In the early 1970's, veteran psychological warfare specialist Jose Ma Crisol organized an academic cluster to assemble a master plan that would purge the negative values of the Filipino family paradigm. Their report, which could have been used for genuine social reform, was instead used by Marcos to centralize power into his own hands. The report of Ma.Crisol states: "What we recommend therefore is an expansion of the family to a larger group- the country. We should treat the country as our very own family, where the President is our father and all the citizens as our brother. From the new oneness we develop a strong sense of oneness, loyalty to the country, and a feeling of nationalism…There will develop in us a feeling of trust such that values, such as lamangan, pakitang-tao, bahala na, etc. will be eliminated from our system…"

The Philippine oligarchy is exceedingly family-centered which has yet to subordinate its ancient roots to the Filipino nation-state. Recent research on Third World politics has found the FAMILY can inhibit the state from genuine social reform; the family continues to act as challenging source of influence. Cory proved a disappointment to those who thought that democracy had returned. Instead, she ensured the return of oligarchic rule while at the same time allowing her family to not only regain lost fortunes, but to be repaid in spades. They were snidely referred to as Kapamilya, Inc. Since then, oligarchic rule continues, aided in no small part by politicians out to survive and establish their dynasties.

The system feeds itself and grows.

Elections are mere tools to ensure the continuity of the system. Politicians sire the next generation of oppressors. The rich get richer and push their wealth in our faces. The poor get even more devastatingly poorer. Street children, scavengers, the hungry masses taking to the streets and bereft of even the most basic human needs are a common sight. Even the middle class becomes so calloused to the sight of starving masses, it renders many of us less than human for failing to empathize with the unfortunate. The former President Fidel Ramos launched a stinging attack on the country's insidious system of rent-seeking families. In his speech he said; We will have to resort to remedies close to surgery- swift and decisive reforms…"(2) Then, we must politics serve- not the family, faction of the party- but the nation."

Despite the political will to flush out the residual misfits of Philippine society, none has gone close to the speedy reforms that the BLOGSPHERE can offer.

The uncompromising nature of the blogsphere has rendered it as the most powerful tool in combating these societal toxins infecting our country.

Let us continue blogging for social change!

This is my first post on Dona Victorina...

To be honest, I've been a lurker of the blog for the longest time and have talked about many of the topics posted in the forums on my Manila morning radio program with Mo Twister and Grace Lee (Good Times on Magic 89.9 http://www.magic899.fm/).

This time, instead of borrowing content from Dona Victorina, I just had to share a bit of news with the blog and post it here as it really got my goat.
In a news item discussed by Mo on our show, I was appalled to learn how ignorant some people can be.

In Australia, an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) was fired from his job for not using toilet paper. (For those of you who may not be familiar, many Filipinos use water to clean themselves after using the toilet... google the word “tabo” and you'll know what I'm talking about.) I'm sure this is a common practice in other countries as well, but from a Western viewpoint the idea may seem all too unfamiliar to say the least. However uncommon as it may seem to some... having a "tabo" taboo would just be plain ridiculous to many others!

Below I've pasted the original story where we got this news item and the details of the incident are discussed there fully.

Now I'm not making generalizations here and saying that people from Australia (or any other nation in its entirety for that matter are totally ignorant)... the Australian boss(es) responsible for firing the OFW is the ignoramus I would like to call out.

It's not a first world vs third world issue. It's not a race vs race issue. What it is is a toilet paper vs “TABO” issue!

Not too long ago, some ignorant people in Canada found it inappropriate for children to eat with a spoon and fork (which is a Filipino custom) as opposed to the “traditional” knife and fork method. Now, in the Land Down Under there are even more ignorant people telling others what people should and should not use to clean their asses?!

What is this world coming to?

No matter what country you're in, can't we all just get along and stop the closed-mindedness that is so surprisingly prevalent in this world? Or in other words: “Please cut the CRAP and let us get on with our lives by acknowledging that YES there are others who are different from me, and YES there is more than just one way to get the same things done."

Toilet Paper or Tabo ... as long as you take care of your personal hygiene, that's fine by me!

