BOOK REVIEW
“ THE PHILIPPINE WAR 1899-1902: A PRO IMPERIALIST BOOK IN THE POST MODERNIST TIME
By Arturo P. Garcia
Author Brian McAllister Linn in his book, “The Philippine War,
1899-1902 “ (427 pages) explains how he draws his conclusions on how
the United States won this war or how the Filipinos lost this.
But his questions remained, and this focused to the so-called myth of
on how the United States won the war: “ by civilizing Filipinos with a
Krag remains resilient.” That is why he took pains to dispute this
fact.
As an American author, he calls for a “ reevaluation
of military operations” (maybe calling a good war) during the
Philippine War. He calls it “ long overdue”. He calls for “ a study of
the war, stripping it of ideological blinders so it can offer great
insight into complexities of localized guerilla war and indigenous
resistance to foreign control.”
Yet like all the academics, in
his bibliography he calls historical writing as often summarized as”
explaining what happened and why. But he says, in the case of the
Philippine –American conflict the “what happened was subordinated to
the “ why”
That is a tacit admission he used Imperialist or
American works, army records and used Filipinos sources or the
participants sources that he called as” limited”.
He was
really convinced that’s the “Filipino side awaits a scholar. “ For him,
the works of Filipino scholars as a rich source of the war history of
the Filipino American War is never enough.
He admitted that he
used mostly American books and war records and used the Filipino
sources as secondary or not at all. He just mentioned them as
perfunctorily as a scholar does but never gave the Filipino side merit
for their heroic struggle.
Using the successful American
Revolution as an example, he chided the Filipino side for “not having a
Natahnael Greene who can combine partisan with regular to achieve
campaign or strategic goal.”
He said that “the
revolutionaries fought a holding action, the best they can hoe for was
their opponents would tire.” He called it “ a short sighted policy.
As usual, blaming the individual leadership, he heaped all the blame to
General Emilio Aguinaldo. Praising the Imperialist, he said” What gave
the Americans military forces was not their numbers but their
effectiveness. Part of these had to do with weapons.”
He never
admitted that the Philippines was the first American Vietnam. The only
difference is that America lost the Vietnam War (1954-1975) as they
lost the Korean War (1950-1954) so they cherish their victory over the
Filipinos as a precious one.
The writer was so cruel and very
vicious to the greatest Filipino general- Antonio Luna. His few pages
that mentioned the gallant defense and offensives of the Army of the
Republic led by Luna was riddled with innuendoes from all his enemies.
He never mentioned that Luna gave the Americans a hard time and broke
the boast of the Americans that they can beat the Filipinos within “one
week” It took them sixteen years to subjugate the Philippines and the
myth that they destroyed the Filipino resistance within four years is
the myth that Linn is trying to perpetuate up to know.
But what can we expect on the jaundiced eyes of pro-Imperialist authors like Linn.
He readily brushed aside that the Filipinos lost more than a million
people fighting for their own Republic, which he conveniently called
another myth.
He might be right because one lasting legacy
that the Americans left us is that there is no study of Filipino
military history even its prime military school-the Philippine Military
Academy (PMA), has no nationalist orientation much more the study of
the Philippine military history
They are just good in just
changing names like the naming the PMA Camp Henry Allen to Fort
Gregorio Del Pilar as they did to Camp Murphy to Camp Aguinaldo and
Fort McKinley to Fort Bonifacio.
Thus, it is incumbent for
Filipinos and Filipino Americans to study their own history and rewrite
it in the own perceptions. Until then, authors like Linn will run amuck
and brand themselves as authorities on the history of Filipinos.
They will continue to treat us as “lost souls” as the Spanish
conquistadores wrote the history of the Philippines filled with
heretic, bandits and witches as they Christianized and turned Filipinos
as civilized people.
******
28.9.11
25.9.11
Mga Anak ng kabayo, Apo ng Galunggong (Pasintabi kay Ka Roger)
ula
Mga Anak ng kabayo, Apo ng Galunggong
(Pasintabi kay Ka Roger)
Mga anak ng kabayo ,
malakas sumipa kapag nagagalit,
Mas mapalad pa sa tao
Dahil asendero’y nagmamalasakit,
Sa kabayong gamit sa Polo.
Laro ng mga hari’t prinsipe-
may sariling bahay,tagapag-alaga,
May tagapulot at damong ari,
Samantalang ang mga anak
Ng kabayong tao
Lagi na sa pighati,
Pagkain ay galunggong
O kaya ay asin at siling
Pantighaw sa gutom lagi;
Ngayon, mga apo ng galunggong,
Wala nang makain;
Dahil ang galunggong
Lumayo sa malalim ng dagat
At lumipat na sa Hilaga--
Dahil sa El Nino at El Ninang
Nagpatuyo sa pugad
Ng maaskad na isdang
Pagkain ng mahirap,
Kaya ang mga apo ng galunggong,
Nagmahal na at mahirap bilhin,
Ng aping mahirap
Wala nang makain.
Mahirap talagang maging apo ng kabayo
Lalo ang apo ng galunggong;
nangibang bansa na at lumayo
Sa Silangang Pasipiko,
Nagtago sa dagat
ng Rusya at ng mga Hapon
naninindim dahil sa lamig,
malayo na sa init
ng matinding hilahil.
Agosto 07, 2011
***********
Mga Anak ng kabayo, Apo ng Galunggong
(Pasintabi kay Ka Roger)
Mga anak ng kabayo ,
malakas sumipa kapag nagagalit,
Mas mapalad pa sa tao
Dahil asendero’y nagmamalasakit,
Sa kabayong gamit sa Polo.
Laro ng mga hari’t prinsipe-
may sariling bahay,tagapag-alaga,
May tagapulot at damong ari,
Samantalang ang mga anak
Ng kabayong tao
Lagi na sa pighati,
Pagkain ay galunggong
O kaya ay asin at siling
Pantighaw sa gutom lagi;
Ngayon, mga apo ng galunggong,
Wala nang makain;
Dahil ang galunggong
Lumayo sa malalim ng dagat
At lumipat na sa Hilaga--
Dahil sa El Nino at El Ninang
Nagpatuyo sa pugad
Ng maaskad na isdang
Pagkain ng mahirap,
Kaya ang mga apo ng galunggong,
Nagmahal na at mahirap bilhin,
Ng aping mahirap
Wala nang makain.
Mahirap talagang maging apo ng kabayo
Lalo ang apo ng galunggong;
nangibang bansa na at lumayo
Sa Silangang Pasipiko,
Nagtago sa dagat
ng Rusya at ng mga Hapon
naninindim dahil sa lamig,
malayo na sa init
ng matinding hilahil.
Agosto 07, 2011
***********
Walking Among the Living
Poem
Walking Among the Living
When the lights went out,
Jupiter brightens its moons;
Embraced me with its cold air,
I felt the weakness in me
And air was sucked by the wind
Like a passing breeze that passed,
There was air but no sun,
There is the moon
But there were no stars,
Yet the mind cannot command,
It is nice to be alive,
But dead in a moment,
I dread the cold.
But long for it
In the heat of the night,
I loved to talk
To the lost souls,
to our elders,
Old friends who I never saw
Again and comrades
In their magnificent
Deadly arms,
Yes, it is fun to wake up
In the bright light
Of the morning and greet
The warm sun
For the coming
Of the new dawn.
August 02, 2011
Walking Among the Living
When the lights went out,
Jupiter brightens its moons;
Embraced me with its cold air,
I felt the weakness in me
And air was sucked by the wind
Like a passing breeze that passed,
There was air but no sun,
There is the moon
But there were no stars,
Yet the mind cannot command,
It is nice to be alive,
But dead in a moment,
I dread the cold.
But long for it
In the heat of the night,
I loved to talk
To the lost souls,
to our elders,
Old friends who I never saw
Again and comrades
In their magnificent
Deadly arms,
Yes, it is fun to wake up
In the bright light
Of the morning and greet
The warm sun
For the coming
Of the new dawn.
August 02, 2011
The Film “ Amigo”- Not so Historically Friendly for Filipinos
Movie Review
The Film “ Amigo”- Not so Historically Friendly for Filipinos
By Arturo P. Garcia
A columnist Emil Guillermo noted in Philippine News last week “ ..people don’t learn much from history, maybe they’ll learn more after seeing Sayles “Amigo.”
But some commentaries and observations were made during our after movie discussions last Saturday with the youth organization in LA --the KmB does not necessarily conform with his views. And I agree with much of the Filipino-American youth ( movie goers ) animated and truthful observations.
1. Racist overtones dominates the film. Although they tried to present the Filipino perspective, much is concentrated on how Americans fell about the Filipinos during that time.
Yes, we understood that this is a period film. We know and understand that the pervading system that time is racist. But to see and feel that all through out the movie and see the obvious, its really revolting. Racist words like “Dagos”, “Gugus”, “Bandits” and complaining about the clap abounds.
Even the use of an historical inaccurate Spanish priest who knows how to speak English ( American English at that!) who spew anti-Filipino epithets was an over-stretch of the director/writer’s artistic license.
One KmB member remarked “ Yes we know they are racists. But please, give us break!’
2. Focus on the contradictions among the people. We understand the director’s penchant for balance. But in the process, Sayles focused on the contradictions among the people. For example, the contradictions between the Republican guerilla forces and the civil authorities dealing with the Americans.
