Post(s) tagged with "philippines"

Headline of the Day
As most of you my faithful readers knew, I have this passion for front pages and covers of broadsheets, tabloids, and magazines. And here’s one that caught my attention earlier this morning after attending the 6:00 AM Sunday Mass.
And this one is being sold at the patio of the Church - just less than fifteen steps from the doors of the church. Cool eh?
Interested for this story of perversion and lewd act of a police? Go grab yourself a copy of People’s Tonight.
And as for the other things:
I will always consider the infectious “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” as the anthem for masturbation.
Jinkee and Paris-textmate na? - I wonder when will Paris be the next Krista Ranillo for Manny Pacquiao. I can see that one coming. Oops!
Today is Mommy Dionisia’s celebration of her 18th birthday. She may not look like 18 but her party looks like that of an 18-year old. Seriously. 
Today is the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Being an agricultural country, many Parishes here in the Philippines were named under his patronage. Expect the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, numerous fiestahan on different towns and barrios, and drunk manongs singing “My Love will See You Through” in the videoke.
Special shout to the epic The Super Cabbage (Tumblr Oldies, do you still remember her?). Happy birthday Jam! Tumblr (and some of your loyal fans including me) misses you. Please blog again soon. 
How’s your Sunday everyone?

Headline of the Day

As most of you my faithful readers knew, I have this passion for front pages and covers of broadsheets, tabloids, and magazines. And here’s one that caught my attention earlier this morning after attending the 6:00 AM Sunday Mass.

And this one is being sold at the patio of the Church - just less than fifteen steps from the doors of the church. Cool eh?

Interested for this story of perversion and lewd act of a police? Go grab yourself a copy of People’s Tonight.

And as for the other things:

  • I will always consider the infectious “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” as the anthem for masturbation.
  • Jinkee and Paris-textmate na? - I wonder when will Paris be the next Krista Ranillo for Manny Pacquiao. I can see that one coming. Oops!
  • Today is Mommy Dionisia’s celebration of her 18th birthday. She may not look like 18 but her party looks like that of an 18-year old. Seriously. 
  • Today is the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Being an agricultural country, many Parishes here in the Philippines were named under his patronage. Expect the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, numerous fiestahan on different towns and barrios, and drunk manongs singing “My Love will See You Through” in the videoke.
  • Special shout to the epic The Super Cabbage (Tumblr Oldies, do you still remember her?). Happy birthday Jam! Tumblr (and some of your loyal fans including me) misses you. Please blog again soon. 

How’s your Sunday everyone?

Source: juanrepublic

Yellow Fever
Tomorrow, Filipino Pride and Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao will once again step into the ring to show the whole world what an eight division world champion can do to defend his title. This time, against the American Sugar Shane Mosley.
And earlier today, Philippine time, these two great fighters stepped into the scales for their weigh-in.

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and US Shane Mosley (R) attend the official weigh-in for their fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 6, 2011. The eight division world champion Pacquiao marks his return to Las Vegas for the first time since 2009 by fighting Mosley for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title at the Garden Arena in the MGM Grand on May 7

Most of us are excited for the fight that will once again, hopefully, bring honor, pride, and unity to our problem-filled and divided country.
While most of the viewers will be placing their bets and riches for Pacquiao (or on what round will he send Mosley sleeping on the ring), our fighter will be fighting another opponent - poverty.
And Manny Pacquiao will once again set history tomorrow. For the first time in boxing history, a yellow pair of boxing gloves will be used. As most of us know, red, blue, and burgundy are the colors used by a boxer.
Yellow as a symbol of his fight against poverty.
Pacman is said to wear yellow to “signify the unity among the Filipino people across the globe”. In an interview with sportscaster Chino Trinidad, Pacman said in context that “boxing is not the biggest fight in his life. Eradicating poverty is now the biggest fight of his life.”
He also encouraged suppoters and fans of Shane Mosley to wear yellow too as a sign of unity with the Filipinos in our fight against poverty.
This move and advocacy of Pacquiao was lauded by the foreign media and other non-Filipino boxing aficionados. He uses his influence as a famous boxer to do something good and for the betterment of other people.
As expected, this move by Pacman, especially the preferred color, was not spared from comments and allegations that this was in support for President Noynoy Aquino (who used the same color during his campaign and obviously, the color inherited from his mother Cory Aquino).
Why choose the color yellow? Why not the other colors?
In my humorous and sarcastic mind, I made these things up:
Blue - The famous color of President Nonoy’s running-mate during the 2010 elections. This may be a bad choice. That color didn’t win.
Green - The so-called “galing at talino” color. Again, bad choice. This has a kiss of death back in 2010 (wink!)
Pink - The color of a bayani. Why not this one? Masakit sa mata. And Pacman might be mistaken as a member of Sir Danton Remoto’s group.
Red - The color of the badtrip and flash great man from Subic. Why not this one? It’s the usual.
Orange - The color of the guy who swam in the sea of garbage. Why not this one? Pacman supported this guy back in 2010? The reason may be obvious.
For some, Manny’s choice of color may be a big deal. Metaphysically speaking, color is just an accident. It may be present or not. What is essential is the essence, the substance. What is important is Manny Pacquiao’s advocacy to giht poverty.
With that advocacy, he is already a champion. And no one can take that title away from him.
I hope to see a sea of yellow tomorrow in support for our Pambansang Kamao.
And Floyd Mayweather, I hope to see you soon on the ring with this man.
Good luck Manny and bring honor once again to this country.
Padayon!
P.S. Can you spot the Pambansang Anino in the photo?

