PART THREE
BACON DURING THE DIFFERENT PERIOD OF ITS HISTORY
CHAPTER ONE
The Economic, Social, Political, Religious and Education Life of the Bacongnons During the Spanish Regime
Economically, the town of Bacon progressed under the Spanish rule, especially with the development of abaca and coal mining * industries. The people were ignorant of almost any form of luxury extravagance. Their only extravagance was for the church & religious celebrations, and in the reception of visitors, especially during the town fiesta. Kept in illiteracy and ignorance, the people lived with few necessities in life. They knew almost no other forms of gambling existed, they were kept in deep secrecy for fear of severe punishments.
The people could not remain idle. Anybody caught doing nothing productive was severely punished. The cuadrilleros saw that. Land was plentiful. One could have any piece of land that was not yet claimed by another; cultivate it and claim it for his own. Thus, more land was made productive which enhance immensely the economic progress of the town. However, the people were not made to understand the true meaning of the “dignity of labor”. Most of the natives worked because they had to obey the order or get punished if they disregarded it. Even the invalids had to do their share to help improve the economic status of this municipality.
The industry, courtesy, spirit of cooperation, apparent fervor in religion, simplicity in dress, and behavior, even being civic conscious and law-abiding of the people were forced from them by fear, rather than being really conscious of the value of these virtues.
Town officials were obliged to wear coats. The others who held no public office were strictly prohibited from wearing the same, or being luxurious in anyway. Some old natives recall how awkwardly funny these officials looked in their foreign attire. Perhaps, even without the strict prohibition, the civilians would not to wear them.
In preparation for church festivities and religious celebrations, men of working age were required to help in the construction of whatever is needed; such as the kinorobong for the Via Crucis when held outside the church during the first five Sundays of Lent; the Castillo on every corner of the patio during the Palm Sunday where the children (dressed as angels) sin, Hossana, Filio David; the Castillo on Resurrection Day (Easter Sunday) and the trellises where all sorts of farm products (supposed to be the best prodice) are hung on Corpus Cristi Day. These farm products are given as an offering, a sign of gratitude to God who gave us the land, and who makes our plants grow. These religious observances are still practiced up to the present time; but the men need not be required anymore to work. Members of religious organizations especially the Centro Catolico undertake the preparations voluntarily.
At dawn, families were required to pray the Holy Rosary. Cuadrilleros (now policemen) roamed around. They would stop beside homes to listen. When, in a certain home, the family did not pray, the father and/or the mother would be taken to the Casa Tribunal (Municipal Building) for punishment. In like manner, they were required to keep their surroundings clean. They would be punished if they did not comply.
There was a curfew hour. At 10:00 PM everybody had to be home. Anybody caught roaming around the town after 10 o’ clock was severely punished unless he could give a very reasonable reason for his being outside his being outside his home; but often times a person was not given a chance to explain.
There were all sorts of orders, some of which were born out of the whims and caprices of the governing officials-Spaniards and Filipinos alike. And the people had to obey. Severe punishments awaited the law-breakers and wrong-doers; a severer one to criminals.
If someone was found guilty of any offense, he was arrested and punished publicly. There were different kinds of punishments given, such as: beating a person with a rod, twenty –five times (termed cabanan). When the offense was grave, the offender was beaten until blood oozed out. A drunkard would make to drink wine where in was mixed the manure of a pig. He could not refuse or else a more severe punishment would be meted out to him.
When there were offenders to be punished, the public would be summoned to the Casa Tribunal by means of pustuhan like those hung in the baluartes. The Municipal Building (Casa Tribunal) was also supplied with this hollow trunk of a tree which, when pounded, emitted a loud, booming sound. When the people heard this; they gathered at the Casa Tribunal. Sometimes the people would be summoned not to witness punishment, but to hear the announcements.
In the Poblacion, there were only two teachers: a male teacher for the boys, and a female one for the girls. The number of pupils coming under each had no limit. Sometimes there would be two hundred children in a class under one teacher. The problem of supervising them in their studies was solved by means of cabecillas. A cabecilla was more advanced in her studies than the rest of the pupils. Usually, a cabecilla would take charge of at most ten beginners. The teacher would not be bothered giving lessons to all except in Religion (under the Roman Catholic Church) which was the major concern in all schools during this period. Only the cabecillas got their instructions in all other subjects directly from the teacher. The pupils were taught the rudiments of reading, writing, arithmetic and Spanish as well as instruction in Work Education. The elder and more advanced pupils were given further training in oral conversation in Spanish as well as instruction in Work Education. The girls, for example learned to sew, embroider and to make artificial flowers.
In the school, the maxim, “Spare the rod, spoil the child,” prevailed. Sometimes, the punishments given to pupils were very impractical, some of which were rather inhuman.
“Sitting on the air,” for example for an hour, was beyond a child could bear.