* * * * * * *

The money quote of the week does not come from Obama but from our lawyer du jour John Resado. When asked about why he did not report the supposed attempt of Attorney Alvaro Lazaro of PDEA to bribe him, the State prosecutor said he did not see a need to make a fuss because bribery attempts were "already normal in our culture." "Natatakot si Atty. Lazaro na baka dumiretso sa akin ang magbibigay ng bribe at hindi siya makatikim [Atty. Lazaro was afraid that the one who would give the bribe would go directly to me, and if that happened, he would not have a taste of the money]," the embattled state prosecutor Resado said.

Lazaro denied Resado's accusations saying "It [that I accepted the alleged bribe] exposes the fallacy of his [Resado's] mind. I admit that I called him asking for assistance but the bribe offer that he claims I made is simply not true," the PDEA lawyer also told the lawmakers.

And you could just hear the collective inquiry: "And therefore…..?

And here is a tip to get rich: invest in money-lending business in the Camiling Public Market.
You have to give it to John Resado.

He is trying to survive what most pundits call a lynching. PDEA Director Dionisio Santiago insinuated that State Prosecutor John Resado dumped a drug case in exchange for a bribe that started at P3-M and ballooned to P50-M. The media frenzy and congressional investigation that practically have judged.

Santiago's expose resulted in an investigation that distinguished itself for prejudging Resado. The PDEA firmly believed that they had an air-tight case. Seized from the Alabang Boys were sixty (60) pieces of blue ecstasy tablets with Motorola logo, packed in six (6) plastic sachets with ten (10) tablets each; several transparent capsules containing white powdery substance; 11 plastic sachets containing cocaine; and three (3) self sealing plastic sachets containing marijuana dried leaves. A marijuana grinder was likewise recovered from their possession and control. Suspects Richard Brodett and Jorge Joseph attempted to elude arrest by ramming their Black Honda Accord with plate number XPF 551 against the service vehicles used by operatives. They even attempted to run over the agents, thus prompting the law enforcers to shoot in order to disable their vehicle. Charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) were filed against the suspects.

But Resado concluded there was no case to prosecute because the arrest and search were done illegally. And so he signed a release order, thinking it was Christmas and the boys needed to be home.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is set to probe Resado's bank accounts. Its deputy director, Richard David Funk, told the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs that they would be able to investigate the accounts even without securing a court order and waiver from Resado. Funk explained that the case must be distinguished as a "drug-related" issue besides alleged incidence of corruption to resolve questions on the council's jurisdiction.

Republic Act 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, meanwhile, relaxes bank secrecy laws upon establishing that proceeds from unlawful activities, which include drug trafficking and graft and corrupt practices, are transacted to make them appear to come from legitimate sources.

So what is this guy Recado really? How can he call himself a lawyer when his english is barely at par with that of a fifth grader. Is the guy the mob paints him to be: a pricey lawyer that the drug cartel hired for 50 million pesos?

The Manila Times reported that illegal drug gangs have penetrated Philippine politics- and Victorina shall remain steadfast in the fight against illegal drugs. From retired generals to neophyte lieutenants, alumni of the Philippine Military Academy and students rallied behind cavaliers who have come under fire in the bribery controversy surrounding the “Alabang Boys” drug case. “Although us are now retired, we feel duty bound, as responsible citizens, to speak out in support of the gallant men and women of PDEA for being steadfast and relentless in the fight against the proliferation of [the] illegal drug trade. We are aware that some government personnel within... the criminal justice system may have succumbed to the temptation of money and compromised their mission and duty, but that should not deter us from recognizing those who stand up despite adverse consequences,” the PMA alumni said.

Back in 2005, Jason Baker, the Australian general manager at business information group IBISWORLD predicted that a tougher retail environment could wipe out most in the [Australian] fashion industry. This was his view as result of the financial troubles of local designer Wayne Cooper. And so three years later, the global economic meltdown is forcing American socialites to wear dresses twice, mere mortals continue to shop at ukay-ukay "boutiques" which is now called "crashion" and designer fashionistas hyperventilating at "must-haves" begging for love with 80% mark downs from Paris to Singapore. No wonder the prostitution industry is beseeching like Mrs Arroyo for a bail-out, and as many control erratic heart palpitations, Hermes is now 60% off. I suppose for some awash with cash, its hallelujah, while others its nada, as in, nothing.

