Open Letter from the People of Sitio Kabute

21 September 2008

TO ALL FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS

Warm Greetings!

We are indigent residents of Sitio Kabute, Brgy. Real, Calamba City composed of 150 families, which at present is facing an impending threat of displacement from our homes in view of the forced demolition order perpetrated by Metrobank.

The area has been our peaceful abode in the past three decades. We raised our families there and it’s strategic to our line of livelihood as dispatchers, tricycle drivers, vendors, and laborers among others.

But in January this year, we were alarmed by a written notice declaring our land as property of Metrobank, purportedly through a land title dated only in 2006. We are suspicious of the fact that for a long time, no party has claimed ownership to it. But due to intimidation and given our meager understanding of the law, we voluntarily demolished our homes. Left with no option to relocate but with understanding of our fundamental right to abode, we decided to regain possession of our land and settled back.

Subsequently, in the past 8 months, we faced systematic forms of harassments from private security elements of Metrobank to force us to vacate our land. But these dirty tactics only pushed us to unite and organize ourselves and defend our right to our land.

Unfortunately, last September 11, the Regional Trial Court of Calamba, through Judge Alberto Serrano handed a decision notifying us to vacate the land and ordering demolition of our homes.

Hence, at present we are faced with a legal battle, notwithstanding the fact that we are really short of finances to sustain this tough challenge in court. We‘ve already conducted protests to concerned government offices instrumental in setting up Metrobank’s claim. Anytime this week, the people of Sitio of Kabute will face a violent demolition, thus we set up a Camp Out in the area as a common place and outright defense whenever the demolition is at hand.

In this regard, we appeal for financial, material, and moral support to sustain our fight for right to land and decent homes. We are also inviting you to visit the area to further understand our plight.

We hope for your kind understanding and support.

For the people of Sitio Kabute,

NANAY MELICIA ALMARIO

Samyo ng Makiling

Samyo ng Makiling

Sisilo't kumawala na parang isang paslit
sa sinapupunan mong dalit ay habag
Hahayo ako sa dahilig mong katawan
kakandong sa palad ng ulan.

Sisinghot sa yelong tunaw sa hangin
na kinusot mo ng punong umugat na sa limot
Sisigla ako't mangatatayo sa lagapak
ng iyong tila burol na unan.

Ako'y samyuhin sa iyong sabakan
ihele mo ako sa lubid ng araw
At sa tutok ng gabi ako'y pagsarhan
ng haplos mo na tungkod sa lunangan.

*alay sa hiwaga ng bundok makiling at kay dalandan.

edge 9.23.08, LB

RIGHTS v. 2 Launch

RIGHTS v.2

September 19, 16pm UP-CMC Media Center. Admission is FREE!

Artist's ARREST - "Awit"
Artist's ARREST - "Tula"
Bon Labora - "Warrant"
Emil Mercado - "Peace"
Ging Flores- "Luya"
J Pacena - "Left Turn"
JP Carpio - "Tao Po"
Keith Sicat - "SIlenced"
Kodao Productions - "Quenching Fire"
Ron Papag - "Rights 101"
Sinepatriyotiko - "Stop the Killings"
Southern Tagalog Exposure - "Bakwet"
Southern Tagalog Exposure - "Eduardo Serrano"
Ted Edward Ferreras - "Terorista Ka Ano?"
Zig Dulay and Recci Bacolor - "Tagu-Taguan"


Program:

National Anthem with shadowplay performance by Anino shadowplay Collective

Welcoming Remarks from College of Mass Communication Student Council

Intro: From the Producer of Rights v.2 – Southern Tagalog Exposure

Intro: HR Situatione from Karapatan – Ruth Cervantes

Film screening

Acknowledgement of present filmmakers

Reactors: Bibeth Orteza, Roland Tolentino, Doy Del Mundo, Axel Pinpin and Sarah Raymundo

Musical Performance - Cynthia Alexander

Q&A with fimmakers


Rights Background:

RIGHTS is a pioneering compilation of independently produced and human rights themed short films/public service advertisements (PSAs). Initiated originally by artists involved with Southern Tagalog Exposure and the Free Jonas Burgos Movement, RIGHTS exposes the incessant human rights hostilities in the Philippines. It is an open and continuing call for filmmakers to participate in the growing movement to defend and uphold human rights.

However, timely of its launching on September 21 last year, blatant state censorship rendered RIGHTS' non-exhibition atIndie Sine following MTRCB's X rating to some of the PSAs. Filmmakers decried MTRCB's X-rating on RIGHTS as a form of violation of freedom of expression, validating their opinion on the human rights situation in the Philippines. Yet despite the censorship, organizers and filmmakers were determined to continue to reproduce and distribute copies for the benefit of the people's right to know and reach out further to the broad mass of people.

For almost a year following the systematic state intervention, the struggle of RIGHTS' independent filmmakers for a free and relevant disposal of their craft continues. The repression of freedom of expression and worsening human rights situation only gives them more reason to produce more films and actively participate in the struggle for justice and peace.

Thus, as an offshoot to last year's unyielding and remarkable production, comes RIGHTS 2. Some 15 relatively new set of artists and artists collective from the independent film movement will display their artistic prowess and social relevance.

The Anti-Progressive Pope (repost)

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Huling Lagapak ng Kandado

NI AXEL PINPIN*
Inilathala ng Bulatlat
Vol. VIII, No. 30, August 31-September 6, 2008

Kumupas at kumupis ang kalendaryo
Kumalampag at ipininid ang kandado
Kumupad at bumilis ang oras
Nagasgas at numipis ang rehas
Dumatal at umalis ang lamig
Sumagad at umibis ang init
Nangutya at tiniis ang inip
Nanuya at nanikis ang inis

Walong daaan at limampu’t siyam na araw
Paulit-ulit, paikid-ikid lamang na galaw

Dalawang taon at apat na buwan
Pabalik-balik, paikit-ikit lamang na kawalan

Ninakaw, inagaw ang kalayaang inakalang
Maitatangkal sa kalaliman ng kadiliman
Ng libingan ng mga buhay at matatabunan
Ng tambak ng batas na butas
Na nauna pang maagnas at ipag-aguniyas
Ang kamatayan ng sirkerong testigo na di-bihasa
Sa kinabisang panulayan at panimbangan.
Ay! Nagkandudulas sa lubid ng kasinungalingang
Ibinuhol ng buhong na piskal, nagkandabulol
At nagkandahulog ang katwiran
Na nagiging mahika-blanka
Sa tuwing kabulaanan ang bumubulagang
Sorpresa sa kahon ng ebidensya at hindi
Kunehong puti na sana’y mabilis at malinis
Na lilinlang sa namanghang mga
Mamamayang bantay sa katarungan
Sa sala ng Hukom na nagmistulang karnabal.

