Guimaras in July

And so it was,..an escape, a perfect get-away, a hideaway both for healing hearts, and making new memories A time to welcome the sunshine into your life again, the freedom in the rolling surf and sea breeze, the calmness of the waters, and the gentleness of the sunset. Gorge in the sweetness of the famed mangoes, savor its taste, its freshness the surprise each derived product brings, the prospects and possibilties of what else can be enjoyed. Guimaras is about taking chances, a leap of faith that begins first with a flight, then a seemingly short cruise and a cross-country trek that doesn't promise much until you come out on the other end of the island...and then, the rest of your Life begins..again

Of New Year Celebrations

Last night's celebration was special to me because it's the first New Year's Eve in four years that I wasn't spending alone (or with my dog) locked up in an airconditioned room. I had good food and good company in the person of my small family, living reminders of what I had to look forward to in the coming year. I know now that there would be no more New Year's Eves spent alone. I remember how New Year was celebrated in my household when I was young. Manong Snokum would have these little pull-string firecrackers he would attach to our screen doors. He would terrorize our maids by installing these just when the maids were busy going in and out of the house. And speaking of maids, we had innovative and enterprising kasambahays before. Long before there was a "sinturon-ni-hudas" or the so-called "sawa", Melda already devised a way of stringing up labintadors together and lighting them up for a machine gun-like effect come midnight. Oh when the Five-Stars became popular, she stringed them up too, and like bandoliers she'd have them across her chest ready for hanging on our clothesline. Just one light and we'd have a full five-minute, non-stop firecracking experience. Having a long driveway and big double gates also served a purpose - we could always hang our trompillos there and have a simultaneous show with the fountain cones. As a kid, we were limited to holding sparklers or lusis, but my cousins and I can always sneak a few watusis. You can scratch watusis across the ground with your foot, or scratch them on walls. We didnt know then that they were highly toxic and could poison you if you dont wash your hands. Soon, we graduated to lighting up Baby Rockets to zoom across the sky, and our measly lusis became full Roman Candles, shooting up sparks and exploding as well. Again, we didnt know how dangerous Roman Candles were until one New Year's Eve an accident happened. We had nailed all the trompillos by the gate, set up the fountains on the driveway, and hung our family version of the Super-Sawa on the clotheslines. we had our picnic table by the coverred garage, and on it laid out our various sparklers, Whistle Bombs, Baby Rockets and Roman Candles. Our assorted labintadors, Five Stars and Bawangs included, were in one big old Graham Crackers can. So we started out with everybody holding sparklers; kids with small lusis and the adults with Romand Candles. One aunt, Tita Vangie, got scared of all the explosions from the fireworks and kept backing up, not realizing her Roman Candle was sending sparks to the picnic table where the whole can of firecrackers were. Before we knew it, it was like World War III and we were all running for our lives. Most of us were able to run to the far end of the driveway, to the edge of our compound where the other apartment doors were. Unfortunately, some headed for the screen door of the main house. In their haste and in desperation, they couldn't get inside because they all piled up, one on top of the other, cringing for protection from the exploding fireworks. We couldn't see with all the smoke, but the last we heard was the poor Graham Crackers can clanking down. And ten minutes before midnight, we had already exhausted our firecrackers. Talk about being premature... The morning after was always one big mess. Pulbora-residue, ashes and sand were all around. Exploded wrappers were like confetti everywhere. But there is always an un-exploded firecracker in there somewhere. Some people make the mistake of thinking that these can be discarded the same way they do with dried leaves - by simply sweeping them away and burning them. My Dad had the misfortune of finding out for himself one New year's day when he took on clean-up duties. He simply swept them all up together with all the other garbage, plastics and celofane wrappers included. And so another accident was bound to happen...An unexploded firecracker lit up and exploded, sending trash flying everywhere. Plastic, being of light material, flew in the direction of my Dad and it stuck to his arm, burning him. And so he spent his birthday and the next few days nursing a bad wound. I sit here, watching my little girl play with her Xmas bounty of toys. I wonder what joys and surprises 2013 will bring her, just as each passing year gave me in my youth. I realize all the promise and potential this year can have...And so we begin, for this is the first day of the rest of our lives.

