February 11, 2006 · Posted in: Edsa Special, Podcasts
Edsa 20/20: Jim Paredes
‘WE should awaken memory’
Singer and songwriter Jim Paredes joined June Keithley in Radyo Bandido, which broadcast news of the Edsa revolt to Filipinos. Soon after, he composed “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,” which became the Edsa anthem. After the 1989 coup attempt that nearly toppled the Aquino government, Paredes went to the U.S. embassy to surrender his green card, a symbolic act that affirmed his faith in country and democracy. This year, on the 20th anniversary of People Power, Paredes is migrating to Australia with his family to “take a vacation from being a Filipino.” His disaffection reflects that of many among those who took part in Edsa.
Listen to Chit Estella’s interview with Paredes here.
Length: 00:25:41
File size: 17.6 MB
35 Responses to Edsa 20/20: Jim Paredes
otcgov
February 11th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Jim Paredes should remain connected to the Philippines even if he leaves for Australia (please forgive my forward behavior). He seems to be a good man and is much needed by our country. The solution to our problems remains elusive, but we cannot give up.
We are similar to the current opposition in some ways. We seem to have a common goal, yet we fail to come together to make any significant progress towards that goal.
Someone like Jim Paredes can bring people from various sectors together. Put together several groups led by people like Jim Paredes and you can have a formidable national organization that will aim to steer this country the right way, once and for all.
Maybe we can take this opportunity to curse ourselves, the way we curse the current oposition for failing to attain their immediate goal.
ryebosco
February 12th, 2006 at 5:27 am
Jim Paredes, you took the words right out of my mouth…
PAREDES FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!
Since you’re not naming names, I will do it for you. We should have “knocked” the following people:
1. Ferdinand Marcos…even though he’s dead, his tomb should be torched.
2. Imelda Marcos
3. Imee
4. Irene
5. Bong Bong
6. Enrile
7. Honasan
8. Fabian Ver
9. Roberto Benedicto
10. Danding Cojuangco
11. Cocoy Romualdez
12. Friends and Cronies all of whom are creating chaos and havoc by infecting their corruption into our society today.
benign0
February 12th, 2006 at 8:59 am
Well so much for that. Another great Pinoy “taking a vacation from being Pinoy”.
Probably PERMANENTLY. 😀
That’s why more Pinoys need to Get Real and start evaluating the OBVIOUS TRUTHS about Pinoy society.
More information on how Pinoys need to get real here:
http://www.getrealphilippines.com
myap_206
February 12th, 2006 at 10:05 am
I still have hope for our country. That only if we filipinos will work together to make a change.
Sharing good ideas is very good .
I would like to invite you to join http://www.bangonfilipino.com
Here you will be given a free blog so you to can contribute your voice to Bangonfilipino. You will also get your own free Newsreader to personalize with information that is important to you. Access to thousands of news feeds, podcasts and blogs from all over the world.Special attention has been paid to create a library of Philipino feeds.
There are no fees… it is all free.
I believe listening and sharing ideas is in the best interest of us all. Speaking from our hearts and minds. BangOnFilipino has been designed to make this possible.
Let’s bangon together, get up and not BangOn each other. Let us build a community here and help each other.
Thank you guys! See you there.
mfzalak
February 12th, 2006 at 9:21 pm
I don’t blame Jim Paredes for saying he wants to take break from being a Filipino. I was one of the thousands of Pilipino who marched in the streets of Manila when Ninoy was killed, I was also one of the thousands of people in EDSA during the revolution and I also took a break from being a Filipino not because I don’t want to be a Filipino anymore but because I’m very disappointed with the people we helped oust Marcos and his cronies, they turned out to be no different from the Marcos’ and his cronies. I am also disappointed with my fellow countrymen, we are so much to blame for all the problems in our country because we just refuse or too lazy to work with our goverment.
KaBlog
February 13th, 2006 at 2:56 am
Filipinos will come together only when we realize that Philippines is already the poorest country in the world…As long as there are thieves, corrupt and self-serving officials in the government, Philippines will never ever a happy place to live in.