Take for example, Kira Plastinina, a Russian 16 year old "fashion designer" that even with daddy's billions, filed for bankruptcy. That is a whopping 80 million investment 7 months ago plus borrowings of $54 million and assets worth 9 million. Well, what's $100 million if you've never lifted a finger to earn it, like some on the Forbes List? Or, would you rather want me to say pilfered it. In the Philippines a sure way of getting and maintaining wealth is to do a double triple whatever insertion on the national budget. Take a pick. In China you get your head chopped. In Peru, they dig for gold underneath Andean glaciers and literally their graves too.

Meanwhile in the Philippines, as usual, what is fashionable are the Shabu Cebuano druglods, the Czarina in the Palace and the Politicians. Unemployment, call centre cut backs, and OFW retrenchments, Whats that? Like anything, the crisis was so yesterday and one must find sources for an election campaign. So what if the multinationals have bunkered down as a result of the imploding housing collateral bubble (internet bubble de ja vu) and the related SIVs, CDOs, credit swaps etc, which built $60 trillion of "value" on basically shaky smoke and mirrors. So what if nations of the world unite to stop the feverish convulsions. So what if Australia is giving away billions, and encouraging its citizens to spend while everyone is proclaiming the virtues of frugality, frugality, frugality. So what if we too are infected like the rest of the world. Or was it herpes? All have been attributed to Reaganomics and to Dubyanomics, blame them.

But let's not create arguments regarding the economic virtues of the former presidents. This is supposedly a fashion article. So I must mention the massive reduction in the demand for luxury, exclusive "parteeeeee" [read: drug dealing, captured market] and the demise of anything created out of PR puff like the "Supreme" for instance. Buying cheap made in China and locally made anything is fashionable like Mrs Obama because labels even the fake one's do not necessarily make you look stylish. I mean have you seen Miss Binibining Rustome GandangHari? With her $100 Chinese Laundry shoes, she kicked ass with my girl Ruffa and that vitamin D deficient Kris with her Roderick accent.

So, short of using vaginal cream for a clean taught and terrific complexion, what one must do for financial frugality? The 16th-century theologian Martin Luther boasted that he could drive away the evil spirit with a single fart. Unfortunately there are not enough beans in the world to create enough draft for flatulence to be effective. Though, it may be enough to get rid of the pocket-rocket. Ok, I am not going to say the "MIDGET" word. Fortunately the trickle-down effect of the much lauded economic prosperity of the Arroyo extravaganza stayed as usual among Manila's elite and our "hardworking" politicians. So hopefully all of them will be damned from now till they never recover, well, as long as someone GOOD takes over and for good measure brings back the death penalty for corruption.

In a corrupt government, anybody who does his job and does it well should be considered a hero. Maj. Ferdinand Marcelino comes from a poor family, and by all appearances, has not joined the ranks of the rich, a clear sign of being incorruptible. He knew that when he accepted this post, he will be up against the richest, most powerful dirty players in the Philippine society. Yet, he accepted it with bravery and daring. For a long time, we have been complaining about corrupt officials, it is time we gather our forces and the few, and the proud who make a difference. Marcelino said the challenge of doing something more for the country through the PDEA appealed to him. Marcelino added he was ready to defend in any investigation the operation that led to the arrest of the Alabang Boys.

[The following document was put together by active service military personnel and law enforcers (who have, for the moment requested anonymity). It is one of several. We have chosen to upload this particular one as it illustrates the nature of the international drug trade and its Philippine connection. ]

Narcopolitics is a term coined to illustrate the relationship of the drug trade to Philippine politics. In general it refers to the involvement of businessmen and politicians in the sale, distribution and importation of illegal substances and their component chemicals. While it is no secret that many political families engage in illegal activity to fund their participation in electoral exercises as well as the creation of legislation favorable to certain interests and the selective execution of laws to favor certain well-entrenched personalities, the drug trade has become so pervasive, the participation of local politicians actually affects not only this country but a host of other countries as well. Narco-politics has now become part of geopolitics.

Philippine drug trade has been very active for the past years. This operation is being facilitated by foreign drug dealers with the willful cooperation of some high ranking government officials. Crystal methamphetamine, known locally as "shabu", is the most commonly abused drug in the Philippines. Domestic production of methamphetamine is a growing problem, but most of the supply is smuggled into the Philippines from surrounding countries, primarily the People's Republic of China.

