Juan Republic

Post(s) tagged with "birthday"

Juan Twenty-Three

I grew up in the nineties. And just as what most of us knew, the number twenty-three (23) in that era is synonymous to one person– Michael Jordan. I may be wrong but I think most of the young boys during that time wanted to be like His Airness when they grow up – including me. Most of my boy classmates in school are bragging their latest ‘Jordan shoes’ (the Nike Air Jordan series). And I even had a Michael Jordan poster and jersey when I was about eight years old.

Odd as it may sound, I have a huge respect for the number twenty-three when I was a kid (Well, until Lebron James used it. But that’s another story.). For me, it signifies greatness, excellence, and authority. I even had a notion that whenever a basketball player wears a jersey no. 23, whether it is on major leagues or the baranggay liga, heis the team’s captain. Unfortunately, I have to give up my basketball dreams. I have poor eyesight and I have discovered that I will not excel on that field.

I have given up my dream to be a basketball superstar but not my respect for the man. I may have forgotten the number of NBA cards that I have collected in the past but not his legacy. There is something in Michael Jordan that I have admired aside from his basketball skills – his perseverance and determination.

But what’s with the number twenty-three and Michael Jordan?

Today, I silently celebrated my twenty-third birthday. ‘Silently’ because I have disabled my birthday on Facebook on purpose and I did not flaunt it on Twitter (and resort to the desperate, fame whore-ish move ‘Let’s make #HappyBirthdayJuanRepublic trend’). I did that because I do not want to receive an ‘obligatory greeting’ just because they saw it on the web. And I made this day different from the other years by not throwing a celebration. Instead, I silently reflected on what I have become over the past year and how am I going to ‘improve’ it. I dealt upon my success and mistakes, achievements and failures, and thought of my goal and ‘back-up’ plan for the future.

This year has been tough for me. I thought that I would somehow make an ‘improvement’ from my past mistakes. But most of my plans and goals did not materialize. I thought of myself as a failure. Looking back to my teenager self, I saw myself as an ambitious, strong, young man full of potential. But I see myself now as an exact opposite. There were times, out of depression, that I thought of doing something crazy. This may come as a surprise but I had suicidal thoughts in the past. And I feel bad for myself for having those thoughts. I was wrong.

Today, I used those things that depress me to be my inspiration. I looked up for my old published articles, blog entries, and reflection papers. Instead of having a feeling of regret for not fulfilling the dreams of a younger me, I saw it as an inspiration – as a source of positive energy. I saw my younger self as an optimistic young man – so why change into a pessimist? I was bubbly, extrovert, and a positive young man. There was even an incident in the past when my boss said that she envies how easily I earn the trust of people (which is an important tool in our field of work). I have done it in the past – so why can’t I do it now? I want to and I have to.

Today, I also learned what hinders me to be successful. I am full of pride. I don’t want to commit mistakes. Or rather, I am afraid to commit mistakes. I am afraid to be a laughing stock. I have only worked within my comfort zone. I played safe. I was afraid to take risks. I was wrong.

Reflecting with Michael Jordan and the number twenty-three, I came across on one of his famous words: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

If Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player in the history of the NBA, was not afraid to commit mistakes, I do not see a reason to make ‘fear’ my excuse. If he became great by failing over and over again, so am I.

Aside from feeling bad for myself for being a ‘failure’, what hurts me more is to see my contemporaries (friends and former classmates) who are now successful in their field of work. Some are working for a good company/institution; some are sent by their company abroad; and some are, there, happily married (For the record, I do not envy them – yet.).

But how does one measure success? Good work? Fat salary? Happy marriage? Investments? Or getting all of them at a young age? I beg to differ. History has shown us people who succeeded long after they should have quit – during the later age of their lives. Alan Rickman got his first movie role at the age of 46. Peter Roget invented the Thesaurus at the age of 73. The author of the book Apocalypse Now, Jozef Teodor Konrad Nalecz Korzeniowski, was a sailor, drifter, and part-time criminal until the age of 37. An unemployed Nurse, Kathryn Joosten, became an Emmy award winning actress at 56. Colonel Sanders was 65 when he launched Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). And our very own Lilia Cuntapay got her first starring role in the movie Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay at the age of 76.

