One sure sign that you are lost is when you suddenly realise in the course of a journey that you have ended up back in the same place where you had started off. It means that whilst you had expended valuable energy taking steps, those steps had not taken you any further from where you had originally set off.
On the above principle, we can say that Philippine society is a lost society. To the confronting question most often thrown about to assess the situation of our lot…
Has anything changed in the Philippines?
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…most Filipinos will answer within a single breath:
Nothing.
All the same: The current crop of Philippine ‘presidentiables’ fail to inspire.
And so, taking stock of those 30 years within which nothing new of much consequence to the wretched lives of the majority had been delivered by successive governments, it could be said that the idea of what the way forward is remains nebulous. Beyond “never again” there is hardly any semblance of a road map to a destination being discussed or evaluated in today’s political discourse. Indeed, even the destination itself remains undefined. Without that critical definition, the question…
What do we envision the Philippines will be in six years’ time?
…will never be answered by any politician.
The proof is in the devil’s details. Dig deeper into what any one of the presidential candidates grandstanding before the Filipino Voter today are saying and one will only find a void where substance should have been. There is nothing in what they say that describes any semblance of a vision for the Philippines six years hence.
A six-year plan is not a tall ask for a Chief Executive. Real strategic visions extend over the decades. Six year plans are stuff written by 20-year-old corporate interns — not by seasoned executives.
And yet, no such plan exists.
It’s hardly any surprise that Filipinos have become desperate. Without a way forward, Filipinos can only slog from one day to another looking out mainly for themselves. Indeed, the whole premise of being a “nation” rests on the notion that said nation is an on-going concern with an expected persistence extending to the long-term future. If Filipinos have it in their minds that the Philippines will essentially remain the same basket case over the foreseeable future, then there is, suffice to say, no need to be looking to that future. And so we see the result of that condition today. Filipinos have withdrawn from that future and now simply live by the day.
Nowhere is this sameness more evident in the crop of presidential candidates we see today. They are all the same bozos mouthing the same messages.
How then can we expect Filipinos to be inspired by their future?
Not a chance.
* * *
Source of hope: The phenomenal ALDub love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza
How a pair of celebrities whose talents don’t go much beyond doing “dubsmash” videos (short selfie videos dubbed with famous sounds) and issuing flirtatious soundbytes at one another could capture the full attention of much of the Philippines for months has attracted a lot of analyses. Ultimately, however, the most remarkable aspect of this phenomenon is how such a mediocre media product as dubsmashing loveteams could actually capture such an enormous audience and leave the GMA Network (owners of the Eat Bulaga franchise) laughing all the way to the bank with their truckload of easy advertising and endorsement money.
Perhaps a desperately lost society such as that of the Philippines’ needs something to hang on to. It is quite unfortunate that the future is no longer an enticing enough hook for Filipinos to bite at.
This is the real challenge the Philippines’ political leadership needs to recognise. A lost person can be helped with a relatively simple set of tools — a compass, and a map. Even more ideal than that would be an expert guide. We are still waiting for someone to step up to that role for real.
benign0 is the Webmaster of GetRealPhilippines.com.
Our current lot of politicians should probably get some tips from the teaching profession:
The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires .
-William Arthur Ward
benigno, I really enjoy reading your article and your interesting insights about the Philippine politics.
In the Philippines you can buy the country out and be the president. The anonymous investors run the country foreal, you dont know those people but theyll do Anything to protect their investments and business so that they wouldnt have to work hard for the rest of their lifes. The country is so rich in natural resources alot of unexplored grounds thats enough to feed the whole country but corruption is part to spanish culture and existed in the PI for along time. Perhaps, Alot of good mega monetary opportunity in the philippines for those who have higher thinking level.
Hand to mouth existence. Isang kahig, isang tuka. See where that mentality gets you in life.
Forever again and again and again…
29yrs na po ko trying to be optimistic pero anong nangyari?
Arrogant Ignorance and Blind Optimism
© Eric R. Pianka
Ignorance can be overcome by education, but arrogance is more difficult to combat. When combined, arrogant ignorance is virtually impossible to defeat. Because of this, it is spreading rapidly. People in denial refuse to examine evidence, often adamantly.
http://www.zo.utexas.edu/courses/Thoc/AIBO.html
html
Kahit garapal na pahirap, lokohan at gutom ay hinde magawang mag-reklamo or mag-protesta.