Che's Wedding Piece: A Tale of Two's

There are two more weddings in the family coming up in the next few weeks. And as always, it will be a time for relatives to show up and welcome the new members into the fold. Besides the two grooms, I suspect my own “instant” family would be scrutinized as well. My “new” two year old girl is currently the light of my life. Each morning she greets me with a thunderous (yes, she has a booming voice at her age) “hi!” and a tiring day at the office can always be wiped away with just a welcoming hug from her at the end of the day. I now realize, a kid in the house is always crazy, but pleasantly fun. It wasn’t too long ago when my Dad too enjoyed the pleasure of a child in the house long after all of us kids were already of school age. During a Holy Week vacation in Ilocos, we chanced upon Mother Sandra and asked her to join the household once again. I went biking to Zone 2 (pronounced as “Son-to” in Bantay) with my grandfather to find Mother Sandra and lo and behold, there she was with her own mini-me…a two-feet high miniature Sandra. I don’t know what they were arguing about, but the mother and daughter were having a tug-of-war scene appropriately near the family sow’s muddy pen. This prelude was evident of the strong-willed personalities of both mother and daughter that would characterize their relationship through the years. Ironically, this personality would serve Sheryl or “Cheche” as we fondly called her, quite well. This early independence allowed her to play alone, or with other children, even as Mother Sandra was busy with household chores and couldn’t watch over her. If she got into a fight with other kids, we would know, because she would come rushing home without a word. Yes, we never fought any of her fights for her because she could certainly take care of herself even at 2 or 3 years old. We would only find out the next day how bad it was when an angry aunt would come over to our house complaining that Che made a much older 7- year old cousin cry the previous day. Yes, she would occasionally get herself in trouble but she always knew how to get out of them. Once, she broke my Dad’s ashtray in his office. Mother Sandra distinctly heard a crash and something breaking, but when she got to my Dad’s office, there was nothing on the floor…just Che standing there suspiciously. When asked what happened, little Cheche refused to admit to anything. Mother Sandra asked her where the broken pieces were and Che’s classic reply was, “Problema ko na yun..” At home, the closest to her age was Gayle who was at least 6 years older. You would think Gayle would be the bad influence on her, but no…they were “partners-in-crime”. They both had a penchant for those dried pusit in small packs, grilled streetfood like “isaw” and “adidas”, and that iced delicacy, “iskrambol” although they were prohibited from eating those things. So they would sneak out of our side gate instead of the front where Mother Sandra could catch them. They would hug the fence-wall, sliding stealthily like spies and run to the neighbourhood sari-sari store to buy their favourite snacks. Together they stand, and together they fall so to speak…and so these two finally ended their “reign of terror” when they both fell victim to due “consequences” of eating dirty streetfood. Mr. Combantrin was the only solution and it had Cheche spouting her undying love for her mother in the toilet because she thought she was at the point of death. As a student, Che was also unusual. She never had to be coaxed into going to school everyday, or doing her homework. She would display that same independence unless she needed help with a drawing (she would come to me) or with her math (she would go to Giselle). With Mother already in Rome, Mama was her official guardian and Che never gave her reason to go to Stella Maris to have a special meeting with the principal or the guidance counsellor. Even in high school, she was never the problematic teen. Once Mama was required to attend a school event and she nonchantly went thinking it was like any other activity. She got the surprise of her life when during a song number there was a soloist, and it was Che! Gayle was the only one with the courage to try out for the Glee Club before, so like any other little sister, Che followed suit. But of course, she was always capable of going beyond whatever we accomplished like any other younger sibling. And so it was, when it was time for her to apply for university. The family’s deepest frustration of not having a dentist in the clan was thrust upon her even as she hoped to follow our footsteps in going to UP. But it was not in her cards to become one of our sorority sisters, because her destiny lay in UE, a well-known school for dentistry. There, she applied herself to her studies the same way she always did. Experiencing failing marks for the first time, she did what was necessary and took the make-up summer classes. Maybe she always thought of Mother Sandra in Rome, working very hard for her education that kept her on the right path. She always put her studies as her priority even at the most unusual times. Once, there was a big fire that engulfed the squatters area near our house. The flames got so big, our home was also at risk of being burned down as well. We had to evacuate like the rest of the people, moving the cars, taking our valuables with us. But for Cheche at that time, her books and laboratory manuals were her “valuables”. And in the heat of the moment, things got dropped on the ground as we all rushed out and scrambled for safety. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the fire did not reach our house. When we were asked if there were any losses or damage to property, Che was hilariously the only victim because her books fell in the water from the firemen’s hoses. By the time Che asked to live away from home, we were confident enough she could be left alone as an adult already. She would come by for her clothes, stay the weekend but always went back to her dorm in time for her classes. When she was reviewing for her dentistry board exams, we hardly worried about her and only occasionally asked if she had done the rounds of the classic pilgrimage sites like Our Lady of Manaoag, St. Jude, Sta. Clara and Baclaran. She never lost confidence and probably never even considered failing. And even if she did, she simply shrugged her shoulders and promised herself she’d try again. That was how strong and resilient she could be. By the time she was a bonafide dentist, employed at an established dental clinic in Binondo, she never stopped being hardworking. She put up her own dental clinic with a few of her old classmates and even started various endeavours like an RTW and a food cart business. One thing Che was never lacking is courage and a risk-taking demeanour that always allows her to land on her feet. For Che, there are no mistakes or failures because she carefully assesses her risk exposure and if there are any losses on her part, she would make sure she didn’t do too badly. I believe Che is the same with her lovelife. She always knew what she wanted and that was non-negotiable. The real challenge was finding a guy who would be confident enough to handle her strong-will and independence. Truly lucky is the man who would manage to “tame” her because she could be a real “partner for life”, a source of strength, a sanctuary from all of Life’s hustle and bustle. She can a true lover and carer – someone who can feed you the tastiest dishes and yet scold you for getting sick and not taking better care of yourself. Yes, Cheche can be a real challenge, but I assure you she would be really worth it. So good luck to you Elmer and may your years together be truly blessed.

