With an exponentially growing population and unlimited wants, it is not surprising to know that much of our resources are being depleted more than what is enough. Aside from this, urban development is also a great factor in contributing great damages to these resources, one of these is the aquatic resources particularly the corals which is the main topic of the forum. The said event’s speaker is Dr. Kent E. Carpenter, a professor of Biological Sciences in the Old Dominion University. With the title: “Coral Triangle Initiative: Impact of Terrestrial and Urban Development on Marine Resources”, Dr. Carpenter explained to us what Coral Triangle is and what it provides to us and its current state. Here are my learnings…

Coral Triangle is the epicenter of marine biodiversity. This triangular area in the globe includes our very own Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor L’Este, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomons. Aside from the marine species, the Coral Triangle comprises the largest portion of coral reefs and home to rich mangrove swamps. The fact that marine biodiversity is mainly centered in the Philippines than any other countries included in the Coral Triangle is enough for us Filipinos to be proud of. But then despite this, I think we should be ashamed of ourselves because we are also the main suspects of coral degradation which supports marine life.

Looking back I always disregard coral reefs’ importance when I think about marine life’s safety. But after the forum, I realized that without coral reefs, marine species would probably never exist. I concluded therefore that coral reefs’ safety is equally important to monitor at as the way we monitor marine species.

According to Dr. Carpenter, the Coral Triangle is at risk as the next possible biodiversity disaster and cited climate change and local human impacts (such as overfishing, destructive fishing methods, coastal development and pollution) as the main causes. The good news is, unlike climate change, the coral triangle’s risk can be fixed because it can be addressed at local levels. But the bad news, the problem is quite severe and would need total maximum cooperation among us.

Environmental consciousness is truly in the air nowadays. Conferences and public forums are being held by the government as well as the non-government agencies to promote awareness as well as knowledge on our current state. I agree that these actions will help. And if we’ll only help save our world, hand in hand, then I’m sure good happenings and graces will result. Let’s save Coral Triangle! Let’s save Mother Nature! Let’s save ourselves!

11^th hour is a film which most of us tend to avoid watching. Why? Maybe because the film’s message is so real that we, as humans and abusers of our Mother Earth are nagged by our conscience. This film shows the impact of our actions as well as the result of our negligence on the part of the welfare of our world. With the help of some distinguished speakers like former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau in addition to over 50 leading scientist, thinkers and leaders, the issue on the world’s true state was laid out.

The movie said something about the UN estimated 150 million environmental refugees by middle of the century. This statement, for me, is totally terrifying. Not because, I may be one of those refugees but it’s terrifying because of the number of refugees and the image that comes to my mind of the earth when that middle century comes. Think of those innocent children being affected by this crisis. Think of the physical beauty of the Earth being ruined. Think of the places or even countries that would probably be down under the sea. This I call is the total destruction of the Earth.

Worst is yet to come. Yes, this is true. As stated in the film, there are too many of us using too many resources too fast, much much faster than the nature’s capability of replenishing itself. How many times the Earth did warn us of our abuse? Look at Hurricane Katrina’s destruction in the US, the horror tsunami that struck Sri Lanka and other parts as well, and of course, our very own Brgy. Guinsaogon which was erased from the map. For me, these happenings are just the beginning of something worst that will ever happen to humanity.

The sad thing is that the right response towards this problem is not addressed by many of us. I’m not blaming them, for we all deserved to be blamed, but those leaders are in the position to solve this matter but it seems they are the ones who seems pursuing these activities which destructs our pitiful planet.

As the present generation of this world, we only have 1 hour to straighten things out. And this literally means total cooperation from each and everyone of us, regardless of the races, the colours, the cultures and all other things that don’t bind us. We all are children of the Earth; therefore, we have the responsibility of nurturing our Mother Earth rather than abuse her.

                 6-10 years old: “I was frequently playing with my sisters and brothers in our mountain. We used to play hide and seek all the time to the point of forgetting our daily chores and eventually getting scolded by our father.”

15-20 years old: “I was working for my grandmother’s palayan and at the same time studying. But I stopped later when my grandmother decided to support my cousin’s education instead of me and so I decided to work as a waitress in a restaurant.”

22 years old: “I was married at a young age even if I’m slightly against it. The reason is I don’t want to marry yet at such a young age, but my father already accepted Alvaro’s intention.”

