If you want real change in the country, especially in regards to eradicating corruption, how about trying to create employment in our country in order for us not to try alternatives, such as going abroad or, especially, doing something illicit. You cannot ask people who thrive or survive on certain practices to simply stop without offering an alternative or a means to a way out.

Now in regards to Efren Penaflorida’s case, well, I am happy and glad that someone rose to the occasion to fill-in a gap in our society. But, just as duck tape cannot be a permanent solution to a leak in the plumbing (instead of fixing the actual plumbing), Efren’s solution cannot be a permanent solution, much less a replacement, to a lack in our system of education.

Now in relation to Efren’s presence in any politician’s camp, which in this case happens to be Noynoy’s, could, in all intents and purposes, be interpreted as an endorsement, unless Efren himself explicitly says otherwise. If Noynoy &/or company would pretend or deny that this is in fact an exercise of political opportunism right there, then all I can say is…well, so much for Noynoy’s honesty. How can one lead the rest of us into fixing a task so daunting as eradicating corruption if one finds pretensions like this to be excusable simply because one’s intent is or seems noble? Corruption, dishonesty, or pretension–they all spring from deceitfulness.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/262/61287817.jpg

Everyone can still listen to that interview by accessing the file from http://www.infinitemb.com/stream/5383/Sentro_October_15_2009.mp3/

anyway, i just hope you understand that this post is in no way a criticism of you. my only goal with this was to caution you about traditional politicians who will try to ride on your current popularity.

i sincerely appreciate the fact that you did not give in.

just like you we are also in the business of education. our goal is to open up the eyes of filipinos to the fact that there is much about us as a people that need to be changed if we are to move up to the next level. our complacency and naive acceptance of dogma and media messages has kept us stuck in the bottom. we can get out of the rut but we can only do it if we are willing to see and acknowledge our failings.

being positive and optimistic isn’t bad at all. but we need to be able to recognize our faults. we can’t fix what we don’t know, can we?

what you’re doing has indeed opened the eyes of many to the power of volunteerism. i can only hope that those you’ve inspired would also take action. superficial “patriotism” can easily go out of fashion, i’m sure you’d agree.

more power to you.

just a heads up in case you notice it. it was painted prior to noynoy’s candidacy and definitely not for him.