Rainbows and Raindrops

I asked myself today, “Why chase rainbows when you can chase raindrops?”

Rainbows are beautiful formations that spit out a myriad of beautiful colors. But no matter how close we can get to rainbows, we can never touch them.

Raindrops, on the other hand, are little specs of water that comes rushing down to earth in search of gaps, spaces that it can fill. And no matter how much we evade from it, it’s inevitability makes it real.

In love, who do we usually choose? Or, the better question is, who should we really choose?

The rainbow or the raindrop?

Peace. Just a thought.

The Petition

Please encourage your friends to support the online petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/cfad001/petition.html

On Monday, I together with the haircut policy abolition supporters will go around Beato Angelico, the pavs, kantunan, and other areas with CFAD students, to disseminate information on the unjust haircut policy. Also, we will encourage those who support to sign the petition which we will submit to the appropriate university officials.

I think that we have to begin acting and redirecting our own destinies. For years now, many CFAD students have felt the unjust policies but have feared to go against it because they are alone. Now, nobody is alone. Every CFAD student must stand up for his fellow student in order to get things done, of course always in a peaceful way.

Over at petitiononline, the petition can be signed by anybody from students, alumni, faculty members, even parents. Practically anybody. But the paper petition is for the students only. This is our initiative against policies that directly affect us and our rights as students and as citizens.

I will be at room 801 tomorrow but some volunteers will go around the Beato Angelico area to solicit signatures. Let us all fight for this cause together. The real message we want to send; THAT WE ARE NOT APATHETIC, THAT WE ARE CONCERENED ABOUT OUR RIGHTS, AND THAT WE ARE WILLING TO UNITE FOR A CAUSE AND GO AGAINST IT PEACEFULLY, WHILE BEING GOOD STUDENTS AT THE SAME TIME.

Peace.

Sino ka? CFAD Student?

Ikaw, CFAD Student!

Susunod ka dahil hawak ko ang kinabukasan mo!

Kakalbuhin ko ang buhok mo, lalagasin ako ang kalayaan mo!

Susunod ka sa akin, ok?

Hindi ka papasok nang mahaba ang buhok.

Wala akong pakialam kung bumagsak ka dahil malago ang buhok mo.

Wala naman talaga akong pakialam.

Kakalbuhin kita kung kailan ko gusto.

Hindi kita papapasukin sa kaharian ko.

Bawal ang mahaba ang buhok, bawal akong labanan?

Hindi ka ba natatakot sa akin?

Ako ang may hawak ng kinabukasan mo.

Matagal ko nang kinapon ang bayag mo.

Wala ka nang laban.

Posas? Hindi yan posas, KADENA YAN!

Matagal na kitang itinali. Matagal na matagal na?

Gumawa ka ng plate. Magdasal kapag alas dose.

Kumain sa oras ng pagkain. Umalis sa oras ng pag alis.

Kung hindi, ipapakalbo kita.

Hindi lang kita sa leeg hawak, pati sa buhok.

Hindi ka ba natatakot sa akin?

Putang ina mo, CFAD student.

Hindi ka naman pala papalag. Akala ko pa naman maangas ka.

Wala ka pala… Buhok lang pala ang katapat mo!

- – -

AKO AY ISANG CFAD STUDENT,

Babalingkwas ako dahil mali ang sistema.

Hindi ako susunod sa patakarang mapang-abuso.

Tinatakot mo ba ako? Hindi naman ako takot.

Intact ang bayag ko.

Kakalbuhin mo ako? Subukan mo…

Hindi lang buhok ko ang kumakatawan sa akin.

Hindi buhok ko ang utak ko. Hindi buhok ko ang lahat.

Kalbuhin mo man ako ng paulit-ulit.

Harangin mo man ako sa lobby.

Pahahabain ko ang buhok ko, hindi para asarin ka,

DAHIL ITO AY HINDI MO SAKOP.

Utak ko, kinabukasan ko, hawak mo!

Pero hindi ang katawan ko.

