“We Can Save Our Nation by Saving Our Homes”

THE 3RD PEBA INTERNATIONAL BLOG AWARDS is looking for nominees in the Visayas and Mindanao Region If you have something to say about FAMILIES, and OFWs, yours could be the winning piece!

Society's problems arise, almost without exception, out of the homes of the people. If there is to be a reformation, if there is to be a change, if there is to be a return to old and sacred values, it must begin in the home. – Excerpt from the book, “Standing for Something” By Gordon B. Hinckley

 

“There is no place, no environment more conducive to the development and enactment of virtue than the family. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity and their peace, all find their roots in the teaching of children by fathers and mothers, and in the strength and stability of the family. I know this not only because of what I have observed during my eighty nine years, but because of what I experienced in my childhood home.

When I was a boy, my parents followed a practice they called "family home evening." On a specified evening of the week, we would join as a family to learn together, play together, and enjoy one another's company. My father was a great storyteller, and he often told us stories from his memory. Mother would warm up the parlor where her grand piano stood, so that we could sing as a family. We were miserable performers as children. We could do all kinds of things together while playing, but when one of us tried to sing a solo before the others, it was like asking ice cream to stay hard on the kitchen stove. In the beginning, we would laugh and make cute remarks about one another's performance. But our parents persisted. And because they persisted, we sang together. We laughed together. We studied together. And we played and prayed together.

Out of those simple and informal but regular gatherings in the parlor of our old home came something indescribable and wonderful. Our love for our parents was strengthened. My love for my brother and sisters was enhanced. An appreciation for simple goodness grew in all our hearts. Admittedly, we didn't openly speak about love for one another very much in those days. But we didn't have to. We felt the security, peace, and quiet strength that come to families who pray together, work together, help one another, and feel connected one with another.

It is so plainly evident that both the great good and the terrible evil found in the world today are the sweet and the bitter fruits of the rearing, of yesterday's children. As we train a new generation, so will the world be in a few years. If we are worried about the future, then we must look today at the upbringing of children. The evils of the world will continue to escalate unless there is an underlying acknowledgment, even a strong and fervent conviction, that the family is an instrument of the Almighty. It is His creation. It is also the most fundamental and basic unit of society. And it deserves - no, it demands our combined focus and attention. We go to great lengths to preserve historical buildings and sites in our cities. We need to apply the same fervor to preserving the most ancient and sacred of institutions - the family!

Gordon B. Hinckley suggested 10 specific things to do to save marriages and families.

• 1.    Accept responsibility for our role as parents and fulfill our obligations to our children.
• 2.    Get married and stay married.
• 3.    Put the father back at the head of the home.
• 4.    Recognize and value the supreme importance of mothers.
• 5.    Celebrate and treat children as our most priceless treasures.
• 6.    Discipline and train children with love.
• 7.    Teach values to children.
• 8.    Teach children to work.
• 9.    Read to and with children.
• 10.  Pray together.

I believe that if OFWs will apply the 10 suggested things, will have a wonderful effect to us and our families. There will be few divorces and broken families. Fathers or mother can do these things even they're far from home. The wonders of technology makes all this possible.

THE 3RD PEBA INTERNATIONAL BLOG AWARDS is looking for nominees in the Visayas and Mindanao Region If you have something to say about FAMILIES, and OFWs, yours could be the winning piece!

©2010 THOUGHTSKOTO

Why I Am Supporting the Man

I was an active blogger in the 2008 election in the US. I posted entries in favor of a Republican aspirant, Mitt Romney, a very wealthy person but is living a decent life, with his focus on economy, family and values. Mitt doesn't know me, we haven’t been introduced and I have never meet him. I am not a US Citizen or voter either, just an active blogger with my post carried to several other blogsites and political forums. I believe that America needs some change of course. I am not sure if Obama can deliver them, but like I said, America needs a decisive change in terms of moral and social decay, as well as the financial turmoil they are in right now.

If I am that active in the US elections then to which I am not a citizen, I thought, I should be more active in the Philippine election this May 2010. I am a registered overseas absentee voter. One vote may not make a difference, but one vote is sacred to the one casting it. I asked fellow OFW’s before to vote with us.

I hope many OFW’s now have renewed excitements and hope this 2010 election. I hope many will be a voter rather than be a spectator while our beloved country is languishing, and rotted by some (and they are many) corrupt politicians.

