Written February 16, 2010. As we joined the small procession of yellow milling along the streets of Baseco, the first thought that popped into my mind was, "Wow. I'm walking amongst giants." Walking with us were the likes of Eddie Villanueva, Perfecto Yasay and several of the Bangon Pilipinas senatoriables. Their names may or may not be familiar to some Filipinos, but I've long established to myself that they are heroes in my book. I wish I could say that we were walking amidst thousands upon thousands of yellow-clad Bangon Pilipinas supporters, but to say that there were over two hundred of us would be generous. I always get my statistical estimates wrong in these instances, but, in my eyes, there couldn't have been over a hundred of us parading across Baseco Village handing out fliers and screaming out various chants declaring change or pagbangon or the various names of the Bangon Pilipinas candidates. I'm ashamed to admit that I was sort of shrinking back in humiliation at how few we were – especially during situations where we're approaching some of the villagers who had their own strong presidential bets. (One grandma in particular freaked me out when she glared daggers at us saying "Erap kami!". She was looking at us like we were bringing forth some form of evil to her by campaigning for Bro. Eddie and I was pretty sure that she was going to whack us all with her walking cane. I stayed clear of her way thank you very much.) At some point, I began to wonder how the candidates that we were supporting felt. The courage that it took for them to take on this race will always astound me. Bro. Eddie – who's the one I'm most familiar with – won my heart over when I once heard him tearfully admit his hesitancy to once again run for president. Here is one man who has willingly stepped out of his comfort zone – leaving the safe, loving and well-respected environment that he has grown accustomed to – to attempt to lead this country toward the dawn that it has long failed to witness. One would think that he'd be greeted with welcoming arms, admiration or even the slightest bit of respect, but most are barely vaguely familiar with who he is and some – whom I fear for the most – go as far as ridiculing him. As I tried to empathize with the Bangon Pilipinas candidates, and as I watched Kata Inocencio dancing to the groove of Gloc-9's "Eddie Ako!" jingle, it dawned on me that it was an injustice to the people surrounding me to say that I was walking amongst giants. Of course I wasn't. I was walking amongst Davids. I was walking amongst the nameless and the faceless. The underdogs. The ones least expected to make a difference. I was then able to appreciate every person present in that march across that village. There were people of all ages in our small group and I was overwhelmed by their conviction, their passion, but mostly, I was overwhelmed by their faith. From a practical perspective, I have no idea how we're going to win the 2010 elections, but every bit of me is fully convinced that we will win. Because yeah… sure… given the present circumstances, victory seems impossible. The odds stacked against us are, after all, frighteningly gigantic. But just in case you forgot how the story of David and Goliath ended, let me clue you in – David won. And 2010 – our country's Jubilee – is the perfect time for the Davids to win against the Goliaths. Don't you think so? ;)
Standing Amongst Giants
Why I’m Voting for Bro. Eddie and Why I’m Hoping that You Will Too
Disclaimer: When I'm passionate about a certain topic, I tend to speak with such candor and intensity that I come off as pushy, opinionated, and, at times, offensive – thus, diminishing my convincing powers. If at any time while you're reading this post, you feel that I'm coming off as attacking you or pushy or preachy, I apologize. That is not my intent. I do not ask of you to see things the way I see it, although I earnestly hope that you eventually do. I only ask that you open your mind to the message that I am trying to communicate to you, because with all my heart, I believe that this message is crucial for every Filipino to know.
You may already have your own bet for the 2010 Elections.
If it's Bro. Eddie, I send a grateful smile to you because one: that is at least one thing we have in common and two: you are a David throwing a pebble at our country's proverbial Goliath. That pebble is your one precious vote.
If it isn't Bro. Eddie, with all due respect and without any desire to undermine your chosen candidate, I plead with you to reconsider. If you could spare a fraction of your time to read through this article and perhaps allow a little room in your mind and heart to at least seriously consider Bro. Eddie as president, I would highly appreciate it.
If you are undecided who to vote for, then I hope this article will at least give you a new or different perspective of one of the lesser known candidates at the 2010 Presidential Race.
I sincerely pray that after reading this article, you see in him a candidate worth voting for.
Qualifications – Who is Bro. Eddie Villanueva?
For those of you who know him only as "the religious leader who one day decided to run for president" or for those of you who don't know him at all, here's a little background on Bro. Eddie:
- Married to Adoracion "Dory" Villanueva, father of four children.
- Graduate of Bachelor of Science major in Economics and minor in Finance at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
- Taught Economics and Finance at PUP.
- Member of the Board of Regents of PUP for 9 years, wherein his salary as such was entirely given to PUP scholarship fund.
- Has 6 Doctoral Degrees, including Education Management, Philosophy in Humanity, and Divinity.