The above-mentioned people have inspired me not to give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. A proper time for one’s shining moment will come. As what they say, age is just a number. It is not the measure one’s worth and significance.

This is probably quarter-life crisis. But I am still young. I am just twenty-three. I have a life ahead of me. It is not yet too late to restart again and carve my own story.

This journey of 23 years was both fun and painful. And I would like to start a new journey with hopes and dreams that this will also be a good one. Let’s aim for 90 years? Why not? If the Japanese can do it, why can’t I?

Thank you everyone for (wasting) spending your time reading this. I hope that you will also be part of my journey, Let’s walk together into the fullness of life.

May the Summum Bonum bless us. Padayon!

P.S. After nine (9) months of not having a haircut, I finally decided to have one yesterday. I said goodbye to my Beatle-turned-rugged hairstyle. I look younger and, er, cleaner with my new hair. Well, I think that’s a good start for my journey. And please, excuse my unflattering photo.

Source: juanrepublic

2 June

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“To Infinity and Beyond!”

Most people today are either celebrating Valentine’s Day or being a jerk thinking about how pathetic their being single is. Or having a genital wars at some branch of Sogo (So clean, So good). I was suppose to write something about Valentine’s Day today but because of the gloomy weather, nothing special, extraordinary, or Valentine-related stuff happened to me the whole day. And it’s too mainstream. So I decided to write about another significant event of today:

Manong Johnny Enrile’s 88th birthday. Yes, eighty-eight. Double infinity as some would say.

Back when I was a young little kid, I see to it that I always watch the evening news with my parents/ grandparents. Through that, I became familiar with current events and the different personalities from politics, sports, and entertainment. I may have not memorized all of the politician’s names but there is always one who I always remember - Enrile. Juan Ponce Enrile.

As I grow older and into maturity (hopefully), I indulged myself more in the matters of history, politics, society, government, and current events. And I can still hear Manong Johny Enrile’s name every now and then. He is always there. Or should I say, he must be always there.

Time passed by and as we both grow older - me in my late teenage years and he, in his seemingly emergence into immortality - I got to know him more by reading history and news stuff related to his life. And he became one of my favorite law makers.

Perhaps he is best known to this generation as the Senator who wishes us to be happy. His “Gusto Ko Happy Ka” (I want you to be happy) campaign slogan in the 2010 elections made him won the hearts of the youth and the generation who were not yet born during the dark ages of our history - where he also played an important role.

I have been reading Manong Johnny Enrile-related news items the whole evening on the internet and I came across this article from Interaksyon.com that summarizes the man’s legacy:

Juan Ponce Enrile has seen, in 88 full years, the highs and lows, the tragedies and triumphs, countless political seasons, of the country. He not only lived through most of them, but also at every turn played a key role. The remarkable journey made his birthday, at the helm of a historic trial, so much more pregnant with meaning. Having been born in on the day of hearts, it seemed fitting he remained, eight decades after, still very much at home in the heart of history.

Eighty-eight years. For some, it is the age of retirement. A time to spend your last remaining years on this planet with your loved ones. And a bonus age for most of us. but Manong Johnny Enrile just keeps on going and it looks like he has no plan to stop as long as he is able to do his duty. He is the perfect example of the Filipino saying about being hardworking, ‘Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda’.

Eighty-eight years. One is considered an immortal if his works and legacy continue to inspire and move others even after his death. But Manong is still alive and is continuously doing things for the future of this country.

Eighty-eight years. Just like his birthday wish, I wish him stamina to perform his duties well. Will he live until the 2016 elections and be our next leader? What’s wrong with a 92-year old leader?

