The Guardian
Iloilo City

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

THE RETURN OF THE SHOWBIZ POLITICIANS
5-9-03

            Oh no! Here they come! The dreaded things that will consume us all with the doom that they bring forth! The actors-turned-politicians!!! FPJ may be lying low, but here comes Goma with his commercial grin and athletic, media-manufactured “sports-stops-drugs” aura that will serve as his armor that he hopes will take him to the Senate that runs this nation. With a decent (-looking) happy marriage and a healthy family life, he probably hopes to stand out from all the other showbiz personalities-turned-politicians. He probably hopes to convince us all how good a citizen he is. He probably is indeed a good citizen, but for public office? I’d rather see him in a remake of “Super Islaw” or “Tuklaw”, than see him steer the direction of this nation, which needs serious (and continuous) rebuilding. He probably hopes that just because he is openly against drugs, he already deserves the morality brand that he thinks is enough to take him to the Senate.
            Well, it’s not impressive. Fighting drugs, sheesh! Everybody’s already doing THAT, Mr. Goma. Perhaps even drug-running politicians can mask themselves with the pride of being against drugs in public. So what else has he got? His last film was almost a remake of the Rosebud story. Was that impressive? Or maybe perhaps his involvement with national sports activities could be a reliable excuse? He’d probably amass millions from the budget trying to finance the country’s fencing team.
            Sharon Cuneta has also expressed her intentions to campaign for Goma. So I guess it is something for us to be very afraid of. Imagine how many Ate-Shawi fans there are in this country. It’s probably like that scene from Lord of the Rings: Two Towers when Saruman gathers the tens of thousands of Orc hordes for an attack. I can now imagine the many voters, showbiz fanatics, screaming amazons of women and gay who treat showbiz as a theological system, abiding by their masters. And Ate Shawi raises her hand, as if giving Goma powers, siring her into something that deserves the power of a senator. They all bow down. While the rest of us scratch our heads wondering why the hell are they being worshipped, and hailed into public office.
            Time and again, the masses are being fooled by actors and actresses who seek power, and seek a high-paying stable job, like that of public office, trying to avoid the possibility of ending up like Dennis Da Silva, who now lives around the poverty line. Maybe there are indeed few who deserve being leaders. But look at what happened to this country. Time came when we had to endure the infamous President Erap. We’ve had to frown in suspicion at Senator Webb. We’ve been confused at the pointlessness of Senator Jaworski, laughed with pity and disgust at the ridiculous Senator Ramon Revilla, and repulsed at the capitalistic VRB Commissioner Bong Revilla. To add up to the chuckles of disgust, there’s Mayor Lito “Leon Guerrero” Lapid who made a big fuss at last December’s Metro Manila Film Festival, causing a scandal where he insists that his film deserved to be the champ.
            People from showbiz know very well that they have that magnetic charm that draws the sympathies of the Filipino masses. They know that they are like Gods and Goddesses who are adored by the people. Rare is the case here in our country that some actor or actress has complained about the annoying paparazzi and the unstoppable attention of fans. Perhaps it is because they like how the crowd loves them, and perhaps the crowd does know how to love their idols. On the other hand, though, they know that they do not have the will and the built-in resources like wisdom and patience, to efficiently run public office. Yet they run, because they are sure of their success. For them, it is a good gamble.
            And on this gamble, they’re sure that they don’t have much to lose, and everything to gain. That is the problem, though, because when they are in office, it becomes gain, gain, gain. And yes, smile on the camera, look busy, look like a leader, act like a leader, act like what you are doing is indeed for the good of this country.
            In the end, they are nothing more than actors who can be cast at the remake of “Super Islaw”.


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IS "MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION" JUST A FRONT
5-15-03

