Friday, November 28, 2014

Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Pio del Pilar


FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Pio del Pilar
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 23, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here is one of them.

Pio del Pilar (July 11, 1865 – June 21, 1931) was born in Culi-Culi, Makati City.  His real name was Pio Isidro but was forced to adopt his father’s middle name to avoid arrest during the Philippine revolution against Spain.

In 1896, Pio del Pilar jined the Katipunan in Culi-Culi that was called Matagumpay and was given the name of Pang-una with the rank of Colonel.  He designed a war flag for their Katipunan chapter which was a blood-red flag and a white triangle with the capital “k” in each angle, and in the middle a half sun with seven rays.

On November 9, 1896, Pio del Pilar was the leader of the rebels that defended Binakayan, Bacoor and Las Piñas and was able to capture several Spanish officers and soldiers.  This earned him the rank of Brigadier General.  He was appointed the army corps commander by Andres Bonifacio and when the Supremo died, he joined Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s forces and became one of the trusted generals.

During the Philippine-American war, Pio del Pilar led the guerrilla attacks in the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Rizal but was captured in Morong, Rizal.  In 1901, he was exiled in Guam and after a year he was granted amnesty by the United States.

Culi-Culi in Makati City was renamed after Pio del Pilar and a statue was built in his honor along Makati Avenue.  But in spite of the efforts of the people of Makati City to honor their favourite son, ordinary daily commuters along Ayala Avenue would stare blankly at del Pilar’s statue and silently ask themselves, “Sino siya?”

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our patriotic spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Thursday, November 27, 2014

A Pro-EARTH Crusader Meets An Eco Warrior


A PRO-EARTH CRUSADER MEETS AN ECO WARRIOR
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 27, 2014

“A Pro-EARTH Crusader Meets an Eco Warrior” seems to be a very intriguing title, isn’t it?  Sounds like a mix martial arts bout straight out of the UFC?  Sounds like war?  Well… please don’t be alarmed, it’s not what it appears to be.  It’s just a creative title to this little article.

Last night, a Pro-EARTH Crusader met an Eco Warrior at Rockwell, Makati City.  It was a high-energy meeting of two minds influenced and developed by the same superb learning institution:  The University of the Philippines Open University, Faculty of Management and Development Studies, the Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management program.

What brought them together was their common passion for arts (photography) although most of the discussion was on environmental issues such as: (1) The state of environmental degradation particularly in Metro Manila; (2) The sustainability of environmental advocacies; and, (3) The environmental challenges ahead.  Both of them exchanged notes and updates on our environmental situation… and, to keep the long story short, they both agreed that (a) there is a need for a more proactive approach towards environmental information, education and communication, and (b) a more dynamic and sustainable strategy in promoting participation and involvement in environmental issues and concerns. 

Both men noted that environmental matters have become too technical and complex for people to understand without spending a considerable amount of time studying and understanding.  We should consider that people, in their daily toil for more important concerns such as livelihood, simply have little or no time to spare for environmental matters.  This is the main reason why environmental issues have gone down in the list of priorities of people.  Making environmentalism simple and easy to understand should be the order of the day.  And the subsequent increase in the level of information and knowledge on environmental matters will certainly translate to more involvement and participation. 

In case you are wondering what environmental advocates and activists talk about… This is what happens when a Pro-EARTH Crusader meets an Eco Warrior.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)

NOTE:  The Eco Warrior is Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.  Sen. Migz is known as a champion of environmental concerns, an advocacy he pursued in the Senate and among his top legislative agenda. In the 15th Congress, he chaired the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. He also chaired the Committee on Cooperatives and 3 Joint Congressional Oversight Committees such as the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act; Joint Congressional Committee on Clean Air Act; and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Cooperatives.


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Happy Birthday Ninoy!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINOY!
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 27, 2014

Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. (lovingly called “Ninoy” by his countrymen) was a Filipino Senator (from 1967 to 1972) and a former Mayor and Governor (of his hometown Concepcion and his province Tarlac respectively).  Aquino, together with former Senators Jovito Salonga, Lorenzo Tañada, Jose Diokno and Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas, formed the leadership of the opposition to the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos.  Right after Marcos imposed Martial Law in September 21, 1972, Ninoy was arrested and, along with other political leaders and dissidents, was incarcerated in different military camps.

After seven years and seven months of incarceration (in 1980), Senator Ninoy Aquino was permitted to travel to the United States for medical treatment.  Upon his return to his homeland in August 21, 1983, he was assassinated at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.  His death catapulted his widow, Corazon C. Aquino, into the political limelight, and prompted her to run for President in the 1986 snap presidential election against the overly powerful Marcos.

Telegenic, intelligent and uncommonly articulate, Ninoy Aquino was recognized as the most prominent and most dynamic opposition leader in his generation; and perceived to be the next president of the Philippines after Marcos.  His death triggered the EDSA Revolution of February 1986 which drove away Marcos and restored the democratic processes in the country.

Thank you for loving our country in a manner only a true Filipino patriot could.  Incidentally, it’s his birthday today!... Happy Birthday Ninoy!

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com./)


Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Diego and Gabriela Silang


FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Diego and Gabriela Silang
by Antonio C. Antonio
October 31, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here are two of them.

“Diego Andaya Silang (December 16, 1730 – May 28, 1763) was a revolutionary leader who conspired with British forces to overthrow Spanish rule in the northern Philippines and established an independent Ilocano nation.  His revolt was fuelled by grievance stemming from Spanish taxation and abuses, and by his belief in self-government, that the administration and leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and government in Ilocos be vested in trained Ilocano officials.

Born in Aringay, Pangasinan (an area in present-day Caba or Aringay, La Union), Silang’s mother was Ilocano; his father was Pangasinense.  Young Diego worked as a messenger for a local Castilian priest in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.  Bright, passionate, and fluent in Spanish, he ferried correspondence from Ilocos to Manila; journeys that gave him his first glimpse of colonial injustice and that planted the seed of rebellion.

