almost insane

5 Food You Must Completely Avoid

2011-09-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

(taken from the Net: http://health.yahoo.net/caring/5-foods-that-can-trigger-a-stroke)

1. Crackers, chips, and store-bought pastries and baked goods

Muffins, doughnuts, chips, crackers, and many other baked goods are high in trans fats, which are hydrogenated oils popular with commercial bakeries because they stay solid at room temperature, so the products don't require refrigeration. Also listed on labels as "partially hydrogenated" or hydrogenated oils, trans fats are found in all kinds of snack foods, frozen foods, and baked goods, including salad dressings, microwave popcorn, stuffing mixes, frozen tater tots and French fries, cake mixes, and whipped toppings. They're also what makes margarine stay in a solid cube. The worst offenders are fried fast foods such as onion rings, French fries, and fried chicken.

Why it's bad
For years scientists have known trans fats are dangerous artery-blockers, upping the concentrations of lipids and bad cholesterol in the blood and lowering good cholesterol. Now we can add stroke to the list of dangers. This year researchers at the University of North Carolina found that women who ate 7 grams of trans fat each day -- about the amount in two doughnuts or half a serving of French fries -- had 30 percent more strokes (the ischemic type, caused by blocked blood flow to the brain) than women who ate just 1 gram a day. Another recent study, also in women, found that trans fats promoted inflammation and higher levels of C-reactive protein, which have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

What to do
Aim to limit trans fats to no more than 1 or 2 grams a day -- and preferably none. Avoid fast-food French fries and other fried menu items and study packaged food labels closely. Even better, bake your own cookies, cakes, and other snacks. When you can't, search out "health-food" alternative snacks, such as Terra brand potato chips and traditional whole grain crackers such as those made by Finn, Wasa, AkMak, Ryvita, and Lavasch.

2. Smoked and processed meats

Whether your weakness is pastrami, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, or a smoked turkey sandwich, the word from the experts is: Watch out.

Why it's bad
Smoked and processed meats are nasty contributors to stroke risk in two ways: The preserving processes leave them packed with sodium, but even worse are the preservatives used to keep processed meats from going bad. Sodium nitrate and nitrite have been shown by researchers to directly damage blood vessels, causing arteries to harden and narrow. And of course damaged, overly narrow blood vessels are exactly what you don't want if you fear stroke.

Many studies have linked processed meats to coronary artery disease (CAD); one meta-analysis in the journal Circulation calculated a 42-percent increase in coronary heart disease for those who eat one serving of processed meat a day. Stroke is not the only concern for salami fans; cancer journals have reported numerous studies in the past few years showing that consumption of cured and smoked meats is linked with increased risk of diabetes and higher incidences of numerous types of cancer, including leukemia.

What to do
If a smoked turkey or ham sandwich is your lunch of choice, try to vary your diet, switching to tuna, peanut butter, or other choices several days a week. Or cook turkey and chicken yourself and slice it thin for sandwiches.

How to Tell if Someone Is Having a Stroke

3. Diet soda

Although replacing sugary drinks with diet soda seems like a smart solution for keeping weight down -- a heart-healthy goal -- it turns out diet soda is likely a major bad guy when it comes to stroke.

Why it's bad
People who drink a diet soda a day may up their stroke risk by 48 percent. A Columbia University study presented at the American Stroke Association's 2011 International Stroke Conference followed 2,500 people ages 40 and older and found that daily diet soda drinkers had 60 percent more strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease than those who didn't drink diet soda. Researchers don't know exactly how diet soda ups stroke risk -- and are following up with further studies -- but nutritionists are cautioning anyone concerned about stroke to cut out diet soda pop.

What to do
Substitute more water for soda in your daily diet. It's the healthiest thirst-quencher by far, researchers say. If you don't like water, try lemonade, iced tea, or juice.

4. Red meat

This winter, when the respected journal Stroke published a study showing that women who consumed a large portion of red meat each day had a 42-percent higher incidence of stroke, it got nutrition experts talking. The information that red meat, with its high saturated fat content, isn't healthy for those looking to prevent heart disease and stroke wasn't exactly news. But the percentage increase (almost 50 percent!) was both startling and solid; the researchers arrived at their finding after following 35,000 Swedish women for ten years.

Why it's bad
Researchers have long known that the saturated fat in red meat raises the risk of stroke and heart disease by gradually clogging arteries with a buildup of protein plaques. Now it turns out that hemoglobin, the ingredient that gives red meat its high iron content, may pose a specific danger when it comes to stroke. Researchers are investigating whether blood becomes thicker and more viscous as a result of the consumption of so-called heme iron, specifically upping the chance of strokes.

What to do
Aim to substitute more poultry -- particularly white meat -- and fish, which are low in heme iron, for red meat. Also, choose the heart-healthiest sources of protein whenever you can, especially beans, legumes, nuts, tofu, and nonfat dairy.

5. Canned soup and prepared foods

Whether it's canned soup, canned spaghetti, or healthy-sounding frozen dinners, prepared foods and mixes rely on sodium to increase flavor and make processed foods taste fresher. Canned soup is cited by nutritionists as the worst offender; one can of canned chicken noodle soup contains more than 1,100 mg of sodium, while many other varieties, from clam chowder to simple tomato, have between 450 and 800 mg per serving. Compare that to the American Heart and Stroke Association's recommendation of less than1,500 mg of sodium daily and you'll see the problem. In fact, a nutritionist-led campaign, the National Salt Reduction Initiative, calls on food companies to reduce the salt content in canned soup and other products by 20 percent in the next two years.

Why it's bad
Salt, or sodium as it's called on food labels, directly affects stroke risk. In one recent study, people who consumed more than 4,000 mg of sodium daily had more than double the risk of stroke compared to those who ate 2,000 mg or less. Yet the Centers for Disease Control estimate that most Americans eat close to 3,500 mg of sodium per day. Studies show that sodium raises blood pressure, the primary causative factor for stroke. And be warned: Sodium wears many tricky disguises, which allow it to hide in all sorts of foods that we don't necessarily think of as salty. Some common, safe-sounding ingredients that really mean salt:

Baking soda

Baking powder

MSG (monosodium glutamate)

Disodium phosphate

Sodium alginate

What to do
Make your own homemade soups and entrees, then freeze individual serving-sized portions. Buy low-sodium varieties, but read labels carefully, since not all products marked "low sodium" live up to that promise.

Supsup makes history

2011-09-13T11:39:00.001-07:00

(photos by Missosology)

In a historic feat made by Shamcey Supsup, fourth placer at the recently concluded 60th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, she earns a back-to-back runner-up post with last year's Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj, sealing for the country its beauty powerhouse tag in Asia.

"We are back in the game," Stella Marquez de Araneta, Chairperson of the Bb Pilipinas Charities Inc, would quip at the Coronation Ball.

Supsup landed 3rd runner-up, a notch higher than the big triumph of Venus Raj last year as 4th runner-up in the same pageant.

Shamcey gave a sterling and flawless performance that most pageant fans believed that she should have won the title, and not Leila Lopes of Angola. When asked during the Question-and-Answer portion, Shamcey replied without hesitation and with much conviction.

Vivica A. Fox: Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why or why not?

Shamcey Supsup: If I would have to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is God, who created me. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. If the person loves me, he should love my God, too.

Misses Ukraine, Brazil and China rounded up the Top 5. Ms Lea Salonga sat as one of the judges and asked the question that sealed the win for Ms Angola.

Congratulations, Shamcey Supsup! The entire country is proud of you. I am prouder being your fellow Isko and fellow Mindanaoan. : )

Shamcey Supsup, 25, Philippines!

2011-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

(Photo from Missosology.org)

Tonight, it is Miss Universe pageant once again. Will we see Miss Philippines Shamcey Susup be called on as one of the 16 semifinalists in this year's Sao Paulo, Brazil edition?

Will we see Filipino pageant fans go crazy again once the country is called in in the Top 16?

All prayers now are for Shamcey Supsup, as she prepares for the Coronation Night. The Philippines hope to see their representative makes it for the second consecutive year after Maria Venus Raj ended up as 4th runner-up last year. The topnotcher of the worldwide Internet voting will take on the 16th spot in the semifinals.

Supsup, well-loved amongst her co-candidates and the Miss Universe Organization staff, makes it into the list of favorites amongst past Miss Universe winners, pageant sites, and amongst fans after she showed grace, class and freshness during the Preliminaries. We can only hope that the Preliminary judges agree with everyone who loves Shamcey.

The Philippines has produced two Miss Universe titleholders in the past: Gloria Diaz in 1969, and Margarita Moran in 1973. After 38 years, we hope that the University of the Philippines-Diliman Magna Cum Laude graduate and the July 2010 Board of Architecture licensure examinations topnotcher Shamcey Gurrea Supsup will clinch the country's third MU crown.

Crissy and her inspiring story

2011-08-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Very few people take the road less traveled. Many of those I went to school with, and I met along the way always had one singular vision - that is to join the corporate world or establish one's business and make more money for oneself. While this is not a bad thing altogether, there is much inspiration in people who lead a life out-of-the-box.

Crissy Guerrero, a dear friend and a colleague in our Indigenous Peoples work, has one story worth emulating. I am very proud of Crissy and what she has contributed to the world.

GMANews wrote her story and made a short video about it. Here it is below:

____
Maria Cristina Guerrero: Social entrepreneur

In 1993, the plan was simple: Maria Cristina Guerrero, or Crissy to friends and family, would go on a year-long mission in Palawan as a Jesuit volunteer helping out indigenous groups. And just like any other business management major with standing offers from several multinationals, she was supposed to come back from volunteer work to enter the corporate world.

Eighteen years later, those companies still haven’t received that call from Crissy.

Today, the 39-year-old assists not only indigenous peoples from Palawan, but other ethnic communities in the region as the executive director of the Non-timber Forest Products Exchange Programme for South and Southeast Asia.

Social entrepreneur Ma. Cristina "Crissy" Guerrero serves as the executive director of Non-Timber Forest Products - Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP), a non-government organization promoting environmental conservation along with indigenous people's rights. In this video, Crissy shows some of the products that form part of her social advocacy. Paterno Esmaquel II

Social entrepreneurship is becoming more and more popular nowadays—but how does one become the successful kind? In an interview with GMA News Online, Crissy outlines her formula. It might not work for you and me, but hey, it’s always worth a shot.

1. Make sure you have a strong foundation.

The possibilities were limitless for Crissy when she graduated from college in 1993. She had just received a degree in business management from the Ateneo de Manila University and was offered a position in one of the country’s biggest corporations, which she would accept as soon as she came back from Palawan

But instead of staying a year, Crissy stayed for five, despite all the curveballs thrown at her. During her first week in Palawan, she had a tricycle accident (the tricycle crashed with her inside it) and a bad case of Ameobiasis (she was on intravenous fluids).

Everyone was expecting the fresh graduate to run home right away.

What they didn’t know was that Crissy was determined to finish her mission. She was there because of a “different call." The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the flashfloods that ravaged Ormoc around that time had made Crissy rethink her career path.

“There were a lot of things that brought you to reality… and I was ready to do something else in the beginning," she says.

Having something to draw energy and inspiration from, Crissy adds, comes in handy later in life. It’s the individual successes stories from those early years that drive her to this day. These stories include indigenous folk who are finally able to send a child to college, or those that are able to purchase a carabao from the money they earned.

“People had new assets that they didn’t have before," she says, smiling.

2. Don’t be afraid of challenges.

One of the things that Crissy had to overcome during her volunteer work was the language barrier. Having lived in different countries around Asia for 10 years, Tagalog wasn’t her strong suit.

“You go to Ateneo, you listen to Taglish and you think that you can understand [Tagalog] but then you get thrown into a setting where there’s no ‘lish’," she says.

It was difficult at first, but she persevered until she became more comfortable speaking the language. “It’s also fueled by the interest to speak directly with the people and not go through a translator," she adds.

Although Crissy was sure she wanted to devote an entire year to volunteer work, her parents weren’t exactly warm to the idea, and so she requested to be assigned somewhere nearer. But the program organizers had a different idea and sent her to Palawan, an hour’s flight away from her home in Manila.

“I think part of me really wanted to go [even if] I wasn’t totally prepared. But it was meant for me because that’s the foundation of all my work now," she says.

She took a year off from community work to get a masters' degree from Cornell University, but promptly came back to help start NTFP-EP.

Crissy is currently based in Indonesia, her husband’s home country, where she’s bringing over her experience from indigenous communities and forests in the Philippines.

Her new milieu has proven to be a whole different challenge for Crissy. Unlike the Philippines, forests are plentiful in Indonesia with over 130 million hectares, but they also burn 1 million hectares annually. The biggest challenge, however, is changing the way Indonesians see non-timber forest products.

“A lot of NGOs are still focused on advocacies and lobbying, and serious enterprise work has not really been a priority," she says.

NTFPs for Beginners

Non-timber forest products or NTFPs are biological materials other than timber that come from forests. These include rattan, abaca fiber, forest fruits, resins, gums, medicinal plants, and honey that are used to create different crafts. For example, rattan is made into furniture while abaca fibers are woven into fabrics for bags, throw pillow cases and table runners.

Forest dwellers in the Philippines, many of them indigenous communities, have long depended on NTFPs for their sustenance and income.

Reference: www.ntfp.org

3. Find the gap in the system and work your magic from there.

Crissy was a member of business and community-based organizations in college, but as an undergrad, she didn’t dabble in forests and indigenous communities. After college, she managed to use her acquired business know-how in a non-academic endeavor.

Most forest-based or indigenous communities, Crissy says, have been engaged in trading and making non-timber forest products for a long time. But they needed help in marketing their products and negotiating with dealers.

In 2009 for instance, a Spanish department store wanted to order a huge volume of notebooks with woven covers. The problem, she explained, was that the community that produced the design they wanted couldn’t meet deadlines.

“[You need to understand] the capacities of the community and transfer that to the market while still being able to capture the opportunity that the market provides," she says. Crissy’s group told the client that they would have to make do with different designs from several communities.

4. It’s not all about the money.

We may scoff at the song that goes, “it’s not about the money, money, money," but Crissy says that in this industry, it really isn’t.

Assisting indigenous communities, she notes, involves more than just empowering them and augmenting their income; it’s about teaching resilience.

“There will always be shocks to businesses whether they’re in the urban or rural areas—things will cost more, cost less, you’ll run out of this and that," she says.

Communities that are dependent on just one kind of product may go broke if natural calamities hamper production. If strong rains persist in forests, for instance, bees can’t come out to make honey, stunting honey harvests.

“That’s why we always talk about not just a singular livelihood model but those that have diversity," she said. That means making sure communities tap into different non-timber resources to avoid exhausting them.

“Communities are smart, so they’re able to figure things out," she said.

More importantly, they need to learn to be dynamic in creating systems that allow non-timber forest enterprises to flourish. “That’s why we also work at the policy level and the resources—like how to make sure there’s enough for the current and future generations," Crissy adds.

5. Trust your gut—it’s there for a reason.

“If there’s a gnawing feeling, then listen to that gnawing feeling and you search," she says.

Cheesy as it may sound, Crissy decided to do volunteer work because she felt a “disconnect" in the concept of having a high-earning corporate job while people were suffering from natural calamities.

But it wasn’t just heart and instinct that she used. It’s also important to use your skills wisely, she adds.

Filipinos have a knack for creativity, Crissy observes. “You see the materials [from indigenous communities] and you see the potential. You [also] see the possibility [of bridging] the gap."

Even those who aren’t keen on pursuing a career in social entrepreneurship can pitch in, she adds. “We hope that people can be responsible in their buying and support green investments [so that they] find their role in the movement of pursuing fair and green practices," she says.

Crissy also urges budding entrepreneurs to persevere in the first two years of the business and to band together to lobby for government support.

“Starting in any business is difficult, much more this kind of business so you need that kind of national recognition that this is something good," she says.

Finally, she says it always should go back to the success stories of individuals and groups.

“It’s the possibilities of change—that you can be an instrument towards change," she says. – YA, GMA News

Kitchen Cures*

2011-08-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

When we’re feeling sick, we look at the medicine cabinet to see what pills we can take. We should check out the pantry instead. Many everyday ingredients can treat different ailments and unlike drugs, they are inexpensive and with less side effects.

Honey

Honey is good for cuts and scrapes. It has three powerful components: sugar for absorbing moisture so bacteria can’t survive, hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and propolis to kill bacteria. Plus, the honey dries to form a natural bandage. Just spread thickly over the infected area.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is actually the basis of many skin moisturizers. For eczema, rub olive oil on the skin to keep it from drying out.

Spicy dish

Good for a stuffy nose or congestion, spicy dishes loosen the mucus by making the eyes and nose run.

Garlic

Garlic is antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and an antioxidant so it has many uses. Take garlic when you have a cold to fight the infection and boost the immune system. Mix together minced garlic, warm water and honey for taste. Leave the garlic in the mixture for a few minutes then swallow without chewing. Another way of taking it is by chewing raw garlic cloves with honey. Repeat every two to three hours. Garlic can also be used for athlete’s foot due to its antifungal nature. Simply rub a clove of raw garlic to the affected area.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is used to remove odor so it makes weird sense that you use it for body odor as well. Sprinkling baking soda on your armpits and feet will reduce the moisture you produce.

Chamomile Tea

Wrapping cold, wet tea bags in paper towels can help sooth itchy eyes from colds or hay fever. The tannic acid in tea reduces the itch. Chamomile tea can also be used for calluses. Soak your feet in a diluted chamomile tea bath to soften the hard skin.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-sickness properties so it can help in nausea. Pregnant women can also relieve morning sickness by taking ginger biscuits.

Turmeric

Turmeric is good for treating many skin ailments. It can be used to sooth acne, scrapes and sunburn. Mix several drops of water with ½ teaspoon of powdered turmeric to make a thin paste. Apply the mixture on the blemishes or sunburn and leave for an hour. Be sure to rinse after because turmeric stains.