            "Time is running out for the MILF" says President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Well, actually time HAS ALREADY run out. Siocon and Koronadal have been witnesses of the brutality of this terrorist group hiding behind a revolutionary banner. Revolutionary groups are supposed to be struggling for reforms and must be open-minded about negotiations. But it seems that negotiations are just being used merely to ward off military enforcers, from stopping the banditry and the abuse of the MILF upon civilians. The Abu Sayyaf and the MILF now share the same things, random violence and robbery. In addition, if we count the allegations that the ASG are indeed in league with the MILF, then it is pretty obvious that what we have here is indeed a terrorist group.
            It must have been tricky thinking over the decision to declare the MILF as a "terrorist group" since the name of the group itself connotates the struggle for the "freedom" and the "rights" of the Muslims in Mindanao. It has been, in the past, a name that symbolized an honest cause that one could proudly die for. Although it was all in the past, and although the recent activities of the group have strayed from their true cause, the branding of "Terrorist Group" could upset Muslim Organizations outside the country. It must be focused, however, that the delay in stopping the MILF from their illegal activities costs lives. Innocent lives at that. What is most disturbing is the witness account of the Siocon raid that most of the MILF fighters were children who were being taught the craft of violence by their elder MILF fighters. One witness account described the scene as "like children who were just playing" but their targets are human beings and their ammo is live, and kills. It was the next generation of MILF barbarians who would continue a pointless struggle perhaps for the next twenty years. 
            This violence brought about and intensified by the MILF has already caused enough damage that it is also giving rise to a hostile degree of hate among the Christian communities in Mindanao. We already know of the existence of paramilitary vigilante groups composed by Christians who fight against Muslim oppressors, but with the growing tension and the many Christian children and widows swearing vengeance over dead loved ones, there is always a possibility that it could become a full-fledged religious war. Christians versus Muslims, not just the military and the MILF, but mass discrimination in Mindanao. 
            Take away all the complicated details, and see it in a certain point of view, it could be very simple. First, the MILF has become a bandit group, declaring it a terrorist group takes away all the excuse and revolutionary alibis that they scream for whenever they commit acts of banditry. Secondly, Peace talks and negotiations have been pointless as they were used by the rebels groups just to refuel their resources and rebuild their armies, instead of benevolently solving the crises. If they were indeed sincere in negotiating with the government, why has there been no reform that has taken Mindanao forward? Instead, it got worse, and the barbaric ways of these rebel groups hold as the main factor why Mindanao continues to fall backward. Next, the Armed Forces must be cleaned of any element which could endanger their objectives in enforcing the law. The war will indeed slow down if there are men in uniform who want it to continue this 25-year old conflict. For indeed, to a corrupt Military official, war is money. If there would be peace, the inflow of budget coming in to the Military is low, therefore, low kickbacks. If there are wars, Military budget is high, therefore, new car, new house, trip to Hongkong, tani ma SARS kamo! When the war is over, the money we spend on ordnance (Yudi! I make our Military Hardware sound sophisticated!) and ammunition, could instead be spent on books, medicine, education, research, agriculture. And last, but not the least, declaring an all-out war against the MILF does not mean that it will damage the people of Mindanao. It is already war-torn, why go against a way to end it? Why cry out foul, when all the government wants to do is end the violence? The MILF wants war, give them war. Give them one that would make them regret they ever held a rifle up against a civilian. 

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THE MATRIX
RELOADED & REVEALED
5-22-03

            MATRIX RELOADED is the second installment in the trilogy of THE MATRIX, which was indeed originally intended to be a three-part saga, much like the Star Wars trilogy. Quite incidentally, The Matrix has been branded by many critics as “the new Star Wars”, for it is a film that has become an icon not only in the science-fiction genre but of motion picture history. The first Matrix movie tells of how Neo discovers the truth that the world he lives around him is merely a simulation designed to deceive human beings, turning them into power sources for the ruling A.I.s (Artificial Intelligence) that have, in fact, taken over the world as we know it. And on this sequel, the struggle of the surviving human race continues as Neo unlocks the doors that reveal the answer, the doors that will guide the chosen one to save the human race.
            The story begins with the revelation that the Sentinels, the cybernetic A.I.s programmed to hunt the human rebels, are drilling a tunnel that will lead them to Zion, the remaining human city that exists underground. Desperate to find a means to end the war before the Sentinels could even reach Zion, Morpheus, Trinity and Neo, who is now the chosen one destined to be mankind’s savior, seeks out the Keymaker. They are all brought to a building where there is a room that leads to the source of the Matrix’s system. Once Neo is inside, he discovers the secrets of the Matrix, unraveling the many truths about the past and the future. Ultimately, he has to make a bitter choice, and when he does, the war would only be drawn close. So then, shall we await the Matrix Revolutions.
            I am reminded of one catchy line from the first film, when Morpheus says “Nobody can be told what the Matrix is, you’d have to see it for yourself”. The point of this line holds true for the second film, for there are many secrets revealed and events that get to be understood first-hand as told by the film’s storytelling. To put details on this review would only give out spoilers on the story. The thing about this sequel, though, is its philosophical point of view. The concept of the Matrix carries with it a subliminal message of man’s freewill and the forces that surround this freewill. Matrix Reloaded elaborates upon this concept of man’s freewill with many levels of thought. The concept of choices, which was discussed by Neo and the Oracle, and the other incident that gave drama to the climax. The concept of love and what one risks in the name of it. And the concept that mankind has lived and survived in a society that has to have its freewill, to the point that there must be an inevitable presence of disobedience and hostility. There were even little poetic discourses, when Agent Smith talks about the sense of purpose that Neo took away from him, and the principles of cause and effect as lectured by a new villain. Matrix Reloaded is very thought provoking that paying attention to the storyline was far more interesting than the fight scenes.
            Just because this film has a smart storyline, doesn’t mean that it is dull and lacked action. On the contrary, the fight scenes were numerous and spectacular. To martial arts fans, this film is a delight to watch, more kung-fu and rebel-versus-agent action. Like a double-bladed knife, if Matrix Reloaded doesn’t impress you with its impressive storyline, the action will indeed satisfy. The only problem with Matrix Reloaded is that it has become a victim its own style of filmmaking. Ever since the first Matrix film came out, many, if not almost all, of the action movies tried to copy the unique style, specifically, the ground-breaking “Bullet-time” style of motion picture photography. From “Charlie’s Angels” to “The Transporter”, to “The One”, and even “Shrek”, movies tried so hard to capture the feel of The Matrix. So much so that many of the action scenes seem to be spoofing itself. Spoofing the very style it revolutionized. The use of slow motion and bullet-time didn’t look as impressive anymore. Why? Other films have been using it all too often that seeing the scenes offers nothing new to excite the mind. In addition, the trailers have spoiled the supposedly-exhilarating scene where Agents Smith is able to copy himself, creating instant clones that serve as armies fighting Neo. Surely, the steamy ,sexy scenes will entice viewers, ensuring no moment of boredom. 
            The character of Hugo Weaving, Agent Smith has become a favorite that whenever he goes after Neo, he manages to deliver witty lines that make audiences cheer. Laurence Fishburne was able to have a more elegant fight scene and gets to deliver an inspiring scene that moves the people of Zion. An addition to the Matrix cast, Jada Pinkett-Smith who plays Niobe, a former love interest of Morpheus, doesn’t play a very major role, but keeps us interested perhaps until the third film where we assume that she will have a more prominent role. Keanu Reeves who plays Neo, and Carrie-Anne Moss who play Trinity, as before, did a fine job portraying a more colorful role as their characters have been given more depth and perspective, especially as Neo is torn between the pressure of his duties as “The One” and her love for Trinity.
            Although some opinions may bend to the thought of this film not getting up to the degree and the impact of the first Matrix movie, it still doesn’t lag behind to become disappointing. In fact, Matrix Reloaded fit the satisfaction of the fans. It delivers, like any trilogy, and it is there to await and to pave the way for the movie in its trilogy entirety. So until the next sequel, let us keep ourselves plugged-in. And while we eagerly await for the conclusion to the saga, we’re pretty sure that…

