Ten Signs that you are watching a Pinoy Soap Opera (part Two)

5. How the rich is portrayed. Most teleseryes I saw painted a negative image to the rich people. While rich people are portrayed as living in a mansion, served by housemaids, having cars, bank accounts and business. but they also painted rich people as manipulating, cunning and self-centered people. And finding a good person among those rich people is tantamount of seeing roses in a stem of thorns.

4. Revenge. Female heroines are usually the ones having business with revenge. At first, they are like martyrs who accepted all those humiliations and bullying made by the kontrabidas. The science behind this is to achieve character development and to draw sympathy from the viewers. Of course, she will learn how to fight. But then, a cataclysmic event needs to happen to her like she almost died or one of her kin, for her to realize that she needs to seek revenge to those perpetuators. With the help of a fairy godmother or a rich admirer who harbors deep feelings towards her, she will change to a woman seeking revenge. Just as expected, ratings would soar up.

3. Kontrabidas. A teleserye would be boring without a feisty, cunning, annoying and sometimes, over the top kontrabidas. An effective kontrabida can save a boring teleserye. The kontrabida may be either the hero or heroine's love interest's parents (quite long) as well as the third wheels. Let's include their respective minions as well. The kontrabida has this motto, "kung gusto may paraan" so whatever means necessary the kontrabida have to do it even using guns.They just don't know realize that, "kung ayaw, may dahilan".

2. Childhood. For sure, 90% or more of all teleseryes always starts with childhood. Lead characters have met in the past when they were young and got together again. This is to give viewers an insight that they were the leads and from the start they were destined. (char!) The childhood stage always runs on the first week and sometimes extended to the second week.

1. Lost child. A lot of teleseryes uses this plot to make the story exciting. When the lead character was little, she was taken away from her biological family. Another was, when she was young, because of circumstances such as disasters and the main kontrabida's successful evil plot, she was separated from her parents. The lead character ended up either in the care of her foster parents or to an evil aunt. But one thing's for sure, she ended up in a hard life, contrary to her biological parent's rich life. They will reunite when the lead character was about to seek revenge. But before that big revelation, the kontrabida is always the first one to know.

Nowadays, the landscape of soap operas are changing. There are soap operas that weren't following some of these cliches such as My Husband's Lovers and Be Careful with my Heart.. It must have been caused by the change in viewer's perception as they are get used to and tired of seeing these cliches in the television. Also, the influence of Korean soap operas or Hallyu wave has also brought a change. For example, before Pinoy soap operas were about 1 or 2 years long, but because Korean dramas were shown here, TV stations trim down soap operas to about 1 to 6 months depending on how the soap opera performs in the ratings.

In the end, Pinoy soap operas are part of Pinoy culture and television habits. There will still be viewers, actors and actresses, directors, writers and the production team and TV stations who would gain profit and at the same time entertain their viewers.

Ten Signs that you are watching a Pinoy Soap Opera (part One)

Teleseryes/telenovelas have become a part of everyday TV habit of majority of Filipinos particularly mothers. After the evening news, families glued in front of TV, watching every drop of tears, shouts, joys and 'kilig' of the characters. Every emotion shown to them, they feel it. And every mean thing that the kontrabida do, viewers get angry. Expect that tomorrow, in marketplace or in school, the one common thing that they would talk about is that teleserye and what happened to its characters etc. Here are the ten signs that, when you turn your TV on, you will know that you are watching a Pinoy Soap Opera:

Be Careful with my Heart stands out among teleseryes

10. Titles. Teleserye titles are usually inspired or patterned after their theme song. Famous example would be "Be Careful With My Heart" and "Got To Believe". This is for strong recall among viewers when they will hear the song somewhere. So when you  make your own teleserye, why not try this title, "Gangnam Style" or "Wrecking Ball. For sure you're viewers will not only recall but dance.

