Eugenio Saddened After Typhoon Yolanda's Onslaught

Below is a repost of an article posted in a micronation's news website written by yours truly:

MARIKINA CITY, Philippines - The Chairperson Ordinary of the State of Ariana, Darwin Eugenio, emotionally expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of Climate Change-enhanced Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

"Diri maupay. (Not good.)" Mr. Eugenio answered in the Waray language when asked about the status of Leyte after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda. (The damages brought by Typhoon Yolanda is immense, according to news agencies.) "My maternal relatives are there. We have no idea what happened to them. Judging the damage reported by reputable news agencies, I believe the houses of my aunts and uncles who live in Tacloban, Palo, and Tolosa suffered the same fate. I hope and pray that they are fine and safe." he added. 

The State of Ariana has no citizens living in the Philippines' Visayas regions. Nevertheless, the state is constantly updating itself on news about the region.

Climate Change Could be a Cause

It is reported that there is a probability that Climate Change may have enhanced the typhoon's power. John Vidal of The Guardian wrote:

As the oceans warm with climate change, there is extra energy in the system. Storms may not be increasing in frequency but Pacific ocean waters are warming faster than expected, and there is a broad scientific consensus that typhoons are now increasing in strength.

Source: The Guardian's Article Regarding Typhoon Haiyan 

The CPO is a firm believer of the fact that Climate Change is happening right now. "The issue is not whether humans are to blame. It is how we will adapt that determines our survival. We must exert all efforts to at least slow it down and mitigate the effects of Climate Change." CPO Eugenio declared in his personal blog. 

The State of Ariana's centrist economic structure also helps in its aim to become the first carbon-zero micronation by 2020. 

Epic Pokemon Music

The above video is a Metal Version of the video game music of a battle against Team Plasma in Pokémon Black and White. It's so epic I believe it should be one of the theme music of my stories, especially the Season 1 series finale "The Siege of Pugmax" (Imperial Stories story arc).

Support Small and Medium Enterprises! Support Local Goods!

Today, my parents and I shopped for groceries at Robinsons' Supermarket in Marikina. Since we used to shop at Makro before it got converted into an SM Hypermart, I forgot that Robinsons' Supermarket offers more choices of Filipino-made products compared to other conglomerate-owned supermarket chains. They sell Arce Dairy products, locally-produced carabao milk, and an assorted array of exclusively-Filipino products such as dried mangoes. 

Yummy Choco Milk!
(Photo by Ramon Velasquez)

Today, I bought a product that seems new to my eyes - PCC Choco Milk made from fresh buffalo's milk (Carabao Milk). This milk is very delicious. Its chocolate flavor is very tasty and is very appealing to chocolate lovers like me. The chocolate flavor is exactly the same flavor used by the now-defunct Nestle-Magnolia Chocolate Milk, a product that I used to buy in Greendale Supermarket in Sto. Nino, Marikina City (current building houses a Save More Supermarket). 

The best thing I thought while consuming this product is that I supported a small and medium enterprise - local Carabao milkers in Nueva Ecija (assisted by the Philippine Carabao Center). 

Maybe its time we try other lesser-known local brands. I myself used to buy Hapee Toothpaste. (I say used since all of our toothpastes are now gifts from overseas friends.) I am also a proud consumer of tablea cacao chocolates (which my relatives in Leyte supplies if there is an abundance of such goods). The bitter it is, the better! 

I hope we can support small and medium enterprises. This will ensure a balanced flow of money for the betterment of our local economy.

On Contemporary Issues (SCL Reaction Paper)

The following content is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License:

Injustice, or should we say, rampant injustice and/or abuse of authority, is a contemporary moral issue we are currently facing. It is defined as either the absence, or the opposite, of justice. It is also tied to corruption; since corrupt minds have the tendency to misjudge between what is right or wrong. Here I shall also tackle a severe form of injustice, human rights violations.As I have observed, injustice was already rampant since ancient times. Even in Biblical times, particularly in the Old Testament, injustice was present even in the Israelite society. In Ecclesiastes 3:16, it says, “I saw under the sun in the place of judgment wickedness, and in the place of justice iniquity.” (Douay-Rheims Version) I have observed that even God’s chosen people were susceptible to being harbingers of injustice. Some Kings of Israel and Kings of Judah were corrupt and disobedient to the Lord. According to tradition, King Manasseh of Judah had the Prophet Isaiah sawn in half. In my opinion, this is an example of injustice as Isaiah wasn’t evil and he didn’t deserve such inhumane treatment. He merely did his job as a prophet. Another example is Naboth’s execution brought by a false accusation. The conspirers were King Ahab of Israel and Jezebel his wife, a Phoenician. Daniel the post-exilic prophet was placed in the lion’s den being innocent, as his opponents manipulated a loophole in the king’s edict to have him imprisoned. Finally, Jesus the very Son of God was crucified despite being sinless. This shows how even Biblical characters, especially the godly pious ones, experienced injustice here on earth. Even until modern times, some people are falsely accused. The United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, admits that statistically 8% to 12% of all state prisoners are either actually or factually innocent. In the Philippines, it is sometimes fairly common to hear innocent prisoners suffering in prison due to a slow justice system.This I have observed. Sometimes, even those who commit petty crimes are viciously tortured to death. This is a clear violation of human rights. Everyone has the right to due process. Justice should be served in the correct way.