- Studied law in University of the Philippines but stopped after being imprisoned in the 1970s because of his fight for democracy during Martial Law.
*We have a video presentation that discusses in detail who Bro. Eddie is and why he is qualified to lead this country. Contact me to request a copy.
A Sheep to be Devoured by Wolves
Some are concerned that our corrupt political system – with all the cutthroat "wolves" in it – will only serve to destroy Bro. Eddie.
"We need to place in there someone whom the politicians and military will fear," a friend of mine told me.
Trust me. The politicians already do – well, at least the corrupt ones do.
If Bro. Eddie wins, we will have a president whom they cannot control, a president who will not tolerate evil. It will not totally eliminate their power, but it will greatly diminish it. Who then will they run to when the chief executive official of the country is against them?
Both Bro. Eddie and his family have received many death threats from the moment he decided to run for president back in 2004. Death doesn't faze him or his family.
He cannot be bought. Quoting Bro. Eddie himself, "This world is too poor to buy my convictions and principles." Even as a student activist, he has already declined blank checks dangled before him just so he'd turn away from his fight for the rights of laborers. Money can't shake him.
So really… what do these "wolves" have on him?
Now, there's an issue of the military. The country's president needs the loyalty of the military, or he at least needs to get them to submit to him. I honestly don't know what Bro. Eddie will do to achieve this, but this I know: If we, as this nation's people, stand with Bro. Eddie in prayer and support, then I do not see how the military could refrain from doing the same. Have we not done it before? People Power I.
Anyway, my point here is that standing for what is right doesn't make you weak. In fact, that takes greater courage. It takes greater strength especially when you are surrounded by evil.
If he is the candle brave enough to shed light on the darkness that pervades our political system, should we not help him keep the candle burning? Wouldn't it be foolish for us to blow his light out?
Sheep in Wolf's Clothing
Maybe he's just putting on an act. Maybe deep inside him, he really is just power-hungry and greedy. He isn't satisfied by the comfort brought by being the pastor of JIL. He wants more. And what best way to do that than to be president of the country?
If this is the case, then there are only two things that come to my mind: 1. He is an awesome actor 2. I fear for him, for if that is indeed the content of his heart, he might as well sell his soul to the devil – if he hasn't already.
In reality though, after having heard this man speak, I cannot bring myself to believe that this scenario could be possible.
This is the reason why I urge you to hear him out, to give him a chance. Attend one of his political rallies. If this isn't possible, you can request some material on him from me and I'd be more than willing to source the material for you for free.
Listen to him speak. Try to understand where he is coming from, where his heart is at. At least give this man a chance.
From my point of view, I see in him a man who loves his country, who has a vision of a greater Philippines, and who is willing to live or even give his life for the sake of this nation.
The Kamikaze Mindset
"Voting for him is a waste. Have you seen the recent polls? He couldn't possibly win!"
Oh, the kamikaze argument… Like saying that voting for Bro. Eddie is a suicide vote. We're going to lose, but hey… let's at least lose while fighting! O.O
My friend looked me in the eye and asked me, "Do you honestly believe that Bro. Eddie will win?"
Without batting an eyelash, I replied with all the conviction I could muster, "Of course I do. If he doesn't, I'll most likely cry my eyes out."
Why do I believe that he has a chance? I'm not blind. I can see his measly 2% rating on the polls. Here is my answer:
- I know of thousands upon thousands of people who have already declared that they are going to vote for Bro. Eddie. And not one of them took part in those polls.
- Call it blind faith, but my heart simply can't accept that anyone other than Bro. Eddie could win. I am surrounded by people who share the same sentiment. We are the faceless, the nameless, but voting for him is our way of making sure that we do not go unheard.
- I have several other reasons that I cannot divulge. I don't want a lawsuit filed against me, so to this, my lips are sealed. But trust me. Bro. Eddie definitely has a chance to win. (He'll even have a greater chance if you vote for him! – Sorry. Can't help it.)
He isn't even allowed to vote, but go to one of Bro. Eddie's rallies/campaigns in Manila and you'll probably see him amongst the crowds. Seventeen-year-old Daniel – decked in golden yellow from head to foot, handing out "Eddie Ako" stickers and fliers. I'm pretty certain that if there was such a thing as "Eddie Ako" pants and "Eddie Ako" shoes and socks, he'd be wearing it.
You can see youthful zealousness blazing in his eyes. He can't throw a pebble of his own and make a vote, so he has taken it upon himself to try to convince others to throw their pebbles for him. Here is one person without the right to vote, but is determined to make a difference in this year's elections.
There are many like Daniel, attempting to make a difference where they are and in whatever way they can. I am blessed to have stood among people like him.
Is There Not A Cause?
