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HACIENDA LUISITA, the Philippines — Like his father before him, Buenaventura Calaquian worked the sugar cane fields at Hacienda Luisita, a plantation owned by the family of former President Corazon C. Aquino. In the long-running, sometimes bloody battle over control of the land here, Mr. Calaquian, 58, has come out better than most.

For the last few years, he has illegally occupied 3.7 acres on which he cultivates rice and vegetables. He spends most days watching his fields from a makeshift shack whose thatched roof is patched with flattened cardboard boxes. Small profits from tomato sales have allowed him to buy 50 ducks that now swim in a nearby creek.

“I never want to go back to sugar cane,” Mr. Calaquian said as his wife, Maria, 46, used a single bucket to carry water from the creek over to several uneven rows of tomato vines. “This is better.”

Despite the government’s assertion that a two-decade-old land distribution program has been a success, most farmers in the Philippines have yet to benefit significantly. The uneven ownership of land, this country’s primordial problem, continues to concentrate economic and political power in the hands of large landowning families and to fuel armed insurgencies, including Asia’s longest-running Communist rebellion.

The land problem has drawn fresh attention since Mrs. Aquino’s son, Benigno Aquino III, declared his candidacy for the May 10 presidential election, running on his mother’s legacy of “people power.” Though Mrs. Aquino made land reform a top priority, she allowed landowning families to eviscerate her distribution program. Critics say there is no greater example of the failure of land reform than her own family’s estate.

For the past five years, the family has been fighting in the Supreme Court a government directive to distribute the 10,000-acre Hacienda Luisita — the second-biggest family-owned piece of land in the Philippines, about 80 miles north of Manila — to 10,000 farmers.

In 2004, the military and the police killed seven protesters during a strike by farmers fighting for land and higher wages. Since then, the family-controlled Hacienda Luisita Inc. has managed to plant only 40 percent of the estate with sugar cane; the rest has been seized by individual farmers or remains idle.

Criticized for his family’s position, Mr. Aquino, 50, the front-runner in the presidential election, announced recently that the family would transfer the land to the farmers after ensuring that debts were paid off.

“It will be theirs clear and free,” Mr. Aquino said in an interview in Manila.

But Mr. Aquino’s cousin, Fernando Cojuangco, the chief operating officer of the holding company that owns the plantation, said that the extended Cojuangco family, owners of this plantation since 1958, had no intention of giving up the land or the sugar business.

“No, we’re not going to,” Mr. Cojuangco, 47, said in an interview here. “I think it would be irresponsible because I feel that continuing what we have here is the way to go. Sugar farming has to be; it’s the kind of business that has to be done plantation-style.”

He dismissed the widely held view that Mrs. Aquino, his aunt, had made land reform a centerpiece of her government.

“Is there a document that it was a centerpiece? I always asked that question even to her ex-cabinet members. Was there a cabinet meeting where she said this is the centerpiece?”

In 1987, when Mrs. Aquino, born a Cojuangco, began carrying out land redistribution, the government estimated that 10 percent of the population controlled 90 percent of the country’s agricultural land.

The government says that under the program it has redistributed 10 million acres of privately owned land and 7.4 million acres of public land, allowing each farming family to acquire up to 7.4 acres with government-backed loans. The government says owners who relinquish land have received compensation; for sugar estates, the payment is $2,000 per acre.

Last year, the government extended the program to redistribute 2.5 million acres of “problematic lands” that the authorities have been unable to distribute “because of the resistance of some big landowners,” said Nasser C. Pangandaman, the secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Mr. Pangandaman described the program as a success. But most farmers’ groups, scholars and businessmen question the department’s figures.

“The department has never provided us with a clear and credible inventory of the lands that have been distributed,” said Rafael V. Mariano, a congressman who is a member of Anakpawis, a union-based political party.

What is more, lawmakers, most of whom come from large landowning families, included loopholes in the program, critics say.

“Because of the loopholes, landlords have been able to find all sorts of ways and means to recover their land,” said Roland G. Simbulan, a professor of development studies and public management at the University of the Philippines.

The biggest loophole, critics say, was a stock and profit-sharing program that Mrs. Aquino agreed to under pressure from large landlords. Instead of redistributing their land, about a dozen families, including her own, were allowed to turn farmers into shareholders.

The government eventually found that the Cojuangcos had violated the agreement by failing to share profits with the farmers and ordered that the land be distributed, said Mr. Pangandaman of the agrarian reform department.

Mr. Cojuangco said the ruling was a politically motivated attack against his family. The family company treated the workers well, providing health care, homes for some, interest-free loans and a guaranteed minimum wage, he said.

