From Maguindanao to Taguig: The Story of “Kaisha”

The recruiter sounded reassuring. Kaisha (not her real name) still recall how the former, whom she described as a “kaibigan ng kaibigan” (friend of a friend), was able to convince her Buluan, Maguindanao-based father to allow her to seek work in the Middle East. The man is talking about a job opportunity in Syria, and Kaisha’s family does not need to shell out a single centavo to process her papers.

“Sabi ng recruiter, ‘wag kayo mag-alala. Lahat ng gastos sa akin’” (Don’t worry. I’ll shoulder all expenses), Kaisha said. As the fourth in a family of six, the offer is tempting for her. Her parents work in the cornfields as their chief livelihood. The promise of earning $200 a month in Syria would surely help her impoverished family, she thought. In November 2008, after many send-off gatherings, she bade her family goodbye to prepare for her placement. She spent the next 14 months in the recruiter’ “accommodating” place in Taguig City (a city in southern Metro Manila) along with 20 others, mostly girls.

When Kaisha asked the recruiter when her flight would be, she was told that “inaayos pa ang mga papeles mo” (Your papers are still being fixed). Apparently, fixing her papers requires changing her name and birth date for her birth certificate, passport, and visa. Her documents indicate that she’s already 21 though she is just 15.

The United Nations defines human trafficking as the “recruitment and transportation of persons, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception…for the purpose of exploitation." The U.S State Department had reported in 2003 that along with drugs and guns, it is one of the most profitable underground businesses worldwide. Official figures on this phenomenon are unreliable since much more cases go unreported. Around 80 % of the victims are women and girls, according to the HumanTrafficking.org website.

“Traffickers clandestinely organize their transport operations via different ports and land routes in the Philippines. Internal trafficking is the springboard for international trafficking,” says the Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF) in its website. VFF, a non-government organization that helps survivors of trafficking, adds that “internal trafficking is the springboard for international trafficking.” “Traffickers operate in underground networks with strong connections to corrupt public officials and transport operators,” VFF elaborated.

Last January, Kaisha’s deployment date finally arrived. The recruiter secured a residence visa for her, even if she does not have any relatives in Syria. Interviewed at the VFF shelter house in Manila South Harbor, she said the recruiter will get her full salary for the first six months of her employment instead of the typical salary reduction scheme to pay off her debts. She was given a three-year contract though the nature of her work was never explained. Instead, the agent instructed her that “kahit ano mangyari sa iyo, magtiis ka! Wag ka tatakas” (No matter what happens, just stay with your employer).

The order seems to be a preview of how things might have been in Syria. VFF resident social worker Marichel Ecalante said Kaisha will most likely end up as a domestic helper under “extremely abusive situations” like being subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and debt bondage.

Escalante explained that Kaisha’s decision to stay in the agent’s safe house despite the long delay in her placement might be the result of her fear toward the latter. “They (the recruits) also do not want to lose a sure employment opportunity,” she added. This is not surprising for Kaisha, who came from an impoverished and conflict-torn southern Philippine province of Maguindanao. Another factor considered is the shame of being tagged as a trafficking victim.

The double whammy of being poor and a perpetual battle-zone of the military, Islamic separatists, and private armies deprive Maguindanaonons of basic social services (like health and education services) and even livelihood means. Kaisha’s acquaintances in the community (some of them are minors too) had left the country in search of a better life.

Kaisha is already in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) II waiting for her flight when a plain-clothed airport operative approached and asked for her passport. “Nung nakita nya sa passport na 21 (years old) ako, nagtanong: ’21 ka na? Hindi nga?” (You are already 21? Really?), she recalled. “Takot ako sa recruiter. Akala ko makukulong ako” (I am afraid of the recruiter. I thought I would be jailed).

The official determined that her passport is baklas (fake). She was then brought to the airport clinic where a dental examination was conducted to reveal her real age. The official, whose name she cannot remember anymore, assured her that she won’t be jailed because she is the victim. Kaisha was saved by a member of the NAIA Anti-Trafficking Task Force, a group that operates under the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.

