Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Transgressions

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Culture is not static; it is not a given. As transgressive as this may sound to the unenlightened, culture is dynamic. Traditions, practices, and values do change and often should change -- especially those which reinforce (both subtly and overtly) feudalism, imperialism, patriarchy, commodification, and other forms of oppression.

However, to question, problematize, and dare to act differently from what the dominant in society expects is to risk more than just career and reputation. It's to risk being labeled and treated as a misfit and much worse. Even if one's views and actions are based on a rational and principled stance, too few will understand and many will cry out: "Why are you rocking the boat? Why don't you act in the proper way expected of you?"

Utterances based on solid evidence and honest assessment yet deviate from the cultural norm? Unacceptable. Assertions of one's agency and autonomy? That's not how things are done.

And to engage in critical discourse -- as you recently remarked -- is to "open up a can of worms no one wants to discuss". Women, in particular, are expected to be deferential and ever so compliant, for culture is clearly integral to social control. Still, to challenge this hegemony, whether openly or privately, can be liberating and refreshing, consequences be damned. But discourse is not enough. It is never enough.

Jo
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*Some photos taken recently at different museums

Sunday, May 18, 2014

seasonal

santa and bird house bougainvilla street mindanao avenue 051514

Your rose isn't red though, but it's quite fine.

For me, roses, have value even though it isn't Valentines day. The same way Santa Claus for me, exists even though it's not yet Christmas. Like, shouldn't we remember our moms and dads all year through and not just mother's day or father's day?

jordan
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*Santa Claus and his bird house in the middle of glare of the afternoon sun.

Friday, March 7, 2014

At Hardin

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You once asked me why there are no roses at Hardin ng Rosas. I replied that I had actually found one during my daily walks -- a rare rose that I would show you someday. Here it is along with more familiar sights of this quiet place. This garden of sorts in the middle of the city. The place where I recover.

Jo
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Friday, February 14, 2014

red shade

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I decided to come back to you. It was a long walk but always worth it. I mean, getting exercise and visiting your beloved?

Along the way, I saw a tree topped with red bougainvillea flowers. I decided to take a break and rest in the red-tinted shade.

jordan
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*red bougainvillea flowers giving lush redness over a leafless tree.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

for two



I thought of resting. All that walking tired me so I went to the mall to get some refreshments. Tray in hand, I saw this table and thought of sitting there. But the chairs weren't that inviting and the table was meant for two.

It wasn't for me. Not now though. I went on to look for another one.

jordan
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*table with two dressed chairs at sm north.

Monday, February 10, 2014

look up



I eventually went down the bus, though, as I saw the conductor was not going to fulfill his promise. I continued my walk.

A lot has changed in our surroundings. Open spaces are becoming more and more scarce. Space has to be maximized. Filled up, it seems, with only consumerist establishments.

The story would always go something like this: a place was once just full of grass. Talahiban lamang siya, but now, there is a mall or a subdivision where grass once was. Progress.

I tend to look up a lot nowadays. To cherish the sight of the sky and the clouds. Clouds are the new grass now, fewer and fewer to be seen. The talahiban, the sky? Yes, the sky would soon be gone and filling it up, to maximize space, will be the condominiums.

jordan
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*Chinatown roofs with a worker

Friday, February 7, 2014

Lalakad na



Well, that didn't take long. I found myself inside a bus, looking out the window, commuting again.

The bus conductor was an effective barker. He held out his signs and offered some promises: "Lalakad na." (It's gonna leave now.)

jordan
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*bus conductor holding route signs at Roxas Blvd.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

pedestrian crossing



I think I don't have to wait for it. For now that is. Let me try walking, see what I can discover.

Of course, I'll tell you all about it.

jordan
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*Hardin street, UP

Sunday, February 2, 2014

red light


Hey dear,

Still waiting for it to turn green.
Should I wait or just beat it to move on?

jordan
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*North Avenue corner Mindanao interesection