What is happening around us is already a wake up call to everyone but still, many of us are ignoring this and and instead keeping themselves blind. There are few who wants change but majority of the Filipinos dont want to get involve and most of them are just waiting for others to do an action so that in the end, those who stay reluctant and those who are “seguristas” will benefit from the sacrifices of others. THIS THE COMMON TRAITS OF NEW FILIPINOS LIVING IN THESE DAYS!
Look around, how many Filipinos are doing something for his country? We have a lovely country but most Filipinos are vey skeptical whether they will stay or they will change their nationality. Accept the fact that majority wants to migrate to other country and they will just come back when they are in their final stage of their lives..when they can no longer fight for Philippines.
To change the fate of Philippines is a collective effort and sacrifices from all of us. If we let our country go deeper to poverty then let us decide to sell our contry to other nation. At least may there will be a change in the lives of poor Filipinos.
Who wants to buy the Philippines, anyone?
baycas
February 13th, 2006 at 3:49 am
abroad is where the heart is?
blackboard
February 13th, 2006 at 11:43 am
There is no such thing as taking a vacation from being a Filipino. We can deny our identity but we can never give it up. A true Filipino never will- inspite of all the miseries. Its all we got- being Filipino. Have we tried everything to effect change? I guess not. What we have regressed to is constant bickering and one-upmanship. Let us try being united with a common goal for Philippines for a change. We have attempted that at EDSA 20 years ago, we just didn’t sustain it.
Timtim2
February 13th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
That’s very inspiring blackboard. It runs in our blood. Take a vacation for being pinoy, who are we fooling? Each time we feel we are facing hardships, why don’t we instead think about other people? Let’s instead count our blessings. We might be having more than them. It’s just that, our standards are just so high or we’re simply just thinking of ourselves too much.
What we are to celebrate is the essence of People Power 1, the day when all Filipinos learned to unite… the day when the whole world was inspired what unity can do for a nation. If we could just sincerely care more for our fellow pinoy’s good and respect each other, if we can only do this in accord, the chances for this nation to progress is certain to happen. UNITY is the key to progress. Together we stand. Divided we fall.
Jon Mariano
February 13th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
We should ask Jim Paredes what he meant by “taking a vacation as a Pinoy”. If we take it literally, we’re just going to make a mistake.
But one thing is for sure, they’re not going to Australia for a better “financial” future. Most probably (this is what I’m saying that we might just make mistakes when we speculate on the reasons why somebody does something) they are like most of our professionals who are leaving the Philippines. The reason is for “security”, not financial, but for a secure future of the children.
Edsa 1 was a glorious Filipino triumph, but whatever was gained by that event is now wasted. We’re now back to square, if not to a worse situation than before 1986. Jim Paredes is just one proof, there are plenty!
naykika
February 13th, 2006 at 7:29 pm
I totally agree with you Jon Mariano. My sister and brother in law did as much as Mr. Paredes during that fateful day of twenty years ago; before and after. Maybe in the background and only for those who knew. Just the same. They were young, idealistic and looking forward for a brighter future for their future family. They believed they both did everything in their power even as they raise a family to keep working on their vision that was the result of their struggle along with thousands, but in the end pragmatism won the day. Now they think about their children. will they better off in the country they fought so hard and got worse or in the country where the struggles of those before made it better? They left behind a comfortable life for a life of uncertain start.
A comfortable large house for a cramp apartment. A job that is equivalent to any good paying job in dollar term. Some leave for financial or economic reason. some for security of their person. some for their children, but never could anyone “leave” being a Pilipino.
ryebosco
February 13th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
“The guillotine is a machine used for the application of capital punishment by decapitation.”
Today, most think it’s hopeless. But we’re wrong. The EDSA anniversary is there for us to reflect upon and continue the fight. This year, it does not have to be like before where we merely celebrate. We can actually gather millions once again and DEMAND change. More importantly, correct the mistakes of the past 20 years. The solution is staring us in the face everyday when we pass the EDSA Shrine; it is reminding us every year. The question is, are there enough courageous people today to make it happen on February 22, 2006?