Yellow Fever

Tomorrow, Filipino Pride and Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao will once again step into the ring to show the whole world what an eight division world champion can do to defend his title. This time, against the American Sugar Shane Mosley.

And earlier today, Philippine time, these two great fighters stepped into the scales for their weigh-in.

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and US Shane Mosley (R) attend the official weigh-in for their fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 6, 2011. The eight division world champion Pacquiao marks his return to Las Vegas for the first time since 2009 by fighting Mosley for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title at the Garden Arena in the MGM Grand on May 7

Most of us are excited for the fight that will once again, hopefully, bring honor, pride, and unity to our problem-filled and divided country.

While most of the viewers will be placing their bets and riches for Pacquiao (or on what round will he send Mosley sleeping on the ring), our fighter will be fighting another opponent - poverty.

And Manny Pacquiao will once again set history tomorrow. For the first time in boxing history, a yellow pair of boxing gloves will be used. As most of us know, red, blue, and burgundy are the colors used by a boxer.

Yellow as a symbol of his fight against poverty.

Pacman is said to wear yellow to “signify the unity among the Filipino people across the globe”. In an interview with sportscaster Chino Trinidad, Pacman said in context that “boxing is not the biggest fight in his life. Eradicating poverty is now the biggest fight of his life.”

He also encouraged suppoters and fans of Shane Mosley to wear yellow too as a sign of unity with the Filipinos in our fight against poverty.

This move and advocacy of Pacquiao was lauded by the foreign media and other non-Filipino boxing aficionados. He uses his influence as a famous boxer to do something good and for the betterment of other people.

As expected, this move by Pacman, especially the preferred color, was not spared from comments and allegations that this was in support for President Noynoy Aquino (who used the same color during his campaign and obviously, the color inherited from his mother Cory Aquino).

Why choose the color yellow? Why not the other colors?

In my humorous and sarcastic mind, I made these things up:

  • Blue - The famous color of President Nonoy’s running-mate during the 2010 elections. This may be a bad choice. That color didn’t win.
  • Green - The so-called “galing at talino” color. Again, bad choice. This has a kiss of death back in 2010 (wink!)
  • Pink - The color of a bayani. Why not this one? Masakit sa mata. And Pacman might be mistaken as a member of Sir Danton Remoto’s group.
  • Red - The color of the badtrip and flash great man from Subic. Why not this one? It’s the usual.
  • Orange - The color of the guy who swam in the sea of garbage. Why not this one? Pacman supported this guy back in 2010? The reason may be obvious.

For some, Manny’s choice of color may be a big deal. Metaphysically speaking, color is just an accident. It may be present or not. What is essential is the essence, the substance. What is important is Manny Pacquiao’s advocacy to giht poverty.

With that advocacy, he is already a champion. And no one can take that title away from him.

I hope to see a sea of yellow tomorrow in support for our Pambansang Kamao.

And Floyd Mayweather, I hope to see you soon on the ring with this man.

Good luck Manny and bring honor once again to this country.

Padayon!

P.S. Can you spot the Pambansang Anino in the photo?

Source: daylife.com

Ang Kulturang Pamana ni Willie sa mga Noypi

“Hindi niyo ba alam ginagawa kayong tanga?” - Itchyworms (2006)

Exploiting poor people’s stories para tumaas ang ratings, magmukhang bida at mabait ang host (konti na lang Messiah na), at makalikom ng maraming pera at sponsor. Ganyan ang tingin ng ilan sa istilo ng entertainment ng modern-day Messiah Willie Revillame.

Mula Wowowee hanggang sa Willing-Willie. Kunsabagay, halos wala ng namang pinagkaiba ang formula ng dalawang programang iyon. Matatandaang naghabol pa ang ABS-CBN noon sa TV-5 at sa Wil Productions dahil sa diumano’y copyright infringement ng Willing-Willie sa Wowowee.

Sinasabing ang mga nasabing programa ni Revillame ay puno ng exploitation sa masa at paggawa sa mga itong uto-uto at tanga kapalit ng ligaya (ng mga manonood) at pera.

Pero iyon nga ba ay maituturing na exploitation? O isang mababaw lamang na uri ng kaligayahan at entertainment dala na din ng ilang dekadang ganoon-na-lamang-palagi-ang-format na mga programa? Dahil ba nasanay na ang mga gumagawa ng mga programa na ganoon ang aliw na kinagigiliwan ng masa? Ano nga ba ang naghihiwalay sa exploitation at entertainment?

Exploitation o entertainment? Narito ang ilan sa aking mga napansin.

