30 Day Song Challenge - Day 6

Day 6 - A Song That Reminds You Of Somewhere

Bantayan Island, 2009. It was Independence Day weekend so some friends and I decided to head off to the beach and get some deserved R&R. And the song for that trip was Nobody But You by the Korean girl group Wondergirls. At that time, the country was just beginning to catch on the Korean pop fever, so you still won't hear it playing on every corner store's radio. That's why when I heard its catchy tunes, my gay friends and I had to learn the dance steps, thereby making it our official summer dance soundtrack.

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 5

Day 5 - A Song That Reminds You Of Someone

When I was around 7 or 8 years old, we had a yaya named Berta who had a cleft palate. She was a big girl with extraordinary strength. Now that I think about it, she's somewhat like Coach Beast in Glee. Despite her speech impediment, she's very confident and liked to sing a lot. And one of her favorite songs was Eternal Flame by The Bangles.

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 4

Day 4 - A Song That Makes You Sad

I'm basically not a person who easily gets sad. I like lots of sad songs like Adele's, but they don't necessarily make me sad. Anyway, if I'm in the mood for some 'emo' time, then I listen to the soundtrack of the movie Il Postino. Most specifically the album where artists read Pablo Neruda poems with the songs as background. Oh, so heartbreaking!

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 3

Day 3 - A Song That Makes You Happy

Everybody needs a little Ke$ha to start their day. I don't know, but as soon as I hear the opening line "Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy" my body just starts moving to the beat. Singing and dancing to Tik Tok drives the blues away!

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 2

Day 2 - Your Least Favorite Song

Okay, one song that really makes me cringe is Aking Awitin. It was originally sung by Bong Gabriel, then re-released by Side A. I mean, the song itself is ok. The lyrics talk about a guy who can't profess his love for a girl so he puts it in a song. Pretty decent, right? But when you get to the chorus, you get a stanza-full of 'Lala lala la, lala lala'. Seems like the songwriter ran out of words.

And I guess the embarrassing event of how I came to know of the song, is what really made it cringe-worthy!

30 Day Song Challenge - Day 1

So I saw this challenge on Facebook, and decided to jump in on the craze. It's a great way to reminisce about stuff =)

Day 1- Your Favorite Song

I don't have just one favorite song, I have lots and lots and it depends on my current mood or state of mind. So right now, my favorite is Bruno Mars' Count On Me. I just love the song's message and I dedicate this to my one and only sister, who more often than not acts like she's older than me.

Products I Totally Swear By

I was recently looking for a good salon to have my hair colored and a colleague recommended her friend's salon. I asked her if she had her hair done there, and she sheepishly said she's never been there because the place is a bit pricey. O...kay.

I'm a bit choosy in the salons that I go to, especially when it involves cutting or coloring the hair, a manicure and pedicure. I rarely speak up when the salon person starts hurting me or cutting my hair way too short. That's why I always depend on friends' referrals before I try any new salon or any new product for that matter.

That's why I thought of listing down some of the stuff I have been using and really believe in. But let me make this clear: No, I did not hit my head and started thinking of myself as a celebrity endorser. On the contrary, because I'm just your average Jane, you know that I have not been paid to write about them. I am and have been using these products for years, and I would like to share them with you because they really work!

1. Eskinol Facial Cleanser
This has been part of my daily routine since I was probably 12.
PLUS: I have never been pimply (thank goodness!), but I noticed that whenever I get pimples, Eskinol helps get rid of them right away and even pimple scars disappear. I use it after washing my face, and with all the pollution I have to face everyday, I really feel much cleaner.
MINUS: It tends to dry the skin so I think using it once or twice a day is enough. And as usual, you need to apply moisturizer. Speaking of moisturizer...


2. Celeteque Moisturizer
I've been using this for more than 3 years now.
PLUS: I love this because it's water-based so it's not at all sticky. I hate the oil-based ones cos it feels like my skin can't breathe. I also use Celeteque's facial wash and toner, so I buy their travel pack which includes the miniature-sized trio.
MINUS: Um, can't think of any.


3. Contractubex
When I had my freaky bike accident 4 years ago, which left my face and legs scarred for life, I used this magical gel religiously until the scars are barely visible.
PLUS: It really, really works! People don't notice the scars near my eyebrow until I point them out.
MINUS: The small tube's way more expensive than a tub of Sebo de Macho.


