Ang Vatican at Pilipinas…Ngayon

Ang Vatican at Pilipinas…Ngayon
Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Ang Vatican ay merong Santo Papang mapagpakumbaba, piniling tumira sa apartment sa halip na sa marangyang “palasyo” ng Vatican, at ang mga kasabay na kumain ay ang mga ordinaryong pari na bumibisita sa Vatican. Hindi maganda ang mga kuwento tungkol sa kanyang nakaraan, kasama na diyan ang pagtrabaho niya bilang bouncer sa isang bahay-aliwan. Marami din siyang nakabanggang nakatataas sa kanya nang siya ay naging pari hanggang sa maging Obispo. Sa simula pa lang ng pag-upo niya bilang Santo Papa, nagbanta na siyang lilinisin niya ang simbahang Katoliko na ang korapsyon at iba pang eskandalo ay pilit na itinago sa mahabang panahon. Hanggang ngayon ay tinutuligsa niya ang mga animo ay demonyo na nakasuot ng sotana at nagpapanggap na mga “ama” ng komunidad, ganoong mayroon palang mga minumulestiya. Nanawagan siya sa mga ito na lisanin na ang simbahan upang hindi madamay ang mga matitino, subalit matitigas ang ulo nila dahil siguro hindi nila maiwanan ang karangyaang INI-ENJOY nila.

 

Ang Pilipinas ay mayroon ngayong Rodrigo Duterte na umaming madilim ang kanyang kahapon bilang estudyante dahil pumapasok siya sa klase maski nakainom. Wala sa mga naging classmate niya ang nakaalala na nagpakita siya ng katalinuhan. Pati ang isang propesor niya noon na ininterbyu ay umaming hindi niya maalalang naging estudyante niya si Duterte, ganoong nababanggit siya nito (Duterte) sa mga talumpati. Nang maging mayor ng Davao city, ang lunsod ay biglang tumino dahil nawala ang mga NPA at drug dealers na nakatira sa mga depressed areas lalo na sa Agdao kaya tinawag ito noon na “Nicaragdao”. Matindi ang pagbatikos ni Duterte sa mga tiwali sa gobyerno na bahagi ng mga dahilan kung bakit namayagpag ang problema sa droga.

 

Ang dalawang lider ay parehong binabatikos ng mga ayaw magbago o tumanggap ng pagkakamali. Pareho rin silang nagpahayag ng pagtanggap ng kanilang kapalaran nila kung sakaling hindi sila umabot sa itinakdang panahon. Si pope Francis ay nagpahayag noon na baka mag-retire siya ng maaga upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang ibang Obispo na maging lider ng simbahang Katoliko, at si Duterte naman ay nagsabing handang bumaba kung magawa agad ang bagong porma ng gobyerno na Pederalismo. Sa madaling salita, pareho silang hindi ganid o sakim sa kapangyarihan.

 

Ang Vatican ay isang maliit na lunsod sa loob ng Italya pero nirerespeto ng mga makapangyarihang bansa. Ang Pilipinas naman ay isang maliit ding bansa, watak-watak pa dahil ang kabuuhan nito ay kinabibilangan ng mga isla, subalit dahil kay Duterte, kahit papaano ay nasapawan ng imahe niya ang nakasanayang pagtukoy dito na bansang korap. Kung noon ang Vatican at Pilipinas ay nilibak dahil sa mga katiwalian, ngayon sila ay nirerespeto ng buong mundo!