25-40 years old: “I gave birth to 2 girls and 4 boys, but unfortunately, God immediately took my 2 sons away. It was one of my biggest tragedies in life, and so was my husband’s. He even slapped me in the face because he blamed me for our son’s death.”

45 years old: “I lost my husband…”

50-76 years old: “I can’t ignore loneliness but then, that’s life, at least I have grandchildren which makes my time more precious than ever when I’m with them..”

These are the statements I’ve heard from Lola Flora Aniñon, a 76 years old resident of Kamputhaw, Cebu City. She was my landlady last sem. Lola Flora is a widow, having lost her husband (Alvaro) 31 years ago. She’s living with her one son and family in the house. Lola Flora is a member of the Legion of Mary, a religious organization in the Catholic Church in Capitol Site. She is also a member of the Senior Citizen’s and receives payment monthly for her pension. Aside from the pension, she also gets money from the room she is renting with in her house and the money she receives from her sons and daughters.

Despite the fact that she’s well taken cared of in terms of money, she is a little bit of an irritation to the son and family she’s living with in her house. Why? Because Lola Flora seems to step beyond the bounds of the family’s private life. Auntie Inday (Lola Flora’s daughter-in-law), said that Lola Flora is always meddling with the family’s affairs. Even Auntie Inday’s daughters doesn’t speak to their own Lola because of her meddlesome attitude.

Back to Lola Flora, I do firmly believe that late adults or “oldies” do experience that feeling of loneliness. Analyzing Lola Flora’s attitude, I know she misses the times when she would help her grandmother do the housework, the times when she prepares baon for her husband, the times when her children were still very close and dependent to her, and the times when she feels she is not being neglected by her family.

I believe that Lola’s meddlesome attitude is due to the fact that she wants to prove something to her son and daughter-in-law. And that is being able to be responsible and proving that even in her age, she is not useless. Late adults usually have the thought that they’re very useless because of their weak resistance and so on. They thought that now that they’re old, their decisions in family matters would definitely not matter. And that would be the time that they would get lonely.

When I was still boarding in her house, I remember one time that I have to leave for Mindanao because it’s vacation time. But I was reluctant because she is whining and crying loudly in the house just because she feels her granddaughters do not care for her at all. I really pitied her at that time, and I promised myself when I get home to Mindanao, I would treat my grandparents the way they like to be treated and I would pay special attention to them.

In my experience of my grandparents (mother side), I was also aware of their loneliness. I recall that there was once incident when we’re watching tv and she wants another channel but we, children, don’t want to change it. With that, she eventually leaves us in the sala and go to her room. Because we’re still stubborn children at that time, we did not pay attention to her. I know they hate it when they eventually lose their influence in the family, like what my grandfather is feeling. He always scolds my father and my uncle (my mother’s brother) for their bad behavior (i.e., smoking and  tamad attitude).

Loneliness is always felt whenever we feel we are being neglected by our family and we are losing our influence to our close friends, relatives, family, or even society. Not only the old ones do experience this kind of feeling, but children, teenagers and middle adults are also included. But mostly, the greatest loneliness is usually felt by the oldies especially the widowed or single ones like Lola Flora.

Avoiding loneliness seems to be inevitable. For me, loneliness can be overcome if the close persons or the family of the said lonely person will help her/him to be happy. That is, in the case of Lola Flora’s loneliness, her sons and daughters should be able to identify and address her problem and that they would at least listen to and respect Lola Flora.

Remember, if you’re young today, then think about tomorrow. Surely, soon, you’ll also be like Lola Flora’s age. How would you feel if you’re being neglected and lost your influence in the family? Think about it folks…

..,lit 3 journal…, grrrrr.., i feel like i’m in the psych dep..,

…it happened so fast…,.i dont know wat to say to him…,

…kani.kanina lang, nag.mumukmuk ako kc akala ko hindi xa lalapit sa akin…, but then to my delight i was totally wrong..,

..he stood facing me wearing his cute smile.., and asked me the question i so longingly want to hear from him..,

….

..i surely said “Yes!” with no inhibitions.., i believed at that moment na dis will be d start of a delightful friendship, at kung papalarin, a beautiful romance with him..,

..after that, i started to imagine wat things we will do together.., i noticed also that the environment at that time is soooooo beautiful.., flowers were dancing.., the sunlight streaks amazingly…, people were smiling.., it’s as if na meron ng sense para sa akin yung mundo…,

….