Walong daaan at limampu’t siyam na araw
Paulit-ulit, paikid-ikid lamang na galaw

Dalawang taon at apat na buwan
Pabalik-balik, paikit-ikit lamang na kawalan

At sa isang iglap, walang nakakurap,
Tapos na ang palabas!

29 Agosto 2008/0358hr
Unang labanan ng rebolusyong 1896 sa San Juan
At unang araw sa labas ng bilangguan ng Tagaytay 5

Inilathala ng Bulatlat
*Si Axel Pinpin ay kabilang sa tinaguriang “Tagaytay 5” – kasama nina Riel Custodio, Aristedes Sarmiento, Enrico Ybañez, at Michael Masayes – na dinukot ng mga pulis at militar noong Abril 28, 2006 sa Tagaytay City, pinaratangang mga “rebeldeng komunista” at mahigit sa dalawang taong nakulong sa Camp Vicente Lim ng Philippine National Police (PNP) bago mapalaya nitong Agosto 27. Naging fellow siya para sa tula ng UP National Writers Workshop noong 1999.

VERBATIM: On good governance & the recall petition of Gov. Ed Panlilio

The recall petition is not about good governance or transparency. It is about political opportunism and personal greed. At a time the Filipino nation is in desperate need of honest leaders, officials of the President’s province are doing everything to remove one. For shame.-- Philippine Dailiy Inquirer

From PDI Editorial:

That most of the local officials of Pampanga province, especially the mayors and board members, are suddenly beside themselves with their non-negotiable demand for credible and clean leadership is not at all surprising. But their brazenness is still breathtaking. Simply put, their “campaign” is both shameful and shameless. In Filipino, “nakakahiya, walang hiya!”. Read on.

Tagaytay 5 freed; rebellion case ‘nonexistent’

By Niña Catherine Calleja, Philippine Daily Inquirer

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA—Five men accused of being communist guerrillas were released Thursday afternoon after the Tagaytay Regional Trial Court (RTC) dismissed the rebellion case filed against them by the police.

Released were Axel Pinpin, Aristides Sarmiento, Rico Ybañez, Michael Masayes and Riel Custodio.

Pinpin, a poet, said he and his fellow detainees were ecstatic and yet doubtful when they heard the news.

“We almost couldn’t believe it,” Pinpin said while packing his more than 100 books that fellow writers had given him in a 20-square-meter custodial jail.

The cell, according to the Commission on Human Rights, did not pass the United Nations’ minimum standard for treatment of prisoners.

The five men were excited to leave the detention cell with walls plastered with photos, news items about them, and posters calling for their release.

“We can now walk with freedom,” said Sarmiento, who was still clad in an orange shirt with the slogan “Free Political Prisoners” printed on it.

Ybañez, who will turn 61 on Sept. 5, said his freedom was the best gift he had received.

The men, known as the “Tagaytay 5,” were abducted while riding in a car by Cavite police and Naval Intelligence and Security Forces operatives on April 28, 2006.

Pinpin, Sarmiento and Custodio claimed they were members of the farmers’ group Katipunan ng mga Magsasaka sa Kabite (Kamagsasaka-Ka, or Farmers’ Federation in Cavite) while Masayes and Ybañez were hired drivers.

They were held in the Calabarzon Regional Police Office (CRPO) headquarters for two years and four months.

Nonexistent crime

The CRPO Thursday received a copy of the ruling of Tagaytay RTC Branch No. 18, which was issued by Judge Edwin Larida on Aug. 20, according to Chief Supt. Ricardo Padilla, CRPO director.

The ruling mentioned the prosecution’s “erroneous manifestations.”

“Faced with an information charging a manifestly nonexistent crime, the duty of the trial court is to throw it out. Or at the very least, and where possible, make it conform to the law,” Larida said.

The judge ordered the men’s immediate release.

Triumph of justice

Carlo Ybañez, the lawyer of the accused, joined by lawyers Frank Chavez and Jose Manuel Diokno, described the court decision as a “triumph of justice.”

“The decision favoring the Tagaytay 5 is proof that justice still exists in this country,” Ybañez said.

Ybañez said the trial took a while, the process sped up after he filed a writ of amparo.

A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.

The arraignment of the Tagaytay 5 was postponed by the RTC six times. During the arraignment on June 16, the five pleaded “not guilty” to the rebellion charges.

Charges for illegal detention

Ybañez said Chavez told the court that there was no crime and the prosecution could not prove rebellion by citing subversion.

“The police who abducted and detained them are liable,” Ybañez said, emphasizing that the men’s lawyers were planning to file charges against the police in connection with the illegal arrest and detention, torture and planting of evidence.

The Tagaytay 5 said more than 30 armed plainclothesmen abducted them while traveling along Ligaya Drive in Barangay (village) Sungay in Tagaytay City on April 28, 2006.

After less than a week, the five were charged with rebellion and presented to the media as members of the communist New People’s Army.

In July, CHR Chair Leila de Lima recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges in the Office of the Ombudsman against the Cavite police and the Naval Intelligence and Security Forces for human rights violations.

Unimaginable

Sarmiento said that while he was happy that he was now free, he also felt fear.

“Fear of what will happen to us outside and what police can still do,” he said.

What happened to them within two years was unimaginable, Pinpin said.

“I write poems but I couldn’t describe our experience in the span of two years,” he said.

Pinpin, research and information officer of Kamagsasaka-Ka, said he would be going back to the peasant movement.

“The government had taken away so many things from us,” he said.

Punish the police

After the arrest, Pinpin said, the group’s trading operations involving muscovado sugar and coffee were affected.

Sarmiento said the police who arrested and detained him and the others should be punished.

“It is so easy for them to arrest someone but it’s hard for them to free innocent people,” he said.

