A remembrance concert was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) a year after the 9/11 terrorst attacks in the US. As a regular theater goer, I have never experienced this main hall filled with a pensive audience. The somber mood almost dampened the awe for each of the performance. This was how emotional we then responded to such a malevolent act that defies our being. 

I look back 20 years ago today and wonder at how a whole generation has been affected by this continuing menace. Beyond the tributes offered in membrance, the quest for concrete solutions remain elusive. Neither monuments nor literature and artistic performances could ever unburden us of the detructive impact it holds on our collective conciousness. Despite the various global and national efforts, we could only learn to survive by reflecting at how such policies could still be viable or be adopted to effectively respond against this threat constantly evolving. 

#nineeleven #nineelevenmemorial #september11 #september112001 #september11attacks #september11memorial #memorialconcert #requiemconcert #culturalcenterofthephilippines #yestoantiterrorlaw

 We relish this inspiring image of an Afghan para athlete who galantly showed, even only for a moment, the triumph of the human spirit against the odds and to represent the rest of the Afghans long victim of geopolitical exploitation. 

My childhood reveries took me back at the height of the "Cold War" era, when the US and its allies, including the Philippines, boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics in protest to the invasion of Afghanistan by the then USSR. A counter boycott of the 1984 L.A. Olympics was subsequently lodged by the later with its east bloc allies. Just an 11 year old, I remember looking at the disturbing images of the invasion superimpose with the sporting spectacle. In  hindsight, I am disconcerted seeing these on the evening news and in photos of international publications subscribed to by my grandfather. My formative mind then has yet to fathom the intricacies of humanity so pernicious and unjust. 

As another international sporting event unfold today, I view with dismay the shattering reality that parallels the event of the past four decades. Yet indeed there is a pervading sense of betrayal to the aim of these games, to see just one among them from an almost forsaken land compete with such dignity is a glimpse of hope for a better world. 

Photo credit: www.northeasttoday.in

#TokyoParalympics2020 #PWD #humanity #betterworld #differentlyabled #handicappedathlete #afghanistanparaathlete #afghanistan