 
Why The World Needs Heroes

Inspirational, Radical and Paranormal Essays

I always remind myself that I'm a spiritual being having a physical existence, which I learned from Wayne Dyer, and not the other way around as I used to. I practice a form of Zen meditation called mindfulness, which I learned from Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, where my senses are heightened as I focus and become fully aware of the present moment, or what Deepak Chopra calls the Now. ~ _Finding Wisdom Everywhere_

I learned that having a mentor or a role model gives you the strength to become even better than who you are. I found both in the excellence guru Brian Tracy. He's also gone through a lot of life, traveling and working various jobs, the same kind of coming of age adventure where you find your true mettle and your place in this world. ~ _The Art of Excellence_

We are now beginning to understand a miniscule fraction of the miracle that is life. The defects in clones are caused by the irregular timing and pattern of their methyl molecules as these attach to their DNA during development. This explains why the first cloned goat in 2000 died of impaired lung formation. ~ _Clones Are Humans Two: The Moral Dimension of Cloning_

Freedom, argued Webster, is man's birthright. It is what gives life its deepest significance. The ideal of freedom summons the noble side of humanity. His summation reminds us all of who we are and what we are here for. Evil backed down, defeated by eternal truths. What Webster thundered was true, we all know them to be true, because our heart of hearts know them to be true. Truth sets us free, all of us, "even the damned." ~ _Should the Web Be Netted? The Case Againsts Facebook Libels_

In the middle of the night, an elderly woman named Daria came suddenly awake. She was bathed in cold sweat, chills running up and down her spine. She could have sworn she heard her eight- year old daughter Ana, crying for help as if in great agony. The words remained distinct in her mind: "Mama, Mama, help me! It's so dark in here! I can't breathe! Please take me away!" ~ _True Pinoy Angel and Ghost Stories_

Why The World Needs Heroes

Inspirational, Radical and Paranormal Essays

By Jonathan Aquino

Copyright 2015 Jonathan Aquino

Smashwords Edition

Book 1

The Inspirational

Why The World Needs Heroes

Finding Wisdom Everywhere

The Art of Excellence

Testaments In Solitude

The Majesty of The Spoken Word

Prayer and Poetry

How Was The Past Year?

My Beautiful April Fool

Book 2

The Tribute

Michael Jackson: Gone Too Soon

Why The World Needs Ramon Magsaysay

What I Admire Most About Francis Magalona

The Times and Triumphs of Ramon Avanceña

The League Of Extraordinary Filipino Gentlemen

Book3

The Unpublished

Simplifying My Life

The 7 Laws of Attracting Good Luck

Magic Juice: The Incredible Healing Powers of Virgin Coconut

Teaching Kids To Be Independent

Book 4

The Radical

Clones Are Humans Two: The Moral Dimension of Cloning

Should We Resurrect The Death Penalty?

Should the Web Be Netted? The Case Againsts Facebook Libels

Was The Media To Blame For The August 23 Hostage Bloodbath?

The Case Againts Parliamentarism

Are Overseas Workers Really Contributing To The "Brain Drain"?

The Perfection Of The Working Man

Don't Blink: How To Win An Election You Lost and Get Away With It

Was Jesus Divine?

Would You Commit Euthanasia?

Book 5

The Paranormal

Confessions Of A Semi-Sort Of Warlock

Superstition: Revelations After The 2010 All Saints' Day

True Pinoy Angel and Ghost Stories

Book 1

The Inspirational

Why The World Needs Heroes

After the darkness comes the light. After the doubts comes the wisdom. After the catharsis comes transcendence. But in the beginning was the still, small voice. Being in a position of influence means having the moral obligation to use that influence for the greater good. We may possess the freedom of choice, but we also bear the responsibility for the consequences of our actions.

Benjamin Franklin, one of the most brilliant minds in history, counseled that even our inactions can change the world. Thus, everything we do or fail to do is woven into the fabric of the cosmos, checked and balanced by the laws of the universe, which governs us all.

Oskar Schindler's life was like a Shakespearean tragedy. He was a worldly man, an industrialist who loved wine, women and all the things that money can buy. He has prospered through his connections with an evil person surrounded by Rasputins corrupted by absolute power. He lived in a time when the State is prostituting his country's honor.

But destiny moves in mysterious ways. In the end, he has found redemption, joining the ranks of those who stood up for their new-found convictions – no matter how others have magnified his imperfections – and history has vindicated and immortalized him. For Oskar Schindler used his influence to save the lives of over a thousand Jewish men, women and children. Using his own resources, he bought their freedom and gave them sanctuary from the genocidal horrors unleashed by the Nazis.

As a businessman under a brutal and rapacious regime, who doesn't have the power to admonish them to moderate their greed, he has learned to compromise with the Powers-That-Be. He has to be practical to survive. After all, he hasn't the authority to pose the questions he doesn't dare ask to those he doesn't dare question. As a human being, however, he must face the ultimate test – the one true path to greatness – the struggle between his primal instinct for self-preservation, and the deadly sting of his conscience.

He is a hero.

But a hero is not a saint.

Heroism is not the absence of frailties, but its conquest. Human nature is such that perfection is impossible. A hero, in essence, is a flawed being who has raised himself to more than he can be. He has battled his personal demons and he has survived, his pride unviolated. His character may be assassinated by cowards, but his soul is at peace. Steven Spielberg's greatest legacy is the masterwork Schindler's List, the epic saga of a common man who lived an uncommon life.

Oskar Schindler's story deserves to be heard, now more than ever, for he is a hero in the truest sense; and we need heroes because only they can summon the nobility and inherent goodness in each and every one of us. Schindler's List is a celebration of the human spirit, affirming that Good, after all is said and done, always triumphs over Evil.

Finding Wisdom Everywhere

My view of life is expressed in Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World," my favorite song of all time.

I have steadfastly refused to have a mentality of competition, the kind of Darwinian struggle against a multitude of rivals in a hostile world. That's why I never liked the song "You and Me Against The World."

My mindset is the complete opposite. I now try to find harmony with the universe, letting its energy flow through me so I can be a channel of goodwill and a beacon of hope to those whose repressed animosity tore them inside and left them bitter and alienated.

It all begins with the mind, with how you choose to see the world. There is so much beauty all around us, and like in the Tavares song "Hardcore Poetry," if you cannot the see the good around you, it's only because you choose not to.

I choose to see the true and the good, finding comfort that, like in the song "I Believe," we are all connected-and we are not alone.

I feel at one with nature as I run most mornings in the jogging lane in Cebu's business district, surrounded by trees and bermuda lawns. I feel at home here, reminding me of U.P. Diliman campus. If I feel weary, I just think of one of my personal heroes, Eric Liddell, whose amazing heroism was made into one of my favorite movies, Chariots of Fire, and I find the strength to go on.

I just moved into a quiet family compound in the commercial area near Gorordo Avenue on August 2014 as my wife returned to Manila to establish our business. I'm in a small house set apart from the others with a Japanese style garden in front, just like the house of Nicholai Hel, my favorite literary character in my favorite novel, Trevanian's _Shibumi_ , the title of which means the Japanese philosophy of understated elegance.

I do deep breathing exercises which I learned from George Noory, the clairvoyant and host of the U.S. paranormal radio show _Coast To Coast AM_ , where I would visualize the healing power of God as a white light purifying my entire being as I inhaled, and I would breathe out all that is negative in my mind, body and spirit. I always remind myself that I'm a spiritual being having a physical existence, which I learned from Wayne Dyer, and not the other way around as I used to.

I practice a form of Zen meditation called mindfulness, which I learned from Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, where my senses are heightened as I focus and become fully aware of the present moment, or what Deepak Chopra calls the Now.

"There is no future, there is no past," just like in the song "No Day But Today" from _Rent_ , another of my all-time favorite movies.

All of this made me realize that how we choose to see the world is a more powerful influence than our environment. There is wisdom all around us, and we can learn even from pop culture if we just look, like I did in the stories here.

_One who has reformed should never be condemned for his past_. Just when the honorees of the National Artist Award for 2014 was set to be announced, the veteran film actress Nora Aunor has been struck from the list. The President said it would be sending a wrong message to give the nation's highest honor to someone who has been involved in drugs. I'm looking at it from a different perspective. Aunor got into rehab and is now back doing movies again, and I see a person who has changed. I believe everyone deserves a new beginning.

Perhaps she may never again achieve her cult-like status at the height of her popularity during the 60s and 70s, and it doesn't matter anymore because the world has changed, but her legacy is forever. Aunor, dubbed as the "Superstar" and the star of some of the greatest film classics in Philippine cinema including Ishmael Bernal's _Himala_ , hailed by CNN as the Best Asian Film of All Time, deserves to be recognized for her phenomenal achievements and she deserves to be National Artist.

_Love is the most glorious of all mysteries._ I now believe that the right person will come at the right time. In Gabriel Garcia Marquez' _Love In The Time of Cholera_ , I thought the young poet Florentino Ariza was never meant for Fermina Daza, especially when she broke up their engagement for no reason then eventually married the young doctor Juvenal Urbino. But love moves in magical ways, like my recent marriage to someone whom I've met five years ago without then knowing that I've finally found the one meant for me.

I'm constantly surprised at how novels mirror real life. The story opens with Juvenal Urbino standing over the body of his friend Jeremiah De Saint-Amour who had committed suicide. I started to read this compelling epic around the second week of August 2014, just when the news spread about the call center agent who jumped off a building in I.T. Park here in Cebu. Life is full of surprises, but it is also as fragile as the gossamer wings of a butterfly.

_Your life can touch others in ways you may never know._ I felt numb when I heard that Robin Williams has died. It hit me how much his genius has always been a part of my life. One of my greatest influences is John Keating, the unconventional professor he played in _Dead Poets Society_ , who inspired me to live according to my conscience and to break those rules that imprison the human spirit. Keating inspired me to become a teacher and I eventually taught English to university students from South Korea in the early 2000s as a private tutor and as a teacher in a language school in the Diliman area.

I'm still in touch with my inner child because of how Robin made Peter Pan a real human being in _Hook_ , filmed by my favorite director Steven Spielberg. This precious gift is my emotional anchor so even as I grow older and assume more responsibilities, I still have the sense of wonder and the spirit of adventure of youth.

My favorite animated movie is _Aladdin_ where Robin created the endlessly enchanting Genie. I think of the Genie as a metaphor for the Higher Self. I believe that inside every man is the power to make wishes come true. This is also what the dynamic _Chicken Soup_ duo of Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are saying in _The Aladdin Factor_. All you need to do is ask–and then let the magic come to life.

The Art of Excellence

I think of my life is a masterpiece in the making. I've been to a lot of places and I've worked in various jobs, from fastfoods to call centers; I did gigs in theater, movies, broadcast media, events organizing and even multi-level marketing.

Through it all, I steadily developed the mindset of being good at what I do, even if I knew that the sense of true-place fulfillment I've been looking for is somewhere else and I would one day continue my journey.

I know that there will always be people who's better than me at whatever activity in any given moment, and that empowers me to go the extra mile, if only for my own satisfaction and not to please others by conforming to their own standards.

I learned that having a mentor or a role model gives you the strength to become even better than who you are.

I found both in the excellence guru Brian Tracy. He's also gone through a lot of life, traveling and working various jobs, the same kind of coming of age adventure where you find your true mettle and your place in this world.

Brian studied, and eventually mastered, the principles of why some people are more successful than others. I may blaze my own trail at most things, but I follow the same recipes for success that Brian had discovered and revealed to the world.

I just made a commitment to excellence in what I do in all my roles in society: as a human being, as a family man, as a friend and as a professional, as a member of society. I realized that, while perfection is an ideal, my goal is a sense of fulfillment in knowing that I'm giving my all to myself, to my family, to my friends, to my work and to the world.

I believe in change. I've long ago adopted the attitude of kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. I can now say that "everyday in every way, I'm getting better and better," to borrow the words of Jose Silva, the exponent of the groundbreaking Silva Mind Control Method workshop that transformed the lives of millions.

In my blog story "Do You Want To Be Somebody Else?" for September 13, 2014, I wrote about a friend at work who said he wants to be like me: someone who has an air of mystery and who has traveled to a lot of places. I told him I'm a student of human nature; I would observe people to emulate the things that I would want for myself, like Michael Jordan's attitude of pushing yourself beyond your limits and never giving up even when things look hopeless.

But, I pointed out, I do not want to be somebody else. I choose to be authentic than be a second-rate version of another person. We are the sum of the influences in our lives. So I stay true to myself while I apply the lessons from the lives of others.

My quest for self-improvement led me to the videos of excellence guru Brian Tracy, who has become one of the strongest influences in my life. He said that if you have the vision of what you want clearly in your mind, then it creates a field of vibration that attracts people, things and events that will help you manifest it. So perhaps I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm still deeply grateful.

Brian has studied and mastered the mindset of winners and discovered that all successful men and women throughout history had ten key qualities in common. I have that video embedded in the Playshop page of my blog 2Rivers. These ten qualities all start with the letter C -Clarity, Competence, Concentration, Common Sense, Creativity, Consideration, Consistency, Commitment, Courage and Confidence. If you have all these, says Brian, then nothing can stop you from becoming an "outstanding success."

Here are some of the lessons I learned from Brian Tracy that transformed my life.

_Managing your time means managing your life._ I used to think of time management as setting aside a certain amount of time for specific tasks. Ideally, the purpose is to do everything that needs to be done to accomplish a goal. It seems I wasn't seeing the big picture. I now realize that time management is the same as life management: how we spend our time is a reflection of the quality of our lives. Once you redefine the concept as it relates to you, then it becomes a powerful tool for self transformation.

My idea of a meaningful life is now about having a sense of purpose and fulfillment. A lot of people think of success as moving up the corporate ladder and that's fine because to each his own. But once you have gotten that promotion and all the perks and prestige that go along with it, then you find that you have lost time for yourself and for the most important people in your life - your family and true friends - then where's the fulfillment in that?

It calls to mind Channing Tatum in _White House Down_ when he missed his daughter's school play because of his work as a Secret Service Agent, and that was even before James Woods hostaged President Jamie Foxx - together with his daughter.

_Meet each other's emotional needs._ I feel the touch of serendipity as I learned the most important lesson in relationship just when I got married. The key ingredient to a successful relationship is to meet each other's emotional needs. Money makes life easier and physical attraction brings more excitement but these are not enough in the long run. Now I see more clearly why some couples who seem to have it all would still break up, or would still stay together but remain unhappy.

We all have different emotional needs. Some married people would still want to pursue their own career or follow their passions, and there are those who would be happy just to stay at home and raise the kids - but they still want to feel loved and appreciated.

_Be clear on what you want if you really want to get it._ I just recently once again came across the question of how will I spend the rest of my life if I only have six months left to live. This idea of imminent death is immortal, pardon the pun, because it makes you focus on what you really want in life. I realize it is also a Zen koan, a question that is meant to provoke thought, like how to clap with one hand.

Clarity of vision, says Brian, is at the top of the list of what successful people have in common. It means knowing exactly what you want, and you can already see it in your mind like a movie. Now you can focus your energy on the things that will bring you closer to your goals, even if you have to do them one step at a time.

One of the methods I learned from Brian, which I use and is showing me positive results, is to empower your goals by writing them down. Then you study your list everyday, asking yourself: "What have I done today that will help me achieve my dreams?"

Testaments In Solitude

In his book _Trial And Error_ , Teodoro M. Locsin underscores the constancy of an author's work as compared to memory. Writing is an ode to posterity, and calls to mind the three philosophical cornerstones of immortality: planting a tree, siring a child and writing a book.

