Dr. Ravi Batra talks on PROUT and World Poverty
Posted:
Monday, December 24, 2007
After Capitalism
Posted:
Saturday, December 15, 2007
After Capitalism: Prout’s Vision for a New World sheds light on the Progressive Utilization Theory, or Prout, a socio-economic model based on decentralized economic democracy, cooperative enterprise and the ethics of inclusion. Noam Chomsky, Frei Betto, Johan Galtung, Leonardo Boff, Sohail Inayatullah, Ravi Batra, Mark Friedman and Marcos Arruda – have contributed to this revolutionary new book that presents comprehensive and practical answers.
The book asserts that capitalism contains the seeds of its own destruction, based as it is on greed, intense competition and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. In contrast, Prout provides a model of economic development grounded in universal values. It seeks to balance regional self-reliant economic development with ecological protection, and encourages creativity and innovation.
In his preface to the book, Noam Chomsky stated, “Alternative visions are crucial at this moment in history. Prout’s cooperative model of economic democracy, based on cardinal human values and sharing the resources of the planet for the welfare of everyone, deserves our serious consideration.” Historian Howard Zinn, author of the best-selling A People’s History of the United States, wrote: “After Capitalism is refreshingly original. It is spiritual and utopian while remaining grounded in reality. Its analysis is intelligent and its vision inspiring.”
Theologian Leonardo Boff, in his contribution to the book, wrote that Prout “is very important to all who yearn for a liberation which starts from economics and opens to a totality of personal and social human existence.” Frei Betto, said, “The constitutional proposals of Prout are the ethical summary of everything that humanity needs to accomplish universal fraternity.”
After Capitalism offers refreshing new hope for a world without poverty, war and injustice. It is a practical, sustainable vision for future generations. It is a comprehensive approach to eradicate poverty, improve the quality of life and make every region of the world self-reliant.
The book shows:
· Why, unlike capitalism and communism, the concepts of Prout are in harmony with human psychology;
· How Prout’s vision can restore ecological balance and nurture the soul;
· Where model projects and political movements based on Prout are located;
· How to implement Prout’s economic democracy and self-determination in your region.
The Author: Dada Maheshvarananda is unusual: an American who chose to become an orange-clad monk of the Yoga tradition. He is a highly respected monk, social service worker, social activist and organizer, and a teacher of meditation and Yoga. Dada has worked with exceptional commitment in these capacities for over thirty years. He has served and benefited many people and communities throughout the world -- Southeast Asia, South Asia, South America and North America. Dada Maheshvarananda has studied and continues to study the theory and application of the Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT).
Dada also studied under the personal guidance of the visionary and founder of PROUT, the late Mr. Prabhat R. Sarkar (1920-1990). He has dedicated his life to not only conveying what PROUT is, but more so to serving "all living beings" through PROUT's application. Mr. Maheshvarananda is affectionately referred to as Dada, which simply means "brother." His complete name is Acharya Maheshvarananda Avadhuta, a Sanskrit name. Acharya is a title meaning "spiritual teacher" and "one who teaches by example." The name Maheshvarananda signifies "one who experiences the bliss of the Lord." Avadhuta means "renunciate monk dedicated to service."
After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese editions.
Dada Maheshvarananda
Instituto Venezolano de Investigación de Prout
Prout Research Institute of Venezuela
www.aftercapitalism.org
Tel. (58)-212-578-4587, cel. (58)-412-601-6572
Skype: dadamaheshvarananda
The book asserts that capitalism contains the seeds of its own destruction, based as it is on greed, intense competition and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. In contrast, Prout provides a model of economic development grounded in universal values. It seeks to balance regional self-reliant economic development with ecological protection, and encourages creativity and innovation.
In his preface to the book, Noam Chomsky stated, “Alternative visions are crucial at this moment in history. Prout’s cooperative model of economic democracy, based on cardinal human values and sharing the resources of the planet for the welfare of everyone, deserves our serious consideration.” Historian Howard Zinn, author of the best-selling A People’s History of the United States, wrote: “After Capitalism is refreshingly original. It is spiritual and utopian while remaining grounded in reality. Its analysis is intelligent and its vision inspiring.”
Theologian Leonardo Boff, in his contribution to the book, wrote that Prout “is very important to all who yearn for a liberation which starts from economics and opens to a totality of personal and social human existence.” Frei Betto, said, “The constitutional proposals of Prout are the ethical summary of everything that humanity needs to accomplish universal fraternity.”
After Capitalism offers refreshing new hope for a world without poverty, war and injustice. It is a practical, sustainable vision for future generations. It is a comprehensive approach to eradicate poverty, improve the quality of life and make every region of the world self-reliant.
The book shows:
· Why, unlike capitalism and communism, the concepts of Prout are in harmony with human psychology;
· How Prout’s vision can restore ecological balance and nurture the soul;
· Where model projects and political movements based on Prout are located;
· How to implement Prout’s economic democracy and self-determination in your region.
The Author: Dada Maheshvarananda is unusual: an American who chose to become an orange-clad monk of the Yoga tradition. He is a highly respected monk, social service worker, social activist and organizer, and a teacher of meditation and Yoga. Dada has worked with exceptional commitment in these capacities for over thirty years. He has served and benefited many people and communities throughout the world -- Southeast Asia, South Asia, South America and North America. Dada Maheshvarananda has studied and continues to study the theory and application of the Progressive Utilization Theory (PROUT).