The farm workers at Hacienda Luisita voted in favor of the stock and profit-sharing program in 1989. But because of the decline of the sugar industry and mechanization, the amount of available work diminished steeply so that some farmers were working only one day a week by the late 1990s, said farmers and union officials.

Since the 2004 strike, many have been unable to return to work at the hacienda even as they lacked the funds to buy the seedlings and fertilizer necessary to plant crops on land they are occupying.

In a barrio called Paunawa, Esmeraldo Alcantara, 42, was one of several frustrated jobless men collecting brush to sell for about 30 cents a bundle.

“If I had land and capital, that would be ideal,” said Mr. Alcantara, who controlled a two-acre plot that he had given up trying to plant. “But since I don’t, going back to work at the hacienda would be better. But I can’t do that, either.”

A sign at the village entrance warns motorcyclists wearing helmets or bandanas to stay out — a reminder of the tumultuous strike, when union officials, farmers and supporters were assassinated, sometimes by hit men riding motorcycles. (The Philippine military, which accuses farm leaders of being tied to the Communist rebellion, is believed to be behind these kinds of killings.)

Mr. Cojuangco said he was not afraid of venturing into the hacienda that his family has controlled for three generations.

“I can go out there to the barrios,” he said.

Lito Bais, the head of the farm workers’ union, said, “If that’s true, then why isn’t he doing that?”

“I believe that as long as the Cojuangcos are here, they’ll never give up the land,” Mr. Bais said. “And as long as we’re here, we’ll never give up the struggle for this land.”

Not if we’re talking about Gloria Arroyo’s regime where she has a clear grasp of everything that yesterday’s events solidified this claim.

Remember the names of these Supreme Court justices whose vote made it possible for Arroyo to appoint Supreme Court’s chief justice despite the constitution prohibiting such action: Roberto Abad, Lucas Bersamin, Arturo Brion, Teresita de Castro, Mariano del Castillo, Jose Mendoza, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Perez and Martin Villarama Jr.

I cannot put into words the frustration we should all be feeling with this betrayal that our last hope failed us.

What with the Congress full of her henchmen, the Ombudsman guarded by Merceditas Guttierez, Jose Melo standing guard in COMELEC, Delfin Bangit barricading the AFP and the High Court soon to be her sniff dog’s pen, what else is left for us?

Oblivious to crime she committed; powerful to snatch again the country’s top most seat; well supported for worse corruption; everything is in her table within easy reach.

I believe this desperate time comes with the thought of reaching for a Higher Power.

As for her next move, I can’t even begin to imagine.

Taking over General Victor Ibrado, new AFP Chief Lieutenant General Delfin Bangit assures doubting figures saying “sa Diyos lamang ako magpapagamit [only God can use me]” while appealing to people generally to spare the military from politics.

Consulting the facts of previous instances, military was never oblivious to politics hitherto in this administration which only highlighted its top role whether to withheld the moral or merely fail the people.

In his hands is a part of the election future; the smooth turnover of power from previous to the next elect-President; the safety of the Filipino people; and the breaking or continous trampling upon of basic human rights.

With all these at stake is the brand of him being one of Gloria Arroyo’s most trusted men; the man which alleged to be behind the August Moon plot I’ve been hearing of last year, a move to lessen Ibrado’s year’s of service; and a supreme accusation of being one who staged the 1 million marginal win of Gloria Arroyo over the late Fernando Poe Jr.

Fairly, what the AFP needs is the support and trust which if betrayed must be quick in being answerable out of all the uncertainty revolving around on an institution that is supposedly neutral in partisan politics.

Bangit may have had a clean record that would guarantee him free passes from the Commission on Appointment but that doesn’t make him a saint from all the promise of money and power.

All we can do now is to wait, observe and remain vigilant and hold on to a promise of this military man stepping in on a huge platform of his military career provided by Gloria Arroyo.

As for the end of this post? We’ll see…

Presently, numerous couples started lining up for marriage licenses in DC’s Superior Court as early as 3:30 in the morning.

Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend’s wedding is the historic first, the ceremony of which took place in the office of Human Rights Campaign.

This is definitely a brave move following stringent disapproval of many sectors to encourage same sex marriage. The United States of America has long been disturbed with clashes between both camps of this huge debate.

I may not favor same sex marriage but the idea of letting people choosing in his own stead what’s best for him sounds just. Unlike many, I carry this idea that the majority doesn’t always have the right to speak in behalf of the minorities.

