Can We Spare A Little Change?

by George Goking

It has been talked about so much, for so long. But it is very disappointing to see that nothing much has changed over the years. I am talking about the indifference towards the marginalized and poor. The walls that separate the better-off from the oppressed have been built so high up, that only a few of those who attempted to peep into the life of the sadder side of this world dare to crossover.

Life is not just for the few to enjoy. How many houses must a person have in order to live comfortably or how many 8,000 peso shoes must a person have in order to walk around the city without getting blisters? I’m pretty sure there are more significant ways of spending one’s surplus of money. If one has worked hard for his wealth, then of course, one has the right to enjoy it as he pleases. But this issue of poverty and the like isn’t getting any better. It surely doesn’t take a whole team to drill through concrete and dig through pipes and wires in order for the world to see the ugly truth that segments of society have to live with every day.
Many of us in the Ateneo were born lucky and will continue to live lucky for the rest of their lives. I have nothing against that, but we must not forget that there are people working in campus, sleeping right outside the gates of Ateneo, and probably people who sit right beside us in class that could certainly need our help in various ways that we can. I have been talking about money too much. Money is supposed to be a means to something else, not the ultimate end itself. The prosperity of the common good and the human race should be on the top of our list.

Every person has a unique set of capabilities that enables him/her to enjoy certain aspects of life that many/others may not have even imagined. It would be a shame if the truth were to end there. I believe that in life, there are many locked doors hidden right in front of our faces, but each door can only be unlocked by certain people. The possession of keys is not an exclusive privilege of the rich or the poor, both hold the same power, but for different realms. Similar to acquired knowledge from books, there is much to learn from the Other.

Keeping to ourselves is not a life well lived, and closing one’s doors to the certain sets of people is like having a disabled loved one wait in the car while the rest of the family eats lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Sympathizing for the poor won’t make this situation any better, and waiting for somebody else to do something about it is like waiting for a tumor to shrink on its own.


Life and its wonders are much better experienced when shared and depriving the many for the pleasures of the few is like eating all the cherries on your birthday cake because it’s your birthday (that’s just mean). Be good to your fellow men and be a jouissance’r for the world!

Hassle

by Wai Yiu So

“Il y a” as discussed by Doc G is a situation where there’s an indeterminacy of being, in the sense that beings are disintegrate into “no thing” --- that is neither nothing nor something. “Il y a” describes the lack of subjectivity, it’s the darkness that gives no orientation, no perspective, no meaning.

But “no meaning” doesn’t mean that the meaning does not exist.  “No orientation” doesn’t mean that there are no light in front of us… maybe we just closed our eyes.

Sometimes we close our eyes because it’s effortless, and can in some way wash away our problems. By closing our eyes we don’t have to worry about judgments from other people, we just have to be one of the people walking down the street. And because it’s so comfortable to be in the darkness and sleep, we have forgotten to search for the light. “Hassle eh.”

In the darkness we can’t see clearly even ourselves. In this darkness we don’t have any goal, and we are not going for anything. There’s no meaning and we are not going to find it. “Wala nga eh.”

So what do we mean by truly exist or be a being is to get out of our “Il y a”. To be able to get out of “Il y a”, to get out of the darkness and be unique, different, special, one needs to exert a great amount of effort and initiative. We have to take up the responsibility, and to exercise wisdom of love --- “what we can do for the Others?” Because what we have done define ourselves, so for us to really determine ourselves, we must first be Conscious-Beings-In-The-World-For-Others.

Of Kelly Clarkson, Darth Vader, and Levinas

by Victor Uy

I’m sure most – if not all – of us have encountered the phrase “the dark side”, be it through a song popularized by American Idol Kelly Clarkson, watching too much Star Wars, or what have you. However, aside from Ms. Clarkson and Darth Vader, Levinas also speaks of this “dark side” philosophically that is il y a. The question of ontology is that why there is something instead of nothing. Something and nothing are quite on both ends of the spectrum; but technically speaking, nothingness is unimaginable because in order to think of nothing, you must first think of something and actually erase that something to come up with nothing.

Having said that, because of the huge gap between something and nothing, this “dark side” – il y a – comes about. As human beings, it is quite a given fact that we want to become “something”, which will allow us to “be” and to achieve transcendence by being a neighbor, by loving the Other, and by being responsible.
Let’s give a more concrete example that’s closer to home. We are fortunate enough to have had the chance to experience an Atenean education. Albeit a lot of Ateneans are really diligent when it comes to academics, it is undeniable that a sizable chunk of the population has adapted the “petiks culture”. The “bahala na” attitude of some students often overpower their diligence so much so that they just go to school for the sake of going to school. Therefore, they are not really “student-ing” – they fall in between the something and the nothing. I also know of some people who aren’t really “happy” with the courses that they’re in. Sure, they go to classes, sit there for the whole duration of the session. Hence, physically, they’re present; but the real question is, are they really there? By being unhappy with their courses, they don’t really have a certain direction, priority or purpose; it’s like they’re robots that are preprogrammed to sit on a chair for hours and listen to professors – whether or not they are actually mentally present.

For a more graphic metaphor, imagine the walkers on the TV series The Walking Dead. They’re “alive”, but at the same time, they’re not alive. They walk endlessly without direction and/or purpose until some guy puts a gun against their heads and pulls the trigger.


Levinas asserts in his philosophy of Ethics the non-reciprocal relation of responsibility. We do what is good simply because it is good, and our lived experiences tell us so. To give an example, whenever we give gifts, we actually voluntarily share a part of ourselves. We give gifts because we want to give gifts. Upon giving these gifts, we don’t necessarily expect anything in return. Insofar as gifts are concerned, I believe that all of the people that fall under the descriptions in the preceding paragraph are very much capable of maximizing their gift that is the wisdom that they have acquired and are acquiring. However, they have the prerogative to make something of that wisdom. Education, in itself, is a gift, but its potential is entirely wasted if we choose not to accept it or to live out what wisdom we have acquired.

Questioning Him

by Polo Guillermo

There have been various calamities that have struck different places in the world. From intense earthquakes to heavy rainfalls due to typhoons, these types of natural disasters have unfortunately been a part of our daily lives. One that hits close to home was the recent super-typhoon Yolanda. A month has already passed yet victims of affected areas are still experiencing the aftermath of the storm. More than 10,000 people have been confirmed dead and thousands more are still missing. Infrastructures, livelihood and residences were wiped out completely destroyed.

At times of disasters, people tend to question why such things happen. People have been vocal about their complaints against government agencies for not having predicted the intensity of the super-typhoon and the efficiency of the precautionary measures that were instigated and planned by local government units. Some even berated the terms (storm surge) issued by PAGASA and media for allegedly it has caused confusion and apathy since people are not aware of this natural phenomenon is. People assumed that it was just like any other storm that would bring scattered rains. They never expected that such a catastrophe would actually take place.

There are also people who blame God for everything that has happened. They assume that these disasters happen because God is punishing us for all of our sins. Why would a merciful and loving God let his people suffer and consequently destroy His creations? Isn’t he an all-knowing supreme being capable of manipulating what is bound to happen in the world? It is during these times of discomfort, pain and suffering when people try to look for people to relate to or simply blame in order to lessen the grief of what they are experiencing and try to have some explanation to whatever they have dealt with. But is God really to be blamed for everything that has happened or does these disasters say something to humankind that is commonly ignored and taken for granted?

I believe in God but I cannot say that I have been the perfect Catholic. However, I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and that each event of our lives is a part of God’s greater plan for us. Some things may happen that might shake or hurt our faith but I think it’s just God’s way of testing our faith and commitment to Him. God let bad things happen for a reason but this does not necessarily mean that he enjoys seeing us suffer. Most of the time our judgment gets clouded by our initial and intense feelings at times of problems that causes us to not immediately realize or comprehend what is happening or the bigger picture. We forget to trust Him and believe in his greater plan. These realities only affirm Marcel’s view on ontological humility of human beings. There are things in our lives that are beyond our capacity to grasp and understand since we are finite beings. Each person in the society shares this finitude which becomes a certain sense of commonality that should bind and unite people all together.

Experts from the field of science have interpreted these events quite differently. Global warming has been an alarming environmental concern that continues to exacerbate as time goes by. Anthropological activities have been the most significant contributors to why it even started and continues to persist in the environment. Since we were capable of starting such a problem, logic would only imply that we also have the capacity and means to mitigate and eventually resolve it. This realization has been alive in environmentalists and concerned citizens from different parts of the world with their efforts of preserving the environment. This green movement and involvement of people in saving Mother Nature only underscore our nature as relation beings. The phenomenon of global warming proves that one’s action inevitably affects others and the entire society. Therefore, we must be more conscious with what we do and think of its consequences not only to ourselves, our neighbors but the environment as well.

At times of disasters, blaming people or even God will not help or change what has happened. Even if it is difficult or even impossible for some, we must try and learn how to trust God and His greater plan for us. Holding onto our faith can be a source of hope and strength at times of suffering. Events like these also call us to act as one unified and loving community in facing reality. At the end of the day, we are relational beings and we are our neighbor’s brother/sister.

