RHeacting to the BILL

How to start? Where does life start? This seems to a big issue in the Philippines nowadays. Bishops are going on a head to head battle with the Lower House as to where life begins. Even legislators are hitting on each other. Everyone’s going loco over this issue. Why? All because of the RH Bill or the reproductive health bill. (There are many versions and they are trying to come up with one that will be best for all).

How does one define life? What’s your definition of life? Where does it begin? Scientifically, life is the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally (taken from dictionary.com).Biblically, it starts with the Love of God and thus leading to the creation of the world: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:1-4). However technical life’s definition maybe, “experts” agree that it starts with conception. With this, the plot thickens. The “experts” have different ideas as to what conception is. From what I have been hearing in issue debate and commentaries on television and news reports, it’s a battle between science and religion. The church see it as something conceived; notion, idea, design, or plan (when you plan to do the act, life starts). Legislators and other see in equal with fertilization (the egg meets the sperm). For my part, I agree with the scientific version of conception as it is more definite. A plan or notion is difficult to gauge and is more of an abstract thought. An abstract thought would not help us go forward and help protect the rights of the citizens.

Perhaps, another source of conflict is the meaning that individuals put into reproductive health. Reproductive health is not entirely concentrated on a pregnant women’s health or condition. More aptly, it involves a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of reproductive disease or infirmity.” Reproductive health deals with the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Furthermore "reproductive health ... implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Implicit in this last condition are the right of men and women to be informed and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice, as well as other methods of their choice for regulation of fertility which are not against the law, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant. In conclusion, it includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations, and not merely counselling and care related to reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases. This is a clear and definitive conceptualization as to what Reproductive Health is as stated and agreed upon on The International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action – UN and WHO.

Basing on these concepts, it is clear the RH bill is not after the suppression of the people’s right to life rather it puts premium on life’s improvement and having it on an optimum state. It is not entirely and solely about the prevention of STDs. It is note solely about promoting family planning methods. It does not promote unsafe sex or premature especially amongst the youth. Nor it has the “hidden” agenda of “legalizing” abortion. It has been clearly expressed that abortion is out of the RH concept, repeatedly! I do not know why certain people get these ideas. Where specifically are these notions stated in the RH bill? Any logical person would not HYPOTHESIZE on these. Be fully informed before reacting on this issue. The RH bill aims to give the people a HOLISTIC approach to sexual health. It offers the people information to decide on what would be best for them to obtain optimum sexual health. For crying out loud, informed consent means having to decide on a matter after being fully given of the information including risks and benefits. It is not coercion and not limiting the people only into one choice. Every individual is unique, a concept or method or procedure may not be effective for him or her as it was for others.

Erratum #1: A legislator claims that oral contraceptives being able to slightly increase the incidence of breast cancer among women as being one of his reasons why he is anti-RH but a health expert claims that it can cause a decrease in incidence of other cancer. The bottom line on this conflict in a recent television debate program is Informed Consent. A woman is informed fully of a family planning method including its risks and benefits and is given a chance to decide for herself after weighing the facts. Furthermore, a woman is assessed by the doctor before being recommended a family planning method. (All other existing medical procedures or methods have risk but it has been accepted as the benefits outweigh the risks.) The only method I am not favorable is the IUD. IUDs affect the mobility of sperm and preventing them from joining with an egg. But if it does not prevent the union, the foreign body inside the uterus irritates the lining and wall making it hard for an embryo to implant. In this sense, the IUD can be abortifacient. I think IUD should be removed as a family planning method in the RH bill to eliminate all apprehension that it promotes abortion in its entirety.

Erratum # 2: The legislators do not claim that the family planning concepts within the RH bill will solely be the solution to overpopulation but rather it can be one way that can help decrease the population which can subsequently can help decrease poverty.