It unnecessarily showed that Filipino guerrillas were merciless even their own people and especially among the Chinese coolies. Even to the point, the the guerilla leader did not do anything even the same Filipino guerilla leader ordered the brother to play “amigo” to the Americans.
In the process the real message that the Filipinos never lend a hand to the American forces that they were forced to hire Chinese and Japanese collies for their war efforts was subsumed. What was highlighted was the Filipino animosity to the Chinese. Which is not historically accurate!
This was also the criticism of some movie critics in the Philippines. But Sayles defended his movie by citing American military records. My ass!
3.Poor Transition. A budding Fil-Am writer/ filmmaker noted that Sayles erred in providing transitions to the story. I personally saw the problem. It was enough for him to say in early narration and credits “ that American fought a war with Spain, so the Americans came half-way around the world to be in the Philippines.” Period!
He did not even take pains to explain in his contrast using General MacArthur's General Order 100 and the Aguinaldo’s proclamation ordering Filipinos to wage guerillla warfare in 1899 from regular warfare and what was stressed was that the two orders have no difference. That the two orders were just punishing anyone who will give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Again, many things , proper things that could have made the transition in the movie clear and have explained the events in proper perspective could have set the record straight. Just several lines through the actors could have said: “ We have beaten the Filipinos last year and have chased Aguinaldo to kingdom come , so today 1900’s—they are now fighting us through another kind of warfare.” Or even better explained the two disparate orders more thoroughly
One KmB member remarked;’ “ Sayles put our people in a bad light. It showed us as always angry and even against our people. Threatening them with death!’
4. Good points. But generally speaking, we appreciate Sayles efforts . For it was the first film , a mainstream film about the Filipino-American War which is a taboo subject here in America.
We will welcome more improvements in the future films and we hope that more films will follow Sayles efforts.
At least it is sympathetic to Filipinos and most of all anti war and resonates the current war in Afghanistan, Iraq and the now current American war in Libya.
As Emil Guillermo said: “the subtitles are also interesting ( even if some are not so accurate) because you can hear characters translate or mistranslate it in English.”
Another KmB member said “ Well, it is a film about us Filipinos, I loved to see our people in the movies.”
Another remarked that “ it is good start for a discussion. To go deeper into the study of our own history and our past and our heroic legacy as a people”
We acknowledged Sayles anti-war sentiments. The only problem is it is a mixed message. That everybody losses in the war. There is no appreciation of the people’s role. The message is left for the people to ponder which sides they favor. An intellectual predicament at that!
The real message if he is progressive , is that in a people’s war or a war for liberation against a foreign aggressors, this war is just and the people will eventually win in the end.
‘It was left in a cryptic message that was said in the movies by Bembo Roco, a peasant guerilla that the KmB noted and appreciates. In answering the young soldiers comment “ We have no chance of winning this war” , the revolutionary character said:
“ We barely made it out in Cavite in 1896, but we almost won and trapped the Spaniards in Intramuros.( in reference to the walled city of Manila) . Its up for you the youth to step up and win this. This your chance.”
*****
The Film “ Amigo”- Not so Historically Friendly for Filipinos
By Arturo P. Garcia
A columnist Emil Guillermo noted in Philippine News last week “ ..people don’t learn much from history, maybe they’ll learn more after seeing Sayles “Amigo.”
But some commentaries and observations were made during our after movie discussions last Saturday with the youth organization in LA --the KmB does not necessarily conform with his views. And I agree with much of the Filipino-American youth ( movie goers ) animated and truthful observations.
1. Racist overtones dominates the film. Although they tried to present the Filipino perspective, much is concentrated on how Americans fell about the Filipinos during that time.
Yes, we understood that this is a period film. We know and understand that the pervading system that time is racist. But to see and feel that all through out the movie and see the obvious, its really revolting. Racist words like “Dagos”, “Gugus”, “Bandits” and complaining about the clap abounds.
Even the use of an historical inaccurate Spanish priest who knows how to speak English ( American English at that!) who spew anti-Filipino epithets was an over-stretch of the director/writer’s artistic license.
One KmB member remarked “ Yes we know they are racists. But please, give us break!’
2. Focus on the contradictions among the people. We understand the director’s penchant for balance. But in the process, Sayles focused on the contradictions among the people. For example, the contradictions between the Republican guerilla forces and the civil authorities dealing with the Americans.
It unnecessarily showed that Filipino guerrillas were merciless even their own people and especially among the Chinese coolies. Even to the point, the the guerilla leader did not do anything even the same Filipino guerilla leader ordered the brother to play “amigo” to the Americans.
In the process the real message that the Filipinos never lend a hand to the American forces that they were forced to hire Chinese and Japanese collies for their war efforts was subsumed. What was highlighted was the Filipino animosity to the Chinese. Which is not historically accurate!
This was also the criticism of some movie critics in the Philippines. But Sayles defended his movie by citing American military records. My ass!
3.Poor Transition. A budding Fil-Am writer/ filmmaker noted that Sayles erred in providing transitions to the story. I personally saw the problem. It was enough for him to say in early narration and credits “ that American fought a war with Spain, so the Americans came half-way around the world to be in the Philippines.” Period!
He did not even take pains to explain in his contrast using General MacArthur's General Order 100 and the Aguinaldo’s proclamation ordering Filipinos to wage guerillla warfare in 1899 from regular warfare and what was stressed was that the two orders have no difference. That the two orders were just punishing anyone who will give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Again, many things , proper things that could have made the transition in the movie clear and have explained the events in proper perspective could have set the record straight. Just several lines through the actors could have said: “ We have beaten the Filipinos last year and have chased Aguinaldo to kingdom come , so today 1900’s—they are now fighting us through another kind of warfare.” Or even better explained the two disparate orders more thoroughly
One KmB member remarked;’ “ Sayles put our people in a bad light. It showed us as always angry and even against our people. Threatening them with death!’
4. Good points. But generally speaking, we appreciate Sayles efforts . For it was the first film , a mainstream film about the Filipino-American War which is a taboo subject here in America.
We will welcome more improvements in the future films and we hope that more films will follow Sayles efforts.
At least it is sympathetic to Filipinos and most of all anti war and resonates the current war in Afghanistan, Iraq and the now current American war in Libya.
As Emil Guillermo said: “the subtitles are also interesting ( even if some are not so accurate) because you can hear characters translate or mistranslate it in English.”
Another KmB member said “ Well, it is a film about us Filipinos, I loved to see our people in the movies.”
Another remarked that “ it is good start for a discussion. To go deeper into the study of our own history and our past and our heroic legacy as a people”
We acknowledged Sayles anti-war sentiments. The only problem is it is a mixed message. That everybody losses in the war. There is no appreciation of the people’s role. The message is left for the people to ponder which sides they favor. An intellectual predicament at that!
The real message if he is progressive , is that in a people’s war or a war for liberation against a foreign aggressors, this war is just and the people will eventually win in the end.
‘It was left in a cryptic message that was said in the movies by Bembo Roco, a peasant guerilla that the KmB noted and appreciates. In answering the young soldiers comment “ We have no chance of winning this war” , the revolutionary character said:
“ We barely made it out in Cavite in 1896, but we almost won and trapped the Spaniards in Intramuros.( in reference to the walled city of Manila) . Its up for you the youth to step up and win this. This your chance.”
*****
ON THE TENTH YEAR OF INTERNATIONAL ANSWER COALITION
Memories
ON THE TENTH YEAR OF INTERNATIONAL ANSWER COALITION
We in the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) greet the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) a militant happy tenth anniversary on its founding! MABUHAY!
On September 14, 2001, just three days after the September 11 attacks, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) came into existence and announced a planned mass demonstration against war and racism for September 29, 2001, in Washington, D.C.
We vividly still remember until today that the attacks against ANSWER were swift and furious. Right-wing organizations condemned us as “traitors” and many liberal organizations said that it was “wrong” and “untimely” to have a demonstration against the Bush administration.
The people of the United States were still in a state of shock and grief on September 14, 2001. Behind the scenes, the Bush administration was rapidly putting into place a plan for military invasion and domestic repression using the terrible events of September 11 as a pretext. Bush's announced "war on terror" was the rationale that the administration hoped would be enough to silence any opposition. In the days after September 11, Bush's approval ratings were at 90 percent.
While the then September 29 Coaltiion that envisioned to build to hold the nationwide rally against capitalist globalization folded up and more than 100 organizations withdrew their support, on those in a difficult moment, on September 29, 2011 ANSWER led and showed that a mass opposition to Bush was possible.
The First anti-war demonstration after Sept. 11 attacks, 09/29/2011
The ANSWER Coalition organized a demonstration of 25,000 people on Sept. 29, 2001, just 18 days after the Sept. 11 attacks, to show mass opposition to Bush's policy of war abroad and racism at home.
The September 29, 2001, demonstration in Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C. was a watershed event. People of conscience came together—under very difficult circumstances—to make clear that they would not support the government’s efforts to launch a global war drive abroad and eviscerate civil liberties at home. Under the heavy pressure of a national propaganda campaign intended to silence dissent, many were told, even by friends and allies, that they should not speak out – yet they came. Some of the students organizing busses were falsely told by their schools that attending the demonstration would be dangerous and unsafe—but they too came anyway.