Isa kang alamat Manong Johnny. Maligayang ika-walumpu’t walong kaarawan! At sa puntong ito, gusto ko, happy ka!

Photo Above: Senate President and presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile is amused as Senate reporters present him with a cake with a miniature image of the impeachment court on his 88th birthday on Tuesday, before the start of the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Renato Corona. (via ABS-CBNnews.com)

Elsewhere:

“I Sense a Disturbance in The Force” - I always remember Manong Johnny whenever I see this villain from Star Wars. Seriously.
Manong Johnny Enrile’s Biography - Taken from his official website. This will take us back to the prehistoric times during the age of the dinosaurs. (Kidding!)
JPE at 88: At Home in the Heart of History

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

14 February

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[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Buffalo Soldier

“Buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta. There was a buffalo soldier in the heart of America, stolen from Africa, brought to America. Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival..”

There is always one particular song that will introduce you to the artist. One song that will lead you to know the artist more and listen to his other songs. And in my case, I met Roberto Nesta Marley through Buffalo Soldier.

I frst heard Buffalo Soldier from my cousin’s noisy component during my puberty age. (Remember the 3-CD changer type of component back then that boasts of 20,000 watts or more? You got the picture.) They have been repeatedly playing this particular song the whole day to the point that the lyrics woy! yoy! yoy! yoy! became my LSS at the end of the day. I asked them who the artist is because I find his music relaxing and comforting. And from that day, I fell in love with his music and started listening to his other songs.

“If you know your history. Then you would know where you coming from. Then you wouldn’t have to ask me, Who the ‘eck do I think I am..”

Aside from being the first Bob Marley song that I learned and its catchy and feel-good melody, Buffalo Soldier became one of my favorites because of its story and message.

This song is written by Bob Marley and Noel Williams from Marley’s final recording session in 1980. The title and lyrics refer to the black U.S. cavalry regiments, known as “Buffalo Soldiers”, that fought in the Indian Wars after 1866. Marley likened their fight to a fight for survival, and recasts it as a symbol of black resistance.

I was able to listen and learn his other songs because aside from The Beatles and the Eraserheads, Bob Marley is always our companion whenever me and my cousins and uncles have an inuman sessions. There are also other Bob Marley songs that remind me of a particular story in my life. I will always remember Jammin’ as one of my drinking buddy’s drunk song; I Shot the Sheriff is my father’s favorite song during his youth; No Woman No Cry was my anthem during my emo days in college; Waiting in Vain is my favorite videoke song; and Three Little Birds was my comfort song during the time when my family underwent a serious crisis.

And in my opinion, there is always a Bob Marley song for everyone, for every event in one’s life, and for every emotion.

Too bad, he’s gone too soon. But I believe that one does not need to live an old age to live life to the fullest. By his music, principle, and influence, Bob Marley is already immortal. He has influenced many and up to this day, he is still considered one of the greatest man that walked - and sang -on this planet.

Happy birthday Bob Marley! Thank you for your legacy. One love. Irie!

Source: juanrepublic

6 February

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To my favorite Beatle,

If not for that fateful night of December 8, 1980, you would have turned 71 today. But through your music and legacy, you have achieved immortality. And that, I think, is a greater achievement than your forty years of your earthly life.

It’s not the number of years that you have lived. But it’s the way you lived those years. And the people whose lives were touched, affected, and inspired.

And I was one of them.

You may have long gone on the year when I was born but I just want to say that you have inspired me in many ways as a musician, peace activist, and an advocate of love and equality.

Thank you for the music. Thank you for the legacy. Thank you for the inspiration.

Happy 71st birthday John! Please sing with us as wherever you are we celebrate your birthday.

All the best,
John

Kickass digital portrait courtesy leonidafremov.deviantart.com

Source: leonidafremov.deviantart.com

9 October

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How does one man change the world with his music? How does one man create an immortal anthem that will be sung even by the next generation?

