The Filipinos’ unbearable quest

Every August of every year since more than two and a half decades ago, we are reminded of a grim moment in our history when our only hope for freedom from fear and bondage banished before our blindfolded eyes. The image of the man bloodied and lying face down in what seemed to be a kiss of death to his motherland is seen over and over again yet never ever made sense to anyone. Even those whom we depend on to give us answers remain entrapped in the question: Who killed Ninoy Aquino?

The rational Filipinos would probably smirk at the question and ask back: Would the answer still be relevant today?

The cynical Filipinos would surrender all hopes of finding the answer and just go on with their lives. After all, 25 years have produced nothing but 16 jailed suspects who kept mum about everything except to say they maintain their innocence.

The curious Filipinos would seek their own answers but end up asking more questions instead.

The sentimental Filipinos, who wear Ninoy in their hearts, would be roused by the question and take every opportunity to blame someone for what happened but their cries would always fall on deaf ears and numb membranes.

The forgetful Filipinos, remembering Ninoy only as the face on the money and because his death anniversary is a special non-working holiday, would need to be reminded every so often that the sword of justice has yet to fall on the real culprit behind our hero’s assassination.

The young Filipinos, meanwhile, wonder what the fuss is all about, google Ninoy on the internet, buy a Ninoy shirt to look cool, and then go on listening to their iPods, texting their friends, and updating their social network site.

No matter who we are as a Filipino, it is our quest to find out the truth behind this most daring murder and attack on the symbol of our hope and freedom that is now an infamous part of our history. We owe it to Ninoy and to each of our fellows for the sake of our nation’s depleting moral fibre.

If we cannot cure our past, then we cannot care for our future. And while we still look for answers at the present – not only about Ninoy’s death, but also on the NBN-ZTE deal, the Jonas Burgos case, the contents of the “second envelope,” and many other shameful, unsolved mysteries before them – we continue to bear the most unbearable feeling: that is the pain of not knowing.

If I were Joe Dumars…

If I were Joe Dumars I would not have let go of Chauncey Billups. A point guard, I believe, is the most important player in basketball. Without a good point guard, a team will not be able to execute plays to perfection or create offensive opportunities. A team may have the best Forward and Center to pile up points, but the ball will not even reach them without the point guard orchestrating movement. Billups proved himself an able point guard and team leader, helping Detroit to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances. That leadership was taken away when Billups was traded and see what happened to the Pistons.

If I were Joe Dumars I would have signed Andre Miller as the team’s key point guard next season. With the said departure of Billups, the Pistons need a formidable presence in the back court to team-up with Rip Hamilton. Rodney Stuckey has the size of Billups but as he had shown the past seasons, he ain’t tough and consistent enough to deliver the goods for Detroit in the PG slot. Miller would have been the perfect guy to fill up the void because of his skills and experience. His passing ability and shooting touch are akin to Billups’ and he still has room for growth. Unfortunately, Miller is already hooked up by another team.

If I were Joe Dumars I would not have let go of Rasheed Wallace. Sheed creates a lot of mismatches in the Forward-Center positions. He is quick despite his size and age and he has unlimited shooting range (remember that 3/4 –court heave against Denver last year). His antics on and off the court may be a bit of a problem, but it adds to his character and grit at play to his advantage. Without Sheed (who is now with the Celtics), a huge void in the middle is created at Detroit.

If I were Joe Dumars I would have signed Carlos Boozer. He ain’t as lanky and fancy as Sheed, but Boozer definitely has the talent and work ethics to give the Pistons some edge in the Forward department. Boozer has awesome power to control the boards and keen offensive sense to score when needed. His perimeter shooting also poses a threat, making him a solid factor in the frontcourt. Unfortunately again, Boozer is not likely to suit up for Detroit with less-heralded Charlie Villanueva already occupying the spot.

If I were Joe Dumars I would have indeed let go of Michael Curry. The neophyte coach just ain’t ripe yet for the role. Coaches cannot afford to learn on the job in the NBA, especially so if the lessons are not right away converted to knowledge. The other teams will show no mercy for every error. The players’ morale will be affected after every defeat. Detroit is not a young team (last season and this coming season) and so it needs the guidance of a veteran coach to complement the players.