Author: Cristina D. Jose
To be continued
BACON DURING THE DIFFERENT PERIOD OF ITS HISTORY
CHAPTER ONE
The Economic, Social, Political, Religious and Education Life of the Bacongnons During the Spanish Regime
Economically, the town of Bacon progressed under the Spanish rule, especially with the development of abaca and coal mining * industries. The people were ignorant of almost any form of luxury extravagance. Their only extravagance was for the church & religious celebrations, and in the reception of visitors, especially during the town fiesta. Kept in illiteracy and ignorance, the people lived with few necessities in life. They knew almost no other forms of gambling existed, they were kept in deep secrecy for fear of severe punishments.
The people could not remain idle. Anybody caught doing nothing productive was severely punished. The cuadrilleros saw that. Land was plentiful. One could have any piece of land that was not yet claimed by another; cultivate it and claim it for his own. Thus, more land was made productive which enhance immensely the economic progress of the town. However, the people were not made to understand the true meaning of the “dignity of labor”. Most of the natives worked because they had to obey the order or get punished if they disregarded it. Even the invalids had to do their share to help improve the economic status of this municipality.
The industry, courtesy, spirit of cooperation, apparent fervor in religion, simplicity in dress, and behavior, even being civic conscious and law-abiding of the people were forced from them by fear, rather than being really conscious of the value of these virtues.
Town officials were obliged to wear coats. The others who held no public office were strictly prohibited from wearing the same, or being luxurious in anyway. Some old natives recall how awkwardly funny these officials looked in their foreign attire. Perhaps, even without the strict prohibition, the civilians would not to wear them.
In preparation for church festivities and religious celebrations, men of working age were required to help in the construction of whatever is needed; such as the kinorobong for the Via Crucis when held outside the church during the first five Sundays of Lent; the Castillo on every corner of the patio during the Palm Sunday where the children (dressed as angels) sin, Hossana, Filio David; the Castillo on Resurrection Day (Easter Sunday) and the trellises where all sorts of farm products (supposed to be the best prodice) are hung on Corpus Cristi Day. These farm products are given as an offering, a sign of gratitude to God who gave us the land, and who makes our plants grow. These religious observances are still practiced up to the present time; but the men need not be required anymore to work. Members of religious organizations especially the Centro Catolico undertake the preparations voluntarily.
At dawn, families were required to pray the Holy Rosary. Cuadrilleros (now policemen) roamed around. They would stop beside homes to listen. When, in a certain home, the family did not pray, the father and/or the mother would be taken to the Casa Tribunal (Municipal Building) for punishment. In like manner, they were required to keep their surroundings clean. They would be punished if they did not comply.
There was a curfew hour. At 10:00 PM everybody had to be home. Anybody caught roaming around the town after 10 o’ clock was severely punished unless he could give a very reasonable reason for his being outside his being outside his home; but often times a person was not given a chance to explain.
There were all sorts of orders, some of which were born out of the whims and caprices of the governing officials-Spaniards and Filipinos alike. And the people had to obey. Severe punishments awaited the law-breakers and wrong-doers; a severer one to criminals.
If someone was found guilty of any offense, he was arrested and punished publicly. There were different kinds of punishments given, such as: beating a person with a rod, twenty –five times (termed cabanan). When the offense was grave, the offender was beaten until blood oozed out. A drunkard would make to drink wine where in was mixed the manure of a pig. He could not refuse or else a more severe punishment would be meted out to him.
When there were offenders to be punished, the public would be summoned to the Casa Tribunal by means of pustuhan like those hung in the baluartes. The Municipal Building (Casa Tribunal) was also supplied with this hollow trunk of a tree which, when pounded, emitted a loud, booming sound. When the people heard this; they gathered at the Casa Tribunal. Sometimes the people would be summoned not to witness punishment, but to hear the announcements.
In the Poblacion, there were only two teachers: a male teacher for the boys, and a female one for the girls. The number of pupils coming under each had no limit. Sometimes there would be two hundred children in a class under one teacher. The problem of supervising them in their studies was solved by means of cabecillas. A cabecilla was more advanced in her studies than the rest of the pupils. Usually, a cabecilla would take charge of at most ten beginners. The teacher would not be bothered giving lessons to all except in Religion (under the Roman Catholic Church) which was the major concern in all schools during this period. Only the cabecillas got their instructions in all other subjects directly from the teacher. The pupils were taught the rudiments of reading, writing, arithmetic and Spanish as well as instruction in Work Education. The elder and more advanced pupils were given further training in oral conversation in Spanish as well as instruction in Work Education. The girls, for example learned to sew, embroider and to make artificial flowers.
In the school, the maxim, “Spare the rod, spoil the child,” prevailed. Sometimes, the punishments given to pupils were very impractical, some of which were rather inhuman.
“Sitting on the air,” for example for an hour, was beyond a child could bear.
