
The egress of 2009 business year, after the Mid-2008 US Financial Crisis that lasted almost until the end of the 2009 second quarter suggests the possibility of an equally profound change in business climate vis-à-vis economic life of every company as a whole. Astra Industrial Group (AIG), as it sets its best foot forward for 2010, is undergoing many major transitions to date, some of which involve clearly defined meaning of corporate life, character and shape that carry them out.
Among the major and notable planned changes are the standardization of Human Resources Management Policies and the introduction of a new Business Process Solution (ERP) for the conglomerate.
Standardized HR Policies
As early as May 2009, AIG organized a meeting of all Human Resources In-Charge from all subsidiaries to discuss common grounds that would eventually become materials to create a standardized HR Policies. After the meeting, several steps have been undertaken to proceed with the project, including the creation of HR Committee, interviews with key officers and visits to all subsidiaries by the HR Advisor Emmanuel Robueno.
Using the existing Administration / HR Policy Manual of Astra Polymers as one of the major sources or reference for the AIG-wide Human Resources Policies Manual, the HR Committee is, as of even date, all set to finalize the standardized Policy for implementation across the subs. The product shall be fully implemented in the business year 2010.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
With the current scenario that our Group is seen as a major regional industrial player, it is critical to have efficient and effective business processes across the group that can result to maximum return on investments while employing the highest standard of quality. Along this line, growth strategies that can keep all subsidiaries attuned to common ground and connections should be implemented to support the business growth: enterprise resource planning fully backed up by quality IT Infrastructure.
As Chairman Sabih T. Masri stated in his letter dated 19th November 2009, “Information Technology is a very effective tool that is going to be instrumental in fueling our growth plans.” As such, the need to streamline business processes across the group is extremely necessary as well as the integration of an enterprise resource planning platform to support all operations thus providing operational visibility and excellence in financial control and reporting features.
Chairman Masri further demanded, “We are therefore embarking on an initiative to opt a best-fit integrated ERP platform that enhances our business operations and provides common view of truth between finance, operations and commercial functions. AIG is going to facilitate the process of putting up the enterprise-wide solution in place.”
Creating an AIG-wide IT infrastructure is a complex task. A conglomerate-wide awareness on the project should yield expected buy-ins from all subsidiaries regardless of ranks. Undertaking the initial steps can be crucial; implementing such an ambitious project requires team-based effort to achieve the target.
The clear and present danger
Change has been very difficult. Modern-day management scientists have identified one major roadblock to Change: Corporate Attitude.
The broad spectrum of “attitude”, which of course encompasses the character and behavior of the company and the individual, determines the way the company or the individual shall handle planned or introduced change. In most cases, resistance is apparent among those employees who served the company for quite a period or to those whose ages do not reconcile with the advent of technology.
Corporate attitude, which should be sensibly and sensitively addressed to alongside with employee attitude, can overpower the latter. The former can be an indicator of the successful implementation even if the project is on its planning stage yet regardless of whether or not the employee attitude is in tune with the corporate. Corporate attitude speaks about the ultimate support from the Top Management and line managers, authority and budget.
Once Corporate Attitude becomes overly aggressive or extremely weak, it cannot overpower the indifferences of the employee attitude in which case, the project may fail. Corporate Attitude should propel employee attitude in accepting change process in which case, it should only be at its best implementable and comprehensible level.
Therefore, it is critical for the management to look into the corporate attitude deeply by analyzing its corporate agenda to keep it attuned to the employee attitude, in relation of course to the project and its impending implementation. The need to integrate at the same time the study of the employee attitude into the corporate should be considered for control and accountability purposes. When this action is overlooked, then consequently these two attitudes may clash and may produce negative internal commotion. The resultant extent would be sour-graping after informal organization ensues.
Management Support, Authority & Budget
Management support is not limited to the mere proclamation of the project and the creation of the Team who shall handle the nitty-gritty of the project. It includes empowerment of the Team with blanket authority based on the undertaking originally mandated by the Board. The Management should be able to back up its recommendations and decisions also in order to maintain the integrity and credibility of the Team. The Team’s integrity and credibility should be the concern of the Management if successful implementation is ultimately its objective.
More to management support, budgetary constraints should also be the concern of the management. Enough budgets to cover the infrastructures, manpower requirement and the incidental expenses should be allocated and approved.
The fully integrated conglomerate
As Chairman Masri stressed, “AIG’s inherent strength lies in industrial and geographic diversification that serves to ensure business stability and enhanced performance.” These two apparent strengths should favorably conjunct with each other to create a marriage that would bring about the synergy that can propel change process.
