1/144 HG Tryon 3 + Airbrush Trial #2

This post might be a bit late.

But better late than never.

So, around 3 or 4 months ago, a hobby shop had an extravagant sale which forced me and my friend to travel around 3 hours and walk around 15 minutes just to avail of the said sale.

From that sale, I was able to acquire 3 kits.

A Wing Gundam Fenice Rinacita, a Wing Gundam Honoo and a Tryon 3 Gundam, yes all HGBF (High Grade Build Fighters) line up.

Well, nowadays, I can only afford HG 1/144 scale Gunplas (unlike when I was in college).

So, I already built the HGBF 1/144 Wing Gundam Honoo and it was a fantastic kit and a must have for a Wing Gundam collector/fanatic like me (see pictures below).

Loading.. 50%

Macho... macho... Man

Form Blazing Guns

And I am saving the Rinacita for a custom paint build.

So since I am itching to build a gunpla, the only remedy is to build one.

Which takes us to building the Tryon 3 Gundam.

For those that doesn't know the history behind Tryon 3 Gundam, Click Here [GundamWikia].

So let's appreaciate the box art for a bit.

HGBF 1/144 Tryon 3 Gundam or Gundam Tryon 3

Now, if you've watched the series or read the article I've liked above or simply a Gundam NERD like me, you would know or notice that this particular Gundam was based on the ZZ Gundam (if you are in the mood to read click here).

So, this Gundam is actually composed of three components, as shown in the box art.

The Sora Tryon which is a derpy eagle/condor of sorts which forms the legs.

The Umi Tryon, which is a manta ray that forms half of the torso and the arms.

And the Riku Tryon which is a bubble headed lion or liger that forms the chest and the back pack.

Combined, they are Voltr-- I mean Tryon 3.

So, I was able to complete the Riku and the Umi tryon a week or two ago.

Yep, I need a trident action base if I were to display these as individual mechs

But then, a friend and a gunpla enthusiast suggested for me to recolor every yellow part to gold.

Which I think is a great idea, but a bit of a hassle as I've already applied the metallic stickers to the eye.

But when I was continuing the build today, the awkwardly placed gates on the parts of the kit are starting to bother me.

Now for those who doesn't know, I don't do sanding.

Then what do you do to remove the nub marks you ask?

Well, I use the hobby knife.

Unconventional, I know.

But we all have ways to do things.

So, again, as I was continuing with my build, the nub marks are starting to irritate me.

Which forced me to recolor the yellow parts to gold.

This is where the newly bought generic airbrush comes in.

But currently, the only part that I've recolored is the Riku Tryon.

Oooohh...Shiny

Subject: Riku Tryon
Paint Type: Acrylic
Brand: Tamiya
Color: Gold Leaf
Ratio: 3:1 (paint to thinner)
Pre-thinned: No

I will paint the other parts as well.

As much of a hassle as it may be, the placing of the gates as well as the nub marks are irritating me.

A closer look at the head.

And I'll form the head!

I've yet to paint the other parts, but my goal is to have the blue and red parts painted as well.

That way I can somehow hide the nub marks.

But for now, I have to first acquire some paint and somehow force myself to work on this.

On the lighter side, I'm glad to report that the Lazada Airbrush is working perfectly and is delivering what it promised.

'Till the next post!

Trial #1 in Airbrushing

So, yesterday, I posted something about the addition to my ever growing arsenal for building a GunPla. Click here

Now, at around 10:30PM Manila time, yes I am the man from Manila, I figured that I should be testing the airbrush, which was dirt cheap, to see if it will deliver according to its description being "professional".

And this post is about the results.

So on the previous post, way below the end, I've added this photo.

These are the tools that I've bought to maintain my airbrush after using it.

Denatured alcohol - $1 (46Php) and disposable spoons $1.32 (66Php)

Funnel - 3 Different sizes for $1.32 (66Php)

Condiments dispenser - 3 pieces for $1.76 (88Php)
You will probably just need one so you can just store the rest somewhere in your house.