9. Violence. Teleserye writers incorporate violence even if the theme is drama/romance. And the  most 'sophisticated' (or suffocating) are guns and kidnapping. A heroine gets kidnapped by the villain and her prince charming needs to save her in an abandoned warehouse. As usual, throughout the action, the only characters in the warehouse were the hero, the heroine and the villain and his goons. Expect that policemen are present after the scene. Directors don't get tired of adding some forms of violence for ratings purposes. Oh please, do you think it will be good if violence in teleseryes should be minimize for the sake of children?

8. Outdated Dialogues and 'Imortal' Lines. There are teleseryes that, through some dialogues, feels like outdated. Who the heck will still address a rich madame as "Senyora"? Even terms of endearment such as "hijo". (Haay, update2x pag may time.) There are teleseryes that delivers such 'imortal' lines like Iisa Pa Lamang that even all the colors were given lines to provide a touch of comic relief to the intense, sometimes boring scenes. Unrealistic sometimes. Oh by the way, there are actors that deliver their lines as if they're reciting a poem.

7. Star-crossed lovers. Teleseryes, most of the time, has this star-crossed lovers angle. The Romeo and Juliet, the Langit Ka at Lupa Ako-peg, name it, teleserye writers can write it. Teleserye writers can come up with different scenarios/situations that two loving people need to be separated so that they can prove to everyone and to us, viewers that they love each other and ready to fight for each other. Among the most prominent reason that they can come up is of course, the social barrier between them. A rich guy falls in love with a poor girl vice-versa and their only opponent is the rich character's parents. Let us also include warring families, a violent family background and that-so called Forbidden Love.

6. Third-wheel. Since Romeo and Juliet supposedly needs not to end up together, of course, a third wheel is needed to make everything sour. A male third wheel in Pinoy soap operas were portrayed as competitive and envious. It surprises me to see that they can handle guns themselves (okay,  let's just put it that they're gun enthusiast). Luckily, there are male third wheels that concede in the name of love and guess what, they'll depart and go to the U.S for some reasons - heartbreak is one of them. On the other hand, the female third wheel is always portrayed as selfish, sossy/sosyal and manipulating. She is deemed as she-doesn't-care-for-others just for the sake of getting 'her' man. They're also wearing thick make-ups and eyeliners.

Sitio Mohon

It was Sunday dawn when my cousins arrived at our house to fetch me and my younger brother. We were going to Medellin, a small town located approximately 120 kilometers north of Cebu City. Our mission to Medellin is to facilitate a feeding program to the people who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The trip was lengthy and we needed to stop twice - one for CR break and the other, for breakfast by the road near La Paz in Bogo City.

As we approached to our chosen sitio (in Medellin), Sitio Mohon,  a bunch of kids welcomed us as if they anticipate visitors coming to their sitio everyday or weekly and bringing goods for them. Our feeding program offered hot rice porridge (or in Bisaya, lugaw), hotdog and flavored packed juice. Kids and adults fall in line while my cousins served the food to them. A heartwarming smile and a big thank you was their gift of appreciation!

Kids and adults fall in line

After the first distribution, I talked to a certain lady whose name I failed to ask. She shared their hardship during that day - the day that Typhoon Yolanda ravage the sitio. The town of Medellin is one of the hardest areas hit by the typhoon in Northern Cebu. During the storm, the residents of sitio found refuge to other resident's house which were quite sturdy and made of cement compared to their houses which were made only of wood. The typhoon devastated their homes especially the upper portion of the sitio. Some homes were completely destroyed. Currently, some of the residents lived at their neighbor's house but they hoped that they could build their own as soon as possible.

Fortunately, there are no casualties in the area. Some residents sustained minor injuries. After the storm, donations from different organizations and private individuals poured in week by week. In fact, during our feeding program at the sitio, there was a distribution of relief goods and school supplies at a nearby elementary school. Food, school supplies and even nails were donated to them. There are some instances that the people there, some are children, are waiting by the road. However, they found it dangerous, out of an incident that a spoiled packed lunch was given to them. At night, the residents were vigilant. There are thieves that may posed as Yolanda survivors from Tacloban who may rob them of their goods.