Sought for reaction, Padilla said: “We are filing a motion for reconsideration. Then we will let the court decide.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080829-157494/Tagaytay-5-freed-rebellion-case-nonexistent

Show show, the SONA fashion

The SONA has become an annual and grand spectacle for politicians, vis-a-vis politico de familia, and their extended families all under one roof (Batasan Pambansa) they shared with no less, La Presidenta. It is but an anticipated event for local designers to showcase their locally grown mastery in the art of fashion. Unfortunately, it is saddening to at least note that those squander and intricately designed gowns and filipinianas are but superficial typification of power and advantage in society while the rest of the Filipinos die by the day.

There's Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and spouses, family members of her cohorts, namely:

Baby Arenas
Assunta de Rossi
Dawn Zulueta
Anna York Bondoc

The rest is but a show-show. Redundancies and repetitions alike. A parade of wealth and extravagance. This upholds the mystic line of beauty in the inside.

The Agony , that is Gloria

Today, her exKILLINGcy Gloria Macapal Arroyo, for the 8th time, reports on the redundancies there is to wit in this nation state. The ever grandiose and exclusive celebration of personal eulogy and conceit expedite the unassuming pain and slap of insults of Filipinos, who consistently bear the brunt of lingering poverty and hopelessness in our land. Pulse Asia survey is proof to this rigged annual tour de force by which the fellows of high society and powerful classes and clans unite as one under the roof of the 200 million worth newly-renovated Batasang Pambansa.

For the past several years, this occasion is more than just a mandate by law but supposedly a celebration of good governance, of service, and trust and faith in a duly mandated leadership. But under the regime of GMA, this has transformed into a feast of lies, deceit, and pretensions. For the past several weeks, GMA's propaganda people are working heaven and earth to condition people's mind of the relief brought about by the short-term and one-time subsidies dubbed as katas ng E-VAT. But overnight, hunger and desperation persists among ordinary households. This is blatant deceit and insult to ordinary Filipinos and tax payers like me. The one time 500 peso electric and rice subsidies do not only induce short term relief , but more so, affirm the demands of people. Their valid redress of real and long terms aids is what keeps them busy in the streets.

The Value of the UP Experience

by Maya Baltazar Herrera*

There are no children here

This week, I went to a meeting at the UP School of Economic and I came away with renewed belief in the value of the UP experience.

If you speak to anyone from UP – student, professor, alumnus - you will get no Latin slogans or apologies about how the school teaches values in spite of its outward materialism. This is not a student population that thinks about basketball games or memorizes school songs. This is not a school that chooses one statement to drill into the minds of its students.

This is not, of course, to say that UP does not care about values. It is that UP, in its own inimitable way, believes that values cannot be force-fed. The statue of the naked man that guards the entrance to the campus in Diliman best represents UP's approach to all education and the respect for students that is the center of its educational philosophy. All who come to this university, regardless of origin, bring themselves naked, carrying nothing but their thirst; like the proverbial empty teacup, making an offering of self, waiting to be filled.

Adults

For many students from private schools, the first lesson that is learned here is that this is a school for adult education. There are no children here, and that is why no parents are allowed either at freshman orientation or during enlistment.

The spirit of the oblation lies not in a mother or a father offering up his child to the world, it is that of the newly adult, freely offering of his self.

I remember quite vividly that moment that drove home how different the UP education continues to be. It was my daughter's first semester in university and she had invited a group of her high school friends to our house. One of them asked a classmate whether she had gotten her parents permission form approved for that weekend's outreach activity. From the UP population around the table came the mock horrified responses of: "Permission? " and "Outreach?"

I thought about it and realized that all of these students were, in fact, legally adults. I thought it interesting that only the UP students appeared to appreciate this fact.

Even more interesting was the "outreach" comment. I think back to my own university years and the last three years that my daughter has been in UP and am certain there is no lack of civic activity. There are medical missions, house building projects, tree planting, community work and barrio work and so on. I realize now that the reaction was not to the activity as much as it was to the use of the word.

One of the most important differences of the UP campus from all the other campuses my children considered going to is that this campus has no walls. Many parents fear this. They are afraid their precious children will not be protected from the ills of society in a campus that is so open to the rest of the world.

But UP is open to the world in more ways than just not having the physical walls. MORE.

*Published on June 6, 2008 in Integrations, a column for the Manila Standard Today. Herrera finished her BS Mathematics degree in UP Diliman. She is currently professor and faculty at the Asian Intitute of Management.

Torture: Just a story

While reading this post, I can't help but be reminded of advocacy journalism back in college.The more serious issue here is the 'faith' and judgment emanating from the journalists and their editors in what story is worth reporting, or in the process, distinguishing and eliminating stories for printing. This a question of orientation and persuasion, especially among mainstream press. For individual journalists, I think this challenge calls for appropriate response.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

by Carlos Conde*

Five years ago, I wrote a story about a Muslim teenager who was imprisoned in General Santos City for allegedly being a terrorist. The boy showed signs – bruises, mainly – that he was tortured by whoever captured him.

Today, I can’t even recall the name of the teenager. I do remember this, however: I never bothered to check back to see what had happened to him.

He was, after all, just a story.

Across newsrooms in the Philippines, most journalists probably have the same mindset about their subjects. Just a story. Early on, we were taught by our superiors in the business that we should just report, that we do not advocate anything. Don’t get too close with the subject or it will compromise your objectivity.

Unfortunately, it would seem that, in the Philippines, reporting on human rights and torture can be easily equated with advocacy. Which is to say that, often, journalists who dare to write about human rights in ways different from what the mainstream press often does – that is, failure to provide context, among others – are easily pigeonholed as leftists or leftist sympathizers. We’ve heard of tales by our colleagues being ostracized in their beats and being ignored by their sources for their reportage on human rights. Sad, but true. More.

* Mr Conde is a journalist based in Manila. He is correspondent for The New York Times and International Herald Tribune. This is posted in Eye on Ethics page of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) http://www.eyeonethics.org/2008/06/27/torture-just-a-story/.

The Band of BRATTers

Needless to say, our country is presently under a regime of brats, and their cohorts, inc.