Oil and sauce dispenser - $1.76 (88Php)

First off, I've modified the cap of the oil and sauce dispenser, BTW, this was bought from a Japanese surplus shop.

I've cut some plastic from the cap and sanded it to remove the sharp edges using my mini electric drill that has a sanding attachment.

I've done this so that the airbrush can effortlessly be aimed inside the jar so the the denatured alcohol that was used to clean the airbrush can be collected safely.

Then for the filter, I salvaged a DVD storage pouch, ripped off the plastics and cut the cloth like sheet to cover the larger hole.

This will serve as the filter and the whole jar will serve as the cleaning pot for after I've done using my airbrush plus, since it has another dome-like transparent cover, I can close the transparent cover to reduce the fumes (if there's any) from the denatured alcohol.

Now, on to the test run for the airbrush.

Of course, I need several things.

And since I was already doing some hand painting on my GunPlas before, I already have the necessary things at my disposal.

Brushes - multiple if possible

Paint stirrers

Paint thinner - since I am using acrylic based paints, I will also be using thinner for acrylics

Dropper

And of course, the paints.

For this test, I've used 4 colors, Red, Black, Yellow and Gold.

For the ratio, I've read some articles that we should be using 2:1 paint to thinner ratio when dealing with an airbrush.

However, for this test, I've used 3:1 paint to thinner ration as someone commented that 2:1 ration might make my paint run.

So after mixing the paint and the thinner in the airbrush with the brush I've been using in hand painting, here are the results.

Before anything else, please consider the following:

• The paint used isn't pre-thinned or pre-formulated to be used in an airbrush
• It's already night time when I tested painting these
• It's a bit chilly here
• I am a complete beginner in airbrushing

Yes, this is the purpose for that bag of disposable spoons.

As they are plastic and has a surface almost the same as that of the gunpla's, disposable spoon is the safest testing material you can use when testing to paint with an airbrush.

I think everything else went well except for the yellow one.

And I think it's safe to say that the airbrush works just fine.

Also, always remember that before storing the airbrush, be sure to clean it using the denatured alcohol.

Remember that condiment dispenser?

What I did was to pour some denatured alcohol in to that container with the help of the funnel and I used the dispenser to pour in some denatured alcohol in to the airbrush to rid it of left over paints.

Note that you will burn through the denatured alcohol like you were drinking it as you will be constantly cleaning the airbrush specially if you will paint the model kit with different colors.

Also note that denatured alcohol is flammable and toxic, so be sure to not leave it somewhere where your kid can reach.

With that, I think we're done here. Happy painting and building!

My First Airbrush Kit

After almost 1 year, I finally found some time to post another entry on this blog.

Not sure though when will be the next.

But, I'll think about that later.

So, as a hobbyist, we usually want to take another step to level up on our chosen hobby. May it be boarding, singing, dancing or what not.

It so happened that for my hobby, it's actually collecting toys and building model kits, Gundam model kits specifically.

What are Gundam model kits? [Click Here - From WikiPedia]

Now that you have some idea what Gundam model kits are, or gunpla for short, it's time to show you my latest acquisition for my ever growing arsenal of building these robots.

Ohhh... A white box.

*Drum roll*

What's that in the box you ask?

Well it's a generic compact airbrush.

Now, if you are asking what airbrush is, then, go here, like the previous one, this is from WikiPedia.

So to continue on, again, that thing in the box is a generic compact airbrush.

I purchased it from Lazada Ph, but please note that this post is nowhere being sponsored by the said shop.

So from here on out, I will be showing you pictures of what're in the white box.

This airbrush, according to its description in the website, is intended for make up, art, and tattooing.

It also mentioned craft, cake and model, but no specific information on what kind of model otherwise. So this is clearly a "buy at your own risk" thing.

First off...

The Airbrush

The included airbrush is a gravity feed dual action airbrush.

It also comes with a wrench-like add on for disassembling in case you need to clean the needle.

And of course, a dropper.

A clearer look on the airbrush.

To the right

To the left

Top view

Top view without the cap of the cup

Bottom view

 As you can see, this airbrush already has a fitting in case you want to get a quick release adapter.