Spain allied with France during the Seven Years War, in opposition to Great Britain.  The British in response sought to diminish the Spanish Empire.  The seizure of Manila by British naval forces in October 1762, and the subsequent surrender of the Spanish Philippines to Britain during the British occupation of the Philippines, inspired uprisings in the farthest north of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, where anti-Spanish sentiments festered.  Though Silang initially wanted to replace Spanish functionaries in Ilocos with native-born officials and volunteered to head Ilocano forces against the British, despite Spanish administrators instead transferred their powers to the Catholic Bishop of Nueva Segovia (Vigan), who rejected Silang’s offer.  Silang’s group attacked the city and imprisoned its priests. He then began an association with the British who appointed him governor of Ilocos on their behalf and promised him military reinforcement.  The British force never materialized.

Diego Silang was killed by one of his friends, a Spanish-Ilocano mestizo named Miguel Vicos, whom church authorities paid to assassinate Silang with the help of Pedro Becbec.  He was 32 years old.

After Silang’s death, his Spanish-Ilocana mestiza wife, Maria Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang (March 19, 1731 – September 20, 1763), took command of the revolt and fought courageously.  The Spanish sent a strong force against her.  She was forced to retreat to Abra.  Gabriela led he troops towards Vigan but was driven back.  She fled again to Abra, where she was captured.  Gabriela and her men were summarily hanged on September 20, 1763; she being hanged last.” (Wikipedia)

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our nationalist spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism


THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS OF NARCISSISM
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 10, 2014

Sandy Hotchkiss have been a licensed therapist in Southern California, USA in the last 30 years and authored a very popular self-help book on narcissism.  At present, Hotchkiss is a member of the faculty of a psychoanalytic institute where she lectures on her favourite topic: “The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism”.  These are (http://www.news-medical.net/health/Seven-Deadly-Sins-of-Narcissism.aspx):

1.     SHAMELESSNESS:  Shame is the feeling that lurks beneath all unhealthy narcissism and the inability to process shame in healthy ways.
2.     MAGICAL THINKING:  Narcissists see themselves as perfect, using distortion and illusion known as magical thinking.  They also use projection to dump shame unto others.
3.     ARROGANCE:  A narcissist who is feeling deflated may re-inflate by diminishing, debasing, or degrading somebody else.
4.     ENVY:  A narcissist may secure a sense of superiority in the face of another person’s ability by using contempt to minimize the other person.
5.     ENTITLEMENT:  Narcissists hold unreasonable expectations of particularly favourable treatment and automatic compliance because they consider themselves special.  Failure to comply is considered an attack on their superiority, and the perpetrator is considered an awkward or difficult person.  Defiance of their will is a narcissistic injury that can trigger narcissistic rage.
6.     EXPLOITATION:  Exploitation can take many forms but always involves the exploitation of others without regard for their feelings or interests.  Often the other is in a subservient position where resistance would be difficult or even impossible.  Sometimes the subservience is not so much real as assumed.
7.     BAD BOUNDARIES:  Narcissists do not recognize that they have boundaries and that others are separate and are not extensions of themselves.  Others either exist to meet their needs or may as well not exist at all.  Those who provide narcissistic supply to the narcissist are treated as if they are part of the narcissist and are expected to live up to those expectations.  In the mind of a narcissist, there are no boundary between self and other.

Narcissism is defined as: (1) An excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance; (2) In Psychology:  An extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one’s own talents and a craving for admiration, as characterizing a personality type; and, (3) In Psychoanalysis: Self-centeredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects, either in very young babies or as a feature of mental disorder.  With these definitions, it would be easy to assume that narcissism is a condition that may lead to a serious kind of “mental disorder”.  Awareness, therefore, on this matter and concern must be spread especially among netizens who are said to be, in lesser or greater degrees, guilty of narcissism.  Guilty or not, it will also be a healthy exercise to be aware of the seven deadly sins of narcissism.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Monday, November 24, 2014

The NIMBY Syndrome


THE NIMBY SYNDROME
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 18, 2014

Sometimes we come across words that we don’t understand, don’t make sense or even strange to us.  One such word is “nimby”.  Well… the term “nimby” is actually not a word but an acronym which stands for “Not In My Back Yard”.  As it progressed in usage, NIMBY became a descriptive term to express acceptance of the need for something but this something is something one doesn’t want near one’s home… therefore, not in my back yard!  Nimbies are persons who would normally say: “You could have or do anything you like so long as it’s nowhere near me.”

Environmental advocates and activists are often called “nimbies” simply because they oppose infrastructure projects that violate environmental laws and principles… especially land use-related ones.  This term is really a misnomer for an environmentalist because a true pro-environment person will never say he “approves of something, an activity or event so long as it’s nowhere near him”… a genuine environmentalist will categorically say he disapproves of something… here, there or anywhere on planet Earth.

NIMBY also applies to a group of people with common aspirations typically living within the same vicinity.  It is a term to describe a social phenomenon that occurs when a significant number of people in a social, geographic or political group are opposing a future or an on-going event.  The term has negative connotation typically applied to an opposing group by the approving group of such event.  It is often called the NIMBY syndrome.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Stop Cutting Trees


STOP CUTTING TREES
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 15, 2014

Define irony.  Irony is a broad and rhetoric term.  It is also a literary technique or event characterized by incongruities or contrast.  Here are some definitions of the term “irony”:

1.     The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect:
2.     A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result;
3.     A literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character’s words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character;
4.     An incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs;
5.     A condition of affairs or events of a character opposite to what was, or might naturally be, expected; and,
6.     A contradictory outcome of events as if in mockery of the promise and fitness of things.