Author: Cristina D. Jose
To be continued
61 comments:
As a former student of Mrs. Jose, she asked me to help with some of the research of her work on the history of Bacon. It was of a very short duration because I had to leave for Manila to begin my college studies. Whatever I did probably had extremely minimal impact, but it was worth the short time and effort.
Very interesting 'coz I have very, very limited knowledge of Bacon's past,though I love the place....I just wish the rebels, the criminals, the murderers, the crooked politicians, the hypocrites, the greedy business people, the blatantly ill-mannered would leave the place alone and let nature and the kindred spirits integrate their God-blessed energies for prosperity and peace,and so that it could attract the return of so many like me......
I know the history of Bacon very well more than my relatives & the Bacongnons.
It's a nice place; the morning rain & the sunny weather, the fish vegetables, & the tropical fruits and the laid back atmosphere; these are the reasons why I come home.
i heard the mayor has cleared a farmland for cockpit arena…..if this is true, i guess he still fears the Spanish rule of not being idle, otherwise……
he could have cleared the land and have a recreational centre built solely for younger children where shelves have good books, board games are available, coloring sheets and crayons are aplenty, one or two computers perhaps for the more adventurous, building blocks for minds to be tweaked for who knows, an aspiring engineer may just be waiting to be inspired….it is not a bad idea to add a chess set, sheets of paper accompanying sets of watercolor for the artistically inclined, and quite significantly, educational toys for the future spelling bee champion or mathematician or just for anything promising……..
Ay,if the cockpit or sambungan is tunay nga would there be also agents going around to see if there are those who don't give admiration to the cockpit? And if found to be so, will there be a punishment?
Will anyone be punished if nobody uses the gambling arena making the place a losing effort?
Wow, what business savvy! Exploit the simplicity of the deprived. Introduce a katuwaan kuno pero bubutas ng bulsa dahil sugal yan. Nahihiling ko na ang irinuman. Murudahan. Kasamukan, kaisugan kan naagrabiado. Darayaan. All for the children to watch and absorb unknowingly.
Will children be pagbawalan or stopped from watching any cock-fighting and exchange of money coming from the bets? Or will there be a sign saying, "COME CHILDREN SEE WHAT YOU CAN BE WHEN YOU GROW UP or HEY KIDS THIS IS MY LEGACY TO YOU, YOU FUTURE MAYORS, LEADERS OF BACON. or MGA AKI HILINGA INI TA SARO INI KAN PUEDE NINDONG IKABUHAY, START CARING FOR A ROOSTER NOW, ENCIGIDA. IF YOU CAN NOT HAVE ONE MAYBE A POLITICIAN CAN HELP TO HAVE YOUR COCKFIGHTING DREAM COME TRUE" (with a small price to pay, of course)
Sana bakong tutuo ang balitang ini.
Anyone, please say it is not true.
To: Reformed Sugarol'
Siento por Siento totoo and bareta.
A cockpit coliseum from a farmland.
During the first term of Leovic Dioneda as Mayor of Bacon, he succeeded in bringing to court the removal of the cockpit owned by the late Goding Ramos in Ogob, Bacon.
NO TO GAMBLING!
Now, the good admirable Mayor has it!
Another legacy of Mayor Dioneda after the lost of Bacon as a municipality.
Salamat tabi Sabungero. Sad and pathetic. Does this reflect the educational attainment & upbringing of the Dioneda mayor? Well, quite a reflection too of the kind of voters Bacon has.
Makauuyam nang magtabang sa mga arog caan na mga tawo. Su mga aki man kuta sana ang masalvar sa arog kaan na pagburuhay, pero con ang mga magurang at mga kataraning na may edad, lalo na an lider na si Dioneda, hastang arog sana kaan ang nasa alimantak ano pa man ang tatangadon kan mga aki………kabuahan….magdisponer kan ikapagburuhay sa maski anong pamaraanan…….
I hope the children will have some miracle by which they will be empowered with a vision of a better future and worthwhile activities other than magtanggad kan gibo kan mga gurang na diit na tao kan namumulitiko, pati future can mga aki, pipabakal.
Tapos mangaralas na arog sana kaan ang kinamuktan kan Bacon. Tama nang ikakuspa kan mga may intensions na mapamarhay ang buhay sa Bacon.
Gambling is gambling, no matter how anyone tries to justify it. With a cockpit and the reported prevalence of jueteng in the whole province (presumably including Bacon and all of Sorsogon City), our home is in even greater peril of deeper moral decay. All for the financial benefit of politicians.
If gambling is good there would not be quotes like these:
"The most sensible advice that may be given to would-be gamblers, or inventors of systems to be used at Monte Carlo, may be summed up in a single word: ‘Don’t’.
by - Francois Blanc (1806) the nineteenth-century entrepreneur who established the Monet Carlo Casino
"You don’t gamble to win. You gamble so you can gamble the next day."
- Bert Ambrose Band leader
"The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket."
~Kin Hubbard
"A gambler with a System must be, to a greater or lesser extent, insane."
