When the organizing committee of the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) had finally e-mailed me of the approval of my paper abstract, which I intend to present at the society’s 30th international conference in Portland, Oregon, I was quite elated but a little bit anxious. My excitement is due to the fact that my academic plans for the future are coming into their respective places. Although I have had presented two other papers in international gatherings of researchers and academicians in Hawaii and Utah, yet there is always that feeling of race inferiority and the fear of Visayan accent. In all the gatherings of professionals in the U.S. including the annual meeting of American Philosophical Association and the International Association of Philosophy Teachers, I have always struggled the inferior image of my country of origin. Although I am always consoled by the fact that I can represent the country with pride and dignity so this opportunity should not cause any apprehension but a counter proof against the skeptics.

My paper on “The Philippine EDSA Revolution: Re-interpreting the Filipino Psyche”, did not only chronicle the events of Edsa I and Edsa II but presented an in-depth comparison and analysis of both political events which shaped the mind and consciousness not only of the middle class but of the masses. The role of the military, the church, media and the business sector had been presented in great detail. I have also argued that these two political events in Philippine history were the defining factors of our present political milieu. After my presentation, three other speakers delivered their researches, one was from Bulgaria, the other was from California Polytechnic State University and the last presenter was a linguist-psychologist from University of Oklahoma. After a long day of serious exchange of ideas from among scholars, I finally decided to refresh myself at the International Test Rose Garden and Portland Japanese Garden, which are perfect for reflection and soul searching. Just before sunset, which takes place just before 10:00 PM, I entertained myself to the glamour of Portland’s nightlife. The following day I spent more time exploring the mysteries of physics and chemistry, which are the heart and soul of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Another garden tour at the Classical Chinese Garden compliments my day and after a long walk through Chinatown, Historic Waterfront District and University District, I wasted the night at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The city life of Portland and the countryside of it continue to amaze me until today.

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The journey of the summer did not end in Portland but in the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in the State of Wyoming. Although I ended up staying in West Yellowstone (Montana), it was a blessing rather than flight reservation error. West Yellowstone is a small town of one mile by one mile; the reason being that Gallatin National Forest, Targhee National Forest and Yellowstone Park surround it so there is no room for expansion without violating the federal law. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is the most popular in town. The town is literally less than an hour to the major attractions of the Park such as The Old Faithful geyser basin, Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pot Area, West Thumb Geyser Basin and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Driving within the park is the best way to get around and the cheapest (I think). Whenever a wild life appears in the woods or wilderness, it is very convenient to stop anytime and capture the image of an elk, coyote, bison, bald eagle, etc. rather than get stock in the tour bus. Yellowstone Park is one of the best that America could be proud of. It is second to Grand Canyon (in Arizona) in terms of natural beauty and landscape. The waterfalls, geysers, mountain and valleys and enormous trees everywhere form one of the most beautiful parks I have ever read in the history of mankind. About one hundred seven miles to the West is the famous Idaho Falls in the State of Idaho. It is an awesome experience driving to Idaho because I get the real country driving experience. It was all mountains and valleys, less houses on the road but farms and ranches, less cars and people, no buildings but forest everywhere. This is a summer full of wildlife and country experience and I cannot complain but be gracious. As it is said, I have seen the real America.