Deja Vu?

The countdown is on for the circus act otherwise known as the Philippine elections. Political parties are now starting to maneuver their social status and political stands to optimize their chance of being elected. It's actually sad how these people, who are supposed to be our future leaders, become chameleons every election. Their focus is actually how to get more votes rather than what they can do for the country.

However the biggest news: if Erap is eligible to run for presidency. I was one of those who supported his ouster. And even if those who led that ouster apologize, I will not. Now he is aiming to run again. For me it's sort of crazy that Erap said that it would be a "battle royal" if he and Kabayan Noli both run for presidency. Where did he based his prediction? Well, the only thing is because both of them have the most "masa" following.

I still believe most of these people under the class "masa" are smart enough. Or not... I guess we will find out next year.

Best day evaaa!

I haven't blogged for awhile due to my busy schedule but today is special. This day is one of of happiest days so far this year. Why?

First,



I know... The Celtics would find it diffucult to compete with the Cavs or the Lakers without their defense leader Kevin Garnett (still you don't know what will happen. BIG BABY GOGOGO). But heck, this series has been a heart stopper. With several OT games, these two teams are arguably the most tired teams in the playoffs. I hope the finals would live up to this series. This for me is the series of the year so far. Even if the Celts lose in the conference semi-finals, at least they will forever be immortalized in highlight reels for this series.

Second,



This fight made me nervous. Frankly, I didn't believe that Manny can pull this one off as easy as this. No offense to Hatton fans, but this fight made it appear that the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya fight was a difficult fight for Manny. I was actually 50/50 in who I thought would win (syempre manok pa rin si Manny kahit may kaba. >8< Pinoy Pride FTW). Next stop, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Manny silenced the Senior's cockiness (so how's the amateur now?), now its Junior's turn.

Cheap Chow

This weekend, news was shown about this journalist named Cheap Chow, errr... Chip Tsao who released an article about his views on the Spratly Ownership Issue between China and the Philippines. In the article, he called our country a "nation of servants".

This morning I was doing my morning routine of looking at news in inquirer and reading blogs of people and I saw a copy of the article posted in Gerry's blog (this guy has some interesting blog entries). The article has been taken down but you can read it at Gerry's.

This guys has written many "satire" articles which readers might call racists. This was actually at least the second time he has made racist remarks against Filipinos. The other one that I know of, also from the same publication, was made as an insult to Chinese made products. This was at the height of the poisoned milk controversy. You can read the full article here. In this article, he has made remarks of Pinoy nurses. Another article was about Western foreigners in China and how they are now not "fashionable" for HK women. You can read it from Friskodude's entry.

This guy just doesn't learn, doesn't he? I hope your Pinay maids are kind enough to not retaliate on your Cheap Chow, Mr. Tsao.

Sino Iboboto mo?

With the upcoming Philippine 2010 elections, it is only normal in our beloved country to discuss candidates even if it's still more than a year before the actual elections. Potential candidates at this time would start "Stealth Campaigning" (although stealth is a fallacy, kapalmuks eh) to determine if they have the capability to fool... errrr... convince people that they are the right ones for the job. At this point, I haven't seen any candidates yet that could help my motherland gain her dignity back. Viewing the news and seeing these potential candidates do their PR things, I realized what my standards are for my chosen candidates. I remember Carlos P. Romulo. Now this guy is a true hero for me. If he had run today I would have voted for him.

Years ago I read an article about him from Reader's digest (1989) I was walking around the mall one day and bought those cheap reader's digest compilations from a second hand bookstore. It so happened an article of Romulo was there. There were some anecdotes and the one that really captured my mind was the story about the UN flag. It turned out that there is a "dot" in the UN flag that was supposed to be the Philippines due to the insistence of Carlos Romulo. Now that is what you call true love for country. Simple, yes, but so meaningful. That story told me to fight for your country's dignity, even in simple ways. If there is any candidate as nationalistic as him, I can be assured that our country will survive.

Barack's budget priorities and Pinoy's Stagnancy

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I just watched Obama's second prime-time news conference and there was this question that gave me nostalgia of how our country was decades ago.

The question voices out the critic on White House budget which focus on education, health-care, and energy. The answer of Obama clearly shows what made him win the presidential elections: improving education, health-care and energy makes people grow.

This made me remember of how we were as a country. Decades ago, I remember going to IRRI for our field trip. I remember seeing the research done by the institute. I remember seeing many Thai and other foreigners that were at the institute to learn about IRRI's findings. Now, Thailand is one of the leading exporter of rice in the world. We, however, have become one of the biggest importers. The "teacher" has been surpassed by her "student". What happened?

Let's face it. One of the reasons for this is that Filipinos have gone stagnant. Science and technology evolved around us while we are concerned with politics. There are two reasons that I believed caused this. One, the government priorititized giving people food (not to mention robbing people's money lol) and Two, people became too contented of living the way they were living. In very simple terms, the people and the government have focused on picking food from the tree and not how to plant the tree. We rely on the "environment" providing us our food rather than producing it ourselves. When food runs out and no one helps us, we are dead.
For instance, I believe that signing international business agreements to find our workers jobs is not a good idea. We are now a country running on OFW remittance because of this. I hate that we are the world's source of laborers, maids and factory workers. We've become soooo dependent to other countries.

