Arao, D. A. (2007, June 20-26). `Palibhasa, aktibista’. Pinoy Weekly, 6 (23), p. 5. This may be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/pw6-23/op_ed/ed-6_23_3.htm.

What have I been up to these past few days? How did Joy and I spend some of our hard-earned savings? This article can provide the answers.

That we were able to buy a second-hand vehicle in good running condition at a very low price is not just because of sheer luck. My political background had something to do with it, as the seller proved to be very sympathetic to the progressive cause.

Despite my progressive orientation, I have to admit that I have never been comfortable being called an activist. It’s not that I’m ashamed to be called one, it’s just that what I’ve done pales in comparison to those who have practically spent the most productive years of their life acting as agents of social change.

There is, of course, reason to worry being branded an activist in this day and age, as political killings are on the rise and there are journalists who matter enough to be silenced permanently.

Please read this article if you have the time. It’s seldom, after all, that I write very personal essays. Thank you for reading!