For the mean time, I won't be availing of any yet as I am still a complete noob.

It also comes with a braided nylon hose.

I mean, of course it needs to come with that, how on earth will I be able to use this if it misses that.

Next is the air compressor.

Just a tad bit smaller than my wallet

Right view of the mini air compressor.

25psi maximum pressure - good thing we only need 15-20psi for the acrylics

From left to right.

Air outlet. Adjust valve. Power suppy socket.

110-250v Power Supply

 The power supply of the air compressor is an auto volt type so you really won't have any problem of buying a separate transformer.

This actually is a plus for me as I am from the Philippines.

For God made the world and everything else is made in China.

 And comes the other parts that came with these things.

Yes it comes with moisture trap as well as an airbrush holder.

The thingamajig that you need to dismantle the airbrush to maintain it with the dropper.

And of course, the manual.
I will read the manual.-says no man ever

So that's everything that came with the box together with the plastic wrappings and the bubble pouches.

And I present to you.

My very first airbrush kit.

Right side

Left side

Top side - which was taken when the kit arrived.

So I tried this using distilled water to see if it works,

Drop by drop

It actually works and for something that is less than $40 (1,965 Php) for both the compressor and the airbrush, I am pretty satisfied with how it blows the liquid out.

And since this will be my very first airbrush, and will learn from it, I think this will help me understand how to mix and apply the paint to the kits that I will be making.

So for those like me who are looking for an airbrush so that they can somehow level up in this hobby, and for those who will be asking me for the link, check below.

Again, this is in no way sponsored by Lazada nor am I being forced to post this.

Link: This way to Lazada's 1965 Php Airbrush

Also, since I'm already at it, I bought some necessary things in learning airbrushing.

Funnels for pouring in the liquid to those condiment containers.

Denatured alcohol for cleaning the airbrush.

An oil and sauce dispenser to be re-purposed and modified as an airbrush cleaning pot.

And disposable spoons to try spraying or airbrushing paint.

For these 5 things, I actually managed to shell out just a bit over $15 (308 Php).

That's everything for this! As I need to start learning as soon as I can for my future project.

'Til next time!

Election 2016: How I see them - Vice Presidentiables

Apologies for the delay of this post, even though I am unsure if there are those who are waiting for this.

First of all, I want to thank those who have read my previous post, still about the upcoming national election for 2016. If you haven't read it yet, you can click here. If you don't care about that post, it's fine as well. If you just happened to stumble upon this post and wanted to continue without being bothered, then, feel free to do so. I am from the Philippines and dig democracy. Plus, it's a way to exercise your rights, so go ahead and continue.

Before I proceed to the main topic, a bit of disclaimer I guess.

As the previous post states, the words, and everything on this post are purely personal opinion. I was manipulated by no one nor am I being forced by anyone. And definitely was not paid by anyone to post this. The things that will be included here will be based on the things I've heard, watched and read through various media. May it be through the mainstream media or social media about each candidates. Now, if you are expecting another post for those aspiring to be senators, I must stop you right now as that will never come. Due to the mere fact that there are so many of them. So, I'd rather just do up 'till this point. Once more, this is on a personal opinion level, I believe we are all entitled to that right one way or the other. Some of those purist may find this post biased, but I couldn't care any lesser. If you have the rights to shout your ideas out, I have the right to put them on public as well, and I will exercise those rights given that no one will be hurt in me doing so.

AGAIN... This is not for the faint hearted... You still have time to click that "Back" button and save yourself from wasting several minutes of your life on this post...

Don't want to go back? You've been warned. So go and proceed.

So just like the post about those aspiring to be the President of this country called Philippines, I will be doing this on a numbered format. And, here goes.