Bakit kailangan pang i-broadcast sa telebisyon kung gaano mo kamahal ang kapamilya mo? Dahil ba nasa TV ka? O mas madrama? O dahil hindi mo kayang sabihin nang harapan at kapag walang mediator? O dahil sa pera? Non sequitur.

Kapag mas kahabag-habag ang istorya ng kalahok, kapag mas makawasak cardiovascular system ang mensahe ng hinilang kamag-anak, kapag mas nakakatuwa ang ipinakitang talento, at kapag sumipsip at mas napasaya ang host, mas malaki ang perang ibibigay sa iyo. 

Para bang sinasabing kung gusto ninyong magka-pera at mabago ang buhay, pumila lang kayo dito at ibuhos ang luha ninyo. 

Isama mo pa ang mga kasamahan niyang mga mananayaw na tinipid ang tela ng mga damit at co-host na ginagawang katawa-tawa ang sarili para mapaligaya ang mga manonood  (Ito ay napansin ko doon sa nauna niyang programa. Hindi na kasi ako ngayon masyadong nakakapanood ng bago niyang programa). Ganoon ang kanilang depenisyon ng pagpapaligaya at pagbibigay inspirasyon sa milyun-milyong manonood sa buong mundo.

Matanong ko lang, napansin mo ba ang set-up ng kanilang studio? Pabilog na parang arena. Sino ang nasa itaas at sino ang malapit sa “gitna ng arena”? Hindi ba ang madalas makuhanan ng kamera at nasa ibaba ay iyong mga burgis na nangibang bayan, pagkatapos ay bumalik ng bansa, pilipit ang dila, at tinitingala.

Sino ang nasa itaas? Ang madla na araw-araw ay nagtitiyagang pumila at nagbabakasakaling mababago ang kanilang buhay. Ang masa na pinangakuan na sila ang numero uno sa programa. ang masa na ginagamit ang wasak nilang storya at kawalan ng pera para tumaas ang kita ng palabas.

Pero sino ba talaga ang bida? 

Ang masa o ang host na ipinangangalandakan ang sandamakmak niyang endorsements, araw-araw kinakanta ang mga kanta na parang opening prayer na ng programa, at ang pagpo-promote ng kaniyang album? 

Hindi naman sa pine-personal ko ang naka-salaming host pero mayroon siyang kasaysayan ng pananakit ng babae at nasirang kasal. Ganoon ba ang taong dapat hangaan ng nakararami at araw-araw pinapalakpakan?

Kung inyo ding mapapansin, nanghihiya siya ng co-host, dancer, staff, at mga bongbong na contestant. Kung conscious man o hindi niya iyong ginagawa, wala na akong pakialam. 

Hindi ko na gagatungan pa ang gusto nila sa kanilang sistema. At ikaw na nakababasa nito na suki ng programang tinutukoy ko, huwag mo agad akong paniniwalaan. Subukan mong magmasid at ito ay obserbahan para lubusan mo akong maunawaan.

Ilan lamang iyan sa aking mga napansin sa kanyang mga programa.

Kamakailan lamang, muli na namang sumailalim sa kontrobersya si Ginoong Revillame. Ito ay nang sumayaw ng mala-macho dancer ang isang batang nagngangalang JanJan habang umiiyak. Tiningnan ng karamihan ito bilang isang pang-aabuso sa bata. At as usual, pinuntirya na naman ng libo-libong pambabatikos si Willie.

May mga nakisawsaw na mga artista sa issue. May mga dumipensa kay Willie (mga taga-hanga at manunulat kasama na si Tita Cristy Fermin). May mga lumapit sa Pamilya ng bata para umano’y mabigay ng tulong at suhulan ang mga magulang na kalabanin si Willie. May mga advertisers na nag-pullout ng kanilang produkto. May mga opisyal na nagalit at nangako ng imbestigasyon. At kung saan-saan pa sumuot ang isyu.

At as usual, may mga nagsasabing naiinggit lamang ang mga kritiko sa yaman ni Ginoong Revillame. Walang basehang akusasyon pero pabayaan na lang natin.

Nagkaroon nga ba ng exploitation sa parte ni Janjan? Totoo nga bang siya ay inabuso? Katanggap-tanggap ba ang pamamaraan na ginawa niya at ng kanyang pamilya upang magkaroon ng konting salapi? Dadaan pa ito sa mahabang debate. Pero kung tatanungin mo kung ano ang opinyon ko sa isyu na ito, walang nagbago, sapat na ang nabasa mo sa itaas.

Panigurado diyan, may mga magsasabing, “Buti pa nga si Willie, nakakatulong. eh yung iba diyan, o ikaw, ano na ba ang nagawa?

Pero katanggap-tanggap nga ba ang ganitong klaseng entertainment para sa masa? Ano nga ba ang mas matimbang? Yung okay lang na magmukhang katawa-tawa ang contestant kapalit ng pera at ligaya? O iyong araw-araw silang nakikipagsapalaran sa kanilang buhay pero wala namang nangyayari?

Pera o kahihiyan? Karangalan o kaligayahan? Mahaba-habang inuman pa ito.