While all subsidiaries may believe that working on their business processes using their own system works as planned, fully integrated system or policy or procedure is still the best way to further enhance the strength our conglomerate is known for.
As a diversified conglomerate, the need to streamline business processes and integrate enterprise resource planning infrastructure should be on top of the line as this, once implemented across the subs, will bring about the harmony that would standardize protocols and facilitate processes. Full integration should cater the need to address the geographic diversification that concerns the management.
As the Board involves everybody to participate actively in this initiative, Chairman Masri finally urges that “Arriving at the best fit enterprise-wide IT solution for a conglomerate like ours is a complex task. Your usual dedicated involvement is solicited in selecting such a platform that maps with our processes and instill best practices of the industry that our subsidiaries belong to. Further, I wish to emphasize the organization responsibility vested in you in transforming our company through change management initiatives that will streamline our processes and introduce operational excellence, thus unlocking value from this strategic investment.”
Weird, isn't it?
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
31 January 2010
Weird, isn’t it?
For decades now, people from all walks of life aim to land at the elective positions of the country. Most dared to barter good names with odd ones; most traded money for government positions; a few even offered loved ones for the sake of finding cunning seats in politics.
Yes, the fundamental law of the land dictates that for as long as one “can read and write”, and then he is eligible to run. Even the stars of faintest glow run for public office. If I could only rewrite the Milky Way and mandate that stars cannot run for elective offices, then I guess we can put an end to the red-carpet elections. An elementary dropout turned sportsman runs, in the same way that an ordinary citizen does.
Do you think it’s high time to care for this? Our government is not a show, not even a circus. Merry making does happen in town fiestas only; why do it in the executive and legislative halls?
Lately, I talked to God. I asked Him for some interventions especially in the coming election. I honestly asked for good breed of heroes – both heard and unheard to vie for these titles. His response was: don’t dream, son; there are none.
In the same conversation, God asked me to apprise Him on the events happening to notable people occupying the positions and I did. I gave Him the necessary inputs and called off the talk. Out of the blue, I started wondering: What if God decide to run?
Do you think your erring barangay captain will dare running opposite God in the election? Take note, your kapitan del barrio keeps all the medicines intended for the people of the Barangay until lately, she discovered that these medicines are already expired, most were consumed by the family, and crammed what to offer to the voting populace. God, what about the accountability? Well, that’s just simple. She can always produce documents showing receipts of these medicines by the public. She’s used to it anyway!
And what about the city councilor whom the girls once said “cute”? Do you think he will vie for the office for which he is incumbent now if God will run against him? What if he knows that one constituent told God about the kickbacks he seized by intimidation from the contractors of the building he was working for the city? Ouch, if I were him, I will just gracefully exit. After all, life after death is better than life in graft and womanizing. Moral ascendancy to lead, is this it? Dear councilor, correct me if I’m wrong!
God forbids! There is a city executive, who by his own deeds became eligible to the final rounds of the search for the Rarest Breed of Animals in the country today. Imagine, he stormed the Hall for nine years as the Ultimate One, took a beauty rest for one period, and lately announced that he’s coming back, this time with vengeance for the same crown. But hey, what if the crown does not fit anymore?
Power attracts! Yes, even to the merriest of souls. Notice this guy who earned various honors in the square ring and opted to run for the legislative post. Hey, he just can’t give a south punch anytime of the day unless he is willing to be hit below the belt! Wake up! If you don’t, you will end up losing your riches and the opportunities attached to your crowns now.
Oh, I almost forgot! One ailing district representative, who’s suffering from the highest degree of Alzheimer doesn’t want to call a halt to his arguably for-the-country-service by running again despite lapses. What on earth is this? Is Philippine politics a haven of magnet where one can’t resist? Is this another Bermuda Triangle where one is lost mysteriously?
Once he said he is honest to his service. He was also quoted as saying that he is no liar, no robber. Perfect! Question: Is he telling this to the marines? This one too-good-to-be-true senator hallucinates! Politics is as dirty as the city drainage not cleaned-up. Just a piece of advice: ask God for a direct confession; don’t do it with a priest. I am afraid your confession might not gain any merit from high heavens.
Cheers! Before we finally ends, here comes the best man! He is projecting a strong but peaceful image. In his previous stints, he bested other contenders by exuding a man-of-the-masses image in the best supporting actor category. During his prime, you didn’t hear him sing or recite. I don’t know if the palace did buy the most precious flower vase from the land of the promise or contract a fragile guard from down under. Anyway, that’s his role.