1. Alan Peter Cayetano - One of the most silent contenders for Vice Presidency. He tried his best to convince the Presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to run as his mate with him being the wing man, the Vice President. The man succeeded and convinced the Mayor to run for office. This man, as far as I know has one of the cleanest track record not only in this election, but ever since he assumed office as a public servant as well. Maybe it's due to the fact that he doesn't want to destroy the legacy of his late father, Rene/Renato Cayetano. This man is the brother of another senator, Pia Cayetano and the director Lito Cayetano. This man has defended and acted as the shield of the Mayor from the first day of campaign, to the debates, and even as the mud slinging of the candidates are on-going. I don't really have anything much to say against or in favor of the guy as he hasn't really made that much of a public appearance while the campaign period except for ads with the Mayor here and there, I am unsure if I will vote for him myself.

2. Francis "Chiz" Escudero - The other half of Heart. A prominent bachelor as he is part of the Escudero clan. He's also one of the top bets when he campaigned for senate. A mild mannered man, or so that's what the media is letting us see. But whether that is true or not, maybe it'll be better to ask his family. The running mate of Grace Poe. Personally, I am a fan of how this man talks or reasons out. As he is mild mannered, he can express himself clearly during debates. He can also point out things that his fellow senators miss. Though there are criticisms that the way he talks is too robotic, this man handled it better than anyone may have. Having children and being newly wed to a celebrity wife, I cannot even start to imagine how is he able to compose himself while campaigning for office.

3. Gregorio Honasan - A retired army/military man and is now serving the country as a senator. The running mate of Jejomar Binay. He was one of the mutineers back when martial law was still in effect. He also led several coup attempts when Cory Aquino was the president. Being a vice presidential candidate, you would expect to have at least a political ad in a day, but so far, I haven't seen any political ad of this man on the television nor heard any on radio. Plus, since he supported the late Fernando Poe Jr.'s bet for presidency back in 2004, it's a bit of a surprise that instead of supporting "The King's" daughter, he chose to support Binay as his Vice President. May it be a personal choice or the choice of the party he is in, only the man can attest.

4. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. - The son of the former President Marcos, a dictator who brought terror throughout the Philippines by ordering a Martial Law or Batas Militar that have kept him in power for more than a decade, it's actually understandable that those who have experienced it will be against him. There are even movements to not let any single Marcos step into power once more. The tragedy of Martial Law still echoes to this day. Thanks to those who have experienced it and lived to tell the tale. His family is one of the most controversial in the country. And of course, being left out of that controversy is out of the question. From ill-gotten wealth, which hasn't been proven anyway, to reinforcing Martial Law once more, there are those who so fear the man that they would go and fling anything just to be sure that his dream will be crushed. As I have said, many political controversy has this man's name included, though there hasn't been any proven to be true, that will not stop his critics. Personally, I like the man. Though his father has done something unforgivable to those who have experienced it, I don't think that the younger Marcos is to blame for those. Maybe, just maybe, he's a victim as well. Since for him, being a Marcos might just be the curse he is born with.

5. Leni Robredo - Widow to the late Secretary Jesse Robredo. A human rights lawyer and a mother to three daughters. Among the aspiring vice presidentiables, this lady is the newest. She has only served a term as a representative of Camarines Sur for 3 years before campaigning for office. Was caught using the Congress' back door to escape the eyes of those waiting for her during a red carpet event. Honored her husband by continuing the "Tsinelas Leadership" when she stepped in the political world. She's the running mate of Mar Roxas, the standard bearer for the Liberal Party. Though she is a newbie in the political world, this didn't stop her to make a mark. From this list of aspiring Vice Presidents, she has the cleanest track record that I know. Maybe because she is a newbie. But if I were to be able to speak to her and be frank, I'll tell her to not rush things. If she ran for a second and third term as a representative, then as a senator, she will definitely get the edge and the opportunity to help her people more rather than going for the Vice President's office right away. But since she already aimed this high, might as well go for it. And just to voice out my opinion bluntly, she's my bet for this position.

