REFLECTION ON MIDEO CRUZ’ POLITEISMO

REFLECTION ON MIDEO CRUZ’ POLITEISMO Dr. Feorillo A. Demeterio III Vice Dean, College of Liberal Arts, De La Salle University I did not have the privilege of experiencing the Politeismo of Mideo Cruz, as the whole exhibition Kulo was closed the day I thought of going to CCP and see for myself this installation in the context of the whole show. But since the controversy it created is aesthetic, philosophical and cultural, I, as a professor of Philippine studies, am compelled to make sense out of it using the fragmented footages and snapshots that I saw on television and the internet. I propose that Mideo Cruz’ Politeismo be analyzed using the Dada movement as the overall framework, because his installation is indeed a representative of this genre. But a problem arises here, owing to the fact that even for the classic and traditional arts, the average Filipino tends to have a very low aesthetic literacy. If we cannot expect the average Filipino to be able to plumb the meaning of realistic painting or sculpture, the more that we cannot expect him to make sense out of Dada installation. I believe that this gap between an artist’s expression and the people’s capacity to read such expression is the root of the controversy that we are currently experiencing. In the context of the Dada movement it is very difficult to talk about what is beautiful and what is ugly, because Dada art is designed to critique social and cultural norms in a shocking way. Just think of one of its most famous exemplary pieces: Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain,” which is just a urinal that is mounted on a pedestal and audaciously signed by the artist. What for us may just be rubbish is actually a powerful artistic criticism of the pretentions of classical and modern aesthetics that deified the names of the great masters. But why does Dada have to be shocking and “ugly”? According to the German aesthetic theorist Theodor Adorno, a conventionally beautiful art will only make us think that the world and society are truly wonderful, and therefore we should not do anything that might spoil their beauty. But a shockingly unconventional art will make us see what is wrong with our world and society, and therefore goad us to address these shortcomings. Conventional beauty will lull us to sleep, while shocking “ugliness” will wake us up and propel us into action. In the context of the Dada movement and the avant-garde aesthetics of Adorno, the question “is the installation Politeismo beautiful or ugly” is simply not the right question to raise, because the more appropriate ones should be “what is it that is being critiqued by this installation,” and “is the installation successful in critiquing such thing/s.” We were not able to raise these more appropriate questions because we framed Cruz’ art in the context of classic and traditional aesthetics, and in the context of intolerant Catholic theology. If you will ask me the question “what is it that is being critiqued by Politeismo,” based on the fragmented footages and snapshots that I saw, I think it is critiquing several aspects of our psyche and culture. Cruz could be making a statement against our cluttered aesthetics that tends to fill up all available spaces with bric-a-brac and kitschy items. He could be making a statement against our more literal polytheism that is manifested in the way we enshrine together several Santo Ninos, Virgins, Angels, Buddhas and other Saints in one altar. He could also be making a statement against our more subtle polytheism that makes us worship God side by side with our other gods and goddesses: the movie stars, the politicians, money, sex, America, consumer goods and others. The bottom line intention of Cruz’ installation is to show us a mirror image of our unhealthy psyche and culture. Persecuting him for showing us such an “ugly” picture, is just like smashing a mirror for reflecting our ugly faces. Just us we remain ugly even after the mirror is reduced into shards, our psyche and culture would remain unhealthy even if we lynch Cruz. If you will ask me the question “is the installation successful in critiquing such things?” My answer will be more complicated. On one hand, judging on the uproar it created, we can say that Politeismo delivered its potent punch on us Filipinos, and therefore it is successful. But listening to the contents of such an uproar that failed to go beyond the accusations of blasphemy and the prattle on ugliness, we can say the Politeismo failed due to the simple fact that the average Filipino is not ready to deal with Dada installations. Closing the whole exhibit Kulo is not only unfair to Cruz and the other 31 participating artists, it is also missing the opportunity of educating the Filipinos, especially the young ones, on the meaning of Dada and on the problems and ills of our culture and society.

(article is written by a friend and it's copied here verbatim with his permission)

The Ring

What's in the ring?

It seems I get a lot of questioning

I find myself answering, saying the same thing

Like a broken record playing

Only to find out different audience asking and listening.

To each one, a ring has its meaning

But mine is momentous and very special ring

Worn half of the years I'm living

My refuge when I'm yearning.

Hey! What’s that ring that you’re wearing?