…now i’ve uncover one of the biggest events that happened to me as a teenager…, i know hindi masyadong clear…, ayoko lang malaman ng mga close friends ko……ok.., here’s a clue…, the day that event happened was FEBRUARY 13, 2007.., the next day wud be d worst…,

…

Mohammad lived in a place called Mecca wherein the people worshipped approximately 300 gods. From this situation, we could see how difficult it is for one person to proclaim to Mecca that there is only one God. In additional, the Mecca people were also greatly influenced by the leaders in that society. The political and social leaders cannot accept change in their religious belief for the primary reason that is their integrity, richness, and popularity will be endangered. From Mother Mary, Angel Gabriel made known his presence in Mohammad for a great work he has to do to save the true religion of God. Mohammad is task to cast aside the 300 idols of Kaaba and build the House of God in Mecca.

But this task proved to be dangerous and very difficult. The citizens of Mecca cannot accept the religion Mohammad is proclaiming. For me, this is quite natural especially since the people practiced this religion since the times of their ancestors. Naturally, they would react to this new religion. Another thing is that Mohammad’s religion calls for the equality of all men. From what I saw in the movie, there’s this black guy which is a slave and when he saw that the God of Mohammad is theOne True God he so longed for, he changed his faith even if it endangered his life. Therefore, the influential persons were angry of Mohammad for making the slaves think that they were of equal standing with them.

When the influential and political leaders reach their height of madness on this new religion, Mohammad’s followers fled to Medina after His uncle died. This marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar – the Hegira. The film then straightforwardly presents significant events in the history of Islam – the protection that a spider’s web affords Mohammad, the battles of Badr and Uhud, and the return pilgrimage to Mecca with thousands of followers. I can’t believe and I’m feeling ashamed of myself that this was my first time to hear the story of Moslems. I am really amazed and somewhat shock considering all the comments that our society regards on the Moslems.

One noticeable aspect to this movie is that the Moslems did actually permit this movie but nevertheless, the face nor the body, neither the voice of Mohammad was not put into the movie. This aspect shows how much the Moslems valued their prophet.

This movie does not only show the birth and history of Islam but also how the people hold on to this faith even if they die. It shows the endless limitations of the Islamic faith. It shows the importance of the equality of men. It shows how “peace” should be used in the proper way. It shows how Moslems were patient and generous and how they amazingly spread the Islamic faith.

In our modern conception now, especially here in the Philippines, the Moslems were regarded as bad people. Attending the “Duyog Mindanao: Caravan for Peace” held in the conference hall in UPV Cebu, the guest speaker said a statement, “…for the government, not all Muslims are terrorists but all terrorists are Moslems..” . The caravan’s purpose was to wage peace in Mindanao especially in the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao).We all know that there is a relatively big population of Moslems in Mindanao. How awful is our conception about Moslems that even children were taught of how bad Moslems were. Another common thing is that the heat between US and Middle East countries were not yet done.

In summary, this movie is a must-see movie for all the people in different religions of the world. By viewing this movie, I myself would admit that the lack of education on Moslems will surely conceive a bad idea about them and their ways and culture. Like Christians, Moslems believe in One True God. This God is the link to the humane population; therefore, Moslems are not terrorists but our brothers.

When I first made my footsteps in UPV (University of the Philippines in the Visayas) Cebu, I was puzzled. Why do so many people call us scholars? We are not even gaining any discounts or less on our tuition fees. Later, I learned the basic reason. A UP student is being called a scholar because UP is a government school. When we say that UP is a government school, that means part of the students’ tuition fees on all UP campuses were shouldered by the people of the Philippines. I am not satisfied with this reason because for me there is a deeper meaning to what a true scholar is, so I managed to define and describe what a true scholar is in my own understanding.

Going back to the old times, Aristotle and Ptolemy as an example were considered as great scholars. Why? It is because they were considered geniuses who discovered something essential and beneficial to the progress of the world. They were even called great philosophers for their wisdom and knowledge. But who called or regarded them as scholars? Of course it’s the people.