The residents of Sitio Mohon have a low income, nearly 2,000 a month. Most people worked as fishermen, carpenters and workers of sugarcane plantation. The highest attainable degree is High School and if diligent enough as well as with money, they enroll to vocational courses given by TESDA. Their baranggay health center has only one midwife and shelves for medicine were almost empty. They rely on community generator for electrity and a private artesian well for water. The typhoon made it harder for them.

I asked her if the government had made a vow of helping building their homes. She answered that there is, however, up to this time, it wasn't fulfilled yet. And when I asked her about the Conditional Cash Transfer, a government program for the indigent, she admitted that their family of  5 children weren't a member. In their sitio, she commented, that it was unfair because the members of CCT were selected and some were even ineligible. The government didn't give time to survey about their conditions.

Though rebuilding is taking place, the destruction brought by Typhoon Yolanda were still evident. Almost roofless homes,fallen trees, destroyed livelihood and school buildings. However, the true thing that is never destroyed, as I've seen through the visit, is the faith and hope of everyone!

Just Sayin': Exempting Manny from paying taxes?

Just two weeks ago, the pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao has won a battle against Brandon Rios for the WBO International Welterweight title in Macau. Though coming home victorious, however, he is facing another fight in his home country - the  P2.2 billion tax case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. His bank accounts were frozen and among them was his account meant for paying his employees and scholars that he supported. He admitted, because of bank freeze, he borrowed money that he used for his relief campaign to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

As a "sign of appreciation" to the fighting congressman of Saranggani, a local solon filed a bill that would grant a lifetime individual tax exemption to the champ. Given that Pacquaio has given an outstanding honor and pride to our country and has helped a lot of people using his hard-earned especially during disasters such as the recent one with Typhoon Yolanda, it is up to the state to give him some reward.. The congressman cited the case of Luz Marina Zuluaga, who, after been crowned as Miss Universe in 1958, was given by the Colombian government, a lifetime tax exemption. So, if the Colombian government can provide a lifetime tax exemption to an individual, why can't our government provide one to Pacquiao who had brought countless honors for our country? 

There is no doubt that Pacquaio is one of the greatest boxing icon of all time. Having 8 world division titles under his wing, the first one to do so, the world stops whenever this icon has a fight in the ring. Streets in the Philippines becomes traffic congestion-free during his fight and the national police registers zero crime rate throughout that day. As the media says that there is such unity whenever this champ go up to the ring. Pinoy Pride, whatever it is, the Filipinos identify themselves with him as he goes up, punches and knocks his opponent down just as they're fighting their everyday opponents, poverty and corruption. His defeat is their defeat, much as his success as their own. Thus, a distinction of lifetime tax exemption is tantamount to giving the highest recognition to the People's Champ, right?

In the history of taxation in the Philippines, no individual had ever been granted a lifetime tax exemption. And if this House Bill will push through to become a law, Manny Pacquaio will be the first and only individual in the Philippines to have such a rare privilege. However, things wouldn't go smooth sailing. Malacañang thumbs down that bill citing that it is unreasonable. Even, most netizens doesn't welcome the idea, saying that this is quite unfair to other people. Though Manny Pacquiao brought honor and pride to our country and helped people, most especially impoverished ones, it is not enough as a basis to grant him exemption from paying taxes. Paying right taxes is a duty of every citizen in our country whether rich or poor, famous or anonymous. If he is given such a rare privilege, it is contrary to his image as makabayan. A nationalistic Manny Pacquiao who is the pride of the Philippines doesn't need to pay taxes? Quite the opposite. This rare privilege is unfair to Filipinos who had also brought home victories from other countries such as in international games, beauty pageants and even, talent shows abroad. 

If there is one thing that our Congress could do for Manny Pacquiao, I say, recognition, monuments and others are all nothing compared to making our country a better place than what it is today. The Congress should formulate laws that would bring down poverty, protect those in need of the law and drives off corruption in the government. Bills such as the Freedom of Information bill needs to be pass on Congress. By driving corruption out in the government, this would bring back the trust of the people that was tarnished by controversies like PDAF scam. This would relieve tax-payers like Manny that the taxes they're paying would be used for the people, not for corrupt politicians.