Rice Water

Bangladeshis have been using rice water as a treatment for diarrhea forever. The proteins in the rice help stabilize the bowel and it’s tastier than any medicine.

Banana

Who knew that aside from being a yummy snack, bananas can be used for bug bites? All you have to do is eat the fruit and apply the banana peel fruit side down on the bite. Hold it there until the itching subsides.

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*lifted from yahoo news

Visiting Ancestral Homes Around the Philippines

2011-07-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Vigan is frozen in time of the Spanish dominion in the country

This year, I gave myself the time to check old houses around the country - from the laid-back towns of Mindanao (Camiguin and Surigao), to the well-preserved Hispanic stretches of Luzon in Ilocos (Vigan and Laoag), till the quaint places of Visayas in Negros (Silay, Bacolod, Talisay).

There is no doubt that the Philippines has a rich cultural heritage courtesy of the Spaniards.

Somehow I feel a connection to period structures and architecture. I am easily charmed by them.

It was in early April that I went around Mindanao with my family and my Malaysian friend. I showed her the beauty of my hometown as well as that of the neighboring cities and municipalities. We marveled at old houses in Camiguin and Lanuza.

Just this July, I trooped to Bacolod City and walked around Silay to check the old mansions 31 of which had been declared by the National Historical Institute as heritage houses.

Going to Ilocos Provinces (Laoag up north, and Vigan down south) certainly brings back thoughts about Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo scenes from Dr Jose Rizal's novels.

(all photographs I took myself like most photographs on this site)

Today, I Just Want You To Laugh

2011-07-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

(A MUST-READ! Super funny. taken from the Internet. Great for editing)

It was jazz an ordinary day. The skies were clear, the birds were chipping. Ang ganda-ganda ng araw! Nasa SM ako noon at katatapos ko lang mamili ng groceries. Timing naman nasa foodcore si Angel Locsin, nagpro-provoke ng movie nya. Grabe, andaming fans, pull-packed talaga! Dahil fans nya rin ako, nakipila rin ako.

Then suddenly, out of the loo, may bumulong sa akin ng: "Indaaaayyyy. ....."
Huh? It sounded like a familiar sound. Who can it be now?
"Dodong!" sigaw ko.

Napalakas yata voice ko. Kasi the other fans turned their backs to their behind at napatingin sa amin. Sabi ko "Sorry, I didn't mean to be loud and proud." Hinawakan na lang ni Dodong ang kamay ko at lumayo kami from the crowd.

"Kamusta na Inday? Do you come here open? tanong nya.
"Bihira lang, Dodong. I'm just droppings by. Ethnic and schedule ko eh" sabi ko.

Memories came flushing in my mind. How can I forget to remember Dodong? Siya na may mata ni Piolo, dimple ni Aga, at bigote ni Rex Cortez. he's every woman's dreamboat. I was just starting my tour of duty kay ate noon nang unang makilala ko si Dodong. Contraction worker siya sa ginagawang bahay sa tapat namin. Naging kami for a while then after that were not an item anymore.

"Tanghali na Inday. What did you say we have lunch together?" tanong ni
Dodong. "I don't mine" sagot ko.

Sa restaurant, nilapitan kaagad kami ng waiter. "What's your odor sir?" sabi nung waiter kay Dodong.

"Do you have porkshop?" tanong ni Dodong.

"Yes sir" sabi nito. "Our porkshop with a resistance to the teeth of boast of our chef. Domestic careful selection of pork with little fat of female liking is used. The exquisite cooking which repeated trial and error and was completed. it also has healthy vegetables with salad feeling fully" dagdag niya.

"And you mam?" sabay tingin naman sa akin.

Hmmm... mukhang masarap yung porkshop. Pero I'm cutting down on my carbon kaya pinigilan ko.

"I'll just have water, thanks. Liquidate diet ako eh." sagot ko.

Pagkatapos kumain, nagyaya si Dodong manood ng sine. Teka teka, this is going too far. Besides, it's a long, long way to run.

"Reality chess, Dodong. May asawa na ako, si Jay. As a mother of fact, I'm happily married" pagmamalaki ko.

"Di na pwede yung tulad ng dati. Sorry pero I didn't expect you still have more feelings than I expected. i don't want you getting the way. Past is fast. Therefore, cause and defect." dagdag ko pa.

Tumahimik sya. Parang may language barrel na namagitan sa amin. The seconds that passed seemed like fraternity. Di nagla-on, nagsalita na rin sya.

"I don't care less!" sigaw ni Dodong.
Shocks, give me a brake! The nerd ng taong ito para sigawan ako! To think it's his other woman that caused our separation to part.

Kinabahan na ako. I felt speedbumps all over my body and was having panic attach. Tinalikuran ko siya at nagmadali akong lumakad palayo. Pero sumunod pa rin siya like a monkey on my butt. Hanggang sa makakita ako ng security guard. Biglang nawala si Dodong.

"Excuse me kuya, pwedeng magtanong?" sabi ko sa mamang guard.
"Of course miss, I can help you with my pleasure." sagot niya.

"Saan po ba ang exit? Could you point me to the right erection? I got lost in my eyes."

"Diretso lang." sabi niya. "Then turn right anytime with care."

"Thanks for your corporation" sabi ko.

Buti na lang nandun si kuya. Pero saglit lang, I smell something peachy. As I turned, nakita ko na namang nakasunod si Dodong! Delaying static lang pala kanina ang pag disappear nya.

"Nyahahaha! You can run but you can hide, Inday. No matter where you go, there you are!" pananakot nya..

Oh no, is this the end? This is too much, I feel degradable. My world started falling afar.

Then suddenly, Jay come from behind! Dodong was caught to the act! In the matter of minute, it's all over. I'm out of arm's way.

"Thanks Jay, my love. But how did you?" bago pa man ako matapos, sabi niya:
"I was in the neighborhood. Fans din ako ni Angel eh. I heard you shout but at first I didn't give it a thought. Pero nang makita ko kayong magkahawak ng holding hands, then i give it a thought. I know something is a missed.."

From then on, Dodong did not brother me again. In fact, he didn't even sister me. As in platonic at wala na talaga. Pero kami ni Jay, heto, shoot sailing pa rin ang relationship. Lalo pa ngayon, open na kami sa isa't-isa at walang exhibitions. i feel I'm on cloud.

Bus Ride Home On A Weary Friday

2011-07-17T02:37:00.000-07:00

"...You came down the aisle of the bus and you sat by my side

Shoulder up to shoulder we shared that 9 o'clock ride

Oh, my heart was screamin' as you left your seat

Followin' your movements I was at your feet and..."

"...I am now about to begin the last of my days

I'm within what others would call a terminal phase

I myself can only say it's livin' dead

Ridin' to the office with a song in my head that goes...la la la la la la"

Pusong Ligaw

2011-05-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

I never thought Jericho Rosales would one day make a hit song. I know how great an actor he is, but he struck gold with Pusong Ligaw (Lost Heart).

Congratulations to Echo for his Best Actor plum from the US for the I Love You virus movie.

Incidentally, this song was used in the hit movie, In The Name of Love, starring Aga M, Angel L, and Jake C.

Shamcey wins; trike driver shines

2011-04-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

Shamcey Supsup, 24, a Magna Cum Laude from the College of Architecture, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and Topnotcher at the 2010 Licensure Board Examinations for Architects, wins the most-coveted title, Miss Universe-Philippines 2011, Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Supsup took home three special awards,namely: Miss Talent, Miss Philippine Airlines and Miss Creamsilk.

She bested 39 other candidates who included Dianne Necio, Miss International-Philippines 2011; Isabella Manjon, Miss Philippines-Tourism 2011; runners-up Janine Tugonon and Mary Jean Lastimosa.

This pageant has attracted high-caliber candidates that this batch is considered to be the strongest in the history of Binibining Pilipinas.

However, during the Coronation Night, an 18-year old poor girl from Bulacan, and probably the most beautiful tricycle driver in the world, won the hearts of the crowd and the viewers the world over. She's Luzelle Felipe, candidate number 23, who won the Reader's Choice Award and the Best in Long Gown. I think she will one day win a crown.

Watch the Long Gown Competition and be mesmerized by Ms Felipe who said: "I am here in this pageant because of my dreams, fighting for my family." Awww.

Shamcey Supsup, on the other hand, is a stunner in person who was splendid and elegant in her gown. She would share her thoughts on beauty: "The standard of beauty is not definite. We define it."

Inquirer Libre's Weather Guy

2011-04-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

This week's (April 4 - 8) weather better be good with me on helm. Hahahaha.

Thanks PDI Inquirer Libre!

I am the Weather Guy

2011-04-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

For April 4 - 8, 2011, I am the Weather Guy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer's free newspaper, Inquirer Libre. Grab a copy at any train station this week! : )

First in a Series on Claudeae Starr

2011-02-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

Have you found your Valentine today? Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. And Happy Single's Awareness Day (s.a.d.), single people!

I've got a little story here for all of you, my readers.

Inspiration leads to a juicy creativity and bleeding ink. This shortie is one of those babies. Done several years back.

- - - - - -
Tell Me

If a needle falls to the ground, shall I hear of it drop?

I saw a tabby cat lick its paw in my immaculate white kitchen, startled at the sight of me, the cookie jar slid off when catty jerked.

“Oh noooooooo!” I leaped, landing on my underside, hoping to catch the 1964 vintage cookie jar of grandma’s. My outstretched arms and open palm was a second late. Smash, went the end of the jar. I saw it all in slow-mo: a silver sliver came turning in the air, in hyberbola, catching much of the light, I was awestruck. I closed my eyes and in an ant-bite sensation, it hit me, pricked the tip of my index finger, blood stained it, a needle pin.

Meow.

The white furry tabby cat purred, and rushed out through the dog-pass hole of the door. She peered back at me and purred a second time, calling.

The morning chill of dawn shivered me. Something about the Gaelic harpsichord music seeping through the early morn mood moved me.Heaven’s music on earth, it must be.

In a distant, a horse huffed and galloped away. I could sense it was just in the prairie outside my kitchen. Must it be the farmers passing by?

Tabby brushed my foot and skirted away. I tracked her down with my eyes: all was quiet and serene, the morning dew gathered on theedelweiss and the baby’s breath wildly growing around. The early lightwas yet coming out. From the horizon is the expanse of mount Diwata range, bluish from the reflection of light, the immediate surrounding in fields of green and gold dashed with white spots from the tiny flowers. Nothing unusual except for white furry tabby cat running around wildly from a distance.

It wasn’t yet near-day, and the colour white gives the field of greens a solid contrast. The plaintive music of the bagpipes from the CD player on my lanai reverberated. I could never be wrong with the kiss of the cold breeze that smacked on my face.

My eyes scanned the vast field of edelweiss, baby’s breath and wild grass: something white lay where tabby cat purred and purred.

I folded a quarter of my rather long white pyjamas, my upper white sleeping chemise was half-open, blood-stained. Without a beat, I ran towards the white mound. As I moved closer, I realized it to be of a person’s. I quickened my pace; barefoot, unmindful of the thorns I stepped on my way.

I reached the misty site on the break of dawn. Tabby nudged me.

There I saw her lay on her stomach upon the edelweiss, almost lifeless. Her frock was fairy-like and lightly white. Despite that, the look of tranquility on her smooth even-toned face. Lovely. I wonder where she came from and whether she was still alive.

I picked her up on my arms and for the first time I stared at the entirety of her face. She opened her oriental eyes when my finger smoothened her thin brow. She murmured her name softly, but I didn’t catch it before she fainted.

Her fragile hands crossed her chest. There I noticed a silver bracelet with an engraving of probably her name: Claudeae Starr. #

Second of a Series: Claudeae Starr

2011-02-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

I wrote this piece in 2004. For everyone's reading pleasure.

- - - -

Time Tells Me

Have all the angels descended from heaven today?

I long to see my dead mother, and the wrath of the sea beckons to join them lash out its anger against the cold, solid land the water washes ashore. I look into the little pond behind the end of the peninsula where the ocean meets the earth.

When one tries to visit the past for the last time to confront one’s future, the salty little pond reveals beautiful memories on its crystal-clear waters.

“Yassurrrrr, yassurrrr…” it hauntingly whispers, it seduces, and it eats my present memory of time. As if chemistry has abandoned logic, the sodium chloride in the air slowly melts my white bloodstained sleeping chemise, baring my almost weak upper body, leaving me only with my rather long white pyjamas.

Quickly, the face of the skies changed from aquamarine blue to morbid gray. The veiny lightning scattered and whipped the dark clouds. When its tip touched the sea from afar, an electrifying ripple ran aground.

The chilly winds hollered and sped past me, ruffling my Shawn Cassidy hair, it hid my sad drooping eyes.

It is the end of my world. In minutes, the sea will eat me, and I will rejoin my old secret memories revealed by the waters. “Yassurrrrr, yasssurrr,” it calls.

Everything before me turned dark and gray at the tip of the rocky cliff where the sea crashes itself to, where I stand awaiting for my heart to surrender.

Heaven cried with me. Rain poured heavily, the painful drops chafed my supple skin on my exposed shoulders and chest.

Perhaps to a chosen few, their end is nature’s drama. All the earth’s animals huddled together, sounding a lamentation, bowing its heads against the outpouring of rain.

My white furry tabby cat purred and bit the loose thread of my pyjamas. I minded my sensitive pet and looked down.

A sound stopped me. The eerie melody of a violin reached me. It came from an abandoned Augustinian stone chapel, meters away from where I stood. It was a sad tune of eulogy, something played in funerals.

Then I remembered my late mother: she was smiling while she lay on her deathbed. A little fire burned inside me, giving warmth to an iced body.

The heavy wooden door of the chapel creaked and slowly opened: the wind and strings of Tomaso Albinoni began to play adagio in G minor. It calmed me.

Shall I look back and see who’s playing this sweet serene song of my soul?

The most beautiful tune, without doubt, comes from the heart. I heard the melodious sweet voices of angels chorus, happy and inspiring. It stopped the rain, and calmed the sea. The setting sun peeked, and its rays chased the gloom of the skies away.

However, when the mind is set to a decision, nothing can stop it. I stepped closer to the edge of the cliff, and took a deep breath. This is goodbye.

“Yasser,” someone called out my name from the chapel behind me where the light and music emanated. Tabby purred and nudged me. I allowed myself to look for the last time.

There I saw the owner of the voice who called out my name. She was garbed in a fairy white dress that complemented her long voluminous tresses; she seemed to have sprung from the angels who were singing to save me.

Why has she come, and in such a manner, I wondered. She moved as if gliding, closer and closer to me. When she was arms-length away, she mentioned my name once again.

“Yasser,” she said, her oriental eyes twinkled as she extended her lithe right arm towards me that showed a shimmery silver bracelet with a name engraving. I strained my eyes to see, and it read, Claudeae Starr. #

For The First Time

2011-02-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

I've never done EB's(eyeball) in my entire life. Perhaps this was the closest I've ever experienced to an eye ball.

However, it was a grand ball of sorts for I met Nicolette Henson, 2010 Binibining Pilipinas 2nd runner-up, whom I rooted for together with Maria Venus Raj (check my April 2010 archive here) in the last staging of Bb Pilipinas beauty pageant.

Most importantly, I met several cool members of the online pageant forum, OPMB.

Flanked by Nigel and Arnie

All together now! (back row l-r: tienelyn, jade kennedy,stella, narcissus, ruffa adolfo, jcmixed, bessie, nikette, katriane, ondoyz / front row l - r: garyjohn, chino teopaco pacia, goddess, finance guy)

With beauty queen Helen Nicolette

Third in a Series on Claudeae Starr

2011-02-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Written in the Capricorn cusp of Christmas seven years past, this very short story I conjured in my head is inspired by Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor and by a graceful Oriental young lady.

------------------------------------------------------
Do our own ghosts betray us?

Then, no one shall sleep.

The dark looming shadow stood before me in my bed, holding a butcher’s knife ready to slice me open. Without a thought, I wrestled with it but it was too powerful for my own strength. The knife pierced me a few inches above my right chest. Blood oozed out, yet I felt no immediate pain. A cold sting penetrated my flesh. Knowing it might be my last, I shouted my loudest, and it seemed like my insides were almost rammed up my throat.

When one is about to expire, lifeless and cold, the most beautiful memories start to play in the mind. Most dead people have faint smiles on their faces when they lay to eternal rest.

I saw her face again, staring at me this time, expressionless. Falling, falling, falling. Thud.

I woke up in a surreal world, wet with my heavy sweat, panting on the floor. It was a bad dream. I felt my chest, when I looked down, a smear of blood stained my white sleeping chemise on the spot where I supposedly was stabbed. However, not even a scar was on my skin.

I rolled up a quarter of my rather long white pyjamas, before I walked down the kitchen to drink water. My white furry tabby cat lay beside the ball at the foot of the stairs when I passed her by.

While gulping down half a liter of lukewarm water, I thought I saw a dark shadow pass just outside my kitchen French window. The hairs on my nape stood, and a tingling sensation went down my spine.

Blog. Blog. Smash. Meow.

The sliding glass door close to the stairway shattered, frightening tabby, she shrieked. Someone broke into the house. Tabby leaped and ran towards me. Just in time when I caught tabby in my hands, the lights went out. The moon was the only source of light that starless night.

When one is in panic, the only thing in mind is survival.

I turned the knob of the kitchen door to escape, but this was rammed. I was about to turn on the emergency light when the dark figure loomed five meters away from me in the kitchen. It had an abnormal shape, disfigured, and seemed to be hairy. It growled and mumbled.

Clutching the knife set, I darted the biggest and hit the figure on the chest. With tabby on my left arm, I took the chance to flee. The dark figure grimaced in pain but managed to claw my ankle. I took another knife and aimed it on the eye. This time, tabby and I escaped.