Now in the post-modern era, the usual basis of calling a scholar is still the same as in the time of Aristotle and Ptolemy. A person is called a scholar when he/she is identified to have a great I.Q., passed many difficult examinations like UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test), and supported by a scholarship institution. When one person possesses these three (3) minimum qualifications, then he/she will be identified by the society as a true scholar. The problem is, it is not enough that we call ourselves scholars just because we are regarded by the society as a person having great I.Q., passed many difficult examinations, and is supported by a scholarship institution.

Now I will begin my own definitions of a true scholar. First and foremost, a true scholar is a person with a wise mind. He/She must know his/her limitations and capabilities. He/She must know how to handle both easy and difficult situations in life. That is, he/she must be exposed in the reality of life. One person does not need to earn a degree or honor just to gain scholarship and be called a scholar. If one person have a talent that others do not have, if he/she excel most in that talent, and if he/she exercise that talent in a good way, then he/she is worthy to be called a true scholar. In other words, if one person has a talent that he/she excels amongst all others and uses it for good, then that person is a true scholar. By using one’s talent in a good way one person is exercising his/her being a wise person and that what makes him/her a true scholar. An example is a beautician who is very famous in the society because of his/her great skills. She is a perfect model of a true scholar because she gained many customers who favored her skills. When one person have many other persons trusting him/her, that means he/she is wise and is good in his/her own way of living. When it comes to students, the same definitions I mentioned are also applicable. In addition, I believe that a true scholar is a student motivated to go to school not just because someone or something supports him/her in the financial aspect but rather, there is that emotional force that keeps him/her motivated to study and be a true scholar.

They say that being a true scholar is a precious gift worthy of rejoicing with. But for me, a true scholar or being a true scholar is earned and it’s not that worthy to rejoice with. Bearing the title of a “true scholar” entails a great responsibility a person should keep in mind always. A true scholar is a person who is disciplined and responsible for his/her actions. That is, a true scholar is a person who will not degrade the meaning of a true scholar itself.

…

Going back to my childhood memories, I caught a glimpse of a tiny dog whose very dear to me. Its name is Jackie, a male dog with brown and expressive eyes, thin body, brown and white fur, and a very long tail which never failed to wag every time it sees me.

Jackie was brought to us by our father who found it on his way home. My father pitied the dog and without having second thoughts brought Jackie home. At the very first sight of it, I was really overjoyed. Such cute little puppy curled in the big hands of my father. Jackie was very playful, run tirelessly around one person, and refused to get away from a person unless he played or hugged Jackie. I really don’t know how a dog brought more joy and happiness in our home.

But then one accident happened. A little boy was passing by our house when he saw Jackie and decided to make fun of it. The dog, with short patience, bit him. The little boy was sick for many days after that incident and we were obliged to pay for the little boy’s needs. Then my father angrily tied Jackie outside our house, where the kitchen and the comfort room is near. Since then, members of the family hated Jackie except me. While they were always hurting Jackie, I in opposite took very good care of it, but of course without the knowledge of my parents because for sure they would likely hate me too.

At that time, I am only a graduating elementary student. Because I hated my parents, I always rely my problems to Jackie, who listened to my cries and grievances attentively, who comforted me by being patient and joyful evenness’s he is tied, and most specially by accepting me for who I am. Such moments with Jackie I will never forget. And due to the lack of attention of my family, Jackie got thinner and thinner each day.

Then one day, my family decided to kill Jackie. Such decision really broke my heart. It really felt like hell because, your bestfriend would be killed by some selfish persons! Aaagh! I remembered before he was killed, I cried and cried unto him, gave him my soothing words, made a promise that I will never forget him, and told him that when he sees God go to Him and tell Him that I love Him very much, especially for giving Jackie unto my life. It was really a heartbreaking moment. My heart at that time is very furious and angry with my parents, my grandparents, and my other neighbours. I did not look when they killed him. I was at that time crying in the house of my neighbours. My crying got worst when I heard that Jackie is to be cooked. In my young mind, those who killed Jackie were all evils.

And so, after that heartbreaking and nervecracking moment, I vowed to myself never to be involved with a dog or any animal again. But that vow never came true, for another brown puppy named Jepoy with green eyes came. In my mind, I reasoned out that maybe it’s a consolation dog for me in exchange of Jackie.

Wherever I am, I always believed that “dogs are man’s bestfriend” because of my experience. Even if it’s just a little dog, it brings abundant joy to you and, I tell you, dogs will never leave you in times of your struggle.