In a blog “A Twisted Sense of Righteousness” (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-twisted-sense-of-righteousness.html), I stated reasons why some situations can prove to be ironic.  In an environmental sense, irony could best be described with the following situation.  Imagine a group of people arguing that we should only use biodegradable materials.  So they go on to cut-down trees, produce paper, make paper bags out of them then write: “Stop Cutting Trees”.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Saturday, November 22, 2014

Walking in the Same Circle


WALKING IN THE SAME CIRCLE
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 12, 2014

There is this little item on Facebook that normally goes unnoticed except when a would-be friend makes a “friend request”.  This item is “mutual friends”.  We normally check on this item only to verify how many other friends are common friends with the one making a “friend request”.  I believe there is more meaning and purpose to this item; Facebook will not put it there if it is unnecessary.

In most cases, mutual friends can be identified with a large number of Facebook friends.  But rarely would one find a Facebook friend who has more than 100 mutual friends.  I only have over a thousand Facebook friends but only around twenty of them are mutual friends with the same number of Facebook users.  They are: Tet Viray Taguines (181 mutual friends); Marcelino Antonio (180 mutual friends); Wani Alindogan Antonio (155 mutual friends); Ping Antonio-Perez (142 mutual friends); Vnas Murphy (135 mutual friends); Gali Datu (124 mutual friends); Vicky Leocadio Taguines (120 mutual friends); Ligaya Antonio-Gamboa (118 mutual friends); Letty Antonio-Magaoay (117 mutual friends); Francisco Antonio (114 mutual friends); Jojie Taguines (114 mutual friends); Leonor Taguines (114 mutual friends); Orlando Antonio   (112 mutual friends); Thess Antonio Magaoay Collado (112 mutual friends); Susan Cunanan (111 mutual friends); Regatta Antonio (107 mutual friends); Karen Sandoval Cappal (105 mutual friends); Joan Ong Dizon (104 mutual friends); Bong Vega (104 mutual friends); and, Tony Tanjuakio (100 mutual friends).  Of these personalities, three of them are my daughters, two of them are my uncles, nine of them are my cousins, two of them are my nieces, and four of them are my friends.

What is the significance of this information?  Well… it just goes to show that: (1) a Facebook user has a well structured and captured circle of friends; (2) He/She has well networked and closely knit relatives; (3) He/She has managed to maintain a healthy relationship with his/her childhood friends; (4) He/She belongs to a traditionally small community where everybody knows everybody; and, (5) With the same friends and acquaintances, he/she is still walking in the same circle.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Friday, November 21, 2014

Nationalism and Patriotism


NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 21, 2014

Brian dela Masa, a close friend of my daughter at the University of the Philippines, posted a comment/question in response to my article “Nationalism and Environmentalism” (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/11/nationalism-and-environmentalism.html) which I published on my blogsite (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/) and the Pro EARTH Crusaders Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pro-EARTH-Crusaders/301294453365919) today.  He asked: “What’s the difference between nationalism and patriotism?” It was a very good question indeed so I responded: “Hi Brian Dela Masa... Nationalism is "political" while Patriotism is "cultural". The difference is the perspective by which this feeling and emotion emanates.”  Brian said he would rather be a patriot and generously shared this link: http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-nationalism-and-patriotism/.

“Difference Between Nationalism and Patriotism…

Nationalism and patriotism both show the relationship of an individual towards his or her nation.  The two are often confused and frequently believed to mean the same thing.  However, there is a vast difference between nationalism and patriotism.

Nationalism means to give more importance to unity by way of a cultural background, including language and heritage. Patriotism pertains to the love for a nation, with more emphasis on values and beliefs.

When talking about nationalism and patriotism, one cannot avoid the famous quote by George Orwell, who said that nationalism is ‘worst enemy of peace’.  According to him, nationalism is a feeling that one’s country is superior to another in all respects, while patriotism is merely a feeling of admiration for a way of life.  These concepts show that patriotism is passive by nature and nationalism can be a little aggressive.

Patriotism is based on affection and nationalism is rooted in rivalry and resentment.  One can say that nationalism is militant by nature and patriotism is based on peace.

Most nationalists assume that their country is better than any other, whereas patriots believe that their country is one of the best and can be improved in many ways.  Patriots tend to believe in friendly relations with other countries while some nationalists don’t.

In patriotism, people all over the world are considered equal but nationalism implies that only the people belonging to one’s own country should be considered one’s equal.

A patriotic person tends to tolerate criticism and tries to learn something new from it, but a nationalist cannot tolerate any criticism and considers it an insult.

Nationalism makes one to think only of one’s country’s virtues and not its deficiencies.  Nationalism can also make one contemptuous of the virtues of other nations.  Patriotism, on the other hand, pertains to value responsibilities rather than just valuing loyalty towards one’s own country.

Nationalism makes one try to find justification for mistakes made in the past, while patriotism enables people to understand both the shortcomings and improvements made.

Summary:

Patriot:  Expresses the emotion of love towards his country in a passive way.
Nationalist:  Strives for independence and the interest and domination of a nation and expresses his love or concern for the country in an active political way.”

As I’ve already mentioned, the difference between nationalism and patriotism is one’s perspective and the context by which these feelings and emotions emanate.  But Brian (through his researched material) not only defined but detailed other necessary elements that separate nationalism and patriotism.  So when the smart question is asked of us, we could always give a smart answer on the difference between nationalism and patriotism.

 Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Nationalism and Environmentalism


NATIONALISM and ENVIRONMENTALISM
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 14, 2014

A friend of mine who is also a keen apostle of environmentalism and has been regularly visiting my blogsite (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/) emailed to ask if I have decided to segue to socio-political articles from socio-economic-environmental matters and concerns.  This observation, perhaps, was triggered by the fact that I have been posting articles aimed at rekindling nationalism instead of environmentalism.  I wrote back to say that I really don’t find too much difference between nationalism and environmentalism.