Just Sayin': Payback Time?

A day after broadcaster Arnold Clavio made a rude interview to one of Janet Napoles' lawyer via phone patch, comedian Vice Ganda made a parody out of that interview via his noontime show, It's Showtime.

To refresh our minds, Arnold Clavio started a wave of public indignation against the comedian when he criticized the latter for making an offensive rape joke against Arnold's colleague, Ms. Jessica Soho last May.

For anyone who saw it, the said parody may be Vice Ganda's retaliation against the broadcaster. A payback time, is it?

Just Sayin': Pag May Time

I was thinking about something to write for this blog when I remember this Bubble Gang segment, "Ikaw at ang Ina". There was an episode wherein a daughter repetitively used this expression while talking to her boyfriend on the phone and her mom scolded her right after.

"Tawa-tawa din pag may time."
"Kain-Kain din pag may time."

"Aral-aral din pag may time."

"Tulog-tulog din pag may time."

Those sentences above are few examples of how this popular expression, “Pag may time” made a simple activity more pleasant and not to mention, entertaining to the ears of the listener. A simple verb is repeated to make an emphasis of the activity. After, an adverb, "din" which means also is added before the expression.

Today's generation used this expression to convey something, depending on the situation. For example, a sleep-deprived person may address to his Twitter followers, "Tulog-tulog din pag may time" because finally, he was able to get something that he lacks, which of course, is sleep. Another classic example is, a busy person may post, "Baka-bakasyon din pag time" because amidst the busy schedule, he was able to get a leisure time for himself. Sometimes, this expression is sarcastic depending on how it is delivered by somebody. 

It is unclear where this expression came from and who popularized it. It just popped out in the social media and like any other expressions, it spread like a wild fire in the internet. Netizens used this in their Facebook status, tweets and blogposts to add fun (though it irritating if overused) and make it positive.

On the serious note, "Pag may time" is just the same as with all other expressions (or Pinoy slang phrases) adapted by people. In this age where social media is relevant and internet changes the landscape of communication, it is no wonder that slang phrases like this is part of a change in a language. For a language is alive and characteristically, it is dynamic. Dynamic, in a sense that overtime, a language changes in line with the environment and the society. So more and more new vocabularies are created and introduced and some old ones have given a new meaning to make it fit into the society today.

However, “Pag may time” may not be pleasant all the time. Overuse of this expression could make people annoyed. The condition of the speaker is taken into consideration. Just imagine a tambay or a bum who will say “Kain-kain din pag may time.” Wouldn’t that make your blood boil? Or a person who is doing far less important than a task that needs to fulfill with an excuse to do it, “Pag may time”. What if there’s no time?

There’s no wrong in using “Pag may time” or even any slang phrases to communicate. But, isip-isip din pag may time. Think before uttering a single word. What's pleasant for you is opposite to others. Be tact and do right on time. 

Feature: Magpasikat Week

The country's one of the top rating variety show, It's Showtime has celebrated their 4th anniversary last week. As a tradition, the said program prepared a week-long talent showdown for their loyal viewers, so-called as "madlang people". The hosts were grouped into five and were assigned a day in which they would present their production number.

The winner of the 4th Magpasikat Week is, no other than, Team Teddy, Karylle and Jugs. Their mind-boggling production number amazed the viewers and became talked about in social media.

NowUKnow: Barangay

How much do you know about the smallest political unit of the country?

The barangay hall is the seat of local government of a barangay
(credits to: zamboanga.com)

The word, barangay, comes from the term, "balangay" a kind of boat that was used by ancient Malay to travel and migrate to the Philippines.

Before the Spanish came in the Philippines, there was an organized and independent villages, consist of 50 to 100 families called "barangay". The system of government is somewhat similar to city-states. A datu acts as the head of the barangay and was the chief executive, legislator, judge and military commander.

During the Spanish period, these smaller barangay comprises a town. Each barangay was headed by a cabeza de barangay, whose duty is to collect taxes from the residents for the Spanish Crown.