The Irony of Innovation and the Death of Communication

by Polo Guillermo

Husserl has introduced the concept of the said and the saying. These terms underscore the importance of communication amongst individuals. The said pertains to the message or thought an individual wants to express and share to another person. The saying on the other hand is the manner how this thought is expressed and interpreted. There are instances when the said and the saying are directly proportional or are intimately intertwined. The said can be clearly reflected or implied by the saying. However, there are also instances when there is a disconnect between the two aforementioned concepts. The saying can be the opposite of the intention and content of the said. This can be done either intentionally and inadvertently.

More than the technicality of the definition and correlation of the two terms, Husserl asserts that the saying is more significant than the said. The said can be thought of and imitated by anyone. The saying on the other hand is a particular and unique experience which cannot be copied by anyone. Each encounter and conversation between two individuals is distinct. Husserl therefore gives more importance and meaning with how one interacts and connects with another person. This assertion affirms our nature as relational beings. We are defined by the relationships and interactions we have with other people. It is through communication that we build these linkages.

The innovation of technology has undeniably redefined communication. The invention of telephones and cellular phones has made it more convenient and accessible for people to keep in touch with people regardless of distance and time differences. These creations were initially intended connect people and make the world seem smaller. What is rather ironic is the fact that as time passed, it caused the opposite: technology marked the death of genuine communication, an interaction defined by a face to face exchange of words and ideas. Since instant messaging has made everything easier and faster, the younger generations unfortunately resort to these medium in establishing relationships with other people.

Leisurely talks and long conversations seem passé to most people now because of technology. This culture has unfortunately affected social skills of people for the worse. People have relatively become more aloof and uneasy with personal encounters because of the continued progression and advancement of gadgets. People don't normally establish eye contact as much and engage in conversations. They would rather isolate themselves in their own worlds in cyberspace. This mindset has created a generation who are dependent on gadgets to live and build relationships. This clearly undermines the assertion of Husserl that it is actually the interaction and manner of communication that is more important rather than the content of the conversation. More than anything else, it does not recognize the nature of people as beings conscious of others in the world.

I don't believe that the continued innovation of the field of technology directly equates to the death of communication. Its effects, may it be good or bad, depends on how we use them.

It is not bad to use these gadgets readily made available for us in order to make our lives more convenient. However, one should not be a slave of machinery to the point that one has to be in solitary confinement from the rest of the society.

The Beauty of Language

by Yza Siy

One of the most striking things that was said for me in the lecture last Thursday was how “ What’s important is the talking to and not just the about”. It is not all about knowledge and information but the acknowledgement talking to/ talking with another person brings forth.

I think this can be related to our past lecture on the concept of the Broken World that was presented by Gabriel Marcel. One of his central observations about life and experience in general is that we are living in this “Broken World”. Day in day out, we find ourselves too preoccupied with the daily grind that life brings. We tend to focus on our goals, our home works, tests or anything that distracts us reflecting and being-with-others.  We become too focused on what’s being said rather than to whom and how we say things.


The language that we began to master is a language that forgets what it means to have respect for the other. We forget that the beauty of language is that it allows us to understand not just the present but also something of the past and possibly future of the person we are talking to. Language is something intimate. As what was said in class, it is something capable of bringing out reality and I think this is something we all experience. We all meet different types of people and this particular someone tells us something. Whatever this person shared speaks of his past, possibly how this person will act in the future and therefore something of the present. With the simple act of talking with another person we are able to know the other in three ways and this experience plays as important role as to who we become. After all, who we are is a sum of all the people we’ve met and became acquainted with.

More Than The "I"

by Mara Cepeda

Last semester, we sought to answer the question, “Who am I?” We learned that we are embodied spirits, who exist not just because he is a cogito or a thinking “I,” but also because he has a body which physically manifests his existence in the world. We learned that our bodies are uniquely and intimately part of ourselves and that we cannot separate ourselves from it. At the same time, we learned that while we identify our bodily existence, we are more than our material body. This is because we have the capability to dream, to aspire, even to fight our own desires. We later on learned about being as in Being; our intentional awareness of our existence ultimately implies already that we exist and that we are trying to find our niche in the world.

I do not deny the importance of being aware of one’s existence. After all, it is but natural only for the human person to ask where he came from and what is the point of his life. Those kinds of questions make us human. However, like Levinas, I believe we cannot just stop there. Our quest to understand the reality of existence does and cannot end within ourselves. We cannot put ourselves in a corner by believing that the one I wrote above constitutes the whole of existence already. We have already gone past that kind of thinking.

I therefore think that Levinas wanted to change philosophy’s gears not because it was completely wrong, but because, as we have learned in class, it was leading us to another road block. It was leading us to think that existence is a journey taken alone. What’s worse is that it is leading us to believe that the world operates and is defined by the same terms as we see it to be. “This is how I see things. We can’t you do the same?” We were at risk of building a shell around ourselves and calling that the world, when in fact, what we should have been doing is continually breaking that shell and letting the world in, not blocking it out of ourselves.

“No man is an island,” says John Donne. And indeed, once you are aware that you are capable of asking “Who am I?” you will become aware that you are also capable of answering an even more fundamental question of “Who am I, and what does the Other demand from me?”

What I’m saying is, once you have started to understand one’s existence, you also become aware of the other beings doing the same thing around you – they are also existing like you, they are also finding their places in the world, they are also trying to find the point of their individual existence. But while you have that similarity with other beings, there is also the difference – they have different personal histories from you, they have perspectives separate from what you have. In the similarity, there is the difference; there is the difference in the similarity. With that awareness, therefore, we realize that it’s not enough to ask the point of our individual existence; we must also ask what we can and should do with that existence. When we do that, we allow ourselves to be driven out of the corner and towards the openness that is existence.

For example, it is not enough that we know as Ateneans the Ateneo’s philosophy of being men and women of others. It is not enough that we know we are made to serve others; rather, we literally must seek to serve others. We literally must become men and women for others. In my case, my being an Atenean is not just characterized by my ID number nor just by my utterances of “St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us.” My being an Atenean is also manifested whenever I become a neighbor, say for example to my sister, when I help her in her math homework even when I have to study for a theology quiz as well.

Levinas perhaps found the need to shift philosophy’s gears so that our individual existence will not be in vain, so that our individual existence will be more, so that our individual existence will be for the Other.

Random Act of Kindness

by Christian Gallardo

Although helping others might seem to be such a good deed, there are times wherein it does not feel right to do it not because it is not what conscience dictates but because the society perceives it in a wrong way. No matter how many books are published praising people who do kind acts to another, in reality, it is still socially awkward. Just imagine seeing a politician in a public television distributing relief goods to those people affected by the typhoon. The act itself is right, but the real intent is being judged by others. While others might see it as a way to also encourage others to donate, the same act might be judged as a way for the politician to gain votes for the upcoming elections.

Personally though, I experienced the same situation- of being stuck between doing good while risking my dignity in the process and doing nothing just to be safe. Back when I was in high school, I used to ignore my teachers who carry their heavy bags with laptops and test papers not because I do not want to waste my energy and time in helping them, but I worry that my batch mates would judge me as a “teacher’s pet” who helps my professor, hoping that, in return, they would favour me in grades giving. Recently as well, like 2 to 3 weeks ago, my friends and I ate at KFC in Katipunan. Before we got there to have lunch, it was actually sunny. Unfortunately though, before we left, it rained so hard. Good thing that we did not forget our umbrellas. Though there are 2 pretty girls from Miriam College (I assume because of the uniforms they were wearing) that forgot to have their umbrellas with them. My friends and I overheard that they just wanted to go to Fully Booked (which is just on the other side of the street) to wait for the rain to stop but they do not have something to protect themselves from the heavy rain. My friends and I pushed each other to approach the ladies and offer them an umbrella to the other side of the street, which is on our way back to school anyway. Though none of us had the courage to, not because we were insensitive, but because we worry that the people around us, including those 2 girls, might think that we are flirting, since they are indeed pretty. Hence, we just rushed back to school, pretending that we did not hear a thing on their conversation.

Thinking back on the situation, and relating it to the philosophical discussion that we had on school, I guess helping them would be fall into the type of a “random act of kindness”. And from the situation I can imply that what makes them special is that you are willing to risk your dignity- of being judged by others, just to do something that what you feel is right. Furthermore, the difference of which from the other acts of goodness is that it is not obliged or enforced by law, rather you do it really because you feel personally that it is right. Take, as comparison, the situation of buying something from a store. The moment that the good you bought is handed over to you, you have a legal obligation to give the payment. Breaking this obligation would result into a legal violation which would result, in turn, into punishment of some sorts. On the other hand, not doing a “random act of kindness” (which we unfortunately did) would not result into punishments. Because of this we can imply that “random acts of kindness” involve some kind of conscience and knowledge. Legal obligations, since they are forced, are automatically exercised most of the times. Contrary to these, “random acts of kindness” makes one reflect first: “Should I do this? Should I do that?” And that reflection makes the act of goodness more human.