We did not know how many people would come, but knew that it was imperative that those who were willing, organize against the looming imperial war drive and domestic repression. As the demonstration grew, we watched the Plaza fill as people joined to take a stand together. 25,000 people came despite the intense pressure. The chants rang out from the heart of Washington, D.C., “We will not be silent!” and “We want justice, we want peace, U.S. out of the Middle East.” C-Span carried the demonstration and the message went out throughout the country that resistance and organization was possible.
In Los Angeles, the AJLPP forces with the AFFIRM and JFAV with our militant allies formed the Peoples Coalition Against the War (PCAW) and still holding the banner of the Sept 29 anti globalization movement that carried the torch of Seattle mass action in 1999, marched and rallied in Broadway, downtown LA in support of the rally in Washington DC. The PCAW and the majority of forces with the AJLPP later disbanded in 2002 and later joined ANSWER-LA.
Including the Issue of Palestine in the U.S. Peace Movement
Seven months later, on April 20, 2002, the ANSWER Coalition organized the largest demonstration in U.S. history in support of the Palestinian people. 100,000 people marched under the slogan, “Free Palestine, No War on Iraq” just three weeks after the Israeli re-invasion of the West Bank.
That demonstration was also a major controversy within the peace movement. ANSWER, which at its core included partnership between non-Arab and Arab-American organizers, refused to accept the marginalization of the Palestinian struggle. Treating the Palestinian struggle as a taboo was a shameful legacy of the traditional peace organizations in the U.S.
Many groups who say they are anti -war who are really racist said we should not emphasize the issue of Palestine, claiming it would “alienate” people. That demonstration marked a turning point. The struggle of the Palestinian people was raised as a vital part of the movement for justice and peace in the Middle East. Support for the Palestinian people is now widespread among many U.S. groups because of this hard-fought battle in the anti-war movement and others that followed from 2002 to 2005.
Today there are few in the peace movement who would suggest that Palestinian self-determination can properly be delinked from organizing for a just peace in the Middle East.
A New Anti-War Movement
As the Bush administration made its plans for war against Iraq, the ANSWER Coalition announced plans for a mass demonstration on October 26, 2002, in Washington, D.C.
To the surprise of the administration and the media, 200,000 people answered that call and a new massive anti-war movement was born. On January 18, 2003, a half million people marched again in Washington, D.C. On February 15, 2003, millions took to the streets in thousands of cities in nearly every country.
In March 2003, in spite of a storm, more than 100,000 people march in Los Angeles in the heavy downpour and defied the weather.
In the months and years that followed, hundreds of thousands more came together as the ANSWER Coalition became the motor for mass actions against the war in Iraq as well as mass actions in support of the Palestinian people, against the war in Afghanistan, and the bombing of Libya, the threats against Iran, and in support of the people of Cuba and Venezuela to develop free from U.S. sanctions, threats and subversion.
ANSWER Coalition’s Unique Political and Organizational Perspective
Half a million people marched on Jan. 18, 2003, in opposition to the looming war on Iraq—the largest anti-war demonstration in Washington, D.C., since the Vietnam era.
A cornerstone of ANSWER’s approach is to provide in-depth political analysis from an anti-imperialist framework. We have also stressed the primacy of action, of mobilizing and organizing people. The ANSWER Coalition has been characterized by a dynamic organizing style, a sustained level of activity throughout the country, and the inclusion of hundreds of volunteers who have worked selflessly to build this grassroots movement.
We in the AJLPP together with ANSWER sincerely believe that the people themselves are the decisive factor to bring about change. We have been distinctive in our orientation towards the Republicans and Democratic parties. We believe that both parties were responsible for the war drive and the attacks against civil rights and civil liberties at home.
The high tide of the Immigrant Rights Movement, 2006
The ANSWER Coalition from its inception was distinctive because it was completely multi-racial and multinational. It made the connection between the anti-war movement and the struggles against racism and for social and economic justice. We have fought free speech battles around the country to open the streets and parkland to all those who wish to speak out.
ANSWER has played a leading role in the fight against racist and religious profiling. It led millions of people in the immigrant right upsurge against anti- immigrant laws with more than 2 million march in Los Angeles and other parts of the country in March 2006. ANSWER again led in the defense of the immigrants against police brutality and against the assaults on May Day rally in Los Angeles.
When others are intimidated, ANSWER chose to fight back and step up against intimidation and against the racist minutemen everywhere especially in California. ANSWER was also a leader in defense of the Muslim and Arab American communities inside the United States, and in support of civil rights and civil liberties that are under attack.
AJLPP with ANSWER have taken to the streets to defend workers rights, defeat anti-immigrant bigotry, and to advance the struggle for social and economic justice. There were others who criticized raising issues besides “peace” but we felt that no U.S. movement could be relevant, inclusive or effective without doing so.
A New Era of Organizing Among Active Duty Troops and Veterans
In recent years March Forward!, an affiliate of the ANSWER Coalition, has brought together anti-war veterans and active-duty service members to fight for their rights and oppose U.S. imperialist wars of aggression. March Forward! organizers have worked to defend conscientious objectors and demand justice for the families of military members whose lives have been destroyed by war.
These current and former military personnel have taken the risk of speaking out and organizing a powerful movement in opposition to the generals and the Pentagon.
A Decade of Consistent Organizing Creates a New Generation of Leaders and Activists
Numerous organizations have come and gone in the last decade. The ANSWER Coalition is still here. In fact, the Coalition has vibrant chapters all over the country active in education, outreach and mobilizing.
A whole generation of young activists who came into political life during the past decade have become trained, skilled organizers through their experience with the ANSWER Coalition.
We will continue with ANSWER to build a generation of young leaders working not only in the anti-war movement but in critical progressive social movements throughout the United States until a true systemic change occurs in our lifetime!
MABUHAY ANG ANSWER COALITION!
MANGAHAS MAKIBAKA, KAMTIN ANG TAGUMPAY! (DARE TO STRUGGLE, DARE TO WIN!)
ON THE TENTH YEAR OF INTERNATIONAL ANSWER COALITION
We in the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) greet the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) a militant happy tenth anniversary on its founding! MABUHAY!
On September 14, 2001, just three days after the September 11 attacks, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) came into existence and announced a planned mass demonstration against war and racism for September 29, 2001, in Washington, D.C.
We vividly still remember until today that the attacks against ANSWER were swift and furious. Right-wing organizations condemned us as “traitors” and many liberal organizations said that it was “wrong” and “untimely” to have a demonstration against the Bush administration.
The people of the United States were still in a state of shock and grief on September 14, 2001. Behind the scenes, the Bush administration was rapidly putting into place a plan for military invasion and domestic repression using the terrible events of September 11 as a pretext. Bush's announced "war on terror" was the rationale that the administration hoped would be enough to silence any opposition. In the days after September 11, Bush's approval ratings were at 90 percent.
While the then September 29 Coaltiion that envisioned to build to hold the nationwide rally against capitalist globalization folded up and more than 100 organizations withdrew their support, on those in a difficult moment, on September 29, 2011 ANSWER led and showed that a mass opposition to Bush was possible.
The First anti-war demonstration after Sept. 11 attacks, 09/29/2011
The ANSWER Coalition organized a demonstration of 25,000 people on Sept. 29, 2001, just 18 days after the Sept. 11 attacks, to show mass opposition to Bush's policy of war abroad and racism at home.
The September 29, 2001, demonstration in Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C. was a watershed event. People of conscience came together—under very difficult circumstances—to make clear that they would not support the government’s efforts to launch a global war drive abroad and eviscerate civil liberties at home. Under the heavy pressure of a national propaganda campaign intended to silence dissent, many were told, even by friends and allies, that they should not speak out – yet they came. Some of the students organizing busses were falsely told by their schools that attending the demonstration would be dangerous and unsafe—but they too came anyway.
We did not know how many people would come, but knew that it was imperative that those who were willing, organize against the looming imperial war drive and domestic repression. As the demonstration grew, we watched the Plaza fill as people joined to take a stand together. 25,000 people came despite the intense pressure. The chants rang out from the heart of Washington, D.C., “We will not be silent!” and “We want justice, we want peace, U.S. out of the Middle East.” C-Span carried the demonstration and the message went out throughout the country that resistance and organization was possible.
In Los Angeles, the AJLPP forces with the AFFIRM and JFAV with our militant allies formed the Peoples Coalition Against the War (PCAW) and still holding the banner of the Sept 29 anti globalization movement that carried the torch of Seattle mass action in 1999, marched and rallied in Broadway, downtown LA in support of the rally in Washington DC. The PCAW and the majority of forces with the AJLPP later disbanded in 2002 and later joined ANSWER-LA.
Including the Issue of Palestine in the U.S. Peace Movement
Seven months later, on April 20, 2002, the ANSWER Coalition organized the largest demonstration in U.S. history in support of the Palestinian people. 100,000 people marched under the slogan, “Free Palestine, No War on Iraq” just three weeks after the Israeli re-invasion of the West Bank.
That demonstration was also a major controversy within the peace movement. ANSWER, which at its core included partnership between non-Arab and Arab-American organizers, refused to accept the marginalization of the Palestinian struggle. Treating the Palestinian struggle as a taboo was a shameful legacy of the traditional peace organizations in the U.S.