The Philippines is strategically situated in the Southeast Asia sphere. It was chosen as a primary drug manufacturing location because Pacific countries cannot accommodate large production of drugs. Drug trade is constantly under duress by international anti-drug agencies. Involvement of the trade by foreign syndicates and individuals would be easily deniable. Thus, local enforcement agencies would be tied up in local operations (Primary law enforcement operations are on local manufacturing, sale and distribution. Very few are actually conducted pursuant to the transshipment of drugs. Yet it would be incorrect to say that such transshipment has been missed by government authorities. —TCA). Most significant reason in choosing Philippines as the Hub is that local authorities can be easily bribed and bought.

Our country is an important transshipment point for narcotics heading elsewhere. Illegal drugs enter the country through seaports, economic zones, and airports. The Philippines, a nation with over 36,200 kilometers of coastline, is a smugglers' paradise.

The country is also a transshipment point for crystal methamphetamine to Japan, Australia, Korea, the U.S., Guam, and Saipan. Commercial air couriers and express mail services remain the primary means of shipment to Guam and to the mainland U.S., with a typical shipment size of one to four kilograms.

Traffickers using human couriers or "mules" to smuggle drugs sometimes use the Philippines as a transit point for heroin and cocaine, but much less frequently than for the transshipment of methamphetamine. Heroin that is transshipped through the Philippines transits Thailand and Pakistan and is sometimes destined for mainland U.S., Guam, and Europe; small packets are being sold locally.

The Modus Operandi. The materials and ingredients for shabu production come from mainland China and Taiwan. With the help of PLA/PRC generals and the notorious triad, all transshipments are cleared from Chinese customs inspection. This also includes small volumes of high-grade cocaine. On the other hand, Philippine authorities would facilitate the entry of the contraband.

Wallace airport, Port Irene and Subic port are used as entry points and also as transshipment point to the Pacific countries.

Aside from manufacturing shabu, foreign drug dealers trade HIGH GRADE cocaine in the Philippines. The local operation is being controlled by a member of the upper echelon of the national security apparatus. They sell cocaine inside high class clubs like Embassy at the Fort owned and operated and frequented by big businessmen. (It therefore appears that the reason Embassy has been seemingly immune for so long is because of the alleged tacit understanding between the owners who are involved in large scale international trafficking and their retailers-- TCA)

For quite a long time, Philippine anti-drug agencies have only succeeded in apprehending suspected drug-dealers and raiding suspected illegal drug laboratories. What they failed and continuously fail is the capture of the actual transshipment of these illegal drugs and the subsequent stoppage of supplies coming in and out of the country. (We do know of an intercepted transshipment of heroin and cocaine in 1997 through joint operations of the NBI and the US DEA. The intercept occurred in Clark Airfield in 1997 – TCA). The US DEA has not conducted active anti illegal-drug operations in the country (At least not recently. The NBI does have record of active DEA operations when the US bases were still in use, and sporadically or covertly until at least 1997—TCA). Its participation now is only limited to consultations. This is simply because drug trade the region rarely enters the US soil.


More next week.

Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Vicente Sotto III in an on-air interview via Magic 89.9 FM ( January 15, 2009) has confirmed that the owners of Club Embassy maybe charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002: An Act Instituting the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Repealing Republic Act No. 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as amended, Providing Funds Therefore, and for other Purposes), which he described as "places which can be classified as DIVES" and reiterated that this should serve as a warning to all! He also said that a long watch list of celebrity drug users and media personalities is already in his desk.

Our story on the brouhaha of betrayal, abuse of power and high society drug abuse by the so-called Gucci Gang started at the Hotel Intercontinental when a group of high society columnists had Australian blogger Brian Gorrell arrested and illegally detained for more than eight hours by the MAKATI Police. With the help of MAGDALO lawyer Agree Guevarra, I personally followed up and confirmed the illegal detention with the kind assistance of a staff (Philippine Marine Corp Officer)of Sen. Rudolfo Biazon. The "Gucci Gang" present at the Makati Police station when Gorrell was held for questioning were Delfin DJ Montano, Celine Lopez, Marcel Crespo and Jackie Cohen-Antonio. Later on a certain JM Rodriguez ( an alleged Gucci Gang member) told me; "kaya kayo may threat kasi nakiki-alam kayo (you get threats because you keep on interfering)".