Now, do you think your bet for presidency whose personally tailored platform is as bad as his closet image will make it at the polls? If I can talk to God once more, I will recommend that He run for the highest elective post of the land. After all, He has the necessary qualifications: He can read beyond words and human dynamics; write even without seeing walls; play within bounds; talk to people by heart and passion; fight the evilest of evils; serve with honest and purest of intentions; lead with words; and walk His talk. The deadline for filing of candidacy is already over but he can make miracles. Let’s just wait.
Let’s compare apple to apple this time: your bet can read but not beyond words and human dynamics - he can read what he is personally up to only; write on the walls graffiti and arithmetical computations of transactions; play beyond the bounds of the rules – most often, above the laws of men; talk to people in carefully fashioned heart-to-heart discussion in alarming passion; fight the good and favor the evils; serve with selfish and make-believe intentions; lead with horrifying and hard-to-believe words; and most often talk about his walks.
Silly, isn’t it? But do we really need to wait for silly ideas to come along before we decide to change our silly “selves” and eventually change this silly Republic? If God were one of us, do you think the 2010 election will be as peaceful as theorized by most overnight philosophers or just as bad as His trial when selfish Herod was then the governor of the area?
Think about it, man! What if God run for 2010?
Silly, isn’t it? But what if God were one of us? Don’t you think this silly idea fits for the silly Filipinos like us? Is it a silly idea to save the ailing, silly Philippines from further destruction?
Who is silly?
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
31 January 2010
Weird, isn’t it?
For decades now, people from all walks of life aim to land at the elective positions of the country. Most dared to barter good names with odd ones; most traded money for government positions; a few even offered loved ones for the sake of finding cunning seats in politics.
Yes, the fundamental law of the land dictates that for as long as one “can read and write”, and then he is eligible to run. Even the stars of faintest glow run for public office. If I could only rewrite the Milky Way and mandate that stars cannot run for elective offices, then I guess we can put an end to the red-carpet elections. An elementary dropout turned sportsman runs, in the same way that an ordinary citizen does.
Do you think it’s high time to care for this? Our government is not a show, not even a circus. Merry making does happen in town fiestas only; why do it in the executive and legislative halls?
Lately, I talked to God. I asked Him for some interventions especially in the coming election. I honestly asked for good breed of heroes – both heard and unheard to vie for these titles. His response was: don’t dream, son; there are none.
In the same conversation, God asked me to apprise Him on the events happening to notable people occupying the positions and I did. I gave Him the necessary inputs and called off the talk. Out of the blue, I started wondering: What if God decide to run?
Do you think your erring barangay captain will dare running opposite God in the election? Take note, your kapitan del barrio keeps all the medicines intended for the people of the Barangay until lately, she discovered that these medicines are already expired, most were consumed by the family, and crammed what to offer to the voting populace. God, what about the accountability? Well, that’s just simple. She can always produce documents showing receipts of these medicines by the public. She’s used to it anyway!
And what about the city councilor whom the girls once said “cute”? Do you think he will vie for the office for which he is incumbent now if God will run against him? What if he knows that one constituent told God about the kickbacks he seized by intimidation from the contractors of the building he was working for the city? Ouch, if I were him, I will just gracefully exit. After all, life after death is better than life in graft and womanizing. Moral ascendancy to lead, is this it? Dear councilor, correct me if I’m wrong!
God forbids! There is a city executive, who by his own deeds became eligible to the final rounds of the search for the Rarest Breed of Animals in the country today. Imagine, he stormed the Hall for nine years as the Ultimate One, took a beauty rest for one period, and lately announced that he’s coming back, this time with vengeance for the same crown. But hey, what if the crown does not fit anymore?
Power attracts! Yes, even to the merriest of souls. Notice this guy who earned various honors in the square ring and opted to run for the legislative post. Hey, he just can’t give a south punch anytime of the day unless he is willing to be hit below the belt! Wake up! If you don’t, you will end up losing your riches and the opportunities attached to your crowns now.
Oh, I almost forgot! One ailing district representative, who’s suffering from the highest degree of Alzheimer doesn’t want to call a halt to his arguably for-the-country-service by running again despite lapses. What on earth is this? Is Philippine politics a haven of magnet where one can’t resist? Is this another Bermuda Triangle where one is lost mysteriously?