Let me share with you some reflections kept throughout the years, conceptions of a passionate youth, landmarks along a contemplative pilgrimage.

Dominion

Man, we are told, is a rational animal. The possession of an intellect raises him from the ranks of beasts. Thus, man has dominion over the earth. He lives for higher purposes, not merely to exist, like animals, programmed only to obey instincts. Man lives, and dreams. But does a sparrow dream too? Shirley Jackson, in _The Haunting Of Hill House_ , says that "No live organism can continue to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality, that larks and katydids are supposed by some, to dream."

Let us suppose that the creatures of the animal kingdom dreams. Does that make them equal to humans? What can a lion for instance, dream about? Does he dream about the wildebeest he just made breakfast? Does he dream that someday, he will be the leader of his herd? The King of the Beasts, the lion. Does he have, from time to time, delusions of grandeur? Does he fantasize of a rhino lunch or a gorilla snack? Saint Francis of Assisi was said to have communed with animals. Did he talk to the lion? Is a lion, fearsome creature that he is, subjects to the pangs of conscience? He kills that he may live. He lives, for his hunger is assuaged.

But what about his prey? But that's the law of nature, expressed primitively as the survival of the fittest. Is a rabbit less fit, compared to a cougar, to survive? But even the worms at the bottom of the food chain have some importance, of value, to the great scheme of things.

A beast kills another. It's survival, conforming to it's role in the theater of nature. But does not a man kill for food too? From the feast's roasted cattle to a can of tuna. Yes, he cooks them, one may argue, processes and manufactures them. Does it make him less of an animal? Man does not eat raw, not even cannibals in the Fiji Islands. Ah, but what about sashimi?

But a man kills for pleasure too. From a boy's first slingshot to a safari expedition. For adventure, for fortune. An elephant's ivory tusks are piano keys, an alligators hide is a briefcase. A moose's head. some presume, is a splendid decoration on the wall. Save the whales, goes the battle-cry. And why not, their numbers are dwindling. Soon to become in the future an extinct specie. The seas are dying and along with it, all aquatic flora and fauna. Man makes profit, but at what price?

So then, does a man rise above the animals? Once upon a time, Icarus made wings for himself and flew, higher and higher, until the sun melted the wax in the wings and he plummeted to his death. Ah, but man made the airplane. And since then he has conquered the sky – in imitation of the condor. He has been to the moon and back. An eagle can only fly so much but it can never reach Mars. Can thus be said to be an argument for man's superiority? Animals and men both kill, but men not only profits and thrives of these profits, they also create havoc and destruction the magnitude of which not even the King of the beasts, the lion has dreamed of. But then again, does a lion dream?

Man alone, without the trappings of science, can never be as strong as a bear or as swift as the cheetah. But given his toys, he can obliterate all species on earth, including his own.

Thus, man has dominion over the earth?

What Matters Most

Our lives have always been intertwined, like the vines in a forest, touching each other, for better, for worse, but always in consonance with the mysterious cadence of infinity. We learn to love, we need to love. Somewhere along the way we meet fulfillment and happiness. But sometimes also, we meet loneliness and despair. But to have loved and lost, is to be human, to be of humanity. Nothing could be of a more noble life. For it is through the subjugation of our frailties, when we set aside and rise to prove worthy of the elixir of life, the bittersweet taste of pure love, that we become blessed. And having been blessed, we find peace.

To love is to be holy, for love is the most sacred feeling, for love, ultimately, is God. Love's sting can cause the most excruciating pain, but love's kiss is the sweetest pleasure, like the purest nectar from a thousand flowers.

Since The World Began

We are told that everything happens for a reason. Even a falling leaf from a tree in the next field has a reason. Suffering can make a man stronger or bitter, it depends upon him. His character is his destiny. All of us have a reason for being. Sages of all ages have contemplated our true identities and the existence of God. Some questions that probe into the deepest recesses of our psyche:

Who am I, we ask ourselves. To the philosophers and poets, we are the sun, the stars, the earth, the wind, the wind. We are everything yet we are nothing. We are the father, the son, the lover, the friend. We are everyone yet we are no one.

Are we the sparks from an infinite light? Creations of a Supreme Being with our own freewill? Or are like puppets manipulated by strings, like mortals of Greek myth?

Do we have freewill? Is a man the real captain of his soul, the real master of his fate, as it were? To write this piece in a solitary act of freewill. A conscious, deliberate decision. A random act plucked from a number of possible alternatives. To stay home and write or not, or go instead, say, to watch the last full show of a James Bond movie. And to choose, by virtue of a freewill, is the real essence of freedom.

Or is it really? What is fate? That is the second scenario. The present act is the consummation of a prophecy already written in the stars? Destined to be, from the moment of birth? A sigh from a silent oracle? The words of a mute prophet?

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Darkness, old friend of mine, once again you have come. In my life, your presence has ceased to be conceptions of childhood dreams. I have come to know you, constant visitor, like a brother of a sort. Your absences, however, are not missed, to give you an honest thought. But surely, you wouldn't keep a grudge. As borne out of human experience, you have become larger than life.

In my moments of grief, you have remained beside me, like a sentinel. Many times I've tried to banish you, like some do to a dirty old beggar. My dream is for your exile in a far-away land, never to return. I've tried to deny you, like Simon before the dawn. But still, your load bears heavily in my mind, like a gypsy wagon in the back of an old stallion. Like a restless ghost you haunt me, to cover my days in gloom, like a blanket over a sleeping child. Sometimes, you engulf me in despair, like a drowning man in a forgotten lake. I try to hide, like the ostrich with his head in the earth. I cannot run away, not even the eagle is swifter than the wind.

If you can't beat them, join them, we are told. Surrender? To give in, like a convict to the gallows? No! Death is more honorable than defeat. But I've thought about you, seriously contemplating your existence. You are like a cursed diamond of a dead maharajah. To know it's history is to appreciate it more, but still remaining a mystery beyond understanding. Only a man who has wrestled with you can embrace the light. For how to know that which is good and just with eyes that haven't seen cruelty and misery? Only he who has walked, alone in the rain, can run through the meadows to greet the advent of summer. For how can we play in the green pastures and rest beside still waters without passing the valley of the shadow of death?

But then darkness, old friend of mine, if the time has come for you to leave, then I will rejoice. I may greet you with a fond farewell, but my heart bids you never to knock at my door again. May our paths never meet in the crossroads of Fate.

Pax Vobiscum

Peace, such a beautiful world. A thing of beauty, though unseen, felt, by innermost soul. An idea, abstract perhaps, but like the highest peak of a mountain, it is there. To be reached by the mind, to be grasped, like a shining prize, by the heart. Peace I have known, brief moments in time, they glimmer like fireflies on a moonlit night. But to man, starved for truth, a morsel, alas, is not enough. There is more to this world, in our lives, than mammon's lot There are to be served higher purposes – justice, truth, beauty, love, charity, hope, peace.

Not the peace of the desert. There is solitude, but only wilderness. Not to commune with nature but to grapple with temptation. The battle of good and evil, we are told, is ultimately won – and lost, in the hearts of men.

Not the peace of the graveyard. Hollowed ground, but surrounded by death. But death comes to all of us, The Dark Shrouded One to reap the harvest of souls. To slay, indiscriminately, whether a prince or a pauper, for, in the end, all of us are indeed, created equal.

There are of course, meditations to be heard when alone, surrounded by the tombs of the departed. To know death is to love life, for only can the value of something be known – when it has been lost. Our time on earth is but a spark in the blinding light of infinity. A man can live, to change the world perhaps, to conquer kingdoms, to rally a million men, or live like a leper, reviled unwanted, hated. For at the consummation of a life, a man may be deemed worthy to dwell in the isle of the Blest, or be unmourned, forgotten, to die like a dog.

And all shall cross the dark river of Styx, on Charon's boat, to the other side. What is in there? Eternal twilight? Paradise, Purgatorio or Inferno? The Comedia of Dante – a comedy? For is not that was God perceived to be, among other things, a jester? Did He not made a deal between Satan for Job's soul? God – as Faust? Insufferable torture Job was thus punished. For his faith? For his obedience? But Job, like Paul and Daniel, fought the good fight. Job's faith was strong, unmovable like the rock of Gibraltar.

In the end, Job regained his place in the folds of so-called decent man. No longer was he defeated, but welcomed back to society, the same society that treated him in the past with utter revulsion. For, in God's cruel joke, the people saw in Job their own worst fears for their own lives. And the wicked, no doubt, celebrated the fall of a just man.

To have peace, some say, is to prepare for war. For only in eternal vigilance can peace, like freedom, be defended. For peace to grow, like a lovely flower, the soil must be nourished by the blood of the martyrs. To the altar of peace, worthy offerings are the lives of the brave, the just and the righteous. The cries and lamentations of the widows and orphans shall pass, as all things pass, but a hero's sacrifice shall remain forever.

There is peace in moments of serendipity: A beautiful sunset, a perfect shell on a beach, a kiss from a child. Beautiful moments I have found, and peace I have known and known well, not like my shadow, my constant companion perhaps, but rather like a bird in the window. To alight, to sing, to delight, but only for a moment – then flies away.

There is finally, divine peace, where God's chosen are made to see His grace, visions of heavenly beauty. For, in the moment of death, a vision opens the eyes of the soul to all those things beyond understanding. Only then can a life can be crowned with glories no earthly kingdom can bestow. For it is to know heaven, to hear the angels' chorus, to be welcomed by the saints.

Above all, it is to know God and say, 'I have fought the good fight and I have come home!'

That, my friend, is real peace.

And Peace be with you

Moment By Moment

Half the world is sleeping at any given moment. You wonder sometimes what people dream about. Is it about the things they love, or the things they lost We sometimes think of days past, nostalgia attributing to them a certain magic that wasn't there before. We dream about life. We want to do everything at once. There is so much to do in life, so many ways to savor it to the fullest. But time is never enough. They say that some good things never last but can we at least suspend a single, glorious moment? Like a photograph perhaps, but can we still feel the beauty of the moment when our hairs have already turned gray? A peaceful, nearly perfect moment in one's life is a distinction not even the king's gold can buy. It is more precious than fame.

There are certain moments when you really feel at peace with yourself and with the universe. I've had my share of those times when the deeper layers of truth manifest themselves. Those moments when you to a higher level of existence both in intellect and spirit, in heart and soul.

At the moment I write this, somebody somewhere in the world is laughing, crying, hoping, suffering. At this moment, a woman is giving birth, the child may turn out to be a king or a criminal, a saint or a scumbag. At this moment, somebody in the world is dying, surrounded by friends and family. At this moment, somebody must be achieving his loftiest ambitions and somewhere also, somebody is nursing wounds of humiliation and defeat.

At this moment somewhere in the world, a bride is giving herself to her groom on their first night. Somebody is having his picture taken, his photo to remind him of his youth. A mother is preparing her family's meal. Somebody is gazing at the sea, communing with his soul.

The Majesty of The Spoken Word

Smooth-talking his way to success, Ken Nordine has pitched for various products, announced local news and narrated programs on American TV and radio. Admittedly, however, his greatest fun came from his own show _Now For Nordine_. "Once a week, over WNBQ in Chicago, tall, hollow-cheeked Ken Nordine recites poetry to a late evening audience. Perched on a stool, with a stepladder full of books beside him, the 34 year old Iowan reads earnestly in a subdued, husky voice, glancing from page to camera," goes a 1954 Time article. "When he finishes a poem, he picks up the telephone, and makes small talk while he leafs through his library to find the poem or passage wanted."

Illuminating Interpretation.

Reading aloud is the art "of getting the meaning from the printed page and translating it into symbols of voice and action which will communicate to the listener a meaning approximating that intended by the author," wrote Lionel Crocker Ph.D. and Louis M. Eich Ph.D. in their landmark volume _Oral Reading_ (Prentice Hall NJ). William Lyon Phelps has asserted that "Sympathetic and intelligent reading is often the most illuminating interpretation and criticism."

He shared some valuable lessons from Harvard. "I learned more of the meaning of Shakespeare by hearing Professor Child read dialog than I did by most of the explanatory and critical notes."

Releasing The Author

Vocal, in conjunction with mental, reading, is an approach from a new direction, a point of view from another angle. This new perspective aids to unlock hidden meanings and underscore subtle nuances, from the text, whether prose or poetry. And this enhanced appreciation is heightened with the presence of an intimate audience. "The expansion of consciousness that takes place in the creative experience brings an awareness of larger relations," wrote Barbara Highdon in her dissertation _John Neihardt And His Oral Interpretation Of Poetry_. Neihardt's listeners "have come to hear poetry and to receive the renewal of spirit it can bring. As the interpreter he is the instrument through which the poetry will find expression."

Paradoxically, the crucial technique of professionals is to step back and let the author himself speak. As noted critic John Mason Brown put it in his appraisal of theater icon Maurice Evans' performance of Hamlet, "His voice is one of the greatest musical instruments of our time. He does not so much read Shakespeare as release him."

Spiritual Development

"In an earlier day, reading aloud was the king of indoor sports," according to Halford E. Luccock, professor emeritus at Yale University Divinity School. Aside from the self-evident advantages a well-trained speaking voice brings, it has proven to be a decisive factor in the context of a person's holistic and systematic improvement.

On a higher level, it influences the development of spiritual and emotional sensitivity. According to Hiram Carson, in his 1896 classic _The Voice and Spiritual Education_ (Macmillan NY), "Special stress is laid upon the importance of spiritual education...as an indispensable condition of interpretative reading. Such education is demanded for responding to...any product of literary genius; without it merely vocal training avails little or nothing. By the spiritual I mean man's essential absolute being...the emotional...the sympathetic, the instinctive, the intuitive – in short, the whole domain of the non-intellectual, the non-discursive."

Principal Obstacles

Oral interpretation is an interplay of various factors. In her 1946 thesis for Columbia University, Dwayne Vergara enumerated the principal obstacles in effective delivery: "Lack of general experience, unassimilated education, inferior intellect, limited vocabulary, restricted reading interests, prejudices, conceit, want of assurance, over-abundance of emotion, sameness of emotion and unimaginativeness."

In his _First Principles of Verse_ (The Writer Inc. MA), Robert Hillyer shares some invaluable insight. "The first obstacles to be overcome are self-consciousness and the consequent instinct to interpret rather than present the work. One should aim to be the bow in the master's hand – not the master himself...Since poetry should never be chanted, pitch should be flexible. The two extremes to be avoided are elocution and singsong."

Norman C, Stageberg and Wallace L. Anderson, in _Poetry As Experience_ (American Book Co. NY), highlight another pitfall to be avoided. "The first question that inexperienced reader are likely to ask about a poem is 'What does this poem mean?'...The implication that a poem can be equated with its central thought is not true. On the contrary, one reads a poem in much of the same way that he watches a baseball game...To read poetry for thought alone is like going to a baseball game to watch the scoreboard instead of the game."

Fundamentals of Skilled Reading

In _How To Speak and Write for Radio_ (Harper NY), Alice Keith, paints a portrait of an effective orator. Someone who has a "Clear enunciation, correct pronunciation free from provincialism, a well-modulated, resonant voice, a capacity to read script as if it were extemporaneous, the power to interpret it's contents, both intellectually and emotionally, an ability to edit copy when necessary, a knowledge of language pronunciation and of music, a cultural background sufficient to keep ad-libbed remarks in good taste, and a dramatic instinct that sense what the public wants, or, in some instances, how much will it stand for."

