GLENN
The Chain By Glenn When I was little, I was enthralled with playing tug of war. The game‟s exhibition of strength and endurance captivated me. Despite my enthusiasm, I was always the last one to be picked because I was skinny. And more often than not, our group would lose to the much stronger team. My peers would then taunt me and I‟d lash back with a myriad of excuses that I‟d hurt my hand or even shift the blame to my other group mates. I learned from an early age that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. All the great leaders throughout history know this for a fact. From the ancient Greeks who were at the forefront of civilization to the great Romans and their legions to the Imperial Chinese Army. These regal States recognized that the muscle of their military was contingent on the strength of every individual warrior. One limp soldier could instigate the defeat of the entire militia. This was why King Leonides of Sparta, whose battle was portrayed in the movie “300”, forbade the hunchback to join his impenetrable men. I was the “hunchback‟ in my play group and I was too stubbornly proud to acknowledge accountability. Blind self‐righteousness does that to you. This lack of accountability has become a phenomenon in the Philippines. We always find an excuse for our society‟s inadequacies. I should know. I‟ve been pointing the finger at the government for causing what I thought of as political prostitution and economic dislocation, and to the police for bastardizing our judiciary system. I even came to the point of impugning god for not making me as handsome as movie actors like Piollo Pascual. We constantly clamour for change in this country. Our demand for change has led to two revolutions and impeached presidents in the past, and yet we lack the tenacity to nurture that spark and see it through. Over the past decades, far too many citizens have fallen victims to attitude of hopelessness and apathy which has led to indifference or worse, resignation to socio‐political ills such as the widely perceived vote buying and selling and patronage politics. We push to change the local police authority system and yet we cannot even respect simple traffic lights. We yearn to revolutionize the way Filipino beauty is perceived in this world and yet we are all too willing to empty our wallets for products that claim to promise “younger, fairer, whiter” versions of ourselves. Change doesn‟t just involve believing in people and ideologies then abandoning them when it stops being advantageous for us. Change isn‟t just about altering outside appearances. Change is a matter of self‐perspective. Change is the way we view ourselves in relation to the world. We need to acknowledge our connection to all other human beings and to our environment. The father of Taoism, Lao Tzu lamented this lack of connection all the time. He once said that “a good man, before he can help a bad man, finds in himself the matter with the bad man” because he knew that we are all connected, all springing from the same source‐ life. How we value the world reflects how we value ourselves. In essence, if we‟re unhappy with the world and we want to change it, we must resolve to start somewhere and what better place to start than ourselves. We could start with our family, for instance. Parents can do much in rearing their children to live by the values of family love and caring for others that would trickle down to the development of critical values of nationhood or patriotism. Today‟s children will someday rule and lead this world. But whether they will be bad rulers or good leaders will depend entirely on how we lead them by examples. We could follow traffic rules which are the simplest of our laws. If we learn to follow them, it will be the lowest form of national discipline that we can develop. To help our sputtering economy, we ought to protect our solemn duty to pay our taxes. And as consumers, vigilance in asking for official receipts is a moral imperative. This guarantees that the sellers would remit the tax to the government. Simple individual actions such as these will make a colossal difference in exacting change in our society. Quoting American anthropologist, Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." The things we think about and the things we do serve to mould the world around us. It is an overwhelming responsibility and yet a magnificent opportunity. Legions and armies are composed of individual soldiers. The weakness of each individual soldier defines the strength of an entire troop. Its success is reliant on the collective efforts of each and every man. Such is the case of personal integrity. Each of us has the power to change this world towards a better reality. If we think right, we do right. Then our world, this world will finally be right. Let us be the change. BCCI lobbies for lower interest rates By Glenn The Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the biggest organization of businessmen and professionals in the province of Bohol, made its clear stand on the issue of interest rates on overseas funding sources for on lending to the Philippine beneficiaries. According to BCCI, Overseas Funding from Japan, Germany, Netherlands, US and other donor countries and financial institutions are presently charging affordable rates to the Philippines in order for the country to provide low interest rates to the sectors of the economy which need it the most. But before these funds reach end‐users, the interest