Well, I’m just thinking

Maybe it’s time for me to be asking

A thing that I don’t really like doing.

I think I’m one of them always flowing

The constant that’s always changing.

Conversation about Fear

(excerpt from Defending Your Life film)

Bob Diamond: Being from earth as you are and using as little of brain as you do, your life has pretty much been devoted to dealing with fear.

Dan Miller: It has?

Bob Diamond: Everybody on earth deals with fear. That's what little brains do.
.....

Bob Diamond: Did you ever have friends whose stomachs hurt?

Dan Miller: Every one of them.

Bob Diamond: It's fear. Fear is like a giant fog. It sits on your brain and blocks everything. Real feeling, true happiness, real joy, they can't go through that fog. But you lift it and buddy, you're in for the ride of your life.


***********
Meaningful & noteworthy.

Manoy!

You may have guessed the meaning of the word, literally! But it's neither the story of big brother that took care of his siblings nor the bully type.

We were in a hurry to go somewhere, but we need to bring the thing that we came for. It's located in the car park so we have to go in. The driver asked my brother to slot in the parking ticket for clearance to exit. I grabbed the ticket to do it coz he's asking for the machine's location. I went out of the car, dashed to the machine, and ran back to where we stopped. Abruptly opening the door...

Manoy! (a shout???)...

I heard him calling but his voice sounded from the distance. At the same time, I was greeted with surprised, wide-eyed and speechless people inside. I slammed the door before anyone says anything, and ran to our car.

The car that was park where we were before was exactly the same size, color and make of what we're using. Who would have thought that there would be another car in that place in just a matter of few seconds! It's in seconds, not a minute!

We exited from the car park. Fast!

I told them what I saw. We all burst into laughter, but a short one! We all seem tense and concentrating to reach our destination the shortest possible time.

But thinking back, I get amused seeing those people got tongue-tied and bewildered! I guess they didn't even know if they wanted to get angry or laugh.. Maybe they're also laughing! But who knows? It makes me smile a little bit...

Drained

Oh, mountain I am coming for I am drained

My thoughts is in tons of train

But when I come, will it ever rain?

And I thought of going to the beach

But thinking it seems out of reach

And I'm still sitting on this bridge.

Maybe it's just a dream, a product of being drained

But, is it not everything starts from a dream?

Mountain, I will come

And time can ever tell when I come

For now I will just tell you,

You are dearest to me heart!


:(|)

On "Re-Creating Culture Through Peer Pressure"

My two cents. In response to my friend's proposal on re-creating culture.

I'm happy that there are still people who care and think for the good of the community and the nation specially looking at the condition of our nation as a whole. I knew some people that really worked hard and spent so much time helping those in need. But we need more of these people to achieve the goal.

Few of our batchmates, including myself, discussed on how to get involved and contribute to the community. That was a year ago! Though it's understandable that nothing is done coz we're out of the country (not a good reason though), and sometimes we're out of touch. Ouch! And, we're still at that stage, thinking! hmmm...

I'm for re-creating the culture through training and education specially to children or young ones. However, I prefer other alternatives to peer pressure.

Why not peer pressure? This is the same tool and tactic that our politicians used to corrupt the whole country. It created the padrino system, that if you don't have padrino your application (whatever transaction you're trying to get) won't be processed or will be delayed. Or you have to give certain percentage to get the government project coz there's a pressure from department head. This type of corruption is an open secret that almost every one knew, yet no one can exactly point out the people involved!

Corruption is no longer a problem, and it becomes the norm! It's a social disease! I guess it emanated from peer pressure. If you can't beat them join them syndrome?

Why peer pressure works? Most of us wanted approval/acceptance from our peers in things that we do. Once one is against the grain he may become an outcast. So, one has to conform with what others want to do.

Alternative. Teach them by example.
1. Values. Conduct, character, conscience and integrity. These mold the personality of the person.

2. Cause and effect. For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction. Newton's Law! This is learned in physics, but children need not be scientists to learn this law. We can teach them like the campaign ads Basura mo ay Babalik sa Iyo. This example is powerful specially those who really experienced flooding due to garbage mismanagement. Or do unto others as you want others do unto you.

3. To follow the rules & rights/freedom. Going by the rules seems difficult specially nowadays people wanted rights/freedom. There's always a tendency to go against it coz he wants his freedom. We have to teach them that freedom is not absolute! That freedom has to follow the rules. Example: If somebody is inside the theater or movie house, he can't just talk loudly as he likes coz he's violating others' rights to enjoy the show.