Despite public clout and instigating circumstance of public riots and valid redresses, here's PGMA--as the chief brat dismissing calls for the abolition of E-VAT, even for oil and electricity at the very least citing a critical downfall in the supposed 'katas ng e-vat' which is estimated to reach around a hundred billion peso per annum. Ironically, the large mass of ordinary Filipinos are grilled in their own oil, as prices oil and prime commodities consistently increase by the days but wage increase stagnates. In short, ramdam at mas lumala pa ang kahirapan! As a matter of rationale, the gains from the 12% Expanded value added tax was supposed to boost social services spending.

But see, after almost five years of its implementation, where are these services gone now. More ironically, and its depressing to realizing that at the height of the crisis, another brat in the person of House Speaker Prospero Nograles initiated a beatification project in the grounds of the Batasan Pambansa to the tune of alledgedly P200 M, which he denied by the way.Regardless of the exact amount, it is but a slap in every tax payers face for someone in govenrment to spent at least P80 M for ala-Imelda Marcos beautification project, which even House members decried as a show off to PGMA's up coming SONA later this month. Other observers meanwhile scored this action as an insult and an act of tyranny in the wisdom of public service and justice.

Now, in the wake of SSS president's Corazon dela Paz resignation, CHED Chair Romulo Neri was appointed by GMA for reasons, Neri the Brat claimed, of competence and confidence. But I'm with PDI's observation, describing it as payback for the latter's mumbling in the NBN-ZTE scandal, and coining the line, "Sec,me SSS ka dito!" (in connection with the controversial line he mentioned in the Senate hearings, "may 200 ka dito"!). regardless again of his competence, Neri above all lacks credibility to govern and manage the largest investment of private workers in forms of insurance and premiums. His appointment came also after de la Paz cited politics aside from health concerns as the reason for her leaving the reformed SSS, saying some forces are pushing for fund extraction from the government-run private funds.

Quiapo vendors and Ka Bel

I had my share of a 'post-ka bel demise' account of how illustrious the man was coming from a jeepney driver. This is one humbling story. Padayon!

By Consuelo Maria G. Lucero*
Youngblood, Philippine Daily Inquirer

The day after “Ka Bel” died, my father sent me an email urging me to go to the wake for the party-list representative. He said Crispin Beltran was once his boss and one whom he deeply respected, and he felt it was his filial obligation to offer flowers and prayers at his wake. But since he was away in Maastricht, the Netherlands, on a scholarship, he asked me to go his place.

I’m no leftist; I’m not even politically inclined, as some of my schoolmates have probably noted. So when I put on my denim pants and rubber shoes to go to Manila’s Quiapo district to buy some flowers, I thought that I was merely doing what my father had asked me to do: to offer flowers and prayers for a dead man.

When I got to Quiapo, I searched the flower vendors at the side of the church, trying to imagine what colors my father would have wanted. I stopped at a nondescript stall with green, maroon and pink flowers, not just the usual yellow and white. The vendor told the white or yellow mums would cost P100, but if I picked assorted colors it would cost me P150.

I tried to bargain, and she brought down the price of the latter to P140.

I asked if the funeral wreath came with ribbons. “Extra P20 kung may ribbon,” she said.

I did not bother to haggle anymore. Then I handed her a piece of paper on which I had copied the epitaph my father wrote: “Pagpugay sa dakilang anak ng uring manggagawa, Ka Bel; Ang buhay at alaala mo’y titis ng pag-asa sa pakikibaka ng uri. — Kas. George.”

The vendor was shocked by the long message. I figured that she was used to writing only

“Condolence and sympathy” on the ribbon. But she talked so loud that the other vendors came over.
“Santissima! Kay Ka Bel mo ba ibibigay?” a vendor of Lego-like toys asked.
I nodded and smiled.

“Diyos ko, Mare, huwag mo na singilin!” she told the flower vendor. “Kay Ka Bel naman pala eh. Kapatid natin iyon sa pakikibaka.”

They called their friends, who were selling trinkets worth P10 or less. One of them offered to do the writing, declaring his handwriting was the best. Others shared their opinions about Ka Bel. Some told the flower vendor to add more flowers on the wreath.

“Nakakasama kasi namin sa rally si Ka Bel,” the friendly toy vendor explained.
“Oo, at wala siyang paki kahit mga mahihirap kami,” the man with the nice handwriting chimed in.
Some asked me if I was going alone, or if I was with a leftist group. I politely told them that I was going on behalf of my school organization.

When they asked me what school I attended, someone said, “Mabuting may mga matatalino pa ring sumusuporta sa mga mahihirap.” I did have the courage to tell them I was no leftist.

Finally they finished the wreath, beautifully done. The flower vendor told me that with all the additions, the wreath was now worth more than P200, but she was giving it to me for free as her own offering for Ka Bel. A vendor of plastic bags gave me a big red-and-white plastic free of charge. And while I was preparing to leave, a cigarette vendor came with a small bouquet of white mums and asked me to bring them to their champion. Then they all bade me a cheery goodbye, while asking me to extend their condolences to Ka Bel’s family. I rode the jeepney to Taft Avenue with a heart that was never more deeply touched.

Had my father been here, he would have gone every day to the wake. He would have go to Ka Bel’s funeral, marching with his buddies in the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno, sharing pictures and stories of Ka Bel and the KMU. He probably would not have thought of asking me to go with him, knowing that I am not interested in rallies and leftist organizations.

But maybe it was a good thing that he was away and had to ask me to do this. I never would have come so close to the poor and neither would have known how deeply they felt about Ka Bel, their “brother in the struggle” against poverty.

Consuelo Maria G. Lucero, 17, is a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature student at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Rizal, Ninoy and revolution (adapted)

A post-Rizal birthday entry courtesy of National Artist for Literature F. Sionil-Jose. This selection relives and resolves the debate on whether Rizal was actually a radical-revolutionary in slightest terms or a reformist in his comfortable midst. This also reminds me of a lesson in PI (Philippine Institutions) 100 of the same issue. But arguments, backed by personal and historical accounts of the author really set a resolved to this long standing dispute among scholars and academics. But standing on the shoulder of Bonifacio, Sionil-Jose's findings confirming Rizal's inevitable support for the 1896 revolution is a relief in view of an on going struggle in the countryside and of the classes.

Complete story here.

