1979

Once upon a time, there were much more open spaces in the east and south of Manila. Cellphones were not yet invented. Computers have not entered the commercial market yet and money is still usually withdrawn on bank counters instead of ATMs.

Who would have thought that in 30 years, things would change drastically? Skyscrapers would eventually dominate the skyline, flyovers and LRTs would be built on roads once considered as mere alternative to the main thoroughfares of the time and cars would become more compact, slender and will have power steering abilities, unlike their counterparts which looks like mean lousy machines.

Look at how Manila looks like during the dawn of time - that is before Edsa People Power has become synonymous with government overthrow. Since I wasn't even concieved during this time, and my parents still lived their single lives, I find this moment quite pristine from what my eyes are seeing today.

Maybe someday, I should use my digicam to do the same thing - take pictures of places that will change decades from now. Places, we used to look down today might actually become the centerpiece of the future.

There are times I still imagine hows it really like living those times. Is it very different from today? Which is better, ours or theirs?

Anyway, enjoy the photos guys. Thanks Kugel for the link to that site.

Edsa Guadalupe 2

Somewhere where Glorietta/Landmark/Greenbelt stands now.

Edsa - Ortigas (somewhere between Robinsons Galle/Megamall stands today)

Makati

Edsa Guadalupe I

Dimasalang

Cubao

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And I don’t even care to shake these zipper blues

And we don’t know

Just where our bones will rest

To dust I guess

Forgotten and absorbed into the earth below

- Smashing Pumpkins, 1979

Jagrata

To be born homosexual is a gift... for a homosexual continues to prove his worth to his detractors while living a life relatively hidden behind the shadows. His faith tells him that he is immoral while stereotyping made him look like a helpless, weak person who is usually a source of shame and comic relief to those who do not understand the life he is living.

But without homosexuals, enlightenment would take a slower pace. Being unique among His creations, homosexuals has a gift and talent for creativity, artistry and innovation that is usually unmatched by regular heterosexuals. His open mindedness and ability to embrace new things is a testament to his willingness to challenge established order.

His wars for acceptance and respect from everyone has continuously worked to his advantage: The more he is turned down, the more he fights back. The more he is denied his own existence, the more he proves his worth and right to exist.

Right now, his detractors may claim the victory. But how can a victory be completely achieved against something that has existed long before the minds of these people have thought of eradicating it? Have they ever realized that homosexuals have been there spreading enlightnement long before their religion started persecuting them? Is their religion perfect enough to have the right to pre-judge their existence?

And have they ever thought that homosexuals is part of evolution itself?

Slowly but surely, homosexuals are gaining the upper hand. They might not find universal acceptance in a generation or two, but the fact remains:

empowerment is at hand.

It doesn't matter whether a homosexual keeps his identity a secret or flaunt it like some people do. As long as he knows himself and never denying it; As long as he performs his human duties despite what others think about him;

And as long as he continues to harness his potentials and perfecting it, knowing that it would benefit not only himself and his loved ones but may also becomes a source empowerment to liberate and inspire those who are finding their way towards the fold.

Then he has done a great service for the pride.

He has already concieved his own self-awareness.

Jagrata - State of Waking Consciousness, Hinduism