To my bestfriend Jackie, I know you are enjoying right now in that beautiful garden, I hope that soon, we will have to play again just like old times. See you soon!

..in memory of my bestfriend…

v

We were eating snacks when my highschool bestfriend suddenly said, “Angel, do you ever wonder what our life will be after we graduate in this institution?” I paused, not knowing for amoment what to say to her. Then I answered, “No, Ives, as far as I am concerned, only God knows what we will become in the near future.” But she insisted, “If that is so, then is it possible that we will never see each other again?” I nodded, but with hurt in my eyes which I cannot hide.

Graduation time came, the school was flocked of students who are candidates for graduation, teachers, parents, relatives, friends, influential people in our city, and spectators from various places. But we did not mind them. The only thing that prevailed on our minds was to treasure and make use of our last day in high school. We were like crazy people at that time. Amidst the huge crowd, we hugged, embraced, and kissed each other goodbyes with additional promises that made our hearts heavy. Nevertheless, we did not cry. We promised to ourselves never to cry in front of our dear alma mater, because for us, such act only implies the possibility of not coming back. One dear friend approached, hugged and said to me, “Angel, shall I see you again?” I quickly answered him, “Of course, you will”, but with a little doubt in my voice. After hearing my response and the tone in my voice, he hugged me once again, and said in parting words, “Remember me always.” Understanding his message, I nearly cried but I didn’t dare because I was very aware that almost all of us graduate students were helding back the tears for the sake of our dear alma mater. Then more schoolmates and friends approached me and asked me the same thing and I answered them all the same. Graduation, I realized, is a joyous, at the same time, a hurtful event in my life.

Now I am in the present. Everyday I strive to what I want to be in the future. Memories of my past and the question “Shall I see you again?” kept tingling in my head. But as I have said to my bestfriend, “only God knows what we will become in the near future,” and that includes the reality if the Lord grants us the chance to see each other again, or maybe, not. Who knows?

..this was my book review for “the god of small things” authored by Arundhati Roy., it’s kinda difficult to analyze the book.., it has many twists and the life of the twins were difficult to suppress.., but later., maybe after 4 repetition readings of this book, you’ll realize it’s deeper meaning.., the way how the author clearly manifests her idea especially in the fields of Caste System, Christianity, and Communism in India.., it’s really a very interesting book., please read this book and share with me the beauty and mysteries, together with Estha and Rahel, whose destiny is as surprising as the the book itself…

The God of Small Things : Analysis

“The Antly Church would be empty and the Antly Bishop would wait in his funny Antly Bishop clothes, swinging Frankincense in a silver pot. And nobody would arrive.

After he had waited for a reasonably Antly amount of time, he would get a funny Antly Bishop Frown on his forehead, and shake his head sadly. He would look at the glowing Antly stained-glass windows and when he finished looking at them, he would lock the church with an enormous key and make it dark. Then he’d go home to his wife, and (if she wasn’t dead) they’d have an Antly Afternoon Gnap.” (p. 176)

It’s hard to define Life. Many professional writers and other fields tried to. But nevertheless, they failed. They generally missed something. Something that is very important. And that something is the person itself. The person is Life itself. One cannot exist without the other. Problems and all other happenings are just colors of Life. These colors contribute to the success and loss of Life as well as the development of the Person or the Beholder of Life.

‘The God of Small Things’ is a perfect example for us to fully understand Life contributed by lonely and bad aspects. Arundhati Roy, who is the author, is a genius for creating such novel despite India’s current turmoil. Through this novel, the underlying pressing issues in India are tackled in a magnificent yet mysterious way which is also the contributing factor for Arundhati Roy to be imprisoned one year after winning the famous Booker Prize. Such a book which was one of the cause of the imprisonment of its author is truly a must read and must reflect book.

In the novel, Estha and Rahel are twins. They never think of themselves individually. They have an unusual behaviour which their mother herself cannot understand.