Basta MASAYA ng manood ng T.V. (EAT Bulaga) at mabusog ang Mata at mamatay sa.katatawa habang buhay at Bahala na lang ang Diyos.
Ginagawa na tayong BOBO, resulta ay parang WALANG PAKIALAM,TAMAD, at DUWAG na ba talaga mga PILIPINO?
Links below explains why these things are happening in our society
evolveconsciousness.org/dark-negative-and-limited-trivium-language-and-reality-pt-4/
How can anyone be inspired by a future of corruption and despair?
Who could you blame?
I agree when you say that we are still waiting for someone to step up to that role for real; to be our compass, to define our map, to be our expert guide – someone who has any vision of the Philippines in a six-year span.
But perhaps we are looking for an instant solution to a problem that has been strategically entwined by our enemies into our system for 30 years; into our laws.
For the sake of the discussion, imagine that
That 6-month contractual job, on any work that is done continuously, by any well-established company is illegal.
That it is a law that every company should provide retirement plan of one-month worth of last salary for every year served for every employee.
That it is illegal to squat and that it should be in favor of the rightful owner of the property to use it in his/her disposal without consent and consideration of the squatting party.
Could definitely make a difference, but the law works against us.
Some of our laws allow, indirectly encourage, and even protect what do not promote national growth and bars what is beneficial in posterity.
For anyone to be in the electorate, he/she needs vote from the people. But for anyone to be in the system and to stay in the system, one has to be with the system, one way or the other. How can you expect any politician to speak of plans for the Philippines in the next six years when anyone that poses any change to this system could be spotted from a mile away and shut down?
To make everyone look beyond day to day living is a challenge the Philippine political leadership needs to recognize. And that is the advantage that the enemy is well aware of.
Let’s examine our battle hardened heart so we would no longer wonder how such a mediocre media product captures an enormous audience. Maybe if we figure it out, we could actually capture such an enormous audience too.
It’s neither the shallowness nor the lack of inspiration of the Philippine’s future that makes AlDub tick. We only need to find that kind of spark about nationalism and love for every Filipino’s welfare in everyone’s heart to start a political revolution too.
Funny, I was just arguing with folks in social media regarding Pacquiao’s first field goal in the PBA. Same thinking. People went crazy just because a pinoy world boxing champion, who btw clearly doesn’t belong there with those big men, scores ONE jump shot. Apparently, criticizing those kind of things makes one a blasphemous, envious idiot because “one should just shut up if you haven’t achieved the same things as Manny”. As if I was the one making a mockery out of what was supposed to be a proffesional basketball leauge.
And people wonder why we don’t excel globally in that one sport that we actually care about…
The topic in this article is one of the important solution for a change in the Philippine society….The best way to start as you can see the evidence how to inspire the Filipino people is through Media,,, and through the internet and social blog like this site..GRP has a potential to start it…this enemies you might be saying is actually the Philippines Media Corporation…They control what’s was being aired…and they avoid this kind of political topic…..GMA, ABS CBN , Radio .. They are the tools that will inspired the Filipinos like the EAT BULAGA. phenomena….But this said corporations are the ones, preventing the Filipinos make a change , for they are the one benefiting on the preservation of this corruption habits…
Our only chance to inspire the masses for a political change is here…..Through SOCIAL MEDIA…..and they will not be able to control that….keep hammering this topic and spread the word ro forced this politicians for this change…..YOU DOING THE RIGHT THING BENIGNOO. keep it up and don’t let up….GOOG JOB..
Do we really have to wait for someone to save us?
Would it be better if we actually take matters into our own hands and be our own hero?
El Presudente Emilo,,,,, you just started it…keep it up
If only there were more people like you who share that mentality.
@ Pres. Emilio, the only way is the complete purging of the countries elites ala Stalin.
Look at what has happened since 1986 and the great ‘People Power’ Revolt,eh? The same people still run the country So, for a change to happen? They all need to go, to the depths of the Mindanao Sea.
Being a modern-day hero in this pathetic republic is akin to suicide. Not to mention anyone can backstab you at any moment.
It’s the same old shit, in Politics. It’s the same old shit in entertainment. The Filipinos Refuse to Better themselves. You cannot help people, who don’t want to be helped.
Any clown can run for President. They don’t need any : vision; plans for the next six years of their term; or anything resembling a political platform.
