Britania Islets, Surigao del Sur

Island hopping is an outdoor activity I like doing. I have roamed around some islands in Samal and getting to the islets of Britania in Surigao deepens my enthusiasm to the islands of the Philippines! I would love to visit more if I can.

Britania has got several islets. We've been to Hagonoy, Panlangagan, Hiyor-Hiyoran and Naked island which they also called as the vanishing island.

We stayed in Hiyor-Hiyoran where we put up our tent. It's an island facing the turtle islands. The islands really look like turtles if you look at them in a far distance.There is no electricity or nipa hut so we feel like we are the survivor castaways!

We did cross an islet on foot when it was low tide. That was the time when we saw different sea creatures! I admire the rock formation and the very fine sand that massage your whole body.

See more photos: Sea Creatures in Britania, Surigao del Sur 

At night, we enjoyed our dinner together, had bonfire and lie freely on the sand while looking at the bright night sky. It felt so good to see three falling stars from above. My friends saw five of them!

During the day, we savor the beauty of Naked island. I find delight in seeing the clear blue sky and waters, the white fine sand and the green leaves that give life to it.We were like little kids who get excited to get off the boat! The best island in Britania for me is Hagonoy. You'll definitely get tempted to take off your slippers and walk barefooted!

I take pleasure in being at the beach. Seeing these wonderful creation by God makes me love Him more for giving us a paradise on earth that we can utilize.

Traveling enriches your knowledge, broadens your horizon and makes you appreciate life more.

World's New 7 Wonders of Nature

Our very own, the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River located in Palawan is one of the World's New 7 Wonders of Nature! I campaigned and voted for it! Philippines is indeed gifted with the beauty of Nature! I am proud to be a Filipino!

The Visayas region is surrounded with white sand beaches, rich corals, healthy marine life and land creatures that may extinct if not taken cared. I have visited Bohol and Cebu once and I would definitely go back there and widen my horizon to reach Palawan! I've heard Siquijor is also a nice place to go! I love my country and I'm calling the attention of every Filipino to give thanks to whatever natural resources we have. To protect and to preserve the islands of the Philippines and its riches. 

Included in the list are:

• The Amazon Rainforest
• Vietnam's Halong Bay
• Argentina's Iguazu Falls
• South Korea's Jeju Island
• Indonesia Komodo
• South Africa's Table Mountain

I'm a certified nature love and I'd love to visit these places!  Congratulations to the world's new seven wonders of nature! Puero Prinsesa Underground River in Barangay Sabang which is the longest underground river in Asia is a already a Unesco World Heritage Site.It runs 8.2 kilometers and you'll be amazed with its stalactites and stalagmites. This place is included in my travel list!

People Power Revolution 25th Anniversary

Filipinos will never forget the day when we regained our liberty and democracy from Marcos regime through unity in prayers and courage to achieve change in the country. I've been in Ilocos and saw Marcos' remains in the hand of his family. It laid in a glass casket inside a dark room where nobody is allowed to take cameras or video cams.The family is still hoping and waiting for that moment when former President Ferdinand Marcos' dead body be buried in the Heroes Cemetery.

The current leader of the country His excellence Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino Jr will not be the one to decide in this matter. He assigned somebody to take care of it to avoid personal attachment with the case. If you're unaware, Marcos was Ninoy's political enemy in their time.Although Marco's denied that he was the one responsible for Ninoy's death in 1983,it was believed that the majority were convinced that he did the crime.

People Power Revolution is also known as the Edsa Revolution. On the 25th, we will remember its silver year.We will be united in commemorating the history in the Philippines that was recognized worldwide. Ex-president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino initiated the peaceful revolution that encouraged our fellows to fight for the restoration of our  freedom that inspired other nations.

The Aquinos have done remarkable change in the Philippines and declaring National holidays for them will help younger generation to understand what happened in the past and how important to live in a country without a leader like Marcos.The couple's image is printed in the 500-bill to honor their legacy and love for country.

