Mike’s Personal Blog

Paul, my brother is now a superstar - or at least that’s what he thinks. Hehehe. My mom sent me a link to a Youtube video and only God knows what kind of abomination this is. Hehehehe… Watch it.  The guy who keeps on putting his face to the camera is my brother…

Vhi’s comment was, “Parang tayo daddy, makulit” which translates to “He’s just like us dad, so naughty”. Well oh well, I guess it runs in the blood.

This is a special announcement:

The Members of the Cyberpress is going to have a fund raiser for former colleague Betty Daguio-Jose who is sick with Lupus and is in need of a kidney transplant soon. She needs about 1.4M to finance her transplant. the Cyberpress thoughtof  a homecoming concert with Anna Fegi, Toti Fuentes and Special Participation of Rachel Anne Wolfeto help raise the amount she needs.  This even will be on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 at Merck’s Bistro 7:00PM.  Tickets are at P1, 000.00 with free drink and appetizer.

For tickets, please email anne.generoso at gmail dot com or text 09178296919

Just how much are people willing to dedicate their lives to a leader?  Just how far will they go to honor him?

As I watched National Geographic’s “Inside North Korea”, I can’t help but be amazed at how much reverence Kim Jong Il gets from the people of North Korea.  The story focused on a humanitarian mission by a doctor who’s goal was to treat cataract patients in the communist country of North Korea.  He was able to treat 1000+ people with cataract and as the bandages were removed from one person to another, the first thing that they would do is to face the the large portrait of their leader and give him praise, honor and thanksgiving as if he is a god.

I felt uneasy seeing these people on TV giving praise to Kim Jong Il despite all the hardships that they are suffering inside their country.  The form of worship they give him is so reminiscent of Christian worship - bowing down, kneeling, falling prostrate, raising hands, and shouting “We praise you!”.  Some even went to the point of making promises not just for themselves but for their families - through all generations.

While watching, a question arose in my head - “Are they sincere or are they just afraid?”  After all, any form of disbelief to the North Korean system will result to imprisonment - not just for the individual who made the offense but also most likely for his/her immediate and extended family.  Again, very reminiscent of Christian doctrine.

They may have seen light through their newly treated eyes but it’s clear that they’re still blinded to the fact that they’re not free in the country that they live in.  I can’t help but be sad…