On love for country and nationalism. Social studies was taught as a fact through the national heroes' deeds. Unfortunately, it's never emphasized to love the country. Maybe our teachers missed the target. We have to teach the children sense of belonging. That is to the community and country.

The Missing Sound

It's cold early in the morning while the gentle breeze is blowing. The climate has changed, I guess. It's not the typical morning temperature.

Then...

Plak!... Plak!... Plak!... and it's getting louder..

then...

The distinct sound of Chinese music is floating in the air gently getting louder. I can see two silhouettes as if floating in the air. They are moving flawlessly. One is using a sword, and the other is a fan knife. Plak! ... Plak!.. Plak!... Its sound rhythms with the background music. I'm mesmerized, I guess coz I've slowed down or maybe stopped for a while.

But the sounds and silhouettes were in the past...

Today I came out expecting to hear and see them, however, the place is just empty. So I proceeded with my morning ritual contented with the humming sound of the cars passing by.

I missed the sound that poses as the marching music to sync everyone's movement..

Hear No Evil. See No Evil. Say No Evil.

Picture is worth a thousand words. I guess, it's a good compliment to a picture. However, some people may have nothing much to do! They can only see evil in it.

It's disappointing and sad to learn that people may think and could say bad things out of the picture without knowing the facts.

It's best to keep away from these people once we knew them!

You can find the link in here as stated in my FB. Just figure it out!

Setting the Bar Up or Down?

Walang Iwanan (Leave No one) and helping batchmates, who need help, send their kids to school. Two reasons on embarking our project.

85% maintaining grade to avail the scholarships being sponsored is a good idea! However, I would agree with Yumyum that it's too high.

I would suggest the following criteria:
1. Obviously, financial capability of the parents sending their kids to school.

2. Set maintaining grade for each individual by looking at the average grade for each candidate.

85% or any grade to be set is just a number. What if, most of the candidates are below that bar being set? Either we lower that percentage, or the candidate can't avail the scholarship.

As Yumyum stated, our main purpose is to help these kids get an education.

Theme Song: I Gotta Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)

The beat and lyrics are the usual things that people like about a song. And sometimes, each individual's mood is the factor that some one likes a particular song.

As the time goes by, it will be just a thing in the past, forgotten!

But when the song is associated to a once in a lifetime and memorable celebration, those moments, events and certainly the great feelings would be relived and cherished!

Enjoy the sound of our silver jubilee theme song, I Gotta Feeling.

AHC Day 5: Going Back to Reality

Mon 6AM: Woke up to pack up and have breakfast! Had some discussion with Tatay before leaving home.

730AM: Tatay sent me to the bus terminal, but we had to detour to visit a good friend to say hello and goodbye. And while waiting for the friend, I informed Aileen and Jinggoy that I was "already" in the terminal waiting for them.

I lost the time and we just chit-chat wherein hello was quite long. Supposedly it's only hello and goodbye. Aileen already called up saying that the van was leaving soon. We went straight to the terminal and within minutes the van left, 830AM!

I left Maasin with a heavy heart! I missed everyone!

1130AM: We reached Ormoc City, and needed to get Jinggoy's ferry ticket at Rommel's office. Then we raced to Gina's place for lunch.

1230PM: On the way to the ferry terminal for Cebu City. And we posed for picture-taking for the farewell group.

0200PM: Supercat left the port.

At around 330PM: The boat stopped/stalled! Propeller had some problems??? I asked DV if we can reach Cebu on time coz I had a flight to catch up.

0430PM: Supercat arrived port. I've asked Jinggoy to send me to Ayala and meet up with May for a coffee.

We arrived at Ayala past 5PM. We ordered some coffee, and talked summarizing long years of not seeing each other the shortest possible time. Posed for a picture, and again time to leave... :(

0600PM: Jinggoy sent me to the international airport, and we arrived around 7PM enough for me to check-in and clear immigration.

Upon reaching the holding area, "The Long and Winding Road" played (piano version) while I was taking picture of the flight number and destination! How appropriate! I'm on the way back to reality!

I reached home almost midnight exhausted and missing everyone back in the home town! But I felt very happy, indeed!

AHC Day 4: Family Day

Sun 1030: Mass was celebrated by Fr. Dennis.