When I first heard Cindy Jacobs' prophecy about Bro. Eddie's presidency, I was moved to tears – first, by the teary – almost sorrowful – reaction on the face of Bro. Eddie's wife; second, by Jacobs' resounding question: "Is there not a cause?"
We are a generation who wasn't born during our country's "glory days". We are a generation who stood witness to the downward slump of our nation after the repercussions of Martial Law. Stories of the Philippines once being the "Paris of Asia" or being the country with an economy second to Japan are now just that – stories. These stories represent our history, but it seems it would take a miracle for these stories to represent our future.
Is there not a cause? Have we been so used to the corruption, the greed, the hunger for power that has taken over our government, our society that we have ceased to fight for the most fundamental values like truth, justice and integrity? Are we truly helpless?
No. We aren't. The choices we make today shape our future.
I wholeheartedly believe that I am making the right choice by voting for Bro. Eddie. I can introduce you to many people – also voting for Bro. Eddie – and mind you, not only Christian people, but also people of other religions. Ask them why they are voting for Bro. Eddie and I assure you that they can give you an answer with as much conviction as I hope to convey in this article. Can you say the same about your choice?
Jubilee of Jubilees – A Christian Nation
When God changes seasons, He changes kings.
Read the books of I and II Kings, I and II Chronicles in the Bible. You will see that with a righteous King, follows a righteous and blessed Israel. With an unrighteous King, follows… well, let's just say chaos.
I hear you. We aren't a monarchy. We're a democracy! A president isn't as powerful as a king!
That doesn't change the fact that the president is our leader. If change has to start somewhere, why not with our president? Why not with our leader?
If you think that there isn't a soul in the government who will support him, then vote for the rest of the Bangon Pilipinas candidates – Yasay for V.P. and Alonto, Nikabulin, Princesa, Tinsay, Ocampo, Virgines, and Inocencio for senators. That way, Bro. Eddie will have allies! (Sorry again. Can't help it. Campaigning here!)
Getting back on track… a change in season. Why do I believe that this year marks a year when God is changing the "season" in our country?
This year, we are celebrating our country's Jubilee of Jubilees.
March 16, 1521. That date ring a bell? It's the date when the Spaniards "discovered" our country. It is the date that we recognize as the day when Christianity entered the shores of our archipelago.
Count from 1521-2010, and include the year 1521 to your count – that is 490 years. So what, right? It doesn't sound like a very significant number.
Daniel 9:24 speaks of a season – seventy "sevens" to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. Do the math. Seventy multiplied by seven equals 490. Yay! Connection?
This verse (Daniel 9:24) was a word given to Bishop Dan Balais. To cut the long story short, it was impressed to him that we are entering the Philippines' Jubilee of Jubilees.
Every seven years, the year of Jubilee is celebrated. This is a time when debts are cancelled, the sick is healed, there is an outpouring of blessing. It is also a time for repentance and setting our hearts right before God. It is a time when we declare God's goodness and mercy. The Jubilee of Jubilees is the seventieth seven.
I have no idea if all I did was confuse you. Seriously… this sounds so much clearer when Bishop Dan explains it, but I hope you get the gist.
The year 2010 isn't just another year to be lived through and forgotten. It is a turning point. A change in season. The choices we make this year can determine the path that we will go to as a nation. Making the right choice can make as see the dawn of a new day in our country. Making the wrong choice can lead us to destruction.
So make the right choice. How do you make that choice?
A Challenge.
There is only less than two months left until it's already time for the May 10 elections. I end this article with more of a plea than a challenge.
No. I will not plead for you to vote for Bro. Eddie (I've already done that repeatedly). I will not challenge you to vote for him either.
I am tempted to say something poetic like "be guided by the heart, rather than the mind", but no… This isn't my plea.
My plea, my challenge is this: I urge you to pray. Seek God in making this decision. And vote for whoever it is that God will lead for you to vote. If you earnestly ask God to show you His will, I am certain that He will not withhold it from you. Especially at such a time as this.
With that, I conclude this article.
For love of God. For love of country.
Ako ay Pilipino Book Debuts Message of Radical Hope at Ortigas Center Rock Gig
Just received the following email from my fellow Ako Ay Pilipino teammates: Ako ay Pilipino, together with well-loved Pinoy bands clasp hands to bring inspiration through music, poetry, and art that kindle Filipino pride, nationalism, and radical hope on February 2, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at 6UG Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center Pasig City. Enlarged sample spreads from the book will be displayed on huge walls at the concert's hall. There will also be provision of freedom boards to record the participants' messages for the nation. Visit www.akoaypilipinongayon.com or contact Vanessa Vitrano through 0922.832.80.71 or vanessa.vitrano@gmail.com to avail concert tickets at P250/each. That's February 2, 2010, 7:00 p.m. @ 6UG Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center Pasig City. See you there?!
