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Will the legacy continue?

by Lawrence Llacer

           After his triumph on his last fight, Pinoy pride Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao once again proved to the country that he still got the killer instinct most of us thought was gone on his arsenal. But the question still lies, is this Pacman`s last fight? Or will he still be bothered by aggravating thoughts of retiring while on top of his game?            In his last fight, Manny executed an epic comeback win in Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur, flooring Argentine powerhouse Lucas Matthyse in the third, fifth, and seventh round of the abbreviated 12-round welterweight championship bout. The win lifted his record to 60 wins, 37 by knockout alongside 7 losses and couple of draws. The 39-year old champion believes that he still on the peak of his career. The reason why he still undecided when will be his last fight.            For an aging champion, quitting in this state is undeniably hard proposition. Especially when you`re having momentum, regaining that knockout mentality you once lost. It is not something you just easily give up instead, keeping the same pace may leave a better legacy that what he has to lay now. But reasonably, quitting at this rate is probably the best choice for him. Leaving the sports industry while in the top is always preferable than leaving when you have lost everything because it obviously means surrendering because you do not have anything more to lose. Other factors were also considered and viewed.            The southpaw ring legend from General Santos City is currently a member of the Philippine Senate and also a father of three. The multitasking has given him the hardest time as an individual. Passing laws, punching faces and serving as foundation in a home is three different aspects and grueling to face simultaneously. Then there is his health condition.           Perhaps you`ve read or heard that Pacman fought in the championship bout amidst a heart ailment but still manage to topple the knockout specialist Mathysse You heard it right. The information was from his chief publicist, Aquilie Zonio. Pacquiao then publicize a statement saying “Im OK, I feel fine”. Indicating that his media friend should tell the public that he is fully prep for the fight and nothing can stop him.          As an ordinary citizen, we cannot blame an all-time great if he wants to continue his succession in his field of sport. His eagerness to fight contributes to what great fighter he is. In fact, as he ages 40 this December, he still wants to be in the spotlight, he plans to have at least three more fights before he retires.          A Hall of Fame inductee, Manny Pacquiao continues to bring pride to our country. He does not have to redeem himself for what he has become. He does not have to meet his fan`s expectations. We must appreciate and celebrate all his accomplishments, not to be demanding. And without a doubt what he has done is enough for him to be called a legend.

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End of Common Sense

         The ever controversial Presidential Communications Operations Office Asec. Margaux Uson has resigned October 3, 2018, stating that her decision was a form of sacrifice so as to proceed with the allocation of the budget for the PCOO, adding further that certain lawmakers were intentionally withholding the agency’s budget because of her; a bold statement in it of itself, as we are all aware of her tenacious tongue when criticizing who find fault in her.

         This was met, of course, with mixed responses. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed his wishes for her while adding a sort of warning to her critics, be prepared. Even Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte thanked her for her service and wished her well.

         But not everything was rainbows and sunshine, as a dark cloud loomed over the Philippine skies the moment her resignation was accepted by the President. In an ambush interview right after she filed her resignation, she had shown interest in running for a Senatorial position come election 2019. The position is still up for debate, she said, and will leave it to the comment section on her Facebook page.

         My fellow Filipinos, this was a short-lived victory. We thought we were rid of the first eye sore, but alas, she promises a return. Like weeds on a grassy plain, she was removed but will eventually come back, much worse than before. With the way the administration in the Philippines works nowadays, I will be more shocked if she didn’t win. I think I missed the memo when a Facebook page became a medium to attract supporters, and with hers having at least a few million, only time will tell if she will be making her comeback.

         Ignorance is bliss, as people have said before. But there is a fine line between being ignorant and choosing ignorance. And Uson is definitely the latter. I’m sure she is aware of the amount of criticism she gets on the daily basis, not just from ordinary citizen’s, but from lawmakers and people of position as well. And how does she take criticism? An attack on the administration itself. While it is true that this administration does have it’s fair share of critics here and there, the fact that you turn a blind eye to your own ignorance is something everyone should take a second look at. Do we really want, or NEED, a candidate that feigns ignorance and blames another? Are we prepared to listen to the same kind of news that we can expect to accompany her?

