The Guardian
Iloilo City

OFTENTIMES DISTURBING
Write-ups from the column of Reymundo Salao
JULY, 2003

A PUBLIC SERVICE MURDER
(July 4, 2003)

            With the heightening of the campaign on the war against drugs, the news has been injected with a certain cinematic atmosphere that reminds you of crime dramas like "The Untouchables" and "Pulp Fiction". Recent headliners include the emergence of vigilantes in Metro Manila, which salvaged an alleged drug-runner and announced their existence via a self-proclaiming manifesto found along with the body. And wherever there are salvage incidents, come the clamoring of so-called human rights protesters that point their fingers upon the police and demand the punishment of these individuals who are responsible for these cruel salvages. 
But sometimes, I think society does need vigilantes and hellraisers who would take the law into their own hands and inflict terror upon criminals. A dark justice that will strike fear upon those who would escape the punishment of law. And indeed, there are many people who escape the arms of law. Indeed, there are criminals and genuinely evil men who roam free, free from being punished, free from the sanctions that they deserve. These are the wicked men who commit crime and done damage to their neighbors, yet they get away with it. 
            Criminals would always find a way to escape the law. They could always find a way to walk around it; even use it to their advantage. Many of us learn how to jaywalk whenever the police aren't looking, many of us can find means not to be caught with a little ballpen shoplifting when nobody's looking. Imagine that comparison with how big-time criminals know how to use legal ways to violate the law. Imagine how murders could be made to look like accidents or self-defense. Imagine how bailing rights could be used to make a criminal prison-free. Imagine how ruthless, cold-blooded criminals would end up in prisons rather than see them suffer dearly for their crimes. Imagine how well-known drug lords and syndicate bosses could live glamorous public lives without being shaken by the arm of law. Will we just wait for Karma to come along? Or just make use of the pliers, barbed wires, hammers, and handguns that are just within reach? 
This is why vigilantes come to existence. This is why people go so far as to torture and cold-bloodedly kill these scumbags, not only in order to serve due punishment, but also to send a message to those who would break the law that if they do, vigilantes will break them apart, piece by piece until they crack like wet pencils, to death. Surely, if you were a drug pusher and you would see these "public service announcements" that show us a body of a criminal beaten to a bloody pulp and a slit throat just like chickens that are ready to be fried, then you better just stay home and rest your ass to sleep. Imagine how some rich crime lord would look better when nailed to the ground, stained by blood and dirt and ready to be gutted like a pig. Killing a criminal sometimes does sound like a benevolent act, like that of one which makes you ready to be canonized by the Pope. What feeling of animalistic and barbaric satisfaction and service to an orderly society at the same time. It's a beautiful world. 
            On the other hand, though, there are those who will abuse this. Much like the paramilitary vigilante groups which gained notoriety in the Marcos era, when innocent peasants were tortured and massacred just because they are suspected of being in league with the communists. Vigilantes may not always be doing that which is for the ultimate good of society. They would deprive criminals the opportunity of redeeming themselves, depriving them the chance to be rehabilitated, to live a better life, to correct their own wrongs. Besides, criminals are human beings too. 
            In a GMA Network interview of a police official, whose identity was withheld, who was connected with vigilantes, salvages and/or summary executions, has revealed that this has been something that they have done in the early 90's. But then, they would have to acquire strong evidences and documents that would give weight to the guilt of a suspect, before he is chosen for "execution". This way, the chances of executing somebody innocent is pretty slim. Does this say that summary executions and vigilantes are valid weapons for the war against drugs? Just asking.

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TERMINATOR RISING
The Terminator Saga
(July 12, 2003)

