A SOCIAL CONTRACT WITH THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

THE PLATFORM OF SENATOR BENIGNO “NOYNOY” S. AQUINO III

simple pdf version || one-page version for printing

A National Leadership in Need of Transformational Change

• Its legitimacy is under question;
• It persecutes those who expose the truth about its illegitimacy and corruption;
• It stays in power by corrupting individuals and institutions;
• It confuses the people with half-truths and outright lies;
• It rewards, rather than punishes, wrongdoing;
• It offers no lasting solutions for the many problems of the country;
• It weakens the democratic institutions that hold our leaders accountable.
• It hinders our local governments from delivering basic services;
• It has no vision of governance beyond political survival and self- enrichment.

A People Crying out for Change

• Corruption robs our children of their protection, nutrition and education.
• Corruption destroys our families and communities.
• Corruption steals from our farmers and workers.
• Corruption deters businessmen from investing in our economy.
• This has eroded our spirit as individuals, as communities, as a people.
• We have lost trust in the democratic institutions we so courageously re-established after the dictatorship.
• Our proven capacity for collective outrage and righteous resistance has been weakened.
• We have ceased to depend on the patriotism and civic engagement that used to animate many of our efforts.
• We have become divided and alienated, focusing only on ourselves and on our individual pursuits.
• Our moral faculties as a people have been paralyzed.
• We have retreated into a dark world of self-absorption and cynicism. Our collective despair has reached its lowest point.

Then finally, the gift of Light

Cory Aquino passed on to the next life. From our sadness, we awakened to a shaft of light cutting through the darkness. She left the

Filipinos a legacy of selfless love for country and people. Filipinos’ connection with each other was rekindled.

In death, she enabled us to hope again for decent government. The millions who connected with Cory at her funeral represented something more than euphoria, sentiment or transient emotions. They represented the reverent memory of a good leader in the past and the firm hope of having a similarly good leader in the future.

A People’s Campaign of Renewed Hope…

• Anchored on Ninoy’s and Cory’s legacy of change through the ways of democracy
• Embraces the qualities of integrity, humility and trust-worthiness in public leadership
• Recognizes the absence of these qualities in government as a major cause of widespread poverty, misery and despair.

The Vision for the Philippines:

A country with…

1. A re-awakened sense of right and wrong, through the living examples of our highest leaders;

2. An organized and widely-shared rapid expansion of our economy through a government dedicated to honing and mobilizing our people’s skills and energies as well as the responsible harnessing of our natural resources;

3. A collective belief that doing the right thing does not only make sense morally, but translates into economic value as well;

4. Public institutions rebuilt on the strong solidarity of our society and its communities.

Our Mission:

We will start to make these changes first in ourselves—by doing the right things, by giving value to excellence and integrity and rejecting mediocrity and dishonesty, and by giving priority to others over ourselves.

We will make these changes across many aspects of our national life.

A Commitment to Transformational Leadership:

1. From a President who tolerates corruption  to a President who is the nation’s first and most determined fighter of corruption.

2. From a government that merely conjures economic growth statistics that our people know to be unreal  to a government that prioritizes jobs that empower the people and provide them with opportunities to rise above poverty.

3. From relegating education to just one of many concerns  to making education the central strategy for investing in our people, reducing poverty and building national competitiveness.

4. From treating health as just another area for political patronage  to recognizing the advancement and protection of public health, which includes responsible parenthood, as key measures of good governance.

5. From justice that money and connections can buy  to a truly impartial system of institutions that deliver equal justice to rich or poor.

Economy

6. From government policies influenced by well-connected private interests  to a leadership that executes all the laws of the land with impartiality and decisiveness.

7. From treating the rural economy as just a source of problems, to recognizing farms and rural enterprises as vital to achieving food security and more equitable economic growth, worthy of re-investment for sustained productivity.

8. From government anti-poverty programs that instill a dole-out mentality  to well-considered programs that build capacity and create opportunity among the poor and the marginalized in the country.

9. From a government that dampens private initiative and enterprise  to a government that creates conditions conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private businesses, big, medium and small.

10. From a government that treats its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families  to a government that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity; and when its citizens do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protection will still be the government’s priority.

Government Service

11. From Presidential appointees chosen mainly out of political accommodation  to discerning selection based on integrity, competence and performance in serving the public good.

12. From demoralized but dedicated civil servants, military and police personnel destined for failure and frustration due to inadequate operational support  to professional, motivated and energized bureaucracies with adequate means to perform their public service missions.