“…Esthappen and Rahel thought of themselves together as Me, and separately, individually, as We or Us. As though they were a rare breed of Siamese twins, physically separate, but with joint identities.” (p. 4-5)

Their mother Ammu, met their father Baba, in Calcutta. After their marriage, they move to Assam. Ammu was 8 months pregnant when war broke out with China in October 1962. Ammu was too pregnant to travel that’s why she remained and later in November she bore twins in a bus ride to a hospital in Shillong. Baba at that time is drunk. He is also extremely happy with his tea-estate business. When the twins were 2 years old, Baba’s drinking got worse. Mr. Hollick, English manager of Baba, and upon seeing the opportunity, promised Baba his job if he went on a vacation and agree that he will “look after” Ammu while he was away. Due to this, they quarreled, and eventually separated. Ammu went back to Ayemenem, a place in Kerala southernmost tip of India, her hometown. She told Papachi, her father, what had happened but Papachi did not believe Ammu because for him, there’s no such Englishman who will covet another man’s wife.

The twins being 2 years old had already seen the harshness of life. Their father is working under a British gentleman. British! Remember the colonization of the British Empire in India. Though the English claim that their colonization were for trading purposes only, they cannot deny the deep marks and damage that they had left in India’s culture, including the people’s behavior and values. Their colonization had brought up something which until now the Indian people lurks inside their being. Joseph Conrad coined India as the “Heart of Darkness” symbolizing India as a place that can be said to be “far from civilization” with the English colonization as if it was bringing India to the world which perhaps because the English is one of the most influential culture in the world. But Brians (1998) described it to be: “Whereas in Conrad’s famous novel the heart of darkness was symbolized as by its distance from Europe, (and) here it is the European-style intrusion into the Indian landscape that creates darkness.” This means that, if not for the intervention of the British colonization in India, it would have been as powerful and bountiful as Japan in terms of economic development and the rich cultures could have been continued together with the values, customs, and India’s traditions. Mr. Hollick is the symbol of a ruthless English oppressing India in a subtle but fraud way while Ammu’s father, Papachi is the symbol of those Indian people blinded by the sweet yet poisonous promises of the British.

Living in Ayemenem, when Sophie Mol the twins’ English cousin had not arrived yet, is as simple and joyous to the twins. There they showed their vulnerability in terms of love and their excitement in the not yet dangerous life. They find many glorious times with each other as well as their mother Ammu in the Ayemenem House, their house in Ayemenem, Kerala. Members of the household include Mamachi, Papachi, Chacko, Baby Kochamma, and Kochu Maria. Mamachi or “grandmother”, whose real name is Shoshamma Ipe, is the blind grandmother of the twins, the mother of Chacko and Ammu. She started making Pickles commercially and paved the way for the establishment of ‘Paradise Pickles and Preserves’, considered a company featuring Mamachi’s famous banana jams and tender mango pickle. Papachi or “grandfather” whose real name was Shri Benaan John Ipe is a retiree from a government service in Delhi. Every night, Papachi beat Mamachi with a brass flower vase. He was jealous of her because of her prospering business and her being young. Another contribution for his rage is his Moth. In his earlier days, when he was still an entomologist, he discovered an unusual moth, expecting that the moth be named after him, to his disappointment, the moth was named after the Acting Director of the Department of Entomology (Papachi’s rival), for the reason that he was now retired. The beating stop when Chacko saw what was constantly happening every night between his father and mother. Later, Papachi died of a massive heart attack. After that, Mamachi clung to Chacko as if her world would tear apart if she is separated with him. The breakup of Chacko’s marriage with Margaret Kochamma brought a great joy as well as sorrow in her heart. Joy because Chacko will permanently be with her and sorrow for seeing constantly the pain in Chacko’s eyes. This feeling of a mother towards her son amazed me. It’s as if Mamachi had developed selfishness for her son. Maybe the resentment of her husband had brought up that feeling.

Looking towards Ammu and Mamachi’s situations, they serve as the symbol of how women are treated in India. They are being handled like just simple things capable of few knowledge and skills. Ammu’s situation goes like this. The reason why she was married in Delhi was because she asked her strict father for a vacation in Delhi in her aunt’s house. She was wary because her debut had passed but still no suitors arrived. She was not even allowed to go to school. Mamachi on the other hand served as the symbol of constantly being abused women in India. Her experience with her husband served as an example.