Understanding is a long road to journey on but respect is definitely one quick step going to a harmonious living with our fellow human.

Congratulations!

I don’t hate Twilight, neither that am a fan. But the thing is, am with Team Jacob, and yes, I like Taylor Lautner. However, never that I expected that Kristin ‘Thing’ pairing up for the night doubled with presenting an award on stage – with HER. I thought her ass were glued to Rob Pat’s? As in they’re inseparable on and off screen? Gawd, I wish Tay was like Zac doing the thing alone without an extra luggage to bring. And what’s with the coughing?

2. Ben Stiller in full Na’vi

I’ve read somewhere that Sacha Baron Cohen was supposed to do the Avatar spoof but she reportedly turned down the idea to avoid hurting James Cameron’s feelings. And because of that, am wondering why Ben Stiller approved the joke. I do love Ben Stiller but I think the spoof was done in a really bad taste and timing. Believe it or not, James Cameron dealt with it a little personal. The good director campaigned for a recognition for actors doing the job in blue screen, and since most of the members of the Academy did not agree, the pun is too much to rub well with it. Well, I must admit I did laugh on that part. I don’t like Avatar!

3. The Interpretative Dance

I love Harry Shum Jr. I like the LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers). It’s the idea that sucks! Presenting the nominees for Best Musical Score that way is like watching my old college theater group doing it for a school production. And this is Oscars we’re talking about. I assure you guys, Harry and the LXD are waaay cooler than that.

4. The Horror Tribute

There’s no word for it. WHAT THE HELL?!

5. The Ultimate Bitch: SANDRA FREAKIN’ WON

“Did I really earn this, or did I just wear you all down?” Yes Sandra. You really just wear down everyone with you having the historic record of grabbing a Best Actress Oscar and a Best Actress Razzie – all in the same weekend. Yes fellas, Sandra Bullock is the Worst Actress in the 30th Annual Dis-Honors for Cinematic Dreck – Golden Raspberry Awards for her movie All About Steve.

Anyway, she won Oscars for ‘Blind Side’, right? And she bagged the Razzie for ‘All About Steve.’ Its a different movie afterall! Shame on you Sandra haters!! Shame on you Meryl Streep for competing with her!!

It’s Complicated is a story of a divorced couple, each set to walk a different path of romance only to find their way in each others arm, yet again, in one of the many crossroads in their respective lives. Gambling is their game. And what’s good about is at the end, both never regretted risking it. Win or lose.

Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) are very humane character. They try breaking so many cliches among divorce issues while actually having fun within the same cliches. Both characters bringing in the justification of the endless complicated search of every man for a thing we have never known even at the begginning. Wants and needs to be able to be understood must be set in a journey called life.

I must admit I disapprove Alec Baldwin at first for I don’t like him personally. Nevertheless, his comedic charm works well with that off Meryl Streep that the riot begins when the frames move closing in both brilliant actors. John Krasinski is of course another treat in this movie [if you love him as much as I do in The Office] plus Steve Martin who’s always a better spice.

Director and Writer Nancy Meyers made it to a point to highlight one of her so-called trademark in providing fresh pictures which is a key to her central idea revolving around feminism. The best part is the brave pronouncement that women of age doesn’t emerge from that stage as is, but actually came from previous eras making up her entirety. Meyers envisions to make her viewers realize that women are not boxed-creature spranged up to life but denied of the pleasure of sex. It breaks out from the glass house of Victoria Era. And whether you’re 16 or 60, it would always be true for women to lust. However, Meyers goes back in the idea that either a man or a woman must know when to take decisions not just to succumb by the tides of situation. That in the courage that you set loose outside the box, the same courage must apply to take back those boundaries separating the right from the wrong.

It may not be a movie that would blow you away with a mind-fucking plot, but rather enough to haunt you as you leave the theater and take time for some reflection. It’s comforting and warm and a treat of an escape for us hopeless romantic who’ll never ever admit to be one.

[photo credit: The New York Times]

Gone were the days that Joseph Estrada’s successors were playing demi-gods, lording over the masses while the crowd swoon over just by their mere presence, the ultra high celebrity status granting them the golden ticket to any electoral position they fancy.

How many of them played fool only to serve as concrete example that stupidity is getting lesser for more Filipinos when it comes to election? The superstar herself, Nora Aunor? Richard Gomez? Even Manny Pacquiao? But what about Edu Manzano?

No more serving a well staged game show, but the proud Game Ka Na Ba host seems lost in the midst of all the shenanigans happening, leaving him in a very pitiful state as of now.

