“. . . . If, as with the fate of colonized countries, the colonial language remains the main means of intellectual discourse and knowledge creation, …in our particular case there still appears to be no decent intellectual discourse and knowledge creation in English, or our version of it, even in Manila, and still lesser, though emergent (the word “inchoate” came to mind) discourse has come about in Filipino. . . .”

What could be more “inchoate” (and unconscious) than to criticize the inability to create “decent intellectual discourse” using “the colonial language” whilst using the colonial language to do it?

Personally, I am proud to be connected to Filipino Voices, where you never know how your writing will be received, or, and this is more important, whether it will matter to the readers.

Unless you yourself are willing to take that risk, you risk falling into solipsism. When you think you are ready and that your ideas can infect others from sheer merit, coherence, persuasiveness, then you will be ready to join Filipino Voices.

What I think we fail to see is that the topology of this medium ensures that “No Blog Is An Island” (not even MLQ3) though some seem fervently to wish it.

It is the unmitigated desire of many Filipinos to be unique. When we get over that, then paradoxically we will be.

Strive to make a difference or cease altogether and be happy with the status quo, with stagnation, because people say and think one cannot?

You point out obstacles as if they are bound by the laws of physics…

In any case, your criticism is noted. I do not agree. Except only with the suggestion made by Teo.

Scrap the manifesto? I say improve on it..