Res Gestae
Q & A and 8-11 tragedy
I'm not fond of subscribing for free reports at the internet. I don't want to log on my email and see hundreds of unread messages in my inbox. But, last week I tried one - the Yahoo!Questions. The mechanics are simple. Have your email add registered and either you ask or answer questions posted by other members. In every answer submitted, you earn two points while losing four points for posting a question. As of now, I am still 150 points to level 2.
I find the website interesting. Well, I love reading what transpires in other people's conscious mind. While I do simple brainstorming in answering questions -- from completely silly to highly philosophical, I am more interested in drawing out thoughts of other members on questions I myself have difficulty to resolve. Investing with my four points, I tried posting my first question hoping that other members will earn points from answering it -- either seriously or not. After three days, I received twenty one (21) answers to this question: "How are Filipinos being treated in your country?" To offer interested members an overview, I also attached this background "Filipinos have unique and wonderful culture and traditions like any other people in the world. But, in their efforts to seek greener pasture in foreign land, they are often discriminated and, worse, suffered horrible death. Flor Contemplation was hanged to death in Singapore, while Sarah Balabagan was bitten hundred times in Saudi Arabia for the crimes they vehemently denied any guilt. These two cases are but a drop of water in an ocean. Other stories of abuse perpetrated against Filipinos, particularly on women, are untold. Filipinos are almost in all places in the world. You might have encountered them and been witnessed to their stories."
Indeed, it is confirmed that Filipinos are in all places in the world when 21 different countries are mentioned in the answers I received. Surprisingly, all who answered my questions praised Filipinos who happened to be their officemates, maid, employees and acquaintances. Here are the two of the answers I got (printed as it appears in the internet):
"in the U.S. a Filipino lady and I were good friends for a while. She was in the U.S. to get her nursing license in the 70's. She was a most wonderful friend. She brought her guitar to work and sang and played for the hospitalized. She was a devout Catholic and loved her family deeply. I will never forget her. She learned nursing to go back to her home country to care for the sick." (splinter) "work with some of them, and they are very kind and nice people, and also get treated with respect - in Mid-east." (dean_estelle)
I might not have taken seriously the first question I posted at the website but reading the feedbacks made me feel so proud of our race, particularly our fellows who have displayed good image in foreign land.
*****
The sinking of MT Solar I at the Southwest Luzaran Point, Guimaras Island three weeks ago is now gaining support from International Groups/Non-Governmental Organizations. The oil spillage is threatening several towns in the provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental while the shores of the Municipalities of Nueva Valencia, Sibunag and San Lorenzo, Guimaras are almost "dead" after these have been covered with bunker fuel.
Both the local and national government is working so hard to stop the spread of this horror. And, why not? The 2007 election is barely eight months from now. Being part of the team fighting the evils of oil spill will surely keep one to the spotlight. In other words, the sinking of MT Solar I and the horrible disaster it brings to the Guimarasnon and the people of the affected municipalities is a "blessing in disguise", especially for our politicians. It's time to make pa-pogi points.
Contrary to my contention that the 8-11 tragedy will turn out a blessing in disguise, I hope that our political leaders will not think solely of their own selfish interest at least at this moment of crisis, but seek to immediately respond to the needs of the affected populace.
(Send your comments and suggestions thru 09203028528 or rogatepnp@yahoo.com.)