To the man who imagined Imagine, I salute you.

You would have turned 71 today. Happy birthday John Lennon!

Source: juanrepublic

9 October

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Francis Magalona, Filipino

I first met Francis when I was about four years old. My kuya, an artist, was busy then painting a portrait of Francis Magalona in a one-eighth illustration board at our old kubo. The face was familiar. He’s the man behind the infectious patriotic song Mga Kababayan Ko. And I have watched him on the movie Mama’s Boys with Ogie Alcasid, Michael V., and Anjo Yllana.

I saw Francis as a revolutionary young face that will achieve great heights. He challenged the conventional music style of his age. His music paved way for the unification of the then-opposing sides of Pinoy hip-hop and rock by experimenting on the merging of rap with rock music. After all, music is the language that should unite us, not divide us.

But more importantly, I saw Francis as a young man, whose heart is united with his beloved land. He redefined patriotism. He made it easier for the youth of this generation to appreciate and understand. And he showed us how great a race and nation we are.

Pride. Identity. Meaning. Perhaps, he saw that before we can shout to the world that we love our country, we must first know what it really means to be a Filipino.

I saw Mga Kababayan Ko then as an anthem which promotes Pinoy pride and identity along with the songs Ako’y Isang Pinoy by Florante and Tayo’y mga Pinoy by Heber Bartolome (and later recorded and reinvented by the Man from Manila himself). These three songs, together with our regular Monday school anthem Ako ay Pilipino, were my first inspirations to love my country, to appreciate my Pinoy identity, and to be proud of my ancestry. And this was long before Pinoy Ako by Orange and Lemons.

But he was gone too soon. Had he not died on that fateful Friday noon of March 6, 2009, he may have personally done greater things for our country and to our countrymen.

But as in all war and tragedy, life continues. He may have gone too soon but his spirit, music, and legacy still continue. Thanks to her wife Pia and the rest of the Magalonas, the Francis Magalona Foundation was born.

The Francis Magalona Foundation was established to realize in each Filipino a true sense of Filipino pride, personal integrity and a commitment to positive change through awareness campaigns and personal development and skills building programs. Its tagline, Finding a Meaning in every Filipino, is an invitation to every Filipino to ask themselves the significance of their identities as a Filipino. How is it to be a Filipino? How do I promote my pride and identity to the whole world?

He may have gone at a young age but what is more important is that he had lived his life with meaning. He has influenced a whole generation. He has inspired many with his music. And with that, he is already immortal.

On his 47th Birthday, let us remember The Man from Manila who have inspired many by his great music, who have been a good father to his children, who have been a good husband to his wife, and who have been a modern example of Filipino Patriotism.

You may have gone Francis but your legacy of music and patriotism will remain in our minds and hearts forever.

Maligayang kaarawan at maraming salamat Kiko!

Kickass photo courtesy of scarypet.deviantart.com

Source: juanrepublic

4 October

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Happy Birthday Francis Durango-Magalona!

On his 47th Birthday, let us remember The Man from Manila who have inspired many by his great music, who have united the then-opposing sides of Pinoy hip-hop and rock, who have been a good father to his children, who have been a good husband to his wife, and who have been a modern example of Filipino Patriotism.

You may have gone Francis but your legacy of music and patriotism will remain in our minds and hearts forever. You have taught us to be proud of being a Filipino. Sana ay patuloy mo pang paligayahin ang mga kasama mong namayapa diyan sa langit. Mas masarap sigurong kantahin ang Kaleidescope World diyan.

Thanks for the memories Sir Kiko. I will always be a fan. Padayon!