Gender Equality

13. From a lack of concern for gender disparities and shortfalls, to the promotion of equal gender opportunity in all spheres of public policies and programs.

Peace & Order

14. From a disjointed, short-sighted Mindanao policy that merely reacts to events and incidents  to one that seeks a broadly supported just peace and will redress decades of neglect of the Moro and other peoples of Mindanao.

Environment

15. From allowing environmental blight to spoil our cities, where both the rich and the poor bear with congestion and urban decay  to planning alternative, inclusive urban developments where people of varying income levels are integrated in productive, healthy and safe communities.

16. From a government obsessed with exploiting the country for immediate gains to the detriment of its environment  to a government that will encourage sustainable use of resources to benefit the present and future generations.

This platform is a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on.  With trust in their leaders, everyone can work and build a greater future together.

I know I havent written for a while and that is kinda dodgy because I have so much to write about, ok Im lying not that much, nothing has chaged that much that I feel like I wanna bitch about, well except that he who shall not be named but who we all know is now seeing what he prefered in the first place and so much younger, I feel so stupid but hey Im still hot!!!
And I am happy for him… hes got what he had a preferance for I guess…I was disappointed but so not surprised.. hello twink!!! I am happy im my own little world…

Ok honestly speaking I was kinda devestated.. that you could just hook up with someone, isnt there a unwritten rule that you need to wait atleast about 2 months or sth, Im sure there is, and if there isnt than there should be!!! I mean it was my fault in the first place but fckn hell.. you dont just get over me… I dont know how to say this but i am kind of a big deal. Maybe the whole possessive thing wasnt so good (understatement)

Oh well, I suppose  I wasnt such a big deal ..anyway and his firends have removed me from their FB as well, and I though she was cool, well she is, and Id do the same if the only thing we had in common was he who shall not be named.

Oh god I need to get waxed!!! im starting to feel like some bush pig or a freaking gorilla or something. I need to feel sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The most powerful symbol perhaps for the Filipino as a nation is the yellow ribbon tied to Ninoy Aquino and then to the fight that Tita Cory continued to her deathbed.  According to a story published in the Inquirer, it was a friend of the Aquino’s that thought of using the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” since it has really been many years since Ninoy has left the country. 

Then they started tying yellow ribbons in the trees along the avenues.  This  same symbol is  carried by Noynoy, the Aquino who is running for President. The most contentious of the issues that he faces is the massacre  of 12 protesting farmers and 2 children in the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita  over a dispute in a collective bargaining agreement with the United Luisita Workers Union (ULWU).

Knowing that this is going to be a stinging pain in his ass, Noynoy recently announced that they are planning to give up their shares. That doesn’t change a thing. His silence when he was Senator makes questions his ability to render justice for the poor. Not all forgets that blood grows in Hacienda Luisita. That symbol is tainted with bloood.

October is full of birthdays for family and friends.  Our two favorites, Cory & Carter.  Cory turned 11 years old on Oct 20   And Carter turned 7 years old on Oct 27.  They are getting older & faster… harder to keep up with.

Cory showing he is 11

The Tony Hawk skateboard he wanted so badly

Carter’s Birthday Plate.  This was a gift to him when he was born.  He loves to get it out every year.

Birthday cake donut.

There’s an article circulating online regarding Noynoy and the reasons why those who support him support him. I’ve attached the article at the end of this note if you have yet to read it. I suggest you do, if only to make you more ready come 2010. It’s always interesting to read pro’s and con’s for each candidate since it gives us more perspective. I read this article and a couple of questions came into mind, hence this response. This response is in no way to say that I am against Noynoy though it may come out that way. And this response isn’t to criticize the campaign or the candidate but more of issues I believe we should look into more as responsible citizens of the republic. I honestly have doubts about Noynoy, though he does seem to be the most compassionate one out there. I do not like the way by which they run the campaign ( a continuation of Nonoy and Cory’s legacy). I do not like how it is framed and I certainly find it alarming that people are endeared by him simply because of his last name.

Here are my comments regarding the article and why I believe the Filipino people should discern more and analyze before they join the bandwagon of so-called change, which is based on the martyrdom of Nonoy and the presidency and life of Cory.