Reflections of a Filipino LGBT Activist and SOGI Rights Defender

Joint statements and resolutions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) have been delivered at the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council since the early 2000s. But it wasn’t until 2010, and under UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, that SOGI and the human rights of sexual minorities were given the due attention they deserve in the UN system. We remember that at the vote for amending the UN Resolution on Extra-judicial Executions, the resulting 79-70 vote managed to remove a “10-year old provision” stating that no one should be summarily executed or arbitrarily killed because of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. UN Sec-Gen thus declared in September 2010 in Geneva, “Laws criminalizing people on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity violate the principle of non-discrimination. They also fuel violence, help to legitimize homophobia and contribute to a climate of hate…Social attitudes run deep and take time to change. But cultural considerations should not stand in the way of basic human rights.” Fortunately, in December 2010, the United States proposed an amendment retaining the “sexual orientation” provision and it was adopted by a vote of 93-55, with 27 abstentions. Once again, Ban Ki Moon declared in New York, “As men and women of conscience, we reject discrimination in general, and in particular discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. When individuals are attacked, abused, or imprisoned because of their sexual orientation, we must speak out..Where there is tension between cultural attitudes and universal human rights, universal human rights must carry the day..” At the vote of the above-mentioned controversial resolution, my home country was one of those States which unfortunately abstained. But this was expected since the Philippine Government has yet to adopt a clear human rights framework that is inclusive of sexual minorities and explicitly addresses human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Even with the absence of laws criminalizing homosexuality, Philippine society has adhered to a patriarchal and deeply embedded influence of Catholicism in the social and political sphere. The State has perpetuated gender-defined social norms that promote stereotypes, prejudice and the stigmatization of LGBT persons. Thus, such representations by the Philippines at the UN have been a big disappointment for the whole Filipino LGBT Community who know all too well the discrimination and violence one can be subjected to, including the risk of being killed in a hate crime. In a report titled “The Status of LGBT Rights in the Philippines, Submission to the Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review 13th Session,” the groups Rainbow Rights Project (R-Rights) and the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch (HCW) submitted a long list of violations of human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity. To date, many of us still do not get equal opportunity in employment and are deprived of the right to earn a decent living. Even with the proper education, training and experience, some LGBTs are not hired, promoted or given the opportunity for professional advancement in the workplace. LGBT youth are also deprived of their right to education when their schools expel them or subject them disciplinary sanctions because of their actual, or perceived, homosexual tendencies. Instead of proper guidance and healthy advise to become stable and productive adults, our young LGBTs are driven to self-hate and destructive behaviour, and worse, even suicide. In the area of public services, LGBTs only ask that they are not denied entry from business establishments and facilities that are open to the general public, that they also have equal access to medical and health services, and that should they not be subjected to harassment, extortion or insensitive treatment from law enforcement personnel. According to the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch research on violence against the LGBT population in the Philippines, as of the end of 2011, around 164 deaths of LGBTs with varying elements of motives of hate or bias, extrajudicial killing, and/or discrimination-related violence related to sexual orientation and gender identity have been documented in mass media reports and oral testimonies since 1996. As I reported here early in March this year, during the first quarter of 2012 alone, there was more than a dozen gay killings in the Philippines already. Recently, a video of the actual murder of a homosexual doctor recorded on the cellphone by one of the 2 young men he welcomed into his home was released in the media and was used by authorities as evidence in the commission of the crime. * * * * In December 2011, the first UN report on Discriminatory Laws and Practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity was submitted by the High Commissioner on HR, and in March (2012) this year, the first UN panel discussion ending human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity was held. The High Commissioner Navy Pillay’s report acknowledged that in all regions, people experience violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In many cases, even the perception of homosexuality or transgender identity puts people at risk. While not addressing all violations perpetrated in relation to sexual orientation or gender identity, the groundbreaking report highlights critical human rights concerns that States have an obligation to address, and highlights emerging responses. Sexual orientation, like gender and race, relates to the fundamental aspects of human identity. While formally defined as the pattern or direction of sexual and emotional attraction and conduct, sexual orientation relates to the “deepest affairs of the heart, the innermost desires of the mind, and the most intimate expressions of the body”. In other words, it goes into the very core of what it means to be human. Consequently, Human Rights are founded on the concept of respect for the inherent dignity and worth of a human being. The right to freely determine one’s sexual orientation and the right to express it without fear are human rights in the fullest sense. As such, lesbian and gay rights and issues belong to the human rights agenda because the nature and scale of the abuses that LGBT people regularly suffer undermines the whole protective framework of human rights by taking away its very foundation - equal rights and dignity of all human beings. Human rights, therefore, include the right to be free from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the right to equality and fair treatment before the law. And to live “in dignity” means being entitled to freedom, security and decent standards of living in a concurrent and indivisible sense. Therefore, gay and lesbian issues and problems as part of the human rights agenda crosses into both categories of human rights; those that are “liberty-oriented” and those which are “security-oriented”. They seek to ensure the Civil and Political Rights or “liberty rights” such as the right to life, liberty and security, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly. They also ensure Social and Economic Rights or “security rights“ such as the right to work, education, food, shelter, and a decent standard of living. * * * * The Filipino LGBT Community does not ask for “special” rights; we only ask that the Constitutional provision of equal protection of the laws likewise be applied to us and that our basic human rights are protected. As human rights defenders, we believe that Filipino LGBTs deserve the same opportunities for self-determination and development, and that includes giving our LGBT youth proper access to education, and our qualified and eligible LGBT workforce equal chances of finding employment. We strongly enjoin the Philippine Government to finally have a national policy for protecting the rights of Filipino LGBTs and to pass appropriate legislations that will address our unique concerns. In fact, with the Philippines’ reputation of abiding by international human rights standards and complying with our obligations under human rights conventions, adopting such a national policy tackling sexual orientation and gender identity would not be contrary to any international human rights principle or our Constitution. Currently, there are two pending bills in the Lower House and Senate that explicitly mention “sexual orientation” as a criteria for non-discrimination, and some legislators are intent with doing away with it as a basis for an anti-discrimination legislation. With the UN system and other Member States help, it is imperative that this present Philippine Congress finally passes an appropriate Anti-Discrimination law that will promote the welfare of Filipino LGBTs, and ensure the protection of their human rights.

Independence Day @Ecopark

i.With just my wandering thoughts leading me My steps brought me here To the greenery and the flowing waters To where it all began ii. Here underneath tall trees and gentle breezes We began an adventure meant only for the strong of heart You took to this journey w/ all the gusto and enthusiasm That you rode the zipline with across the stream iii. I remember the boatride, All the effort I put into rowing that little dingy As you cheered on others who took the plunge Love overflowing, your emotions echoed through the watershed iv. but it had to come to this like trees felled after the passing of storms some relationships break in the midst of troubles creeks once driven by rushing waters can dry up and become as barren and empty as a feeling devoid of affection v. and we find out that flowers lose their bloom with the passing of every summer the rains come and we are left hiding indoors in the misery of our loss vi. yet we know that soon the deluge of tears will eventually cease and we shall venture out again to a completely different world vii. thicker vegetation, a variety of plants promising to bloom and bear fruit, where colourful flowers will once again line the walkways and paint the scenery with happiness viii. as I turn to leave, imprinting in my memory the beauty of this place, like the passing of the seasons, I know this heart too will endure.. GPL 6/12/2012

R-Rights Asks PNoy to Improve LGBT Rights

MANILA - LESBIAN, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) advocates led by the Rainbow Rights Project (R-Rights) are reminding the Aquino administration of the pending review before the United Nations of its record in respecting human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity. On May 28, 2012, the UN Human Rights Council is set to cross-examine all the compliance by the Philippine government of international human rights conventions, including those that apply to LGBT sectors in the process called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Both the government and civil society organizations have submitted separate reports. In its report titled “The Status of LGBT Rights in the Philippines, Submission to the Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review 13th Session,” the groups Rainbow Rights Project (R-Rights) and the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch (HCW) submitted a long list of violations of human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In March 2012, the Rainbow Rights Project, represented by policy advocacy officer Germaine Trittle Leonin, has made several representations with the UN Human Rights Council based in Geneva and worked with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) while seeking to engage the Philippines official representative to act on the reports. The R-Rights-HCW joint report scored the failure of government to enact and Antidiscrimination Law, which has remained pending in Congress for over 12 years. The report also noted the Supreme Court ruling against the rights of transgenders to have their identities changed in birth and travel documents. Leonin said the R-Rights report also highlighted the lack of basic health care for LGBTs and certain medical abuses inflicted on transgender clients. “Sadly, despite efforts by civil society groups, the government representative in Geneva has not made significant efforts to incorporate our recommendations in the discussions for this month,” Leonin said. In a related development, during Adoption Consciousness Week in March, officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have already declared that while single gays are not prohibited from adopting, same-sex couples are not permitted to jointly adopt children, as the right is provided only for legally married partners. Some DSWD officials have also expressed support for LGBTs being adoptive parents reasoning that there is no proof that LGBTs cannot be good parents. However, the community is still requesting for a more definite policy that would protect the rights of adoptive gay parents. R-Rights is also organizing a dialogue with the Office of the President this month after a massive raid on a gay sauna in Pasay City left many gay male clients traumatized. R-Rights said it has been providing legal aid to hundreds of gay men who are brutalized by police in bar raids and street sweeps. R-Rights is calling on the Philippine National Police to work with the community in preventing abusive behavior, extortion, and harassment in these instances. The UPR is a process where the Council examines each member state for its implementation of human rights treaties. The review this month is the second time the Philippines will come under the examination of the Council. R-Rights will continue to engage the Philippine government until the Aquino administration and Congress will finally comply with the UPR process and issue the necessary laws and policies recommended for the LGBT sector