- George Augustus Sala 1828-95) English Writer and Journalist
"In a bet there is a fool and a thief." ~Proverb
Please think and choose the right thing to do.
Like any drug addict or an alcoholic, a gambler is so engrossed in the habit with nary a thought of consequences.
The most recent report I just received from Bacon confirms the heightened gambling atmosphere in Sorsogon City that of course include Bacon District.
Mayo Dioneda in fact bought an area where he can build his own Sabungan. Dioneda is said to be one of the wealthiest among the Sorsoganons now.
Former City Administrator Lorna Figueroa was fired and replaced by the brother in law of Mayor Dioneda. Figueroa however was given a "consultant" job which is paid only 12,000 pesos, a token amount in comparison to her former salary of 37,000 as Administrator.
Is there anyone in Bacon now who followed in the footsteps of Mrs. Jose as historian?
Getting wealthy because of shady work including gambling? He can put himself in a pedestal and feel proud by himself to be considered moneyed, rich, wealthy, whatever. Still the means to that end is not honorable, admirable and decent. Pweh! And I do the same for all politicians and their cronies of the same kind.
if gambling is the way of life this political leader wants for Bacon, is he not even thinking at least that this could lead to crimes? most gamblers do not really have the money to risk in a game. in reality they are poor, even dirt-poor. they could just be borrowing money to gamble. when they lose, they borrow somewhere else to pay the previous loan. and if there are no other lenders to go to and the gambler and his family are going hungry this gambler will turn to robbery even become a hit man for a politician, who will surely promise protection and food on the table.
poverty begets hopelessness; hoplessness begets confused minds which lead to low character which begets inclinations to do bad things because what is there to lose anyway. when you are poor, hungry, hopeless and can not think of what better to do, you are as good as dead; so, better to do something regardless of what it is, crime and all, at least for some moments you become enriched, with food with clothing, with shelter and if you get lucky, escape from the punishments for committing crimes. run to the arms of dirty politicians who provide the same evil but yet a better protection as thought of by the manipulated poor.
what pathetic circumstances! what pathetic place! what pathetic leaders, politicians, mayor! what pathetic minds!
Ms. Lorna Figueroa should not have accepted the consultancy job. Let not her name be tainted by any association whatsoever with the likes of the mayor and his cohorts. Ms. Figueroa does not need those 12,000 pesos. It’s very insulting.
To get involved in charity would be far worth doing than that of the position of the mayor or anything that has something to do with him. What good is the power of a mayor if it is used to unleash more evil in a place? No disciplined mind would go for that.
To: Ms. Figueroa
Kindly explain to your fellow Bacongnon-readers of this website many of whom are your supporters why you had to accept a consultancy job after you had been fired as City Administrator?
Thanks.
I have it from a totally reliable source that Lorna Figueroa was not fired. She resigned as City Administrator because the 24/7 demands of the job has started to affect her health. It has also taken much time away from her having to care for her mother who is now more than 100 years old. This was done in consultation with her family. She is now the highest paid consultant in the City.
Hello, Lorna; praises to you for taking care of your ever gracious mother. I had the privilege of experiencing her distinct, quiet grace when I used to play jackstone with you and other friends in your comfortable home. During my only year in Sorsogon Provincial High School, I used to ride with you to school. We were both connected to its school organ. You wrote poetry, one I think is entitled "Barter"...."together we shall live life" is among its passages. I hope this is right. Please correct me if I am wrong. (Sara Teasdale has a poem with the same title, but the lines are completely different from yours). I kept a copy of your poem and even took it with me when I left Bacon. Somehow I lost it after I moved to my matrimonial home.
You were also a quiet person then; usually seen with cheery, sweet-smiling Nonoy. Ah, even when at times petulant, he was still such a respectful, sweet boy. I thought you moved fast with your pony tail swinging. Though I often wondered then how your mind worked, I liked being in your company. I enjoyed listening to the piano pieces you played, one stands out in my memory----Narcissus, a short one I believe.
I did not stay long to fully know what other things you are capable of. However, in the seemingly dire moral, economic and ethical circumstances of Bacon and with the position you hold, obviously to uphold the betterment of Bacon, please have in mind the welfare in all aspects, of the whole place, more especially the children and the less fortunate. Kindly be firm with good principles and things equal to all, be they poor, rich, educated, disheveled and dirty, school-deprived, well connected or not, beautiful or ugly. How do you go about this? It will surely help to be apolitical.
To Tolong Gapo:
Thanks. I accept your explanation.
If you want to help poor Bacongnons, please disregard politics and other irrelevant distractions. Just help, in whatever manner, period.
Perhaps Ms. Figueroa is retained even in the role of consultant because the brother-in-law of the mayor is not competent enough to be the city administrator? Yes?
