On Change

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - quoting United States President Barrack Obama’s famous lines about change, it roots from the cliché that “change should start with ourselves”. It is not dependent upon some other external force. No one but ourselves can start the change we so desire.
Change has always been associated with new beginnings.

Whenever something new comes in, the populace always expects that the old system will be changed. The same can be said in the current political situation in the Philippines, wherein a new administration takes over from the former and quite old and infamous one. The rise of Noynoy Aquino as the newly-elected President of the Republic of the Philippines has brought hopes of the country to recover from its deep slump. I think majority, if not of those who voted in his favor sees him as the solution for the country’s traditional problems. “This guy is the legacy of the man who proved that the Filipinos are worth dying for and of the mother of democracy. He is surely capable of developing the country.” – This I think is what those people thought of him. With all due respect, I think otherwise, or should I say, I do not believe it. He might be a son by blood of those so-called “heroes” but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he can imbibe upon the people the same “charisma” or influence the same as his parents. He’ll have to do this in his own way, not just by being branded as the son. He must make a name for himself (which I think, slowly but surely, he’s working out on as of today). But regardless, can one man bring about the change in the society? I don’t think so.

As the above-quoted Obama line states, change is something that will not happen by virtue of other person or time. The message is clear: we should start with ourselves. We should not be waiting for some other person in some other time to make things happen for us. After all, we are living our own life. The fact that it is “exclusively ours” justifies the logic that we should be responsible enough to take care of it, bring about positive changes, and develop it by ourselves. Of course, outside help may be indispensable, but the focal point is it centers on the individual himself. So, talking about change in the larger context, this will mean that a newly installed leader cannot bring about the changes to the country demanded to him ALONE. As he once said, he is not Superman. As if Superman can solve the country’s century-old problems! No one can solve those alone, even if he possesses the highest form of magic or a body of steel.

Then, could this mean that change should start individually, then collectively? Might work.

People change because of some factors: other people or events that tend to influence their behavior, personality, or view of things. Influence from others is different from internal motivation. Although those people had contributed to the “change” in oneself, it can still be inferred that it originated from one’s own volition. The same can be said for the larger circle - the society. Though some other factors might trigger this change, the inherent capacity to do so belongs to the people constituting it.

Then, is it really necessary that something else occurs first before change can happen? It seems that we are always waiting for something unknown, some sort of a different stimulus, before we can realize that we have the ability to change. It may be the natural sequence of things; someone notices something about you, comments negatively or suggests to do an action about it, and in order to conform to that remark, you will try to change. Should things always be like this? We should “change” for “change” to happen. We should be aware enough of our “inner self’ so we will know what needs to be done, instead of depending upon others to point them out.

Nothing stays the same. Change is the only constant things in this world. You cannot step twice on the same river (Heraclitus). These are some of the most famous quotes about change. Among these, I find one that perfectly applies to the “change” I’m referring to in the previous paragraphs:

It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not. – (James Gordon)

So, is it about preparedness to change? .

Yes, that’s one point, but that may not be enough. For every new beginning, we are filled with hope that we can finally make those changes happen. We are placing our hopes upon the occurrence of this “something new” believing that it will be the rallying point towards change. But are we prepared for it? Can we accept it immediately? Can we cope up as soon as it takes effect? Can we maintain it? And of course, can we contribute to it? There are still a lot of things to be considered. If so, then we must be ready for all the consequences the transformation might bring us.

I won’t let this end without mentioning one of the most inspiring lines from a man who I owe a great debt of gratitude. I have this instilled with me from the time he shared this insight to us until today. Unfortunately, it seems I have failed to live this up, but I am always trying to do it. These are the lines that I will keep as a guiding principle:

Today, I will start the change I want to see.
- Bro. Rafael Donato, FSC

Deja Vu

How does it feel to be screamed at the top (or nearly) of somebody else's lungs?

- It feels great! At the least, this is what I expected to receive even before stepping inside the classroom.

For now, I am glad someone recognized how stupid I am.

I am entering ground zero with nothing but guts(and a bit of luck). But (and surely) it seems it wasn't enough.

I am fully aware that we are about to meet "gods" in that place called "hell". We've been warned about it years ago. (I can imagine my former "master" with his pronouncement: "I told you so".) So far, in my second week of classes, there's just one of those gods (errr, or just an apostle maybe). I am not afraid of these gods as long as I know that I have the weapons to neutralize them. Unfortunately,I am very far from reaching those high-powered weapons, only able to bring with me a stick which can barely scratch their gold-plated armors.

So, my first encounter (or should I say "reunion") with a god turned out to be a repeat of my very first actual meeting with such years back. It's obvious that I am not fully prepared for that. I only brought a moist matchstick with me: capable of bringing out sparks but failed to light the grand fire. At the end of the day, I'm worn out of the clash, not realizing that this is just the "initial conflict" of the story.

I am here to build my confidence (which I definitely lack). With this and much knowledge, I will get back to that battlefield and definitely ring the signal to counter-attack.

Memorize not Understand?