Let’s rise this year. Again, I urge millions to protest and demand.
This year’s turnout will determine our enthusiasm for a real revolution. So long as these TRAPOS are around, their old-world corruption will run the Philippines. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
P.S. Remnants of Marcos’ corruption (friends and cronies) are not permitted to participate.
naykika
February 14th, 2006 at 12:47 am
ryebosco >>check the Frenchmen, They have abolished the Capital Punishment awhile ago and maybe they still have those guillotine in storage and in working condition-for sure they’ll come cheap..
tongue in, anew
February 14th, 2006 at 6:35 am
Wag na mag-import ng guillotine, maglalagay pa tayo sa customs niyan. May import duties at eVAT, dami pa gastos. Fabricate na lang tayo.
Sino uunahin sa Quality Control testing?
baycas
February 14th, 2006 at 6:39 am
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Yes, it’s true…
“…I felt it was a good time to not only sit Erap out but to pursue one of the things we had always wanted to do—spend part of our lives living abroad. The decision to move was/is as much about personal growth as it was/is about the disappointment with how the country was being run…”
“…So, why Australia? I’ve always enjoyed my trips there. More importantly, it is because we would like to give our kids a chance to live independently (financially and in all ways), in a society that is stable, equitable, fair and safe. As a parent, I always think about what my kids’ future will be and constantly worry about their safety. Australia might be a good starting place for them…”
“…Am I disgusted with the way things are? Yes, absolutely, just like everyone else. Am I abandoning the Philippines? An emphatic ‘No’! It might be good to experience living in another society even for a while…”
—–
the preceding are excerpts from jim’s blog. read more on his thoughts here http://haringliwanag.pansitan.net/ .
…Australia is where the home is…Philippines is where the heart is.
jester-in-exile
February 14th, 2006 at 9:52 am
tongue in, anew,
good idea na locally fabbed ang guillotine natin… heavy blade from tabaco, albay, bamboo frame from quezon, and so on…
as to quality assurance, bahala na kung sino ang uunahin. one thing i’m sure of though: kung ang mga trapo, kotong cops, dilihensiya operators sa LTO offices, at mga tulad nila ang mga unang paluluhurin sa local guillotine natin, at kung bebenta tayo ng tickets para kung sino manalo ay siya yung pipindot sa switch, ay sus! baka di na kumita ang lotto sa dami ng bibili ng “who wants to be an executioner” tickets!
jonas
February 15th, 2006 at 10:28 am
In so many words Jim P. is surrendering. Can’t blame him, but he’s luckier compared to millions of Filipinos who want to get out but cannot. .
freewheel
February 15th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
jim paredes,
before you embark on that vacation, may i respectfully suggest- spare time with farmers groups/advocates struggling for a break from an age-old problem that is agrarian.
the choice is several; from your place you only need one ride to take you to Phil. Peasant Institute (PPI), or from EDSA/Quezon Blvd., a 5 minute leisure walk northwards will take you to Natl Council of Churches of the Phils. (NCCP)- peasant desk. You can also solicit PCIJ help for Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) offices- surely, it is just around the corner.
you were quoted, “… am no great fan of agrarian reform …as it wanted one hectare each ” ( or something to that effect). if this is correct, am afraid, you were ill-advised by your friends at the Loyola about the matter.
years back, i have done my own research and nowhere this ‘one hectare per tiller/family’ – a fatal policy, if i may, is espoused by any of these groups.
not sure though if PDSP-supported Fed. of Free Farmers (FFF) is wishing for a hectare. you may clarify this with fr. intengan s.j.
once in australia, you may want to share with us their agrarian policy if any, through this forum or elsewhere.
good luck.
baycas
February 15th, 2006 at 9:28 pm
jonas,
yes, to put it simply…he’s just lucky. that’s what saddens me, if millions are ready to surrender then truly our country is not such a comfortable place or a place that we love most…a place that we can call our “home.” GONE is the meaning of the proverb that…
“home is where the heart is.”
ryebosco
February 16th, 2006 at 12:10 am
Twenty years after People Power—here’s the update:
1. Millions of Filipinos are still being held hostage by the TRAPOS’ old-world corruption while a few relatives are set loose all over the world in order to remit billions worth of dollars as ransom money.