Henry Ward Beecher, in his 1872 _Yale Lectures on Preaching_ (JB Ford & Co. NY), taught that "If you desire to have your voice at its best, and to make the best use of it, you must go into a drill which will become so familiar that it ceases to be a matter of thought, and the voice takes care of itself." His extensive speech training produced "a flexible instrument, that accommodated itself readily to every kind and thought and every shape of feeling, and obeyed the inward will."

Weekend in New England

Inevitably of course, we come to Robert Frost. In the Dec. 13 1952 edition of _The New Yorker_ , journalist Philip Hamburger and Hungarian writer Bela Kornitzer tell of a memorable weekend in New England. "Mr. Frost agreed to recite his _Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening_...in the slow, rich voice familiar to those who heard him on the lecture platform...listening to this brief recitation by a man in control of himself and his work alone have made the afternoon worthwhile."

"If given the chance to do it all over again, and if obliged to choose between four years in college and two years of straight public speaking, I would take the latter," thus said Lowell Tomas of CBS. "I can think of nothing that is more likely to add cubits to your stature than well-rounded training in public speaking, combined with plenty of practical experience."

And finally, let us hear two members of the Dead Poets Society.

From Walt Whitman in _Vocalism_ :

" _O what is it that makes me tremble so at voices?_

Surely whoever speaks to me in the right voice him or her I shall follow,

As the water follow the moon, silently, with fluid steps, anywhere around the globe

All waits for the right voices;

Where is the practiced and perfect organ? Where is the developed soul?"

And a personal anthem, _London 1802,_ an ode to John Milton by William Wordsworth:

" _Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart;_

Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:

Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free,

So didst thou travel on life's common way,

In cheerful Godliness; and yet thy heart

The lowliest duties on herself did lay."

Prayer and Poetry

Literature, Art, Architecture, Film, Theater, Music – all the creative arts serve as testaments to man's genius. The Psalms, The Sistine masterpiece, Notre Dame, The Ten Commandments, _Jesus Christ Superstar_. Handel's _Messiah_ – they're not even a tenth of man's celebration of life and the glorification of his Ultimate Source.

Another field where man's creativity and initiative changed the world is science. This gives an interesting paradox. On one hand, the timeless conflict between science and religion on man's origin, and on the other, almost all the men and women who made this world a better place, from Pasteur to Edison, from Fleming to Einstein, -- believe in God. Achievements in science "bring fulfillment and a great deal of reverence," according to physicist Edward Kolb of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

"This brings too, a humbling," added _Newsweek_. "For science can never answer why the generative laws are what they are – nor how they were created."

Literature, like all artistic endeavors, is about expression. Poetry has evolved throughout the centuries but the driving force has remained the same. From Homer to Dante to Shakespeare to Keats, down to intimate jottings in hidden diaries – all symbolize the yearning for a creative outlet, finding fruition with pen, paper and collected thoughts.

Poets have used their God given talents to glorify Him. When Milton was nearly blind, he wrote:

"... _God doth not need_

either man's work or his own gifts; who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve Him best, his state

is kingly..."

Surrendering to a Higher Power means letting go of the ego.

" _No pity Lord, could change the heart_

From red with wrong to white as wool;

The rod must heal the sin; but Lord,

_Be merciful to me, a fool!"_ wrote Edward Rowland Sill in _The Fool's Prayer_.

This sense of humility in underscored by Sidney Lanier in his _A Ballad of Trees and the Master_ :

" _Into the woods my Master came,_

Forspent with love and shame.

But the olives were not blind to Him,

The little gray leaves were kind to Him:

The thorn tree had a mind to Him

When into the woods He came."

One of the most beautiful poems ever written is _In Memoriam A.H.H_. by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It is a tribute to a beloved friend who just died, – and a prayer of love, hope, courage and faith:

" _Forgive these wild and wandering cries,_

Confusions of a wasted youth;

Forgive them where they fail in truth,

And in Thy wisdom, make me wise."

Let us close with a prayer – _Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind_ by John Greenleaf Whittier:

" _Drop Thy still dews of quietness,_

Til all our strivings cease;

Take from our souls the strain and stress,

And let our ordered lives confess

The beauty of Thy peace."

How Was The Past Year?

Happiness!!!

2010 has been a good year for me. Good times!

The greatest lesson I learned is self-acceptance. The greatest gift I received is peace of mind

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Happy New Year, my friend.

Love yourself. Be happy...

You deserve to be happy

My Beautiful April Fool

I spent a Zen afternoon [April 11, 2011] in Manila Bay, just feeling spiritual peace and gratitude to the Higher Power.

It was overcast, and I lost all sense of time just happily watching the seagulls.

It would have been perfect if not for the jingles from the ice cream carts, so I'll never buy from them for ten years.

Wonder of wonders, I found an empty bench, and I just sat there, watching a group of Japanese tourists just clicking away in front of me.

Beyond, the sky was a magnificent abstract painting, with wispy clouds accentuating two yellow orange spiral formations adjacent to each other, with a horizontal bar in between, like a portrait of a grinning Garfield.

Using my imagination, I saw... Sonic Hedgehog!

I was waiting for the world famous sunset, but even when the sun hid in the twilight and I can't see it, I find comfort in knowing that it is there, like God and my loved ones who have died, because it has always been there, all this time.

Book 2

The Tributes

Michael Jackson: Gone Too Soon

I will never forget the movie _Moonwalker_ , where Michael Jackson was shown performing Man In The Mirror in one of his awe-inspiring concerts. The number of people defied belief, and they were singing, dancing, clapping, shouting, jumping, cheering, screaming, and celebrating their experience with a true legend.

Michael Jackson is the greatest musical artist of all time, at least for me; and I've been saying that even during his lifetime, when it seemed everybody else was calling him Jacko the Wacko, and even pedophiles were condemning him to hell.

All my friends know that I'm a true-blue Jackson fan, and now I want to share that the soundtrack of my life will never be complete with him.

My favorite adult Michael Jackson of all time is _Man In The Mirror:_ "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change..."

My favorite young Michael Jackson song of all time is _Music & Me_, which he recorded while still barely out of puberty, but already possessing that one-in-a-million voice and magnetic stage presence: "We've been...together...for such a long time, the music...music...and me..."

My favorite American Christmas song of all time is _Someday At Christmas._ Next is _Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas_ , the Jackson 5 version. In fact, they dominate my Top 10, with the infectious _Up On A House Top_ , their version of _The Christmas Song,_ and _Give Love On Christmas Day_.

Christmas, after all, is the season of hope: "Someday at Christmas, men won't be boys...playing with bombs like kids play with toys...one warm December our hearts will see...a world where men are free..."

Another Michael Jackson song that has a very special place in my heart is _One Day In Your Life_. He was a teenager in the early 70s when he recorded it, and I was a teenager in the early 90s when I made it my own: "One day in your life...you'll remember the love you found here...you'll remember me somehow...though you don't need me now...I will stay in your heart...and when things fall apart...you'll remember one day..."

I remember singing _Gone Too Soon_ while walking along the shore of a Cavite beach in 1994. I've already dried myself and was just strolling knee-deep in the water, looking up at the starry, starry night sky, waiting for dinner. It just so happens that I was in a very sentimental mood at that time, but it was magic.

When I first experienced being heart-broken, _She's Out Of My Life_ became one my repertoire in my existential teen angst. I was still in high school but the song was already a classic: "So I've learned, that love is not a possession...and I've learned that love won't wait...Now I learned that love needs expression, but I learned...too late..."

When I was a kid, I was a good dancer, if I may say so myself. I can do those retro maneuvers Break and Strut; and even before YouTube, I can do the moves in _Beat It, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal,_ my dance favorite _Rock With You,_ and of course, _Billie Jean_ –but there's only one who can moonwalk that that.

As a songwriter, I think the most beautiful songs ever written are those that bring out our inherent nobility and greatness of the human spirit. Here's a double whammy–the formidable combination of a songwriting masterpiece and the greatest recording artist in the history of music– _Heal The World_ and Michael Jackson:

"Heal the world...make it a better place...for you and for me and the entire human race...There are people dying...if you care enough for the living, make a better place for and for me..."

Whenever somebody asks for advice, I remember always taking Michael as an example–a talented person with a successful career but a lonely life – showing that loneliness does not make you a lesser person. It is not realistic to expect perfect happiness in this world, but we can take pride in who we are and share our talents to bring joy and inspiration to others–like Michael Jackson.

Michael suffered so much. He never experienced a normal childhood and the simple joys or ordinary people–always being hounded by opportunists and extortionists–and for that, I grieve for him. But I also thank God for the unequaled artistry – and unparalled musical legacy–that he gave us all.

"Shiny and sparkly...and splendidly bright...here one day...gone one night...Like the loss of sunlight, on a cloudy afternoon...gone too soon...."

Why The World Needs Ramon Magsaysay

During World War 2, the atrocities of the invading Japanese soldiers forced young Luis Taruc to go to the hills and establish the Hukbalahap, a communist insurgency army. After the war ended, the charismatic peasant leader continued his struggles – this time against abusive government officials and cruel landowners. But when he saw the sincere efforts and the incontestable integrity of the new President – the former Defense Secretary who was his mortal enemy – he then finally bid farewell to arms: "I no longer have any reason to continue," he told the then 21 year old Ninoy Aquino, the President's emissary. "Most of what I've been fighting for is now being done."

President Ramon Magsaysay has become the symbol of good government. That a man like him became Chief Executive and Commander-In-Chief is testament that God used to love the Philippines. Like Dwight Eisenhower, his extraordinary valor in wartime was followed by a presidency marked by decency, progress and principled leadership. Like John F. Kennedy, his untimely death plunged the entire nation in mourning the loss of what is and what can be. Like the Rock of Gibraltar, his place in history is solid and immutable. He is our Camelot-the vision of a glorious and romantic past.

But history moves in cycles. Condrado F. Estrella wrote in an article in March 1998: "As the May elections draw near and as the people have once again primed up to choose their national and local leaders, Magsaysay's qualities come to mind as timely guideposts in selecting who is genuine and worthy."

Immediately after his Inauguration on December 30, 1953, Magsaysay created the Presidential Complaints and Action Committee. The staff was deluged by cries for help. Then, as now, they had a recurrent refrain: corrupt officials, unemployment and poverty.

One of the supplicants is Hermogenes Antonio, a farmer-tenant in Muñoz town in Nueva Ecija who was beaten up by his landlord. The PCAC quickly sent a telegram to the provincial police commander. There was no reply. "Send another telegram saying I am interested," Magsaysay said quietly. Two hours later, there was still no reply. Slamming his papers on his desk, Magsaysay got up furiously and shouted, "Come on, let's go!"-and the President rushed all the way from Malacañang to Nueva Ecija.

His presence spread like wildfire. The whole village went out to welcome the beloved leader. "Where's Hermogenes Antonio? He wants my help," he told the adoring masses. They found Antonio – and discovered something else. Apparently, the sadistic landlord was one of the biggest contributions to Magsaysay's election campaign

The President was livid. He whirled to Manahan and roared, "MANNY, SEE THAT THE MAN IS PUT ON TRIAL!" The landlord was eventually found guilty and thrown in jail.

Magsaysay was the quintessential family man. He believed that strong family ties act as shelter against the world's cynicism and indifference. However, he will not let anyone – even his family-to take advantage of his position. After the elections, the President and Manahan were having lunch at his parent's home. Manahan saw firsthand how close the Magsaysay family was to each other-so he was embarrassed when the President boomed: "MANNY, REMEMBER THSES FACES! IF ANYONE HERE TRIES TO USE HIS CONNECTIONS WITH ME TO OBTAIN FAVORED TREATMENT, THROWN HIM IN JAIL!

In the most amazing electoral triumph in local history, he won with an overwhelming 68.9% of the votes in an honest, orderly, peaceful election. Ramon Magsaysay was now the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

A record crowd of 500,000 from all walks of life gathered at the Luneta for his Inauguration. When it was time to go the Palace, the new President refused the former President Quirino's Cadillac and instead borrowed a Ford convertible. The entire crowd was cheering as they escorted our country's most beloved President all the way to Malacañang. The scene was eerily similar to the Quiapo procession of the Black Nazarene.

After Magsaysay took a quick shower, he was surprised to find the crowds gone. His security officer explained that he locked he place doors. The President then gave his first executive order: "OPEN ALL GATES AND DOORS! YOU HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO KEEP THE PEOPLE FROM ME!"

The legend is true: Magsaysay literally threw open the gates of Malacañang and embraced the people. His immortal dictum will reverberate forever: "Those who have less in life should have more in law."

"One other trait that endeared Magsaysay to the common folk was his policy of transparency in government," according to Estrella. "Not a whiff of scandal or charges of corruption tainted his governance because he had nothing to hide and was decisive in thwarting wrongdoings." Magsaysay exemplified the glory of a morally ascendant leadership with a clear mandate, and he proved that the presidential-bicameral form of government is perfect for the Philippines.

"After the Huk threat diminished, the economy improved, and money saved from military expenditures was used for education and social services," recalls Manahan. "The 1957 presidential election approached, and candidate after candidate, eyeing Magsaysay's unmatchable popularity, withdrew from the running. His friends began nurturing a dream: Magsaysay as the candidate of both major parties. But it was not meant to be."

Destiny moves in mysterious ways. On March, 17, 1957, the unthinkable happened. After being in office for 3 years, 2 months and 17 days, President Ramon Magsaysay died in a plane crash in Mt. Manunggul in Cebu.

The news stunned the nation into immobility. The outpouring of sorrow was palpable and gut-wrenching. In Malacañang, somebody told Manahan, "Manny, we've got a problem. What can we do about Luz and the three children? We've just learned that Monching doesn't even own a house!"

His legacies live on. Every year since Aug. 1958, The Ramon Magsaysay Awards has been honoring the most outstanding men and women of Asia, those "exemplary of the ideals and spirit of service personified by Ramon Magsaysay." Some of the honorees include Mother Teresa, Haydee Yorac and the Dalai Lama.

Today, Magsaysay is more relevant than ever. As I wrote an [2007] Op-Ed article: A great change will happen to the country if President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo studies the life of the late President Ramon Magsaysay. It was The Guy who earned back the people's trust in the government in the aftermath of the golden orinola issue. How? By proving-in word and in deed-that he does not tolerate shenanigans even from his closest allies. That was leadership-by-example at its finest, his greatest achievement and most enduring legacy. That's why people still honor his memory-he never used his powers to protect those who abused theirs.

Manahan has eloquently summed up the intangibles that made Magsaysay great – and timeless.

"Magsaysay taught us how a freely elected presidency could work in a troubled, developing nation such as the Philippines. Above all, he showed us grandly we Filipinos can respond, given the chance, to dynamic, democratic, incorruptible leadership."

What I Admire Most About Francis Magalona

I believe in freedom of expression and individual will. But at the same time, I have always believed that influence is a responsibility. It is right to use your influence for a higher purpose, and it is wrong to do the opposite – it is as simple as that, and the essence of simplicity is truth.

Francis Magalona, the Father of Philippine Rap – first, greatest, forever unequaled – was also one of the best songwriters in the history of local music. This is no exaggeration and it is patently obvious: most of his songs are already certified classics even during his lifetime.

I admire him deeply for wielding his fame to inspire a generation to appreciate and embrace our national identity, and to take pride in that heritage.