 

Ang Vatican at Pilipinas…Ngayon

Ang Vatican at Pilipinas…Ngayon

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Ang Vatican ay merong Santo Papang mapagpakumbaba, piniling tumira sa apartment sa halip na sa marangyang “palasyo” ng Vatican, at ang mga kasabay na kumain ay ang mga ordinaryong pari na bumibisita sa Vatican. Hindi maganda ang mga kuwento tungkol sa kanyang nakaraan, kasama na diyan ang pagtrabaho niya bilang bouncer sa isang bahay-aliwan. Marami din siyang nakabanggang nakatataas sa kanya nang siya ay naging pari hanggang sa maging Obispo. Sa simula pa lang ng pag-upo niya bilang Santo Papa, nagbanta na siyang lilinisin niya ang simbahang Katoliko na ang korapsyon at iba pang eskandalo ay pilit na itinago sa mahabang panahon. Hanggang ngayon ay tinutuligsa niya ang mga animo ay demonyo na nakasuot ng sotana at nagpapanggap na mga “ama” ng komunidad, ganoong mayroon palang mga minumulestiya. Nanawagan siya sa mga ito na lisanin na ang simbahan upang hindi madamay ang mga matitino, subalit matitigas ang ulo nila dahil siguro hindi nila maiwanan ang karangyaang INI-ENJOY nila.

 

Ang Pilipinas ay mayroon ngayong Rodrigo Duterte na umaming madilim ang kanyang kahapon bilang estudyante dahil pumapasok siya sa klase maski nakainom. Wala sa mga naging classmate niya ang nakaalala na nagpakita siya ng katalinuhan. Pati ang isang propesor niya noon na ininterbyu ay umaming hindi niya maalalang naging estudyante niya si Duterte, ganoong nababanggit siya nito (Duterte) sa mga talumpati. Nang maging mayor ng Davao city, ang lunsod ay biglang tumino dahil nawala ang mga NPA at drug dealers na nakatira sa mga depressed areas lalo na sa Agdao kaya tinawag ito noon na “Nicaragdao”. Matindi ang pagbatikos ni Duterte sa mga tiwali sa gobyerno na bahagi ng mga dahilan kung bakit namayagpag ang problema sa droga.

 

Ang dalawang lider ay parehong binabatikos ng mga ayaw magbago o tumanggap ng pagkakamali. Pareho rin silang nagpahayag ng pagtanggap ng kanilang kapalaran nila kung sakaling hindi sila umabot sa itinakdang panahon. Si pope Francis ay nagpahayag noon na baka mag-retire siya ng maaga upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang ibang Obispo na maging lider ng simbahang Katoliko, at si Duterte naman ay nagsabing handang bumaba kung magawa agad ang bagong porma ng gobyerno na Pederalismo. Sa madaling salita, pareho silang hindi ganid o sakim sa kapangyarihan.

 

Ang Vatican ay isang maliit na lunsod sa loob ng Italya pero nirerespeto ng mga makapangyarihang bansa. Ang Pilipinas naman ay isang maliit ding bansa, watak-watak pa dahil ang kabuuhan nito ay kinabibilangan ng mga isla, subalit dahil kay Duterte, kahit papaano ay nasapawan ng imahe niya ang nakasanayang pagtukoy dito na bansang korap. Kung noon ang Vatican at Pilipinas ay nilibak dahil sa mga katiwalian, ngayon sila ay nirerespeto ng buong mundo!

Pope Francis of the Vatican and Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines

POPE FRANCIS OF THE VATICAN

AND RODRIGO DUTERTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

In the August 2015 issue of the National Geographic, I found an item that details how the bombs of the USA and her allies devastated Laos during the controversial Vietnam War that rendered the laid back country into a crater-filled wasteland after the war. Laos is the venue of the ASEAN summit 2016 being attended by Duterte where he was supposed to meet Obama on the sidelines but unfortunately, did not materialize due to the impertinent question from a Reuter reporter which incited the Philippine president to “explode”.

 

The same issue of the magazine features the cover story about Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) which I did not give much thought at first. But after a nonchalant perusal, I was struck by several information on the pope that appear to be in synch with those about president Duterte’s.

 

Pope Francis was elected to the papacy just when the Vatican was at its darkest period due to piling up scandals that rocked the Catholic Church. The Philippines was in the same helpless situation in view of criminalities and political scandals, forcing the Filipinos to take the “risk” of voting for Duterte after realizing that the country needs a change that only one with a steely resolve can initiate.