6. Antonio Trillanes IV - An independent candidate. A former mutineer. A former military man and a Senator. Called by his critics as the administration's attack dog due to him being constantly on the throat of the Presidential candidate Mayor Duterte. Might be famous for leading the Oakwood Mutiny where he and his fellow soldiers took over Oakwood hotel in Makati to protest the rampant corruption in the country. This earned him more than 7 years of jail time. He ran for senate as an independent while still being detained for his coup case. But the bars didn't stop his charisma. He was able to win as a senator while serving his time behind them. He ran for another term and once again won the bet. I wouldn't really dismiss the fact that he might be attacking candidates not allied to the administration. But just like so, won't dismiss that his allegations might be true. Either way, there's due process to prove this. He's the lowest in the surveys but hasn't stopped him from campaigning from office. Maybe he really does have a dream of being the second most powerful man in the country. And maybe, his conviction for a reform in the  government is just that great.

So, that's it. I think I've covered what I've promised. Again, I've written this post based on my personal opinion and does in no way represent anyone but me. This might hurt the feelings of some fanatics, but, who cares, definitely not me.

And once more, I don't have any intention to deface, defame or plagiarize anyone. This post is not meant to manipulate your opinion on who to vote for in the upcoming elections and is only posting by my opinion, how I see them and how I wanted to express these things.

Thank you for reading!

Election 2016: How I see them - Presidentiables

With the national election fast approaching, I think it's only fair that I voice out my opinions for those running for Presidential and Vice Presidential positions of our country.

But before that, I would like to inform everyone who will be reading this that every word that I will put into this post is solely on a personal opinion level. I was manipulated by no one nor am I being forced by anyone. And definitely was not paid by anyone to post this. I will base this post on the things known to me through social media posts, newscasts and other things I've read about each of the candidates. And again, this is on a personal opinion level, I believe we are all entitled to that right one way or the other. Also some may find this post biased, so if you're one of those onion skinned fanatic, better go back to your timeline and continue on wih your life rather than wasting your time reading my post. As I have said, I will be doing this basing on my "personal" opinion. If ever you need proof of the things I will be mentioning here, you can go search it on google or any site you use to search for porn or educational materials. So without further ado, let's start.

AGAIN... This is not for the faint hearted... You still have time to click that "Back" button and save yourself from wasting several minutes of your life on this post...

Don't want to go back? Well, you've been warned. So go and proceed.

PRESIDENTIAL:

1. Jejomar Binay - The man they call "Nognog" and "Pandak". He claims to have made the lives of the people of Makati better. He also claims that he was the one who put Makati to where it is right now. Basically, he is claiming that he is the savior of Makati. I won't deny the fact that Makati has been better while he was the one who is running it as it's Mayor. But, taking credit for everything is a bit too much. And while the people "might" have choaen their family to lead them, being too arrogant is never the right way to be a public servant. Plus, with all the controversies being thrown at him and his family about the money spent on a building, I'm not even considering him as an option.

2. Rodrigo Duterte - The iron fisted mayor of Davao. The one the country needs for a change, or at least that's what his fanatic is saying. The man claimed that he was the one who forced telcos to enforce Davao 911, made Davao city a safer place, and killed criminals through heated and armed encounters. Many of the posts are pertaining to this man as some kind of a messiah that might help change the Philippines. And he's even saying that he can supress crime within 3-6 months of his term, should he ever be the next President. My thoughts, if one cannot change for himself, how come a stranger can do it for you. Maybe, another iron fisted President is what this country needs, but that doesn't justify the things that he's currently doing. I'm not against cussing, I frequently cuss. But doing it in public media while being interviewed is definitely a no-no specially when there are kids watching the news. But, but and but, if this country needs to have another martial law just to put it back on the right track, then so be it, or at least that's what his supporters are saying.

3. Miriam Defensor-Santiago - The "banat" candidate. With her witty lines, she has captured the hearts of the younger population. She might have authored bills more than anyone in the senate combined. She has attained education beyond I can even fathom or expect one can have. She has served this country longer than anyone on this list has ever had. Her track record is flawless. And the only thing her foes can cite against her is her "illness". This lady is one to be reckoned with. I, myself, is a fan of her. I read her witty works through her books. If there is anyone who is worthy enough to run this country, it would be her. I don't really see anything wrong if she will be the one to sit on that "chair". To quote a meme, "If Apolinario Mabini, a cripple, served to be Philippines' first Prime Minister, why can't Madamme Miriam, if she can still stand on her two feet?".