If I were Joe Dumars, would I have hired John Kuester as Detroit’s new coach? Kuester is not at all new in the coaching business. He was, in fact, with the Pistons as assistant coach when they tripped the Shaq-Kobe-Malone-Payton-backed Lakers to win the '04 Championship. Kuester has good credentials working on the side of several coaches but can he prove he is worthy of being at the helm of the Pistons’ rebuilding process? With new players (including former sixth man awardee Ben Gordon) most probably filling up Detroit’s starting line up , I doubt if he can really make that felt right at the early part of next season.

If I were Joe Dumars I would pray harder than I prayed the last season.

Vignettes from the Cory Funeral

I woke up on Wednesday, August 5 – a non-working holiday - just in time to catch on TV the Requiem Mass for Cory at the Manila Cathedral. Right after the Mass, I washed up, donned a yellow shirt (and pants of course, but not yellow), then proceeded to the corner of Quirino Avenue and Osmena Highway where Cory’s funeral cortege would pass through. I took a spot on the center island of the highway for a better view. I stayed there for more than two hours and got a perfect view of Cory’s casket (see pictures) when it finally passed by.

The effort was all worth it. I then went home to see on TV the final rites marking the end of Cory’s meaningful and heroic life here with us.

Here are some random observations of the historic day that was:

ENEMIES BECOMING INSTANT FRIENDS. Senator Loren Legarda sat behind Vice President Noli de Castro during the Requiem Mass that they could not help but greet each other come “peace be with you” time. Wonder if their gestures were really heartfelt.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. Looking at Jinggoy and Erap sitting beside each other makes one think that Jinggoy will be Erap in no time – figure, moustache, shades, and all.

CONTEMPLATING PRESIDENTS. Ramos and Erap seemed in deep thoughts throughout the Mass – wondering if they would ever receive the same “reception” given to Cory when they die. They wish.

FAVORITE DAUGHTER. Kris again made that self-proclamation that she’s Mommy’s favorite among her siblings. Well, the prodigal child always gets the most attention.

HONORABLE MENTION. Kris acknowledged the members of the Aquino family and her loved ones in her message. I thought Philip Salvador and Joey Marquez would even be mentioned. Heaven intervened.

REAL SONGBIRD. Dulce’s song was very touching and splendidly performed. No amount of Regine Velasquez can top that.

SHOWBIZ TOUCH. I cringed upon seeing Piolo Pascual sing at the church. The man has talent, but I think he’s not a good choice for the occasion – too showbizy. The likes of Cocoy Laurel, Nolyn Cabahug, or Robert Sena should be the ones singing for a statesman. Okay girls, crucify me for making this comment.

MARRED MOMENT. Presidentiable, rather President wannabe Mar Roxas could not help but took opportunity of the gathering crowd to display his supposed “masa” image. He trooped the line and shook hands with people from inside his vehicle like he was campaigning. The man would really do everything at the expense of decency just to get votes, err attention. Warning: classic trapo.

PEOPLE’S HEROINE. The crowd waiting for Cory’s funeral cortege was a mix of classes who stayed in line despite being rained on. There were interspersed comic moments and TV camera-induced euphoria typical of Filipinos while people patiently awaited the convoy. But when the truck carrying Cory’s casket finally made its way in front of us, it was greeted by applause and then silence as a show of respect to the great mother of our nation. I was surprised by the crowd reaction because I thought they would be frantic and would turn everything into a circus. They, however, proved that they were sincere in their expression of grief and love and adulation for Cory.

I am proud to be out in the street to witness history being unfolded once again and it made me even prouder to be a Filipino. A countless many times, thanks to you President Cory.

Corific

Corific \ko-ri-fic\, noun: - selflessness for nation; personal sacrifice for common good.

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Mentions of Cory bring us back to a proud moment in Philippine history when our grand hopes and intentions for the country were at its purest - epitomizing the humble and benevolent persona of the housewife-turned-president.

Cory's birth in our consciousness was sudden and surprising. From a weeping widow of a slain hero, she became the solitary moving force behind the embattled Filipino. She was thrust into the political limelight unprepared, but she showed up to the public ever determined. She seemed naive but she was passionately learned. She looked meek but she came out fighting.

People from all walks of life and corners of the world celebrated with Cory as she assumed leadership of a nation reborn. We stuck with her through her presidency - coups and all. We marched with her on the streets thereafter, protesting threats to freedom and morality. No one has lifted up our downtrodden spirit as a nation like Cory did.

A woman, a wife, a mother, a religious, a servant, a leader, and a Filipino for Filipinos. No words can ever define her legacy, except to say... it is Corific.

Maraming salamat Cory.