The Matrix has you…

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TOOL, VASSAL, ALLY
5-27-03

            The Philippines is now a "Major Non-NATO Ally" of the USA. I don't know if I should be happy or if I should frown. I mean, sure, I guess it would be so much easier for Overseas Filipino Workers to enter the United States, after all, people often tell me "Maano ka man diri sa Pilipinas?" pertaining to the scarcity of jobs that would provide you with the kind of money that could wealthily raise a family. There is even a large increase in demand for Nurses in the US, that I was told that most of the nurses in our very own hospitals are packing their bags for the "big cities in the big country", leaving us here with our own void for nurses. Maybe it would also be easier for us to get American television, movies, and products. But up to the point of destroying our own local market? To the point that the concept of "Buy Filipino products" is replaced by "Imported na, Barato pa!" I cannot deny that I am also a victim of this negative trait. 
            How can we be fully happy when the declaration of us being a major non-NATO ally of the United States also carries with it its own burden? Keep in mind that the US has so many enemies, both known and unknown, both terrorist enemies and civil enemies. It's like Rome, it's so powerful that everybody is wants to see its downfall, and everybody also knows that one day for sure, there would be an end to its reign. Among these enemies, there are those who often resort to violent, hostile means to get their message thru. Numerous are these means, from a simple system-crashing computer virus, up to a suicide bomber on a plane ready to crash through a government building. And sometimes, one can "deliver" its message thru the allies of the US. Other US allies like Turkey and Israel are well-equipped in handling hostile circumstances, for they have been calloused by the stigma of war for decades now. (I have been told that Israel's MOSSAD intelligence network is far more superior than the CIA) And I'm not talking about the equipment and the training, I'm talking about the military discipline. On the other hand, we have been victims of a very imperfect military system that even now we are bothered by talks of military corruption in Mindanao. If we have had a better military system, maybe Marcos' martial law may have had a different outcome. 
            Come to think of it, if we previously ruled out that having the American Bases in our soil was a bad idea, then this new development in Phil-Am relationship may mean that it has become worse. For becoming a "Major Non-NATO Ally" means US Military Bases…AND MORE…
Whether we'd like it or not, the CIA would definitely have operations here now. The Jemaah Islamiyah, the organization which is suspected to have masterminded the Bali bombing, is surely one target the Intelligence arm of the US is keeping an eye on. Looking again at this, we may also credit that their presence here opens up a possibility that the conflict in Mindanao may be resolved at last. Sure, the United States may have the resources to end it, or at least keep it down. But as always, whenever the US is involved, there is always the suspicion that a scam is going on under our Filipino noses. 
            I'm sure it is something to whine about, but come to think about it, we have ourselves to blame. We have been junkies of Democracy. In the comparison of a junkie, we are down on the ground now, and it is too difficult for us now to stand on our own two feet. We've been too stupid to choose a decent president. We've been too ambitious that even if we don't really know shit, we arrogantly present ourselves to politics because democracy says that anybody can easily be in power, every time the government calls for us for our trust, we reply by going to the streets and waving red flags, and cry foul even if we don't know shit yet, we jump to the conclusion that the administration is pro-rich, anti-poor, without really understanding the why and the what, we abuse our resources, ignore our natural riches, and on top of it all, when it becomes too rampant, we consider it a "natural negative Pinoy trait". 
            Now here comes Uncle Sam, probably he's ready to fix our problems. But there's a price to pay, our national dignity, our national self-esteem, our pride. Between a heavily-tainted Filipino system and the shadowy reputation of the United States, what would you choose? In another point of view, being an ally may also mean, NOT just being a "tuta", but a way for the world to help each other. Yes, one world, nations unite…mabuhay! It sounds like a more awful, more corny version of that song "We are the World". But the desperation of our country is serious. I'm sure many will cry out raising red flags against this development in Phil-Am relations. We are having a very bitter choice to make. But sometimes, we indeed have to eat our pride and see the bigger picture. 