Sionil-Jose:
"Rizal was opposed to Bonifacio’s revolution. To seek his support, Pio Valenzuela visited him in Dapitan where the Spaniards had exiled him. Rizal argued against that revolution, saying that Filipinos were not ready for it, that the cost — and the bloodshed — would be tremendous. Such a position is made clear in his writing, particularly in the second novel, El Filibusterismo, where Ibarra turned Simoun returns to the country a full-fledged revolutionary. But the very reasons Rizal presents against revolution are nullified by the conditions depicted in both novels; they argue forcefully instead against the authorial denial."

"And when the Spaniards executed him, his martyrdom, like Ninoy’s murder, galvanized the people to act compulsively against the colonial power. His death confirmed Bonifacio’s dream — that upheaval was not just inevitable, it was also supremely righteous."

Frank's Fury outshines Sulpicio Lines

Lessons never learned*.

That best describes the latest rage brought about by typhoon Frank (Int'l Name: Fengshen) in Visayas and Southern Luzon. The highlight of which is another tragedy courtesy of the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars which sank off Sibuyan Island in Romblon province, in broad daylight last Saturday after sustaining a whole. With her is the almost 700 unassuming passengers bound for Cebu. As of noontime today, at least 400 are feared dead.

The story suggests an old, same rhetoric. The Coast Guard gave a go signal for the 23 tonnage ship with a capacity of almost 2 000 passengers in the face of a threat of typhoon Frank as raised by PAG-ASA early Friday. PAG-ASA issued a Public Storm Signal No. 3 in Bicol and Southwesteren Luzon, including Romblon Island. For some unknown reasons, that the Coast Guard allowed the ship to sail off. In fact, calculations revealed by PAG-ASA that Frank will pass by Mindoro Island Friday night and Saturday morning, and knowing that Romblon Strait is adjacent to Mindoro Island, thus, a direct hit.

A local official in Romblon sounded the alarm of a ship that sank upside down late Saturday at least 3 kilometers off their town's shores. And that was the initial facts. The anticipated realities are the bloated bodies, innocent souls of children and women, the trauma to survivors, and the weeping families and loved ones. On the other hand, officials are expected to point at each other on the blame, while policiticians would take on the screen for their free grandstanding via the tragedy.

Speaker Nograles was right and more so, redundant, that it can be prevented. As with previous Sulpicio Lines tragedies, human error is always in the play. He added, that a five sea mishap from one shipping line is no coincidence. Sulpicio Lines has made a name for itself, as Guiness World Record holder for the worst sea tragedy during peacetime courtesy of M/V Dona Paz in 1987 which sank in almost the same area where Star sank and claimed and estimated 4 000 lives. The following year, another tragedy claimed 200 lives. In 1998, M/V Princess of the Orient, then the biggest passenger vessel in the country sank off the coast of Cavite and Bataan killing almost 200.

Without prejudice that Sulpicio might and should be morally and financially liable of these accidents. In the other side of the fence, government authorities, especially PCG has its own share of negligence to have allowed the sailing of a doomed ship at the height of super typhoon. Its not enough to make their heads roll from thier airconditioned offices, their body should also roll in the grounds of city jails, if not Munti.

Indeed accidents happen at the most unexpected times, but this one is something that can be expected or anticipated. My mother then was right, you must be ahead of everything, even if that means sacrificing your time and comfort if it means, life. PCG is inutile. Sulpicio meanwhile has to suffer the gravest of punishment even if that would mean suspension of their license, if only to ensure safety of passengers in the future. I wont allow myself to suffer the same fate when in the future I have to take the ship ride from Dumaguete-Manila and vice versa courtesy of Sulpicio's sailing coffin.

*Whatever the outcome of the investigation, I would make it a point not to take the boat ride when I go home to Negros. Sulpicio Lines' MV Princess of the Carribean and Cotabato is plying the DGT-MNL-DGT route once a week, and I've been onboard for several times. I'd rather take the plane or the RO-RO trip even if that means extra money and time.

UP closed to brightest of poor ::JUNK TOFI!

Sa okasyon ng ika-100 taon ng UP, nakakalungkot at patuloy na nakakabahala ang mga realidad sa dati'y tinitingalang pamantasan, katulad nang isinalaysay sa ibaba. Hindi na kailangan ang malalimang pagtingin sa isyu ng tuition fee increase at rebracketing ng STFAP, malinaw sa pagbaba ng bilang enrolees ang kabulukan ng sistemang ito. Sa kaso ng batang binaggit sa artikulo sa ibaba, malinaw rina ng pagkait ng estado, partikular ng mismong UP, ng karapatang makapag-aral at makapag-kamit ng de-kalidad at dapat sanay murang edukasyon ang isang poor but deserving student.

Hindi maaring sabihing isolated case lamang ito, sapagkat ang bilang ng mga enrolees na mismo ang magsasabi sa kagipitang dulot ng TOFI. At sa gitna ng pagsasabatas ng bagong UP Charter, ano pa ang maasahan ng iba pang mahihirap ngunit may katalinuhang makapasok sa UP. Sinasabi ni Prop. Winnie Monsod na marapat lang na saluhin ng mga mayayaman ang tuition fee ng mga mahihirap,ngunit kung tutuusin, bakit ba marami na ang mayayaman sa UP kumpara sa mga mahihirap na estudyante? Malinaw na repleksyon ito na hindi na afford o kayang tustusan ng isang ordinaryong pamilya ang pagpapa-aral sa UP. Lalo na yung mula sa mga probinsya. Kung sa ngalan ng pantay na akses sa edukasyon ay mas maraming mahihirap ang di makatamasa ng edukasyong UP, anupa't na ging state university, at ngayon national university ito.

Ang kaso ng batang tinukoy sa ibaba, ay isang kwento ng pag-asang huwad. Tumpak ang pagsasalarawan na parang nanalo siya sa lotto ng pumasa sa UPCAT, ngunit di nakamit ang premyo dahil sa walang downpayment. Sa muli't-muli, ang realidad na ito patunay sa ipinagmamayabang ng gobyerno, sa kasong ito, ramdam mo ang KAHIRAPAN!

Ibasura ang TOFI! Igiit ang Pagtaas ng State Subsidy!