Erratum # 3: The sex education contained within the RH Bill should be properly placed in the education curriculum of the country for it to be beneficial. Sex Education is not plausible for all ages in the education curriculum of the country. It should be placed in an age category that permits wide and mature comprehension. It is not applicable to young elementary children. Coercing its placement in the elementary curriculum would further cause conflict. (Try remembering that the country has somewhat of a strict catholic and traditional Filipino values). Sex education is not after teaching the youth of the act rather it is for having them be responsible adults.

Erratum # 4: What most people are wary about is maybe the implementation of the RH bill. How sure it is that there will be no corruption? The government should be transparent in its transaction once the RH bill is implemented. How much will be used for its implementation? Where would they get the fund? How would it be used that the people will entirely benefit from it? Reports on how funds are to be utilized and follow-up reports on fund usage and program implementation should be publicly published.

More than just divinity

This is my third (short) article this April as having been inspired by the National Geographic Channel. As I was changing channels this Holy Friday, I came across this particular documentary about an intriguing tomb excavated some 30 years ago that was rumoured to be the lost tomb of Jesus. This particular discovery brought about some other intriguing concepts about the divinity of Jesus Christ. There was a particular point suggesting that he was married to Mary Magdalene and had a child. Dan Brown has used this as a turning point in his novel – The Da Vinci Code. The Church has contradicted this claim. Many Catholics have reacted violently to this claim. I just felt I have to express my thoughts on this as a person, a Catholic, and a Son of God.

This is quite an attack to the divinity of Jesus Christ. But if you truly believe in Him, you should not be alarmed. So what’s wrong if He had married? Or more so if He had a child? Do these destroy your faith on Him? If yes, you have a faith which is shallow and untrue. So what if He had a family? It does not remove the fact that He have done all to save our lives, even sacrificing his own life to do it. The value and worth of His love and sacrifice should not diminish even if he had a family. You should look deeper into his devotion to the world. If this being a fact (supposedly) rattles your faith, then maybe you really do not believe in Him. I am a fan of Dan Brown’s novels and reading The Da Vinci Code did not alter my belief. (Truly, he used the wrong words in his cover page but this an entirely different topic.) Having faith is believing in someone’s worth and not in his status. Jesus’ worth is more than just an issue of divinity. His worth is reflected in His undying love for us. This is what we should hold on to. Keep believing and be thankful of Him. Happy Holy Week!

Editorial to Noy's Appraisal

Just this April 14, I posted something in facebook. The post: “What's happening? all prices are going up!!!! any progress in the country? mr president? hello???? are you there? bakit di ata nararamdaman presence mo?”. I posted it as a reaction to the some news on TV (which is just the tip of the iceberg to why I had such a post). I thought of it as a harmless post. But to my surprise, some friend reacted to it a bit violently and opinionated. They have their point. All are acceptable points of view. Well, at least on my part they are. But before any comment or criticism get out of hand. I have to explain myself.

President Noy’s administration is really young. But so far the facts has not been good. I have watched a certain episode of Mareng Winnie's "Bawal ang Pasaway" program where facts has been presented as to why the president has been adjudged to have not been fully working in his capacities as a president the president's meeting with the cabinet and important councils is greatly not within what is mandated by law. These meetings are deemed important to steer the country. Ms. Winnie Monsod may not be a perfect resource person but she knows the facts and she has the right to say that the President may have not been performing at par. Ms. Monsod is a former member of the President Cory’s cabinet and she is knowledgeable of what is mandated by law as to the time needed to be rendered by the President on priority meets such as that of the LEDAC, cabinet, and the like. As a result, the public asks as to why GMA and especially her mom was able to do it during their time.

Also, it is a fact that his work or activities is not much publicized to the people. It seems logical that you do not have to brag so much about the things you’re doing for the country. But you should not leave the people clueless – Keep them INFORMED of what you’re doing for them to feel a sense of security. Less time should be given to running crazy and going after those people who did good for the GMA administration by performing their jobs well but not necessarily loyal to her. My post is not just about the prices going up. It is just the tip of the iceberg.