Government personnel may have saved Kaisha’s life in this case, but the 2009 U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report noted that there are instances where “immigration and police officers are complicit in human trafficking.” In 2003, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. This was hailed by many NGOs as a useful tool in curbing the menace. Meanwhile, the U.S government chastised the Philippines “for not fully complying with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking” though “there are significant efforts to do so.” Humantrafficking.org estimates place the number of trafficking victims in the country at 400,000.

The Anti-Trafficking Act prohibits the reception and transportation of an individual “done under the pretext of domestic and overseas employment” for the “purpose of slavery, prostitution, exploitation, debt bondage and servitude.” Stiff penalties await the law violators: a fine of P 1-5 million and possible lifetime imprisonment. There have been very few convictions so far, though, since judicial proceedings in the country drags on for years.

To prevent human trafficking, Escalante stressed the importance of vigilance on the part of the government, side-by-side with NGOs. The VFF compound, for example, has a wide window overlooking the disembarkation area of the Manila South Harbor. Their volunteers are looking around for passengers who bear the typical characteristics of someone being trafficked: minors huddled in groups, looking lost, and unfamiliar with the nation’s capital.

Once they spot someone who fits this description, the volunteers alert nearby police officers and ship owners. “Usually, out-of-school youth sila. Hindi nila kilala ang kanilang mga employers. Normally, dapat alam nila yun” (They also don’t who their employers are which shouldn’t be the case), Escalante said.

VFF suggests a three-pronged approach to combat human trafficking. First, the state must police its own ranks to prevent and eliminate collusion between the traffickers and government employees. Second, the transport sector must do its share in being vigilant and must be an ally in the effort. Referred to as “the most crucial pivot point in trafficking,” the NGO says the transport phase is the last point of visibility for the victim and traffickers. Proper intervention must be done in this phase. Local officials in far-flung communities where illegal recruiters get their victims must also be included in the campaign.

After being rescued at the airport, Kaisha was turned over to the VFF shelter. Here, she’s with other victims of trafficking (mostly minors). They are provided with recreational activities and assigned house chores, just like in a normal home. Jut before the interview, Kaisha and six others were gyrating to the tune of Beyonce Knowles’ “Single Ladies.” They also undergo therapy sessions before they return to their families.

Kaisha, who hasn’t seen her parents since November 2008, will be ferried to Maguindanao this March 25 (2010). She said she’ll say sorry to her family for not being able to work overseas. It is not easy to readjust to the life the survivors used to have. Escalante said it is important for the local social welfare offices in the area to provide Kaisha and others like her the needed education and livelihood training so they can start better lives. She conceded though that given the situation in Maguindanao, this may not be possible.

Kaisha dreams of becoming a nurse someday so she can finally help her family financially. “Mangyari pa kaya yun? Sana lang” (Will it happen? I hope so), she said. The tinge of sad resignation to her plight is apparent in her words – and she’s certainly not the only one facing the same situation.

Degrading BOTH gays and women through "Nagmahal Ng Bakla"

Degrading gays and women through rap music

The song "Nagmahal ng Bakla" by rap group Dagtang Lason received frequent airplay during the past few months. Radio stations played it repeatedly while its video has been uploaded in YouTube, and have tens of thousands of views so far. It has witty lyrics and a catchy tune, making the song inflicted in people's heads. In fact, even young children can sing-along to it. The group, meanwhile, has performed the song live in "Sharon" and "Wowowee." Given the message of this song, such publicity isn't only unwarranted - it is also dangerous.

What does the song really say? Here are the lyrics of its chorus:

Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae
May mga babaeng manloloko
Pineperahan lang kami
Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin
Masarap magmahal ang bakla
Ohh kay sarap... damhin

Basically, it tells us that since most girls are merely looking for sugar daddies (or boys they can use as cash cows), these tambays (street bystanders) now prefer gays as their lovers. They now want homosexual males because they are already "sawa sa babae." It's as if females are muffin meals that males can just toss away once they get so used to its taste. What about the gays? They are being treated as an alternative giver of pleasure for men. "Kaya ngayon, bakla na lamang ang aming iibigin," the song goes.

There is no mention here about the need of gays to be loved in their own right - and not as an extender for women. Upon close examination, the song's chorus also lacks logic. How can a plain tambay serve as a cash one? How can he be a financial provider then? Scattered throughout the song are other lines that condescend both women and gays.