I felt pity to them, and I think I could help by raising awareness against the dangers of being falsely convicted. I have also learned that many great thinkers have discussed on this subject, emphasizing human weakness (imperfect mankind) as the common cause of falling into sin. I believe we should strive hard and lessen our blame on our inherent susceptibility to sin. St. Augustine, in his De Libero Arbitrio, states that "All nature in so far as it is nature is good. For if it is incorruptible it is better than a corruptible nature; and if it is corruptible, since in corruption it becomes less good, it without doubt is good. But all nature is corruptible or incorruptible. Consequently all nature is good." I believe there are many root causes in such cases, ranging from human imperfection to pure evil malignant intentions. We should continue to strive and take action, if we can help, against anything that would take away the dignity of the human persons. In 1965, Pope Paul VI’s Pastoral Constitution titled GaudiumEtSpes tackled many things. In Chapter IV, it reads: With integrity and wisdom, they must take action against any form of injustice and tyranny, against arbitrary domination by an individual or a political party and any intolerance. They should dedicate themselves to the service of all with sincerity and fairness, indeed, with the charity and fortitude demanded by political life. 

It is clear that all of us, the Faithful, lay or clergy alike, has a role in being social transformers helping drive out any form of injustice that degrades the dignity of the human person.

Condolences to the late Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Kiram family. Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, the most-known (as there are more claimants) claimant to the Sultanate has recently died last 20 October 2013 due to multiple organ failure. His remains will be flown back to the capital of the Sultanate in Maimbung, Sulu. Condolences to his family. It is very sad to hear that he died without seeing his ancestral domains restored to the possessions of the legal successor of the now-defunct Sulu Sultanate - the Republic of the Philippines.

***

For those unfamiliar with the late Sultan, this is the lead section of his Wikipedia article personally edited by yours truly:

Jamalul Kiram III (16 July 1938 - 20 October 2013) was a claimant Sultan of the Sultanate of Sulu (now part of the Republic of the Philippines). He was an unsuccessful candidate for senator in the 2007 Philippine Elections. Self-described as "the poorest sultan in the world", Kiram revived ^[1] the North Borneo dispute between the Philippines and Malaysia which led to the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff.

EDSA Prayer Vigil? Paano naman ang mga hindi Katoliko?

After the successful August 26 Luneta Park Protests dubbed as a "Million People March" (which unfortunately didn't reach that mark), the organizers are now planning to continue the said demonstrations of public indignation on Wednesday, 11th of September, 2013 at EDSA Highway, Metro Manila. The organizers now want a prayer vigil against the ills of corruption lingering in the Philippine government and society. Sure, this sounds like a good plan. However, I was somehow demoralized after learning that the said rally will be a prayer vigil in front of Our Lady of EDSA. This seems too Catholic-oriented, isn't it? Paano na ang mga Muslim? ang mga Protestante? ang mga Iglesia ni Cristo? ang mga ateista't agnostiko? (What about the Muslims? the Protestants? the INC? the atheists and agnostics?)

I believe it's also due to time to differentiate between secular gatherings and liturgical gatherings. It's also time to stop attaching Catholicism to government issues. We are in a secular society. The Philippines is not a Catholic country (Catholic-majority maybe, but not essentially a Catholic country). They might attack me by saying that they also had a mass during the Aug 26 Protests. I have no problem on the fact that some groups did a mass during the August 26 Luneta Park Protests since it was limited to those who want to participate. I am also not against the prayer vigil per se, but I feel if they really want to "continue" the Million People March, they should not have turned the event into an exclusive prayer vigil.  Just my five cents though (opinion only)....

Saan Napupunta ang Pork Barrel ng mga Senador at Kongresista? (Link)

Nagtataka ba kayo kung saan napupunta ang Pork Barrel ng mga Kongresista noong taong piskal 2012? Huwag na mag-alala sapagkat dahil sa mga kamakailang isyu tungkol sa pag-abuso umano at pangungurakot ng PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) o "Pork Barrel", inilabas na ng Kagawaran ng Pagbabadyet at Pamamahala (Department of Budget and Management, DBM) ang mga detalye ukol sa pinopondohang proyetko ng mga miyembro ng kamara.

Heto ang ugnay (link):

http://pdaf.dbm.gov.ph/index.php?r=Site/District_rep/fy/2012

Syempre, hindi ako lubos na naniniwala na 100% ay ginugol sa mga proyekto. Madali lang mag-doktor ng mga datos, hindi ba? Mehehe.

Maglingkod para sa Bayan, Hindi para sa Bulsa!

"TAYO'Y MAGLINGKOD PARA SA BAYAN, HINDI PARA SA BULSA!" 

- rallying cry of the Chairperson Ordinary of the State of Ariana, His  Eminence,  Darvinos de Mariquina

Today's Verse:

Matthew 20:26 (NIV)...Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

In this verse, Christ lays down the doctrine that men become governors and rulers therein in order that they may serve their constituents, not to gloat in pride and abuse their power. If all rulers would apply this, then there is no need for checks and balances. Unfortunately, we are not living in an ideal world where rules are 100% efficiently imposed. The real world has space for disorder, for broken promises, for evil. 

In the corruption-infested Philippine political arena, the goodness of the righteous government officials is usually overshadowed by the scandalous and horrible iniquities of other (usually higher) government officials. This is one of the reasons why our people have lost faith on the government. They no longer believe that the government can steer this state (country) to progress. "Ikaw ang naiiba 'pag ikaw lang ang matino." (You'll be "different" if you're the one who is righteous) This has been somehow a trend, according to the numerous testimonies of my relatives and friends who were (some are still in the government) once government officials - first hand witnesses to the corruption that shrouds the bureaucracy. The cancer of the society is still eminent in the government. Quoting Asin's famous song "Balita" ("news"), "ginatungan ng mga kabulukan hanggang sa lumago", this is the reason why there is still corruption in the government. Since most of the corruption goes unpunished, hence there is a great lack of deterrents that could have reduced the "growth" of corruption. If we want to clean up the system, then a re-indoctrination should be done on many government officials to remind them that their true duty is to serve the society and not their stomachs.


