Go to this link.
My mother sent me the link. Hope this helps. Vote wisely!
Bow,
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,
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,
If there's one good thing that came out of this tragedy is that it brought out the heroism in every Filipino. I'm impressed with the number of people who helped the victims by donating goods or expending their time and efforts. Bayanihan was truly felt by many. Good job, kababayan! Filipinos once again proved to be a dependable race.
We hope to see more of the noble trait in everyday life.
Bow,
I've already seen the video of Cebu inmates doing their own version of Jai Ho. And now they're back with a Michael Jackson tribute. I first saw the Thriller video on Steve Piacenza's Facebook and the We Are The World video on Alex Deve's blog. Apparently, both of them liked the videos.
It feels good to know that at times, people from other countries find Filipinos incredible.
Now, back to my Spanish homework. Hehehehe!
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.
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,
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!
We walked the streets of Manila as our tour guide, Mr. Carlos Celdran, fed us with well-researched information of Manila's history and his witty and candid anecdotes. The walking tour, aptly entitled If These Walls Could Talk, has taken us years back to appreciate the beauty and significance of Old Manila. The tour starts at the Manila Cathedral, then to the walls of Intramuros, to the San Agustin Church and ends at Plaza San Luis.
Simply put, it's a crash course on Manila's history, only more interesting and engaging. Despite my lack of sleep the day before, I really enjoyed the tour. It was another opportunity for me to realize the value of being Filipino.
As Carlos Celdran would say,
If you can't change the way Manila looks, change the way you look at Manila.
For more information on the tour, visit CarlosCeldran.com.
Click here for more pictures.
