In a matter of hours, Twenty-thirteen is jumping in! May the New Year bring renewed hope and second chances, stronger ties and wider views… Cheers!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Doomsday postponed; Christmas pushes through
To some people’s disappointment, the world didn’t end on 21 December. And I am not surprised. You see, no one can predict apocalypse. Or let me rephrase that: We can predict as much as we can but there’s a Divine Power much greater than us who knows better...
And it is rather amusing that even 2012’s most viral Koren Gangnam Style dance video by Psy was dragged into this. What on Earth? I can’t see how a dance video could signal the end of the world. That’s just ridiculous!!
And four days after the supposed Doomsday, it’s Christmas. As I’ve said, it’s just a date and it passes after 24 hours. People are now back to their usual businesses — and misdeeds, waiting for another 360+ days to do good. How clever!
Speaking of Christmas, many victims of typhoon Pablo had no other choice but to spend Noche Buena in their temporary shelters. When the supposedly happy celebration is over, then they’ll face life anew and look forward to better things as a new year starts.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tugunon conquers Universe
Almost.
Philippines' Janine Tugunon is Miss Universe 2012 1st Runner Up, placing after USA's Olivia Culpo in a coronation night held in Las Vegas, USA today.
While Janine placed high enough, many Filipino fans have been 'sourgraping' over Janine being supposedly 'robbed' the crown, giving far better answer than Olivia in the final Q&A. In fact, many believed that Janine gave the best answer by far among the top 5.
She was asked a question by a Twitter user, as to whether speaking English should be a prerequisite to being a Miss Universe, being an international ambassador.
Crowd went wild when Janine said it is not necessary for a Miss Universe, as long as she has a heart to serve and a strong mind.
Plausible.
But many fans have been heartbroken after USA was called.
Speculations quickly spread in the net. Others said there has been a maliscious trend in beauty pageants this year. Could it be merely coincidence that USA won Miss Universe in its home turf; noting that the same happened this year with Miss World in China and Miss International in Japan?
But in a competition, they say, there will always be a winner. This time, USA got the crown. Nevertheless, Janine is winner herself, bringing so much pride to his country- a queen in her very own right.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Redeeming a Nation One Punch at a Time
Exactly a week after that painful loss by Pacquiao to Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez: Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire redeemed the flag with his incredible show of strength and heart against another Mexican, Jorge Arce.
Incidentally, both fights ended with Knock-Out victories and at 2:59 in the 6th and 3rd rounds of the bouts, respectively.
Sports analysts now predict that Donaire will elevate in the pound-for-pound ranking, aside from being a favourite for the title 'Fighter of the Year.' Note that Nonito has fought four times this year and won in all these fights. Magnanimous!
Clearly, Flash has spiralled into one of Philippine Sports' most prized possessions, but will he be the new Pacquiao?
Based on their resumes, both fighters have clearly gone a long way- from proteges to sensations and champs. But the comparison becomes uneven as Pacquiao is a native Filipino who grew up from a less privileged family in GenSan. He tried boxing at an early age to help his family. He has been an underdog and was for some time, considered a nobody. But with his perseverance, he made a name for himself, a name that is synonymous to a champion and a name that represents the country.
Whereas, Nonito, while born in Bohol, has had a taste of the American dream. The Fil-American boxer lived in the US since he was 11, which explains his accent. He is blessed with more, they say.
Peculiar it may sound but these differences clearly draw the line between the two. We Filipinos are fond of rags to riches stories- those that succeed amid adversity. We love to be inspired. We love the story of a changed man and a public display of faith. (And of course, we love celebrity nanays-ala Mommy D and controversial wives-ala Jinkee. We also love novelty songs and luxury cars, TV shows and quirky commercial endorsements.)
But Nonito is another story, a less rated one- a story that may not appear appealing enough to the masses, but he is a winner himself- that cannot be denied. The man came back to the Philippines to give honour to his homeland, as Pacquiao did. He is doing a good job and he deserves credit.
But simply put, there will be no other Pacquiao as there was no other Ali. Nonito is a hero of his own. After all, all is flat above the ring and everybody wins in his own game.
In other news, the RH Bill has finally passed the 2nd reading in the House of Representatives. The Palace is now, more than ever, putting pressure on the legislative branch to pass the controversial and long-overdue bill. Will it pass the 3rd and final reading and be signed by PNoy before 2012 draws to a close? That depends on decisions and alliances between and among our representatives.