***
We are lucky that we have PNoy as our President because, in my opinion, he really wants to clean up the government. Unfortunately, his lackeys aren't showing the same vigor in doing so. As time goes by, I even think that PNoy is heavily influenced by his "less righteous" lackeys, resulting in poor and unwise decisions. We shall see....

Mabuhay ang Grupo ng mga Mamamamayang May Malasakit sa Bayan!

Mga Kababayan,

One of the numerous posters rallying the Filipinos to join the
march against PDAF Fund on 26 August 2013.

Ako po ay lubos na sumusuporta sa gagagaping malawakang pulong laban sa Pork Barrel sa Agosto 26, 2013. Sa Luneta at sa Burnham Park, Baguio City gaganapin ang naturang pagkakatipon. Ito na siguro ang pinakamainam na pagkakataon para ipakita natin, mga concerned citizens, ang ating galit na buhat nang kamakailang naibalitang 10 Billion Pork Barrel scam. Sana po ay maipakita natin na sobra na ang katampalasanan sa ating lehislatura at hindi na tayo papayag, oo, tayong mga mamamayan, na magpatuloy ang ganitong kabulukan sa ating gobyerno.

Nagsusulat para sa bayan,
Darvinos de Mariquina

Should I Step Out of My Comfort Zone?

I've been used to writing ideas hoping that one day the theories and guidelines I've formulated would be followed by a government o civic leader. (In my "idealist mode",  clearly reflected in the stories I write, my organization will be the ones who would enact my statutes, ordinances and recommendations.) Today, a different though came upon me. "What if I step out of my comfort zone?" Here are some of the things I would do given the time and resources:

- start volunteering in cleaning up the Manila Bay
- boldly pick-up trash along the streets of City of Manila while wearing an anti-littering placard on my back
- preach to children on the bad effects of littering
- boldly attack illegal loggers but not kill them (using chemical weapons [i.e. molotov cocktails])
- run for SK Chairman (too late na 'ata....)
- join EcoWaste Coalition, Greenpeace Philippines and Tzu Chi Foundation
- if I had 10 Million Pesos, I would adopt an estero and pay unemployed tambays to clean it up with me taking the lead
- if I had 100 Million Pesos, I would fund militant environmental organizations to help suppress illegal logging and illegal mining


Of course, the ones above are simply ideas. I do hope some of them would be fulfilled in the near future, God willing.


- PNK (Pluma ng Kalikasan/Darvinos de Mariquina)

New Theory: Why China Wants to Rise "Again"

China, now the second largest economy by nominal GDP in the world is aiming for greatness once more. Naging bully na rin sila.... dahil kung titignan natin ang kasaysayan, ang Tsina ay sumailalim sa tinatawag na Siglo ng Pagkakapahiya (Century of Humiliation), dahil nakuha ng mga Kanluraning bansa (at nang Hapon noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig) ang marami nilang mga strategic na teritoryo.

Poster calling on Filipinos to boycott Chinese products.
Lifted from: http://dalubhasangpinoy.files.wordpress.com

Ito ang isang dahilan kung bakit talagang tila hagad ang Tsina na makamit muli ang karangalang, na ayon sa kanila, ay nararapat sa kanila. Ito rin, ayon sa pananaw ko, ang dahilan kung bakit gusto itaob ng Tsina ang dominance o paghahari ng mga Kanluraning bansa. Siguro nga mainit ang mata nila sa Pilipinas kasi ang Pilipinas ay ang malapít sa Estados Unidos. (Ang USA ay isa sa mga karibal ng Tsina sa paghahari sa ekonomiya ng daigdig.) Isa pa, malapit lamang ang Pilipinas sa Tsina.

Ano ba ang mga nangyari sa kasaysayan na nagdulot ng ganitong ugali sa Tsina? Abangan sa mga sususnod na sanaysay...

Why I Believe in Benevolent Autocracy (Opinion) [Part 1]

There are many theories of government, each having its own pros and cons. The main categories of government polity according to power source are Confederal, Federal, Hegemony, Imperial, and Unitary, respectively. To make things brief, here is a short explanation of each of the power sources:

• Confederal
• Federal
• Hegemony
• Imperial
• Unitary

My personal preference is a Federal one, led by a benevolent autocracy. What is this benevolent autocracy? Why is it benevolent? Are there non-benevolent monarchies? We shall discuss this in this blog post.

A benevolent autocracy, especially a constitutional one, could be safeguarded from abuse. An abusive monarch cannot simply abuse his subjects without bypassing the safeguards, that is, an independent legislative and judiciary body, not to mention an infallible constitution. 

The Real Reason why we need a Patriotic Autocrat

The New Society movement of Former Philippine Dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos once had the slogan "Sa ikauunlad ng bayan disiplina ang kailangan" (Discipline is needed for the prosperity of the nation.) Despite his downfall, I still admire this slogan and the person(s) who conceived this idea. I think discipline-training towards youngsters should be re-instituted here in the Philippines. Halata naman na may kakulangan na sa disiplina ang mga Pilipino, diba? Kasi nasa ugat na ng ating lipunan ang kawalan ng patriotismo na siyang dapat nag-uudyok sa mga tao na sumunod sa batas. (It's obvious that Filipinos now lack discipline, right? The lack of patriotism, which should of brought forth obedience to the law, is now deeply embedded in our society.)

What should an autocrat do? He should be the embodiment of national identity. A good example, perhaps. "A country without a monarchy is like a body without a soul" says a Russian princess. (Though I only partially agree to that statement, since there are good countries which has a republic form of government. 