Many groups who say they are anti -war who are really racist said we should not emphasize the issue of Palestine, claiming it would “alienate” people. That demonstration marked a turning point. The struggle of the Palestinian people was raised as a vital part of the movement for justice and peace in the Middle East. Support for the Palestinian people is now widespread among many U.S. groups because of this hard-fought battle in the anti-war movement and others that followed from 2002 to 2005.
Today there are few in the peace movement who would suggest that Palestinian self-determination can properly be delinked from organizing for a just peace in the Middle East.
A New Anti-War Movement
As the Bush administration made its plans for war against Iraq, the ANSWER Coalition announced plans for a mass demonstration on October 26, 2002, in Washington, D.C.
To the surprise of the administration and the media, 200,000 people answered that call and a new massive anti-war movement was born. On January 18, 2003, a half million people marched again in Washington, D.C. On February 15, 2003, millions took to the streets in thousands of cities in nearly every country.
In March 2003, in spite of a storm, more than 100,000 people march in Los Angeles in the heavy downpour and defied the weather.
In the months and years that followed, hundreds of thousands more came together as the ANSWER Coalition became the motor for mass actions against the war in Iraq as well as mass actions in support of the Palestinian people, against the war in Afghanistan, and the bombing of Libya, the threats against Iran, and in support of the people of Cuba and Venezuela to develop free from U.S. sanctions, threats and subversion.
ANSWER Coalition’s Unique Political and Organizational Perspective
Half a million people marched on Jan. 18, 2003, in opposition to the looming war on Iraq—the largest anti-war demonstration in Washington, D.C., since the Vietnam era.
A cornerstone of ANSWER’s approach is to provide in-depth political analysis from an anti-imperialist framework. We have also stressed the primacy of action, of mobilizing and organizing people. The ANSWER Coalition has been characterized by a dynamic organizing style, a sustained level of activity throughout the country, and the inclusion of hundreds of volunteers who have worked selflessly to build this grassroots movement.
We in the AJLPP together with ANSWER sincerely believe that the people themselves are the decisive factor to bring about change. We have been distinctive in our orientation towards the Republicans and Democratic parties. We believe that both parties were responsible for the war drive and the attacks against civil rights and civil liberties at home.
The high tide of the Immigrant Rights Movement, 2006
The ANSWER Coalition from its inception was distinctive because it was completely multi-racial and multinational. It made the connection between the anti-war movement and the struggles against racism and for social and economic justice. We have fought free speech battles around the country to open the streets and parkland to all those who wish to speak out.
ANSWER has played a leading role in the fight against racist and religious profiling. It led millions of people in the immigrant right upsurge against anti- immigrant laws with more than 2 million march in Los Angeles and other parts of the country in March 2006. ANSWER again led in the defense of the immigrants against police brutality and against the assaults on May Day rally in Los Angeles.
When others are intimidated, ANSWER chose to fight back and step up against intimidation and against the racist minutemen everywhere especially in California. ANSWER was also a leader in defense of the Muslim and Arab American communities inside the United States, and in support of civil rights and civil liberties that are under attack.
AJLPP with ANSWER have taken to the streets to defend workers rights, defeat anti-immigrant bigotry, and to advance the struggle for social and economic justice. There were others who criticized raising issues besides “peace” but we felt that no U.S. movement could be relevant, inclusive or effective without doing so.
A New Era of Organizing Among Active Duty Troops and Veterans
In recent years March Forward!, an affiliate of the ANSWER Coalition, has brought together anti-war veterans and active-duty service members to fight for their rights and oppose U.S. imperialist wars of aggression. March Forward! organizers have worked to defend conscientious objectors and demand justice for the families of military members whose lives have been destroyed by war.
These current and former military personnel have taken the risk of speaking out and organizing a powerful movement in opposition to the generals and the Pentagon.
A Decade of Consistent Organizing Creates a New Generation of Leaders and Activists
Numerous organizations have come and gone in the last decade. The ANSWER Coalition is still here. In fact, the Coalition has vibrant chapters all over the country active in education, outreach and mobilizing.
A whole generation of young activists who came into political life during the past decade have become trained, skilled organizers through their experience with the ANSWER Coalition.
We will continue with ANSWER to build a generation of young leaders working not only in the anti-war movement but in critical progressive social movements throughout the United States until a true systemic change occurs in our lifetime!
MABUHAY ANG ANSWER COALITION!
MANGAHAS MAKIBAKA, KAMTIN ANG TAGUMPAY! (DARE TO STRUGGLE, DARE TO WIN!)
Fil-Ams and Allies Marks 39th Year of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in the US
News
Fil-Ams and Allies Marks 39th Year of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in the US
Los Angeles – The Filipino Americans led by the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) in the United States will hold commemorative events to mark the 39th year of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines all over the United States.
--In New York, on Sept. 24, the Damayan Migrant Workers Association will hold a speak out at the Kalusugan Coalition Office at 39-04 63 St btwn Roosevelt & 39 Aves Woodside, Queens, NY. After the speak out, the group will hold a vigil along Roosevelt Ave. to dramatize their protest against martial law.
--In Los Angeles, the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) with ANSWER-LA and Bantay Pilipinas will hold a commemorative rites on September 30, 2011. It will be held at the ANSWER office on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 PM
The venue is located at 137 Virgil Avenue, # 201, Los Angeles, CA 900014. Los Angeles was the bastion of the anti-martial law forces in the United States. IT is also the home of the largest Filipino community outside of the Philippines.
Beyond Forgetting
The United States became a battleground of the pro-martial law forces of the US-Marcos Dictatorship and the forces of democracy led by the progressive Filipino-American community from September 23, 1972 until the downfall of the dictatorship in February 26, 1986.
Despite being divided, the Filipino-American community and their American and other minority nationalities contributed greatly to the downfall of the dictatorship.
Different groups like the Katipunan ng mga Demokratikong Pilipino (KDP), Anti Martial Law Coalition, Friends of the Filipino People, Movement for the Restoration of Civil Liberties in the Philippines.Gabriela Network, and the Alliance for Philippine Concerns (APC) sprung and carried on the anti-martial law struggle in the United States from 1972-86.
After the downfall of the US Marcos Regime in 1986, other newer Fil-Am organizations stepped up like Pesante, Nagliliyab, Kilusan ng Progressibong Kabataan (KPK),CPI, Alyansa ng Komunidad (AK) and later the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) and its allied organizations. Some are still active today carrying on the torch of the struggle here in the United States:
Martial law, 39 years later, 2011
On September 23, 1972, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines. The Proclamation was signed in September 21, 1972 and arrest were made first before the formal announcement and the general crackdown began.
It was a fascist scheme to deal a decisive and fatal blow to the growing revolutionary movement that was fighting US foreign domination . It was supported by the United States. The situation then was widespread poverty and sicontent created by the Philippine government's subservience to the interests of US imperialism at the height of the Vietnam War.
Tens of thousands of Filipinos were killed, tortured and disappeared during this time. Marcos also created the Philippine Labor Export Program (LEP) to "solve" the massive unemployment and poverty in the homeland and to profit from the forced migration of Filipinos.
To this day, the LEP has become the lifeline of the Philippine economy and has distorted the lives of more than 12 million Filipinos around the world, including domestic workers. At present there are more than 5 million Filipinos in the United States.
For more information please contact the Alliance-Philippines at (213)241-0906 and Bantay –LA at (818) 749 0273 or email at magsasakapil@hotmail.com.
*************
Fil-Ams and Allies Marks 39th Year of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in the US
Los Angeles – The Filipino Americans led by the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) in the United States will hold commemorative events to mark the 39th year of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines all over the United States.
--In New York, on Sept. 24, the Damayan Migrant Workers Association will hold a speak out at the Kalusugan Coalition Office at 39-04 63 St btwn Roosevelt & 39 Aves Woodside, Queens, NY. After the speak out, the group will hold a vigil along Roosevelt Ave. to dramatize their protest against martial law.
--In Los Angeles, the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) with ANSWER-LA and Bantay Pilipinas will hold a commemorative rites on September 30, 2011. It will be held at the ANSWER office on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 PM
The venue is located at 137 Virgil Avenue, # 201, Los Angeles, CA 900014. Los Angeles was the bastion of the anti-martial law forces in the United States. IT is also the home of the largest Filipino community outside of the Philippines.
Beyond Forgetting
The United States became a battleground of the pro-martial law forces of the US-Marcos Dictatorship and the forces of democracy led by the progressive Filipino-American community from September 23, 1972 until the downfall of the dictatorship in February 26, 1986.
Despite being divided, the Filipino-American community and their American and other minority nationalities contributed greatly to the downfall of the dictatorship.
Different groups like the Katipunan ng mga Demokratikong Pilipino (KDP), Anti Martial Law Coalition, Friends of the Filipino People, Movement for the Restoration of Civil Liberties in the Philippines.Gabriela Network, and the Alliance for Philippine Concerns (APC) sprung and carried on the anti-martial law struggle in the United States from 1972-86.
After the downfall of the US Marcos Regime in 1986, other newer Fil-Am organizations stepped up like Pesante, Nagliliyab, Kilusan ng Progressibong Kabataan (KPK),CPI, Alyansa ng Komunidad (AK) and later the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) and its allied organizations. Some are still active today carrying on the torch of the struggle here in the United States:
Martial law, 39 years later, 2011
On September 23, 1972, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines. The Proclamation was signed in September 21, 1972 and arrest were made first before the formal announcement and the general crackdown began.