------------------------------------------------

ni Prof. Noli Reyes

On the third day of classes in the hundredth year of the University of the Philippines (UP), a freshman from Cotabato province, a Chemistry major at UP in Diliman, Quezon City, had to drop out. Together with his father, the brokenhearted young man went to see each of his instructors to have his subjects invalidated.

While his Math 17 instructor was deleting his name from the class list, I could see the poverty, desperation, anger and sense of resignation in their faces. It was not the disappointment of winning the lottery and being denied the prize later. The young man is a member of a minority group in Mindanao. Without any connections and in the absence of any socialized admission policy, he qualified as a freshman in the College of Science of UP Diliman, a distinction he earned through intelligence, pure hard work and perseverance amid poverty. But in a few days, father and son are going back to Mindanao for good.

The father explained they could not afford the “socialized” tuition at P600 per unit for students in Bracket C, families whose annual incomes range from P135,001 to P500,000 per annum. The father and son expected to be in Bracket D, families with annual incomes ranging from P80,001 to P135,000. Students in bracket D pay P300 per unit.

UP president Emerlinda Roman seems to be disconnected from reality, or she must be fooling herself by insisting that the new Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP) is fair and proper for an “iskolar ng bayan” [scholar of the nation]. Her family should try living on P6,666.75 a month (which when multiplied by 12—the number of months in a year—equals P80,001, the lower bound of Bracket D incomes).

UP, no longer conscious of its role in society, chooses to ignore the long-term impact of offering greater genuine educational opportunities to the brightest among the poor, who are getting poorer amid the reported economic gains of the country. Socialized admission and tuition fee schemes do not lower academic standards. I’ve had countless students from public schools and far-flung provinces. They come to UP not as well prepared as their counterparts from the best schools in Metro Manila. But many later outshine the sometimes overconfident Manila-raised kids.

After the new STFAP took effect last year, UP is no longer an option for the brightest among the poor. I agree with the cab driver whose daughter qualified for UP Diliman, as narrated in Youngblood (Inquirer, 3/24/08) by Mariel Kierulf Asiddao, a UP Mass Communication student. The cab driver insisted it was ESTIFAK and not STFAP.

NOLI N. REYES, professor, Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

Ref: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20080620-143711/UP-closed-to-brightest-of-poor

On Agrarian wREckFORM

On June 10, Filipino peasants marked the 20th year of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) since its inception via Republic Act 6675 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) under the Aquino administration. Twenty years after, the picture in the countryside seemed to be the same two decades ago, or even worst , amidst blatant land conversion and manipulation under CARP.

Regardless of the issues that hound the program since its conception through its extension in 1998, present scenario may well distinguish the boon and bane of this measure.

As of 2008, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) accounted a remaining 1.8 million hectares of disposable lands, hence, the move to extend for another five years. With a P12 billion unexpended budget from the P162 billion total CARP allocation, a five year extension would just be enough, at least for land acquisition and distribution (LAD).

DAR claimed that the extension would only cover LAD. However, DAR Sec. Nasser Pangandaman's calculations seems to fall short of reality. Pangandaman boasted of an increase in annual target of distribution of land, from 100 thousand hectares prior to 2005 to 130 thousand hectares or more upon his assumption in DAR. But setting the 1.8 million hectares as jump off point, it would show that the 5 years extension is not enough without downplaying the extra effort that maybe exerted along the way. Or if we are to deduct the 600 thousand hectares assigned to DENR for disposal, and setting a generous 200 thousand hectares per annum distribution in 5 years means a balance of 200 thousand ha. of undisposed lands.

Closing its deadline, campaigns from various persuasions heightened and the people's attention is focused to Congress where a battle is highly anticipated. But early on, the Senate downplayed any moves for extension saying that CARP was ineffective and inutile from the beginning, and extending would be futile. Sen. Nene Pimentel challenged DAR to prove the effectivity of the program and submit to the Senate raw data.

While in the Lower House, several versions of pro and anti extension Bills were filed. Standing out were three versions, the Lagman, Beltran and Garcia versions. Ultimately, the Garcia version is flocked in by iconic landlords such as Iggy Arroyo, Garcia, Durano, Remulla, etc. and it called against extension. While the Lagman version calls for the 5-year extension, and almost similar to the proposals of Malacanang and DAR, supposedly with reforms. And the Beltran version, which is the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill which seeks to put a halt to CARP and enact an overhauled program that would ensure immediate land distribution.

While each camps claim merits to their proposed measure, it would appear that choosing the best choice entails a closer look at the accomplishments, or rather disappointments of CARP. This post wont dwell on the details but on achieving its promises, of a COMPREHENSIVE land distribution. Then, let me just cite several cases of blatant manipulation into what progressive peasant groups called, the inutile, fake and pest program.

• An almost 8,000 ha of prime of farmlands in Hacienda Looc in Nasugbu, Batangas were converted into an exclusive eco-tourism called Harbor Town developed by SM Properties as per Presidential order, thus displacing thousand of farmers, fisherfolks and residents within the hacienda.
• Several thousands of hectares of land in Silang,Cavite, previously farmed for fruits and vegetables is now undergoing development into a word-class golf course owned by Ayalas, displacing hundreds of farmers. Part I(more details to follow)
  

Independence Day Notes

::In the face of a grave moral turpitude, apathy is a sin and inaction is suicide. liberate yourself, free our nation.

::Letting CARP, die a natural death is conceiving a new life to the great mass of peasants who continuously fought for genuine agrarian reform.

::Arroyo's subsidy program is but a band-aid solution to the crisis, albeit, relieving the pain, the infection is persistently lethal.

::The confirmation of some cabinet members in the Commission on Appointments, amidst valid questions in legality of the process, entails a tyranny of the majority and of self interests, with respect to 2010.

::DAR's Nasser Pangandaman was short of his calculations in finishing off land acquisition and distribution (LAD) in the 5 years extension of CARP. Given a 150,000ha/annum LAD target, the target of 1.8 million hectares is far from reality. That is, the tragedy of simple arithmetic.

::Arroyo points to global market conditions as rationale to the rice crisis. She insisted, that there is no shortage of rice, only prices are high. A classmate of mine lamented, "All along, I was right. Supply and Demand theory is false."