 

The pope being from Argentina, broke the tradition of papal racial origin which should be either an Italian or at least a European. Duterte who claims to have a Muslim blood, is from Davao, a city in the southern island of Mindanao, broke the political tradition of the Philippines whose past Catholic presidents were from Luzon.

 

The pope, even while still in Argentina, was espousing the welfare of the have-nots. Duterte can cry unabashedly at the sight of an exploited, especially, raped and murdered innocents.

 

The pope considers himself a “street guy” or “callejero”, just like Duterte who shows his true humble color without hesitance if only to let those in the lower rung of the society know that he belongs with them.

 

The pope lives in a simple apartment, Casa Santa Marta, instead of the Vatican palace. Duterte’s staying at the guest house of Malacaἧan is just a compromise as given the choice he prefers to stay in a much austere accommodation. Both prefer the simple food that they used to partake.

 

The pope, while as archbishop in Argentina took the subway and had the habit of strolling along streets of unlikely nooks of Argentina. Duterte drove a taxi at nighttime to personally check on his constituents as best as he could, aside from using a simple pick-up type of car as his official vehicle as mayor of Davao City.

 

On the day of his proclamation as the new pope, Francis took the bus used to ferry the cardinals instead of the officially assigned limousine. Given the choice, Duterte preferred the old car that he used in Davao, instead of the luxurious one assigned to the president of the country.

 

Both Francis and Duterte are spontaneous…always, not afraid to blurt out what are in their mind…a feat that earned them enemies, albeit, during rare moments showed their down-to-earth person.

 

The pope has no plans of changing existing doctrines. The Filipinos are assured by Duterte of due process and fair justice system despite slight deviations that according to him are necessary  to help him in his cleansing efforts…and that, definitely, he will not resort to the Martial Law.

 

Francis has been telling friends that he needed to “start making changes right now”, since the day of his proclamation. Duterte is being propelled toward “changes” by his desire to have a transformation, hence, assuring the Filipinos that “change is coming”, thereby, seemingly in a hurry to cleanse the country of the drug menace and other forms of criminality first, to be followed by the rest of the cleansing that he promised to undertake.

 

Both are immensely misunderstood, though, unmistakably charismatic.

 

 

Aggressive and Violent islamic Expansionism Poses Threat to World Peace…a caution to the Philippines

Aggressive and Violent Islamic Expansionism

Poses Threat to World Peace

…a caution to the Philippines

By Apolinario Villalobos

There is nothing wrong with all kinds of religion or cults, for as long as tolerance and respect among the faithful are observed. If there is no violent or aggressive attempt of conversion, I do not think that animosity shall be developed among the parties concerned. Conversion should be done “indirectly” – through convincing actions by the advocates, to show others that indeed, their religion is worth embracing. People should be given a liberal option as to what faith they should follow. They should not be intimidated by force, or threatened with the nozzle of a gun.

Special reference is being made to the religious polarization of the world between Christian and Islamic faiths. Tension between the two has slackened after the Crusade era. But, it seems that even religion is following a cycle or giving truth to the adage that history repeats itself, as lately, an aggressive Islamic expansionism is on the rise, spearheaded by its extremist advocates. There is a global attempt today for the “restoration” of Islam as supposedly the world religion, and even an aggressive “expansion”, which to the layman could mean “mass conversion”.

Hugging cyber news pages are European countries that are under the pressure exerted by the influx of Muslim immigrants, purportedly victims of persecution in their countries of origin, particularly, Syria. And, there is even an appeal by the United Nations to the far-off Asian countries to “adopt” some of them. Some European countries, being nearest to the origin of these evacuees were the first to offer succor and accommodated the refugees. Unfortunately, these generous countries are now being rocked with unrest by the same beneficiary of sympathy, in the name of the latter’s Islamic faith. There is even a bold threat by a group of Muslims in Denmark that their host shall become the “first Muslim country in Europe”.

