Shakespearean in Love and Star-Crossed Lovers

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Just another stroll down memory lanes on the path of love and romance.

by Maria Concepcion Panlilio

(NOTE: This is a narrative for a radio show called “Love Songs” on KyXy 96.5 (San Diego) hosted by an Englishman (Tim Mudd) with a very sexy radio voice–just perfect for love songs request and dedication format as well as poetry readings and other love-related matters, to which some of my friends and I contribute on a daily basis.  So tune in to Love Songs every night (except Saturday) and enjoy the music and outpouring of love–love of different types; not just romantic love, but love for family, friends, animals, or even love itself.  My friend Erlyn wrote about her love for the process of writing, and she accomplished it in the most sensual way.  Imagine that.  This particular story is for the segment of the show called Sweet Mistakes, and this is about a mistake I made a decade ago that produced a stunningly romantic result, or in my own vocabulary: a “blessing in disguise”.  This is about a very intense love affair that only lasted three weeks, but will remain in my heart and mind forever — it was a mistake that Destiny turned into something wonderful, loving and romantic.  It’s about two Shakespearean lovers  who themselves epitomized star-crossed lovers in a Shakespeare Sonnet.  Enjoy.)

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By Maria Concepcion Panlilio

Introduction: It was January 1999.  Savage Garden’s Truly, Madly, Deeply and Aerosmith’s I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing were still burning the Billboard charts in Pop music.  In the movies, people were falling in love with Shakespeare in the desperately romantic and deliciously sexy film Shakespeare In Love—a movie that won seven major academy awards, including Best Picture. I was obsessed with the movie and saw it several times with different dates.  Unfortunately, not one of my dates sparked any romantic interest, and it was frustrating, actually.  There I was, falling in love with young Shakespeare all over again, hoping to fall in love with someone more real and sinewy, and, of course, still breathing, but no such luck. Having played Juliet in High School, I remembered many of her lines and would mouth them along with Gwyneth Paltrow who played Juliet and won the Best Actress Award for it.  I was new in Colorado at the time and had just joined a mountaineering group for single corporate professionals.  I was designated as the “call girl”, which meant calling the members occasionally about our events.

The Sweet Mistake:  One day, I called a member named Christopher (name changed) and left a long voice mail message about our latest meeting to be held in a downtown Denver restaurant.  I left my phone number in case of any questions. A few minutes later, Christopher called me and thanked me for the invitation.  But he sounded more interested in me than the meeting.  I didn’t think it was strange because that was the nature of the singles group: to possibly find a romantic connection.  Christopher came to the meeting, and oh, what a handsome Romeo, he was.  After apologizing to the other Christopher for borrowing his identity, he introduced himself to the group and explained that I had mistakenly called him, but that he was so enamored by my voice and just had to meet me.  The group thought that was so romantic, and since he met the age and professional requirement, he was welcomed as a new member.  Pheromones were flying all over the place; Christopher and I definitely felt an intense chemistry between us.  After the meeting, he and I lingered in the restaurant for another four hours till they practically had to sweep us away.

What could two people possibly talk about almost all night the first time?  Everything under the moon and stars, including . . . Shakespeare?  Yes.  Shakespeare—an unlikely topic of conversation on a first date.  Luck of all luck!  Christopher had played Romeo in high school as well, and still remembered some of his lines.  And guess what?  We both saw the premiere of Shakespeare in Love in Denver at the Cherry Creek Mall Cinemas, and after much discussion, we discovered that he and his date had taken the seats  on the next row in front of us.  I remembered this because his date had an extremely big hair that sometimes blocked my view, and she giggled a lot in that annoying high-pitch voice, which bothered me so much I wanted to decorate her hair with my buttery popcorn and beverage.  I also knew her because I used to go to the Tattered Cover Book Store across the mall where she was working at the time.  But I didn’t notice Christopher then because his date captured all the unflattering attention around us.

Star-crossed lovers. We were like star-crossed lovers in a Shakespeare play.  It was quite romantic to think that the positions of the planets had something to do with what was happening between us.  Indeed, Christopher and I were caught in a most intense love affair fit for a Shakespeare sonnet.  Unfortunately, like other star-crossed lovers, such as the legendary Romeo and Juliet, or Tristan and Isolde, our affair seemed doomed from the start.   Oh, but our explosive love and romance, though quite abbreviated, was one that would never die for it will be celebrated in my heart forever; and who knows. . .maybe even in books, movies, theaters, songs and poems till the end of time.

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Author’s note:  If you would like to read what happened to the star-crossed Shakespearean lovers, I have written a short story about the love affair, which I will start submitting for publication soon.  Thanks.

Maria

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS — A FUNNY JOKE

(Please note:  This is an anonymous article that’s circulating the cyberspace, and I do not claim authorship to it.  I wish I had the creativity and imagination to have written it, though.  It’s simply hilarious.  ENJOY!)

Due to the current financial situation caused by the slowdown in the economy, Congress has decided to implement a scheme to put workers of 50 years of age and above on early retirement, thus creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

This scheme will be known as RAPE (Retire Aged People Early).

Persons selected to be RAPED can apply to Congress to be considered for the SHAFT program (Special Help After Forced Termination).

Persons who have been RAPED and SHAFTED will be reviewed under the SCREW program (System Covering Retired-Early Workers).

A person may be RAPED once, SHAFTED twice and SCREWED as many times as Congress deems appropriate.

Persons who have been RAPED could get AIDS (Additional Income for Dependants & Spouse) or HERPES (Half Earnings for Retired Personnel Early Severance).

Obviously persons who have AIDS or HERPES will not be SHAFTED or SCREWED any further by Congress.

Persons who are not RAPED and are staying on will receive as much SHIT (Special High Intensity Training) as possible. Congress has always prided themselves on the amount of SHIT they give our citizens.

Should you feel that you do not receive enough SHIT, please bring this to the attention of your Congressman, who has been trained to give you all the SHIT you can handle.

Sincerely,

The Committee for Economic Value of Individual Lives (E.V.I.L.)

PS – – Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas and oil, as well as current market conditions, the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off.

IS YOUR PC MALE OR FEMALE?

Is your PC male or female?

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

‘House’ for instance, is feminine: ‘la casa.’
‘Pencil,’ however, is masculine: ‘el lapiz.’

A student asked, ‘What gender is ‘computer’?’

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer’ should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men’s group decided that ‘computer’ should definitely be of the feminine gender (‘la computadora‘), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women’s group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine (‘el computador’), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can’t think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

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(This is from my collection of “Favorite Jokes,Helpful Information, Etc. from various sources.  I am working on a Bibliography; thereupon, I will indicate the source for this particular piece.)