Once he said he is honest to his service. He was also quoted as saying that he is no liar, no robber. Perfect! Question: Is he telling this to the marines? This one too-good-to-be-true senator hallucinates! Politics is as dirty as the city drainage not cleaned-up. Just a piece of advice: ask God for a direct confession; don’t do it with a priest. I am afraid your confession might not gain any merit from high heavens.
Cheers! Before we finally ends, here comes the best man! He is projecting a strong but peaceful image. In his previous stints, he bested other contenders by exuding a man-of-the-masses image in the best supporting actor category. During his prime, you didn’t hear him sing or recite. I don’t know if the palace did buy the most precious flower vase from the land of the promise or contract a fragile guard from down under. Anyway, that’s his role.
Now, do you think your bet for presidency whose personally tailored platform is as bad as his closet image will make it at the polls? If I can talk to God once more, I will recommend that He run for the highest elective post of the land. After all, He has the necessary qualifications: He can read beyond words and human dynamics; write even without seeing walls; play within bounds; talk to people by heart and passion; fight the evilest of evils; serve with honest and purest of intentions; lead with words; and walk His talk. The deadline for filing of candidacy is already over but he can make miracles. Let’s just wait.
Let’s compare apple to apple this time: your bet can read but not beyond words and human dynamics - he can read what he is personally up to only; write on the walls graffiti and arithmetical computations of transactions; play beyond the bounds of the rules – most often, above the laws of men; talk to people in carefully fashioned heart-to-heart discussion in alarming passion; fight the good and favor the evils; serve with selfish and make-believe intentions; lead with horrifying and hard-to-believe words; and most often talk about his walks.
Silly, isn’t it? But do we really need to wait for silly ideas to come along before we decide to change our silly “selves” and eventually change this silly Republic? If God were one of us, do you think the 2010 election will be as peaceful as theorized by most overnight philosophers or just as bad as His trial when selfish Herod was then the governor of the area?
Think about it, man! What if God run for 2010?
Silly, isn’t it? But what if God were one of us? Don’t you think this silly idea fits for the silly Filipinos like us? Is it a silly idea to save the ailing, silly Philippines from further destruction?
Who is silly?
We Are Numbers!
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
February 15, 2009
Businesses today, in response to the massive growth and development of technology and in the science of management, employ alpha-numeric codes for all transactions. This practice, which has become obviously popular nowadays, was catapulted by the dramatic advancements in the field of computer and programming and software development.
Take for instance the numerical assignment to every employee of the company as registry in the records that he now becomes “employee N.” This is a global practice especially among large and multi-national companies to facilitate and ease recording of transactions relating to employees and to easily plan and monitor the manpower requirement.
Whether you are in the Philippines, in the GCC-member countries, in the United States of America, in any part of Asia, Europe, or Africa, this practice is apparent today in response to the complexities of the business. Yes, we are digitally numbered for at least three to seven characters and, yes, we are tracked by the system. I am talking about the workers of any class.
The idea is obviously sound in relation to business norms, policies, and practices and for as long as the management knows their social and moral obligations to their employees and fulfills these without prejudice to the humane nature of works and the workers’ welfare.
However, for some obvious reasons, there are companies who seem to forget the fact that the human resource is the most valuable resource the company could ever have in running the affairs of the business. Noting this from experience, most have become greedy and harsh towards treating people in the organization. Most have in fact forgotten that these peoples are not raw materials but are wonderful creation of God.
Larry has been in one of the companies in the Kingdom as the ultimate finance man, a position of wit, integrity, and power. His professional license and academic achievements in the Philippines plus the lure of opportunities abroad drove him to the Kingdom more than fifteen years ago. He raised his family in this highly conservative Islam community without reservation despite the strong Christian devotion he had. Due to one procedural lapse, one day, the Human Resources Management Department, on the instruction of the top man, issued him a warning notice for sub-standard performance and gross negligence of duty.
It was a pronouncement, based on a minor lapse, he could handle but the Management did not listen and won’t dare to. Larry was computed with his end-of-service benefits and was paid accordingly. Soon, he would be leaving the Kingdom and the company he built along with three other top executives, and one of them was instrumental to his unannounced disengagement.
In another incident, a Filipino General Labor was advised to resign for not paying “tribute” to his department manager. Since his manager does not like him, his contract was not renewed on top of the no-tribute-no-salary-increase phenomenon. Worse, his manager is a fellow “kababayan.”
Adding fuel to the fire, an accountant was terminated for simply not informing the big boss that he would not spend overtime one night because he needs to send money to his home country. The big boss expects a report from him although the deadline is not yet due.