There are planned activities that will happen on Friday. Singers and other showbiz personalities will be performing. Regine Velaszquez will do the song for revolution which is composed by senator Tito Sotto. Edsa will be filled with spectators and those who want to reminisce the first people power revolution.

Maria Aragon to Sing a Duet with Lady Gaga

It's a dream come true for a ten-yeard old Fil-Canadian Maria Aragon to sing on stage with her idol Lady Gaga! The newest YouTube sensation guested on a radio station and had a chance to have a conversation with the American pop singer-composer! Her most popular video now have more than eight million hits!They had a sample over the radio. They did Born This way that made the young Filipina shine on YouTube. 

Maria was invited by Lady Gaga to sing with her in her upcoming concert and the little girl couldn't hold her tears for joy! She became speechless and felt happy that her dream to meet and perform with Lady Gaga is about to happen!!!

It was reported that Maria is compared to the Canadian pop and R&B singer Justin Bieber who was also discovered in YouTube by Scooter Braun in 2008.

Both young singers have their own talent and amor to show what they got and to make people love them. I am  happy for Maria. Another Filipino kid is given a chance to become a shining star worldwide just like Charice Pempengco! Wish her all the best in her singing career.

Donaire Knocks Out Montiel in Round 2!

The Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire showed a fascinating performance against Fernando Montiel. Donaire won by Technical Knockout or TKO in the second round  with the official time of 2:25 as called by Russell Mora, the official referee!A quick punch from Donaire's left fist made him successful in this fight! The Mexicans were stunned as they watch their boxer fell on the floor of the boxing ring in Mandalay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Nonito Donaire is now the new WBC and WBO Bantamweight Champion! He is taller than Montiel yet had only 26 victories. Montiel had 44 wins but the hungry Filipino boxer has taken his title.

I was having my lunch with my sister and I didn't expect that the match would end that fast! Congratulations to my fellow Filipino who made my country proud. I'm certain that Manny Pacquiao is happy for his victory!

Lady Gaga Appreciates a 10-year old Filipina Singer

Obviously this ten-year old Filipina is into music and I can see her shining future in music industry.Her name is Maria Aragon who made her idol Lady Gaga cry while watching her video singing "Born This way". Lady Gaga tweeted that Maria is the future! Maria uploaded 72 videos in her YouTube channel.She's definitely a gifted child who is  raised in Canada by her Filipino parents. The news says she's gaining more fans now and hopes to become a guest in Ellen DeGeneres' show in the states.

I've read something about her and it's nice to know that she believes and appreciates the author of everything. Maria acknowledges and is thankful to God  for her gift of music.She's a Filipina but she's never been in the Philippines!

I'm not a fan of Lady Gaga.However, her Born This Way song tells something about equality and being beautiful in your own way.But I like the 10-year old's version than the original one.

See the video I'm talking about that has got thousands of hits a day after it was uploaded in YouTube.Now it's got  more than a million hits after Lady Gaga's tweet.

3 Filipinos in China's Death Row

Vice President Jejomar Binay was tasked by the president  to go to China and do what he can to lower the death sentence of three Filipinos. He was supposed to leave today but the Chinese government replied to their request that it's not the right time.

In Binay's press conference this morning he said that they are very optimistic and hopeful that something better can happen as long as the execution  is not yet at hand although the Chinese said it's already final. Sally Ordinario Villanueva is one of the convicted Filipinos.She is sentenced to death by lethal injection on the 21st.Sally was caught having 4 kilos of heroin upon entering Xiamin on Christmas Day of 2008.

The Philippine government strongly believes that they've been doing their part to help the Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs. If you ask me, I don't think we can change China's decision about the incident because the crime happened in their jurisdiction.My country would probably do the same if a foreigner breaks our law.However, we don't know the real story because according to Sally, she doesn't own the drugs. She just did a favor to her employer by bringing an extra suitcase when she left for China that contains prohibited drugs. On the other hand, that's still considered as possession and thus violates the anti-drug law.

What do you think? Is it right for us to save a Filipino soul like Sally Villanueva?