All they need is what these candidates are doing now. The idiotic Filipino voters will elect one of them. And, we will have the same same old shit, for the next six years.
Aquino has done it. Therefore, any person with mental retardation , and mental issues can do it, also, that is: be elected as President.
There’s no need to reiterate that here, we all know that and that is the primary reason we have these sites/discussions; to analyze the disease and formulate a cure. You can always criticize ’til your heart collapse or you can share your views how we can change that [the topic of your post].
It is the work of those elected in public offices, to formulate the solutions of the problems of our country. This is the reason, they ran for public offices. They asked people, to elect them, because they said: “they have the solutions for the problems of this country.” They are also paid by our taxes to do this work.
if they don’t have the solutions, they should not ran for public offices. Or, they are committing FRAUD, by deluding voters.
We are bloggers, it is not our responsibilities to formulate solutions to these problems. Even, if you show them the solutions. The elected politicians will protect their vested interests, and continue their corrupt ways. The people remain insensitive to the self destruction and dysfunction of this country. So, I believe, our responsibility only is: to awaken the electorate or the people.
Forgive me, I was confused. I actually thought you are empathizing with the voting public. It’s now clear to me that you criticize the Philippine society, the government, and the people. May it serve you good.
@Hayden;
Amen..Amen..Amen
“I take a dim view of the chances for the country’s recovery any time soon. The era of ‘actors-turned-politicians’ and the mindset of ‘instant gratification’ have taken hold. It may be hard to point a finger at the culprit of this malaise and incremental depravity, but the time and circumstance of its inception are not. Throughout the 1970s, we lost a lot of potentially good leaders..idealistic and reform-minded young men.. ‘desaparecidos’ all. Consequently, well connected individuals of dull to middling calibre took over as leaders..in government, in business, and in schools, (of all places)..and so did actors and actresses, and the ‘robot-military’. “Maski papa’ano”, “puede na Iyan” and “pagobrahin natin ito” became the buzz words. ‘Mediocrity-creep’ had set in. Today, unless our civic organizations, (Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs); the Clergy, and, our remaining,noble-minded government officials, take strong and effective action now, we will be seeing more Estradas, Revillas, Lapids Sottos and Honasasns (and Binays of course), in high office. We will then, at best, be consigned to mediocrity; or, at worst, become a satellite state of our stronger, more serious neighbors. The aphorism that, “..a stream can not rise higher than its source..” is just too bleak to accept. Seriously.”
Sent from my iPad
Hi, if you will be asked by today’s generation as how did it happen or why did it happen, how will you answer?
How that happened that the Philippines start choosing actors as president..it is simple to figure out how……Filipinos are show off people they always have to be equal or better than anybody else..and they always follows what is the trend action in the United States..when America chooses an actor as president which is Ronald Reagan, she follows and choose Joseph Estrada and Philippines always goes to the extreme to be better than anybody else…so actors became the trend in Philippine politics..and the habit of Filipinos still the same as of today new generations.
@Karlz:
There is nothing to forgive. I have a day job, and have to earn my daily livelihood. Blogging is only an outlet , for me. To let the “steam off”; to kick some ass of these idiot politicians, and to help the Filipino people, in the way , I can.
The solutions of the country’s problem is in us…the people. If we can only Elect good leaders and politicians, who can deliver what they promised, during elections…the problems would be solved.
As my elementary teacher had told me, in solving my Arithmetic problems: “the solution is in the problem”…
Regarding: The era of ‘actors-turned-politicians’
So who started it by the way? Who was the first actor/actress to get into politics in the Philippines? Will the culprit please stand up?
One thing I like about Dolphy is how he shunned politics…
One article cites the ff…
Just because you’re a big star, it doesn’t mean you’ll be a hit as a politician. Despite the clamor for him to run for office, Dolphy never did. A GMA News Online report points out one of the most popular anecdotes about Dolphy and politics. It seems that he was once asked if he would join politics, he said, “Huwag na. Natatakot ako (No, never mind. I’m scared)” When it was pointed out that he shouldn’t be scared because he would surely win, Dolphy explained, “Doon ako natatakot, eh. Baka manalo ako. Madaling tumakbo, paano kung manalo (That’s what I’m afraid of. That maybe I’d win. It’s easy to run for office, but what do you after you win)?”