::The AFP remarked as if pointing the blame to Ces Drilon and company for not coordinating with them in their way to Maimbung town, hence, their abduction. ABS-CBN might ask, where are the Military and Police Mobile Groups that time? You are pursuing the mountains but not securing the roads. How intelligent was your intelligence?

::Ironically, Noli de Castro hits 'oligarchs' in his Independence Day message saying, they are root to poverty. An urban poor cried, "traidor, isa ka naman sa kanila eh!. Mahirap na nga kami, nawala pa trabaho at bahay namin dahil sa demolisyon, upang bigyan daan ang subdivision ng mga Ayala, Sy."

Breaking Ironies

Who could forget the fertilizer fund scam and Jocjoc Bolante?

While there has seemed to be a prevailing culture of amnesia and numbness around, Filipinos can't afford to forget the sins of Jocjoc Bolante. Its humble beginnings can be traced four years ago prior to the 2004 Presidential Elections, when GMA ordered the release of some P728 million of public funds to finance the distribution of fertilizers to aid farmers.

Timely as the need of farmers, that it also coincides with the campaign season. And GMA having the supposed authority over the program, channeled the funds through the Dept of Agriculture, under then, USEC Jocelyn Bolante. Complaints and probes later found out that there are indications that the fertilizer money have been diverted to the campaign funds of GMA herself, a factor which was seen to have boosted her campaign.

Malacanang then, obviously denied of any hand into the case, and put on the brunt to the then beleaguered Bolante. Afraid of prosecution pending Congressional probes and heightened public clout for transparency and accountability into the case, that Jocjoc (who was also then a top officer of Rotary Club in the counrty) left the country for the United States. Following the Senate investigation report finding Bolante as mastermind to the case, the US Embassy cancelled his visa, in which he lodged a legal challenge in the US.

After all options and alternatives were exhausted, Atty. Harry Roque, the persistent UP Law professor who sought after Bolante's prosecution, reported another blow in Bolante's application for asylum just last week, when the US Board of Immigration denied his appeal. Now, he has only one option of evading justice in the Philippines, that is a favorable decision from the US Federal Court, or ultimately, a failed extradition request by Philippine Authorities.

But DOJ Sec. Raul Gonzales, then silent on the issue, now expressed desperation in Bolante's case saying that he will be deported eventually. While for the Senate, the recent development signals another wave of struggle for accountability.

Much to the dismay of some lawmakers, Agriculture Committee Chair Sen. Angara is fed up to any further probes saying their investigations were completed already. On the other hand, the Blue-Ribbon Committee of Sen. Allan Cayetano expressed interest into another round of investigations, and ensuring the presence of Bolante in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman was reported to have found probable cause of pursuing corruption charges against Bolante, based on their investigation revealed just this week, which critics described as a 'show off' considering the 4 years elapsed time.

Ultimately,in the event Bolante would find himself back home sooner, and with some divine intervention he would speak out, many heads would surely roll up to the Palace. That if Bolante would still live by the Rotary's principle of "Is it the Truth?" and "Is it good for all?". But as a matter of anticipation, opposition lawmakers are looking closely at GMA's reaction, given her direct involvement as beneficiary of the funds.

Ironically though, at the height of this development comes GMA showcasing of another multi-million fertilizer subsidy program. Not to mention the P2 billion electricity subsidy and another 1 billion for education subsidy. To note, we are only a little less than two years before the 2010 elections.

More to this reservation of GMA's programs, which in the past is hounded and proven to have been the subject of corruption activities directly and indirectly involving her, is the anticipation and prevention of another wave of 'blatant theft of people's money', indicative of concernand lessons learned by a few lawmakers and advocates against corruption. In some terms, this is a slap in the face of ordinary farmers who are continuously lured into believing that GMA's reactionary government is of help to them by fronting more funds in there sector.

This development is but another opportunity to be conscious of our society and the evils that surrounds it, induced primarily by government itself. We must therefore remain mindful and closely watch the directions of this case. We can't afford any more to lose so much of peoples money for the gains of crocs, personified by Jocjoc Bolante. Otherwise, we might just woke up one day in 2010, having a Jocjoc Jr. in our midst. It's high time to break the ironies in this government.

FLAGdown Rate

May 28, the country (with special mention to the province of Cavite) celebrated the National Flag Day. Purposely, statutes, like the National Flag Law, were enacted to serve the proper disposal of such a supposedly valued symbol, and once and for all, enshrine identity to the Philippine flag.

However, more than a century later, the evolutionary symbol of the country's independence is in the midst of serving a rather literal symbol than the value it originally repesents.

As a matter of refreshing our memories, each part of the Philippine flag has a specific meaning as follows: The blue field stands for common unity and the noble desires of the Filipino people. The white triangle with equal sides of the flag is symbolic of equality among men. The white field stands for purity. The sun stands for the gigantic strides that have been made by the Sons of the land on the road to progress and civilization. The eight rays of the sun in the triangle represent the first eight united provinces that revolted for independence - Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac. The three stars in the triangle stand for the three major geographical divisions of the country which are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The red field symbolizes the eagerness of the Filipino people to shed blood in defense for their country.

Ironically, it seems that the ordinary Filipino rates this symbol as nothing but a piece of cloth, and only makes sense during this season. While the glorious symbol of the flag are usually gratified when Manny Pacquiao makes this sort of towel after making it through its bouts, or the Mt. Everest expedition, and as OFW puts it, a reminder of who they are.

At my age and as taught in school, i BELIEVE that the last of the honest-to-goodness displays of flag was more than a century ago in Cavite and probably during the subsequent and culminating resistance. Definitely, not during the bogus independence supposedly given by the United States in 1946, when the Philippine has to rise above the pole, while the US flag retreats, BUT, their grip over the country became a perpetual affair.

This culture of negligence against the flag entails something of a subculture-- of helplessness and neglect from government itself. Some basic rationale proposes that no amount of patriotism and nationalism could assimilate hunger and poverty. So goes with a kingdom or corrupted government, which cannot inspire a hundred soldiers and servants. When worst crimes are committed by the day, the flag is no less remains hopeful of utmost respect. In fact, I can't even remember of any single case of violation of the Flag Law.

But culture, like wisdom comes with age. I remain hopeful that someday in the near future, Filipinos would eventually take pride of treating the flag with so much aesthetics on it. This time, with a new flag, of a duly constituted government of, for, and by the people.