Meanwhile, the CBCP is more actively and publicly going against the appoval of the bill. In fact, their letter has been read in the mass, during the first simbang gabi.
Incidentally, both fights ended with Knock-Out victories and at 2:59 in the 6th and 3rd rounds of the bouts, respectively.
Sports analysts now predict that Donaire will elevate in the pound-for-pound ranking, aside from being a favourite for the title 'Fighter of the Year.' Note that Nonito has fought four times this year and won in all these fights. Magnanimous!
Clearly, Flash has spiralled into one of Philippine Sports' most prized possessions, but will he be the new Pacquiao?
Based on their resumes, both fighters have clearly gone a long way- from proteges to sensations and champs. But the comparison becomes uneven as Pacquiao is a native Filipino who grew up from a less privileged family in GenSan. He tried boxing at an early age to help his family. He has been an underdog and was for some time, considered a nobody. But with his perseverance, he made a name for himself, a name that is synonymous to a champion and a name that represents the country.
Whereas, Nonito, while born in Bohol, has had a taste of the American dream. The Fil-American boxer lived in the US since he was 11, which explains his accent. He is blessed with more, they say.
Peculiar it may sound but these differences clearly draw the line between the two. We Filipinos are fond of rags to riches stories- those that succeed amid adversity. We love to be inspired. We love the story of a changed man and a public display of faith. (And of course, we love celebrity nanays-ala Mommy D and controversial wives-ala Jinkee. We also love novelty songs and luxury cars, TV shows and quirky commercial endorsements.)
But Nonito is another story, a less rated one- a story that may not appear appealing enough to the masses, but he is a winner himself- that cannot be denied. The man came back to the Philippines to give honour to his homeland, as Pacquiao did. He is doing a good job and he deserves credit.
But simply put, there will be no other Pacquiao as there was no other Ali. Nonito is a hero of his own. After all, all is flat above the ring and everybody wins in his own game.
In other news, the RH Bill has finally passed the 2nd reading in the House of Representatives. The Palace is now, more than ever, putting pressure on the legislative branch to pass the controversial and long-overdue bill. Will it pass the 3rd and final reading and be signed by PNoy before 2012 draws to a close? That depends on decisions and alliances between and among our representatives.
Meanwhile, the CBCP is more actively and publicly going against the appoval of the bill. In fact, their letter has been read in the mass, during the first simbang gabi.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
CARE Theater Arts Presentation
I found another video on Youtube. This was a major presentation of the Simon Theatre Arts Kids held at the Bicol College gymnasium about two years ago. My sister was one of the performers and they did a fantastic job. Was I having goosebumps right there? Absolutely.
Monday, December 10, 2012
When does a king stop and say it's over?
I don't know if it's just me, or is it really the ripe time for Filipino Champ Manny Pacquiao to retire as a boxer? I mean, after that painful loss (KO) with Juan Manuel Marquez, shouldn't it be something to consider?
Maybe the pound-for-pound king is now out of his prime- a career going down the slope. Remember that he also lost to Timothy Bradley in his controversial match months ago, to which many people were sourgraping and putting the blame on the judges.
Come to think of it, even Mommy Dionesia has been encouraging his son to retire from boxing (and focus on 'public service').
Not that I am anti-Pinoy Pride or boxing or Pacman but let's face it, boxing is a game- there is a time to call it quits. It's a business- money runs in and across it. Maybe its time for PacMan to bequeath his throne to a wothy heir, choosing from a rather long list.
Boxing has catapulated Pacquiao into a hero, the semi-official posterboy of the Philippines. His success story has inspired a lot of boxers and athletes as well as the commoner Filipino. More than that, he has been a unifying factor for the otherwise diverse people.
And he has elevated his family's social stature dramatically into celebrity status. He's got it all- fame, money, properties here and abroad, cars, endorsements, TV shows and a seat in the Congress.
Wouldn't it be great if we see the man we called a hero take the side ways and say, "My time is up." and pass on the boxing gloves to the many that await to be just like him. That, in a way, is a mark of a true champion.
Just thinking.