The clouds moved in and hid the moon. It was pitch dark and I groped my way out with tabby. When I reached the smashed glass door, a man stood there in plastic coat. He grabbed me by the neck and strangled me.

I dropped tabby and she shrieked and clawed the stranger. The man kicked tabby and purred in pain, landing on the thicket in the prairie.

I struggled with the man and did not imagine this to be the end. Gasping and out of breath, I poked my middle finger into his eye, and bit into his leather-like skin. I dug my teeth into his flesh and he shouted as if this was his last. He let go of my neck. I looked up, and it rained on me.

I shivered. It was all a dream.

Tabby pushed the glass full of water on top of my headboard and woke me up from my nightmare. She purred and leaped out my bed. I felt my chest and looked down. There was that bloodstain, but no wound.

I took a towel to pat dry myself and changed into a new pair of white pyjamas. When I was about to put on my white sleeping chemise, I heard a horse gallop and a dog howl. Tabby leaped and ran out. I abandoned dressing up.

I followed tabby out of the house and into the pitch dark, starless night. She led me into a clearing where a faint weep originated.

From the bushes we peered from, I saw a beautiful lady, dressed almost like a fairy in a flowing white dress. She knelt before a white, wounded dying horse. She caressed the horse’s mane, and a tear trickled down the eyes of the horse. It breathed for the last time, slithered, and expired.

I stared at her oriental sad eyes when she wept. My heart broke. Tabby purred and nudged me.

The instant I saw her weep, I wanted to know her. I walked out of the bush and went up to her, then genuflected.

“Who are you?” I inquired.

She slowly opened her weeping eyes, looked at me and replied with a name, “Claudeae Starr.”

Real Weddings: Nego & Crissy

2011-02-02T10:28:00.001-08:00

Florist Pat Pastelero featured Nego & Crissy's wedding on her website, The Floralist.
One of the most unique weddings I've ever been to, this probably would be best for the books. And not just because I was its coordinator. Teehee!

Do visit the site and marvel at the photographs.

http://thefloralist.tumblr.com/post/3026636329/real-weddings-nego-crissy

Kiong Hee Huat Tsai / Gong Xi Fa Cai

2011-02-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Rabbit is here this year!

Happy Chinese New Year to one and all!!! May we have all the blessings we deserve to do good things for others as a tribute and homage to Our Creator.

God bless us all.

Cheers!

Hiding from the Facebook World

2011-01-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Privacy settings guide to Facebook. Posted from the Net.

If you're ready to move into Facebook stealth mode, follow these simple steps:

• Visit Facebook.com, log in to your profile and click 'Account' in the top-right corner. From there, choose 'Privacy Settings.'

• From the 'Privacy Settings' page, click on 'View Settings' to see who can search for you, send messages to your account, see your education and work settings and more. Change all of these drop-down menus to 'Friends Only.'

• Return to the 'Privacy Settings' page and choose 'Customize Settings' near the bottom of the page. This new page will load a number of different privacy options, but you'll want to click through each one and change the setting to 'Only Me' so that nobody else can see your Facebook activity.

• Stay on the 'Customize Settings' page and scroll down to 'Things Others Share.' Here, you'll want to edit and disable settings so that your friends are unable to write on your wall, comment on posts and check you in to places.

• Return to the 'Privacy Settings' page and, under 'Apps and Websites' in the bottom-left corner, select 'Edit Your Settings.' This page shows all of the third-party websites and applications that you have given access to some of your Facebook information. If you see anything on this list that you want to remove, just click to remove it from the list.

• Stay on the 'Apps and Websites' page, scroll down to 'Instant Personalization' and select 'Edit Settings.' Uncheck the box at the bottom of this page to block other websites from accessing your Facebook interests. Select 'Confirm' when a pop-up asks you if you're sure you want to disable this option.

• Return to the 'Apps and Websites' page, scroll down to 'Public Search' and select 'Edit Settings.' To keep search engines from finding your Facebook profile, uncheck the box on this new screen.

___

On My Birthday Month

2011-01-24T16:54:00.001-08:00

Here I am on my birth month of January, the year 2011.

Nominated to the Top 100 Most Handsome Pinoy Bloggers

2011-01-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

Banner by Zyra Ordono-Bambico

Hahahahaha! Thank you to all those who nominated me.

Please do vote for me when voting starts. All those with Facebook accounts may vote. Here's the link below:

http://barangayblogosphere.com/?p=615

Youth is like diamonds in the sun

2011-01-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

Even when Alphaville originally recorded this song, Forever Young, I already dig this inspiring song. Now that UK's X-Factor show finalist-boy band, One Direction, has re-recorded it, I love it more.

Perhaps I am 1D's sixth member. Wishful thinking. Hahahaha!

Manna for the Mind

2011-01-11T05:55:00.001-08:00

the library's main room. there is an adjoining audio-visual room (with a japanese vibe)

In 2006, I left my job to build a grade school library for the underprivileged in Payatas, Quezon City. There I met a very young boy in that school whose life is both an inspiration and a pinch in the heart.

This piece I wrote as a dedication to him.

Manna for the Mind

It is a typical Saturday morning in Batasan Hills: as the sun peers out in the horizon, the mothers hurry to catch the fresh produce in the nearby wet market to haggle for the day’s meal. The children yawn and look out of the window awaiting the food to break their hunger. For some, they can only endure the hunger and instead play to forget about food.

A few of these kids have a different situation altogether.

Buboy Endo (not his real name) is a fifth grade of Bagong Silangan Elementary School who usually goes to school empty-handed and needs to forego play to work on weekends to earn his daily allowance and help his parents eke out a living.

At 14, Buboy can pass off as a third-grader with his small frail body. Today, he goes around peddling ice cream and earning less than twenty (Php20 or USD 0.40) pesos after a day’s work. Sometimes, his mother joins him sell ice cream when not washing clothes for other households. However, his mother could not be with him today being in a delicate condition on her tenth pregnancy and needs to be home.

Under the scorching heat, Buboy searches on foot for people who would want to buy his ice cream in his district, shouting and enticing them to taste the flavorful dessert. Sometimes he gets to see other children play and he yearns to join them but the thought of earning to sustain him in school burns more intensely that he walks past them, resigned that this is the kind of weekends he will have for now.

Being the eldest of a brood of eight boys and one girl (a sibling died, and another one coming), Buboy is a face of determination, responsibility and hard work at a tender age. Despite the fact that he was forced to drop out of school in the past due to poverty, he has not given up despite the odds.

His family lives in the D & E community where all sorts of social ills greet them on a regular basis. For one, Buboy lives with his seven younger siblings (10 yrs to 8 months old) whose seen three different fathers in their household. His biological father, Dante (not his real name), has no work, and his mother, Linda (not her real name), is regularly pregnant without regular work. At present, his second stepfather, Jose (not his real name), supports them as a construction worker.

Buboy knows the importance of education that will bring him out of poverty that’s why he diligently studies his lessons, earning for himself a special citation in class for two years already. He proudly shows me his special ribbon from last schoolyear as he brings this with him regularly in his bag.

He lights up when asked about school and shares his interests in science, the arts and physical education.

“I like the lessons on the planets and how these all came to be,” he relates. “I also like doing art work but I enjoy most the activities of EPP (Physical Education).”

Being young, he is unsure yet of what he wants to become in the future but certainly he knows what he hopes for in life.

“I hope my family will be able to overcome poverty because we live a difficult life,” he shares. “That’s why I do this (selling ice cream on weekends) to help myself and my family.”

Beyond all the circumstances of his young life, like most kids his age, Buboy is able to enjoy his youth like watching television. He admits to be a devout GMA-7 fan and idolizes teen stars Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras.

Aside from watching television, reading is his form of enjoyment. At school, he visits the library from time to time to read science books after class hours before heading home. His eyes lighten up when he learned that their school will soon have a new library with a new set of reading materials.

For Buboy, visiting the library and reading books his one of his ways to enjoy school, improve himself, and forget about the realities of his life even for a few hours.

When Buboy walked home that day, he smiled warmly to say goodbye – a smile that signified satisfaction over his day’s earnings – manna for the mind - to sustain him through school and to bring him to dream anew knowing in his heart that no matter what, life is still beautiful. #

Jasper Caesar is Almost Insane

2011-01-11T05:08:00.000-08:00

a few of my video logs. just for fun. all you guys have a great 2011!

Season's Greeting

2010-12-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

A Very Merry Christmas to one and all!

May the new year of 2011 be as great and fantastic as your best years!

Cheers

Let us spread good news and love.

Funny Visayan Song for our Clan

2010-12-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

This is a video I made using fun Visayan songs for our clan - outtakes and photos from the reunion.

Enjoy!

Teach Me How To Make This Kind of Video

2010-11-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

I super like. How do they superimpose the individuals onto the video background?

I love the music used.

The poetry used is perfect with the pageant's theme, Age of the Aquarius.

- - - - - - - - - -

By the way, Congratulations to Negros and the organizers of this contest! Congratulations to the set of winners. I've known a past winner, am friends with a past contestant, and I think regional male pageant organizers can learn a thing or two from this pageant.

For your viewing pleasure, here it is:

Kudos to Mr International - Philippines 2010

2010-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

Filipino men rarely make waves in international pageants because male pageants in the country aren't as big yet as those of female beauty pageants. Ergo, we don't get to attract many applicants and thus we do not find the best suitable candidates.

However, this year, we sent a young Atenean to Mr International Pageant 2010. And yes, he placed in the semifinals. Congratulations, Mr Raphael Carlos for the international accolade!

Here's a cute photo of him and Mr Venezuela, who also made it to the Top 15. What could be a suitable caption to this photograph I saw online?

In The Past Days

2010-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

the days have been colder of late. me likes.

taking the 'mahtee' while listening to the piano version of Chasing Cars puts a faint smile on my face. try it. otherwise, might only make you cry.

told off a young boy inside the jeepney not to throw trash just about anywhere after he'd toss out his drumstick covering.

No Smoking signs in public utility vehicles (like the jeepneys) seem to be just a sticker for pa-cuteness. Why, oftentimes, the drivers themselves puff cigarettes like there's no tomorrow. I told off a few of these 'dragons' to respect the signs they put on their vehicles. And yes, they shyly throw out their unfinished cigarettes. See, it's prohibited to smoke in public utility vehicles in the Philippines.

A little girl, about 3 or 4, from the same floor of the building where I live, comes rushing to me whenever I come out of my unit. She holds a cuddly bear in one hand while she puts out her other to ask something from me. So whenever that happens, I stick out a lollipop to give to her from behind. Thanks to Pizza Hut which hands out plenty of lollies whenever you order deliveries. : )

dry your tears, hunnies:

She'd Lay There and Listen

2010-11-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

To my uncles and aunts, who provided us with affection and care when our mom passed away, we thank you. On Halloween Day, we all gathered together as Alejandra Fabe's descendants to reunite as one family.

Here are my interviews of my mom's sisters and brother during our 2010 reunion. With Aunt nene pinch-hitting for Uncle Tony.

Yummy Via Mare (T Morato) Food

2010-11-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Probably the best-tasting kare-kare in Metro Manila. You gotta try!

Pig-Blood's Stew of Via Mare is a Must-Try!

Rockefeller Oysters are the best in town. Iris swears by it!

Maroon Urians

2010-11-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

So yeah, we met again - us, 91kers in Manila with Fred (Ems' hubby) and Bernard (UP Butuanon 91).

This time, there were more of us and rarely seen together: Iris, Ruth, Edsel, Emily and myself plus the two gentlemen mentioned above.

Here are a few of our pictures.

all together now

Old Friends: Me and Celeste

Via Mare owners: Fred and Ems

Me, Ruth, Berns

Fred and Ems, Eds and Iris

My Teen Years

2010-11-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

i happen to rediscover my old pictures that marked a few milestones in my life.

the first photo was taken when i was about fourteen (14 yrs old), the time when i first learned how to pose for a still camera.

the second picture was a few years later (in my late teens) when i made it into the magic circle of Cinderella's Seventeen Models Search.

UP friends meet

2010-11-08T02:19:00.000-08:00

meeting old friends is such a refreshing feeling. ems+fred met jenny and i at their via mare cafe along tomas morato where we binged on good pinoy food. but the one that stood out most was the heavenly cassava cake. it's pure love, i must say.

the following day, we went to kras naya's place for the farewell party of her brother-in-law, yudho, who's a chef. he prepared asian dishes which we all lurvved. sarap!

right after, we tropped to san sebastian church, the first all-steel church in Asia, for bernard to enroll for his Bar Examinations review. God bless, berns!

we all decided to visit UP because Mix hadn't been to her Alma Mater for years already.
the funny part was when we took pictures in front of Kalayaan Dorm. we realised that the kids who were there actually hadn't yet been born when our batch entered the same dormitory 19 years ago. gosh. imagine?

hahaha

san sebastian church is picture-perfect with us Jane, Kras, Mix and I

1974-born all: jane, kras, me, mix, berns, toto

via mare cafe tmorato luvs MEM (mix ems me)

Oi, Teacher's Day daw!

2010-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

smirks.

someone gave me a low 89% in Chem class. i hate her,she ruined my report card!

nerd.

i'm so competitive!

(forced) Okay fine, thanks to all my wonderful teachers!

Hahahaha.

I am so just kidding. I luvvv them all, even my Chem teacher.

Thanks a million, chers! No, not cheers, chers for tea-CHERS!

iheartAgaton / iheartMindy

2010-10-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Lines from the movie, Agaton & Mindy

'Kung gusto mo maging artist (If you want to be an artist), you have to be a little crazy, a little inZzzane.'

'You stupid, ignorant, self-centered mongoloid!'

Mindy: You're jealous. Aminin mo na (Own up). You bitch!

Tonton: Ba't ba kailangan mong mang-away? (Why do you need to quarrel?)

Agaton & Mindy

2010-10-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

i must watch this! and i urge you, my friends, to watch this intensely-moving film about a young star-crossed couple reminiscent of shakespeare's romeo et juliet.

Found in the Philippines

2010-09-27T04:06:00.001-07:00

Where In the Philippines?

2010-09-27T04:01:00.000-07:00

Find Out these wondrous places around the Philippines

Baby, There's No Other...

2010-09-25T04:36:00.000-07:00

...who do it like i do.

i'm bout to act a fool,so turn the lights on!

Ang Paglalakbay Ko sa Kota Kinabalu

2010-09-07T22:42:00.001-07:00

Muntik ng hindi natuloy ang biyahe kong ito patungo sa isla ng Borneo. Umurong ang aking mga kasamahan na pawang may mga nabili ng tiket noon pang Enero. Sayang at hindi tumugma ang mga iskeydyul nila. Mula pito, mag-isa kong tinahak ang Kota Kinabalu sa kabila ng katotohanang namatayan ang Ate ko at nakaratay sa ospital ang tiyuhin ko.

Napagtantiya kong mainam na rin sigurong lakbayin ko ang Sabah, Malaysia sapagkat mahigit sampung taon ko ring hinintay ang pagkakataong ito. Naikwento ng isang kaklase kung gaano siya nasiyahan sa lugar na ito noong una siyang tumulak dito, isang dekada na ang nakakalipas.

Hindi ko alintana ang kakulangan sa pagpaplano ng biyaheng ito. Siguro’y dala ko lang ang taglay na tapang at paniniwalang magiging maayos ang lahat.

Kumuha ako ng hotel mula sa Internet ng gabi bago ang aking biyahe. Tatlong t-shirt, anim na brip, tatlong shorts at kaunting pera ay okay na ang dala ko.

Kinaumagahan, agad kong tinungo ang Victory Liner sa Pasay upang sumakay patungong Dau, Pampanga. Php 132 lang ang pamasahe. Pagdating ko roon, naglakad ako papuntang McDonald’s upang bumili ng dalawang sandwich na babaunin ko sa biyahe. Mahirap na baka gutumin ako sa himpapawid.

Sa tapat lang ng McDo, may mga dyip na tumutulak hanggang bakod ng Clark Airfield. Sumakay ako dito at sa isang saglit nasa gate na ako ng SM Clark. Sumakay ulit ako ng dyip, yaong Route 1 na dumadaan sa Main Gate ng Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) sa loob ng Clark Airfield. Siguro mga pitong minute lamang, nasa may paanan na ako ng DMIA. Nilakad ko ito papasok dahil bawal ang mga dyip doon. Eksakto lang ako at may 2.5 oras ako bago lumipad.

Walang gaanong tao sa paliparang ito. Nagpapalit ako ng pera Php14.50 kada 1 Malaysian Ringgit sa loob na ng DMIA building. Pagkatapos, nagbayad muna ako ng travel tax na Php1650 at airport tax na Php600.

Kinain ko muna ang fish fillet sandwich ko at bumili ako ng iced coffee upang hindi ako antukin. Paano kasi, kapag ika’y nag-iisa, parang ang lungkot naman at baka mauwi ang paghihintay sa idlip at maiwanan ka pa ng biyahe.

Ang bilis ng biyahe ng AirAsia papuntang Kota Kinabalu, ang pinakamalaking siyudad sa Sabah, Malaysia (ito’y nasa Borneo island kung saan nahati ito ng Malaysia, Brunei at Indonesia. Kung hindi natin binigay ang Sabah, apat na bansa sana ang naninirahan sa Borneo. Wala lang, naikwento ko lang). Parang pumunta ka lang ng Mindanao galing Maynila.

Ngunit, bago kami lumapag sa paliparan ng Kota Kinabalu, ginalugad ko muna ang dagat habang kami ay nasa himpapawid pa at hinanap ko ang mga balangay na patungo rin sa Kota Kinabalu ng mga oras na iyon.

Marami akong naispatan na palutang-lutang sa karagatan ngunit hindi ko masabi kong ano ang mga iyon. Malay ko, malay mo, Malaysia! Kaya dedma na lang ako sa mga nakita ko.

