“Is the Philippines Truly Independent?”- BAYAN USA

For Immediate Release

Press statement

July 4th, 2013

Reference: Jessica Antonio, BAYAN USA- Secretary General, secgen@bayanusa.org

“Is the Philippines Truly Independent?”- BAYAN USA

When learning about Filipino history, one would find that there are two dates declaring Philippine Independence Day.  The first and most recognized by almost all Filipinos around the globe, is June 12th, 1898 declared during the Philippine Revolution and people’s victory against colonial Spain after more than 300 years of oppression.  The second, is July 4th, 1946, when the United States of America declared the Philippines independent after almost 50 years of US occupation following the Philippine- American war of 1898. Now that 115 years have past since the initial declaration, Filipinos in the Philippines and in the diaspora revisit the question, is the Philippines is truly independent?

During the numerous celebrations around Philippine Independence Day on June 12th, 2013 members of BAYAN USA investigated this question and conducted on the street interviews asking Filipinos in the United States, what “independence” means to them and if they thought the Philippines was truly independent?

Jose Montemayor, a student at San Francisco City College replied:

Independence means being totally self sufficient and not having to rely on anyone else.  Do I think the Philippines is Independent? No I don’t think so, they’re certainly dependent on the United States for a lot of things. Until the Philippines can free itself from foreign dependence I don’t think it’ll ever be self sufficient.

Pyxie Castillo, a community leader added, “It is much too reliant on the US at the moment and I think this is because of the long standing US colonial history.”

The US colonial impact upon Philippine society as a whole can be seen through various structures such as those mentioned by Theresa Jaranilla an educator in Southern California:

The Philippines is not yet truly independent, looking at the influence of other countries especially the US, they still have control over the Philippines politically, economically, culturally, and the people still don’t have what they need, their basic rights are denied and their basic needs are still not fulfilled.

Why would the United States be interested in the Philippines historically and at the present?  The Philippines is one of the most strategic military locations to acquire in order to pose any threat to the Asia Pacific region. After waging war with the indigenous peoples across the Americas during America's Expansion, the US sought lands beyond the sea leaving the Philippines one of the first targets for colonization. At present, the Aquino government in accordance with the US military and economic pivot to the Asia Pacific, announced the reopening of Subic Bay Base and Clark Airfield Base, formerly closed US Bases, allowing for additional US troops to occupy areas in the Philippines. The current conflict between China and the Philippines also provides the United States with a “legitimate” excuse to increase their military presence in the Philippines.

Hiyasmin Saturay adds:

At sa military, alam natin, napakaraming americano sundalo sa pilipinas, at sisimula na sa pagpapadala ng mga drones, at iba pang malaking weaponry sa pilipinas para tulongin na ibagsak yung movement ng mga pilipino para ipaglaban ang kanilang soberano.

And the Military, we know there are so many am soldiers in the Philippines and now they are sending drones and other big weaponry to try to bring down the movement of the filipinos to fight for their sovereignty.

The majority of Filipinos interviewed shared the opinion that the Philippines has yet to be a truly independent nation because of the major influence and control of the US upon the Philippines.  Therefore, BAYAN USA members also asked Filipinos, what does it take for the Philippines to become Independent? What is the National Democratic movement all about?

Johnny Rodriguez from Long Beach, CA:

The National Democratic Movement is fighting for their own autonomy, so the Filipino people can make their own lives, their own national industry that will actually benefit the Filipino people, as oppose to the current system that is setup to benefit other countries, like the United States.

Jay Jimenez of the Filipino Migrant Center adds:

It is fighting for a more just and free Philippines and a government  that is more supportive in addressing the needs of the people, respecting the land and culture of the indigenous, and upholding the rights and welfare of the Filipino people, not just there but also here in the US, for the OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) who struggle everyday just to make a living.

With unemployment reaching more than 12.1 million people last year, Filipinos have no other choice but to migrate. More than 4,500 Filipinos leave the country daily to work and live abroad, “just to make a living” as Jay mentioned, while being separated from their families only to experience racism, discrimination, low-wages, and exploitation.  

Philippine Independence Day is a day to celebrate the revolutionary history of the Philippines and the Filipino people.  It is also a reminder to continue the fight put forth by our ancestors for National Democracy and struggle for genuine Philippine Independence. If the Philippines became independent from US imperialism, bureaucratic capitalism and feudalism, and instead invested in national industrialization and infrastructure in addition to land reform that eliminated foreign control, and the government reflected the masses of the people, only then will the Philippines truly be independent.

###

BAYAN-USA is an alliance of 18 progressive Filipino organizations in the U.S. representing youth, students, women, workers, artists, and human rights advocates. As the oldest and largest overseas chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-Philippines), BAYAN-USA serves as an information bureau for the national democratic movement of the Philippines and as a center for educating, organizing, and mobilizing anti-imperialist Filipinos in the U.S. For more information, visit www.bayanusa.org

BAYAN USA Presents: Is the Philippines Really Independent?