2. “Marcos’ daughter wants compromise deal on ill-gotten wealth.” This was an article on the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Imee Marcos wants to compromise? In other words, she’s saying, “Hey listen, it might take a while for you idiots to recover what we stole so let’s make a deal.” All I can say is that that the likelihood of this stolen money being recovered is minimal. So, do we let the Marcoses retire in wealth or teach them a lesson?
3. “Behead those who insult Islam” is the demand of the Muslims in Makati to protest the cartoons of a Danish newspaper. This is ridiculous because they are actually out in the streets passionately asking for the decapitation of those who insult their prophet instead of asking for the heads of the Marcoses and their cronies who have made the Philippines a living hell. Talk about not getting our priorities straight. But this is a milestone! Imagine if a million of us on February 22, 2006 had the same placard saying “BEHEAD THE MARCOSES, CRONIES AND DISCIPLES OF CORRUPTION NOW.”
Alright my fellow Filipinos, there’s still time for us to organize and gather at the EDSA Shrine. Let’s put an end to corruption once and for all and teach the future generation that thieves will never ever be tolerated. I guarantee that if we use the Guillotine to behead these thieves, discipline in government and society shall be restored.
madrokko
February 16th, 2006 at 2:10 am
It’s a pity that Jim P. is quitting the Philippines, but I also understand him. Perhaps, the safety and security of his children is uppermost in his mind. But what does this tell us about our motherland? That it has become so unsafe and so dammned it is being run like hell by the cronies, the trapos, and the likes of Gen. Garcia? Napakasayang talaga ang talent ng mga kagaya ni Jim, who are leaving the country. After all, walang hope in sight — I meet some Filipino couples in this European country with children around 9 or 10 years old, and they are all training their sights on immigrating to Canada, Australia, USA. Sabi ko, napakata-as na ng kita mo sa ganitong transnational corporation sa Pilipinas, aalis ka pa rin? Oo, beyond redemption na ang ating bayan; trapos and cronies who have no commitment to the country’s future except to enrich themselves while in office are ruling the land, breakdown of law and order, everybody thinks he can do anything when he has power — complete degeneration of good governance, disappearing people empowerment — sagot naman nila.
Ngayon naman, it is very obvious there is manipulation going on again IN THE NAME OF GOOD-GOVERNANCE daw to subvert the Constitution to suit their ends of continuing in power. Napakawalang hiya na talaga.
EDSA: 20 Years After | Blackboard
February 17th, 2006 at 2:33 am
[…] From Edsa 20/20: Jim Paredes: […]
lokalokang matino
February 19th, 2006 at 11:40 am
GOOD LEADER is what tha country needs. We Pinoys are basically good followers, and very obedient. But people get frustrated when LEADERS they look up to fails to meet their expectations. Jim Paredes must be very, very FRUSTRATED especially under this regime of KAPIT TUKO.
For a nation to move on, it’s very elementary, the LEADER should be
RIGHTOUS, should enforce the laws without exception and leniency, observed proper decorum, respect rule-of-law, dont lie, steal and does not illegally disburse scarce government funds, UPRIGHT and most of all does not CHEAT in election.
Pinoys will always follow the LEADER. Our nation is in mess today because our LEADER messed and screwed up everything, from rigging election, illegal disbursement, arrogance and MIS-MANAGEMENT.
If Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is a manager in a private company, she could have been fired a long time ago. Ask the CEOs.
apojim
February 19th, 2006 at 11:45 pm
My comment about ‘taking a vacation from being Pinoy’ was metaphorical of course, and even said with a slight guffaw if you listen to the podcast. I was being facetious. What I wanted to convey is the fatigue and stress I feel about living under the political and social realities that we go through day in day out. Nakakapagod.
Like a reader put it, we cannot escape who we are. As an artist, my whole career has been built on OPM, on expressing my Filipino-ness of which I am very proud of. I sing my own songs, most of them in Pilipino and APO is marketed as a Filipino act delivering ‘the Philippine Experience’ to the world. This is our choice. The rest of the music scene can sound like extensions of American culture, but we will remain stubbornly Filipino. We will have it no other way.