I understand that we have opposing opinions and views. We are seeing the same country abused by the very leaders we voted before. We see that our nation is in dire need of a true leader. One who will be brave enough to walk the lonely roads of principled centered leadership. One who will do the right thing even the rest of the media and the elite don’t agree. But we differ in the ways we see who can best lead this motherland into freedom, security and stability. We all have the right to choose, and to express who our candidate. We may disagree with who one will vote for, but we will continue to be a brother, a friend, and a kabayan. We may be voting different candidates, but we have one hope, one dream, and one vision for our beloved country. To rise up and be the country it should be, with people so talented, so vibrant, so industrious, and so hopeful.

I am going to list down below my reasons why I am voting for Manny Villar as president. I have never met him. We were never introduced, and probably, he doesn’t even know me, even by name.

Below is my article posted in 100araw.com

Manny, money and the many lies

April 22, 2010

By Jebee Kenji Solis

An OFW lane at the NAIA. Photo grabbed from Its Possible at aaronautics.wordpress.com.

“The Philippines is a great country, and great heritage and great people, it should need a great leader as well,” said by my foreigner friend across the table while we are having potluck party one time.

We all agree that we are in dire need of a true leader – one who is brave enough to walk the lonely roads of principle-centered leadership; one who will do the right thing even the rest of the media and the elite don’t agree. What we differ from is who we perceive can best lead us and our country into liberty, security and stability. Freedom from poverty, peace and security, that eventually leads to economic stability.

For this election, I’m voting for pro-OFW Manny Villar.

Here are my reasons why:

1. He is the only presidential candidate I know who continuously helps OFWs who are in dire needs (and we are a-plenty!). At one time, more than 80 Filipino Overseas contract workers have returned home through his effort. He even gave houses to OFW’s for free. There might be motive behind his actions, but to help in one way or another, especially if others are in distress is still considered kindness. You can disagree to that.

2. Why other candidates are not thrown with muddy attacks? Kapag hitik daw at mabunga ang manga, pinupukol. Some people asked why Manny Villar have many issues to confront, well, maybe because he has done so much and others doesn’t like it. And why others are perceived to be saintly? Perhaps because they didn’t take any risks at all. Perhaps because they have done nothing substantial.

It’s like a guy who play videos in his room all the day and to another guy who walk down the streets and helped an old woman cross the road, and indeed up scorned, cursed and spit out along the way for causing a halt to an already slow moving traffic. But the guy knows it is the right thing to do. It is by risking that we learn our lessons, gain experiences, succeed and feel better about ourselves.

3. Because he is a billionaire and spends way above others, people assume he will recoup his expenses when he wins. So what about Manny Pacquiao? Do you think he too along with his billions will steal from government’s money? Manny Pacquiao said he is hurt by those accusations.

How much is Villar worth? $530 Million? P24 Billion? They said you will need a billion pesos to run as Philippine president. It is really that expensive to run for president in a country? Manny Villar said from a report of PCIJ.

“That depends, because if you’re an artista or you have a sibling who is one, or you’re supported by a studio or a TV station, you won’t really be able to say how much you need,” said Villar. “Now if you’re not an artista, you’re just one of the poor and no one recognizes your family name, maybe you would need to spend more to make yourself known. But what’s important is that you don’t violate any laws.”

4. He comes on his own name. He didn’t ride along with any names associated with him. A shrimp vendor, sand and gravel businessman, and later a housing magnate, all by himself.

5. I believe he is the most prepared presidentiable of all, ready to lead the country having served as congressman, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and President of the Senate. For the last 18 years, he was serving the country. I don’t know if other presidentiables have the same experience like his. We need a president that can lead, and manage, and can create jobs and make our country competitive. I believe no one has the capability to do that except Manny Villar.

6. His values and management system, plus the way he treat his employees and staff is very important. He thought every one is a part of a team. No one should be left out. From the many testimonies, and the many people I know, he has values, and he live them, and his management style was so effective that people who work with him stays with him. He is one of those few who are excellent in both politics and business.

7. He is a family man, with kids who have manners, and the way I see it, he and Cong. Cynthia Villar, his wife, raise them well.

8. He knows defeat. Talking to his employees one time, Manny Villar says, “Kung sakaling manalo ako, most likely hindi ninyo ako makikita muna dito. Pero ok lang, kung matalo ako, mas madalas tayong magkikita-kita. Kung sakaling maaga pa pero malaki na talaga ang lamang, magcoconcede na agad ako. Tatanggapin ko agad ang pagkatalo ko.” What about his rival? Pag matalo daw sila, pupunta sila sa EDSA!