Then we proceeded to Christine's place. Having lunch there, then some parlor games for adults and children.

Though we're at the beach, seems like no one wanted to take a dip. I went for a swim with Alma, Haydee and her children. Manuel also took a dip, and there's another one whose name I forgot. :(

Anyway the games and dance went until dark, then we ate our dinner before going to the next venue.

We brought drinks and food to Joy's place and had a party!

But everybody knew that all good things has to last!

Past midnight, Manila group had to leave first going straight to the bus terminal to catch up with their early flight in Tacloban City. They were sent by our batchmates. But when they left, tears somehow fell! The group grew so quite that you can noticed that's it's already wee hours of the morning!

Those left behind went back in, and became quite for a while trying to recover that odd feeling. Then we continue dancing and singing, storytelling a little bit until past 2AM!

We took a picture for the night owl party-goers to wrap up the celebration! Then off we went!

I reached home around 3AM!

As usual, coffee before sleeping and chit-chat a little bit!

AHC Day 3: Parade & Coronation Night

0530AM: Breakfast time!

0620AM: I went to the plaza and found the place seemed so deserted! I saw two people nd wearing the color of our shirt from where I stood. They were walking towards the gym. They won't hear me even if I shout! Upon reaching the monument, I just sat waiting for people to turn up! I was the early bird and forgotten that this is Maasin! It can't be that early, though they told me assembly time was 6AM!

Irma came, and we chat a little bit but she too went to the gym! Somehow I just want to stay outside to see the environment. Then Anggo showed up asking where the people were. I told him I saw a few went inside the gym, and we followed.

Almost 7Am and lots of people started to arrive. Dancers were around and picture taking started. Then the parade started! We just followed the parade, and seems like we just walk for few meters away and we're already inside the gym!

Mass was celebrated headed by Fr. Dennis.

It's followed with the dance contest with five participants including our batch!

We won the dance contest, and second for the float contest!

Lunch was in Kinamot!

By the time lunch was finished, seems like people were very tired after the parade and dance contest. There's a basketball game scheduled around 3PM. We still sat around, then teasing each other. Well, I'm the recipient of the tease, and it's fine. I was just riding on... :D

The group decided to visit Kuting reef and see around. We took some pictures and reminisced.. :D And teasing still continued... whew!!! Then, we went home to rest for the coronation night.

7PM: Arrived at Gunfrida Covered Court, and lots of our batchmates were present. We asked if we can start the dinner coz it's going to be a long night. The caterer said it's up to us to decide when to start, so we took our plates and started to queue for food!

As the canvassing started, our stomach were already full. Someone gave me a beer (can't remember who) and I just accepted it. :D Though we have our reservations coz we thought alcoholic drinks were not allowed in the program. But it seems no one cared!

Our muse came up third runner up!

After the program, dancing followed! Dance, dance, dance....

We danced and drink until 3AM in the morning! We never thought that we still had such energy even with our age.. :D

AHC Day 2: Welcome Party

Fri 10AM: I woke up and feeling refreshed!

Time for breakfast! I had a chit-chat with Tatay while having breakfast! Need to catch up with all the things... :D

Then, I discussed my cousin's thesis which she told me her group found difficulty in finishing it up! After which, she told me that they may need my help to pursue it. I told her to discuss it with their group coz my schedule was quite tight...

Time gone by and fast, and it's lunch time!

Next schedule was alumni kid's time! I decided to stay at home, had some chit-chat with Tatay. Then we played chess until almost 6PM! I hated to stop, but there's another activity 7PM approaching fast!

Time to change, and go to the party!

I dropped by Aileen's house so we can go together to the venue. It's better to have companion arriving otherwise I felt a little bit weird showing up after 25 years! Well, it's just my feeling!

We needed to register, I think that was for alumni membership and parade the following day, and so we did!

I don't know how to describe the feeling, but it really feels great seeing the teachers and classmates after 25 years! All people wore wide smiles and never stopped smiling! Picture taking everywhere, and you just want to be part of it!

I can't recognize some faces and even names. I remember some names, but the faces somehow didn't much. Lots of changes to each person! Yeah, but still feeling great!

Welcoming everyone and acknowledging the working committee and groups from different places. Honoring and acknowledging the teachers present followed!

T-shirts were distributed for the parade the following day!

And... more picture-taking and hi's and hellos and drinking that seemed never end!

When it's time to call it a day, some decided to go somewhere else to party!