The MiriamQ Effect: When We Teach Kids to Hate

Last night, the word "LGBT hate crime" hit closest to home: the kind and generous gay man who befriended my bedridden gay brother was mugged by a group of drunken teens in our own subdivision. The security guards were not able to help him. And when early this morning the baragay authorities came to question these young men, these "guardians" of Sunny Villas were too afraid to reveal who these suspects are. Historically-speaking, these youth in their early 20s are notorious for their noisy, whole-night drinking sprees at the village basketball court. Too often have they bullied many fellow residents, but they always seem to get off. They had badgered Joseph on previous occasions, taunting him with shouts of "pahindot, pahindot" because they knew he was an openly gay man. So this attack was no ordinary "napag-tripan lang". They targetted him, assaulted him by ganging up on him, and even when Joseph didn't fight back, they kept punching and hitting him, kicking him while on the ground. They didn't even stop when the guards approached. As a result, Joseph has a cut forehead, bruises on his face and a dislocated jaw that needs therapy. His right arm and wrist have fractures that necessitate a cast. He cannot write or sign his name, and he is a BIR Examiner who needs the use of his hand. Joseph was attacked because he was deemed to be "vulnerable", an easy target because he is gay. They do not know how generous he is that he sponsors Xmas parties for the poor children in the community just outside our subdivision. He even takes some of these kids on summer outings when he has extra resources. He willingly lends cash to the poor housewives who need a little something to tide their families over. And he consoled and entertained my PWD gay brother with his stories and escapades, sharing with him his special Sunday lunches and giving him food when the caregiver is out. Joseph is a good man, and that is more that I can say for those jerks that beat him up. I also heard that another good friend was traumatized by an incident a few weeks ago. Ryan is a college professor and LGBT activist, who happens to be walking by with another gay friend when they passed by a teenager who was urinating against a public wall. Instantly, they were accused of "peeping" at the guy's genitals and he pulled a knife on them. This act of violence has severly affected Ryan who is also a child rights advocate. Because he is gay, he was automatically presumed to be a "sexual predator". They do not know that Ryan teaches because he values the importance of education in molding young minds. They do not know that Ryan specializes in human rights, particularly on child rights protection because he believes children should be spared the violence and hate perpetuated by adults. People like Miriam Quiambao spout discriminatory statements against LGBTs, and her ideas only serve to reinforce the prevailing homophobia that has damaged so many lives. Too often gays are victimized and people just turn a blind eye, as if gays deserve the ill treatment they get. And by doing nothing against these acts of violence, people continue to perpetuate the idea that it's okay to hurt other people especially if they are so different from you. No less than the Supreme Court censured the COMELEC when it considered LADLAD undeserving of partylist accreditation because it had labeled Pinoy LGBTs as "threat to the youth". As someone working at the DSWD, I took this as a personal affront. Apparently, after years of working for the passage of child-friendly laws and policies, I had been a "threat" simply because I am a lesbian. So why the heck did I work on the Anti-Violence against women and Children Act, the Anti-Trafficking Act, the Anti-Child Pornography Act, and the Anti-Corporal Punishment/Positive Disciplining bill..so, I could harm kids? Maybe it is about time Philippine society rethinks what values it is actually teaching kids. Judging gay people as "evil" and "sinners" outrightly, without even knowing the amount of good they do for others is the height of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. I ask you again, Ms. MiriamQ and the rest of the homophobic population...which one of us speaks the greater "truth" of God's teachings now?