The view that homosexuals are just being used as plain sex objects (or a way by which a man releases his urges) is supported by the line: "Hinanakit sa babae ang dahilan / Kung bakit nagmahal ako ng tulad niya / Kahit siya ay pangit." The song says that though the thought of being in a relationship with a gay man is still repulsive (because of the latter's supposed ugliness) for these tambays, they would still tolerate it because women only break their hearts.

The lines "Kaya nagdesisyon tuloy ang puso na laging bigo / Na bakla na lang ang iibigin ko" and "Kahit karumal-dumal pa ang kanyang (the gay) pagmumukha / Basta wag niya lang akong gawing kaawa-awa" gives a negative generalization of women as domineering beings and a characterization even while it degrades gays as ugly receivers (taga-salo) of distraught men.

The song gives macho males the privilege of choosing who between females and gays can best satisfy their needs (both emotional and sexual). Though the song says that straight males can fall for gays, the meanness toward gays remain obvious. "Kaya sa bigo, sa mga babae diyan / Umibig ng bakla, nakakalat lang yan diyan," a line states. What does these mean? It subtly suggests that gays are always lurking around, searching desperately for a man. Unsurprisingly, the rap single also mentioned the typical gay-gives-the-guy-money stereotype: "Bakla na lang ang iibigin ko / Di na ko masasaktan, nagkapera pa ako."

Other disturbing lines include: "Bago tayo magtabi sa kama, magpa-opera ka muna." Apparently, the guy here is telling his gay lover that before they can have sex, the later must first undergo a sex transplant (so the gay can have the body of a woman?). This is like saying that gays must try hard to look like a "real" woman. Another line goes like this: "Relasyon natin ay parang ginto / Mahal kita, wag lang sana akong magkatulo." The tambay is now worried that he might contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from his gay partner. Really? Given that these tambays' desire for women has reached the saturation point ("sawa sa babae"), isn't it that they are the more likely carrier of STIs?

We all know that the recording industry is taking serious blows from the global financial crisis, unabated piracy and the rise of online music-sharing. The entertainment world, meanwhile, is becoming more crowded with almost everyone wanting to be famous. Coming up with a controversial single that gets tremendous airplay and good record sales may be good from a business perspective. But what if in the process, both gays and women are being maligned repeatedly?

Music is a major part of any culture. It reflects us as a people. In return, music (and other media) influences the way individuals think because of its ubiquity. When this power is used to perpetuate the hostility toward those wrongly regarded as belonging to the "second" and "third" sexes, it becomes bothersome. This is why the popularity of "Nagmahal ng Bakla" is dangerous.

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Sunshine Plata: A Trailblazer in Coffee Painting

Sunshine Plata: A Trailblazer in Coffee Painting
by Mark Pere M. Madrona

Sunshine Plata, a 28-year-old fast-rising painter, still recalls how she discovered using coffee as an art medium in 2000. A sophomore Psychology student at University of Santo Tomas at that time, she said she felt the need to look for an affordable alternative to oil for her paintings.

"I'm no longer comfortable with the thought of letting my parents finance my not-so-cheap art materials. I looked for a medium that lasts long and would fit in my meager budget as a student then," Plata said.

An obscure item displayed at a Ripley's Believe It or Not exhibit in Shangri-La Manila later that year ended her search. "Among the collections there, I saw a 19th century framed paper bearing a coffee-printed signature. I realized that that item has been preserved for over a century already, maybe using coffee for paintings would work well too," she said. Toward the end of that year, she was able to finish "Ustedyante," her first coffee painting. A portray of UST's campus buildings, the 9" X 5" artwork was made on a sketch pad. It is now hanging on the living room of the Platas Marikina residence.

Sensing a renewed passion for painting, Plata said she tried to transfer to UST's Fine Arts program. Though switching courses would mean being delayed by a year or two for graduation, she said her parents Reynaldo and Consolacion had always been understanding. She took the shifter's exam for Fine Arts and when she didn't pass it, she said she felt bitterness for not getting what she wanted. "But I realized that maybe, it isn't really for me. So, I continued with Psychology and graduated in 2002," Plata said.