Thinking back on what happened that day, I think that we should have helped. After all, none can ascertain our intentions but ourselves anyway.

Equivalence

by Patrick Cruz

I remember one particular time during enrolment for this incoming semester. It happened when I had a lot of things to fix and the sun was directly above me. Just as any other person crossing on the bridge at that time, I was bad-tempered and hurrying in order to finish the tasks early.  But suddenly, there was one child vendor who offered for me to buy turon. Just as I had turned my head back and I was about to say my most common response “no, thank you,” there I saw his innocent face with an angelic smile. He even added, “sige na po, hindi pa po kasi kamina nakakain e.” “How could I refuse to such offer?”, I said to myself. So, I bought two from him. Since I was full at that time and knowing he’s also hungry, then, I give these to him. There, he smiled again and said “Salamat po!”

It was completely an event for me, an encounter with another person. It might have been a surprise, or it might have actually been there all the time and it just took some refreshed minds in order to see this in a different perspective. For me, this is what Dr. Garcia calls random act of kindness—that even when no one is looking at you, you actually made that choice to enter into another person’s life. It is the moment of extension of a hand that could’ve renewed that child vendor’s hope. It is a time when one allows the poor to feel rich, the hungry to feel full, the desperate to feel hopeful and everyone to feel loved.

Boring or Not?

by Arvi Calagui

First of all, I’m going to say, here and now, that reflection was the last thing on my mind ever since I’ve started taking my studies seriously. Back in high school, the main pattern I did to get by was to read the required text, familiarize myself with the important points that might spring out of the quizzes, and then forget about them afterwards. In fact, I tend to memorize my friends’ funny stories and I never forget them almost word for word up until today, and these are the things that I don’t even need for school. Basically, I like remembering and experiencing fun stuff because it makes my life carefree and removes all the tension I may have. As for reading very serious texts, I’ve always thought that thinking about them so much would make them even more boring. And in reflection, lived experiences are further analyzed in a deeper way, which I thought was destroying the experience itself because of how reflection turns it into a boring textbook article.

Now I am in college, and have discovered that a deeper understanding of texts is prioritized over memorization (though it is still a part of it). My original pattern no longer worked (specifically to my English and literature classes). At first, I never really understood how reflection really works in writing papers and such. I just typed anything I could find in a text that seemed important and gave my understanding about them word per word. But gradually, I realized how to do it right. I am not supposed to just let my mind come out and look for information that I need, I am also supposed to let it comeback, or simply to use the things I have gathered and look at them in a deeper sense, seeing them not just in their written form, but on what they really want to convey. And before you say it, yes, the metaphor I just used is derived from the one said in class. Reflection is a process of coming out and coming back. Not just to read or experience, but to analyze and understand beyond the senses.

Given that philosophy and theology classes focus more on lived experiences that can be incorporated in readings, reflection is obviously an important aspect in studying them. My old-school definition of reflection before was something like “to read, to understand, or to make it seem like I understand”, but no more. My past notion that reflection makes my life and everything boring is also long gone because I realized that there is a point. I can’t just lead myself to stop at “this happened and “that happened”. I need to go further and realize that these things are happening around me. Both good things and bad things are happening around me. They are not just events that I am watching from a distance, but they are events that I am involved in because they happen in this world, and I belong to this world.

Reading books or doing other stuff (watching movies, playing games, etc.), and reflecting on them do turn up some very interesting stuff. Reflection is not boring after all. SO now I can conclusively say that reflection is one of the things that comes to mind when I live my life.

Poker

by Robert Alvarez

One of my favourite past times is playing poker. It’s one of the ways I bond with my high school friends after not seeing them for a while. There is a misconception that poker is a game of skill, but that’s untrue. You could play the percentages all you want, but that would only get you so far. There is a human element that you simply cannot remove from the game, the need to read your opponent. Like in life, you can start out with the worst hand and still win it all.


The analogy I’m trying to make here is that of objectivism, and subjectivism. As in poker, there is a need for a middle ground in everyday life. The computations and theories (the sciences) in poker are not meant to be gospel, but a guide, the sciences are not an end in themselves. People in the Ateneo have a tendency to be bookish, exposed to so many theories and utopian ideas. There are times when these intelligent people are duped, robbed, or scammed by people schooled in life, and not in a classroom. This is because there’s also a need for street smarts, that’s something you can’t simply gleam from your text books or journals. Coming from a prestigious school like the Ateneo, we are prone to fall into the trap that we’re better (in terms of skill) than everyone else. This belief often ends with disappointment when you apply for a job and don’t get the position, or the salary you want. When Dr. Garcia started the semester he said that we’ve been asking the wrong question all along, maybe it is in this way that we’ve been seeking the wrong kind of knowledge.

A Great Opportunity

by Wys So

In fact, I don’t like reading books at all. Not just dislike, but I hate reading books. I have been used to watching television shows, movies, sometimes newspapers, but rarely books. I always have this conception in my mind that reading books is a tedious thing to do. At that time I firmly believe that books are dead, while movies are not. The characters in the films can move, they can express their thoughts and feelings directly to us. But for the books we still have to search for the meaning of difficult words, and analyze the text carefully, which is such a hassle task to do compare to watching films. As a result, I don’t buy books; I buy DVDs.

It may sound astonishing that the first English book I’ve finished reading completely is “The Catcher in The Rye”, a major requirement in my high school 3rd year English class, and my first Filipino book is “El Filibusterismo” (I didn’t even finish the latter part of “Noli Me Tangere”). And thus here comes my problems in college: Readings and readings everywhere. During my first year in college I was so depressed reading those articles and searching for the words. The readings are traumatizing my life. They didn’t even do me any favors in my life, maybe just my grades. No matter how fascinating and touching the article is, I will sooner or later forget about it anyway. Reading for me is about understanding and applying what the texts want to convey to us. And that’s all.

So I am really glad when I realized from our class that reading is such a great opportunity for us to improve our life and being. What I didn’t figure out before is that lies beyond the texts are infinitely many possibilities that can lead us to concrete action, that will bring us nearer to the “true life” we desire. Books actually show us modes of being in this world (outside of our own world), and how limited our thinking and knowledge are. Each of them gives us a chance to reflect upon our present state of living, thus give us a room for improvement. I also realized that merely understanding the texts is not enough for them to affect you, we must reflect upon the texts, think critically, and be open to them, for them to change, renew, and make an impact on our life --- In short, for them to recreate us.

Arthur Rimbaud, his poetry, and his life make me learned that poetry is indeed an amazing thing. It is a way for people to express their existence through their languages. It’s like philosophy in a sense that it leads us to the answer of our fundamental questions.

Sadly, I still haven’t read a book that really strikes me. But I think the articles that I’ve read in this philosophy class do somehow make impacts on me, and have changed my perceptions on many things.

Philosophy and Poetry

by Patrick Cruz

I really like writing Filipino poems, ranging from topics like science and technology up to various social and economic issues. For me, poetry is a medium for interaction with other people. Though indirectly, it helps me to express myself to other people and to communicate with them. But more than just a medium, poetry has actually occupied a special place in my heart. The way it uses well-selected words to evoke certain emotions or ideas is very appealing to me. The profound meaning that poetry unravels little by little, without totally revealing it to the reader, allows me to consistently strive to understand it more.

The statement “True life is elsewhere, but we are in this world” mentioned in our class is indeed poetic, at least for me. There are three observations that I want to make regarding the statement and these are the following:

(1) There is a restriction made through but though the first part is asserted, the second part gives a particular condition. Nevertheless, the two statements are not actually opposing each other.
(2) is and are, both in present tense, are used. Interestingly, these two might have been used in two completely different sense. While is is used to denote a general truth or fact, are is used to denote the present.
(3) elsewhere refers to another place in a non-isolating sense. However, in this world is immediately followed up to give more concrete boundaries.

With all the following observations, the statement “True life is elsewhere, but we are in this world” can be interpreted as that the first part allows us to explore possibilities, but the second part limits these possibilities that we have. The first part makes us realize that indeed it’s true—that life gives us a lot of opportunities with what we do. It does not only give us the capacity to be, but also the capacity to hope, to dream and to go beyond our being. And that can be understood only completely by looking deeper at the second part. This latter part clarifies that the opportunities must always be grounded with the present- that hope, for example, must be taken in the context of the desperate and the needy, that dream must be for every single person, etc. but nothing of otherworldliness. This statement, therefore, decentralizes every being from himself and includes any other being to himself.

In this sense, true life will only be realized as we extend our own boundaries to embrace more and more people, as we strive to be better not only for ourselves but also for other people and as we let ourselves be reflective more of who we want to be rather than who we are. This point is the same point that Levinas is trying to make when he says “What I must do for the other?” and the Bible repeatedly emphasizes with “Go and do likewise.”

On Books

by Kat Altomonte

I like pink, unicorns, sparkles, and (loooove omg) One Direction. Taylor Swift is my hero and I cried when I wasn’t able to watch the Biebs’ concert in Manila. I’m a fangirly girly girl and everyone knows it. What people don’t know and don’t often ask about me is that I spend a whole lot of my time reading sci-fi and fantasy books and getting a stuffy nose from the allergies I get from flipping through old pages.