On the first essential trait (attitude towards power), I would credit this more to Cory than to anyone else. Though again, if I were to simply leave it to Cory it would be unfair to Noynoy and would run against the very principle by which I write this response. So to an extent, I will agree that indeed Noynoy has not seen abuses of power. However, if I may put into question his and his family’s stand on Hacienda Luisita. True that Noynoy has not used power for himself, but it seems that he has also not exerted much of his influence and power for the good. He has yet to prove to us that he is truly a candidate of change and I believe the acid test will be whether or not he helps these farmers.

On the second essential trait (attitude towards money), I have reservations on this one. Not because I doubt Noynoy, it is more of how the argument was framed. He has yet to be accused ergo he is not guilty of anything. That doesn’t quite go well with me considering the many things you hear about politicians and how they get away with it. Though I will give this to Noynoy, I haven’t heard of anything about it. And I agree with this on principle which I will expound on the next couple of traits.

On the third and fourth trait (lifestyle and quality of heart), I can’t say I disagree. In fact, I really agree with these two traits. If I were to vote for Noynoy these two traits may be the very reasons why. He is a simple man and he seems like he really does want to help the people. It just puts into question his capabilities. Cory ran unprepared, she did a lot for the country but it could’ve been better had a more seasoned person ran the country. This is very much debatable but let’s leave this for later. My point is, Noynoy does have heart and he does have a simple lifestyle, something I truly admire about the candidate. Considering his background and their riches, he has done well to live simply.

The fifth trait (competence to build a good government) is where all the doubt remains. I put this as a toss up. I hope to see this through the coming months when true campaigning starts. I have yet to read or hear his platform and his plans for the country. However, once again, I wish to put Hacienda Luisita as the test for his capability to lead and to test his love for our people. If he is sincere, he will do everything in his power to give the farmers the land they deserve. They’ve been suffering far too long even with CARP, which ironically was passed under Cory’s administration.

On the remaining reasons given by the author. I have yet to see Noynoy fight for the rights of the farmers who are on the side of the law. Also more than this, I fear that with all the reform grounding, there isn’t much reform with Noynoy aside from himself as a candidate. What I mean by this is that Noynoy alone cannot run a government, he needs competent fresh people to reform the government with him. Right now, I don’t see that. The names being floated as his senatorial line up are people from old politics. In fact, what I fear the most is most of them were Cory appointees or close friends of the late president. I fear that Noynoy will be clouded on his judgment because of his familiarity with these people.

On the second and third reasons, I truly am disturbed. Both arguments are grounded on the basis of his surname, Aquino. This is why I initially and still do doubt Noynoy. People are flocking to him because of his Aquino status. We all love and admire Nonoy and Cory. They sacrificed a lot for our country but I believe it is not right that we assume Noynoy is as good as them when it comes to politics. I believe they raised him well, but I have yet to see Noynoy stand out in himself. I believe Noynoy has to find his voice in this campaign and it is only with that that he will truly be a worthy candidate for president. Currently all I see are him with logos from the past, with a campaign that focuses more on his surname than on him.

So at the end of all of this, what I hope we get is a sense of perspective. Let’s not join the bandwagon too soon. The campaigns have yet to begin. Let’s look at all the candidates and their platforms before we commit to any of them. We need to discern and not simply fall for those that seem. Noynoy has yet to find his own voice and has yet to go beyond the shadows of his parents. It is going to be a very hard task to do so, but he has to if he wants to prove himself. And the first step is to do something Cory was unable to do, give the farmers of Hacienda Luisita the land they deserve.

DISCERN.

———–

8 Reasons Why We Are For Noynoy

by Alex Lacson

Sen. Noynoy may not indeed solve all our country’s problems, but we believe he can solve some if not many of them. We believe he can lay the right foundations so these problems — many of which cannot be solved overnight — may be addressed over the years.

We believe that, among all the candidates, he is the one who can bring our country into the right direction. We believe that he can bring us closer to our dreams for our country.

We say all these because there are five (5) essential traits I see in Noynoy as a leader.

First, his attitude towards power.