Much as I want to establish a synthesis (meaning: (1) deductive reasoning; (2) the frequent and systematic use of inflected forms as a characteristic device of a language; (3) the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole; (4) the combination of often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole; and, (5) the dialectic combination of thesis and antithesis into a higher stage of truth) to marry nationalism and environmentalism, they just are neither compatible nor contrary.  These terms stand alone in character and meaning; both are belief and ideological systems influenced by a lot of other factors.

“Environmentalism” is a broad philosophy, ideology and social movement on matters and concerns that pertains to environmental protection and the improvement of the health of the environment.  Environmentalism does not only involve biotic (living) but abiotic (non-living) elements in the ecosystem.  On the other hand, “nationalism” is a belief system, a creed or a political ideology that involves a profession of love for country.  There is a very thin line that differentiates nationalism and patriotism.  Patriotism, as opposed to nationalism, involves social conditioning to develop a mindset and personal or collective behaviours towards one’s national condition.

Environmentalists and nationalists are two people sharing the same passion for two closely related concepts.  Their profession of love for their country and Mother Earth is an ideal combination of value sets.  In fact, it is often said that love and care for one cannot be possible without loving and caring for the other.  So… what then could be the difference between nationalism and environmentalism?

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Gen. Francisco S. Makabulos


FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Gen. Francisco S. Makabulos
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 2, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here is one of them.

“Francisco Soliman Makabulos (September 17, 1871 – April 30, 1922) was a Filipino patriot who led the Katipunan revolutionary forces during the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896.

He was born in La Paz, Tarlac to Alejandro Makabulos of Lubao, Pampanga and Gregoria Soliman.  He organized the first Katipunan group there after he was inducted into the secret society by Ladislao Diwa in 1896.  When the revolution broke out in 1896, he liberated Tarlac and established town councils in areas he liberated.

Makabulos refused to honor the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which called for a truce with the Spanish colonial government, and continued operations in Cetral Luzon.  But on January 4, 1898, he disbanded his troops and accepted amnesty after receiving PhP 14,000 as part of Spanish reparations to Filipino revolutionaries.  Makabulos distributed the money to his men.

However, he resumed operations against the Spanish and on April 17, 1898, an assembly of citizens representing the town councils Makabulos established, calling themselves representatives of Central Luzon, met and drafted a provisional constitution.  They created a government that was to exist until a revolutionary government is established.  Makabulos’ government was headed by a general executive committee, consisting of a president, vie president, secretary of interior, secretary of war and a secretary of the treasury.

Makabulos dissolved his government after the First Philippine Republic was created by the Malolos Constitution, which he also signed.  He also led his men to free nearby provinces like Pangasinan where he led revolutionists in the Battle of Dagupan.” (Wikipedia)

After Gen. Emilio F. Aguinaldo was captured, Makabulos continued fighting the Americans and framed his own constitution called the Constitution of Makabulos.  He realized that further fighting would be futile, and so, in June 1900, he surrendered to the Americans.  Later, he became mayor of La Paz, Tarlac, and after his term in public office, he returned to farming until his death at the age of 51.

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our nationalist spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Mighty Selfie Stick


THE MIGHTY SELFIE STICK
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 19, 2014

Yesterday I posted and blogged about “Selfitis” (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/11/selfitis.html).  I’m posting this little article to follow up on this subject matter; also known as “narcissism”, “Machiavellianism” and “psychopathy”.

Let’s talk about the necessary elements that encourage “selfitism”: (1) A subject… the selfitissist; (2) A digital camera or camera phone; (3) A Social Media account such as Facebook; (4) An arm; or, (5) A selfie stick.  “Selfie Stick?”… what on earth is this?  Here is a researched material on the very popular and mighty selfie stick: (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/18/14/where-did-global-obsession-selfie-sticks-start-not-manila)

“Manila, Philippines – Remember when Time magazine named Manila as the “selfie capital” of the world?  Filipinos are still obsessed with getting the perfect selfie, as seen with the rise in Google searches bout “selfie sticks” or “monopods”.  For those who have been living under a rock, a selfie stick is an “expandable handheld self-portrait-taker that is usually attached to smartphones”.  Google Trends said the online queries for “selfie stick”, “monopod”, and other related terms started surging in 2014, mostly in Southeast Asian countries.  But surprisingly, the global obsession with selfie sticks did not start in Manila, but in a neighboring Asian country --- Jakarta in Indonesia.  Google Trends noted the popularity of selfie sticks started in late 2013 in Jakarta.  This spread to Malaysia between January to March 2014.  But between March to June 2014, the Philippines overtook Malaysia in the number of online searches on selfie sticks.”

The selfie stick being born in and first becoming popular in Malaysia is not surprising.  It actually was not that essential in the Philippines because every household has a “dust pan” that was and still is as effective as the mighty selfie stick.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Monday, November 17, 2014

Selfitis


SELFITIS
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 11, 2014

A “selfie” is a self-portrait photograph commonly taken with a hand-held digital camera or a camera phone.  Rather than use the timer function of the camera, selfies are often taken at arm’s length and made to appear that someone else took the photo.  Some selfies are also taken using a mirror.  These photographs are then uploaded on social networking services such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Netizens, who have made careers out of shooting selfies and posting them on social media, are said to be suffering with a mental disorder called narcissism.  Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of one’s own attributes.  Aside from being a mental disorder, narcissism is also considered a social and cultural problem and is considered as one of the dark triadic personalities, which are:

  • PSYCHOPATHY which is characterized by enduring antisocial behaviour, impulsivity, selfishness, callousness, and remorselessness;
  • MACHIAVELLIANISM which is characterized by manipulation and exploitation of others and a cynical disregard for morality, and a focus on self-interest and deception; and,
  • NARCISSISM which is characterized by grandiosity, pride, egotism, and the lack of empathy.