It was a fascist scheme to deal a decisive and fatal blow to the growing revolutionary movement that was fighting US foreign domination . It was supported by the United States. The situation then was widespread poverty and sicontent created by the Philippine government's subservience to the interests of US imperialism at the height of the Vietnam War.
Tens of thousands of Filipinos were killed, tortured and disappeared during this time. Marcos also created the Philippine Labor Export Program (LEP) to "solve" the massive unemployment and poverty in the homeland and to profit from the forced migration of Filipinos.
To this day, the LEP has become the lifeline of the Philippine economy and has distorted the lives of more than 12 million Filipinos around the world, including domestic workers. At present there are more than 5 million Filipinos in the United States.
For more information please contact the Alliance-Philippines at (213)241-0906 and Bantay –LA at (818) 749 0273 or email at magsasakapil@hotmail.com.
*************
23.9.11
Sa Mga Di Kilalang Bayani
Alay
Sa Mga Di Kilalang Bayani
Kayong mga nalibing
Sa mga gubat at parang
Na walang pananda man lamang.
Kayo na hindi na mababalikan
At inilbing na walang kabaong himlayan,
Kayo na ang pananda ay punong kahoy,
Munting batis o ilog na madaling tandaan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay sama-samang inilibing
Ng mga kaaway ---
Matapos ibilad sa araw
Para ipanakot sa mga nagdadaan
Sa harap ng munisipyo:
Kayo na hinubaran, ginahasa,
Ginulpi bago ipaanod sa karayan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay hinukay para kunwa'y bigyang parangal
Ng mga balakyot na militar
Ngunit ang layon ay makuha ang pabuya
Sa iyong kamatayan;
Kayong mga magigiting na bayani
Na di nalibing sa huling hantungan,
Nalimutan na ang mga pangalan
At nagbuwis ng buhay
Sa gitna ng pakikibaka ng bayan.
Kayo na walang pangalang masa
Na dinukot sa gitna ng gabi;
Kayo na pinahirapan sa mga lihim na silid
Saka dinispatsa na parang yagit
At nawalang parang bula sa ere,
Mga bayaning di kilala,
Daang libong masa
Na namgmartsa sa gitna ng daan,
Sa harap ng mga gusaling bayan,
sa EDSA, sa Malacanang,
sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan.
Kayo na hanggang ngayon ay pinaghahanap
Ng inyong mga kaanak
Mula pa sa panahon ni Marcos, ilampung libong
Nawala na lamang at sukat,
Kayo na tinatangisan ng mga ina at amang
Nawalan ng anak
Habang ngising aso ang mga heneral at aipures nilang
pumaslang at ayaw umamin sa kanilang
Katampalasanang ginawa.
Kayo na wala man lamang bantayog
Sa ngalan ninyo inialay,
Habang ang mga naghaharing uri
Ay nagtayo ng kani-kanilang monumento
Sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan,
Kayo ay nabubuhay sa ala-ala ng sambayanan;
Ang mga bulaklak na ligaw sa gubat,
Ang mga orkidyas sa mga baging
Ng mga matatataas na puno ang sa iyo ay alay
Hinding hindi kayo malilimot
At laging nagbabagang apoy
sa bawat buga ng sandatang lumalaban,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sigaw ng sambayan,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sandatang
maagaw sa kaaway,
kayo ay nasa bawat sentimo
na alay ng bayan sa pakikibaka
sa ibayong dagat sa lupang sinilangan.
Para sa inyo mga di kilalang bayani
Ni hindi alam ang pangalan,
galing sa uring anak-pawis at inang bayan,
Ang dakilang pakikibaka at magiting na tagumpay
Sa inyo namin--iniaalay!
ApG
Agosto 31, 2011
Sa Mga Di Kilalang Bayani
Kayong mga nalibing
Sa mga gubat at parang
Na walang pananda man lamang.
Kayo na hindi na mababalikan
At inilbing na walang kabaong himlayan,
Kayo na ang pananda ay punong kahoy,
Munting batis o ilog na madaling tandaan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay sama-samang inilibing
Ng mga kaaway ---
Matapos ibilad sa araw
Para ipanakot sa mga nagdadaan
Sa harap ng munisipyo:
Kayo na hinubaran, ginahasa,
Ginulpi bago ipaanod sa karayan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay hinukay para kunwa'y bigyang parangal
Ng mga balakyot na militar
Ngunit ang layon ay makuha ang pabuya
Sa iyong kamatayan;
Kayong mga magigiting na bayani
Na di nalibing sa huling hantungan,
Nalimutan na ang mga pangalan
At nagbuwis ng buhay
Sa gitna ng pakikibaka ng bayan.
Kayo na walang pangalang masa
Na dinukot sa gitna ng gabi;
Kayo na pinahirapan sa mga lihim na silid
Saka dinispatsa na parang yagit
At nawalang parang bula sa ere,
Mga bayaning di kilala,
Daang libong masa
Na namgmartsa sa gitna ng daan,
Sa harap ng mga gusaling bayan,
sa EDSA, sa Malacanang,
sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan.
Kayo na hanggang ngayon ay pinaghahanap
Ng inyong mga kaanak
Mula pa sa panahon ni Marcos, ilampung libong
Nawala na lamang at sukat,
Kayo na tinatangisan ng mga ina at amang
Nawalan ng anak
Habang ngising aso ang mga heneral at aipures nilang
pumaslang at ayaw umamin sa kanilang
Katampalasanang ginawa.
Kayo na wala man lamang bantayog
Sa ngalan ninyo inialay,
Habang ang mga naghaharing uri
Ay nagtayo ng kani-kanilang monumento
Sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan,
Kayo ay nabubuhay sa ala-ala ng sambayanan;
Ang mga bulaklak na ligaw sa gubat,
Ang mga orkidyas sa mga baging
Ng mga matatataas na puno ang sa iyo ay alay
Hinding hindi kayo malilimot
At laging nagbabagang apoy
sa bawat buga ng sandatang lumalaban,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sigaw ng sambayan,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sandatang
maagaw sa kaaway,
kayo ay nasa bawat sentimo
na alay ng bayan sa pakikibaka
sa ibayong dagat sa lupang sinilangan.
Para sa inyo mga di kilalang bayani
Ni hindi alam ang pangalan,
galing sa uring anak-pawis at inang bayan,
Ang dakilang pakikibaka at magiting na tagumpay
Sa inyo namin--iniaalay!
ApG
Agosto 31, 2011
September 16, 1991, the day the Filipinos Threw out the US Bases in the Philippines
Memories
September 16, 1991, the day the Filipinos Threw out the US Bases in the Philippines
Arturo P. Garcia
TWO things that stands out and I will remember twenty years ago on September 16, 1991--the day the Senate voted to close down US bases on Philippine soil: first, it rained heavily and the vote in the Philippine Senate six years after the dictatorship was overthrown changed the country's destiny and second ,there was a crowd of 100,000 was at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
I vividly remember that night when I walked from the gate into our house in the subdivision, I was so amazed that all the homes at my area were glued on the television. It was not a Miss Universe Contest or what not or the elections but all Filipinos were glued to the Philippine Senate.
Unlike during the days of the dictator, the Filipinos who were fed up with the Couple Marcos or their spokespersons are savoring the fact that they can watch freely on television the decisive voting on the Philippine Senate about the fate of the US Bases.
More than a year ago, debates were passion high. Even the President Cory Aquino marched against the Senate to pressure the senators to vote for the retention of the US bases with Mayor Gordon of Olongapo. But she just alienated more senators in voting for the US.
As I arrived home, I was amazed when Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the only two senators in the opposition voted against extending a treaty allowing the US to maintain military bases in the Philippines, called the decision struck a blow for national sovereignty. "We collectively echoed the sentiment of the Filipino people to unshackle themselves," he said..
Fellow senator from the opposition Senator Joseph Ejercito Estrada called the vote "our finest hour,". Estrada quoted from the sublime paralytic Apolinario Mabini and he read the Tagalog text of the hero’s manifesto in Tagalog written during the Filipino-American War of 1899.
Bicol senator Victor Ziga , son of the feisty nationalist lady Senator Tecla San Andres Ziga said it was "one of my proudest moments" because the Senate had been able to resist "fancy rhetoric and cheap propaganda.
Senator Agapito Aquino, brother-in-law to then President Corazon Aquino, also spoke against the treaty. He still remembered how the Americans treated his brother shabbily while he was in exile in the United States.
Another activist Senator Wigberto Tanada said the treaty had to be junked because "national freedom cannot be postponed and the dignity and honor of the Filipino people cannot continue to be trampled."
Then he made “mano to the “Grand Old Man of the Opposition", a staunch nationalist and Senator Lorenzo Tanada who was in a wheel chair watched in the sidelines at the Senate Gallery . Quoting his father on what the Philippines was expected to do when the Americans left, said, "the plan is that we will stand on our own."
Nationalist Senator then Senate President Jovito Salonga cast the last vote that sealed the nail to the coffin. it was payback time for Salonga who was jailed by Marcos during martial law and has to spent time in exile in the United States. And all hell break loose in the chambers when he finally banged the gavel.