rates have gone up. At present, the Department of Finance (DOF) imposes a guarantee fee ranging from 5‐8% on funds for lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the agricultural sector which results in increasing the rate to the Government Financial Institution (GIF) or funding agency which in turn charges an additional 3‐6%. Then the conduit banks charge and additional 4‐6% which now results in a very expensive rate to the users. BCCI strongly stressed the need for President Arroyo to instruct the DOF to charge a minimal processing or guarantee fee of 1% or less on special multilateral funds for lending to GIFs. Moreover, the President should direct the GFIs to either impose an annual interest rate of only 12% for direct loans to end‐users borrowers or limit their spread to 3% on funds for lending to conduit banks. Arjeo Melisimo, BCCI vice president for external affairs, said a reduction in the interest rates on the special multilateral funds would encourage more investments and thus, create more employment. “The business sector is ready to help pump‐prime the economy. But give us the necessary support. The only way to create more investments is to offer lower interest rates on loans,” he added. Melissimo cited three main benefits of the proposal. First: This will help pump‐prime the economy. The availability of affordable interest rates to SMEs and agricultural sectors will spur economic activity and enable the country to develop. A private sector led economic recovery will enable the country to generate more employment, reduce poverty, reduce crime, and create a broader economic development. Second: This will provide incentive for businesses to invest in productive enterprises. The funds are available for businesses and the agricultural sectors (not for consumption) which will need funding in order to increase the productivity of the Philippine businesses. This is necessary since globalization requires that businesses must be productive in order to survive and mandates that all products and services to be very competitive. Third: This will reduce government expenditures in the long term. A development of the economy, which is private‐sector‐led, will enable the people to be more economically independent. Thus, government expenditures will be reduced overall in the long term.Loreto Palapos, President of BCCI, said the Council of Visayas Chambers is now asking other major business groups in the country, such as the Mindanao Business Councils, to help lobby for the approval of their proposal for lower interest rates to SMEs and the agricultural sector. This is one means of helping the poverty alleviation project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. BCCI brings PLDT rate hike issue to local legislatures By Glenn The Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) successfully initiated three dialogues between the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and local stakeholders, after two consultations with the regional and provincial management of the telecommunication company in an effort to resolve the PLDT issue concerning the proposed rate increase. According to BCCI President, Loreto Palapos, the series of talks conducted by BCCI brought a positive response from the local government units, most particularly the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Panlungsod. He further noted that after the dialogues, the lawmaking bodies eventually reconsidered the reason behind the proposed PLDT rate increase as necessary during their SP sessions. Former Bohol Governor Victor de la Serna shared similar opinion on the matter in a special dialogue with the Association of Concerned Tagbilaranons or ACT. He said that the prevailing rates of PLDT are ridiculous and that the rate adjustment is reasonable. But he stressed: “How much? How soon?” It may be noted that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Panlungsod filed separate resolutions opposing the 24% increase, resulting to mounting objections from the cross‐section of the community. In a change mood of decision, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan represented by Board members Tomas Abapo, Felix Uy, Estanislao Camacho, Corazon Galbreath and Amalia Tirol; and the Sangguniang Panlungsod with the attendance of City Mayor Jose Torralba, Vice Mayor Jorge Cabalit, Dandan Bantugan, Jun de la Torre, Leo Lim, Toto Veloso, and Anoy Capayas gave their positive responses on the proposed PLDT rate increase during the separate two‐day consultation. But there were conditions they proposed such as improvement of service and increase of lines. It may be noted that in Tagbilaran City alone there are more than 3,000 who have applied for telephone lines. Other stakeholders were also invited to the dialogues. Fr. Florante Camacho of DWC represented by Corazon Alejandria, Misoro Salamera of PMI, Arch. Tomas Sarabia of the United Architects of the Philippines, Teresita Labanog of the Chocolate Hills Jaycees, and former City Mayor Jose Ma. Rocha attended the consultations. Representing BCCI in the three consultations were BCCI president Loreto Palapos, who acted as the moderator, Argeo Melisimo, Norris Oculam, Walter Sultan, Tatong Tan, Raymond Roldan, Albert Uy, Baby Collins, Nena Dohig and Atty. Artemio Villas of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Visayas businessmen adopt resolution for SME progress By Glenn The Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) held last August 3‐4 