A leader’s attitude towards power is important because public office is essentially about power, that is, the powers of that office. One of the biggest problems we see in our country today is this – many of our government and political leaders are abusive of the ppowers in their hands. In fact, they only use their powers for themselves, their families, and their friends. The essential question is – how is Noynoy’s attitude towards power? Noynoy was presidential son for 6 years, congressman for 9 years, and senator for 2 years. But has he ever abused any powers in his hand in the past? Unlike other presidential sons and children in our country’s history, and unlike so many politicians in our country today and in the past, there has never been a report or issue that Nonoy ever abused any powers in his hand. What does this make of Noynoy then as a leader? Abraham Lincoln said, you will know the true character of a leader by the way he exercises the powers in his hands. Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu said, the most difficult person to discipline is the one who holds the power. Noynoy has disciplined himself in the exercise of powers. He has not used them for personal gain, nor has he abused them. Finally, we have to remember that around 2 months ago, Noynoy was not even seeking or running for the presidency. It was the events (or destiny if you may) that favored him. Plato said “he who does not seek power is the most qualified to hold it”. Of all the candidates out there, Noynoy could be the most qualified to hold the vast powers of the presidency. We believe he will not be abusive of the powers of the presidency.

Second, his attitude towards money.

A leader’s attitude towards money is also important because public office is essentially about people’s money. One of the biggest problems in our country today is how our leaders in government use the public funds. What is Noynoy’s attitude towards money? Has Noynoy ever been accused of stealing or misusing any public funds in the past? Has there ever been an issue of graft and corruption against him in the past? The media acknowledge that there is none they could find. Ordinary people in the streets say –“ Hindi siya magnanakaw. Hindi siya sinunggaling. Hindi siya mandaraya. We believe that Noynoy, if and when he becomes our president, will not be tempted to steal our people’s money or use them for his own or his family’s gain.

Third, his lifestyle.

A leader’s lifestyle is important because, as we see too often in our country today, many government leaders and politicians bring their vices into the positions they occupy. On the other hand, Sen Noynoy appears to have a decent and very simple lifestyle. This was noticed by the media and the public. Noynoy is not a womanizer, a gambler, or even a drinker. He carries himself in simple clothes, and appears to have no materialistic desires. If our observation is accurate, we believe that no amount of wealth and materials in this world may tempt Noynoy to turn his back on his oath of office, if and when he becomes our president.

Fourth, the quality of his heart.

Noynoy strikes us as a person with a good heart. There are many signs to show this. When his father Ninoy was assassinated in 1983, Noynoy served his mother and sisters like the father of the family, and even delayed getting married because he wanted to take care of his mother and sisters. During the wake and funeral of his mother, it was also learned on TV that Noynoy is the one taking care of Joshua, the son of Kris from Philip Salvador, as a father would take care of his own son. All these convince us that Noynoy has the heart of a loving and caring big brother. We are confident that, if and when he becomes our president, Noynoy will also serve his big family – the Filipino people – with the heart of of a loving and caring big brother, and that he will be a public servant instead of a public master.

Fifth, he has the competence to build us a good government.

We asked ourselves this question “What kind of competence we should look for from a president? Is it the competence of a businessman who has built a big business empire? Is it the competence of an economist who has earned his degree from Harvard or London School of Economics? Is it the competence of lawyer who has studied in some of the best law schools in the world? We found our answer from Lee Kuan Yew who, in his book “The Singapore Story”, said that the competence the people should look for from a country’s leader is the competence to build a good government, that is, the competence to build an honest and people-oriented government. This kind of competence only comes from the heart who truly loves the people. We believe Noynoy has this kind of heart for our people. We believe that Noynoy has this kind of competence. By appointing honest and competent people in the government, we believe Noynoy can build for our people a good government that is honest and people-oriented.

The five (5) traits above are the essential qualities we see in Noynoy. Confucius says,

âœOf all the qualities of a leader, the essentials are the

most important.

But apart from the 5 essential qualities above, there are three (3) more reasons why we

believe Sen Noynoy is the best candidate we have for 2010.

First, Noynoy is the best candidate who can carry out the most reforms. We believe that Noynoy is the kind who will truly appoint honest, decent and competent people in the government. We believe that he will build for us a good government. We believe that he will implement our Constitution and our laws faithfully and strictly. We believe that he will make an honest campaign against graft and corruption. We believe that he will work for pro-people policies and programs that truly address the lowest needs and the daily concerns of our people.

Second, Noynoy will fight for our democracy. Noynoy grew up fighting for democracy, along with many other Filipinos, but with his father Ninoy in the forefront, and later on with his mother Cory as president of a new democracy. We believe that Noynoy, in his time, will fight for our country’s democracy as vigorously as in the past, like his parents.

Third, Noynoy will fight for the Filipino, as his father Ninoy fought for the Filipino people during his time. We believe Noynoy will serve our people with decency and faithfulness, as his mother Cory served our people with decency and faithfulness. We believe that Noynoy will fight to make the Filipino respectable and admirable in the eyes of the world.