Naniniwala ako na hangga’t nandoon sa “lebel” na iyon ang antas ng entertainment ng masa (na hindi ko naman inaalipusta), magpapatuloy pa din ang ganitong kalakaran.

At hangga’t mayroon pa ding milyon-milyong Pilipino na naghihirap, hangga’t kakaunti pa din ang pagkakakitaan, hangga’t mayroon pa ding mga palabas sa telebisyon na nagbibigay pag-asa at instant na kayamanan, mananatili pa din ang ganitong kalakaran.

Nakakabahala lamang tingnan. Yung dating pinupuna, nagiging katanggap-tanggap at nagiging bahagi na ng ating sistema.

Nagiging isa ng kultura.

Nagsimula ang Wowowee noong 2005. 2011 na ngayon, Willing-Willie na. Anim na taon na ang nakakalipas at mukhang magtatagal pa. Pero ganoon pa din ang nakikita ko.

Walang nagbago. 

Source: juanrepublic

Impeachment Blues
This is history. After former President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada’s impeachment trial back in 2000-2001, another impeachable official is set to be impeached. This time, in the person of one of the most hated official in history - Ombudsman Merceditas Gitierrez.
Finally, our Lawmakers have done something right in favor of the people. Please remember that during the last administration, we have never seen this event during the numerous times that an impeachment complaint against former President Gloria Arroyo was filed.
Most impeachment complaints are always pronounced as dead on arrival. No thanks to the witch’s allies at the Camara de Representantes.
And now, at last, the Impeachment will be brought to the Senate. In yesterday’s press conference, Merceditas Gutierrez said that her impeachment was a product of “dark politics”. She may be right considering that the proceedings appeared to be done in a haste and that some of the Congressmen appeared to have a personal motif (revenge perhaps) to impeach (and replace) her.
Dark politics. It appears that some Congressmen conjured a dark mark a la Death Eater to show the power of Lord Voldemort. Okay, never mind this sentence.
Merceditas Gutierrez also said that she has done nothing wrong during her time as an Ombudsman, that she has worked on the controversial cases involving the President and the First Gentleman, and that her conscience was clear.
Really? So what happened to those cases after all these years?
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is now a Congresswoman. Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is still the same fat guy. While the whistle blowers - Vidal Doble, Sandra Cam, Boy Mayor (who was killed), Jun Lozada - are all suffering the consequences of their action of speaking the truth - poor, unemployed, hiding from death threats, and living a miserable life. Ironic eh?
Dearest Ombudsman, please remember that there are two (2) kinds of sins - the sin of commission and the sin of omission. Wala ka ngang ginawang masama, pero wala ka din namang ginawang mabuti, anong pinagkaiba noon?
The case will be brought to Senate. And soon, we will witness the second impeachment trial in Philippine history.
I hope the Senate and the Senators will be fair enough on this trial. Not only for the filipino people. Not only for Merceditas Gutierrez. But for the truth to come out.
Unlike the Estrada impeachment trial where Chief Justice Hilario Davide acted as the judge, this time, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will be the one. It’s gonna be Manong Johnny “Gusto ko Hapy Ka” Enrile! In times like this, we really need an elder, an ancient, a veteran to help us find the truth. I just hope that he will not look like Palpatine/Darth Sidious when he got mad at the hearing for I will surely laugh my ass out.
During the Estrada trial, one of the most memorable line was Emma Lim’s “Uminom po. Hindi po kinakain yung iced tea” to Estelito Mendoza. I am looking forward to some “light moments” during the trial.
I am excited for Senator Lito Lapid on the impeachment trial. ‘Nuff said.
I hope this will not only lead to the impeachment of Merceditas but for the principal actors of the crime to be punished by the law.
You mad Merci? I don’t think so. You said that you have been expecting this one. Good luck on your trial. And for delicadeza’s sake, will you please step down from your office while you are being tried at the Senate?
Wear peach shirt. Eat peach-graham refrigerator cake. Impeach Merceditas.
I hope this will be a beginning of a new era on Philippine politics and our nation building.
Give us the truth. Give us the justice. Viva Filipinas. Padayon!
Original photo courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Edited by the author for humor purposes, to connect to the audience, and to pursue creative and artistic excellence. Nuks!

Impeachment Blues

This is history. After former President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada’s impeachment trial back in 2000-2001, another impeachable official is set to be impeached. This time, in the person of one of the most hated official in history - Ombudsman Merceditas Gitierrez.

Finally, our Lawmakers have done something right in favor of the people. Please remember that during the last administration, we have never seen this event during the numerous times that an impeachment complaint against former President Gloria Arroyo was filed.

Most impeachment complaints are always pronounced as dead on arrival. No thanks to the witch’s allies at the Camara de Representantes.

And now, at last, the Impeachment will be brought to the Senate. In yesterday’s press conference, Merceditas Gutierrez said that her impeachment was a product of “dark politics”. She may be right considering that the proceedings appeared to be done in a haste and that some of the Congressmen appeared to have a personal motif (revenge perhaps) to impeach (and replace) her.

Dark politics. It appears that some Congressmen conjured a dark mark a la Death Eater to show the power of Lord Voldemort. Okay, never mind this sentence.