Elsewhere:

The Francis Magalona Foundation will be launched later at Eat Bulaga (12:00-2:30 PM). You can check the teaser video on YouTube featuring the Magalona family.
This October 8, the Francis Magalona Clothing Company will hold a thanksgiving and anniversary concert at Zirkoh Bar, Tomas Morato, for the benefit of the Francis Magalona Foundation. It will feature performances from the Magalonas (Frank, Maxene, Saab, Elmo), Michael V., Raimund Marasigan, Jose and Wally, Julie Anne San Jose, and Ernville. It will be hosted by King DJ Logan and Marf of 99.5 RT’s The Disenchanted Kingdom.

Source: juanrepublic

4 October

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Happy 69th Birthday Paul McCartney!

Yeah. I know that it is already June 19 here in the Republic of the Philippines but I just can’t miss this one. After all, it is still June 18 on the other half of the planet. And only a few of my Filipino followers care about The Beatles.

Today, June 18, is the 69th Birthday of Sir James Paul McCartney of the seminal The Beatles, the other half of the famous Lennon-McCartney duo who are responsible for most of the hits of the band, and, according to the Guiness World Records, the most successful songwriter in the history of popular music.

Happy birthday Sir Paul! You may not be my favorite Beatle (of course, it will always be John Lennon for me) but there is just some things which makes me bow in respect to you:

You do not seem to age.
Among the members of The Beatles, you are the only one who was conferred an honor of being a knight of the British Empire. And you have a badass coat of arms.
You are dubbed as the greatest composer of the milennium.
You made good music with John Lennon.

Thank you for creating beautiful music. I will always be a fan.

Ecce cor meum

Click the photo to know more about Sir Paul McCartney

Source: juanrepublic

19 June

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[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Birthday Wishes

It has been a custom to make a wish before blowing the candle on top of the cake during one’s birthday. I have no cake to slice nor candle to blow for my birthday. But I have booze to drink and a liver to blow instead.

And these are my birthday wishes:

I pray that God may give me good health. since I graduated in college last 2009, I gained 37.4 pounds. Yeah, I know that it’s not healthy and it is my fault. But I made a pact with myself that starting today, on my 22nd birthday, I will start living a healthy and active lifestyle. I am not getting any younger. I have to fix things up before it’s too late.
I pray for the safety, good health, and longevity of my family, friends, loved ones, and the people whom I promise to pray.
Stable job. Alternative career while waiting for the S-I-G-N if I am for the Priesthood or not.
Freedom and equality in the Land of Juan.
That the Church, her Bishops and Priests, may stand firm and stay strong despite all the criticisms and pamemersonals due to the controversial RH Bill and Divorce Bill. I leave everything to God.
For my comrades to be a Good and Holy Pastors someday.
Guidance of the Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and strengthen my will as I discern if I am for the Priesthood or not.
Peace and Love to all!

Join me in prayers as I celebrate my birthday. May God bless us all. Padayon!

The song is entitled “Birthday Wishes” by Pinoy indie-pop royalty The Camerawalls from their latest EP ‘Bread and Circuses’. Their vocalist Clementine Castro wrote this song during his birthday. Some of wishes are the same as mine. Enjoy the music.

Source: juanrepublic

2 June

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Twenty-Two

It has been a tradition in the seminary to do a “mini-sermon” or sharing of reflection during the Holy Mass whenever one is celebrating his birthday. I never had my chance to deliver one since my birthday always fall on the day when seminarians are still on their summer vacation.

So here am I, writing and sharing to you what I am suppose to deliver in front of the congregation. Join me in my reflection and thanksgiving as I celebrate my 22nd birthday.

It’s an open secret to the people whom I met in the internet that I am a Seminarian, a Prayle-wannabe. And only a few handfuls knew my whole story.

It has been more than 2 years since I left the Seminary to undergo an advised regency – or break – to fix myself in the real world. And supposedly, this year will be my return to pursue my 5-year theological studies before being ordained a deacon, and eventually, a Prayle (or a Damaso, depending on how you view my comrades).