            It was like almost ten years ago when the old Allegro theater was showing it. The moviehouse was so crowded. Many of the patrons were content on having to stand up while watching the film. I was one of them. A high school sci-fi geek who was watching the film that probably was the monumental sci-fi film of the late 80's/ early 90's; TERMINATOR 2, JUDGEMENT DAY (the first Terminator movie was in the mid 80's). In the history of sci-fi films, T2 (as it was called), was among the most popular. Everybody even got infected by the catchy lines of the protagonist played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, in the film like "Hasta La Vista, Baby!" and the "I'll be back" The movie was written and directed by James Cameron, the director who made the biggest blockbusting sci-fi movies "Aliens" (which was the sequel to Ridley Scott's "Alien") and critically-acclaimed "The Abyss". His creation, the world of the TERMINATOR was so famous that it deserves to be standing alongside icons like "Star Wars" and "The Matrix". And why not? It has a brilliant storyline which stood side-by-side with its heart-pounding action. 
            In the future, there is a war between humans and machines (sounds awfully familiar). In order to further their chances of victory, the machines had sent their cybernetic assassin, the Terminator, Model T-1000, back in time to eliminate John Connor, who was destined to be the leader of the human resistance that will crush the machines. Anticipating the move of the enemies, the human resistance also sent a stolen and reprogrammed Terminator, the T-800, to protect John Connor. There in the present time (which was actually way back in the early 90s), both terminators battled for the life of John Connor. In the end, John had the initiative to prevent the war in the future. That is by destroying every last bit of both terminators. And so he did. And Judgement day was prevented from taking place. 
            And now, after more than ten years, HE'S BACK. Arnold Schwarzenegger rises back from the ashes in TERMINATOR 3, RISE OF THE MACHINES. (Spoiler alert on this paragraph) John Connor is now a bum who was haunted by the nightmares of an apocalyptic future, so he lived a peaceful life that stayed away from technology. Not until a new Terminator, the T-X has been sent back from the future, to eliminate certain people, the other "destined-to-be" military leaders of the resistance. Similarly, another Terminator, the T-101, was also sent back by the resistance to counter T-X's mission. Judgment Day was never prevented. It was just postponed. And so war must begin. And this is where it starts. 
            In as much as I would like to express how much I loved this movie, it honestly didn't really offer anything original. The plot would've been superb, except that it did not add any details that spiced it up. It was the fast-paced action that was its weakness. Many of the stunts looked original and worthy of awe. But the pace was too fast that you wouldn't have time to relish the moments. It is as if it gave you a breathtaking action scene, but didn't give you enough breathing space, when it rushes to another breathtaking scene. In a blink of an eye, the movie is over, and you'd scream that it was bitin. You would have to watch the movie's action scenes all over again to have that higher sense of contentment. 
            The gaps of dialogue that made up the storytelling part of the movie was never interesting. Every time they would have to stop for some chit-chat, you would find yourself not listening with an attentive ear, but that which yells "Hey, let's get on with the action". 
            Perhaps it was a bad choice to have a "nobody" direct such a prominent sci-fi saga. There was nothing special that director JONATHAN MOSTOW brought to this sequel. In one way or another, it even pulled the dignity of the Terminator saga down. Instead of giving it a rebirth, it just made T3 look like "Jaws part 2" or "Jurassic Park 3". If you ask me, I would blame its creator James Cameron. His creation would've gladly had stood up to becoming a timeless sci-fi icon by helming its third installment at an earlier time (T3 was originally planned to have been made as early as 5 years ago). Instead, he'd chosen to make the biggest love story film, the historically-adulterated TITANIC. A movie so famous that everybody wants to deny having liked it. It was as if George Lucas of Star Wars, Chris Carter of the X-files, and other sci-fi icons were seated in one presidential table, while James Cameron had to sit on with the rest of the non-icons. If only Cameron took good care of this project, he would've made The Matrix look like a copycat (Matrix will always be better though)
            If there was one other thing that this movie was all about, it was the so-called "return" of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yes, he hasn't really been gone, since he'd have made other movies (flops) like "Collateral Damage" and "The Sixth Day". But because his new movies were box-office tragedies, this was the one ace-card movie which he probably hopes would reclaim his dignity as a box-office action hero. In this movie, I would have to say he did fine. He was definitely kick-ass here. It kinda made the hair on the back of my neck grow cold when he walked into a smoking scene in slow motion. But his overwhelming presence here is sadly just a mirror of the image he portrayed in T2. Nevertheless, he rocked and I really couldn't say much except raise my fists and scream like an adolescent again "Bakod pre!" I could say the same for actress Kristanna Loken who played the dominatrix-like Terminator. This is one chick that I'd want to beat me up (VAVAVOOM! Shwing!). The film also stars Claire Danes and Nick Stahl, who plays John Connor. I couldn't figure out why they didn't get Edward Furlong, who played John Connor in T2 since he is about the same age as Nick stahl by now. 
            In totality, TERMINATOR 3, RISE OF THE MACHINES was a rockin' movie. Kick-ass with an ideal twist. It may not be one for the classics, like we would've wanted to, but it was well worth the money. I'd even want to watch it again. 