The extremist ISIS group has done more than enough destruction to the historic and Biblical countries that they occupied and fear to the rest that they plan to overrun. Will Europe suffer the same fate, as there could be Islamic terrorists who may have successfully melded with the so-called “refugees” who have been accommodated by sympathetic European countries? From Europe, will masquerading terrorists who may have successfully blended with authentic refugees creep their way towards Southeast Asia to muddle the harmonious and peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims?

While the Muslims are aggressive in their attempt to convert others, none of such drive can be observed among the Christians, especially, the Roman Catholics. The publicities being enjoyed by the Vatican because of the controversial new pope, Francis, should not be taken as an attempt to convert. In fact, there is an ongoing cleansing within the Roman Catholic community, as shown by the purging of erring church leaders, as well as, vehement reminders of the pope for his flock to follow the “Christian way”. Nothing about converting Muslims, Protestants, etc. is being done in any way. On the other hand, if the effort of the new pope is viewed by skeptics as a convincing “Christian act” of a Roman Catholic, it is up to them to decide if they want to jump over the fence and join the flock of Jesus.

In the Philippines, particularly, Mindanao, the Muslims and Christians are enjoying a harmonious and peaceful co-existence. The call for autonomy which many Filipinos deemed long overdue is more political and not a matter of religion. In fact, it is expected that the same clamor for political autonomy shall be raised by the rest of the regions as the system has been proved to be effective in the Cordillera Region, although, deemed necessary in the first place, due to the archipelagic make up of the country.

The Philippines is a clear manifestation of harmony if tolerance and respect among people with diverse culture and faith, are observed. In view of the threat that is now rocking some European countries due to aggressive religious assertion by Islamic fundamentalists, Filipinos should be more vigilant and help each other in maintaining a steadfast resistance against any religiously-hooded incursion that could be tainted with evil intent. Filipinos have stood united on a foundation of strongly- welded brotherhood that not even the corrupted political system failed to shake. This fervent show of steadfast conviction should send a warning to the evil-minded around the world, that the Philippines is not a breeding ground for  unrest under the cloak of religion that the misguided extremists plan to foment…as such attempt shall never and ever be tolerated!

Pope Francis Deserves to be Left Alone

Pope Francis deserves to be Left Alone

By Apolinario Villalobos

The new pope is not being political when reaches out to people, and in so doing, travels around the world. He does not choose who to hold or hug or kiss. He does not preach about the magnificence of the papacy and the Vatican…in fact, he is obviously, embarrassed about them. He does not preach to convert, but speaks about universal love and compassion. This is how evangelization should be done, by not talking about the church to which one belongs, but letting other people read his intentions through his actions and pronouncements.

It should be recalled that Francis, upon his assumption of his papal post, started his campaign for the practice of humility when he chose to live in an austere apartment, rather than the luxurious suite reserved for popes. He wanted to be just like anybody else, so he has no qualms about carrying his meal tray when he dines in the canteen with the rest of lay people. He has no aides at his side 24/7, except when on official trips. And, he carries his own bag when he travels!

Instead of bashing him on the internet, those who are anti-pope, anti-Christ, anti-Vatican, and anti-Roman Catholic should try to understand his messages first. They should view the new pope as Francis, a former bishop, an ordinary guy, who assumed the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church which was not his choice in the first place. Francis is not presenting himself as the new Messiah or Prophet. His mission is to spread love and not hatred. He is not even asking to be loved, but for others to include him in their prayers.

Why can’t the bashers just write something about the devilish leaders of nations whose selfish acts trespass other nations’ rights? Why can’t they exhaust their effort in condemning the acts of ISIS advocates who are now being loathed by their fellow Muslims? Why can’t they just write about the conscienceless terrorists who sow fear throughout the world? Why can’t they look around them and paint with words the gruesome poverty and splash them on the internet for the world to see?

Blessing and Faith

Blessing and Faith
By Apolinario Villalobos

This share is for a friend who failed to position himself along the route of pope Francis or go to the Luneta Park for the concluding Mass, because he was bedridden.

