Since it’s already April 9, I decided to write something about “Araw ng Kagitingan” instead of reacting on the Willie Revillame and Jan-Jan Brouhaha saga. It's so nonsense. Mas marami pang bagay ang higit na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng mga Pilipino kaysa kung papaano patatalsikin si Willie Revillame sa television.
April 9, 1942 was a dreadful day for the Filipinos as it was the day when the more than 76,000 soldiers (Filipino, Chinese and American) in Bataan surrendered to the Japanese troops. The fall of Bataan led to the gruesome Death March. The surrendered soldiers were forced to suffer a 90-mile march, under the heat, no food and water, and with untreated wounds and unjustifiable executions. Today, we commemorate April 9 as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” for the soldiers who have died in the Bataan Death March. And since today is Day of Valour, let’s talk about “kagitingan” and “kabayanihan.”
Nowadays, we have what we call the “mga bagong bayani” in our country. And these are the OFWs. First, I just want to make it clear that I have nothing against OFWs; again I just want to share my thoughts regarding this. I just want to ask this question to everyone, sino nga ba ang tunay na bayani, ang mga Pilipinong nagpapaalipin sa mga dayuhan para sa sariling kapakanan at sa kanilang pamilya o ang mga Pilipinong nagpapaalipin sa sariling bayan para sa kapakanan ng kapwa Pilipino?
I'm just asking. You can share your opinions with this issue, but please avoid the derogatory use of words in expressing your thoughts.
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Friday, April 8, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Wilie Revillame and Jan-Jan Brouhaha
Recently, Willie Revillame and his show Willing-Willie are being bombarded again by the nasty comments from the Filipino moralists via internet. The brouhaha rooted when a particular episode of Willing-Willie was uploaded on YouTube. This is the video of Jan-Jan, a kid contestant in the said TV program, crying and dancing like a macho dancer while the audience are laughing. For some, this video is really irritating to watch, as they believe that it's a form of child abuse, but for others it's fun and entertaining. Filipinos have different opinions for this matter. And since, we're practicing the freedom of speech; I just want to share my point of views in this case too.
I’ll ask these questions first, is it really a child abuse? Do we really have to blame Willie or the parents of Jan-Jan should be felt guilty about this?
To answer these questions, maybe the kid was abused emotionally, because he’s been the source of fun for a moment. But if you're going to look at it closely and study the situation, it’s not child abuse. Why? Because the kid is supposedly showcasing his talents in dancing, so that Willie would give him a bunch of money, but no one has expected that Jan-Jan will dance like a macho dancer while crying. The audience nor Willie didn't ask him to dance that way, the kid chose those dance steps. And when he was asked who taught him, he admitted that he learned those steps from his uncle and father.
If you're going to think of it carefully, as a responsible parent, you should not teach your kid such dance steps. As a cliché says, "Sa mata ng bata, ang ginagawa ng matanda ay tama." Since those steps were taught to Jan-Jan by his own uncle and father, in his mind, those are the right steps that he should dance whenever he’ll be asked to.
For me, it looks like a ‘child abuse’ because the video has been uploaded on YouTube, wherein millions of people around the world can watch it. If you are really concerned about the kid and your intention is not to deteriorate Willing-Willie’s viewership, you won’t share it on YouTube; instead, you’ll do the appropriate actions for this matter, like reporting it to the right authorities.
As for the "making fun of" scenario, yes, Willie and the audience have truly shared their part on it. They should have not laugh on the kid, but what we can do, the show's format is variety and the goal is to entertain the audience. This is not a soap opera that when someone will do the “macho dancer” step and shed crocodile tears, the viewers should also cry and be moved. Let's face the reality and not be hypocrite about it, poor people are willing to do everything (even if it means that they will have to be the source of entertainment), just to earn money and have at least something to eat for a day. Other people don’t see this, because they are privilege enough not to suffer such humiliations.
Now, if you really think that it is really child abuse, maybe you should file a complaint against the parents of the child, and not to the host nor the audience nor the TV program. Why? Because if Jan-Jan’s parents are responsible enough, they wouldn’t allow him to join the contest, they knew from the very beginning that there’s the tendency of being in a shameful situation once they have joined Willing-Willie, and yet they have permitted their son to participate. As a responsible parent, you won’t allow your children to earn money in a very degrading manner. And in the first place, kids shouldn’t be working in the welfare of their family.