HOW TO STAY LOOKING YOUNG

HEALTH ADVICE ON HOW TO STAY LOOKING YOUNG

(Derived from various articles I’ve read, which I’ve summarized for an easier read)

A good face cream can work wonders, but it’s equally important to nourish your skin from the inside out. Below, I present four delicious foods packed with essential nutrients to keep your skin looking radiant and fresh!

1. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are a dynamite source of beta-carotene (their bright orange color is a dead giveaway). Your body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, a nutrient that helps to continually generate new, healthy skin cells.

I like to turn sweet potatoes into crispy oven-baked French fries. Cut peeled potatoes into ¼-inch strips and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with oil spray. Mist the fries with oil spray and season with salt, black pepper, or any other seasonings (ground cinnamon, curry powder, and chili powder are all fun options). Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through. I finish my fries under the broiler for 5 minutes to get them extra crispy!

2. Balsamic Carrots
Like sweet potatoes, carrots come equipped with a generous supply of beta-carotene. In addition to its pivotal role in skin cell renewal, beta-carotene acts as a potent antioxidant, sopping up damaging free radicals that accelerate skin aging.

Fend off wrinkles with my recipe for Roasted Balsamic Carrots. Cut 1 pound of peeled carrots into 1/2-inch wedges. Spread the carrots over half of a large sheet of aluminum foil, and sprinkle them with ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary, 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper.. Drizzle the carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil and fold the foil over to create a tightly sealed packet. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 25 minutes or until the carrots are tender.

3. Spinach Marinara
Spinach delivers a triple of dose of wrinkle-fighting antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. All three work in concert to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays so it stays vibrant and healthy.

Make a quick spinach marinara sauce by wilting fresh spinach leaves into a pot of simmering tomato sauce, then serve over pasta or grilled chicken cutlets.

4. Toasted Pecans
Pecans are one of a short list of foods rich in Vitamin E, a nutrient that’s vital to skin health. By forming a protective barrier in the cell membranes of your skin, the vitamin E in pecans helps to ward off harmful free radicals and therefore helps to keep skin firm and elastic.

Pecans are delicious on their own, but toasting them makes them incredibly buttery and rich…they’ re like candy! Spread pecans on an ungreased baking sheet and toast them in a preheated 350 degree oven (or a toaster oven) for about 10 minutes (watch them closely to make sure they don’t burn). Enjoy them whole as a scrumptious snack, or chop them up and sprinkle them into oatmeal or low-fat yogurt..

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After reading this I went to COSTCO and bought their Kirkland branch Bolthouse Farms’ Organic 100% Carrot Juice.

Let’s see if this really works.  I will give you my update in three months.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: I wrote this article In celebration of the U.S. Independence Day on July 4, 2006 for the July issue of a certain periodical. I knew then that it would be after July 4th that people would get to read it; hence, the reference to this in the first paragraph of the article. Also, the pictures that accompanied the published article are not reproduced here.) Hope you enjoy and learn a thing or two about the history of our beloved country. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!)

GOD BLESS AMERICA
Land Of The Free, Home Of The Brave

By the time you read this article, July 4th celebration will have passed, and you have had your banquets, your picnics, your outdoor barbecues, and the fireworks displays. And now that the dust of the July 4th festivities had settled, next time you celebrate this holiday, consider the following historical facts and trivia.

America derived its name from Amerigo Verpucci, the inconsequential Italian explorer who studied under Michaelangelo. His first expedition in 1499 led him to the coast of South America. In 1501, he was the first to identify the New World of North and South America as separate from Asia. His third voyage to the New World was his last for he contracted malaria and died in Spain in 1512 at the age of 58.

The Bald Eagle, from the Latin word aguila, is the national bird of the United States. Bald really means “white,” in this instance, not “hairless.” Benjamin Franklin thought the turkey was a better symbol for the national bird.

The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer and amateur poet. It was originally titled The Defence of Fort McHenry. By a Congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover, it was adopted as the American National Anthem in 1931.

China invented the fireworks. The first July 4th celebration in 1777 included fireworks.

The word barbecue derived from the Arawak or Haitian barbacoa — a word for a wooden framework for drying meat or for cooking meat over fire.

The word picnic derived from the French word pique-nique. Picnics started out as social occasions to which the participants brought comestibles.

The U.S. Independence Day marks the end of the American Revolutionary War of 1775, and the end of America’s rule by the British Monarchy. Great Britain did not recognize the colonies’ independence until the 1783 Treaty of Paris. But it took Congress 165 years (in 1941) to establish July 4th as a legal holiday.

Although Thomas Jefferson did the final working draft of the Declaration of Independence, he was not the originator of the Declaration. Thomas Paine was. Jefferson was given full credit for the Declaration, while Paine who had advocated the ideas behind the Revolution and the end of slavery, died a poor, broken and despised man.

The single, most defining symbol of the United States is the Stars and Stripes. It started with 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies, and evolved to 50 stars that represent the 50 States. The last States to be admitted were Alaska in 1959, and Hawaii in 1960.

To this day, the origin of the Flag cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Although many historians say that Congressman Francis Hopkinson was commissioned by Congress to design (and maybe make) the Flag, Betsy Ross, the Philadelphia seamstress and close friend of George Washington, continues to be credited as having made the first one.

The three colors used in the flag represent: Red–for the blood shed in becoming an independent nation; Blue, for the oceans that were crossed to reach the New World, and White–for purity and innocence. When stored, the flag is folded in a triangular shape, to represent the tri-cornered hats worn by the settlers at the time of its creation.

The term OLD GLORY was coined when shipmaster Captain William Driver was presented with the Flag with 24 stars during one of his voyages that climaxed the rescue of the mutineers of the Bounty in 1831. As the banner opened to the ocean breeze, he exclaimed “Old Glory!”

The Flag is a living symbol of the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights that uniquely symbolizes freedom, liberty and justice for all. However, around the world, and sometimes, even here on U.S. soil, desecration of the Flag is the popular means to show contempt to the United States and its policies. Protesters deface and burn it, trample and spit on it, or affix protest stickers on it like the swastika below.

Recently this year, illegal aliens from Mexico seized control of a high school flagpole during the nationwide demonstrations protesting, among other things, the move in Congress to reform the immigration law. The protesters turned the American Flag upside down, and hoisted their Mexican flag above the Stars and Stripes.

During the Vietnam War, protesters shocked the country when they started burning American flags during their demonstrations at Central Park. Congress reacted by passing the Federal Flag Desecration Law. A year later, the Supreme Court Ruled that flag desecration is protected by the Constitution. Through the years, Congress has made many futile attempts to overrule the U.S. Supreme Court by proposing a constitutional amendment banning flag desecration.