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/264979/lifestyle/dolphy-s-life-lessons-10-wise-moves-from-the-comedy-king
Filipinos aren’t really interested in the future, they always pine for the past. It’s things the Marcos years or older years of supposed “prosperity” that they pine for. They want the perceived easier life of simplistic primitivity. The times when they didn’t need to work, and there was always someone else who brought home the bread. Not only that, they would not only partake of the “breadwinner’s” take home, they will even want to dictate how that take home is spent. They spend someone else’s money. Perhaps many Filipinos will like the future only if they see they will become monarchs or hacienderos in it.
If that’s the case, they should’ve let The American miltary stay in the bases. Less work to maintain an army since uncle Sam is footing the bill, more money to par-tay.
If that’s the case, then maybe stereotyping isn’t verisimilitude.
What the hell are you talking about? Stereotypes? There is none you pretentious dimwit.
How are we supposed to take ChinoF’s blather? As fact?
And how am I supposed to take your reply as something other than squaring the circle?
Perhaps when there’s enough evidence to support his theory that it does become fact. Or are you going to counter with some theoretical bullcrap that “proves” otherwise to feel good about being the counter rebel?
You forgot the GRP punchline: “Marcos was going to turn our country into the next Singapore.”
I can’t believe you can read into it like that.
Hi, we all seem to agree that the voting public doesn’t care enough about their society’s fate in the hands of the people they put into office thus, they make very poor choices against their own benefit.
But what causes it? Why do they have this indifference towards the leadership and the concept of government?
Because they are oblivious of what is really going on in a larger picture? That the people who can see and understand it do not bother to teach them about it and criticize them instead?
We can write about the people’s stupidity in countless ways but we have little to say about how we can be of help for it to change. Aren’t we in some ways indifferent, to our society’s fate in the hands of the voting public, as well?
The topic of this article is how amazing a stupid TV charade can capture audience of that size, yet how nobody cares where national issue / Philippines future is concerned. It is easier to criticize and say what we all know about the voting public. Can anyone analyze why? Then let’s suggest how we can help change it.
>> Because they are oblivious of what is really going on in a larger picture? That the people who can see and understand it do not bother to teach them about it and criticize them instead?
It’s just my opinion, but I think there are two aspects:
1) The general public have a MUCH better appreciation of the state of things than we give them credit for. The Philippines looks like a shambles, but it is in reality as well-structured as any other society. Step out of line and you will be swiftly dealt with, one way or another. Hence the standard shrug, smile, and “that’s the way it is in the Philippines”. People accept their lot because they know the alternative is an anonymous bullet in the head.
2) The education system has been designed as a very effective brainwashing program. Most lessons revolve around teaching the kids love of country, religious nonsense, or incorrect ‘facts’. Thus the average Filipino genuinely believes that his country is the best in the world, and all the problems are somebody else’s fault.
The only way the Pinoy can resolve these conflicting thoughts is with outright denial.
I agree with what you said Marius and that makes me want to think the most Filipinos are a little different or the same as the North Koreans. Only, Filipinos enjoy freedom to travel abroad but unfortunately, there are times that most overseas Filipinos abuse that freedom by spreading their “disease” in their host countries.
“People accept their lot because they know the alternative is an anonymous bullet in the head.” – You’ll be surprised that sometimes that bullet will not come from the people you are fighting but from the very people whom you are fighting for.
“Thus the average Filipino genuinely believes that his country is the best in the world, and all the problems are somebody else’s fault.” – Unfortunately, basing from my teachers 20-30 years ago, they too are products of the same educational system. And I can bet its worse now than my time. The sad part is only a handful of individuals have the appetite to ask and search for more than what is provided in a Philippine classroom.
For my part, I was saddened when during my pondering, I realized that if I’m looking for a national enemy, I need not look for foreign invaders, terrorists, or corrupt politicians. They should be the least of my worries. The enemy that I should watch out more is the fellow Filipino sitting next to me in a bus, the MRT, walking beside me in a mall, park, dining with me in another table in Jollibee or even the Filipino watching TV with me inside my house. The fellow Filipino who will not only support a cause for change but is ready to join the ostracizing or fire the bullet you mentioned on anyone for being “divergent.”
“But what causes it? Why do they have this indifference towards the leadership and the concept of government?”