Well, I decided exit with few others to take a rest for the next long day ahead!

I reached home, and surprised that a group of students waiting for me even at midnight. :( Well, I still spent more than an hour with them to give them some pointers on what to do, but told them to do it themselves.

I had enough drinks and didn't like to think too much! All I wanted was to take a rest!

AHC Day 1: The Longest Journey Going Back Home

Wed 9PM: I left home to the airport. The flight schedule was past midnight, and I should be able to check-in within 1.5 hours by taking train including bus rides.

Around 1030PM: I went straight to the check-in counter upon arriving at the airport, and realized that the flight was re-timed to 230AM (scheduled originally 12:20AM)!!! It's annoying coz I had a ferry boat to catch up by 545AM. "It's a delayed inbound flight...", stated the clerk manning the counter when asked the reason for the delay.

I checked in, anyway!

I called Aileen that my flight was delayed, and that I won't be able to join them (she's meeting up with our AHC queen) in the van going back to home town.

I tried to retrieved a book from my backpack, and found out I didn't have it inside! Four hours waiting time with nothing to do! The budget terminal doesn't have much to kill time unlike the other three terminals.

I ate MacDonalds, drank three cups of coffee and browsed the net. I took some random pictures, yet time seemed to have stopped! So, I decided to kill time inside the waiting area.

Inside, all seats were taken where you can watch TV (while closing the eyes???)! Internet terminals and tables were fully occupied. People playing, eating, drinking, reading... anything just to keep themselves busy. We're on the same boat! (Bored, sleepy and tired), I said to myself (I guess, smiling a little bit).

Thu 210AM: I was energized noting that it's almost time to go! I went to the holding area, and a bit frustrated coz I didn't see the plane on the tarmac. I thought there's more delay, and suddenly the plane appeared taxiing. I got excited and already forgotten my frustration earlier on.

230AM: Seems like everybody was on board, and we're flying off in no time!

Around 05450AM: Landed in Cebu! I thought I still can catch up the ferry boat. I briskly walked to the immigration counter anticipating to get a cab, fast! The officer checked my arrival card, and asked if I'm really from Maasin. I told him so, and he said he's from Tagnipa. Anyway, we hadn't talked much coz people were already queueing.

0630: Supercat Terminal, Cebu: I checked if the ferry boat still around, and as expected it already had left port. Sigh! All I can do was to get my refund (less 10%) and get another craft to Ormoc.

Next craft schedule: RORO (roll-on-roll-off) ship was scheduled 8AM and ETA 12NN. Fast craft: 11AM and ETA 0130PM. I decided to get on the ship coz there's not much to do at the terminal, but to sit and wait.

Breakfast time, bbq with rice and coffee, while waiting to board ship.

I ate Chippy (junk food) and drink beer (again!) on the ship, and managed to get some needed sleep for the long journey ahead.

1230PM: Welcome Ormoc City! Thinking of wandering around before taking a van coz the place looked different from the last time I was here! I can't even remember the date the last time I came to this place.

Upon reaching the bus/van terminal, I found it chaotic but orderly! People near to each other shouting for passengers, mixed with vehicles and human traffic! Maybe I'm no longer used to this type of place. I felt sad, somehow.

I looked for a place for lunch, and my feet eventually brought me to Jollibee. Eating again?! Seems like I'd been eating and drinking since last night.

SMS Tatay that I would be arriving home by night time.

After lunch, I decided to look for Rommel (classmate since grade 1). I went to their pharmacy and I was informed that he's at their marketing office. Arriving at the other place, on foot, I was informed that he's out to lunch and be back at 2PM.

20 minutes had gone by, and Rommel hadn't arrived yet. I left a message to the guard for him, and headed back to the terminal.

I thought the van schedule is every hour, however, they had to wait for all seats to be taken! I had to wait until 245PM before it left for Maasin.

While on the road, Aileen informed me that they're having a practice in a Tagnipa gym. I told her I'll go straight to the place when I arrived. It took the driver more than three hours to reach Maasin. Sigh!

I went straight to the city gym!

As I went in, I felt like a total stranger! Carrying a backpack and wearing a red cap with matching long beard, nobody recognized me! Somebody asked me if it was me in the flesh, and everybody just laughed coz they're not sure!

After hellos and how-are you, everybody seemed to be just laughing, reminiscing and drinking (of course) while dancers kept on practicing.