I chose not to return this year for personal reasons. And I still don’t know if I would still return in the seminary to pursue my vocation and dream of being a Priest. Let me share with you some of my reasons.

First, my two (2) years have been wasted. I have no permanent job much more an “alternative career” to weigh down my options if I am really for the Priesthood or not. I only have had contractual jobs, sidelines, and rakets. My last job as an editor was home-based so I had no notion of office, officemates, workplace, etc. Currently, I am still looking for a company to work at and who will give me experience and lessons needed for my growth. (Yes, I am not after for the salary and compensations.)

Second, since I wasted my two years, I still lack the experience which will measure my growth into maturity and balance between Priesthood and a life of an ordinary bachelor. When I graduated last 2009, I promised myself that I will travel, meet new people and do things that I have been deprived of during my eight (8) years in the Seminary. I want to do”a million other things”.

Third, during the past 2 years, I have done things which are not appropriate for a Prayle-wannabe like me. I hurt people. And I still haven’t fixed those broken relationships yet. I don’t want to return to the seminary with a heavy heart and a feeling of guilt.

Fourth, I am still undecided with my vocation. Following the principle in ethics “in doubt, do not act”; I do not want to enter the seminary with a disposition of doubt. I think it will be unfair to God, to the Church, and to her people if I leave the Priesthood just because I pursue my theological studies without being sure of myself (Manangs and those who are forcing me to return immediately to the Seminary, I hope you can read this).

Those are the four major reasons why I opted not to return to the Seminary this year.

But as in all journey, life must go on. Today, I am celebrating my twenty second birthday. Some would say that I look older than my actual age. Some, especially bus conductors and jeepney barkers, would call me “Totoy”.

But if you would ask me, I still feel that I am the same 19-year old young man who graduated in the Seminary more than two years ago. I’m just 37.4 pounds heavier (and yes, I know that it is not healthy).

My life today is not much different from where I left. I am currently a Sunday School teacher in our Parish. Teaching catechism to children ages 12 and below gives me a sense of fulfillment. It is a noble apostolate. I also call it as a “defense Against the Dark Arts” post since teaching those kids prayers and Jesus Christ, his teachings of light and truth, is the best defense against the evil one.

Beat that Severus Snape!

Despite all the bitterness, drama and tragedy, I am still thankful for the 2 years outside that the Prayles gave me to explore the real world. Though lack in experience and incomplete, I have learned to see life in a different perspective. I have learned to see the reality in the eyes of ordinary people - away from the comfort zones of the seminary. My life in the seminary is quite spoon fed. I have learned here in the real world to stand and to do things on my own.

I am thankful to the people who became part of my journey for this past 2 years outside the Seminary. The nurses and staff of ASEAN RISK, Lipid Research Unit of Philippine General Hospital where I first worked. Technically. My comrades, my brother seminarians, my support group who continue to guide their prodigal brother. My Titas, Ates, and Kuyas in Sunday School who continue to inspire me to return to the seminary. To my former boss in the publishing company, thank you for the opportunity Sir Eugene. To the people whom I met here in David Karp’s cyber empire, most especially to the eLBikada - thank you for the laughters, tears, booze, smoke, and love.

I would also like to thank the people who became part of my journey for 22 years.My parents, my family, and the Prayles (where I spent more than half of my life living with them).

I would also like to ask for forgiveness to the people whom I hurt - consciously and unconsciously. I hope we can start a new beginning.

This journey of 22 years has been fun. And I would like to start a new journey with hopes and dreams that this will also be a good one. Let’s aim for 90 years? Why not/ If the Japanese can do it, why can’t I?

Thank you everyone for (wasting) spending your time reading this. I hope that you will also be part of my journey, Let’s walk together into the fullness of life.

May God bless us all today, tomorrow, and forever. Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

2 June

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Birthday Wishes

It was Noynoy Aquino’s birthday yesterday, February 8.