My take on this is that because they keep finding excuses to do what they do, doesn’t matter if it’s unreasonable or it doesn’t really help us to move forward and because there are “over-compassionate” people to the point of being subjective who keeps on excusing people of their backward and mediocre thinking and their lack of action to improve their lives just because they are under some sort of unfortunate circumstances.
Imagine if people stop making excuses for what GRP pips are criticizing here? Perhaps people will start seeing what’s wrong in them, change it, and see themselves as solution and the person in charge to what needed improving in their own life and their own country? Perhaps people will start sharing their ideas on how to improve our society, perhaps people will start talking about the ills of our government and when they do, it’ll follow that our government officials will start taking their jobs seriously because they can see then that the people they govern can’t be easily fooled or are not indifferent to the countries woes to the point that they’ll get scrutinized, charged or assaulted, through social media and mass convention, if they are incompetent and corrupt?
I’m a security guard on a 12-hour shift and I don’t see politics beyond work, my drinking buddies, my tabloid newspaper, and my idiot box. But I have a right to vote and I voted/will vote for someone who has helped me in the past, is helping me now, and who I think will help me in the future. On what aspect can you blame me for “not helping us move forward” or “being subjective because of unfortunate circumstances”?
I’d like to see myself as part of the solution by using my single vote wisely but can I vote for someone who is not a candidate? Or do I have a choice if all who is running for office in our town are corrupt?
A blue collar worker in the States being content with his life is perfectly fine while his counterpart here is labeled as backward and mediocre?
Do you think our leaders care about scrutiny, charge, & assault through media and mass convention? Hell, I know one event where protesting farmers were sprayed with bullets in full view of the media. As far as I know, nothing was ever changed by that event.
I don’t need criticism, I need help. Tell me where I should start to be favorable and useful in your eyes.
“On what aspect can you blame me for “not helping us move forward” or “being subjective because of unfortunate circumstances”?”
The answer to that is in your statements before that. You don’t see politics beyond work, your drinking buddies, your tabloid newspaper, and your idiot box. You vote on the basis that someone helped you in the past, is helping you now, and who you think will help you in the future.
“I’d like to see myself as part of the solution by using my single vote wisely but can I vote for someone who is not a candidate?”
I think Dale Gozar made a suggestion before about NOTA (None Of The Above) as part of the choices. Want to support that one?
“Or do I have a choice if all who is running for office in our town are corrupt?”
Yes, you still do. Your choice is to vote for the corrupt or not.
“A blue collar worker in the States being content with his life is perfectly fine while his counterpart here is labeled as backward and mediocre?”
It has nothing to do with being a blue collar worker or whatever job one has. It’s about the “voting public doesn’t care enough about their society’s fate in the hands of the people they put into office thus, they make very poor choices against their own benefit.”
“Do you think our leaders care about scrutiny, charge, & assault through media and mass convention? Hell, I know one event where protesting farmers were sprayed with bullets in full view of the media. As far as I know, nothing was ever changed by that event.”
Collectively done, what do you think? 39M Aldub tweets, collective tweeting, make Tamang Panahon most tweeted event in history. In History by Filipinos!
“I don’t need criticism, I need help. Tell me where I should start to be favorable and useful in your eyes.”
Judging to where we all are right now, the Filipinos needs criticism because what we are contribute to what our society is. If you don’t point out the ills of our people and our society, they’ll fail to acknowledge it and change. Without change in people, what better change can we expect in our country?
We need to “criticize” the people for them to acknowledge “it” and change. We need to define what needs to be changed here; attitude? outlook? character?
Define it for me so I could measure it and control it and change it for the better.
Your proposal to “not vote the corrupt” or “not to vote at all if all candidates are corrupt” seems to elude me how it helps. Please enlighten me.
@Karlz
I suggest you read more GRP articles, as in really read them, both past and present because it’s been featured here again and again what’s wrong with us Filipinos that keeps us and our country from moving forward (Grimwald just added 3 More Big Reasons today). Then perhaps you can get back to us with your ideas on how to “measure it and control it and change it for the better”.
On the topic of lack of discipline, here’s what I suggested:
“For Filipinos, there should be tough rules and authoritarian measures enforcing strict obedience to them. The rules should also be applied to ALL because the usual practice of bypassing the laws and the offenders being let off the hook or getting away with easy and unsuitable punishment for their crimes don’t treat the problem but only give confidence to the wrongdoer to continue his offense.”