When the Americans came, the barangay became the "barrio". However, in 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 86, creating Citizen's Assembly  in the barrios followed by Presidential Decree No. 557 in 1974 that declares all barrio as barangay.

Under Section 384 of the Local Government Code of 1991, it states that, "As the basic political unit, the barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled" 

The registered voters of a barangay elects one barangay chairman and seven members of Sangguniang Barangay on the last Monday of October for a term of three years. A barangay chairman serves as the chief executive of the barangay whose powers and functions includes enforcement of laws and ordinances within the barangay, maintain peace and order and conduct the annual palarong barangay. On the other hand, the Sangguniang Barangay serves as the legislative body of the barangay. Each member of the Sangguniang Barangay known as Barangay Kagawad heads a committee such as Education, Health and Tourism.  As basic honorarium, a barangay chairman receives P1,000 a month while the members of the Sangguniang Baranggay would each receive P600 a month. They are also entitled to additional benefits such as Christmas bonus, medical care, insurance coverage and free tuition in state colleges and universities located within the city or province to which the barangay belongs.

Statistically, there are 42,028 barangays throughout the Philippines with Ilo-ilo having the most barangay in a province (1,901) and Manila having the most barangay in a city (897).

In the history of Philippine politics, the only president who was once the head of a barangay was Emilio Aguinaldo. He became a cabeza de barangay at the age of 17.

NowUKnow!

One Step Delayed Success

It's been a while since the last time I post something on my blog. Now, here I am, being back to something I was missing for, about 6 or 7 months. So, I would like to have this opportunity to share a little piece of my life.

These past 6 or 7 months has been quite a roller coaster ride for me. Ups and downs. I entered Fourth Year, First Semester of my course and once again,  I became a regular student with a full load. To make a long story short, I scorned through lots of exams these past months, case studies etc., all in the name, that after all of these things, I can finally wear a blue lab gown (meaning to be an intern) straight to graduation after having been delayed for a year. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it, as one professor of mine, said to me that my grades are fluctuating. The consequence, though inconvenient, is that I need to wait for seven months to retake those subjects that were failed.

It sounds painful and even before I received my grades, it was really painful to fail. It was a kind of pain, much worse, than the first time I received a failing mark. Not to mention that waiting for seven months is tiring and a bit discouraging.

Above these failure though, I have learned some lessons. In the end of the day and in failure, you can always come home to your family, cry to your family and heal with your family. Having a family that supports you through bad times is a kind of refreshing and cheerful feeling. You can accept things that you cannot change easily because you know that you are not alone in this.

We always think that failure is the end of everything. But it is not. Failure is a one step, delayed success. The purpose of failure is not to let us down but rather, telling us that we are one step closer to success. It's just that maybe, it is not yet our time or maybe, there's something that needs to improve. I remember the story of Abraham Lincoln, one of America's beloved presidents. He had multiple failures in his life and career, 24 years to be exact, but he didn't give up. And you know, who he is?

Today, I am employed as a clerk. I read books during and after work, not the usual thing that I always do and it sparks interests in me from human relations to study techniques. Also, I have a new pet, a hamster, who was named as Mocha. 

#OneCebu

Click the image to enlarge. The image above is not owned by me. 

Ang Love Letter Ko

Hindi ko alam, paano sa papel isulat

Isang love letter na nag-uulat

Mula sa isang kaibigang iyong itinuring

Sa iyo pala'y, may lihim na pagtingin

Noong una kitang nakilala

Ika'y kaibigan, sa aking palagay

Ngayon ako'y hindi makapaniwala

Aking puso'y sa iyo ibibigay

Hindi ko lubos maintindihan

Ba't may nadaramang kasiyahan

Tuwing sa araw-araw ika'y nakakasama

Para bang may matindi akong tama

Pagdating ng araw, ito'y iyong mababasa

Tanong ko, ako ba ay may pag-asa

Aking paggiliw, iyo bang tatanggapin?

Kung hindi, maari ba'y patago kang mahalin?

Pinoy Games

Way before video games came, these Filipino traditional games were played by children in the alleys, sidewalks and parks in neighborhoods.