at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club this city banded the Council of Visayas Chambers (CVC) in calling for the national government to put in place a policy to assist the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within our country. CVC pushed its resolution to refile the pending bill on Countryside Barangay Business Enterprises. This is to ensure the availability of loans with competitive interest rates to the SMEs as well as to the agricultural sector. “The country‟s labor policies kept on changing from time to time which prospective and existing investors have noted that it is not competitive to its Asian neighbours,” the CVC resolution stated. “Provided that the legislative branch should pass the appropriate labor policies, our country will be more competitive with our Asian counterparts,” CVC further added. CVC also passed a resolution asking President Gloria Macapagal‐Arroyo to direct the Department of Finance (DOF) to impose a guarantee fee of only 1% or less on special multilateral funds for lending to government financial institutions (GFIs). At present, the DOF is said to impose a guarantee fee of 5‐8% on funds for lending to SMEs and agricultural sector which results in increasing the rate to the Government Financial Institution or funding agency which in turn charges an additional 3‐6%. Then, the conduit banks charge an additional 4‐6% which now results in a very expensive rate to the end users. The CVC, which is composed of 10 chambers of Commerce in Central, Eastern and Western Visayas, also asked the President to direct the GIFs to either impose an annual interest rate of only 12% for direct loans to end‐user or limit their spread to 3% on funds for lending to conduit banks. Furthermore, CVC stated that in the long run, if this proposal will be adopted, this will help boost the economy, provide impetus for business and agricultural sectors to invest in productive enterprises and reduce government expenditures in the long term. Aside from the economic objectives of CVC, the council likewise accentuated the promotion and marketing support to the tourism sector of the region. CVC asks the Department of Tourism through Secretary Richard Gordon to support the progressive liberalization for open sky policy. The three provinces, consisting of Bohol, Iloilo and Bacolod, all requested President GMA to fast track the implementation of modern airport with an international standard. This is for the purpose of easy tourist accessibility and promotion. The province of Siquijor, on the other hand, focused their agenda on the inclusion of their province in the Visayas Cluster of Tourist Destinations in the Philippines. The CVC also adopted a resolution expressing desire to retain Mr. Sta. Ana as governor of the board of investments (BOI) representing the private sector.The Visayas Area Business Conference was attended by businessmen not only from the Visayan region but also from regions in Mindanao, Metro Manila and Luzon. Raising the Limp Wrest By Glenn It was a magnificent day; the mountains loomed verdant, sharply contoured against the bright blue sky. A waterfall glistened. Riding on a white horse, I saw a tower and the day‟s brightness was nothing compared to the view from one of its windows: a lady with her blonde hair hanging straight and shining. I climbed the wall and until I came near to her. Swiftly, her mouth pressed down on mine. But suddenly it was dark and the woman was gone. I was sweating, shuddering in my bed. What a nightmare! How dare her think I was yearning for her kiss! If only she knew I just wanted to ask about the brand of shampoo she was using. Such hair! Yup, I‟m gay. It‟s a liberating feeling, to be finally out of the closet: afraid, ashamed and alone while coming to grips with my “queerness.” All along I thought this same‐sex attraction was just a phase in my youth. I was dead wrong. Much to my frustration, the feelings stayed. It became an unwanted part of me. I tried to repress it to no avail. Regret lingered, spiralling down into depression. I was drifting aimlessly in life without purpose, meaning and reason. Eventually, this repression manifested in self‐destructive behaviours. I became miserable. Worse, I made the lives of the people I love miserable, too. Hitting rockbottom, I had no other choice but to free myself from the false optimism of ever changing. Luckily for me, my family was supportive of my decision to be true to my sexual identity. If I wanted to be honest with myself, I had to be honest with my family too. Though they have always harboured a deep‐seated distrust and unfair judgment against gays, they tried to accept my homosexuality. They‟re still struggling to understand me, but I don‟t think they ever will. Then again, knowing that my loved ones didn‟t disown me is fair enough. I know there are many who are not as lucky to have a supportive and understanding family. Homosexuality, I believe, does not make one less human. Come on, I am not alone. There are a lot who are also struggling to move on en route to self‐discovery, affirmation and pride. Though they may be grappling with the fear of rejection, ridicule and harassment, the rewards are well worth what they stand to gain if they liberate themselves from the bondage of hiding. In the real world, each of us has to do what we think is the best for our own life. For gays like me, we continue to get out of bed each day, put one foot in front of the other, and fight for respect and equality by living