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MELODRAMATIC AFTERNOONS
7-18-03

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LET'S GET MUSHY & SUICIDAL
(part 1of 2)
[July 25, 2003]

            Suicide. Yes, it is a stupid thing to do. People instantly jump to the conclusion that one who even contemplates about it is either a psycho or a pathetic desperado. But in at least one point in our lives in our most miserable moments, we never escape the thought of courting death. It is especially in the ultra-corny downward episodes of one's love story (Yech! This article sounds ultra-corny already). We mumble words like "I wish I was dead? "I wanna kill myself? "Kill me now? "Id rather die? And on the background, our soundtrack is Nirvana Unplugged and Portishead. In a worse case scenario, songs like "Knife? "Love Hurts? and "Ocean Deep?can kill us in a snap, not to mention, that Phil Collins song "Against All Odds? that goes "Take a look at me now, there's just an empty space…" The bazooka that shoots the pathetic virus. (That is why the next time you feel miserable, buy that "Best of Tito, Vic, & Joey?album or anything from Yoyoy Villame) Love can drive one to take a dive down a meat grinder. Gladly. I may not be a psychiatrist or haven't even had taken some major subject/unit in Psychology, but I wouldn't deny that I have once experienced contemplating upon which building to jump from. That is why I want to sit back and tackle about this issue. I could remember more than five cases of suicide that have occurred lately in our country that I have read in both local and national news. I wouldn't be surprised that these were caused by a failed relationship. It is actually not a laughing matter since there actually are people who get too affected by the issue of love seriously that they dare rub a blade around their wrist for it. Of course, if it is something that has to do with marriage, children, and career, then it must be a major concern of personal welfare. 
            Killing oneself has that gothic appeal, the dark romantic thought of taking the hand of death, of declaring that you shall not be part of the living world anymore. It is the idea of packing your bags and making a decision to live with, and as a ghost. It is that pathetic and miserable cry of being treated with worthlessness, with disrespect, with an injustice, and having death as a solution. You would get the idea of punishing others with the loss of your life. In the long run, it is a mere childish expression of saying "See what you did? See what I can do? I did not like what you people have done, therefore, I shall make you regret your actions by killing myself? Only later on do you realized how pretty dumb the thought is. It may also be a childish expression that says "There is no more hope. There is no more way for me to live like this? That kind of expression is just a manifestation of futility. As if you were infected by the stomach-bursting alien that you'd have to jump off a lava pit.
            It seems so ironic that it is the men who are major victims of suicide. Ironic that the male of the species are the ones who often brag about machismo and being "strong?as to relate with the idea of being not too affected by emotions. But in reality, men are weaker when faced with emotional shock. Generally, men seldom air out their emotions, so as to keep with a "macho?image. Many of them are just plain homophobic, avoiding being mistaken as gay, that's why they always try to over-act their boyish he-man-dude attitude at full-power. The rest are just plain numb when it comes to emotions. The females, however, usually get to easily talk it out (emotional issues) with their girlfriends, or rather; some of them are just too realistic and just face the bitter episodes life has to offer, without being afraid of losing face. It is easy indeed to talk about emotional problems with lady friends, but whenever I talk about relationships and problems with my guy friends, they usually get sleepy, or would find them giggling on the back of their heads, with the exception of some guys who are mature enough to discuss about romantic relationships.
            Talking about it is one major solution of getting those suicidal pathetic miseries off your mind. Ever since my college days, I would always have that lady best friend that I would spend hours late night at the phone with (or at some hangout), talking about the complicated world of male versus female, the love-hate relationships, and the rituals and behavioral studies man and woman. Ladies are most efficient when it comes to advices about relationship. That is perhaps why we have Tiyay Evelyn, Helen Vela, and a battalion more of girl power icons that give the best advices. There's that old comparison: If one is faced by his own problem which is giving him a hell of difficulty, it is like trying to go through a labyrinth, taking all the turns and the dead-ends. But when one tries to solve another person's problem, it is like trying to solve the labyrinth from the outside, where it is far easier.
            Kill yourself and its over. People often think about killing themselves and imagine how the world will regret about their loss. But what if nobody really cares? Kill yourself and you get nothing. You don't get to see another day. You will no longer get to see a day where you can face the sun and smile like a stoned bee. No matter how desolate and agonizing your life is, you cannot deny the fact that there's always the hope of a new day. 
            It isn't doesn't rain the whole year round. Storms don't last a century. If it does, then at least you lived your life with a little hope. And that little hope is what makes us stronger than those who just give up. It's stupid how many of these people who have been attempting or have successfully committed suicide are so young, when they still have a lot to do with their lives.I got over my brief episode of misery listening to Hatebreed, Alice in Chains (they're both bands), and by watching the classic Schwarzenegger movie "Conan the Barbarian? In the intro of the movie, they quoted Fredreich Neitzche's words "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger?
            The day ended with me not thinking about my problems anymore, but by wishing I had a really, really large sword. Or maybe an axe.