As our heroes continue to die in the name of freedom and liberty for all, we continue to protect the right of those who desecrate the American emblem. One of the bloggers on historychannel.com wrote: “It’s just a piece of cloth. What’s the big deal?” It’s just a piece of cloth? When I look at the Flag, I do not see the fabric or material from which it was made; I look at the symbol it represents for all humanity: freedom, liberty and justice for all.

When husbands and wives disagree on some issues, do they spit or trample on their wedding rings, or worse, burn it? Maybe somewhere in this world, someone has done it, but I’ve never heard of it. In the movies I’ve seen an actor throw his wedding ring away after a breakup with his wife, but that’s fiction. The ring is made generally of metal, and maybe adorned with some precious jewels, but it’s more than that: it’s the symbol of love and the sanctity of marriage–till death do us part. And because of this, we cherish it and give it the utmost respect.

I’ve never served in the Military but I fully appreciate the sacrifices that the men and women of the U.S. Armed forces have made to protect the American Flag and all that it stands for. I salute the U.S. soldiers for they were the ones who fought and died to give us this nation, and it will always be the soldiers who give up their lives willingly so we can continue to have the freedom and liberty that we enjoy as Americans.

God Bless Our Heroes “He knew the cost of freedom and that it was not free, and he volunteered to go to Iraq anyway.” — A quote from Washington Post by Margaret Johnson, mother of fallen Army Captain Christopher Johnson

To quote Master Sergeant John Ubaldi, a U.S. Marine Reservist who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, “On this Fourth of July let’s celebrate the principles of what this nation stands for: that freedom belongs to all mankind, and let’s help lift the weight of tyranny so all mankind may enjoy the fruits of freedom. The revolution that started on July 4th 1776 sparked a desire in the hearts of men that man is destined to be free as our creator intended not to be enslaved, but free! Lets spread that same freedom to others or someday our own freedom will be in jeopardy! Lets stand for freedom for all!” (Ubaldi is the founder of Move America Forward.

(For the complete text of his message, please visit moveamericaforward.org. To shorten this piece, I’ve deleted three paragraphs about a personal friend’s service in Iraq: Commander DON BAILEY, of the U.S. Navy, Al Asad AB, Iraq.)

The American Dream There are many political, social and personal reasons not to love the French now-a-days, but when we think of liberty, we think of the Statue of Liberty — the French’s greatest gift to the United States. And it would become one of the most famous monuments of world history and the symbol of the American Dream.

French architect, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, was known for his devotion to sculpting monumental sculpture, specifically, large-scale pieces of heroic accomplishments. In 1865, he conceived the idea of France giving the United States a monument for its Centennial of 1876. Many believed that he used his mother, Charlotte Bartholdi, as his model for the statue. In 1879, he acquired US Patent #11,023 for a design of a statue named “Liberty Enlightening the World.” It was later named “The Statue of Liberty.” On October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in front of thousands of spectators. (The colossal figure is the tallest metal statue ever constructed, and at the time, it was the tallest structure in all of New York.)

America was founded on immigration and for hundreds of years, countless people have died in pursuit of liberty into the New World, and the realization of the American Dream. To this day, even though the United States may be the most hated country in the world, people from all over still will do anything and everything, even risk their lives, to come to this country–legally or illegally. There are now about 12 million illegal aliens who live in this country, and immigration is one of the most sensitive issues facing the country today.

In closing, let me quote a passage from one of the poems of Emma Lazarus, which is also engraved on a bronze plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

END

© Copyright 2007 writeartista (UN: mariapanlilio at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

AMONG EDUARDO PANLILIO

AMONG EDUARDO PANLILIO
The new Governor of Pampanga is a Priest

It was a gubernatorial election riddled with controversies . . .of twists and turns, of nail-biting suspense and an ending that has been called “providential” and “miraculous.”

If it had been a novel, it would be a bestseller.  Who could resist a plot that is centered on a Catholic priest who sacrifices his priesthood to heed to the outcry of his fellowmen?

THE STORY

Father Eduardo Panlilio, 53, popularly known as Among (an endearing term for a priest) Ed, is the underdog hero of the third party running for Governor of Pampanga.  He has no money, nor the machinery to finance and run a campaign against his affluent and powerful opponents: Mark Lapid (incumbent Governor and son of Senator  and former Pampanga Governor Manuel “Lito” Lapid), and Lilia Pineda, a former buko vendor, now provincial board member and wife of a political power player).  Lapid and Pineda are political allies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and both have repeatedly been linked to graft and corruption, especially in pocketing large amounts of quarrying fees, and controlling an illegal numbers game called jueteng.

The good priest has not escaped malicious gossips of romantic liaisons and fathering children during his priesthood.  One of the more vicious stories aimed at smearing Among Ed’s image is that his vitiligo is caused by HIV-Aids Virus Infection. Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by smooth, white patches caused by the loss of the natural pigment.

Among Ed’s entry into the political arena divides the Catholic Church. His candidacy is devoid of support from the ecclesiastical hierarchy, who, instead of granting their blessing, indefinitely suspend Among Ed of his priestly duties.  This suspension prevents the priest from saying mass and hearing confessions.  He takes a leave from the church, stating that it is time to serve the people in a different way.  He admits that it will be a difficult battle, having no money or the machinery.  But his candidacy attracts more than thirty thousand volunteers, including thirty-three lawyers who provide free legal services to the priest.

Can a simple man of the cloth beat the rich and powerful candidates?  Can Among Ed, whose machinery is humility, honesty, conscience, charisma, and the Holy Cross, win against the well-oiled machinery, money and clout of the Lapids and Pinedas?  Can his campaign, which is run solely on donations and volunteerism, win an election?  Can this priest, who is running for governorship purely out of love for his people and his ministry, win against all odds?

A former high-ranking government official is quoted as saying: “It would completely turn around everything should he win.”

Indeed, a win by Among Ed will be a crystal clear testamentary from the Kapampangans that they’re tired of all the anomalies and corruptions, and  they want change.  They want an honest man to lead and serve them, and they believe Among Ed is the man for the job.

At election time, many of the volunteers guard the ballots with their lives, some campimg out overnight around the town halls to avert any illegal tampering on election returns and certificates of the canvass of votes.

Among Ed trails Pineda throughout the canvassing.  His supporters hold candlelight vigils and praying the rosary.  When only one certificate of canvassed votes is left to be opened, Among Ed’s victory remains in doubt.

People make the sign of the cross and hold their breaths as they wait for the final vote count.

Wild cheers erupt all over the province, especially at the convention center in the City of San Fernando, as soon as the winner is proclaimed.

FATHER EDDIE PANLILIO IS THE
NEW GOVERNOR OF PAMPANGA

It’s a narrow margin, but the 11,097 votes from Magalang makes this small town become Panlilio country–the town that clinched Among Ed’s victory.