Rose to Stardom

Francis Durango Magalona was born on October 4, 1964, the youngest son of film icons Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. The artist in him emerged early: he was doing graphic designs for a magazine before he, as it was his genetic destiny, entered the glittering world of show business.

He rose to stardom in _Bagets 2_ , the 1984 teeny-bopper blockbuster movie that also launched the careers of Ramon Christopher and the late Jon Hernandez. He went on to tackle comedies and dramas, even working the late National Artist For Film Lino Brocka.

Made His Mark

But it was rap music that he made his mark. My favorite Francis M. song in Filipino is _Ito Ang Gusto Ko_ (This Is What I Like). The opening lines alone serve as a testament to the greatness of his spirit:

" _Mabuhay nang maayos at lubos! Magbigay sa kapwa, magmahal ng taos! Gusto kong tikman ang sarap ng buhay! Hawakan ang bukas sa 'king mga kamay!_ (To live right and fully! To give to others, to love sincerely! I want to taste the sweetness of life! To hold tomorrow in the palm of my hands!)"

Greatest Hit

An equally significant songwriting masterpiece is his greatest hit, _Mga Kababayan Ko_ (My Countrymen): " _Dapat lang malaman n'yo: ako ay Pilipino; kung may itim o may puti, mayro'n naming kayumanggi; isipin mo na kaya mong abutin ang 'yong minimithi_ (You should know: I am Filipino; if there is black or there is white, there's also brown skin; think that you can reach for what you're wishing)."

I remember watching him perform this live at the Gary V. concert _Major Impact_ at the supreme height of his phenomenal career. This was the start of the 1990s, and I was one of the millions of kids who found him really cool – and I always wear batik shirts back then.

Social Awareness

I learned to appreciate alternative Filipino rock music in the mid-90s, listening to the now-defunct radio station LA 105, digging the music of Joey Ayala, Lolita Carbon, Jess Santiago, Heber Bartolome – and the Master Rapper's headbanging revival of his classic _Tayo'y Mga Pinoy_ (We're Filipinos).

His sense of social awareness is his trademark as a songwriter. He tells of a young girl named Pamela who went astray in _Nilamon Ng Sistema_ (Swallowed By The System), and his _BasuRAP_ became the unofficial anthem of the environmentalist vanguard EarthSavers Movement, to which he was a spokesman.

No To Drugs

The T-shirts he designed reflected his love of country. The name of his boutique, Three Stars And A Sun (G/F, Broadway Centrum) – taken from his monster single _Man From Manila_ – says it all.

I salute him for his anti-drugs advocacy through his song _Mga Praning_ (Paranoids). One by one, he reveals the systematic downfall of a half-dozen people from various social strata – a web of lives shattered by methamphetamines – then he shows the irony that all these could have been prevented just by saying No to drugs.

" _To His Will"_

I don't get to watch TV that often, but I knew that Francis was part of _Eat Bulaga!_ , the longest-running show in the history of Philippine TV, alongside the legendary trio of Tito, Vic & Joey. I also heard that he was supposed to appear at the now historic Eraserheads reunion concert at the Mall of Asia grounds last March 7; and I was one of those who – believing that his leukemia was in remission – was shocked to hear of his sudden death.

"Cancer isn't about death. It's about LIFE. And today I celebrate that life," he posted on his A Free Mind blog on Sept. 25, 2008. His last entry was Jan. 14, 2009: "Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself."

"God bless you, my friend."

Francis Magalona died on March 6, 2006, after four chemotherapy sessions and eight months of treatment – but before his doctor could begin the stem cell transplant operation that would finally cure him.

His ashes were interred at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina; and as a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the AFP, he was given military honors.

Francis Magalona has left a void in Philippine music with no heir apparent even in the distant horizon – and a musical legacy that celebrates our Filipino consciousness, our inherent potential for good, and our common humanity. "Every color, every hue," he sings in _Kaleidoscope World_ , "is represented by me and you..."

The Times and Triumphs of Ramon Avanceña

I am happy to get a copy of the coffee table book _Chief Justice Ramon Q. Avanceña: His Stories of A Young Nation_ , by Ricky Avanceña, edited by Carmen Guerrero Nakpil and with foreword by Chief Justice Hilario Davide. My passion to share it actually lifted my months-old writer's block. This is the story of one of the greatest men who ever lived.

Ramon Avanceña was born on April 13, 1872 in Iloilo. His parents Don Lucas and Doña Petra owned a fleet of cargo ships. His sisters Jovita and Ramona founded the famed Colegio de Sta., and were awarded with the Pro Ecclessia et Pro Pontifice Medal by Pope Pius XI.

Avanceña went to the University of Sto. Tomas at the height of the Propaganda Movement in Europe. One day, our teenage hero ran into the most terrifying professor in school. Where is Señor Avanceña going and why is he in such a rush? To study these papers sir, the boy replied truthfully, but not adding that those were smuggled excerpts of Jose Rizal's _Noli Me Tangere,_ possession of which is punishable by death.

The young patriot joined the war against foreign rule. At 26, he was the Secretary of State for the Provisionary Government of the Visayas. He helped overthrow the Spaniards led by Diego de los Rios from Panay. But a few days later, American war ships attacked. Avanceña and company valiantly defied them, but he was captured-and tortured mercilessly.

How would you feel if gallons of water were pumped down your throat until your entire body becomes a bloated mass of pain? Can you bear the agony as your tormentors jumped down your swollen belly to expel the water? What if they do it again? And again?

Ramon Avanceña suffered beyond imagination, but he steadfastly refused to betray the rebel forces. He almost died, but they cannot break him.

Upon his release, Avanceña founded the Instituto de Enseñanza Libre (Institute of Free Education) in his hometown of Molo, and also went on to become a law professor at the Liceo de Manila. He joined the Bureau of Justice, and in 1905, after 3 years of excellence, he was promoted to Attorney General – the chief legal adviser of the government-but he declined, saying he wasn't ready yet.

So instead he was appointed Judge At Large for Visayas and Mindanao. During this time, he married Flocerfina Abad and they would be blessed with 6 sons. Another promotion made him Judge of the Court of first Instance for the 13th Judicial District. In 1913, he was again offered the post of Attorney General, and this time he accepted.

But his independence jarred the Establishment. Governor General Francis Burton Harrison, the country's de facto ruler, got a more agreeable replacement and made Avanceña an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

On April 1, 1925, Ramon Avanceña was elevated as Chief Justice.

The baptism of fire was ignited by the epic battle between Senate President Manuel Quezon and Governor General Leonard Wood. But the issues have evolved when it reached the 6-man High Court: Can the Senate President and the Speaker of the House vote on the stock shares of the Philippine National Bank and the National Coal Co., alongside Wood, as members of the Board of Control? It has always been that way, but the 5 American Justices said it was unconstitutional, thus evicting the appointees of Quezon and Speaker Osmeña.

The lone dissent came from the lone Filipino in the tribunal. Chief Justice Avanceña ruled that it was already implied that the American Congress ratified the Board of Control when it did not annul it. Also, those corporations are private and remain so, even if the government is a stockholder. Furthermore, membership to the Board is not a public office.

In the Inaugural of President Manuel L. Quezon, it was Avanceña who administered the oath. They were the best of friends since their school days at the Letran although their personalities are polar opposites; Avanceña was the epitome of cool, while Quezon's fiery temper was legendary. But what they had in common were infinitely more significant – their deep patriotism, the sense of honor to not let their closeness affect public policy, and the mutual trust and respect that withstood the crucible of war and the test of time.

But anarchy was looming. The Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision to deny benefits to a laborer who died while on duty. The President denounced the judges; the media had a field day. Since the case was already under review by the Supreme Court, both Quezon and Avanceña were in a bind. In a gesture of supreme statesmanship, Avanceña offered to resign – together with all the magistrates who rallied behind him – rather than compromise the reputation of the Judiciary. Quezon won't retract, nor would he allow a constitutional crisis, but he left them alone.

The Chief Justice himself deliberated on the case. The heat eventually died down, and the Supreme Court reversed the previous ruling and ordered the employer, Barredo, to compensate the family of the laborer, Cuevo. The independence of the Judiciary stood tall and untarnished.

Ramon Avanceña served his beloved country with the sterling integrity that had become his trademark. He was looking forward to his 70th birthday and quiet retirement after 25 years in the Supreme Court, as Chief Justice for 16.

Then the Japanese attacked.

The President declared Manila an Open City to shield the citizens and moved the government's command center to the impenetrable island fortress of Corregidor, which also became the headquarters of the American forces headed by Gen. Douglas McArthur. Avanceña once again responded to the call of duty by agreeing to relinquish his powers immediately to his successor, the equally honorable Jose Abad Santos, to maintain political stability even if the hostilities worsened.

Then Quezon gave an order that would change their lives.

The President instructed Justice Secretary Jose Laurel and Executive Secretary Jorge Vargas to stay in Manila and do whatever it takes, short of pledging allegiance to Japan, to protect the civilians. Gen. Masami Maeda forced them to create a council to serve as a bridge between him and the people – and if they refuse to cooperate, then all men, woman and children in the countryside will be massacred. Vargas organized the remaining Commonwealth officials and asked Avanceña for help.

Avanceña and the other Filipino leaders hostaged by the invaders would, time and again, through subterfuge, sabotage Imperialist plans. They were effective because in public they seem to cooperate but in private they would meet with Quezon's emissaries and expose inside stories.

Then Avanceña was stricken with cancer. Liberation came during his operation at the PGH. McArthur instigated their arrest for "treason." Intelligence dossiers on Avanceña confirmed his unparalleled nationalism, and a U.S. Major, out of respect, came alone to fetch the ailing old man from his home in Pasay, and brought him to Bilibid Prisons. His health deteriorated, and he was confined to a hospital under guard, but his sentries respect him so much that they never wore their guns. The People's Court dropped the charges for lack of evidence. Ramon Avanceña was now free – and vindicated by history.

Avanceña gave his last full measure of devotion. At President Elpidio Quirino's request, he came out of retirement to serve as senior adviser, but had to leave, out of _delicadeza_ (sense of propriety), because his old friend Laurel ran against the latter. He was hospitalized again, and the winner of the next election, the charismatic Ramon Magsaysay, visited him and asked him to his own personal adviser when he got well again. But a few days later, the President died, and the Chief Justice did not recover.

Ramon Avanceña died on June 12, 1957. The new President, Carlos P. Garcia, paid his last respects and was surprised that the late Chief Justice, as was his request, had already been buried the same day at the La Loma. Chief Justice Manuel V. Moran, in his eulogy, distilled the essence of Ramon Avanceña: " _Era un santo._ "

"He was a saint."

The League Of Extraordinary Filipino Gentlemen

I wrote this piece in late 2007. I already incorporated some of the profiles in "The Top 10 Signs Of Leadership." The remaining sketches remain in their original form.

The late U.S. President Ronald Reagan once said, "Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look."

Let's sketch some of the most outstanding Filipinos of our time, because as the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but the men it honors, the men it remembers."

_Emilio Advincula_. The nation shall never this poor but honest taxi driver castigated by his friends for returning a fortune to its rightful owner-not once, but twice! Inspiring fellow taxi driver Reio Lance to follow his example, he's a rare breed: one who values honor above luxury and the company of 100% pure-plastic sycophants.

_Django Bustamante._ The true mettle of our 2006 World Cup Pool Champion asserted itself when he transcended a personal tragedy in the thick of competitions – and inspired the nation by swiftly devastating his opponents.

_Hilario Davide._ The God-fearing character, mastery of the law and flawless professionalism shown by the former Chief Justice earned him the envy of small minds – and the deep respect, admiration and loyalty of the millions of honorable people, who know a good man when they see one.

_Monsour Del Rosario._ Excellence is impossible without discipline, and this Olympic medalist, action star and chief pioneer of Philippine Taekwondo is deeply rooted in the ultimate way of self-mastery – the Martial Arts.

_Richard Gordon._ This future President is synonymous with true leadership-the gift of bringing out the best in people by example. Imagine a Red Cross chairman slogging through mud to deliver aid, and a Senator who picks up litter and throws them in garbage bins-those actions speak louder than 24/7 filibusters.

_Frank Gudani._ The warrior is a Christian. He has one of the most sterling track records in the annals of the Philippine military: Commanding General of the 1st Marine Brigade, Commander of Task Force Ranao, graduate of Philippine Military Academy, National Defense College, PAL Aviation School, Asian Inst. of Management. and the U.S. Marine Crops; PMA- and PAL McMicking Awardee, 1980 AFP Shooter of the Year, combat veteran-and soldier for Christ. He became a Born Again through the AFP Christian group JOSHUA in 1989, and this gave him and his aide Col. Alexander Balutan the sense of peace and strength to appear in the Senate and exposed the massive fraud in the 2004 elections despite orders to remain silent. Because of that, he was court-martialed. But EO 464 was later ruled by the Supreme Court as illegal and unconstitutional.

_Christian Monsod._ The One Voice founder and civil society leader is the epitome of integrity in public service, disappearing after earning the Comelec an unprecedented level of public trust during his watch-and he's back to help stop the complete meltdown of our institutions wrought by the relentlessly destructive Cha-cha [Charter Change] campaign.

_Manny Pacquiao._ The reigning WBC Super Featherweight Champion is officially the best boxer in his division today. The People's Champ has brought honor to the country and inspired the next generation of ring warriors: Jimrex Jaca, Boomboom Bautista, Harry Tañamor, Brian Viloria, Z Gorres and other future sports legends – and he has done all these and more without going into politics.

The pillar of Pacman's career is coach FreddieRoach – one of the many non-Filipinos who made the Philippines a better place. The nation will honor them forever, specifically: educator Fr. James Reuter, social activist Fr. Shay Cullen, and investigative journalist Earl K. Wilkinson.

_Philip Piccio._ The founder of the Parents Enabling Parents Coalition brought hope to the thousand of students jeopardized by the pre-need industry crash, gave billionaire Mark Jimenez a worthy cause to channel his wealth for the greater good—and reminded the nation that nothing is impossible if people will join forces to stand up for what is right.

_Fernando Poe Jr._ Da King is dead-long live Da King! For the generations of actors, industry workers and ordinary people whose lives he had touched, for his family, friends and millions of loyal followers, and as long as there are young men looking for heroes, the King of Philippine Movies will live forever-and not even dirty politics can take that away.

_Raul Roco._ The best President we never had. His incandescent genius went beyond his magnificent track record: outstanding student leader, lawyer, Con-Con delegate, Congressman, Senator, Education Secretary, family man – and he has set the standards to which all future leaders will be measured. His secret: " _Aral, Sipag, Dasal_ (Study, Hard work, Prayer)" –and that too should speak for itself.

_Jesse Robredo._ Mayor Jesse's flagship i-Governance program has completely computerized City Hall and destroyed red tape. All transactions, contracts, revenues, employees are all online. He's the first ever mayor to invite sectoral representatives and NGOs to participate in the City Council. He is one of the few local chief executives with the mental stamina to earn an MBA in Public Administration from the JFK School of Government in Harvard. His innovations have garnered more than 140 awards here and abroad, including the United Nations Public Service Awards, the AIM Galing Pook Awards Hall of Fame and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service.

_Harry Roque._ This U.P. law professor practices what he preach-that no one is above the law -and has independently mounted a global pursuit against [Fertilizer Scam alleged mastermind] Agriculture Undersecretary-turned-fugitive Joc-Joc Bolante.

_Jaime Cardinal Sin._ The separation of Church and State ends when loyalty to the country begins, and the Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Manila Archbishop mobilized the country to overthrow two Presidents through peaceful revolution – and inspired the whole world with the glory of true People Power.