President Noy’s administration is young indeed. It may be too early to judge his administration’s capability. But his approach seems to be too “laid back” that the people (or his BOSS) are not feeling his presence as president.

Life is interesting

I have not fulfilled my promise to myself to write an article last march. It has been another month and a half or so hiatus. So I am again writing two articles to somewhat fulfil my “promise” of writing at least one article a month.

It is never easy to write an article because you have to be in the right mood and have the right inspiration in order to come up with the right words to exemplify or describe appropriately a particular topic of interest. Last month, these things seem to be just not there for me. I am stressed since the mid of February but ironically this has brought up my interest to write just now!

Why was I so stressed? It’s all particularly because of some series of events. First, I have to devote time and effort with a quite stressful yet fulfilling - knowledge wise – subject at the graduate school. Specifically because the standards set were a bit in a perfectionist state. This was quite understandable since our professor was a multi-titled professional. But I am thankful to be under such a person for our class were able to learn a lot from her. Adding a particularly significant load of stress is that I was not granted an extension by my then employer until the end of February. But it proved to be good because it offered me time to make a do with the requirements I have to complete and submit by March to a new employer (which is again quite a stress – certifications here and there are just some of the requirements).  Another source of stress but one which is good in its essence is our batch’s induction climb – February 25-27 - (Mt. Ugo at Benguet) for the mountaineering club of UP –PGH. Stress in the sense that this climb that we need to finish and prove that were worthy of being labelled as mountaineers – pressure! But gladly after what seemed to be an endless journey to the summit and down, we were finally inducted as members– sound and safe with just a few minor scratches and (sun)burns. Well, it seems a fitting end that we end our trip at the Pinagbenga Festival in Baguio. But rest is quite short for me as I have to attend immediately the following day with an aching body and sunburn an HR orientation. The following week I participated in Run United 1 (March 6, a day before my birthday!). Nice to see again those old familiar faces from my previous line of work – somewhat lessening my being tired for having just a week gap from the induction climb and my first 10 km run. All of these add up to my life experiences. Most importantly, these things made me realize that life is so wonderful and we are empowered and are capable to make our lives fulfilling and interesting.

On writing poems

Since I was not able to write last month, I am writing another article to express my thoughts. Last week, I was cleaning my room. I stumbled into one aspect of my personality that I seem to have forgotten. I used to write poems! (I was influenced by a dear friend). Believe it or not! When and how? It was back in 2000 when I first wrote poems. Somehow, I lost interest on it after two years. I do not know why. It is not easy to write poems. You have to be in the mood (bad or good! but better: in the good mood!) and find the right inspiration to write one. I found copies of some poems I made. I was surprised because I thought I no longer have copies of them. Well, I am happy to unearth this aspect of my personality then. Maybe, somehow this will lead me having a renewed interest in poetry. I will just to wait and see! Anyway, I include in this article three short verse poems I made. One of it created when I’m in a really bad mood! Do not judge me so bad because of these! Ha! Ha! Ha!

“Struggles of Life” (4-3-2001)

Each of us has struggles of our own

For whatever purpose it may serve

Nobody knows

Only God really do

But it’s not right

To put the blame on Him

Instead, stand up

Face the day with courage

Live up with faith

And make the most

Out of your life

___________________________

“Pledge” 4-3-2002

Love isn’t just a word

Nor a mere theatre act

It is a pledge

Not of forever

But of Eternity

Found in our hearts

Filling the world with magic

And making it

Such a wonderful place

__________________________________

“Everything Sucks” 8-31-2001

What a day it has been

Nothing to be seen

The river used to flow

With the wind blowing so slow

But look what you’ve done

Its life has gone

Would you even care?

You’ve never been fair

Go away fucks

For everything sucks!