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JABAFILPREX
5-28-03

            In an excerpt of a GMA network interview, ousted President Joseph "Erap" Estrada has expressed and renewed his claim to be still as the President of the Republic of the Philippines. He has claimed that he has been a victim of "mob rule" and he hasn't been properly convicted by the law to be guilty of the impeachment case filed against him. This is actually a big long debate that separates the nation in two. Unfortunately for Arroyo, many of her supporters have lost trust in her. Most especially since talks have reemerged that Arroyo is planning to violate her own announcement last year of not running for the next presidential bid. In a press conference during the President's state visit to the US last week, she was furious with the questions about her interest for 2004. But she never did clearly deny it during this presscon. It seems like she was just waving off the questions rather than just standing her ground and saying "no". If she ever does, it would just clearly mean that our President has no word of honor, she is a president who is capable of lying in front of the Filipino people, capable of taking her own people for fools. 
Sure, she has had many achievements during her short period in power. But when she first assumed office, I was optimistic, perhaps the whole nation was optimistic that she could finally raise the situation of this country. Instead, things have become so wrong to the point that we would need the help of the suspicious Americans for us to survive our own poverty, conflicts, and injustices. To make it worse, PGMA has been trying desperately to enrich her identity, trying to be too conscious of what the people (with shallow impressions) think about her instead of just trying to do her job. Why waste time and money on that "good old days" commercial that only pisses off the citizens of this country. 
            While ERAP was one of the driving voices that have cried out to close the US Bases, on the other hand, PGMA was a Filipina schoolgirl who studied in the US, and now she has been trying to shove her nose in the affairs of the United States, and she did succeed to get US attention and now we are a Major Non-NATO Ally. To staunch nationalists, that translates into "Full-pledged TUTA". In my opinion, yes, I can see the benefits, but it doesn't make me more happy than usual, I don't trust them Yankees that much. ERAP may have had a "stupid" (and may probably ACTUALLY be stupid in real life) but he has been firm in his policies. When Erap announced an all-out war against the MILF, it was a bombardment that intended to seal the fate of the conflict. And it did cripple the MILF. Whereas Arroyo needed the help of tall but lanky GIs to aid our soldiers seal the Mindanao conflict. 
            Erap had a great charisma among the masses. He frequently visited the rural areas and went down to the slums. His showbiz was frequent in TV and radio. His appeal, more than ever, was "pampelikula". On the other hand, I couldn't understand why Arroyo had to stoop down to this level and (obviously) try to contest Erap in the game of "Masa-showbiz". I couldn't understand why she had to let herself be seen feeding a giraffe, scuba diving, and walking beside a "romantic" beach with his presidential hubby Mike Arroyo, who was, if I may add, slapped with money scandals early on during Gloria's reign as president. 
            When Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was first raising her arms in front of the Filipino people in victory over Edsa II, we were all optimistic. Why? Because we knew she was more intelligent than Erap. She was an economist and she was serious in doing her job. She was serious in committing to the goal of pulling the nation out of the doom of poverty. Unlike her nemesis, Erap, she never was an "artista". She was going to get the job done without giving in to the mocks of the masses and to the toxicity of political power. If she does run for 2004, we very well know that she is a JABAFILPREX. Just Another Bad Philippine President.