—
“Your proposal to “not vote the corrupt” or “not to vote at all if all candidates are corrupt” seems to elude me how it helps. Please enlighten me.”
You really don’t know how “not vote the corrupt” or “not to vote at all if all candidates are corrupt” helps?
@Sick_Amore
Thank you, perhaps I should read previous GRP articles and comments so I can understand better, I’m totally new here. But the disdain on Philippine society and hopelessness on it’s improvement by the veterans here is too strong that I, being a Filipino, couldn’t help but feel offended in some way.
Or perhaps I shouldn’t, because right now I still have hope and still look forward to a better Philippines because I see and interact with people around me on a daily basis who shares the same sentiment that next year’s election is our chance for a fresh start, else I would turn into somebody like the regulars here who accepted that we are terminal, waiting to die, or be killed, whichever comes first.
On a side note, my non-participation in the election won’t ensure that the corrupt won’t win. Yes, I still don’t see how it helps.
I agree with you not to give up hope because next year’s election could be a start of a better government, not a total fresh start actually, but also picking up from where the corrupt and incompetent leaders left off; improving what’s neglected, correcting what’s made worse; that is if the electorate wise up. Our choices is not limited to this anymore: http://getrealphilippines.com/2015/10/when-theres-no-good-choice/
—-
“On a side note, my non-participation in the election won’t ensure that the corrupt won’t win. Yes, I still don’t see how it helps.”
I would like to refer you to this link because they have better explanation than I can give hehe (including Dale Gozar’s comment about NOTA).
http://getrealphilippines.com/2015/10/when-theres-no-good-choice/
But like I said our choices are no longer limited to inexperienced, incompetent and corrupt. The electorate just needed to wise up. And I hope, too, that the electorate be responsive to local Presidential debate and forum. That’s the stage where the real deal about our aspiring leaders will be revealed and our chance to see what those aspirants are made of.
If you will look at it this way that not voting helps in a way of protest, then that’s the answere, but it only helps if unity of the masses not to vote . .the question is , to the majority poor ..will they waste their vote …for the 500 pesos they will get if they do …I got my assumption they they will vote for anybody who will give them the highest price. And that is the problem …. Still boils down to poverty..you will always hear them say ….at least I get something out of it..better than nothing..
Very simple: media captures the audience based on their primeval appetites. National issues do not satisfy people’s appetites. Thus, many Filipinos stick to the TV. Also, TV gives a false sense of unity, like when Pacquiao had a fight. It isn’t unity; people are just altogether zombiefied for the moment.
Then, what can you and the rest of the GRP writers do to unite the people? You are making yourselves known as crusaders for change. You want the Filipinos to change the way they think. How? Turn off the TV? Read books? Spend all their fucking time reading your articles? Give us a solution for fuck’s sake! You seem to be gifted with the right brain cells.
That’s just laziness on your part. The writers already presented the problem which people like you seem to miss since whenever. Now you want them to do that work for you as well? Ano ka sinuswerte?
Freeloading/sense of entitlement is part of the problem. Try to break out of it.
The solution eludes you if all you complain is “where is the solution.” Oh, and you did say the solution. LOL
Boycott the malls that bleeds our hard earned peso in exchange of over priced products? Stop supporting the services offered by the uber rich oligarchs? Live in the Philippines against the flow? Mamundok na lang? Very simple? Lazy?
I now know the difference between critiques and attackers. Critiques state the problem in an objective way while attackers call those involve with names and labels.
I’d like to propose a brain storming for a solution, where no idea is ever stupid. Indira gave 3, i have 4. What’s yours?
@Varma
No, Im not being lazy. I’m challenging the writers since they are the ones who know better, yes? They sound like experts when it comes to the Filipino psyche. The solutions I stated (ditching the TV, reading books, reading every GRP article) are too idealistic and impracticable, right?
GRP has been here for so long doing their thing – highlighting the dysfunctions of the Filipinos, criticizing almost everything associated with Pinoys, attracting smart-brained commenters engaging in intellectual debates. What have they achieved? Why are the Filipinos still blind, stupid and shallow as fuck?
We don’t need an armchair revolution. It’s about time we lift our asses up and act. Until we do something other than blame and complain, this country is doomed forever!