To Tolong Gapo:
In relation to what From the Past said, I like to ask why Lorna Figueroa , a decent person belonging to a prominent family, continue to associate herself to such a corrupt, babaero na mayor. I really don't think she needs the money. Is she of any help to Bacon by being a consultant? Please let us know of the accomplishments in the last 4 years, please.
Thank you so much.
To you "from the past"
People change in time. It is an illusion to even think that they are the same persons you've known before.Either they become a better person or become corrupt themselves.
Or you, yourself has changed.
Wake up to reality.
There is so much greed in this world. The meltdown of the financial Wall Street, banking system which caused this great recession is a result of the GREED of those in power. Greed it seems is not isolated in the developed countries.
Misbil you are clear ininuating that Ms. Lorna Figueroa is also greedy and corrupt. It seems that she just can't stop from associating herself with an administration so deeply corrupted.
Sorsoganon, I think we have a miscommunication.
I was not being specific. My comment was on general term; human nature.
Let's be careful lest we be accused of insinuating guilt by association. Misbil's general statement may be true but, in context, could be referring to Miss Figueroa considering the ongoing discussion. One of the perils of these types of discussions is precisely the prevalence of accusations of guilt but with no proof at all. It would really be worth the time and effort to join discussion like this if we could have bases for the subjects we engaged in conversation about.
With cockfighting/gambling as one of the mayor’s priorities early on in his re-election, you could already size up his character and mentality, what his true aims are and where Bacongnons stand in his line of thoughts or maybe in his projects, if any? Oh, then again, what kind of projects? Is it also somewhere in the line of gambling? Would a strip joint be already in the works?
MAYOR, why not assess the skills of the poor. Advocate a collective small business for them base on these skills. Organize. Reach out for HONEST consultations among good-hearted Bacongnons far & near so that a solid foundation of goals that can help the poor may be established; so that the accessible natural resources of Bacon may be utilized properly towards the betterment of its people.
YOU HAVE POLITICAL POWER---USE IT WISELY, NOT ON ROOSTERS --- for goodness sake, you have to have some better brain than that to lead Bacongnons to good things, not towards the decomposition of their character!!!
THINK DEEPER & WIDER and if you can not do it alone, have DECENT people work with you so that crimes will be diminished if not eradicated; so that the youth may be motivated towards activities worth pursuing; so that gambling does not become an alternative for the young and old; so that your name will at least be etched in praise without you wanting it (you also have to maintain humility).
Can an honest person holding a top position such as a City Administrator in a corrupt city government really free from guilt when all around her, above and below are doing things bad? When she does not see or hear anything wrong to keep her lucrative job is she really free from guilt?
She will say again, prove that anything wrong was done. Again does it mean that there was no corruption just because no one can prove there was corruption?
Is it really guilt by association or guilt because she is holding a next to the highest job and decides to be quiet about the corruption around her.
Ms Figueroa Taga bulod, Misbil, Interested, Anonymous, Observer, Ms. Jenny, what say you?
To those in power in Sorsogon: Please beware,
Holy is His name.
And His mercy is from generation unto generations to those that fear Him.
He hath showed might with His arm.
He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the lowly.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent away empty.
Whatever it is, good or bad, misunderstood or not, sincere or otherwise, only God and Lorna know what is truly in her mind and heart. And that works for everybody, except for what is fully blatantly seen and obviously presented, like a cockfighting arena. I don't how this is beneficial to Bacongnons.
Through it all, let the good for all prevail.
What corruption are they talking about in Sorsogon? It is no secret that there was massive vote buying during the last election resulting to Dioneda's winning the mayorship.
The lucrative gambling call Hueting is so rampant.
Mayor just bought a house for 1.9 million pesos and is now constructing a cockpit.
Public works projects are awarded to contractors who knows how to grease.
Enough for the day.
If you think there is a corruption going on, prove your case, there is an OMBUDSMAN.
The best way to start is to audit the government officials of their actual earning.
Prove your case supported by valid & legal evidence.
Still, it is good to hear the opinion of the majority.
After all, we all live in a democratic country.
Ms. Jenny,
What's in the mind and heart is irrelevant. What is actually happening, corruption and all are the facts of life we live in here in Sorsogon.
To Misbil: Ombudsmen? What is their batting average in prosection and conviction?
To: Misbil:
I don't think. It is a fact known to everybody. No secret about it.
Can anyone prove it? Corruption happens in all parts of the country but how many do you know is in prison?
TO READER:
Respectfully, I say that you are forgetting that what is happening there, corruption and all, is what are/were in the minds and hearts of everyone, including you. These are the initiators of evil and good, of neglect and attention. I believe mind and heart are the ones to be targeted first in objectively pursuing some kind of solution to most, if not all problems and specifically, to the focal point of our remarks here -- corruption. There is a need to change the way people think and feel. This is a long process which starts with proper education infused with character building from the youngest to the oldest. To be effective, this should be supported by good role models, good examples, determination, sincerity, hard work and cooperation from both the citizenry and the government. Are there or is anybody truly determined in Sorsogon to pick up this kind of work?