Thirty years ago during the heady 70s, my generation was rudely awakened to the problems that plagued the Philippines. We were activists then and for many of us, we remain so to this day. Inspite of EDSA 1, 2, the problems are STILL malingering. In fact, they have deteriorated considerably.
Migrating gives my kids the option to start their lives fresh without all these complications. Or they could choose to come back later on. Bahala na sila. As a parent, I simply want them to have choices in life.
As for me, I will indulge in personal growth while I am in Aus. I feel burned out politically but raring to indulge in other personal pursuits that will develop me and help me reach my full potential. School, work, writing, travel would be most welcome. I am sure they will be invigorating and enriching.
I am leaving to recharge. I will come back and fight another day.
Jim Paredes
musguit
February 20th, 2006 at 1:36 am
Hi Jim,
If you are still residing near Ateneo; there is a gathering of Ateneans and seminarians/nuns to commemorate EDSA 1 on the 24th (Friday), 6 pm at the San Jose Seminary covered courts. June Kiethly will be there. It would be nice if you can say something to inspire a younger generation of pinoys (the EDSA babies). “Gisingin natin muli ang diwa ng EDSA 1.” Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa.
Fr. Rene, SJ
firestarter
February 20th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Sir Jim saludo ako sa inyo at sa kabayanihan ninyo sa Edsa at sa Pilipinas at sa pagtataguyod ng nasyunalismo, ganun din sa ideya ng makabagong Pilipinas. Sang ayon ako sa halos lahat ng napakinggan ko sa Podcast interview. Nawa’y makapag recharge kayo ng husto sa Australia at makabalik sa ‘giyera.’
one19
February 24th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
“I am leaving to recharge. I will come back and fight another day.”
I know you will be back. I can understand how tired you must’ve become. And you truly deserve to get away from it all, for awhile at least.
I’m 40 now and on many occassions had a clear and open opportunity to migrate to the states. I’m not sure yet why I stayed or why I’m still here. But maybe this is home. Napapagod din ako. But my recluse is just turning my back on the bickerings around me and focusing on what I can do for myself (and in turn, for the country).
Feeling ko lang kasi that if I leave, I’m feeding that notion na wala nang pag-asa dito at dapat na talagang iwanan. Kasi that’s a common mindset of those who leave. They leave for good. And they can’t seem to say good things about the homeland they left behind.
Iba yung sa iyo e. Alam ko namang babalik ka dito. Mahal mo ang Pilipino. Mahal mo ang Pilipinas.
“Migrating gives my kids the option to start their lives fresh without all these complications.”
Well, I have mixed feelings about that, really. I truly wonder if your kids did have to live through complications. I wonder if their lives would be so miserable had they stayed here. Alam mo, kids are cool with everything. They don’t have that tired and heavy heart like with do. They’re not as affected as we are. So they are our best hopes for the country. And taking them somewhere else to start fresh diminishes the hope of a better Philippines.
In the end, you’ve done more than your part for our country. So you truly deserve a break. I guess I’m here pa kasi alam kong marami pa akong pagkukulang sa Pilipinas at sa Pilipino (kahit na wala akong makuhang pakinabang sa gobyerno natin).
I just wished you stayed here, family included. Kasi, it would be nice to think that there are kids growing up in this country influenced by people like you. Then hope shines.
Alam ko naman na kahit sa Australia, you will instill in them a love for this country that their to continue the fight with you will be so strong that you’ll all be back to continue the quest for a better Philippines.
I don’t except the Philippines to be what I want it to be in my lifetime. Basta ang alam ko lang, that for the rest of my years here, I will do my part knowing that someday, in someone’s lifetime, the Philippines is a land that the Filipinos can once again be proud of.
And I don’t mean that I’m going to always fight the powers the be. It may be that I just do what I can in my own little way. In such that if each individual simply do their part, the government and it’s ineptness simply becomes an inconsequential part of our road to progress.