4. Max Factor Second Skin Foundation
This was introduced to me by my gay friend, who uses more facial products than I do and spends more time in the bathroom than I do.
PLUS: It is a great cover-up for any blemish or pimple scar. It's a liquid foundation but it's not oily so your face gets that perfect matte finish. Just a few drops, you will achieve that fresh-faced look.
MINUS: The only downside, I think, is the price. A bottle costs almost a thousand bucks, so if you're the type who liberally applies stuff in your face then it will be hard on your pocket. But if you're a cheapskate like me, a bottle could last you a few months or so.


5. Dimetapp Decongestant
I use the syrup kind, and not the tablet one. Until just recently, I can't swallow medicine tablets or capsules because I feel like I'm gonna choke or something. So I still drink my medicine using a spoon. =)
PLUS: Kiss your sniffles away after just a few hours of drinking. You will really feel your nasal cavity slowly clear up.
MINUS: It makes you really drowsy. Which is good, because you need to have that restful sleep. But if you were planning for an all-nighter then forget it cos this will really knock you out. Good thing though, is you will feel very much refreshed when you wake up.


These are just some of the products I really believe in. Will post more as I remember them. But for now, maybe you can share with me some of yours?

The 5 People You Meet in Commuter Hell

One of the things I hate most in the world is taking the public transportation. I mean, what's to love about pollution and absence of personal space? But ever since I got here, I had no choice but join the rest of the commuting public. To make my daily sacrifice bearable, I've resorted to (if not daydreaming) observing the people around me and I've noticed that almost everyone belongs to these 5 types:


1. Noddy

Noddy is that toy with springy neck so he looks like he's always nodding. If you don't know him, think animal toy with a wiggly head propped on a taxicab's dashboard.

Noddy's that passenger who immediately nods off to sleep as soon as he settles in his seat oblivious to everything that's going around him. But the amazing thing is, Noddys exactly know when to wake up. I think they have developed this sensor that alerts them when their stop is near.

There are worse kinds- the Leaning Towers and the Droolers- but thank goodness I've never sat beside them!


2. The Juicer

The jeepney or tricycle's full. The Juicer comes in, inserts between you and another passenger, and squeezes the life out of you. You try to scoot a few more inches lest he/she sits on your lap, and you're forced to sit half-assed in a very awkward position.

I mean c'mon, it's bad enough that you're sharing a cramped space with strangers early in the morning, and someone decides to squeeze in and leave you breathless, hanging onto dear life.


3. Mad Max

Dance or rock music's blaring from the speakers way too early in the morning. It's chest-thumpingly loud that I'm afraid that my heart might get confused with the different rhythm and it literally skips a beat.

And bad news for you if the jeepney doesn't have that string or button to signal the driver to stop and pull over. Then you'd have to resort to wild waving, beating your chest and shouting "Para!" at the top of your lungs just like Tarzan.

Worse yet, if the driver thinks he's in the Indy 500 and feels like racing against any vehicle on the road. It's particularly infuriating when they start driving off (at a maddening pace, mind you) before your ass even touches the seat or before you've properly alighted.


4. Deadma

Originating from the term 'patay (dead) malisya', the word means ignoring someone or something. These are the rude people who pretend they're busy or deaf or whatever, that won't even make an effort to turn around and reach out to pass your fare to the driver. I mean, how hard is it to raise your arm a bit and do something nice for a fellow human being? Those flabby arms need a little exercise every now and then, you know.


5. The Bulldozer

Or you can also call them bump cars. Whether you're walking on the right side of the walkway or just standing aside, they have no qualms in ramming down anyone blocking their crooked path.

Suffice to say, all these people have not made commuting for me any easier. But they definitely make my daily trips more 'interesting'.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

I'm writing this at home, on the third day of crappy stormy weather. Our village has been flooded- submerged in at least 12 inches of murky water.

I called in sick today but I couldn't really relax and get some rest because the non-stop raining is making me nervous. I get up every few minutes and check the water level outside. Good thing we're staying on the third floor so we're basically safe. But the images of destruction that Typhoon Ondoy caused two years ago, keep me feeling restless. And worse, that typhoon pretty much had the area I'm living in now, looking like the ancient city of Atlantis.

Although I was not yet here when it happened, but the horror stories of the victims and images in the news are enough to leave one scared of unrelenting heavy rains. The government's weather bureau kept reassuring everyone that Typhoon Falcon won't be another Ondoy. Still, one can't help but be praning.

The news reports that a lot of families have already evacuated their homes to seek higher (and safer) ground and more are still stranded in the streets. I just hope everyone keeps safe and that this God-awful rain goes away real soon and never to come back again.