It’s crazy how one book can reveal a whole other world to you! One of the most brilliant and hilarious books I have ever read was The Hogfather written by Terry Pratchett. I reread it every year before Christmas – it’s that good!  The book contains subplots that lead up to one big story on the Hogfather’s (similar to Santa) disappearance and Susan, Death’s granddaughter, trying to find him.

The text of the book is a powerful experience. The first read will have you confused with a normal premise that twists into action you wouldn’t expect. It reveals how limited your world and your thinking is and pushes you to engage in the text to build a framework for growth. The text gives you so much mystery and excitement that your mind becomes more receptive to new ideas and more possibilities. It gives you an opportunity to maximize your creativity in looking for and finding answers to the questions we have about our own lived experiences. The text is very engaging, funny, and will open you to be insightful. It celebrates the innovation and creativity behind the human mind.

Death: YES. AS PRACTICE. YOU HAVE TO START OUT LEARNING TO BELIEVE THE LITTLE LIES.
Susan: "So we can believe the big ones?"
Death: YES. JUSTICE. MERCY. DUTY. THAT SORT OF THING.
Susan: "They're not the same at all!"
Death: YOU THINK SO? THEN TAKE THE UNIVERSE AND GRIND IT DOWN TO THE FINEST POWDER AND SIEVE IT THROUGH THE FINEST SIEVE AND THENSHOW ME ONE ATOM OF JUSTICE, ONE MOLECULE OF MERCY. AND YET—Death waved a hand. AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME...SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED.
Susan: "Yes, but people have got to believe that, or what's the point—"
Death: MY POINT EXACTLY.”

My Neighbor?

by Renee Arabia

What does it mean to be a neighbor? Who is my neighbor?

Reflecting upon the parable of the good Samaritan, I have come to realize what it truly means to be “neighborly.” That one person you did not expect to reach out actually did, and the people you did expect did not do anything. It doesn’t matter where you stand in society or who you are. What matters is the fact that you went out of your way to just help out without expecting anything in return. Come to think of it, this reading from Ricouer could not have come at a better time.

Typhoon Yolanda was a category five storm, and is one of the strongest storms recorded, and has proved to be devastating. The funny thing about wide-scale tragedies in the Philippines is how it can bring out both the best and worst in everybody. Pictures of relief goods slapped with stickers from a certain politician circulated the internet. Journalists were put on the spotlight for reporting the harsh realities on site, and some were questioned for sugarcoating. It’s amazing how many people have turned their acts of charity into their very own press conference or publicity gimmick. But what’s more amazing are the people who have given their all because of the simple reason that they just wanted to help.

During my experience at the relief operations in campus, I’ve seen such people. 24 hours of packing, running back and forth, and keeping their energy up just to carry on. They gave, and even when literally everything started to hurt, they didn’t stop. These people don’t know who their family packs will go to, some don’t even personally know anyone directly affected by the typhoon. They didn’t care either if these people will ever know how they stayed up all night for the packs. Now that is what I’d call a true neighbor.

True, being a neighbor should be 24/7 and not just when disaster strikes, but I think these calamities can serve as wake-up calls. If we can display this much strength at such a time, then imagine how much we can give in less chaos if only we kept that neighborly spirit constant? I guess now is also a good time to remember that we are Ateneans and we are always called to be men and women for others.

True Charity

by Se Yoon

The lecture we had in class today was about what true charity is all about. This topic is very relevant to us, given the recent typhoon that struck the Philippines. The effect of the typhoon was devastating. So many people have lost their homes, belongings, and their loved ones. The people of affected areas are in dire need of help and this is the perfect time that calls for an act of charity.

But then I began to wonder, I know it is natural that people are volunteering themselves in various relief operations and are donating money, food, and clothing, but why don’t they continue it during the times without typhoon or other calamities? It seems that the acts of charity are born out of necessity only. If we are to follow the spirit of true charity, shouldn’t our actions continue even after the calamities have passed?
What I am trying to point out is that there are people out there who need a helping hand even when there are no calamities. There are people who live in poverty and every single day for them is a struggle for survival. I am not saying that we should volunteer ourselves for 365days, but we can dedicate ourselves to help these people other than the times of calamities. Instead of going abroad during our vacation, we can volunteer ourselves to help these people. I think sacrificing our vacation and helping the poor shows what true charity means.


I am not saying that the charity works being done during calamities are hypocritical charity. I am pretty sure people are extending their hands because they truly care for their fellow countrymen. But then if we are capable of helping in times of calamities, then we are also capable of helping in times of peace also. Don’t stop your charity works just because the situation has been calmed down, continue your works and push it even further. I think this is the perfect time to show themagisquality of Ateneans and also what true charity means.

Charity

by Inah Robles

Paul Ricoeur reminds us of what charity is truly about. It's the act of being selfless, giving without expecting anything in return, and it's the genuine desire to help those in need. However, Yolanda and the events which have transpired made me realize that it is difficult to be charitable-in it's truest sense in our society for three main reasons.

The first reason, is many have conflated the idea of charity and self-gratification. They want to help, because they want to show others they are "helpful", they are "kind" hence the abundance of selfies captured in relief centers. This is dangerous because we must remember that charity is not about yourself, but it's about others. You do not help the poor because it makes YOU feel good, but rather you help them because you know that as human beings, they deserve more. Making them tools for our happiness is no better than treating them as second class citizens, you rob them of their own dignity.

Secondly, we have simplified the idea of charity. Many think that just because you share, you are automatically charitable. The common excuse i hear is "at least I gave something". This mindset is upsetting because charity isn't giving for the sake of giving. The intentions behind the action must be considered as well, it is about genuinely wanting to help out. When one gives for the sake, it becomes tokenistic. Though it may help others, it surely does not depict what charity really is.

More than that, this mindset of "at least i helped"  makes it harder to help those in need. It allows people to feel complacent, instead of aiming to do more, many become content with the little they can give--even when they can achieve and contribute so much more.

Lastly, even in the best case scenario where someone is charitable by Ricoeur's definition; it is very hard to practice it. With the skepticism surrounding NGO's and government agencies it makes it difficult for people to donate their hard earned money knowing that there is a great propensity for corruption to be present.

It is sad that the Philippines has come to this. Despite these problems, it is still very heartwarming to see others help out and sacrifice in order to help the victims of Yolanda. I am just hoping that they remember what charity is all about. It's about being a man for others, not for yourself.

Silence

by Kyla Relucio

Before going to bed this evening, I did my usual routine of checking emails and notifications on Facebook. This evening however, I could not help but feel very disheartened and disappointed as I scrolled through my news feeds for the only thing people are posting about are their complaints on the current situation our fellow Filipinos face and their angry comments full of discontent with the assistance of our government, most especially our President.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that there is nothing wrong. I just think that during moments like this, people online who can obviously have the time to sit in front of a laptop in their peaceful homes while other Filipinos are out there trying to survive and put together what’s left of them, should clearly just be silent.

Now is not the time to ask whose fault it is or why this is happening to us. Probably this is the time to answer how we could make things better. The answer to this question however can only be seen and given meaning through our actions.

I understand that some of us may feel angry, because we want things to get better and we feel like people who have that power to make things better aren’t doing their best. I also understand that it is very difficult to “let it go”, and to just ignore other angry comments or articles involved in criticizing the current situation we all face as Filipinos.

What must we do then?

The challenge for us is to be silent and to be peaceful. Our complaints wont do anything to make things better. It will only exacerbate the situation by putting emphasis on how unfortunate things have been. Silence does not mean we do not care or that things do not matter. Silence simply means that we do feel something yet no words can capture our emotions and sentiments.

Today, we are challenged to be human. Human, not in the sense, that it is innate for us to be angry and to react to this tragedy, but human in a sense that we can overcome and acknowledge our capability to do so.

Being A Neighbour

by Christian Gallardo

I grew up in an urban community within a modern world having a fast-paced lifestyle. Although my childhood seems relaxed, as I grew up, I realized that I have no other choice but to go with the flow and live such a fast-paced lifestyle because I don’t want to face the consequence of being a person detached of the world. Although I always say to the people around me that I’m living my life one point at a time- cherishing the present, the truth is, I’m always focused on the future. I’m afraid of the future because it is uncertain. And I bet, most of the inhabitants of this modern world are.

I guess that is the root point of being a “socious”. They are basically people stuck with their social roles, to the point that they way they relate to another is for a function. I cannot blame those people, including myself, for indeed, the future is frightening. And the world can be so cruel on those who have no clear well-planned future. Just imagine a life of not entering a university (Or any college) simply because one does not want to have planned life. Then afterwards, where shall one land? Sure, there are successful people who did not finish college. But most probably, one’s future will not be bright without a college diploma. And the story goes beyond planning one’s education. After that, there will be work; aging and retirement- all of which must be planned to go through smoothly. We just cannot deny the fact that we live with time. We cannot disregard the fact that someday we’ll be old and weak enough to work for ourselves, so we just have to have some plan. And we just need to prepare. If being a constant planner of life is a disease, then I guess it contaminated almost everyone.

