ideologies

Oslo, July 25, 2011
Mourners place roses in front of Oslo's town hall to pay their respects to the 76 people killed in twin terrorist attacks in Norway on July 22, 2011.

In another question, Breivik asks how he would describe his ideology; he says he is part of an indigenous-rights movement whose ideology is cultural conservatism. "I am very proud of my Viking heritage. My name, Breivik, is a place name from Northern Norway, dating back to before the Viking era," he wrote.

from: www.time.com

demands

President Noynoy Aquino had overused the blame card in second SONA. While it is true that the previous president should face the corruption charges against her, it should be done in the proper venue, which is the judicial court. What I expected Pres. Aquino to do is to just commit to the people that he will stop at nothing to bring Former President Macapagal-Arroyo to justice. The former president might really be guilty of of several cases against her, but in the justice system, she also has rights to defend herself. Persecuting her in the SONA, and blaming almost all the problems of the country to Gloria, is simply wrong and stupid. Yes, it is not the wisest thing to say. It is like not taking the responsibility of resolving it because anyway, he just got it from the previous government. After enumerating the problems, he should have offered solutions on how to resolve it. The Blame game is a lame way to report the state of the nation.

Since I am one of the millions Filipinos who trusted and voted for President Aquino, there are five important issues that I demand him to tackle as soon as possible to the best of his abilities.
1.Peace and order in the whole country, specially in Mindanao.
2.Control of prices of prime commodities, particularly oil, water, electricity, food, transport fare and toll fee.
3.Foreign policies and diplomacy in sensitive cases like in Spratlys, Saudi Arabia, ASEAN neighbors, Europe and America.
4.More local and international job opportunities for Filipinos.
5.Accessible quality education for all.
6.Minimize and gradually eradicate red tape and graft and corruption.

I agree that President Aquino is no 'miracle worker'. But we are not asking for miracles, the demands of his countrymen are attainable should he just show strong leadership towards the 'tuwid na daan' and 'no wang-wang policy' that he promised us.

KomiKon

Tita Raquel was our supplier of Pinoy comics. Every time she visits us in Marikina, she has a pile of comics for our consumption. It had been a wide variety of genre like horoscope, love stories, horror and even, sexy (gasp!). Lazy afternoon after classes, I spent reading these comics which I thought was better than taking a ‘siesta’ which my strict aunties forced upon me and my other cousins or else we can’t go out to play or no merienda for us. Reading Filipino comics was also a good material for me to practice reading Filipino at a young age. Even my parents encouraged us to such literature as my dad buys Liwayway magazine which featured comic stories. And my mom who also had been exposed to the genius and creativity of early Pinoy comic creators, had been knowledgeable on background information about classic masterpieces which are now popularly adapted as TV series.



The story of Filipino comics was sadly narrated as it already passed its’ glory days. But at the end, there is always a glint of hope for this industry. Finances may really be difficult, but the talent and ingenuity of local comic artists are overwhelming. So, as long as there are enthusiasts who will translate original ideas into comic art forms, we are in the verge of renaissance of Filipino comics.

My all-time contemporary Pinoy comic favorite, Culture Crash, had an incredible run. It may be short-lived, but the artistry and brilliance were overflowing. Carlo Vergara’s Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah had also been a success that it had its’ very own theater and movie versions. Those are only two of many projects that showcased the incredible potential of Filipino comics. That there are many fun and interesting stories to tell, to be drawn in mix styles but remarkably our very own.

“Manga is the pride of our Japanese culture!” aspiring manga collaborator Takagi remarked in the first volume of Bakuman. I am indeed amazed how manga had been an effective and influential platform to promote their culture. Reading stories in a graphic novel is a distinctive experience from reading a paperback novel or watching a movie. It is special on its’ unique and highly artistic way.


The Wallflower (Yamatonadeshiko Shichihenge) by Tomoko Hayakawa


Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

End of an Era

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 had been a climactic finale to the beloved franchise. Harry and his friends finally triumphed over Voldemort once and for all. It had been gratifying that I was satisfed with the last movie. It would be a sad goodbye to the wizarding world, but I am nonetheless grateful that I was able to read this great piece of literature.

So thank you JK Rowling for sharing with us, muggles, the magic, thrill and adventure of Harry Potter. I definitely found and learned a lot of good things in your masterpiece.

It's Up To You

Would you choose to be the Plain Jane, or to feel that you can be a supermodel?
Would you choose yo be a wallpaper, or sparkle in the limelight?

Do you want to indulge in an unrequited love, or to know when to give up?
Do you want to compromise with someone who doesn't make your heart leap, or will you still wait for "The One" even your bioligical clock is about to alarm?

It’s your choice if you want to forgive and forget; or to harbor ill feelings for a person.
It’s your choice if you would be guilty with your sins, or choose to ignore it.

It’s on you if you want to play online games all day long, or to look for a job.
It’s on you if you want to steal from your company or be honest with them.

Do you want to be the broken hearted girl, or the alpha female that you are meant to be?
Do you want to die young, or improve your health by changing your lifestyle?

Is it okay with you to stick with that imperfect partner, or you would rather let go of her?
Are you ready to leave the comforts of Manila, or you would rather take the challenge of working abroad?

Are you going to dwell on your misfortunes, or it will make you sprint into action to save your family?
Are you going to continue to be a problem child, or be the loving daughter that you once were?

So many path to take, what would you choose? That is the curse of free will.