“Among Ed wins! Among Ed wins!” my brother Jun exclaims on the Phone through overseas call from the Philippines.  His excitement is infectious.  He has been one of the major supporters of Among Ed.

AMONG EDUARDO PANLILIO

A Kapampangan priest revives hope in politics with honesty and conscience.  He makes history as first priest to be elected Governor.

Looking at Among Ed’s photo, I can’t get over his clonal resemblance to my Uncle Carlos, Auntie Liling and Grandpa Brigido Panlilio.

Among Ed, you make all Kapampangans and Panlilios proud.

THE FUTURE GOVERNANCE. Among Ed vows to put a kind of leadership that is participatory, advisory, transparent and God-centered.  He is known for his missions for small farmers and the indigenous Aeta tribesmen since the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991.  He headed the Social Action Center of Pampanga, and because of him, the church’s presence in the communities ravaged by Pinatubo became very visible.

“It is out of this love,” he says, “that I heeded the call to a more concrete expression of my priestly vocation, of serving as a shepherd to God’s people, especially the poorest of the poor.”

Alejandro Camiling, a colleague with the Academia ning Amanung Sisuan International, said it best with the following commentary: “Kapampangans have restored an entire nation’s faith in its electoral process and its faith in the potency and efficacy of People Power without violating the Constitution or weakening democratic processes.  And by allowing a priest to lead them, Kapampangans have strengthened the historical role of the Church in secular affairs, especially in this province.”

© Copyright 2007 writeartista (UN: mariapanlilio at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

A CATHOLIC GIRL’S PASSION

A CATHOLIC GIRL’S PASSION
Myths, Facts and Legends in Apostolic History
(In Search of the Apostles after Calgary)

“The Twelve Apostles belong to the realm of mythology, and their alleged martyrdoms are pure inventions,” said Dr. Kuenen, and other Dutch Theologians. Do you believe it?

I am neither a theologian, nor a Bible historian. I am only a simple Catholic girl with a lingering passion and endless curiosity about the fate of the Apostles after Jesus died. And what of the Three Kings? What happened to them after they visited with the Holy Family? I want to know this, and more. The Bible doesn’t give all the answers; therefore, I search ecclesiastical traditions, books, the Internet, and maybe you, for guidance.

Yes, this is my personal mission. First and foremost, to discover the facts, myths and legends surrounding the Apostles. For example, after the resurrection of Jesus, Apostle Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, The Wanderer, and Didyman (twin), went to Babylon and several other eastern countries as far as China. He established churches, preached the Gospel of the Lord, and converted many people to Christianity. He settled in India, where he was martyred in A.D.72. His persecutors chased him to the hill where he prayed (now known as St. Thomas Mount), and stabbed him to death with a lance. His body was brought to Mylapore and buried inside the Santhome Church that he built himself. One legend says that Magi Gaspar lived and died at about the same time, and was buried in the same place.

Today, Thomas is revered as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox, and in the Oriental Orthodox Church. In 2002, the 1,950th anniversary of St Thomas’ arrival in Kerala, India, was celebrated by the Sryo-Malabar church.

If I can survive reading all the assaults on Jesus and his Apostles, and the condemnations on Christianity, I hope to complete this project by Christmas. On a happier note, below is a delightful short story written by Timothy O’Fallon. (The story, based on a longer piece entitled The Angels, is a tribute to the slain children of Bethlehem.) Enjoy!

The Magi’s Last Journey

The Condemned Man opened his eyes in the midst of his prayers. Could he have imagined the greeting of his old friend?

“Hello?” the kindly voice repeated. “Why is your door barred? Why haven’t you been to the village lately? Where are you?”

“I am here,” said the Condemned Man through a hole in the cave wall. “You should leave, old friend. It is dangerous for you to be here. The killers who have sought me for months have found me, and could murder me at any moment. This is why the door is barred!”

“I see,” said the old man. “Then I think I’ll take a nap.”

“No,” said the Condemned Man, fearing that his captors would only kill the old man if they found him asleep outside. To keep the old man awake, he said, “Instead, would you tell me a story?” He could almost see the old man’s eyes light up.

“Story? What kind of story?”

“Tell me of the time when you first met the Lord.” He knew it was the old man’s favorite story to tell. It was the story that made him a celebrity.

“Oh, that old story! You have heard it a thousand times! Haven’t you? Or did I forget to tell you?”

“I would love to hear it again, old friend.”

After pausing for a moment, the old man began to tell the story of his search for the Mighty King.

People called me wise. I knew about the soul and how the spirit world could reveal the destiny of nations in the stars. Once, I noticed a star that I hadn’t noticed before. I studied what it might mean, and determined that a powerful spirit had entered the world. It could be the event of a thousand lifetimes! I divined that this event had taken place in a land far to the west, so I chose immediately to make the journey. I loaded down my servants with supplies and gifts for the mighty King I hoped to meet, and set off to the mainland.

I was not the only one who had seen this sign in the heavens. I met the others when I crossed the Arabian Sea. A large group of kings and religious men had bought every camel in the region! I found them, and was overjoyed that they were making the same journey. They too had seen the sign and were seeking the new King. They lent me some of their camels, and we journeyed together.

Of the friends I made, Baltazar was my closest companion–one of the youngest there, and the most enthusiastic! The only one I avoided was Melchior, a brooding and pessimistic sage. He wanted to prove to certain people at home that there was no truth to this sign, no great king in the West. He spent much time alone.

After many days, we calculated that the sign in the heavens was directing us to the coast of the Mediterranean, north of Egypt. We sent a message to King Herod, and he agreed to receive us. He knew nothing about any new King. Melchior was delighted, and had a good laugh at all the rest of us. I was disheartened, and dreaded the thought of returning home in my folly.

But Herod grew serious. He gathered his own religious experts to determine the birthplace of this new king. Apparently, the religion of these people promised a Messiah. When the local wise men named a town, my heart leapt with joy! Herod gave us free passage, and made us promise that if we found the king we would send word so he could also give the Messiah many gifts.

But we found no one in Bethlehem who knew anything about a king. After a week, we gave up and decided to go home. Melchior’s gloating was insufferable.

The night before we planned to leave, my fitful sleep was interrupted by a servant. Some local sheepherders wanted to speak with us. Reluctantly, I got up to hear what they had to say. They claimed to know where this King was staying, and in fact were present at his birth. They had this story of supernatural beings directing them to a stable, of all places, two years earlier. They considered themselves guardians of this family, but agreed to take us with them. The oldest of these men – a fellow by the name of Nehu – told us that only three of us could go, but that Melchior had already been chosen in his dream.