Dada also studied under the personal guidance of the visionary and founder of PROUT, the late Mr. Prabhat R. Sarkar (1920-1990). He has dedicated his life to not only conveying what PROUT is, but more so to serving "all living beings" through PROUT's application. Mr. Maheshvarananda is affectionately referred to as Dada, which simply means "brother." His complete name is Acharya Maheshvarananda Avadhuta, a Sanskrit name. Acharya is a title meaning "spiritual teacher" and "one who teaches by example." The name Maheshvarananda signifies "one who experiences the bliss of the Lord." Avadhuta means "renunciate monk dedicated to service."
After Capitalism: Prout's Vision for a New World is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese editions.
Mindanao Ehem Forum and Fellowship
Posted:
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Attention all Ehemers in Mindanao and in Davao City: you are invited to our regular annual forum of the Mindanao Ehem TWG for 2007 (our second forum this year; the first one was on elections last April).
Our upcoming forum will be held on December 17, 2007 (Monday) @ 1-5 PM. The venue is at the Conference Hall of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) at the SSS Bldg, Bajada St., Davao City.
For this forum, we will have a public lecture with book launching/book signing on anti-fixing and anti-red tape reforms in the government and Philippine society. This forum is also sponsored by the MEDCo and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Invitations in the TWG's database will be sent out. But if you are interested, you are very much welcome. You can also confirm your attendance to Cecile Desesto (082-2274217) or Fe Munez (082-2212179/80). Snacks and cocktails will be provided by MEDCo and OPAPP. This activity will also be a Christmas fellowship of Ehemers and Ehem agencies.
Special topics will focus on social capital and corruption (Bagong koneksyon laban sa korupsyon!), and the dark side of social capital (fixers' networks and networks of fixers).
There will be a book display of the FIXING SOCIETY: The Inside World of Fixers in the Philippines. Each book sells at P450 pesos.
We hope to see you all in our affair!
Below is the program for the forum!
--------------------------
The Mindanao Ehem Technical Working Group (Ehem TWG)
in coordination with
The Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP)
Mindanao Economic and Development Council (MEDCo)
Office of the Ombudsman and the Association of Resident Ombudsmen
(AROGA)
and
Ehem Anticorruption Project
4th TWG Annual Forum and Christmas Fellowship Public Lecture and Book Launching on
Anti-Fixing and Anti-Red Tape Reforms in the Philippines
December 17, 2007 | Monday | 1:00-5:00 PM
MEDCo Conference Hall, SSS Bldg, Bajada St., Davao City
Theme: "Bagong Koneksyon Laban sa Korupsyon!"
1:00 – 1:30
Registration and Book Sale
1:30 – 1:45
Call to Assembly and Opening Ceremonies
1:45 – 2:00
Recognition of Officials and Guests
Recognition of Ehem Champions in the Government and Private Sectors
Recognition of TWG Members and Forum Host and Sponsor
2:00 – 2:10
Welcome Remarks
Hon. Sec. Virgilio Leyretana, Sr.
MEDCo Chairman and Ehem Mindanao TWG Convenor
2:10 – 2:30
Keynote Remarks
Hon. Sec. Jesus G. Dureza
Presidential Adviser
2:30 – 3:00
Lecture 1:
"Ang Bagong Koneksyon, Laban sa Korupsyon"
(Social Capital and Corruption)
Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, PhD
Ehem Team Leader
3:00 – 4:00
Lecture 2:
Fixing Society: The Inside World of Fixers in the Philippines
(Dark Side of Social Capital)
Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado
Ehem National Coordinator and Book Author
4:00 – 4:30
Panel Open Forum
4:30 – 5:00
Ehem Fellowship and Book Signing
Host and Sponsor:
OPAPP and MEDCo
Emcee:
Ms. Arlene Lozano
Ehem Mindanao TWG Co-Convenor
Our upcoming forum will be held on December 17, 2007 (Monday) @ 1-5 PM. The venue is at the Conference Hall of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) at the SSS Bldg, Bajada St., Davao City.
For this forum, we will have a public lecture with book launching/book signing on anti-fixing and anti-red tape reforms in the government and Philippine society. This forum is also sponsored by the MEDCo and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Invitations in the TWG's database will be sent out. But if you are interested, you are very much welcome. You can also confirm your attendance to Cecile Desesto (082-2274217) or Fe Munez (082-2212179/80). Snacks and cocktails will be provided by MEDCo and OPAPP. This activity will also be a Christmas fellowship of Ehemers and Ehem agencies.
Special topics will focus on social capital and corruption (Bagong koneksyon laban sa korupsyon!), and the dark side of social capital (fixers' networks and networks of fixers).
There will be a book display of the FIXING SOCIETY: The Inside World of Fixers in the Philippines. Each book sells at P450 pesos.
We hope to see you all in our affair!
Below is the program for the forum!
--------------------------
The Mindanao Ehem Technical Working Group (Ehem TWG)
in coordination with
The Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP)
Mindanao Economic and Development Council (MEDCo)
Office of the Ombudsman and the Association of Resident Ombudsmen
(AROGA)
and
Ehem Anticorruption Project
4th TWG Annual Forum and Christmas Fellowship Public Lecture and Book Launching on
Anti-Fixing and Anti-Red Tape Reforms in the Philippines
December 17, 2007 | Monday | 1:00-5:00 PM
MEDCo Conference Hall, SSS Bldg, Bajada St., Davao City
Theme: "Bagong Koneksyon Laban sa Korupsyon!"
1:00 – 1:30
Registration and Book Sale
1:30 – 1:45
Call to Assembly and Opening Ceremonies
1:45 – 2:00
Recognition of Officials and Guests
Recognition of Ehem Champions in the Government and Private Sectors
Recognition of TWG Members and Forum Host and Sponsor
2:00 – 2:10
Welcome Remarks
Hon. Sec. Virgilio Leyretana, Sr.