Here is a definition of "benevolent autocrat":

The benevolent autocrat sees himself as a superior father figurehere who makes all the important decisions and then convinces his subordinates to go along with them. He may allow some decisions to be made by some subordinates within a framework set by himself. Rewards as well as punishments may be used to 'motivate' people.


The social contract theory, which I adhere to, is a good principle that can help people choose their benevolent autocrat.

[To Be Continued...]

On Plato's Republic

Recently, we were asked to research on the ideals and political philosophies of many great thinkers. Upon learning of Plato's The Republic, I was able to relate myself in one of it's parts, the section tackling a propsed "tripartite class structure". I cite below an excerpt from the Wikipedia article of Plato. Sensya na, nagmamadali. It says:

Plato, through the words of Socrates, asserts that societies have a tripartite class structure corresponding to the appetite/spirit/reason structure of the individual soul. The appetite/spirit/reason stand for different parts of the body. The body parts symbolize the castes of society.

• Productive, which represents the abdomen. (Workers) — the labourers, carpenters, plumbers, masons, merchants, farmers, ranchers, etc. These correspond to the "appetite" part of the soul.
• Protective, which represents the chest. (Warriors or Guardians) — those who are adventurous, strong and brave; in the armed forces. These correspond to the "spirit" part of the soul.
• Governing, which represents the head. (Rulers or Philosopher Kings) — those who are intelligent, rational, self-controlled, in love with wisdom, well suited to make decisions for the community. These correspond to the "reason" part of the soul and are very few.

I believe that I should be part of the governing caste, not because I'm boasting that I'm smart and all that, (no I'm not), but I believe that I love wisdom enough to be part of the "reason" section of the soul. I may not be decisive in some occasions due to some of my psychological backlogs but I believe my ideas (some, if not all) could save this world from Climate Change.

The New Micronation: The Free and Respected State of Ariana

[This article was updated as per the request of a person who no longer wishes to be named.]

I would like to congratulate my friend, Tinyente, for successfully establishing a new Micronation in the Philippines, the Malaya at Ginagalang na Estado ng Ariana (Free and Respected State of Ariana). Unlike some openly fictional micronation, Ariana is different in a sense that it is a "new country experiment" complete with laws and political platforms. Even its laws regarding land claim was designed to follow the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. With this, we are hoping that Ariana would serve as a model for a futuristic government designed to effectively reduce power struggles and corruption.

Signed this  day of 19th June 2013,

Darwin Eugenio

Tagapangulong Pangkalahatan

Malaya at Ginagalang na Estado ng Ariana

Darwin Eugenio's Appointment as Chairperson Ordinary:

Our CPE, [name withheld], appoints the first Chairperson Ordinary of Ariana. He slated Mr Darwin Eugenio as CPO this June 17, 2013 (+8 GMT, +0 PST). Eugenio, the third citizen to be under the fold of Ariana, was appointed Temporary Ambassador of the State of Ariana Thursday last week to facilitate talks with micronations in Asia. The CPE would like to congratulate Mr Eugenio.

For more information regarding the Ariana State, please visit their official website by clicking here.

So I went to Intramuros, Manila last May 25...

Yesterday (25 May 2013) I went to Intramuros, Manila. I came here to see the walled city which served as the seat of the Spanish colonial government in the East Indies during the Spanish Colonial Era (1521 - 1898). This city is aptly named Intramuros, which is Latin for Within the Walls. Here are some pictures taken during the trip:

Me at the Baluarte. I like the "konduktor" apperance.

Fort Nuestra Señora de Guia, now integrated into the 
ace-shaped Baluarte de San Diego 

Baluarte de San Diego Gardens (Ground Level)

Me at the Garden

Golf course in Extramuros (Outside the Walls)

Fort Santiago Moat

Fort Santiago Moat

Philippine Flag inside Fort Santiago Gardens

Me at the Rizal Park

Rizal Shrine (photographed against the light)

Darvinos approves the segregation of garbage inside
Rizal Park.

Bro. Eddie Villanueva Gets Support from Diverse Religious Groups

MANILA, Philippines - Senatorial candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva expressed confidence that he will make it to the top 12 in the senatorial race in the 2013 Philippine midterm elections.

The Bangon Pilipinas candidate, who founded the Christian sect Jesus is Lord Church in 1978, received support from various religious and socio-political organizations. He expressed his earnest gratitude to those who supports his candidacy during his miting de avance which was held at the Quezon City Circle last Saturday, May 11. 

The Journal Online reports that Villanueva's advocacy of pushing for righteous governance topped by eradicating corruption along with policies to make the poor benefit from sustained economic growth are the common goals that unite all sectors that are behind him. “There is unity in diversity,” he said.

Many religious groups showed their support to the Bangon Pilipinas senatorial candidate’s bid. These religious groups who endorsed him yesterday include Members Church of God International, colloquially known as "Ang Dating Daan", and Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ or "Fourth Watch". The leaders of these two Christian sects, namely Bro. Eli Soriano and Arsenio Ferriol, respectively, claim that they believe in the advocacy of the senatorial candidate. Soriano, who leads the independent Dating Daan sect, was reported to have said that he is willing to set aside religious differences in order to promote a peaceful country.

The Catholic Church, whose prelates and other clergymen are allowed to voice out their political preferences, has some clergymen who support Villanueva. "Catholic prelate Ricardo Cardinal Vidal also encouraged Villanueva to pursue his advocacy in the Senate when the two met earlier this year." the Journal Online reports.

Secular associations and groups that endorsed him include the Philippine Hospital Association and the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines and the senior citizens’ group led by former Sen. Eddie Ilarde.