At present, all we want is a decent leadership that can give our people a decent

government. A decent leadership that can bring us closer to our dreams for our country.

We believe that Noynoy can give these to our people.

We believe that he can bring our country into the right direction.

MAGTIWALA.

Everone come out to the show tonight, it’s going to be a great time. The cover is 5 dollars and we are playing with El Cantador. The show starts at 10 at Two Stick and it’s going to rock’n'roll.

Crazy ideas are just crazy ideas until people take a good second look at it. I believe before, say during the time of Galileo, people actually got shot or burned at stake because of some crazy ideas that society did not want to exist.

Right now, to heck with society. Thanks to the ever-dependable Freedom of Expression excuse defense, simple people like me have all the avenues to tell the world both sensible and senseless ideas we have at hand without fear of persecution. Ridicule perhaps. And oh, on certain special occasions, there’s still persecution.

Anyway, as I was saying, thanks to the legacy of the real and actual Tita Cory and Ninoy Aquino, I have this somewhat respectable blog of which I can easily utilize to say what I feel like saying right now:

HOW ABOUT A GIBO-MIRIAM TANDEM?

Please don’t shoot me. I’m serious, really. If it’s not gonna be Miriam, and Gibo ends up with the likes of Loren, Chiz, Ronnie, Edu, Bong, Kuya Germs Manoling, Eddie Gil, and the Usual Suspects, I will still vote for Gibo, but as Veep, I’d go with this guy instead.

Why Gibo? Simply put, I believe he is the best candidate from those that have formally expressed their intentions to run for Presidency to achieve the following: 1.) economic reforms; 2.) cultural reforms; and 3.) political reforms.

#1 is based on his globalized ideas in contrast to the more protectionist stance of the other candidates. I hate protectionism. It sucks. As for #2, I believe there should be a clear line between Church and State. Gibo’s platform and opinion on the RH Bill, etc., clearly informs me that he’s the one who will make the unpopular decision for the benefit of our country.

As for #3, I know no one is capable to singlehandedly straighten out the mess we have called Government, but with his record in Department of Defense, I think he has a good start. My decision to vote and actively campaign for him also stems out from his professional and professional achievements in life. I believe he has what it takes to move our country forward to 2010 and beyond and not dwell in the ghosts of the Martial Law Era past.

Finally, I think he has the SMART-orientation, meaning he assesses goals as something that should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timebound. In addition, he gives concrete ideas and decisions. I’m a business-kind of guy. I think our country needs someone who underpromises yet overdelivers. Me thinks that is what Gibo has in store for all of us.

At work, I don’t want a boss that I could easily outshine, outsmart, or outlast. He has to be so much better than me for him to deserve my respect. I’m a lousy subordinate, trust me. So why should choosing a President be any different?

Finally, I saw his plight to gain endorsement from the Admin as a very good example of how strategic and goal oriented he is. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it. That’s very Presidentiable, well, at least in my own definition.

Why Miriam? She almost became President and we all know the reason. She is a staunch supporter of reforms and God-knows-what-will-irk-her-within-the-next-24-hours. Inasmuch as I have no questions about her intellect and achievements, I also don’t have any doubts about her sanity and sincerity. Yep, I was able to interview her for a Leadership & Strategy project way back when I was still in Ateneo. It was a big thing for me because at that time, her son, well, you know, had just died. For her to accept our invitation to barge into her office was a very heartwarming gesture. She might be perceived to be boastful, arrogant, and a megalomaniac, but come on, Miriam is really larger than life.

Now with Gibo’s dynamism, Miriam can compliment it with Seniority and Experience. Man and Woman. Meek and Fierce. New Generation with, uhm, the not so New One.

I know, I know, the Presidentiable and the VP should be aligned and should come from the same party. But as I said, this is just a crazy idea. But if this happens, it will surely spice up the race. Me thinks only Miriam can match Mar Roxas for the #2 spot.

I just had a conversation with Jamie about Cory that was prompted by a) his incredibly surly mood even after – finally! – a full night’s sleep, his first since the time change, and b) the fact that he was clutching this framed picture of Cory that he had asked to be printed and framed in the first place. I asked if he was missing Cory and he said  yes and we talked about how much we all missed him and what specifically we missed. His answers: “because he was my friend,” and “hugging him.” With his big ruff around his neck, hugging Cory was like hugging no other dog and burying my face in his fur is one thing I miss as well.