our lives with dignity.Considering that ours is a Christian nation, I ask, “Are gays not also the children of God?” Jesus died for all of us. One of God‟s commandments in the bible doesn‟t say, “Love one another except gays.” We all commit sins. And to condemn homosexuals is to forget how sin can also happen through injustice and intolerance. For those wishing to crucify gays like me, let me say, “Thank you for judging. I didn‟t know that there are perfect people in this world.” I insist to live out and be accepted for what I am. This is me. If you got a problem about it, fine. Get in line. Made in Bohol By Glenn Filming has always been RD‟s passion, but it did not start out that way. When RD was only three years old, he saw the movie “Superman”. Still very much in touch with his vivid imagination, he wanted to be what he saw. Someone in a blue suit with a red cape, who could soar the skies. RD, at the tender age, dreamt of being a pilot. While growing up in Bohol, RD tried to collect as many toy planes as possible. He recalls the time when his family would go on shopping and the first stop was always the toy section. “I had such fetish for things that fly,” RD reminisced. But things took a different turn when RD‟s father, Dr. Rey Alba, bought a betamax camera. He was only eight then. “It was the beginning. I was bored with routine. I wanted to create a different world, and that betamax camera was like magic. I would take short shots of my family and neighbours. We would make up stories and film it, “RD recalled. Together with his playmates and younger siblings, Lucy, Disirae, Carlo and Julia, they turned the Alba home in Englewood compound in Bool district this city into their “studio”. While kids their age played hide and seek, they would horse around the neighbourhood shooting family and friends with their handy cam. Afterwards, they would watch their own creative work unfold on screen. High school in Bohol Wisdom School further pushed RD‟s passion for filming. In a theatre drama series competition, he won the best in direction award. That award and others like it made RD decide to join his father in the US to pursue a dream. He needed a good foundation and found the theatre course in Jacksonville State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree major in Drama. And then it was time to go to Hollywood right after his graduation. “Had to learn real filmmaking,” he said. RD Alba enrolled at the prestigious Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, California. Alba got the opportunity he truly valued by being trained alongside great directors, namely: Steven Spielberg (Schindler‟s List, AI); Jon Amiel (Entrapment, Copycat); Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street series); Donald Petrie (Miss Contigeniality); Philip Noyce (Clear and Present Danger, Bone Collector); and David Ebersole (Straight Right, Death in Venice). He also had been trained under Thomas Mount, producer of Tequila Sunrise; Don Cambern, editor of “The Bodyguard” and “Ghostbusters”; Ralf Bode, cinematographer of “The Accused” and “Saturday Night Fever”; and Janusz Kaminski, cinematographer of “Schindler‟s List. Through his training, RD learned the ropes of acting, directing, writing, editing, cinematography and lighting. At 21 years old, RD Alba earned his Master of Fine Arts specializing in Film Direction, in the same school. He then went on to the independent film market where he directed his first feature “Mourning Eve”, an official entry to the Los Angeles Film Fest 2000. After that was a film entitled “Sabangga” which went to the Vancouver Asian Film Fest in 2001 where it garnered an Audience Award. “Top Model”, another one of his critically acclaimed films, headed out to the Swiss Film Fest. With his film and theatre experience at hand, RD was more than ready to show what he‟s got when he came back in the Philippines last year. He began a serious project with the aim of rekindling Visayan telenovelas. When asked why he wanted to craft a Visayan soap opera, Alba was quick to answer, “The years that I have spent mastering filmmaking in a foreign shore created a burning passion in me to do something for my own land where I grew up. Where best to start than in the Visayas?” While crafting a project, RD told his friend, a fellow Boholano, Cesar Montano , about his ideas for a soap. Filmmaker Mayo J. De los reyes, whose roots are from the Visayas, also helped out in securing a block timer schedule for the soap opera over ABS‐CBN. “Kapalaran” was then created. Easy as it may sound, helming the soap is not without its proverbial sweats and tears. After all, unlike other directors who have a backing of big networks, RD had to contend with budget constraints, manpower and credibility to get “Kapalaran” off the ground. Even family members have to help out. Now, “Kapalaran”, starred by seasoned actors Joel Torre, Cesar Montano, Gino Antonio, Rommel Montano, Sunshine Cruz, Jordan Herrera and Pilar Pilapil, among others, is breaking grounds in the Visayan film and television industry as it is getting raves from viewers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Due to high ratings and positive reviews, ABS‐CBN pushed the soap‟s airtime from Sundays to weekdays, Monday to Friday, starting on October. “At this point, I just want to start little and create a small buzz. In time I will prove my worth and find my own niche,” Director RD Alba explained. “Only in God‟s time will I know where my „kapalaran‟ truly lies.”