I have an article just for you:
Filipinos who say ‘stop criticizing the government’ are not helping the country progress
It’s so funny how you expect us to wipe out the stupidity in Philippine society while dismissing us as useless. It is evident in your attitude that majority do not take us seriously so why do you expect us to succeed?
Check out our brilliant Solution Framework here!
I’m not dismissing this website as “useless”, in fact, I’m actually acknowledging that the writers know better in the way they analyze what’s wrong with Filipinos.
I’m a follower of GRP and I certainly believe in its capability to encourage change among the majority, only if it changes its approach. Can’t you see that your articles only elicit negative reaction from an average-thinking reader, while the smart ones seem to just mock at the known stupidity of Pinoys and criticize without providing a practical solution?
Perhaps, you can write with a bit of intellectual empathy? Can you do it? Reach out to the masses, they’re the ones who should read your articles.
The notion that the problem lies in the masses is not true because there are many people from the elite – those who have money and influence – who fail to live up to their responsibilities. They are the same people miseducating and misleading the masses. Therefore, the masses don’t constitute our primary target audience.
Intellectual empathy is pretty hard to bring across if the audience themselves are the ones who lack it. In fact, that’s what we’re pointing out – it’s mostly the critics of our writings who likely lack that kind of empathy.
@Ilda, ChinoF
I thought, your goal is to open the minds of the majority to the real problems engulfing our country and promote change on the way they think? I thought you want people to be aware that their corrupted culture and value system will get them nowhere? Is it hard to publish something that can easily be understood by a common Filipino? Can you at least balance things out so readers won’t get bombarded with negativities presented in this website?
Well, I’m just putting my two cents. If you really want to stick to your approach and style of writing, then go ahead, continue to beat our asses, shove those harsh realities in our faces, and let’s see how it will change anything. I’m still going to read your articles though.
I must say, good luck!
@Indira
Yes, the goal is to open the minds of the majority but we can’t do it without the help of mainstream media. We can only reach people who have internet access for obvious reasons. Our focus is in influencing the the elite especially those who work in mainstream media. Once they start espousing our views, they will reach a wider audience.
It is hard to publish something that can be easily understood by the “common” Filipino because not all Filipinos speak English and Tagalog. There are people from other regions who do not like Tagalog at all. We’ll stick to what we are more comfortable with and what the “elite” prefer to use. After all, the elite have the power to effect change in the Philippines.
Let’s just say, our target isn’t really the common Filipino. Because, contrary to what some believe, more ordinary Filipinos, what some perceive as the “poorer” ones, seem to more agree with our views. The ones who actually display the more dysfunctional behavior are the middle class and even more educated classes.
Just think of Burger King back in the 1990s when it was offering free softdrink refills. “Poor” people can’t enter Burger King and they don’t have Coleman jugs for abusing this free softdrink. It’s the “can afford” people who do this. There is our target.
What is there to look forward to when the government doesn’t give a fock about the country and the people, and the people don’t give a fock about each other?
The reason why the future looks so bleak in this country is the following:
“I am yet to see a tricycle driver reading a Tom Clancy novel while waiting in line for passengers.”
-Common Sense for Pinoys party
All of what you people saying is the effect of the real bottom line problem of the Philippines all along is poverty…….lack of jobs,,, lack of investing countries to use its people power for cheaper labor…we are overtaken by asean countries around us for not attracting investors and giving them insentives…they always ask what’s in it for me to approve a development…so the authority is the problem …it pushed away investors and jobs,,,, when there are no jobs to go around …smart people leave to other countries and the unfortunate who cannot leave …has nothing else to do. That is what’s going on now…the next generation will be the same…how will we change that….civil unrest to change the authorities and that my folks is what Filipinos are afraid off….no unity….they rather became slaves than fight or die for the change…How about you people who cares and writes in here ..are you ready for a change…and fight for it or maybe die for it…your answere to yourself is the future of this country…
The bottom line of the Philipines and its people’s problems can be broken down into two: self-servingness and arrogance.
Two major reasons why the Philippines is failure: the Filipinos do not trust each other and cannot work together as one people.
zaxx,
You won’t find our fellow “Fliptards” reading a Tom Clancy novel, or any novel, because they are too busy texting their buddies and scheming up a new racket for a quick profit. Reading is too slow of pastime for them because their attention span is short.
Aeta
Aeta,
Exactly! This growing generation of “Flips” has a chronic contagious form of A.D.D. with no cure in sight.