Another member of the Ayemenem House is Baby Kochamma. Baby Kochamma is the sister of Papachi which makes her as the grandaunt of the twins. Back in her younger days, Baby Kochamma fell in love with a Catholic priest named Fr. Mulligan. Due to her obsession, she became a Catholic and eventually a nun in following Fr. Mulligan. But she grew distressed in the convent upon learning all the sacrifices she had to give up and the knowledge that even in the convent, seeing Fr. Mulligan was also impossible. So she quitted. After the convent she goes to school and graduated with a certificate for landscaping. The 1^st 6 months in Ayemenem, she turned to her work in the garden as her solace and because of her artistic talents; her garden and landscaping were known and eventually became a tourist spot. But after that, she grew tired of her work and later turned her attention together with Kochu Maria to the television where they can find all sorts of information and entertainment they need from all over the world. Her obsession in the television was worse than in her landscaping. Kochu Maria hated the twins because she was jealous of their affection to each other.

Chacko is Ammu’s brother. He was married once with Margaret Kochamma, an English but is now a divorced man. He had a child with her named Sophie Mol. He busied himself in Ayemenem supervising ‘Paradise Pickles and Preserves’. He was an adorable and kind man in his factory, that’s why, Comrade Pillai, owner of the printing press in Ayemenem and leader of the Communist Party, does not attack him directly for fear of losing his client.

Kochu Maria is the household helper of the Ayemenem House. She is very conscious of her illiteracy which she feels the twins were using against her. She usually holds grudges against the twins. She is the partner of Baby Kochamma in terms of addiction to television. She wore big earrings which symbolizes her proud state, claiming that even if she is only a helper, still she does not belong to the Paravan’s state. A Paravan is also called an ‘Untouchable’.

The way how the novel conveys the family ties is evoking. Each member holds a secret and has its own silence in their inner self. If revealed, turmoil in the family would surely prevail. They are relatives but the way they are acting to each other is neighborly-like, except for Chacko and Mamachi’s relationship. Ammu was also not considered important because of her status as divorced and it is very unlikely for a woman to be divorced.

When Margaret Kochamma’s new husband, died, Margaret accepted the comfort Chacko was offering. She and her daughter fled to India. The Day Sophie Mol Arrived is a very significant day for the twins. It serves as the turning point of their lives. One day before that day, they go to a cinema and Estha first experienced fear. While he was inside the cinema, he wanted to sing but Ammu forbid him so he went out and there sing in the hallway next to a store of candies and drinks. The man managing that store saw and invites Estha to him for a free drink. Estha obliged. But instead of sweet orangelemon drink, the man also added his penis. While drinking, the OrangeLemon Drink man as he was later called made Estha curl his fingers around that big bully’s private area and made him work with his hands until Estha could see and feel some sticky egg-white liquid in his hands. That was Estha’s first experience with Fear. It is such a disgusting act for Estha to do it. It is clearly manifested in this context that not only do women were being abused sexually but also children. It’s such a pity knowing those children having fear like that. For sure, there are many of them in India who are helpless in that way. Instead of feeling the joy as a child, they are feeling hell in the hands of those people who abused them.

Another incident also happened before the day Sophie Mol arrived, while they were on their way to the hotel, Rahel saw Velutha among the angry students rallying in the streets for Communist Party. Velutha is their Paravan carpenter worker in the ‘Paradise Pickles and Preserves’ factory. Though a Paravan, he was the closest friend of the twins. Together with Velutha on the streets were some youths of different classes. Touchables and Untouchables mixed for a common purpose. There are 2 prevailing parties in India, the Communist Party and the Marxist Communist Party. The Communist Party is the party which cares and strictly abides with the Hindu custom of Caste. While the Marxist Communist Party is the party for which all the classes in the Caste will be dissolved for better social relations among India’s people. The latter is what Velutha’s fighting for. But Rahel, seeing the expressions on the face of Baby Kochamma, Chacko, and Ammu, denied that she saw Velutha when asked the second time if that man is really Velutha. Baby Kochamma is muttering some kind of worry over the factory if the workers would rally against them. Chacko is bewildered, while Ammu’s face is grim. At this time, there are many workers who are waging against the government and the class system. It is evident and probably worth the record that some Touchables joined this rally. It clearly states that more and more Touchables were able to understand the meanness of the Caste System.

The Day Sophie Mol Arrived is a significant event.

“Thimble-drinker.

Coffin-cartwheeler.