Nakutuban ko na na ang KK ay parang maunlad lamang at malinis na probinsiya ng Pilipinas. Ay siyanga, hindi ako nagkamali. Maliit lang ang terminal ng AirAsia at walang tube kaya maglalakad ka sa tarmac nila. Parang Clark Airfield lang. Mabilis lang ang pagdaan sa imigreysyon. Dahil nga unang beses ko lang doon, di ko alam paano pumunta sa city proper, kung paano kumuha ng taxi. Siguro paikot-ikot muna ako ng mga kinse minutes bago ko pinara ang taxi na parating at may binaba na mga pasahero.

Sinenyasan niya ako na tumawid sa kabilang daan at doon daw maghintay. Okay lang. Mabait si Manong driver at machika. Ganoon sa ibang bansa, pansin ko lang ha, tourist-friendly sila. Kaya kinontrata niya agad ako na siya na kukuha sa akin tuwing ako’y papuntang airport. RM25 lamang daw singgil niya. Nakita ko naman na RM30 ang inabot nung mama sa kanya kanina, so naisip ko, baka tama lang ang RM25 (Php350). Tama nga daw, ang sabi sa akin nung receptionist sa hotel na marunong managalog, si Eddie.

Nung nalaman ni Eddie na ako’y nag-iisa, mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro ang pagboluntaryo niya na ikutin ako sa buong KK. Maliit lang ang KK at malalakad mo ito lahat. Mabait din ang kasamahan niyang si Rima na Pinay ang ina at Malaysian ang ama. Maganda siya.

Kumain muna kami ni Eddie kasi gusto kong lumafang ng roti prata/roti canai/roti parantha at uminom ng teh terik. Ayan may pikchar ako ng kinain ko. Masarap yan, pwamis poh,kuya!

At matuk mo, Mr. Friendship nga siguro ang mukha ko sapagkat, mga ilang minute pa’y, patingin-tingin na ang isang Mulatang babae na puedeng-puedeng lumahok sa mga patimpalak-kagandahan. Mga 5’9 or 5-10 siya, kayumanggi at napaka charming niya. Nakikinig siya sa usapan naming ni Eddie tungkol sa Pilipinas at Malaysia. Hanggang sa tinanong niya ako kung taga saan ako at ano daw plano ko sa pagbisita roon. Paalis na siya kinaumagahan at sinabi niyang gusto niyang pumunta sa Visayas. Siyempre mega-advertise naman ako na parang taga Department of Tourism ako. Siempre inigihan ko ang swersh-swersh ng Ingles ko para malaman niyang okay mag Ingles ang mga Bisayang tulad ko. Lucy pala ang pangalan niya, tubong Canada ngunti nagtatrabaho sa Hong Kong. Sana raw magkita kami sa HK.

Nagpaalam na kami dahil excited na akong makita ang Filipino Market. Ano ba ang meron doon. Ang sabi, puro mga Pinoy ang andun at murang-mura ang mga seafood.

Nag mall muna kami ni Eddie, yung Suria Sabah Mall. Walang kalatoy-latoy at walang katao-tao. Medyo smile-smile pa rin tayo kahit nagtatanung na ang isip ko kung bakit ako naroon sa mall na iyon. Sa medaling sabi, wala akong binili dun.

Ang Paglalakbay 1

2010-09-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

Kasunod noo’y paglakad namin sa pamosong waterfront ng KK. Para itong Baywalk sa Maynila ngunit mas mahaba siguro at mas malinis ang dagat. Kita mo ang mga bato at isda dahil napakalinaw ng tubig. Puede kang magtampisaw.

Pinakita ni Eddie ang mga komunidad kungsaan naroon ang mga Pinoy. Ang daming nakakakilala sa kanya roon. May isang kumausap sa kanya. Siempre di ko naintindihan kasi Malayu ang salita nila, Bahasa Malaysia. Kalaunan nag Ingles na si Junie. Sus, Pinoy pala siya at doon na lang lumaki. Tausug siya ngunit di ko mawari na Pinoy siya. Para lang siyang Malaysian. Sumama siya sa paglibut-libot naming at dinala niya kami sa pinagta trabahuhan niya sa waterfront. Doon naming nakilala si Arnold na Ilonggo naman. Ang daming Pinoy doon na kumakain at nagta trabaho.

Dito sa KK lang siguro agad alam ng mga tao na Pinoy ako. “Pilipino?” Tanong nila. “Filipinos have nice skin like you.” Tong mga to, inuuto lang yata ako. Saang sulok man, Pinoy alam nila. At mataas tingin nila sa mga Pinoy doon, lalo na kapag nag Ingles ka na. Iyan ang nasabi ni Eddie sa akin.

Sa Filipino Market, di ko malaman na Pinoy pala ang mga tao roon kasi mga Tausug sila at sa mata ko’y mukha silang mga poging Malaysian lamang. Pero ang mababait nila. Feeling ko artista ako doon sa Filipino Market dahil ang daming lumapit. “What’s your name? Are you a Filipino?” Tanong nila sa akin.

Kulang na lang kakaway ako. Sayang dahil busog na ako. May Tausug doon na bibigyan niya ako ng parang lobster. Libre na. Natuwa sila may kababayan. Ang kaso, busog talaga ako. Kaya ang sabi ko, bukas na lang. Tinanong ko rin sila kung natunugan ba nila na dadating ang mga balangays. Oo daw, at may kinausap siya. Baka nga raw doon magpapalipas ang mga balangay kasi daungan ang harap ng Filipino Market.

Kumain ulit kami nila Eddie at Junie sa Waterfront. Nakakahiya naman kaya ako na nanlibre sa kanila nung buong gabi. Hindi naman malaki ang nagasta ko dahil ako naman ang nag o-order. Dalang pasasalamat ko na rin sa kabaitan nila.

Umuwi kami sa hotel ng mga 3am na. Nag Internet pa ako bago natulog.

Ang Paglalakbay 2

2010-09-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Kinabukasan, maaga akong naglibot ulit sa buong KK. Mabilis akong makatanda ng direksyon at lugar kaya nilakan ko ang siyudad. Bumalik ako sa mga pinuntahan naming nung gabi. Pagkatapos, pumasok ako sa Starbuck’s Coffee upang tingnan kung may maganda ba silang tumbler, may nagpapabili kasi. Uminom ako ng kape nila at umupo sa labas upang sariwain ang simo’y ng hangin. Pinikit ko ang aking mga mata at nagpasalamat na narating ko ang lugar na dapat sana’y sa bansa ko. Pagkabuka ko ng aking mga mata, nakatingin ang matandang mag-asawang puti na animo’y nahihiwagaan sa ginagawa ko. Tumayo na lamang ako, yumuko at bahaygang ngumiti sa kanila at umalis.

Beautiful Brunei

2010-09-07T22:37:00.001-07:00

Visiting Brunei Darussalam

2010-09-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Staying in G Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan

2010-09-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

Boutique Hotel

2010-09-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

Crossing Territories with Pinoys

2010-09-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Last Days in Borneo

2010-09-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Maintaining Strong Immunity (reposted from the net)

2010-08-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

While the organization and function of the immune system is well defined and complex, its impairment can often be brought about quite easily and quickly by a variety of simple factors and circumstances in the body. These factors can very easily weaken it and expose the individual to a plethora of debilitating conditions. Some of the very usual and easily identifiable underlying causes are the presence of excessive physical and or emotional stress in the person; this also includes depression, chronic or otherwise. Recovery from illness if furthered hampered by the presence in the body of a chronic or lingering illness, especially due to severe conditions, and physical trauma from surgery, all these factors can leave the resources of the immune system depleted and it may find it difficult to cope. This necessarily is not conducive to a healthy and quick convalescence. The normal functioning and operation of the immune system can also be severely hampered by the regular intake of a diet deficient in nutrients and inadequate in important compounds. The greatest long term harm is often dealt to the body by the regular intake of empty calories, this low caloric compounds are abundant in many processed foods and sweets; such a diet needless to say is poor in nutritional value. The other important contributing factors are conditions such as obesity in people, a generally poor physical condition or fitness level and prolonged periods of inactivity or sedentary habits. If used over a lengthy period of time, certain compounds found in drugs and common medications, especially cortisone and the antibiotics, have a very negative effect on immune system performance and viability. Toxic compounds such as heavy metals and other harmful substances such as alcohol, also tend to affect the immune system in a negative way. Genetic and individual traits seem to play a role in the health of a person’s immune system, commonly those with a weak constitution seem to need to take greater care to maintain a healthy and viable immune system.

The risks of infections and allergies occurring in a person is increased when there is an excess of sugars in the diet, this substance also hampers the immune system function. This can be seen in cases where there is an excessive consumption of sugar, the physical manifestation being an impairment in the shape, the activity and the number of white blood cells-which are the workhorses of the immune system. It can be said that, as a singular factor or substance that has a very negative impact on immune system functioning, sugar has not been given the attention it deserves. It has been shown in a scientific study that the mere consumption of 3.5 oz. of the simple carbohydrate that constitutes the majority of simple sugars like sucrose found in common sugar, glucose and the fruit sugar fructose has a deleterious impact on WBC (white blood corpuscles). This simple carbohydrate which is also abundant in foodstuffs like honey and orange juice, had a major and negative impact on the white blood cells, impairing their ability to engulf and eliminate bacteria in the body. Complex and starchy carbohydrate had no such effect in the same doses. This study is further verified by another one in which it was found that the consumption of 75 grams of glucose depressed the white blood cells. These unfortunately happened to be the ones that manufacture antibodies and fight infection.
Supplements and herbs

In addition to a healthy diet, a variety of vital nutrients are necessary for the optimal maintenance and function of the immune system. The necessity of vitamin C for the treatment of colds is common knowledge. The body’s resistance to diseases is enhanced by the utilization of this vitamin. Another important action it has is the retardation of the multiplication viruses and bacteria in the body. Certain substances enhance the absorption of vitamin C. These are plant-based substances called bioflavonoids; these substances also greatly improve its effectiveness. To enhance the body’s ability to resist infection, it is important to consume a combination of the vitamin C and bioflavonoids on a daily basis. The amounts of the vitamin ingested can be increased, during acute infections, as it is likely that the need for vitamin C goes up at such times in the human body.

In the production of antibodies and in the manufacture of WBC’s, the body utilizes many of the B vitamins, especially pyridoxine or B6 and pantothenic acid. Therefore the B vitamins have a very important role in the immune system function within the body. A healthy intestinal flora is vital for the body, and this can be achieved by using supplements having friendly bacteria such as acidophilus and other beneficial bacteria, to replenish the internal flora. In the cases of invasions from parasitic pathogens and fungi, the immune system is aided in its efforts, by these bacteria. Because the utilization of a variety of antibiotics can eliminate this friendly flora, supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus becomes necessary for people with a poorly functioning immune system, especially after a course of antibiotics has been administered.

The essential mineral zinc plays a very important role in the maintenance of a healthy and robust immune system, aside from its other functions in the human body. Even in situations where there is no deficiency, immune system function is still effectively improved and aided by the vitamin A. A suppressed immune function and impaired defenses can also be aided and acted upon by the vitamin. In addition to vitamin A, another important compound called beta-carotene can be used as a supplement, both these substances have anticancer properties, they also effectively stimulate the immune system and are useful as antioxidants. Because both these substances have a beneficial affect on the mucus membranes, respiratory problems and disorders are also alleviated through their use as supplements. Because of its effectiveness as an antioxidant, the vitamin E is very useful for the immune system, being particularly beneficial and necessary in the aged and the elderly as a vitamin supplement.

Citrus seed extract and garlic, are two other good supplements as far as bolstering and improving immune system function is concerned. The common garlic has many useful properties, it is antibacterial, it also has antiviral properties and lastly it is effective against fungal infections. To ward off colds and infections, the anti pathogenic and microbial fighting abilities of citrus seed extract can be utilized to the maximum.

Many green food supplements are rich in a substance called chlorophyll, these include wheatgrass or barley grass, algae like spirulina and chlorella, chlorophyll plays a role in the build up of blood and in the formation of tissues in the body. These green food supplements in addition contain a plethora of nutrients essential to the body. Their other properties are anti inflammatory actions and the detoxification of the body. Prolonged and regular dosages over a period of months give the best and most effective results. A healthy immune system also needs optimal quantities of the essential fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are abundant in many cold-pressed oils, for example evening primrose oil, these oil can be taken for the immune system as well as for general health and nutrition.

The body’s ability to resist infection and disease are also hindered by other indirect causes such as a long-term deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals. Poor immune response can also be due to an impaired thyroid function; a deficiency in iodine can greatly affect the immune system indirectly, because low levels of iodine lead to problems with the thyroid gland, a condition often manifested in an impaired immune system.

Many herbs and herb based supplements can boost the body's ability to fend off diseases; through their property of aiding and bolstering the organs in the body that deal with detoxification and the removal of waste, the so called organs of elimination. Herbs can aid the intestines, which mostly eliminates solid waste, they also help the kidneys deal with liquid waste, they also improve integumentary actions by strengthening the skin, and they help the lungs, and the liver in detoxification.

The detoxification processes of the organs of elimination can be stimulated using several plants and plant based substances. The herbs that can help in the detoxification process include the stinging nettle, flowery herbs like the dandelion, the watercress, the substances found in the flowers of the Echinacea family, some exotic herbs like the Korean white ginseng, the shoots of conifers like the fir and the pine, and common herbs like thyme and juniper. Great benefit can be from these herbs as they can increase the purification of the blood and the functioning of the immune system especially if taken in the form of fresh juices. The juices can be prepared fresh and can be used regularly in amounts of about 1-2 tbsp. thrice a day, for a period of four weeks. Immune system function is greatly enhanced using Echinacea, which stimulates the white blood cells. The break down and elimination of toxic substances in the body is achieved through the agency of these cells, they are also active in the destruction of bacterial and viral infections within the body. The herb can be taken in capsule form, a single capsule thrice a day, alternately, about 15-30 drops of Echinacea extract mixed in liquid can also be used, once every three hours for a total period of about two to five days depending on symptoms. If the necessity is felt, the same dosage can be repeated after two weeks has passed since the last dose. To build up immunity and to eliminate toxins that have accumulated in the body, a concoction can be prepared using 2 tbsp. each of the root of dandelion, the root of the licorice herb, the roots of the couch grass and lovage herbs. A cup of water to a tbsp. of this mixture can be used as a supplement. Dosage and timings should be a cup in the morning and a cup in the evening for a total of three weeks.
Additional things you may do

The greatest benefits can be attained when using supplements that in some way will aid in all the processes of the body involved in detoxification and elimination of toxic and other substances. The aim is to develop resistance to diseases and to offset premature aging. The integument or skin forms the biggest single detoxifying organ in the human system; therefore the integumentary system must be actively aided in its processes of detoxification. There are other external factors that can aid the skin accumulate very specific antibacterial substances by stimulating it, these are physical factors such as light, and water and circulating air. Circulation in the skin and its ability to regulate temperature can be improved through physical treatments such as water therapy. Physical treatment options in this regard include cold-water stepping, dew walking and dry brushing, the draining of lymph fluid can also be used as a treatment, and all of these options stimulate the skin and actively promote its functioning. The body’s ability to resist viral and bacterial infections can also be enhanced through activities such as swimming regularly in cold water. Exercising outdoors is a must if you can spare the time; physical recreational activities must take place in the open air. A good night’s rest, and adequate time for relaxation is vital to boost the immune system, sleep should last for at least eight hours every day at a stretch.
Usual dosage

* Evening primrose oil, 2 capsules 500 mg thrice a day.
* Garlic, one to three capsules thrice a day.
* Vitamin A, 25,000 IU.
* Vitamin B complex, 100 mg 1 to 3 times a day.
* Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg 1 to 3 times a day to bowel tolerance.
* Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU.
* Zinc, 25 mg, with 3 mg of copper.
* Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 tsp or 3 capsules.
* Beta-carotene, 25,000 IU.
* Citrus seed extract, one to three capsules thrice a day.
* Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.

Other beneficial herbs

* Acerola
* Aloe Vera
* Astragalus
* Blessed Thistle
* Calendula
* Chinese Angelica
* Coltsfoot
* Common Thistle
* Cordyceps
* Elder
* Elecampane
* Ginger
* Golden Root
* Maitake
* Morinda
* Privet
* Reishi
* Rosemary
* Sage
* Shiitake
* Snow Fungus
* St. John's Wort
* Suma
* Sweet Violet
* Vervain
* Wormwood

Major Major Cheering Squadron

2010-08-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Perez Hilton's blog labels it Mastercard-priceless, a must-see video for the summer. Watch four ordinary Filipino pageant enthusiasts going wild cheering for Maria Venus Raj over at the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant telecast.

Watch this! Such a sure-fire fun video.

Winning in a Major, Major Way!

2010-08-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

The last time the Philippines placed in the semifinals of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant was in 1999 when Miriam Quiambao almost snagged the crown by finishing First Runner Up.

The country had long waited for the spell to end. There were high hopes in 2000 (Nina Ricci Alagao), 2004 (Maricar Balagtas), 2006 (Lia Andrea Ramos) and 2009 (Bianca Manalo) for our own delegates to make the Top 15. From years 2000 till 2009, the Filipino pageant enthusiasts almost lost hope.

Until Maria Venus Raj was crowned in the Philippines to be its Miss Universe representatives. She was subsequently dethroned but the pageant fans rallied behind her, seeing a rare gem in her, believing that she would do very well.

I, for one, quickly sent Paula Shugart of MUO a letter of appeal (said letter is the only one being circulated on the web and in news agencies) asking them to intervene in Maria Venus' dethronement. (My Letter of Appeal appears in my archive April 2010) Of course, Venus triumphed.

Today, August 24th, the entire Philippines waited in bated breaths to see whether Maria Venus will make it. And she made the cut, was last called in the Top 15, third called in the Top 10 and last called in the Top 5.