“The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has officially confirmed what many people thought all along: taking “selfies” is a mental disorder.  The APA made this classification during its annual board of directors meeting in Chicago, Illinois.  The disorder is called “selfitis”, and is defined as “the obsessive compulsive desire to take photos of one’s self and post them on social media as a way to make up for lack of self-esteem and to fill a gap in intimacy”.

APA said there are three levels of the disorder:
  1. BORDERLINE SELFITIS:  Taking photos on one’s self at least three times a day but not posting them on social media;
  2. ACUTE SELFITIS:  Taking photos of one’s self at least three times a day and posting each of the photos on social media; and,
  3. CHRONIC SELFITIS:  Uncontrolled urge to take photos of one’s self round the clock and posting the photos on social media more than six times a day.



According to the APA, while there is currently no cure for the disorder, temporary treatment is available through Cognitive Behavioral Theraphy (CBT).  But more than the cure for such mental disorder is the prevention of it.  In this day and age of social media, how do we really rid ourselves of any degree of selfitis?

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Gen. Simeon A. Ola


FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Gen. Simeon A. Ola
by Antonio C. Antonio
October 30, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here is one of them.

“Simeon Arboleda Ola (September 2, 1865 – February 14, 1952) is a hero of the Philippine Revolution and was the last general to surrender to the American forces after the Philippine-American War.

Simeon Ola was born on September 2, 1865 to Vicente Ola and Apolonia Arboleda, who were ordinary citizens with little money.  He was enrolled in Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and studied Philosophy, but didn’t finish the course.  He joined the local branch of the Katipunan in his hometown province of Albay and later became the leader.  He was promoted to the rank of captain after the Battle of Camalig in Albay, 1898 and again promoted to the rank of major after a daring ambush mission that led to the capture of three Americans.  He was also the leader of the subsequent valiant attacks on Albay towns namely, Oas, Ligao and Jovellar.  He later surrendered on the condition that his men would be granted amnesty.  He was put on trial and was proven guilty of sedition and was sentenced to thirty years in prison.  In 1904, he was given a pardon and returned to his place of birth and became municipal president.  The regional police command in Legaspi City was named after him.

Simeon Ola died on February 14, 1952 and was interred at the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Guinobatan.” (Wikipedia)

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our nationalist spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Saturday, November 15, 2014

Posting Comments


POSTING COMMENTS
by Antonio C. Antonio
August 25, 2014

Most posted materials on social media have a specific topic, accompanying discussion and conclusion.  If the literary material follows in this simple order, the reader should have a clear understanding what the topic is all about and the message the writer wants to convey.  If the information mentioned is not sufficient, then the reader could either conduct an additional research before making a comment or ask questions to clarify his/her doubts.  Therefore, a basic understanding of the posted literary material is a must.

The following are the important elements in posting comments on Facebook or any social media forum:

FIRST:  Critical Thinking – Comments and questions should show clear evidence of critical thinking (meaning: the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment).  This should take the form of an application, an analysis, or a synthesis of the posted materials.  Oftentimes, it could also be by way of introducing new but relevant information and ideas on the posted material as a measure to help others understand the post further.

SECOND:  Professionalism – Posting comments and/or questions should be not done in a condescending manner.  One line in the prose/poem “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann (1927) states: “Even the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story…”.  Post with respect and civility.  Comments and questions should be well organized, well written, easy to understand, and never insulting.

The fun and friendliness of social media should not also be lost in the stiffness of decorum and protocol.  Laughs and jokes could also be exchanged so long as they are done with sense and “good taste”.  After all, social media is a venue to gaining friends aside from influencing people.

THIRD:  Referencing and Support – Plagiarism could also happen in posting comments or questions on social media.  Whenever facts are stated, these should be explicitly backed up by reference such as literary materials and technical papers.  It should be noted that most technical papers go through a peer-review process before such materials are published in widely accepted journals.  There are also other reliable sources of information from the internet but the link should always be provided/embedded in the comment-post.  Citing and referencing is equally important in posting questions and commentaries.

Following these simple “must haves” in posting commentaries or inquiries on social media will translate to a more productive and intelligent exchange of ideas.  Let us not post comments just for the sake of posting comments.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Friday, November 14, 2014

Environmental Noise


ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE
by Antonio C. Antonio
October 23, 2014

One of the less regarded forms of pollution is noise pollution.  Noise pollution, by definition, is the disturbing or excessive levels of noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life.  Medical research has proven that high levels of noise may contribute to cardiovascular problems, rise in blood pressure and coronary artery disease among humans.

Sound is measured in decibels (db) at logarithmic scale (meaning: a 10-fold increase in sound pressure for every 10 decibel increase).  Noise pollution often results to partial or permanent hearing.  Inefficiency to some type of human activities especially in offices and other work areas are common results of noise pollution.  In some cases, noise pollution or the sustained exposure to noise also leads to accidents. 

Industrial activities and technological products are largely contributory to noise pollution in contemporary history.  And because of advances in technology, man had the capacity to produce more intense and frequent sounds.  The absence of melody and an intensely high pitch makes these sounds fall in the noise category.  The common source of noise is mainly caused by machines, equipment and transport systems, motor vehicles, airplanes and aircraft, and trains. 

The term “environmental noise” is commonly used to describe outside noise.  Indoor noise is caused by building machinery and equipment in workplaces; and enclosures where musical sounds are excessively increased such as disco pubs, karaoke dens, concert halls and street performances.