Image is not owned by me

Objectively and Subjectively

A friend of mine had suggested me to write my own post on the recent viral video about Ricky Lo, a well-known showbiz reporter interviewing Golden Globe's Best Supporting Actress Anne Hathaway. The said interview is part of the promotion for the movie, Les Miserable in which the latter played as Fantine. My friend, in his part, got annoyed for how the showbiz reporter had interviewed Anne. As he quotes, it is "humiliating" since he is interviewing a Hollywood actress. I guess those who have already seen the video would have the same reaction as he is.

To begin with, the first question thrown out by Ricky about Anne's losing weight and gaining it back as she was taking the role of Fantine,  may be the very awkward first question to ask. Supplied with the serious tone and Ricky's stiff English accent, she cannot give her answer. She was asked the same question from another US-based Filipino columnist about Fantine diet. But this time, in a jolly and light atmosphere in the middle of their interview. Same with Ricky Lo, he was not given a straight answer, however, she added that it is not recommended. In the Philippine setting, when stars are asked how they lose weight, they would openly answer that question. But it was not the same case as Hollywood. With speculations of dirty diet secrets, anorexia and bulimia, saying eating right healthy food, staying away from eating rice and exercise may not be sufficient answers.

In the middle of the interview, Ricky Lo namedropped Lea Salonga and let Anne aware that she (Lea) is one of his friends. He showed her a text message and added that Lea couldn't wait to watch the movie version of Les Miserable. She was known to have played Eponine and later on, Fantine in the Broadway version, a few years back. This is yet to be one of those examples of Pinoy Pride that Filipinos tries to be associated with celebrities (who have a shared a common ancestry) who made it in the international scene. The star responded positively and elicit her admiration to Lea Salonga. However, Ricky, with a question rooted on Anne's interview from Vogue Magazine and a flattery, had put up an indirect comparison between the two. Fortunately, the actress had made it clear to him that there she and Lea are different, that is, she is an actress while Lea is a singer.

Anne Hathaway as Fantine

When he asked her, how did she able to be identified with the character Fantine, it signaled for the downfall of the whole interview. Obviously, she had already answered it when she was asked on how did she prepare for it. And when he added if she ever experienced to be hungry or to be poor, he slightly stepped into the privacy of the celebrity. When a Filipino actor or actress was asked with the same question, if she experienced to be hungry or poor, nonetheless, he/she might brag about it. Besides, their audience love rags-to-riches story either it is reel or real. Ricky intercept that question with another: what is her favorite and hardest scenes and putting up about her early nominations with Oscars and other musicals that she wants to undertake in the future. The usual questions that celebrities were asked by reporters. When he brought up again Lea to appease that embarrassing question a while ago, she reminded him that they've already talked about Lea. With the request on to promote her film to her Filipino fans, the same formulaic request that local showbiz reporters asked to their interviewee so as to end the whole interview, it didn't worked out on Anne.

Let's set aside the stiff English accent of Ricky Lo, the poor interpersonal communication that Lo tries to cover it up with flattery, the rude and mean response of Anne and other factors. Clearly, the interview was a product of cultural difference between the Philippine showbiz setting and the American Hollywood setting. While in Hollywood, celebrities were asked objectively about the film itself and their character and personal life is considered to be sacred and a privilege; in the local setting, artistas were asked subjectively about the film, their character and to the extent, evading their personal life. It is no wonder that, during a promotion of a film or a TV series in the local scene, I can always read a showbiz headline that goes like this, "May namumuong pagtitinginan kina Celebrity X and Celebrity Y?" (Is there a growing affection between Celebrity X and Celebrity Y?") or like this, "Aamin na ba sa kanilang tutuong estado sina Star A and Star B?" (Will Star A and Star B disclose their personal relationship?) Of course, what answer can I get. "Magkaibigan lang po kami," We're just friends. It looks like that the artist center where they had a contract and their own managers trained them well during their Personality Development and Public Relations 101 for those question that would popped up by those reporters. As usual, reporters would asked the same so as their papers would be sold to the general public and to the fans of the star. Not to mention, promotional purposes. The bottomline is that Ricky might have brought that stigma in his interview to Anne Hathaway and because of that, the actress might have felt that it is unusual, eerie and annoying.

