Basically, cold hard cash has the power to make us feel numb to pain, whether it is physical or emotional. The experiment was done by seeing the reactions of the people when their hands were immersed in hot water. Interesting enough, the pain was diminished when they were handling money, as opposed to when they were handling paper. Money = painkiller = Mefenamic acid. In Filipino, does this mean that we are “mukhang pera?” It’s a word without a direct English translation, but describes a worldly person who acts differently or more favorably because of money. On another hand,there are other things that are aside from money that help diminish pain. Our body produces natural painkillers. They are Endorphins. They are produced when we are happy, just as triggered when we eat chocolates.

Going back to the premise we are easily manipulated, I’d say so. Usually, when it comes to money, some bend their principles. Being manipulated also comes from group think, and simply being in the company of people. Think about it. In a simple ‘where do we eat’ setting, we usually go for where the majority takes us, even if we don’t want to. When directed by an authoritative figure to do something, some instantly follow orders without second thought. And at the simple mentioning that there is evidence, most of us believe what that someone is saying already without verifying facts. So, yes, we are generally easily manipulated. But of course there are exceptions to the rule

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Whether we like it or not, we are paying people to be poor. Given a normal citizen of the country being witness to a poverty-stricken community, the initial reaction and action taken would be drawing out the wallet and giving donations. Even foundations, and the government mainly thinks along this line – giving out relief goods, free operation, free medicine, etc. All of these aren’t bad, mind you. Of course, they are good and beneficial. However, this does not solve IT. Given money, they thrive. But does anything change? No.

Moreover, it is good if the recipients of these donations use the money and other goods to better themselves, by using these as opportunities to get out of poverty – starting a small business, getting education, etc. However, usually, the money they receive only go as payments to loansharks. However, of course, there are those who just receive these good intentions and use them for their vices, which makes me really mad. Oftentimes, we’ve been reduced to a laughing stock by other nations, because Filipinos do all means just to lift the families from poverty, including of course doing demeaning work just to earn money.

Generally, Filipinos are not lazy. In fact, Filipinos are one of the most industrious lot. Given the right opportunities, they will strive to the top. What the government should provide are GOOD opportunities. Not JUST opportunities, but opportunities to hone and utilize those skills for their benefit and the country’s. Money alone does not solve the poor’s problems. Paying for poverty does not end poverty.

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I was reading CNN.COM a while ago, then I found this excerpt on the article “Why the experts missed the crash.” Reading through, I was telling myself – ‘yeah, this IS right…’

How can we nonexperts test our own hunches?

Listen to yourself talk to yourself. If you’re being swept away with enthusiasm for some particular course of action, take a deep breath and ask: Can I see anything wrong with this? And if you can’t, start worrying; you are about to go over a cliff.

In fact, this applies not only to serious decisions, but also to most of the things that happen in our daily life.Sometimes we are too enthusiastic about something that we tend to neglect other aspects. We jump right into something without considering other factors.

What do you think? Share your thoughts.

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• Global Financial Crisis – Yes, the crisis affects almost every aspect of our life, especially, financially, since we cannot spend like the usual spending that we do.
• Early Christmas Warning Signs – Ah, the good old department stores, and train stations (and oh, almost all stores) give us early Christmas warning signs since the start of the “-ber” months, making the anticipation for Christmas less likely. Warning signs? Yes, Christmas trees, Christmas songs, decorations, as early as September! We are being prepared for the season too early, I must say.
• New and Improved Stress – With increasing variety and discovery of new and improved problems every day, which is really unending, we tend to focus more on our problems rather than what fun and happiness we can anticipate.
• Maturing Society – Society as we know is gradually becoming mature, commercialized, and serious. Serious, serious, serious. Yes, serious. (Have you had enough seriousness already?) But seriously, the society, even young children are being groomed into a serious mindset early on in their lives. Nowadays, we tend to focus more on how to live, rather than enjoying each and every day. Before, simply living and enjoying what is available is already enough. As we go through globalization and technological advancements, we become more serious.
• Everything is Not Free – Everything, almost everything in this world requires some form of payment or favor or something similar. And sadly, it will go on for a very long time. Somehow, things seem pretty bleak, as people tend to count too much.

There are just some reasons why I think Christmas is becoming something not looked forward to. But hey, it’s not too late after all, for we can still enjoy and continue finding ways to look forward to this special occasion. It only happens once a year, when we can spend time with our loved ones. Let’s not make the future forget about the happiness that Christmas brings, how Christmas once captured our hearts.

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I remember reading an article by Pepe Diokno (follow the link for the article) in the Supreme section of the Philippine Star. It’s about phony Filipino pride. How very timely. I somehow agree with the author on many points. It’s actually good for anyone to be recognized, especially internationally, since not all are given the chance. It’s also good to be proud of someone, especially if s/he is related to you or something. Filipinos seem to have the natural knack for being proud of Filipinos who are famous. Everytime there is/are news about Filipino celebrities or personalities being given awards or air time or fame abroad, it is instant fame for them here in the Philippines. People start noticing them. People start idolizing them. People start flocking towards them. Not that it’s bad (because you’re recognizing talent, the achievement, and ultimately, the person), but sometimes it is. It seems like “Pinoy pride” has been a cover-up for the faults and “inadequacies” of the country today. But really, Filipinos have a lot to be proud of (not just these famous-es). Filipinos are known for being the most adaptive people, the happiest people, among others. Filipinos are known to succeed even in the harshest environments. There is pride in each and every Filipino who aims for the good.

Follow the link to Pepe Diokno’s column in the Philippine Star for the article.

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