The vote enlistment for OFWs for the 2010 election started last February 1. This will run until end of August. There are reported complaints though (as expected) about the requirements, especially the necessity of personal appearance. Those who live and work far from Philippine embassies and consulates will find this unappealing. Although I live within reasonable proximity to Philippine Embassy (and in case not, if there’s a will, there must be a way), I don’t feel going for the enlistment.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Philippines. Not that I’m being lazy either. But there’s this initial not so optimist feel of what for? The governance that I’ve witnessed after each election is vicious. I remember one discussion with the locals here. They’re giving praises as to how educated the Filipinos they meet are, and they wonder why the househelpers and cashiers (in the malls) they meet are seemingly educated. “Most of them are college graduates. But maybe they find it necessary to leave Philippines for a while for a number of reasons. Not always the major reason, but for the better pay.” I said. “But what is your government doing? Philippines has a very good education system, you produce world class professionals, what’s wrong with your government?,” they asked. OMG, Prez GMA help! Kidding.
Our discussion went on and on and I found myself re-awakened with what’s happening and that I love my country despite all these. They say I sounded hopeful. At least. Here they source out expats to assist them technically. They are aware of their flaws for the time being. But they take pride in having a government run by honesty (besides the oil, I said) . And that is true.
The afternoon before my flight back to UAE, I chanced to check Welbart (coined form of Joel Bartolome) exhibit in Art Center, SM Megamall. This is a one man exhibit with SONA theme showcasing the works of Camille Dela Rosa. In my shallow understanding of arts, I did look at the nudity-based illustrations as naked truths and reflections of Philippine government.
Does this remind me you of trapos who talk much and just talk? Talk is cheap.
And who’s the man behind the red door? My odd interpretation about this is the rampant telling of lies. Pinocchio story, just the nose.
Here’s an illustration of a young politician. It’s either he’s still gwapo (read as: honest politician driven to serve the country) or nagpapapogi (read as: pretentious).
Sooner or later the young politician will join this League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Nilamon na ng sistema. I hope not. Political parties, clearly illustrated.
Yes, this is red tape. Clever piece.
I wonder how our politicians will react when they see this as their future.
They are in one boat. Sailing (and drifting) for the same motives? improvement? greed? hopes?
Fields of God. This is one of my two favorite paintings in this exhibit.
This is the other one. Hordes of Charlatan. According to Dela Rosa (the painter), itβs a statement about greed and quackery. Interlocking bones, overlapping skulls, multi-legs, and phantom-like images depict greed: the modern day wheel which seems to drive the society.
Back to the vote enlistment. Here’s a confession: the only time I hugely exercised my rights to suffrage was in 1998 Presidential Election. I remember voting for Alfredo Lim (for some reasons), to the horror of my clan who are Marcos turned Estrada loyalists. (Laguna is Estradas’/Ejercitos’ baluarte. I could not believe when I passed by in Pagsanjan and saw Jorge Estregan, Jr. officiating the kasalang bayan or mass wedding. What I remember about him are his movies. As if I actually watched any of these.)
Change and success don’t happen overnight. And these are strong words from the Executive Director of Center for Migrant Advocacy, “If you want change to happen, be involved. Be responsible citizens, go out and register.” Nakakapressure. π
By the way, Comelec did put up a voter education blog Bagong Botante.
0 thoughts on “Naked truth”
upto6only
nice post. I can’t even remember the last time I voted. but after that one i decided not to vote since noting happens. Ang nananalo pa din yung hindi dapat manalo. i just dont know what will happen next year π¦
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luna miranda
hello! i got here from Panaderos’ site. you have read-worthy posts here. i also hear those comments [about educated Filipinos working as maids and store clerks abroad] all the time…especially from foreign clients who have visited the Philippines. they’re asking why, with all our talents and education, we are still a poor country? the most obvious answer is corruption…the next question would be, “so why this politician and that politician won in your elections if she/he is corrupt?” next question please…:D
i hope a day would come when each Filipino would treasure his/her vote…di nya ibebenta, ipagmamalaki n’ya at ipaglalaban n’ya.