In a major, major way, the Filipinos rooted for her till the end, and loved and supported her no matter what the outcome was.

For all Pinoys, a top 5 finish is beyond expectations, for a mere Top 15 placement was good enough for the Philippines which had waited for a decade for this moment to arrive.

To Maria Venus Raj, congratulations! You made each and every Filipino happy, especially after the harrowing news about Melody's untimely death and the hostage crisis that bitterly ended in tragedy.

We are very proud of you, Venus!

Borneo's Charm

2010-08-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am writing from the island opposite Mindanao, Borneo, where a part of it, Sabah, used to be annexed to the Philippines. Kota Kinabalu (KK) has a provincial charm to it and the place becomes more interesting for Muslim Filipinos, particularly Tausugs and Badjaos, also populate the area.

I live along Jalan Gaya, just opposite a 1905 installation, The Atkinson Clock Tower perched on a hill.

Because KK is all coastal, it has stretches and stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches. Even its jetties are picture-perfect.

I chilled along their waterfront, where many of their pubs and bars are located.

Tomorrow, I shall fly to Bandar Seri Bengawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam.

The Child That I Grew Up From

2010-08-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

In the 70s taken in our house during one of those family reunions we have. Yes, the right-most kid is yours truly.

RP wins in International Qur’an Reading Tilt

2010-08-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

The Philippine delegates, Uztad Abdul Wadoud K. Ismael and Uztadja Monaifah B. Bogabong-Alawi, to the 52nd International Al-Qur’an Reciters’ Assembly (Tilawah Al-Quran) held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 27 – August 3, 2010, brought home a twin win for the country by snagging third place for both the male and female reader’s categories, each bringing home US$4,000, a souvenir and a certificate of appreciation, while cementing the image of Muslim Filipinos as dedicated readers to the Holy Qur’an.
76 champion Qur’an reciters from 47 countries competed in this most prestigious Islamic contest. This year’s tilt was eventually won by Egyptian Hani Abdel Aziz Ahmad (male category) and Pakistani Samia Khanan (female category).
The reciters were judged by a panel of 16 judges chaired by the director-general of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz.
Uz. Abdul Ismael and Uza. Monaifah Bogabong-Alawi were fresh from their national victories last June 29, 2010. They were escorted in Malaysia by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner for Muslim Women and former International Qur’an Reading winner, Honorable Raida Bansil-Maglangit and NCMF Bureau Director, Mr. Laman Piang.
The theme for the eight-day tilawah was "Strengthening Brotherhood, Empowering the Ummah" (Community). The Philippines had produced international winners in the past. #

Miss Universe Month

2010-08-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

As the month of August ushers in the Miss Universe 2010 mania, the Philippines are all high hopes for its sensational delegate, Maria Venus Raj, to covet the crown which has eluded the Filipinas for more than three decades now.

Glennpeterperez uploaded a video of 2010 Miss Philippines-Universe for us to see a glimpse and a preview of our own candidate to the Las Vegas edition of the Miss Universe pageant, 23 August 2010.

Here is the video -

All the best to Maria Venus! God bless.

Heartbreaking

2010-07-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

"And as I leave, I know I am leaving my best friend." - Lulu, To Sir, With Love

Dear Pisay (Philippine Science High School Diliman)

2010-07-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Pisay,

If only there were many I could share my stories about you with, then I would have not wept through the movie about you, Pisay.

What is it about you that still draws me in? Why do I hold you dearly?

Is it because, in all honesty, I felt most at home with you - that very feeling which is, yes, this is the very environment I was molded for? Or is it because I was made to love you, and when I did, I needed to leave you behind? I guess it is the confluence of all these reasons, and for that alone, my heart beats for you, and my mind throbs about you.

My eldest sister introduced you to me when I turned 10 - insisting that I should be with you in due time because, as she had assessed, I am only best for you, and to no one else.

Obviously I resisted the very idea of betrothal at first instance. It meant surrendering my birth place and foregoing the securities of a little boy.

However strange, I daydreamed about you - thinking of the few who came before me whom you had taken as your own. The thought itself excited me no end. The journey towards you, nonetheless, was not whimsical and easy.

I knew when I turned 12 that I had to compete with 17,000 other Top 10% boys and girls of their schools around the country to make it into the Top 240 and get into the realm of the "cream of the cream of the crop."

To be among and with the best and the brightest children of the Philippines was perhaps the greatest of all the gifts my Creator has granted me. The months between June 1985-May 1987, the stars were my allies, and they had to drop and die in order for my dream to come true. I made it alone, and so sadly, I left my hometown by myself for you.

Almost a quarter of a century after we had a one-year affair, I still long for you, and I still think about our past. I still hold you with much reverence and delight because I truly and dearly love you.

Because I was the one who decided to leave, I feel a great sense of guilt. Perhaps there was a good reason for our undue separation. If it is of any consolation to me, at least I left with much dignity with the performance that I left you with - a finish that was decent and unarguably victorious: 10th in Ruby and 17th overall.

I thank you for the precious moments. I thank you for nurturing me. I thank you because I have come to realize after wards that there is a greater responsibility placed on us whom you have molded.

I suppose that you had given me a heart to see, and a pair of eyes that feel for others and quite especially to the most vulnerable.

With tender affection,

JC

___

PSHS Hymn
by Mario Taguiwalo

Philippine Science High
Thou stands above with thy thoughts that lift
And fit all thy sons with wings
To lend us flight in the sowing of our gifts

Oh, Philippine Science High
Thy wisdom arms our youth
As we reach for our dreams, as we strive for our goals
As we search for the untarnished truth

Philippine Science High
The PSHS in us will grow
And go as we wonder o’er
The crests and troughs of the sea of life that flows

Oh, Philippine Science High
Thy light our beacon be
In our path through the world, in our fight for the right
In pursuit of a glorious thee.

Sibling Bonding Every Friday

2010-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Before when I was still in UP Diliman in the 90s, it was sibling bonding with Ate Fern (UP Dil grad) and Ate Jan (UP LB grad). This time, however, it's a new sibling triumvirate in Metro Manila: Jan, Jas, Jam (UP Dil) - all UP grads!

Of late, we decided to constantly see each other and spend time. It is always heartwarming.

A Sunday with Em BB and Liliana

2010-07-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

I rarely see these two close friends from way back. With one phone call, I quickly went to see them both.

Emily B brought us to their abode and we had dinner at their Via Mare Cafe branch in Quezon City (Tomas Morato).

We capped the night with this photograph with Fred, cutesy baby Ninna, and Liliana. (Both Ate Inday and bubbly boy Daniel were already in bed upstairs at this time)

First Government Work Salary

2010-07-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

So it can be told: I'm officially with the government service. Of course that can be said with my preceding entry about the government examinations - the reason why I took it and ended up placing second with my 89.86% rating. Yipee! Hahahaha

Anyways, this isn't about my examination rating or placement. This is, in fact, about my first salary.

See, we reported for work on June 7th: my boss, my colleagues, and myself. Yesterday, July 21st, the day man conquered the moon in 1969, we received our first salary. Well, this isn't even about me not officially receiving my salary or not being asked to sign a document saying that I received my salary already - someone did that without my knowledge. Anyhow, I eventually got my first paycheck and to my horrors, the deductions amounted to above the five-digit amount. I wanted to know the basic computations.

So I trooped to the Finance Department of my office and asked around. I was ushered to the Cashier's Office and the people there were kind enough to retrieve the manually-encoded thick document that bore the voucher that came with my paycheck.

For the month of June, they compute 22 working days only. In other words, I am to receive a daily wage of Total Gross Pay divided by 22 days. Because I wasn't yet with my office from June 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, I expected to be deducted the appropriate amount (which is my daily wage multiplied by 4 days). Conversely that translates to my daily wage times (22 - 4 days) or 18.

However, they computed daily wage X 17 days! And why only 17, I asked?

They stopped and thought and talked in their own vernacular. Then cleverly, they came up with an answer. There's an official holiday in June, Independence Day. So that had to be deducted to my first-ever government salary, saying that it is an SOP to do so.

I thought it was a joke. Or I gave them a look that queries: you really think I'm dumb,right?

Browsing through The Labor Code of the Philippines (Book 3), Chapter III, Article 94 - they made a gross violation to this provision. Even if they say that June 12 was moved to June 14, a Monday, still that would never be meritorious for a deduction because RA 9492 declares non-religious holidays can be moved to the nearest Monday or Friday, should this fall on a weekend. And for June 12, 2010, there is a Proclamation 1841 made by Pres GMA on July 2009 to support RA 9492.

Today, I shall have that day-wage deduction reinstated. Excuse me!

Hurdling a Philippine Government Examination

2010-07-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

I should've taken this a long, long time ago when my mind was fresher from school. I was a bit anxious because I've been out of the academic world for more than a decade and even the sharpest of tools can get dull without use.

July 15th was my date of examination - the CSE-CAT (or the computer-based) version of the professional Civil Service Examination. It stormed in Manila July 13-14, and my condominium building had no electricity and water. Surely it was not a good time to relax and get ready for my big day.

On the eve of my exam, I left my condominium and billeted myself in a QC hotel to be closer to the Civil Service Commission Central Office. Boy was I glad to have electricity and water. I browsed through one of my three reviewers just to have an idea of the sub-tests. I ended up not touching my two other reviewers.

For some reason, I could not sleep. I tossed and turned until 6AM. I decided to freshen up and troop to my testing area early.

At the examination room, most of the examinees wore either red or violet. Was that supposed to be the lucky color? I wore an all-white shirt, with an all-white athletic jacket.

The girl who sat next to me was a bit chatty and asked me if I had any idea what the coverage of the Math sub-test would be. She told me that her friend had texted her early that day to say that it was on trigonometry and algebra. I said I had no idea. We ended up chatting in the first two hours prior to the exams. I found out she was a fresh graduate of UP Diliman NCPAG (National College of Public Administration and Governance) who was my sister's barkada's classmate. Small world.

When I looked around, golly, I saw two of my former office mates from AIM - Ms Queddeng and Mr Cosme! I felt home a bit seeing them.

The exam had 170 items to be answered in 3 hours. I think in my first 140 items, I surely nailed 99% of them. Nearing the 150th question, I realized I only had 6 remaining minutes. What to do next rattled me a bit. The last 20 questions were about the Constitution and I think the last time this was tackled in my class was in 6th grade under Mrs Zaspa.

I wanted to shout "Sir, extension plsssss!" But this was not a school exam, and no one around said a word.

I hurriedly read the questions and without much thought just gave my best answers. At 2 minutes remaining, I left 3 items unanswered. My seatmate gushed "yes!" and I was so distracted I wanted to just end the whole ordeal.

The CSE-CAT exam processes your results right away, but the official certificate only comes out 2-3 hours later.

To pass the examinations and be eligible for government positions, one needs to get a rating of at least 80%.

The last two Civil Service Professional Examinations Top 10 Placers' list are published online, these are the ff:

5,612 individuals passed the Career Service written examinations held on July 26, 2009. The figure represents 9.51% of the 58,985 total examinees for the Professional and Sub-professional levels.

Top 10 Professional Civil Service Exam Passers:

1. Lyssa N. Limbo, Southern Tagalog region | 89.27
2. Julie Mar Dec C. Buenaventura, Central Luzon | 89.24
3. Czarina C. Besares, Southern Tagalog | 89.14
4. Done Martin L. Olid, NCR | 88.68
5. Kristel Cara May P. Corpuz, Ilocos | 88.66
6. Leandre R. Yeban, Western Visayas | 88.62
7. Jecka Mae R. De Castro, Southern Tagalog | 88.46
7. Allan Paul V. Torres, Central Luzon | 88.46
8. Zernan B. Diaz, NCR | 88.27
8. Kathleen G. Rogio, NCR | 88.27
9. Doreen Joy C. Obido, Northern Mindanao | 88.22
10. Denmark M. Rillera, CAR | 88.15

A list of the Top 10 passers of the Civil Service Exam Paper and Pencil Test conducted by the Civil Service Commission in November 2009, results of which were earlier released, is available here.

Top 10 CS Passers
1. Rachael I. Seso NCR 88.44%
2 Gail B. Prodigalidad Southern Tagalog 88.43%
3 Nathalie Marie R. Mariano Northern Mindanao 87.88%
4 John Alexander S. Belderol Northern Mindanao 87.67%
. Kristine Grace D. Banaag NCR 87.67%
5 Fleureeza Marie A. Liwanag Ilocos Region 87.63%
6 Maria Ofelia S. Leaño NCR 87.62%
7 Jim C. Monforte NCR 87.61%
8 Maria Janica V. Brigola NCR 87.60%
9 Violet Susan C. Joaquin Davao Region 87.52%
10 Lisa E. Lamberte NCR 87.47%

For the July 15, 2010 CSE-CAT professional examinations, I remember the top three placers because we had to sign onto the score sheet:

1 Charmaine 90.12 (the only thing I know about her is that she's born in 1990)
2 ME!!!! 89.86
3 Neil 88.36 (he's from ADMU Eco Honours. we got to chat up a bit)

I dont remember the rest of the results. Let's wait for CSC to publish the results online.

I thank my immediate family and closest friends who had given me enough encouragement and belief in myself. For that alone, I thank you for the prayers and support.

Let me take this opportunity to honor the Lord for blessing me. I promise that I shall not take my talents and gifts to naught because I love my Creator so much. For this, I had promised to review about six (and counting) Muslims for them to be ready to hurdle the exams in November 2010.

July Is Closest To My Heart

2010-07-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

The month of July is closest to my heart.

And for several good reasons.

I love July because the rains have come after months of sweltering heat.

I love July because I remember my first overseas studies.

I love July because it reminds me of being in school with friends.

I love July because it is when local politics change hands every three years.

What are the things you like most about July? Tell me on a Sunday.

Starsighting at Star City

2010-06-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

Late Friday night after the downpour, me and my boss' kin went to Star City Manila. I didn't expect to enjoy but I did. We tried a few games and rides, notably the Surf dance which was makahiyak. Hahahaha!

When it was almost closing time, the cameras rolled for ABSCBN's soap, Oh My, Mumay! Saw the teleserye's child star who was the young Agua Bendita. She was so cute and precocious running around in her white girly dress, chasing the little boy she must play opposite in the new soap.

There was a little known celebrity who looked like Cristine Reyes. When I asked the crew who she was, they told me she's Queenie Padilla.

Queenie Padilla

Warm and friendly was Tyron Perez of GMA7's Starstruck fame who looked like a teen star in person as compared to EJ Falcon of ABSCBN's PBB Teen Edition big winner who looked like a normal cute guy from your school campus.

EJ Falcon

Tyron Perez

We Conquered Pampanga

2010-06-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

All in a day's trip.

My UP friends (mostly batch mates and MRH dorm barkada) had planned this four months ago. With Jane and Rissa on the helm, finally the outing pushed through.

We started out early. Jane and I first met at Shangrila EDSA around 730AM. Imagine, I was up so early. Good thing, pating! Then we fetched AJ and Bernard - batch mates who've gone the legal field and joined civil service.

Our actual first stop was at an Arabesque-like gas station with plenty of establishments and eating places. Usually travelers on private cars stop by petrol stations like these along the North and South Luzon Expressway. It's a cool stopover, really. And fun,too!

We had breakfast at Kenny's.

About 10AM, we arrived in this boxy Ayala mall called Marquee. From the outside, it was rather uneventful and unattractive. But no, hold your judgments. It is one beautiful mall, I must admit and smells like those malls overseas. Hmmm, I wonder why. Is it because Kapampangans have the Indonesians as forefathers? (History says that the second wave of migrants to the Philippines - the tall, good-looking Bahasa-speaking people - settled on the Central Plains of Luzon, giving credence to the claim why the province's dialect, Kapampangan has strong hints of Bahasa. This is the only place in the Philippines that has such a dialect.)

Before meeting our hostess-of-the-day, the soft-spoken and pretty Rissa, Janey purchased a swatch she had always eyed. Beautiful watch.

When Rissa arrived, we went to the grocery to check on the Unilever shelves for Jane heads the Skin care and hair products of the said company.

Off we went around Pampanga - eating and checking places of interest.

Thanks much to Rissa who was such a warm and generous hostess. Our day-trip turned out to be most fun. Instead of leaving Pampanga at 3PM, we ended up saying goodbye around 830PM because we had so much fun.

Here are ze gang's photos!

Pampanga's Capitol is beautiful, made even more so by its visitors. ack!

all sweet 16 twenty years then.

waiting for a miracle to happen and tilt the belfry back upright.

Inside Marquee mall

Is 'mayor' albert martinez coming out of his May Bukas Pa house?

Pampanga Trip: Behind-The-Scenes

2010-06-01T16:42:00.001-07:00

taking pictures of everyone and everything around me in Pampanga!

friends, don't pose, just chillax!

AJ - my very effective 'mowdel'. Taga Supreme Court yan, baka makasuhan ako. Hahaha

point-and-shoot

Pampanga's Best (kept secrets)

2010-06-01T16:23:00.001-07:00

well-maintained Church kumbentos turned into a Catholic School are aplenty in Pampanga.

ABSCBN's hit movie, Tanging Yaman, makes this Kampampangan villa a tourist attraction. This house sits across the kumbento shown above.

These beautiful Betis benches are mute witnesses to the shooting of May Bukas Pa in this half-buried Church where the character of Santino served as Sacristan.

Five of the Ten Commandments carved on the stone tablet that greets Church-goers of Angeles City's main parish. It is written in Kampampangan dialect that has hints of Central Luzon's Indonesian forefathers.

Who would pass up the chance of eating halo-halo at Razon's?

At The End of it All

2010-05-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Update on Maria Venus

(photo by KJ rosales)

Maria Venus Raj, 22, finally gets her Philippine passport - a condition set by the Bb Pilipinas Charities Inc for her to be reinstated as the rightful winner of the Bb Pilipinas-Universe title, who shall get to represent the Filipinos to the 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas USA on August 23, 2010.