Anak ng Pawis

Tao kang isinilang uring anakpawis

Talim mo’y samyo ng bawat hilab ng tiyan

Papanhik sa udtong tutok, sisilong sa kawalan

Sa lupa’y sasayad at sa gabi ay hahalik

Ngunit hahayo’t mangabubuhay di sa limot

Sa umagang kalayaan at katarungan ang dulot.

*Pagpupugay at huling pamamaalam kay Ka Bel.
Ika-27 ng Mayo 2008.

An Inconvenient Encounter

"To the youth…that you may continue the struggle".-- Ka Bel

Many are deeply shocked and sincerely affected by the great loss of a foundation, a hero of the working class, and voice of the toiling masses, that was Crispin ‘Ka Bel’ Beltran, following an ironic incident in his house few days ago. His untimely demise gathered about reactions from different persuasions, and more so, from among his comrades in the labor sector and sympathizers in the working class.

We were on our way to Batasan Pambansa that day when I learned of the breaking news from a friend who works in a media monitoring NGO, shortly before his eventual death. Reading through my cell phone entailed an anxious and uncomfortable feeling. Of prayers, of wishes, and luck. Another message minutes later came, to read: ‘as of 11:48 am, Ka Bel died’. I remained silent, closed my eyes and started a recollection that passed through my mind for about two years now.

I had a first glimpse of Ka Bel on TV as early as elementary but remained clueless of The Man until I entered the university. His unwavering and relentless commitment to the struggle of the working class in the face of political persecution has inspired my personal standpoints of society.

My being active in political roundups and activities in the campus and outside brought me closer to meeting Ka Bel. If my memory serves me right, it was during the SONA 2005 mobilization at the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue that I had personally met him and have interviewed him for a then alternative campus publication. The brief conversation left me in awe seeing the courage and conviction in him.

Then the encounters came as often as I attended subsequent mass actions. At times, the lawmaker would visit the university for some speaking engagement, or en route to visiting mass sectors in the region.

But the remainder of that passive encounter concluded when at these times, two years ago, during our internship, we had the chance, to talk to him in person, in his hospital bed at the Philippine Heart Center where he was under hospital detention pending a rebellion charge and later dismissed by the Supreme Court. Really, it was a very inconvenient, but self satisfying encounter with Ka Bel, having passed through police security, and still managed to bring in our cameras for the said interview.

I say, it was a feat for me having slipped through state elements who at that time, keeping in an innocent man in that solitary room, although they’ve been cooperative that time.

And in the next thirty minutes or so, we engaged in a variety of topics, ranging from family, the labor struggle, his experiences, worries, and hopes and wishes, especially to the youth. That moment, I have seen before my eyes the different sides of Ka Bel. The flexibility in his voice and the humble smiles adds up to the wisdom that Ka Bel nurtured in his lifetime. His aging face, watery eyes, calloused hands and feet and weakening health condition are but reminders of his glorious and continuing past seeing the fruits of the struggle which he once led.

For some who may have encountered him in many ocassions would have experienced the same feeling and impact as we have, if it wasn’t for the unconventional circumstance that brought us together in that setting and setup.

Reaching Congress by lunchtime, I can sense some distress from within the surroundings as the news on his death spread. Just like any other deaths that I’ve encountered, good things are always remembered of the person. In Ka Bel’s case, a continuing act of goodness for the greater good never seizes in the memories and hearts of ordinary Filipinos. A conversation I’ve overheard later on that day, where a jeepney driver lamenting on ‘the outcome of Ka Bel’s proposal to lower electricity by removing E-VAT from it, now that he’s dead’, left me some sort of humble salutations.

The struggle continues.

*Memories with and tribute to Rep. Crispin ‘Ka Bel’ Beltran (1933-2008).

Grief Into Revolutionary Courage

At exactly 11:48am today, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Partylist Representative Crispin Beltran better known as Ka Bel among his comrades succumed to an untimely death following an accidental fall in his house early this morning. He was 75.

CRISPIN BERTIZ BELTRAN
Worker. Statesman. Martyr.
1933-2008

Emancipation

At 2:35 pm today, I've made a self serving feat of expression. Although it never went fully as planned, it goes without saying that I'm at bliss as of this writing. It surmounts the idea of equal satisfaction as it pounded a big sigh of relief from days of uncertainties. I'm not used with gestures of affection and the likes. I'd rather say things unblatantly than making it appear as if accomplishing something out of dictate. If I am to do it, I'd make it sure, it is kindled by that fiery feeling of say admiration. In this case, it was more than that.

Its been sometime since the last feeling was gone, at least a year after I entered the university. I couldn't imagine the futility inside me than waiting under a tree waiting for the fruit to fall. And here comes another unassuming subject of affection, but not really the previous feeling at all, hence, it went absurdly lost like a raging bull. But in all honesty, I've been very unfair to still hold to her without sense of affirmations whatsoever. But I decided to settle on a plain of intimate friendship. And it ends there.

I counted months thereafter before you arrived in this fountain of misery. I should describe it that way and at no cost. After all, the providence of aches and pains mean nothing to anyone other than myself. Unknowingly, it came to me as a surprise. I was limited of the view that it would came to pass. But pristine as it came, the feeling was nurtured in naturality to where it is now. And for two years now, the feeling remains. Nothing has changed. The only pitfall being, I don't know if she has changed. That continuously lingers on my imagination.

I learned she has been to much of personal struggles lately. But she remains the smarter fighter. By her looks, you can't find any traces of irregularities. But her eyes reflects it all. That I see to it to look straight into it and drain all the joys and pains altogether in my mind. It's nearly a month since I last saw that windows of her soul. As much, I've always wanted to have her around, but the two years of futility persistently fades that possibility. It came to my psyche that I should relinquish this mania for probabilities and certainties. On the other hand, I am already adapted to it. Whichever comes first, I'd be okay with that.

If she is the future, I could settle for that. If she really is not bound, then I'd gratefully accept that. My only consolation is having explored the possibility of sparing a part of me for quiet some time. I have lived through these times, and I said earlier, it'll remain. That I have onced loved, and that would lingers on me forever. At least at this point in time, I paved a way for emancipation.The path being, if time allows, a commencement of an end.

Couldn't wish you more than bliss.