Today, January
20, 2003, we celebrate the second anniversary of the EDSA DOS. Though
the celebration is expected not to be as warm and there will be the
usual commmentaries and nitpicking about how it has turned out or
affected (or not affected, as the case may be) the lives of Filipinos
two years hence, those 4 days in EDSA are still memorable moments
for one to recall. If only for the fact that the country was seemingly
united.
I guess once in
a while we need to be reminded of what we can do if we are one; what
we can achieve when everyone gets involved; or how easy things turn
out when the objective is one.
Last year, this
oft-quoted survey was conducted where 20% of the population admitted
they would like to migrate to other countries. This pervasive negativism
among our people is not really justifiable because if we are to look
at our economic figures, our GNP grew by about 4.1 to 4.3%, higher
than many of our neighbors and our inflation rate is also one of the
lowest in recent years. Perhaps what we need are more jolting events
to wake us up from this "national depression" and put us
in a more positive mode this year.
Last December
30, 2002, on the occasion of the death anniversary of national hero
Jose Rizal, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo provided just that.
In an address, she surprised the nation by her declaration not to
run in the 2004 presidential elections. This decision was mainly hailed
by people, politicians and civilians alike. We have to see for ourselves
how much getting out of the presidential race would allow the President
to concentrate on the economic upliftment of the country as she would
really like. Bob Gabuna writes more
on this.
We will also have
a taste of Hawaiian poi er, politics, courtesy of Nic Musico's "Lobbying
experience" while Fred Natividad gives us another look at
his Pearl Harbor experience
while still a boy in Pangasinan. More reminiscenes from Doc
Simp's Mam'on. Some fun articles for you at the Lighter Side of
Life, including a new cartoon from Neil Fabella.
Finally, as in
a local Christmas folksong goes "Bagong taon ay magbagong
buhay" (New year, let's have new life). To everyone, we give
this message. And what better way to put you in that direction is
our feature for this month, Elma
Muros-Posadas, the be-medalled athlete from Magdiwang. We conducted
an interview with this unassuming and down-to-earth runner to get
to know this fellow Romblomanon more and how she is doing after retiring
from athletics two years ago.
Wouldn't you agree these articles will get you off to a running start?
Ready, set, go
for a positive thinking 2003!!!
Aline Parrone