         I am not saying to boycott her intentions for a senatorial run, but what I am saying is think. What do we really need: controversy or prosperity? To move forward or to stumble back? Imagine a place whereby if anything goes wrong, we can blame another and people would just say “Okay, that’s reasonable.” Let’s not forget the very first time she was bombarded with hate (after she made office, which was already controversial as it is), the spread of fake news. She took advantage of the technological age that whenever she says something and it comes with a picture, people were ready to believe her, dismissing fact-checking since whatever exists on the internet MUST be true. And when confronted with issue, she blamed the opposition saying it was them and not her, she was also a victim. And that’s only when she was PCOO Asec., imagine the amount of hate she can muster if she assumes a higher position. I can see the decline of the Nation just thinking about it.

         We already saw and felt the effects of electing people with questionable qualifications, some are quick to dismiss issues while some stand proud of their failures, hoping to soothe the wounds they left with a new, albeit much worse, remedies. Now think about what would happen if we add another. And another. And another. This cycle will never stop if we don’t cut it at the root. If we allow someone with the same level of qualification as Mocha Uson, hers being the president’s number one girl, it will speed up the decline up to the point where we will be having a much harder time coping. And I don’t want the future generation to shoulder such a burden. And since we are still here, we can start to make a difference.

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OPM IS NOT DEAD

by Annarone G. Ferriol

         We hear and read it everywhere discussions on all kinds of music related topics posted all over Twitter and Facebook, within the comment section of music videos on Youtube or MYX. While some steadfastly disagree, many seem to have been resigned to it# OPM is dead.’ If we talk about the death of OPM; what is OPM in the first place? "Original Pilipino Music": Original music composed (and performed) by Filipinos or someone of Filipino heritage, in short, the source is Filipino." The death of OPM would thus imply if there is no more music written by Filipinos or people of Filipino heritage. 

         Since many of our favorite and established artists such as Parokya ni Edgar, Eraser Heads, Bamboo and other singers had retired from the limelight of music industry, not a few have delivered obituaries over the death of Pinoy music.  Some have lamented over how OPM has become a misnomer, as it has describe from mostly original to revival.          If what they mean by the death of OPM is the disappearance of these artists from the music industry- you have to get away with your comfort zones! The local scene has been making waves in the music industry and it just keeps getting better.  With the emergence break out of indie bands and artist, you might be listening to the wrong artist because OPM sure as hell isnt dead.          The indie music scene has always been active, but has always been struggling particularly in publicity and promotions aspects.  What is dead is the lack on the support of music industry. Major labels decide to stick to regulations which only allows the mainstream media to air safe music. Media and music industries are now filled up with music charts like Kpop, Jpop, novelty songs and remakes. TV stars turned singers are much gaining publicity and sales  than what these artists deserve.          

        Despite of these standing against the backdrop of the music industry, more good artists are coming out  despite the lack of monetary support to properly promote themselves, managing to create and release their music in spite of these hurdles. Social media had also played a major role in attracting listeners and creating their image such as Itunes, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. But most of them are known from their live gigs and in different music festivals. Unlike the usual rise of ballad and revived love songs, indie bands and soloist fearlessly explore a wide variations of genre which dominated the local airwaves.          

          Local music is not dead; it is flourishing. A new light sheds over the Original Pilipino Music scene as new talented artists of different genres, both mainstream and independent are currently booming and gaining more recognition, especially from the younger generation.

         With the rise of the Philippines newest soundtrack queen Moira dela Torre, everybodys getting the nostalgic and emotional feeling while listening to her soulful voice songs. Moiras songs teach us how to fall in love and, at the same time, break our hearts with her intimate and unique voice. If you havent yet heard her iconic song Tagpuan youre really missing out.          

         Who doesnt know the lyrics to SUDs recent hit Sila? Its impossible not to sing along when this alternative soul band plays that song. Their passionate and soulful music will absolutely make you sing along with Walang sagot sa tanong kung bakit ka mahalaga.

        December Avenues fresh and soothing music will pull us into a world of hugot and will make us relate to their songs. Its heartbreaking but its kinda give us the reality we have to accept. Have you watched their latest music video of Kung Di rin lang Ikaw?

         Who doesnt love the band, IV of Spades? Visually, this band would caught our attention with their strong retro aesthetic. Everyones getting the hype of 70s vibe and also their nostalgia-inducing and romantic song like their hit song Mundo

          Whether you’d prefer some classic banda vibes, hip-hop beats, or new takes on OPM,  certainly, the industry has no shortage of talent. What it lacks is support and attention. OPM is only dead when we ignore it. And this is where it needs us. Local scene is waiting for us to hear its rich and soulful music that we cant find anywhere else. More than anything these sounds are proudly our own. Lets keep on discovering these artists and support them in any way we can.