The rest of us groaned at that choice. Melchior only smirked. We tried to reason with the sheepherder, but he paid no heed to us. Finally, we cast lots to see who else could go, and as you guessed, I was one. Baltazar was the other, which made my heart very glad. But imagine my disappointment when Nehu laid a further condition on us: we were each to bring only one gift apiece. This was terrible after all we had brought with us. Melchior didn’t see why he had to bring anything. He took a gold cup offered by one of the other wise men. I brought some fine perfume thinking they were still living in a stable. Baltazar had a hard time choosing. Finally, he brought out a small box, but he did not tell anyone what it was.

The sheepherders brought us to some caves outside of town where the poorest lived. The mother welcomed us when we arrived that morning, and she used what little food she had to make us breakfast. The father was preparing to go to work in town. He was a builder. We tried to exchange pleasantries but we had no common language. Neither of the parents spoke Greek or anything else we knew. We noticed a manger in the middle of their small home, and through Nehu’s translation we asked about it. The mother smiled and said it was their son Y’shua’s first crib. I was aghast. Baltazar looked uncomfortable. Melchior was strangely quiet as he looked at it.

Suddenly, about a dozen small children came running into the small cave. They were shouting and laughing. The leader seemed to be a very young lad with dark, curly hair. To my surprise, they all came to me, tugging at my clothes, and wanting to play games. Astonished, I asked, “Which one of you is Y’shua?”

The little curly-headed boy walked right up to me and hugged my leg. Then he said in a voice so clear for one so young, “Thanks for coming to my house. Won’t you play with my angels?” He waved at the children.

I wondered who was filling this boy’s head with delusions of grandeur. I did stiffly tousle the hair of a few of the urchins. None of them had shoes, and they were all poking me and being somewhat more playful than I was accustomed to. I looked to Baltazar for help, but he was only laughing at me. The father then said something to Y’shua, who then spoke to his friends. They whined and complained a little, then filed out of the cave. The father said a blessing, and we all sat down to eat.

The child kept asking us all kinds of oddly perceptive questions. I answered him, though I was a little annoyed. Melchior kept quiet, and barely ate his food. I was convinced that the trip was a waste. We found a bright, engaging child, and there seemed to be some local legends about him, but he seemed so ordinary. We spent several hours there, and in that time all those other children came back. Although I like children, I felt overwhelmed. Baltazar must have been feeling the same, because he finally said, “We brought you gifts.”

Y’shua smiled, and told his angels to settle down. It was funny to watch the older children obey him, even though they teased him and tugged his hair and chased him like any other child.

“What did you bring me?” Y’shua asked.

I presented my gift to the mother, as was proper, and she thanked me very much. Melchior silently brought out his cup, and a few gold coins, which he had found in his tunic. Baltazar looked very worried, but reluctantly handed the small box to the mother. She gasped, and her eyes filled with tears, snapping the box shut. I had a glimpse of what was inside, and I must tell you that I was a little shocked. Baltazar had brought Myrrh, which as you know is used for embalming. We had brought some on our journey in case of any unexpected deaths. I was amazed that he would do such a thing. But Y’shua thanked us. He walked over to Baltazar, and gave him a kiss. Baltazar was bewildered, but kept silent.

Our parting was uncomfortable. We had come to find a king, and instead we found…well…an interesting family. Baltazar broke the ice with a quick bow, and both Melchior and I followed suit. Then, all the children jumped all over me again, and I couldn’t really say anything proper, as I was busy untangling myself. But the little boy, Y’shua, walked with us a few feet out of the cave. As we walked away, he said to us, “I’ll see you again!”

Disappointed, we returned to our caravan. Melchior stayed quiet, and the rest of us were thankful for the lack of gloating. We decided to depart in the morning.

In the night, we had a dream not to say anything at all to Herod. We decided to leave secretly. Baltazar went back to the cave to help the family with some kind of move. I bid him farewell. I never saw him again. I joined with Melchior, and a few others for the return journey. We escaped Judea, lamenting the failure of our mission. There was really nothing magical or divine about this child after all.

A few days later, during one of our worst laments, Melchior startled us with a shout. “Are you stupid?” he said. “Do you have any idea what you are talking about? There was a miracle right under your nose!” I protested that I saw no miracle, and he threw his hands up in frustration. “In what language did he speak to you?” he asked. I stammered, and answered that it was in my own dialect. “Well, I heard him in my own language. And I’ll bet Baltazar heard the child in his language. So there’s your sign, you blind fool!”

I was shocked. I hadn’t even thought about the language. Everything seemed so ordinary. But Melchior was right.

After a few hours, a messenger from another group who had gone a different way came running to us with evil news. Though the family we had met left for Egypt, Herod’s soldiers killed all male infants and toddlers remaining in Bethlehem. I wept bitterly for the children who played with me. Once again, I doubted the kingship of the child Y’shua. If he were divine, surely he could have saved his friends!

Melchior fell to his knees; his face streaked with tears. With trembling voice he said, “He is the one. Y’shua is the savior of the world. We found Him.” I did not understand at all. Melchior, gently and in a tone I had never heard before, said, “Remember how He called the other children my angels? He knew their time was short.”

Realization dawned on me. It was indeed a powerful sign.

I decided to become a Jew, and to try to follow the teachings of Y’shua’s religion. Since there were no synagogues in my own homeland, I came here to the mainland, and joined a Jewish community. I have lived here ever since, trying my best. And when you came, I stopped trying, and started living in grace.

After a long pause and an audible sigh, the old man continued. “That’s my love story. Are you sure I never told you that before?”

The Condemned Man spoke with a soft voice. “I never tire of hearing it.”

“Good. I need to go home, though. It is getting late. But do come to the village tomorrow. We miss your teachings so much, Thomas.”

“The Holy Spirit is the real Teacher, Gaspar,” said the Apostle.

Gaspar walked home, and the murderers did not try to stop him. But the walk was long, and the Wise Man stopped to rest under a tree. He closed his eyes to sleep, and fell into the deepest sleep of all.

At first he did not know what was happening. Light was all around him, and he thought he heard the sound of Melchior laughing merrily. There was music – such music! But then, he felt a tug on his arm.

There were several children all around him. They looked familiar. I am too old to play with you, he was going to say, but then he noticed that his arms were strong and his body was straight. Somehow, in this beautiful dream, he was young again! So he played with them. He played catch, and chase-the-calf, and tag, and all kinds of games he had never heard of. After a time, the children became still and just stood there giggling. Then Gaspar remembered them.

“The Angels! How beautiful you are! Tell me, where is your Friend?”

They pointed behind Gaspar. He turned around, and was face to face with the Son of Man. His hair was white as snow, His skin a burnished bronze, His eyes like burning coals…and on His face, a gentle smile. His arms were open in embrace.

Gaspar embraced Him, and whispered, “My goodness, how You’ve grown.”