Poor urban planning is largely to be blamed for noise pollution.  Industrial structures and buildings built beside and ear-shot proximity of residential areas commonly account for noise pollution cases or cases of environmental noise.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Thursday, November 13, 2014

Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Capt. Jose Cabalfin Calugas


FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Capt. Jose Cabalfin Calugas
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 8, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here is one of them.

“Jose Cabalfin Calugas (December 29, 1907 – January 18, 1998) was a member of the Philippine Scouts during World War II.  He received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Bataan.

At the age of 23, Calugas joined the Philippine Scouts of the United States Army and completed training as an artilleryman and served with different artillery batteries of the Philippine Scouts until his unit was mobilized to fight in World War II.  After noticing one of his unit’s gun batteries had been destroyed and its crew killed, he gathered several members of his unit together, dug in and attempted to defend the line.  He was captured along with other members of his unit and forced to march to a distant enemy prison camp, where he was held as a prisoner of war.  When he was released in 1943, he was secretly assigned to a guerrilla unit in the Philippines where he fought for the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese.

After World War II, Calugas received a direct commission and became a United States Citizen.  Retiring from the Army, he settles in Tacoma, Washington.

Calugas was born in Barrio Tagsing, Leon, Iloilo, Philippines on December 29, 1907.  His mother died when he was ten, and he later left high school in order to work and support his family.  In 1930, he enlisted in the United States Army and had received his basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Upon completion, he received additional training as an artilleryman, and then assigned to the 24th Artillery Regiment of the Philippine Scouts at Fort Stotsenburg, Pampanga.  While stationed at Fort Stotsenburg, he married and began to raise a family.  His next unit was the 88th Field Artillery Regiment of the Philippine Scouts.  He was a Sergeant with Battery B when the United States and the Philippine Commonwealth, declared war with Japan in 1941.  His unit was mobilized for duty and sent to Bataan in December 1941.

On January 6, 1942, his unit was covering the withdrawal of a portion of the U.S. Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), with the 26th Cavalry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts and the 31th Infantry Regiment.  Calugas was working as a mess sergeant in charge of a group of soldiers who were preparing the day’s meals, known as KP duty.  He noticed that one of his unit’s guns had been silenced, and its crew killed.  Without orders, he ran the 1,000 yards across the shell-swept area to the inactive gun position.  Once there, he organized a squad of volunteers who returned Japanese artillery fire.  The position remained under constant and heavy fire for the rest of the afternoon.  While Calugas and his squad maintained a steady fire on the enemy positions, other soldiers had time to dig in and defend the line.  As the day ended and combat subsided, he returned to KP.  For his actions on that day, his superiors recommended Calugas for the United States military’s highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor.  Before he could receive it, however, all American forces on Bataan surrendered to the Japanese forces.

Arguably, the Battle of Bataan represented the most intense phase of Imperial Japan’s invasion of the Philippines during World War II.  During the final stage of the Battle of Bataan and after repeated assaults and artillery fire by Japanese forces, the communications and defences of the allies on Bataan peninsula had been almost completely destroyed.  On the last two days, the entire Allied defense collapsed, clogging all roads with refugees and fleeing troops.  By April 8, the senior U.S. commander on Bataan, Major General Edward “Ned” P. King, Jr., recognized the futility of further resistance and explores proposals for capitulation.  On April 9, 1942, approximately 76,000 Filipino and American troops surrendered to a Japanese army of 54,000 men under Lt. Gen. Masaharu Homma.  This was the single largest surrender of one of its military forces in American history.

After the surrender, Calugas and the other prisoners marched from Mariveles to Camp O’Donnel, a prison camp in the province of Tarlac.  The Japanese, having expected the fighting to continue, anticipated about 25,000 prisoners of war and were inadequately prepared or unwilling to transport a group of prisoners three times the size.  The majority of the prisoners of war were immediately relieved of their belongings and endured a98-kilometer march in deep dust, over vehicle-broken macadam roads, and crammed into rail cars for the portion of the journey from San Fernando to Capas.  En route, over 21,000 men and women dies from disease, starvation, dehydration, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton execution.  The death of Filipinos and Americans was disproportionately high: approximately 5,000 – 10,000 Filipino and 600 – 650 American prisoners of war died on the Bataan Death March.  Calugas remained a prisoner at Camp O’Donnel until January 1943, when he was released to work for the Japanese.

His release placed him as a labourer in a Japanese rice mill, and while assigned there he secretly joined a Guerilla unit, #227 Old Bronco.  As an officer of the guerrilla unit, he participated in the attack on the Japanese garrison at Karangalan.  His unit fought in the continued campaign against the Japanese, which eventually led to the liberation of the Philippines.

After the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, he finally received the Medal of Honor for which he had been approved in the beginning of the war.  The medal was presented to him by General of the Army Gen. George Marshall.  Calugas subsequently accepted a direct commission in the United States Army and was later assigned to the 44th Infantry Regiment, which was assigned with the occupation of Okinawa.  After the unit was disbanded in 1947, he was assigned to the Ryuku Command, on the Ryuku Islands in the South China Sea, where he remained until 1953.  He was later assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington.

Although he had been born in a U.S. territory, and had fought in the United States’ Army, Calugas technically was not a citizen.  Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Philippine residents were classified as U.S. nationals.  The 1934 Tydings-McDuffie Act, or Philippine Independence Act, reclassified Filipinos as aliens, and set a quota of 50 immigrants per year to the United States, with the exception of those who joined the U.S. Navy, but not the U.S. Army.  While serving in Okinawa, Calugas completed the process of becoming a naturalized United States citizen.

Calugas eventually retired from the army with the rank of Captain and in 1957 he moved into Tacoma, Washington with his family.  After retiring from the army he earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound in 1961 and worked for the Boeing Corporation.  In addition to furthering his education and starting a new career, he was involved in several veterans groups within the Seattle and Tacoma area.  He died in Tacoma on January 18, 1998 at the age of 90 and is buried at Mountain View Memorial Park in Tacoma, Washington.  He was survived by his three children, including retired Sergeant First Class Jose Calugas, Jr., eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.  His wife of 52 years died in 1991.