Ang katawan ko ay akin, hindi sa’yo.

Bakit mo ko kakalbuhin? Naaangasan ka ba?

Eh di magpahaba ka rin!

Gagawa ako ng plate, susunod sa mga BATAS NA TAMA AT MAY KATUWIRAN

Ngunit susuway sa mga polisiyang walang ginagawa kundi sakupin ang natitirang bahagi ng aking sariling matatawag kong akin.

Tinatakot mo ba ako? Hindi ako natatakot?

Matagal mo na akong tinatakot, matagal mo nang pinababahag ang buntot ko?

Ipapadebar mo ba ako?

Hahahaha. Humanda ka.

NAG IISIP NA AKO NGAYON.

GISING NA AKO.

TAPOS NA ANG GABI, UMAGA NA.

GISING NA AKO.

NASA PUSO KO ANG TAPANG NG MGA ESTUDYANTENG NAUNA SA AKIN.

SI EDADES, ANG AMING TAGAPAGTATAG.

NANDITO SIYA, BUHAY NA BUHAY SA PUSO KO,

AT IKINAHIHIYA KA!

Tinatakot mo ba ako?

Kakalbuhin mo ba ako?

HINDI AKO NATATAKOT SA’YO!

The Haircut Policy

A college is run by a dean. A dean is described by the university’s General Statutes (Chapter II, Article 13) as “…the chief administrator of a faculty, college, or school.” In specific cases, the dean needs the concurrence of a Faculty Council in: (1) recommending for approval by the authorities concerned the courses of the study and the curricula, and their suppression or change; (2) recommending to the Rector the appointment, promotion, or separation of the members of the faculty; (3) recommending to the Rector the distribution of assignments to the members of the faculty for each semester; (4) FORMULATING EDUCATIONAL POLICIES FOR SUBMISSION TO THE RECTOR; and (5) recommending educational policies for submission to the Rector.

Furthermore, the General Statutes provides (provision 2) that the dean shall consult the Regent on important matters affecting the faculty, college, or school.

In the same chapter of the General Statutes (Chapter II, Article 15), the regent’s role is defined. His duties include: (1) SUPPORT the dean in execution and implementation of all decisions, policies, directives of the Rector and other governing bodies of the university; (2) TAKE CARE OF THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY, OF THE STUDENTS, AND OF THE NON-ACADEMIC PERSONNEL, AND IN COORDINATION WITH THE VICE RECTOR FOR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, INITIATE AND COORDINATE RELIGIOUS AND APOSTOLIC ACTIVITIES; and (3) coordinate and supervise instructions in Theology and Professional Ethics in cooperation with the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs (ECE, Gen. Norms, Art. IV, part 5).

The university statutes are very clear as to who MUST initiate policy formulation in a college, which, I presume, is entrusted to the Dean by virtue of him being THE CHIEF administrator of a college. The word CHIEF must have been placed there for a reason.

While the regent is bestowed nothing more but the power to SUPPORT the dean in policies, and mostly to take care of the spiritual affairs of the college.

A TWO-FRONT BATTLE

In many colleges that confront the issue of haircut, a battled is waged on two fronts; first, a battle is waged against those who make the policy, while another is waged on those who are supposed to represent us. Both are important.

A policy may be seen by its proponents as a sound one. Many colleges that espouse the haircut regulation policy presume that the way we do our hair is reflective of our decency; of our value sets. We can’t blame old, almost obsolete brains for formulating this, for hair length, during their time, may have determined how moral they are. But as far as I can remember, we stepped onto the 21st century nine years ago, where gender, philosophies, political beliefs, and moreso, HAIRCUT, do not really define us as a person. It is not even a measuring tool to gauge our intellect. There are those with well-trimmed hair but with a duller mind, MORESO, less values than those who sport long hair. I know long-haired fellows in Fine Arts and in other disciplines that exude the most moral behavior; putting forward the welfare of others ahead of theirs. In fact, Jesus, the Messiah, sported long hair, yet he performed the most ultimate sacrifice for mankind.