Update: ( March 29,2011)

The execution was postponed when Binay went to China to appeal.Elizabeth Batain and  Ramon Credo along with Sally Villanueva are scheduled to be executed tomorrow (March 30) in China. The Philippine government helped their families to fly to China and see their love ones for the last time. They will be given an hour to be with their convicted family member before the execution.Vice President Binay sent another letter for China informing that the NBI has the custody of Sally's recruiter and still hoping that the death penalty will be lifted.Binay is calling every Filipino to be with him in prayers.It was reported that China's decision is final and all we can do is accept it.

Philippine Azkals Football Team

Azkal is a modernized Filipino word which is the short form for "asong kalye" that means a street dog in English.This is the official name of the Philippine Football team. At first I was intrigued to know why the media had chosen such name for a soccer  team that would represent my country.Perhaps the description of a mutt or stray dog fits the novice team and its members compared to well-liked British and German teams. People around the world are aware that Philippines is not on top when it comes to football ranking worldwide.  A dog, although has no pet owner and the breed is not as high with the upper class survives and manages to fight for its life...just like the Philippines and the soccer team.Azkal with the "z" and not with the "s" sounded like there's foreign blood in the team. John Patrick Hinrichsen, James and Phil Younghusband are all half Filipinos who learned football in England, Germany and in the USA.  I don't know how my fellows see it but this is how I interpret it.

Yesterday, Philippine Azkals won against Mongolia with 2-0 score held at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City in the Visayas Region.There were about 20, 000 people filled the football arena.PFF gave away 10, 000 tickets and a wide screen is provided at the nearby stadium to those who didn't get the free tickets.With the successive winnings of Azkals Filipinos enthusiasm for football is rekindled. It inspired young footballers to do better with the sport.

Congratulations Philippine Azkals! Aim higher and good luck!

The next match of the team will be on March 15, 2011 to be held in Mongolia's home base in their participation to AFC Challenge Cup.

Secretary Reyes Commits Suicide

The Manila Bulletin confirmed the breaking news that the former AFP Chief of Staff and Department of Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes shot himself at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina this morning.He was immediately sent to Quirino Hospital in Quezon City but failed to survive. Reyes was reportedly alleged to have received 50Million pesos when he retired as the 27th AFP  Chief which is far too much to get when you leave the service.Lt. Col. George Rabusa, the former AFP budget officer blew the whistle.

Sec Reyes and former Pres GMA

Reyes is one of the Top 10 graduates in Philippine Military Academy, served as the area commander in Mindanao and was the secretary of National Defense Department, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) as well. 

Pacquiao Gets 8th World Title

The David-Goliath fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito lasts for twelve rounds sealing Manny's 8th World Title!Manny holds the WBC super welterweight title.More than 41,000 were at the Cowboy Stadium in Dallas Texas to witness another legendary fight by the pound-for-pound king against the Mexican boxer.

photo by guardian.co.uk

At the first few rounds the two boxer show their enthusiasm.In the fourth round Margarito had a bad hit on his face.There was blood under his right eye.In the following rounds, you can  see Margarito's eagerness.His strategy is to pin Manny on the rope and throw punches.However, Manny manages to escape.Manny dominates the match but he slows a bit and had trouble escaping in round eight and nine when Margarito took advantage while his opponent is cornered.In the eleventh round, Margarito was badly hit. The boxing game could have been stopped since he had no more chance of winning but the referee didn't call it.In addition, Margarito showed that he has still stamina and can accept the punches so the game continues. You can see in Pacquiao that he glanced at the referee waiting for him to stop the fight.Manny shows respect to his opponent.I can feel that.

CONGRATULATIONS Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino Congressman and the "Pambansang Kamao" of  the Philippines for winning another world title! We are proud of you.

Miss Venezuela Ana Elizabeth Mosquera wins Miss International 2010

More than sixty gorgeous women battled for Miss International 2010 title held at Sichuan Province Gymnasium in Chengdu, China last Sunday November 7, 2010.The 50th Miss International pageant crowned Miss Venezuela Ana Elizabeth Mosquera as the most beautiful and universal queen among the rest!1st runner up goes to Miss Thailand Piyaporn Deejing while Miss China Si Yi Yuan is Miss International 2010 2nd runner up. 