Corruption in the Philippines is known internationally. I have read about it several times. Sick. Shameful. Embarrassing. True, it happens anywhere, but to be mentioned as part of an overview of the country for business purposes and simple travel, that’s something. It means it is blatant, and yes, a basic way of life. And this reflects the Filipino character.
Reader, in your opinion, how do we best approach the ingrained corruption in Sorsogon, if not the whole country? I am truly interested and will be pleased to read your views as I would from others. It would be good to exchange ideas.
Sadly, the Philippines is a Petri dish of corruption.
To Jenny:
Your"heart and mind" original comment regarding Lorna has a different context and meaning from this now idealistic, abstract,and true but unrealistic.
TO READER:
Before I go on with further remarks, could you please elaborate in details, if possible, the “context and meaning” you have in mind regarding my first comment on Sept. 5. I don’t want to go in circles, so please lay out specifically this “context and meaning” you have extracted from the comment I made. Thereafter, I will proceed. Thanks.
To Jenny,
In your first comment you referred to Lorna, meaning that we really don't know what is her mind and heart on why she, a basically a decent person we all know continue to associate herself with a corrupt administration. I said that is irrelevant.
In your second comment, you talk about changing the hearts and mind of the whole populace, toward corruption. True, ideal and abstract,though unrealistic to the current issue.
In my mind 2 different issues.
But may I say this. I have always been your long time fan. I read many of your comments in the website through the years and I honestly say I admire you.
HELLO, READER: Re Sep-08-2010 11:22 AM comment (FIRST PART)
Your 1st paragraph:
My first comment, with Lorna in it, does not really pertain specifically to what you have in mind, to quote from your recent remark, “on why she, a basically a decent person we all know continue to associate herself with a corrupt administration”. I was commenting in more general terms (the reason I mentioned “And that works for everybody”), and had to mention Lorna because she is in reality, also, like all of us, under the general concept of mind and heart, and she was in the remarks/questions to which my attention was being called (refer to Pigsabunan above).
As to the significance of my thoughts on mind and heart in man’s life, therefore, what happened, is happening and will be happening anywhere --- they are never to be dismissed, making them absolutely relevant. Indirectly, and perhaps, a little bit of a stretch, but with comparable meaning to extract from, consider reading “The Brain That Changes Itself.” I am just half way through it and already, I see how the brain/mind initiates actions in different scenarios, at dissimilar levels.
Your 2nd and 3rd paragraph:
Since I have spoken of mind and heart in general terms, inclusive of good and bad, and since corruption is covered by the generalities I have in mind, and has also been in the stream of current discussion, I extended my thoughts on this area. To me, it is not of different issues because I speak of one thought, that which directs man’s actions/choices. It may seem unclear to some because I cited one specific person without intending to connect her to the next issue. In truth, I thought it was clear to everyone that the core of the subject I was pursuing was the mind and heart and how exclusive this is in an individual depending on situations at hand, like Lorna’s for example, and how encompassing or inclusive this could be for circumstances already known to exist widely, i.e., corruption. Summed up, through it all, the mind and heart hold the key for every human activity. Matters outside of these are secondary. The choice of path or means of action depends on the character of man, if I may expand more.
The abstract parts are not too difficult to understand, but several are too wary to approach them objectively. Almost everyone wants a quick fix, oftentimes refusing to acknowledge, or simply ignore the syllogisms behind human activity and event. It is the anticipated task involved in trying to work around mind and heart, in order to attain the best outcome for the benefit of everybody that deters most individuals. This is masked by various reasons, in order to justify inertia, incompetence, insincerity and indolence. This is especially so when the surroundings run hostile to effortless, no-challenge approaches. Then we say it is unrealistic, too much idealism. Ah, idealism; the real one; it is the lack of it that makes us experience chaos and problems, too many, too much to handle. But, really, should we just sit back and say, it is too hard?
TO READER AGAIN, (SECOND PART)
The problem is also, that man wants to simplify life at his own terms, on individual basis, but fails to understand or refuses to understand that life can not be simplified. This weakness makes man lazy, complacent, uncooperative, baseless, numb and obtuse; then, things blow out of proportions.
Sometimes these two sources of action clash and we see a heart in pain (bad feeling, sad feeling) because the mind directed an action not preferred by the heart. How does this happen? Sometimes, man forgoes a short-term, immediate convenience or good feeling for the common good and for long-term benefits, and an action geared towards the latter is the option taken; it does not matter if such may temporarily cause disadvantages. The focus is the long-term, common good.
