May Itlog Ba Ang Noodles Mo?

Noodles and eggs are the popular viands of those Filipinos who have not or those in the "laylayan ng lipunan." This is because instant noodles are cheap and affordable. They can be made boiled and make into soup or boiled and drained to make the usual pancit. Whatever form, noodles save the hungry tummy of many Filipinos.

Becoming expensive now a days, eggs are still Filipinos favorite viands. Eggs can be boiled and fried or put into soup noodles for added flavor and texture.

The quote above in English:  "It's already egg and noodles in the Philippines, still the same in the Middle East?"

This is how many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) lamented when they still have eggs and noodles for food during breakfast, lunch or supper. It only shows that they are still in the same financial status even working overseas. Although there is humor in it, it is quite true for most Filipinos who are not earning that much in the Middle East. Trying to save extra money to send to their loved ones and relatives at home, they tend to buy and eat noodles and eggs to satisfy their hunger, just like in the Philippines.

COMING HOME with SADNESS

On the first of June 2008, I need to return to my first home -the Philippines - not with great joy but with sadness. The other day, 31 May 2008 , my father expired. He had a stroke. He was DOA at the nearby hospital. We were in shock and in grief but we were relieved that he did not suffer much. Always, he told us that if the time comes, he really did not want to recover if it will bring much sufferings to the family. Nakita kasi niya yong iba naming kapitbahay na nagkaroon ng major stroke at nabuhay na parang gulay kung hindi man paralisado o hindi naging maganda ang kinahinatnan.

We are sad not much on my father's passing because we know that he is at peace with his Creator but more so on the thought that my mother will be without a partner. Four of his 6 remaining children are overseas. The only consolacion is that my mother is a strong lady.

It is sad but this is a reality that we all endure.

On behalf on my family, I would like to thank those who offer prayers, sympathy and condole with us on this painful situation.

CORRUPTION in the PHILIPPINES

Once again, the Philippine President is under scrutiny because of the ZTE broadband deal. Being listed as one the corrupt countries in Asia, this is not a news anymore. From the lowest elected or appointed officials up to the highest elected or appointed officials, everyone is prone to corruption. Even the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) officials are not immune to this "way of life."

To combat corruption in the Philippines, one has to demolish the very nature of the Filipino psyche. Whether we admit it or not, one of the weaknesses of the Filipinos is being "impatient".

"Mainipin ang mga Filipino. Ayaw maghintay nang matagal. Gusto ay matapos agad ang anumang bagay sa lalong madaling panahon. Ang gusto ay biglang-yaman. Kaya nga, mahilig sa mga sugal, jueteng, lotto, sabong at kung anu-ano pang sugal na madaling pagkakitaan ng pera."

The Filipinos are impatient. They do not want to wait long. They like to finish anything in a very short time. They want to be instant millionaire. That's why they like gambling, jueteng, lotteries, cockfighting and any other games that give them easy money.

And because of this attitude, instead of falling in line, those who have extra cash will transact business with an "insider" or a "fixer" for a certain fee so that they can get their documents faster.

Everything in the Philippines has a price. From birth certificates, passports, driving licenses, vehicles registration and even your votes.

The second way to eradicate corruption is to destroy the close family ties of the Filipinos. "Blood is thicker than water" is followed word by word by the Filipinos. "Kanino pa ang sarap kundi sa kamag-anak."

If you want to be elected in any public position, you need tha votes of your immediate family, your extended family by blood or my marriage, your neighbours, friends, the friends of your friends, and eventually the whole barangay. If you win, the" debt of gratitude" will haunt you. You will do something in return for those who voted and supported you.

How can you say "NO" to your brother if he asked you to give the building contract to his company? Can you say "NO" to your "inaanak" if he asked you a vacant position in the municipal hall?

You will serve a limited time in the public office but those who voted and supported you will be your family, neighbours, friends and "kabarangay" forever.

To combat corruption, the Filipinos have to change their attitudes NOT necessarily their leaders.