We talked a little more about the vet coming over, and he still didn’t quite understand why we euthanized Cory so I talked more about cancer and how it makes your body not work very well and how his arthritis was getting so bad that his body hurt everywhere, all the time, and that medicine couldn’t help anymore (ooh, just occurred to me that we may want to talk about how, while MD’s body hurts all the time, the vet won’t be coming over for him anytime soon). I also told him that he could always talk to me about things that were making him sad, and how that was a better choice than just being grumpy because if he didn’t tell me what was wrong I couldn’t help him. Kind of like the pre-K version of, “I can’t read your mind you know!” Then we looked at Cory’s puppy album and now he’s watching Diego, which he seems to do when he’s sick or needing something familiar.

I had a dream about Cory the other night. I was down in the basement and he was just hanging out in the corner, waiting for me. He was  young again and I was like, “THERE you are!” and I petted him and it was very nice. I have still been struggling with the actual act of euthanizing him. I’ve been getting a panic attack every time I think about the vet injecting the anesthesia into his leg, but I think I am working through it. I am now able to see just how sick and uncomfortable he was now that we’re a week out. We’ve been reminiscing and looking at old pictures and my heart breaks a little for the happy, active, healthy dog he once was. MD and I have been supportive and kind to each other and we are coming through this as a family. However, Jamie mentioned my grandma o this morning as someone else he missed, and I do have to say, this saying goodbye thing is getting a little old. Motto for 2010? Let’s all stay alive!

This is our first low key Saturday in a long time and now that I’m not a) cleaning up dog pee and b) jumping every time I hear a noise that remotely sounds like liquid hitting the floor (you’d be surprised how many things sound like this once you’re on the alert) and c) letting Cory out every 20 minutes so I don’t have to deal with a) – well, I’m cleaning other things. It’s amazing how well I can see the other dirt that’s just been waiting for my attention. The last 2 weeks Cory was with us I was incredibly stressed out about the state of things around here and earlier this week I looked at the carpet cleaner that had been out at the ready for days and realized I could put it away. What bittersweet relief.

Smell my feet!

Holy crap!

What a week!

That’s Jamie’s pirate sneer there. Terrifying, eh?

So, last week. Never again, I hope, I pray. Thursday was my birthday and I had the day off for reasons that were then canceled so I found myself at home on a gorgeous day with my two dogs, one of whom would be dead the following evening. Or so went my train of thought. I took some pictures of Cory, including the one from the last post and others of him stalking the tomatoes for the last time and that’s pretty much how the day went. Last day at home with two dogs. Last evening. Then last morning, last dinner, and then it was over.

Having the vet come to our house and having us all present was the best choice for us. Jamie is fine, has expressed sadness and compassion for MD and I, and refers to Cory frankly and openly when appropriate in our day to day lives.

MD and I, on the other hand, fell apart a bit. It’s not just that Cory was with us for almost 14 years, it’s the particular 14 years he witnessed. We were broken up when he first came home with MD, then less than 2 months later we were back together and I had moved in. He lived in 2 apartments with us and our first (and current) house. A brush with almost-divorce. Jamie’s birth, several deaths. He was a constant source of comfort and aggravation and I want him to still be here in the same way that I want my grandma to be here. His death is one more loss from the time that used to be and as I also turned 39 last week I am acutely aware of the fact that I am not as young as I used to be.

One thing that I am extremely grateful for is that Cory lived long enough for Jamie to remember him. It’s a nice linkage between that life we used to have and the one we have now.

One thing that I was not prepared for was how quickly it would go in the end. The vet came to our house, petted Cory, we moved down to the family room where MD and I sat on the floor and the vet gave Cory a sedative. “A whopping dose” that did nothing (stubborn dog). So we ended up holding Cory down a little, although his head was in MD’s lap. Within 30 seconds of the second injection containing an overdose of anesthetic, Cory was unconscious. It took about 1 minute or 2 for his heart to stop. I think it was because the sedative didn’t work, but it felt so abrupt and I spent a day and a half thinking I hadn’t kissed and hugged him goodbye until MD found out what was making me so upset (besides the obvious) and told me that I had.