- PNK (Pluma ng Kalikasan), Uploaded May 12, 2013 5:11PM (GMT+8)

A Response to a Malaysian Blogger

Below is my response to a blog article titled "So, Who’s Really Behind the Sabah Invasion?" written by a Malaysian blogger by the pen name of "DM" or "Dakwat Merah".


Interesting read. However, I noticed the following error:
 ---The current incumbent Philippine President is Pres. AQUINO III not "Aroyo" (Arroyo was Aquino's predecessor.)

Also, I would like to humbly state that not all of the Sulu Intruders (Filipinos and the foreign press [or at least, the articles I've read] don't call them terrorists, but this is most likely due to partisan bias) are/were armed. Only some (1) of the "gunmen" were armed with high-calibre guns; the rest were simple armed with bladed weapons. Many Filipinos, I included, were outraged as how the Malaysian press called the group "Sulu gunmen" or "300 armed intruders", which made it appear that all 234 intruders are armed and dangerous.

The second insult to injury was how the Malaysian government forbid Filipino journalists from entering Sabah (2), so our government had to rely on the reports of Najib's government. Kiram III's spokesperson Abraham Idirjani that most (75%) of the intruders/invaders survived the initial airstrike, making it appear that the number of casualties may have been caused by Malaysian friendly fire. Sure, why should we listen to the intruders' spokesperson? But why should Putrajaya ban Filipino journalists from witnessing what's really going on?

The third and latest issue is the alleged "human rights" violations of Malaysian forces against Filipino (or Suluks) living in Sabah. There had been reports of police brutality.
"On March 10, 2013, there have been reports of police brutality committed by Malaysian police officials as part of a crackdown on suspected Kiram supporters, causing mass migration of Malaysian-born Filipinos from Sabah to Sulu.(3) According to a refugee, Malaysian police officials have shot and killed a large number of Filipino civilians regardless of having MyKad and detained many others. Also, it was alleged that those detained were not given proper treatment (4)"

--
Of course, in the spirit of peace and goodwill among my Malay fellowmen, I am declaring that I am not, in any way, a supporter of Kiram III's invasion of Lahad Datu. I truly believe that what he did only angered the Malaysian people especially the Sabahans, making it LESS likely that they will allow the Suluks/Sulu people/Tausugs to rule over them in the unlikely event that Sabah is returned to the Sulu Sultanate (which has yet to fix their succession disupte).

I hope I presented my case clearly. I rest my case.

==
Reference(s):

(1) "Philippines' Aquino calls for talks on Sabah". Agence France Presse. Retrieved 18 March 2013. [URL: http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=70352:philippines-aquino-calls-for-talks-on-sabah&Itemid=2] [URL 2 http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-aquino-calls-talks-sabah-080626445.html]

(2) http://globalnation.inquirer.net/68755/ph-journalists-banned-in-sabah-for-misreporting-situation

(3) ph.news.yahoo.com/400-filipinos-flee-sabah-190655550.html

(4) http://ph.news.yahoo.com/were-treated-animals-filipinos-sabah-070003929.html

Arguments in my Mind

My mind is very mysterious. You may look at me, observe my speech and behaviour but in reality, there is a me, an ideal me, hidden beneath my mind. It supports me, gives me good advice ("Do not be anxious about little things...") and is the most rational me you will ever see. Unfortunately, it is hidden beneath the ruling emotional king. The rational me is humble, caring and loving. It would give me good arguments, but since it is hidden deep, it would give me the right thing to say or the right idea too late. It can act perfectly, as if I have no problems, but my emotions overrule it's edicts.

Sometimes I act without thinking, and this rational me would try to stop me from doing something foolish but alas, too late. In my literary works, this Rational Me, cunning but sometimes cold, is Darvinos de Mariquina. Learn more by entering my mind repository, so that even in my death I will never be misjudged. Here it is: darvinos.weebly.com

Climate Justice - an Excellent Idea but Hard to Achieve (Part 1)

As elections in the Philippines draws closer, many candidates are now busy presenting their respective platform to the voting populace. I said "many" because not all politicians or would-be politicians are presenting their platforms. Sometimes their "platforms" are not even platforms at all but merely "dreams" about a better nation.

While I was sitting around in our ancestral house located in the Paliparan suburb of Marikina City, supporters of a candidate for city councilor handed out flyers listing his platforms. This candidate, a local celebrity named Arvin "Tado" Jimenez, is a member of the Sanlakas (lit. "One strength") progressive political bloc and of the Partido Lakas ng Masa (Filipino for "Party of the Laboring Masses"). Here are some of their platforms:

"The party aims to mobilize and lead the masses in their protest against the capitalist system and present the socialist solution against it. It campaigns for immediate economic and political reforms including the:

• Nationalization of the basic industries and services (electricity, oil and water)

• Provision of basic needs of the masses (land, decent housing, education, jobs, and health)

• Establishment of a genuine government of the masses"

Its candidates can also add some of their agendas as long as it doesn't run contrary to the general platform of the party, or at least, that's how I assume it after reading Tado's platform regarding "Climate Justice". This platform aims to extract justice, climate justice, against those who contributed to the disastrous Climate Change. It seeks to attain justice for the victims of Climate Change.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Wanted: Motivation

Motivation - it's the urge that makes people be productive. I could use a dose of it now. I hope I can finish the things I'm writing for this blog as they're still in my drafts folder. 

- Darvinos

Anyone Can Dream, Right?