        OPM is not dead, as long we open our hearts to our own music, it lives on.

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Revisions of the National Anthem

by Samantha Coleen I. Almero    

         Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III proposed a revision in the lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem which did not sit well with the netizens. 

          In his interpolation said Philippine Star, during plenary debates on the proposed amendment to Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, Sotto described the last line of Lupang Hinirang, “Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa ‘yo,” as defeatist. And according to Republic Act 8491, Chapter II, The National Anthem Section 37, The Rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sang shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe. 

          The teaching of the Philippine National Anthem is one of those included in the school curriculums. It is essential for every Filipino child to learn about “Lupang Hinirang” and to heart fully grasp the meaning behind the song. With that, many had reacted thru social media regarding the act of the 

         Senate President. Netizens all over the country were throwing hates and disgust questioning the Senator’s proposal to make a minimal revision on the Philippine National Anthem, thus it was also said that another Senator had co-sponsored Senate Bill 102, which aims to increase the number of rays in the sun on the Philippine flag from eight to nine to represent Muslim leaders. RA 8491 covers not only the Philippine flag but also the National Anthem in Chapter 2, Section 36. Senator Gordon did not oppose Sotto’s suggestion to revise the national anthem, though agreed that the last line of the anthem is defeatist and should be revised. He also said a famous quote by the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr., “The Filipino is worth dying for,” should be added to the anthem.

           Filipino people got different reactions over the possible move of revising the Philippine National Anthem. Some agree while others don’t. As for me, raising such action had made another chaotic reaction from the people. Especially the students who were always against the decision of the government. It was somehow shocking because as we all know, there are other relevant problems that needs possible solutions yet these people are focusing on other things that are not yet worthy of any attention.

          I also highly disagree because the anthem is already perfect than what it is now, for it portrays heroism and the sacrifices of our ancestors. Plus, it is our culture. It's a big part of what we are as Filipinos, and what they are doing is some sort of insult in Julian Felipe’s creation. If ever it the proposal is approved, the Philippine national anthem will lose its historical view among the people. Besides there’s no enough reason to justify such action. 

          Our original composition of the national anthem has already been a part of every Filipinos daily life. We started learning it from school since kindergarten and up until we’re adults. Why bother changing it if there are other things they should work onto like the justice system and such.

          Many people were born and died with the current lyrics of Lupang Hinirang being unchanged. Ang mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo." in the National Anthem does not mean "pagsuko". It means that the Filipinos are willing to fight for the country even if it costs them their lives. I think that proposal for revision is unnecessary for commitment in defending the country would also include dying for it, one way or another. I mean, the Philippines is really worth dying for isn’t it? 

         The Philippine National Anthem is a big part of our history and our identity. Therefore, revising it would be a disrespectful thing to do. There are people behind that song who sacrificed their lives for the country, and that particular line really signifies the willingness of a Filipino to die just for his country. That's what makes us Filipino. That's what makes our country.

         Sotto argues that that particular line is defeatist. No, it is never defeatist. It only underscores how much love we have for the country that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal did the ultimate sacrifice for and Andres Bonifacio took arms with courageous Katipuneros dared to struggle for, and that we are prepared and willing to give our lives for the sake of our country. If there is something defeatist, it is Sotto's thinking.

         There are lots of problems the Philippines is facing but the Philippine national anthem is not one of them. I believe the government should focus on more pressing matters such as poverty, corruption within the government and accessible education for all Filipinos, what we need is action that will actually help the nation progress.

          The idea that it will be revised, as suggested by Senator Sotto, may sound nice but ridiculous for some since our National Anthem is not just any other song to be revised and refurnished if some lyrics are not relevant. But the question is, why now? why not before? Surely, the idea of the revision did not start with Senator Sotto and just like him, many had already come up with many suggested revisions to change in our National Anthem. However, the problem is how to actualize it. Also, familiarity of the song should always be considered. People, both the literates and illiterates are familiar, if not knowledgeable, of the original version of the anthem. Revision of this would mean creating an entirely new start. People that are privileged enough to avail of education are the ones who will have access towards this new change. Whereas, the people which rarely gets the benefits brought about by education are those who will remain ignorant of this sudden change.

          For some, maybe now is the time to reconsider some facts in our National Anthem to be changed and revised. It may sound horrible, and funny to imagine that if our National Anthem will be revised, people are going to adjust every time we get to sing it. Some would still think that it’s unacceptable because we were used with its original version. At the end, I’m still hoping that the government would focus on things that would benefit and help the Philippines, not change nor destroy it.