Every day is easier and I keep reminding myself that he was SICK. And even though MD and Jamie both want another dog (as my Friend D said, “That’s age appropriate for JAMIE) I have said no. We can talk about it this time next year but for the time being I need a break. And Maggie needs to learn how to be the only dog. She’s been acting a little lost and has been spending most of her time on our bed and has been VERY quiet. This morning, though, she seemed a little more energetic. We’re going to have to help her a bit and that’s enough for now.

So, this is my first blog on here… It seems like this one is almost forced and somehow not as enjoyable as I usually find it. But, either way, I need to get the ball rolling. Hopefully I’ll find that this blog helps to corral all of my thoughts and aspirations.

You know, I always feel like I have a good idea or that I could be something better than the current state. I feel like “The Gang” off of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. It seems like they always have some genius plan to either make money, fame, or gain status.

I’m not sure that my aspirations are put in play because of those things, but simply, I guess, because I have so many hobbies. Music is my true love… duh, but I also love football, writing, acting, and other things. I’d love to coach some sort of team at some level of football if I couldn’t proceed with my musical endeavors. If not that, I’d like to, maybe, go out West and see if I end up in some sort of television show, much like “It’s Always Sunny…” … maybe then I could come up with really cool ideas every day.

Acting makes a lot of sense, in only one way to me though. If you act then you get to play SEVERAL different roles… who needs a million different career paths or hobbies when you can just act them out every other day. Ehh… I don’t know, I’ll figure it out, but it does help to put it down on paper… well on here anyway.

After watching the Noynoy MTV electoral ad, “Hindi ka Nag-iisa”,  a feeling of frustration silenced me. Like expecting a hero that never came. Like tasting a suka that was never maasim enough. It is technically superb and is supported by a stellar cast any presidential candidate would have dreamed of but it just didn’t answer questions of character being thrown at Noynoy’s face like a pie.

I don’t have the lyrics of the song but I think a few phrases are already enough to strike my fragile nerves. The words, “ang bayang Pilipinas ay naghihintay”, “hindi ka mag-iisa” “ninoy at cory” –   merely reinforces Noynoy’s lameduck and indecisive image instead of creating a myth that this guy is not living under the image of his parents. The MTV appears to be a cheer for Noynoy and not a marching song of Noynoy for the people.

While it’s sweet to baby Noynoy, he should have not run for presidency if he needed more cheering. 

I also do not understand the imagery in this ad. With help from sister Kris Aquino, stars like Sharon Cuneta, Marian Rivera, Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, and Boy Abunda among others crowded the scene. I know they support Noynoy (or fear the contempt of Kris) but putting them altogether just doesn’t change the usual trapo strategy.

Another problem of imagery: what’s with the sulo? One Noynoy supporter quips, “it looks like a whole nation rising up to slay a manananggal”.  Tsk tsk….too stagey, too useless imageries, too bad a song.

Well, great crew!

P.S.  I was able to get the lyrics of the song from Edgar Allan Paule’s blogsite.

Hindi Ka Nag-Iisa
Composed by Ogie Alcasid
Performed by Regine Velasquez

Sasamahan ka namin
Kahit paligid ay madilim
Iilawan ang daan tungo sa magandang kinabukasan
Ika’y mamuno, kami ay susunod
Pagkakaisa’y ating itaguyod
Ang Pilipinas ay naghihintay
Handa kaming kumilos, handang umalalay

Hindi ka nag-iisa
Sa paggising ng bayan
Kami ay kasama, hindi ka mag-iisa
Isasapuso ang dangal ng ating bayan
Sa tulong at biyaya ng Maykapal

Magkakapit bisig tayo
Ituloy natin laban ni Ninoy at Cory
Nang bawat mamamayan
Pagmamahal natin sa bayan
‘Wag na nating itago, ‘di tayo susuko

Hindi ka nag-iisa
Sa paggising ng bayan
Kami ay kasama,hindi ka mag-iisa
Isasapuso ang dangal ng ating bayan

Sa tulong at biyaya ng Maykapal
Magkakapit bisig tayo
Sama-sama bawat Pilipino
Mula noon, ngayon at kailan pa man
Hindi ka nag iisa

Marshall George (Liam),

Hamish Patrick (Jacob, Campbell & Hannah),

Makaire Gregory,

Anzac William (Stanley),

Paddy Eric Russell,

Gaine (Bon),

Rhiley (Neveah),

Bartholomew Terence (Ben),

Franco Edward (Macauley),

David Maurice (Annalise),

Cory Jay (Chloe),

Kingston Graeme,

Freddie & Monty (Findlay & Lachlan),

Niko Fabian (Talia),

Angus & Charlie,

Cooper Joseph (Fletcher, Spencer & Sebastian).