Thoughts about running

I sort of promised to myself that I’ll be having a new year blog or at least a blog on the first month of 2011. But sadly, I was not able to. I was thinking then to write about the four Christmas parties I attended and the debut party of my beloved cousin Ann. But that may no longer be the case now as those can now be regarded as “distant past” (for a lack of a better term). So what now? What topic shall be my topic of interest? Wait! Maybe, I can dwell into my being a runner. Well, being an accidental one that is.

I never thought that I’ll be a running enthusiast. It was all merely an “influence” (coercion? Joke!) by a co-worker then. But why did I allow myself to be influenced? At first, I do not like to join a running event. But what convinced me is my belief that running will benefit me for the good. How? First, running would help me develop stronger legs (somehow?) for my “intentional” hobby, mountaineering. Second, it will serve to make my body more healthy (in stamina, that is?!). Third, and most importantly, it tends to improve the friendship and bonding between co-runners and co-workers.

To sum up my thoughts as a runner, I agree that running is a competitive sport or interest. But it is more than a competition. It is about friendship and having fun. Beating your previous race time serves only as a bonus. Running has more to offer than competition. Look into it in a wider perspective. Enjoy life! Have fun! Run!

Commenting on HP 7 (Not violently!)

Well, as a promise to myself, here is another blog article/commentary. Hmm... What to blog? What to write? The four Christmas parties I attended this year? My participation in two running events? Our climb in Mt. Pundaquit (Anawangin)? Well, let us just reserve these topics for the new year or January blog of mine. Ha ha ha.

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I will just be blogging about a movie. Yes, a movie! I watched the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) just recently- before the Christmas break. Well, I was a ecstatic at start. Excited perhaps that this is the first part of the last movie installment of Harry Potter series. JK Rowling's writing is superb in the last book of the series. Well, enough for the book already! I am writing a blog for the movie. There was high expectations for the movie. At the start, it was good. But somehow, in the middle and towards the end, the "pacing" of the movie somewhat slowed, relying much on sounds and effects to awe the viewers. The book may have been given more justice if attention was given to other details on the book. These may look minor details on the cinematic standpoint but these could have given the movie more impact as what others may say "mas may kurot ang story" or you can feel more the story if these details were given a bit of emphasis or created as a part of the movie or these may not make the movie look a too abridged or summarized version of the book's first chapters.

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There are many of them. Here are just a few: The "Potterwatch" program was reduced to merely a radio program Ron was listening into, enumerating the deaths caused by Death Eaters. In the book, it provided the three somewhat a happy relief hearing the voices of "River", "Rapier", and "Romulus" on the radio showing support for their cause and Harry Potter. How about Harry Potter's contending with Hermione how the three hallows fit with the ring (how it may had the resurrection stone), the cloak (Harry's), and the elder wand - Dumbledore's that is. Or how was it that the Sneakoscope deleted in the scene? And the burial of Dobby? This is how the book pictured it. He was taken inside the Shell Cottage - where Bill and Fleur stay. Harry used a spade to dug a grave for him instead of using magic to give him a proper burial near the Shell Cottage. Harry even made his jacket more of a blanket to protect the elf's body. And this is where Luna closed his eyes and not in the ocean banks as in the movie. More importantly, Harry etched a marker for Dobby in a stone stating "Here Lies Dobby, a free elf". A touching series of events which could have put the emphasis on the story of the book.
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The movie is good in its entirety but if you look into it together with the book on which it is based, it somewhat too abridged, too summarized. As comparing it with other HP movies, it is good but still not good enough to earn my nod as the best of the series. HP 1 and 2 movies are rich in details that a first time viewer will understand the essence of the story contained in the book without even reading it. If I were to rate the movie, 3.5 out of 5 stars for the effects, sounds, and visuals, 2.5 for the vividness of the story details, 3 in its entirety. But if this is a prelude to the second part (which it seems to be as being too condensed on details for a three hour movie), i will give it a 4 out of 5 rating. Well, i hope the second part will not be too abridged and will concentrate more on presenting vividly the story details. (The movie is based on the book!)
I will be looking forward to the second part of this last movie installment. See you all in the movie houses!