The Visayas Examiner
Iloilo City

POST-SLACKER ANGST
Write-ups from the column of Reymundo Salao

PIRATA
(March 1, 2002) 

    As we are now adjusting to the advances of the 21^st Century, our government has begun tightening its grip upon pirated CDs. As we all know, the selling of pirated CDs is against the law and it does a whole lot of damage to musicians, artists and filmmakers. Many actors and actresses including Cesar Montano and Assunta De Rossi have recently expressed sentiments that they are glad that the government shall be strict in fully implementing anti-piracy laws in the country. Mall owners in Metro Manila have even made a covenant to ban vendors of pirated CDs. What humored me was Senator Barber’s suggestion that people guilty with piracy should be penalized with the death penalty. He should wake up and smell the coffee, it’s not as if these vendors are hardcore criminals that they deserve such cruel sanction. Maryosep!
    But let us take a few moments to view the other side of the story, let us review why deep in the back of our minds, many of us love pirated CDs. First of all, the Philippines is a relatively poor country, and not everybody here can afford a 21^st Century standard of living. The entertainment industry has evolved into the CD age. Audio and video are now into the CD technology. Initially, the prices of CD have been very expensive. Your standard audio CD costs not less than 250 pesos and video CD, not less than 300 pesos. All of a sudden, living in a standard modern way has become a status symbol. 
    Not until the introduction of pirated CDs. With pirated CDs, people from all walks of life can now, more or less, be able to afford audio and video CDs for as low as half the original price. This also means that your average Filipino can now be exposed to a wider, better selection of brands of music and movies. You’d be surprised how a common tambay could actually be a fan for Enya and the movies of Francis Ford Copolla. 
    The striking feature of piracy lies in the fact that these pirates can produce CDs of freshly-released films. Let us take for example, if the film Star Wars would be officially released in theaters on a Thursday in the U.S., by Saturday (or even as earlier) the average Pinoy can watch it in his own TV via pirated CDs. The setback of it is that the film is oftentimes grainy and blurry. Sometimes, you could even hear or see the voices and shadows of other people in the background. This happens because pirated CDs are filmed by sneaking video cameras inside the movie house, and it is rare to get a clear copy without some disturbances. But as a matter of personal opinion, it may be because of piracy that we can watch Hollywood movies without a long period of delay. Sometimes, our nation is even included in the official release of some major films. Once it has been officially released in the US and Europe, so is it also released in our theaters as well. I personally attribute this to the production companies’ fear of being overtaken by the pirate industry.
    What happens here is that artists and production companies are at a loss whenever piracy is rampant. Pirates are killing off the music industry and the film industry. Weeks ago, there was a moving interview of former stuntman who has now resorted to working as a driver/laborer because there have been no more film projects for him to work on. It is actually quite a pity that he is now losing the craft that he used to be famous for. On the other hand, on an interview of the vendors, one claimed that it is better that they are selling these products instead of resorting on other scams and crimes in order for them to get food on their tables. And claims that they have so many costumers, because the public is happy that they can get their entertainment for a much affordable cost. Although it is a war between capitalists and artists on one side, and the consumer en masse on the other side, law still prohibits piracy. And raids still go on, although never as religiously, but abrupt and spontaneous. So be careful. 

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THE RETURN OF NU107 AND THE STORY OF A LARGE MINORITY
(March 4, 2002)