Now back to Lorna. Bear in mind, that hers is very specific. There are many questions popping up about her presence in a political arena considered by many to be immensely handicapped in its supposed services. Some questions are hypothetical, some accusatory. Except for her physical presence in the abhorred political scene, I haven’t read any solid basis presented in this blog that would justify very authoritative criticisms. Emphasize authoritative. She may have done something wrong, she may not have. Indeed, no one has come up with a very tangible, specific example like that of the cockfighting venture that the mayor is pursuing. Nobody has come up to say she is concealing this and that with certainty. Maybe she is, maybe she isn’t; therefore, all these questions abound. However, only she knows because it is her own mind and heart at play. And God, of course. We can let opinions of all sorts about her galore in this blog, but, we will always go back to the basics, what truly is in her mind and heart. Are they (mind & heart) clashing, working together, are they just towards the goal of plainly working or doing something for the sake of being busy? No one knows, until something definitely solid unfolds before our very eyes or until any of us becomes her trusted confidant.
Generally, for what is blatant, manifested tangibly, and sometimes personally experienced per se, whether this be good or bad, falls under the fact that minds and hearts of those involved, indirectly or otherwise, are the sources, initiators. Ergo, my words exactly, in the comment on Sept. 7, 9:16 AM.: “what is happening there, corruption and all, is what are/were in the minds and hearts of everyone” This is very encompassing because the circumstances or problems engulf a large area and are disseminated only with the participation of many, including mindless voters who go for greedy, incompetent, shady or all of it, politicians. This is so ingrained that where to start unwinding and fixing become mind-boggling. Well, the easiest way to chop down a tall, unwanted, mature, expanding tree is from the bottom, where it started. Apply this to old, matured corruption or any old problems that never disappear. The perpetrators are too many, too experienced, too strong, too high to topple from the top or even in the middle, but we don’t want them branching out more with younger groups. Then go to its roots because all these started from the bottom, when they were young. The old is always replaced by the new and young; another reality of life. How we nurture new shoots will make the difference when they mature, grow tall, branch out, and disseminate the things they absorb while they were nurtured. Unrealistic? Nope. It is real.
Thanks by the way for your thoughts about my articles and for the time you spared in reading them.
To Reader:
Don't you dare get her started again.
TO VANCOUVER:
Curt; but, it can be overlooked because somehow, there is a very, very slight tinge of cordiality. You made my day. Boy, I couldn't stop laughing.
I got to have it that way because it is the details that wipes out the blur.
Cheers.
I am still laughing, not in a bad way.....
To Jenny:
Thanks for the explanation(s).
But.. By the way, your explanations seem...
ok, ok nevermind... To Vancouver, I promise.
TO READER:
Long? Well, I don't know how much you need to be clarified. Tried to give what I could.
As to Vancouver, with no offense meant, I say this with respect: I come to this blog not to please anybody, but rather to exchange ideas for......
I see that you have to please Vancouver. It's OK....that's freedom....and I have to explain as I see fit...it's also my freedom...
Thank you still for acknowledging my explanations.
Ah, Bacon.
To all bloggers,
Mga tugang na Bacongnon, ano daw action naman kita ngonian bako nang diskurso?
How about throwing out all your old used books, elementary, high school, college, to Bacon Public Library now serving also as an alternative learning center by out of school youths of Bacon. The Bacon Public Library serves as a research center not only for Bacongnon students but even students from other places.
Anybody who is willing to donate their old books or other reading materials, may keep in touch with the person in charge of the library.
To: BSAI
Yes, I have been donating books for years to the Bacon Public Library. I recently received a Resolution from the Sangguniang Barangay thanking me for my April 21, 2010 donation of 75 books.
I encourage Bacongnons to please donate magazines and books. One modest way to help Bacon.
Thank you.
I like to see more comments from Bacongnon Man Aco and El Muralla.
Thanks Jenny and Annonymous for your contributions.
There is poignancy in the comments of From The Past regarding Lorna, a seemingly decent person who unfortunately seem so ineffectual, but nevertheless clings to a government position in an atmosphere of corruption.
I don’t understand. Why are most comments now on Ms. Figueroa even without proofs when the mayor should be the main event in Bacon’s political stage? The remarks thrown at her are more biting than those tossed at the mayor. The mayor’s actions are so obviously “unpalatable” with some easy proofs available but Ms. Figueroa is being used as decoy or distraction.
Passerby - seguro takot kay Dioneda. They think kayan ninda si Lorna Figueroa so they're focusing on her. That could be an indication of their character and the kind of people they are. Let's not forget that Dioneda's roots are from Bacon and he was, some years ago, the Mayor of Bacon.
Ano na ining kamugtakan ta? Nagka-burua na. Diit na tinuntong sa politika can lider huna mo ang kusog y salang pagpalakaw e nakapakarhay na can sandiri.
I totally agree w/ "a passerby".
It's getting out of hand.
People are just concerned for Lorna. They liked her, because the Lorna they know is a decent person. People are just perplexed that she continues to associate herself in an administration so embedded in corruption.
Readers here are not personally interested in Mayor Dioneda who really did not grow up in Bacon. They don't have any personal connection with him. Unlike Lorna whom many readers know because they grew up with her and went to school with her.
