THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE

Manny Pacquiao: Boxer, Congressman and Celebrity

By Gel Santos Relos

(Asian Journal, February 19, 2011)

 

In the increasingly competitive airwaves and consciousness space in the United States, especially in the middle of news about the recession, the turmoil in the Middle East, and the seemingly never-ending election cycles, an ordinary person needs to have done something totally brilliant heroic act, or a totally insane or unusual feat, to enjoy his or her 15-minutes of fame. Or, he or she can be a superstar—a celebrity of world status, and his every move or word gets followed and becomes news.

 

The events and headlines of the past weeks --- yes, even of mainstream media--- is testament to the fact that our Pambansang Kamao, the best pound for pound boxer of the world and Congressman of Saranggani in the Philippines—Manny Pacquiao—has indeed achieved the superstar celebrity status.

 

MTV Cribs featuring Manny Pacquiao has gone viral.  It shows Manny touring the viewers himself in almost every nook and cranny of his beautiful mansion in Los Angeles. This video has been watched and commented on not only by his kababayans and fans but by foes and even detractors among kapwa Filipinos as well.

 

The Pacman flew back to the United States last February 8 to promote his upcoming fight with Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on May 7. The press welcomed him with open arms, never left him and continued to churn stories about his visit.

The media went gaga over  his new ‘do—bouncy and long and layered and very much like the hairstyle of no less than the crush ng bayan among tweens—Justin Bieber (or is like the Beatles’?)! The Wallstreet Journal ran an article entitled, “Manny Pacquiao Returns—Sporting a Bieber”. Examiner.com wasn’t as friendly, stating “If President Aquino doesn't declare Pacquiao hair disaster area, Obama must”.

Even in our own daily newscast “Balitang America” on The Filipino Channel, people have been buzzing about the ‘do! 57% of our viewers say the Bieber cut is no good for Pacquiao, stating he is no pop star but a boxing champion and a Congressman. 43% give the Pacman their thumbs up, saying Pacquiao is not just a serious boxer—he is also a big personality that can rock a big hairstyle!

 

Salons have been wanting to cash in on Pacquaio’s ‘do, even on his new goatee. He has definitely spread his influence beyond the boxing arena—he has conquered the fashion world as well.

 

But  Manny Pacquiao surely delivered a knock out punch in Washington DC when he was welcomed by no less than Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and by President Barack Obama.

Reid introduced the Pacman to his colleagues on the Senate floor not only as Congressman Manny Pacquaio but also as a “friend” and “citizen of the world”. He openly expressed his gratitude for Pacquiao for his endorsement which helped Reid get re-elected in Nevada in the past midterm election. This welcome was highlighted by an exchange of flags between the two politicians.

 

"I try not to bother the president, but I bothered him on this occasion because I felt that the president should acknowledge this man and the enthusiasm that people here in America have for him," Reid was quoted by National Public Radio in its published article “Manny Pacquiao: Boxer Who Packs A Political Punch”.  The article discussed Pacquiao the Congressman and Public Servant---it even ran a caption that ran a Lennox Lewis quote, “The influence of boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines has been compared to Nelson Mandela's.”

 

After his visit to the State capitol, Reid brought Pacquiao to meet with Obama in the White House where Congressman Pacquiao had a closed door luncheon with Reid and Obama.The Washington Times via the Associated Press reported that “the Filipino boxing sensation was crossing the street near the White House when several drivers, trying to snap photos of Pacquiao with cell phones, caused a multicar pileup.”

 

Pacquiao’s publicist Fred Sternburg further told  the Associated Press that the eight division world champion “posed with Obama for several photos, including a boxing pose, in the Oval Office.The President gave him three grocery bags full of light blue M&M’s with the presidential seal, along with a watch adorned with the seal, and said he hopes to someday visit the Philippines.”

 

Even CNN followed Pacquiao in this sojourn and ran the story “Manny Pacquaio Takes On Washington”. “Quite a force in US politics”, the story said, and Reid’s inviting Pacquiao to Capitol Hill and the White House was “payback time”.  It underscored how the Pacquiao endorsement helped Reid win during a tough re-election bid. The report highlighted  Pacquiao’s influence on the Filipino-Americans (80,000 strong in Nevada) catapulted Reid to victory with a margin of 30,000 votes over Republican  challenger Sharron Angle.

