Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Down The Memory Lane
When I first came to Portugal and heard FADO, the first thing that came to my mind was the KUNDIMAN. The Kundiman is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs.
I grew up listening to old nostalgic english and filipino musics. So, if there are songs from the 90's that I know until now it is because I got to hear them from public transportation going to and from the school, or I would hear them from my classmates, friends or cousins who would tune to radio stations that plays them. It was very seldom that I would tune to stations that play contemporary music.
So FADO had a different appeal to me. Somehow it alleviated the homesickness, which I didn't think I suffered so much from.
I will feature some FADO musics that I like in my ensuing entries. Today it will be have to be a kundiman. Whenever I have time, I will feature more kundiman songs n this blog.
It is essential to remember our past and patronize our culture and be proud of it.
The feature Kundiman songs for this entry are:
Saan Ka Man Naroroon performed by Pilita Corales
Tanging Diyos Lamang Ang Nakakaalam performed Ric Manrique Jr.
And this immortal love song - Dahil Sa Iyo performed by Diomedes Maturan. I was in an hotel in Algarve few years ago when this Portuguese waiter in the bar started chatting with me asked if I was a Filipina and when I said I am he sang out of the blue this song. He said he worked in an hotel outside of Portugal, I can't remember which country. (I know I digress again, as always)
and this: Maalala Mo Kaya - (I think it very cheesy, couldn't help not to laugh) The audio is a bit funny at the end of the video.
I grew up listening to old nostalgic english and filipino musics. So, if there are songs from the 90's that I know until now it is because I got to hear them from public transportation going to and from the school, or I would hear them from my classmates, friends or cousins who would tune to radio stations that plays them. It was very seldom that I would tune to stations that play contemporary music.
So FADO had a different appeal to me. Somehow it alleviated the homesickness, which I didn't think I suffered so much from.
I will feature some FADO musics that I like in my ensuing entries. Today it will be have to be a kundiman. Whenever I have time, I will feature more kundiman songs n this blog.
It is essential to remember our past and patronize our culture and be proud of it.
The feature Kundiman songs for this entry are:
Saan Ka Man Naroroon performed by Pilita Corales
Tanging Diyos Lamang Ang Nakakaalam performed Ric Manrique Jr.
And this immortal love song - Dahil Sa Iyo performed by Diomedes Maturan. I was in an hotel in Algarve few years ago when this Portuguese waiter in the bar started chatting with me asked if I was a Filipina and when I said I am he sang out of the blue this song. He said he worked in an hotel outside of Portugal, I can't remember which country. (I know I digress again, as always)
and this: Maalala Mo Kaya - (I think it very cheesy, couldn't help not to laugh) The audio is a bit funny at the end of the video.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Green Talk
With all the recent catastrophic calamities that have hit the Philippines and the other Asian countries, super typhoons after super typhoons, experts are attributing these strange weather to climate change.
I believe that all governments, collectively have to to come up with a solutions to address the problem and to implement them as urgently as possible. We are aware that the issue of climate change widely dominates most nation summits such as the G8. However, I feel that there is something more that needs to be done and hastily.
Climate change is a major problem. Thus to solve it, it will require an insurmountable amount of efforts to diminish the destructive effects of it and to delay the imminent absolute destuction of the planet we all live in (this is an exaggeration, I hope).
Each one of us should start to contribute even if we think it is just a very small act. Imagine if we all do something now like recycling whatever we can or conserving energy, in toto, that would really mean a lot.
Philippines has a long way to go in tackling this problem. tsk, tsk, tsk.
Here is a snippet of the movie from Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth that mainly highlight the devastating effects of global warming.
There is nothing in Youtube that feature the full film in English only in French.
There is also a must-see movie that discusses climate change in a different approach called HOME by a French journalist and photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Go to this link (if you have not yet click the link above) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU, as it did not allow me to embed the video.
Hope it will have an impact on you as it had on me.
I believe that all governments, collectively have to to come up with a solutions to address the problem and to implement them as urgently as possible. We are aware that the issue of climate change widely dominates most nation summits such as the G8. However, I feel that there is something more that needs to be done and hastily.
Climate change is a major problem. Thus to solve it, it will require an insurmountable amount of efforts to diminish the destructive effects of it and to delay the imminent absolute destuction of the planet we all live in (this is an exaggeration, I hope).
Each one of us should start to contribute even if we think it is just a very small act. Imagine if we all do something now like recycling whatever we can or conserving energy, in toto, that would really mean a lot.
Philippines has a long way to go in tackling this problem. tsk, tsk, tsk.
Here is a snippet of the movie from Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth that mainly highlight the devastating effects of global warming.
There is nothing in Youtube that feature the full film in English only in French.
There is also a must-see movie that discusses climate change in a different approach called HOME by a French journalist and photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Go to this link (if you have not yet click the link above) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU, as it did not allow me to embed the video.
Hope it will have an impact on you as it had on me.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Ninoy's Letter To His Son
For those of you (pinoys) who haven't read this letter yet, have a read through. I was teary-eyed the first time I read this letter. I found it very touching. sniff* sniff*
This letter was written by Benigno Aquino Jr., husband of the late President Corazon Aquino, while he was behind bars as a political prisoner during the Martial Law.
His assassination in 1983, propelled his widow Corazon Aquino, to the limelight and subsequently to the presidency.
August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm
Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L
My dearest Son:
One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.
In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.
The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.
This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.
I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.
You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.
You may ask: why did you do it?
Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.
You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.
For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.
Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.
The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.
I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.
In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.
Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.
It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.
It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.
Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.
In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.
Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.
Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.
I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.
The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands.
Lovingly,
Dad
This letter was written by Benigno Aquino Jr., husband of the late President Corazon Aquino, while he was behind bars as a political prisoner during the Martial Law.
His assassination in 1983, propelled his widow Corazon Aquino, to the limelight and subsequently to the presidency.
August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm
Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L
My dearest Son:
One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.
In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.
The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.
This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.
I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.
You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.
You may ask: why did you do it?
Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.
You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.
For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.
Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.
The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.
I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.
In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.
Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.
It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.
It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.
Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.
In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.
Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.
Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.
I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.
The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands.
Lovingly,
Dad
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Manny Pacquiao
Once again, Manny Pacquiao, made all Filipinos proud. He defeated Miguel Cotto in 12th round by TKO and took from the latter the Welterwight championship. Pacquiao sets up another record by winning seven belts in seven classes.
If you want to watch the full game, copy this link http://watchpinoytv.blogspot.com/2009/11/pacman-vs-cotto-live-stream.html.
If you want to watch the full game, copy this link http://watchpinoytv.blogspot.com/2009/11/pacman-vs-cotto-live-stream.html.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Jollibee Flash Dance
Napanood ninyo na ito?
For non-Filipinos who will chance upon this blog, Jollibee is a local fast-food restaurant chain based in the Philippines. It has also several stores now operating outside of Philippines.
For non-Filipinos who will chance upon this blog, Jollibee is a local fast-food restaurant chain based in the Philippines. It has also several stores now operating outside of Philippines.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Noynoy Aquino's Campaign Ads
Ano sa tingin nyo sa video?
Sa totoo lang ako natakot sa apoy baka magkaroon ng forest fire.
Hindi ako gaanong kumbinsido sa patalastas na ito, pero isa siya sa bet ko. Siya o si Gilbert Teodoro. Pero para namang makaka boto ako.
Dapat nag parehistro ako.
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