The direction of a culture’s evolution is often predicated by its roots. While one doesn’t have to look far at how much the Filipino has suffered from foreign influence, the collective personality of the nation needs to take stock of its internal, national, and world view, learn its lessons, and grow up. And that entails a certain level of collective social conciousness that the Filipino everyman is incapable of at this time. Only by strengthening—nay, demanding—social responsibility of each child, will generations of negative self-image redirect the cultural evolution get into a positive, harmonious, and productive future.

Lisa, I admire your writing style. It’s witty, erudite, and certainly conveys your passion for the country. And I too, love Baguio. I miss it terribly. Keep it up—you do wonderful work.

Robert

The funny thing is folks have such a way of labeling people who question the status quo as radicals but honestly, this Philippine status quo is radically OPPRESSIVE.

Thus those who accept the way things are, not wanting to change them for the betterment of ALL Filipinos, not questioning the inequity of it all, being so complacent and “happy” while so many are suffering, are sooo BAD!

A long time ago, I was told by a true leftist that “if I was not with them I was against them” and I reeled at that! Because as an ordinary citizen, I was neither apathetic nor oppressive, except that I did not believe in the JOMA line.

But now I understand that stance, except that I am not advocating communism — just trying to raise the consciousness of ordinary individuals as far as their important role as an active citizen is concerned.

For we do deserve the way we are being governed if we do not engage in the different spheres of society — cultural, economic and political.

I insist on a renewed, safe, productive Baguio. On a renewed, safe and productive Philippines.