Why do good people die first?

Some people may find my reaction to the passing of Sec. Jesse robredo, O.A. (Over-acting) because I am not in anyway related to him... but I am a Filipino and he is one of my leaders.  A leader who should be THE example for all politicians out there and those aspiring to SERVE our country.  I am sad that this has to happen to a good person, a good leader.  But Jesse Robredo is not the end of the story, they still have to retrieve the bodies of the 2 pilots, which until this afternoon is still at 180 ft. underwater. 

Capt. Jessup Bahinting, one of the pilots, is himself a local hero, always lending a hand when needed without asking for anything in return.  I feel so sad as well that his company is getting scrutinized now for not inspecting the plane, thus the accident happened.  But the employees are saying the Captain inspected the plane himself.  It is an accident and I am sure he did not want it to happen to them.

I can't stop feeling sad about this tragedy, I wish they were able to survive.  I feel for their family and I am sure I will never understand what they are going through.  They will be in my prayers.  Their death has affected a lot of people and I think that answers my question, why do good people die first.  They die first because they have done what they have to do and their death is a reminder to each of us that we should do our part to make our country a better place to live in, that we can all do it!  Not the best answer, but it's something I want to hold on to and remember as I live my life in this country that I love.

I wish I can be more like them, selfless, true public servants.  I have always felt affected, sad and often end up crying when I hear/watch news about tragedies and disasters in our country.  But I do not go the extra mile.  Yes I donate, but is it enough?  I feel I should do more... I do not want to be a hero of some sort.  I just want to be able to make a difference.  I want to do something that matters.  I want to be like Jesse Robredo and Jessup Bahinting.  May they rest in peace.

What about Jesse Robredo?

When the news broke that DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo's plane crashed, I started paying more attention.  Yes because it's big news but also because everyone was all over it.  Makes you wonder why is it that people care this much?  The you read tweets that President Noynoy and a lot of the Cabinet members or Senators are actually on site to monitor the rescue.

Why?  What about him? He is the good guy.  If you read about Sec. Jesse Robredo you will see that he is one of those politicians who is good for our country.  He is one to be a role model.  I am not close to him, heck, I am not family or even his employee, but I am truly affected by this.  It pains me to see that it is taking long to find him.  I am actually hoping he is still alive and yes a castaway.  I'd rather he is stranded in an island than him being trapped in the plane 350 feet below the Masbate waters.  As Gov. Joey Salceda said in a Philippine Star article, "I asked every Albayano to pray for that miracle for Jesse and to storm the gates of Heaven so every angel would descend to protect him."

Let us all pray for him and the 2 Pilots still missing.

The Manila Legacy

I seriously want to like the Bourne Legacy... just because the chase scenes were shot here in the Philippines.  This is not a film review, it's an opinion from a proud Filipino.

When the movie started, I had high hopes.  I loved the Bourne series and this 4th installment was particularly special because Manila was featured in the film.  I was really excited to watch it, plus I like Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton.  And so, when Dr. Marta Shearing (played by Rachel Weisz) mentioned Manila, Philippines, there were murmurs and gasps among the movie goers.  I was tearing up a bit because I will admit it, I am very proud of it.  So when the Manila scenes started my heart was pounding.  The good thing even is, the chase scenes were shot mostly in Manila.  Never mind the crazy electric wires and the not so glamorous houses shown... it actually added character to Manila... it was just amazing to know that we can shoot such scenes here in our country.  Then when the islands of El Nido was shown, I was even more excited.  It was breathtaking as expected.  Then, credits.

What the F$&%!!! was all I can think of.  What the hell happened??? That's it?  The Manila scenes I must say is the movie's climax, then it just ended like that.  Disappointing really.  I wanted more!  It seems like the story line was rushed.  Hay... I know Filipinos all over the world will still watch this film.  And yes I will encourage everyone to watch it.  But it was just missing something and I desperately want it to be my favorite movie... oh well...

The Rescuers

Habagat Rescuers risking their own lives to save others
Photos courtesy of Juice.PH

The last week was hell for a lot of Filipinos.  It seemed like the rain will never stop and more and more places were getting flooded.  For some of us, there was nothing we can do but pray, donate and watch in the news what's happening.  There was a point in time when I wanted to tweet about people who were so stubborn that's why they had to be rescued... but I didn't.  Sometimes you really have to put yourself in their place to understand why they did it.

What really caught my attention are the Rescuers.  They are the heroes for me.  Real heroes.  They have their own families but they risk their lives just to save others.  They thought of other people's safety before theirs.  That was their goal, to save as much people as possible no matter what.  I seriously cried every time there was a newscast about Rescuers saving kids, old people and even pets.  These people are so selfless.  And for what?  I truly believe they did it, they are doing it to serve their country men.  But what do they get in return?  I am sure they would want to have bigger compensation, but they still do it even if they don't.  They still save lives.  I feel for them and for their families.  They should be rewarded.  I am desperately thinking of what we can do for them... I wish I have a lot of money because I will really give them money, no matter how many they are.  I hope our Government sees this and realize that they should be compensated properly.

I salute them and they will always be in my prayers... Brave, Selfless, Heroes!