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW
(I am not writing an article as mushy as THIS! I am possessed by the Alien Spies who are out to embarrass and put me to shame. Call NASA. Help. tripxyde@yahoo.com)

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LET'S GET MUSHY & SUICIDAL
(part 2 of 2)
[July 26, 2003]

            The comparison may be a bit funny, but the creepy side of Love and Tragedy is that it's like war. It can traumatize people. It can even make people lose their minds and go psycho. While some may survive the idea of suicide, some would end up sitting on the sidewalk clenching old love letters at their fists, reciting lines from Hallmark cards and unforgettable text messages. If it gets any grimmer, it goes back all over again into contemplating about suicide.Kill yourself and its over. People often think about killing themselves and imagine how the world will regret about their loss. But what if nobody really cares? Kill yourself and you get nothing. You don't get to see another day. You will no longer get to see a day where you can face the sun and smile like a stoned bee. No matter how desolate and agonizing your life is, you cannot deny the fact that there's always the hope of a new day. It isn't doesn't rain the whole year round. Storms don't last a century. If it does, then at least you lived your life with a little hope. And that little hope is what makes us stronger than those who just give up. It's stupid how many of these people who have been attempting or have successfully committed suicide are so young, when they still have a lot to do with their lives.
            These things also mess up, not only our own lives, but also the lives of our loved ones. When you kill yourself, what do you think happens next? People will look at your parents, friends, and family with contempt. They will jump to the conclusion that your mother was a bad mother, that she was negligent of her maternal duties, that she gave you a bad childhood. They will jump to the conclusion that your father beat you up, that he may have abused you as a child, that he may have been always an absentee father. Your family, siblings, friends, wife, loved ones, mentors, guardians, people that have been close to you, they will be looked upon by society with a certain kind of doubt and blame that they may have not done something to have avoided your loss. The people close to you will share the blame of your loss. And once that happens, you can't get back from the grave to convince the world that what you did was not meant to offend your parents, family and friends.
            A person killed himself, and the next day, the number of the lotto ticket on his pocket was the grand prize winning number. This is just a metaphor. But life is like that. Yes, it is sometimes stupid, and yes, life sucks, you can call it and describe it in whatever way you want, but they're all true, no matter how varied and numerous they are. That includes both the goody-goody things about life and the dark dimensions, both falls under the same package that is Life.
            One may fall upon a hopeless situation that makes Greek tragedies pale in comparison. But everybody can start from scratch, and build their way up success. Everybody can wake up to a new day and a makeover. It's like that coffee commercial, where the chick sits on her couch, sips her coffee and smiles, as she narrates how she's making a change with words like "forgive and forget? She doesn't do much in the commercial. But you know very well what she's feeling. The feeling of inner rebirth. It's like evolving into a higher form of specie. You should get over it. If you do, it's like surviving a hurricane. The chick in the commercial (damn she's beautiful) should be the role model of each and every person who is trying to get over a misery of the past. You should kick the "old you?out, along with the unnecessary mush and the disposable senti-Mental-waste matter that has been clogging your way of life.These things are like viruses and bugs that disrupt your day-today system of living. It slows you down. You can't work at office without stopping for a few seconds/minutes and spacing out, having a brief flashback that transcends from beautiful memories of a loved one, up to the scenes where it crumbles into the love story's end (with matching telenovela music). It hinders not only your professional side, but also your social life, into a kind of "Leave Hulk alone!" behavior. You sulk all day, lock up in your room, and secretly talk to the photographs. You get too plagued by this to a point where you can memorize the name of the wrestlers of WWF or the episodes of Scooby Doo, because all you do is stay at home and turn your television into your life-long partner. (In my case, my life-long partner is my PC.) If it gets too bad, get a hobby; load yourself with work, and/or fun. Believe it or not, one of the things I wanted to do in my recent most miserable life chapter was to be a Boxer. It would have been a pretty bodacious idea, not to mention it's a good way to shake off your stress. But then again, I'm not a fighter, I'm a hater. I'm better at quietly mumbling insults than starting fistfights.
            Life is too short, don't make it shorter. The first time I thought of killing myself, was around seven years ago. Ever since that time, many, many things, both good and bad have happened to me. I wouldn't have wanted to miss all those things. Some of them may have been awful, but I learned from them, but many of them were wonderful, which I enjoyed and consumed with great pleasure. If I was extra stupid seven years ago, and I did follow my immature thoughts, I would have missed all those things. And that would have been a tremendous loss. As for me, I've recently had to endure a rabid flu, a virus-stricken PC, a pocket money downfall into being broke, a crappy day job at some office (not on this paper), and the tiresome wait for Episode 3 to finally be shown. Yes, we all have problems. Your problem may be worse than mine. My problems may worsen as time goes by. But this is life. Live it.

(If you're really stubborn about it, then help yourself with my BUTCHER'S KNIFE! Let's see if you have the guts to crack your head open like a watermelon! I am not writing an article as mushy as THIS! I am possessed by the Alien Spies who are out to embarrass and put me to shame. Call NASA. Help. tripxyde@yahoo.com)

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