4. Grace Poe - The daughter of the king of Philippine show business. The one who drew flack and by far has the most number of disqualification cases filed against her due to her nationality. Once renounced her alliegiance from our country to be a US citizen, only to declare that she has renouced her alliegiance with the US government to serve her country. I don't really have any problem of her running for office however, if in any case she wins this election, I am a bit worried that her term would be short lived. Why you ask? Because I know for a fact that even if the Supreme Court has given it's decision in favor of her with finality, there are those who will go through everything, using every bit of evidence just to undermine her. And that might put our country in jeopardy when that time comes.

5. Mar Roxas - The heir to the "Daang Matuwid" type of government. Former DTI secretary known as Mr. PALENGKE. Former DILG chief. A close friend to the current President. And a husband to one of the most trusted newscaster in the country. Tried running for president before but gave way to his friend and settled to be an appointee. Super Typhoon Yolanda, which caused one of the greatest death toll the country has ever seen caused by a typhoon ravaged the land while he was the chief of the interior and local government. Was one of the people responsible in relief and rescue missions conducted during that calamity. But was disregarded due to the things his office "failed" to provide. He and Mayor Duterte is constantly on each other's throats. This man, from what I can remember tried to enforce traffic while raining once, carried a sack of something on his shoulder on a TV ad and even fist bumped a child who has entirely no idea what he is doing. Duterte supporters don't have any praise for him and those who were interviewed on live television allegedly said that they are being paid to be in the rally to support him.

Again, the things indicated here are based on the things I have read and heard from the social media and the news. I do not intend to manipulate you or anyone who will be reading this post to agree on my opinions. We are living in a free country and just like me, you have the right to choose, only for this post, I am exercising a different right, that is the right to express myself. And now that you are on this part, I just want to inform you that I never intended to plagiarize or defame anyone in the country or abroad and was simply expressing the things as I see fit, as I see them.

The post for the Vice Presidentials will be posted after this. Thank you for not reporting me and for reading this. :)

Mahal kong Pilipinas, INDEPENDENT O IN DEPENDENT?

Babala: Ang entry na ito ay para lamang sa mga kapwa ko Pilipino at wala po akong balak na i-translate ito sa ingles o kahit sa anu pa mang ibang lenggwahe maliban sa Filipino.

Warning: This entry is exclusively for my countrymen and I don’t have any intention whatsoever of translating this to English or other language other than Filipino.

Independence is a condition of a nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is dependence. (galing kay Pareng Wikipedia)

Hunyo na naman, bukod sa tag-ulan at umpisa ng pasukan, eh, mag-aaraw na naman ng kalayaan. Ang tanong ko lang, malaya na nga ba tayo? Totoo nga bang hindi na tayo nakadepende sa ibang nasyon, sa ibang kultura, sa ibang lahi?

Para po sa mga hindi nakaka-alala, ang kasarinlan o pagiging independyente (parang politiko lang) ng Pilipinas (kuno) mula sa ibang lahi ay naganap noong ika-12 ng Hunyo taong isang-libo, walong-raan, syamnapu’t walo (pahid ng pawis sa noo). Ito ay ginanap sa Kawit, Cavite (na noo’y Cavite II el Viejo, kung ano man ang ibig sabihin nya’y hindi ko alam), at ang nagproklama nito ay ang unang Presidente ng Pilipinas na si Emilio Aguinaldo (para po sa karagdagang impormasyon, kung maaari ay magpunta lamang sa www.en.wikipedia.org).

Pero, subalit, ngunit, datapwat muli kong itatanong, totoo nga bang malaya na ang aking lupang sinilangan? Ang lupang ipinaglaban ng aking lahi? Ang bayang aking kinagisnan? At ang inang kumalinga sa aming mga Pilipino?

Kung inyong matatandaan, ang Pilipinas ay sinakop ng mga dayuhan noong unang panahon. Noong wala pang kakilanlan ang mga Pilipino. Noong wala pang MyPhone o Cherry Mobile na nagagawa.