Remember that people can see the same thing but with a different perspective. This is how I see it. I hope we will see the same for our country too. There are just too much lies and negativity around him, all over the internet. People simply post or express anything without even the gut to verify or find out the truth. I have been carefully following stories and news for the last 6 months.

As the debate rages and as election abroad started, I have to make a stand. Others may not like it; I may offend some of my friends. But this is my personal stand, and I am not paid for doing this, I am not carried away by the stream of current, or swayed by the strong wind. I am voting for pro-OFW Manny Villar.

©2010 THOUGHTSKOTO

Hear Our Voice...

I have to add that image here.

That Juan DelaCruz especially drawn by the owner of the blog The Sandbox for PEBA reminds me always of the responsibility we all have to our country, to our fellowmen.

He said we can do all we want to that image, but just don't remove or change the thumb inked with red color because that is his stand in the coming election. Me and Azel for PEBA didn't removed that.

We respect the man.

I was also honestly touched.

What is my stand? Do I have to make a stand?

What difference will I make if I state my stand?

So I asked Nebz, PEBA's winner for this year, and an OFW advocate to draft his thoughts and expectations for the coming election. He made the flash images. Then I ask CM of the Dungeon (Palau) and George of Palipasan (Qatar), and Rio of Bisjoker (Afghanistan)the men behind KABLOGS. I also ask NJ, and the Pink Tarha Girls (Saudi bloggers).

This compilation of thoughts and ideas, serves as the Voice of KABLOGS and PEBA for this coming election.

"Let the new leaders of our land rise from the votes of the OFWs"

This article was originally posted at the Philippine Online Chronicles, and Blogwatch.ph

For decades, we've been lauded as "Bagong Bayani" as a recognition by the same government who has caused our mass exodus into foreign lands.

Let's breathe the title of modern day heroes and accept its appended challenges and responsibilities. Despite our distance and diversity, we take pride in being a part of the Filipino abroad’s global recognition as shapers of the world.

Now, the time has come to unleash the heroes within us as the majestic sun rises in the East and its rays of hope shines upon our nation this coming May 2010 election.

This is a call for our collective voice in the 2010 election. We encourage all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families to actively participate and be part of our country’s historic electoral process.

For several years, we’ve made our presence felt in building our nation. In every single dollar remittance that is being delivered in our family’s doorsteps, we OFWs have helped in sustaining the Philippines’ economic growth.

Our experiences in and out the country have led us to become seasoned professionals who are now politically mature to discern what’s best for our home country. Now is the moment to make a difference. We are part of the 12 million Filipinos dispersed across the world and we can definitely make a difference.

We will solidify our stand to choose the right leaders fo

r our country. We will influence our family and loved ones back home, the recipient of our hardships and struggles abroad, to act too. We will guide them in making their choices this coming May 2010because we believe that their actions will not only shape our country’s future but the future of the generations to come.

Our nation has suffered from the action (and inaction) of irresponsible and corrupt government officials but we must remain steadfast in our hope and desire of having a better country. Our nation is already battered and divided. This coming election, its fate resides in US.

If there is a time to live as modern day heroes, to make a difference as global Filipinos, to embark on something worth doing, IT IS NOW!

Let us empower ourselves as OFWs. With one voice and one heart, let's vote and get counted! Only responsible voters can bring responsible leaders in office on May 2010.

Let the new leaders of our land rise from the votes of OFWs.

I am asking other OFW and Bloggers to please repost this in your blogs, or send it through email to your friends and families. Thank you. - Mr. Thoughtskoto

© 2010 THOUGHTSKOTO

"UNCLEAR, UNSUBSTANTIAL"

ANO BA ANG MGA PROPOSE AMENDMENTS SA CONSTITUTION KUNG SAKALI. CHECK MO DITO. DUDUGO ANG ILONG, TAINGA, BIBIG AT SASAKIT ANG ULO MO, pati mga kasu-kasuan. PERO KELANGAN MALAMAN NATIN. KUNG AYAW MONG MAGBASA, ITO NA LANG ANG SINABI NG ISA SA MGA GUMAWA NG CONSTITUTION NA YAN AT EXPERT sa mga bagay na ito.

Si Father Joaquin Bernas - Dean Emeritus of Ateneo School of Law in Makati City, Philippines. He was a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission which drafted the present Philippine Constitution.