 

The CNN report said Reid’s gratitude and appreciation may go beyond a public “thank you”, and lead the story to Pacquiao’s elected position in the Philippines as a Congressman. And it sure had—with Harry Reid the Senate Majority Leader, arranging the meeting between Obama and Pacquiao.

 

Whether you love or hate Manny Pacquiao and the celebrity status he has earned through the years, I can only agree with his promoter Bob Arum. Manny Pacquiao has now built a strong tie with  no less than  the Senate Majority Leader himself. Who knows how this can  help the Philippines’ causes in the future? And whether you agree or disagree with Manny meddling in US politics, Pacquiao has just shown the United States that the Filipino vote is a force to reckon with.

 

Where Are The Youth?

By Gel Santos Relos

(Asian Journal, Feb 16, 17, 18, 2011)

 

History has proven time and again, that it is the youth who propels history to move forward. Their very rebellious nature, their seeming “illusions” of invincibility, and their fearless idealism are society’s impetus to change and renders the status quo to become part of history.

 

The revolution in Egypt was made possible by restless young Egyptians, who comprise 60% of the Egyptian population. Emboldened by the success of protests in the small country of Tunisia, the young people of Egypt believed that their people, who have had five thousand years of civilization must have the same, if not  more strength to topple down Hosni Mubarak’s almost thirty years of dictatorship.

 

They believed, and they made it happen. And now, the idea of change has rippled to other countries in the region -- protests in Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, and Yemen are now in full force. They, too, are  fighting for freedom and democracy. 

 

This is the same spirit which fueled the fire in our youth during the “First Quarter Storm” in the 70s, compelling then Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos to declare Martial Law and legitimize his grip on power. 

 

This was also the same fearlessness that the youth of the 80s displayed,  when they filled the streets of EDSA with People Power in 1986, leading to the ouster of  Pres. Marcos.

 

Nature gives the youth the gift of energy, through their young and seemingly indefatigable bodies. Their fearlessness and courage  are drawn from a lack of prescience which one can only learn when one has been there, done that, and has paid the price of the consequences of these adventures and misadventures. 

 

Many people start this way—they are brimming with idealism, driven by passion and the belief that anything and everything is possible, and that they can change and save the world. And then...somewhere along the way, many of them lose the vision. They grow up.

 

Growing up means getting a job, possibly getting married and raising families. They realize they need to pay rent, pay for groceries, send the kids to school. They realize that if they push for their ideals and ideals alone, they may lose their source of living, and so they learn to compromise. 

 

Some of them rationalize that it will be better for them to fight a flawed system by being complacent. Some start by thinking they can change the system by joining in---but many of them get eaten up and overtaken by the very system they were fighting against when then they were younger. For many, their responsibilities to their families now take precedence over their dream to change the world; for some, the "rewards" of being part of the powerful "elite" few become too much to resist.

 

The same sentiments were echoed by the older men and women in Egypt who joined their kids and other young people  who are determined to face fear head on. Some parents interviewed in the streets of Cairo and in Liberation Square even blamed themselves for not doing anything in the past thirty years to end Mubarak’s regime. They said they have been very busy providing for their families. But the young protesters re-ignited their sense of responsibility to become part of the movement to make change to happen.

 

This also happened during the 1986 People Power in the Philippines. Young and old, men and women, single  and married with families—they all came together and heeded the call for change,  despite the  impending danger they were about to face.  But it was the youth who first took the risk in not only initiating the call for change, but in responding to the call as the young Egyptians did in Cairo.And the same is happening now in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, and in many parts of the region.

 

We 've seen change happen in different periods throughout our history.  And history can still repeat itself and taunt us to heed the call of our generation. 

 

That same call has been echoed in Jose Rizal's novel, El Filibusterismo and has been inscribed at the base of the “Oblation” in the University of the Philippines, Diliman campus:

 

 "Where are the youth who will consecrate their golden hours, their illusions and their enthusiasm to the welfare of their native land? Where are the youth who will generously pour out their blood to wash away so much shame, so much crime, so much abomination? Pure and spotless must the victim be that the sacrifice may be acceptable, Where are you, Oh youth, who will embody in yourselves the vigor of life that has left our veins, the purity of ideas that has contaminated in our brains, the fire of enthusiasm that has been quenched in our hearts? We await, Oh youth, come, for we await you!"

