"I feel that I am a citizen of the American dream and that the revolutionary struggle of which I am a part is a struggle against the American nightmare."
- Eldredge Cleaver
"I believe in the brotherhood of all men, but I don't believe in wasting brotherhood on anyone who doesn't want to practice it with me. Brotherhood is a two-way street."
Welcome to the home of Rebel4ce. This is a "fully operational battle station." Watch yourself!
The Rebel4ce page will showcase something different than what the heiero page did. This will highlight a more creative and serious side, while still having fun. I will put up almost all my poetry that I see fit as well as random rants or articles I have written, and will continue to write. I'll keep a semi-regular thoughts page up.
The LOVE page is just that. It has love poetry I have written in the years. Please excuse the cheesiness!!
The LIFE page reflects upon most of the things affecting my life. Whether it contains reflections on my family, friends, school, etc.. these poems cover living.
The SOCIETY page offers some of my thought on certain social, cultural, and political issues facing my community and myself. Pinoy, America, Hip Hop, etc.
The SOUL page offers some samples of my influences: musical, philosophical, humorous, etc.
the MINDGAMES page samples some of my abstract thought and random madness. This will be a treat!
ENJOY!
Many American lives were lost in Bataan. Among them were the fighting Filipino soliders who volunteered their lives for a nation that did not even accept them.
Today, thousands of Filipino veterans live with broken promises... promises broken by the U.S. government.
FILIPINO VETERAN EQUITY NOW!
Please return to the hEIERO gLyPhik page to sign the guestbook. Thank you.
Many of these poems have been published before, in an ongoing community, mini-literary magazine: LACED, intoxicating your minds to another dimension of existence. Please visit this page and support ohter young writers:
December 7, 1999
Some Sort of Foundation
It's some sort of foundation. We're all socialized by the things and the people around us. My family has kept me strong throughout my life. If I hadn't been raised and loved the way I was, I don't know where I would be. At the same time, had I never met the friends I have now, my life would be upside down as well. I dedicate this introspection to my homegirls and homeboys from the hometown.
It's plain and simple. I would not be where I am, or even, who I am today, had I not gone through the most tumultuous times in my life (high school) without these people. We don't really express much admiration for each other, but I felt I couldn't write about life without acknowledging those who helped me form my backbone.
People see me now as the one who will stab at the things others wouldn't see, hence, Rebel4ce. Others also see me as that outgoing person in the spotlight, and comfortable in it. As well, others can see me as a take charge type of person jumps into a role, versus slipping into it. Whether I am any of things, or not, the public image I have reflects on the influence my friends have had on me.
Going into high school, I was scared to do anything , like student council per se, and no one would ever picture me being a leader. But, because my friends were into that type of thing, I found myself doing it also, by my second year. Ever since then, involvement has been second nature. Either if it was a big or small role, I found myself getting involved in issues that mattered to me.
Now, as I am coming to the end of my college career (a few more months down the road) I see my friends completing their journeys as well. Teachers, doctors, MCs, nurses, singers, dancers… etc.. we've accomplished a lot so far. We're all comfortable. Either if we're one quarter away from moving on, or a few years, we're comfortable, and we're growing up.
As I look back on it, there was an easy opportunity for us to lose touch. I was moving up here to the valley, and the others were going their separate ways to their respective colleges and destinations. Actually, we did drift. I can't say we're as close as we were in high school, but we're all different people, and luckily, we've all accepted that.
Over a year ago, I feel that we were still, at times, seen as the same people we were when we graduated. Obviously, we couldn't be, because we were all evolving as people. Instead, when we finally had more chances to talk to each other again, we learned more about the changes, accepted them, and have become closer.
As I sit, on the verge of starting a new part of my life (a few months down the road) I sit and I'm content. I am here, my friends are where they are, and we're moving into the future together.
July 23, 1999
Rest in peace: JFK, Jr. 1960-1999
I haven't been known to worry about Politicians and many public figures revolving around politics as much, but honestly JFK Jr's passing did sadden me. Maybe it's because my mother has a deep admiration for his parents (and leading me to believe that he was not the only person who was named after his father. My first name is John, also.) Maybe it's because his family, especially within his immediate family has gone through so much tragedy that his untimely, and tragic, death is just too much for one family to take. Maybe it's because the media hyped his image up so much.
It's probably a little bit of everything. BUT, as much as I knew about him, I feel that there is a great loss in the country once again. He was achieving something very important in politics and power in general: wide spread appeal. He was a democrat with public service interests, yet he opened the floor to discussion in his non-partisan magazine. He had honest liberal ideals, and yet he was accepted by everyone. He brought integrity to politics without trying to. That's something we have lost in our so-called democracy. Until I learn anything else, I will respect JFK Jr. Not because he was the son of an ex-president, but because of what he represented.
-Rebel4ce