_Mon, Raffy, Erwin and Ben Tulfo._ The noble aims of journalism are to uncover the truth and bring justice for the oppressed, and if the hard-hitting Tulfo brothers have to confront abusive and incompetent officials to set things right—in person, print, radio and TV-then so be it. Even if they're under siege by libel suits, white papers and black propaganda, they will survive-and will be vindicated-because no one can put good men down.

_Rico Yan._ The true measure of a life is the beauty of the memories left behind; but this young matinee idol, with his public charisma and private public service, made you believe you can be immortal-forever young-because you got to believe in magic.

Book 3

The Unpublished

Simplifying My Life

I used to believe that a hectic schedule is synonymous with success – not realizing that I inadvertently equated relaxation with mediocrity, or worse, failure.

Which is not the case at all in real life. I now know this firsthand, having adapted most if not all of the timeless tips from simplicity guru Elaine St. James in her bestseller _Simplify Your Life_

The most fundamental rule in simplifying your life is to reduce clutter in your house and workplace, which is also (another coincidence) the first rule in feng shui. What I did was to maximize space like putting easily-misplaced everyday stuff (nail-cutters, razor, comb, cotton buds etc.) in a plastic box on the dresser top in front of the mirror.

I also brought a blue plastic laundry basket so whenever I get home from work, my room doesn't look like typhoon Milenyo returned.

Organizing my dresser drawer became one of my priorities. I would imagine some people might think it trivial, but there's a psychological benefit that you know – unlike Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne in the original _Batman_ movie – where your socks are.

St. James' Rule Number 7 is "Run your errands in one place." This is obviously an obvious gem of wisdom – which I've always ignored. I have lost count how many times I had to run back and forth to the neighborhood _sari-sari_ (variety) store because I forgot to buy vinegar...and cooking oil...and fabric conditioner...and shampoo...

What I do now is to schedule my shopping and to customize my grocery supplies to follow that schedule. So sometimes, in the case of, say, ketchup, I follow Rule Number 5: "Buy in bulk." Translated for me, it means buying a bigger bottle.

That rule is super-handy for mothers, and is also the overriding practice of restaurant owners.

I have yet to implement Rule Number 59: "Have a fruit or juice fast one day a week," but I am already practicing Rule Number 60 – "Make water your drink of choice." Why? Well, not because I don't like soft drinks or iced tea (which I really do, promise!) but there are short-term and long-term purposes for that.

In the short-term, I can save money, that much is clear. In the long run, drinking water not only helps purify my body of toxins but also minimizes risks of developing diabetes.

My life really changed upon reading and putting into practice Chapter 6 – "Your Personal Life."

Top of the list is Rule Number 72: "Clean up your relationships." This, of course, is not simple. Not simple at all. But it's not all that complicated either.

What do you do to people whose friendships are no longer worth fighting for? I'm talking about people who have stabbed you in the back. The answer is simple: say goodbye and good riddance.

It is a bit more complex regarding friends who unintentionally bring you down, or at least, prevent you from living you life to the fullest. These are people who expect you to be at their beck and call whenever they need you for whatever reason. St. James says that sometimes it is better to just simply fade away from their lives.

Thanks to Rule Number 76 – "Stop trying to change people" – I now achieved a significant measure of peace of mind. You know what I'm talking about: "Why is so-and-so like that?" or "I wish he would stop being such-and-such." The trick, apparently, is to just let them be.

You can offer advice, and that's natural in all kinds of all relationships, but obligating people to adapt to your standards is a sure fire way to shower stress into your life.

"Change your expectations," goes rule Number 88. This not only applies to people but to most things that come my way; like I told a friend of mine when he was applying for different call centers: Bring out your best, but be prepared for the possibility of rejections – and getting up again because the journey is not yet over.

In his column in the _Philippine Star_ a week after I wrote the first draft of this story, leadership guru and my favorite columnist Francis J. Kong sobered my mind by reminding me not to take snobs and rejections personally. I incorporated that in my life and in my pep talk to my friend when he got his second rejection.

The timing is just a coincidence – or maybe not.

At any rate, my friend fell twice, but got up thrice – and is now officially a customer service representative in a call center in Makati.

Come to think of it, simplifying our life is much, much more than a change of lifestyle; it's more of a change in mindset – and by extension, a change of attitude.

And when you have changed your attitude, you have changed your life.

It is that simple.

The 7 Laws of Attracting Good Luck

Luis Manzano is one lucky guy. He is famous as a movie actor and TV host In comparison, Helen Keller seems to be unlucky to the extreme: she was blind, deaf and mute.

But she herself never thought of herself as unlucky – and there lies the crucial secret of her immortality. Helen Keller turned towards the unseen beauty and miracle of life – and she inspired countless millions to lift themselves out of the deadly trap of self-pity.

All of us can attract good fortune by learning the secrets of lucky people.

_Believe that you are lucky._ Keep in mind that everything happens for a reason – and something good always comes out of it.

"If you believe you are fortunate most of the time, you are likely to exhibit behavior that makes people more responsive to you," according to Martin Seligman, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of _Authentic Happiness._

_Control your emotions._ Self-discipline is one of the pillars of success. Negative emotions like anger, shyness and resentment rob you of peace of mind and destroy you from within like the termites in Boracay Mansion.

Of course you are only human like in the _Hiram_ song by Zsa Zsa Padilla, but "It's one thing to feel these negative emotions and another to show them," advises Raymond DePaulo, chair of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and author of _Understanding Depression._

_Keep an open mind._ Good fortune is yours for the taking but only if you learn to let go of your prejudices, inhibitions and delusions of persecutions. Stop thinking of yourself as Jason Bourne–the CIA is not after you.

"You can improve your luck by training yourself to be more trusting of people and confident that positive outcomes will result from these encounters," says John Krumboltz, professor of education and psychology at Stanford University.

_Embrace random events._ Get out of your shell and think of the world as yours. Be on the look-out for opportunities but not like those _dugo-dugo_ conmen.

Remember: "You are a child of the universe," as it is written in _Desiderata_. You are "no less than the trees and the stars – you have the right to be here."

_Avoid envy._ Envy is tantamount to greed and conjures images of crocodiles carrying sacks marked $. It is akin to gluttony which is one of the seven deadliest sins according St. Thomas Aquinas. The kindest and most diplomatic word to describe envious people is pathetic.

Although you can take you cake and eat it too – it's called "enjoying the fruits of your labor" – you have no class if you gobble up the whole pie.

_Develop people skills._ You don't have to be a customer service representative to learn how to get along with people. But be not a courtier either. Take the advise of Pops Fernandez and Joey Albert in the Louie Ocampo song: "We play the games of different folks with different strokes and keep our points of view."

Be a Connector: "Most connectors are lucky because they interact with large groups of powerful people who, in turn, share information and contacts just to stay in the loop," wrote Malcolm Gladwell in _The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference._ "Sociability, energy and openness breed luck."

_Look for the silver lining._ Lucky people always see the bright side of every situation. They can discern the blessings in disguise. The only way to fully realize how lucky you are is to be conscious of the good things in your life that seems to be denied to other people.

Never forget the Jewish proverb about the fellow who had the blues because he had no shoes – then he saw, on the street, a man with no feet.

Lucky you!

Magic Juice: The Incredible Healing Powers of Virgin Coconut

Beauty and wellness guru Cory Quirino shares valuable tips in her book _Forever Young_ and regularly gives advice on her Sunday radio show. Apparently, two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil have always been part of her daily regimen. "Vava-voom!" as she would always say.

One of the best news nowadays is the steadily growing popularity of virgin coconut oil. According to Dr. Mark Atkinson, "Organic virgin coconut oil stands alone as being the healthiest oil you can use. It possesses a plethora of health benefits, and the research to substantiate it."

Wonder Wine

Few products can boast such mind-boggling versatility. Virgin coconut oil can be used for frying, as food supplement, as substitute for butter, as ingredient for soap and baby formula, as hair hot oil treatment, moisturizer, grease, make-up remover, massage lotion and salad dressing.

This wonder wine form the coco-palm family has been found to "Prevent heart diseases, dissolve kidney stones, balance blood-sugar and control diabetes, enhance the immune system, protect against cancer, boost your energy and increase your metabolism, lose excess body fat, kill disease-carrying bacteria, viruses and fungi, relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, protect your skin against free radical damage that causes premature aging and much more!" wrote Dr. Bruce Fife in _Coconut Cures_ , with foreword by Dr. Conrado Dayrit.

Virtual Lifeblood

Coconut oil has been the virtual lifeblood of tropical communities in Asia and the South Pacific islands for centuries. Sanskrit Ayurvedic records (c.1500 BC) contain testimonials for its unique powers. Captain Cook and other European pioneer explorers marveled at this strange brew.

Liquid from young coconut was used as a saline drip to save wounded Allied soldiers during the Second World War. After the hostilities, it was sold in the United States as 'coconut butter', while in England, they called it 'margarine'.

Functional Food

Then in 1954, saturated fats were found to raise the levels of serum cholesterol. The ensuing campaign to switch to polyunsaturates left coconut oil with a bad rep. It was revealed only recently that the real culprits were trans-fatty acids from hydrogenated oils.

Research by Dr. Mary Enig proved the absence of trans-fatty acids in virgin coconut oil and led to its classification as "functional food" – providing health benefits that basic nutrients cannot. It must also be noted that virgin coconut oil remains stable even under extreme temperatures, making it invincible against free radicals.

Huge Excitement

The low calorie content of virgin coconut oil makes it ideal for athletes and dieters. "The discovery that coconut oil actually speeds up metabolism and thyroid function has created huge excitement amongst nutritionists and their weight-loss clients," wrote Cherie Calbom (aka The Juice Lady) in _The Coconut Diet, The Secret Ingredient for Effortless Weight Loss._

Medical Role

In a manifesto signed by five highly respected physicians from different nations led by Dr. Condrado Dayrit, they assert the "Coconut oil has an important medical role to play in nutrition, metabolism and health care. Indeed, properly formulated and utilized, coconut oil may be the preferred vegestable oil in our diet and the special hospital foods promoting patient recovery."

Teaching Kids To Be Independent

Jimmy's clan has lived on their Georgia farm for over two centuries. Despite their poverty, his parents were community leaders and Peace Corps volunteers, and he was able to enter the prestigious American Naval Academy. "But the early commitments of our rural family life never changed," recalls former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. "We still believe in personal freedom, hard work, self-reliance and close family ties."

Everything begins in childhood. A child's upbringing and environment will shape his character – and his destiny. With parenting comes responsibility, and based on Dr. Mel Levine's _New York Times_ bestseller _Ready Or Not: Here Life Comes_ and additional research, here are some tools to empower children to achieve their full potential.

_Identity._ "Help your kids figure out who they are," says Levine. Puberty is the crucial time for character development – and an excellent opportunity to instill a sense of self-confidence.

"We've long known how vital self-esteem is in a man's life," according to psychology Prof. Stanley Coopersmith of the University of California Davis. In his _The Antecedents of Self-Esteem_ , he showed that successful teenagers have parents who gave them 1) unconditional love; 2) respect for their privacy; and 3) respect for their opinions and decisions.

_Individuality._ Each child is unique. "Identify the kinds of interests they keep coming back to, as these offer clues to the careers that will fit them best," says Levine.

The good news is that "Some kids are very outgoing and will figure out quickly how to be successful," noted pioneering child psychologist Toni Falbo of the University of Texas at Austin.

_Vision._ "Talk about the future on a regular basis," says Levine. Encourage your kids to form some ideas about their own future." Go beyond college courses and let your child decide the kind of profession that will give him the most fulfillment. There is no point on choosing the best law school if he wants to be the next Zsa-Zsa Saturnnah.

Let him know that "Having a purpose in your life is the most important element of becoming a fully functioning person," according to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer of St. John's University in N.Y., in his bestselling classic _Your Erroneous Zones._

**Skills.** Being overly dependent is self-destructive. "Assign responsibilities around the house and make sure homework deadlines are met," says Levine. It is the parents' obligation to help their children develop a sense of responsibility.

The recently retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor exemplifies this principle. When she was 10 years old, she can play with dolls; drive both a truck and a tractor, and "repair windmills and fences on their family ranch at the border of Arizona and New Mexico.

_Work Ethic._ "Encourage teenagers to take a part-time job," says Levine. This will help them achieve emotional maturity because "kids need plenty of practice delaying gratification and deploying effective organizational skills, such as managing time and setting priorities."

The best way teach about finances is to show how responsibly you handle your own. In his _Prodigal Sons and Material Girls: How Not To Be You Child's ATM_ , financial advisor Nathan Dungan wrote "In teaching your child about money, few issues are as critical as your own regular consumer decisions."

_Discipline._ Activities should be balanced. Excessive TV, video games and listening through earphones "can stunt the growth of important communication and thinking skills and make it different for kids to develop the kind of sustained concentration they will need for most jobs," says Levine.

Discipline is "a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure of meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with," taught Dr. M. Scott Peck in _The Road Less Traveled_.

_Resilience._ "Help kids develop coping strategies," says Levine. "They should know how to deal setbacks, stresses and feelings of inadequacy." When they lose in a competition, children need a sounding board – and good parents will coach them to get up again and win the next game.

Remind your child that a disappointment does not make him a lesser person. "Mistakes are experiences that prepare youngsters for their futures," according to Robert Brooks, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School and co-author of _Raising Resilient Children._

_Intelligence._ At a young age, children need to "learn how to solve problems and resolve conflicts, ways to brainstorm and think critically," says Levine. The best lessons are real-life situations; the classroom is the home; and the best teacher is a parent.

A child needs to explore his growing mental capacities by himself. "Parents who overdo may have a child who doesn't engage in the thinking process." Wrote psychology Prof. Laura Berk of Illinois State University in _Awakening Children's Minds._

_Grounding._ "Avoid creating hyper-inflated egos" because they "will burst in the early stages of a career when supervisors won't care how gorgeous you kids are," says Levine. Excessive praise, material rewards and pampering are scientifically proven ways to produce maladjusted and weak-minded adults.

Is it really to a child's advantage to have a teacher say to a student who's given an incorrect answer, 'That's the right answer to another question'?" asks Dr. Elizabeth Guthrie, co-author of _The Trouble With Perfect._

_Family Ties._ Once a parent, always a parent. When kids are entering young adulthood, "parents still have a pivotal role to play, but now it is more delicate. It is essential for string family ties and trust to prevail throughout this trying period," says Levine. "Most of all, these new adults must feel that they are respected and supported by a family that appreciate them."

In his heartwarming book on fatherhood, _A Child To Change Your Life_ , Thomas D. Murray wrote, "I will try to give my children a sense of security, and hope that they develop enough of a willingness and ability to think, that they will feel comfortable with an open mind."

_Role Models._ Education starts at home. "Kids need a range of authentic role models," says Levine. "Have regular dinner-table discussions about people the family knows and how they got where they are."

Lead by example. "Children learn from the things their parents do," according to Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, a child psychiatrist. "If we are open to the world and show good judgment that helps children find the people who will help enrich their lives."

An act of honesty is forever. The sight of a parent returning excess change to a fast-food service crew or a store attendant will serve as his child's guiding light.

Remember: "There is nothing more influential in a child's life than the moral power of quiet example," wrote William J. Bennet in _The Book of Virtues._ "For children to take morality seriously, they must see adults see morality seriously."