Now that she's set to go to the Miss Universe pageant, haters have started maligning her in pageant fora sites. It is only an indication that she's a clear threat to their respective candidates.

These bashers ought to just be ignored.

We recall Maria VR's tumultuous journey with this heart-rending interview she did right after being stripped off of her crown.

- - - - - -

My now famous letter to MUO now gets quoted anew on the newspapers.

Manila Standard quoted a part of that letter in Mr Giovanni Yazon's article entitled, 'Venus Raj: back to the universe,' which I'm posting below:

Venus Raj: Back to the universe

by Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon

COME Aug. 23, Filipino beauty contest aficionados who will watch the 59th edition of the Miss Universe pageant either at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas or in front of their TV sets at home will no longer see and hear a Filipina delegate saying, “Helen Nicolette Henson, 21, Philippines!” during the parade of nations.

Thank God, it will be, “Maria Venus Raj, 22, Philippines!” instead.

Because after 41 days of fighting for her crown which Stella Marquez de Araneta roughly removed from her head due to inconsistencies between her birth certificate and personal account of her birth, the impoverished and brown-skinned farm girl from Bato, Camarines Sur, regained her beauty title as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, when the consular office of the Department of Foreign Affairs finally issued a Philippine passport under her name last May 21.

The disqualification of Raj on March 29 caused outrage among her fans here and abroad. Some conducted online petitions and signature campaigns via Facebook fan pages and blogs. There were also several Filipinos who courageously e-mailed the Miss Universe Organization and revealed in their letter that, “there is injustice here for Maria Venus… the Colombian-run charity organization always do not heed any Filipino’s plea as in the many cases of dethronement and disqualifications they did in the past.”

In a seeming effort to appease the public, the Cubao-based pageant organization miraculously reversed their decision last April 10 and said that “for humanitarian reasons” Raj could only be reinstated if she is able to obtain a Philippine passport within 60 days.

Foreign affairs department spokesman Eduardo Malaya said that even if Raj’s father was an Indian and that she was born in Doha, Qatar, “Miss Raj is, indeed, a Philippine citizen by virtue of the jus sanguinis principle or ‘right of blood,’ a basic right provided by the Philippine Constitution which bestows upon a person the citizenship of his father or mother regardless of where the person was born. Based on this constitutional principle, along with interviews and documents provided by Raj, the DFA’s Citizenship Evaluation Committee decided to grant Raj a Philippine passport.”

Raj now holds the record as the only abdicated Binibining Pilipinas-Universe titleholder who staged an attempt for her reinstatement and succeeded. It’s an achievement that dethroned beauties Anjanette Palencia Abayari (1991), Olivia Teresa “Tisha” de Carlos Silang (1998) and Janelle Delfin Bautista (1999) all failed to carry out. Sad to say, but Helen Nicolette Henson is again back to being so-bad second runner-up!

Crowd favorite

“Venus is now the official rep [of the country] in the Miss Universe pageant. And she will still get all her prizes, and assume all of her duties [as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe]. We are happy for her! We couldn’t be happier!” Genny Marcial, Araneta Group’s corporate affairs and public relations manager, confirmed to the members of media during Araneta Center’s “Grand Santacruzan” 2010 held in Cubao last Saturday.

Beauteous sagalas, led by Gloria Diaz (Reina Emperatriz), who wore her authentic Miss Universe 1969 crown; Carlene Aguilar (Reina Elena); Nina Ricci Alagao (Reina de los Flores); Henson; first runner-up Dianne Elaine Necio; reigning Bb. Pilipinas-World Czarina Gatbonton (Reina de Todas las Naciones); Raj (Reina de los Angeles); and 23 other past winners, runners-up and candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant paraded underneath lavishly decorated arches in homage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Although Diaz was the most photographed monarch, Raj had the loudest cheering squad largely composed of men and half-men at the exterior of the Big Dome. Pageant journalists who attended the event were so touched seeing Mrs. Araneta tirelessly waving at Venus. When the reinstated beauty queen saw the Colombian matriarch’s gestures, she kept on saying, “Thank you po, Madam. Thank you po.”

More revelations

BPCI did not help Raj to fix the irregularities in her birth certificate so she could immediately get a passport. “Pero nagbigay naman po sila ng mga pangalan ng mga tao na puwede ko pong lapitan. My lawyers (Gigi Berberabe-Martinez, Dickson Berberabe and Teodora Pastrana) helped me all the way through.”

The president of the Miss Universe Organization also called her days after she was fired. “Paula Shugart asked me some questions as to why I was dethroned, so I narrated everything. She told me to just go ahead and apply for a passport, that I could use my present birth certificate [certified by the National Statistics Office] which indicated that I was born in Camarines Sur [even though I was really born in Doha, Qatar]. Wala naman daw pong magiging problema dun.”

Did it ever cross her mind that BPCI just gave her false hopes? Why did she agree to be trained for the Miss Universe pageant alongside Henson? “Actually kinabahan nga din po ako. Pero they gave me a chance to fix everything, and I am still very grateful. At least may hope po tayong nakita. A lot of important people worked hard to get me into where I am right now, so why would I give up?

“Well, Nikette (Henson’s nickname) is my best friend. I think it’s unfair that people attacked her after she became my replacement. She just did her duties and responsibilities as one of the runners-up. All of us were required to attend the trainings set by BPCI. Wala po siyang kasalanan dun.

How about reigning Bb. Pilipinas-International Krista Kleiner, who was rumored to be the one who gave the game away that she has problems with her birth certificate?

“I haven’t talked to her yet… We are not connected in Facebook until now,” she said.

Raj was still sleeping when her lawyer called to break the good news last Friday: They need to go to DFA to finally get her passport! “I am sooo happy! Now it’s clear, I’ll be the one who will compete in the Miss Universe pageant and I am very excited. Perhaps everything that happened to me in the past was a blessing in disguise. I wouldn’t be happier and stronger now if I did not go through all those trials before.”

Miss Universe is still three months away, but she is already deemed by pageant pundits all over the world as the one to beat. Venus Raj leads the online poll of popular Spanish web site http://listas.20minutos.es/?do=show&id=99979&c=1271286876 as the likely successor of Stefania Fernandez Krupij. She is trailed by “powerhouse beauties” Marelisa Gibson of Venezuela, Natalia Navarro of Colombia, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico and Claudia Arce of Bolivia.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who believed in me from the very beginning, lalo na po doon sa mga hindi ko kakilala ngunit patuloy naniniwala sa akin. If I would have a chance to thank all of you one by one, I would do it. This is not my journey, this is our journey and God is with us. He will make a way, mabalos po.”

do we got some swagger, yo?

2010-05-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

whoa, i like!

don't stop, make it pop!

A Beautiful Wedding

2010-05-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

my friends' wedding - happy couple maria c and abet

The summer is almost over, and the month of June is a few sleeps away when children troop back to schools and most grooms take their brides to Church.

Last year, in the month of September, I coordinated an international wedding of my friend to her Indonesian husband. It was a beautiful union that maritally started in a beautiful ceremony at the Nuestra Senora de Gracia Chapel in Guadalupe, Makati. The celebration followed at Manila Polo Club inside the Forbes Park.

The Church

Reception Place

My friend and I started the wedding preparations in February 2009. I just thought about blogging about it because I never spoke much about it to my other circle of friends.

MG Digital Video did a fantastic on-site videography (however, i don't have a copy of that) but found similar on-site podcast from MG Digital (http://web.mac.com/mg_video/MG_digital_video/on_site_09/Entries/2009/1/12_J_%26_Cat.html).

We got the services of Terence Uy for the photographs (http://www.terryuy.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=6). His pictures are splendid. However, the bride's brother, Bob, also took beautiful pictures, some of which are posted in this entry.

Our florist (http://sprucemanila.multiply.com/photos) is the very pretty, Pat Pastelero, who was able to execute the biodiversity theme requested by the bride specifically for the reception area.

One of the best wedding gown designers in the Philippines, Richie Ortega-Torres (http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/tag/richie-ortega/), created the bride's gown and that of the entourage. We used Muslim indigenous fabric for the bridesmaids.

groom's relatives singing at the reception

Exchanging I do's
(wedding photos by bob g)

Here's an MG Digital On-site wedding video, similar to that of my friend's wedding:

Don't Make Me Cry

2010-05-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

I chanced upon a newer version of Jessa Zaragosa's tear-jerking ballad, Hindi Na Bale (Never You Mind), performed in the 90s, and now revived by Phil Dream Academy's runner-up, Bugoy Drilon.

Both the melody and the lyrics somehow tug a string from the heart.

Hindi Na Bale /(Never You Mind - with my own English translation)

Bakit ba kay hirap tanggapin /How come its difficult to accept
Na ikaw ay ‘di na magiging akin /That you will never be mine
Sa lahat ng bagay sa mundong ito /Of all the things in the world
Wala ng hihigit pa sa pag-ibig mo /Nothing is greater than your love
Kung tunay na’t ‘di lang panaginip /If this is real and not merely a dream
Ang aking nararamdaman ngayon /This I'm feeling right now
Hanggang kailan kaya nagdurusa’t /Till when shall I suffer
Malulumbay ako ng wala sa piling mo /And be weary away from you?

Cho
Hindi na bale kung mawala ka /Never mind if I shall lose you
Basta’t iniibig kita ng higit sa buhay ko /As long as I love you more than my life
Hindi na bale kung mag wakas na /Never mind if this shall end
Ang buhay kong ito /This, my life
Ngunit sa puso ko /But in my heart
Ikaw ay naroon at hindi maglalaho /You are here, and wont ever fade

Sadya ngang kay tamis ng iyong halik /How sweet it is your kiss
Araw-araw ako sa iyo’y nananabik /Everyday I long for you
Sana’y makapiling ka kahit saglit /To be with me, even for just a bit
At mayakap ka ng kay higpit /To hug you ever so tightly

Repeat Chorus twice

Thailand Amazes

2010-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

pictures i took, except with me on it, taken by my sis.

Thailand Amazes

2010-05-11T16:33:00.001-07:00

Bangkok Stories

2010-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

the first days of May 2010 are spent in Thailand. as i write this piece, i am on my fourth day in Bangkok.

this is my second trip to Siam (old name of Thailand), but it feels like my first (August 2009) again.

Thais are generally shy but nice and friendly. However, Patpong's seedy area have pimps running around luring tourists into their bars. One particular female in her garish fashion came up to us and fibbed about her offer: ping-pong show, girlie bars, macho dancers, etc etc. We walked as if she never existed. Coming to this realization, she spewed fire and shouted at us in her cute Thai lilt: 'f*cking you!'

instead of being annoyed, my sister and i broke into peals of laughter.

Patpong
- - - - - - - -

amazing. this was how we thought about the heavily-guarded Silom Road where we stayed in. The government troops were aplenty. and in full battle gear.

we thought of taking photographs with them - and they all relented to our requests. sawasdee khrap.

- - - - - - -

i find it cute when, while on foreign shores, i am mistaken for a japanese. it never fails to amaze me. this time around, three F4-vibed hunks who posed for photographs with my sister, assumed i was japanese!

- - - - - - -

suan lum has been my particular favorite night market because i get to haggle really well.

- -- - - -- - -

more amazing places to see. i hope to catch my favorite thai celeb - mario maurer. hahaha

There's Mario!

- - - - - - - -
it rained today, but we braved the streets of siam - landing on the protest scene of the red shirts across chulalongkorn hospital.

tried the street fare of noodles across le meridien hotel, and ate fried bugs and maggots for supper. didn't realize these really tasted good.

ignored the invites to freak shows and mature bars along silom and surawong roads. didn't appeal much to me.

thai massage at Proud Massage Parlor was very relaxing. this first try of this kind of massage in Thailand made me rethink of what i thought about thai massages. my first try in ban sa bai wasn't any good. it hurt me. this time around, i enjoyed the stretching and all.

For Travel: Cash, Cards, Currencies

2010-04-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ready, Get Set, Off to another Asian city in a few days!

Write me a letter.

By Request: Road to a TVC

2010-04-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

Some friends have been egging me to share how I ended up in Senator Jinggoy Estrada's political ads aired on Philippine TV networks from March to May 2010.

Questions ranged from "Are you his supporter that's why you got into his ad?" to "Did you audition for his political ad?"

How I eventually saw myself in a TV commercial was not part of my lifelong plan. I've long turned my back on doing modeling projects since 2006.

My sister does the rounds of VTRs (video tape recording) in advertising agencies as her talent agents send her to these go-sees and auditions.

Although I've never officially signed up for a talent / modeling agency, I get invitations by casters to go for certain go-sees and auditions to do VTRs in advertising agencies.

Late last year, I was asked to go for a VTR for a political ad of a Presidential aspirant. However, I declined the invitation like the many invites because I truly did not wish to do modeling work anymore.

This February 2010, my sister went for the Jinggoy Estrada auditions. The casting agency had asked for more male auditionees and my sister thought about me. She called me up and said that I should go before the auditions close.

That was a weekend and I had nothing to do. I thought that I had nothing to lose by going.

I wore a basic black shirt and faded jeans and trooped to Unitel Studios (makers of Working Girls 2010 and Crying Ladies, among others). There were hundreds who auditioned and I was the last in the roll.

What happens in a VTR? Let me show you an example which I found online. We all did a similar thing (but with our top on). Watch the video.

We were asked to stand in front of the camera, at least 10 people were inside the studio while they shot your VTR. They'll ask you to say your name, age, height. They'll ask you to make body side turns and head side turns while you smile. Then, they'll ask you to do some acting in front of the camera on specific instructions tailor-fit for the TV commercial they'll do.

For my VTR, I was also asked to dance and sing. Minutes prior to the VTR, we were asked to memorize a song. That was the song we needed to perform during the VTR.

I just didn't care much and gave my all, without shame. Hahahaha. After the VTR, the crew (directors and all) congratulated me and said that I will be notified for the TV shoot.

The owner of a talent/modeling agency asked me to go straight to their office for profiling as they will be the ones now to send me to various VTRs afterwards.

I thought I never made it to the TVC. I was with my UP friends having late dinner when I got a call that I made it. : )

And of course, you all know what happened next.

Truth be told, I'm very reluctant when it comes to things like these because I had once wanted it a long, long time ago when I was still a student. However, that desire to do modeling or TVC projects have left my heart already.

To me, if these opportunities come, they come. I'm not about to get out and look for these. Perhaps if today were yesterday, I would have done so. But even then, I didn't go out and pursue such endeavors.

So I encourage those kids who like to do modeling work to try their hand on it. Certainly, it won't hurt and it won't do them harm. Just always be guided by your instincts and principles.

- - - - - -

To some extent, I've been lambasted by so-called friends why I allowed myself to appear in Senator Jinggoy Estrada's political ad. These so-called friends pretending to be on-the-know knows very little. Obviously for the life of me, they had not done their research well. Sen Jinggoy Estrada had done much as a politician and was even named Best Performing Senator in the last Congress. If he was to be compared now to a front-running Presidential aspirant, this presidentiable will pale much in comparison to the legislative work they've done in the Senate. There is truth to the saying: don't judge a book by its cover.

So I say with much conviction more than ever now that pseudo-intellectuals question me: Vote for Jinggoy Estrada for Senator!!!

Ricky Lo Errs

2010-04-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Philippine Star's Entertainment Editor, Mr. Ricky Lo, published an article today that demonstrates a clear violation of the Philippine Journalist's Code of Ethics.

I immediately sent him a letter to call his attention to two points that make his article lose credibility.

In this day and age of the Philippines when media wields so much power and sometimes actually abuses it, the court of public opinion that rests on the people shall be the media's police.
- - - -
Mr Ricky Lo
Entertainment Editor
Philippine Star

Dear Mr. Lo,

Greetings!

There is no doubt that many people, like myself, patronize your Philippine Star entertainment column and follow you in your TV program with much respect because there is a general consensus that you write about issues with entertainment value as it is - no unnecessary spin, no biases.

After reading your article entitled "Is Venus asking for the moon?" and after actually seeing you read the official statement of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) to Maria Venus Raj on television, I am wondering how you could have missed what the statement was clearly saying.

Let me quote a part of the statement:

The Executive Committee of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) announces today that after due deliberation, they have reassessed the situation pertaining to Ms. Maria VR and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine Passport, they will reinstate her as the reigning Bb Pilipinas-Universe.

From the paragraph above, clearly, there is no reinstatement yet. However, BPCI is giving Maria VR a chance to regain her title upon successfully obtaining a passport. Giving her a chance and actually reinstating her crown are two distinct actions, and the two should never be confused.

In your column that appears on April 19, 2010 in the Philippine Star, you had written "Reinstated barely two weeks after she was dethroned," and "But isn’t the BPCI official statement reinstating her" in the effect that there had been reinstatement that already occurred.

I would like to call your attention to this glaring mistake of misinterpreting the simply-worded official statement of the BPCI. There had been no reinstatement yet.

Furthermore, to emphasize only one side of the fence and discredit Maria VR in your article only demonstrates a clear violation of the Journalist's Code of Ethics, specifically on the first code:" I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts or to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognise the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly."

Because you have been in the field of journalism for a long time now, many aspiring writers are looking up to you to be their role model for accurate, fair and non-judgmental reporting.

I pray that you adhere to the journalist's code of ethics formulated by the Philippine Press Institute and the National Press Club with utmost care to avoid tarnishing your good name.

All the best,

Jasper Caesar
Philippine Star Reader

______

His article appears on Philippine Star, April 19, 2010. Here's the link below:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=567880&publicationSubCategoryId=70

Hot Summer

2010-04-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

But I ain't hot. Sadly. Just feeling the summer heat.

Shy to show my face.