Merceditas Gutierrez also said that she has done nothing wrong during her time as an Ombudsman, that she has worked on the controversial cases involving the President and the First Gentleman, and that her conscience was clear.

Really? So what happened to those cases after all these years?

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is now a Congresswoman. Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is still the same fat guy. While the whistle blowers - Vidal Doble, Sandra Cam, Boy Mayor (who was killed), Jun Lozada - are all suffering the consequences of their action of speaking the truth - poor, unemployed, hiding from death threats, and living a miserable life. Ironic eh?

Dearest Ombudsman, please remember that there are two (2) kinds of sins - the sin of commission and the sin of omission. Wala ka ngang ginawang masama, pero wala ka din namang ginawang mabuti, anong pinagkaiba noon?

The case will be brought to Senate. And soon, we will witness the second impeachment trial in Philippine history.

  • I hope the Senate and the Senators will be fair enough on this trial. Not only for the filipino people. Not only for Merceditas Gutierrez. But for the truth to come out.
  • Unlike the Estrada impeachment trial where Chief Justice Hilario Davide acted as the judge, this time, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will be the one. It’s gonna be Manong Johnny “Gusto ko Hapy Ka” Enrile! In times like this, we really need an elder, an ancient, a veteran to help us find the truth. I just hope that he will not look like Palpatine/Darth Sidious when he got mad at the hearing for I will surely laugh my ass out.
  • During the Estrada trial, one of the most memorable line was Emma Lim’s “Uminom po. Hindi po kinakain yung iced tea” to Estelito Mendoza. I am looking forward to some “light moments” during the trial.
  • I am excited for Senator Lito Lapid on the impeachment trial. ‘Nuff said.
  • I hope this will not only lead to the impeachment of Merceditas but for the principal actors of the crime to be punished by the law.

You mad Merci? I don’t think so. You said that you have been expecting this one. Good luck on your trial. And for delicadeza’s sake, will you please step down from your office while you are being tried at the Senate?

Wear peach shirt. Eat peach-graham refrigerator cake. Impeach Merceditas.

I hope this will be a beginning of a new era on Philippine politics and our nation building.

Give us the truth. Give us the justice. Viva Filipinas. Padayon!

Original photo courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Edited by the author for humor purposes, to connect to the audience, and to pursue creative and artistic excellence. Nuks!

Source: juanrepublic

Sweet Soul Revue - Pizzicato Five

Every dekada nobenta kid who grew up in the Philippines knows this song. Trust me, this will bring back a lot of memories.

Long before the advent of Taiwanese F4 and Korean Pop invasion here in the Land of Juan, Filipinos were already a fan of Japanese pop. Utada Hikaru and Pizzicato Five were just some of the artists who invaded our music charts during the nineties.

The culture and reality of singing a song without understanding its lyrics is not new to us Filipinos. Let’s take this song for example, the only English word used here is the word “Baby” and the rest is pure Japanese. Never mind the lyrics. It’s the catchy tune that matters.

Experts and sociologists said that this is a common formula for foreign, non-English musicians to succeed in the Philippines - a catchy song, a different fashion statement, and a single English word to the song! Bingo! You will have an instant hit here in the Philippines.

So I am telling you my friends, do not abhor the kids who are into Korean Pop, singing a song without understanding its lyrics. We’ve been here before. How many of us are guilty singing the Mexican songs of our favorite telenovela (Marimar for example)? And how many of us are guilty singing “Anak ka ni Cookie!” on one part of this song?

Don’t be a hypocrite. We were all guilty of this one.

Pana-panahon lang ‘yan. Or as Kuya Kim Atienza would say it, weather weather lang

Why am I writing about Japanese Pop, their influence, and nostalgia?

The recent tragedy in Japan came as a shocker for all of us. And I realized how great their influence to us have been.

Because of them, we have our favorite anime shows, we have Gundam, Ghost Fighter, Voltes V, Maskman, Fiveman, Jetman, Bioman, and other TV shows of our childhood. They gave us Japanese Pop. They gave jobs for our Filipino entertainers (commonly known in the nineties as “Japayuki(s)”). And they gave us Maria Ozawa being enjoyed by most of the kids and pervs today. Okay, I was just trying to lighten things up on that last part.

What am I trying to say is that the Japanese were influential to us, our culture, our lifestyle. In these troubled times for our Japanese friends, let us not forget to pray for them and their country.

But for the meantime, enjoy the nostalgia brought by this song. Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

Mighty Hoax and the Pinoy Culture of Chismis

I had a real life over the past weekend so I was away from the internet during the height of the tragedy in Japan. No tweets. No Tumblr posts. Just glued on the television and broadsheets for news and updates.

I have been backreading some of my favorite bloggers here on Tumblr and I have seen their sentiments, posts, and other stuff to deliver news, information, and awareness to netizens of the cyber empire created by David Karp.

Technology played a vital role in spreading the news and information during the height of the tragedy. We have seen photos and videos here on Tumblr and Facebook. Twitter played an important role to seek help to rebuild the devastated nation. News agencies became an instrument to find missing people after the tragedy.