While Manzano’s lips remain tight [probably thanks to some serious paychecks from the Palace] his campaign manager can’t hold it further, that the obvious is now very obvious.

The murdering truth in front of us all that Edu Manzano is well aware off himself, his position as a mere pawn, more likely a decoy, someone that must be cut when its purpose run its course -a trash.

Does he believe that he’s the poster boy to boost Gilbert Teodoro’s popularity? I don’t think so. Does he believe he might probably pull this off? I don’t know. Does he hope for Gloria et. al to stage another ‘Hello Garci’ for him? Definitely not.

Edu Manzano might refer to his scenario as a win-win situation, like what’s he got to loose no matter what happen with a few more bucks just by playing dummy, it definitely did cost him a little too much for most people who are critical of all these. Pride and dignity. All for being trash.

While admirable though that a branch of government is so intent in fulfilling its mission of addressing health problems, most specifically the perils of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), that even the most stringent opposition it is receiving from the Catholic leaders cannot halt them in doing so, the giving away of free condoms is sending a wrong signal especially for us, the youth citizens of this country. As I’ve said before, this move is tantamount to saying “hey it’s okay to engage in pre-marital sex as long as you wear rubber.” So tell me, isn’t that sound stupid at all?

This isn’t a debate anymore of whether artificial birth control against the Church’s option of abstinence and other natural ways. It is the subject of engaging in the act of sex without the aim of creation neither the roles of husband to his wife and vice versa. It is a mere subject of sex which justifies lust and pure carnal desire.

Giving out free condoms is not the solution to one of mankind’s greatest dilemma; not even close to being a viable one. Condoms generally are not at all 100% safe. The tiniest breakage could lead to a terrible leak jeopardizing its icon of being for safe sex. I can’t begin to fathom the damage the Department of Health is imposing with this pathetic solution they’re rallying on with.

We are not a religious state, we all know that. But morality per se is not religious at all. Morality, as the foundation of every individual, distinguishes between right and wrong, the truth from mere lies and safety from danger. This rotten idea is one of the clear manifestation of this administration’s stupidity and lack of genuine concern to its people. As for this government, a piece of condom is all we need to prevent us from acquiring HIV. Not even your God or your religion. Neither that of education nor communication. And never of your family’s guidance and love.

For the US, President Obama willingly signed the $8.3 billion anointing the Energy Department in its quest to mount two nuclear reactors in Georgia.

Admittedly, Nuke Plants are great danger that outweighs its positive products. If handled incorrectly, the trouble is twice as much the problem it conjures in proper run.

In RP’s case, I, that is to say probably we, have very little faith for our good government to handle such huge act. The system itself of conducting programs has long been played as a facade for money-making scheme of our dear congressman. If a simple project of roads and bridges construction usually fail, what more for a Nuke Plant?

For the US, the effort of President Obama to bring drastic change that could alleviate most of the problems left by his predecessor is very well much admirable. However, the image his administration is painting in leading the world towards a better planet through programs addressing climate change and other environmental dilemmas is in danger of being tarnished.

Both countries, despite US obviously being more financially able, would be dealing with funding problems and that remains to be problematic to taxpayers.During this time that we are all trying very hard in pulling ourselves out from recession, immediate solutions to aggravating economic uncertainties must be provided with solution first.

I would say that this unending square-off between pros and antis of nuke plants might be part of the solution to this problem. Man’s endless quest for answer would definitely arrive at some point and unless people would refrain on hearing the other side feigning deaf, solutions for cheap, stable and environmentally supportive source of energy is just around the corner.

Palaspas (palms) that are used in last year’s celebration of Palm Sunday were gathered by faithfuls to be burned, the ash of which is to be used on the following day’s Ash Wednesday.

The ritual signifies the life of every Catholic compared to the dried palaspas which are all healthy and full of life when waved during Palm Sunday, that commemorates Jesus Christ entering the Holy City of Jerusalem, and now old and looking torn. Like every Faithful, we rejoiced and praise Jesus Christ’s triumphant enter of Jerusalem but through the course of our life, at one way or another, we continuously sin and stray away from the righteous path the Lord has prepared for us, thus making us dried and looking torn.

In the Diocese of Malolos, Bishop Jose F. Oliveros reminds and encourage everyone to burn, together the old palaspas,  previous sins and misdoings that litter our relationship with God. Abstinence, fasting and praying should be done in the light of better contemplation of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, as the key to becoming better Christians and better Catholic.

Bishop Jose F. Oliveros of the Diocese of Malolos presiding the burning of old palaspas to be used for tommorow's Ash Wednesday