Thumping Hearts to a Secret Correspondence

2010-04-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Diaries are truly personal. Have you ever sneaked into reading someone's diary underneath the tree?

Of course, it is overstretching it. It need not be underneath a tree. However, secretly reading someone else's diary without their permission gives us that thumping heart.

This is exactly how I felt when I read this correspondence I had with someone that I used to write to and walk the lonely streets of some Southeast Asian countries.

Is it mere coincidence that the correspondence I'm about to share was written almost exactly five years ago under the April moon?

We miss so much the people and realise their value in our lives only when they've moved on.

Me(in white) with the SIF staff (with other fellows) in their Singapore office, 2005.

+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++
On 4/19/05
Dear Q,
>
> I shall take this opportunity in emailing you while
> I'm online to say that I missed Singapore the moment I
> heard your refreshing voice over the telephone.
>
> There are things in life that comes and unfolds
> without much effect in our minds. Only when it is over
> that we realize it did occur, and now it has passed us
> by.
>
> In a way that's how i felt about the entire trip - it
> was kindf surreal. I knew I was there but it is only
> now that I felt it in my heart that I did. It is
> almost like the same feeling when one is roused from
> slumber and pushed to stand up from bed. You know
> what's happening, but you do not have a connected
> feeling to it.
>
> Some psychologists refer to it as late reaction. I do
> not know how to label it.After all, I am no
> psychologist.
>
> Tuesday is a beautiful day, and mine as of this
> writing is almost near its end. I dropped by a nice
> bakeshop and bought myself a yummy yam cake jr (yam in
> our country is called ube) that I will devour later
> after dinner.
>
> Should you have been here, I'll let you taste it, give
> you a fork bite only. Just kidding.
>
> I hope you do not get bored with my emails. I am such
> a blabbermouth and it must be showing even in writing
> emails. Somehow I feel that I can tell you anything
> and that would be just fine with you.
>
> i do remember that way back in 1998, I would usually
> troop to Clementi bus terminal to buy a 12-dollar
> gourmet cake from one of those bakeshops once every
> week. Cakes, like ice cream, is a favorite. It is
> comfort food. See, everyone wants to be comforted in
> some forms. Right?
>
> You like ice cream, don't you? I love ice cream as
> well. and chocolates. and cotton candy. and the
> morning chill. and your smiling oriental eyes. ^.^
>
> Tomorrow it is back to the office once again. I have a
> speech to start writing and give to our President,
> Ambassador HQD. I will write about the
> indigenous peoples and human security. Serious stuff.
> So not me. But writing speeches has become second
> skin, when I've grown being asked to write speeches. I
> didn't realize that it was an 'okay' thing to have
> written a speech for the former President of the
> Philippines, FVR, when he went to the world
> economic forum in Davos as a speaker. Someone recently
> told me I should be happy about it. You know, when i
> did that, i did that as part of my work then for a think tank in 2000.
> Something i would normally not take pride in doing.
>
> I've started my affair with the written world early
> on. I suppose this was my mum's legacy as she was a
> brilliant creative writer. She left tons and tons of
> poems I began reading when I was already in 4th year
> high school, 10 years after she died from breast
> cancer.
>
> On a happier note, my friend who is a famous movie
> director here has his next movie showing next week. He
> wants me to watch this teeny bopper flick he did.
> Hmmm, maybe I will.
>
> Shucks, I've written a looong one again, and I'm
> afraid I have nothing more to say the next time.
>
> Hahahaha
>
> All the best this tuesday evening, Q. : )
>
> JC

- - - - - -
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 12:53 AM
Dear JC,

I shouldnt be replying to your email because I haven't completed my
report. Just logging on to read a couple of emails and perhaps chance
upon an idea that can spark off me writing again. Yes, I have been
suffering from a researcher's block - i haven't much idea why my
professor wants us to conduct the research we are doing. The way
Monash assigns us work is to go in the opposite direction - decide
what they want to hear from us, create the research procedures,
administer the tests and then ask us to figure out why THEY want to do
with all that.

I can relate to what you just described, the uncanny way in which we
are unable to fully experience what we are experiencing, though we are
cognitively aware of its occurrence, and also reminding ourselves to
enjoy it, and yet not quite being immersed in the moment. This,
unfortunately, doesn't quite apply to moments of anguish, regret, or
agony (like for me when writing a report). I don't believe it's a
delayed reaction. Maybe we try too hard, or maybe the beauty in
experience is being unaware.

Very long ago back in varsity, i made a decision one fine day that
Tuesday would be my favourite day of the week, simply because I felt
its a neglected day of the week, like the days of the week were
objects for people to touch and treasure. Some friends feel its
because it was a day where i didn't have many classes. I still
disagree. Mondays were popular because for some, it marked a new
beginning to a week, Fridays are the crowd favourite for being the
start of a weekend, Wednesdays were always encouraging for people bcos
it meant they were half-way through the week, Saturdays and Sundays
would always bring a smile to people's faces because it meant a time
to wind down, relax or simply sleep, and Thursdays for many students
marked the beginning of a string of parties. So i thought to myself,
what is left for Tuesdays then?

I only tried ube ice cream. Shall mark that down on my list of goodies
to savour when I return to the Philippines. I was lucky to try Buko
Pie when Kenneth (2002) came for the Conference. He bought a box for
the SIF staff. Though I was in Tagaytay for 2 days, and saw tons of
Buko Pie shops, we never stopped for a bite. So the next time a pinoy
comes back to Spore, I'm going to make sure s/he brings some yam cake
then!

It is a blessing to be your 'reading eye' like a listening ear. I'm
inclined to believe writing is a kind of therapy for you. And perhaps
it encourages you/us to be 'be transformed by the renewing of (our)
mind' (Romans 12:2).

The brevity of life does bring out the best in people.

I would love to continue but no further than this tonight. Work
beckons wildly. =(

Q

Video Whoring 2: Me in Fighting Form

2010-04-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

So I am gearing up for my trip to Thailand and prolly watch a muay thai match. you see, i grew up watching boxing matches in my hometown because dad would bring me to a lot of those, ringside at that.

And quite recently, with a little prodding from an old friend and classmate, i went into boxing training at Elorde's.

Enjoy a glimpse of me with 38 degrees fever, donning my boxing hand wraps.

Irresponsible Article By Manila Bulletin on Maria VR

2010-04-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Manila Bulletin through its online site yesterday published this article:

Dethroned beauty queen no-show for Miss ‘U’ training
By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
April 13, 2010, 5:54pm

Four days after local pageant organizers announced that she may reclaim the title, dethroned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria VR was still a no-show Tuesday at the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) office at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City to start her training as the country’s representative to the 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant.

“The BPCI is trying to get her (Raj) to start training pero she has other commitments daw,’’ a source at the Araneta Group of Companies said.

“We’re running out of time because aside from the local training, our representative will be trained abroad. It’s an extensive training, not an ordinary one, ’’ another source said.

Other sources said Raj has not applied her application for passport, one of the conditions which the BPCI stated so that she could reclaim the crown.

Observers questioned the cold treatment Raj is giving to the pageant organizers despite the second chance given her. “Baka ayaw na n’ya maging beauty queen. Gusto na lang nya maging artista,” one observer said.

Sources said Raj should choose between the contract with the BPCI or the contract with her lawyers.

“She has to fulfill her duties as a beauty queen if she really wants to become a Binibini,’’ one source said.

Last March 29, the BPCI let Raj go “after the organization discovered inconsistencies contained in her birth records, in contrast to her personal account of her birth.’’

Second-runnerup Helen Nicollette Henson was later announced to join the 59th edition of the Miss Universe beauty contest in August. But last April 10, the Executive Committee of BPCI announced that Raj will now have the chance to represent the country in the most prestigious beauty pageant.

“After due deliberation, we have reassessed the situation pertaining to Miss Maria VR and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine passport, we will reinstate her as the reigning Bb Pilipinas-Universe," organizers said in a statement.

The same committee said, "We are sensitive to her situation, but we are aware too, of our responsibilities as an entity existing under Philippine law."

- - - - -
I posted the following reaction over at Missosology.com yesterday as well after reading the above-mentioned article:

Manila Bulletin has been BPCI's print media partner and sponsor for years now (Manila Bulletin's Reader's Choice Award, remember). If BPCI is engaged with Manila Bulletin in some dirty ploy to discredit Maria VR by coming out with this press release, then BPCI is not using its head properly.

First, why, of all print media, did this negative stunt coming out only in MB? Because they are BPCI's print media partner.

Second, BPCI only released on April 10th (Saturday) that they are giving Maria VR a chance to regain her crown, but they have yet to sit down with her and iron out the details and conditions. And now, April 13th (Tuesday) they are crying wolf? How lame can they get.

Third, BPCI has not yet reinstated her as its rightful Bb Pilipinas-Universe. They gave a provision that she first get a valid Philippine passport,and actually gave a deadline for it (June 2010). Now, if BPCI was thinking properly, don't they know that the world would have already assumed that Maria VR is in the process of gathering pertinent documents to meet all the requirements in getting a passport? Or, are they really suffering from amnesia?

Fourth, what kind of malicious statement is that that Maria VR perhaps now no longer wants to be a beauty queen, but maybe wants to be in show business? That is foul and uncalled for. In the interview Maria VR did with Ted Failon, she clearly stated that she has neither thought of the acting field yet nor is she bent on joining show business after her reign.

Fifth, the MB news item reeks of irresponsible journalism. It is one-sided, and did not even get the side of Maria VR. It did not even bother to contact those closely associated with Maria VR. It did not even research its story well. The writer just allowed BPCI to feed him/her with poisonous information. How can Manila Bulletin allow such shallow news reporting to see the light of day?

I call on the Manila Bulletin and the writer of that article to take basic lessons in Journalism.

The article is downright appalling.

- - - - -

When one reviews the Journalist's Code of Ethics - Philippines (as found in www.eyeonethics.org), it is obvious what codes had been grossly violated. Here are the 11 codes as formulated by the Philippine Press Institute and National Press Club:

1. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts or to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognise the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.

2. I shall not violate confidential information or material given me in the exercise of my calling.

3. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.

4. I shall refrain from writing reports which will adversely affect a private reputation unless the public interest justifies it. At the same time, I shall fight vigorously for public access to information.

5. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties; nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature which may cast doubt on my professional integrity.

6. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.

7. I shall not in any manner ridicule, cast aspersions on, or degrade any person by reason of sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

8. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors and women involved in criminal cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.

9. I shall not take unfair advantage of fellow journalists.

10. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my profession, invoking the ‘conscience clause’ when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice of my conscience.

11. I shall comport myself in public or while performing my duties as journalist in such manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my watch word.

- - - -

Readers, you be the judge.

Video Whoring: JCGuapo in 2010

2010-04-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

I heart me: crazy, formal, non-linear, direct, quirky, no-nonsense!

So this is i, for all those inquiring who JCGuapo is.

Showbiz Central features my letter to Miss Universe Org

2010-04-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

My letter to the Miss Universe Organization was used by GMA7's Showbiz Central in its latest feature on Maria Venus Raj after the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) has given her a chance to regain her title and crown.

This is the only letter of appeal to the MUO regarding Maria Venus' dethronement that has seen the light of cyberspace, and circulated online.

At 0.58 - 1.10, my letter comes out. Thanks to BreaxtiTaki for uploading such video on the youtube.

Here it is below:

A Win for Venus, A Salute to BPCI!

2010-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today, April 10th 2010, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) has released an official statement reconsidering their previous position on Maria Venus Raj.

The statement reads:

The Executive Committee of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) announces today that after due deliberation, they have reassessed the situation pertaining to Ms. Maria VR and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine Passport, they will reinstate her as the reigning Bb Pilipinas-Universe.

The Committee emphasized that:

“We are sensitive to her situation, but we are aware too, of our responsibilities as an entity existing under Philippine Law.”

“The BPCI being an organization concerned not just with the quest for the true Filipina Beauty but more so, dedicated to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the lives of marginalized Filipinos, has always considered the welfare of our candidates paramount.”

“Our intention, with respect to Ms. Raj, was always to protect her in the way we felt appropriate.”

“More than the yearly Bb. Pilipinas pageant, BPCI’s relevance as an organization lies in the many opportunities it provides to young and deserving Filipinas, and we are hopeful that Venus will be that Filipina to represent our country in this year’s Miss Universe Pageant.”

------

I salute the BPCI for doing the right move this time. Their open-mindedness and compassion will be a springboard for more admiration and respect they shall gain from the people for such a daring decision to reverse its previous position.

Kudos, BPCI!

And to Maria Venus, I say this: God sees the truth, but waits. This victory you've won is much sweeter after staying steadfast amidst the unnecessary battle you had to go through. Congratulations and God bless you!

People like myself had always believed that you never erred, and I did not hesitate to immediately do my share in helping you regain your title.

May you always shine under God's light!

Forge on, and show to the world's marginalized sectors of society that yes, they,too can dream, and with perseverance, hard work, dedication, and goodness of one's heart, they shall succeed as well like yourself. : )

_______________________________________________________________

Wish Ko Lang videos about the humble background of Maria Venus Raj. The show that grants wishes to underprivileged people went to her hometown and granted Venus and her family some of their more important wishes in life.

PDI article on Maria Venus Raj

2010-04-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

(source Philippine Daily Inquirer)
RUNWAY in RICE FIELD

BATO, CAMARINES SUR—Streamers of congratulations still hang in Barangay San Vicente here for its instant celebrity-daughter, Maria VR, who would have represented the country in the Miss Universe pageant in August after winning the most coveted Binibining Pilipinas title.

But her reign had been cut short by organizers less than a month ago.

“My fight is now more than just chasing a dream. It is about clearing my soiled reputation. It is about standing up for people who are poor and born out of wedlock. It is a fight for acceptance,” Raj said in an interview at her house made of wood, bamboo and “anahaw” leaves.

She has been living in the house without electricity for 21 years.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) took back her crown when it discovered false information in her birth certificate—that she was born in San Vicente, Bato, Camarines Sur, when she and her mother said she was actually born in Doha, Qatar; that her father is a Catholic Filipino when, in fact, he is an Indian; and that her parents were married when they were actually not.

Mother is OFW

During the pre-pageant’s panel and individual interviews in November last year, Raj had said she was born in Qatar, where her mother, Ester Bayonito, had worked as a domestic helper from 1986 to 1988, and was brought to the Philippines a month later.

Raj has professed her innocence, saying she had nothing to do with the information her aunt put in the document when her birth was registered three years after. She discovered the inconsistency when she applied for a college scholarship at the Francis Papica Foundation, which had not been corrected until she was dethroned.

Raj said she and her mother had no idea that she would someday be joining a national beauty pageant and that they were not able to correct the errors in her birth certificate because this would entail extra expenses.

Local contests

The youngest in a brood of five children, Raj started joining local beauty pageants when she was 17 years old, as well as oratorical contests at San Vicente High School.

“Whenever I won, I would give the prize money to my mother, who saved it up to buy seeds for the planting season,” she said. Her mother, now 59, is a tenant farmer, dressmaker and “hilot” in their village.

“My dream, more than to be a beauty queen or a model, is to just really give my family a comfortable life,” said Raj, who graduated, cum laude, with a journalism degree at Bicol University.

Raj was Miss Bicolandia in 2007 and Miss Philippines-Ecotourism in the Miss Philippines Earth pageant in 2008. With her winnings, she started buying land on installment basis for her mother.

“We moved from one place to another … about four times. It was hard not to have your own place. When there were conflicts we were always forced to leave,” Raj said in Bicol.

Ma. Lourdes Pili, Raj’s English teacher at San Vicente High School, said she used to coach Raj for oratorical contests.

“What always amazed me about Venus was her determination to succeed. Whenever she joined contests, we would borrow uniform and shoes because hers were old and faded. But she was never discouraged,” Pili said.

Resign or be dethroned

In a press conference in Naga City on Wednesday, Raj recalled how hard she cried when she was told about the decision of BPCI officials to strip her of her title.

Her predicament, she said, started a day after she was crowned on March 6 when Stella Marquez de Araneta, pageant head, supposedly expressed shock when she learned that she was born in Doha.

Raj said she was given two options—resign or be dethroned.

She said she was coaxed to sign a letter of resignation and was advised not to talk about the reason for it to protect her and her family from “judgmental people who would belittle them because of her past.”

When she told the organizers that she could not just sign a document without the presence of a lawyer, they met again for several hours only to tell her that she would be dethroned, she said.

Raj’s replacement will be the contest’s second runner-up, Helen Nicolette Henson, as the first runner-up, Dianne Necio was only 17 years old then.

According to Miss Universe pageant rules, the winner of the title must be 18 years old.

Poor girls’ dreams

Anjo Santos, Raj’s talent manager and mentor, said he was shocked at the sudden decision of BPCI. “It killed the dreams of poor beautiful girls like her who came from poor families to pursue their ambitions to succeed.”

She was never given due process, he added.

Because of embarrassment over her dethronement less than a month after she was crowned and the fear of being the talk of the town, Raj and her mother would not go out of their house.

Raj’s name is now all over the blogosphere. Fan pages on the social networking site Facebook were created to petition her reinstatement as the “country’s rightful candidate in the Miss Universe pageant.”

Free legal support

Lawyer Francis Padua Papica, who sponsored Raj’s college education, and another counsel volunteered to defend her for free.

A netizen, who requested to be identified only as King and a student of Bicol University, said his fan page would average around 300 interactions a day and had more than a thousand members.

One of Raj’s friends, Christian Jay Millena, 21, of Daraga town in Albay, believes BPCI has not dealt with Raj’s case with tact and decency.

“Take note that the BPCI even failed to properly inform the public and even the persons concerned of the real issue why Venus was dethroned,” he said.

Even Dante Jimenez, chair of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and also a Bicolano, pledged his group’s full legal support during the press conference held at Avenue Plaza Hotel in Naga.