Calugas earned multiple military decorations before he died, including: (1) Medal of Honor; (2) Presidential Unit Citations with two oak leaf clusters; (3) Prisoner of War Medal; (4) Good Conduct Medal; (5) Army of Occupation Medal; (6) National Defense Service Medal; (7) American Defense Service Medal; (8) Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two campaign stars; (9) World War II Victory Medal; (10) Philippine Defense Medal; (11) Philippine Liberation Medal with two service stars; (12) Philippine Independence Medal; and, (13) United Nations Korea Medal.” (Wikipedia)

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our nationalist spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Whatever We Imagine


WHATEVER WE IMAGINE
by Antonio C. Antonio
October 31, 2014

Writing for social media is a freedom and opportunity to be enjoyed by both writer and reader as well.  Although writers should be given the latitude and elbow room to be creative, this freedom should be guided by a certain degree of reality and truth.

Creative writing is just a means or tool of expression.  “Creative writing is any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified by an emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes (meaning: a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression) or various traditions of poetry and poetics.” (Wikipedia)  A lot will still depend on the idea that is moulded in the minds of readers as a result of the creative juices of the writer.

So long as the exercise of creative writing is not offensive to others, it should be acceptable.  Then, again, the appreciation of the written material would always depend on the reader or the receiver of the stimuli.  Stimulus is a thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue; a thing that rouses activity or energy in someone or something; a spur or incentive; or, anything interesting and exciting in quality.  Therefore, if creative writing is acceptable, we can certainly write about whatever we imagine.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

How To Write Without Pain


HOW TO WRITE WITHOUT PAIN
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 3, 2014

I was almost tempted to use the title “How to Write Without Even Trying” but it just doesn’t make much sense, doesn’t it?  One just has to “try” when writing so there really is no point saying “without even trying”.  I also tried thinking of another catchy title but I eventually chose “How to Write Without Pain”.  Why?... because writing, to most people, is a painful exercise; but any exercise eventually brings us to a certain degree of comfort, expertise or even perfection.  So here are some personal tips for painless writing…
  1. Never think you are not a writer.
  2. Never write about complicated subject matters.
  3. Write about things that you love talking about; and never get too attached to the Internet.
  4. Write as if you are telling your favourite story.
  5. Make a simple outline --- Introduction, Discussion and Conclusion.
  6. Use your own thought patterns.
  7. Use words that are comfortable to you; use your own brand of speak; and, never wait for the right words to describe your thoughts… write the first word that comes to your mind.
  8. Move words, sentences and paragraphs around your article until the thought “flow” becomes continuous.
  9. Set a self-imposed deadline.
  10. Leave at least half a lesson.

Writing is a good mental exercise and everyone should try it.  I hope these ten tips will help solve the problem: “How to write without pain”.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)


Monday, November 10, 2014

Somebody Read My Blog


SOMEBODY READ MY BLOG
by Antonio C. Antonio
November 8, 2014

“From the environmental and ecological viewpoints, Philippine urban centers do have so many problems.  I have chosen to write about the urban problems and solutions of Metro Manila since this is where my family and I live.  As citizens of the biggest metropolis in the Philippines, we are exposed to its good and bad environment.” (Antonio, 2014)

In April 29, 2014, I blogged an article titled “Problems of Philippine Urban Centers” (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-problems-of-philippine-urban-centers.html).  To aid in the analysis of the situation, I made a matrix.  The first was the PROBLEM COLUMN; the second the CAUSES COLUMN; and, the third the SOLUTIONS COLUMN.  The identified PROBLEM was “Air Pollution”, the identified CAUSE was “Old/Surplus Vehicles”; and, the identified SOLUTIONS were: “(1) Ban the importation of old and surplus motor vehicles; (2) Ban the entry of old vehicles into Metro Manila; and, (3) Pay higher motor vehicle registration fees for old vehicles.”

Last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) came up with a statement that the level of pollution in Metro Manila is worsening every day.  And to reduce Metro Manila’s carbon footprint and curb the rapidly deteriorating air quality in the metropolis, drastic measures had to be made.  70 to 80% of the air pollution in Metropolitan Manila is caused by vehicular emissions while 20 to 30% come from industrial emissions.  "Clearly, the key to improving Metro Manila's air quality is by addressing the biggest source of pollution, which is motor vehicles," the DENR pointed out. "We are therefore proposing an early implementation of the Euro 4 Standards for automobile fuels and the scrapping of older high-polluting vehicles.”  The DENR proposes to move the implementation of this measure from January 1, 2016 to an earlier date in the month of June 2015. 

The phasing-out of vehicles that have been operating for more than 15 years shall be done through the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).  If this is strictly followed next year, this means cars models 2000 and older will be banned from Metro Manila streets.  This will not only reduce carbon emissions but also effectively reduce the number of vehicles in the metropolis; therefore, an additional measure to solve the traffic congestion problem.  I understand that safety nets or support system are also being considered to mitigate the effect of this measure especially on the transportation sector… details of which are yet to be made public.

In April 22, 2014, I wrote another blog  titled “The Ripple Principle” (http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-ripple-principle.html) which essentially says that environmental lobbying could come in the form of “noise” created in all conceivable media (mainstream or social) outlets by ordinary citizens like us or even loosely organized pro-environment groups.  The point is simply making “noise” about our environmental concerns until this “noise” is heard by someone (or an organization; especially government) who could actually do something about it.  I’m just glad that someone read my blog.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)


Sunday, November 9, 2014

Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua


FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua
by Antonio C. Antonio
October 30, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here is one of them.