Book 4

The Radical

Clones Are Humans Two: The Moral Dimension of Cloning

When John F. Kennedy was brought into the emergency room after the assassination, a geneticist named Dr. Thor Bitterbaum swiped off some tissue and, with an unsuspecting woman named Millicent Ash as a surrogate mother, had secretly cloned the President. An industrialist named Gerard Kirsten Kelogg financed the scheme and adopted the boy, calling him Josh.

The above scenario is the plot of the grippingly tragic novel _Joshua, Son of None_ by Nancy Freedman. Immortality has enchanted mankind for millennia, but cloning raises more questions than a game show. But any discussion would be pointless if strictly confined to abstract philosophical dilemmas without knowing the established facts, and here they are.

All human being started out as clones. The single cell from a fertilized egg divides exponentially until this cluster of genetically identical cells develop into an embryo. In simplest terms, a clone is a replica of a living organism having the same genetic blueprint.

Cloning is an inherent part of nature. One example is when an amoeba splits into 2–then 4, 8, 16 etc.-genetic copies. A horticulturalist performs cloning almost everyday: cutting a twig from a plant and placing it in water until it grows roots so it can be transferred to soil. The word 'clone' comes from the Greek _klon_ , meaning twig or offshoot.

The first cloned animal was born in July 1996 in Scotland. The world said "Hello Dolly!" to the sheep created by embryologist Ian Wilmut. The lamb was made flesh through nuclear transfer–the removal of the nucleus from an egg and replacing it with the nucleus of an adult cell. With the infusion of specific protein factors and a bit of genetic manipulation, the hybrid cell would divide like a natural embryo.

All creatures big and small were soon cloned. Some became even more famous than humans. Among them are the cat CC (for carbon copy) in 2001; the mule Idaho Gem in 2003; and the Afghan hound Snuppy (for Seoul National University puppy) in 2005.

One of the significant benefits of cloning is the perpetuation of the species. Just in case in they become totally extinct, duplicates were made of endangered animals like the gaur and the mouflon in 2001, and the gray wolf in 2007.

Another onward-looking aim of cloning is the replenishment of the food supply. A cloned bull in 1999 sparked pro-con debates about its milk, while China cloned a water buffalo in 2005 precisely for the purpose of improving its milk. As for meat, ViaGen, the biogenetics firm in Austin, Texas which created the mules, is breeding cloned prime grade-1 cows to get the best beef for the world's juiciest, tastiest, most mouth-watering steaks.

Clones can save lives. Five cloned piglets were born in 2000 to act as experimental organ donors to humans. A rabbit was cloned in 2002 to serve as a guide for the physiology of human diseases. Scientists in Iowa cloned a ferret to help them study respiratory illnesses.

But clones are not perfect. The cloned mules lost against naturally-bred ones in a race in 2005. More fundamentally, the survival rate is low, the mortality rate is high, and some of them showed physical abnormalities. As in most pioneering endeavors, the initial stages of this field are largely on a trial-and-error basis.

We are now beginning to understand a miniscule fraction of the miracle that is life. The defects in clones are caused by the irregular timing and pattern of their methyl molecules as these attach to their DNA during development. This explains why the first cloned goat in 2000 died of impaired lung formation.

Advanced aging of clones, on the other hand, was caused by their short telomeres–strains of DNA at the edge of chromosomes whole gradual decline in length serve as a cell's biological clock–because clones are essentially copies of adult cells. This explains Dolly's arthritis.

The good news is that a clone's physical impairment is not hereditary. The offsprings of various cloned mammals and their regularly-bred mates are all healthy and normal, and even Dolly gave birth to five bouncing baby sheeps.

Therapeutic cloning offers exciting prospects in treating diseases. Here's how it works: the nucleus of a human patient's body cell containing his genetic material is transferred to a hollowed-out egg. The egg is then chemically activated, and a group of cells called blastocyst soon forms – from which embryonic stem cells can be harvested.

Speaking of stem cells, two recent breakthroughs rocked the scientific world with the impact of a tank smashing into a hotel lobby. The joyful news is that embryonic stem cells can be now be propagated without embryos, eggs or ethical debates.

Two scientists using the same method – direct reprogramming – published their findings on the same day in Nov. 2007. The journal _Cell_ featured Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University and his work on cheek cells from a middle-aged woman; while _Science_ featured James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin (the molecular biologist who first isolated the human embryonic stem cells in 1998) and his work on foreskin cells from a newborn baby.

With cells from a patient cultivated in a petri dish, they fused a set of four specific genes into the cells, using retro- and lentiviruses to penetrate the membranes. The cells began to act like embryonic stem cells, which could then be transplanted back into the patient.

As we have seen, cloning is not immoral per se. But is cloning animals immoral? The question should be, "Is a method aimed to help doctors treat diseases immoral?" Besides, God Himself gave man the authority and dominion over all creatures – including those that defy his dominion like sharks.

But what about cloning human beings? Before anyone enters the debate, we should ask, "Is it scientifically feasible to do it?"

The answer seems to be No "I think we cannot make human reproductive cloning safe," according to Rudolf Jaenisch, a geneticist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "And it's not a technological issue. It's a biological barrier. The pattern of methylation of normal embryo cannot be created consistently in cloning."

So it's pointless to fret about cloned people. There are more pressing needs our scientists should tackle, like global warming. After all, how could those theoretical clones walk the earth if the whole planet is already submerged in water?

Should We Resurrect The Death Penalty?

It's a bad idea to bring back the death penalty. It doesn't stop crime. It won't stop criminals because they know they'll get away with it anyway.

The police themselves break all the laws they're supposed to uphold. It's hard to respect the police once you've seen them in action. They're abusive and arrogant, and in a tight situation, they prove incompetent.

We have lost focus on the basics. One of the most crucial elements in a society is law enforcement. It's simple: If I commit a crime, I'll get caught no matter where I hide, then I'd be given a fair trial, and if I prove guilty, I'll go to jail.

It doesn't work that way in our beautiful 7,107 islands, whether high tide or low tide.

Here, big time syndicates are protected by police or military officials. If a case becomes a media sensation, the police will round up some people, torture them to confess, parade them to the media–none of the "suspects" given legal counsel–and declare the case closed.

We don't need the death penalty. In a country with a functioning justice system, it's unnecessary. In a country with a perverted one, it's useless–and very, very dangerous.

Should the Web Be Netted? The Case Againsts Facebook Libels

Who can forget the searing triumph of Dan'l Webster as he waged the formidable battle over the soul of Jabez Stone in Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Vincent Benet's timeless court room masterpiece? A poor farmer cursed with bad luck sold his soul to the Devil, then his fate brought forth an avalanche of success and he almost reached the pinnacle of political power. He was, however, as much as he tried to evade it, damned by the pact.

The salvation of his immortal soul thus fell on the greatest orator of the land. Webster faced the most fearsome jury only nightmares can conceive–the gathering of the darkest characters in the history of the land of the free.

Freedom, argued Webster, is man's birthright. It is what gives life its deepest significance. The ideal of freedom summons the noble side of humanity. His summation reminds us all of who we are and what we are here for.

Evil backed down, defeated by eternal truths. What Webster thundered was true, we all know them to be true, because our heart of hearts know them to be true. Truth sets us free, all of us, "even the damned."

It is thus supreme irony that a lawyer was sued for libel for practicing his inalienable right to freedom of speech in, of all places, the Internet.

Lawyer Argee Guevarra's opinions on his Facebook account is privileged information. If he called for a boycott of Belo Medical clinics because of the botched operation on a patient named Josie Norcio, it is his right and there's no place for libel because the comments were valid–solidly backed by the hideous results on Norcio.

Sadly, Maria Ronatay, fourth assistant provincial prosecutor of Tanay, insists there is, and seems convinced that she has the power to bring it on. The comments were posted, by the way, a long time ago in July 2009. [This piece was written in July 27, 2010.]

But where do you draw the line between what is printable and what should not be? If there is probable cause for writing it, then there is no probable cause for libeling it. Negative remarks without any basis should be shunned, but what rings true should never be.

Freedom is power. The Internet is the symbol of power, and the power of symbols is like a river that flows through us all, like striking a chord in the strings of that which makes us human. The World Wide Web is, and should always be, above and beyond petty legalities and misguided zeal.

The Case Againts Unicameral Parliamentarism

This piece was originally written as a Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Manila Times [December 2006] and BusinessMirror [January 2007].

Some Filipino politicians are magicians. They use hocus-pocus on their elections and abracadabra on their term limits. Their oath to protect the Constitution is an illusion. The proponents of parliamentarism use misdirection, sleights-of-hand and nebulous chants like "Gridlock." But there are also 6 concrete reasons why they should stop their tricks.

1. The problem is the people and not the system. Character has nothing to do with the form of government: a good citizen will assume responsibility for his actions whether he's under a President, Prime Minister or Chancellor; a greedy politician will steal whether they call him Congressman, Assemblyman or MP. The best deterrent against abuse is responsible oversight with punitive sanctions.

Another crucial factor is our cultural habit of contaminating on-paper feasibility with graft and influence peddling (i.e., checkpoints, military pensions, the electricity stock market, PCGG, MMDA).

Equity of the incumbent does not mean "What are we in power for?" There is absolutely no reason to become parliament unless he Philippines is joining the European Union.

2. The proponents of unicameral parliamentarism are engaging in doublespeak. It is duplicity to cite successful parliaments without saying that they are all bicameral (i.e., Britain's House of Lords and House of Commons; Japan's House of Representatives and House of Councilors; Germany's Bundestag and Reichstag).

The fact that parliamentarism leads to partisan backstabbing and political blackmail (i.e., the Tories expelled Churchill for criticizing Chamberlain's policies against free trade in 1904; Syria's Assad forced the Lebanese parliament to extend the puppet Lahoud's term in 2004) is not mentioned at all.

3. It is proven that a solid check-and-balance mechanism is vital because it's part of our Filipino culture to abuse power. In 1972, Martial Law was declared with the ultimate aim of one-party unicameral parliament without term limits – and the Senate, media, political opposition, freedom of assembly, the Constitution and the Supreme Court were abolished. The President used anarchy as an excuse for emergency powers to cancel the 1973 presidential elections.

In 2006, Martial Law was about to be declared with the ultimate aim of a one-party unicameral parliament without term limits – but the U.S. Government intervened. Instead, there was E.O. 464 (against the Senate); Proclamation 1017 (against media and political opposition); the Calibrated Pre-emptive response (against freedom of assembly) and the People's Initiative signature drive (against the Constitution) – but the Supreme Court declared them unconstitutional.

An attempt to place an administration ally as the next Chief Justice backfired. An attempt to postpone the 2007 elections also failed. An attempt to convene a Constituent Assembly without the Senate nor even 2/3 of the House ended disastrously. The gameplan now is a Constitutional Convention with last-term administration congressmen and their allies as delegates.

A clear and present danger is a plebiscite fraud given the Comelec's track record. Time will reveal if the President will use anarchy as an excuse for emergency powers to cancel the 2010 presidential elections – or even the 2007 midterm.

4. It is proven that one-party unicameral parliaments always result in corrupt dictatorships – and always end in violent revolutions. This was the fate of Sukarno of Indonesia; U Nu of Burma; Mirza of Pakistan; Peron of Argentina; Batista of Cuba; Selassie of Ethiopia; Somoza of Nicaragua; Duvalier of Haiti; Bao Dai and Ngo Din Diem of Vietnam; and Saddam of Iraq, to name a few. If Marcos was toppled peacefully, it is because Cory Aquino was the clear winner in the snap polls; the coup leaders were trapped in Camp Crame ; and Cardinal Sin was still alive.

It should be noted the "The World's Biggest Thief" in the Guinness Records is the head of a one-party unicameral parliament without term limits. On the other hand, multi-party bicameral parliaments are historical evolutions of monarchies (i.e., France , Italy , Spain , Thailand ). Subsequently, their former colonies adapted that form (i.e., Britain 's India , Singapore , Malaysia and Australia ). It is self-evident that their success lies in their people and not their system.

5. It is proven that presidential-bicameral is the most effective political structure in history. The U.S. Founding Fathers framed their Constitution using Montesquieu's ideas of a two-house Legislative branch and an untouchable Judiciary in 1787. Since then, the United States has progressed to be the richest and most powerful nation in the world. With the same Constitution for over two centuries, none of their 43 Presidents ever tried to perpetuate himself in power.

If we hear about their mistakes, like the Abu Ghraib and FEMA fiascoes, it is because they regard freedom of the press and the right to demand accountability as sacred trusts. This is why Americans are proud to be Americans.

6. It is proven that the presidential-bicameral form is perfect for the Philippines . With a directly elected president and an independent two-house Congress, our country has achieved unprecedented economic prosperity and political stability under Presidents Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, Garcia, Macapagal, and the early years of Marcos. The downward spiral began during Marcos' legally doubtful second term: ambition blinded him – and he summoned the nightmares of Absolute Power that still haunt us even after more than three decades.

But in a larger sense, the most compelling argument against parliamentarism is the Arroyo administration itself. A public office is not a blank cheque, but the Cha-cha Express is like Mussolini's Fascist train: it runs over people just to arrive on time. President Gloria Arroyo has already backtracked, but she should also realize that word of honor is non-negotiable.

A President "has one profound duty to the nation: to exert moral leadership," to quote the great U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower. A President "should stand, visible and uncompromising, for what is right and decent-in government, in the business community, in the private lives of the citizens. For decency is one of the main pillars of a sound civilization. An immoral nation invites its own ruin."

Are Overseas Workers Really Contributing To The "Brain Drain"?

To hail our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as "Modern-Day Heroes" is a noble and worthy way of honoring the crucial role they play in the economic life of our beloved country.

But, in a larger sense, the diaspora of Filipinos achieves a more significant and longer-lasting accomplishment to our country as a whole. We have heard of "Brain drain," but have we ever stopped to think about the other side of the story? What is happening now, if one looks at the bigger picture, is "Brain gain" – gifting us with the experiences and skills learned from other cultures to enhance and enrich our own.

This is the essence of the anthology _From America To Africa_ , a collection of tales of Filipino women from all corners of the globe – encompassing also the entire spectrum of the human condition.

This humble piece is more than just an essay, it is also a celebration of the achievements – and victories – of Filipino women on the world arena.

There is something providential when a life touches another. We are here on earth to fulfill our own destinies, and it is the people we meet along the way who bequeath to us lessons that there is more to life than living.

I have been blessed with being associated with beautiful souls. The late Senator Raul Roco is a prime example, for whose presidential bid I have volunteered and campaigned. His sincerity and genuineness as a human being inspired me and evoked within me those ideals that fortify decent people in our "quite imperfect world," to borrow a line from a classic song by the Carpenters.

It is Roco's solid conviction about the equality of women that made me see them in a new light, as if for the first time. And it is also because of this new-found enlightenment that I was able to fully realize the significance of a particular book that I would not have otherwise. Allow me to share with you the story of how this book came to be.

In the beginning was a woman. Journalist and book editor Lorna Kalaw-Tirol, co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, has reaped National Book Awards for her works such as _Duet for Edsa_ and _The World of 1896_. Adding to this partial list of stellar achievements is _Coming To Terms,_ a collection of 15 essays about midlife.

One of the invited contributors was Imelda M. Nicolas, the chair of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women from 1992 to 1998, and would later on organize the first Global Forum for Woman Political Leaders in the Philippines in January 2000.