© Copyright 2007 writeartista (UN: mariapanlilio at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

GK PARAISO (GAWAD KALINGA, THE MOVIE)

GK PARAISO
GAWAD KALINGA, THE MOVIE

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GK PARAISO, the Gawad Kalinga movie, starring Cesar Montano,

Maricel Soriano and Michael V, will premier in Colorado on
April 29, 2007. Paraiso (Tagalog for Paradise), is based on
the true stories of ordinary people who have given of themselves for others, and how GK has touched and forever transformed their lives.

Gawad Kalinga, the motion picture? We all suspected that it was just a matter of time before someone would turn this magnificent project and all its triumphs into a motion picture. And it’s finally happening. The movie, “Paraiso” (Paradise), premiers in Colorado on Sunday, April 29, 2007, in the Broomfield Auditorium

Actor-turned-politician CESAR MONTANO, who seeks a seat in the Philippine Senate this coming election, plays the leading role in PARAISO. The Filipino actor had a major role in a 2005 Hollywood movie, The Great Raid about a spectacular rescue mission of 500 U.S. POWs held in captivity at a Japanese prison camp in Cabanatuan during World War II. Starring with Montano in The Great Raid were Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Fiennes, James Franco and Connie Nielsen.

The unprecedented GK movie dramatizes the lives or ordinary Filipinos who’ve sacrificed a lot in giving of themself to help others. In the spirit of bayanihan, the making of Paraiso is in itself an act of heroism to those involved. The producers, actors, and production workers all volunteered their services to bring to center stage the mission and vision of GK:to rebuild a nation by rebuilding each other. Through Paraiso, the world will hear the GK battlecries of “Less for Self, More for Others, Enough for All”, “No more Poverty, No more Slums” and “No One Left Behind.”

Gawad Kalinga, meaning “to give care,” is a movement that is sweeping across the Philippines and other third world countries. It is a grassroots movement of rebuilding a country one family at a time, with homes for the poorest of the poor, as well as providing health, education, livelihood training and community empowerment.

Three inspiring true-to-life Gawad Kalinga stories weaved in a powerful movie trilogy that promises to change your life.
PARAISO: Tatlong Kwento ng Pag-Asa (Paradise: Three Stories of Hope)

The GK Trilogy:
Umiyak Man Ang Langit (Even If Heaven Cries) is based on Jocelyn’s life experiences who lost loved ones in the mudslides of St. Bernard, S. Leyte. The story captures the pain, the internal struggles and the healing that takes place in all of us once faced with life-changing events.

Ang Kapatid Kong Si Elvis (My Brother Elvis) is a story, on a lighter note, centered on a boy who ate pebbles to satisfy his hunger and a GK volunteer’s family who adopted him as their own. The story captures the challenges and rewards of being involved with GK.

Marie is a story based on how a tragic loss can be turned into a living legacy and a new beginning. Marie Rose Abad perished in the twin tower tragedy of 9/11. Rudy Abad honors his wife with a living legacy.
Building a Paradise for all by reshaping an image, cultivating the mindset and reaching out to a higher calling of being a hero is what Gawad Kalinga is all about.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

GK COLORADO USA VILLAGE

Last September, Natee and Ed Anolin, with their son Eric, made a trip back to the Philippines to be with Ed’s seriously ill father in Pangasinan. “I never thought for a moment that I would be able to visit Masipi, Cabagan Isabela,” Natee said.

During this trip, the Anolins were able to visit several GK Villages in Pangasinan and neighboring provinces. This experience germinated an intense desire in Natee to make a trip to Cabagan–the site of the Colorado Village. “If Papa Anolin were only able, I knew that he would have taken us there personally,” Natee said.

On the second week, Natee decided she would stop at nothing to witness the product of the Colorado Fil/Ams’ Bayanihan spirit that Filipinos are so famous for — the Colorado USA Village. She took a bus and embarked on an eight-hour trip from Manila to Isabela. “That ride was no fun,” said Natee. “It was very uncomfortable and I felt like riding a run-away bus on a zig-zaggy road.”

With the help of Couples for Christ/GK Volunteer Workers Elmer Cadiz of Isabela and Ryan Verdejo of GK Manila.

“I was mesmerized by the Colorado Village,” said Natee. “It was like a set up, a plan . . .yes, God’s Plan. It was surrounded by the Cordillera Mountains. I felt like I was still standing on Colorado ground and facing our mountain slopes. I remember standing in an open field with Ed facing the mountains in one of our visits in Fairplay Colorado. I was captivated by the view. And in Cabagan It’s the same exact view! Only in God’s green earth there is no poor, no rich, no hunger. We are all sharing one common ground, but in different places. That was a magical moment for me.” “

The most poignant and memorable moment for Natee was when children of the Colorado Village came running happily to ward her, excited to greet her and the rest of her group. “My thoughts at that moment was that they saw someone from Colorado who’s instrumental in giving them a better living condition and a renewed hope for a brighter future

We shared good laughs, interesting talks and good planning but our village recipients repeatedly expressed their gratitude to Colorado—the Filipino and American Partners for GK.

* * *

This year Natee Anolin was elected ANCOP’S WOW GK 2007 Coordinator for Colorado. “I gladly took the responsibility,” said Natee. “And I feel so privileged to help make Colorado a part of this great nation building, not realizing the scope of preparing a WOW GK ! Grabe! So I need all the help I can get. Our goal is to find Partners that will embrace our GK mission- to give hope to the poorest of the poor and start Nation Building—one area at a time.”

Considering the small Filipino community in Colorado, Natee was initially pessimistic about the finding partners to help built a GK village. But size once again proved that it does not matter; what matters is the spirit of Bayanihan that the Filipinos are so famous for. Various Fil/Am organizations in Metropolitan Denver immediately heeded to the call, and accomplihsed a two-year project in only one year. These GK Partners are: NaFFAA; PASCO; FACC; BAYANIHAN SOCIETY OF COLORADO; CFC and FACD,

The Colorado USA Village Consists of thirty homes. The LGU (Land Government Uni)t also built twenty homes in the CO Village. The Mayor of Masipi East Cabagan Isabela’s family donated the land after the typhoon in 2004

From Masipi, Cabagan Isabela and their children “Thank you for not forgetting them and including them in your prayers and in your everyday planning”.

The Event’s message is advocacy. To bring in all Partners ..to honor and educate old or new Partners with GK’s goal and mission. Hope to see all of you there and God Bless..

