Quingdom.com

Elections End. A New Chapter Begins.

I've always participated in Philippine elections ever since I became eligible to vote. This is my second time to vote for a president and yet my candidate never gets elected. I cannot deny the fact that this year, I was very positive and hopeful that the person whom I believe is most fitting to lead the country and bring our nation to greater heights would have the chance to be president.  Suffice it to say that God has other plans.

Votes were cast and tallying is about to end. Soon the new president of the Philippines will be proclaimed. Although the tallying is yet to be concluded, it seems clear who the 15th president of the Philippines is going to be based from the partial tally of votes.

I may not agree with the person elected as the president of our country, but I have come to realize that as a nation, we must accept whoever wins the elections, support our president and do our part as Filipino citizens to help create an environment which upholds the positive values that we, Filipinos, want to inculcate in our character. It's always easier to criticize, blame and find faults in the government and in the administration, but the real change that we are longing for must come from us. I know it's a cliché, but only until we learn to discipline ourselves, take responsibility in our own actions and realize our contributions to society, will we be able to see the progressive Philippines we are all hoping for.

There is still hope. Having a competent president is just a fraction of what makes a prospering country. Let us not forget the rest of the population that can still work together to bring the nation to its bright future.

And I am not talking about People Power.  ;)

Bow,

   

Filipinos' Big Day Tomorrow!

We just got back from our short trip to Bataan. Unlike our previous trips, I didn't take much pictures this time. For one thing, Montemar's a resort we frequent and aside from the TV sets already present in the rooms, nothing much has changed. I also slept throughout the the latter part of the afternoon. I had the chance to relax enjoy the sun and sea despite our brief stay at Montemar Beach Resort. It's better than nothing.

Tomorrow is the big day for the Filipino people. It's the 2010 Presidential elections. And to make it more exciting, it's the first automated elections in the country. Voters are both excited and anxious about what's going to happen tomorrow. I, myself, am looking forward to finally stand in front of the much talked about PCOS machine and cast my vote. Amidst the negative news that I have been hearing, I'm praying that tomorrow's elections will be a peaceful, an orderly and an honest one.

It's been a marvelous experience for every Filipino. I want to congratulate all the candidates for putting up a great fight. I know that every Filipino has learned something from each of the candidates. And it really wasn't an easy task to choose who to vote for. The candidates, especially the presidentiables, really kept the people thinking - a good practice and an indication of progress.

At the end of it all, I hope that the true winners in this race are the Filipinos who have put their trust and confidence on the individuals who volunteered and promised to serve the public.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Bow,

 

Piña Barong Fabric

A bit of information for my non-Filipino readers, a barong is the traditional formalwear of Filipinos.

I think the last time I got to wear a barong was during my sister's wedding, which was at least five years ago. I'm glad I'll be able to wear one again for my friends' wedding next month. With my body frame, I couldn't buy a barong off-the-rack so I have to have one custom made. I've always wanted to wear an authentic piña barong. And now that I can afford it, I wouldn't let the chance pass.  

I just got the piña cloth to be used for my barong and I cannot stop marveling at the craftsmanship that transpired in creating such work of art. The barong is more than just an article of clothing. It is a manifestation of Filipino creativity and ingenuity that is truly world-class.

I can't wait to see the finished product!

More pictures of the piña fabric here.

Bow,

Funny, Yet Scary

I got this picture from an office mate. Initially, it's hilarious! Who would imagine public signs in Filipino text language?

I wanted to know if this is real or it's just a product of good photo editing skills.

If this is an actual sign along one of the streets of Manila, I'm hoping wording signs in this manner is just a witty way to add humor to the ordinary signs that we see everyday. However, if this was intentionally composed as such because Filipinos respond to this kind of language, we're in big trouble.

I hope text language would just remain within the LCD's of mobile phones.

Bow,

Tondo Feeding Program

I'm leaving for Camarines Sur tomorrow so I'd like to leave you with an entry.

I've been coming along with Ate Shy to feeding programs, and last Wednesday, May 20, we went to Tondo to observe how the people are doing with the feeding program in their area. The kids are well-behaved and everything seems to be in order. I was mainly responsible for taking close-up shots. Here are some of them:

Click here to view the whole set.

In this particular area, we did more than just go to the feeding program. We visited and we were given a quick tour where most of the recipients reside. It is in what they call estero. I'm sure Manila residents are familiar with this place. I would have to talk about it in another entry, though. In the meantime, let me give you a peek into the estero:

I'm looking forward to this entry..