Perhaps what I am trying to say is that hair length must not be an issue. You can be competent, a law abiding student of the university even if you have long hair. In previous academic years, negotiations have started and it was agreed upon that long hair shall be sported with a pony-tail, an acceptable deal. Nobody broke it. Why change it?

The other, more important front is what have been keeping us on the victim side of the story. We continue to elect men and women in public offices called STUDENT COUNCILS who do not even have a scrotum large enough to stand up and defend us. They stay subservient, following without question. They do not know how to consult both sides of the spectrum (students and administrators). Today they are used for no other purpose in Beato Angelico but to litter their 7th floor office, and stand close for instructions of the GODFATHER. I can’t blame them. Just like many of their professor supporters, they are afraid to lose their jobs, or their academic standing. Fear gets in the way of objectivity, of doing proper things. And for many years, from the fiance of the President now, up to the President now, the SC’s greatest achievement was ensuring that less clearance get lost year after year.

If they cannot perform their functions well, might as well abolish it. After all, the college has been in anarchy for years.

It is shameful and very depressing to hear that academic standings are affected by the hair. And amid the urgence to encourage them to cut it just for this baloney to be over, I can’t. After all, the policy has no rationale, no wisdom. I think the only part of buildings that know the policies are the front doors.

Hair must not be an issue. It is never an issue. EDUCATION IS A RIGHT AND ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT PREVENT YOU FROM THE EXERCISE OF THIS RIGHT, OR ANYTHING THAT IS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF INSTITUTIONS MUST BE FOUGHT AGAINST, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

Peace. I remembered, Jesus had long hair, too.

A Letter to the Heavens

“Love is always patient and kind, and is never jealous. Love is never boastful, or conceited, it does not take offense and is not resentful.”

Miguel,

Wherever you are now, please be informed that I have decided to move on. I think it’s been a while since you’ve gone, and I have been a devastated soul without you. You just don’t know how much of me have been eaten by the rust of our fondest memories and how a big chunk of my soul have faded away with your passing. I am broken now, and I will never be fully whole again without you in my life.

I clearly remember our days; those days that remind me of how strong I was by doing things things I was not accustomed to, and how fulfilling they are when you do it for love. I can clearly remember the day when we first met; that cold February morning that changed my life forever. And even though I know that you lived on loaned tomorrows, I fell madly in love with you knowing that I can give you the best months of your life. But it was otherwise, it was you who gave me my best years; years that I won’t trade for anything. I can clearly recall our days; the days when you come with me on the campaign trail and try to exude a beautiful smile in the middle of the searing sun. Those days I miss, and will continue to miss for the rest of my life.

I can clearly remember the nights when you were frightened to sleep because tomorrow may not come. I was also afraid that tomorrow may not come to greet you, for you were my tomorrow. You were my present and the immediate future of my life. And I can’t help crying myself to sleep after you cry yourself to sleep because tomorrow for us may never come.

I can clearly recall how you make my miserable afternoons great shining days just with your presence. I can recall how you make my loaded days lighter by sharing the load through your smile. You knew that all I needed was reassurance; that I have loved well and that I have loved. And you always knew how to make me feel that even in days of woe. That’s one of the gazillion reasons why I love you.

And when you left the world, I was alone again. I felt unloved, and depressed. The greatest chapter of my life was over. I even asked myself, why didn’t you take me with you? After all, without you, breathing is nothing more than a scientific process. A part of my heart died with you.

I can clearly recall how I buried you. I promised myself that your memories, your thoughts, your love, and everything you will remain burning in my heart. And it has for a year and seven months now, I have never stopped loving you with a greater intensity than when you were alive, for if i do not then your memory might slip away…

But now, Miguel, I think I am in love again, with the same intensity as my love for you. I am flooded with guilt everytime I think of this person. But I am in love with him. I love him and want him just as much as I want you and love you. I need a sign from you that will tell me that you are comfortable with me falling in love again.

