Author's Name Withheld
Since a couple of decades ago, a rush of several Filipino showbiz idols throw their hats into the arena of politics. Wherever these movie stars go, a huge flock of fans are thrilled to see their idols in person trying vigorously to get exclusive photos or autographs for their memorabilia collections. Thinking of a great political advantage, traditional politicians turn to drafting popular entertainers to woo the enormous 'bakya' crowd to their side.
With the public's distrust of the traditional politicians, these new breed of entertainer-turned politicians handily win over the traditional politician opponents. It's still fresh in the public's mind how the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, a bright and brilliant lawyer systematically and brilliantly robbed the country. It was believed that Erap was one of Professor Marcos' alleged cronies during his infamous regime. After all, a good student (they say), in any way, does a much better job than his professor.
Barely two and a half years in office, the not-so-bright Erap has already amassed a great fortune derived from bribes, jueteng payola, kickbacks, tongs, etc. crowning his mistresses with huge amount of financial supports, colorful jewelries and luxury cars and mansions. Considering the little time in office, Erap is already dubbed as the worst President the Philippines ever have. He has gone from the most popular president (since the late President Magsaysay) to being highly unpopular in a short period of time. President Estrada is not fit to govern the country and must quit the highest office of the land. Since he is not fit, he must quit.
In the early part of this year, a visiting World Bank President challenged Estrada's administration to get its act together and implement its plans to fight corruption and poverty. President Estrada responded that he is trying to eradicate corruption and inefficiency in the government. He said, "Poverty eradication was the central plank of my platform when I sought the presidency. It is now the central driving force of my strategy."
But what has happened to that beautiful platform he declared. 'Gone with the wind'! He has betrayed the trust of the Filipino people. He has lost his credibility and moral ascendancy to govern. The 'bakya' community, who once cherished and adored him as their idol feeling betrayed, are now covering their face and sitting in the dark, ashamed and hurting.
As the clamor for impeachment or resignation filled the air, Erap wanted the people to decide his fate by referendum thus adding insult to injury. A referendum puts a proposed law on the ballot at a general or special election. It is unconstitutional to remove a sitting president other than by impeachment or resignation.
President Estrada's popularity is now declining faster than expected and has lost its luster and connection with the poor 'bakya' crowd majority who voted him to the highest office of the land. His slogan 'Erap Para Sa Mahirap' was only an illusion in fantasy land. It was only a pure political gimmick to entice the 'bakya' population for his personal gain and to that of his relatives, drinking buddies, friends and cronies especially the elite class. The 'Erap Para Sa Mahirap' slogan now becomes 'ERAP NAGPAPAHIRAP."
Estrada thinks that he is still acting in the movies. He does not know realistically how to differentiate between acting in the movies and acting presidential. He has carried his hero persona in the movies into politics. Estrada's administration has failed the dreams of the 'bakya' community and to the Filipino people in general.
What happens to the Philippines now under Erap's administration is a real lesson to think about. The Filipino people deserves better candidates to run for public office. With the surge of several movie stars running for public office, it's time to do away the 'bakya' mentality and to think a little harder which candidate is most qualified and a much better public servant.
-------
This article was written years ago. We should be thru with this kind of destructive criticism, but why are some of us still doing such thing in blogs, commentaries, and opinion columns? It only satisfies the souls of the people who has the same spirit as the writer. Let us grow mature and instead pursue to uplift our fellowmen who may have gone astray. Now, who among us is still wearing 'bakya'?
Restore a Brother in the Spirit of Gentleness
Galatians 5:25-6:10
If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit. Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each man test his own work, and then he will take pride in himself and not in his neighbor. For each man will bear his own burden. But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.
So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
The World's Wisdom is Foolishness with God
1 Corinthians 3:1-20
Brothers, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren't yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men?
For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly? Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him? I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man's work is.
If any man's work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He has taken the wise in their craftiness." And again, "The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless."