 

Issues of the Heart

By Gel Santos Relos

(Asian Journal, February 12, 2011)

 

Since it's Valentine's weekend, allow me to set aside the burning issues of the moment, to yield to the issues of the heart. 

 

After all, it is a big issue that one in two marriages now end in divorce, and that more and more couples choose to live together without the bond of marriage —the very right that same sex couples continue to fight for.

 

The reasons why many couples divorce or separate are complex: external factors like the recession, money problems, cultural differences are some of them. 

 

However, we also see a growing number of couples who separate just because many of them do not feel the same passion for their spouse as the day they first fell in love. They conclude that they are no longer in love so what’s the use of staying and continuing the charade?

 

I think that this is the root cause why marriages fail—couples contract this sacred covenant with different sets of expectations and different definitions of the word commitment. With divorce as an option, it also seems that they enter the state of being ‘married” with one foot at the door.

I have been blessed to be married for 27 years now, to the same man. My parents just celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary as well. I have also had the privilege of meeting other couples who have been together for decades, for a quarter of a century, even half a century—sounds really long right? But those are very long hard fought years.

 

Many think those who stay married for a long time are either martyrs or are just perfectly compatible. Yes and no. Yes, they are martyrs because there are a lot of challenges when one abandons singlehood  and no—because not all those who manage to stay together only have happy days—no fighting, no arguments, no walking out. 

 

The truth is, many of those who are still together have fought hard to stay together. They've  had numerous arguments about anything and everything. They've probably even erred, and walked away, but somehow found their way back. 

 

How can there be no fights or arguments when we have two different people coming together to build a family? Each has his or her own unresolved issues, yet both are forging a union to build a new unit—a family. 

 

Author Scott Peck wrote brilliantly about this issue in his book “The Road Less Traveled.” He said that when two people fall in love, ego boundaries collapse. It is so easy for lovers to overlook flaws, downplay differences, and believe with all their hearts and all their minds that they can do everything together. 

 

Biologically and naturally Peck said this “ego boundaries” need to collapse at least during the start of  the marriage so the couple can come together, build a family. This is also what we call the “honeymoon period.”

 

When the honeymoon period is over—which is typically after the second year, more or less—what happens next? The adrenalin rush is gone. Hearts do not beat fast anymore. Couples do not feel the excitement and electricity they used to feel. Flaws and differences become noticeable and they fall out of love.  

 

Scott Peck says the moment a couple falls out of love and still decides to stay together is the moment they really love—because they begin to do the loving act  based on their commitment to the marriage instead of  their instinct or that bio-chemically induced state of being in love. 

 

This is the beginning of truly living the vows professed in marriage—“For better or worse, in richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” Sadly, this is also the time when many couples these days give up and walk away.  They are only fueled by their addiction to the “falling in love.” When the excitement of young love dissipates and the real hard work begins, they jump ship and look for a new love.

 

I do not suggest that ALL couples should stay together. There are married couples who just made a mistake—getting married too soon, without really getting to know each other well first and not really knowing whom they are committing themselves to. 

 

There are also those who find themselves in an unfortunate situation, where they become victims of spousal abuse. 

 

One romantic comedy that I really love is the Michelle Pfeiffer-Bruce Willis starrer  “The Story of Us.” Their is a line in the movie which says, “Marriage is like a dance, you need to practice and practice with one partner until you perfect it.” 

 

A marriage bonded by a strong friendship can still work if the husband and wife are willing to commit to make it work, even “after the love is gone.” When they are dedicated and committed enough to the marriage, love is re-ignited.

 

There will be cycles of passion and that loving feeling but if you hold on long enough, you will be thankful to have stayed with your husband and wife.

 

How beautiful it is to grow old with your best friend—your husband or wife, your partner for  life. In the dusk of your lives, you will still be holding hands as you talk about all the moments you created, all the memories you made and shared and  all the challenges and struggles you’ve overcome together, through the years.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Technology as Catalyst for Social Change

By Gel Santo Relos

(Asian Journal, February 9, 10, 11, 2011)

 

What used to be science fiction or an episode of “Twilight Zone” in a previous generation is now a reality--- modern technology, particularly the internet and the mobile phone, have radically changed the way we live, think and communicate. 