Be not mistaken. I love you very much. Second the god, more than my life. But I guess it’s healthy for both us; you, get to enjoy sights of paradise, while I, stay here and become human again — until the day I can enjoy the sights of paradise with you.

Rest well, your travel was long and burdensome. I will go move on now.

Peace. I love you.

July is “Tour” Time

It won’t be the usual month, that’s for sure.

I have seen my schedule for this month. And if all goes as scheduled, then July will be a very busy month. I have seen the tentative schedules of medical missions and feeding programs, but now I have to add the “Iskolar ni JC” tour, where I will be offering my constituents free training for call center and software development (visit http://akosijcmasajo.wordpress.com/iskolar-ni-jc). I have also began my stints visiting wakes and all the other social tidings of a politician.

While I am also scheduled to leave the country this month (which I had to cancel because of the pandemic and some schedule misfits), I will try my best to juggle classes, campaign, and meetings. Sleep is rare and will be dearly missed, just as lovelife, coffee night with friends, and other personal tidings of an ordinary man.

As I begin going around town again, I really hope that I get to know as many people as possible, not only for political reasons, but because I just want meeting new people. They say that meeting new people makes people younger looking, and it’s less expensive than a diamond-peel.

I will definitely chronicle much of my activities here, so please do not forget to visit from time to time. You can also visit my Facebook Fan profile: Just look for JOHN CARLO “JC” MASAJO, and my face will appear. There are links of interests there that can make your site visit worthwhile. Schedules are posted there as well.

Peace. Welcome, campaign season.

Be Mine, Ed.

Taking a sidetrip from campaign and class…

I have dreaming of falling madly in love again (who doesn’t, eh?) with someone who is simple and frugal. With the life journey I am about to embark on, I desperately need a person who can be my rock; someone who will understand the ups and downs of public life, and most especially, someone who will be there beside me through the best and worst days of my life, whether in or out of politics.

Thank God, Starbuck’s gave me the answer.

It was not one of the coffee choices they offer, nor the juices or pastries. All those give me a certain feeling of relief. But this cute barista named “Ed” captured my heart, with his smile like a fish net and my heart like a succumbant cod in the deep of sea.The feeling was something I felt only a few times in my life; the feeling of an inner smile that exudes to your mouth, thus, making it [mouth] smile as well.

‘Twas a random day when my BM [Bi-Manila] friends and me decided to hangout at Starbucks Retiro. Being immersed in a deep depression due to the loss of my last relationship, I never really tried doing anything else than focus on my campaign. As a result thereof, I became a robot; an emotionless creature designed only to do a primal objective which, may or may not, make me happy or bring gratification. At this time, I knew inside that I may be a few inches away from self-destruction.

But that random day would prove to be everything but random nor ordinary. With my cane, I struggle to gain decent footing as I approach the counter. There, delightful and interesting pastries and drink offerings were festooned. But what captured my eyes was the very sincere smile of a cute, Chinese-looking barista. His eyes smiled, together with his lips, and asked for my order.

And the rest, as it is clicheically said, is history.

His name was Ed. It’s a short name. It may not even be his real name (knowing SB tradition of interchanging names). But no matter what his name is, it doesn’t matter; for the language of the heart knows no real names or pseudonyms; they know no bounds or limits. In time I know I’ll have his real name.

Going back…

For the past few days, amid my mom’s fiery remarks about my late crash time here at home, I feel elated; sublimely happy, in fact, that no form of adversity can ruin my day. And this I boldly attribute to Ed’s coming in my life. For a few hours and a couple of drinks everyday, I feel light; I feel happy. And the emotions are back – which is good. At least now I re-learned how to smile again; how to be happy again.

The sad facts…

He may not like me. Of course, there is 9 out of 8 chance that he does not like me. But who cares? After all, seeing him does not necessitate his liking of me; in fact, it only costs an iced tea or a bagel daily (Laughs). But in time I know it will deeply cut a wound in my life should he not like me. But I think I’m prepared for that. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, as they say. Another sad is that he may be taken (it’s sadder to know that he’s taken than knowing that he’s straight). If he’s taken, no more bump or lump in his heart for me. And lastly, assuming his hobo and single, Im not hot enough to be liked by a guy like him. Well perhaps I just did not win the aesthetic lottery. Crap!