And while technology was used to spread information faster, it was also used by some cunning individuals to spread malicious items and hoax to induce fear.

Let’s Just Leave It to the Angry Birds

Earlier this morning, while having a caffeine break and waging war to pigs using my angry birds armada to refresh my mind, I received a text message about the alleged BBC report about the nuclear fallout in one of the nuclear power plants in Japan and how allegedly, a radioactive rain (brought by the wind from Japan) will wreak havoc in the Philippines. It also warns the people to take extra precaution. And according to a friend, some versions of the text messages went as far as advising the people to use umbrellas, raincoats, putting Betadine (iodine solution) on the neck, and taking generous amount of iodized salt.

So there you go my friends, in case of a nuclear war in the future, you already know that some of our Kababayans‘ protections would be the following: umbrella, kapote, Betadine, and iodized salt (Sing “Iodized salt! Iodized salt! Mag-iodized salt tayo” dekada nobenta jingle here).

I immediately dismissed the text messages as a hoax for I have read beforehand the tweets and updates of respected journalists and news agencies.

I bet the one/s who created this hoax was/were laughing like the King of the Pigs on Angry Birds - Mighty Hoax level. 

“Yehey! Walang Pasok!”

I switched the TV on and look for a local news program. As expected, most of the people who were unaware of the real score about the chismis would panic. But I was taken aback when I learned that a school/college suspended their classes because of this chismis.

Seriously, why didn’t they (the administration and whoever who is in-charge) verify first the reports before suspending the classes? With today’s technology, one can easily know whether an item is true or not. There’s Twitter. There’s Facebook. There’s the internet.

I now wonder if some bored students were the ones who were behind this hoax.

Let’s be Mutants like the Ninja Turtles

Though there are people who panicked on this chismis, some, after knowing that it was just a hoax, were smart enough to poke fun on this chismis. Pinoy na pinoy!

Some said that if the radiation leak reaches the Philippines, we will be mutants - but mutants with super powers. And I had fun reading the would-be “powers” of some people and celebrities I follow on Twitter.

Having fun, smiling amidst a nakaka-badtrip na item. That’s a Pinoy classic.

Chismis Culture?

It all started with a chismis - an unconfirmed text message that was repeatedly forwarded because of fear. Whoever was the one behind this fiasco, he succeeded. He induced fear and changed the normal routine of some of the Filipinos. He created an instant talk-of-the town. Or if he did it for fun, for sure, he laughed his ass out.

It’s just so disappointing that some idiots grab the opportunity of a disaster to create something stupid and for self-gratification.

Should our chismis culture be blamed? Our love for showbiz-oriented shows and tabloid-liked stories may be a factor. But I saw something “good” with this incedent.

It also showed the culture of Pinoy compassion.

They forwarded the messages to their friends and loved ones hoping that it will save them from impending harm and disaster.

Unfortunately, they passed the wrong message.

And the rest was an infamous story.

With today’s technology, news and information can be delivered faster. But technology doesn’t give us accuracy or veracity instantly.

So here’s a thing my friends: Check your sources, verify the reports, look for the other side of the story, and dare to ask.

Mas mahusay ang may alam. Ngunit mas lalong mahusay kung tama ang nalalaman.

But for now, I will resume my war against these pigs. I need to gain more stars on this Mighty Hoax level of Angry Birds to have more golden eggs. Padayon! 

Source: juanrepublic

Remembering the Final Set
It has been two years since they gave us their final set. Two years after their record breaking concert. Two years since they formally bid us goodbye. Two years after their last bow. Two years after their last concert, and probably indeed their last.
It was during this date that Ely Buendia set flame to the famous “Sticker Happy piano.” You know, the one with the naked Joey Mead from the cover of their album “Sticker Happy”.
At para sa mga naghahanap kung nasaan na ang piano ngayon, ibinalik siya sa 70’s Bistro (46 Anonas Street Project 2 , Quezon City).


Photo courtesy of Sir Chris Linag. For additional information, please read the article by Aldus Santos here.

Thank you Eraserheads for being a part of our childhood. Thank you for being the soundtrack of our growing up. Thank you for the good music. Thank you for being our heroes. Thank you for the memories.
Maraming salamat Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, at Buddy Zabala! The Eraserheads will never be erased from our heads. That is influence at its finest.

Remembering the Final Set

It has been two years since they gave us their final set. Two years after their record breaking concert. Two years since they formally bid us goodbye. Two years after their last bow. Two years after their last concert, and probably indeed their last.

It was during this date that Ely Buendia set flame to the famous “Sticker Happy piano.” You know, the one with the naked Joey Mead from the cover of their album “Sticker Happy”.

At para sa mga naghahanap kung nasaan na ang piano ngayon, ibinalik siya sa 70’s Bistro (46 Anonas Street Project 2 , Quezon City).

Photo courtesy of Sir Chris Linag. For additional information, please read the article by Aldus Santos here.

Thank you Eraserheads for being a part of our childhood. Thank you for being the soundtrack of our growing up. Thank you for the good music. Thank you for being our heroes. Thank you for the memories.

Maraming salamat Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, at Buddy Zabala! The Eraserheads will never be erased from our heads. That is influence at its finest.