She walked down the runway, the smell of London in her hair. Yellow bottoms of bells flapped backwards around her ankles. Long hair floated out from under her straw hat. One hand in her mother’s. The other swinging like a soldier’s (lef, lef, lefrightlef).” (p.135)

Sophie Mol as described in the novel was loved from the very beginning. Maybe it must be because she was the most obvious “symbol” of English influence. She is like the epitome of all things European, from the way she wore and the way she mingled to the family in Ayemenem. As if she was an English conqueror, trying to show everyone how they do in their country, starting with the style of clothes compared to the twin’s clothes. It is interesting how Sophie Mol easily drew attention from the people around her. It is natural for Chacko to treat Sophie Mol the way he likes because he was just trying to show a fatherly-love to her. Others like Baby Kochamma and Kochu Maria are behaving such on Sophie Mol as if they are getting something in return or basically just amazed of a foreigner in the family. Whatever that goes against Sophie Mol was simply blamed on the twins, or sometimes at Ammu.

The Day Sophie Mol Arrived is also the beginning of what seem as dangerous and highly immoral love affair of Ammu and Velutha. It is a love affair that is highly unethical and may cause both of them to trouble which may lead to one of them being dead in consequence to their dangerous relationship. But despite the odds, Ammu and Velutha seemed to be trying to defy the Indian traditions. The colonization of the British Empire left an effect on them, making themselves free from the Indian culture that has bounded them.

After several days, the corpse of Sophie Mol was found floating in the river by a fisherman. Estha, Rahel and Ammu were blamed. It brought the totality of grief among the household members of Ayemenem. Another contribution to the confusion is also the finding of the secret love affair between Ammu and Velutha. To this, one person is happy, who is Baby Kochamma.

Velutha was mercilessly killed by the police officers, with the help of Estha. Estha was made to say ‘yes’ in every question that the police ask of him through the instruction of Baby Kochamma.

After these incidents, Estha and Rahel were separated, Estha to his father, Baba and Rahel to her mother, Ammu. After several years, Estha was re-Returned to Ayemenem, not speaking to anybody. Rahel on the other hand had married in New York but later divorced.

Now they were 31 years old, not old, not young, but according to Roy, “a viable-diable age.” Eventhough Rahel did not told Esthappen neither do Baby Kochamma, Estha knew that Rahel is coming home. “Other half” could be a way of calling their twin counterpart, because of course, they’re twins.

One may ask, why is the novel entitled “The God of Small Things”? For me, the small things represent all the simple things that go on around us. They are the simple things that are usually overlooked and forgotten most of the time, by how people live with big things in their lives. Some people won’t ever consider the littlest of details because they believe that “there are bigger things in life”.

Velutha was the one that was always cited as the go that is described in the title.

“The God of Loss.

The God of Small Things.

The God of Goosebumps and Sudden Smiles.” (p. 31)

He must have felt those small things. Despite the racial oppression of the society to them, he still found life in the form of Ammu, the twins and their family. The twins must have seen it too. It is those small things that made themselves closer to each other, and are able to change lives.

Works Cited:

►The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy, HARPER PERRENNIAL, New York, 19

►http://www.anan.to/india/caste.html

►http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/06/0602_030602_untouchables.html

►http://library.thinkquest.org/11372/data/religion.html

►India’s Changing Villages; Human Factors in Community Development, S.C. Dube, Routledge and Regan Paul Ltd., London, 1958

►Development for Free Asia, Maurice Zinkin, CHATTO AND WINDUS, 1963, London

Tears glistening, streaming down my cheeks

Hope still flickering, but like a small drop of water

Challenges are burden, frown and sorrow it will bring

Tell me, who will save me from here?…

Running out of luck, feels like all alone

Joy and happiness, where are you?

Fill this emptiness I can’t bear

Tell me, who will save me from here?…

Friends are diminishing, no one to talk to

Prayers are what is left, holding on

as if your life depends on it,

Struggles are useless if the world

is against you,

Tell me, who will save me from here?…

Oh, Caressing Hand!

I beg your mercy, your kindness, and compassion…

Grant me eternal peace I can’t find in this place!

Please, oh please, save me from here……

I made this poem when I was very frustrated with my life… Pressure in school and pressure in my family is the number 1 reason of my being frustrated… even my friends turn their back on me… and so I was left with no choice but to calm myself through prayers because I believe God is always with us…. He will never forsake us!

10/02/08 ; 11:35pm - my 17th birthday!