from jim paredes re 'jim paredes gives up on RP'

**greenlight** · August 21st, 2006 12:39 PM

For those of you who read the Inquirer article yesterday about "Finally, Apo’s Jim Paredes gives up on RP" by Gerry Lirio (http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerhea...ticle_id=16183), I received an email of Jim Paredes' reply this article which I would like to share to you all.

Dear Friends,

Was awakened this morning with a text from my brother informing me
that I am on the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The
bottom banner read, 'Finally, APO's Jim Paredes gives up on RP.' It
was datelined Melbourne.

While APO was doing our shows in Melbourne and Sydney, Gerry Lirio
from the Inquirer was interviewing me about my new life in Aus. I
talked to him how we were adjusting to everything, the joys and tears
experienced by all immigrants, etc. I also talked about my reasons for
leaving (personal growth mostly) and my frustrations with the
political situation. I said that I was tired. But not once did I ever
say that I had given up on the Philippines.More correctly, I have
always said I would fight another day. Everyday in Sydney, I wake up
to discover the things that work well and wonder how we can do it back
home.

I am not one to trash the Philippines just to feel good about
migrating. In a country already reeling from so much self-inflicted
wounds and pessimism, I don't know how editors and writers can
continue twisting things around. I am, to say the least very
disappointed with the Inquirer. I just don't know how they can come to
such a conclusion based on the interview with me. Sure, I expressed
disappointment with the politics of the country just like everyone
else but to say I have given up on the Philippines is to put it
mildly, a naked lie. It seems that the one who thought of this
headline feels the best thing this country needs is a daily fix of
despair and gloom.

I believe the truth will set us free, but sadly, there is also power
in falsehood. Apparently it sells more than good news.

I remember reading an analogy about spreading falsehood and it
compares it to going on top of a windy hill with a feather pillow and
a knife. While there, slash the pillow and let all the feathers fly
out to where the wind takes it. If a newspaper wishes to make amends
about a false report later on, it becomes as futile as picking up all
the feathers again to restore the reputation of anyone.

Alas, I've just been had. If I had a newspaper right now, I would be
tempted to run a the banner which reads, "Should we all give up on the
Inquirer?'

Other strange facts on the article;

-I was never a member of the MTRCB
-APO did not sing Handog Ng Pilipino sa Mundo in the concerts.

Sorry Gerry. I think you already had a headline in mind even before
the interview. You 'cherry picked' to fit words and impressions to the
headline and so missed the true story. OK Inquirer, you can headline
that Jim Paredes has given up on the Philippines.just as Bush claimrd
there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq!

Jim Paredes

**vhenok** · August 21st, 2006 12:56 PM

I red the article kahapon and napaka-subjective nga nung writer, malayo dun dun sa pagiging isang Jim Paredes na we once knew - patriotic, that is.

Yan naman ang hirap sa atin, so easy to judge a person....

BTW, here's the link...

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerhea...ticle_id=16183

**CVT** · August 21st, 2006 02:21 PM

The article was well written and it would have made an impression on the readers, unless they chanced upon the email from Jim that was forwarded to us by greenlight.

The feathers are now all scattered. Not all will be picked up and returned back to the pillow.

Again, talk about responsible journalism. Sana binibigyan muna ng kopya ang na-interview so that he/she can comment before the article is published.

"Tuloy ang ikot, tuloy ang ikot, tuloy ang ikot ng mundo...."

**empy** · August 21st, 2006 02:44 PM

maybe i'm just crazy, but i thought that article was actually quite flattering to the subject and had a ring of honesty to it.

perhaps the headline is over-reaching, and maybe that's what mr. paredes is reacting to :confused:

**KoKoNAT** · August 21st, 2006 02:59 PM

I read the article. I think the article's writer has taken too much 'creative' leeway with his article. Jim's response (which BTW could be seen in his blog here) was more akin to 'taking a break' than 'giving up'. Everyone is entitled to a break once in a while. Though he refers to himself as an 'immigrant' (which implies getting a citizenship), so he could be in it for the long run.

Reading his blog, I emphatize with him. I share the same sentiments with him. Though for me, I wouldn't call myself 'taking a break'. To put it bluntly, I'd say I've given up on the Philippines.

**Hero** · August 21st, 2006 03:05 PM

ah wala pa akong naririnig na journalist na nagbibigay ng kopya sa ininterview for approval?..unless binayaran nung interviewee ang interview...

whatever it is, nilisan pa rin niya ang pilipinas.. not once but twice! (kung totoo man na may green card na pla siya noon.. )ahaha although i heard siya daw ang kinuha for ch2's dream academy? ano kaya ituturo niya..how to get immigrant visa?

**Alpha_One** · August 21st, 2006 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by CVT

"Tuloy ang ikot, tuloy ang ikot, tuloy ang ikot ng mundo...."

OT: "At lalala pa pare ko, at lalala pa pare ko..."

Heheheh!

**laklak** · August 21st, 2006 06:56 PM

jim paredes wouldnt strike me as one who would easily "give up" on this country. Especially after all that he has done for it, why give up now. Being frustrated about something doesnt necessarily mean that you are giving up on it.

Originally Posted by Hero

whatever it is, nilisan pa rin niya ang pilipinas.. not once but twice! (kung totoo man na may green card na pla siya noon.. )ahaha

so does that mean that he has given up on this country? There are many factors contributing with one's choice of migrating, it is not always about the money.

Originally Posted by Hero

although i heard siya daw ang kinuha for ch2's dream academy? ano kaya ituturo niya..how to get immigrant visa?

all i can sa is, Wow!, yun lang ba ang kanyang naging achievement sa hinaba haba ng kanyang career? He is one of the best musical minds in this country and you are hung up on the fact that he has emigrated to a different country.