    About a week ago, a familiar radio station reemerged from a two-year coma into Iloilo’s FM airwaves once more. NU107. Iloilo’s only rock radio. But this time, it is aired via satellite, which means we get NU107 Manila. NU107 Iloilo was pulled off air on 1999; ironically, the station’s fame at the time was beginning to glimmer since it remained as the only reliable A-B type FM Station in the city. And when the announcement came out that it was going to be shutdown, there was a brief but extraordinary event, which happened afterwards, which was the famous “vigil” for the station. NU107 Listeners of all ages gathered and hung out the station on their last week of airing. And on the last day, there was a concert on the bar formerly called “Highway Ten”, wherein the city’s rock enthusiasts gathered on what seemed to be a party of grief. In a way, it was a mere farewell with a bang. That was August 21, 1999.
    During the time, the event seemed to be not as newsworthy because many have dismissed the event as a trivial matter, which they didn’t really understand, since the rock community is an often-misunderstood community. But actually, it indeed was a newsworthy event because it is not exactly an everyday event when flocks of fans unite in groups, for a radio station. For 6 days the NU107 Office at Mabini street was filled with Students, Yuppies, Slackers, Nerds, and Bums which has made the last 6 days of NU107 indeed a virtual vigil. People were making poems, cursing, crying, and meeting people. It was a delightful idea that strangers got to know each other afterwards because of their little unity. It was actually a far cry from what other people perceive rock fanatics to be. All they see is the impression of notoriety and recklessness, and then hypocritically downgrade them as childish anarchists. But here they are, on an unsung event, which was filled with passion, music and poetry.  On the evening, after the very last hour of broadcast, the gig at Highway 10, which was called “Meltdown”, was jampacked with NU107 enthusiasts, and showcased Iloilo’s most radical rock bands. The bar was run out of beer that night. 
    Later, 107.9 did come back on air but it was a completely different radio station. This time, it was a PangMasa Pop Station. Power 107. It angered the formerly regular tuners of the 107.9. The music they were playing were the kind of music that they abhor. The station began to be attacked by crank callers who knew the telephone number of the former rock station. Soon, that telephone number (which was 3374264) was changed.
    For 2 years the rock scene in Iloilo was at an identity crisis. Because of lack of exposure, the new breed of rock enthusiasts were merely followers of commercialized pseudo-rock music, which is hyped-up by jean commercials and movie soundtracks. Nothing more than the kind of over-exposed rubbish MTV has been spoon-feeding the youth of today along with the unintellectual brand of idols like Britney Spears and N’Sync. No wonder kids today are much less subliminal than the young leaders I’ve seen in my time. These kids are also missing out on getting to know radio-worthy local musicians like Cynthia Alexander, Sandwich and Radioactive Sago Project, whose music are never played on the other FM stations. Another rotten effect is that rock gigs have been outrageously questionable lately. Years ago, fraternities have established prominent festival gigs and “battle of the bands”, but which now, “ginbaboy na sang ila mga successors”. The current successors see those gigs as just moneymaking schemes, and lack the discipline of making a good rock gig. They should be a shame to their fraternity. 
    Now I’m quite elated with the return of the rock radio. Though the majority of Iloilo go for pop music, the other side--the minority is just too large. Now, that minority shall be happy, and that minority may even grow. Rock is the brand of music, which is most rich in art. Its passion is subliminal and it’s form aesthetic. If Beethoven and Mozart were musicians on this day and age, they’d be playing their resounding tunes along with musicians like Nine Inch Nails and Joey “Pepe” Smith.  

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BALIKATAN KATO!
(March 6, 2002)

    Let us be honest with one opinion; the arrival of U.S. troops to “aid” in military operations, under the guise of Balikatan, gives a diminishing effect upon the pride and reputation of the Philippines. Sure, 83 percent of the Filipinos under the Social Weather report are in support of the American arrival. But isn’t it possible that the same 83% is the same reason why our nation lacks the sense of nationalistic pride, which could’ve pulled our nation up into prosperity?
    Is American presence here the ONLY solution to solving the Abu Sayyaf problem? Are they claiming that our own soldiers are weak to face the Sayyaf problems?  Do our armies indeed need help? Yes, we could use the advanced technology of the US Army. But technology or not, they even managed to crush the MILF during their raid of Camp Abubakar not so long ago. And the MILF was an army, the Abu Sayyaf is a mere band. Is it because of the rampant rumors of corruption in the military?  Rumors are around that some elements of the military and even government officials aid in the maintenance of these kidnappings, which is obviously turning out to be a financially fruitful trade. Are there any truths to these rumors? Is the root of the Abu Sayyaf problem lie in our very own AFP? If so, then is bringing in the US Army the solution?
    Are they trying to reestablish an American Military base here in the Asia-pacific region? A number of more than 600 troops should be more than enough army to fight a band of kidnappers. If the Americans would stay here, it would slowly diminish our national pride. It is as if we are only confident of matter in our nation because of American presence. We have already deprived our own army with their pride by welcoming armed Americans with open arms. Maryosep!
    Upon allowing American access to the nation, we begin to slowly dependent, we begin to fully kill our Filipino pride and begin to believe that without American support, we are an inutile breed. Maryosep! It is highly understandable to see Americans give aid to war-torn countries like Somalia since these are states, which are in chaos and burdened by a certain degree of being needy. But the Philippines is not in a state of need, not in a state of emergency. It is in a state where it needs more of a cultural, internal development, rather than invitation of foreign troops, which could eventually lead to a kind of colonization, which is enshrouded, by lies and deceit.
    And here comes the Discovery Crusade of the Philippines and their utterly disturbing pro-American protests. I could not believe how such colonial mentality has grown to such a level that these people hail America to the streets and seem to worship them with a kind of begging that only the Americans are the only ones capable to save and run the Philippines. It sometimes makes some of us wish that the Abu Sayyaf could somehow get to kidnap these yankee-lovers.
    Has it not occurred to many the bad reputation of the U.S. in foreign affairs when the military is involved? Are the Americans here to re-establish their bases? Everybody is kept in the dark on this issue. It is as if America is once again bullying us with their own self-interests, trying to tell us when to sit or stand. What can we do for we are a poor nation trying desperately to impress foreign investors? What we only see is their purpose as a tool to fight the Abu Sayaff, but we cannot see the suspicious intentions they may (or may not) have, to satisfy their own interests. In the end, the 84 percent may know only a little less than they expected.  Let’s just hope our president knows what she’s doing.