I just dread the day when our country becomes a bunch of "stone-age" people watching political drama in TV after a day of being slaves to "high-tech" foreigners.

Who are Filipinos?

This was THE question asked by Anthony Bourdain several times to different Filipinos who guided him throughout his tour around the Philippines in a quest to taste what is pinoy. And frankly speaking, similar to most Filipinos, would find it hard to answer this question. We have always had an identity crisis. With all the cultures we've been exposed to, as well as media influence, we have really lost the definite answer to who we really are. What trait is uniquely pinoy? The best answer for me is the answer given by Bourdain's Cebu guide. I think I would have given the same answer. What he was saying was that Pinoys easily and readily adapt to whatever situation there is. The culture is kinda secondary and is readily subdued in order to survive. Well, not necessarily bad though it may have some dire consequences in the future.

Hmm... makes me kinda wonder about that last statement. Is the reason for our poverty somehow connected to the notion that Pinoys are slowly adapting to being poor? I wonder...

The best thing about this coverage is that Pinoy food has been featured. And Anthony always had SMB Pale Pilsen in his hand. Way to go... Gosh seeing all that crispy awesomeness made me hungry...

Classic Rock And Roll of Honour Awards

This is a shout out to everyone, all Pinoys or non-Pinoys, do vote for Journey's album "Revelation" as the classic rock album of the year.

Haven't really been a fan of Journey because it wasn't in my era but I like some of their songs. Their songs served me in those senti nights during my highschool days. Having Arnel Pineda as the new lead vocalist brought a new sort of atmosphere for the band. It made the band somehow recognizable to younger generations like me. Contrary to what some people say, his voice is not exactly similar to Steve Perry. There's something more youthful and appealing to younger generations. I guess that's why their album became a platinum hit. I gotta get a hold of that album. If I can find it here in Korea.

Good luck Arnel! Hope you don't change your humble personality. And a piece of advice. Try not to guest in corny Pinoy variety shows where various artists sing with you. It kinda ruins your coolness. Don't became a "pinoy pop" artist. Cheers.

Cavite Explosion

Another tragedy for Pinoys. Amidst economic scares, this thing should happen. I am sympathetic to those affected and I hope they get back on their feet soon. To the families of the dead, I extend my condolences.
This tragedy makes me wonder how this happened. I am very much sure that in the ensuing investigation after all the commotion, turuan na naman yan. Safety standards are quite low in our country. I fear more now especially in these times of economic downturn. I am sure most companies would have cost-cutting measures planned. And most of these measures would probably lead to downgrading safety, especially in low-profile companies. I hope this tragedy does not happen again. It's hard to ask at these times but safety first before profit.

We watched Slumdog Millionaire weeks before. This lunar new year holidays, I bummed myself out and found myself watching an episode of Wowowee. Then it hit me how similar the hosts of shows that give away money behave. Almost all episodes show the host making fun of contestant's poor fortune and commoner looks to provide humorous content to their shows. I just hope these so called contestants do still have dreams other than being chosen as "lucky" contestants in these gameshows. In these time of mass lay-offs, I hope Juan dela Cruz would find a way to find a job or start their own enterprise. This is what is needed for our country to rise. Not putting our hopes in winning a gameshow. As Dely Atay-Atayan famously exclaimed, "John, Magsumikap ka..."

Pinoy Heroes

Nice. This is one of those videos that are like "sapul hanggang kaluluwa". Too bad that those people that should watch this video are too manhid already. I have the same sentiments as these OFWs. Mind you, these are OFWs who would have stayed at home if there are better opportunities. OFWs who don't forget their root. Not "migrants" but OFWs. This is an "in your face" video of how they actually feel. I talked to a lot of OFWs where I am now and they would give anything just to have a stable job back home. I know all their sufferings in their work; the discrimination, the low pay (based on foreign standards) , the loneliness. "Masuwerte ka estudyante ka dito" is what they always say to me. They don't need a heroes' welcome. What they would be happy about is to see when they step out of the airport are changes. Changes in the country that would give them a chance to work at home and be with their families. I just hope that in the near future (hopefully in the upcoming elections) a new bayani would rise up. A hero that is located at home and improving the country for the future. So that our current heroes can finally go home.

Cheesy First Love

Pinoys are the cheesiest people in the planet as can be seen in this advertisement of McDonalds. I don't exactly know when this ad came out. I just saw it yesterday at a pinoy video streaming site. "Huling El Bimbo" was the background track and it caught my attention. The cheesiness is so high one can either turn into something gooey in nature or puke all the cheeseburgers, fries and sundae ice cream one has eaten in his/her entire life. For most pinoys, it would have been the former. Even the most brutal and macho kabaros would give a smile upon watching this ad. That's one of the things I love about pinoys. In a relationship, romanticism is one of the key items to make it work. I've talked to some foreigners in my stay outside of the country and they usually say they like Filipinos because they are hopeless romantics. Try strolling around malls and public areas, and you'll see the place populated by corniest couples doing their things. Maybe you'll see me and cookie. I'm proud to say, "Corny kami, ano pake mo!"