I informed Tatay that I was already in town, but in the gym, practicing! hahahaha! He replied for me to drop my things at home and eat dinner! I just replied, OK. :D

Beer still keep coming! whew!!!

People ordered for packed foods for dinner. Discussion ensued on where to go next! It's decided to go Joy's rest house for a party!

And so, Deve sent me home, though he's driving without license! After greeting Tatay, dropping my things and washed my face, we left for the party. I was just at home for 10 minutes tops and left!

We bought food and drinks on the way to the rest house.

Eating, dancing, drinking, laughing and singing.. we all did!

It's almost 3AM in the morning and we had to stop to be ready for the days' activities.

I reached home 3AM, drank coffee and eat snacks. Tatay and I had conversation until 4AM.

What a day! It's my longest journey going back home, and I felt the activities for past 24 hours or so, only happened in an hour! Quite a short time, I guess!

All I can think of was to take a nap.

Home sweet home!

Jubileo de Plata

I don't commit for I hesitate.
There's a reason, I don't mean.
But people & places that I've missed,
I can't afford to miss.
So I decided to be in the place
where things/peoples/events I couldn't miss.
But for now, my heart is just longing
for what I've missed.

The Final Countdown: 8 days to Silver

Silver celebration starts with 8 days to go!!!


"We're leaving together. But still it's farewell. And maybe we'll come back. To earth, who can tell? I guess there is no one to blame. We're leaving ground. Will things ever be the same again?" ~song lyrics

Moderators are Privileged!

We were skeptical/reluctant the first time we were assigned as moderators for our yahoo group. This is due to responsibilities behind it especially making things in order as expected. But since we're online most of the time, we don't mind being moderators.

At the onset of the assignment, we discussed if we need to moderate and ask everyone to exercise tact. But anyway, we didn't tell everyone and we just hope that each one of us is responsible. So far so good except that there were few things we thought we should do something but eventually let things be. As the time goes by, we just enjoy doing things coz there's nothing much to do anyway except approving and adding yahoo addresses as members to our yg.

Today, we have another perspective being moderators. We are privileged! (We may know things we haven't known yet.)


REMINDER TO EVERYONE! Our YG is meant for HS batch 85, hence posting and pictures are kept private to the group. Though I think we need to change the postings settings to private coz it still can be read without logging in to the group (will consult our creator).

REMINDER TO MODERATORS! Identify the person requesting for membership prior to approval.


**************

AN INSIGHT!

Moderators add members if known yahoo accounts and requested by one of our batchmates (or respective person himself), or approve membership requests.

For membership requests, we usually send email and check if it's a legitimate yahoo account. However, today I was asked who the new requesting party was. I didn't know the answer and became curious. Well, after considering different options to identify the person I decided to chat with him. To make it short, I managed to know him.

He's a friend of one of our batchmates. He's quite friendly and very open. After formally introducing ourselves, he voluntary told me to just delete his account from our yahoo group in case it's a big deal to us.

In the process of checking, the other party may give out some information that we don't know yet. We may get surprised.

For us moderators, we just try to establish if the person requesting for membership is our batchmate. The rest of the conversation will be just between the two communicating parties.

So folks, better tell your friends that our YG is a closed-group.

Open Letter to GSIS (Mismanagement!!)

Hon. Winston Garcia and Others Concerned
GSIS, Pasay City

The inefficiency of the GSIS to meet its present obligations has worsened. This is evidenced by its failure to release the pensions of the retirees and the survivorship pensioners on time and in full. Many of the pensioners received only a fraction of their pension and the remaining later. Some receive it late by 1 month. This is self-evident that it LACKS FUNDS. We think that the above specific failures attributed to the IBM is but an alibi. Remitting one time in full is more convenient and time-saving than remitting 2 or more times for the same amount

Failure of the IBM to do its part may be one of the causes but failure on the part of the GSIS to remit in full the pensions of the retirees is LACK OF FUNDS BECAUSE OF MISMANAGEMENT. Please read sections 34,35,36 on Funds of the GSIS , GSIS Act of 1997 as amended

Is it not mismanagement if funds are spent for buying paintings in millions of pesos for the Museum of the GSIS WHICH WILL NOT GENERATE INCOME? Was GSIS organized to establish museums? No, Sirs! But we think, according to R.A. 8291, primarily for the benefit of the GSIS MEMBERS. If so, funds of the GSIS should be wisely invested and managed. The welfare of the members is primary. Other considerations are secondary or not necessary at all.!