I can feel the tears of joy streaming from my cheeks. As an activist who were at anti-US bases protest since 1967, I felt a terrible joy in my gut. I remembered my lolo who were forced to evacuate to Manila during the Filipino-American War and my dad who were staunch nationalist. They who instilled in me the deep patriotic fervor that runs in me. I quietly said: “ this night is for you.”
I can hear the rejoicing all around the subdivision in the clapping and loud cheers all around. I was not alone in celebration. The whole nation was rejoicing!
The magnificent 12 comprised then senators Agapito Aquino, Sotero Laurel II ( son of another nationalist senator and president Jose P. Laurel Sr of Batangas), Ernesto Maceda Jr., Orlando Mercado, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., cvil rights lawyer Rene Saguisag, Jovito Salonga, Wigberto Tanada, and Victor Ziga, now Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, former President Joseph Estrada, and former Vice President Teofisto Guingona III were part of the Magnificent 12
Twenty years later, that despite the 1991 decision to close down the US bases,American soldiers are back and have stayed since the VFA was signed in 1998. Enrile and Estrada were just posturing for posterity and are real showmen opportunist at that time. They were just playing for the camera and again became pro-US later.
Today, in 2011 , US soldiers are back in Mindanao under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and through military training exercises involving "as many as 6,000" soldiers. And now, they are planning to change the charter and legalize their stay and have permanent bases in the Philippines.
Yes, I am here in the United States, I still remember that day when the Filipinos stood up and threw away the US bases and say –“the struggle for independence and sovereignty must go on!”
************
September 16, 1991, the day the Filipinos Threw out the US Bases in the Philippines
Arturo P. Garcia
TWO things that stands out and I will remember twenty years ago on September 16, 1991--the day the Senate voted to close down US bases on Philippine soil: first, it rained heavily and the vote in the Philippine Senate six years after the dictatorship was overthrown changed the country's destiny and second ,there was a crowd of 100,000 was at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
I vividly remember that night when I walked from the gate into our house in the subdivision, I was so amazed that all the homes at my area were glued on the television. It was not a Miss Universe Contest or what not or the elections but all Filipinos were glued to the Philippine Senate.
Unlike during the days of the dictator, the Filipinos who were fed up with the Couple Marcos or their spokespersons are savoring the fact that they can watch freely on television the decisive voting on the Philippine Senate about the fate of the US Bases.
More than a year ago, debates were passion high. Even the President Cory Aquino marched against the Senate to pressure the senators to vote for the retention of the US bases with Mayor Gordon of Olongapo. But she just alienated more senators in voting for the US.
As I arrived home, I was amazed when Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the only two senators in the opposition voted against extending a treaty allowing the US to maintain military bases in the Philippines, called the decision struck a blow for national sovereignty. "We collectively echoed the sentiment of the Filipino people to unshackle themselves," he said..
Fellow senator from the opposition Senator Joseph Ejercito Estrada called the vote "our finest hour,". Estrada quoted from the sublime paralytic Apolinario Mabini and he read the Tagalog text of the hero’s manifesto in Tagalog written during the Filipino-American War of 1899.
Bicol senator Victor Ziga , son of the feisty nationalist lady Senator Tecla San Andres Ziga said it was "one of my proudest moments" because the Senate had been able to resist "fancy rhetoric and cheap propaganda.
Senator Agapito Aquino, brother-in-law to then President Corazon Aquino, also spoke against the treaty. He still remembered how the Americans treated his brother shabbily while he was in exile in the United States.
Another activist Senator Wigberto Tanada said the treaty had to be junked because "national freedom cannot be postponed and the dignity and honor of the Filipino people cannot continue to be trampled."
Then he made “mano to the “Grand Old Man of the Opposition", a staunch nationalist and Senator Lorenzo Tanada who was in a wheel chair watched in the sidelines at the Senate Gallery . Quoting his father on what the Philippines was expected to do when the Americans left, said, "the plan is that we will stand on our own."
Nationalist Senator then Senate President Jovito Salonga cast the last vote that sealed the nail to the coffin. it was payback time for Salonga who was jailed by Marcos during martial law and has to spent time in exile in the United States. And all hell break loose in the chambers when he finally banged the gavel.
I can feel the tears of joy streaming from my cheeks. As an activist who were at anti-US bases protest since 1967, I felt a terrible joy in my gut. I remembered my lolo who were forced to evacuate to Manila during the Filipino-American War and my dad who were staunch nationalist. They who instilled in me the deep patriotic fervor that runs in me. I quietly said: “ this night is for you.”
I can hear the rejoicing all around the subdivision in the clapping and loud cheers all around. I was not alone in celebration. The whole nation was rejoicing!
The magnificent 12 comprised then senators Agapito Aquino, Sotero Laurel II ( son of another nationalist senator and president Jose P. Laurel Sr of Batangas), Ernesto Maceda Jr., Orlando Mercado, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., cvil rights lawyer Rene Saguisag, Jovito Salonga, Wigberto Tanada, and Victor Ziga, now Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, former President Joseph Estrada, and former Vice President Teofisto Guingona III were part of the Magnificent 12
Twenty years later, that despite the 1991 decision to close down the US bases,American soldiers are back and have stayed since the VFA was signed in 1998. Enrile and Estrada were just posturing for posterity and are real showmen opportunist at that time. They were just playing for the camera and again became pro-US later.
Today, in 2011 , US soldiers are back in Mindanao under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and through military training exercises involving "as many as 6,000" soldiers. And now, they are planning to change the charter and legalize their stay and have permanent bases in the Philippines.
Yes, I am here in the United States, I still remember that day when the Filipinos stood up and threw away the US bases and say –“the struggle for independence and sovereignty must go on!”
************
“Huwag Kang Mag-Iwan ng Kalat”
Tula
“Huwag Kang Mag-Iwan ng Kalat”
“Huwag kang Mag-Iwan ng Kalat”;
mahigpit na bilin ng lahat ng tirano
At lider na nagdiyus-diyosan,
Daang taon na ang lumipas
Ngunit palagi
Kahit man pilit pagtakpan
Ang mga nakasulat na kasaysayang
Sinulat ng mga ulupong at bayaring
Manunulat upang pabannguhin
Ang mga sukab na nagpatayo
Ng mga sariling rebulto,
Nagpangalan sa mga kalsada,
Mga gusali at paaralan
Sa kani-kanilang bayan.
Palagi na ang kalat na ibinaon
Ay sumingaw at umamoy
Pagkaraan ng maraming taong
Nalibing sa balag na pagkalimot
Dahil may mga taong nakasaksi,
Nakaalam at nagsiyasat
Para mahanap ang katototohan.
Kahit ilang taong nanahimik
ang mga saksi at nakaalam
Dahil sa takot at pagkahiya
Sa pangamba na mas maraming
Mawala sa kanya at sa pamilya
Hindi ba nag ipapatay ni Aguinaldo
Si Bonifacio tinakpang pilit
Ito ng mga taksil at palamarang
Nagkanulo sa Supremo?
Pinalalabas pa nilang nagbalak
Ng masama ang Supremo
Kayat kailangang patayin?
At diumano hindi uamabot
Ang pagpapatawad
Nang mabunying Presidente?
Hindi ba’t nang paslangin si Heneral Luna
Mabilis na inilibing ang bayani
At walang nakasaksi kundi ang mga kawal
Na duwag lumabans a mga dayuhan
Ngunit mabilis pumatay ng kababayan?
At ang ginawang dahilan ay marami
Daw kagalit ang Heneral para
Pawalang sala ang Presidente?
Nang pasalangin ang Senador sa Maynila
Hindi ba’t pinaslang din kaagad
ang diumanong salarin?
Nagsagawa pa
nang mahabang imbestigasyon
Ang komisyong ikinakunsumi
Ng mga mamamayan
Dahil pinawalang sala ang mga may sala.
Kayat hanggang ngayon ang mga kaanak
Ng naging Presidentita
maging ang kanyang unico hijong Pangulo
Ay di pa makahanap ng hustisya
mahigit 25 taong na ang nakakaraan?
Ngunit laganap pa rin
ang mga kalat na naiwan
Ay talamak at alam ng madla
Dahil ang mga utak
ay opisyal pa rin ng gobyerno.
Nasa Kongreso at nagmamagaling,
ang mataray na byuda at mga anak nito,
Laman ng pahayagan at media,
Nakakapagsalita ng malaya
Tulad ng panahon nila noon
Na mahusay ang batas militar
Para sa Pilipinas;
At patuloy na nagpapasasa
Sa karangyaan at luho
Kasama ng mga naging biktima
Ng maluklok sa kapangyarihan
Ay nalimutan nang magawad
Ng hustisya dahil pareho silang
Naghaharing uri?
