Catanduanes Forum

Ni Roger Cabiles Jr.

I joined the mob of activists and rallyists against GMA’s supposed to be last State of the Nation Address. Walked around the campus with friends and then marched our way to Commonwealth road near St. Peter‘s Church to join the different sectors of the society. . I participated in the ‘hymns and chants’ and even memorized some. Valiantly went home against the will of the hard and pouring rain to listen to GMA’s SONA.

OMG. Roger joined the rally? Aktibista ba yun? Yes, you’ve read it right. I joined the rally. I have always shared my thoughts with some friends and colleagues on traditional activism. I don’t believe it has made its way to make a lasting and genuine change in our times. Traditional activism has reaped its fruits during the fight against the dictatorship and the aftermath of it. But if we are to achieve change through traditional activism now, is I think, next to impossible. It is not enough. It is never enough. We need not a traditional, dogmatic and exclusive form of activism but rather an inclusive, innovative and transforming one if we are to achieve genuine change. This form of activism that does not preach abstract and utopian doctrines but humane, achievable and timely ideas that MUST be practiced.

“When it rains, it pours”. It rained hard and people poured in Jollibee and Mcdo to eat. When you chant ‘down with imperialism’, stand by it. When you say, ‘capitalism sucks’, stick with it. It is good to enjoy Mcdonald’s legendary fries. It is also satisfying to eat Jollibee’s burger steak. But if you believe that globalization, imperialism and capitalism is never good, it’s best to stay away from these establishments. It’s just irritating to see that after the rally, the person who is a while ago the fiercest enemy of capitalist industries enjoy delicious capitalist foods. I just think that it is not right for a person to shout ‘fuck imperialism’ and eats at McDonalds’. And wears an authentic Adidas cap. And Nike shoes or Havaianas slippers. And enjoys Coca-Cola. Please. Practice what you preach. So, why criticize other universities’ extravagant lifestyles if you yourselves also enjoy it? They have the right to enjoy it because they love it. They don’t fuck capitalism. I think that it is you, who call for the downfall of capitalism, that must lead the way in showing us that we must not support these capitalist industries.

Well, am I casting stones? A big NO. I have not condemned capitalism. Yet. I still have my hopes in it. Case closed.

We have seen traditional activism’s fruits and successes in this good university. It is written in history. Persons who have been involved in restoring this democracy are living proofs of that. But history is not enough. Live the present situation with the guidance of our past experiences so as to achieve our fictional future- our ideal Philippines.

Activism doesn’t only happen in the streets. Activism is not just about hot issues and scandals. Activists doesn’t always need to shout to voice out their grievances. Activists don’t just burn effigies. Activism is theory. Activism is practice. Genuine activists stand by their beliefs. They don’t call for time outs on their anti imperialist sentiments if they are hungry or whatever. Activism is a lifestyle. Again, ACTIVISM IS A LIFESTYLE.

I am always asked, ‘Are you an activist?’ My answer? No and YES. No because activism known today is a kind of activism where the very freedom it fights for is suppressed; where diversity is never acknowledged; and where ideas and principles are too utopian and unreachable so that those who believe in it fail to live it up and fight for it. Yes, I am an activist because I am doing my best to release it from the chains of an ideology that suppresses it; to free it from those people who cling to it wrongly and thus fail to rightfully involve the people in its mission; and I am trying my best to open up the box that hindered it to achieve its rightful gains, fruits and successes. Why then, did I join the mob? Do you need more explanations?

PS: I am not telling these activists what to do. I am telling it to myself. This article was written as a reminder to myself and to you. Fight for your beliefs. It is never enough to stand up for it..