luna mirandas last blog post..Litratong Pinoy: puso (heart)
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mordsith
ako naman, I always vote. I am still hopeful that my bets would soon make it to the critical posts, even if not in the coming election. At least, they would know that some people believe in them and they’d continue fighting. I hope to encourage others to vote for these people also. Sad but true, the election system, as well as the government, has poor credibility, coupled by popularity votes.
mordsiths last blog post..Have You’s
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sheng
I am still hopeful too, that perhaps in the next coming elections, the people will use their wisdom in choosing deserving officials.
shengs last blog post..The Birthday that Was
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ever
ewan k din kung anu na nangyari dito naman sa kuwait..di ko na rin iniintindi ang election,masakit isipin pero nawala na yung gana ko para dito..pero hope na maging maayos ang lahat!
ganda ng arts photo na kuha mo.
evers last blog post..ToOt! tOoT!
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bw
I totally understand your feelings. It matters not who runs the country – it’s all the same group of crooks merely changing hands π¦
That exhibit is really cool. The paintings are amazing π
bws last blog post..TOO GUILTY TO SAY NO
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kreez
i have a confession to make… I’ve never voted, not even once! OMG! but as you say, I sometimes feel like “what for?”
kreezs last blog post..From Squeaky to Healthy
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kayni
great post. as i have heard before “be the change.” your vote may be only counted once, but it could tip the scale. i was laughing at the painting depicting a politician clinging not to fall unto the fire.
kaynis last blog post..Happiness Is…
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blue rose
great post Jo. like many others, i am still hopeful. and this reminds me to register. yes, i am a bad citizen…. argggg! hindi pa kasi ako nagregister eversince. nabadtrip kasi ako sa first attempt kong magregister but i think today is the right time to change. malilipat na ako ng bagong lugar eh kaya kailangan ng magpakabait. hehehe
blue roses last blog post..happiness is………
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dong ho
a very interesting post here. you actually made me wonder how i can answer to the questions “Philippines has a very good education system, you produce world class professionals, whatβs wrong with your government?”.
it’s so difficult to understand now maybe because i do not know much of the current system.
you’ve matched those words perfectly with these paintings. for this post im giving two thumbs up!
dong hos last blog post..all smiles – caracol festival makati
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dyosa
I, too, am not happy with our government but it doesn’t stop me from voting. It doesn’t stop me from practicing my right. I hope the Pinoys who are living outside of Pinas will help us (who are living in Pinas) in our quest to put a better government. And that help can be done (at least one of the ways) through voting. π
dyosas last blog post..CBU-MNL SKIES
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Rico
Mahirap daw talaga sa politika. I remember Ted Failon being a member of the House dati. Sabi nya sobrang dumi daw. You’d really become one of the “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” after a few years. So yun hindi na sya nag-aspire for position.
Ricos last blog post..Moon Garden casita
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eks
the only time i voted was when i voted for my best buddy for sergeant-at-arms. i was in second year HS then. i stopped voting afterwards. i realized it doesn’t matter who you vote for. lalo na sa sistemang ganito. i will help my country in my own way, pero it’s probably through something else. but hey, i don;t have anything against all people who vote — this is a part of the political system. and an inherent right of every individual living in a free and democratic country. i just don’t believe i can make a difference by voting. not even collectively with the rest of the electorates.
ekss last blog post..Valentine’s Day Mush
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Sinta
I love the Fields of God painting. Very very awesome! And yes, all the rest of the paintings are very striking and almost symbolic of the elections. I think my family used to be Marcos supporters, then they changed and became Lim supporters. It was all very confusing for me when I was growing up, who we voted for and why. Mind you, whenever there was someone running from our clan, there was no reason needed -_-
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BlogusVox
See what our system is doing to a sweet, quite and fullfilled individual like you? Their turning you into an activist (in a subtle way).
Happy Valentine, Ms.Jo! : )
BlogusVoxs last blog post..From Me to You
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glenville
i used to be pro-GMA. then FG happened. hay, ba’t ba tayong mga pinoy masyadong matiisin? π by the way, thanks so much for the greeting card! (i got it late na because my sister forgot to forward it to me). really appreciate receiving one at this day and age when greeting cards a rarity. thanks again! π
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Bem
the first and last time i voted was… nung panahon ni mirriam and salonga. after that nawalan na ako ng gana. π¦
Bems last blog post..i love kuya
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