Ever since my views on environmentalism radically sprung up when I was a child, I had been eager to lead a chosen group of people to become my fellow eco-warriors. After finding out that there are numerous environmental groups, I became interested in joining them. I tried joining Greenpeace, but to join them one must have a Metrobank ATM account with at least 500 pesos worth of savings. They made me an "online" activist and enlisted my name in the thousands of persons receiving emails from Greenpeace to sign certain petitions. Although this is a good way to start one's environmentalism, I am still yearning to advise and share my ideas on perfect environmentalism to governments and various institutions. I believe that environmentalism starts at home, and what better way for that to begin by influencing and coercing such ideas using the government (especially it's education department). 

I think I am humble enough to admit that I really want to volunteer in cleaning up waterways and/or segregating municipal garbage. As expected, most rich (and feeling rich) people wouldn't dare volunteer in doing such a benevolent act. I would proudly volunteer! Remember, a good leader is also a good servant! Even Christ the Lord came to serve! Who are we to be greater than Christ? Is not the Lord higher than us, the servants?  

Anyone can dream too, right? So I present to you a tweet from the Official Gazette:

Note: This tweet is fake. 

It would be a great honor for me, a servant of this government, if that tweet would someday be a reality. Someday... by hard work coupled with excellence, we shall achieve our goals with the help of God!

Buhay pa ang Imperyo Romano!

The Roman Empire - Still Alive and Kicking

Alam ko na ang karamihan ng mga Pilipino ay hindi likas na interesado sa pag-aaral ng kasaysayan, lalo na sa kasaysayang Europeo. Ang mga estudyante, kadalasan, ay nababagot lamang sa estilo ng pagtuturo ng mga guro ng Historia/Kasaysayan. Minsan kahit gaano pa ka-interesante ang mga paksang tinalakay ay makalilimutan parin ito ng mga estudyante pagkatapos ng taon o semestre. 

Deretsuhan tayo. Nang tinalakay sa inyo ang kasaysayan ng Imperyo Romano, naging interesante ba ito sa inyo? Ano ba ang naalala niyo? Natitiyak ko na itinuro sa inyo na ang pinakadakilang imperyo sa Europa ay tuluyang gumuho noong 476AD. Sigurado ako na binanggit sa inyo na ang Imperyo Bizantino ang siyang nagpatuloy ng kabihasnang Romano (Imperyo Romano) hanggang 1453AD. (I-click ang ugnay na ito para sa iba pang detalye. Pwede rin ang ugnay na ito.)

Ang Imperyo Romano (kanluran at silangan) noong 460AD.

Naniniwala ako na buhay pa ang Imperyo Romano - o sa ibang sentido, ang Kabihasnang Romano. Ito'y sumasa atin parin sa ibang porma. The Roman Empire manifests itself as the Roman Catholic Church! How? Totoo ba?

Halos isang siglo bago tuluyang gumuho ang Kanlurang Imperyo Romano, hinati ni emperador Diocletian ang imperyo sa apat na bahagi (Tetrakiya). Noong 306AD, naging Cesar (isang titulo na mas mababa sa Augusto) si Constantino. (Upang hindi maging mahaba at nakababagot ang pagtalakay, hindi ko na babasahin ang mahabang kwento kung paano siya naging Augusto/Emperador ng buong Imperyo). 

Pagkatapos nang Labanan sa Verona noong 312AD, tuluyan nang gumuho ang rebelyon ni Maxentius, isa sa mga katunggali ni Constantino sa trono. Hindi katulad sa popular na "Battle of Milvian Bridge" na kung saan nakakita umano ng pangitain sa langit ang emperador, ang Labanan sa Verona ang siyang nagdikta ng kinalabasan ng digmaang Constantino vs Maxentius. Narito ang isang akademikong artikulo na nagtatalakay dito: (Akin ang salungguhit)

Persecution and civil war 

The Roman Empire had been plagued with civil wars throughout much of the previous century, although some stability was restored under the efficient, militarily skilful, yet deeply superstitious Diocletian (c. 244-311 ad). One aspect of his rule was the Great Persecution of Christians, a result of his religious conservatism. This occurred in various waves between 303-311, but was entirely counter-productive and disliked even among pagans. A more positive element of his reign was the creation of the Tetrarchy, or Rule of Four, with the empire divided into east and west, each governed by an Augustus and a Caesar (his deputy and appointed successor). This provided a more bureaucratic, yet stable form of government, at least for a time. It was both the Great Persecution and the Tetrarchic system, however, that sowed the seeds of conflict that led to the civil war between Constantine and Maxentius, both of whom had fathers in the Tetrarchy, yet sought sole power for themselves in the Western Empire. Maxentius adhered to the traditional polytheistic rites demanded of Roman leaders. Yet Constantine took an interest in Christianity, perhaps from an early age, and was possibly further inspired by the heroism described of the 'martyrs' created during Diocletian's persecutions, individuals famously lauded and their lives embellished in later centuries. But what made Constantine's victory in this civil war decisive for Christianity was not his own beliefs, which have been argued over for centuries, but simply the financial support, respectability and privileges he granted the fledgling Church and its clergy as a result of his success. It never looked back. 

The battle of the Milvian Bridge in October 312 has attained legendary status as the moment when the Emperor Constantine secured the future of Christianity in Europe. But the real turning point, argues Michael Mulryan, took place a few months earlier.  

[Sanggunian: Mulryan, M. (2012). Victory at Verona. History Today, 62(11), 18-22.]

Matapos makuha ng emperador ang suporta ng mga umanoy "Kristiyanong" obispo, naging maimpluwensiya ang emperador sa pamamalakad ng simabahan. Nang maging Obispo ng Roma si Sylvester (Sylvestre) noong 314AD, nagsimula ang isang malawalang pagbabago sa Iglesia. Mula sa dating mga hinirang na mahihirap sa sanlibutan, naging samahan ng mga may kapangyarihan at prestihiyoso ang Iglesia Unibersal, na paglaon, naging Simbahang Katoliko. 