Cases like these, revealed or concealed, are truly happening in this work-and-obey-the-rules Kingdom in twenty-four-by-seven frequency.
The humane side of the stories behind the triggering factors of disengagement or termination was left unheard or unnoticed. The values, corporate or individual, are ignored.
These stories plus a lot more, remind me of Jacobo Benjamin, the Jew who was imprisoned in the post-war America for no reason at all. Benjamin, in one of his assertions, quipped that he was a “prisoner without a cell; cell without a number.”
In contrast, while most overseas workers call themselves “prisoners without a cell” due to their economically driven sojourn to the Mid-East, certainly, “we are numbers” that can be erased from the register or deleted from the system anytime.
Be careful!
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
February 15, 2009
Businesses today, in response to the massive growth and development of technology and in the science of management, employ alpha-numeric codes for all transactions. This practice, which has become obviously popular nowadays, was catapulted by the dramatic advancements in the field of computer and programming and software development.
Take for instance the numerical assignment to every employee of the company as registry in the records that he now becomes “employee N.” This is a global practice especially among large and multi-national companies to facilitate and ease recording of transactions relating to employees and to easily plan and monitor the manpower requirement.
Whether you are in the Philippines, in the GCC-member countries, in the United States of America, in any part of Asia, Europe, or Africa, this practice is apparent today in response to the complexities of the business. Yes, we are digitally numbered for at least three to seven characters and, yes, we are tracked by the system. I am talking about the workers of any class.
The idea is obviously sound in relation to business norms, policies, and practices and for as long as the management knows their social and moral obligations to their employees and fulfills these without prejudice to the humane nature of works and the workers’ welfare.
However, for some obvious reasons, there are companies who seem to forget the fact that the human resource is the most valuable resource the company could ever have in running the affairs of the business. Noting this from experience, most have become greedy and harsh towards treating people in the organization. Most have in fact forgotten that these peoples are not raw materials but are wonderful creation of God.
Larry has been in one of the companies in the Kingdom as the ultimate finance man, a position of wit, integrity, and power. His professional license and academic achievements in the Philippines plus the lure of opportunities abroad drove him to the Kingdom more than fifteen years ago. He raised his family in this highly conservative Islam community without reservation despite the strong Christian devotion he had. Due to one procedural lapse, one day, the Human Resources Management Department, on the instruction of the top man, issued him a warning notice for sub-standard performance and gross negligence of duty.
It was a pronouncement, based on a minor lapse, he could handle but the Management did not listen and won’t dare to. Larry was computed with his end-of-service benefits and was paid accordingly. Soon, he would be leaving the Kingdom and the company he built along with three other top executives, and one of them was instrumental to his unannounced disengagement.
In another incident, a Filipino General Labor was advised to resign for not paying “tribute” to his department manager. Since his manager does not like him, his contract was not renewed on top of the no-tribute-no-salary-increase phenomenon. Worse, his manager is a fellow “kababayan.”
Adding fuel to the fire, an accountant was terminated for simply not informing the big boss that he would not spend overtime one night because he needs to send money to his home country. The big boss expects a report from him although the deadline is not yet due.
Cases like these, revealed or concealed, are truly happening in this work-and-obey-the-rules Kingdom in twenty-four-by-seven frequency.
The humane side of the stories behind the triggering factors of disengagement or termination was left unheard or unnoticed. The values, corporate or individual, are ignored.
These stories plus a lot more, remind me of Jacobo Benjamin, the Jew who was imprisoned in the post-war America for no reason at all. Benjamin, in one of his assertions, quipped that he was a “prisoner without a cell; cell without a number.”
In contrast, while most overseas workers call themselves “prisoners without a cell” due to their economically driven sojourn to the Mid-East, certainly, “we are numbers” that can be erased from the register or deleted from the system anytime.
Be careful!
Toppling the Wall
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
February 8, 2009
The recent economic downturn has hit not just America but almost all parts of the world. Consequently, all economies have been severed that led to enormous losses.
Tactically addressing to the situation, all governments have arrived at eventual short-term plans of sorts to tackle the financial calamity “of the moment” that has shaved about 25% off the value of most of the world major stock indices and essentially drove Iceland into bankruptcy. Of course, strategic long term plans are in the can to address gradual fallouts especially when this economic disaster does not improve in the long run.