Source: juanrepublic

Remembering the Master Rapper 
Time flies so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday.
On this day, we commemorate the second death anniversary of Francis Magalona.
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!

Remembering the Master Rapper 

Time flies so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday.

On this day, we commemorate the second death anniversary of Francis Magalona.

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!

Source: juanrepublic

Will Imelda Save the World?
Last night, I was on my usual habit of drinking a cup of kapeng barako while reading a good book (Sophie’s World) when an old friend from college texted me.
“Pare, crush pala ni Muamar Gadaffi si Imelda Marcos! Haha!”, he wrote.
I smirked and replied, “Hindi nga? Haha! Close naman sila dati pa. Gadaffi even asked Imelda to be a Muslim.” 
With that reply, our conversation ended and I continued to read my book.
Just a thought. Imelda Marcos was Ferdinand Marcos’s emissary during their time most especially when the leader is known to be tough and fierce. With her charm, Imelda knew how to tame the beasts and the lions.
Imelda Marcos said in an interview with GMA-News’ Sandra Aguinaldo that Gadaffi respected her. Let it be remembered that she was set to Libya by her husband to discuss the peace negotiations with the MNLF.
We are all familiar with the the continuing crisis at Libya and the situation of our OFWs there. And it seems that the violence will not end sooner than we hoped since Gadaffi warned of a bloodbath if US (and the west) intervenes.
Just a thought. Shall we send Imelda Marcos to Libya and let her talk to Gadaffi?
Send her to Gadaffi. Save Libya. Save the world. Maybe like tomorrow?
My suggestion may appear to be too ambitious. There are a lot of factors to be considered. Does Madam Imelda still possess that charm? Will Gadaffi listen to her? And moreso, is she still the dictator’s crush?
Yeah. My argument may seem to be too lame.
But here’s the thing. Imelda must first fix the mess created by her family here in our country.
Last night, I heard her son Bongbong on the television saying that there are nohuman rights violation during the time of his father.
Yeah, same old story. Twisting the events of history.
I will only believe Bongbong’s statement if someone can prove me that Maria Ozawa is still a virgin.
Let’s hope that everything will be fixed at Libya. And our country, Philippines.
Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Will Imelda Save the World?

Last night, I was on my usual habit of drinking a cup of kapeng barako while reading a good book (Sophie’s World) when an old friend from college texted me.

Pare, crush pala ni Muamar Gadaffi si Imelda Marcos! Haha!”, he wrote.

I smirked and replied, “Hindi nga? Haha! Close naman sila dati pa. Gadaffi even asked Imelda to be a Muslim.” 

With that reply, our conversation ended and I continued to read my book.

Just a thought. Imelda Marcos was Ferdinand Marcos’s emissary during their time most especially when the leader is known to be tough and fierce. With her charm, Imelda knew how to tame the beasts and the lions.

Imelda Marcos said in an interview with GMA-News’ Sandra Aguinaldo that Gadaffi respected her. Let it be remembered that she was set to Libya by her husband to discuss the peace negotiations with the MNLF.

We are all familiar with the the continuing crisis at Libya and the situation of our OFWs there. And it seems that the violence will not end sooner than we hoped since Gadaffi warned of a bloodbath if US (and the west) intervenes.

Just a thought. Shall we send Imelda Marcos to Libya and let her talk to Gadaffi?

Send her to Gadaffi. Save Libya. Save the world. Maybe like tomorrow?

My suggestion may appear to be too ambitious. There are a lot of factors to be considered. Does Madam Imelda still possess that charm? Will Gadaffi listen to her? And moreso, is she still the dictator’s crush?

Yeah. My argument may seem to be too lame.

But here’s the thing. Imelda must first fix the mess created by her family here in our country.

Last night, I heard her son Bongbong on the television saying that there are nohuman rights violation during the time of his father.

Yeah, same old story. Twisting the events of history.

I will only believe Bongbong’s statement if someone can prove me that Maria Ozawa is still a virgin.

Let’s hope that everything will be fixed at Libya. And our country, Philippines.

Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

Lady Gaga and 10 year-old Filipina Maria Aragon
Remember that 10-year old girl whose video of her piano cover of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way became her ticket to instant internet stardom? Even Lady Gaga herself tweeted about that girl and she promised to have a duet with the latter on her concert at Toronto, Canada.
Well, Maria Aragon’s dream has just came true. Lady Gaga and Maria performed a piano duet of Born This Way.
And on Lady Gaga’s official page, here’s what she has to say on this child prodigy.

Myself +10 year Old Lady Maria of Winnipeg. She signed my t-shirt, she ate my heart, just like you ▽

Sweet eh? Way to go young lady!
(Click this link to watch Lady Gaga and Maria Aragon’s performance via YouTube)

Lady Gaga and 10 year-old Filipina Maria Aragon

Remember that 10-year old girl whose video of her piano cover of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way became her ticket to instant internet stardom? Even Lady Gaga herself tweeted about that girl and she promised to have a duet with the latter on her concert at Toronto, Canada.