Anyway, to be fair with Ricky Lo and to question this comment "his interview is humiliating to us Filipinos", let me point out that Ricky Lo and his interview doesn't represent the whole 100 million people of the whole 7,107 islands located in Southeast Asia. Objectively, the interview is part of the promotion of the film and whatever happened during that interview is nothing and nothing will ever happen even to us Filipinos. However, people focused more on the outcome, took those blunders and criticize Lo, Hathaway and the interview subjectively. People took the whole thing seriously as if the whole Pinoy Pride will fall and destroys our good image to the foreigners because of Ricky Lo's interview. But truthfully, the interview will not negate our image and doesn't affect us, economically and politically. In fairness to Ricky Lo, during the whole interview, he tried his best and continue doing what he needs to do amidst Anne's response to his questions.

Gangnam Style Animation

Gangnam fever captivated the world. With more than one billion viewers, the first one to do so in the history of video-sharing website, Youtube, Gangnam Style had gone a long way. This was performed during the New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York City. The song had topped the music charts of more than 30 countries, including the Philippines. Notable political figures such as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and US President Barrack Obama and celebrities like Hugh Jackman danced the signature moves. There are too many to mention about Gangnam Style but the bottomline, it made a cultural impact.

It was nearly four months that I have first featured Gangnam Style in this blog. Today, what I am going to feature is an animated version of Gangnam Style using a flipbook. It's simply amazing. Here's the video:

Nice Guy

After about 3 months of inconsecutive watching a South Korean television drama "Nice Guy" or promoted by GMA 7 as "The Innocent Man", I have finally finished it.

The show introduces us to Kang Ma-roo, a promising medical student who, because for the love for his "noona" Jae-hee, took the responsibility of a murder in which the latter is involved. After he was released from prison, Ma-roo found out that the woman she loved became a common wife of a rich businessman. In other words, he was betrayed. Sooner, he plot out to revenge against her by becoming romantically involved with the rich man's daughter, Eun Ki.

With one word that I can describe the whole Nice Guy drama-experience thing, it is no other but melodramatic yet satisfying. While watching this drama (and I pause for sometimes), I feel a sympathetic towards each of them. A mellow feeling, thanks to the strong characterization that each one could possibly change the whole scenario, making the story to go to an unexpected route. The whole drama rests upon on the characters particularly the protagonist. How they react? How they feel? And how their decision, judgments (right or wrong) could affect a person on one way and another in later situations? By doing the means in order to stay in the game, the characters must outsmart each other. I just like how each one of them points out daggers against each other even resulting to violent means.

The drama passively impart its viewers about life in perspective of a man who, as he had said, never got what he wanted. What is happiness after the woman, he protected and loved, betrayed him? Is he still a nice guy when he is doing the opposite?

Anyway, I have to say that Ma-roo and Eun-ki definitely has a good chemistry. Their romantic storyline that is not ordinary as it is rooted from lies and revenge. Ma-roo and Jae-hee also had an established chemistry, as a type of "older sister-younger brother" sort of, however, the murder stole it.

So, I'll end this post with a quote of the miniseries, "Love can make unbelievable miracles happen."

50 Things Money Can't Buy

Source: The Idealist

An Incredible Story of Peter and the Elephant

In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee, inspected the elephants foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. 

As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.

Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day. 

Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenage son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man. 

Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter could not help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing, and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. 

The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly. 

Probably wasn't the same elephant.




*This is not a true story. 

Glass of Water

I have read just a while ago, an interesting post from I'm an Engineer, a Facebook group. I would like to share the post on my blog. The story goes like this:

Once, a professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see and asked the students, 'How much do you think this glass weighs?' 

'1 pound!' ....'2 pounds!' .....'3 pounds!' ......the students answered. 

Professor - What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes? 