Narito ang isang akawnt ng mga pangyayari: (emphasis added)

In 314 A.D., Emperor Constantine crowned Silvester as Bishop of Rome. Silvester lived in luxury, with servants waiting on him. Constantine confessed his sins to Silvester and asked for his advice. Silvester presided over worldwide Church councils. He had a splendid palace and a sumptuous cathedral. He had power, prestige, wealth, pomp, and the favor of the Emperor. 

Churchmen wore purple robes, reflecting the purple of Constantine's court. That was an external change. The most important change was an internal one. The Church took on the mentality of Rome. Under Silvester, the internal structure of the Church took on the form and practice and pomp of Rome. 

Silvester died in December, 336 A.D. He died peacefully, in a clean, comfortable bed, in the Roman Lateran Palace. He died surrounded by well dressed bishops and priests, and attended by Roman guards. His body was dressed in ceremonial robes, put in an elegant casket, and carried through the streets of Rome in a solemn procession. He was buried with honor and ceremony, attended by the cream of Roman society and by the Roman people.

Sapagka't kinuha na ng Simbahang Katoliko ang anyo ng Imperyo, masasabing ito na rin ang siyang naging "Imperyo" noong Gitnang Panahon. Ayon kay Collins (2002):

It is amazing how much power the Roman Catholic Church gained in less than a century. Constantine had promoted the Church by giving it special benefits. But Theodosius forced people to become Catholics by imposing harsh punishments on anybody who disagreed with the Bishop of Rome. Constantine had asked for advice from Bishop Silvester. But Theodosius obeyed orders given by Bishop Ambrose.

Hindi na siguro nakapagtataka kung bakit naisipan hatiin ni Emperador Theodosius ang Imperyo Romano at ipamana sa dalawa niyang anak. Nakapagtataka rin ang desisyon nila (siya at si Constantine na nauna sa kaniya) na manirahan na lamang sa Constantinople at iwanan na lang sa Papa ang mga palasyo sa Roma. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang Imperyo Bizantino ay hindi na itinuring na Imperyo Romano nang mga Kanluraning Europeo. Nang bumagsak ang Kanlurang Imperyo noong 476AD (o 480AD), ang Simbahang Katoliko na ang siyang nagpatuloy ng administrasyong sibil sa buong Kanlurang Europa.

Mismong si Pope Boniface VIII (naghari 1294 - 1303) ang nagsabing "Ako si Cesar! Ako ang emperador!" ("I am Caesar! I am Emperor") (Penn, 2007) Hindi lamang iyon, ang mga Papa sa Roma noong Gitnang Panahon ay masasabing mas makapangyarihan pa sa mga hari, emperador at mga iba't ibang royalty (mahal na tao). Naghari rin ang mga Papa sa Roma sa Roma at mga kalapit na rehiyon (tignan ang kasaysayan ng "Papal States'' o Estado ng Simbahan). Pati mga naabot ng Simbahan ay hinati sa mga diyosesis o "diocese" at iba pang mga probinsyang eklesiastikal na base sa mga probinsya ng Imperyo Romano. Pati ang titulong "Pontifex Maximus" na hawak dati ng mga Emperador ng Roma ay isang titulo na rin ng Santo Papa.

Kaya naniniwala ako na hanggat mayroon pang Papa sa Roma na naghahari, ang Imperyo Romano ay sumasa atin parin bilang Simbahang Katoliko.

Solve the Succession Crisis in Sulu First

Being a Wikipedia editor trying to improve the entries of both the Sultanate of Sulu and of its lists of sultans, I have noticed that there are numerous claimants to the throne, each claiming to be the "legitimate" claimant. Nearly all of the claimants are descendants of Sultan Esmail Kiram I who ruled from (1950 - 1974). A distinctive "division" occurred after Datu Punjungan Kiram was stripped of his title. Because he fled from the Philippines shortly before President Marcos declared Marial Law, his nephew succeeded him and was crowned as Sultan in 1974.

The Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines published this genealogical chart.

I have realized that there are numerous claimants to the Sulu Sultanate. Oo. Napakaraming nag-aangkin ng trono ng Kasultanan ng Sulu (Sultanato ng Sulu). Ito'y buhat nang mapatalsik sa trono si Sultan Jamalul Kiram I noong panahong Amerikano. Dahil dito ang mga inapo nang Sultan ang hinirang bilang mga tagapagmana ng trono. Ngunit sa paglaon ng panahon, dumami ang mga nagaangkin sa trono dahil sa kawalan ng maayos na sistemang tatalakay sa paraan ng pagmamana ng trono.

Ever since the beginning of the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff perpetrated by Filipino intruders led by Raja Muda (Crown Prince) Agbimuddin Kiram, my interest in learning more about the historical Sulu Sultanate began. I learned that Jamalul Kiram III was actually proclaimed as "interim sultan" by the elders of the sultanate after the untimely death of Marcos-proclaimed Sultan Mahakuttah Kiram (reigned 1974-1984). Although Sultan Mahakuttah had a formal successor by the name of Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram, the latter failed to ascend to the throne because of his age. (Sadly, he was 20 years old by the time his father died. A sultan can only be crowned if he is above 21 years old. Sayang! So close....) After Raja Muda Muedzul became eligible to the throne, his uncle Jamalul Kiram III refused to abdicate the throne - causing a rift between the two sultans.