Later, blogger Brian Gorrell alleged through his blog and live interviews in Magic 89.9 FM the rampant drug use by the Gucci Gang in club Embassy. Months after regular interviews with Brian Gorrell, Magic 89.9 account executives received three (3) death threats that apparently came from the camp of Delfin DJ Montano. I immediately called Supreme Editor Timothy Yap regarding the threats but he unfortunately told me; "Wala na akong paki (I don't care!)".

Starting as a small Jewish sect to one of the world’s largest religion, the Catholic Church and Jesus gospels according to Thomas Jefferson are "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man". That’s why to this day it appears that despite of its murderous history, corruption, debauchery and immoral conducts towards people it considers enemies and devotees, the Filipinos devotion to Catholicism remains steadfast. You can bear witness to this feverish and brutally blinding submission to god during the January 9th yearly procession of the statue of the black Nazarene. It shows no sign of abating despite numerous deaths, maimed bodies, thieveries and physical assaults.

                                                            

It has been a crazy week here at the Victorina. Tales of drugs, fashion, parties, crimes, and, Embassy heated up the comments section. We would like to end the week with a sober tone; and what could be more sobering than good news about positivism. Our advocate Brian Gorrell (who is thrilled to death with all these developments) interviewed Cholo Laurel to promote the online magazine positivism.ph.

________________________________
by Brian Gorrell


It’s finally happened.
POSITIVISM.PH.

To say that I’m passionate about the HIV/AIDS conversation in the Philippines is to only undercut the true depth of my feelings. My global advocacy includes the Philippines, and always will. After all, it’s where everything began. However, my HIV/AIDS advocacy program is truly global now.
And I’m defiantly not alone fighting this battle.
In fact, I keep the best company an advocate for change can hope for.
POSITIVISM.PH

Living with HIV has many challenges for sure; but the surprising gifts that accompany the virus are also plentiful and beautiful. And as we see around the world, there are many millions of people who face huge obstacles trying to remain healthy and upright with their HIV, while some of us swim in first world health care luxury. Regardless of our differences, we have a common thread that runs through us all.

It’s what makes HIV carriers truly special.
Not pariahs nor outcasts.
Special.
We don’t want your sympathy; we demand your respect.
We should all demand respect.
But you must also give it.

I’m proud of the Philippines when it comes to its tolerance and acceptance of many things that other countries may baulk at. Although the Catholic Church is against homosexuality for the most part, the nation itself has a somewhat comfortable understanding with our very special sub-culture. Considering the country’s strict religious underpinning, I think it’s a most commendable achievement. But there is more work to be done.
And POSITIVISM.PH is not only at the forefront of this change, it’s actually defining the change. Driving the machine. It’s the petrol in the tank, if you will.

POSITIVISM.PH is helping many others to find the way through the crazy HIV maze.

POSITIVISM.PH is the first FREE online magazine devoted to the spreading of accurate and thoughtful information about HIV/AIDS.
It truly is a remarkable achievement.


But we have more to do.
Much more.
All of us have more to do.
It’s HIV- related STIGMA that kills.
Not HIV.
Stigma is killing our hearts.
It’s killing our dreams.
And It can ultimately kill our future.

Discrimination is still everywhere we look; the attitude towards HIV/AIDS and the carriers of the virus is, for the most part, appalling. The gay community has to look at itself very closely, because so much of the HIV/AIDS- related stigma come from within our own ranks. It permeates from within our very own community.
This I find quite distressing and most unfortunate. Not only for myself but for the many thousands of young men and women who have enough to deal with already without the ignorance of others blocking their paths.


Open your minds.
Open your heart.
Help destroy HIV -related stigma.
It’s the real killer.
Not HIV.
Innocent ignorance is no longer an excuse.
Get educated because many things have changed in the last twenty years.
HIV carriers NEED you to take the time and find out.
And get tested.

I’d like to thank my great friend Cholo and his entire team of brilliantly talented creative artists, writers and visionaries who helped to see the POSITIVISM.PH project come to fruition.
Promoting it has been my greatest pleasure.
Because I know a winner when I see one.