What Access to Justice Means to PWDs and Women

There are a lot of discussions on the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) recently.It is evident that the issue of disability has many intersectionalities with other vulnerabilities. Cross-cutting issues involve disability, minority, gender and sexuality, class or financial status, and educational background, and how this affects their civil and political rights, particularly Acces to Justice. A couple of months ago, I came upon a case which was raised to the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) under the mechanism of the Optional Protocol. The author/petitioner was not only an ordinary victim of gender-based violence. Besides being a female, she is a deaf-mute and was a minor when she was raped. At the heart of this case was an in-depth discussion on the status of implementation of our Anti-Rape law. The problems highlighted in the communication to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights exemplified the gaps and flaws in Republic Act No. 8353, and makes the current initiatives in Congress to amend the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 even more relevant. While the case was primarily “mishandled” by the court, there were other aspects in the enforcement of the law where its express provisions were not only NOT followed, but were actually “violated”. Republic Act No. 8505 explicitly requires a FEMALE police officer to conduct the initial interview, but it was a male police officer who interviewed the victim. At the outset, during the initial investigation of the case, there was already great difficulty communicating with the authorities because the victim was a deaf-mute and sign language interpreters are not readily available at police stations. Only her own sister translated for the victim. This seeming insensitivity to the victim’s disability, continued until the actual prosecution of the case in court. There is no “official”, government sign language interpreter provided, and courts have to engage the services of translators from NGOs. This clearly shows the State’s inability to fully address the issues and concerns of PWDs when it comes to their right to access to justice. Hence, this is likewise not in compliance with our obligations under the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Much of the issues herein are matters of policy review and legislative reform. The court glaringly failed to appreciate the evidence presented and instead, relied on gender-based myths and stereotypes. By insisting that the “victim must have done all conceivable means to evade or resist the perpetrator’s advances”, the court effectively demanded that she respond according to what the court deemed to be “reasonable standard of human conduct” and discounted the wide range of behavioral responses that can be exhibited by victims. By characterizing a “Filipina rape victim” as a woman who “summons every ounce of her strength and courage to thwart any attempt to besmirch her honor and blemish her purity”, the victim’s testimony was deemed incredible because she did not conform to such a stereotype. She was even effectively blamed for not employing sufficient or adequate means to avoid the rape. Such perspective lends to the old categorization of rape as a “crime against chastity”, instead of a “crime against person”, where the operative word is the person, and not her reputation or credibility. Note that rape is no longer considered a “private” crime, but a “public” crime which the State must pursue. It is apparent that the victim experienced layers of vulnerability which exposed her to greater risk of being subjected to abuse and violence. Most evident of all is the failure of the court to consider her disability of being deaf-mute. Using the above-mentioned framework, she was required to show proof that she struggled or made some noise because “her mouth was not covered nor stuffed by any object.” The court insisted that “she could have reached for plates of the table” where she was laid, when she already said she had cleared the table earlier and there was nothing she could use to hit her attacker with. This is the very essence of the current amendment pending before Congress – to change the language of the law that puts a premium on proof of violence, coercion and intimidation instead of the simple lack of consent, on evidence of torn clothing, threats of actual bodily hard or injury, or the victim’s showing that she screamed or shouted for help. Such technicalities thereby restrict the appreciation of the case by prosecutors and judges. In spite of all the provisions in the anti-rape law favoring the testimony of a victim, judges’ decisions are still limited by the way they appreciate the evidence using this logical framework. Nowhere is the gender-sensitivity and awareness trainings reflected in their rationalizations because they fall back on negative stereotypes and gender myths. The recommendations made in the communication are worthy of consideration by the Philippine Government. It is by no means a “source of shame” for the Philippines, should the proper officials and authorities choose to do something about it by instituting legal and policy reforms that will address these problems in implementation. It is with this clarity that our DFA must think when it makes representations in international fora like the United Nations bodies. It is with this gender-sensitivity and rights-based approach that other government agencies must act when it formulates policies, when it proposes legislative measures, and when it lays down court decisions.

Black Lace

br />twirls and curls

intricately meshed

dark lattice

concealing a treasure within;

mere surface cover

for what it can reveal,

I see, knowing

something more lies beneath.

It holds my attention

as my fingers are caught,

my hands are met

by a pleasant surprise,

confirming my deepest hopes,

and obliging the best

of my imagination. GPL 10/10/11

Much Ado about "Real Women"

All this talk about the Ms. Universe contest and the Canadian transgender has got me riled up lately. This morning, my favorite morning show began a discussion on it and I heard comments like "they might get undue advantage", "they have their own beauty contests anyway", and "it will privilege cosmetic surgery-enhanced over natural beauty", etc. They also criticized Donald Trump and his crew for seemingly issuing a "too quick, and reactionary" retraction by allowing a transgender contestant. But they are totally missing the point: organizers of the Ms. Universe pageant understood it's all about equal chances, opening up opportunities to all who are qualified, to compete fair and square based on the agreed criteria of beauty, poise and intelligence.

A few years ago, our NGO was doing a research project on lesbian health. An interview with no less than the president of the professional association of obstetricians and gynecologists revealed that "they have no programs and services for lesbians because they are different from women". This, from a licensed medical doctor herself. Hello? Any second year high school student taking up basic biology would tell you lesbians have female reproductive organs. Yes, believe it or not, we still have the same equipment and can make it work if we choose to!

Recently, I was in Geneva attending the special session on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) at the United Nations Human Rights Council. A side event organized by the Holy See was an obvious objection to the SOGI initiative by the UN Secretary-General and UN High Commissioner on Human Rights herself. Speakers started talking about "traditional values" and the importance of "family" and "protecting children". What got to me was they kept emphasizing the alleged "role" of women in relation to men - that they are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, etc.; that they have a "responsbility" to bear children and care for the family, as if this was how "gender equality" was supposed to be interpreted. Under this flawed perception, women are considered to have no autonomy whatsoever, no right to self-determination, and as such, no right to bodily intergrity as well. So, if you are not a wife or a mother, but a barrren or sterile woman, or simply a single woman, do you no longer have any relevance at all to society? What was more bothersome was the fact that their arguments and reasoning were all based on a woman's biology.

Which brings us to the issue of "what makes a woman"? Is being a woman all about one's biology - simple anatomy and physiology? Does that "biology" stem only from what you are "naturally" born with, or could it include what medical science and technology can give you after considerable pain and financial expense?

Is being a person just about your ability to procreate? Or is a person's Being about his/her various needs, wants, and desires? Isn't our Life a totality of our human experience - one's dreams and aspirations, his/her knowledge, skills, and talents, what we do and what we give to others? Isn't this what makes us human beings after all?

A woman to me is someone who can love a partner with such loyalty, commitment, and passion that comes with being a lifetime companion. A woman is someone who can love and care for a child with all her heart and selfless devotion regardless of whether the child is borne of her womb or not. A woman is someone who can handle trials and adversity with such strength and calm because she puts her family's needs first. A woman to me is someone who can face all this discrimination and negativity with such grace and poise, never stooping so low to a detractor's level.

This brings to mind an LGBT feature a long time ago. It was a TV interview of a young boy raised by a lesbian couple. When asked what he thought of not having a "male role model" in the household and missing his biological father, he answered: "My real father abandoned us when I was still a baby. He didn't want to marry my mother. It was my mom's subsequent lesbian partner who supported us financialy, raised me and sent me to school. What better example of being a responsible "man" should I have?"

On Vagrancy and Prostitution

Recent amendments to Article No. 202 of the Revised Penal Code (circa 1932) repealed those "anti-poor" provisions on vagrancy. No longer will a person loitering in public, wandering about without visible means of support, or an idle person with no reasonable means of subsistence be arrested or penalized. Pending cases for vagrancy shall be dismissed and people currently incarcerated for vagrancy shall be released. Even ruffians and pimps, or those who habitually associate with prostitutes are absolved of any liability. However, the provision criminalizing so-called "prostitutes", defined as "women who for money or profit, habitually indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct," was retained.

The primary consideration should be a unique perspective on law-making which should change the mindset of people. Legislation tackling prostitution should address the demand-side and curb the demand by punishing even the “attempt” to buy services. Clients and customers should also be the ones criminalized and prosecuted, not the prostituted women and children. More importantly, prostituted women and children should be looked upon as the “victims” that they really are.