MEDCo Chairman and Ehem Mindanao TWG Convenor
2:10 – 2:30
Keynote Remarks
Hon. Sec. Jesus G. Dureza
Presidential Adviser
2:30 – 3:00
Lecture 1:
"Ang Bagong Koneksyon, Laban sa Korupsyon"
(Social Capital and Corruption)
Fr. Albert E. Alejo, SJ, PhD
Ehem Team Leader
3:00 – 4:00
Lecture 2:
Fixing Society: The Inside World of Fixers in the Philippines
(Dark Side of Social Capital)
Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado
Ehem National Coordinator and Book Author
4:00 – 4:30
Panel Open Forum
4:30 – 5:00
Ehem Fellowship and Book Signing
Host and Sponsor:
OPAPP and MEDCo
Emcee:
Ms. Arlene Lozano
Ehem Mindanao TWG Co-Convenor
Support the Sumilao farmers!
Posted:
Monday, November 26, 2007
"To make democracy successful, economic power must be vested in the hands of the local people and the minimum requirements of life must be guaranteed to all. This is the only way to ensure the economic liberation of the people."
-- Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar
Photo Credit by Jimmy Domingo
54 farmers from Sumilao, walking for 60 days, from Bukidnon to Manila, covering 1,700 kilometers, to ask President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to distribute their ancestral lands to them under the agrarian reform program...
The Sumilao farmers have endured being away from home, being in uncertain places, with uncertain outcomes. They have nothing but the solidarity and goodness of people, and the hope that, in the end, truth and social justice will prevail.
Sign the online petition here:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sumilaofarmers/
Read more updates here:
A Position Paper on the Sumilao Farmers’ Struggle for Access to their Land
Latest book of Dr Ravi Batra
Posted:
Monday, November 26, 2007
Dr. Ravi Batra - is author of six international bestsellers, two of which appeared on the New York Times list. He has appeared on CBS, NBC, CNN, ABC, and CNBC and has been profiled in The New York Times, Time, Newsweek, and many more. He is a professor of economics at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
THIS BOOK is a must read for anyone interested in bringing sanity to the global economy, which is currently afflicted with numerous debts, deficits and special interests. It is also a must read for those seeking an objective evaluation of the Bush administration’s policies making headlines today. The simplicity with which Batra presents his arguments and counters the orthodoxy will astound you. The book also includes Batra’s forecast made in 1980 that Islam would convulse the western world around the year 2000. The 9/11 massacre was clearly foreseen by the author.
Contents:
- The Two Faces of Alan Greenspan
- The Social Security Fraud
- Greenonomics: Free Profits Define Free Markets
- Greenspan’s Intellectual Fraud
- Greenspan and the Globe
- What Causes a Stock Market Bubble and Its Crash?
- The Income Tax Rate and Our Living Standard
- Does the Minimum Wage Create Unemployment?
- Greenspan and the Galloping Trade Deficit
- The Legacy of Greenomics
- Economic Reform
Hunghong sa Yuta: 32nd Gawad Urian 2009 nominee
Posted:
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Hunghong sa Yuta ( "Earth's Whisper" )
A film by Arnel Mardoquio
MTV Credits:
Music: "Pambihirang Nilikha" by Popong Landero
Cinematographer: Egay Navarro
Editor: Arthur Ian L. Garcia
32nd Gawad Urian 2009 nominee for:
Best Picture
Borthers of Sacred Heart Youth Mininstry
Best Director
Arnel Mardoquio
Best Screenplay
Arnel Mardoquio
Best Production Design
Best Cinematography
Egay Navarro
Best Music
awarded to Popong Landero
Best Sound
Emmanuel Nolet Clemente
The 4th Sunrise Festival
Posted:
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The sunrise festival is a celebration of arts held annually in the different regions of Maharlika (Philippines).
This socio-cultural festivity is a collaborative effort among professional and upcoming artists in the country, it is now the 4th national event organized by the Maharlika Artists and Writers Federation (MAWF).
The festival is a continuing national cultural movement to develop a high value and a total integration of all aspects of arts: music, theatre, literary, dance, senses, emotions and intuition and spirit.
This socio-cultural festivity is a collaborative effort among professional and upcoming artists in the country, it is now the 4th national event organized by the Maharlika Artists and Writers Federation (MAWF).
The festival is a continuing national cultural movement to develop a high value and a total integration of all aspects of arts: music, theatre, literary, dance, senses, emotions and intuition and spirit.
Kindly visit the web site: http://maharlikasunrisefest.com
Meme Na Mindanaw
Posted:
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Congrats to MBS1 success!
Posted:
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Participants of the 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit. (Photo by Charles Ortiz)
Burma Crisis: Need Your Support!
Posted:
Friday, October 05, 2007
Dear friends, have you heard about the crisis in Burma?
Burma is ruled by one of the worst military dictatorships in the world. Last month Buddhist monks and nuns began marching and chanting prayers to call for democracy. The protests spread and hundreds of thousands of Burmese people joined in -- but they've been brutally attacked by the military regime.
I just signed a petition calling on Burma's powerful ally China and the UN security council to step in and pressure Burma's rulers to stop the killing
The emergency petition to stop the crackdown on peaceful protesters in Burma is exploding, with nearly 500,000 signers from every nation of the world. But the situation in Burma remains desperate, with reports of hundreds of monks being massacred and tortured. Burma's rulers have also killed and expelled international journalists, cutting off global media coverage of their cruelty.