Nakakapagod Jim, pero hindi tayo susuko. Hanggang sa iyong pagbalik.
P.S. I actually haven’t listened to your Podcast so accept my apologies if I may have said something na hindi maganda.
alterselves » I don’t know if I am…
February 26th, 2006 at 12:24 am
[…] “Oooh summer. Me too, I need that vacation.” […]
rosanne
February 26th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
yes, tongue in, you are so sensible re importing a guillotine. why import if we can fabrictae it here? (Note that it mollified my daughter when I recited your name aloud after reading your post).
Jester in exile also has a bright idea there about selling tickets…we can implement a plan to prevent a stampede at the pilahan. We can have people text in their choice for who gets guillotined first. This is how we can pay back our debts.
All in the spirit of jesting, ofcourse.
to2ed
February 27th, 2006 at 7:51 am
one’s physical presence in or absence from his country is neither necessary nor it would diminish a person’s effectivenes as an influencing factor morally, politically or what not. Jim Paredes’
decision to migrate is part of his growth and pursuit of his own
destiny. having been away from the philippines myself these past
16 years, i’ve come to learn more about my being pinoy and have
gained awareness of what’s going on in the country from a largely
different if not a more vantage point-of-view.
good luck, jim and family.
+amdg
February 27th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
As I pray for our Inang Bayan, I pray for you and your family. I too had to leave for my children’s sake. My son now live the American dream and it hurts when he chides coming back. My daughter, however, still yearn the Pinoy bangungot. I too wish to fix some of the potholes one day. Viva Papa Ratzi.
boch30
March 2nd, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Hi Jim,
I’ve been a silent parter with you battles for this country.. at 13 years old I was there in EDSA and seeing you guys there made me realize you are courageous warriors for the country.. then watching you guys on TV and still standing for your beliefs that the Filipino has a chance and could rise against all shortcomings.
But now, you want to take a beather, I am not disappointed, I might have also shared the same view, but do yo know “Where have all the EDSA heroes gone? long time passing”?. Well good news I saw them again, our long lost friends who went to motorcades, bought ninoy items on yellow rallies, held their fists up high on the rendition of ka freddie’s bayan ko, and even those who bought the last copies of Mr. & Ms. Special Edition. I saw them joining people power again on a program called GAWAD KALINGA.
You know why people tend to give up on the country, because they are saying it is hopeless, there is no solution. Well there is. http://www.gawagkalinga.org... i am not promoting this group or soliciting money, it’s just it has given hope to me and my family of street rallyist that there is still is a chance for this country to be great and it is not being done through politics and shouting “ibagsak”. You were with us with people power, now kapatid, kapit bisig ulit tayo, grab my braso let’s form a barricade.. not to stop but to upbuild. No one can save our Philippines but us! let’s shout “ITAYO” from now on!
Godbless you Jim and your family.
Mabuhay ang PIlipinas natin!
apojim
March 2nd, 2006 at 9:37 pm
boch30
I, too am a great believer in GK. We have done concerts for them. I have given anonymously to them. I truly believe they exemplify the spirit of EDSA iin a very positive, inspiring way.
One of the things I wish to do in Aus is to be a GK spreaker and fundraiser. I really believe that if we can do 100 more initiatives of this kind in a differnt fields–education, job training, health, etc., everyone in the country will be inspired to once again do the right thing.
In EDSA 1, we were ready to die for the country. Now, we must be ready to do the harder part–to live for it. When I come back, I wish to use a big portion of my energies to intiatives that inspire and fuel hope such as GK..
Jim
one19
March 3rd, 2006 at 12:41 pm
re boch30’s post, the correct link is http://www.gawadkalinga.org
And thank you Jim for everything you’ve done and continue to do for the Philippines and the Filipinos.
Need Money : ?WE should awaken memory? Philippine Center for Investigative
March 8th, 2006 at 2:21 am
[…] ?WE should awaken memory? Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Philippines – Feb 10, 2006 is migrating to Australia with his family to ?take a that they are really helping those people in need. Dahil lamang sa pretense of money na pinamumudmud ng […]