"Unclear. There were three sponsors of the Resolution who did not seem to agree on what they were sponsoring. One sponsor essentially supported the view that the House could exclude the Senate from the amendatory process. Two others seemed to say that whatever the House approved would be passed on to the Senate for concurrence. When the Ayes out-shouted the Nays, what was approved? It was not clear. Perhaps clarity will come later."

"Unsubstantial. If the purpose was to make the House a constituent assembly, the action was unnecessary. The Constitution itself has made House and Senate constituent assemblies without more. Article XVII says “Any amendment to or revision of the Constitution may be proposed by Congress ...” A constituent assembly is nothing more than a body authorized to amend or propose amendments to the Constitution. Congress, that is, House and Senate, are already that. We are no longer living under the 1935 Constitution when, before Congress could act as a constituent assembly, by constitutional command it had to pass a joint resolution calling for a joint session."

- Making Sense of 1109, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Ang stand po ng Thoughtskoto is malinaw sa bagay na ito. Wag ngayon. Please naman. Maawa naman kayo sa bayan ko. Ang daming Pinoy na nagsipag-uwian kasi nawalan ng trabaho, ang daming Pinoy na naghihirap dahil sa epekto ng Economic Crisis, and ito tayo, ito ang mga kagalang-galangang halal ng bayan, walang iniisip kundi paano manatili sa pwesto? Maybe. Pero kung ano man ang kanilang motibo. Be transparent po.

At saka, pwede ba tumawag ng Constitutional Convention kung kelangan na talagang palitan ang Constitution?

Ang daming tanong, ang daming mga hinaing, minsan nakakawala ng pag-asa, minsan nakakawala ng tiwala. Pero patuloy ang buhay, from time to time we have to make a stand, we need to be counted. NO TO CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY!

Pakigrab na lang kung gusto mo magdisplay ng banner na yan sa sidebar mo.

Salamat po.

©2009 THOUGHTSKOTO

The Price of Leadership

The past few days, I was reading an Ebook sent to me by a friend. An American friend gave me, 9 years ago this book entitled STANDING FOR SOMETHING by Gordon B. Hinckley. I've read it several times, pang 5th times na itong Ebook ngayon kasi naiwan sa kapatid ko sa Pilipinas ang hard-bound book. Nagsilbing inspirasyon ko ito sa buhay, maliban sa 7 Habits of Highly Effective People at mga Books ni Og Mandino, isa ito sa mga inspirational book na gustong gusto ko.

Applicable ito sa atin lalo na yung mga nakipaglaban sa EDSA(pangilang EDSA na ba ito, lols) at yung mga nakikipaglaban sa Constitutional Assembly now. Applicable din ito sa mga kingkongresman na pumirma at nagrailroad ng petition sa Kamara.

Promise maganda ito, kung dudugo man ang ilong niyo dahil English ito, please paduguin niyo na lang muna o pahiran ng tissue. hehe

Ito yung mga Excerpts...

"What we desperately need today on all fronts - in our homes and communities, in schoolrooms and boardrooms, and certainly throughout society at large - are leaders,men and women who are willing to stand for something. We need people who are honest; who are willing to stand up for decency, truth, integrity, morality, and law and order; who respond to their consciences even when it is unpopular to do so - perhaps especially when it is unpopular to do so."

"The problem with most of us is that we are afraid to stand up for what we believe, to be witnesses for what is true and right. We want to do the right thing, but we are troubled by fears. So we sit back, and the world drifts about us, and society increasingly adopts attitudes and standards of behavior that most of us do not approve of."

"In leadership, in standing for principle, there is loneliness. But men and women of integrity must live with their convictions. Unless they do so, they are miserable - dreadfully miserable."

"Tremendous is our opportunity to reach beyond the hoped-for goal of wealth and worldly success to build and strengthen others, to relieve suffering, to aid in making the world a better place, to be as a light. Tremendous also is our potential for leading out and standing up, in every arena, of our lives, for the virtues that will make our individual lives, our families, and our society strong and vibrant."

"No nation can rise above the strength of its homes or the virtue of its people. The time has come for good people everywhere to demonstrate that they stand for something - something that is virtuous and clean and worthwhile."

In a way, nagpapasalamat ako dun sa mamang yun, kung sino man siya. Dumami ang entry sa PEBA, dumami ang naging magkakilala, dumami ang naging magkaibigan, dumami ang nagkaisip na magsulat ng entry to defend hindi lang ang pagiging O-F-W nila, kundi ang pagiging Filipino.