Is it not mismanagement if "In their complaints, Roberto Carballo, a government retiree; and Feliciano Taguibao,Miguel Miram, and Luz Palecte, all public school teachers, said a report a report ofthe COA showed that the GSIS initially deposited over P27 billion to the account of Manansala on Mar 5, 2003 after the Certificate of GSIS Properties Inc. GPI0) was issued by the SEC?

Is it not mismanagement if " The cash transfers made to the savings account of Consuelo Manansala out of the proceeds of matured treasury bills (amounting to P7,999,990,973.58) resulted in 'opportunity loss' in aggregate amount P46,988,422.80 because had the money been placed in treasury bills it would have earned P57,376,774.88 or P10,388,322.08 higher)," read the complaint.

The foregoing and more, are among the causes of the predicaments of the GSIS now.

What a mockery of the slogan or motto? of the GSIS, "KAHIT SAAN, KAILAN MAN, MAAASAHAN?" or Hanggang Pebrero, 2010 lang? Survivorship pension putulin lang?

The survivorship pensioners have been receiving receiving for many years now and suddenly March 2010 that will be cut off in desperation of the GSIS to source fund at the expense of the surviving spouses. Why only now?

The GSIS is looking for loopholes in the law wherein it can source funds without regard to who and how many will be affected, trying to justify its moves by referring it to the Supreme Court which allegedly "upheld" the proposal of the GSIS.

We believe that married individuals are mutually dependent on each other FINANCIALLY, physically, ... since they are ONE.

Dependency of the surviving spouse on the pension of the deceased spouse really and literally is true especially the long-ago retirees whose pensions are way below the poverty level even if the pensions of both are combined..

We know that proponents of this measure to cut off the survivorship pensions, for sure, are you RICH ONES. who have not lived the life of the poor.

Reflection

What do you want!? What do we want? What do I want?

It's a very familiar question that sometimes (or often?) lost its full meaning to our lives. Feeling emptiness in our lives (my life!), we start looking for something to fill that emptiness. We do things, anything, to fill the void (or should I say unhappiness?). Problem is, we don't even know what we're looking for!

Really?!

I attended a course very skeptical if it can do anything good to me. I had lots of questions to myself that were unanswered. Or should I say afraid to give concrete answers? It took a while for my friend to convince me to attend to the said seminar. Months had gone by before I finally decided to give it a try (chance?). I may find answers once I attended the seminar/course, I said to myself.

What do you want?!

It's a very powerful question that we all know we have the answers. The problem is we're afraid to commit the definite answers. We know what we want, however, we tend to sabotage things so that we don't reach our intended goal. We always consider other things first than what we want.

Honesty, commitment and risk-taking to self are essentials to know exactly what I want. But most importantly, I need to come to terms with myself before I can attain the necessary essentials.

Without attending the seminar, I may not be able to see clearly what I want. "Why can't you just help me?", I asked my friend. "Because I'm not good enough" was her reply. I realized that the friend may sympathize with me and would be my good reason not to pursue with what I want. That's where the seminar was mostly effective and helpful.

What do you want?! It's the core question that creates awareness of myself. It gives another perspective on what's going to happen in my life.

The strangers that I shared about my life eventually become my friends. We cried, dance, laugh, dine together, and even did things (crazy?) that I thought I won't do with strangers. And of course, bringing up a four in my hand!

I'm very grateful to my good friend (bff?) for not giving up on me. "I'm not going to attend" was always my reply to her. She's able to see things in me that others don't.

I acknowledged the support of my small group leader whom without her maybe I won't be able continue with the basic course (seminar). The first time she called me, I was hesitant to say anything to her, but somehow I did say something. Maybe the way she asked and delivery (voice?) of the question that I had to say something. I can (sort of) decipher her reaction and things that going on her mind when I told to her about myself. She's very supportive, and I can't express enough gratitude to her.

Our small group was very supportive, and that I really appreciate that very much. I received some good advise and support when talking to some individuals.

Of course, I'm thankful to our coach, Jim. He sounded more like Tatay (father).

Well, I'm now clear of what I want! I just don't want to be too specific here (avoidance :P) Fulfillment and happiness are the ultimate goals.

Awareness is not enough, and I've got a lot of things to do.


I don't wait for tomorrow what I can do for today!