Recently, our government has approved the 2009 National Budget highlighting the billions of pesos in support to OFWs. Notably noticeably, the Administration has clearly indicated their support to the modern-day heroes who literally send home millions of foreign exchange earnings out of the monthly remittance to respective families.
Panasonic, one of the world’s major industrial firms headquartered in Japan, recently announced the closure of twenty-seven (27) factories terminating about fifteen thousand (15,000) employees of which almost fifty per cent are contracted in its Head Office. Consequently, Panasonic Philippines will also encounter the same fate.
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabian Basic Industries (SABIC), one of the Kingdom’s most important and biggest-earning companies announce the laying off of about one-thousand employees all over the globe. And Filipinos are not spared from this; SABIC employs hundreds of Filipino migrant workers deployed all over their branches and sites.
By and in the same token, locally, several BPO companies are slowly folding up; others actually have folded up that consequently sent hundreds of workers to the streets of the politically-and-economically-disturbed Philippines. Despite the negating statements articulated by the president of its association, BPOs continuously and continually sag and the countdown has actually started.
Denial should not be the thing of the moment; it won’t work. Which is why, our government always fails in its move because every time it offends, it denies, matter that has become the “thing of the hour” in our daily affairs, especially in the grapevines; the same matter that has caused atomic explosion in the media that greatly affected and continuously affects our economic and socio-political activities thereby continually harassing the entire Filipino human race by all means.
What everyone should do, and this involves both the government and the people, is to resist the urge this depression brings along to slower pace and hope that the economic maelstrom will bypass our state, our country. Maybe one has never been overly gregarious but this is the best opportune time to take a stab at it.
All of us, again – the government, companies and the people, are in a very unsteady ride. This time is best for companies to reconsider old proposals that may sound alternatively feasible; the Administration to collude with other political parties a plot that will topple down the worst of enemies of the time – the economic depression - that has been plaguing not just the Malacanang Palace but the entire 85-million Filipino community; business sectors to ally and firm up their convictions to be socially morally responsible sectors thereby eliminating business greed that propel them to aggrieve workers; the Filipino people to delete from the lists of “undesirable attitudes” the crab mentality, the “manana” habit, and the “ningas cogon” that actually are not contributing to our individual economic profile and politicians to forgo personal interests in favor of its constituents.
“It’s time to topple down the wall that divides” between and among all of us. This line became a popular remark way back in 2001 when Arroyo assumed presidency of the Republic after the EDSA 2 that overthrew actor-turned president Estrada out of power. However, the same Arroyo breaks this remark and highlights its negative meaning by her own selfish and vested interests in handling the affairs of the country.
Recently, Arroyo was in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) on the invitation of the government. Sources say, Arroyo is on top of handling the improvements of the welfare of the Filipino migrant workers. Good, indeed!
Question: Will this ever happen? Several people from the government have expressed their plans, courses of actions - or simply thoughts - on this but never have succeeded, if they really have acted on it. Why? They forgot to topple down the walls that have been dividing their “political conviction” and “self-interests.” If these people do not learn how to actually topple down these walls of greed, then not even a word a can aptly describe them as political leaders.
And who then are they?
Roaches on the wall!
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
February 8, 2009
The recent economic downturn has hit not just America but almost all parts of the world. Consequently, all economies have been severed that led to enormous losses.
Tactically addressing to the situation, all governments have arrived at eventual short-term plans of sorts to tackle the financial calamity “of the moment” that has shaved about 25% off the value of most of the world major stock indices and essentially drove Iceland into bankruptcy. Of course, strategic long term plans are in the can to address gradual fallouts especially when this economic disaster does not improve in the long run.
Recently, our government has approved the 2009 National Budget highlighting the billions of pesos in support to OFWs. Notably noticeably, the Administration has clearly indicated their support to the modern-day heroes who literally send home millions of foreign exchange earnings out of the monthly remittance to respective families.
Panasonic, one of the world’s major industrial firms headquartered in Japan, recently announced the closure of twenty-seven (27) factories terminating about fifteen thousand (15,000) employees of which almost fifty per cent are contracted in its Head Office. Consequently, Panasonic Philippines will also encounter the same fate.
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabian Basic Industries (SABIC), one of the Kingdom’s most important and biggest-earning companies announce the laying off of about one-thousand employees all over the globe. And Filipinos are not spared from this; SABIC employs hundreds of Filipino migrant workers deployed all over their branches and sites.
By and in the same token, locally, several BPO companies are slowly folding up; others actually have folded up that consequently sent hundreds of workers to the streets of the politically-and-economically-disturbed Philippines. Despite the negating statements articulated by the president of its association, BPOs continuously and continually sag and the countdown has actually started.