"Huwag magiwan ng kalat"
Ngunit ang kalat
Ay likas
dahil ang bawat pagpaslang
Ay tigib ng pagkalat ng dugo,
Nang timasik ng laman
Ng utak o ng katawang
Tinagos ng bala o taga ng tabak,
Laging mag-iiwan ng bakas,
Kahit ito ay tumagas sa lupa
O ibaon sa malalim na libingan,
Kahit sunugin ang bangkay
At walang iwang labi
Tulad ng ginawa ng mga Belgian
kay Patrice Lumumba ng Congo,
Andres Bonifacio ng Pilipinas.,
Kay Hannibal ng Roma,
Kay Che Guevarra sa Bolivia,
Kay Kapitan Tomas Sankara
ng Burkina Paso
Sa takot nilang
bumalik ang kaluluwa ng namatay,
Hindi ba’t winasak nilang Cartagena,
Sinabuyan ng asin ang Masada,
Sinunog ang syudad ng Vienna
At Changsu sa Tsina,
binomba ng tubigpara alisin
ang dugo sa Plaza ng masaker sa San Salvador,
Sa Mexico at Kwangju,
Upang maalis ang bakas
ng dumaloy na dugo at laman
mga lumaban sa kanila
Tulad ng mga Kastilang
Nagwasak sa mga libingan ng mga antio
Upang itayo ang mga simbahan
Na may edad ng kung ilang daan taon
Katulad ng pagsawak ng mga Amerikano
Sa libingan ng mga Indyan?
Dahil kahit magsinungaling
Itatala ito sa kasaysayan
At hahalukayin,
Kahit wisakan ng mamahaling pabango,
Isuob sa mausok na isensyo,
Magtayo man ng mga bagong monumento.
Magtayo ng mga bagong syudad
Mula sa guho ng pagwasak,
Isulat ng mga manunulat
Tulad nila Agoncillo, Quijano De Manila,
At sinumang hijo de putang nabayarang
Iskribyente lokal man o dayo,
Lalabas din at lalabas kung
Ano ang totoo.
Hindi mailigpit
Ang kalat dahil kahit ang basag
Na salamin -- mabubuo rin
At mula rito ang kislap
Ng katotohanan ay mananaig
Kahit anong sabi at ingat
Bilinin ang mga salaring
huwag magkalat
At gawing malinis
Ang krimen,
Walang bahong hindi sisingaw,
Walang apoy na hindi uusok
At walang lihim na di mabubunyag.
apg
Setyembre 22, 2011
“Huwag Kang Mag-Iwan ng Kalat”
“Huwag kang Mag-Iwan ng Kalat”;
mahigpit na bilin ng lahat ng tirano
At lider na nagdiyus-diyosan,
Daang taon na ang lumipas
Ngunit palagi
Kahit man pilit pagtakpan
Ang mga nakasulat na kasaysayang
Sinulat ng mga ulupong at bayaring
Manunulat upang pabannguhin
Ang mga sukab na nagpatayo
Ng mga sariling rebulto,
Nagpangalan sa mga kalsada,
Mga gusali at paaralan
Sa kani-kanilang bayan.
Palagi na ang kalat na ibinaon
Ay sumingaw at umamoy
Pagkaraan ng maraming taong
Nalibing sa balag na pagkalimot
Dahil may mga taong nakasaksi,
Nakaalam at nagsiyasat
Para mahanap ang katototohan.
Kahit ilang taong nanahimik
ang mga saksi at nakaalam
Dahil sa takot at pagkahiya
Sa pangamba na mas maraming
Mawala sa kanya at sa pamilya
Hindi ba nag ipapatay ni Aguinaldo
Si Bonifacio tinakpang pilit
Ito ng mga taksil at palamarang
Nagkanulo sa Supremo?
Pinalalabas pa nilang nagbalak
Ng masama ang Supremo
Kayat kailangang patayin?
At diumano hindi uamabot
Ang pagpapatawad
Nang mabunying Presidente?
Hindi ba’t nang paslangin si Heneral Luna
Mabilis na inilibing ang bayani
At walang nakasaksi kundi ang mga kawal
Na duwag lumabans a mga dayuhan
Ngunit mabilis pumatay ng kababayan?
At ang ginawang dahilan ay marami
Daw kagalit ang Heneral para
Pawalang sala ang Presidente?
Nang pasalangin ang Senador sa Maynila
Hindi ba’t pinaslang din kaagad
ang diumanong salarin?
Nagsagawa pa
nang mahabang imbestigasyon
Ang komisyong ikinakunsumi
Ng mga mamamayan
Dahil pinawalang sala ang mga may sala.
Kayat hanggang ngayon ang mga kaanak
Ng naging Presidentita
maging ang kanyang unico hijong Pangulo
Ay di pa makahanap ng hustisya
mahigit 25 taong na ang nakakaraan?
Ngunit laganap pa rin
ang mga kalat na naiwan
Ay talamak at alam ng madla
Dahil ang mga utak
ay opisyal pa rin ng gobyerno.
Nasa Kongreso at nagmamagaling,
ang mataray na byuda at mga anak nito,
Laman ng pahayagan at media,
Nakakapagsalita ng malaya
Tulad ng panahon nila noon
Na mahusay ang batas militar
Para sa Pilipinas;
At patuloy na nagpapasasa
Sa karangyaan at luho
Kasama ng mga naging biktima
Ng maluklok sa kapangyarihan
Ay nalimutan nang magawad
Ng hustisya dahil pareho silang
Naghaharing uri?
"Huwag magiwan ng kalat"
Ngunit ang kalat
Ay likas
dahil ang bawat pagpaslang
Ay tigib ng pagkalat ng dugo,
Nang timasik ng laman
Ng utak o ng katawang
Tinagos ng bala o taga ng tabak,
Laging mag-iiwan ng bakas,
Kahit ito ay tumagas sa lupa
O ibaon sa malalim na libingan,
Kahit sunugin ang bangkay
At walang iwang labi
Tulad ng ginawa ng mga Belgian
kay Patrice Lumumba ng Congo,
Andres Bonifacio ng Pilipinas.,
Kay Hannibal ng Roma,
Kay Che Guevarra sa Bolivia,
Kay Kapitan Tomas Sankara
ng Burkina Paso
Sa takot nilang
bumalik ang kaluluwa ng namatay,
Hindi ba’t winasak nilang Cartagena,
Sinabuyan ng asin ang Masada,
Sinunog ang syudad ng Vienna
At Changsu sa Tsina,
binomba ng tubigpara alisin
ang dugo sa Plaza ng masaker sa San Salvador,
Sa Mexico at Kwangju,
Upang maalis ang bakas
ng dumaloy na dugo at laman
mga lumaban sa kanila
Tulad ng mga Kastilang
Nagwasak sa mga libingan ng mga antio
Upang itayo ang mga simbahan
Na may edad ng kung ilang daan taon
Katulad ng pagsawak ng mga Amerikano
Sa libingan ng mga Indyan?
Dahil kahit magsinungaling
Itatala ito sa kasaysayan
At hahalukayin,
Kahit wisakan ng mamahaling pabango,
Isuob sa mausok na isensyo,
Magtayo man ng mga bagong monumento.
Magtayo ng mga bagong syudad
Mula sa guho ng pagwasak,
Isulat ng mga manunulat
Tulad nila Agoncillo, Quijano De Manila,
At sinumang hijo de putang nabayarang
Iskribyente lokal man o dayo,
Lalabas din at lalabas kung
Ano ang totoo.
Hindi mailigpit
Ang kalat dahil kahit ang basag
Na salamin -- mabubuo rin
At mula rito ang kislap
Ng katotohanan ay mananaig
Kahit anong sabi at ingat
Bilinin ang mga salaring
huwag magkalat
At gawing malinis
Ang krimen,
Walang bahong hindi sisingaw,
Walang apoy na hindi uusok
At walang lihim na di mabubunyag.
apg
Setyembre 22, 2011
Growing Up Pains
Discordant Notes
Growing Up Pains
This one episode of a Tagalog telenovela I can relate to.
When somebody throws you out of the house where you lived as a housemate, that’s classic drama.
To start the story, when my aunt left for the United States, she left her room to me. I was then in high school. My aunt knows to well that as a student vying for honor roll I must have a very good surroundings to be competitive.
She very well know that I cannot study very well in our ancestral home. It was because we just occupy one room and it was only for sleeping. I have no place to study in that big house. At least in the house of my grandfather, I occupy a room and it served also serves a study room and a sleeping quarters.
But my good days were short lived.
Right besides my room was the room occupied by my aunt. She lives with her husband and they have two small children by then. At first this was not a problem until they had their third child.
All of the sudden, I found my things outside and without telling me, my aunt and her husband occupied my room and their former room. As a good grandson, I just took it in stride.
It was not a problem to me. My grandfather who sensed my repulsion. Gave me his old table where he used to work and put up some light for me to work on my studies. He worked at the big dining table nearby.
But it was not the end. Later I found out that my things was transferred outside the balcony where the hanging garden was directly facing the stairs. My uncle used the table and instead gave me a small table. My grandfather just kept quiet and again put up the lighting for me to study outside.
I have no problem from it but what cannot take are the snide remarks from my uncle who does not work but lived from the graces of my grandfather and aunt who worked in the United States, in short he has no shame for we called him “PNB or “palamunin ng byenan.”
As usual because my school was nearby, I usually come home for lunch. For every second day, to change clothes for our physical education classes or the military training we are forced to undergo for our afternoon classes.
And everyday of my life, he will harangued me with his snide remarks and profanities especially when he is drunk. I surmised that is the reason why he was not admitted to the NBI. And he cannot find work. And one day when almost came into blows.
He made a remark that I was like a pig. “ You slurp your soup like a pig .” He said.