Our very  own, Miss Philippines-International Krista Arrieta Kleiner who is a GMA network TV personality made it into the Top 15 and took home 2 special awards namely: Miss Talent and Miss Swimsuit.She holds a black belt in taekwondo and that made her win the Miss talent award.

Does she look like a typical Filipina? Her family name sounds German and she's Fil-Am.Learn more about her: Krista Arrieta Kleiner

Lee Da Hae's Impression of Filipino's English Accent

I just saw a video of a Korean actress making fun of Filipino's accent when we speak English.In the vid Lee Da Hae of My Girl differentiate the accent of the British,the Americans and the Filipinos by imitating.Many of my fellows reacted to it and saw it as a form of racism and discrimination.It fueled them to bring up the issue of race and felt that we are insulted.

 

I personally think that Koreans have that kind of impression to us because NOT all teachers who teach them are really teachers! And NOT all teachers they had mastered English! They can't expect Filipinos to teach perfectly for that reason!English is not a big thing for us but it is for Koreans as of the moment.However, I don't see it quite like that. We don't speak that way just how Lee Da Hae did on the video.It seems to me as an exaggeration.I'm wondering what would be their reaction if they see Ryan Bang says "lily" instead of "really" and all his  poor command of English.

Not everybody will agree with me but I had taught Koreans for three years and 2 out 10 speak good English among them based on my experience.I'd like to say that Koreans come to my country to learn English maybe because it's more difficult to understand the native speakers than us.Many of my students told me they go first in the Philippines before going to Canada, Australia, England and USA specially those who can't afford to study in the mentioned countries.

I remember one of my college professors telling us that accent is not the Top 1 priority when you study English.Observing proper grammar rules and applying them in a suitable situation are more important.I noticed that the Aquinos including our president does not necessarily have the accent simply because they are Filipinos and not Americans.

Lee Da Hae's video on that show is now unavailable.KBSi has claimed their copyright and nobody can watch it.Perhaps Koreans want to stop people from sharing it.

BUT you CAN watch it here : Lee Da Hae's Impression of Filipinos' Accent on Facebook You have to log in though to be able to watch the video.

Pacquiao Endorses Sen. Reid and Records Another Song

Filipinos are known to be jolly and music lover.Most Filipinos can sing and Dan Hill is happy to know that Manny can do boxing and recording at the same time!We're multi-talented and we do multi tasking!Dan Hill is a Canadian pop singer and songwriter.From a boxing ring to a recording studio the pound-for-pound king shows his enthusiasm and ability to perform well.Manny Pacquiao is doing Dan's hit song "Sometimes When We Touch".

In addition, our Filipino boxer is getting more and more popular! Pacman's endording a US Senator named Harry Reid.Pinoys abroad are proud and happy because reid had pushed Filipino rights to be accepted in the states.

On November 14, 2010 the seven-division champ "pacman" will face Antonio Margarito for another fight.Good luck Manny and bring home the bacon!

My Candidates Win!

Yay! Majority of my candidates won in 2010 Barangay Election!I didn't vote straight for the admin though.I picked only those I know who could really serve.I have the chance to be with most of them since I spent five years in our barangay for being one of the SK councilors in 2002.In our term, I was able to identify the good and the bad ones.I recognize who has a heart for the people and who acts arrogant for having a position.

The three aspiring barangay captains were all incumbent barangay councilors.At first it was hard to choose among them but I immediately made up my mind after listening to them in election rallies.

I am happy with the result.It only means that the people in my barangay know how to vote wisely by choosing the right people.Congratulations to our newly elected barangay captain Eleneo "Boy Isda" Layese and his councilors!I'm expecting them to go around to thank the people and do some clean-up to get rid of the campaign materials just like what we did in the past.

Barangay Election 2010

I hear the same news during election period.Election violence,vote buying and late arrival of election paraphernalia is not new to me.A Surigao councilor was shot dead yesterday.Regions 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10, and the Cordillera Autonomous Region may hold election tomorrow.I witnessed a person opened a small envelop with a bill and sample ballot.Some people told me to be sneaky yesterday because I might get something from the running candidates.Sorry but they can't buy my vote.

