james.soriano

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PUBLISHED: Student & Campus Section, Manila Bulletin, 28 January 2009 Issue (Page E-3)

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In all my eighteen years, I have never seen a president-elect who was as enthusiastically received as Barack Obama was when he was sworn into office. His inauguration was such a big thing that even people in my age group, who don’t normally give a damn about politics, stayed up to watch it. Nowadays, we would only do that for DVD marathons or concerts. It makes you wonder why that is.

My own opinion is that Obama’s case is special for two reasons.

The first is that his presidency comes at a time when things could not be bleaker. This makes his spirited reception all the more surprising. Obama’s predecessor may have been cooperative in helping him make the transition, but he also left a ton of trash for him to clean up. Among that sea of garbage is a messed up war, a botched foreign policy, and a mismanaged economy. It is perhaps unfortunate that he’s got his work cut out for him by this much.

The second is that Obama continues to defy the realms of possibility. Here is a name that was virtually unheard of in the political arena five years ago. Now, he is perhaps the biggest name in all the arenas, political or otherwise, which you can imagine. He is so charismatic that he invites comparisons to Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, and even Abraham Lincoln. Add to that the fact that he is an African American, one who was once even criticized for not being “black enough” because he had Caucasian blood. His success is downright intriguing, to say the least, but intriguingly enough, it is also inspiring.

It is because of these two reasons, the impossibility of his odds and the improbability of his achievements, that he inspires hope within the rest of us.

I believe that’s the most important commodity we have nowadays. We live in a time where even rich people become homeless and nations get bankrupt. If this is the way the things are going to be over the next few years, it’s going to be hard for a lot of us to keep on living. But if money isn’t going to make the world go ’round, then we need something else to back on.

I guess this is what Obama understood about his presidency. He understands that he will take the front in a time when change is so real it’s so hard to believe in. Even so, expectations of him are nothing short of monumental. And if he is going to succeed—indeed, survive—in his presidency, he knows that the first thing he must do is to rally his people. That is why in his inauguration speech, he focused on “the faith and determination of the American people, upon which this nation relies.”

Nothing inspires people better than the knowledge that you believe in them.

Deflecting expectations aside, his story in itself is something we can draw hope from. Toward the end of his speech, he talked about equality, the spirit of democracy. “This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed,” he said, “Why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

If he can overcome the odds, then we can, too.

As for us, the people who will soon inherit the world, he is a person we can look up to. I think it’s admirable that he tries to present his best face without being hypocritical, such as in his ongoing effort to quit smoking. In a world where it has become so easy to set morals aside, he reminds us that there is still value in being persons of integrity and character.

In the end, Obama’s election is a reminder that good still wins in this world, that there is space for hope in these trying times. No one can say for certain what the future will bring, but I am certain of one thing.

There is at least one change we can believe in.

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PUBLISHED: Student & Campus Section, Manila Bulletin, 21 January 2009 Issue (Page F-4)

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When the Valley Golf incident took place last December 26, I was one of those people who got to see the firsthand account of the brawl, which was posted by Dela Paz’s daughter on her blog.

I was outraged at what happened. A part of me felt sorry for the dela Paz family, knowing that they would be up against powers which they might not be able to contend with. Yet another part of me was furious that such grave indiscretion, especially by a public servant, would have gone unnoticed if the daughter did not have the courage to speak about what happened.

I did not anticipate that it would get as much publicity as it did, so I took part in spreading the word, knowing that it was the right thing to do. When it finally hit the headlines, I watched as a whole nation got captivated by this dramatized drama of injustice.

Back then, of course, there was only one side to the story. Now that investigations have been concluded, a new version has appeared, or should I say, leaked.

And it is one that reverses the roles of victim and villain.

In this version, it was not Mayor Pangandaman who started the fight. The elder dela Paz did, slapping the mayor’s backside with an umbrella. It was not a case of the mayor and his escorts being hotheaded. It was a clear case of self-defense. Dela Paz’s son was not, as the first account says, kneeling and pleading with the mayor to stop hurting his father. He was just as involved in the fight, even hitting the mayor with his driver. All of these were in the corroborated testimonies of various clubhouse employees who witnessed the brawl.

Now I don’t know who to believe.

On the one hand, I could believe this version of events, seeing as all testimonies, both by observers and the parties involved, have been subjected to due process by an independent and credible investigative body, as opposed to the unmediated exchanges seen in the news. Or I could be skeptical about the results, since there is no way of telling what might have gone on behind the investigation, or the testimonies themselves.

Of course, there is one thing that does not change. That is the fact that Mayor Pangandaman is a public official, one who should have been acutely aware of the image of the institutions he represents. For this reason alone, he deserves to be sanctioned. He should have been more patient regardless of who started it.

Unfortunately, though, that is not the most significant issue anymore. What both sides are after is the moral high ground. This is very important, since this issue is not just a trial of law, it is also a trial of public opinion. And in this trial, whoever can tug at the public’s heartstrings comes out the winner.