Denial should not be the thing of the moment; it won’t work. Which is why, our government always fails in its move because every time it offends, it denies, matter that has become the “thing of the hour” in our daily affairs, especially in the grapevines; the same matter that has caused atomic explosion in the media that greatly affected and continuously affects our economic and socio-political activities thereby continually harassing the entire Filipino human race by all means.
What everyone should do, and this involves both the government and the people, is to resist the urge this depression brings along to slower pace and hope that the economic maelstrom will bypass our state, our country. Maybe one has never been overly gregarious but this is the best opportune time to take a stab at it.
All of us, again – the government, companies and the people, are in a very unsteady ride. This time is best for companies to reconsider old proposals that may sound alternatively feasible; the Administration to collude with other political parties a plot that will topple down the worst of enemies of the time – the economic depression - that has been plaguing not just the Malacanang Palace but the entire 85-million Filipino community; business sectors to ally and firm up their convictions to be socially morally responsible sectors thereby eliminating business greed that propel them to aggrieve workers; the Filipino people to delete from the lists of “undesirable attitudes” the crab mentality, the “manana” habit, and the “ningas cogon” that actually are not contributing to our individual economic profile and politicians to forgo personal interests in favor of its constituents.
“It’s time to topple down the wall that divides” between and among all of us. This line became a popular remark way back in 2001 when Arroyo assumed presidency of the Republic after the EDSA 2 that overthrew actor-turned president Estrada out of power. However, the same Arroyo breaks this remark and highlights its negative meaning by her own selfish and vested interests in handling the affairs of the country.
Recently, Arroyo was in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) on the invitation of the government. Sources say, Arroyo is on top of handling the improvements of the welfare of the Filipino migrant workers. Good, indeed!
Question: Will this ever happen? Several people from the government have expressed their plans, courses of actions - or simply thoughts - on this but never have succeeded, if they really have acted on it. Why? They forgot to topple down the walls that have been dividing their “political conviction” and “self-interests.” If these people do not learn how to actually topple down these walls of greed, then not even a word a can aptly describe them as political leaders.
And who then are they?
Roaches on the wall!
Through the Fog
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
14 February 2010
For those who have been in the Kingdom for quite a long time, seeing the thickest of fog along the thoroughfares annoys them. Why? The almost zero-visibility convergence of the fog renders all commuters to slowdown from 120 to 80 kph for safety.
Today’s morning fog, the thickest so far I have seen in almost two years, inspires me. The mists it distributes to all windshields and windows tickle my working mind and soothe my ever-curious eyes. More so, it reminds me of two things: obstacle and opportunity.
This morning, our Indian driver who have just arrived from vacation, managed to drive us all to our workplace through the fog with an ounce of discipline. Although he has been noted to be a skillful driver, the right attitude that is pre-requisite to road courtesy and discipline survived his ordeal. And driving through the fog sans discipline endangers not just the driver but also the riders and other commuters. It may abort life instantly. People without this deliver themselves to deathbed and statistics show.
Spouses always encounter the thickest of fog in their lives. Most often separation ensues. However, if one spouse is brave enough to analyze how thick the fog is and turn this into an opportunity to discuss the internal conflict with the partner, then this may strengthen marital relationship. The same holds true with parents against their children, neighbors against their neighbors, and brothers against their brothers.
The presence of fog in our lives, no matter how thick or thin it is and no matter what time of the day it appears, determines our conviction to conduct familial, official or personal affairs with prudence. This is attitude expressed in different tone.
Almost always, our government officials are hindered to see the real meaning and purpose of their positions. They are “fogged” by their own selfish and vested interests in holding the position. From barangay officials to the top elective post in the Palace by the foul-smelled Pasig River, their own “political fogs” destroy their promised 20/20 vision.
Because of this individual fog that converges in the plenary halls of all houses, the troubled and “self-serving” politics is adversely affecting, if not crippling, the Philippine economy that has been left behind by its Asian neighbors. More than two decades ago, the Philippines’ was considered to be among the top economy in Asia. In fact, the modern-day technocrats of China, Vietnam, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries were trained in our noble soil.
Arguably though, we lost this glory and honor due to the uncontrollable “fogs” that has been plaguing our disarrayed social and political system. This is the fog that brought us to places of honor; the same fog that destroyed our image in the same places where we were honored before.
