Happy 114th Independence Day, Philippines!

Our independence is now on its 114th year. I just want to make this post historical. Greeting my fellow and proud Filipinos a Happy Independence!

Top 10 Reasons Why There Couldn't Be a Filipino-American President

I just dug a funny yet true top 10 list in one of the episodes of David Letterman show. It's also interesting because as a Filipino, all the listed reasons makes me ponder and think.. oh yes, they are somehow true!

Here it is:

Top 10 Reasons Why There Couldn’t Be a Filipino-American US President
By David Letterman

10. The White House is not big enough for in-laws and extended relatives.

9. There are not enough parking spaces at the White House for 2 Honda Civics,
2 Toyota Land Cruisers, 3 Toyota Corollas, a Mercedes Benz, a BMW , and
an MPV (My Pinoy Van).

8. Dignitaries generally are intimidated by eating with their fingers at State dinners.

7. There are too many dining rooms in the White House – where will they put
the picture of the Last Supper?

6. The White House walls are not big enough to hold a pair of giant wooden
spoon and fork.

5. Secret Service staff won’t respond to “psst… psst” or “hoy.hoyhoy!”

4. Secret Service staff will not be comfortable driving the presidential car with a Holy Rosary hanging on the rear view mirror, or the statue of the Santo Nino on the dashboard.

3. No budget allocation to purchase a Karaoke music-machine for every room in the White House.

2. State dinners do not allow “Take Home”.

1. Air Force One does not allow overweight Balikbayan boxes!

Mrs. Solita Monsod Last Lecture - Very Inspiring

I once dream of studying in UP but I never took the UPCAT test. Maybe because that time, I don't want to fail. After watching this video of Mrs. Monsod, she has sparked my urge to study again... in UP. Even though it is something that is far from happening anytime in the future, I would still love to turn back on these thoughts over and over again, until I'm ready.

Anyways, her lecture is so inspiring. Thanks to a highschool friend of mine who posted this on Facebook. Since grade school, all I ever wanted was to go and work in abroad. Simply because of financial reasons. Until I met someone from college and convince me to stay and work in the Philippines. This is maybe the irony of life... thinking that all my life, I'm dreaming of doing something else and end up doing the complete opposite. I'm happy though.

Here's the video to inspire you more...



She is 70 years old now but age doesn't matter in making a difference. She definitely love the Philippines.

Congratulations Again, Manny Pacquiao!

Manny Pacquiao is no doubt's the best boxer of all time with his amazing achievements in this sports. He's also indeed, one of the Philippines' pride. Congratulations, Manny for giving our country a worldwide recognition again! You're simply amazing...

Last March 12 (USA) time, Manny fought with Joshua Clottey and won by a unanimous decision. They have reached 12 rounds and both boxers have shown immense defense.

Meanwhile, Arnel Pineda, Journey's current vocalist sung the Philippines National anthem. I wonder why there are commissions again who want to sue him for singing it from the heart. My gosh, I just can feel his sincerity while singing the song and he definitely gave justice to the song. Let it be!

Here are some of the highlights...





It's really good to see two prides of the Philippines on this one great event.

Photographs & Memories

At one point in our lives, we've thought about reliving the past and rekindling the feeling of being at our most innocent state. And that's what I'm feeling right now...

Feeling trapped in today's realm, I'm now trying to escape from its cruelty by looking at some photos that would take me back to the past. Instead of finding something that involves myself, I found more interesting and beautiful discoveries that have lived before I was born - the life of the people in Manila way way back!

I'm online almost 24 hours everyday, hoping to surpass the stressful ordeal of my work but it's only today that I decided to be at halt. And I was so happy to look at old photos that I've never seen and will never see, even I was born 29 years ago. I don't have vivid memories of the places I've gone to while I was still young except for the fiesta carnival in Cubao. So, this is certainly a rejuvenating experience, I must say. I would like to thank those people who shared the photos of old Manila to the world. They were amazing...

Here are some of the resources I found:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brownpau/sets/72057594065975510/
http://nostalgiamanila.blogspot.com/
http://www.manilablog.com/old-manila-photos/
http://www.motwister.com/blog/2010/1/20/old-manila.html

Hope that you enjoy just as I'am. =)

another reason to be a proud filipino!

Just a while ago, I heard from the news that a Filipino in the name of Efren Penaflorida has been included in CNN's Heroes for 2009.

Want to know more about this Filipino who will give us an honor? Read this.
Who is Efren Penaflorida and why we should be proud of his deeds?

Let's make him the first Filipino CNN Hero. Vote for Efren Penaflorida. Voting ends on November 19, 2009. Note that there's no limit for voting so please vote for him...

Photo courtesy of CNN

Update:
Efren Penaflorida was the first Filipino CNN History



Congratulations Efren!!!

Kabayan! Makabayan ka ba?

It's common these days that you will see people wearing polo shirts, caps, shorts and even shoes with the map or flag of the Philippines as the design. As they say, "uso ang makabayan ngaun". I admit I'm one of those many Filipinos who want to express the love for this country. I was once active in helping our less fortunate fellows when I volunteered to repack goods for the benefit of the those who have been affected by the typhoon Ondoy. It's a great feeling despite of the hard times...

The nationalist in me started to spark when Francis M died. Then it was followed by the death of Cory Aquino and NoyNoy's declaration to run for the presidency. I don't know what happened but suddenly I felt that I' am responsible for this country.

Well... the bottom line is - aside from being involved in some activities to help our fellow Filipinos, I would like to also express how much I love the Philippines. And that is possible by wearing T-Shirts with designs about the Philippines. This is one great way to say my being "makabayan" without uttering a single word. Of course, let's not stop from there!

For those who are just like me, here are my recommendations:


I'm not, in any way involved with any of these t-shirts and even the promotion of it. Anyways, I would still like to thank Francis M's 3 Stars and a Sun and Flipsidetshirts for these images.

Dubai's "The Pancake Man" is a Filipino

If you are searching for a hotel to stay in Dubai and you happen to find Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, try to meet the "Pancake Man" stationed in the pancake area, of course! His name is Johny, he is a Filipino and he is my sister's hubby. =)

This is Johny.



In the Internet, satisfied hotel guests gave him a thumbs up for the service and smile. One of his guests called him "The Pancake Man" and posted the pic I attached in this post.

It just made me proud - as a Filipino and as a sister-in-law. This is indeed a living proof that Filipinos are great and cheerful workers. Johny or John as I call him is a very cheerful person. Look at the pic, he is smiling.=)

So the next time you decide to stay in Westin, look for Johny. He'll surely make your day bright and "expand your waistline" (a line from the review in Tripadvisor) =)

See more reviews in Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina: Traveler Reviews