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Shameful Act of Patriotism

by Jan Jaime T. Delos Santos          

         We, Filipinos, are known for our intense and undying patriotism. Proven when our ancestors fought for our sovereignty and reclaimed our home land. Since then, we have been refusing belittlement from outsiders.  

         On the second day of July this year, happened one of the unprecedented controversies in basketball in Philippine soil, which shocked both local and foreign sports fanatics. It was when the Gilas or the Philippines and the Boomers or the Australian national basketball team figured into a wild brawl that set the whole building in tension during one of their matches at the Philippine Arena as part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

        Reports said that the commotion between the two opposing teams, which lasted about 45 minutes, caused temporary disruption of the game midway in the third quarter. Due to such, referees was forced to eject those players who joined the fistfight—4 Australian and 9 Filipino players. Briefly, the game was resumed and short after, one of the 3 Gilas remaining at the ball game was unfortunately fouled out, which ended the game in favor of Australia by default.

         Prior to the brawl, reports said that FIBA imposed sanctions on both teams; match suspensions were given to 13 players all in all. Moreover, Gilas` head coach Chot Reyes and his assistant were also suspended and fined with corresponding charges.

         There are various reasons that we have overseen as to what possibly caused the Gilas versus Boomers brawl.          First, is the tension built during the pregame warm up. In a video released by Fox Sports Ausralia, Gilas forward Calvin Albueva seemed to trip Australian Daniel Kickert during their warm up. In return, Kickert shoved Matthew Wright who he mistook as Calvin. Not knowing how and why Calvin Abueva did the first act but it is believed that its due to some grudges. 

         The first and this second reason are somehow connected. In our viewpoint, Calvin`s inappropriate behavior is due to what happened the day before the match. It is when some Filipino fans spotted some Australian delegates ripping the sponsored floor decals without the permission from the country`s officials. According to them, it is because the stickers were slippery and might cause accidents and injuries to their players. This may be a shallow reason, but this could worsen the heat between the two teams and may be the only reason for the initial deed of Calvin Abueva during the pre-game warm up.

         Talking as a sports enthusiast and not in general, many fans found them embarrassing and disgraceful. The Gilas have their immoral and unjust way of showing their spirit of patriotism and brotherhood and with that, they paid the price. But with all the rigors and consequences that they have suffered; the suspensions and fines, slapping them hard with criticisms and bashes is not the best thing for them in that moment. Much worse, it will just pile on their burdens.

It was not only patriotism that was seen in Gilas, but also the spirit of brotherhood. Protecting their fellow warrior in the battlefield amidst aggravated by the thoughts that risk would take, is not the right thing to do but for them, it was the best and only way. 

         But when all the eyes are on Gilas, their head coach, Chot Reyes was also in his toughest and disconsolate times at that moment. After being fined and accused as the one who instructed his players to get even with the opposing teams, he reiterated in one of his twitter posts that he never once gave instruction to hurt their opponents.

         “The Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SBP) has released on the FIBA decision, and I stand with our national federation in respecting the FIBA`s findings. I have never given instructions to hurt nor incite unsportsmanlike conduct, and in my 20 years as head coach in the PBA and seven years at the helm of Gilas, I never been involved in such incident.”  

         Although reports said that Reyes once stated after the incident that we are not going to be bullied, not in our own land. A very strong statement coming from a true Filipino, disregarding the risk that the outcome would offer, which will maybe the cause of his basketball banishment. 

         It would be very hypocritical to say the Gilas did nothing wrong out there. Yes, it bordered out unprofessional, but we should possess an open mind and put ourselves on their shoes. Is standing up to protect your brothers a disgraceful thing to do, or is it more humiliating to just watch your own brothers getting beaten in our own land?

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Youth Empowerment

by Joanna Mae P. Delos Santos

          There’s more to BTS than meets the eye.

          The Korean Pop (K-Pop) Superstars BTS dotted a historic mark as they became the first K-Pop group to speak at the United Nations summit on September. The septet who came from Korea delivered an almost seven-minute speech in front of a hundred audience consisting the United Nations secretary general and the executive director of (UNICEF) United Nations Children Fund formerly known as United Nation International Children’s Emergency Fund.