COMELEC assured the public that everything is ready for Barangay and SK election 2010.However, in some areas in the Philippines such as Caloocan and Albay the election has been delayed too and the president is discontented with the  delays.

It's good to know that PNP and AFP secure peaceful election this year but unexpected and uncontrollable occurrences happen.Voting was suspended in particular municipalities of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.Tomorrow there would be no classes to give time for teachers to rest.

Barangay is the basic political unit in the Philippines.It is led by a barangay captain and his  council with seven members.Each barangay has Sangguniang Kabataan or SK Chairperson with seven SK councilors.I used to be part of SK from 2002 to 2007.

The main duty of the barangay officials is to maintain peace and order, provide livelihood programs, keep the cleanliness and implement infrastructures.It's the SK's obligation on the other hand to encourage young people to take part in barangay activities and make them active in sports,environmental issues,moral recovery programs and drug prevention.

I just voted.It was easy to find my name and precinct number.May the candidates I chose win.Hopefully, tonight results will be released and winners will be proclaimed!

Darong,Sta.Cruz

Darong is a simple barangay that belongs to the municipality of Sta Cruz in the province of Davao del Sur.Going there was unplanned.I didn't expect it.It's nice to see the place though.San Miguel Corporation is one of the large investors in the area.We were invited to a birthday celebration and we passed by a diagnostic center called SMB Community Clinic put up by San Miguel Brewery Incorporated.

I saw some animals there.The parrot we've seen at Crash Landing Resort entertained us much.The moment we get closer to its cage,it started showing off! In fact I took a video of it.It looks really funny! I saw horses, different breeds of dog and a little monkey named Lupen.

The barangay is cool with the presence of green trees.I could see mountains.Their means of transportation is motorcycle with a sidecar so it looks like a tricycle.I could imagine a simple life for people who live in Darong.There's no shopping mall and only the main road has got light posts.

An OFW Commits Suicide?

My heart sinks every time I hear bad news about Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs. I understand their main reason of leaving the country.They want to give a better life for their family and one way of making it possible is by working abroad.An OFW from Bahrain committed suicide in a plane in the person of Marlon Cueva. His body was found no life inside the plane's comfort room.Police said they were not looking at foul play in his death.However, speculations start to arise.Is it really true?Did he really commit suicide?

We don't know what he had been through.Working away home in a different country needs real strength.My older sister keeps on telling us that in order for us to sustain working in a different world with different people you have to be emotionally prepared. Unexpected things could happen beyond your expectation.Feeling alone, with no family  and genuine friends around to support you would definitely allow a person to kill himself.

Being abused by the Arabs, drug overdose, and intense personal problem are some of the things that people look into.

Religion becomes an issue then when I left some comments to a news article about Cueva's death.Issues on Muslims and Christian won't solve the problem.It won't do good either.It just stirs people angers against people with different belief.

The Philippine government could have provided psychiatric assistance for Filipino workers abroad to help them somehow with their struggles.They pay taxes and bring in dollars.We know a number of them commit suicide and the thing that happened to Marlon is NOT the first time.

Condolence to the family of the deceased and may he rest in peace.

Water is Life

The day has come.Global conversation through Blog Action Day 2010 has finally arrived!It is indeed an inspiring blog activism that will be trending on the web.Today bloggers around the world write issues about water to catch people's attention and to let them realize how important water is.

Water sustains life but not all of us live abundantly with water.In Africa and developing  countries there's water scarcity while in some parts of the world people abuse the use of it.It takes 6.3 gallons of water to produce just one hamburger while more and more children die because of diseases brought by unreliable water supply. Isn't it surprising!?

I'm one of those ordinary people who can't change big issues such us wars over water, oceans getting polluted and a number of children die due to unsafe  drinking water.However, I can make things better by doing my own simple way in conserving water.I believe I can start in our own household and extending it to my community.