‘Handiwork of losers’

“I think this is the handiwork of losers who wanted to dethrone a legitimate winner,” Jimenez said.

Some 50 children from poor communities welcomed Raj with flowers to dramatize her roots and support from fellow Bicolanos. Before leaving, she told them not to give up on their dreams even though how poor they were.

“She is an inspiration to ordinary girls with beauty and brains who are just daughters of poor farmers or fisherfolk. She is a perfect inspiration to ordinary Filipinos who can tell the whole world that economic status is not a hindrance to fulfill a career using their God-given talent,” said Santos, Raj’s talent manager. With a report from Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon

Plagiarism: Flattering or Not?

2010-04-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

These days, plagiarism has become a buzzword with the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) speech fiasco. Being a man of integrity, MVP decided to resign from his post at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and issued a public apology after portions of his Keynote Address at ADMU's Graduation Rites surfaced to have been copied from both Oprah Winfrey's and JK Rowling's speeches.

Today, plagiarism hits home. I accidentally strayed to a blog site (http://delfindjmontano.blogspot.com) of an Australian national named Brian Gorrell who had been sent a letter about the dethronement of Maria Venus Raj.

I read through the letter and I was surprised to find out that majority of its content came from my letter to the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Ms Paula Shugart. However, the letter-sender in Mr. Gorrell's blog added a few lines here and there to make it appear as his own. The letter did not use quotation marks, or had not properly credited me.

What is problematic about plagiarism is the very act of stealing someone else's intellectual property.

We may wish to lift people's work, as is, as long as it has proper acknowledgments. However, altering someone's work to appear as our own constitutes theft and disrespect - an apparent lack of respect towards other people's work and a lack of respect on our own capacity and fortitude.

I already notified Mr. Gorrell about the matter, and I am hoping he makes the necessary adjustments in his blog.

Let me post the letter sent to Mr. Gorrell and compare it with the one I originally furnished the Miss Universe Organization (found below under a different entry). It does not take a genius to realise how different the tones and the writing styles are from my lines and those of the plagiarist's.

_____
(plagiarised version)

Dear Brian,

I am a follower of your blog since forever. Brian I am a Filipino beauty pageant fanatic. I and the gay Filipino pageant fanatics are turning to you for help since we know you're a huge force in the blog world. I hope you could help us spread our plea.

Quite recently, the Miss Universe franchise holder in the Philippines, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI), dethroned its deserving winner, Maria Venus Raj, on the basis that there are inconsistencies in her birth certificate and her personal account of her birth.

There is a public outrage particularly the pageant fans over this dethronement and the clamor to reinstate the title to Maria Venus Raj is strong and snowballing. Many people believe that Maria Venus deserves to represent the Philippines.

The reason behind the dethronement stems from a falsified birth certificate saying that Maria Venus was born in the Philippines to a married couple, inconsistent with the information furnished by Maria Venus and her mother that she was indeed born in Doha, Qatar to an Indian national and her Filipina mother, out of wedlock.

Reports have revealed that the birth certificate was falsified three years after Maria Venus’ birth to hide her illegitimacy and perhaps to lead a normal life away from the mockery of her very rural and strictly Catholic environment (she lives in a nipa hut in the middle of the rice fields).

There was no bad faith coming from Maria Venus as she had always been honest about being born in Doha, Qatar. This fact she wrote down on her application form with BPCI. Because all candidates were asked to submit proofs of their being a Filipino national, she submitted what legal document she possessed in her hands.

BPCI had enough time to look into all the documents of all potential candidates during the screening period running for a few months, and thus, BPCI proclaimed 24 girls out of the hundreds as its official candidates after having met all the requirements.

We feel that there is injustice here for Maria Venus. Although the best way to make this clamor is to direct such petition for reinstatement to BPCI, we all know that the Colombian-run charity organization always do not heed any Filipino’s plea as in the many cases of dethronement and disqualifications they did in the past. BPCI headed by Colombian Stella Araneta don't like listening to Filipino fans.

I am writing you Brian in hopes of you helping us being heard. This case, however, becomes more special, because Maria Venus comes from a marginalized sector of society (rural poor, illegitimate, bi-racial) who fought against the odds of her life by sending herself to school and graduating cum laude, and holding on to her dream of becoming a beauty queen who can help others like her have hope in life. We believe that by letting her continue on and represent the Philippines in Miss Universe will give a positive signal to all underprivileged people.

Thank You Very Much

Online Petition - gathering public support

2010-04-06T02:55:00.000-07:00

Kindly sign the online petition asking the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) for the reinstatement of Maria Venus Raj's title as Binibining Pilipinas - Universe 2010 and subsequently for her to officially represent the country to the 2010 Miss Universe.

http://www.petitiononline.com/genres5/petition.html

Thank you.

(this petition was spearheaded by pageant fans who are supporting maria venus raj)

Miss Universe Org replies to my letter

2010-04-03T22:42:00.001-07:00

On Black Saturday, I thought of writing to the President of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), Ms Paula Shugart, as a personal support for dethroned but very deserving Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010 Maria Venus Raj. (i wrote about the circumstances of her dethronement in a preceding entry below)

Here are my letter and MUO's succinct reply:

Ms Paula Shugart
President
Miss Universe Organization

Dear Ms. Shugart,

Mabuhay and Happy Easter!

Quite recently, the Miss Universe franchise holder in the Philippines, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI), dethroned its deserving winner, Maria Venus Raj, on the basis that there are inconsistencies in her birth certificate and her personal account of her birth.

There is a public outrage over this dethronement here in the Philippines, and the clamor to reinstate the title to Maria Venus Raj is strong and snowballing. Many people believe that Maria Venus deserves to represent her countrymen to your organization's prestigious beauty pageant.

The reason behind the dethronement stems from a falsified birth certificate saying that Maria Venus was born in the Philippines to a married couple, inconsistent with the information furnished by Maria Venus and her mother that she was indeed born in Doha, Qatar to an Indian national and her Filipina mother, out of wedlock.

Reports have revealed that the birth certificate was falsified three years after Maria Venus' birth to hide her illegitimacy and perhaps to lead a normal life away from the mockery of her very rural and strictly Catholic environment (she lives in a nipa hut in the middle of the rice fields).

There was no bad faith coming from Maria Venus as she had always been honest about being born in Doha, Qatar. This fact she wrote down on her application form with BPCI. Because all candidates were asked to submit proofs of their being a Filipino national, she submitted what legal document she possessed in her hands.

BPCI had enough time to look into all the documents of all potential candidates during the screening period running for a few months, and thus, BPCI proclaimed 24 girls out of the hundreds as its official candidates after having met all the requirements.

We feel that there is injustice here for Maria Venus. Although the best way to make this clamor is to direct such petition for reinstatement to BPCI, we all know that the Colombian-run charity organization always do not heed any Filipino's plea as in the many cases of dethronement and disqualifications they did in the past.

I am writing to your good office in hopes of being heard, and of letting your organization know how much Filipinos revere and respect your pageant, and of how much the Filipinos take pageants seriously.

This case, however, becomes more special, because Maria Venus comes from a marginalized sector of society (rural poor, illegitimate, bi-racial) who fought against the odds of her life by sending herself to school and graduating cum laude, and holding on to her dream of becoming a beauty queen who can help others like her have hope in life. By letting her continue on and represent the Philippines in the most prestigious pageant in the universe will give a positive signal to all underprivileged people that yes, Miss Universe, paves the way for those hopeless and downtrodden to have a chance in life.

I, like the thousands of heartbroken Filipinos, hope that my prayer won't fall on deaf ears. Like the Miss Australia in the past where the intervention and blessing of Mr. Donald Trump allowed her to retain her title and compete eventually in your pageant, may Maria Venus Raj get your organization's time to look into the matter.

God bless and more power to the Miss Universe Organization!

Very Respectfully Yours,

Xxxx Xxxxx
Filipino National

________________________

RE: On Miss Philippines-Universe Dethronement
Saturday, April 3, 2010 8:15 PM
From:
"Paula Shugart"

Thank you for your letter. MUO is looking into the matter.

______________

NOTE: My letter above appears in barriosiete.com (with permission and proper credits), missosology.com (as is), and brian gorrell's blog (however it has been slightly changed to appear as the sender's own).

________________________

I thank the Miss Universe Organization for giving my letter the time of day and for actually replying back to me regarding this matter. No one asked me to write to MUO and I do not even know Maria Venus personally. I just felt that there was injustice and as always, I side with whom I feel is being wronged.

______________________

Here's the heartbreaking interview of Maria Venus Raj, telecast over at ABS-CBN yesterday, April 4th.

The interview reveals how Venus never hid any of her personal circumstances to BPCI right from the start. The organization was also informed about the forged information on her birth certificate that was registered by her aunt when she was about 3 years old, and she never knew about this until she applied for a collegiate scholarship. Because of their economic situation and financial standing, her mom only focused on how to feed her children and never bothered to have the document fixed because her mother could hardly afford anything.

Dethroning A Deserving Winner

2010-04-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

Maria Venus Raj, 21, grew up in the middle of a rice field in Bato, Camarines Sur. Despite her difficult circumstances, she finished a degree in Journalism, Cum Laude, and went on to pursue her dream of becoming a beauty queen and rise above her reality as a rural poor in Bicol.

She did not demonstrate bad faith when she signed up for the Binibining Pilipinas pageant because she had always notified the organization that she was actually born in Doha, Qatar. She went on to become an official candidate after months of screening potential contestants closed. As a requirement, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI) asks for proofs of one's citizenship - either one has to submit a valid passport or a birth certificate. On her hands was the birth certificate she had always used in her life - something that tried to hide her illegitimate status being born out of wedlock in Qatar to an Indian national and a Filipina mother. Three years after her birth, Venus' birth certificate was falsified to show that she was born in Camarines Sur to a married couple. This document was the one she submitted to BPCI.

BPCI had months and months of time in their hands checking all the documents they had with them. However, a few weeks after Maria Venus Raj was proclaimed the 2010 Bb Pilipinas-Universe, BPCI said that "with a heavy heart, they are letting go of Venus as Bb Pilipinas-Universe 2010," otherwise, stripping her of the title and the right to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant in August or September of this year. BPCI contends that they only discovered the inconsistencies after Venus' win.

In the past years, however, BPCI had dethroned three (3) other Bb Pilipinas-Universe winners: Anjanette Abayari in 1991, Tisha Silang in 1998, and Janelle Bautista in 1999. Last year, they disqualified a formidable contender to the Bb Pilipinas crown, Sandra Seifert, who eventually went on to become Miss Earth 2009 first runner-up.

The inconsistency raised by BPCI points to a lie that happened. However, this lie was not perpetuated by Venus herself but by the ones who prepared her birth certificate when she was merely a toddler. had she wished to lie, she would have easily said that she was born in Camarines Sur and not in Doha, Qatar. Perhaps it was her way of telling the truth. However, the legal document she had in her hands are not legitimate, but in the interest of submitting a requirement, she furnished BPCI the one and only birth certificate she had in her hands.

This brings me to the case of Mimilanie 'Melanie' Marquez, who at 15 years old in 1979, knowingly falsified her birth certificate to make her legally 17 on paper and become eligible for a crown. She eventually won the Bb Pilipinas-International crown and the Miss International crown in 1979. What about the case of Pilar Pilapil who also lied about her age at the Miss Universe pageant?

We find that BPCI is certainly inconsistent here as well.

Maria Venus Raj did not try to hide the real circumstances of her birth, and this falsified document she grew up using is not of her doing, and must not be taken against her.

We hope that there will be justice as Venus Raj is a strong contender to the Miss Universe crown.

Here's a video link on her:

Jinggoy Estrada Para Senador (TV Ad 2)

2010-03-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

My first-ever TV Commercial appearance! Hahahaha

For those who may wish to see the TV commercial, this is the link to my Facebook page. I lifted the TV advert from the Senator's page. : )

http://www.facebook.com/jasper.caesar?ref=profile#!/video/video.php?v=381380373330&ref=mf

Fashion For Me

2010-03-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

This is Paolo Roldan, Filipino supermodel, who closed the Givenchy FW Show 2010 in Paris. I want to have the same garb, slightly modified, for my future look. : )

Watch out!

Good Weird

2010-03-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

I saw myself in the TV ad finally!

How did it feel? Weird. But good weird. The way I first saw myself on a billboard. Heads up to the makers of the TVC - they really know how to pick the best takes. And they are right not to include my solo spots because that was when I experimented on camera. I was the second person called in to do the solo shoot and man, I truly blanked. First, everything was so surreal for me. Second, I had no amount of sleep, not even 30 minutes. I was a literal zombie. Third, that perhaps was like my only workshop. So really it was cool.

What do you think about the entire version 1 of the ad? It was well-made. The concept was clear, crisp. The images were defined. And each one was given their time on air. Even mine had much airtime from the second part of the ad. So it was cool. And the rest of the cast did well.

The scenes where I was featured in surely didn't make me look like I had no sleep or had no acting training, whatsoever. So I have to salute the makers of the ad for making us look natural and cool on-cam. Thank you!

I just hope that Team Jinggoy will upload the ads. I am so looking forward to the next versions to come out. I know that they will come out and look catchy, like the jingle we sang over and over and over and over and over and over. Felt like we would never stop singing to it in front of the camera.

Hahahahaha!

I Wanna Know

2010-03-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

Finally, it's out on TV! Today, Sunday, March 21st. I want to know how it is. Haven't yet caught it as I seldom turn on the telly. Heard that it was well-made. I'm glad. Good to know that I'm in a neat tv commercial, a political ad of Senator Jinggoy Estrada's.

If you happen to catch it on TV, please do leave me a comment. And yes, look for me. There's eight of us individually singing in the advert. : )

Clover Hands

2010-03-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

(reposting a short story i wrote in 2005)

They hurriedly leave to nest in a new land. No one is certain when the birds are coming back. No one seems to mind, save for the clover-handed siblings of Brown Earth who find this transitory migration a celebration of freedom for the birds.

For Nunta, the red-hooded girl, and her brother, Lukma, the golden-haired boy, they find hope and inspiration from this recurring journey of the birds, as if one day, they, too, shall escape from this life in Brown Earth.

Brown Earth is a dead land inhabited by the resilient of all hardy creatures. It sees none of the tears from heaven that somehow should have quenched their parched patch. Across, over a canyon, is Red Earth, where life is perfect. Only the birds have gone there from Brown Earth.

"It is time to say goodbye, little Nunta."

"I wish not to see your journey commence from my time, Lukma. I will grieve it."

"I shall receive it with my whole heart and the little life that clings to me shall return to the Creator.This is my time, Nunta. Goodbye. Remember that I shall await you from the golden fields of Red Earth – that is where I shall be."

With icy acceptance of such fate for little Nunta, she removes her red-hooded robe and wraps it over her dead brother's body. Inside the cold marble cave, she moves the body towards the mouth of the cave where she pours over the body some liquefied decay of water lilies, lights fire on it by gnashing stones. Then she watches her brother's body fade to dust from the fire.

When the carrot moon shines over the dry night of Brown Earth, Nunta climbs the Dao tree and laments; her cries reverberate this forgotten land. She drains her energies until she grew weary then retires on the branches.

The following morning, little Nunta strains her eyes to scan Red Earth's golden fields across the canyon. She jumps off the tree and runs towards the edge of Brown Earth's cliff, singing the sadness of her heart.

She closes her eyes.

Nunta allowed the misty air to envelope her frail body as she is falling, falling, falling towards her tragic end.

When I see the moon glow in pale orange, I remember clover hands. It is the saddest of all nights, my friend.

For our lifetime is the passing of the shadow and our dying cannot be deferred - Wisdom 2:5

"Villacorta" Shoot

2010-03-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

The ending of February and the marching in of March 2010 fulfilled a well-held dream (that stayed much as a dream in my heart).

Awaiting its official airing in April 2010, here are a few snapshots of my first ever experience in front of a camera as one of the eight main characters in a TVC.

I thank our patient, positive and encouraging director and acting coach (asst director) for perfecting our moves. Same goes out to the three make-up artists who made us all look fresh and natural. For a first-timer, they made me feel great. Thanks much to my casters who were very supportive and stayed behind us the entire time.

We (main cast) shot at Unitel Studios in Makati from early morning till the wee hours the following day. I now must give high respects to actors/actresses and on-cam talents because doing a short TVC alone is truly grueling. How much more if one is doing a movie! Gawd, not easy. I tell you.

signage outside Studio C

lights, camera, action. really froze me the first time I had to be in front. forgot anything at all.

my look as a scholar/college student (hehehe bagay ba at 36?)

with the other cast members Annalie and Marlyn

with cast member Elijah

How I Looked in High School

2010-03-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

(sketch by MP Opada)

Listen and Remember

2010-03-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

Bulong (Whisper), performed by Kitchie Nadal holds a heavy importance in my life, not so much of its meaning. Soon you guys will find out why. For now, just listen and remember. : )

At Deanna & Arcedel's Wedding

2010-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Lovely wedding. Well-planned. Elegance extraordinaire. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds, Tootsie and Kidz!

Cebu - an island in the pacific!

2010-02-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

Clever that in the 90s, Cebu marketed itself as 'an island in the pacific' instead of being a 'province in the philippines.'

Look at Cebu now, it has progressed immensely yet staying quaint. It is the top tourism destination in the country for several years now. This visit of mine actually changed my sentiments towards Cebu. I used to really not like Cebu for a few reasons. But let me just say that I Love Cebu now.

A few things that awed me are its proactive stance on tourism for both domestic and international travelers. Here are some photographs of CEBU-tiful!

Beautiful Bohol

2010-02-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

Bohol should be the crown jewel of the Philippines in tourism: tourist spots are aplenty and the province is well-organized for tourism. A plus factor are its friendly people and the affordability of food, items and accommodation.

How come my dad never pushed us to visit his home province. It is simply irresistible! Let me show you: