Touch me not

I think it is very wrong for the CCP officials to blame the media for the outrage of the public over the “controversial” art show. Just as artists have ‘creative’ freedom, the media has the freedom to express its opinion as well. 

In the history of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, this is, however, the very first time it has positioned itself in such a squabble. You know, people of all races and all creeds are very sensitive when it comes to issues concerning religion. A regular conversation about religious beliefs can easily bring a friendly talk into a debate, discussion developing into agitation and possibly conflict. So, the CCP officials for that matter should be very responsible in making decisions when putting up exhibits, producing plays or any forms of art for the public.

But enough of this, CCP’s tradition and culture have always brought beautiful and classic plays and exhibits inspiring the youth and adult alike. In fact, last Friday, I saw the musical Noli Me Tangere along with 350 third year high school students from O.B. Montessori Center. Cris Villongco was the perfect Maria Clara and her partner Giancarlo Magdangal played the part of Crisostomo Ibarra superbly. The musical play was directed by Audie Gemora. Ryan Cayabyab was the composer and arranger while the libretto was written by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera. The exquisite costumes were designed by another National Artist Salvador Bernal. 

I found myself recalling the story I first read when I was in high school. This musical brought to life the story in my mind. It transported me back to the Spanish Era that very period when the Philippines was under the rule of Spain. It depicted the Philippine society as diseased. It covered an array of socio-political issues that are very much relevant and have remained untouchable so to speak in the present times.

I love how Rizal’s brilliance was able to interplay our nemesis, our idiosyncrasies and our dreams into this book. How he was able to use Maria Clara to symbolize our country the Philippines and how Ibarra so much loved his country and was willing to die for it. How Maria Clara knowing she was the daughter of the prelate Padre Damaso (who represented Spain) sacrificed her love for Ibarra to enter the convent. At first she was to marry Spain (in the figure of a Spaniard) but decided to enter the convent (the Catholic Church) and marry God. Thus, our history was later coined in a phrase: “500 years in a convent, 50 years in Hollywood.”

We know that Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) is a social satire which Rizal used as an instrument to stir the hearts of the Filipinos to fight the ills of society during his time (circa 1500s). Today, it is unfortunate that we continue to live that culture and tradition. I hope P-Noy can lead us finally into another direction. He must bring his top government officials to watch the play so they can be inspired to work for our country with noble words and deeds. The Church (or the CBCP) must also invite all clergymen to watch the play. They should recall how bad their reputations were then and possibly help them reflect on how they can better their ways today. It is about time that they throw out the bad and bring in the new!

Wow! If you are a very patriotic and nationalistic person, this play can be a tear-jerker. I hope more people will have the opportunity to watch it. It is a very good and refreshing reminder for us.

What an excellent tribute to the author, our national hero, Jose Rizal. Congratulations to the makers and the shakers of this play. Job well done!

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Weeks ago, I wrote about the plight of our senior citizens and how we should respect the elderly. A significant number from this group are the war veterans. Republic Act No. 7696, an act amending certain sections of RA 6948 otherwise known as “an Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and their Dependents” and enacted into law in 1994 reiterated the benefits due to a war veteran from pension rates to additional benefits. To date, war veterans many of whom are over 85 years old and are either bedridden or on a wheelchair receive only P5,000 pension a month. Although they get free medical consultation with a medical specialist and free surgery, (when needed), they still need to pay for their medications aside from personal amenities. 

Do you truly think that P5,000 will suffice? These war veterans fought for our country. They are the living reminders of World War II. Their very wounds and sorrows are proofs to justify why they deserve to be treated well. We need to give them a more dignified life. Our money is just going down the drain with corruption here and there and everywhere. Why can’t we support these war veterans who contributed to the building of this nation? 

I ask P-Noy to look closely into the matter. I cannot bear to see them falling in line from morning to nighttime in the hospitals, in the banks — trying to collect anything they can in order to survive. Let us give them and all Filipinos the dignity to live.

Apparently there are many hanging questions (and anomalies in our minds) about the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (or PVAO) pension funds. Whatever happened to the PVAO administrators who were charged for malversation of P43 million PVAO funds? Surely, we have many government agencies with similar cases. In other words, why is the money not going to the people who rightfully deserve it? How will P-Noy resolve the many stories of government corruption? Has he started improving the systems within the bureaucracy?

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) plays an important role in achieving the government’s reform agenda in improving the veterans’ quality of life, a fitting gratitude to the sacrifices they have made to bring peace, freedom and democracy to our country. I hope its officials will be true to this commitment and will continue to work untiringly in re-engineering systems, simplifying procedures and streamlining processes for an effective and efficient delivery of service to the veterans.

The creation of the Anti-Fixer Action Group and the Anti-Fraud Section should hopefully put a stop to the business of ‘fixers’ who have exploited pensioners and claimants in the past. If the procedures are working which apparently still needs some overhauling, perhaps other government offices where ‘fixers’ are rampant should start working on improving and tightening their ‘balance and control’ systems to at the very least, lessen corruption.

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P-Noy during the Araw ng Kagitingan in April of this year said, “We are eternally grateful to our Filipino veterans who, spurred by their immense love for our country, have bravely fought for our national freedom.” 

Time is of essence for our veterans, Mr. President. I hope you can uplift their spirits from their sorrows and miseries. My father wrote a poem entitled, Ave Triumphator. It reminds us of the heroism of soldiers who fought in battle. Let us never forget them. They have given this country pride and honor:

“That day, all hearts were flushed with hope,

The valiant too the arm,

A lightning thrust... The foe was hurled.

All back, in dread alarmed.

You honored them, as thou should have,

And honored him, full well,

That man who stood before the wheel,

When all thy fortunes fell.

The man whose name inspired the rest,

Roused up the dying men,

The wounded heard his clarion call,

And raised themselves again.”