Although being a socious seems like ideal in these times, it has a lot of hidden adverse effects. The most problematic of which is the tendency to become egoistic to gain pleasure. Since one cares only for one’s future, everything in the present goes back to the self. Every action is motivated by nothing other than the self. And what is the problem with that?

I can’t think of any logical reason why such is a problem, especially in the modern context where survival of fittest seems to be happening. But, I have an unexplainable personal problem with that. I notice that even though I gain something, and even though I give something, as long as the motivation of gaining or giving is related to me, I only experience a temporary satisfaction which shall be replaced quickly by a longing for another gain afterwards. And it seems like a vicious cycle. For example, when I study, I study merely to get high grades, so even though I get an A, I long for another one. And so and so forth.

But funnily, a strange thing happened to me yesterday. I donated money for the victims of the typhoon during the morning. Well, I hope no one judges me so hard at this point, but one of the reasons why I did so is that, aside from wanting to help my fellow countrymen, I just want to satisfy the guilt and the pity inside of me. So that every time I will look at the TV, I can say to myself, “Hey, I actually donated something! I guess I’m a good guy after all”. Then I could have my usual temporary satisfaction and go on with my life.

Yet, afternoon after that incident, I happened to pass by Covered courts to get something. Since I have a 2 hour break, I decided to pass by the Covered Courts in the Jesuit Residence to help in the repacking of goods for the Yolanda Victims. At first, all seems pretty normal. But then, after spending an hour and a half working on it, I began to think. Or feel. I felt a spark- something that I wasn’t able to feel for years. Something unexplainable mere words cannot describe. But perhaps the most accurate word for it is contentment. I left the repacking site contented for a rare time in my life. There seems to be solitude inside of me that seems to be still for once. For a rare occasion, there have been no questions or justifications after an act of goodness. No excuses or doubts to fill up. There’s just plain calmness.

Why? Because I just realized that I parted with one of the most important thing in my life- which is my time. I spent my time not for the gain of myself even a bit but for others. Not that I am saying that money or material offering is not worthy. Money is vital. But it can be regained once lost. Time, on the other hand, once spent, is lost forever. That’s why memories are highly valued right? Because time was actually paid for it.


But anyway, going back on my point, I guess even a “socious” can become “neighbour” sometimes. Actually, one must strive to become more of a neighbour because through which contentment is achieved- something way beyond the pleasure that temporary satisfaction can give. And I guess the best way to become a neighbour is to be ready to part with something that is of most value to you- be it material wealth, sentiments or time. At this point of time where the world is experiencing a lot of misfortunes, including my country which was just hit by a violent storm, I hope that we would all learn to really “give”- to give not just to satisfy the guilt or pity within us and to give without expecting for a repay someday. Give not because it needed by you but because it needed by someone else.

A Transition in the Mode of Thinking

by Wys So

“Philosophy begins in wonder. And at the end, when philosophic thought has done its best, the wonder remains. There have been added, however, some grasp of the immensity of things, some purification of emotion by understanding.”                                                                                  

– A. N. Whitehead, Modes of Thought

PH101 is perhaps the most inspiring course that I have taken so far throughout my student life. Unlike any other courses, philosophy is so useful and applicable to my life. It has the power to change my way of living, or rather the way of thinking. After spending a semester dealing with Dr. Garcia and Sir Earl, dealing with their lectures on philosophy, and also with my own thoughts, my own reflections, I have come to a conclusion that philosophy transformed me from a broken individual to a more authentic one. I have learned to reflect upon myself the concept of a broken world, and the meaning of being and existence. I have also learned how to see things differently, how to think more critically, and how to act like a ‘B’eing.
In the first day of my Theology 131 class, I was being asked by my prof “Why do I exist?”

If it’s the “I” before PH101, I would probably be astonished and stunned in front of the question, thinking about the most practical and acceptable answers such as “I exist to graduate in college” and “I exist to be a successful business man”; or the most amusing answer such as “I exist because of you” or “I exist to eat banana split.” Perhaps I would find myself lost in the question, and trying to recall all the concepts that I’ve learned in biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, etc. but still couldn’t answer even a single word.
 
Out of my wonder, I did have a answer to this question. The “I” after PH101 answered it. “I exist to learn, to experience life, to dwell and solve different kinds of problems. I exist for others and with others.”  This is my answer, and I know what I am talking about.

For me, it is the matter of perspective that has changed in me after taking PH101. I start doing my part to be a less individualistic individual. I start to look at the problems in a different way. I try to think in a different setting. Perhaps the most important thing my philosophy has helped me so far is not to take things for granted, to improve our way of thinking, and to accept, to appreciate people and things more for what they are.


I have learned and gained a lot of insights from PH101, and I am expecting to learn more in my PH102 journey.

In Line

by Jio Deslate

The walls were made of the highest quality glass. Reinforced, of course, like the ones found in those Manhattan skyscrapers, yet seemingly so fragile. The floor was carpeted with the plainest of rugs. A dark gray mat highly susceptible to visible stains as evidenced in the coffee spills all over it. The room was minimally furnished. Just a few black leather couches on the side, some ornamental plants here and there, and a medium-sized black and white portrait of what seems to be a family - though none of the people actually look alike. It really wasn't what you would expect.  No bright, divine light magnificently shining through in an awe-inspiring effect, no angelic voices or celestial choirs singing harmonious songs, and especially no lofty, dream-like clouds set against a deep, blazing azure.  Centuries of conditioning should be blamed for this idea of heaven. And this is exactly what Jimmy was grudgingly thinking while waiting in line at St. Peter's gate.

The lines were inconceivably long. Two columns tortuously snaking its way around the ground floor lobby moving at a snail's pace. It was so cramped that there was but a few inches-space between each person. Not very efficient for the ultimate utopia, Jimmy thought. Then again this is just the reception area, the transitory vestibule between Earth and the final resting place. There are bound to be grander things inside, Jimmy hoped. But first there's the small matter of actually getting there. As his mind was yet again about to venture off into deep thought, a middle-aged, benign-looking man dressed in a guard's uniform (an angel Jimmy thought, I wouldn't be surprised if he was one, things here seem to be pulling off some kind of mundane look) comes around distributing curious looking files. They were application forms. The medieval legends did get something right. There is some sort of preliminary examination before entering the gates of heaven. Of course they misjudged this to be some sort of personal question and answer portion with St. Peter himself. It's really more of a standardized test, a lot like your customary university entrance exam, and as such filling out the application form is the first part.

Name, age (I'm guessing that's at the time of my earthly demise or can I already put "infinity" here? Maybe they'll like my confidence, Jimmy wondered), sex ("None whatsoever!" Might improve my chances! Haha!) Standard information. Pretty much all of it was standard. Well save for the essay question: "Why do you exist?" (It's either they're giving me another chance at life or Heaven should really improve its grammar. Guess they're really more familiar with Latin) somewhere in the middle below civil status (Widowed? Well I'm pretty sure that's what Marie checks. I wonder how she's doing now. At least the mortgage was nearly paid before I skedaddled...I think. I wonder if she 's still working for that ad agency. Oh and the kids. Is Junior still thinking of becoming a writer? Okay maybe that mortgage is still a long way to go...) and blood type (AB . Only one in the family with it. It's quite rare. I really have to thank that blood donor. Didn't even know the guy. Then again didn’t do much. Still ended up here way too early, right? Hahaha).

"Why do you exist? Explain in 300 words or less." The question said in big blue letters. There were already people in line frantically answering it. Each form came with one of those sturdy clipboards that made it easy for people to write even while standing up (finally a sign of competence here). The bell rang. "Serving 2452" the neon sign in the north wall said. The crowd was awakened. It's been 2451 for quite a while already and this is a welcome - albeit slow - development. Jimmy looked at the number on the upper right corner of his form: 2460 (okay so 8 more. Not that bad. I should probably already answer this damn question...oh but of course. No pen. Knew it was too good to be true). As Jimmy desperately searched for a pen more and more people pile up.

"Hey you need pen?" The old man ahead of him asked. He had a pleasant air about him. A feeling of familiarity that put Jimmy at ease. He dressed simply. A blue sweater with dark brown trousers. There was really nothing out of the ordinary about him save for the gold chain hanging from the side of his pants. A pocket watch, Jimmy noticed. He had one himself, though he never really used it. He saw it as a bit too old-fashioned when his father gave it to him. (Maybe I should've given it to Junior before...coming here. Then again. He probably would've just lost it).