In the Philippines, my city which is Davao has got the most potable water in the country.Our drinking water has been recognized as one of the best in the world too. The richness of our natural resources makes it possible.On the other hand, it's depressing to know that many of my fellows just waste it.  

When will we fully understand water preservation?If it's totally gone? Now is the time to do our step by step movement. I can't imagine having water interruption for a day or more! It rarely happens in our vicinity.I'm lucky to have lived in a place where water is not our main concern. I'm going to be sick if we lack water in our faucets for a week! The people in our place will definitely call the water supplier if the interruption takes too long.

Do you think water can prolong life if we stop getting safe drinking water?We shouldn't wait for that thing to happen before we act. If you believe that water is life then start giving value to water by using it wisely. Remember the people who live in hot places with no  clean water to drink.

Barangay and SK Election 2010

Today marks the official start of the campaign period for Barangay and SK Election 2010.I wasn't sure of who's going to run in our barangay.Now I see campaign posters anywhere and I was surprised to see some of them! I didn't know that they're into politics.I want to see their handbills, read their platform and know their aim for the barangay.

Different issues were brought about the said election.I thought the election will be reset.I'm satisfied when I heard that on October 25, 2010 there's going to be Barangay and SK Election. Postponing the election will give more chances for fake public servants to abuse their power. People who want change would be unhappy if extension will be given to unworthy leaders.

From October 1-13 aspiring candidates filed their Certificate of Candidacy or COC.Last August 13, I went to COMELEC to check my name and precinct number.Moreover,gun ban rules were released to ensure the safety of October 25 election.

I'm expecting election rallies on the coming days. I know there are certain individuals who are willing to help improve our barangay and I recognize those who run for money and power.I'm aware of how the politics works in my country.

A Great Lesson from a True Story

All of us want to be somebody in the society and be proud of whatever we have or achieved. I've got a question for you to answer.Would you like to have a very inclined life in the beginning of your journey but in the end you end up with nothing? I want to share this true story that will teach every Filipino family a lesson.

I watched the "Blusa" Episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya via internet. Blusa is a tagalog term which means a blouse.That thing was wore by the main character by the time that she was hunting for a job.It was a gift given to her by her caring and loving sister (Dimple Romana).The main character was played by Angel Locsin.She was awarded as Magna Cum Laude when she graduated in college.She's a product of the University of the Philippines.She's an achiever in the family and her parents are expecting much from her.Her siblings stopped going to school because she was the one prioritized to be sent .Since she was a young girl all she wanted was to help her family alleviate from poverty.Her goal is to fulfill it.She was high-spirited and very much confident that after finishing school she'll have a good job.

Fate came and tested her.She tried hard to look for one but she didn't get any.In addition,she was pressured because her dad got sick.She had to give financial support to them and found herself working in a night club!Her mom sent her away after her father died without getting proper medications and she blamed herself much. She believed that she caused the death of his father.

She came from a province and she was a scholar in UP Manila.Her sister stayed with her in times that she's no longer in her proper  mind setting.Due to depression, much family pressure and extreme disappointments she went crazy. Her emotional stability was shaken with what happened to her.She's no longer having normal thinking.She doesn't have enough food to eat most of the time because her sister had to leave her. The main character has an attitude problem and that cause their separation.Her pride is the reason why she wasn't successful. She keeps on thinking that she's a failure to everybody.

I'd say that her life isn't balance.He never had a boyfriend to be with or close friends to share her problems with.She only had her sister.Her sister has her own family.She didn't stop taking care of her though.Her mom was no longer concern about her because her mom felt that she's a disappointment in their community.

It couldn't happen to her if only if her mom didn't force her to achieve great things in life easily.Her pride added to her own destruction.She longs for good things for her family.There's nothing wrong with it.But the way she sees how life goes is the wrong one.Furthermore, she doesn't have the right perspective and thought that life is indeed unfair.

I always believe that the kind of foundation that a family has will serve as the members' base in getting into the different avenues of life.Moreover, balance is the key word to get along with the world well.

Intelligence alone can't make a person successful.Attitude goes along with it.