Soundtrack Sunday - Adele

I first heard Adele singing "Chasing Pavements" and I have loved her since then. There's a certain sadness to her lyrics, and the way she sings them conveys that sadness very well. Her voice has that quality that grips at the heart and reminds you of past hurts.

Or maybe that's just me. Anyway...

Her album 21 was definitely not a letdown. If anything, it showcased her talent even more and you can hear that her voice has matured a lot, making the songs even more heart-breaking.

Of course, the most popular song there is "Rolling In The Deep" but my current favorite is "Someone Like You". Relate much? Haha, not really.

Soundtrack Sunday - Lazy Sunday

Gosh! Another month is about to end, and I've not written anything decent at all. Been both busy and lazy at the same time, if that makes any sense. The start of the rainy season is not making thing any better.

Speaking of lazy, I've found another song for bed weathers like this. I'm currently drumming my fingers (too lazy to bop my head) to Bruno Mars' The Lazy Song.



I say 'another' because my ultimate lazy song's Jason Mraz's Sleep All Day.



Ahh, to be young and lazy...

Proud of My Filipino-English Diction

It's already May, four months have passed and I haven't done much writing. A lot of things came up lately so I haven't been really able to sit long enough to come up with anything decent.

So, in the tradition of 'copy and paste', I'd like to share with you an article I got from a forwarded email. It's of a speech delivered by Rico Hizon, a Filipino anchor for BBC World News.

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Being Proud of our own Filipino-English Diction
by Rico Hizon
(Delivered during Toastmaster International's District 75 Annual Conference in Manila)

Every single day for the past 10 years on BBC World News, over 350 million people from all over the world wake up to the sound of my voice.

What I say can make or break their business. How I say it, however, will affect how they will react - whether to stay calm or panic.


DELIVERING THE NEWS

Delivery is key.

Apart from having complete, accurate and relevant information, the news must be read clearly to ensure that it is easily understood.

And for that, I am grateful for my education from the Philippines. Tubong Maynila po ako! I was born, raised and educated here in Manila. Hindi po ako nag-aral sa Amerika o sa UK.

Hindi po ako nag Cambridge o Harvard.

I learned to speak well and clearly thanks to the patience of my parents, siblings and my teachers at La Salle Green Hills and De La Salle University. My looks and my diction often leave people wondering about my nationality.

On many occasions, I've been asked if I'm a western-educated Chinese, Singaporean, Malaysian or even Indonesian.

They wonder because of my eyes, skin color, and the way I speak English. I guess you can say its Pinoy super power.

We have the gift of languages. But what sets us apart is how, with any language we use, we are able to speak it clearly.


PAN-ASIAN DICTION

The Filipino diction is - clear, simple, neutral, easy to understand.

The Filipino enunciates clearly, pronounces every syllable in a pleasant --- even --- and non-threatening tone modulated for every ear to capture its essence….

And when we speak English, for instance, it is neither American nor British English.

It is a Pan-Asian diction. It does not pretend to sound western but both Asians and non-Asians can easily comprehend what is being said.

There are a variety of accents speaking the English language and there is no need for the Filipino to imitate … the American, British or whatever accent just to say its proper English.

We have our very own, and that is what makes us a cut above the rest. And that's why I am where I am. It's because of the Filipino English diction.

People often mistake the American accent for good diction. And yet, there is no real American accent because there is the Southern drawl, the Texas twang, and a host of so many others ….

It is too, difficult to keep track….

But that's beside the point.

Someone pointed out, we are Filipinos. We don't have to speak good English.

But don't you think it's amazing that we do, despite the fact that we're not? (Think about it)


EDUCATION

During my time, English was the medium of instruction.

When I graduated Grade School in 1980, High School in 1984 and University in 1988, majority of students could carry a very decent English conversation, because during my generation we had very good teachers who encouraged us to speak the language fluently.

We either spoke in English or we spoke in Tagalog.

Mixing them up into Taglish was unacceptable. Even earlier, during my parents' and grandparents' time, the country had citizens that were very good in English regardless of their educational attainment because English was widely and strictly used.

But today when I look around me and speak with the youth, I think we are dwindling race. English as a second language of Filipinos is fast deteriorating.

In fact, it has become a third language after Filipino and the more widely spoken Taglish. Not many can speak at least two or three sentences of straight English.

Worse, the diction is twisted to favor a twang often taken as a sign of being sosyal or wealthy.

And believe me, nothing could be further from the truth.