Just a piece of advice for everyone, if you are a privilege person and if you don't like to see such kind of "child abuse" to kids again, instead of complaining about it, why don’t you donate your money to the less fortunates, so that this situation won’t happen again. And to Willie Revillame, at least try to be sensitive sometimes, people around have been mad about your insensitivity and lack of moral judgement.
Just a simple thought: we are living in the world that is full of imperfections, yet the people around are so perfectionists therefore get used to it!
I’ll ask these questions first, is it really a child abuse? Do we really have to blame Willie or the parents of Jan-Jan should be felt guilty about this?
To answer these questions, maybe the kid was abused emotionally, because he’s been the source of fun for a moment. But if you're going to look at it closely and study the situation, it’s not child abuse. Why? Because the kid is supposedly showcasing his talents in dancing, so that Willie would give him a bunch of money, but no one has expected that Jan-Jan will dance like a macho dancer while crying. The audience nor Willie didn't ask him to dance that way, the kid chose those dance steps. And when he was asked who taught him, he admitted that he learned those steps from his uncle and father.
If you're going to think of it carefully, as a responsible parent, you should not teach your kid such dance steps. As a cliché says, "Sa mata ng bata, ang ginagawa ng matanda ay tama." Since those steps were taught to Jan-Jan by his own uncle and father, in his mind, those are the right steps that he should dance whenever he’ll be asked to.
For me, it looks like a ‘child abuse’ because the video has been uploaded on YouTube, wherein millions of people around the world can watch it. If you are really concerned about the kid and your intention is not to deteriorate Willing-Willie’s viewership, you won’t share it on YouTube; instead, you’ll do the appropriate actions for this matter, like reporting it to the right authorities.
As for the "making fun of" scenario, yes, Willie and the audience have truly shared their part on it. They should have not laugh on the kid, but what we can do, the show's format is variety and the goal is to entertain the audience. This is not a soap opera that when someone will do the “macho dancer” step and shed crocodile tears, the viewers should also cry and be moved. Let's face the reality and not be hypocrite about it, poor people are willing to do everything (even if it means that they will have to be the source of entertainment), just to earn money and have at least something to eat for a day. Other people don’t see this, because they are privilege enough not to suffer such humiliations.
Now, if you really think that it is really child abuse, maybe you should file a complaint against the parents of the child, and not to the host nor the audience nor the TV program. Why? Because if Jan-Jan’s parents are responsible enough, they wouldn’t allow him to join the contest, they knew from the very beginning that there’s the tendency of being in a shameful situation once they have joined Willing-Willie, and yet they have permitted their son to participate. As a responsible parent, you won’t allow your children to earn money in a very degrading manner. And in the first place, kids shouldn’t be working in the welfare of their family.
Just a piece of advice for everyone, if you are a privilege person and if you don't like to see such kind of "child abuse" to kids again, instead of complaining about it, why don’t you donate your money to the less fortunates, so that this situation won’t happen again. And to Willie Revillame, at least try to be sensitive sometimes, people around have been mad about your insensitivity and lack of moral judgement.
Just a simple thought: we are living in the world that is full of imperfections, yet the people around are so perfectionists therefore get used to it!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Twenty Things I like about Shawn Weinstein
Shawn Weinstein has joined the Philippine Basketball Association just last year via Meralco Bolts- the newest team in the professional league. He caught my attention from the very first day that I saw him playing against Ginebra. Since then, I became his fan and so I listed 20 reasons why I like this former stalwart of St. Edwards University.
1. I like his defensive play. He may not be the lead scorer, but his defense definitely gives a hustle to the opponents.
2. I won't be plastic, so I'm gonna admit it, he's cute!
3. Shawn is good to his fans. Seriously, I have taken a lot of pictures with so many PBA players before, but he's the only one player who asked me to tag my picture with him on his Facebook account.
3. Yes, he's a rookie, but he plays like a veteran!
4. He's humble :)
5. Shawn is very smart! He has a business degree and he graduated summa cum laude! (Two thumbs-up for this)
6. He patiently waits for his moment to shine. His perseverance will surely bring him to stardom in due time.
7. I'm fitness addict, so I'm glad to know that Shawn is a health conscious person. (hehehe)
8. I really love his energy when he's playing on the court.
9. Have I mentioned that Shawn has a pleasant smile? If not, well I must say that I really like his smile simply because I know it’s real.
10. I like his passion for basketball.
11. He plays with a heart.
12. I think Shawn is an angel. He may not be aware of it, but honestly he can make me smile when I feel bad by just simply getting a message from him.