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ONCE AGAIN, A DIVIDED NATION
(March 8, 2002)

    Seemingly, too much Democracy is dreadful. Once democracy reaches a level where freedom is abused, and the masses end up in mob rule, then its Anarchy. Look at the present state of the nation. Is it anarchy? You have the government, with President Arroyo, leading a supposed-economic development, making changes here and there, changes which oftentimes anger the masses. On the otherside of the wall, is Estrada, running a tactic, which indeed would make the Filipino masses see Erap as the pitiful hero again. His recent actions may look ridiculous to many critics, but his recent “ridiculous” acts can indeed win him back his beloved “masa”. And then, there are the Former friends of Tita Gloria; the politicians, officials, and young intellectuals, and the protesters, who now have begun to hate her for either bringing Bush’s war-maniacs, and for other various issues. 
    Erap’s recent dramatic move has indeed looked like pure showbiz. But his move has a trace of brilliance. The Masses of the Philippines love showbiz, and they always tend to give their sympathy for the “Inaapi”, the pitiful one, as in contrast to the dominant one in power. And because, Erap has never looked so pitifully submissive to a dominant force, this could indeed mobilize the sentiments of the masses. At least, maybe that’s what he hopes for. But it may also seal his doom; his self-incrimination may be dynamic, but suicidal. On the other hand, reliable news sources indicate a rising Pro-Erap faction, planning to topple the Arroyo administration. 
    Then you have Cardinal Sin, who seems to have recently lacked the consciousness to be careful of his own actions. I was halfway between amused and annoyed about his remarks during the mass at the celebration of the Edsa People Power. Apparently, he was again voicing out his political opinions over the pulpit. And then I realize, isn’t it beginning to look like sacrilege? I mean, if you were going there to hear mass, to receive blessings, and hear the word of the Lord, wont you feel a bit offended if the man who is supposed to represent God suddenly talks about political issues, taking one side, and condemning the other? Maryosep tuod! If this worsens, he will begin to look like the Pharisees during Christ’s time, or even Padre Damaso. His close-to-breaking-the-separation-between-church-and-state is beginning to disturb many Catholics. He looks less the Church-leader and more of a figure to be ashamed of. 
    Going up north, you can find a rising New People’s Army. Just recently, a police station at the Samar Province was reportedly attacked by an estimated 250 heavily armed NPAs. A scary number of forces, really. Of course, you’d expect the leftist group to rise in number because the poverty of the masses have also worsened. Also, Tita Glory has seemed to ignore the nation’s agriculture and overfocused upon industrialization. Agriculture is one of our nation’s strengths, yet she has worked upon matters that seem to tarnish her own image to the masses. On a poor man’s point of view, the concept of communism is always heaven. The NPA has always been known as an army that fights for a cause. But what the government has been doing lately seemed to give the NPAs enough cause to continue the fight. 
    Down south, we all are familiar with the Abu Sayyaf. With the presence of meddling Americans, it could also give cause for the MILF to continue their fight as well. With a president that continues to promise Bush the Burnhams, our military is dumbfounded and severely delayed. A hostage crisis is one of the most difficult military operations. The burden of retrieving a hostage unharmed, or alive, is at a high risk. Sooner or later, the president has to make up her mind if she wants to take the risk of killing the Burnhams in encounter, so that we may all see a bloody end for the Abu Sayyaf. 
    And there’s the Joey Marquez-Alma Moreno break-up. Waitaminute! Who cares, really?!!! I don’t know why the media has been focusing upon this lame issue. As if we give a freakin’ damn about their break-up. They actually represent the apathy of the rest of the nation. 
Tita Gloria now seems like a very confused leader, blowing her top, nagakapikon on the opinions of the rebellious students who lambast her on her public/university appearances where she is a guest. Funny, these were the same students present on Edsa 2. Tita Gloria now has this commercial appealing, and calling for national unity. Hmmm….I think I’m hearing a voice somewhere, which says: “Bayaran mo muna ang atraso mo sa amin!”