"Yeah. Yeah I do. You got a spare?"
"Here!" The old man handed him the pen, his watch to fall out in the process.
"Thanks! Pocket watch, huh?"
"Huh? Oh yeah. Got it a long time ago. Didn't know we could actually bring stuff here, you know. Hahaha," the old man laughed warmly.
"Well it's not much of use anyway, I guess. I don't think there's any sense of time here anyway."
"Ahh yeah. Well hasn't really worked in ages. I just keep it with me for the sentimental value. Been passed on for generations in our family."
"Really now?" Jimmy smiled at the coincidence (Guess we're really not far off from Earth after all).
"Say this is a pretty lame question, don't you think?" Jimmy said to the old man, holding up his form.
"Why? Can't answer it?" The man replied. He was wearing a neon green polo with khaki pants (gaudy and not to mention painful to the eyes. A bit too young for your age don't you think, bud? Midlife crisis I'm guessing. Well he still looks like a mutated tree ). A stark contrast to Jimmy's tone colors.
"Nah. I'm just surprised they didn't make it into a multiple choice question. I would just answer "All of the above"... Is that what you answered?" Jimmy replied quite sarcastically, still reeling from the audacity of the man to stick his nose into his business (prick. An obnoxious, little prick. That's what he is).
"You're new here, aren't you?" the prick replied.
"Fresh out of Earth!" (I don't intend to wait here long with the likes of you turning this to hell!).
"Well look, bud. That's the standard question here. They've been asking that since Adam and Eve decided to come knocking . It's divinely inspired. Like the bible and all. So I don't think you should be poking fun at it," the prick replied. His hostile tone somewhat tempered by his sincere demeanor. (One of the ardent Church apologists. Those annoying overly-devout Christians. I wonder why he's still here then? Shouldn't they have welcomed him with open arms?)
"Not poking fun at it. I was just pointing out that it seems like such a heavy question given that I'm ten people away from being called," Jimmy replied.
"Trust me. You'll have more than enough time to answer that."
"2453" the neon ominously flashed as the pilgrimage inched further on.
"Thanks for the heads up!" Jimmy said sardonically again. (He's right. But does he really have to be such a prick about it. I mean he could've just pointed it out nicely. Plus even if I do have all the time in the worl...Heaven...Heaven. Still feels like Earth. How do I even know I'm in heaven. None of the typical signs here. Then again those legends ARE ridiculous. But how would I know I'm actually at the gates of eternity?Ah don’t be stupid, Jimmy. You just know. You've known since I found myself here. Maybe I'm just in denial. This is heaven alright. Or at least the road to it).

The old man smiled at him upon the conception of the thought. It was a knowing smile. It was as if he overheard him in his head. Or felt the sudden shift in Jimmy's expression from a stiff annoyance to visible anxiety.

         "It's okay, sport! Breathe. You'll get your answer in due time," the old man said.
"Thanks, sir!" (Sport. Odd. That's what dad used to call me as a kid. Got in the habit of calling Junior that as well. Oh and once again he's right. I guess people who stay anywhere near God absorbs some of his infallibility, eh? Maybe I can avail myself of that and finally be able to answer this damn question!)
"2454" the sign read. 6 more to go.
Jimmy stared at the mocking blank box that he is supposed to fill out soon enough. The nearby murmurs of equally anxious applicants filled the room, simultaneously assaulting his defenceless ears. A look of livid annoyance flashed on his face. (Son of a bitch! Can these people keep their mouths shut? How the hell am I suppose to answer this damn essay with all that noise?!)
"...Pencil," the stranger said. Jimmy only caught the last part of that in his distraction.
"What?"
"Use a pencil. Just in case you need to erase it. Looks neater," the stranger said. He was a woman in her late 30s --  at least judging from her appearance. She had a casual air to her. A nonchalant aura that was a stark contrast to the imposing prick's, just enough to make her presence her felt if one would care to notice. She had a bashful smile. An awkwardness to her speech and movement that suggests she is not one to regularly socialize. She was neither pretty nor repulsive. An admittedly forgettable face, Jimmy thought.
"Oh. I don't have one," Jimmy replied amiably enough.
"Oh! I think I have a spare. Hold on. Let me check," the girl said. Immediately fumbling through her purse in search for the pencil.
"Oh it's quite alright I can just use..."
"Here!" The girl held out the pencil, visibly pleased at the small help she had offered.
"Oh. Thank you so much," Jimmy replied. (Wow why's someone as nice as her still here? This woman should practically just make her grand entrance into the gates right now!).
"I'm Mary," the girl introduced. (Which one? The Virgin or the whore? Pretty sure the first one but whatever the case that name is made for heaven! Well James is good enough I guess. One of the disciples, right? Wish it was more of the popular ones, though. The stars of the bible. Matthew, Luke, ...Jesus?)
"Jimmy," he replied, offering a handshake.
"2455," it threatened in a hostile red light.
"Hey it's speeding up!" the old man observed.
"Right when I need some time! Jesus Christ!"
"Be careful, sport! He's pretty nearby! He might just hear you!" The old man quipped.
"Well maybe he can help me out here!"
"Hey you hold your tongue!" the prick warned menacingly.
"Can't seem to," Jimmy retorted as he petulantly stuck his tongue out. (Yeah I know. Real mature. Well maybe they should me back to Earth so I'll have enough time to grow up!)
"Now, now. Can't we all be civil here? This place is known for peace after all! Well what's beyond the gate is at least. Let's try and emulate that, sports. Shall we?" the old man admonished the two. He, himself, was only halfway through his essay as he scoured his brain for an answer.

The couches were now occupied. Some tired men and women resting their minds awhile in the comfort of the leather upholstery.  There was a feeling of exhaustion in the air. Mental exhaustion. There were some who would talk amongst themselves and discuss their answers  - for this was permitted. These were the more energetic ones who still enough vigor in them to fuel the deft movements of their hands that accompany each articulation. There were still some, young and old, who had enough life in them for these draining activities for the rest have retired to their own corners or amble aimlessly around, dragging their heavy feet as in despair.

"By the way, sport. Would you happen to have any of that white-out thing on you? I seem to have made a mistake with my son's birthday! Just have to correct it!" The old man asked.
"Correction tape? Yeah I think I have some!"
Jimmy casually searched his overloaded pocket, frustratingly groping for the tape lost among his other stuff. (Where the hell is it? God I really need bigger pockets. Everything's in the damn way!)
The murmurs were getting louder and louder as the line was beginning to buzz about. This added to Jimmy's irritation as he finally retrieves the tape. (JESUS HOW CAN I CONCENTRATE WITH ALL THIS NOISE? WHERE IS IT??! Oh there we go! Found it! Aannd it's almost out. Christ. I might need this too. What if I make a mistake? But then again he did lend me a pen. Great. Now what.)
"It's out! Sorry! Maybe you can just scratch it out?" Jimmy suggested, offering his best compensatory smile.
"Oh, dear. Well alright. Thank you anyway!" The old man warmly replied. (Really sorry, old man. Just need to get all of this right. God what is up with all that noise! They're really getting on my nerves. Can't they talk about stuff somewhere else? I need to start on this damn essay already!)
The room was getting stuffy. Another influx of applicants crowded around the lines getting all the materials they'll be needing. The noise was becoming unbearable. The cacophony of a thousand different voices clashing in the dense air. The chaos was intensifying in Jimmy's ears.  Bombarding him relentlessly (CAN EVERYONE PLEASE TURN IT DOWN A NOTCH?! SERIOUSLY).
"Are you okay?" the girl asked.

Jimmy saw her lips moving. In the craziness of it all she wasn't so bad. The initial awkwardness was slowly melting away. She must be saying important and in response Jimmy cluelessly smiles.

"Oh I'm sorry to bother you but do you know if it's last name first or could we write it the way we usually do in the form?" the girl followed up.

Jimmy closed his eyes as the girl's question was met with cold silence. The noise was become quite physically painful to his ears - or at least gave a similar sensation. Perhaps he could block everything out, he thought. It was worth a shot.

The torturous buzzing was ceaseless. The assault was ramming through his defences. Inner peace was rapidly escaping his mental grip, descending into the abyss of his enveloping rage.
"SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU!!!"

The crowd was stunned into silence. The sudden quiet, deafening. A thousand eyes now stare at him.

"Hey , hotshot. Where'd you get the balls to order people around?" the prick violently admonished.
"Shut up, you son of a bitch. You're goody-two-shoes act won't increase your chances here!"
"Maybe it will if I send the bad guy straight to hell," the prick threatened as he menacingly made his way to Jimmy.

The old man quickly got in the middle of it all to cool things down. Jimmy and the prick were forced to settle for hostile stares as they struggled with their tempers. The crowd went back to their disruptive business soon after.

"2459" It warned. (Shit! Must not have noticed when the other numbers were called. Stupid crowd! Stupid prick!)
"You're up next! Ready for the test?" The old man asked, trying to lighten the mood with normal conversation.
"Yeah. You have any idea what it's like?"
"Keep forgetting you're new at this. Well it's a written exam so that pen I lent you will come in handy. Hahaha," the old man quipped.
"There's more of that crap?"
"I wouldn't call it crap, but yes. It's all part of it, sport. We all have to go through this! Hahaha."
"Wait. You've done this already? So why are you still here?"
"Well they're giving more questions apparently. Can you believe that? Hahaha!"
"No. I can't actually. This is insane."
"That might be so but you should really finish that essay in a while. You're almost up!"
"Yeah. You're right," Jimmy replied. (Great. Just great. Well he's right. Have to at least try writing this damn essay.)