Alexys  Jordan (Chiyanne & Markhus),

Lucy Anna (Kate, Cameron, Tom, Emily & Hamish),

Ruby Anahera Nooroa Julia,

Penny Rose (Jodie & Molly),

Tilly Kate (Sam & Emma),

Lara Maria (Guy),

Honor Amelia (Angus & Lucy),

Lexi Sophia,

Bessie May (Franklin, Honor, Bodeen & Shoshanna),

Amelie Pamela (Oscar, Rosa & Grace),

Julianne Isla (Caroline),

Martha Olive (Emily),

Saffron Mary (Sam),

Hazel Belle (Scarlett),

Sofia Adele (Theo),

Zana Rose (Claudia & Oliver),

Zanthia Anne Ruby,

Cassara Jane (Corey & Sienna),

Annabel Henrietta (Charlie & George),

Trelise Mae (Georgia & Alex),

Clara Mary Jane

Arwyn Myra

Juliet Prudence

Eilish

Elle Frances (Nell, Thomas & Molly)

Billy Susan (Tane)

Holly Anne & Cameron Maree

Cory

12/26/95 – 10/30/09

Picture taken 10/29/09

Seriously! I am so proud of Sean and Peter for pulling this one off!  I LOVE this photo!  Great job guys!  Congrats to Lauren and Cory on their engagement!  We enjoy you both so much and we’re excited to be a part of your wedding in 2010!

Lauren and Cory love everything about the lake.  What you see here is a type of surfing that can happen off the back of a boat when you weight it down properly.  It was Sean’s idea to create this amazing portrait for them.  How did we do it?  That’s a secret!  You’ll have to meet with us to find out!

The vet is coming on Friday to put Cory to sleep. This time there won’t be a reprieve, although a part of me has always believed that Cory would live forever. He’s obstinate like that.

After receiving this great advice at Ask Moxie, I decided to follow my instincts and have Jamie present. MD is ok with it, although I don’t think he would have thought about it without my prompting. MD is a little weirded out by it happening at our house, but I think he’s grown comfortable with the idea. This is the first time he’s had to experience a pet being put to sleep even though he always had dogs growing up. One of his dogs was hit by a car and the others “went away.” For real though I guess.

My stepmom is absolutely beside herself over this and is convinced that we will scar Jamie for life and I’ll regret this decision later. She tried to drag my sister into the argument by saying how traumatized she was when they put their first dog to sleep. My sister was much older and they waited far too long to have the dog put down, and besides, my sister told my stepmom to not put her in the middle. And to drop it. Heh.

I had a bad experience with a childhood dog as well. And that’s one of the reasons I want Jamie to experience this now. Cory is almost 14 years old, he’s dying at home surrounded by those that love him most. I think that’s a good experience. Hard, yes, but traumatizing? Please. Maybe with an extremely sensitive child but Jamie reacted to the news exactly the way the vet said he would. A few crocodile tears, protests of, “I love Cory and I don’t want him to die!” and then, “Can we get a puppy? Just a medium sized one.”

The other reason we’re doing it this way is that I find it really hard to sugar coat things with Jamie. I was kept in the dark about a lot of stuff when I was a child and sure, a lot of it was inappropriate for me to know. But I’d be better off today  if I had been given more information about things that affected me. And quite frankly, how is it less hard to come home one day and find your pet gone?

Anyway, I’m not trying to say this is the very best way. We all make the choices that feel right to us. And this feels right. No matter how much it pisses my stepmom off. Who is so stubborn that she’ll never admit I’m right.

MD and I are grieving pretty hard. We’re taking turns though so that’s good. Taking care of a sick pet is exhausting. The last few days have been really bad with 4-5 accidents in the house daily. We’re limiting his water intake which means he will feel even worse, but otherwise we’d be drowning in pee.

If I sound disconnected it’s because I am. I want to try and enjoy these last days if at all possible. I’ll cry plenty when he’s gone.

Have sons Cassius & Tennyson- what a awesome pair

I have lately have been working with a designer named Daniel James for the opening of my clothing line. First design is finished with shirts coming for the men and the ladies are in the works.

Jack being one of my favorites I figured i would keep the portrait skills fresh and pay homage to a big inspiration.

Heres almost the finish product. Stay posted for other projects in the works.