 

The internet and smart phone technology have  not only changed our culture -- they also shaped the history of  the world in the past ten years. Marshall McLuhan was right---“the medium is the message.” He was also prophetic for predicting the “world wide web” almost 30 years ago, before it was invented. 

 

The internet has collapsed the invisible wall which has separated us from one another. It has allowed a  free exchange of ideas and the sharing of information. 

 

In the world wide web, the way we create, send, receive and share information has become more complex and dynamic  -- roles change by the minute and information is shared almost instantaneously by millions of people at any given point. 

 

An idea, emotion or sentiment is no longer owned by one person the moment it is shared through the internet. An agenda is no longer  exclusive to a ruling party, a television station or an organization.

 

Oliver Wendell Holmes said," One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." This is our reality now. Such sharing of information has revolutionized not only what we know but how we know what we know. 

 

Moreover, how we process this new information alters the way we perceive, confront and respond to everyday realities and challenges in life. Who we were before the internet revolution is not who we are now.

 

The internet revolution serves as a catalyst in unseating dictators,  overthrowing governments and getting candidates elected -- creating a new world order. It has broken down trade barriers and opened the floodgates of commerce to people from different parts of  the world. 

 

It has leaked what used to be classified information, altering diplomatic relations among  nations. What used to be trade secrets have led to new inventions and new discoveries.

 

 

The world wide web has also dramatically changed how we, as human beings, communicate with one another. Long lost family and friends are found; relationships rediscovered.  Status updates, tweets and blogs enable us to virtually know many things about each other  regardless of location. 

 

The irony is that this process of re-connecting with our network of family and friends has made us feel more comfortable in communicating with them via texting, tweeting, blogging of Facebook updates, instead of actual face-to-face interactions. 

 

But then again , to some, this is the closest they can get to human contact. For them, it is a much better alternative to wallowing in isolation and depression. 

 

Cognizant of the power and  capabilities of the internet and smart phone technology, we have also harnessed its potential in the discussion of matters of  faith, religion and spirituality.  Inspirational and religious tweets, blogs and articles are shared. Religious issues and dogmas are discussed and debated on by people of different countries and religions.

 

Going one step further, the Catholic Church in the United States has also tapped the capabilities of the internet in renewing faith among non-practicing Catholics --  an iPhone app has been sanctioned by the Church to help Catholics go through confession. 

 

Reuters reports that "Confession: A Roman Catholic App" walks Catholics through the sacrament and contains what the company behind the program describes as a "personalized examination of conscience for each user."

 

This move  was made in response to Pope Benedict XVI's World Communications Address on Jan. 24, which  emphasized the importance of a Christian presence in the digital world. 

 

According to Patrick Leinen of the three-man company Little iApps, which is based in South Bend, Indiana, their desire  "is to invite Catholics to engage in their faith through digital technology." 

 

Reuters reported that the content of the app was developed with the help of Reverend Thomas Weinandy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Reverend Dan Scheidt, pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, Indiana. 

The Bishops clarified that the  app is not designed to replace going to confession, but to help Catholics through the act, which generally involves admitting sins to a priest in a confessional booth. Catholics are still required to go to a priest for absolution.(The Pope has banned the app but sales of app continues, though as a guide)

 

This “confession” app is yet another way we have changed the way we interact.  There are lawyers, doctors, teachers, even relationship sites online.  

 

"The power of the internet has made it almost impossible for us not to use it to our advantage, even to older generations who are not as tech-savvy.  It  has become a  helpful tool to our human existence -- enabling us to instill positive changes in ourselves  and in our children, for a better world."

Remembering EDSA People Power in Egypt’s Uprising

By Gel Santos Relos

Since January 25, thousands of Egyptians have relentlessly protested on the streets, demanding the end to the almost 30-year dictatorship of President Hosni Mubarak. 

Despite the curfew and threat of arrest, the fearless people of Egypt continued on with their demonstrations, especially after the Egyptian government cut off internet and telecommunications access.

                  
                   People Power, Philippines, 1986

 

The videos and pictures coming in from Egypt remind us so much of our own experience in February of 1986--- people protesting in the streets, tanks and soldiers and police in the scene, a dictator who showed no signs of stepping down. Fortunately for us, the Philippine People Power Revolution was bloodless --  fought with prayers, rosaries, flowers and food. In Egypt, at least 100 people have been shot dead with many more injured.