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WHERE IS YOUR TEENAGE CHILD THIS FRIDAY NIGHT?
(March 15, 2002)

It's Friday and let me just take a time out from talking about my delusional Tita Gloria and white-monkeys-with-guns

    I had a vivid dream last night about what was going to happen this Friday night. Maybe I do have psychotic-psychic capabilities of prophecy. Strangely dope! I could be famous and run for president someday. Anyway, the dream goes…
    Friday night. The final exams are almost over, except maybe for hanging projects and report papers, which could be submitted later on, the worst obstacle this school year is over. As a single and unattached pseudo-bum weirdo, I was with my complex-category friends, out on a Friday evening, being witness to Iloilo's so-called "nitelife". Honestly, most of us are the killjoy types, so this isn't exactly a lovely story about social gatherings. 
    Early on, we were roaming the mall, like the mallrats that we are. There, most of the people around were the simple yuppies and students, the older crowd, mostly fresh from office or school, thanking God it's Friday. There are only a few people there who seem to have plans of going out tonight for a "gimik" or barhopping. It's coz most of the gimik crowd would first bathe in soap n' cologne at home, making sure the gels are sleek and the faces spotless, only to be diva-like or boyband-like before they can present themselves out for the evening. Us…we really don't bother to dress up, we'd be probably picking our noses all night as we watch under-aged flirts, who dress like pornstars, make "pa-cute" to boys with cars. While those typical gimik boys prance around with a showbiz-macho posture, trying to look tough and cute at the same time. 
    Speaking of under-aged flirts, bar/club number 1 was full of them. We were staring in awe at girls who were infants just a year ago, now daringly garb in blouses that seemed like a combination of cellophane and shoestrings. Most of them drink more than we do and even smoke like old engines. OK, so maybe some of us were grinning like wolves while watching them. But then, I slapped myself when I tried to imagine if I would someday have a daughter like that. It was a disturbing thought. Most especially when I saw this little lolita flirt like a hooker to a guy who looked like a clean-shaven Jinggoy Estrada. Maryosep! Da influence of Britney Spears tuod! If this kid were a Marilyn Manson fan, maybe she'd just be home reading poems of Edgar Allan Poe. 
    When we passed by bar/club number 2, it was the same thing. There were also crowds of guys who are just too drunk to be managed by security, that they break into a brawl all because they were confused as to whose celfone was ringing, since their ringtones are all the same (game ka na ba). Me and my friends sprung out the bar immediately, not because of the fight, but because of the music. The awful showband (they all are) was about to begin their next set from a break. 
    By 2 a.m., about a dozen or more kids venture into something forbidden of them on their age. Never knowing things like the future, responsibility, and morality. You know what I meant. Do I sound hypocritically annoying yet? 
    On the other hand, my friends and me proceed at our favorite hangout, which is a net café. There, we are met by our groupies aged 20s to early 30s. And we begin to play pc games like Quake and Red Alert. Call us childish, but who cares? Disco bored us and beer is fattening. I told you we didn't need to bathe in soap n' cologne to go on our gimik.

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