Emotion triggers the exaggerated expression of admiration that results to fanaticism. For things material, this may be excused, but for something spiritual, constraint should be observed. Uncontrolled fanaticism makes one selfish, as he or she develops a strong desire to satisfy the felt pent up emotion. It can even result to violence. This is one of the causes of stampedes.

In expressing a spiritual devotion, one need not be too overzealous as others may view the act as hypocritical. Ever since spiritual devotion in us has been developed, we were made to believe sincerely what we do not see, such as God, Jesus, Mary or the saints. We were made to believe in the power of prayer that can heal somebody, even if the one who says it is thousands of miles away. We were made to believe that Jesus who died on the cross is just around. We may not see them but we feel all of these – through our faith. I call it – power of the heart!

I can’t see, therefore, the reason why some “faithful” have to fight their way in front of altars during a Mass, or special spiritual occasions. And, with the visit of the pope, Francis, I cannot understand why one should practically, be a touch away from him to be blessed. Blessing is something spiritual that can be received depending on how faithful the recipient is, as the heart should be open to receive it.

Just to hear the pope’s voice and sincerely receive in one’s heart his message is already a blessing. In this regard, just seeing him on TV or hearing him over the radio does not spell any difference as seeing him pass by, because the same blessing is dispensed. In other words, the “effect” of the blessing is not determined by the distance between the giver and the recipient….as it all depends on one’s faith.

Kristel Mae…..for Kristel Mae “Mhai” Padasas

Kristel Mae
(for Kristel Mae “Mhai” Padasas)
ni Apolinario Villalobos

mga pangarap na sa isang iglap
ay nalusaw nang hindi sinasadya
patunay na ang buhay sa mundo
ay hindi hawak ng sino mang tao

ang buhay, wari’y parang kandila
‘di man mahipan, ito’y nalulusaw
kaya ang tanglaw nito’y nawawala
na sa paligid ay dilim ang nalilikha

may kabuluhan naman ang kandila –
na sa paligid ang dulot ay liwanag
hangga’t ito’y malusaw, o mahipan
at magdudulot naman ng kadiliman

sa nangyari kay Kristel Mae sa Tacloban
marami ang nagitla at di makapaniwala
nguni’t kung ginusto ng Diyos ang lahat
walang makakahadlang kung nararapat

ang ilang araw na kanyang naiambag
ay naging bahagi ng dakilang gawain
‘di mawawala sa isipan ng mga mahal
dahil para sa taong turing nila’y banal!

(Kristel Mae “Mhai” Padasas was a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the Catholic Relief Service (CRS), and was a volunteer during the papal visit. She was hit by a scaffolding that collapsed due to strong wind at the site in Tacloban where Pope Francis officiated a Mass. She reached the age of 27 without having been spoiled despite her being an only daughter of hardworking parents. Her mother works in Hongkong. She was characterized by friends as humble, jolly and compassionate, finding satisfaction in her involvement in humanitarian and civic activities.)

Ridiculing the Police on the Issue of the Diaper is Senseless

Ridiculing the Police
On the Issue of the Diaper is Senseless
By Apolinario Villalobos

The plan to let the police use diaper as an option to effectively carry out their responsibilities during the papal visit, has basis. Other countries use this option, and discreetly, this was also used during the past big events in the country. It was only during the planning stage of the operational strategy for the papal visit that the police agency was vocal about it, after having been egged to come out with detailed plans.

The thousands of police from the provinces were “billeted” in public venue facilities such as stadiums which are uncomfortable due to limited facilities, yet, they patiently persisted in maintaining their poise despite the lack of rest. This Spartan life was endured for five days. The police went through a lot of sacrifice, although they expected it as part of their job, no question about that.

But despite all those sacrifices, some conscienceless Filipinos, still had the heart to ridicule the police. It is a common knowledge that the rank of these law enforcers also reeks with graft and corruption but to ridicule them despite their selfless effort during a significant papal visit smacks of insanity on the part of the blogger who abused the use of the social media. If the blogger uploaded a photo of a police sniffing shabu or accepting bribe, it could have been acceptable.