So, despite the confusion three years ago:

http://baliwantunaan.blogspot.com/2009/09/changes-posted-in-fs-blog-may-15-2007.html

Here I am now - Threading the path I once thought of doesn't belong to me. To date, I am still unsure about this. Knowing that I have somehow degraded myself from a lot of activities other than mind-enriching ones(I guess reading manga counts as an exception, but work, yes), I continued walking the path of carnage. The outcome: a weaker me. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that I have lost my ability to quickly grasp things and memorize concepts. (one of the few I can be proud of... before) A good memory is what I need at present. I know it is always essential in studying, although a College Professor insisted before the need to "Analyze and not Memorize". Being his follower (and also 'coz I quite believe in the same), that quote has become a guide in my succeeding classes.

Here comes the "actual" experience. Upon my first step on ground zero, another master in the field made an opposite argument.

"Memorize, not understand".

This could mean literally, or it simply implies to give more priority in memorizing rather than understanding. Well, we all look at the same thing differently (I'm beginning to use this phrase quite often). It depends upon our interpretation, whether this will be construed strictly against us or liberally in favor of the other. [What the hell am I talking about?]

It's a long way to go. I could be derailed from this track, who knows? Might be voluntary or forcibly, whatever happens, I am bound to accept. But for the meantime, I'll persevere to keep in this track until that day comes [or does not come/ Here we go again, stipulating a resolutory condition].

Almost forgot what I need right now.

Read,read and read. Then memorize.

Capacity's running out, maybe I need a new hard drive.

Post .. To be updated . May 26, 2010.

Will try to update this post next month, another month, another, then a year, another year, and another... :D

Pambihira!!!

Nakakahighblood ang mga balita ngayon. Talaga naman.

At minsan pa'y nagkaroon na naman ng Secretary of INJUSTICE!!!

Iba na talaga kapag tuta. Tsk tsk. Kabaligtaran kayo ni Hachiko! (pa-plug. ^_^ please do watch Hatchiko: A dog story. Just browse the net or look for your suking SM :D)

Ahmm, di pala, pareho pala sila in one way: LOYAL sa amo.

When does loyalty become a bad thing? - When it causes great harm and suffering to the common good.

At sa pinakahuling binitiwang pahayag ng mamang ewan, dapat lang siguro na mag-bukas na ng entablado para sa isang madugong labanan para sa katarungan. Patuloy na lang ba tayong aasang mabibigay ang Katarungan sa lahat kung ang mismong kamay na naglalapat nito ay ang kabaligtaran ang ginagawa?

Susmaryosep!!!

Tama na ang pang-AAGRAbyado!!! Akala mo kung sinong magaling. Kwestyonable na nga ang posisyon. Nabigyan lang ng konting "kapangyarihan" akala mo na kung sino umasta. Ganito na ba talaga ang mga tagapagtanggol ng katarungan?

Epic Fail!!!

Way To Go!

OG OT YAW! WAY TO GO rather :D

These words weren't simply an inscription in the (Graduation) Cake. It means a lot, for her at least.

---{[Here I go again, speaking/writing out on behalf of others, well, this has been a sickness of mine since birth. Pardon me if I've been too noisy around here. Anyways, you won't hear anything from me in person about topics like these. As much as I like, I want to make this from the First Person point of view. Knowing "a bit" of you, I don't think you'll entertain the idea of creating posts like these nowadays. Unfortunately, it seems that this will end up as another self-centered post. And for that, I am requesting for your utmost tolerance and kind understanding.]}

You finally had that momentous march (I think you've been so longing for). It has been a long trip, but we're not done yet. Just a few steps away, you'll achieve the other milestone you so desire. I'm pretty sure you'll bet everything you've got for that goal. In less than a year, you could have earned your second and more fulfilling college degree, the one that will to lead you to brighter opportunities.

Nothing else could be more fulfilling for parents to see their children walking down the aisle, heading towards the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma. That is a moment when parents can't be any prouder for their daughters. Talking about reaping the fruits of all the hard work. That definitely was a walk to remember.

I have always believed in you. You're much better than me, I know you are (not much of a comparison, it's just that I want to show you how GOOD you are.. [[am I too defensive?:D Argh! Will I ever make a serious post here?]]) You're even better at me at this: writing/posting (which I consider as my only talent(???)) You've got a lot of good points. Hmmm, maybe there were just times that you lack motivation. Just look around (and on your phone), and you'll find that you're surrounded. You've got an overwhelming source of motivation and love. No need for other considerations (Appearance Fees and the like... Am I over the limit?:Pv )

Keep moving forward. They're just beside you along the way.

Nothing else to say......


"Congratulations!!! I'm so proud of you! You did it!" I never mentioned it once right? :D

Feel free to disturb me anytime. My lines are always open. I am your family's adopted relative after all. :D:D:D:D

Still a long way to go. Let's meet at the end of the road.

Weekender

Speaking about the best weekends... I just had one.

My first time in Bicolandia!
Seeing with my own eyes the once perfect cone...
Bearing witness to a special child's rather a special friend's remarkable moment...

Definitely one of the best!

Calendar Marked!