13. I saw his talents from the very beginning of his PBA career and I believe in him, he just needs more exposure!
14. He's a family oriented guy.
15. He's a team player; he shares the ball to his teammates.
16. A hard worker.
17. He’s competitive.
18. He’s kind. I don’t know him personally, but I could sense that he has a good heart.
19. He’s disciplined.
20. And most of all, I like Shawn because he is so nice to me! He replies on my messages (well, not all players are doing that, especially if they don’t personally know the fan). I hope he'll always stay the same, because I do like him that way.
Well, all these things are based on my observations and a little research about Shawn Weinstein, but of course, I would love to know him more! :)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Nagkabuhol-buhol sa Bohol (Feb. 26, 2011)
( I know that it's very late for this post, but it's better late than never :P) When you have friends that are spontaneous like you, I swear you'll gonna enjoy your life to the fullest! After spending the whole day in Cebu alone, my friends and I were finally reunited at night, and the next morning, we found ourselves en route to Bohol. Luckily, we were able to get a cheaper Bohol Tour package, thanks to Cyra's researching skills and my beginner's luck is still working lol.
At the Pier 1 in Cebu (Bohol is just a ferry away from Cebu), we bumped to a group of travelers that happened to be Cyra and Taku's friend. I also learned about the "Finish Joke" while we were waiting at the boarding area(the ferry ride was delayed), thanks to Rizto- a Finish exchange student in La Salle, if you want to know what is a "Finish Joke" - ask him!
It's almost lunch time when we reached Bohol. We savored a mouthwatering lunch in the floating restaurants of Loboc, River, while enjoying the lush green views as we sail along. To keep the local and foreign tourist entertained, the Boholanos showcased their talents in dancing and singing, and at the same time, it's also their way of living.
After lunch, we went to the famous Chocolate Hills. But since it was February and the province is still experiencing rainfalls, the hills were covered with green grasses. It's only during summertime when the hills change its colors to brown because the grasses are dry, making it look like chocolate kisses. Our tour guide told a legend about the Chocolate Hills. According to him, a long, long time ago, the whole province was covered by water. The hills were formed underneath because of the water movements, that's why the hills have the same heights. Trees don't grow on the hills because it's made of limestones, the top layer is covered by a thin soil. You can also find shell relics in the 600 plus hills in Bohol that's what our tour guide said, but the famous tourist spot is a protected area, you can't explore these beautiful hills.
We had a science class tour in the Butterfly Garden, but since it's already in the afternoon, we only saw few butterflies. That's where I got my wings :)
Then, a short jumpshot in the manmade forest. The mahogany trees were planted by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines-- 50 years ago!
Our Bohol trip wouldn't be complete without seeing Cyra and Taku's "daughter"- Tasha, the Tarsier. According to our tour guide again, tarsiers have the tendency to commit suicide when they are depressed. Tarsiers are sensitive, we're not allowed to touch these cute creatures because they get depressed when someone touches them, they also get sad when they're brokenhearted. Tarsiers are already closed to extinction because they've been eaten by cats and they don't reproduce as fast as we humans do! But tarsiers have a long lifespan.
We had a short stop at the Baclayon Church, the oldest church in Bohol. And these what we found:
A banner that is agains't the RH Bill (writtern in Bisaya)
and the face of Padre Pio on the wall (they say, it's miraculous).
We 'joined' Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and friends at the Blood Compact site.
And finally, we spent the whole night in Panglao Island! It's like Boracay because of the white beach, but unlike the first one, Panglao Island is a quieter place. It has no disco bars, which made it perfect for someone who is looking for peace and serenity. Too bad, it's already dark and we had to go back in Cebu early in the morning the next day, plus it's also raining so hard that time that's why we're not able to enjoy the turquoise water and the white fine sand. But in summary, it's still a wonderful trip. Thank you Cyra for allowing me to go out of my comfort zone :)
But what I love about my trip in Bohol, I was able to have a moment for myself.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Catching the Supermoon (Remembering my childhood days)
Tonight is Sailor Moon and Werewolves' 'night' because the supermoon is happening right now.