In May 2010, another thick fog, if not the thickest so far, will dominate the Philippine electorate with an annoying number of candidates to choose from; the voting populace will be “fogged” again by “who is who”, “who has what”, or maybe, “who’s got the money” to vote for.
History has it that people are bribed to vote for Juan even if Pidro deserves to be chosen just because Juan has the money. And not merely money, we are talking about the color of money here. Exasperatingly frustrating!
This fog in the electorate, if not cleared, can bring another fog in the political arena of the country. It breeds, just like the virus breaking through the system. The problem between the human-created and nature-created fog is that the latter disappear in due time by nature’s call; the former needs will power to be totally vanished from the air. In which case, we shall wait when these people will, by their own will power, completely remove this fog.
Again, this is awfully annoying!
Through the fog, the community of united Filipinos in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the United Filipino Basketball Federation, survived the grand opening this week of the 9th Basketball Season dubbed “Basketball is Life”. Forty-two teams, all composed of Filipino expatriates in the Eastern province of the Kingdom participate to compete for the crown in the unique spirit of Filipino sportsmanship.
Fog is obstacle; fog is opportunity. Through the fog, we can manage to survive life, if we choose to.
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
14 February 2010
For those who have been in the Kingdom for quite a long time, seeing the thickest of fog along the thoroughfares annoys them. Why? The almost zero-visibility convergence of the fog renders all commuters to slowdown from 120 to 80 kph for safety.
Today’s morning fog, the thickest so far I have seen in almost two years, inspires me. The mists it distributes to all windshields and windows tickle my working mind and soothe my ever-curious eyes. More so, it reminds me of two things: obstacle and opportunity.
This morning, our Indian driver who have just arrived from vacation, managed to drive us all to our workplace through the fog with an ounce of discipline. Although he has been noted to be a skillful driver, the right attitude that is pre-requisite to road courtesy and discipline survived his ordeal. And driving through the fog sans discipline endangers not just the driver but also the riders and other commuters. It may abort life instantly. People without this deliver themselves to deathbed and statistics show.
Spouses always encounter the thickest of fog in their lives. Most often separation ensues. However, if one spouse is brave enough to analyze how thick the fog is and turn this into an opportunity to discuss the internal conflict with the partner, then this may strengthen marital relationship. The same holds true with parents against their children, neighbors against their neighbors, and brothers against their brothers.
The presence of fog in our lives, no matter how thick or thin it is and no matter what time of the day it appears, determines our conviction to conduct familial, official or personal affairs with prudence. This is attitude expressed in different tone.
Almost always, our government officials are hindered to see the real meaning and purpose of their positions. They are “fogged” by their own selfish and vested interests in holding the position. From barangay officials to the top elective post in the Palace by the foul-smelled Pasig River, their own “political fogs” destroy their promised 20/20 vision.
Because of this individual fog that converges in the plenary halls of all houses, the troubled and “self-serving” politics is adversely affecting, if not crippling, the Philippine economy that has been left behind by its Asian neighbors. More than two decades ago, the Philippines’ was considered to be among the top economy in Asia. In fact, the modern-day technocrats of China, Vietnam, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries were trained in our noble soil.
Arguably though, we lost this glory and honor due to the uncontrollable “fogs” that has been plaguing our disarrayed social and political system. This is the fog that brought us to places of honor; the same fog that destroyed our image in the same places where we were honored before.
In May 2010, another thick fog, if not the thickest so far, will dominate the Philippine electorate with an annoying number of candidates to choose from; the voting populace will be “fogged” again by “who is who”, “who has what”, or maybe, “who’s got the money” to vote for.
History has it that people are bribed to vote for Juan even if Pidro deserves to be chosen just because Juan has the money. And not merely money, we are talking about the color of money here. Exasperatingly frustrating!
This fog in the electorate, if not cleared, can bring another fog in the political arena of the country. It breeds, just like the virus breaking through the system. The problem between the human-created and nature-created fog is that the latter disappear in due time by nature’s call; the former needs will power to be totally vanished from the air. In which case, we shall wait when these people will, by their own will power, completely remove this fog.
Again, this is awfully annoying!
Through the fog, the community of united Filipinos in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the United Filipino Basketball Federation, survived the grand opening this week of the 9th Basketball Season dubbed “Basketball is Life”. Forty-two teams, all composed of Filipino expatriates in the Eastern province of the Kingdom participate to compete for the crown in the unique spirit of Filipino sportsmanship.
Fog is obstacle; fog is opportunity. Through the fog, we can manage to survive life, if we choose to.
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