Father Arnold Abelardo leads Presidential Sisters Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee and husband Richard Dee, Vice President Jejomar Binay and senior government officials for a pray over to President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Thanksgiving Mass for the 51st Birthday of the President officiated by Fr. Abelardo, Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace.

Some of us may have overlooked this event (yes, including me). The news about the tragic death of General Angelo Tomas-Reyes may have overshadowed this important day for the President on the evening news last night and on the broadsheets today.

This is Noynoy’s first birthday as the President of the Republic. And the creative minds and conspiracy theorists on the internet are saying that the birthdays of the Aquino family are a jinx for our country. The bus explosion at EDSA-Buendia happened on January 25, Tita Cory’s birthday. Angelo Reyes’s suicide happened yesterday, Noynoy’s birthday. So we are warned to take an extra precaution on February 14, Kris Aquino’s birthday.

So much for these chismis. Let’s just wait for 2012.

It is but natural for someone to give his/her birthday wish(es) to the birthday celebrator. And here at Juan republic, I have something, some wishes for the President of the Republic.

“Lab layp pareng Noy, matanda ka na. Baka hindi ka na abutan ng apo..” - this is one of the most common wish for any bachelor during his birthday. Well, we are all aware (insert sarcasm here) that his love life is as important as any national issue on this country, so let’s wish him luck. Or perhaps, he was called to the vocation of single blessedness (a modest way of saying matandang binata hanggang kamatayan). Pero kung ano man, just be reminded of your favorite sister’s famous line “Love! Love! Love!”
BMW - We are all aware that you have recently bought a Porsche and I am just okay with that. I don’t care what you do with your own money. so I am wishing that you buy a BMW. No, not the expensive car but BMW - Buhok Mo Wig. Para mas guwapo ka kapag nasa loob ka ng Porsche mo.
Duct Tape - This is not for your sister Kris. This is for you Sir. I have noticed na lagi kang naka-ngana sa mga pictures mo. Panget po kasing tingnan. Paki-takpan po muna. Madami po kasing kumakain. Salamat po. (Joke lang po Presidente Noy! Pero seriously, bawas-bawasan niyo po ang pag-nganga. Salamat po.)
Use electronic yosi instead - Your health plays a vital role in your Presidency. Kapag ika’y nagkasakit, pamamalakad ay sasabit. Set a good example. Quit puffing nicotine. Use e-cigarettes. Nuff’ said.
Honesty and zeal on running this country - We all remember your promised hindi ako magnanakaw and daang matuwid. Don’t fail us. Keep focused. Keep all the shits - whether it be persons or even your close friends - out of our way. I still trust you man.
Magpakitang gilas ka! - Walang pinagkaiba ang taong walang ginagawang masama kumpara sa isang taong walang ginagawang mabuti. Hindi ko na siguro kailangan pang i-elaborate ang punto ko.
Guidance from the Dude up there - Your family is known for being a very religious family, most especially your Mom. Keep it up. You will need every help from the Great Man up there on running this country.

As much as I know that we are all part of nation building, I still believe that we need an upright leader and a good example. Again, happy birthday Sir. The Filipinos are counting on you.

Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Ikaw? Anong birthday wish mo kay Noynoy Aquino?

Photo courtesy of the Official Facebook Page of President Noynoy Aquino.

Source: juanrepublic

9 February

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Happy Birthday Nanay!

Ngayong araw na ito, Nobyembre 18, ay ang ika- (Teka, bawal daw sabihin ang tunay niyang edad.) na kaarawan ng aking Nanay.

Maraming-maraming salamat po sa Nanay sa pagmamahal, pag-aaruga, at sa mga materyal at di-materyal na bagay na ibinigay niyo sa amin sa loob ng maraming taon. Pasensya na sa mga kawalanghiyaan ko. Na kung minsan (o madalas) ay napapainit ko ang inyong ulo. Alam niyo namang yun ang paraan ko ng “tough love”. Yeah!