The theme will be "'Mahal Mo Ba Ako?' ~ Pilipinas," a Valentine's celebration that is "makabayan-style." Music artists like Salamin, Hilera, Mayonnaise and Gloc 9 will rev up the place with music that rouses patriotism, hope, and call to action. In between sets, there will be short and crisp previews of what is inside the book "Ako ay Pilipino: Noon at Ngayon" and inspirational challenges from prominent personalities.
The recently published coffee-table book, "Ako ay Pilipino Noon at Ngayon" has been many times praised by its critics (including 700 Club Asia) for conveying a timely message of "why I should be proud of my Identity and Destiny as a Filipino," all done employing cutting edge design and creative non-conventional writing style. The book will soon be released through leading bookstores nationwide.
Masterminds: The Maguindanao Massacre
The Ampatuans' Defense
"We didn't do it, because we weren't there."
And one by one, they give their alibis. One is at the Malacañang rubbing elbows with our oh-so-beloved president. One is a faithful husband standing by his wife as she files her certificate of candidacy. I didn't even really keep track of where the others said they were.
I mean, come on… seriously?! That's their defense?!
Hello… You don't have to be there to become a mastermind to the crime.
What a lame excuse…
Still… the cold reality is that there really is a lack of evidence to prove that they are indeed the perpetuators of the crime unless those who are accusing them come out as valid and reliable witnesses.
Odds are we won't get much answers to those questions until a radical shift of power happens.
That is UNLESS a radical shift of power happens.
Let's just pray the change is for the good. Not just another sad tale gaining dust in our history's bookshelf of infamy.
Ako Ay Pilipino Coffee Table Book
It's not your typical, everyday history book. I promise.
For more info on the book, click on the AAP link here on my blog (between Life Ko 'To – which you might want to join – and J Rev). Can't find the link? C'mon… It's somewhere up there. ^^^
You can also Google "Ako Ay Pilipino Coffee Table Book".
Mabuhay!
Inquiring Minds Want To Know: The Maguindanao Massacre
As of December 5, 2009, GMA declared martial law in Maguindanao. How about that… conspiracy theory is proving to be more than just a theory… oOo Why was it necessary to declare martial law in Maguindanao? The Maguindanao Massacre was a crime committed due to political/clan rivalry (or at least that's what they want us to believe). It is not a revolt against the government. So why is it necessary that the military take control of the regular administration of justice? Here's what they're telling us: Did I mention that the suspects for the Maguindanao Massacre are being charged with rebellion and not multiple counts of murder? Apparently, those arrested under martial law can only be charged with rebellion. My bias against current government is keeping me from looking at things objectively, but I can't help but feel like they're just putting on a big show to get what they want. What scares me the most is the idea of what it is exactly that they want. Reality can sometimes be so much more intriguing than fiction (especially when you allow your paranoia to run with it). oOo What goes around comes around. I watch with bated breath how GMA is gonna wash her hands of this. It's all the more intriguing how "close" the Ampatuans and GMA used to be during the 2004 and 2007 elections… Quoting Gregoria de Jesus: "Fear history, for it respects no secrets." I wonder if GMA trembles whenever she looks back at the history she helped paint. oOo This whole thing is bringing out the cynic in me. Don't get me wrong. I love the Philippines. I just wish we had a better government. I can sum up what I'm feeling over this issue in one word: Grr.Quoting Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde: "It was necessary to quell rebellion that was designed to protect the suspects in the horrible Maguindanao massacre. This is necessary to give justice to the victims of the massacre."
* Okay. There are a group of people in Maguindanao who have decided to rebel against the government in order to protect the Ampatuans? Huh? Connection please?
* How is declaring martial law (designed to override civil law) necessary to give justice to the victims of the massacre?
* You're telling us that it's necessary, but you're not really telling us why. From article "Malacanang says martial law in Maguindanao is necessary to quell rebellion":
PNP General Andy Caro explained that prior to the declaration of martial law, there were private armies in eight municipalities ready to rebel against the government forces.Really? Who are they? Where are they now? What have they done to make the government think that they're about to rebel?
* And why are they rebelling again? To protect the suspects of the Maguindanao Massacre? How was that connection made again?
Apparently the Ampatuans have an uber amount of ammunition and military weapons.
* Wonder how they were able to gather such a vast amount of machinery without the government noticing. So much for national security…
The AFP and PNP forces were having a hard time securing search warrants because the judges in Cotabato went on mass leave.
* Wow. That's allowed? How convenient…
* We're getting the entire "the judges and their families are being threatened" story. Can't the government protect them without declaring martial law?
