A SECOND CHANCE

Last June 30, 2010 would be marked in my book as the day my beloved Philippines was given a second chance in achieving a purposeful democracy.  Winning by a popular vote, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III was sworn in as the 15^th President of the Philippine Republic.  More popularly known as Noynoy, he has captured the imagination and hope of the Filipinos that this country can be great once again. 

The tyrant that held power for more than nine years was sent-off with boos and heckling which was a welcome sight.  She was lucky that she didn’t get lynched or car-bombed as her convoy left the turn-over ceremony. 

She stole the presidency from FPJ. No doubt about that. What makes me ashamed  as a Filipino is that we went along with the ride, knowing full-well that her presidency was not legitimate. 

We turned our backs on the truth because we feared that if another  “actor” will take the helm of my beloved Philippines, this country would be another banana republic.  We sure paid the price for our collective cowardice.  The “economist” we allowed to be called president almost stripped the country of all its wealth and dignity. 

Noynoy maybe an agent of change but he cannot do it alone. It will take all of us to make the country change.  He is just the catalyst that brought us here today with a new hope of regaining our dignity as Filipinos.  I do not honestly believe that Noynoy is on a quest to relive the legacy his parents have left.  I believe he is there to point us in a direction where we all know will be a tough road to take.  It’s not up to him for the country to change, it’s really up to all of us to make change happen. 

Mr. President, thank you for giving us a second chance.  My fellow Filipinos, let’s not fuck this up again.  It’s time we repair the decays a malevolent bitch left us to rot.  It would be a crying shame if we do not seize the opportunity to be collective agents of change.

STANDING MY GROUND

I got a call from a very good friend last weekend. It is always a pleasure to get in touch with “S-3” because she has is one of my true friends, True friend in the sense that she will never hesitate to tell me the truth no matter how painful it maybe. That’s probably why I don’t tell her everything that’s happened in my life. Not in real-time anyways. 

It’s good that her reason for calling isn’t about another sad story(Angela, God Bless Your soul) .  Like a true friend, she’s checking up on me regarding professional issues because of organizational movements in our :”NAVY”  circle of friends. 

I told S-3 that I was fine and was eagerly waiting for things to unfold . No need to get concerned because I am anchored in my present work and not seeking bluer oceans to sail. With that said, S-3 shifts to light conversation and we relived  old moments. 

For me, this is not the time to move. This is the time to stand firm and hold ground.  No matter what movements the present storm brings in, survivors don’t quit. They claw, chew, bite, and do everything to endure. In the end, survivors make it through any rough situation that presents itself. 

For now it’s better to not to think so much about the future. The present is developing so fast, I could hardly catch my breath. 

TOUGH LOVE

Sometimes, sacrifice is required for a team to overcome a tough situation. The ultimate sacrifice would be a voluntary act of taking a “hit” for the team. 

Taking the hit for the team dissipates the foreseen onslaught of a tactical mistake that a team member has done.  Whether the mistake was an honest one or not, it will make the team  appear to be weak. If there is an opportunity to deflect the weakness by an act of “taking the hit” by a team-member, take it. 

Making mistakes is part of experimentation and learning. However always remember the lessons learned from making that mistake and assure yourself that this will never be repeated. 

I have my shares of sacrificial hits. I have also witnessed others who have taken the sting in order for the common good to survive. For that, my mental thanks goes to all of them. I will never forget their sacrifice.