Nap Time Rocks!

I know everyone’s been aware of Cris Mendez’ story — his being a rather painful one. I can only imagine the horrible things that his family has to go through knowing that he’s already gone.

 I really don’t want to dwell on his death any more than a lot of people already has. It’s just too unnerving for me because I’m a mom myself. A mother’s pain is always the most agonizing one. To Mrs Mendez, I pray for your healing.

Instead, I want to lash out at the fraternities, “brotherhood” they call themselves, whose principles must be upheld by violence. To those who do not, then shut up; I am not after you. Why manhood must be proven by taking licks from your ‘brothers’ is just pointless.

You will soon understand when you boys grow up and enter the real world that can hurt you even more than your wooden paddles. It is not the physical strength that matters most; it’s actually your principles and character that hold you together. I have proven this when one of my closest friends told me,

kaya nga ako nabibilib sayo kasi you seem so strong…yung kahit nahihirapan ka na sobra, you still go on. and parang yun nga, your courage comes from elsewhere, yung fear hindi ganun kalaki kasi you know Someone is going to take care of you.

Is that the kind of strength you get from being initiated into a fraternity? My friends have stuck with me no matter the kind of crap I’ve been through, and no thanks to any kind of hazing that bound us together. My dear fratmen responsible for Cris Mendez’ life, show me one of you who can admit to the world the violence that you did and I will applaud you even for showing responsibility for your actions. Isn’t that what brotherhoods are all about, or are you just another typical clique?

Hindi na nadala ang UP. When I was a freshman, the University AS Walk was still fresh from Niño Calinao’s murder. Several frat-related violence in Diliman became some of the highlights throughout my stay there. And I’ve admired some fraternities who could make a positive difference in the campus. What now, that another name has been added to the roster of the murdered? Will these groups change? Will they realize that hazing isn’t so important in instilling whatever principles they uphold?

My fellow UP scholars, let’s keep Cris Anthony Mendez’ fire alive until due justice is given him, or at least his family.