This is why I don’t know which side to take. Of course, I do not believe that the dela Pazes had any incentive to be caught up in this fight. Then again, I have to ask: but what if it had been someone else? What if it weren’t a government official, who could easily have been cast in the wrong precisely because he is more powerful? After all, both sides clearly weren’t acquainted with who they were fighting, hence the famous line, “Kilala mo ba ako?” (Interestingly enough, the two versions also conflict as to who said this.)

I think the sad part is that even after the investigation, things only get muddled up. It only casts doubt on who you should really believe. On one hand, that’s definitely better than seeing a picture from just one perspective, and an emotionally-charged one at that. Then again, doubt is a very powerful thing.

It is in times like these that I wish justice weren’t blind. Just because you’re blind doesn’t mean you’re fair. It might be utterly objective, but it can’t perceive everything. It is certainly blind to the effects of status and circumstance. After hearing both versions, I’m thinking maybe justice should have been deaf instead.

After all, I can’t expect justice to be alive.

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PUBLISHED: Student & Campus Section, Manila Bulletin, 14 January 2009 Issue (Page E-4)

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How immersed do you really get in an immersion program?

Some time ago, a upperclassman posted on Facebook an account of her immersion experience. It was quite controversial for a while because it was how the experience should feel. It was certainly antithetical to what most reflection papers would contain.

In other words, it was brutally honest.

She mercilessly complained about the dirt, the food, the lack of electricity or a proper toilet, and even the naked children. Eventually she concluded that she was, in her own words, “NOT immersed,” and ended by asking for hugs.

Students, bloggers, and even English teachers had a fiesta over it.

She was criticized for failing to see the light. Most were all too eager to point out how insensitive, elitist, and condescending she was. Worst of all, they add, she was studying in a Catholic university that prides itself in instilling a sense of compassion in its students. And they are probably right, so I won’t add to the litany of voices who say that she is disgraceful for feeling the way she does.

But I do want to see where things went wrong.

Having studied in a Catholic private school for most of my life, I’ve been through a number of outreaches. Some of them genuinely affected me. They instilled in me a sense of gratitude and sensitivity to the needs of the less fortunate.

But if I were to be honest with myself—not all of them did.

Some trips, I barely even remember. And if I do, I do not remember them fondly. I’m sure that everyone who has gone through a couple of immersion programs has felt the same way, and I believe I understand why.

Whether or not an immersion affects you will depend mostly on your disposition.

That is probably why Catholic private schools spend so much time priming their students to be more open-minded before going through an (oftentimes required) immersion. Often, this sense of openness is linked to a sense of social responsibility: being more privileged, we have a duty to give back to the less fortunate. Since most private-school kids come from higher-middle to upper-class households, this is probably necessary. The hope is that the student will learn something of value after the experience.

Now, reflection papers will tell you that this always works, since anyone who cares about his or her Religion grade can write a tear-jerker. But if we were to be honest with ourselves, we would know that the indoctrination of values, or brainwashing if you prefer, stops at some point.

What makes the difference is the kind of environment you live in.

That is why you cannot really blame the said person for feeling the way she did. She comes from an affluent background. In the first place, her parents were against the idea of her going to the mountains. When she got back, they were shocked at her condition. Not to mention she had a full body massage afterwards. It might be sickening, but she was just being honest, and people who criticize for being this way might just be a little out of line.

What her situation really points to is a gap, an enormous one that requires exceedingly drastic social changes in order to bridge. It is almost unreasonable to expect a person who has lived in a world of affluence all her life to be able to relate. This is perhaps best illustrated by the name of a group I once joined: “I’ve never met a poor libertarian. Have you?”

Certainly, she’s an extreme example, and not all of us encounter people like her on a regular basis. Or maybe we just don’t see them because not all of them tried to publish their post-immersion sentiments like she did. Nonetheless, I think there’s a bit of her in each of us. Everyone I know has gotten some sort of epiphany after being exposed to poverty. But isn’t it true that after every epiphany comes a sense of gratitude—that you’re not like that?

We all just need to be a bit honest with ourselves.

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PUBLISHED: Student & Campus Section, Manila Bulletin, 7 January 2009 Issue (Page E-3)

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This whole thing actually started by accident.

During the beginning of this year, I thought of compiling a playlist for January, composed of songs that I was listening to frequently at that time, adding songs as the month went by; you know, just for fun. I was so stoked by the first one that I also did one for February, then March, until finally I had made one for each month of the year. I’ve found that it’s an awesome way to keep track of memories and feelings associated with that month. I can listen to a song and remember why I put it in there, or recall images of what happened during that time. It’s like keeping a journal, only the words are written in music.

This end of the year mix follows that same logic. For each month, I picked one song that would best represent or characterize it, and explain why I made that choice. I also picked one song of the year–a song that I loved all throughout, or a song that I thought was particularly worthy of attention.