MEDIA

The media has played a major role in the inability of many Filipinos to speak English well.

TV programs these days are all in Taglish.

Even the news is no exception. What do we do? How do we stop the spread of "Here na me, where na you?" and "Yes, op kors, dats rayt"

And it also does not help, that when people text or sms, the language and the writing is inappropriate.

And thus their inability to learn correct spelling, impacting their ability to communicate clearly and correctly - whether it be in English or Tagalog.

The key lies in recognizing that proficiency in communicating in English is indispensable.

Speaking in English is not unpatriotic.

We are not less Filipinos for mastering another language.

We are only making good use of our gift for languages to forge ahead. English should be the medium of instruction in schools.

Spoken in the presence of trained teachers, children will learn to speak fluently and clearly, because when we master one language, whether it be English or Tagalog, we prepare our youth to challenge themselves to stretch and excel in their language skills, and basically, setting the foundation from an educational perspective.

There should be more English television programs such as documentaries and talk shows on commercial/terrestrial television with at least one dedicated English newscast.

Such shows these days are all on cable channels and are beyond the reach of the less privileged. It is also equally important that we Filipinos read English text more often. Doing so further improves the grasp of the language. Nowadays less Filipinos read and enrich the mind through books, editorials or websites.

And because of this, poor reading skills translate into poor writing and poor diction.

Indeed, sometimes the answer truly lies in reading between the lines, as well as from cover to cover.


GLOBALIZATION

In this age of globalization, it is inevitable that the Filipino will interact with peers and colleagues in the international community.

We can rightfully expect to hear even more accents, even more variations of the English language.

As such, this should spur our youth to even greater heights, to cement our place in the international scene as the most skilled, in communicating in the English language.

You have to give it to the Pinoy, we are still the best English speakers on this side of the planet.

So I believe, it is time to stand up, stand out, speak proudly as a Filipino and be heard across the globe loud and clear.

I know I did! Live from the Toastmasters International Conference this is Rico Hizon reporting. Proud to be Filipino! Proud of our Filipino-English Diction! Mabuhay ang Pinoy! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Countdown to The Script

Three more days until The Script's concert here in Manila! I can't wait to see them and sing along to their songs.



I gotta problem, though. The Man Who Can't Be Moved is the only song of theirs that I had memorized. I guess I'd have to resort to humming along.

No To Animal Cruelty!

I've always been an animal lover and I can't believe there are people who could be this cruel! No living thing deserves to be treated this way.



I've only watched a couple of minutes into the video and I couldn't bear to see more. I hope Sushi takes a bite off that ugly hand. Makabawi lang.

Hello April!

It's April 1 and I'm so excited that a new month has started!

Firstly, today officially marks the start of summer. It's just a bummer that I'm not in Cebu right now so I can go hit the beach every weekend. Such a shameful waste of perfect sunny days.

And I've got a couple of events lined up for the month! (For a change.)

On April 10, I'll be watching U.P. Samaskom's annual LIVE A.I.D.S. production again, after more than 10 years. I know that it'll be a good one, after getting a sneak peek last February during the org's fund-raising event and! It's the first time they're doing a musical! Exciting!

Then, my most-awaited concert event of the year happens on the 16th-- I'll finally get to listen to The Script live! Yipee! Can't wait to sway and sing along to their songs at the top of my lungs!

Holy Week's also coming up on the third week, so I'm looking forward to a couple of days' break from work. And there's a possibility that the 'rents are coming over and we all go to Bicol for a quick visit. Great!

So it seems that I've got a happening month ahead of me, and I just love it! =)

Last 3 Firsts

Finally!!! I was able to finish my list but barely meeting the deadline.

First Thing # 28 - Attend a Ting Hun

Last month, I got a text from my friend, Ailee, inviting me to her and Jon's ting hun. I didn't have any idea what a ting hun was, but I said yes to the invitation. I later learned that it's basically a formal Chinese engagement party.

However, due to tradition, lots of preparation goes into it. According to Kasal.com, both families prepare traditional gifts for each other such as jewelry, cake, fruits, etc. Then the bride has to serve tea to the groom's family in order of seniority.

So what was our role in all of this? Nothing, really. (The guests were seated at one side of the room, while the formal ceremony was going on.) Main requirement is that we enjoy ourselves and celebrate this wonderful event with the couple.

First Thing # 29 - Contribute to a Daily or Magazine
I've written articles before for the school paper, but this is the first time I've tried submitting something for a widely-read magazine, such as Reader's Digest.