There are several takes on prostitution legislation, and one strategy is to actually “legalize” the sex trade as it is in the Netherlands, Australia, Germany and Thailand. However, this would entail an in-depth discussion about sexuality issues within the State, including sexual practices. It would require the introduction of clear measures to regulate the industry, that would include the implementation of programs and services for prostituted women and children “after the harm has been done”, i.e. issuance of Identification Cards, regular medical-check-ups, accessible health information and services.

This practical approach actually acknowledges the issue of gender equality, and recognizes the inherent economic vulnerability of women. But women are subject to numerous other “vulnerabilities” and legalizing prostitution does not necessarily translate into economic stability or financial security. On the other hand, it has certain “de-humanizing” effects that result in long-term implications like stigmatization, as well as short-term implications, i.e. risk of STDs/STIs, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy.

Legalization of prostitution is a take-off from the concept of sexual liberation. It caters to the idea that it is “empowering” for women to be in prostitution as a source of livelihood. But even as they portray it as a matter of personal “choice” to engage in the sex trade, we must consider also that some life decisions are made depending on the only available options to a person. Various factors actually “force” them to make that decision or choice. As such, note that prostitution apologists always fail to consider that the option is not a viable choice for MEN.

Prostitution must be looked at for the reality that it is-a form of male violence. Trafficking and sexual exploitation are forms of oppression and subordination. Prostitution is enforced sexual slavery, greatly contrary to the standard of respect for human rights and dignity. Thus, there are actually no “prostitutes” or “sex workers”, only females “exploited through prostitution”.

The current situation of women in the sex industry is characterized by political oppression, violence and inequality. Criminalization of prostituted women and children as well as other derogatory policies still remain. Legislation to address the issue of prostitution must likewise aim to change these.

Firstly, there must be a clear political vision to change the mindset of people. What must be addressed is the “culture” of sexual exploitation of women and children. Hence, legislators and leaders must have the political will to face this issue and learn to prioritize it in their agendas. Continuous education and information campaigns, as well as trainings which actually have “attitude-changing” results especially among police officers and judges. The government must also develop and implement comprehensive social services and “exit” programs for formerly exploited women and children who “survived” the sex industry. Finally, legislation which criminalize participants in the sex trade should go after the owners and operators of these brothels and sex dens and bear down on them HARD with the full force of the law.

R-Rights Call on the Phil Mission to Geneva

The Philippines’ has one of the most vibrant Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) advocacy movements in Asia. Filipino LGBT rights activists are also known to be the most vigilant and progressive human rights defenders in the country. And there is a reason for all this hard work - Filipino LGBTs still suffer numerous instances of discrimination and violence in their daily lives. Homophobia and gender stereotyping borne of religious prejudice and a patriarchal society have allowed injustices against sexual minorities to be propagated. Children with homosexual tendencies are subjected by their own parents to corporal punishment that already constitute child abuse, LGBT youth are disciplined or expelled by officials of private schools run by religious denominations, educated and skilled LGBTs are unable to get employment or obtain a as source of livelihood to sustain themselves and their families. Of late, instances of bullying of LGBT youth by peers and school officials have increased, and documented killings of LGBTs have shown a shocking number of attacks and deaths. And yet, the Anti-discrimination bill being proposed in Congress has continued to languish.

On March 7, 2012, the United Nations Human Rights Council will have a special panel on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). This is both a ground-breaking and monumental event for LGBTs around the world, especially for those risking their lives everyday. But since the Philippine Government has yet to adopt a clear human rights framework that is inclusive of sexual minorities and explicitly addresses human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), we cannot expect a statement from the Philippine Mission to Geneva. Such representation by the Philippines can be a big disappointment for the whole Filipino LGBT Community who know all too well the discrimination and violence one can be subjected to, including the risk of being killed in a hate crime.

Rainbow Rights Project hopes for a more supportive position from the Philippine diplomatic missions to participate in UN panels on special human rights concerns of LGBTs. R-Rights strongly enjoins the Philippine Government to finally have a national policy for protecting the rights of Filipino LGBTs and to pass appropriate legislations that will address our unique concerns. In fact, with the Philippines’ reputation of abiding by international human rights standards and complying with our obligations under human rights conventions, adopting such a national policy tackling sexual orientation and gender identity would not be contrary to any international human rights principle or our Constitution. Rainbow Rights only asks that the Philippine Government finally acknowledges the existence of the Filipino LGBT Community and that as sexual minorities, they have human rights entitled to State protection.

During his campaign for the Presidency, PNoy was one of the candidates to openly declare that LGBTs have human rights too and should not be discriminated against. With President Aquino’s ascension to the country’s highest leadership, Rainbow Rights now calls on this promise to be fulfilled through all branches of government.

Bicolandia

It wasn’t my first time to visit region 5. I was in Legaspi City sometime in 2005, and was stranded in Naga City for 3 days during Typhoon Ondoy’s onslaught. However, I never got to enjoy the sites and scenery of the great Daragang Magayon. But before 2011 ended, I was offered another opportunity to enjoy Bicolandia via an official assignment with the day-job. I wasn’t too keen on the work, so I consoled myself with the idea that I will get to travel for free and visit an exciting new place. Maybe I will finally see Mt. Mayon’s legendary perfect cone, a sight reserved for so-called “virgins”, whatever that means.

The Legaspi airport was familiar; still too small for aircrafts and notorious for cancelled flights because of the clouds. Zooming into the city proper, I noticed a new tourist spot by the boulevard, the newly developed “Embarcadero”. I made a mental note to make sure I visit the place since it was just a few blocks away from our hotel. While we were initially billeted at Hotel St. Ellis, we were eventually transferred to Tychee Hotel, a “boutique” hotel touted as the city’s newest and fanciest lodging place. That’s another plus, because the last time I was in Legaspi, the Vice-Governor made us stay at the Governor’s mansion, a Marcos-Era infrastructure whose grandeur also reflects its ghosts (literally).

Although the hotel failed to provide me a map or a brochure of local tourist spots, I had already done my research and was happy to note that a local church famous for its altar made from hardened lava was only a walking distance from our hotel. I could even catch the Immaculate Conception mass for December 8. Also called San Raphael church, the Church of Legaspi’s modern design betrays its historical past. It was one of those early parishes which got transferred from one township to another. In its case, it used to be part of Cagsaua, when it got burned down in the 1750s and got destroyed by Mayon’s eruption in 1814, until was reconstructed in 1834.