Describing herself as an "average" Psychology student, she said her performance during her college days dissuaded her from taking up medicine - which was her family's wish for her. Instead, she became a pre-school teacher from 2002-2007 at Antipolo's Rosehill Preschool. "I have always admired the sincerity and innocence seen among children" she said. But even her love for children can't contain the painter in her. Just when she's already due for promotion, she quit her job to focus on painting.

"When your passion knocks on your door, you cannot simply turn it away. Your passion would always haunt you. Hindi ka na nyan titigilan," Plata said. She said all she aspired for in her career is to have at least one show in her lifetime. "If you enter God into the picture, He'll make great things happen. Dream and your dreams would fall short compared to what He can give," she said. She never fails to go to mass everyday as a homage to the Creator.

Plata had her first solo exhibit last January 2008 at Instituto Cervantes' Casino Espanol de Manila. She said her entire family together with their friends were very supportive during the exhibit dubbed as LSD (Look, Smell and Discover) trip by Caffeine. Even her once-doubting father had become swayed that she can do it. "Me and my wife weren't really convinced at her craft initially. First, she's not a Fine Arts major. Looking back, I realized that maybe, I just don't know how to appreciate art then," Mr Plata said.

He recalled one incident where he unintentionally may have offended his daughter. “It was 3AM then when I saw her using my imported Maxwell House Coffee for a painting. I told her, Bakit mo ito ginagamit para lang dyan?” Mr. Plata said. After Sunshine successes, he jokingly said his daughter can now use his packs of Maxwell coffee.

The younger Plata said she had little expectations about her first exhibit. “I just want to express my art. I never expected that it would be received warmly by the people,” she said. She shared that Health Sec. Francisco Duque and his wife Carolina were among her exhibit viewers. The were known in social circles as devoted art patrons. “It is an honor for any artists doing an exhibition to be visited by them,” Plata said.

The Duques went on to buy three paintings: the “Caballito de Dilancin” (Rocking Horse), the “Nuestra Senora del Paz y Buen Viaje” and the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired “Kingdom by the Sea.” The thrid painting was inspired by Poe's “Annabel Lee,” the author's last complete poem. Plata said poems helps a lot in her paintings because the imagery they create gives her “great ideas.”

Aside from poems, she also derives art ideas from her dreams – like the story behind her world-famous “Diwata.” She said she had a childhood fantasy of being a fairy. “I've always read fairy tales. My favorite is Thumbelina because I'm also yearning for freedom like her,” Plata said. The idea behind the “Diwata” painting came from a dream she had in 2007 about a drowning fairy.

“That morning, I drew it immediately in a sketch pad. Since the fairy is drowning, I want her to drown in style,” she said. She added that she retained the name “Diwata” for the painting even in international exhibits so that foreigners would know that Filipino word.

After her Casino Espanol exhibit, the coffee painter had been featured in many news reports (24 Oras), morning shows (Umagang Kay Ganda) and in wire agency Reuters. She even took part in the “Plato para kay Ploning,” a fund raising event for the Judy Ann Santos film. Many prominent Filipino artists took part in the auction and most of them were puzzled when the name Sunshine Plata was announced. When prominent sculptor Ray Contreras and her then manager Marilyn Plata explained to the clueless artists who she was, the commotion stopped.

Plata said Juday personally thanked her, and all the other artists, for their contribution in the event. She said she donated “Sorbetes ni Gorio,” a painting about her maternal grandfather Gregorio with an ice cream cart. The winning bid for the painting was at P 60,000 though Plata got the work back because the entire auction-process was disorganized.

Plata's most recent exhibit was at Cordillera Coffee last December 2008. Dubbed as “Season's Brew,” 10% percent of proceeds from each paintings sold were directed to organizations of coffee farmers and their children. “It is a way for me to give back. Without them, I won't be here,” she said. In the next few years, she said she hopes to establish a foundation for the same purpose. “I'm sure those children wouldn't want to remain as coffee farmers forever,” she said.

For Plata, who considers herself a part of the Naive Art Movement because of her lack of artistic influences and formal training, coffee painting should go on for the years to come. “Even when I get married, I would go on doing this. In fact, that would be more favorable for me since I can take care of my children and paint while staying at home,” she said. Indeed, coffee painting is here to stay.