Jimmy scrawled a few spontaneous sentences. Perfect grammar , proper word choice, and neat sentence structures, he was proud to say. He's always been a good writer.

"2460" The sign beckoned. The red light greeted him with an alarming intensity. It was time.
"Damn it! Made it a mistake again! This is gonna look shitty now!" the prick ranted in the distance. Jimmy couldn't help but smile on his way to the examination venue (serves you right, prick) fiddling with the correction tape in his hand.

The venue was your typical lecture hall. Each row was higher than the next, ascending in every step. The tables were long and connected, and due to the overwhelming number of examinees, prone to cheating due to a forced non-implementation of the one-seat-apart standard procedure. Cheating was impossible here anyway. Too noticeable considering the classroom setup and too stupid considering the reason for the test.

Everyone settled down into their chairs, anxiously awaiting the test papers to be distributed as the proctor went around to collect the application forms. He was an old man. Heavily bearded with the white locks snow-capping his head. It was St. Peter himself. Another one the medieval stereotypes got right.

A few minutes later, the questionnaires were given faced down followed by the instructions. They were simple. Answer the questionnaire with a pen, erasures are allowed, use complete sentences.
 
Jimmy nervously tapped his pen on the table, taking a bit of time to mentally prepare himself before viewing the questions. He felt the smooth, thin, material of the paper, half-hoping it would soothe him. And then with a big exhale of anxiety he mustered up enough courage to turn the questionnaire over.

"1. What is the name of the old man in the line with you?"

Jimmy froze. The perceived absurdity of the question stunning him into immobility. It must be some kind of joke, he thought. (I thought...this was supposed to be a standard test. Why on earth are they asking me that. How do they even know I talked to him. Well nevermind I know how but he...He never introduced himself. And how was I supposed to know this was gonna be asked?! Why is this even being asked? Jesus! Now what?)

Jimmy slowly scrolled his eyes down to the next question, desperately praying for something better.

"2. What is the name of the awkward, forgettable girl?"

It was another dead-end. Jimmy closed his eyes in despair as he realized his mistakes. (Why didn't I take her name down? Or remembered it at least! Was it Maggie? Something like that. I made a joke about it but geez. How am I supposed to remember with that stupid quip? Oh I am so screwed!)

Jimmy continued despite striking twice. Third time's the charm, he thought, with tragic hope.

"3. What is the name of that annoying, little prick?"

It must be a prank, he thought. A mean display of divine powers to establish authority perhaps. (This can't be legit. There's no way this can be a real question. They can't penalize me for not knowing that son of a bitch's name. This is unfair.)

The last one, Jimmy thought. The last one could be some sort of saving grace. A final opportunity to possibly redeem himself. If only he could answer it.

"4. How did you help them?"

Blank. Jimmy wasn't expecting this. Any of this. The irony of it all was too much to bear, he thought, as he recalled his encounter with the people in the line. (The tape. The damn correction tape. Am I really gonna be deprived of eternity for not lending that?). One by one the examinees submitted their papers and left. Jimmy followed suit in a moment's time.

The walk back to the line was an agonizing one as Jimmy’s dispirited gloom set the mood for a virtual funeral march. The crowd was still buzzing away, unintelligibly voicing out their concerns. This time Jimmy was too exhausted to even notice anything.


The room remained virtually unchanged. The still, unmoving background provided a stark contrast to the restless people moving around the vicinity. His little tragedy would go unnoticed here as his fellow mourners made their way to the couches. Jimmy’s heart sank at the misery of it all. The sudden realization of the facts he must face was difficult to take in. The possibility of being stuck here, so close to paradise, for who knows how long. The thought sent a stinging pain right through his chest. It was a real and extreme pain urging Jimmy to wearily check his heartbeat. It was too fast.

Jimmy struggled to stay on his feet. His voice was lost in his throat as he tried calling out for help. His heartbeat was intensifying further and further driving him to desperation. His vision was slowly failing him. Dark spots coming and going as he stumbled towards nothingness. Fragments were all that was left. Splinters of images giving him a last chance at survival. Jimmy desperately tried to focus on the these. It was a chaotic sequence of light and abstract objects. Blurred figures of unidentifiable things. Faces he struggled to recognize. The family portrait he saw earlier was there. Well it must be it, he thought. The black and white blot on the wall. The plants were still visible with their green hues. And the couches...They were all occupied. By the same people who clearly don’t know or care for his predicament. The images came to him more slowly now. In a frame by frame stylized effect. Jimmy held out his hand in an effort to call their attention. It was to no avail. The room was now losing its shape. Everything was reduced to unrecognizable forms, racing towards pitch black oblivion as his leg struck a hard, immovable object.

His impaired vision could only make out the white pillows that at first he mistook for clouds (so we finally get clouds up here!). There were two of them. One resting horizontally upon the head of the mattress and the other perpendicular to it forming a T shape on top of the clean, white sheets. The bed was simple enough save for its odd location in the middle of the room. It was wooden and equipped with the standard headboard and footboard. Good for one. Perfect for the exhausted Jimmy. He blindly groped for the pillows and upon find them he collapsed on the bed...

Jimmy awoke to the sound of murmurs (they’re still at it, huh? I wonder what they’re talking about now) of people gathered around him.

“We’re gonna have to shock him. Defib! Where’s the defib!” the man said through his flimsy looking mask. He was wearing all green down to the hair covers. Jimmy’s vision was coming back in time for him to recognize the face of (Dr. Xavier!) the head surgeon. He was looking down at him, earnestly concerned, Jimmy recognized, even through his mask. Beside him were the team of surgeons tasked to (what happened to me?) somehow save him. Jimmy realized he wasn’t in the line anymore. He somehow returned back into the world.
“He’s flat-lining. Get ready to shock him!”

Jimmy looked around and saw the calm countenances (they must be panicking inside)
 of the surgeons around him. In the distance he saw familiar faces. In the observation area he noticed Marie watching on conspicuously worried. She looked younger somehow. As if the stress of having to watch over him had a reversing effect. She looked like she did in their honeymoon. Beside her was Junior. The stoic expression can’t hide his concern as he walked around frantically, checking the time every minute or so. Even from afar Jimmy could recognize the gold chain that dangled elegantly from the pocket watch (so he decided to use it. That’s good. I should’ve given to him long ago).

Jimmy closed his eyes as he recalled his (what was that?) celestial experience. He knew it wasn’t over as the EKG’s slow, slithering lines reminded him of that frustrating wait.

“Clear!”

The murmurs started again. This time they were coherent enough. Updates on his condition. Instructions on what to do next.

“Clear!”

Jimmy listened to them. To the sound of their murmurs. To the sound of the EKG’s high pitch as it signalled the movement of his heartbeat in long, thin green lines ominously going flat. To the sound of the defibrillator shocking him back to life.

A Talk with a Nearby Foreigner

by Charles Uy

A few days ago, I was at the dorm lobby with my girlfriend when we were suddenly approached by a Chinese foreign exchange student. This student was undergoing his graduate studies in journalism and it was second visit to the Philippines and Ateneo. He began by asking us some mundane questions about the dorm and when it was built and what was it for. Eventually the topics turned to the Philippines in general. Language, culture and how it all related to the Chinese. I tried my best to give him a history of the Chinese in the Philippines from what I learned from my History classes and in turn, he gave me some history and perspective on the Chinese and how they viewed the Philippines.

It was strange hearing how their values were so different from ours, that somehow the prevailing Chinese stereotype in the Philippines holds true. The way the exchange student talked about how intensely pragmatic the Chinese are, and how highly they value the idea of high income equals secure future. Stranger still was how, talking about the Philippines with him made me realize that our country isn’t very simple at all. Sure, a person can be aware of the thousands of islands that exist, the multitude of languages that are present, the different cultures that exist but it never really hit me that all this was in the Philippines. In a way, I took it for granted that the Philippines was this insane melting pot of culture that historically has been really mixed and confusing and remains so to this day.

What did I take away from the long talk with the foreign exchange student? That we often take things for granted. In this case, country and history. Many times in our discussion, travel was mentioned and how that it would be an eye opener and a mind widener, but when I think of that kind of travel, I think out of the country. Places in Europe and Africa and the rest of Asia were the destinations in mind, not the places in the Philippines.  I believe that there exists a lot of untapped knowledge and perspective around the Philippines. Differing cultures mean differing values and each culture would give a different perspective on our own, similar to how religions giver perspective to other religions.

In a way, this made me realize that there exists a lot if wisdom from sources local to us, but maybe we just haven’t been looking at it, or taking it seriously. The Philippines has a rich history within it and I believe we are taking it for granted too often. Many people in the Philippines’ past still have much to teach us.


How does this relate to philosophy? I guess I could say it all comes back to awareness and the broken world, maybe on a more literal broken world level. We still have a large disconnection with other cultures, even though with today’s technology that shouldn’t be much of an issue. We continue to be absorbed by our own problems locally that maybe we fail to see the wisdom that other countries can provide to help with our situation.