Wish ko pa sa inyo ang pagkalooban pa kayo ni Lord ng madaming biyaya, good health, masaya at kontentong buhay, at mas marami pang birthdays na dadating. Hindi ko na po muna hihilingin kay Lord na magkaroon kayo ng apo dahil alam kong ayaw niyo pa nun (yun ngang idea pa lang na magkaka-apo kayo, ayaw niyo na, yung tunay pa kaya? Haha!).

Sana naman po, balang araw, isa sa aming magkapatid ang mamanuhan niyo sa altar. Kung hindi man kaming dalawa, puwede na siguro ang isa.

Happy birthday po ulit Nanay. I love you!

Source: juanrepublic

18 November

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Maligayang Kaarawan Ely Buendia!

Ika-2 ng Nobyembre 2010. Ika-40 kaarawan ni Eleandre Basiño Buendia.

Kuwarenta Anyos. Wala sa mukha. Wala sa hitsura. Kung minsan nga naiisip ko, baka isa ka talagang bampira at ma-cholesterol lang talaga ang mga nabibiktima mo kaya makailang beses ka ng inatake sa puso. Biro lang.

Marami ng mga magagandang bagay ang naisulat patungkol sa iyo. Hindi na siguro sasapat ang idadagdag ng isang hamak na katulad ko.

Maraming salamat sa musika. Maraming salamat sa impluwensya. Maraming salamat sa pagiging parte ng aking kabataan. Maraming salamat sa paglikha ng soundtrack ng isang henerasyon. Maraming-maraming salamat.

Sana ay mas madami pang kaarawan ang dumating sa iyo. At kahit mukhang imnposible, sana ay magkaroon ulit kayo ng reunion ng Eraserheads kapag kasing tanda na kayo nina Pepe Smith.

At alam kong hindi mo din naman mababasa ‘to. Suplado ka kasi.

Magkagayon pa man, idol pa din kita. Padayon!

Source: http

2 November

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Henyo.

Kung may isa mang salita akong gagamitin upang ilarawan ang isa sa aking mga idolo at tinitingalang tao sa industriya, iyan na siguro iyon. Wala na sigurong mas akma pang salita upang ilarawan ko si Joey de Leon.

Bata pa lang ako, tuwang-tuwa na ako kapag nanonood ng mga programa ni Joey de Leon. Ibang klase ang kanyang istilo ng pagpapatawa. May pinaghuhugutan. May talino. Isa nga kasing henyo.

Hanggang ngayon, sinusubaybayan ko pa rin ang mga palabas ni Sir Joey sa telebisyon. Pauloy pa rin akong nagbabasa ng kanyang lingguhang artikulo sa Philippine Star. Patuloy pa ring pinapakinggan ang mga awiting kanyang nilikha. At hangga’t patuloy na ibinabahagi ni Sir Joey ang kanyang talento, hindi ako magsasawang sumubaybay sa kanya.

Wala akong pakialam kung hindi mo siya gusto. Wala akong pakialam kung sa tingin mo ay mas magaling si Willie Revillame sa kanya (pero mukhang “peace be with you” na sila dahil magksama na sila sa Kapatid Network). Wala akong pakialam kung hindi ka natatawa sa kanyang mga birada. Wala akong pakialam kung kinasusuklaman mo siya. May kalayaan kang pumili katulad ng kalayaan kong tingalain at hangaan ang isang Joey de Leon.

Maraming salamat Sir Joey sa ilang taong pagpapaligaya. Nawa ay ipagpatuloy mo ang pagbibigay sa amin ng saya. Mananatili akong tagahanga. Maligayang kaarawan! Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

14 October

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This is a personal blog where rants, raves, and everything in between is written and posted.

About the Blogger: His name is Juan, a frustrated writer who hails from a sauna town at the foot of Mount Makiling. He spends his time juggling a volunteer work and being a superhero who is dreaming and trying to make a difference, one post at a time.

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