'Students - 'Nothing' 

Professor - 'OK what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour? '

One of d student - 'Your arm would begin to ache' 

Professor - 'You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day? '

Another student - 'Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis; have to go to hospital for sure' & All the students laughed. 

Professor - 'Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?' 

Student - ' No, Professor - 

'Then what caused the arm ache; the muscle stress? Instead, what should I do? 

'The students were puzzled.

'Put the glass down' said one of the students. 

Professor - 'Exactly! ''Life's problems are something like this.Hold them for a few minutes inyour head; they seem OK. Think of them for a long time; they begin to ache. Hold them even longer; they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything. 'It is important to think of the challenges in your life, but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT to 'put them down' at the end of every day before you go to sleep. That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh, strong, can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way! So Remember friends - PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY!

What's in store for 2013

If you are a student or a regular worker, here are the list of holidays for this year. 

Regular Holidays

• New Year’s Day – January 1 (Tuesday)

• Maundy Thursday  – March 28

• Good Friday – March 29

• Araw ng Kagitingan  – April 9 (Tuesday)

• Labor Day – May 1 (Wednesday)

• Independence Day – June 12 (Wednesday)

• National Heroes Day – August 26 (Last Monday of August)

• Bonifacio Day- November 30 (Saturday)

• Christmas Day – December 25 (Wednesday)

• Rizal Day – December 30 (Monday)

Special Non-Working Days

• Black Saturday – March 30

• Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Wednesday)

• All Saints Day – November 1 (Friday)

• Additional special (non-working) days – November 2 (Saturday) and December 24 (Tuesday)

• Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Tuesday)

Special Holiday (for all schools)

• EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Monday)

While Islamic holidays including Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha will be included on the Philippine Holidays for 2013 once the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) informs the Office of the President about the final date where the two holidays fall on the Islamic calendar (Hijra).  It will be considered as a RegularHolidays and Nationwide Special Days and will be announced via the Official Gazette of the Office of the President handled by the Communications Department.

Source: ASK (AngSaWariKo)

If you are fun of watching movies made in Hollywood, here are the list of premiere dates.

Source: First Ako! 

If you like astronomy, there will be a partial lunar eclipse on April 25 this year and will be visible throughout most of Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. Here are the list of astronomical events that will happen this year. Read More: 2013 Sky Events

Hello, 2013

Happy New Year to all the people around the world. Hope that you have a safe and at the same time, a joyful welcome to the new year. People had a perception that New Year is equivalent to new life. Remembering the good and erasing the bad last year and start the new year with positive good vibes. Motivations to change some habits and attitudes and try to improve one's self into someone better. Of course, some people had their own New Year's resolution or commitments that they need to accomplish within the year. Admittedly, I had list down New Year's resolution for 3 consecutive years already. Most of my New Year's resolution or I conveniently called "Things to fulfill this year" are successfully achieved. For example, last 2010, I wrote that I will lose at least 5 kgs. and fortunately, I did. However, some have not yet been fulfilled. Have you experienced like this?

Taken from savvysugar.com, to make your New Year's resolution stick:
1. Ready for Change. Be prepared for your self-improvement plans
2. Treat yourself. Set up a reward system for yourself
3. Face your weakness. Find motivation, figure it out why and how do this behavior comes up.
4. Avoid It. Don't put yourself in tempting situation
5. No Guilt Trips. Don't let yourself suffer from setbacks. Just pick yourself and keep going.
6. Positivity. Believe that you can do it. Take inspiration.
Read more: 6 TIPS TO MAKING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS STICK

If you don't have a New Year's resolution yet but still you want to make, my advice is that think all the things about yourself, anything that sums you up such as relationships with anyone, dreams, things that you want and goals you want to accomplish now. Think over them carefully. As you list down your New Year's resolution, make it SMART; specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Write it down on a paper or even in your smartphones. The purpose is for you to be reminded and wouldn't be easily forget. Put the paper in a place where you could easily see it everyday. Don't forget to put a mark when you have achieve it. If you are persistent, after achieving a goal, set a new one.

Good Luck! Happy New Year!!!