The book was read, among hundreds of thousands around the world, by Josie Opeña Disterhoft, a Chicago-based advocate for education and human rights. She is the author of _Developing A Child Care Program: A Health System Decision-Making Guide_ , and a consultant to the American Medical Women's Association. Touched by the stories, she suggested to Imelda: Why not publish a similar book of essays about Filipino women overseas?

"I embraced the idea wholeheartedly," writes Imelda in the Foreword. "Among other reasons, I wanted to pass on the gratifying experience I had in writing my essay to all the women whose stories needed to be told and shared. Lorna was just as enthusiastic about being the book's editor and co-publisher."

With 19 writers, pen-and-ink portraits from Lynett Villariba, and a thought-provoking painting by Lina Llaguno Ciano in the cover – plus a lot of people who had contributed in their own significant ways – the book _From America to Africa: Voices of Filipino Women Overseas_ , my favorite anthology, was born, and eventually proved to be an evocative and stereotype-shattering literary experience.

It is a beautiful cross section of people, places and experiences, "a wonderful diversity of Filipino women who have found homes everywhere in the world," writes Imelda.

What can one glean from this book? For one thing, it shows the many ways Filipino women have achieved her rightful place as a co-equal in what are still largely men's turfs. Take my hand and let us journey into the wonderful world of women –Filipinas all.

One of the most exhilarating adventures is the life of Ambassador Narcisa "Ching" Escaler – a perfect poster girl of what Filipinas can perform on the world stage. As chief of the Philippine Mission in the United Nations, she had "a front row seat to world events as they happened, like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the consequent reunification of the two Germanys, the Gulf War, Nelson Mandela's release and the beginning of a post-apartheid South Africa, Chairman Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Liberation Organization's first appearance in an UN conference, the collapse of communism ad the break-up of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, the failed Uruguay Round trade negotiations. More than the front-row seat, however, I was an active participant in negotiating international decisions that impacted on such world events."

Juanita Salvador-Burris, PhD, is the founder and first executive director of Woodlawn Development Associates, a non-profit community development corporation in Chicago. An articulate advocate of right to accessible human need, specifically jobs, she gave a rousing speech to Chicago city officials and taught them that individuals are more important than institutions.

"I spoke of how deeply fundamental a job is to an individual's life. I spoke of knowing many in my community who, for two or three generations, have never had jobs, and generally have a debilitating helplessness and lack of initiative in creating their days, much less their future."

There was enthusiastic applause after her speech. "When I went back to my seat, the officials leaned over to me and asked me to go with them to the banks and corporations to get them to give funds and jobs to their programs."

My favorite passage is the beautiful, bittersweet, liberating revelation from Dr. Eumilia "Nini" Bautista, a retired nuclear safeguards inspector at the International Atomic Energy Agency of the U.N. and a _sobresaliente_ cum laude PhD holder from the Universidad de Madrid in Spain, who's now based in Vienna. She is the epitome of a successful life. But the road to the top, as we all know, is filled with detours, She gives voice to our collective ennui.

"Modesty aside, I might even have had it all: envious friends jabbing left-handed compliments; career, home and family, friends; a modicum of creature comforts, travel, awards, community involvement. But I have also had my share of frenzy, of hectic workaholism, co-dependence, frustrations, disappointments, intrigues, almost legal battles, broken relationships, envious friends, and ruthless backbiting – the whole gamut of human existence. In fact, that's the whole caboodle that's called life. And one learns and tries to remember the lessons well, and one forgives again and yet again, and tries to forget. One is wounded and embittered, and then is healed. One stumbles again and again, limps, and finally gets back on one's feet."

The Perfection Of The Working Man

Since the dawn of time, man has wrought life-giving harvests from barren soil, and stately kingdoms from jagged rocks. Only in earnest and honest labor can a man prove himself worthy to be called as such. The salvation of one's soul lies in a Higher Power, but as Paul wrote, "Faith without works is dead." Not 'works' in the sense of building a cathedral to gain Paradise, but rather, the re-focusing of the entire being to the pursuit of those actions that bring about the alleviation of suffering from those around him.

As Pope XII said, "Work is not only, for every man, a means of decent livelihood, but it is the means through which all these manifold powers and faculties with which nature, training and art, have endowed the dignity of the human personality, find their necessary expression."

A man is born and grows into manhood, and in between are the crucibles of experiences that have forged his character. A man must work, if he is to live in accordance the dictates of his conscience, and it is precisely at this point in his life that complications set in. The most fundamental is the archetypical young man who wants to be an artist but whose parents wants him to follow the family's tradition of practicing medicine. True freedom means economic freedom. Not necessarily being rich in the Forbes Park sense, but simply having enough to be able to pursue one's true calling free from the twin Damocles' Sword of starvation and homelessness.

Convenient Boogeyman

On the other hand, there are people who don't work because they can afford not to work. This is the principal reason for the steady rise of the unemployment rate. Their lifestyle is subsidized by their parents and relatives, and in the process they accumulate what economists term as discretionary income, the allocation of which is subject only to whim and fancy. It is natural to see students spending hours chatting about meaningless trivialities and mastering mind-numbing games in Internet cafes. More extreme examples include those youths who have stopped schooling by choice and hook up with liquor, gambling, bad company and illegal drugs. And if budgetary constraints prop up from time to time, they bewail their lot and indulge in self-pity.

And since people with essentially weak characters are obsessed with their rights but never with their responsibilities, they look for blame, and the most convenient boogeyman is the Establishment, with mass media running close to second.

Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera's insights on this phenomenon is timeless, and today, even more relevant: "Our very concept of happiness in life is erroneous. It seems we base it on the idea of tranquility and want to conquer peace by always fleeing from the struggle from all work that signifies bodily or mental exertion. We want a carefree life...We also want lucrative sinecures so that we may be able to earn more remuneration with less work."

The Greatest Cause

The single greatest cause for this pervasive social malaise is the avoidance of assuming responsibilities for one's actions. Vendors ply their trade and squatters build their houses on places they know are legally critical, and when the hand of the law comes down, they appeal to the emotions of the public. Some irresponsible members of the media are only too willing to cater to their exaggerated and imagined protests about tyranny and oppression. Politicians running for elections have mastered this technique. In their campaigns, instead of focusing on how to provide decent homes and livelihoods for the urban poor, they promise security of tenure and financial assistance in return for political support–which last exactly until voting booths close at 3PM.

There is no such thing as a man forced into criminality. Poverty has nothing to do with character. A man with solid moral scruples would rather sell crumpled Coke cans to junkshops than snatch cell phones. This same principle can be applicable to everything. In situations like the above, the most common alibi is that their family is hungry and that they're desperate–and that is precisely the point. A young man marries even though he hasn't yet finished his studies and his bank account is zero. He may be earning, but he ignores the fact that the costs of living will dramatically rise especially with the arrival of the children: hospital costs, milk, and clothing, schooling–not to mention the ever-present bills for food, rent electricity, water and dozens of miscellaneous items.

A person who does not assume responsibilities for hic actions breaks down from the pressure of these kinds of circumstances.

The "I'm Special" Mindset

An equally important factor is the 'I'm special' mindset. A significant segment of the citizenry actually believes their self-worth will be lessened if they abide by established protocols in society. Traffic lights and factual Statements of Assets and Liabilities are ignored with the "Everybody is doing it" mentality. No decent and self respecting person will want to engage with someone who doesn't play by the rules.

A.T.Veloro said it succinctly: "The law was made for the purpose of maintaining order in a society which otherwise would be in a state of confusion. But one is caught violating, for instance, a traffic law when the offender asks a traffic policeman, ' _Paano natin maa-areglo ito_? (How can we settle this?)' This kind of attitude has encouraged the rapid growth of fixers." The chief cause of this the widespread disillusionment brought about by the stark, vulgar thievery of certain law enforcers. Graft and corruption is universal in the sense that it exists in very country in the world, but in the Philippines, it has become so rampant to the point of legitimacy, reminiscent of the gangsters and bootleggers in Prohibition-era America. And it is precisely these same individuals whom the government wants to enforce the ill-conceived and unpopular National ID plan.

Sense of Inevitable Doom

Another cause is what the late Senator Raul Roco termed 'learned helplessness.' Being cynical is not bad per se–ask Diogenes and King Solomon. But as in all things in the universe, 'Balance' is the key. Exposure to any form of propaganda should be in the context of disciplined inquiry and criticism, and at the same time, not succumbing to the false sense of inevitable doom. Reality is what we make of it, and the crucial factor here is 'Attitude' As F. Langbridge said, "Two men looked at prison bars; one saw the mud, the other saw stars." Although society's ills are too ingrained to be eradicated in a generation, within each and everyone of us lies the ability to make this world a better place in our own little ways.

Aesop illustrated this principle thousands of years ago with his fable about the thirsty crow, the half-filled bottle and the little stones. A majestric molave tree sprang from a tiny seed, and Michelangelo's Sistine masterpiece started out as a germ of thought. The pebbles we pitch create ripples in the river of life. The inverse is equally true, and the image that arises is of those social climbers at the Baywalk who throw their trash in Manila Bay–then wail about living in a polluted world.

A Different Perspective

A man who is gainfully employed, who desires only simplicity and peace, has a different perspective in life. His sense of empowerment, however small, lifts him from despair, and offers a glimpse of a brighter and more secure future. "There is perennial nobleness and even sacredness, in work," as Thomas Carlyle wrote. "Destiny on the whole has no other way of cultivating us."

Don't Blink: How To Win An Election You Lost and Get Away With It

In the 2007 mid-term elections in the Philippines, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri were closely vying for the last slot for the 12 winners for the Senatorial race. Zubiri, administration congressman and author of the Biofuels Act, was declared the winner.

Pimentel, opposition lawyer and bar topnotcher, filed an electoral protest, citing tampered ballots, serious discrepancies between votes and voters and other poll anomalies. Obviously, these guys have class so they're not your average run-of-the-mill petulant brats.

Pimentel has presented a compelling case but his protest is still ongoing. It's been over two years, enough time for a young man to reach maturity, establish a career, get married and have babies, not necessarily all and not necessarily in that order.

Everybody loves a winner and everybody's a winner during elections – a candidate either won or was cheated. That's supposed to be a joke but it's not funny, not even amusing. It's a sad decades-old commentary on Philippine politics and culture. We Filipinos, by implication, are: Bad losers; or Cheaters; or Both.

It could be worse. When you file a poll suit, you have to pay everything – all expenses for the opening and re-counting all the millions of ballots in those rusted-metal boxes, not to mention legal fees amounting to millions. Meaning:

You should win; or You should be rich; or Both.

It's time-consuming too. In all probably, actually it's guaranteed, the case will not be resolved until after the term of the 12th Senator ends in 2010. If Pimentel runs in the 2010 elections, his case will be dismissed.

Legal Argument

That's how bad it is. See, it happened in 1992. Miriam Defensor Santiago ran for President; a firebrand, real popular among students. Fidel V. Ramos was declared President. (He was a good executive and administrator, in fairness.) Santiago filed a case, but it was dismissed when she ran for Senator in 1995.

She won, but even if she didn't, the legal argument says that her act of declaring her candidacy for Senator is tantamount to withdrawing her quest for the Presidency. That doesn't seem fair, but it's logical, sort of. It doesn't make much sense, kinda like stopping to look for your lost dog because you bought a cat.

Shamed This Nation

It happened again. Happens all that time, as a matter of fact, _onli in da Pilipins._ In the 2004 elections, Senator Loren Legarda ran for Vice President, the running mate of the late Fernando Poe Jr. That was when the "Hello Garci!" scandal tarnished the legitimacy of the present dispensation and shamed this nation in the eyes of the world.

Gloria Arroyo, who became President in 2001 ran for re-election after breaking her public vow not to, and she was declared the winner.

"Noted" was one of the buzzwords of 2004, and we should note that the Chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during that time was Benjamin Abalos, who would later be one of the accused masterminds of the NBN-ZTE bribery scandal along with Arroyo's husband Mike but that's another story.

Arroyo was wiretapped talking to Virgilio Garcillano, a Comelec commissioner. An incumbent President running for re-election calls a high-ranking election official during the canvassing of the elections returns from the polling precints. In this world of unreasonable circumstances and justified suspicions, few things can be more unethical than that.

Just like the Reader's Digest section – no, not "Laughter Is The Best Medicine" – "That's Outrageous!" Have we come to this?

We all heard how Garci assured her that her votes will outnumber that of FPJ by at least a million. Borrowing the words of the great hero Benigno Aquino Jr. as he fired a point-by-point rebuttal of dictatorship and martial law – "I can't imagine the gall of these people!"

Arroyo later issued a public apology. She said she has done nothing illegal or improper. She did not take advantage of her opponents and abused her powers. Therefore, she has nothing to apologize about. She also clarified that it was her voice on the recording but she was not the one talking.

Deserves The Trust

Legarda's presentation of evidence was organized, consistent, specific, credible and convincing. But her protest was declared null when she ran for Senator in 2007 – the first candidate to win the No. 1 spot in the Senatorial race; the first was in 1998.

Legarda is clearly of Presidential caliber. She recently declared her candidacy for Vice President for the 2010 elections but she seems to be running single, at least for now. I'd definitely vote for her. Depend on it.

Scalding To Death

The political reality today in the Philippines in the context of the electorate can be symbolized by the proverbial and apparently scientifically-proven frog in hot water. When you drop a frog in a pot of boiling water, he will instinctively jump out, _kokak_ -ing curses on you. But if you place him in a pot of lukewarm water and boil it, he will even enjoy the increasing heat not realizing he is scalding to death.

Then he dies.

Was Jesus Divine?

In May 1291, the fortress of Acre was burned to the ground by the invading Saracens. Aimard of Villiers and a handful of men were able to escape the bloodbath, bearing the secret the launched the Inquisition.

On his deathbed in Cyprus, Aimard, the last surviving member of the original nine Knights Templar, entrusted the secret to the young Martin of Carmaux, whose hair turned white at the revelation.

"It lies at the core of our Order, and it is the source of fear and envy of the Church."

Gospel Truth

Was Jesus Christ the Son of God? The Gnostic Gospels from Nag Hammadi debunk the resurrection. In the year 180, when the early Christians were fragmented and persecuted, a unified doctrine was set down by Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon.

He chose four gospels that were proclaimed as, well, gospel truths.

The first, Mark, like the Gnostic Gospels, does not record any resurrection, much less a virgin birth. The original ending was the women's discovery of the empty tomb – and running away scared and telling no one about it.

Half a century, Matthew was included. A decade after that, came Luke, and they were revised to accommodate Church doctrines.

Why? Because Jesus' main teaching was that enlightenment about one's true self would lead one to find God.

But Jesus "had to be more than that. He had to be the Son of God. He had to be unique, because of his being unique, the Church becomes unique, the only path to salvation. By painting him in that light, the early Church could claim that if you weren't with them following their rules, living the way they wanted you to, you were doomed to damnation," reveals Prof. Bill Vance in the novel _The Last Templar_ by Raymond Khoury.

Hidden In Code

In my mental; movie version, he was played by Robert Redford. I play FBI Agent Sean Reilly, with Jody Foster as archeologist Tess Chaykiun and Robert De Niro as Monsignor De Angelis.

The key to the secret is hidden in code, in case they fell into the wrong hands.

It did – in present day New York.

Friday The 13th

In March of 1314 in Paris, Friday the 13th, Jacques De Molay, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, together with Geoffroi De Charney, was condemned to be burned alive by King Philippe De Bel and Pope Clement.