Without further ado, the track list:

1. January – With You by Chris Brown

If there was anything I remember about January, it was that this song was on repeat so many times that it skyrocketed to the top of my Most Played list in two days’ time. Also, January was a momentous time in terms of teenage love and relationships. This song is quite romantic, despite the presence of words and expressions that I would never use in a real conversation, such as “boo”, “little momma”, and “Jordans on a Saturday.”

2. February – Hate That I Love You by Rihanna ft. Ne-Yo

The love month was my season for R&B/Hip-Hop love songs. This song in particular strikes a chord within me since I think it captures the frustration each of us feels when we make a commitment. It’s never easy, and sometimes you wonder why you still stick around despite despising how things are going. But the important thing is that you stick around because you believe it’s worth it, and that whatever happens, you’ll have no regrets.

3. March – Trouble Sleeping by Corinne Bailey Rae

March was not only the month of not sleeping, it was also the month of having trouble sleeping. I would stay up to read various books, finishing in time to walk around the subdivision and watch the sun rise each morning. This song has that lively, jazzy vibe that Corinne Bailey Rae is known for, but the lyrics strike me as a happy rationalization of a lonely and lonesome situation.

4. April – Through the Backyards of Our Neighbors by Au Revoir Simone

April was one of those months that just went by. I remember virtually nothing about it, save doing a lot of reading and writing. I was dealing with a lot of negative emotions back then, and I would balance it out by playing joyful and relaxing tunes. This song helped me through April like a nicotine patch helps you through cold turkey.

5. May – How Do I Breathe by Mario Barrett

This song was the first song I heard playing inside the car on my first day of driving school. It stuck with me since. And May was the month of driving, so I heard this song quite regularly. Because of this song, I’ll never forget my driving instructors.

6. June – I Will Possess Your Heart by Death Cab for Cutie

June was the start of a new chapter in my life: college. My blockmate Leo introduced me to this song, after finding out that we share an interest in this band. We bonded over this song. But good memories aside, I’m one of those people who think that the best part of this song is the four-minute instrumental at the beginning. It puts you in a heightened emotional state, but not so suddenly, thanks to the slow and subtle musical progression.

7. July – 7/4 (Shoreline) by Broken Social Scene

Another one of those songs that Leo introduced me to. This song takes me to a number of happy places whenever I drive. This song is so perfect for driving: it has just the right mix of chill and energy vibes that calms your nerves but keeps you alert at the same time.

8. August – Nothing Better by The Postal Service

August was the start of my obsession with techno and electronica, particularly a band called The Postal Service. This song isn’t exactly a happy song, as it depicts a break-up scene, but the melody may make you think otherwise. Ironically, this song reminds me of very good memories.

9. September – The Man Who Can’t Be Moved by The Script

I didn’t like this song so much at first, but I would hear it played so many times on the radio that eventually it grew on me. The song simply talks about a man who won’t move from the street corner where he met his love, who has left him, hoping that one day she’ll come back for him. The lyrics will tell you that this is a song of defeat, but for me it’s triumphant simply because it’s about love that never dies.

10. October – Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson

When I think about October, I think about sembreak. This year’s, in particular, was filled with awesome memories. My friend Kat introduced me to this song one random afternoon, and I ended up liking it so much that I would listen to it every morning. It’s perfect for those days when you have to get up early and drive while the skies are still a bit dark.

11. November – Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper Cover) by Eva Cassidy

One of my enduring memories this month was when my former classmate Migi introduced me to this song. I was touched the first time I listened to it. There’s just something about the way Eva Cassidy sings which hits at the core of your inner self, the one that’s vulnerable, weak and looking for a place to come home to. I fell in love at first listen.

12. December – The Resolution by Jack’s Mannequin

I would hear this song from time to time on Jam 88.3, but I never got to really listen to it until recently, when I finally got around to listening to their album, which my friend Nicolle lent me two months ago. The lyrics make this song, with the trademark songwriting style that Andrew McMahon, their vocalist, is famous for. I totally identify with the unapologetic, resilient, and persevering spirit that this song has, not to mention the creative use of the piano.

13. Song of the Year – Viva La Vida by Coldplay

This song is absolutely brilliant. Gives me these Eleanor Rigby vibes, and Eleanor Rigby was a brilliant, award-winning song. Besides the innovative employment of a string quarter, the song is good because of the lyrics. The richness of the imagery, found in adeptly-placed religious and historical allusions, opens this song to a lot of different interpretations. It depicts nothing more than the story of a monarch’s rise to royalty and fall from grace– but that’s what makes it universal and timeless. It can be read to be our own story as well.

*****

In summary, 2008 was like a parabolic function with a positive slope. I hit bottom early on, but from there it was (almost) all rise. It was a pretty good year for someone in transition. I had a lot of great memories and learned a lot of new things. This year softened and hardened me simultaneously, in different ways, but I think I came out a lot better in the end. Most importantly, I had no regrets.