My Final Enrollment as a Journalism Undergrad! Running Diary...

It's all about the climb (sorry, Miley!), and I'm already near the summit of my UP Journey.

Today, November 3, I am enrolling for the 2nd semester of AY 2009-2010. If we include my registration for three consecutive summer terms, today's enrollment is already my 11th since I entered UP Diliman in 2006. More importantly, this shall be my last as an undergrad - if everything goes as planned. Here's a running account of what happened today, as I have written in my red notebook:

5:40 AM: My day begins. I clicked the TV, and guess what, I saw Mareng Winnie on Unang Hirit! I hope it's a good sign.

7:20 AM: I arrived at CMC. At the building's entrance, there's this post about 18 journalism students who must enlist in an Econ 100.1 discussion class lest they won't be given a grade in that subject. Of course, I'm one of them. If not for that, my enrollment today would have been a breeze.

8:20 AM: Ate Raquel Bacarra (the Journalism Dept. Secretary) finally arrives. Yung adviser? Wala pa...

8:40 AM: The list of thesis topics and their respective thesis advisers has been posted. Our topic, "Face to Face(book) with the candidate: How 2010 Philippine Presidential Candidates use social networking sites for campaigning" has been picked by Prof. Yvonne T. Chua. It came as a surprise to me because I thought someone else would pick it.

9:10 AM: Prof. Ma. Cristina Rara, the designated adviser for the day, finally arrives.

9:15 AM: Just went aboard a Katipunan jeepney to go to the School of Economics. Upon arriving there, we were told that the enlistment for Econ 100.1 would begin at 1PM. Wow, that's still four hours away!

9:50 AM: I went back to CMC. I paid P20 for the student council fund. Wait, where's the P20 for ...? Anyway, I already got my form 5. I'm going back to Econ again.

10:15 AM: I'm back at Econ. Here with me are three other Journ majors: John Antiquerra, Katherine Cortez and Frances Olayon. But 1PM is still 3 hours away! What shall I do? Well, start filling-up the form 5.

11:00 AM: We're still here at Econ. Where are those 14 students who weren't able to get Econ 100.1 slots? By the looks of it, we'll be camping out here 'til 1PM comes. I'm done filling up the form 5. To use my time, I solved some find-a-word puzzles! (sorry mama, pinuslit ko yung book mo!)

11:45 AM: Since I'm already hungry, I looked for something to eat. I found this food stall in Econ peddling ham and burger in huge pandesals. For P25, why not! But no, the meal isn't enough for me. I bought Nissin Cup Noodles too (chicken flavor ha). Later on, former Journ Dept. representative Edmalynne Remillano arrived. Yes, she needs Econ 100.1 too. Meanwhile, I got to talk to her about many salient issues. Sample:

M: Na-send na sa akin ni Charmaine yung transcript ng interview mo kay Titoy nung September! Ang haba nun ah...

E: Yuck ha. Bakit naman "Titoy" ang tawag mo sa kanya?

1:00 PM: It's 1 o'clock already. Labing-apat na tao na kaming naghihintay sa labas ng SE 127. I later learned that some of them are Sociology seniors. Masarap yata ang lunch ng mga RA!

1:20 PM: Two female RAs finally arrived. They instructed us to form three lines based on subjects needed: econ 11, econ 100.1 and/or 100.2 amd econ 199. After that, one of them distributed Teacher's Prerogative forms to us. Of course, we had to write there the econ 100.1 class we intend to enlist in.

1:30 PM: One of the RAs came over to get our TP forms. She instructed those with conflicting schedules to cancel those classes first. She also asked everyone to present any valid ID (with picture and signature) before they process our enlistment. But hello! We left our IDs at the department so we can get out form 5As. But in the end, we were left with no other option but to go back to CMC to get our IDs.

1:45 PM: The RA at the department (she's my schoolmate in HS) seems unable to understand that we need to get our IDs to enlist for an econ 100.1 class. You know what I did? I got my ID from the table where it is placed - and I also pulled my form 5a from her hands. Sorry! We don't have time to explain to her...