As the fire consumed him, the indomitable will that burned in his eyes was more fearsome that the flames. Before his spirit left his charred body, he proclaimed for all to hear:

"In the name of the Order of the Knights of the Temple, I curse you, Philippe De Bel, and your buffoon Pope, and I call on God Almighty to have you both join me before His seat within the year, to suffer His judgment and burn forever in the furnaces of Hell...!

Would You Commit Euthanasia?

Socrates asked a lot of questions. That spelled his doom – and ensured his immortality. No less philosophically, Mandy Moore and Jonathan Foreman chalked up a hit single with "Someday We'll Know" while giving us food for thought. I, for one, don't know if the captain of the _Titanic_ cried, or why Samson loved Delilah.

But questions are meant to be answered, right? Of course not all – most, actually – of them don't have one, but that's beside the point. Then there are questions that ignite your intellect and unnerve your entire being.

Allow me to share some of human nature's tricky moral dilemmas in a Q-&-A format, with paraphrased queries based on _The Book of Questions_ (© Workman Publishing, NY) by Gregory Stock, Ph.D., who says:

"Whether you use it as a tool for self-discovery or as a provocative way to stimulate conversation, this books constantly challenges attitudes, morals, beliefs – and it challenges you."

Q. A beloved person, who is paralyzed, suffering extreme pain and will die within the month, begs you to poison him to end his agonies. Would you it?

**A.** Yes, I would. I believe in the inherent sanctity of life, but my belief is not absolute. I would rather suffer from the guilt of killing him outright than the guilt of watching his agonies, and not doing anything about it.

Q. Can you live in a different country with the one you love most, even if it means never again seeing your friends and family?

**A.** Yes, because true love is the sweetest pleasure imaginable, and also because this is the perfect time to say Yes. We now live in an era of unprecedented global communication, and being homesick has become a matter of choice.

Q. Would you choose to be a spectacularly successful professional but a lonely person, or a mediocre professional but a happy man?

**A.** I would take my chances on being the latter, recognizing that loneliness is part of being human, and that success enables you to make a positive contribution to the world. In the end, what matters is not whether you've been happy or sad, but whether or not you've been helpful and productive.

Q. If God appeared to you in your dreams and told you to sacrifice your child to inherit His Kingdom, what would you do?

**A.** I would seize those opportunities to question Him about the wisdom of such drastic actions. "Surely," I would tell Him, "if Thou can create the universe, then Thou can communicate in a level I can understand." I have faith that God is wise enough to appreciate conundrums.

Q. Your brother has AIDS. Would you avoid him?

**A.** Of course not! I'm an advocate of safe sex, and if there is anything I know about HIV-AIDS, is that it's not transmitted through non-sexual physical contact.

Q. You and your beloved are locked in separate rooms. You both must push a specific button in your rooms within 60 seconds. The first one to press the button will save the other but will be executed. What would you do?

**A.** As soon as they bring me to my compartment, I would press the button. One of the things I've always puzzled about myself is that I never felt the fear of death. I would cross over the Other Side knowing that my last act was to save a life, and that alone would've made everything worth it. The fact that the person I saved is the one I loved most doubles and solidifies my sense of peace.

Q. Would you agree if friends and relatives will tell you exactly what they think of you, no-holds-barred?

**A.** Yes, I would; in fact, I would embrace such honesty whole-heartedly. If they say negative things about me, I would use it an opportunity to tell my side of the story, so to speak. If they begin to see and my actions in a different light, then praise God; if not, then so be it. I do not chase after applause, but it is important for me to let people know exactly where I stand.

Q. Do you judge people with a standard that is higher than yours?

**A.** No, that's because it's hypocrisy. I think the word judge has a negative connotation in this context, but we all form definite ideas about other people's characters. In that sense, I always use the same yardstick I apply to myself. Just to give you an idea: I get disappointed by a greedy person because I know – and have proven to myself several times – that I am not like that.

Q. Do you think your soul will be able to rest in peace if your mortal body has been left to rot in the wilderness?

**A.** It will not bother me, if that answers your question. My belief about the afterlife is more Buddhist-oriented: I believe in reincarnation, ergo, I don't invest emotionally on the Christian concept of Heaven. What will happen to my soul depends upon my actions on my present and past lifetimes, and not whether my body received a decent burial.

Q. You're a Born-Again pastor. Would you stay for 90 minutes in a nudist beach?

**A.** Yes. I would even swim. Hallelujah!

Q. If you found out that your best friend leads a double life as a hired killer, what would you do?

**A.** First: I will not condemn him personally, but I'll tell him straight that I do not approve of his actions without using emotional blackmail. Second: I'll tell him that I would not snitch on him, but he can never use my house as a refuge from the law. In other words, I would not treat my friend as an enemy, but I would not be with partner-in-crime either.

Book 5

The Paranormal

Confessions Of A Semi-Sort Of Warlock

She will always be a special part of me, a special memory. I remember so well the day that she came into my life. We are there, she and I, we belong – to different worlds.

I remember the ghost and I still remember the feeling of horror. She was a child, oh 'bout three or four. At first I was afraid, like, "Hello, I don't know even know your name!" She didn't tell me about the life she had though I'll listen very fearfully; but deep inside I'll never see the feeling of emptiness that made her feel sad.

But then again, she's dead.

Unhallowed Ground

I see dead people when I was a kid. Wow, what a killer sound byte! Pardon the pun. Ah, the age of innocence, the prequel to Eve's – or for that matter, Adam's – apple or _guyabano_ or _singkamas_ or whatever that is. I grew up in an old mansion in Antipolo. That's why when I'm in the scenic Overlooking highway, I sing "Country roads, take me home..."

Our laundry woman, _Aling_ Yolly, an immortal if she's still alive today, told me that the former owner of the house, because of his hatred for the church, buried her daughter in his garden rather than have her blessed. Unhallowed ground, and I know exactly where that is.

Hex marks the spot, I say.

Traumatic Scene

Part of my happy childhood memories with my grandmother – my parents died when I was a baby and I was the only child – are the nightmares from her bedtime stories.

My grandmother, who speaks Latin and Spanish, once lived in Siquijor, that fabled land of witches. She told me a secret years before Rhonda Byrne: Like attracts like. Never curse anyone, she forcefully admonished me.

But hey, I was eight, what do you expect? When I was in my 20s in the 90s, I saw an extremely vicious woman berating a friend of mine. My friend was told by his mother to get payment from the debt owed by the woman but she transformed into a dragon. I pulled my friend away, telling it's not worth it, assuring him that the dragon lady will lose more than what she owed because of her greed. I was joking of course, trying to lighten the traumatic scene.

The next day, I remembered my grandmother–because the woman's house burned to the ground when twilight fell.

Deep Purple

Bad things happen to people who do bad things to me, and I don't know why. Coincidence probably. The good news is, it doesn't affect decent people to whom I spontaneously bond. Conversely, back biters get uncomfortable around me. I won't say I can read minds, but I can sense if somebody is sincere or not, most people are not, but I don't have gaydar.

There was a guy who got really nasty in a birthday party I went to in Sampaloc at the start of the new millennium. He was drunk, exceedingly obnoxious, calling me names because I won't go to bed with him. Looking back, I marvel at how I was able to control myself. But I did, and walked away.

Next I heard, days later, he was mugged on that scandalous night. He was beaten deep purple, all his valuables taken away and he's left for dead in the jagged darkness that possesses Manila by night.

Summer Heat

The last such incidence was just recently. A friend and I took a cab to bring his dog to the vet. The taxi driver said we should just pay a certain amount because his meter's broken. It's hard to catch a ride and the summer heat is demonic, so we were forced to agree.

In the next block, the driver was flagged by a traffic cop who appeared out of nowhere like a malignant jack-in-the-box. There was no traffic violation but the encounter left the driver scratching his head and making whining sounds.

Powers of Man

I am sharing these true stories as I try to put my occult background in the proper context. What I want to talk about next is the invaluable contribution of Jaime Licauco in spreading enlightenment on supernatural phenomena for the world in general and me in particular.

His classic treatise _Understanding The Psychic Powers of Man,_ whose original publisher was no less than Ben Ramos himself, the co-founder of National Bookstore, bequeathed me a semblance of normalcy, that, though I dare to be different and am admittedly unconventional like Johnny Depp, I'm not freak because I believe in clairvoyance, reincarnation, astral projection, witchcraft, karma and my latest obsession, the human aura.

Jaime Licauco gave me the answers and pointed me to the right directions.

"Each time we have published his controversial articles in _Sunburst Magazine_ the response has been electric from all over the world," writes the late great _Philippine Star_ co-founder Maximo V. Soliven. His equally famous Foreword was retained in the 2008 revised version from Anvil. "Read this book and perhaps you'll understand why."

Superstition: Revelations After The 2010 All Saints' Day

It's a tradition here in the Philippines to light candles on doorways during All Saints' Day. This comes from the folk belief that the spirits of the dead will come out to visit their homes on that night, and the light from the candles serves as a beacon.

But the relatives will be visiting their graves so nobody's home. So much for Filipino hospitality.

What happens when we die? The question has intrigued mankind for milennia. Is heaven a cloudy garden with gates made of pearl, and is hell a giant burning cave? Do demons have horns and angels have wings?

But what happens immediately after death? I'm sure you've heard of near-death experiences–vivid accounts of people who have died but were revived.

One of my most popular articles, "What Happens At The Hour Of Our Death?," which first appeared in _The Philippine Star_ , tries to fill in the gaps during those crucial moments.

Witchcraft Spells

I once asked Jaime Licauco if it's true that you are invulnerable to witchcraft if you don't believe in it. His answer was enlightening, as can be expected from the country's pioneering and foremost parapsychologist.

He gives a chilling warning: you can scoff and can be unaffected if you dismiss it, but if you're up against really powerful black magic, then you' can die unless the spell is broken.

Those Who Passed Away

"Though I know I'll never ever lose affection, for people and things, that went before, I know I'll often stop and think about them, in my life... "

As a literary memorial to all those who have died, I wrote "In The Comfort Of Your Presence." This poem first appeared in _The Philippine Graphic_. I consider it an honor that the late Adrian Cristobal, one of the giants of Philippine literature who was then literary editor, has judged it worthy of publication.

About Ghosts

We don't know anything about ghosts. Maybe that's why we're afraid of them. Fear of the unknown – that makes sense. Or maybe our subconscious knows something we don't?

How else do you explain why people get afraid if they think they are being haunted by a loved one?

True Pinoy Angel and Ghost Stories

In the beginning was the word. "Stories were not written. They were spoken, told, sung, enacted in movement and dance, rendered in rough-hewn sculpture, sketched in sand, stained into the walls of cave," wrote Douglas E. Winter in his introduction to _Skin Trade,_ book five of the _Night Visions_ chronicles.

And in the deepest recesses of the human psyche, reigns fear – of the unknown, of the dark, of evils outside and demons within. Stories were a form of exorcism – to give warning, to understand what cannot be, to banish nightmares.

Or to summon them.

Do you believe in ghosts? Do ghosts believe in _you_? These are real stories from real people. You decide. After all, "There are only two things worth writing or reading about: love and death, eros and thanatos," according to sociologist F. Gonzalez Crussi. But if we are forced to make a choice, there can be only one.

Episode One

Our first story is the personal experience of fashion designer Barge Ramos shared in Astroscope magazine.

It wasn't Luigi's first time in Japan but for some strange reason he got lost in the subway. Admittedly, it's not something for a celebrated Manila artist to be proud about, so he tried to feel his way. The noise was insane; everybody was walking a hundred miles an hour. Being a fervent Sto. Niño devotee, he muttered a little prayer and it calmed him somewhat.

Then suddenly, a small boy appeared at his side and motioned for him to go to the other side of the station. Luigi couldn't speak Japanese, and the little boy couldn't speak English, much less Cebuano, so he tried to ignore him. But the kid was persistent, if not coherent. Luigi allowed himself to be led and the next thing he knew, the boy was pointing to what he realized was the right train. So he embarked and little boy was with him until his stop. When he emerged in the sunlight, he saw his hotel a few blocks away. He turned to the little fellow to thank him

But the little boy had already disappeared.

It was only later that some friends told him that the tunnel used to be a bomb shelter that was blown away in World War II, killing hundreds of innocent civilians, mostly school children.

Episode Two

Our next tale came from Philippine Star and Pilipino Star Ngayon columnist Jarius Bondoc.

In the middle of the night, an elderly woman named Daria came suddenly awake. She was bathed in cold sweat, chills running up and down her spine. She could have sworn she heard her eight- year old daughter Ana, crying for help as if in great agony. The words remained distinct in her mind: "Mama, Mama, help me! It's so dark in here! I can't breathe! Please take me away!"

But that's impossible! her mind protested, Ana was dead! Didn't her daughter fell victim from the cholera that was plaguing the village? Didn't she saw with her own two eyes Ana's coffin being lowered into her damp grave just this morning? Didn't she almost have a nervous breakdown in the cemetery?

In the dark she groped for her husband who moaned, mumbled, and was soon snoring again.

The next day she went about her usual business in the wet market in a daze. Her friends were sympathetic of course but they reasoned, it's possible that it was only a manifestation of her subconscious brought about by her tremendous grief of losing her only daughter although they didn't exactly use those words.

The epidemic has spread in this remote Western Mindanao province, killing thousands, mostly children. Add to that the increasing terrorism of the invading Japanese. Daily survival was of paramount importance than some superstitious wishful thinking.

That night, she heard Ana's voice again. A plaintive wail that harrowed her soul. Somehow it was more urgent, more terrified. Louder.

Nearer.

The next day she consulted a witch doctor from the next barrio. His macabre advice: Dig up the grave and open the coffin. She refused and went away, even more disturbed.

The voice of her daughter continued to haunt her. Finally, she relented. They went to the cemetery with the local priest and began to exhume Ana's body. It's been more than a week and she was told to expect the worse: The body would be bloated and rotting beyond recognition, crawling with worms and maggots and the rush of odor would be indescribably evil – more foul than anyone can ever imagine.

Finally, the coffin was opened.

They were all aghast. The women screamed hysterically. Aling Daria collapsed.

Ana's body showed no signs of decay.

But instead of lying in repose, her hands were held in front of her, with broken nails and bloodied fingers. The flesh from her knees were scraped clean, bones visible beneath the dried blood. Her mouth was open, as if in silent scream, and her eyes...

A glimpse is enough for a lifetime of nightmares.

Episode Three

The final installment of our trilogy belongs to Albert Seeland of Tempura Misono at Hyatt Regency in Manila, also taken from Astroscope.

The night seemed darker than usual. A sense of eeriness pervaded the scene that Carlos couldn't help feel a little chill. In the car, his wife was oddly silent, lost in her own thoughts, while eight-year old Jake was sleeping in the backseat, an island of innocence in a sea of gloom.

Carlos had taken this same route to Baguio many times, but not at night. And the little voice inside him telling him he made a wrong turn earlier didn't help any.

Then suddenly, the car was heading towards a ravine and Carlos had just barely managed to step on the brakes to prevent them from plummeting to their deaths.

The front end was hanging precariously from the edge and the slightest movement is literally a matter of life and death.

Then a very tall man suddenly appeared. He took the entire situation in a glance. Carlos had a surreal feeling that wasn't exactly different from nightmares, but for some reason, the presence of the tall stranger gave him some comfort.

From nowhere, a group of tall men converged on the car. They tied a long strong rope to the rear bumper, and together, pulled the car like it weighed nothing. Carlos was breathless with gratitude but before he knew it, the men had already driven away in their truck that materialized from the dark.