Unang sumakop sa atin ang mga kastila, mga taong galing pa sa kabilang dako ng mundo. Mga taong ang turing sa mga Pilipino noo’y mga alipin lamang, mga taong tumuring sa ating mga ninuno bilang mga INDIO o mga taong walang alam. Mula sa mga ito, natuto tayo ng sabong na hanggang ngayon ay isa sa mga pinakapopular na laro o sugal dito sa Pilipinas. Natuto tayong magsalita ng Kastila, bumilang ng Kastila at ma-isip ng parang Kastila. At sa wakas, pagkaraan ng ilang daang taon, pagkabulok ng mga buto ng mga namayapa dahilan sa bala ng mga bayoneta, pagkatapos magumpisa at matapos ang hindi mabilang na mga rebolusyon, at pagkatapos mamatay ng magigiting nating bayani, natapos din ang kanilang pang-aalipin sa ating bansa. Pero, malaya na nga ba tayo?

Sumunod sa mga Kastila na galing sa Yuropa (Europe) ay ang mga puti o ang mga Amerikano. Hindi kasing tagal ng pag-sakal ng mga kastila sa ating bayan ang ginawa ng mga Amerikanong ito. Subalit mas matindi pa sa mga Kastila ang naging impluwensya nila sa ating pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan. Ang kanilang lenggwahe, naging pangalawa nating lenggwahe, minsan nga, mismong mga laki dito sa Pilipinas, hindi marunong mag-salita ng Filipino hanggang sa makatuntong sa paaralan. Ang kanilang letra ang ating naging letra. Ang kanilang mga bukang-bibig at ating mga naging pang-araw-araw na sambit. Ang kanilang mga pagkain, panoorin, at nakagawian ang ating hinahanap. Ang kape na pangunahing inumin  ay binibili pa natin sa halagang 100 piso kada isang tasa. Ang kanilang mga masasamang ugali, pati iyon ginagaya na din natin. Ngayon, sa tingin nyo ba malaya na tayo?

Ang huling bansa o nasyon na sumakop sa atin na naging parte ng ating kasaysayan at napasulat sa mga librong ipinapamahagi sa ating mga paaralan ay ang mga Hapon. Mga singkit na asyano. Masabi ko lang, inaamin kong gusto ko ang kanilang kultura, ang kanilang mga nakagisnan at ang kanilang mga kagawian. Subalit hindi ko pa rin ipagpapalit ang pagiging Pilipino ko. At isa pa, hindi naman yun ang isyu dito kaya hindi ko na din pahahabain pa ang eksplinasyon ko sa bagay na ito. Mabalik tayo, ang mga Hapon ang isa sa tatlong nasyon na sumakop ng tuluyan sa ating bayan. Ayon sa aking mga natutunan noong ako ay nasa elementarya pa lamang at sa aking mga napanood na nagkukwento ng panahong iyon, mahigpit at brutal ang mga Hapon. Marami ang nakitlan ng buhay noong mga panahong iyon. Marami din ang naabuso ng mga taong ito subalit kung hihimayin natin ang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, hindi kasing laki ng impluwensya ng mga Amerikano ang impluwensya ng mga Hapon. Maliban sa Anime’, mga laruan, kaunting pagkain at kaunting mga salita, wala na akong maisip pang malaking kontribusyon ng mga Hapon sa ating kultura. Ngunit, kung tatanungin kitang muli, sa tingin mo ba malaya na talaga tayo?

Bukod sa tatlong ito, marami pa ding mga bansa ang nagbalak na sumakop sa ating bayan. Yun nga lang, hindi tuluyang nasakop ang buong Pilipinas kung kaya’t hindi na natin iyon masyadong napagtutuunan ng pansin. Bakit nga ba? Ano nga ba ang gandang nakikita ng ibang bayan sa Pilipinas kaya’t naaakit sila? At pagkatapos nilang umalis sa lupang pagmamayari ng mga Pilipino, ibig sabihin ba noon, malaya na tayo?