The Future…

The 1st day I saw him I knew that he would be the type I’d like to marry, or spend a big chunk of my lifetime with. He looks and is very warm and kind. And I think he’s got what it takes to keep up with the worst job in life; keeping me happy. I think that, strategically, he’ll be an asset too. My town would love to have a councilor’s husband who would be nice and warm and who will become the listener to their problems. I want him to be their rock just as he is mine. But the future is so far away.

That’s all for now…

Peace. Be mine, Ed.

A Two-Party System

The influx of political parties in our country has not only made paper ballots long, it has not helped our electorate abecome politically mature citizens.

Should Charter Change push through after the 2010 elections, a strong two-party system must be lobbied for.

The multi-party system only enables the monied and the elite to establish their own political factions carrying only their personal or the collective interest of the elite, leaving the chunk of the electorate (who are poor) in the dark, waiting only for commands of those economically above them. Over the course of the years since our reinstated democracy, we have seen the rise of parties; factions of original 1987 parties that were formed because of personal interests not served or accomodated.

The Two Party System and Grassroots Support

Should the two-party system be a reality, it will enable the electorate to actually be members of a political party. They can rtegister to become supporters of a particular party, and in effect, become active advocates of the party’s principles and beliefs at the grassroots. The party could also initiate programs reflective of their program of government in the grassroots.

When the election season comes, instead of spending billions of money on advertising in an attempt to reach a myriad of voters, the parties can harness the full power of their grassroots chapters. Campaigns will now be localized, and will intend to capture the undecided or unregistered voters in specific districts where the candidates show weakness. There will be no need to flex unnecessary muscles at areas where the party is strong.

A two-party system brings, therefore, a two-fold advantage for the people; they become active partakers in the party system and processes, and they become educated politically.

The Two Party System and the Government

A government with only two political parties is more likely to function better. This is because there is no need to accmodate other partisan interests, which is needed when forming a coalition government. The government, therefore, becomes a strong institution where an established administration governs and a well-placed opposition is fiscalizing; the governmental utopia.

The two parties shall be able to effectively scrutinize policies and truely embody the principles of their parties and the people they represent.

Let us advocate for a strong party system in the Philippines.

Peace.

The Tough Keep Going.

With the myriad of obstacles I face as I begin the actual planning stages of this campaign, I begin to be confronted by extreme doses of doubt. As of now, my bank account remains at its 78 peso balance left; my family has not expressed their support upfront; and, I might not be able to completely go around the hundreds of sitios of my town before the filing of the COC. All these are enough to put me down and forget this campaign altogether; yet, I am resolved to see this campaign through amid the difficulties I face on a daily basis.

The Money Issue

Unlike many of my potential rivals here, I am way less funded than them. As of now, much of the materials that are underway have been contributed by my friends and some who have expressed support. Some have come from my pocket which is expected of politicians. It has been said that, to win as a municipal councilor, a candidate must spend a minimum of Php 2 million pesos. Where on earth will I unearth that amount??? Well, I do not know as of now but I know that, with God’s aid and with the aid of some friends, I will be able to raise enough funds to sustain the elections.

But with creative ideas and some non-monetary commitments, a potential candidate can compete. As for me, some friends have committed to buy on my behalf tarpaulins; a very crucial PR collateral for elections. Some friends have committed to extend help through assistance in major and minor projects. As of now, a good friend of mine has committed to assist me in medical and surgical missions, which is a very big help considering the expenses involved in organizing one.

I have had produced my own, as well. I am expecting a total revenue of Php 70,000.00 from June to October from interests of lent money. All of these I intend to put through my campaign bankroll. I intend to auction some of my unneeded items with high hopes of earning money enough to add to the campaign account. But in politics, where money is ALWAYS a concern, I just can’t seem to raise enough funds most of the time.