"The 'supermoon' will be closest to the Earth in 18 years tomorrow and will appear to be the biggest and brightest of 2011, Director of Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) C B Devgun said. Click the link for full report)
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/supermoon-a-celestial-treat-for-sky-gazers/764770/
But more than this, the supermoon reminds me of my childhood days... when I used to play "taguan" under the moon with my childhood friends. I also recalled the days when me and my siblings together with our neighbor, were staying late at night on our rooftop, talking about simple things, just staring at the lovely sky and scaring the people walking on the street.... And of course, as a 90's child I've seen the anime "Sailor Moon." It's actually one of my favorite animes of all time :)
(Click this link to know more about sailormoon http://www.blog-city.info/en/sailormoon.php )
I miss those days.... I wish I could go back in the past, just to experience being a kid again. :) anyway, enough with the nostalgia. I hope you enjoy these pictures of supermoon, I took these using my digicam. Happy Mooning everyone!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Exploring Cebu Alone
Last February 25, I went to the famous "Queen City of the South"- The Cebu City. Honestly, it's not fun to be alone, but when the situation went out of the plan like mine (my friends missed their 6AM flight so I have to walk around Cebu City for one whole day all by myself), the best thing you can do is make the most out of it and try to look on the bright side of your lonesome journey.
Below are the things that I did when I was in Cebu:
1. Had a chocolate dip doughnut and chocolate frap for my lunch at the Starbucks coffee in Mactan, Cebu.
2. After checking in, went out to see the historical Magellan's Cross.
3. Visited the Sto. Niño Churh. Sorry I'm not a catholic so I didn't pray there. (It's very much like Quiapo Church to be honest)
4. Walked around Fort San Pedro ( seriously, I felt like I was just in Intromuros)
5. Had a lipton tea at the hotel's cafeteria
6. Had a room service massage while watching the game of Smart Gilas Vs. Talk 'N Text
7. And of course, my trip wouldn't be completed without "tasting" the Cebu Nightlife!
Well, I know my Cebu trip wasn't a "total" Cebu getaway because I haven't seen the Magellan's Shrine in Mactan nor the Taoist Temple and I haven't tasted the puso rice (I'm not sure of the term), but still at the end of the day, I had so much FUN, which I think is the most important of all.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Diary of a Basketball Junky: The Rise and Fall of the "Alaminos Assassin"
Lordy Tugade started his basketball career in the UAAP as one of the main stalwarts of National University Bulldogs. He also played for Red Bull Energy Drink in the Philippine Basketball League. He was one of the players who were hired directly when the team joined the Philippine Basketball Association in the year 2000. Way back then, Lordy has a limited role during his first three seasons in the professional league.
The Journey to Stardom
It was in 2005 when Lordy’s moment to shine has finally arrived. His unstoppable shots in the three-point region made him a threat to other teams. Because of this, he started to gain popularity and respect from the coaching staff, fellow teammates, other players and coaches and the PBA press.
During my one-on-one interview with him before, Lordy honestly admitted that he might be a farmer in their province if he didn't become a PBA player. And from his humble beginning, Lordy became the Red Bull Barako’s main offensive player and the "go-to-go-guy" of the team, thus giving him more minutes of play. Known for his shooting prowess, the fans started to call him as the “Lordy of the Rings” then later, he was given the moniker “Alaminos Assassin” because literally, his from Alaminos and assassin for his deadly perimeter game.
The 2005- 2006 Fiesta Conference Cup was Lordy's best season in the PBA. That same year, he marked down his first career-high points of 28. His tandem with Enrico Villanueva brought the Red Bull Barako to the finals, and through team efforts, they have finally nailed the championship crown beating Purefoods Chunkee Giants in the game six of Fiesta Cup finals. Lordy’s hard work and sacrifices were rewarded at last when he got the Finals Most Valuable Player award- his first ever MVP title.
Lordy’s success continued until the next conference. He was the leading three-point shooter in the 2006 Philippine Cup, averaging 56.7 percent in the rainbow territory. He was then James Yap’s best challenger, they faced each other again in the Finals for the second time. As per Lordy, playing against James was a big challenge because of the latter’s extraordinary basketball skills. Although the Barako Bulls lost the All-Filipino title to Purefoods, Lordy managed to finish the season with a bang. He joined the Mythical Five First Team Selection and ended in the fourth rank for the season’s MVP race.
The Trade
However, just like any other basketball players, Lordy also had his bad times. He got an injury at the start of 2006-2007 Philippine Cup. And before the news came out, I already knew that Lordy was traded to San Miguel Beermen, and since I'm not a natural fan of SMB, I felt sad for him. I remember, he once told me (in my interview) that he didn’t see himself playing for other teams except for Red Bull. But on the bright side, the trade was also good for him because he’s reunited with his best friend and fomer NU teammate Danny Ildefonso.
The Downfall
At first, Lordy’s presence made felt in the Beermen (Magnolia Beverage Masters that time). He marked a new career-high record of 34 points that sent the Magnolia to its eight winning streak. But because of his injury, Lordy’s game changed slowly, plus the fact that San Miguel has a strong line-up, thus he has to share playing minutes with other shooters like Don Don Hontiveros, and then suddenly, his role to the Beermen became limited.