2:00 PM: We're back at Econ. The RA asked for our form 5As, accomplished TP form and the ID. She then asked us to get inside the enlistment room. In less than 10 minutes, we're already enlisted in the Econ 100.1 (THC-HJ2) class, 2:00-3:00 PM. I proceeded to the Center for International Studies (CIS) to get another class to avoid being underloaded.

2:20 PM: At the CIS, I asked Ms Fatima Bautista (the dept secretary there) if there are still available slots for Japan Studies 101. Yes, meron pa daw! Later on, Literature Prof. Amparo Adelina "Jina" Umali saw me and exclaimed, "Oh, CIS major ka na ba?" FYI, this would be my 3rd subject under that unit.

2:40 PM: I'm back at CMC. I proceeded to our department for the post-advising. There's Prof. Rara again and this time, I asked her why there's still no J111 grade. Ang sabi nya, she was sick for two weeks daw kaya she failed to upload our grades. I got to see her class record and I saw the grades. Darts. Dice. Crystal ball.

2:50-3:20 PM: Checking, validation and assessment at the CMC Admin Office. I'll pay my dues tomorrow morning. Just like that, I'm almost done with my last enrollmenr as a journalism undergraduate! :)

Francis Escudero and Loren Legarda's never-ending pingpong game

And the merry-go-round of Philippine politics goes on. With Francis Escudero leaving the Nationalis People's Coalition yesterday, the party now has no standard-bearer for the 2010 presidential elections. It leaves open the possibility of NPC teaming-up with Lakas-KAMPI-CMD or Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party. Now, a Gilbert Teodoro-Loren Legarda or Villar-Legarda tandem can really happen.

The fluidity of the current political scene is highlighted by NPC's declaration yesterday (through Rep. Mark Cojuangco) that they can still field Legarda as its presidential bet. Legarda would look like a proxy candidate (panakip-butas) though, since NPC bigwigs had long indicated its preference for Escudero despite Loren's experience.

What about Chiz? Can he run for president without Danding Cojuangco's billions? As a UP public administration professor said yesterday, no one has won the presidency as "ako bilang ako." Running for VP under under the party of President Arroyo would make him look like a hypocrite (do we have to say why and how?) while running with Villar would betray Escudero's supposed stand vs. corruption.

URGENT! PLEASE PRAY FOR MS MILGRAY MERIDA'S SAFETY (PLS REPOST)

Her former students will remember her in many ways. The one who reminds them to "be good and make good"; the one who never allows students to report unless they use colorful visual aids and the teacher who "coerces" her students to attend school events as a "socialization requirement." And how can we forget her order for us to have a bank account? And there's also the "energizer" before the class starts (Ye-ye Bonel)!

When I learned that Ondoy has caused flash floods in places like Marikina, Cainta and Pasig, I immediately texted her to know how she and her octogenarian mom is doing because I know they are living near the Tumana river in Marikina. That was last September 26. I have texted her again in the succeedding days and still, no response.

When I visited RMHS yesterday, her co-teachers at the SS Department (like Ms Melania Vitan) that they've been doing the same thing in vain for ten days. This is chilling. Up to now, no one knows what happened to Ms Merida. Yesterday, her fellow economics teacher Linda Sabalza tried to call her, but the phone is "unattended." Right now, I'm certainly not at peace knowing that her fate remains unknown.

To me, Ms Milgray Merida of Ramon Magsaysay High School's Social Studies Department is not just a class adviser. She is my first mentor.We've known each other since she became my trainer for the first-ever city-wide contest that I have participated in, and that was in January 2003. She have seen all my empathic triumphs as well as my frustrations in school. Even when I'm already a UP student, I have always kept in touch with her through text. And she never fail to tell me how thankful she was to me for remembering her, and she'd ask too how my mom is doing.

I am helpless. All I can do is to ask God to save her from harm's way. I can only hope that she's safe now. I hope that you'll pray for her too. We can only hope for the best in this situation. Please ask your batchmates and former classmates to do the same thing too. Please spread the word. If you can, please repost this entry too. Thank you.


MARK PERE M. MADRONA
BA JOURNALISM, UP DILIMAN
IV-EDISON, BATCH 2006