Bloggers should show decency, fairness, and as necessary, some restraint in expressing themselves.

Aquino Did Wrong in Criticizing the Clergy Publicly during the Papal Visit

Aquino Did Wrong in Criticizing
The Clergy Publicly during the Papal Visit
By Apolinario Villalobos

While it is right to criticize the clergy, the occasion chosen by Pnoy Aquino to do it was not right He did it during the courtesy call of the pope at the Malacaῆan palace. Being the host, decency dictates that Aquino should make the visitor at ease. When the pope let out an admonition regarding the publicly- acknowledged presence of graft and corruption in the government, such remark did not sound like a big deal, as every Filipino, even the whole world is aware of it, anyway. Aquino should have restrained himself. His being a brutally frank person should have a limitation for the sake of decency.

His criticism of the clergy should have been said during a post-papal visit press conference in reaction to what the pope said about the graft and corruption in his administration. In such venue, his pronouncements can still merit prominence. Also, the Catholic hierarchy in the country admits that indeed, their rank is not free from corruption ever since, and the Catholics themselves are aware of this. Why then, make a big deal of such, in the presence of the most respected head of State, and whom many consider as a “living saint”?

Anybody has the right to be personal in his views, making him tactless sometimes, but it is different when a person doing it is the Head of a Nation, a president, a vowed Catholic, and entertaining the highest official of the Catholic Church, the representative of Jesus on earth. With what he did, Aquino just added one more stain on his image – that of tactlessness. Filipinos delight in his brutal and frank statements against China, though viewed as without clout and toothless, but the effort has been exerted – bravely. But in the presence of the people’s pope, he should have acted more differently.

Aquino missed the opportunity to show the pope that he is also like the rest of the Filipinos- a people who are ready to suffer with humility, a people who can stand the onslaught of graft and corruption in the government, a people whose food has been grabbed by greedy government officials!…the Filipinos have a word for such loss….SAYANG!

Senator Bam Aquino is Barking at the Wrong Tree

Senator Bam Aquino is Barking

At the Wrong Tree

By Apolinario Villalobos

In his effort to show that he is heeding the call of the pope to eradicate graft and corruption in the country, immediately, senator Bam Aquino calls on the Filipinos. He is obviously barking at the wrong tree. The tree of graft and corruption is the government which is deeply- rooted. The tree of graft and corruption has hideously developed robust branches, twigs, leaves and fruits. The Filipinos are the victims. Through his message, the pope knows this when he called on the government to stop diverting the resources from the poor Filipinos. Aquino should stop tweeting out of tune rather than pretend that he does not know from where corruption is overflowing.

This early, the neophyte senator should know that Filipinos of today are no longer the foolish kind. If he wants to maintain a seemingly clean image, he should instead, open his eyes to what are happening right around where he works – the Senate. He should tell his staff to research on the causes of unpopularity of lawmakers and make them as his basis for his moves to avoid being further engulfed in the mire of corruption. He need not look beyond the walls of the Senate and point an accusing finger at the Filipino populace, as if the latter is the cause of corruption in the country.

He should deliver a privilege speech in the Senate and call on his colleagues, and in so doing, use the pronoun “we” while quoting the pope in his call for the government to make a stop to graft and corruption by not diverting the resources from the poor. It is that simple – a call with a tinge of regret, and without washing of hands.

The Filipinos have enough of one Aquino at the helm of the government who seemed naïve to their sufferings. Bam Aquino has ears and eyes for him to know that his cousin president is not popular, and he should be very careful about this matter. If he wants to further his political career, he should tread the road of politics with much care, unless he will join the bandwagon of graft and corruption by mumbling nonsensical and hypocritical face-saving statements just like his colleagues in the Senate.

He should not wait for the day when his name will be changed by political observers from “Bam Aquino” to “Ban Aquino”. He should change his tactics. He should remember the pedestrian saying “less talk, less mistake”.