Its the return of the comeback! LoL

I was happy hearing the news about the reunion concert part 2 by the Eraserheads. I was watching the news (24 oras) from a streaming site, listening to "common" Pinoy news (robbery, etc) when BOOM, the news anchor announced that the most influential band in the Philippines would be having their second reunion concert on March 2009.

After that my brother messaged me through Yahoo saying he will go. DAMN YOU! I won't be able to attend again similar to the original reunion concert. There's no way for me to go back to Pinas at that time. I wish it would be held in December so I can have the opportunity to reminisce while listening to their song. But if that happens, a mass protest bigger than EDSA II or III combined would be mobilized by the fans. I guess I'd have to satisfy myself with youtube videos again.

So for the loyal fans of Eheads, support the concert. This might be the last as mentioned in the article(I DO HOPE NOT). And please take good videos and upload soon (Para sa masang di makapanood) . I'll be waiting!!!

Undisciplined Devotion

I was watching SAKSI from a streaming site and I can't help but comment about the Black Nazarene Procession that is celebrated every year at Quiapo Church, Manila. In this occasion, millions of devotees endure claustrophobic situations and human stampede just to get a chance at touching the statue with their hankerchief , and/or be able to pull the carosa. In this event, hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people get injured. This year, about 200 people got injured. Luckily, unlike in previous years, no one died.

There were comments in the video I was watching debating on whether to be ashamed of this practice or not. I take the side of those ashamed. Don't get me wrong. I'm not ashamed of the devotion. I don't have anything about the devotion part. I actually admire them because, in these times when the economy is poor and finding some money for food is as difficult as enduring the Quiapo procession, they were still able to have a strong faith in God. My father also has a devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran so I understand the feelings of these people. What I cannot understand (and what I am ashamed of) is the lack of discipline. Do they really need to push and injure each other? Is it the devotion or the violence that gives them hope? Its like the survival of the fittest in the Safari. In the Spanish times, this is valid. We are now in modern times. A system can be implemented (knock, knock people from the gov't) that can efficiently control the crowd so that all can wipe, touch or pull the carosa. A system that would be fair to everyone.

I admire devotion. But I'm tired of injuries and death. I honestly believe that even God might be looking at it the same way. Death or injuries in this is not doing it for God, it is doing it for ourselves. I'm ashamed because this shows a lot of ourselves as a Filipino. Even for this event we are undisciplined. In addition, those few who are disciplined enough, can't help it but be carried by the flow because they're stuck in the middle, pushed by the selfish, undisciplined people. I hope next year there would be fewer injuries. Fewer casualties. So that we can start focusing on achieving our goals rather than tending the wounded.

Ploning

"Wow"
This was the first thing me and cookie exclaimed after finishing this movie. One word that can summarize everything that we feel for the movie.

No offense to anyone but when I first heard about the movie in Inquirer, I was quite indifferent about it. Well, maybe I was looking down a little on it. Well, can you blame me? For my taste, there were only quite a few Pinoy movies that actually made me feel proud to be "pinoy". Maybe because Philippine films can be so low budget and most stories are shallow. The last pinoy movie that I really liked was Jose Rizal by Marilou Diaz-Abaya starring Cesar Montano. However, this "like" was more for the screenplay and directing rather than the story itself. We all know our national hero's history and all (Still, nice movie though). The rest of the movies, in my opinion, are mediocre at most. I am not a movie critic. I judge a movie only by two things: 1) effects and 2) predictability. I like a movie where I cannot guess what is going to happen next. I mean, I am a viewer not the director. Sorry to say most of the Philippine movies are predictable.

Ploning has some level of unpredictability to me. From the opening scene, with the haunting song of Ploning, my attention was immediately caught. Dante Nico Garcia and company did a marvelous job hiding the key elements of the story. I was like, is Muo Sei really Thomas? Sure at 1/4 of the movie, he is revealed to be Rodrigo which one can guess to be Digo. But call me stupid, but the other events I was not able to predict. It was like a slow joke building up to a sensational punchline.

Also, one thing I like about this movie is how the actors did their job. Although I'm not a fan of Juday, she did quite well. The rest of the cast was simply amazing. What's different in Ploning from other Philippine movies is that the way actors acted was so so natural. It was as if you're watching an animal planet hidden camera observing how Cuyonan people live. It was surreal. The child Digo played by Cedric Amit was like seeing your brother or nephew from a video camera recording. Bibo, ika nga.

Finally, Muo Sei, with his distant looks, makes you feel that you want to go home. This movie made me remember of the native province of my parents, Lubang. Like my father always told us, no matter where he is, he will always want to contribute to Lubang. No matter how small the contribution. This makes one remember our roots and the happy times we spent at home.

This movie get 5 thumbs up from me. I hope they win the Academy award (I think). I'll be cheering for this one. Good luck guys.