I answered back; “It is you who is like a pig, living off from my grandfathers earnings.” I retorted. And then he challenged me into a fight.
In my anger, even I don’t even know any self defense tactic way back then, I stood up and was ready for any blow. To think during the good times, he taught me how to fight because he was then was applying for the NBI. And then my aunt and my lola stood between us.
I left without a word and promised not to go back to the house. But my lola went to talk to me in the other house and begged me to go back. She made me promise her to eat lunch at the house everyday.
And because I loved my lola, I made that promise to her. I just told her, “I cannot sleep over there anymore because I hate to see that guy”
That arrangement changed and I stayed more in the other house every since. I was in college and I did not need a good study place anymore because I had the air conditioned library in school to use.
Besides I am not vying for any honor anymore. I don’t need to study hard.
Those are just one of my bitter memories that I just told in story just right now. After more than 40 years.
And as I looked back while I watched the telenovelas, those were just growing up pains.
*****
Growing Up Pains
This one episode of a Tagalog telenovela I can relate to.
When somebody throws you out of the house where you lived as a housemate, that’s classic drama.
To start the story, when my aunt left for the United States, she left her room to me. I was then in high school. My aunt knows to well that as a student vying for honor roll I must have a very good surroundings to be competitive.
She very well know that I cannot study very well in our ancestral home. It was because we just occupy one room and it was only for sleeping. I have no place to study in that big house. At least in the house of my grandfather, I occupy a room and it served also serves a study room and a sleeping quarters.
But my good days were short lived.
Right besides my room was the room occupied by my aunt. She lives with her husband and they have two small children by then. At first this was not a problem until they had their third child.
All of the sudden, I found my things outside and without telling me, my aunt and her husband occupied my room and their former room. As a good grandson, I just took it in stride.
It was not a problem to me. My grandfather who sensed my repulsion. Gave me his old table where he used to work and put up some light for me to work on my studies. He worked at the big dining table nearby.
But it was not the end. Later I found out that my things was transferred outside the balcony where the hanging garden was directly facing the stairs. My uncle used the table and instead gave me a small table. My grandfather just kept quiet and again put up the lighting for me to study outside.
I have no problem from it but what cannot take are the snide remarks from my uncle who does not work but lived from the graces of my grandfather and aunt who worked in the United States, in short he has no shame for we called him “PNB or “palamunin ng byenan.”
As usual because my school was nearby, I usually come home for lunch. For every second day, to change clothes for our physical education classes or the military training we are forced to undergo for our afternoon classes.
And everyday of my life, he will harangued me with his snide remarks and profanities especially when he is drunk. I surmised that is the reason why he was not admitted to the NBI. And he cannot find work. And one day when almost came into blows.
He made a remark that I was like a pig. “ You slurp your soup like a pig .” He said.
I answered back; “It is you who is like a pig, living off from my grandfathers earnings.” I retorted. And then he challenged me into a fight.
In my anger, even I don’t even know any self defense tactic way back then, I stood up and was ready for any blow. To think during the good times, he taught me how to fight because he was then was applying for the NBI. And then my aunt and my lola stood between us.
I left without a word and promised not to go back to the house. But my lola went to talk to me in the other house and begged me to go back. She made me promise her to eat lunch at the house everyday.
And because I loved my lola, I made that promise to her. I just told her, “I cannot sleep over there anymore because I hate to see that guy”
That arrangement changed and I stayed more in the other house every since. I was in college and I did not need a good study place anymore because I had the air conditioned library in school to use.
Besides I am not vying for any honor anymore. I don’t need to study hard.
Those are just one of my bitter memories that I just told in story just right now. After more than 40 years.
And as I looked back while I watched the telenovelas, those were just growing up pains.
*****
1.9.11
Sa Mga Di Kilalang Bayani
Alay
Sa Mga Di Kilalang Bayani
Kayong mga nalibing
Sa mga gubat at parang
Na walang pananda man lamang.
Kayo na hindi na mababalikan
At inilbing na walang kabaong himlayan,
Kayo na ang pananda ay punong kahoy,
Munting batis o ilog na madaling tandaan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay sama-samang inilibing
Ng mga kaaway ---
Matapos ibilad sa araw
Para ipanakot sa mga nagdadaan
Sa harap ng munisipyo:
Kayo na hinubaran, ginahasa,
Ginulpi bago ipaanod sa karayan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay hinukay para kunwa'y bigyang parangal
Ng mga balakyot na militar
Ngunit ang layon ay makuha ang pabuya
Sa iyong kamatayan;
Kayong mga magigiting na bayani
Na di nalibing sa huling hantungan,
Nalimutan na ang mga pangalan
At nagbuwis ng buhay
Sa gitna ng pakikibaka ng bayan.
Kayo na walang pangalang masa
Na dinukot sa gitna ng gabi;
Kayo na pinahirapan sa mga lihim na silid
Saka dinispatsa na parang yagit
At nawalang parang bula sa ere,
Mga bayaning di kilala,
Daang libong masa
Na namgmartsa sa gitna ng daan,
Sa harap ng mga gusaling bayan,
sa EDSA, sa Malacanang,
sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan.
Kayo na hanggang ngayon ay pinaghahanap
Ng inyong mga kaanak
Mula pa sa panahon ni Marcos, ilampung libong
Nawala na lamang at sukat,
Kayo na tinatangisan ng mga ina at amang
Nawalan ng anak
Habang ngising aso ang mga heneral at aipures nilang
pumaslang at ayaw umamin sa kanilang
Katampalasanang ginawa.
Kayo na wala man lamang bantayog
Sa ngalan ninyo inialay,
Habang ang mga naghaharing uri
Ay nagtayo ng kani-kanilang monumento
Sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan,
Kayo ay nabubuhay sa ala-ala ng sambayanan;
Ang mga bulaklak na ligaw sa gubat,
Ang mga orkidyas sa mga baging
Ng mga matatataas na puno ang sa iyo ay alay
Hinding hindi kayo malilimot
At laging nagbabagang apoy
sa bawat buga ng sandatang lumalaban,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sigaw ng sambayan,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sandatang
maagaw sa kaaway,
kayo ay nasa bawat sentimo
na alay ng bayan sa pakikibaka
sa ibayong dagat sa lupang sinilangan.
Para sa inyo mga di kilalang bayani
Ni hindi alam ang pangalan,
galing sa uring anak-pawis at inang bayan,
Ang dakilang pakikibaka at magiting na tagumpay
Sa inyo namin--iniaalay!
ApG
Agosto 31, 2011
Sa Mga Di Kilalang Bayani
Kayong mga nalibing
Sa mga gubat at parang
Na walang pananda man lamang.
Kayo na hindi na mababalikan
At inilbing na walang kabaong himlayan,
Kayo na ang pananda ay punong kahoy,
Munting batis o ilog na madaling tandaan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay sama-samang inilibing
Ng mga kaaway ---
Matapos ibilad sa araw
Para ipanakot sa mga nagdadaan
Sa harap ng munisipyo:
Kayo na hinubaran, ginahasa,
Ginulpi bago ipaanod sa karayan,
Kayo na ang mga bangkay
Ay hinukay para kunwa'y bigyang parangal
Ng mga balakyot na militar
Ngunit ang layon ay makuha ang pabuya
Sa iyong kamatayan;
Kayong mga magigiting na bayani
Na di nalibing sa huling hantungan,
Nalimutan na ang mga pangalan
At nagbuwis ng buhay
Sa gitna ng pakikibaka ng bayan.
Kayo na walang pangalang masa
Na dinukot sa gitna ng gabi;
Kayo na pinahirapan sa mga lihim na silid
Saka dinispatsa na parang yagit
At nawalang parang bula sa ere,
Mga bayaning di kilala,
Daang libong masa
Na namgmartsa sa gitna ng daan,
Sa harap ng mga gusaling bayan,
sa EDSA, sa Malacanang,
sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan.
Kayo na hanggang ngayon ay pinaghahanap
Ng inyong mga kaanak
Mula pa sa panahon ni Marcos, ilampung libong
Nawala na lamang at sukat,
Kayo na tinatangisan ng mga ina at amang
Nawalan ng anak
Habang ngising aso ang mga heneral at aipures nilang
pumaslang at ayaw umamin sa kanilang
Katampalasanang ginawa.
Kayo na wala man lamang bantayog
Sa ngalan ninyo inialay,
Habang ang mga naghaharing uri
Ay nagtayo ng kani-kanilang monumento
Sa lahat ng dako ng kapuluan,
Kayo ay nabubuhay sa ala-ala ng sambayanan;
Ang mga bulaklak na ligaw sa gubat,
Ang mga orkidyas sa mga baging
Ng mga matatataas na puno ang sa iyo ay alay
Hinding hindi kayo malilimot
At laging nagbabagang apoy
sa bawat buga ng sandatang lumalaban,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sigaw ng sambayan,
Kayo ay nasa bawat sandatang
maagaw sa kaaway,
kayo ay nasa bawat sentimo
na alay ng bayan sa pakikibaka
sa ibayong dagat sa lupang sinilangan.
Para sa inyo mga di kilalang bayani
Ni hindi alam ang pangalan,
galing sa uring anak-pawis at inang bayan,
Ang dakilang pakikibaka at magiting na tagumpay
Sa inyo namin--iniaalay!
ApG
Agosto 31, 2011
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