Overcome Evil With Good
Romans 12:1-21
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Since a couple of decades ago, a rush of several Filipino showbiz idols throw their hats into the arena of politics. Wherever these movie stars go, a huge flock of fans are thrilled to see their idols in person trying vigorously to get exclusive photos or autographs for their memorabilia collections. Thinking of a great political advantage, traditional politicians turn to drafting popular entertainers to woo the enormous 'bakya' crowd to their side.
With the public's distrust of the traditional politicians, these new breed of entertainer-turned politicians handily win over the traditional politician opponents. It's still fresh in the public's mind how the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, a bright and brilliant lawyer systematically and brilliantly robbed the country. It was believed that Erap was one of Professor Marcos' alleged cronies during his infamous regime. After all, a good student (they say), in any way, does a much better job than his professor.
Barely two and a half years in office, the not-so-bright Erap has already amassed a great fortune derived from bribes, jueteng payola, kickbacks, tongs, etc. crowning his mistresses with huge amount of financial supports, colorful jewelries and luxury cars and mansions. Considering the little time in office, Erap is already dubbed as the worst President the Philippines ever have. He has gone from the most popular president (since the late President Magsaysay) to being highly unpopular in a short period of time. President Estrada is not fit to govern the country and must quit the highest office of the land. Since he is not fit, he must quit.
In the early part of this year, a visiting World Bank President challenged Estrada's administration to get its act together and implement its plans to fight corruption and poverty. President Estrada responded that he is trying to eradicate corruption and inefficiency in the government. He said, "Poverty eradication was the central plank of my platform when I sought the presidency. It is now the central driving force of my strategy."
But what has happened to that beautiful platform he declared. 'Gone with the wind'! He has betrayed the trust of the Filipino people. He has lost his credibility and moral ascendancy to govern. The 'bakya' community, who once cherished and adored him as their idol feeling betrayed, are now covering their face and sitting in the dark, ashamed and hurting.
As the clamor for impeachment or resignation filled the air, Erap wanted the people to decide his fate by referendum thus adding insult to injury. A referendum puts a proposed law on the ballot at a general or special election. It is unconstitutional to remove a sitting president other than by impeachment or resignation.
President Estrada's popularity is now declining faster than expected and has lost its luster and connection with the poor 'bakya' crowd majority who voted him to the highest office of the land. His slogan 'Erap Para Sa Mahirap' was only an illusion in fantasy land. It was only a pure political gimmick to entice the 'bakya' population for his personal gain and to that of his relatives, drinking buddies, friends and cronies especially the elite class. The 'Erap Para Sa Mahirap' slogan now becomes 'ERAP NAGPAPAHIRAP."
Estrada thinks that he is still acting in the movies. He does not know realistically how to differentiate between acting in the movies and acting presidential. He has carried his hero persona in the movies into politics. Estrada's administration has failed the dreams of the 'bakya' community and to the Filipino people in general.
What happens to the Philippines now under Erap's administration is a real lesson to think about. The Filipino people deserves better candidates to run for public office. With the surge of several movie stars running for public office, it's time to do away the 'bakya' mentality and to think a little harder which candidate is most qualified and a much better public servant.
-------
This article was written years ago. We should be thru with this kind of destructive criticism, but why are some of us still doing such thing in blogs, commentaries, and opinion columns? It only satisfies the souls of the people who has the same spirit as the writer. Let us grow mature and instead pursue to uplift our fellowmen who may have gone astray. Now, who among us is still wearing 'bakya'?
Restore a Brother in the Spirit of Gentleness
Galatians 5:25-6:10
If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit. Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each man test his own work, and then he will take pride in himself and not in his neighbor. For each man will bear his own burden. But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.
So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
The World's Wisdom is Foolishness with God
1 Corinthians 3:1-20
Brothers, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren't yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men?
For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly? Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him? I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; each man's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man's work is.
If any man's work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He has taken the wise in their craftiness." And again, "The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless."
Overcome Evil With Good
Romans 12:1-21
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."
Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