Like the classic Filipina of yore, Mayon proved to be hard to woo. She barely showed herself to us that first day and hid behind thick, white clouds. Our view of the bay from the newly-built boulevard was great, but Mayon refused to be a backdrop. All we got was the nearby hills known as the “sleeping lion”.

By the promenade was also a new feature – a statue of the late adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in whose honor Albay Pueblo and Albay Nuevo were renamed to become present day Legaspi City. The marker was made possible by a generous contribution from the Spanish government, of course.

Like all rural capitals, Legaspi didn’t become a social and political hub without also being a religious center. So besides the numerous churches, there are also Shrines like Our Lady of Guadalupe in Buraguis. Depicting the passion of Christ, the steep stairs built on a sheer rock face by the road had life-size images portraying the 13 Stations of the Cross. Similar to the one in Quezon province, the limited space makes it a short, but nonetheless, hard climb.

The Daraga Church was our next destination. Also known as Nuestra Senora de la Porteria or Our Lady of the Gate church, it was only considered a National Cultural Treasure in 2007 by the National Museum and finally declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission in 2008. A restoration marker states that its parish convent, function areas and perimeter walls are already undergoing reconstruction. Although its façade and church walls have been restored according to the authority of the NCCA and the National Museum, its white paint is an ugly contrast to the old stone look of the bell tower.

From this distance, it is not hard to imagine how one of Mt. Mayon’s eruptions managed to damage the church. It is still one of the best places to get a view of the popular volcano. And at this point, Mayon indulged us a view of her slopes but not her crater, much like how a lady shows off her arms or legs, but not her shoulders. That whole week, I patiently waited for the clouds to clear; like a lover, each day hoping to see her in her full form.

Our initial attempt to visit Cagsawa Ruins was an “epic fail”. We were thwarted by heavy traffic en route to our destination. No, it wasn’t due to the rush hour traffic, but to a strange flood on the highway. It was kind of cloudy when we first arrived; still the rainshowers we experienced didn’t warrant an actual flooding. Our driver explained to us that after typhoon Reming a few years back, the small river that traversed the area overflowed and caused some flooding. When the waters eventually receded, they found out the river had changed its course and now passes through a roadside barangay. The original riverbed has since dried up and residents of the barangay had to deal with submerged residences and constant heavy traffic on the highway.

A few days later, we finally got to visit Cagsawa Ruins. Official work was done and we had just enough time to do some souvenir shopping. We were told there were many roadside shops at Cagsawa. Along the way, we noted the huge boulders lining the road. Our guide from the Provincial Tourism Office said they came from Mayon itself, when mudslides and flashfloods caused by typhoon Reming rolled them down effortlessly unto the unsuspecting populace below. Many residents in the area died - drowned when their homes were washed out by rampaging waters that carried volcanic rocks and torn vegetation. The bridge leading to the actual ruins was also destroyed and isolated the small community living near the belltower site. Their souvenir shops too, were all washed out. So, some vendors who survived the tragedy have moved their new shops across the makeshift wooden bridge that could no longer allow motorized vehicles.

These tragedies have taught Bicolanos well, and Region 5 now boasts of the first and only calamity-preparedness and disaster management academy in the Philippines. Constantly battered by volcanic eruptions, typhoons and flooding, the provincial government has put up this facility as an answer to permanent environmental issues and climate change impacts.

Interestingly, we asked about all these developments in Bicol. Multinationals have come in as partners for the geo-thermal plants deemed to provide electric power to the region. Our driver commented that because of this, the small hot spring resorts open to the public have diminished. And no longer is it part of a tourist attraction to watch an egg boil in one of those volcanic vents.

Around the time we were in Albay, it was also their Karanggahan food festival. A veritable feast of a food fair, I got my fill of authentic Bicol express, laing and pinangat, and my first taste of Tiwi’s famous halo-halo. I learned that the enormous crabs and shrimps made available were the pride of Sorsogon. The highlight of my gastronomic experience was the “kinunot”, a seafood delicacy made from either stringray or baby sharks. Appearing fibrous and creamy like ginataang langka, it was extra hot and spicy to diffuse the “fishiness” of the seafood that made up its core.

On our last day in Bicol, Mt. Mayon finally cooperated and graced us with a magnificent appearance. Like a lady ultimately bringing down the fan covering her face, Daragang Magayon let down her defences. With the sun shining brightly, clouds momentarily stepping aside, she showed us her full majestic form – her perfect slopes, verdant and imposing on the plains below. Even her crater was clearly visible; the soft curve of a lip belying the destruction and force it is capable of spewing.

Another breath-taking view of Mayon is from Lignon Hill. Besides its viewing deck and ziplines, this tourist spot boasts of the Japanese tunnel, reminiscent of the role Legaspi City had in World War II. At this height, the city as well as the airport can be seen on one side, and the great Mayon Volcano on the other.

Seeing the airport runway at this point quickly reminded us that this trip was about to end. Our flight for Manila was in a few hours, and although the airport was a mere 15 minutes away, we could not delay our departure no longer. Armed with souvenir Tshirts, ref magnets and key chains, and a good hoard of pili nuts and mazapan candybars in hand, we were ready to terminate our Albay visit.

We came, all of us, to see Mayon volcano like gentlemen callers, but we were the ones who left bearing gifts from the land of Daragang Magayon - ultimately enamored with Bicolandia’s charm.