Maybe the pound-for-pound king is now out of his prime- a career going down the slope. Remember that he also lost to Timothy Bradley in his controversial match months ago, to which many people were sourgraping and putting the blame on the judges.
Come to think of it, even Mommy Dionesia has been encouraging his son to retire from boxing (and focus on 'public service').
Not that I am anti-Pinoy Pride or boxing or Pacman but let's face it, boxing is a game- there is a time to call it quits. It's a business- money runs in and across it. Maybe its time for PacMan to bequeath his throne to a wothy heir, choosing from a rather long list.
Boxing has catapulated Pacquiao into a hero, the semi-official posterboy of the Philippines. His success story has inspired a lot of boxers and athletes as well as the commoner Filipino. More than that, he has been a unifying factor for the otherwise diverse people.
And he has elevated his family's social stature dramatically into celebrity status. He's got it all- fame, money, properties here and abroad, cars, endorsements, TV shows and a seat in the Congress.
Wouldn't it be great if we see the man we called a hero take the side ways and say, "My time is up." and pass on the boxing gloves to the many that await to be just like him. That, in a way, is a mark of a true champion.
Just thinking.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Of loss and living again: The Aftermath
Not feeling so well yesterday as I have a bad cold, which could have been due to the ever-changing weather- it rains hard and its hot like Summer. End-year used to be all-rain and cold but things have changed now.
But at least all I have to worry is a cold that can be eased with Neozep and water or bed rest. This is miniscule compared to what thousands of families in Mindanao and the Visayas had to endure - a very untimely deluge named Pablo, barely days before Christmas. As of this writing, at least 214 people have been reported dead while hundreds are left missing, and perhaps could no longer be rescued alive. Never mind the properties ruined, they can be rebuilt. But lost lives can never be recovered.
While I was watching the news last night, the report had me gushing and sighing a couple of times. What strikes me most are the broken dreams of families that will not face tomorrow ever the same again.
A 14-year old boy was being carried by his cousin to the hospital for medical help. His family memmbers were nowhere to be found. What he could only recall is his mother saying, I love You, right before the stage to where they ran for refuge collapsed in the midst of the supertyphoon.
More of such stories will come about, reported and get sympathy from us, and soon forgotten like in the past. But the victims won't forget too easy...
While much of the reports showed despair and loss, there were nevertheless a few stories of survival. A three-year old child was rescued alive and had been resuscitated after two daysof being submerged in cold water and mud. There can be hope even in disaster. Sometimes when we think life ends, there life begins anew.
The families are now in their temporary relocation sites, recalling the events vividly while having a blurry vision of the future. Some of them have to live alone from now on, but they are not really alone - there are people who offer help unconditionally and without-hidden-agenda. Some of the victims will have to start from scratch, building new homes with strong foundations - the lessons they have learned.
While it's not easy to convince anyone that life goes on, it does, it will...
But at least all I have to worry is a cold that can be eased with Neozep and water or bed rest. This is miniscule compared to what thousands of families in Mindanao and the Visayas had to endure - a very untimely deluge named Pablo, barely days before Christmas. As of this writing, at least 214 people have been reported dead while hundreds are left missing, and perhaps could no longer be rescued alive. Never mind the properties ruined, they can be rebuilt. But lost lives can never be recovered.
While I was watching the news last night, the report had me gushing and sighing a couple of times. What strikes me most are the broken dreams of families that will not face tomorrow ever the same again.
A 14-year old boy was being carried by his cousin to the hospital for medical help. His family memmbers were nowhere to be found. What he could only recall is his mother saying, I love You, right before the stage to where they ran for refuge collapsed in the midst of the supertyphoon.
More of such stories will come about, reported and get sympathy from us, and soon forgotten like in the past. But the victims won't forget too easy...
While much of the reports showed despair and loss, there were nevertheless a few stories of survival. A three-year old child was rescued alive and had been resuscitated after two daysof being submerged in cold water and mud. There can be hope even in disaster. Sometimes when we think life ends, there life begins anew.
The families are now in their temporary relocation sites, recalling the events vividly while having a blurry vision of the future. Some of them have to live alone from now on, but they are not really alone - there are people who offer help unconditionally and without-hidden-agenda. Some of the victims will have to start from scratch, building new homes with strong foundations - the lessons they have learned.
While it's not easy to convince anyone that life goes on, it does, it will...
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