China is still the key - the country with the most power to halt the Burmese generals' reign of terror. We're delivering our message this week with a massive ad campaign in major newspapers, beginning with a full page ad in the Financial Times worldwide tomorrow, and in the South China Morning Post on Thursday. The strength of the ad comes from the number of petition signers listed – can we reach our goal of 1 million signatures this week? The link to sign the petition and view the ad is below, forward this email to all your friends and family!
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/u.php
China continues to provide key economic and military support to Burma's dictatorship, but it has been openly critical of the crackdown. Now we need the government to match words with actions. Our ad paints a powerful moment of choice for China in its relationship with the world – will it be a responsible and respected member of the global community, or will it be associated with tyranny and oppression?
People power, on the streets of Burma, and around the world, can triumph over tyranny. Our strength is in our numbers, spread the word!
With hope and determination,
Ricken, Paul, Ben, Graziela, Pascal, Galit and the whole Avaaz team.
For the best local reporting on the situation in Burma, try these links:
http://www.irrawaddy.org
http://www.mizzima.com
39th Charter Day of General Santos City
Posted:
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Gensan City Officials headed by Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. and Congresswoman Darlene Custodio lead city officials and guests in releasing balloons to signal to opening of the celebration of the 39th Cityhood Anniversary of the city on September 5, 2007 at the Gen. Paulino Santos Shrine. The activity was preceded by a Mass and Flag-Raising Ceremony. Also in the photo are Vice Mayor Florentina Congson, Councilors Odjok Acharon, Richard Atendido, Boyet Leyson, Bing Dinopol, Doming Lagare, First Lady Dr. Rose Acharon, Festival Director Bebot Haw, Dep Ed Superintendent Estrella Lariosa, among others. The day is also the culmination of the week-long 2007 Tuna Festival.
WINNING TUNAFEST FLOAT. The P100,000 Grand Prize Winner in the Float Competition entered by the East Asia Royale Hotel during the culmination of the 2007 Tuna Festival at the Oval Plaza Grounds on September 5, 2007. The other winners are SAFII Group of Companies (2nd place), RD Group of Companies (3rd place) and TSP Marine Industries (4th place). This year's contest brought in 21 participating entries, the biggest number in its history.
MS.GENSAN 2007. 20-year old NDDU Nursing Student Belle Esteban of Barangay Apopong was crowned Ms. Gensan 2007 on the night of September 2, 2007 in a jampacked ceremony at the KCC Convention & Trade Center. With her in the foto is her court (L-R) 1st Runner-Up Jen Cachuela and 2nd Runner-Up Lynn Menong. The Ms. Gensan Pageant is an official event of the 2007 Tuna Festival and is sponsored by the City Government of Gensan, the GSCCCII, Tuna Festival Council & the KCC Malls.
(cmo-gensan/aomanansala)
(cmo-gensan/aomanansala)
Artist Director Cyrus Nobleza depart this life
Posted:
Monday, September 03, 2007
Kahayag Community Dance and Theater Co's., present Artistic Director, Cyrus Nobleza, found lifeless due to carjack arrest at his pad in Koronadal City.
Being one of the culture and arts office staff in the province of South Cotabato, Cyrus assumed the Artistic Direction of Kahayag on 2005. He is instrumental to the groups participation to the Wi-Fi Body: Contemporary Dance Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June of 2006. His great courage of pushing the group's artistic and cultural pursuit was an inspiring contribution to the development of contemporary dance in Mindanao. His dance creations with Kahayag and his winning pieces in the Mindanao Modern Dance Competition since 2002-2006 gained him recognition and respect as choreographer from icons/personalities of Philippine dance community. His Cyber Crew Dancer (an all-male dance group he established) became popular, boosting their members to continue hone their craft as one of the respected contemporary dance groups in the region.
More than a dance artist, Cyrus is one of the respectable cultural workers in the province. He prefer to work as culture and art staff of the province in exchange of the great opportunities waiting for a top-notched registered nurse like him abroad.
May this fellow will continue to inspire us in our continuing pursuit for artistic excellence and endeavor in shaping the Filipino culture and changing the lives of the people for the better in our own way as artists and cultural workers.
Cy, you will always be remembered...
NOEL GARROVILLO
Founding Artistic Director
Kahayag Community Dance and Theater Company
Being one of the culture and arts office staff in the province of South Cotabato, Cyrus assumed the Artistic Direction of Kahayag on 2005. He is instrumental to the groups participation to the Wi-Fi Body: Contemporary Dance Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June of 2006. His great courage of pushing the group's artistic and cultural pursuit was an inspiring contribution to the development of contemporary dance in Mindanao. His dance creations with Kahayag and his winning pieces in the Mindanao Modern Dance Competition since 2002-2006 gained him recognition and respect as choreographer from icons/personalities of Philippine dance community. His Cyber Crew Dancer (an all-male dance group he established) became popular, boosting their members to continue hone their craft as one of the respected contemporary dance groups in the region.
More than a dance artist, Cyrus is one of the respectable cultural workers in the province. He prefer to work as culture and art staff of the province in exchange of the great opportunities waiting for a top-notched registered nurse like him abroad.
May this fellow will continue to inspire us in our continuing pursuit for artistic excellence and endeavor in shaping the Filipino culture and changing the lives of the people for the better in our own way as artists and cultural workers.
Cy, you will always be remembered...
NOEL GARROVILLO
Founding Artistic Director
Kahayag Community Dance and Theater Company
Nationalism and the language issue
Posted:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I’d like to take a modest time to discuss a few insights about language issues in the Philippine setting -- since this is relevant in the WIKA 2007 occasion. Because of this event (MARAMING WIKA, MATATAG NA BANSA), I’ve been more and more aware recently entries of a certain misunderstanding that a lot of Filipinos have thought about language vis-à-vis nationalism.
Nationalism does not equal language. Language does not equal nationalism. Perhaps they may be correlated, yet they are not the same… and this confusing of the two is an unfortunate misleading notion in our popular thinking about national (Pilipino) language, identity, and culture that really limits us from having a truly culturally diverse experience with each other.
Why is this disagrees with? In its positive sense nationalism is nothing other than a philosophy of political self-determination instigate by geo-sentiments or socio-sentiments in other terms. While language is the inner human expression of once culture. The language of the tongue varies in accordance to place, time and person. Just as the communication style of men varies from that of women because of their different experiences. The study of the English languages evolution and expansion over the last hundred years, to accommodate changing values and technological advancements, is a good example of dynamic language.
Our history tells us that the Philippines is a classic example of pseudo-cultural exploitation. After the Americans “liberated” the Filipinos from Spanish colonization in 1898, … they embarked on an intensive ten-year pacification campaign of pseudo-cultural propagation. They strictly suppressed all expression of Filipino culture --- books, plays and even the raising of the national flag. The nationwide school system organized by the American established English as the language of instruction, distorted the history of American occupation, taught American rather than Filipino history, and altogether glorified the American way of life.
Until today, this pseudo-cultural exploitation is still dominant in the Philippine society. This problem has been a system that does not encourage self-reliance on individual, cultural, and economic levels. Indeed, P.R. Sarkar wrote in his Neo-Humanism: the Liberation of Intellect: “If the people’s cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles for political and social freedom will end in nothing. Can those necks and backs are crushed under the weight of pseudo-culture be expected to hold their heads high in any sphere of life.”
In this context, the key to the maintenance of psycho-economic exploitation is cultural exploitation. And if we think only about the present and the future, and we don’t reflectively think about our pasts, any cultural dialogue is empty and false. Any ‘multiculturalism’ based on deceptive and naive ideas of culture, is not multiculturalism at all, but some convenient and valueless conformity to substitute harmony.
Nationalism does not equal language. Language does not equal nationalism. Perhaps they may be correlated, yet they are not the same… and this confusing of the two is an unfortunate misleading notion in our popular thinking about national (Pilipino) language, identity, and culture that really limits us from having a truly culturally diverse experience with each other.
Why is this disagrees with? In its positive sense nationalism is nothing other than a philosophy of political self-determination instigate by geo-sentiments or socio-sentiments in other terms. While language is the inner human expression of once culture. The language of the tongue varies in accordance to place, time and person. Just as the communication style of men varies from that of women because of their different experiences. The study of the English languages evolution and expansion over the last hundred years, to accommodate changing values and technological advancements, is a good example of dynamic language.
Our history tells us that the Philippines is a classic example of pseudo-cultural exploitation. After the Americans “liberated” the Filipinos from Spanish colonization in 1898, … they embarked on an intensive ten-year pacification campaign of pseudo-cultural propagation. They strictly suppressed all expression of Filipino culture --- books, plays and even the raising of the national flag. The nationwide school system organized by the American established English as the language of instruction, distorted the history of American occupation, taught American rather than Filipino history, and altogether glorified the American way of life.
Until today, this pseudo-cultural exploitation is still dominant in the Philippine society. This problem has been a system that does not encourage self-reliance on individual, cultural, and economic levels. Indeed, P.R. Sarkar wrote in his Neo-Humanism: the Liberation of Intellect: “If the people’s cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles for political and social freedom will end in nothing. Can those necks and backs are crushed under the weight of pseudo-culture be expected to hold their heads high in any sphere of life.”
In this context, the key to the maintenance of psycho-economic exploitation is cultural exploitation. And if we think only about the present and the future, and we don’t reflectively think about our pasts, any cultural dialogue is empty and false. Any ‘multiculturalism’ based on deceptive and naive ideas of culture, is not multiculturalism at all, but some convenient and valueless conformity to substitute harmony.
Anthology of essays by young Moro writers
Posted:
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am proud to announce that Children of the Ever-Changing Moon, an anthology of essays by young Moro writers, will be out by the end of August. The release will coincide with the annual Manila International Book Fair on August 29 to September 2 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The book will then be available in National Bookstore, Powerbooks and other leading bookstores across the country by September.
Children of the Ever-Changing Moon, published by Anvil, features essays by some of our brilliant, gifted young minds today. The writers are:
* Pearlsha Abubakar
* Ayesah Abubakar
* Sarah Matalam Alvarez
* Mucha-Shim Quiling Arquiza
* Nefertari Al Raschid-Arsad
* Allyson Banga-an
* Ayesha Merdeka Alonto-Datu Ramos
* Sittie Jamairah Disomimba
* Samira Ali Gutoc
* Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman
* Loren Hallilah Lao
* Zainudin Malang
* Farida D. Mending
* Gonaranao B. Musor
We have a book launch in Davao City tentatively set onSeptember 18.
Please support us by getting a copy of the book, and spreading this news to your friends and family.
If you have queries, you can reach me at 0920-2555305 / 0920-9049336.
Salam,
Teng Mangansakan
Editor
URL: http://www.morofilm.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gutierrez Mangansakan II, an award-winning writer and filmmaker from Maguindanao, the book will have its Davao City launch on September 18 and will be available in all leading bookstores across the country also next month.
I am proud to announce that Children of the Ever-Changing Moon, an anthology of essays by young Moro writers, will be out by the end of August. The release will coincide with the annual Manila International Book Fair on August 29 to September 2 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The book will then be available in National Bookstore, Powerbooks and other leading bookstores across the country by September.
Children of the Ever-Changing Moon, published by Anvil, features essays by some of our brilliant, gifted young minds today. The writers are:
* Pearlsha Abubakar* Ayesah Abubakar
* Sarah Matalam Alvarez
* Mucha-Shim Quiling Arquiza
* Nefertari Al Raschid-Arsad
* Allyson Banga-an
* Ayesha Merdeka Alonto-Datu Ramos
* Sittie Jamairah Disomimba
* Samira Ali Gutoc
* Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman
* Loren Hallilah Lao
* Zainudin Malang
* Farida D. Mending
* Gonaranao B. Musor
We have a book launch in Davao City tentatively set onSeptember 18.
Please support us by getting a copy of the book, and spreading this news to your friends and family.
If you have queries, you can reach me at 0920-2555305 / 0920-9049336.
Salam,
Teng Mangansakan
Editor
URL: http://www.morofilm.com/
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Gutierrez Mangansakan II, an award-winning writer and filmmaker from Maguindanao, the book will have its Davao City launch on September 18 and will be available in all leading bookstores across the country also next month.
M'lang student wins global art competition
Posted:
Friday, July 27, 2007
STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS WIN PRIZES
IN GLOBAL WFP DESIGN COMPETITION
WFP Global Art Competition winner Jeric Mansat of New Kalibo Elementary School, New Kalibo, Mlang describes his artwork, showing how a little boy (whom he says is himself), if given enough food, will be able to study well and fulfill his dreams.
Although only 12 years old, Jeric Mansat has been named as one of the winners in the international WFP Children's Art Competition for 2007, an annual event organized by the United Nations World Food Programme. Today he was presented with his prize – US $100 for himself, and $200 for his school to purchase stationery and art materials.
Jeric Mansat’s winning design, which used bright colours to show the transition from child participating in WFP-sponsored school feeding programme to happy graduate, was one of 13 finalists selected from a short-list of 200 drawings by primary schoolchildren in 40 different countries.
All the students are attending schools participating in WFP’s worldwide school feeding programmes, designed to both fortify the health of primary school children as well as keep them in the classroom. Participating students receive a daily, mid-morning snack of recipes from corn soya blend (CSB) enriched by 13 essential vitamins and minerals.
Jeric, who likes honest and helpful people and lists reading books and magazines as some of his hobbies, wants to be an engineer when he grows up so he can build houses for street children. He was only a 6th grade student at New Kalibo Elementary School in Mlang, Cotabato Province when he joined the competition but now attends high school in South Cotabato.
“These children are our future. It’s important to invest in them,” said Valerie Guarnieri, WFP Country Director for the Philippines, as she co-hosted today’s prize-winning ceremonies along with Cotabato Provincial Governor Jesus Sacdalan.
The theme of this year’s competition, involving both a drawing and an accompanying explanatory text, was “The Difference WFP School Meals Make To My Life”.
Five drawings exploring the theme were originally submitted to the competition judges in Rome, Italy. They were selected from more than 11 designs sketched by students from schools in the Philippines.
“All of us at WFP congratulate these young artists for creating such unique and inspiring works,” said WFP Country Director Guarnieri.
The designs from WFP’s global competition are currently being incorporated into greeting cards, calendars and agendas, all of which will soon be available for sale on WFP’s website.
# # #
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: on average, each year, we give food to 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs, including 58 million hungry children, in 80 of the world's poorest countries. WFP -- We Feed People.
WFP Global School Feeding Campaign – For just 19 US cents a day, you can help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school – a gift of hope for a brighter future.
Visit our website : www.wfp.org
For more information please contact (email address:
firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
Antonina Ducusin, WFP/Philippines,
Tel +63-2-750-2561, Cell +63-917-8803145
Aveen Acuña-Gulo, WFP/Philippines,
Tel +63-64-421-4647, Cell +63-917-880-9366
Valerie Guarnieri, WFP/Philippines,
Tel. +63-2-750-2561, Cell. +63-917-883-4413
Paul Risley, WFP/Bangkok, Tel. +66-2-6554115, Cell +66-1-7019208
IN GLOBAL WFP DESIGN COMPETITION
WFP Global Art Competition winner Jeric Mansat of New Kalibo Elementary School, New Kalibo, Mlang describes his artwork, showing how a little boy (whom he says is himself), if given enough food, will be able to study well and fulfill his dreams. Although only 12 years old, Jeric Mansat has been named as one of the winners in the international WFP Children's Art Competition for 2007, an annual event organized by the United Nations World Food Programme. Today he was presented with his prize – US $100 for himself, and $200 for his school to purchase stationery and art materials.
Jeric Mansat’s winning design, which used bright colours to show the transition from child participating in WFP-sponsored school feeding programme to happy graduate, was one of 13 finalists selected from a short-list of 200 drawings by primary schoolchildren in 40 different countries.
All the students are attending schools participating in WFP’s worldwide school feeding programmes, designed to both fortify the health of primary school children as well as keep them in the classroom. Participating students receive a daily, mid-morning snack of recipes from corn soya blend (CSB) enriched by 13 essential vitamins and minerals.
Jeric, who likes honest and helpful people and lists reading books and magazines as some of his hobbies, wants to be an engineer when he grows up so he can build houses for street children. He was only a 6th grade student at New Kalibo Elementary School in Mlang, Cotabato Province when he joined the competition but now attends high school in South Cotabato.
“These children are our future. It’s important to invest in them,” said Valerie Guarnieri, WFP Country Director for the Philippines, as she co-hosted today’s prize-winning ceremonies along with Cotabato Provincial Governor Jesus Sacdalan.
The theme of this year’s competition, involving both a drawing and an accompanying explanatory text, was “The Difference WFP School Meals Make To My Life”.
Five drawings exploring the theme were originally submitted to the competition judges in Rome, Italy. They were selected from more than 11 designs sketched by students from schools in the Philippines.
“All of us at WFP congratulate these young artists for creating such unique and inspiring works,” said WFP Country Director Guarnieri.
The designs from WFP’s global competition are currently being incorporated into greeting cards, calendars and agendas, all of which will soon be available for sale on WFP’s website.
# # #
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: on average, each year, we give food to 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs, including 58 million hungry children, in 80 of the world's poorest countries. WFP -- We Feed People.
WFP Global School Feeding Campaign – For just 19 US cents a day, you can help WFP give children in poor countries a healthy meal at school – a gift of hope for a brighter future.
Visit our website : www.wfp.org
For more information please contact (email address:
firstname.lastname@wfp.org):
Antonina Ducusin, WFP/Philippines,
Tel +63-2-750-2561, Cell +63-917-8803145
Aveen Acuña-Gulo, WFP/Philippines,
Tel +63-64-421-4647, Cell +63-917-880-9366
Valerie Guarnieri, WFP/Philippines,
Tel. +63-2-750-2561, Cell. +63-917-883-4413
Paul Risley, WFP/Bangkok, Tel. +66-2-6554115, Cell +66-1-7019208
Nostalgia of South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi
Posted:
Monday, July 23, 2007
This is not about Oliver North of Fox News war reporting in the southern Philippines. This is about the personal account and snapshot of Hector Minoza in the early days of 2004 visit at South Ubian island of Tawi-Tawi.
South Ubian – is among of the many islands in the southern Philippines that are not known to common Filipino people. This island municipality had a total population of more or less 27,300 in the year 2000. The indigenous people are predominantly the Sama tribe.
Luckily, I was able to visit the island community and witness the distinctive lifestyle of the Sama people. This was a memorable experienced I’ve encountered during my interface with the locals, listening to their sentiments, their stories, their despair in life, their dreams, and their strong faith to survive economically. The locals had a hard life to cope with their problem on scarcity of potable water and they are used to take rainwater for their continued existence. Their livelihood is highly dependent with what resources available they can catch at Celebes Sea.
AMSAI Sunrise in Alabel
Posted:
Saturday, July 21, 2007
from Didi Amita
Every step I move my leg in Gensan, my first posting I saw children around. They are so pure and when I look to their eyes full of hope telling me that they want to have a better future. I went to Alabel a small village 45 minutes from Gensan, to visit one sister, many kids are there. When I ask them do they go to school, they answer me “no” in very sad face. I can feel they’re telling me why my friends can go to school, and why I can’t?
I observe there’s not enough school. That sister requested me to build one school for them. I ask myself how can I fulfill her request? I have nothing in my hand even a single Peso? After long discussion finally she offer her land 150m to be donated! I was so happy… I still don’t know if is it still possible to build the school only for 2 weeks before the classes started and nothing is in my hands? Even a single cloth for banner I don’t have, that night I just cut my sarii and write on it for enrollment.
Can you imagine that still nothing in your land but already accepting kids, within three days we get 4 kids enrolled and until 7 kids! But how they will study? I just close my eyes and calling His name, then I was so happy when I saw Dada and Didi with some brothers from Davao Training Center came with chairs, tables, and many things.. They came to build the school! I can’t express how much happiness I feel, only one word shout from my heart “thanks Baba……” That day we start to build the school, everybody do the carpenter work. In the evening we have our first DC there! Finally the school finished in 5 days!
The building is so simple and still not complete yet but we have to use already. Jiivaprema, Janaki, teacher Rama, some sisters and myself do painting. I can’t express my feeling when I saw all of them doing the work very sincere.. I can’t control when my tears rolling down. Also sister Sadhana, I feel happiness in my heart because I could share something with them. Only one sentence can express my feeling is “thank you Baba for your grace”.
Now the school is going on with 11 kids.
I observe there’s not enough school. That sister requested me to build one school for them. I ask myself how can I fulfill her request? I have nothing in my hand even a single Peso? After long discussion finally she offer her land 150m to be donated! I was so happy… I still don’t know if is it still possible to build the school only for 2 weeks before the classes started and nothing is in my hands? Even a single cloth for banner I don’t have, that night I just cut my sarii and write on it for enrollment.
Can you imagine that still nothing in your land but already accepting kids, within three days we get 4 kids enrolled and until 7 kids! But how they will study? I just close my eyes and calling His name, then I was so happy when I saw Dada and Didi with some brothers from Davao Training Center came with chairs, tables, and many things.. They came to build the school! I can’t express how much happiness I feel, only one word shout from my heart “thanks Baba……” That day we start to build the school, everybody do the carpenter work. In the evening we have our first DC there! Finally the school finished in 5 days!
The building is so simple and still not complete yet but we have to use already. Jiivaprema, Janaki, teacher Rama, some sisters and myself do painting. I can’t express my feeling when I saw all of them doing the work very sincere.. I can’t control when my tears rolling down. Also sister Sadhana, I feel happiness in my heart because I could share something with them. Only one sentence can express my feeling is “thank you Baba for your grace”.
Now the school is going on with 11 kids.
First Mindanao Bloggers Summit
Posted:
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Welcome to the event details page of the 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit!
The following information, as well as the program of activities below, will be kept up-to-date:
· Date: 27 October 2007 (Saturday)
· Time: 1:30 to 6:00 P.M.
· Venue: 4th Floor, NCCC Mall, Ma-a, Davao City
· Registration Fee: FREE! (However, participants will be required to post an entry on their blogs declaring that they intend to join the Summit. More details on this very soon!)
There will also be a bloggers party after the Summit. Watch this page for more updates on that!
Kindly visit the web site: http://www.mindanaobloggers.com
The following information, as well as the program of activities below, will be kept up-to-date:
· Date: 27 October 2007 (Saturday)
· Time: 1:30 to 6:00 P.M.
· Venue: 4th Floor, NCCC Mall, Ma-a, Davao City
· Registration Fee: FREE! (However, participants will be required to post an entry on their blogs declaring that they intend to join the Summit. More details on this very soon!)
There will also be a bloggers party after the Summit. Watch this page for more updates on that!
Kindly visit the web site: http://www.mindanaobloggers.com
The Maharlikan Sunrise
Posted:
Monday, May 21, 2007
Ysagani “Yatu” Ybarra author of The Maharlikan Sunrise won 4th prize in the Prout Story Writing Competition…
Read more story…
To the brave souls who gathered
At the foot of mystic twin mountains
Who jumpstarted the ripples
Of movements on new waters
Read more story…
World Press Freedom Day
Posted:
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Throughout the world, 3 May serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.
Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
3 May was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991
It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.
It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.
It serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
3 May was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991
It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.
It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.
It serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Earth Day 2007
Posted:
Sunday, April 22, 2007
April 22nd - Earth Day - is always remembered among environmental activist. However, this year 2007 Election in the Philippines, we need to translate our suffrage into Green Vote. Let us elect the candidates who shall support the green movement.
The green vote would push for the passage of a renewable energy bill and committed to support a five-year moratorium on commercial logging operations.
A Glass of Watershed
Posted:
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Watershed account for more than 10 million hectares of our forestlands. Also known as catchment or drainage basin, watersheds are delineated areas of land from which rainwater can drain as surface run-off via a specific stream or river system to a common outlet point.
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Snapshot from 2007 CalendarLand Bank of the Philippines
Anoy Catague tale of indigenous art
Posted:
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Anoy Catague literally had a bloody start with art. At seven, he was urged by his teacher to join an art contest. He refused. The teacher dragged him out of the room to the session hall. "I was crying like hell, embarrassed and ashamed to face people." He won first in the contest and from then on has reaped many awards.
Of below average family, painting became Anoy's passport to artistic recognition. At 17, he worked as editorial artist of a local paper. He moved on to television, both as cameraman and artist. Theater then lured him, doing mural and related pieces.
His visual studies of the neglected brought him to exhibitions in several universities and colleges in Mindanao, even as far as Canada.
This college drop-out who dreams of a Fine Arts degree is an interesting character study as well. To his close friends, he is comic, loyal and just about everything. To acquaintances, he is shy as lamb.
But let his art speak freely of the man.
::::: Anoy is a native of Butuan City :::::
Of below average family, painting became Anoy's passport to artistic recognition. At 17, he worked as editorial artist of a local paper. He moved on to television, both as cameraman and artist. Theater then lured him, doing mural and related pieces.
His turning highlight as an artist occurred when he visited ethnic villages all over Mindanao. Drawn sentimentally to the Lumads (indigenous people), he concentrated his art to them. Since then, Anoy's work is synonymous with the Lumads way of life.
His visual studies of the neglected brought him to exhibitions in several universities and colleges in Mindanao, even as far as Canada.
This college drop-out who dreams of a Fine Arts degree is an interesting character study as well. To his close friends, he is comic, loyal and just about everything. To acquaintances, he is shy as lamb.
But let his art speak freely of the man.
::::: Anoy is a native of Butuan City :::::
About Us
Posted:
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
MINDANAOKINI was created to showcase the development initiatives of various society building movements in Mindanao. These include the socio-economic trends, opportunities, and challenges.
The word "Mindanao + Kini" has a diversity of connotation to various local languages and cultures of Mindanao indigenous people. But the significance is categorically mean "Mindanao existence" - the inherent land of struggle and good fortune.
MINDANAOKINI aims to contribute new insights of development paradigm by providing civic education and advocacy support to local governance efforts to create a congenial environment for economic security, cultural freedom, and political harmony.
MINDANAOKINI envision as key contributor to conduct researches and maintain databank on socio-economic issues, and produces learning materials for capacity development of human and social capital at the grassroots community. Likewise, all services will be accessible to international community through social networking.
MINDANAOKINI adheres to fight against poverty that has been underlying concerns in many urban centers and cities especially in Mindanao. Thus, the strategies to combat poverty are adopted through the four pillars of development known as the SEED (Security, Equity, Empowerment and Decentralization) thematic concern.
The word "Mindanao + Kini" has a diversity of connotation to various local languages and cultures of Mindanao indigenous people. But the significance is categorically mean "Mindanao existence" - the inherent land of struggle and good fortune.
MINDANAOKINI aims to contribute new insights of development paradigm by providing civic education and advocacy support to local governance efforts to create a congenial environment for economic security, cultural freedom, and political harmony.
MINDANAOKINI envision as key contributor to conduct researches and maintain databank on socio-economic issues, and produces learning materials for capacity development of human and social capital at the grassroots community. Likewise, all services will be accessible to international community through social networking.
MINDANAOKINI adheres to fight against poverty that has been underlying concerns in many urban centers and cities especially in Mindanao. Thus, the strategies to combat poverty are adopted through the four pillars of development known as the SEED (Security, Equity, Empowerment and Decentralization) thematic concern.