Although the journey to Isabela was very long and uncomfortable, it was all worth it once we got there. Visiting the Colorado GK Village was truly an awesome experience. When we first arrived, we were greeted by the bright, vibrant colors of the houses amidst the poverty-stricken land. An overwhelming sense of compassion and a great wave of humility came over me especially when the sweet, innocent faces of the children appeared, to investigate this group of strangers among them in their homeland. What really got me was the amont of appreciation and gratitude these people had for what was given to them. From the point of view of a young adult who was raised in America’s upper-middle class, the houses were no more than little shantys painted in bright colors. But to these people, they represent a sense of hope, a promising future, a home, a dream come true, a blessing heaven-sent by God. When my mom was interviewing some of the residents on our video camera-asking them to describe their feelings about the village, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as each of them expressed their immeasurable gratitude. It was truly an inspiring experience and it really makes me appreciate the countless blessings that God pours upon me each and every day. Visiting the village and seeing the fruit of all of our fundraising first-hand really gave me a new sense of appreciation, and made me realize all of the things I take for granted every day.

Nikki Coseteng and “SINAUNANG HABI”

Nikki Coseteng
and SINAUNANG HABI

(Reviving the Art of Ancestral Weaving)

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Clothing and costumes resonate the language of a culture that brings together the filaments of history, thus preserving the weavers’ artistry through civilizations.

Sinaunang Habi is a tribute to Philippines’ ancestral weavers, their skills, creativity and artistry.  This large book (311 pages) is the first comprehensive book that provides a panoramic view of the history of textiles in the Philippines. The pages explode with a dazzling kaleidoscope of color photographs by ace photographers Dick Baldovina and Wig Tysmans never before seen in one major published collection on weaving. It is a celebration of the weaving tradition, and a tribute to the indigenous women of the Philippines who have lovingly created textiles of refined craftsmanship and distinction.

Former Philippine Congresswoman and two-term Senator Nikki Coseteng debuts in the world of high quality publishing with Sinaunang Habi, authored by Marian Pastor-Roces.  This is the first of Coseteng’s Filipiniana Series in progress.

Nikki Coseteng, once a curator and art gallery owner that represented some of the most celebrated artists in the Philippines, has been collecting international textiles for almost fifty years.  Inspired and influenced by her parents, former UP Professor, and Ambassador Alice Marquez Lim Coseteng and the late pioneer industrialist Emerson Coseteng, her life has revolved around art, women’s advocacies, concerns for the indigenous people, politics, business and adventures.

Born in Manila on December 18, 1952, Coseteng grew up always trying to find meanings in life and what she can do for other people.  She went to the University of the Philippines and attended eight semesters of school.  “I was in search of education,” she said, “and that’s what I got. That’s all I needed.  I just do what I like to do.  That’s the very core of my existence.  Life’s too short.  I can’t be restricted into doing meaningless things at my own time.  When I look back, I feel no regrets but only satisfaction at what I have accomplished in my life.”

Coseteng’s political and social activism was perhaps first fueled by the declaration of Martial Law in 1976 when she joined the UP students in anti-Marcos camps, rallying for the ouster of then President Ferdinand Marcos.  She reflected on how the students were driven underground during this incredible period in Philippine history; and how people from all sectors–students, peasants, businessmen and women, politicians, priests and nuns–were united together in a non-violent demonstration of “people power” to remove a very corrupt leader from presidency.

Married for five years and now legally single, Coseteng has two children: Julian 29, a Councilor in Quezon City, and Kimberly, 25, an officer for Pfizer Drugs in the Philippines.

Coseteng’s celebrity status began as a telemagazine host. For nine years, her weekly show Woman Watch became a symbol for women advocacies.  “We discussed issues that at the time were not generally discussed on TV.” she said.  “We did not restrict ourselves with beauty tips and handicrafts and cooking.  Our program transcended all of that.  We tackled taxation, commerce, rape and domestic violence.  She also co-starred in the movie “Sa Kuko Ng Aguila,” with then Senator, and now former President Joseph Estrada who is in jail while facing trial for graft and corruption.  In defense of Estrada, Coseteng denounced the successor and current administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as an illegal government with no regard for due process of law.

Co-founder of the all-woman political party KAIBA (Kababaihan para sa Inang Bayan) , Coseteng began her distinguished record in politics and government when she was elected Representative of the Third District of Quezon City in 1987, and then to the Senate from 1992 through 2001.

“As a legislator,” she said, “I was the first to visit the smallest barrios in the Philippines.”  She trekked where no politician has gone before.  When asked if any of her visitations had produced any significant contribution to the barrios, she contemplated for a while then said, “No, not really.  But to these people, just being visited by a government official is enough.  At least they know that their existence is recognized.  And they’re satisfied with that.”

Coseteng and Marian Pastor-Roces first met more than ten years ago at a social function in Manila.  Their conversation led to a discussion of the author’s fifteen-year research project on Philippine women weavers and Asian textiles, administered by De La Salle University. Roces was astounded when Coseteng proposed to publish the book.  “She was concerned about the incredible financial aspect of publishing the book,” Coseteng said.  “But I knew that if we didn’t publish it, her paper would just end up in a university archive.”

Sinaunang Habi’s first edition was published in 1991, and reprinted in 2000.  It has become a sought-after book in the international circuit of textile connoisseurs of indigenous traditions.

This unique book gives us not only a rich collection of haberdashery imbued with artistry and beauty, but also a rich insight into the different ethnic groups in the Philippines.  The extensive and informative essays provide a historical and anthropological background on the indigenous people inhabiting each region.  The clothing silently but expressively speaks of a nation’s unique cultures, customs, ceremonial life, rituals, and practical needs, lending beauty to handcrafted objects while continuing age-old traditions.

The weaving techniques used are carefully explained.  Many of the stunning photographs are of objects in the major US museums (The Smithsonian Institute and the Natural Science and History Museum in Chicago) and each is carefully documented.

Weaving is the creation of a textile by the interlacing of various fibers with a mechanical device, which facilitates and expands textile production, such as a loom.  Sinaunang Habi demonstrates the success of the indigenous women of the Philippines in mastering this art of textile weaving.

All those interested in indigenous costume and its cultural significance will want to add this beautifully illustrated volume to their collections.

Nikki Coseteng grew up with an obsessive fascination with high quality textiles.  She also recognized the scarcity of information about her country’s indigenous peoples and their weaving traditions.  She wished that a book on the subject would become available someday, not only in the Philippines, but also to the rest of the world–a book not written, photographed and published by foreigners, but by Filipinos.    Her dream has come true.  And for those who know Coseteng, perhaps it was not surprising that the dream would materialize only if she were to publish the book.  Hence, the birth of Sinaunang Habi (Ancestral Weaving).

In the book, the author, Marian Pastor-Roces traces Philippine weaving from its beginning to the present, and breaks the country into geographical areas as she explores the distinguishing characteristics of the woven work of the tribes in each region.

The book depicts the language, culture, social and ceremonial contexts of Philippine textiles and costumes.  “Each and every diamond shape, dot and pattern in the designs had a name to it,” Coseteng explains.  “The book is not only about the weaving industry by the Igorots, ” Coseteng continues. “In the Cordillera, there are different linguistic groups distinguished from one another by design, language and tradition.  The models in the pictures represent their own tribes. Each picture has a story behind it.”