Gusto mo ang Ebook , dito

©2009 THOUGHTSKOTO

Statement: Mike Avenue - Anti-OFW Persona

(I WATCHED MY ONE YEAR OLD BABY WHEN I WAKE UP TODAY AND I AM INSPIRED. THANK YOU MY FRIENDS. WE HAVE SAID OUR PART, AND WE HAVE SAID IT LOUD AND CLEAR. IN A SPIRIT OF UNITY, CIVILITY AND PEACE, LET US MOVE ON. MAY WE HAVE LEARNED OUR LESSONS WELL THROUGH THIS,

that in unity we have a VOICE. I hope the other end learned too,

TO NEVER ABANDON THE VALUES THAT OUR FATHERS AND OUR FATHERS FATHERS HAVE TAUGHT US, LIKE RESPECT.

NEVER TRAMPLE THE INSTITUTION THAT IS SO SACRED TO US - FAMILIES. OFW WORKED ABROAD FOR THEIR FAMILIES!

I AM CALLING ALL OFW BLOGGERS TO MOVE ON AND FOCUS ON OTHER TRIVIAL MATTERS LIKE THE CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY GOING ON IN THE PHILIPPINES.)

On Mike Avenue Pinoy Blog’s ‘Tsokolate’

at dahil ang blog niya ay for Invited Readers na lang sa ngayon,

read the Thoughtskoto reply here

PEBA and KaBLOGs and the Thoughtskoto family MANIFESTO

So that the bloggerworld and everyone may know...

We believe in the right to freedom of speech as a human right.

We believe in the freedom to hold opinions without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.

We believe in the right to freedom of expression to receive and impart information.

We believe that blogging is an expression of one’s opinions, personal experiences, hobbies, commentaries, diaries and we further believe that every blogger has the right to publish his personal expressions and opinions.

We believe that the exercise of these freedoms is not an absolute right but carries with it duties and responsibilities, that may be subject to restrictions or penalties on specific grounds as prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests and protection of the reputation or rights of others.

We believe that majority of the Overseas Filipino Workers have chosen to leave the Philippines to seek and search for better livelihood opportunities abroad so they may be able to support themselves and their families back home.

We believe that the OFW’s search for a greener pasture is not at all that easy and yet hundreds of thousands of OFWs have created names for them and have excelled in their chosen fields of endeavor, setting the world standards for nobility and for hard work.

We believe that there is nothing wrong with doing an honest day’s work as a domestic help or as construction worker or doing any other menial and blue collar jobs.

We believe that OFWs whether professionals or not should be given honor and respect.

We believe that the OFW is the Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World!

With these guiding beliefs:

We regard Mr. Mike Avenue’s Pinoy Blog post on "Tsokolate" as one that lacked research and a flagrant ignorance of the truth about Overseas Filipino workers and expatriates.

We regard this lack of truth and ignorance as especially inexcusable from one who feigns intelligence and high learning and coax people into belief and following.

We regard his statements: “minumura ng amo kapalit ng dolyar” and “humahalik sa paa ng mga dayuhan” as blatant mockeries of the sacrifices of the Overseas Filipino Workers and expatriates and are hasty generalizations of the living and working conditions of the Filipino expatriates and OFWs.

We regard his post as tactless and offensive, trying to make a lame attempt to sarcasm that failed to be funny, at the expense of the Overseas Filipino Workers.

We regard his post as a clear display of arrogance, done in a distasteful manner with blind indifference and unjust condemnation of the millions of hardworking OFWs who work long hours to earn an honest buck.

We regard his post to have overstepped the bounds of sensitivity and responsibility of a decent mind and an accountable and sensible blogger.

Therefore, we at PEBA and KaBLOGs and the THOUGHTSKOTO family will not allow this kind of humiliation to pass without us making a stand.

We strongly condemn this irresponsible blog post and Mike Avenue.

We consider Mike Avenue as an Anti-OFW persona.

We demand a retraction and an apology from Mike Avenue of Pinoy Blogs for this irresponsible blogpost!

We are Filipinos and we should stand together and strive for a better Philippines!

**********************************************

BELOW is MIKE AVENUE's message and comment saying sorry about the Tsokolate incident.

Mike Avenue said...

Paghingi ng Tawad

Isang taos pusong pasasalamat din sa iyo at sa lahat.

Mike Avenue

©2009 THOUGHTSKOTO