          The leader of the group who goes by the stage name RM- Kim Namjoon, delivered an emotional and moving seven-minute speech. In a simple and humble words, he started his speech by giving thanks to his fellow members and the fans who ardently supported them through their journey. He also addressed the big part played by their fans, the BTS ARMY, in supporting their Love Yourself movement in partnership with UNICEF’s #ENDviolence campaign. “We truly have the best fans in the world” he said.

          In his speech, he tells a story of an ordinary young boy, and the extraordinary universal struggles of growing up. RM reminisces his humble beginnings in his hometown Ilsan, South Korea, where he led a joyful and carefree childhood, saying he used to imagine himself as a superhero that would save the world. He also expressed his undertakings, “In an intro to one of our early albums, there’s a line that says, ‘my heart stopped when I was maybe nine or ten.’ Looking back, I think that’s when I began to worry about what other people thought of me and started seeing myself through their eyes.”

          The 24-year-old rapper and song writer recalled how the words of people around him kept haunting his mind and how he started to drown out his own voice. “I began to shut out my own voice and started to listen to the voices of others. No one called out my name, and neither did I. My heart stopped and my eyes closed shut” he said. As RM uttered his words, he continued to reveal to the UN Youth2030 assembly and essentially to the whole world, the ailing problem of today’s youth.

          “Some people might not believe, but most people thought we were hopeless, and sometimes, I just wanted to quit” he stated. “But I think I was very lucky that I didn’t give it all up. And I’m sure that I, and we, will keep stumbling and falling like this. BTS has become artist performing in those huge stadiums and selling millions of albums right now, but I am still an ordinary 24-year-old guy. If there’s anything I’ve achieved, it was only possible that I have my other BTS members right by my side, and because of the love and the support our ARMY fans all over the world makes for us”. His statement only proves that we tend to doubt ourselves more often than what we believe we can do. It is because of the voices of the others that identifies us who we should be and act according to what they say. But with guidance and support from people whom we can truly trust, that no matter how many times we may stumble and fall, we’ll keep on striving to rise above and prove our worth.

          Even though BTS dominates the world star arena, RM admitted in his speech that he still continues to learn how to swim through life’s adversity. “Maybe I made a mistake yesterday, but yesterday’s me is still me. Today, I am who I am with all of my faults and my mistakes. Tomorrow, I might be a tiny bit wiser, and that’ll be me too. These faults and mistakes are what I am, making up the brightest stars in the constellation of my life. I have come to love myself for who I am, for who I was. And for who I hope to become” he continued. It took RM and the BTS members to wade through all the hardships and continue to walk on their chosen path. They’ve come far from where they have started but as what he said in his speech, the past molded them on who they are now.

        As we continue to grow, make our own decisions, and formulate our own conscience, we suddenly caution ourselves from the bad influences that would drag us down. We consider the warnings and advices that adults would often say to us as we trudge the path of life. As we build our own identity, make our choices, pursue our passion, live our expectations and obligations, we strive hard to shift and make sense of it all.

        At the end of RM’s powerful and heartwarming speech he said,” I urge you to speak yourself. I like to ask all of you ‘What is your name? What excites you and make your heart beat? Tell me your story.’ I want to hear voice. I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, your gender identity, just speak yourself. Find your name and find your voice by speaking yourself.” He wrapped up his speech by leaving an inspirational note, “I’m Kim Namjoon, and also, RM of BTS. I’m an idol, and I’m an artist from a small town in Korea. Like most people, I’ve made many and plenty mistakes in my life. I have many faults, and I have many more fears, but I’m going to embrace myself as hard as I can, and I’m starting to love myself gradually just little by little. What is your name? speak yourself.”

         There’s more to BTS than meets the eye. The speech they delivered paved a way for them, proving that they are just ordinary human beings who happens to be in the limelight, influencing people of different race by the means of their music.

         For me the speech conveyed a lot of messages for the youth. It makes us realize that mistakes are part of us. In fact, mistakes are made by people, people are human, therefore mistakes are human. We are bound to fail each and every time, but the important part is how we take on what’s ahead and how we rise up from the situation. Like how BTS made their way, they may have faced a lot of setbacks and pitfalls but nevertheless they carried their way to stardom and fame by hard work.

          BTS campaigns towards ending violence movement, together with UNICEF based on their latest album release of Love Yourself series, spreading the message of loving oneself. As society’s standards squashes our inner voices, the more we should seek to love ourselves and speak for ourselves.

        It is true, living the millennial life is not easy but it is somewhat lovable. It is the endless cycle of failures, learning lessons, and applying it into real life. But that’s what makes life more interesting.