In that case, just very typical Bacon disposition then --- gossipy, no objectivity, blind adoration of those in power regardless of noted shady background, motives and dispositions, and cowardice in facing the real problems; oh, but sometimes there is courage present among them, but only if aided by alcohol or accompanied by goons or in possession of some kind of arms.
Poor Ms. Figueroa, a victim of loose Bacon moral fiber.
To "Not Among You":
Please don't "poor Ms. figueroa" Lorna. She is rich. She is a consultant. She is honest, too. She doesn't care what anyone thinks. They never had any proof.
Good for her then. Atta girl for just minding herself regardless of loose, dangling moral fiber. She then deserves a better place.
Thanks Basud.
Does she have any intention of sharing her riches with the poor? I am sure it is too much for just one or two persons.
Just asking.
buhay pa ba yan si mrs cristina jose? yan ba yung napakasungit na maestra sa religon noon sa bacon central school? yung nangangastila? naku takot na takot kami dyan noon.
mga namomotan kong bacongnon na dai na sa bacon naka istar:
an istorya kan pagiging ciudad kan bacon sarong manifestacion ni Mayor Dioneda kan pagiging ganid niya sa poder. kun babalikan ta an istorya kan saiyang politikal na buhay, naelehir siyang alkalde kan bacon taon 1992. kan 1995 giraray siyang nanggana, 1998 gana pa asin iyo ini an ultimong termino niya. sa katakutan na mawaran siyang poder, an escudero asin dioneda an nag plano para maging ciudad an sorsogon alagad kaiba an bacon ta kulang sa populasyon asin income kung sorsogon sana. sa paghuna ni dioneda na siya an matukaw na primerong mayor kan sorsogon city, dahil ngani matatapos na an termino niya pag 2001, minadali ninda an pagpasar kan house bill sa congreso kan taon 1999. asin ini ngani inaprubahan kan senado kan taon 2000.
alagad an mga lee dai man matogot na mawara sinda sa eksena dahil ngani an sabi ninda mas dakula an sorsogon kaya kaipuhan sorsoganon an magtukaw na primerong alkalde. dahil kaini, an esposa ni raul lee na si sally lee an pinadalagan na alkalde kontra leovic dioneda. pag abot kan eleksyon kan taon 2001 gulping darayaan an nangyari. may binaradil sa tahaw kan dagat kan bacon asin maswerte si jovic duran ta nakalukso dai siya tinamaan. alagad sarong pulis ang nagadan sa insidenteng ito. yaon mismo ako sa hampangan kan munisipyo asin makapag patotoo kun ano kaati magkawat ki pulitika an lee asin dioneda. pakatapos kan baradilan sa tahaw kan dagat, tulos nagdalagan si jovic duran sa munisipyo poco mas o menos alas sais nin aga sarong aldaw pakatapos kan eleksyon, asin sisugo an mga tawo na mag people power ta si dioneda daa an nagpabadil sainda. taod-taod pa yaon na an pajero sakay si raul lee asin nagrani kay dioneda pighahapot kung nata pinabadil an mga tawo niya. siyempre si dioneda todo sayuma sa akusasyon. alagad testigo ako na dai lamang nag aaser an gun ban sa bacon. kan oras na ito bitbit ni dioneda an sarong portfolio na may laog na badil. an tugang niya si Intong igwa man ki badil sa bulsa asin nahiling mismo kan mga mata ko kung pano ikinasa ni Doroteo Belmonte an dara niyang caliber 9mm sa likod kan poste sa may park kan bacon. arog kaiyan kaati an pulitika sa namomotan tang Bacon. dahil sa pagkaganid ni dioneda sa poder, gigibuhon niya an gabos para sana dai siya matangkas sa poder.
ngunyan mga namomotan na Bacongnon nag abot na an padusa kay dioneda. igwa siyang helang na cancer ngunyan kaya pirmi nagpapabulong sa manila. igwa man siyang kaso na concubinage and abandonment na pighahampang ngunyan asin an saiya man sanang agom ang nagplantar kaini. mirisi pa saimo leovic dahil sa pagka ganid mo sa poder. mala kung madara mo iyan sa lulubngan mo na poder mo daraha na. herak man kan mga aki mo.
awt pa man logod mga namomotan na Bacongnon nakatao ako ki impormasyon saindo manungod sa kamugtakan kan satuyang padabang Bacon. an dating patara-tara ni dioneda na "Bacon, Magayon, Padabaon", naging Bacon, Magayon, Paparaon. herak man kan mga aki ta.
bako tabi ini pag raot kay Mayor Leovic Dioneda kundi pag saysay sana kan katotoohan kan mga nangyari sa taon kan saiyang administrasyon sa Bacon.
salamat tabi sa pag basa nindo.
an saindong kahimanwa,
"itom na pantera"
Everyone.. I need answers. Hahaha. Ano po mga Festival sa Bacon??
Post a Comment