In Response to "A Mystery behind the Text"

by Charles Uy

This is in response to Patrick Cruz’s blog post, “A Mystery behind the Text.” This is a paper I wrote last school year when we read Josef Pieper’s “The Philosophical Act”. Patrick’s blog post reminded me of the things I discussed in this paper such as the mystery and richness of being; and I thought that perhaps this may help in understanding some of the things we discussed in class.

. . . . .

Christianity is a religion of mystery, full of contradiction that confounds the human mind. An enduring question, by way of example, and still widely debated in sects of Christianity is the nature of Jesus: is he man or God? For a certain sect of Christianity, Jesus is a reincarnated God who adopted human form. Another sect would disagree and argue that Jesus is merely a man who God chose to deliver the saving message. Yet another would say Jesus is both fully God and fully human. Perhaps the most fundamental mystery of Christianity is the nature of God himself. Most Christians agree that God exists in three forms as Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Many who would assume that these entities are separate would question if a hierarchy exists between them. If so, whom do we worship? Church doctrine declares that these entities are one and the same. Many, like myself, cannot grasp the concept that there are three of the same being. Defining them by themselves is daunting task. Going back to the question of the nature of God, I myself know what or who God is according to what my church teaches me. But I cannot grasp God in his entirety even though I understand the holy trinity concept. How can God be a Father, a Son and a Spirit at the same time? There are just different facets of God, my pastor tells me. I don’t understand it, neither does he. Now, my very devout friend tells me that this is because God, using her words, is too staggering, magnificent and powerful for us to comprehend. Humans, according to her, cannot bear the omniscient mind of God, and so He remains a mystery all of us know of, ironically. We can only hope that our notions of God is right.

Like Christianity, philosophy also deals with a mystery—an unknown. One of the many ultimate mysteries of philosophy is being which can be likened to the mystery of God. I’m not saying that both are similar in concept, but they are alike in the manner we approach them. Both Christianity and Philosophy deal with mystery as an eternal article which serves the purpose of inspiring man to have deeper engagement. Both do not treat mystery as something formulaic which deals with definite answers and solutions. People dedicate themselves to these mysteries for the sake of the contemplation of the mystery itself and its questions. Yet why is God and being a mystery in the first place? One, both God and being are infinite. Two, we humans are finite. With our limited nature, it is impossible to grasp something infinite it its wholeness, yet we still try to engage in the mystery. Our finitude can never swallow the entirety of God and being, we only have the knowledge of its wholeness. We are aware of the boundlessness and all-encompassing nature of mystery. We can possess it but not see its wholeness because there is always more to God and being. It is not due to our lack knowledge that we fail to grasp its wholeness. It is only that there is always, always more to God and being because of their richness. There is always a different way of experiencing. By way of example, when I first read The Little Prince back in third grade, I was thrilled with the thought of adventure, of travelling across different worlds via taking advantage of the migration of birds—that was my experience of The Little Prince at that time. When I read it again two years later, I experienced the theme of friendship and intimacy and in doing so, I enriched my understanding of the book. Notice that when I read it two years later, it is still the same book. Heck, it is even the same Katherine Woods translation yet I gained a broader sense of it. Is it because I lacked knowledge the first time I read it? No, it’s just that there are a lot of ways of seeing and enlightening oneself with being.

So what changed? What caused me to see another facet of the same book? This brings me to the third point as to why being is a mystery: being is always at play with the circumstances when one opens himself to it. Being always eventing. It is up to our openness on how we will receive the eventing of the being. We need to assume a certain kind of attitude and openness to see the eventing. Every day, every single moment, we are in a play of circumstances affected by human history, our present, our character and all the factors that make one’s life what it is. Because being is at play, we may experience the same thing but in a different circumstance, thus, the eventing of being is always a different experience. Being is still the same and consistent but the play of circumstance is in a state of flux. Because of this, we gain a diversity of experience of the same being and thus, enriching—not changing—our understanding of it. The circumstances when I first read The Little Prince were different from when I read it again two years later. In third grade, I was this playful little kid whose curiosity always got the upper hand but exploration of the outside world had a lot of restrictions—that play of circumstance brought me to a certain eventing of The Little Prince. It was the spirit of adventure and exploration that presented itself to me at first. Then, two years later, I became a bit of a recluse and lonely and so longed for someone of my age to connect with. These circumstances brought me to another eventing of the same book. This time, the themes of friendship presented itself to me and deepened my perception. I acquired this new experience not because I was lacking something some piece of information or knowledge two years prior. I magnified my intimacy with The Little Prince because I recognized the richness of its being in a different point in my life—the same book, different circumstances and a new eventing which synthesizes and enriches the way I experience the book.

On a different note, philosophy always draws from concrete experience. It first considers the things we readily see, the reality of the world we live in, and the traditional views we already hold. According to Pieper, this comes from divine revelation which is basically what Theology interprets. Pieper quotes Plato and Aristotle when he argues that our traditional interpretation of nature is handed down to us by a divine being and before Philosophy began, this tradition is what enlightens us. This reasoning therefore implies that Theology is always prior to philosophy since philosophy first considers the things of the world and its the critical interpretations which is what Theology provides. Our sense of wonder is always enriched and drawn from experience. The nature of philosophizing takes a theological position since it is first, a “human relationship to reality” and second, philosophizing “necessarily involves the adaptation of a definite position with respect to ultimate things” (Pieper 23). In my favourite book, The Little Prince, before the fox tells the little prince his secret, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” (Saint-Exupéry 64) the fox first lets him experience friendship. Without the concrete reality of friendship, the little prince would have never learned the wisdom of the fox. Nor would he have enriched this wisdom if he had not created a tangible relationship his rose. Our reflections only illuminate us if we put it side-by-side with experience and experience can only be enriched if we reflect upon it. In a nutshell, that is the relationship of Philosophy with Theology, according to Pieper. Reality compels us to search for meaning, to wonder about the traditions handed down to us or observed in nature.

The approach to mystery and the necessity of visible experience is why Pieper believes that Christian philosophy “fully grasps and expresses a truly philosophical sense of “wonder”” and “more than any other philosophy, it is inspired by the sense of mystery” and so he concludes that the Christian character of philosophy and the philosophical character of Christianity is “genuine and powerful” (23). Pieper asserts that this is the true attitude of a philosopher.  Christian philosophy paves way for a genuine philosophical act by allowing one to “break down methodological barriers” and engage in a true “loving search for wisdom” (Pieper 24). Though I do believe Pieper when he says the philosophical act starts upon a consideration of concrete experience, his usage of terms such as ‘Theology’ and ‘Christian’ is loose and ambiguous. Pieper generally describes Theology “as the interpretation of that which is revealed” (21) and what is revealed is a traditional interpretation of the world handed down by a divine entity to the ancient peoples whom passed it on through generations. This description pertains more to culture not Theology. Culture is the lens by which we perceive and understand the world, human experience and events. Theology refers more to the critical examination of our faith—our relationship with God. I agree with his description of the nature of philosophizing but his terminology has a tendency to be misleading. The word Christian itself connotes religious themes that only appeal to particular groups. In a pluralistic world, Pieper ought to be more sensitive with his phrasing. He could still retain his meaning of ‘Christian’ philosophy without using the word Christian itself. Let’s say an extremist non-Christian devotee happens to read Pieper and sees Biblical terms applied to Philosophy. The probability of that person to miss Pieper’s point is alarmingly high. In substance, he describes the philosophical act as an opening to an infinite universe even with the restrictions of human finitude; and that we engage in philosophizing not because it will bring us to a certain end but because our ardent search for meaning enriches our very selves; and also that we draw upon worldly, tangible experience to contemplate the infinity of being. It seemed to me that Pieper over-stretched the terms ‘Christian’ and ‘Theology’ to fit to a description of the nature of philosophy. I will not deny that Pieper elaborated and reason well-enough that a ‘Christian’ philosophy is the genuine approach in doing philosophy but there is an issue with his terminology. One day in a talk show on television, an atheist was being interviewed in front of a Christian audience. He was asked to clarify atheistic views which were just an advocacy of reason and humanism. On one occasion, they were spreading this advocacy of reason on the streets, holding a placard that said something like, “One man’s religion is another man’s blasphemy.” Pieper may not have intended it but highly probable that other religious sectors will inevitably see a bias underlying his philosophical view. It does not help that the word ‘Christian’ has negative connotations for people of a different culture and even to some Christians as well. There will always be a tendency for human beings to place prejudice above everything else. If that would happen when someone reads Pieper, every meaning Pieper had intended would be twisted according to the biases of the one who read it, then his extensive meaning of philosophizing would be lost.

Works Cited

Pieper, Josef. Leisure, The Basis Of Culture / Translated From The German By Alexander
Dru; With An Introd. By T.S. Eliot. n.p.: New York : Pantheon Books, 1963.

Saint-Exupery, Antoine de, and Katherine Woods. The Little Prince / Written And Drawn By
Antoine De Saint-Exupery; Translated From The French By Katherine Woods. n.p.:
London : Egmont, 2002.