It's nothing major and I'm not even sure I'll get published, but here's what I submitted:

It was our father's birthday, so we all went out for lunch. Except for a brother who was not able to come home for the holidays, all of us children were with him in the car.

He then got a text message, which read: "Happy Birthday, Pa." He wondered out loud, "Who could have sent this?"

Told you nothing major, haha! But it'd be really cool to read my name in the magazine one of these days.


First Thing # 30 - Take a Walking Tour of Binondo

For my birthday, I decided to do something different: roam the city streets. I'm really not a fan of going to unfamiliar parts of the city, much less using public transport to get there. However, I promised myself that I will try to see as many places in my own country this year.

So my brother and I decided to go to Binondo and walk around Manila's Chinatown. It's the first time I've been there so we went on a food trip and also visited some of the old churches in the area. I was a bit tempted to ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages, but I had to take pity on the horse who'd feel the full force of my weight.

To me though, walking around the area also felt like walking back to history. Back in the Spanish times, it's the place where the Spanish permitted the Chinese mestizos to stay and it also used to be the center of financial community. I just love going to a place where history meets the present.

Visiting Binondo is not just the only First Thing I did today. It was also my first time to ride the LRT-2 from end to end, and it was also the first time I rode in LRT-1.

The best thing I've learned from this whole experiment/experience is never to fear going out of your comfort zone as it opens yourself up to more learning opportunities and expands your horizon. Life is short and we really need to live it to the fullest.

Here's to more new and exciting things in the coming years! =)

Going Beyond Earth Hour

I've been a staunch supporter of Earth Hour since 2009. Many people think that it's a fruitless exercise because it's just an hour in a year. But I feel that's better than nothing. However, now I think it's time that I go beyond the hour if I really want to help save Mother Earth.

So here are small acts I promise to do (or continue doing):

1. When eating take-outs, I will not use plastic utensils and drinking straws unnecessarily.

2. I will continue to throw garbage in its rightful place. I will keep my trash until I find a trash can.

3. Use more scratch paper and envelopes at work.

4. Keep walking.

5. Bring my own bags when shopping/doing groceries.

Hope everybody comes up with their own lists. These may be little things, but they add up to a great thing if we all do it together.

Soundtrack Sunday - Rocketeer

I'm sorry if I've been too lazy to write something more meaningful lately, but I guess I'm just in a phase where I'm too lazy to do anything and at the same time too listless waiting for something to happen. Not sure if I make sense, but that's how I'm feeling now.

Anyway, here's a song I've been into lately. I just love the lyrics:

"Here we go, come with me
There's a world out there that we should see
Take my hand, close your eyes
With you right here, I'm a rocketeer"





It tugs at my adventurous, wanderer heart. I guess that's it. I've been hit by the wanderlust fever again.

Tara Nang Mag-lakbayan!

Oh gosh, I just took this 'quiz' to test how much of the Philippines I have visited. And I got a dismal grade of C!

I can already hear the disapproving voice of Susan Calo-Medina: "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!"

Yes, I know it's really embarrassing to have only visited a few places in my own country. But compared to the rest of the Filipino population, I think I kinda fared well. I mean, most of them don't even know their basic Philippine geography. Sheesh.

Anyway, I promise to do better. I'll take it one city/province at a time. Stay tuned!

Full of (Hot) Air

OK, so this wasn't my 2nd to the last installment after all. But I wanted to post this lest I forget to do so. Besides, a post with the last 3 First Things seems a better idea.

First Thing #27 - See hot air balloons in person.

So we woke up really early on a Sunday to watch these hot air balloons take flight. Wait, scratch that. We didn't wake up early, we didn't sleep at all.

Since they were scheduled to take flight around 5:30am, my friend and I decided to watch a late night movie at 11:30 the previous night (we watched 127 Hours. Major eew!), pick up our other friends at 3am then head off to Clark.

Well, the Hot Air Balloon Festival didn't start promptly. Shocker! I think it's because it's still too dark and cloudy for them to fly the balloons? But that's just my theory. We were getting sleepy and hungry (the cool, early morning breeze didn't help), so when we heard the National Anthem blasting from the speakers, signaling the start of the fest, I felt a rush of excitement!

We didn't get to see the balloons up close since we're not too keen on squeezing our way through the huge crowd that showed up that day. But they looked good anyhow, from where we were standing. It's just a shame that for one to ride in one, you have to pay $150! Gosh.

Anyway, all in all it was a good way to spend a pre-Valentine weekend. Who wouldn't want to see Darth Vader up in the air?