Well, Maria Aragon’s dream has just came true. Lady Gaga and Maria performed a piano duet of Born This Way.

And on Lady Gaga’s official page, here’s what she has to say on this child prodigy.

Myself +10 year Old Lady Maria of Winnipeg. She signed my t-shirt, she ate my heart, just like you ▽

Sweet eh? Way to go young lady!

(Click this link to watch Lady Gaga and Maria Aragon’s performance via YouTube)

Source: facebook.com

“Tumataas ang High Blood ng mga Pilipino sa Inyo”

Escaping from the Senators’ Inquiry: The Erlinda Yambao-Ligot Way

  • High blood. You can tell the Committee and the Senate doctor na tumaas ang iyong high blood para hindi ka na gisahin ng mga Senador. Mas mabait naman kasi silang magtanong kumpara sa mga nasa Lower House. (Pero mukhang mas na-high blood pa yata ang taong bayan kanina).
  • Sana pinatugtog kanina ang Wildflower - “Let her cry for she’s a lady..” habang ine-escortan palabas ng session hall si Mrs. Ligot. (O kaya yung Lucky ni Britney Spears - She’s so lucky. She’s a star. But she cry cry cry..”. How lucky is she! Ligtas sa panggigisa!)
  • Sino ba naman ang hindi maiiyak kung ipag-papaliwanag sa iyo ng mga Senador yung mga questionable na mga bahay sa Amerika. Hala sige! Iyak pa!
  • Balita ko ay kukunin siya ni Direktor Mark Meiley para maging isa sa mga lead stars sa remake ng Sharon Cuneta movie na Crying Ladies. 

The Amnesia Boy Strikes Again!

  • Nakilala natin noon si General Jacinto Ligot bilang Amnesia Boy - at ngayon siya’y nagbabalik kasama ang kanyang bayaw na isa’t kalahati ding may selective amnesia.
  • As usual, kapag tinatanong, it’s either hindi na maalala (the best way para ikubli ang katotohanan) o kaya they invoke the right against self-incrimination (the best way para malaman ng publiko na may itinatago sila).
  • Mas napaghahalata tuloy na nagsisinungaling sila. Sige pa. Paulit-ulit ninyong gamitin yang right against self-incrimination.
  • Ganoon nga talaga siguro kapag madaming kinakamkam na pera, nagkakaroon ng selective amnesia.

Few Side Notes

  • Sana dumating ang araw na makita kong member ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee si Senator Lito Lapid. #2012
  • Manong Johnny Enrile looks like Senator Palpatine of the Galactic Empire. Tapos kapag badtrip, nagta-transform to Darth Sidious :D #StarWars
  • Idineklara ni Mrs. Ligot na “unmarried” siya sa isang dokumento na kanyang pinirmahan. Hindi siya proud maging asawa kay General Jacinto?
  • Parang lasing kanina si General Roy Cimatu. Hindi man lang makabuo ng isang buong pangungusap sa mga tanong. Kabado?

Just give us the truth. Please. At sana ay hindi lang truth ang lumabas. Sana ay may consequence din.

Screw these plunderers!

Viva Filipinas! Padayon!

Source: juanrepublic

New Career for Merceditas Gutierrez and Ronald Singson

Government officials are all over the headlines. And in a negative way.

Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson has just resigned as a lawmaker (sa wakas!). House Committee on Justice has just started the proceedings to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and, hopefully, she will be out of her position before the year ends (sana po Lord!).

What is the future for these officials? Aside from being incarcerated for their crime, the “life after sentence” should be on the minds of these two infamous personalities.

In the case that they are still undecided on what to do with their messed up careers, The Republic is offering them a career alternative - free of charge.

Ronald Singson: Coca-cola Endorser

Yaman din lamang na mahilig sa coke ang minamahal nating mambabatas mula sa Ilocos Sur, ano pa’t maging endorser siya ng Coca-cola?

Tutal, happiness naman ang advocacy ng Coke, perfect example doon si Ex-Congressman Ronald. Extreme happiness. Party like there’s no tomorrow.

Merceditas Gutierrez: Peach Halves Endorser

A few days ago, I saw “Wear peach shirt to show support for Merci’s impeachment” on my Twitter timeline. That inspired me to form my imaginary Indie-Pop band “Merci’s Peaches”.

Seriously, let’s get the ball rolling. If she is really guilty of the crime, so be it! Let her pay the price for her crime. If not, go defend herself!

I just want the truth to come out - like most of the Filipinos.

___________________________

Our government is messed up - just like some of our officials. But I believe that for as long as there are Filipinos who would fight for the truth, and who would love this country above their personal interests, we will one day see the light of a new morning.

There is still hope.

But for now, I’ll just spin Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon while munching on this peach-graham refrigerator cake and gulping on my cold glass of Coca-cola.

Viva Filipinas. Padayon!

Defensive Note: Details used for humor purposes only, and to pursue the artistic creativity (nuks!) of the author.

Source: juanrepublic


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 being an overworked and underpaid High School teacher and being a self-proclaimed superhero who is dreaming and trying to make a difference, one post at a time.

For correspondence, please email me at juanrepublica@gmail.com

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