The Issue of Support

My family has not expressed support for my candidacy; this tempts to feel bad. However, because I am just so busy prepping for the thing, I just don’t have the time tog get distracted and angry. I just let it pass; after all, if they do not intend to support me, I won’t take it against them; moreso, their decision not to support me won’t make me love them any less, especially my mother.

I strongly feel that public life is my calling, however, my mother does not approve of the entire idea in fear that I might not be able to handle defeat so well. As a kid I rarely lose or face defeat because I try to avoid being in the situation. But politics is such a different arena; it gives you frustrations and disappointments and insecurities. It is an emotional rocket ride. And I know that my desire to run for public office will be one hell of a nasty experience. My mom fears that, all of that.

Funds have not showered to me, especially from my family. It seems to me that they are estranged to have their ambitious son, niece, or cousin run for an elective position. I hail from a family of people who chose the safe path, and were successful only by an inch from their previous status quo. I just do not want to take the safe path, for it brings you nowhere but where you started. Not even an aunt or a cousin bothered and thought that they could help. They all bashed me and dismissed my desire. I run this election admitting that part of it is for purpose of vindication.

However, I remain confident that they will help in whatever way they can.

Politics is really tough, and when the going gets tough, the tough (or the feeling tough) must keep going.

COUNTDOWN: 175 days from filing of COC

Peace.

(Please do not forget to sign up for Team JC! please send in an email to jcmovement@hotmail.com so we can enlist you and set our 1st general assembly. Thanks and peace.)

182 Days Left to COC Filing; be a Team JC Volunteer!

(Note: For those who want to help in my 2010 municipal councilorship campaign, please do not hesitate to e-mail jcmovement@hotmail.com or contact us at 0916-265-6661 or 0932-240-3056. You must be a citizen of Cainta to become a volunteer.)

It’s June 1 and in a few months, those who intend to run for public office in the 2010 national and local elections will file their certificates of candidacy. It will be 182 days from now; perhaps 3 national surveys will be conducted within this time period, as well as several TV and radio reports of nationwide sorties of presidentiables, vice presidentiables, and senatoriables. Within this timeframe, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will deliver her 9th and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) where she may be discussing the legacy she intends to leave to our country. With these things happening, 182 days will be very brief.

There are a lot of things that have to be done in my campaign. With 182 days left until the filing, I have to continue on going around town introducing myself to voters just as traditional politicians do. I have some activities in line, which I hope would come to reality with the help of some kind people to finance them. I will continue to hold meetings with various sectors, their leaders and members, to discuss viable policy directions should I eventually win the elections. I have to attend to some fundraising efforts of my campaign, as well as that of the party (whichever party it may be). All of these things squeezed in a 182-day timeframe. Add to that my class schedule.

What keeps me going despite all these challenges? It is the sight of the reality that beleaguers our town today, a reality marred by a government that can be improved a thousandfold. It is the thought that for once, someone actually takes the initiative to change rather than just complaining. It is the sense of responsibility that someone must take action rather than wait for someone else to do it. Those things keep me on despite all the hardship I am ncountering as I trudge through the murky realities of public life.

My campaign begins today at ground zero. Zero founds, zero supporters, zero everything; yet, we are full. I, together with some friends, are full of passion in seeing this campiagn through no matter what obstacles may come. We believe that, in order for us to see the change we want to see, we have to be the CHANGE we want to see. We have to be participative and critical citizens.

Today is June 1, 182 days before the filing of certificates of candidacy. And in every single day of it, I will be needing your help – may it be through donations of money, or of effort; or may it be for wishes of good luck or sincerely said prayers, I will need all of it. After all, no man, or politician, is an island.

Peace.

P.S.: If you are at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of Cainta, Rizal, please be part of Team JC. Please e-mail your full name, address, and contact information at jcmovement@hotmail.com with subject line: TEAM JC. We will get back to you at the soonest possible time.