Nag-aral ako ng iba’t-ibang leksyon sa loob ng humigit-kumulang labin-limang taon. At sa mga taong iyon, bibihira kong nakita o narinig na ang ginagamit na lenggwahe ay Filipino. Sa totoo lang, mas hindi pa nga pinagtutuunan ng pansin ang mismong salita natin. Ito marahil ang impluwensya ng mga nasabing nasyon na sumakop sa atin. Hanggang ngayon, nakanga-nga pa rin tayo sa kung ano man ang ibibigay sa atin ng Amerika, Japan at kung anu-ano pang nasyon na pinapalabas na ginagawa nila ito sapagkat tayo (ang Pilipinas) ay kaalyansa nila laban sa kung anu-ano mang problema ng mundo. Pero hindi nyo ba napapansin, nagiging basurahan nalang tayo. Oo nga’t may araw tayo ng kalayaan pero hanggang ngayon, kahit na lumipas na ang 100 taon, hindi pa rin naman tayo malaya mula sa mga sumakop sa atin. Hanggang ngayon, masasabi kong karga-karga pa rin tayo ng estatwang tanso na may sulo sa kanang kamay at libro sa kaliwa, ang pangalan, Lady Liberty. Hanggang ngayon ay naka-asa pa rin tayo sa mga hinga at salita ng mga puting taong ito na minsa’y sumakop sa atin. Hanggang ngayon, kahit na nakalipas na ang ilang daang taon at namatay na ang ilang milyong kababayan natin at may pumalit nang ilang milyon pa ulit. Wala pa rin, naka-asa pa rin tayo sa kanila. Ngayon tatanungin kita, malaya na nga ba tayo? Malaya na nga ba ang Pilipinas? Malaya na nga ba ang mga Pilipino? Para sa akin, hindi.

Naiintindihan ko ang nasa isip mo ngayon na maraming naitulong ang ibang nasyon sa Pilipinas o baka 'pag wala nang tumulong sa atin, saan na tayo pupulutin o kaya lang naman tayo tinutulungan ay dahil sa naghihirap tayo. Kung isa sa mga yan ang iniisip mo, mali ka. Unang-una, hindi tulong ang tawag dun kundi hand me down o yung pagbibigay (o pagbebenta) ng mga pinaglumaan na nila. Ikalawa, kaya natin kinakailangan ng tulong ay dahil sa mismong tayo rin ang nananamantala sa ating mga sarili (bayan). At ikatlo, hindi mahirap ang Pilipinas, yan ang itatak mo sa isip mo. Kung mahirap ang Pilipinas, bakit tayo pinag-aagawan ng iba't ibang nasyon na nasa paligid natin, na ultimong lupang mas malapit sa Pilipinas, inaangkin pa ng kapit-bansa o yung bansang malapit rito. O baka hihirit ka pang kailangan talaga natin ng tulong ng ibang bansa para magkaroon ng trabaho. Doon sa puntong iyon, maaaring may tama ka, subalit isipin mo ito. Matalino ang Pilipino, ang totoo nyan, isa ang Pilipino sa pinakamatalinong lahi sa mundo. At sa sobrang talino ng mga Pilipino kaya kinakailangan pa nating mangibang bayan para lamang magkaroon ng magandang trabaho, bakit? Yan ang pag-isipan mo.

Maaaring para sa ilang makababasa nito, ang mga nakalagay dito ay walang kwenta, nonsense ika nga. Pero mas gugustuhin ko pang mawalan ng sense ang sinasabi ko, kesa magkunwari ako sa sarili ko na malaya na ang bayan ko at magbunyi dahil lang sa binibigyan o binentahan tayo ng mga kaalyansa nating bansa ng mga 2^nd hand na mga barko, mga tangke, at mga helicopter. Hindi kasi ako isang hypocrite na tulad ng karamihan sa mga namumuno sa ating bansa sa ngayon. Kaya imbes na Happy Independence Day ang bati ko sa aking minamahal na bayan. I hope you will truly be independent nalang ang sasabihin ko.

*Ang mga nakasaad na bagay rito sa entry na ito ay pawang nararamdaman at naiisip lamang ng sumulat. Walang anu mang institusyon o ibang tao ang kinakatawan nito.