Mauuna pa siguro matuklasan ang gamot sa AIDS bago mahanapan ng lunas ang lumalalang sakit na ito ng mga Pinoy.
zaxx,
We Filipinos have no chance of living as one people and one nation. Our people are too FOCKED UP–regardless of how religious, educated, and socially sophisticated we think we are–because the very fabric of our cultural values and moral principles are too FOCKED UP.
Aeta
We may be disinterested in the future, but that would be the height of irresponsibility. Here is one reason why we can’t be, just to remind one and all >>> Typhoon Haiyan Gives Birth to ‘Israel’ in IDF Hospital in Philippines >>> http://goo.gl/lTZUZ4
Then, a generation from now, Israel migrates to Israel to find a job? That’s the future Filipinos see… and accept.
Puros demonyo na ang nasa gobyerno >>> Wanted: More exorcists to meet demands in Philippines >>> http://goo.gl/1Xlwcl
Those “demonyo” politicians came from the people you and I came from. Therefore, we would be just like them if given the same opportunities. The country is corrupt because the people are corrupt; the people are corrupt because our culture is corrupt; our culture is corrupt because our moral compass is corrupt.
China says US warship’s Spratly islands passage ‘illegal’
BBC 4 hours ago
http://goo.gl/qX96aT
LOL. Parang si PNoy din ang China. Hugot sa sariling offense.
PNoy: “[If they said,] we apologize. We want to make amends; that I think would have been very acceptable. We are a forgiving people in general but we have statements that there’s nothing to apologize for.”
“If there is a denial of what happened, is that also a statement that there is no recognition that should be corrected down the line and therefore, is there a promise that there will be repetition of the same?” (source GMA News)
HHMM… let me guess, because they have no chance of getting as rich as their corrupt as shit leaders and since those leaders are really only low-life thieving weasels,YES?
CHESS should be made the national sport of the Philippines if we want to raise up a new and better breed of leaders from the next generation.
It will train one to think logically, strategically plan moves several steps deep into a game, mentally simulate if-then scenarios on the fly, and press hard towards the goal.
Look at Russia (home of the grand-masters) led by Putin – so cunning and unpredictable in their every move.
PS: This makes me miss the first chess board we bought up in Baguio when I was a kid. People should buy those finely carved chess sets in Baguio again and support our local wood-craft industry.
Tangkilikin ang sariling atin!
Intellectual Filipinos and the new generation smarts will be the same as my generation 35 yrs ago..they will leave the country the first opportunity they can, for what I see is the same of what I see 35 yrs ago..unless you bloggers or I say who cares and what you saying educate the new generation will unite and find a way somehow to use the best and only tools you have this social media…to inspire the masses to force the authorities to prioritized their agenda to put Filipinos to work and make a living..or you people will be like us lose hope and just leave to seek a better life outside Philippines..there are two types of people who love the Philippines..those who make good money stealing and those who take advantage of the poor and use them as slaves…
To the extent that contributors here write on abstract themes..matters of Filipino customs, mores and traditions, (can one say ‘culture’?); and, for so long as we insist on esoteric topics, understood and appreciated by a handful, but which sail over the heads of many..Ms Indira is right. “This is an echo chamber”. We do not have to be condescending in our contributions to be understood by all readers; we just have to be relevant. I would think that current issues that impact the lives and rattle the psyche of the average Filipino are the issues that might interest most readers. Have there been, for instance, any positive development in the ‘BBL Question’.. or the ‘PDAF/Napoles Cases’? Have we just given up on them.. like most people are wont to do? Does the tandem of Binay and Honasan, or the Poe/Chiz duo represent change or hope towards better governance? Are Roxas and Santiago everything they are touted to be?These are not ‘sexy’ topics like,say, ‘Filipino Culture(?), but they are current and have the distinct possibility to impact all our lives.They also offer a chance of our being read by a wider audience.
You realize that our mistrust of the future makes it hard to give up the past.
Who makes up the masses?
To be more specific, who makes up majority of the voting population?
Im guessing that to most of them, as long as they can go to the mall, have load always, watch their favorite noontime shows and soaps, have various “unli-” all time, and all the other “sarap” at their disposal…why should they care about the future?
The reality is that this “mass” constitute the majority of the voting population.
So after the election 2016….you can bet…today will the same as yesterday…and tomorrow will be no different.
Party on Pinoys!