Ilocos Revisted

I have always considered my mother’s hometown in Ilocos Sur as part of my childhood. Because of the numerous summers I spent there, I began to take those visits for granted until my grandparents died and we went back less and less. As an adult, I had several chances to return and see the plazas where I learned to ride a bike get surrounded by shops and fastfood restaurants aimed to cater to tourists. And just when the old houses of yore began to fall apart, Vigan was named a UNESCO heritage site.
But my “homecoming” to Ilocos this May 2011 with my Mama was different. Although I did visit once or twice in my adult life, this was the only time I would be reconnecting with relatives again in almost twenty years. A beloved “cool” aunt, my mother’s cousin, was dying of cancer. She specifically called for my Mom so they could talk about the family properties - farmlands in the barrios still kept productive by longtime tenants. These plantations were located in anonymous places like Brgy. Ora, whose only claim to fame was the controversial burning of Ora East and Ora West during the Crisologos’ time.
Since we took the bus, I had the opportunity to enjoy the changing landscape as we crossed over into Ilocos Sur. The view from the Banawang bridge by the light of the breaking dawn is always breath-taking; where the sheer mountain face gives way to a majestic river flowing out into the sea. The great Abra river’s brown, swift waters told me it rained high up in the mountains the night before. Since it was already late in the month of May, the rainy season was fast approaching after all.
The familiar coastline of Narvacan came into view. I recognized the image of the Virgin Mary atop the coral reefs, and the public beach facility once developed by the Marcoses now fallen into ruin. This rocky beach site was once comparable to Ilocos Norte’s Currimao. Soon, the townships still dominated by tobacco plantations appeared. With tobacco farming being a major industry for the province, appropriate legislation now regulates its production and profit-sharing among the producers and distributors.
Our bus was headed for Laoag, so we got dropped off at the highway, by the old gasoline station where a tricycle stop is now. The Bantay Church housing the image of Our Lady of Charity was visible from there, and also the popular belltower where Fernando Poe shot a scene for his original Panday movie. That same belfry served as a lookout point for ancient invaders that could threaten the capital that was “Ciudad Fernandina”, the old name of Vigan. That is why the district was called “bantay”, a guard or sentry to the entrance to Vigan.
Looking at the old church and belltower now, I realized that hill on which they stand on doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore as when I was a kid; when the climb up seem so tiring every Sunday morning or during the Holy Week processions. I remember the grassy hill around the belfry being surrounded by goat and cattle dung since it was a perfect pasture area for ruminants. Nowadays, there is a paved walkway complete with steps to lessen the arduous climb. Tourists and other visitors just love to have photos taken there. Sadly, the tower can no longer be climbed by a great number of people since the wooden, rickety stairs has depreciated to a dangerous degree.

After an early breakfast of classic longganisa, tomatoes and eggs, my Mom and I walked over to my relatives’ house. The dirt roads are now covered with asphalt but they remain narrow, and the distant two or three block walk now seem to me just a few footsteps away. All of my Mom’s 73 years was perfectly capable of the short walk, but by her slow pace I sensed that she was also lost in her own reminiscings. This was the place she grew up in; the one they had to evacuate from during the war to hide among their “kasamas” in their farmlands in the barrios, where she went to school at the prestigious St. Paul’s College-Vigan, where she got her first teaching job and where her former elementary students are now the mayor, the vice-mayor, and city councilors. Along the way, we were called by other distant relatives and old friends of my Mom’s to their houses. Most were already old and gray, and seeing my Mother beside them made me feel very grateful for her continued good health.
I searched for the cement building housing the Mormon missionaries of my childhood, but in its place now stood a private residence; and nearby, a cable company station whose big satellite dish impedes your view of the Bantay church and belltower. Even my aunt’s old house now seemed so puny compared to its more modern neighbours. These bigger and sturdier houses with Western and European designs were built by families with overseas contract workers. Here in Bantay, most of them are in Rome, Italy serving as domestics, where both women and men alike work as governesses, maids, gardeners, and houseboys.
It is no wonder that Region 1 has a big population of OFWs. The hard life in the Ilocos region characterized by few arable lands and frequent typhoons, developed the “adventurous” spirit of Ilocanos and made them look elsewhere for an even “better” life. They were the first to brave the wilderness of Mindanao to develop agricultural lands there. So now, even in Davao there are a few Ilocano-speaking areas.
When the Americans came to look for willing labourers to work the farms and plantations of Hawaii and California, the Ilocanos were first to volunteer and board the boats. They are the “old-timer” Filipinos who are now the proud ancestors of Filipino-Americans living in the States. Such a life can be read in many of the great Filipino writer Carlos Bulosan’s stories, himself an “oldtimer”.
At my aunt’s house, a cousin opened the gate and we re-introduced ourselves. My uncle came out to greet us and marvelled at my mother’s still youthful appearance. His looks, on the other hand, have given way to the years, even when he is a medical doctor and would know better to take care of his health. My “cool” auntie, who was a physician herself, a “modern” woman of her time who drove her jeep and rode her motorcycle, was now only a shadow of her old self. When my Mom informed her that I was the eldest of her three girls and now a UP Law graduate, she remarked that I was like my father who was a practicing lawyer.
It was a sad reunion at best. In her condition, they discussed the business of dividing the ancestral farmlands inherited by their fathers from their grandparents. Ironically, with the Torrens system initiated by my own paternal grandfather who was with the Bureau of Lands in the 40s and the 50s, their farmlots are still unregistered, and their ownership is evidenced only by mere tax declarations and the tenants’ acknowledgement.
So, my mom and I next headed for the provincial DENR office in San Ildefonso to check on cadastral surveys and maps of the farmlands. I remember San Ildefonso as a nearby town which had access to the South China Sea and where we can go to the beach. Today, it is still ruled by the Purisimas, relatives of a Leonin cousin of mine, and officially recognized as the site of the Basi Revolt. The people of San Ildefonso have learned to capitalize on that historical fact and now produce the bottled, export quality, “basi wine”. The Gongogong brand is available in several flavors and is a perfect pasalubong. So besides the traditional bibingka, longganisa, empanadas and corniks, you can always bring back some basi, or sugarcane wine.
Our trip wasn’t as successful as we expected it to be. The maps and surveys were insufficient references for the ownership we needed to establish. So we went back to Vigan to try the provincial Land Registration Authority. The new Registrar of Deeds building was just beside the sports complex. What they used to call “stadium” was where the old “Palarong Pambansa” used to be held. It was also the only space large enough for helicopter landings of VIPs.
Being around all these government offices in Vigan reminded me of times when we tagged along to my Dad’s court hearings. It was all too boring for me back then - listening to the lawyers, their witnesses and the judge talk and talk. Remembering my father in action, his booming voice, his confidence, and his command of the English language was a far cry from his last days in the hospital. Looking back now, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could be doing the same thing one day. It was just a pity he never saw what I did with my law degree from the UP College of Law.
I guess that summer visit to Vigan, on the occasion of my 41st birthday, I reconnected with my past through my Mama’s own journey back home. Together we realized how much time has passed, how it has all changed us – for better or worse. We saw how places may change, but the people that touched our lives will forever be a part of us wherever we may be.