Jamalul Kiram III, the son of former crown prince Datu Punjungan Kiram, boldly sent his own appointed Raja Muda to occupy Lahad Datu. Although I consider this as a "temporary" re-conquest of Sabah, his method of forcibly occupying the village was somehow too much. If I were the sultan, I would have left the village a day after Malaysia's deadline. This is to show (and prove) that

• the intentions of Sultan Kiram III is peaceful
• the Sultan has around 300 armed and unarmed "Royal Security Forces" ready to fight for their rights if provoked
• the Sultan is now ready to re-assert their territorial claim to Sabah

However, Kiram III's firmness in not leaving Malaysia would soon irritate and infuriate his Malaysian enemies. Instead of the people of Sabah being (or potentially being) good friends of the Sultan, the subsequent skirmishes and gun battles angered the people of Malaysia.

What if Kiram III did succeed in retaking Sabah? What about the other claimants to the throne like Muedzul Kiram and Fuad Kiram? Is the Sulu Sultanate ready to reemerge from obscurity? The answer to the last question, in my opinion, is a big NO.

The Sulu Sultanate has yet to fix their internal issues first before rising once more as a political entity (hopefully under the Republic of the Philippines). The rift between Jamalul Kiram III (and his coregent Esmail Kiram II), Fuad Kiram and Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram must first be mended before they try to reassert their territorial rights. How can other nations look at you as a sovereign state if your sultanate is divided?

I certainly believe a referendum sponsored by the Philippine government should be held to finish this succession crisis once and for all. Also, the current PH Constitution should be amended to allow the Sultan to be legally recognized as well. (The current PH constitution does not allow any PH citizen to hold a title of nobility.) If the Sultanate's leadership crisis is solved, it would allow it to rise once more. Behold the Royal Sultanate of Sulu Dar al-Islam!

Nature reveals the Wisdom of God!

Being a nature lover made me realize how "coincidentally" perfect nature is. I grew up in a religious family, but not your ordinary mainstream religious family. The religion my parents adhere to uses logic and reason in their beliefs. Unlike most modern-day religions which focus on the "ritualistic" and traditional side of their respective liturgies, the Church of God International is a virtual theology university as their members receive new lessons regarding Biblical truth every service. Biblical topics range from the mystery of the death of Christ to the mystery of prayers done in secret. 

Anyway, after reading an article on how wasps disinfect cockroaches before devouring them. My interest in nature sparked once more! Once again, this shows that even the most  hated "useless" creatures of nature is important for a perfectly balanced ecosystem. Then I remembered an article I read in Scientific American, which discusses the importance of a balanced bacterial ecosystem in our body. See that? Even many species of bacteria, stereotyped to be the bad guys of the world, are useful. The same scientific article admitted that too much use of antibiotics literally wiped out this delicate ecological balance, weakening mankind's own immune system. Man's inferior knowledge of this fact ultimately led to the weakening of his own immune system. More examples of mankind's foolishness led to the extinction of the dodo bird, the depletion of wild rhino populations, the destruction of natural habitat for "development" (f*ck development!) Listening to the wisdom of God would have prevented similar catastrophes:

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: (1 Tim 4:4 KJV)

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31, emphasis added)

I wish to expound more on this topic but I have little time today. But here's a final question: Do you think God specifically designed some of the beautiful creatures of this world? After seeing this gallery, I think so.

Rizal, North Borneo, and the Sultan of Sulu (Part 2)

In the first part of my blog, I revealed a startling possibility. What if Jose Rizal's plan to set up a Filipino community in North Borneo succeeded? Let's finish this topic: 

Rizal, the "Hero of the Malay Race" had planned to transfer his fellowmen from Calamba, Laguna to North Borneo, British Empire. This is to uplift his fellowmen from extreme poverty at the hands of the of the religious Dominicans and Spanish governors. (Much of the Philippines back then was still a Spanish colony.) Assuming that 90% of the townsfolk moved to North Borneo, there would probably be 100,000 Filipinos in North Borneo today. (The author has failed to find statistical data on the population of Calamba during Rizal's time.) 

Rizal was an able and progressive-minded leader. (Capino et al., 1995) His project in North Borneo would had saved his fellow Filipinos from hunger and persecutions. Indeed, the British were economically better colonizers than the Spanish. Rizal himself said in a letter dated February 23, 1892: “if it is impossible for me to give my country liberty. I should like to give it at least to these noble countrymen of mine in other lands” 

Having a large number of Filipinos in Sabah because of Rizal's North Borneo project would have a tremendous influence on the Manila Accord (1963 Agreement) which is in accordance to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1541. In the said agreement, the people of Sabah themselves decided to join Malaysia rather than the Sulu Sultanate of the Philippines. If the Rizalian plan succeeded, then it is likely (not 100% sure) that the people in Sabah opted to join the Philippines instead. Sabah would had been part of the Philippines and would be a prosperous province of it.

Conclusion

I do not want to disappoint or to offend anyone, but what I have presented here is a probable, though hypothetical situation. History cannot be changed, folks. What I presented was meant for increase awareness of the connection between Rizal, North Borneo and the Sultan of Sulu. Right now, if the people of Sabah, though ethnically related to Filipinos, is happy to be part of Malaysia, then let them stay in Malaysia. We are all Malays. History proves that even Manila used to be a Malay state called "Kota Seludong" (lit. Seludong City) I do not close the possibility that one day Sabah will also be open to Filipinos as well, this might happen. Who knows? My opinion is that the Sulu Sultanate should be transformed into a multinational state subject to both the Federation of Malaysia and of the Republic of the Philippines. This would probably end the dispute of the sovereignty over North Borneo. Until then, let there be peace. To my Malaysian reader, Selamat sejahtera!