Lordy’s knee injury became worse. He missed the whole season of the 35th Fiesta Conference. Although he had recovered and already backed in his SMB uniform, the effect of that ailment and missing the whole conference can be seen through his games at the start of 2010-2011 All-Filipino Cup.
As a fan of Lordy, I know his game very well, but as I have observed it, his strong offensive play was gone. His knee injury makes him weak on the court. Seeing him struggling on the area that he mastered is really frustrating, and I hate to see him not playing at all!
Hopes for Big Comeback
I remember, I have asked this question to Lordy in one of my interviews with him. “Hindi ka ba natatakot na isang araw bigla na lang mawala ang career mo?” And his answer was that he's not afraid because it is God’s will, but he'll do his best to stay healthy.
I know, all his fans are hoping that his explosiveness in the game will return. But I know it’s only a matter of time before we can see again the lethal play of the Alaminos Assassin....
The Journey to Stardom
It was in 2005 when Lordy’s moment to shine has finally arrived. His unstoppable shots in the three-point region made him a threat to other teams. Because of this, he started to gain popularity and respect from the coaching staff, fellow teammates, other players and coaches and the PBA press.
During my one-on-one interview with him before, Lordy honestly admitted that he might be a farmer in their province if he didn't become a PBA player. And from his humble beginning, Lordy became the Red Bull Barako’s main offensive player and the "go-to-go-guy" of the team, thus giving him more minutes of play. Known for his shooting prowess, the fans started to call him as the “Lordy of the Rings” then later, he was given the moniker “Alaminos Assassin” because literally, his from Alaminos and assassin for his deadly perimeter game.
The 2005- 2006 Fiesta Conference Cup was Lordy's best season in the PBA. That same year, he marked down his first career-high points of 28. His tandem with Enrico Villanueva brought the Red Bull Barako to the finals, and through team efforts, they have finally nailed the championship crown beating Purefoods Chunkee Giants in the game six of Fiesta Cup finals. Lordy’s hard work and sacrifices were rewarded at last when he got the Finals Most Valuable Player award- his first ever MVP title.
Lordy’s success continued until the next conference. He was the leading three-point shooter in the 2006 Philippine Cup, averaging 56.7 percent in the rainbow territory. He was then James Yap’s best challenger, they faced each other again in the Finals for the second time. As per Lordy, playing against James was a big challenge because of the latter’s extraordinary basketball skills. Although the Barako Bulls lost the All-Filipino title to Purefoods, Lordy managed to finish the season with a bang. He joined the Mythical Five First Team Selection and ended in the fourth rank for the season’s MVP race.
The Trade
However, just like any other basketball players, Lordy also had his bad times. He got an injury at the start of 2006-2007 Philippine Cup. And before the news came out, I already knew that Lordy was traded to San Miguel Beermen, and since I'm not a natural fan of SMB, I felt sad for him. I remember, he once told me (in my interview) that he didn’t see himself playing for other teams except for Red Bull. But on the bright side, the trade was also good for him because he’s reunited with his best friend and fomer NU teammate Danny Ildefonso.
The Downfall
At first, Lordy’s presence made felt in the Beermen (Magnolia Beverage Masters that time). He marked a new career-high record of 34 points that sent the Magnolia to its eight winning streak. But because of his injury, Lordy’s game changed slowly, plus the fact that San Miguel has a strong line-up, thus he has to share playing minutes with other shooters like Don Don Hontiveros, and then suddenly, his role to the Beermen became limited.
Lordy’s knee injury became worse. He missed the whole season of the 35th Fiesta Conference. Although he had recovered and already backed in his SMB uniform, the effect of that ailment and missing the whole conference can be seen through his games at the start of 2010-2011 All-Filipino Cup.
As a fan of Lordy, I know his game very well, but as I have observed it, his strong offensive play was gone. His knee injury makes him weak on the court. Seeing him struggling on the area that he mastered is really frustrating, and I hate to see him not playing at all!
Hopes for Big Comeback
I remember, I have asked this question to Lordy in one of my interviews with him. “Hindi ka ba natatakot na isang araw bigla na lang mawala ang career mo?” And his answer was that he's not afraid because it is God’s will, but he'll do his best to stay healthy.
I know, all his fans are hoping that his explosiveness in the game will return. But I know it’s only a matter of time before we can see again the lethal play of the Alaminos Assassin....
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