“Through his unselfishness and heroism, General Paua had earned the gratitude of the Filipino nation to whose freedom and welfare he dedicated his life.  He loved the Philippines as his own country.” --- Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo

 “There are many little-known, unsung heroes in the history of the Philippine revolution.  One of them was Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua, the only pure-blooded Chinese general who supported the Katipuneros in the fight against the Spaniards and later joined Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s army in the short-lived war against the American colonizers.

Paua was born on April 29, 1872 in an impoverished village of Lao-na in Fujian province, China.  In 1890, he accompanied his uncle to seek his fortune in the Philippines.  He served first as an apprentice blacksmith on Jaboneros Street, Binondo, a job he held for many years until he became an expert.

His knowledge as blacksmith served him in good stead during the revolution.  He became an expert in the repair of native cannons called lantakas and many other kinds of weaponry.

Paua was a young, handsome, and sociable fellow who easily made friends with Filipinos.  His best friend was Pantaleon Garcia, a leader of the revolutionary army.  Accompanied by Garcia, he attended meetings and fiestas in Cavite where he met Gen. Aguinaldo, Artemio Ricarte and other revolutionary leaders.

Aguinaldo admired Paua greatly because of his knowledge of the manufacture of firearms and for his deep sympathy toward the cause of the Filipinos.

At the outbreak of the revolution in 1896, Paua quickly joined the army.  Aware of the acute shortage of arms, he suggested to Aguinaldo to set up an ammunition factory in Imus, Cavite.  With the help of his fellow Chinese blacksmiths, he finished the arsenal in two days time.  “Under his skilful supervision, old cannons and broken Mausers captured from the enemy were repaired; large bamboo cannons taped with wires were manufactured, numerous paltiks (crude firearms) were made, and thousands of cartridges were filled with home-made gunpowder.”  Not only did he manage the factory, he also taught the Filipinos how to melt metals, including church bells, for the manufacture of much-needed arms and bullets for the revolutionary army.

Aside from his own participation, Paua promised the support of his fellow Chinese in the Filipinos’ fight for freedom.  In spite of his being a Chinese, he never hesitated risking his life for his adopted country.  Teodoro Gonzales, a patriot-lawyer, described Paua in his unpublished memoir: “It was a strange sight in camp to see him --- a dashing officer with a colonel’s uniform but having a pigtail.  His soldiers were Tagalogs, all veteran fighters; yet they were devoted to him and were proud to serve under his battle standard, notwithstanding the fact that he was a Chinaman.”

Paua’s valor was proven time and again in the battlefield, hence, Aguinaldo promoted him several times until he became a full general on September 26, 1896.  He receives his first baptism of fire in the Battle of Binakayan, November 10, 1896, which was personally directed by Governor General Ramon Blanco as an all-out offensive.  Paua reportedly “fought like a wild cat.  He and valiant bolomen grappled with the attacking riflemen.  Several times, he stopped the bayonet charges of the enemy at the left flank of Gen. Aguinaldo’s entrenched position.”  Despite their superior arms and number, “Governor Blanco sadly returned to Manila, with his tattered battle colors, shattered forces, and shiploads of wounded.”  Candido Tirona and many brave patriots died gloriously in that fierce battle.  Two days after the Battle of Binakayan, Paua was promoted from lieutenant of the infantry to captain.

Paua proved himself again and again in other attacks on Spanish garrisons, and confrontations in Zapote, Perez Dasmariñas. Salitran, Imus, among others.

On June 12, 1898, when Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite and raised the colors for the first time, Paua cut off his queue (braid).  When Garcia and the other comrades teased him about it, Paua said: “Now that you are free from your foreign master, I am also freed from my queue.”  (The queue, for the Chinese, is a sign of humiliation and subjugation because it was imposed on them by the Manchu rulers of the Qing dynasty.  The Chinese revolutionaries in China cut off their queues only in 1911 when the uprising which toppled the Manchu government succeeded.)

Later, tasked with raising funds for the empty coffers of the newly established Republic, Paua raised a staggering 386,000 pesos in Bicolandia alone, mostly from the Chinese.  It was the largest cash sum ever collected by any fiscal agent of the Republic.  Once, while making his collections in the early part of October 1899, he almost lost his life and his valuable cargo of 160,000 silver pesos.  An American gunboat sighted them while sailing across Ragay Gulf toward the Tayabas coast.  Paua ordered the boat’s pilot to maneuver in the shallow waters near the banks, dumped his bags of silver pesos, and frustrated the pursuit of the steam gunboat.  He went back and fished out his bags of coins the next day.

When the Filipino-American war broke out, Paua was again at the forefront of the battle.  Taught in the rigid discipline of martial arts, he trained his men well.  Among the very few battles won against the superior fire power of the Americans were those led by Paua.

Paua became a scourge of the American troops, who greatly feared his attacks.  UP historian Prof. Luis Dery wrote: “The ferocity with which he contested every inch of Philippine soil lost to the American troops showed his total transformation from Chinese to Filipino – in heart and in deed.”

After the war, Paua retired in Albay and was once elected mayor of Manito, Albay.  He told his wife and children: “I want to live long enough to see the independence of our beloved country and to behold the Filipino flag fly proudly and alone in out skies.”  His dream was not realized because he died of cancer in Manila on May 24, 1926.

On Independence Day on June 12, 1989, General Paua was fittingly honoured when Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc., an organization of young Chinese-Filipinos, in cooperation with the National Historical Institute, unveiled his bust at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite and a nine-foot monument of this hero in Silang, Cavite.

Funds for this monument were raised from all sectors of the Chinese-Filipino community as a tribute to this unknown and hitherto unsung hero of the Philippine revolution.” (Teresita Ang See)

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our nationalist spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)