The communicative quality of costume and textiles that are lavishly illustrated in this book provides the viewer a peer into the everyday and ceremonial life of the weavers in the Philippines.

Datu Oscar was initially not willing to wear the old loko and saloa tangkulu, nor, in fact, the tankulu pamudbud that was part of the set.  He refused to acknowledge these garment pieces as Bagobo.  (The likelihood is that this very rare type of clothing, documented rather thoroughly in the early 20th century, may have been created only within a narrowly-circumscribed sub-area of Bagobo culture, that of the Jangan, and not the Tagabawa, Matigsa-lug or Ubo.)  Much  later, Datu Oscar let on that he was deeply uncomfortable with the association of these garment pieces with magani activity of earlier times, and in particular, with those activities which he felt are best laid to rest, such as human sacrifice.  Documenting his reservations in this book is the author’s way of recognizing the conjoint Christian-and-Bagobo ethnic by which Datu Oscar has lived most of his life.  The costume itself has not been worn by the Bagobo since the denouement of the way of the magani, prior to the Second World War.  The use of magani garment was a matter decided by convocations of elders, all of whom were magani.

Averin Capian wears an old, blood red saol linombos, which, in traditional B’laan culture, was the exclusive prerogative of men who have taken one or more lives, and have thus ascended to the rank of lebe. It was worn with the plangi-dyed tangkulu.  Capian, a young virtuoso with the two-stringed instrument, kudlong, has a gentle mein that is, ironically, at variance with the spirit of the lebe or bagani.

© Copyright 2007 writeartista (UN: mariapanlilio at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

They Don’t Grow Flowers In Afghanistan

A continuing series of articles about slavery

(Written immediately after 9/11, this is dedicated to all the heroes of the WTC attack, all the persecuted women of Afghanistan, and all the forced slaves of the world.)

They Don’t Grow Flowers In Afghanistan

They don’t plant seeds to grow flowers in Afghanistan
None to express affection for their mummified women
Who live their lives without respect, warmth and inspiration
How can there be love when one is treated as subhuman?

In the desert of hell the Talibans plant bullets and guns
Iraq, Philippines, US, Europe, Sudan, Algeria, Pakistan
Throughout the world Osama bin Laden buys young men
Enslaving the world’s forsaken and troubled minds

One gun for each young man, slavery for mankind

The seeds of evil philosophy sprout among the Afghans
The young men grow, and now it’s harvest time

Americans plant trees that scrape the sky in Manhattan
Made of steel, earthquakes they could withstand
But on Sep 11, towering trees burn and fall to the ground
As the Al Qaeda slaves execute the works of the demons
Murdering more than five thousand of our innocent civilians

Gripped with terror and disbelief we hug our loved ones
While the Red, White and Blue waves all over the land
As we sing the Republic’s Hymn in our hearts and minds
We lay flowers where dust and debris cover the grounds

Flowers we give to express our love and affection.

And they don’t grow flowers in Afghanistan.

* * * * *

Strange Alliances Form
In U.S. Campaign To Fight
Global Terrorism

“Either you’re with us, or you are with the terrorists,” declared President Bush. And most of the free world jumped the bandwagon of coalition. Unfortunately, this new alliance includes those ruling regimes that have provided refuge to the world’s terrorists, as well as those who engage in chattel slavery like Sudan’s National Islamic Front, which harbored Osama bin Laden for six years.

Osama bin Laden buys young men from all over the world with guns and raise them to become the most feared terrorists. In Uganda, it costs one Kalashnikov assault rifle for every child bin Laden buys. In Sudan he uses the children as forced labor on the marijuana fields that fund his international terrorism network. Sudan has been a training ground for terrorists with at least 17 training camps and the target is to install Islamic fundamentalist governments in east and central Africa by 2002.

Since 1994, Sudan has abducted at least 8,000 Ugandan children and forced them to serve as soldiers or sex slaves, or traded into slavery, many to bin Laden, in exchange for guns and ammunition. Some of these slaves have escaped and testified before the U.S Congress about Sudan’s own jihad—terrorizing, killing and enslaving black African civilians.

Before September 11, the Sudan Peace Act, which imposes capital sanctions against foreign companies who continue to do business with Sudan was about to be passed. In the wake of the USA attack, Congress has tabled action on the proposed legislation and the US may soon reopen formal ties with Sudan who “promises to turn over several of bin Laden’s associates.”

The US already is waiving, easing or softening economic and military sanctions imposed against countries known for their human rights violations; who develop and test nuclear weapons; governments that come to power through a military coup d’etat; and even some countries charged with backing terrorism. For their cooperation during this “New War,” the Bush Administration is preparing major aid packages for these countries, which include Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Algeria, and lifting sanctions imposed against them. U.S. officials say that these countries have become very cooperative and have provided significant information on key terrorist figures in the Al Qaeda network and have promised to bring them to justice.

The sudden USA-Sudan alliance might have sacrificed the struggle for freedom for the tens of thousands of slaves in Sudan. Anti-slavery and modern abolitionist organizations that have worked so hard at getting the Sudan Peace Act are now watching the realization of their dreams fade from the country’s paradigm shift in foreign policy.

While I agree that fighting and ending global terrorism should be the central organizing principle of our country, we cannot abandon America’s performance on human rights to reward those brutal regimes who have “joined us” in our battle to shatter Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network.”

The United States must persevere in pressuring Sudan and other human rights abusive countries to clean up their acts.

What can you do
to make a difference
in stopping global slavery?

There are international anti-slavery organizations that exemplify the best of American values in their campaigns against enslaving regimes. If you want to make a critical difference in ending global slavery, you may start by logging on to iAbolish.com and learn about this modern day abolitionist movement.

From the Underground Railroad Movement to the electronic superhighway. Modern day abolitionists still help slaves escape to freedom. Many of the leading abolitionists of these contemporary times are young, educated, vocal and visible human rights activists. Their voices and organizations are strong, powerful and international. They observe, scrutinize and battle modern day slavery around the globe, untiringly fighting for the liberty of the victims.

Unlike their popular predecessors these 21st Century anti-slavery activists do not ride the imaginary railroad to freedom trails; instead, they navigate the cyberspace to take slaves to safety. There is no hiding in the dark, no keeping their identities a secret, no whispering in public or clandestine meetings to discuss their activities. In fact, you can log on to their websites and read about their missions, join the organizations, and contribute your financial support through the Internet. You can learn about their activities by subscribing to their newsletter, delivered to you through weekly e-mails.

END

© Copyright 2007 writeartista (UN: mariapanlilio at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.