Interviewing your friends is always strange but fun. I had the chance to throw these questions at Cholo and he was gracious enough to answer, in his own very special way.

Thank you once again to the entire force of creation behind this new and innovative approach to HIV/AIDS education.
We have a long way to go but the road just became that much shorter.
Congratulation POSITIVISM.PH!

The interview-

BG- I’m wondering how satisfying it must be for you to watch POSITIVISM.PH, your fantastic ground breaking HIV/AIDS project grow wings and finally fly free?

CL- The first time I reviewed the whole thing on line, I was amazed, almost in tears. I told my team, “ Given the little time we had, I can’t believe we came up with all this…God is truly with us on this one.” We were proud of course, but instead of grinning form ear to ear I think everyone was more… contemplative. Our minds were spinning with thoughts of how to make this site even better. Now that it has taken off, how do we make it fly higher?

BG- Cholo, the creative force behind POSITIVISM.PH is so powerful and full of variety. How difficult was it to assemble such an incredible group of people who helped create POSITIVISM.PH?

CL- I think heaven set it all up for us. Everything and everyone just fell into place. Of course it all started with my penchant for getting people to rally behind a cause. When I knew in my heart that the mission needed to be done and done soon. I sat quietly and thought of the people who would have the sense and sensibility for this…and I prayed about it…and heaven sent.

BG- The Philippines is a great country in many respects, but stigma-surrounding HIV/AIDS is still huge issue there and all around the world.
Do you see POSITIVISM.PH as an instrument for change?

CL- Yes, we will do our darnest best to make this effect change in our beloved country. It will. I have faith.

BG- Cholo, the response to POSITIVISM.PH has been incredible so far. You should be very proud of your team. I've looked the world over and I've yet to find a blog more beautiful or insightful and informative.
What's next for P.PH?

CL- I don’t know what’s coming up, honestly. I just know that when love is the root of something, the fruit is always beautiful. We here in HOTBOX make an effort to improve the site one day at a time. This is a non-profit project and we are not getting any funding from anyone but our own humble pockets. We will give our minds, our hearts and our time, passionately and we hope our readers will be patient with us. We will learn how to serve their needs, one baby step at a time. Of course, we will need the support of the blogging community and great bloggers like yourself to spread viral heat about this …as to how far it will go is really up to its creator… up there ☺

By the way, constantly watch out, positivism will show new improved features every month but formally issue 2 comes out in March - your spring, our summer :)


-------

So here it is:

It is not also surprising that the biggest earners this year, as in the previous, are comedy films. People are already fed up with the harsh realities affecting each and everyone on a daily basis. They need a release of tension in spite of the P120 to P150 price of admission.

If I can have my way, I would gladly Shake, Rattle and Roll all erring member of the three branches of our government ten times so that they will wake up to the reality that they are not the only Filipinos in the Philippines. Most of us are out here suffering while they are there protecting their own interests and a barangay of thieves and liars.

More than 20 Years After the first people power revolution, Wanbol University is run better than our government. This early, allies of the palace by the polluted river are contemplating which would be suitable for them --- a con-con or a con-ass. Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat indeed. Let it rest will you. Some of these politicians sure are Iskulled but what do they dish out on us? Nothing but Bukol. Which leaves us all being Desperados and Desperadas, and as Susan Roces puts it: Not once but twice.

The Philippine political scene is really in a mess and only those who are Magkaibigan benefit from the country’s coffers. Frightening that these same people will want to get their way on the threat of reciting their line of “Kilala mo ba ako?” The only amiable personality I know who recited that line is the late Lourdes Carvajal aka Inday Badiday. Not even the Diyosa of Baler with her first acting trophy will save you from being mauled in a plush golf course by a father and son tandem. It doesn’t matter if they are Dayo’s in Luzon from their native Mindanao. The thing is they are considered as Demigods in their province of origin. I say, go back home and stay there. All I ask from God at this point is for the Philippines to have a moral awakening starting this 2009. One Night Only is all I ask for all to realize that we are all part of one machine. It is about the right time to discard all those malfunctioning parts for it to continue working.

Who knows, if we are successful in our overhaul, next year’s MMFF might feature more realistic and truly artsy films that will not only sell commercially, but also add to a level of consciousness that may make us think and re-think a better future for us all.