 

                            

                              Philippines, 1986

                             

                               Egypt, 2011           

                 

                            

                               Philippines, 1986

                      
                         Egypt, 2011

 

Like our own experience in 1986, looters took advantage of the situation. We witnessed how angry protesters stormed Malacanang after hearing news that the Marcoses have fled the country. The Palace was vandalized and looted by people who vented out their rage and frustration in a destructive way, some for economic reasons.

                      

 

In Egypt, many young civilians formed a shield around the museum in Cairo to protect ancient artifacts--- relics and antiquities of Egypt’s history for thousand of years were guarded. Thankfully, most of the damage done by looters so far were on the gift shop as of press time. But many affluent neighborhoods have not been spared from theft and destruction, as police could no longer contain the chaos and anarchy that have ensued.

 

Filipinos during the 1986 EDSA revolution and Egyptians protesting today share the same goal---to overthrow a leadership that has circumvented the law and  violated the rights of its citizens in order to hold on to power, as the quality of life in the country continues to spiral downward.

 

After thirty years, the Egyptian people’s anger and frustration reached a tipping point, after seeing what was recently achieved in Tunisia. The Egyptians realized that they no longer needed Mubarak’s dictatorship— that they could actually do something to get the government that they deserve.

 

Our own People Power happened before the advent of the internet access and social media. Yet, our people were united at that time when Marcos had control of almost all forms of mass media. We did not enjoy free speech back then. We took the cue from June Keithley, when she broadcasted from Radio Veritas and from an undisclosed location, guiding us on what to do next in our quest for democracy.

 

The same hunger for freedom and true democracy fueled the people of Egypt. And so from January 25 up to the time this article is being written, more and more people joined the protests, with the internet and social media, like Facebook and Twitter, acting as catalysts. Their fight is also shared and supported by people from all over the world to shake Mubarak’s leadership. The military has made its stand to respect the rights of people to protest.

 

It was no longer a matter of if, but when Mubarak would step down as President. His wife and sons have fled the country and are now in the UK. However,   as of press time, he has not made any public announcement that he would give in to the demands of the Egyptian people. Instead, he  offered to deliver reforms in government, starting with the appointment of his intelligence chief.

                                    

Reminiscent of how President Cory Aquino became the unifying figure  of the EDSA People Power Revolution, it became a question as to who can become Mubarak's successor. Now, Egyptian opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohamed ElBaradei has joined the protesters in Cairo and has declared that “change is coming to Egypt.”He  urged the United states to withdraw its support for Mubarak. "You can't run a country on repression, detention, torture, lack of economic opportunity for 30 years," ElBaradei said. "I have been warning that for many years. Many others have been seeing the painting on the wall."

 

The Egyptians and their allies have criticized the Obama administration for not being strong in its denouncement of Mubarak’s leadership. It will be recalled that Obama gave a speech in Egypt on the importance of protecting and upholding democratic principles. Filipinos are asking when Obama would intervene as Reagan did, which paved the way for Marcos' departure.

                

 

The United States, however, has been walking on a tightrope on this issue. Mubarak has been a strong partner of America for three decades now with its support for Israel, and in keeping stability in the region. 

Looking at the bigger picture, analysts say the US has to make sure there will be a smooth transition of power and that the one who will take over as President should continue to run Egypt such that it will continue to take on its current role in the region.

          

 

The drama that has unfolded in Egypt has also far-reaching consequences on the global economy. Egypt is strategically located along the Suez Canal, where vessels that ship oil pass. Many gas pipelines also pass through Egypt. Already, gas prices have spiked in the past week, and if the problems in Egypt are not resolved soon, gas prices would increase even more.

 

 

As I write this piece, it has been reported that with the recent pressure and nudging from President Obama, Mubarak has announced that neither he nor his run will run for reelection. The question is--will this be enough for the people of Egypt and the members of the opposition? Will they continue their protest until Mubarak has stepped down?

 

                                 

 

Observers say this development in Egypt may very well happen as well in other countries in the region.  Change surely is  coming, and along with it--resistance from some, scarficies for many. And the nagging question, what's going to happen next?

 

May the lessons of the 1986 People Power revolution  and what is going on in Tunisia and Egypt help us appreciate and nurture what the generations before us have fought for and won with their blood, sweat and tears --  so that we may live free.