Detained NDF consultant holds hunger strike until SONA

Below is the statement of Ramon Patriarca, one of the 13 detained NDF consultants, who declared to go on a hunger strike from July 11 to July 22, in time for the 4th State of the Nation Address of Pres. Aquino.

Patriarca is currently detained at a military camp at the AFP Central Command Headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. 

****

WHY I AM ON A 12-DAY (July 11-22) HUNGER STRIKE

In December 2010, Malacaňang announced it will review the cases of more than 200 political prisoners – most of whom were unjustly arrested for opposing the 9-year Arroyo regime-with the end-view of affecting their release.

In February 2011, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel signed the Oslo Joint Statement with its National Democratic Front (NDF) counterparts, committing, among others, to release ‘most, if not all’ detained NDF peace consultants in order to resume in earnest the GPH-NDF formal peace negotiations.

These twin developments served to strengthen major peace documents between the government and the revolutionary movement, most especially the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) of 1998, and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) of 1995. 

More importantly, these developments were a yardstick on the Aquino government’s willingness to actually fulfill GPH obligations made on the negotiating table with the NDF, and consequently, on its readiness to confront the three more difficult substantive agenda of the GPH-NDF formal peace negotiations regarding socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and cessation of hostilities and redisposition of forces.

Halfway through his six-year term, there is no doubt that President Aquino has failed miserably in advancing the cause of a just and lasting peace in the country.

No review of the court cases of political prisoners was ever conducted.  Instead, the illegal arrest, torture and detention of social activists and suspected revolutionaries were intensified, such that the number of political prisoners nationwide has almost doubled now to more than 400.

Detained NDF consultants were not released, and their ranks increased, as the Aquino government pursues its counter-revolutionary Oplan Bayanihan with more vigor.  Worse, in imposing the latest termination of the GPH-NDF peace negotiations, Malacaňang made it appear that the imperative of releasing detained NDF peace consultants is nothing but a ‘precondition’ capriciously imposed by the NDF, instead of  the GPH obligation that it really is.

Political prisoners and human rights advocates are therefore justified in launching various forms of protest, in coordination with other progressive groups, as President Aquino delivers his mid-term State of the Nation Address  (SONA) this July 22.

RAMON M. PATRIARCA
Political Prisoner
AFP Central Command Headquarters
Camp Lapu-lapu
Cebu City
July 11, 2013

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The Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) is an organization of former political prisoners in the Philippines. Founded on December 4, 1984, SELDA was initiated by newly-released political prisoners of the martial law period.  SELDA’s primary task is to work for the release of all political prisoners and to see to it that humane treatment of those who are still in detention are complied with by the Philippine authorities.  SELDA advocates justice for current and former political prisoners.  It calls for the mobilisation of resources in support of political prisoners, former detainees and their families.  It carries out legislative advocacy for the indemnification and rehabilitation of political prisoners. SELDA goes into partnership and builds solidarity with concerned individuals and groups for the freedom and welfare of political prisoners and all victims of tyranny. 

SELDA National Office: 2/F, Erythrina Bldg., #1 Maaralin corner Matatag Streets, 

Brgy. Central District, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines

Tel: 632-4342837 Fax: 632-4354146 

Email: selda.phils@gmail.com, selda_phil@yahoo.com.ph 

Web: www.seldapilipinas.wordpress.com

STP food truck

Ideas are flying out of having a food truck that will bring food out to the SF crowds from yours truly. Looks like it will be a variety truck with the base of using Filipino inspired dishes. The scheduled time for this truck from cooking on the street is in a year or two.

Stay tuned for more

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases.

Cinnamon and Honey; Whoever thought?

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey

Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before
breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

*** article reblogged by fatalfacts.com

adobong baboy

1-2 lb pork

1 cup vinegar

1/2 cup soy sause

1 cup sliced onions

5 pieces of smashed garlic

peppercorn

1-2 bay leaves

1 tbs canola oil

1. saute onions, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorn in pot
2. add pork along with soy sauce and vinegar
3. boil for 15-20 min
4. reduce sauce until it thickens

*** if you are left with sauce after eating all of the meat...try frying rice in the sauce and eat with egg and your fav breakfast meats.

Little Lucca: Specialty Sandwhich Shop

South San Francisco

724 El Camino Real
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Tel: 650-589-8916
Fax: 650-589-8054
E-mail: info@littlelucca.com

Little Lucca has friendly sandwich technicians that place pride in their product. Their sandwiches range from $4-8. The sandwiches are served cold rather than being oven toasted.

All of their sandwiches are prepared with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, red onion, lettuce, tomato, hot pepper sauce and their original Garlic Sauce.

They have the typical deli meats along with specialized meats along with 6 types of bread: wheat, sour, dutch crunch, 3-seed, sweet and sliced rye , and cheese: Swiss, American, Provolone, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Pepper Jack.

ratings:

walang bagsaks: not good at all

isang bagsak: edible but was not great

dalawang bagsak: average/ satisfactory

tatlong bagsak: above average, makes me wanna go back

service/ hospitality: 3 bagsak

freshness: 2 bagsak

taste: 3 bagsak

ambiance: 1 bagsak pending on the day and weather.