Bow,

On National Anthems

Aside from the victory of Manny Pacquiao during his bout against Ricky Hatton, one of the most talked about issues, in the Philippines at least, is Martin Nievera's rendition of the Philippine National Anthem - Lupang Hinirang. Admittedly, I am one of those who do not approve of his version. Like what many experts have said, I believe the national anthem should be sung in its simplest form so that other Filipinos can sing along.

On the other hand, in the context of his performance, Martin Nievera had no intention to disrespect the anthem. His performance clearly showed his virtuosity as a singer, and that is probably his way of expressing his pride. I don't think he deserved to be booed for that.

Singing the national anthem differently for one's in the pursuit of manifesting pride is forgivable, but a Filipino singing the national anthem of another country is not. More so if it was sung in public. And I'm talking about Charice Pempengco who recently sang Star-Spangled Banner at the Dodgers vs. Giants game. 

I'll understand that she might be too young to be sensitive about nationalism and the like, but at least her handlers should have known better. I have no doubts that Charice in an exceptional singer.  She wouldn't have performed alongside world renowned artists like David Foster and Celine Dion if she wasn't. It is just very inappropriate to sing the national anthem of the United States, if you are not an american. It is tantamount to saying "I'm an American," when you are not. This goes for all countries too. At this time, I doubt if Charice has a U.S. passport.

What we can learn from these instances is to sing your national anthem appropriately with honor and gusto whenever you have the chance to. Sing Lupang Hinirang during flag ceremonies, before the last full show of a movie starts or at the beginning of a cultural performance. The national anthem is more than just a song. It is our declaration of being Filipino. It is a commitment to uplift our country and our people.

Bow,

The videos after the jump.

Ako Mismo

Calling all Filipinos:

It is time for us to make our pledges - our commitments to help build a better future for our nation. There is still hope for our country. All we have to do is act and make a difference in our community. No one will help our country but us, Filipinos. We cannot rely on anyone else, but ourselves.

Log on to AkoMismo.org, pledge, and act.

Here's the Ako Mismo TV commercial:

Ako mismo,

Earth Hour 2009

In case you still haven't been reminded, this Friday, March 28, 2009 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, is Earth Hour.  Let's help in saving the earth by switching the lights off for one full hour.  It sounds very simple, but if millions of households and businesses all over the world would join in this movement, it would be a huge effort to save the earth.

It's the least we could do for our world...

Log on to earthhour.org for more information.

Summer is Trumpets Playshop!

For kids who want to develop their talents, and for parents who, like my parents, want their kids to be productive this summer, check this out:

 

Gear up for a great summer at Trumpets. 

Trumpets Playshop offers teenagers and adults alike two brand-new class offerings – Acting for Film and Acting for Commercial Models. Its extensive selection of classes also includes Street Dancing, Basic Photography, Musical Theater, Public Speaking/Hosting, Belly-Dancing, Stage Make-Up and Modeling. Classes are taught by some of the industry’s biggest names, such as The Manoeuvres and Patrick Uy. With so many different classes to choose from, there’s certainly something for everyone.

For 16 years, Trumpets Playshop has been around to train children, teenagers, and even young adults, to discover new talents and hone existing ones. As a result, many of its graduates have moved on to further pursue their passions, some even successfully breaking into the entertainment industry, such as Sam Concepcion and Christian Bautista. 

This year’s theme, Summer is Playshop, truly describes what Trumpets has in store for kids participating in a summer filled with fun and friendship, as well as ways to enhance their talents and skills. 

Enrollment for Trumpets Playshop is currently ongoing. Workshops will be conducted in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, The Podium, the Fort and Alabang. For further inquiries, please call 635-4478/636-2842/631-7252, or 09178964034. 

ENROLL NOW!

For more information, visit Trumpets Playshop's Official Site, a video on Facebook, and Trumpets's Multiply.

7th Spanish Film Festival

Hosted by Instituto Cervantes, the 12-day 7th Spanish Film Festival, Película / Pelikula, will be held at Greenbelt 3 cinema from October 1 to October 12.  According to news, it will feature 18 films from Spain and Latin America.  Screening schedules will be at 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 9:30 pm, 12:00 mn.  Damn!  Just when my shift becomes 5:00 pm to 2:00 am, here comes an activity that would suit my 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm schedule.  Nevertheless, I'd still find time to check this out.  

Anyone who wants to join?