A Perfect Stranger Every December

Christmas is around the corner. All of us, each and every families in each and every houses might now be thinking what to prepare for their Noche Buena.Lots of foods would be sitting in their big and wondrous tables. Fruit salad, Lechon, Ham, Spaghetti, any kinds of delicious and delightful foods would be present.

It's a  marvellous and happy season, in did a wonderful celebration! Inside their well-decorated and comfortable houses. Everyone would be happy. Gifts would be wreck opened. Tummies would be full; Because a great season is to be celebrated.

But do all of us experience this kind of Christmas? The answer is, No.

Merry Christmas I say but you’ve all just pass by me. Can’t you see the words I’d hardly written?

Can’t you see the place I didn’t wish?

 I bet you can’t.

They are family, through high and through low.

This picture was taken outside the premises of Malolos Cathedral. A family, or should I say, group of Negritos are lingering in the area. Wishing for a couple of change or some rice for Christmas but no one seemed to see them, nor do they hear the little wishes of the group. They travel the entire city every December, in hope for some money and no one knows how they managed to be.  A stranger they are, around the loud and huge city. A stranger they will always be when Christmas is at its peak.

They don't beg for your hard-earned change, neither do they need your opinion or empathy.

All they need is a place to stay and some food to eat. Things they had on their paradise,  that “ THEY’VE” snatched.

They’ve snatched everything that we had, our home.

Unlike the other Negritos around the Malolos Cathedral, this family of Negritos are selling bamboo souvenirs to earn some money and be able to buy food for their starve tummy. Together with their children, neglecting the heat and dirt of the cement floor they are seating over. Just to satisfy their hunger. A thing they may not have experience, only if they are on their own home.

The city she feared is dark and dirty. Different faces, an unknown place.

Where is the green and peaceful paradise she knows?

A pretty little girl, lost in every way possible.

A little girl, who’s very young to earn some money, together with her family she strives hard to survive in a place she shouldn’t have been; Selling bamboo souvenirs in exchange of small cash. A pretty little girl who use to live inside her own magical world, now lost in a city she’s a stranger to. Can she survive?

Broken Trees: They Feed us, Shield us and What do we do?

Trees do quite big and complex jobs for all of us. They feed us from their fruits, shield us from the strong rays of the sun, provide oxygen for us to breath and even complete a great form of scenery. Though we may consider these "simple", they are “much” one of the reasons why we live here on Earth.

But why do despite all of these; do we do what we do to them?

Here are some evident illustrations of how we treat ,and what conditions were these wonderful creations are in to in this modern era:

Imperfected

A broken papaya tree with its upper body dismembered from the lower.
Why would humans do this kind of act on a sweet-fruit-bearing tree?

Pained

Festivity is seen at the left corner of the picture, however, the tree in the back shows no sign of festivity.
Just as though happiness lingers around the area and this tree is the only object which feels loneliness.

Stained

A small papaya tree which slowly grows but develops signs of withering;

Could this little Papaya tree carry a same life as those withered trees in its back?

APEC: Affecting Local Farmers and Students Through Neoliberalism

Rally partaking at Malolos Crossing, McArthur Highway, Bulacan

A rally against Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was conducted on the premises of Malolos Crossing in Bulacan last Wednesday, November 18, 2015.

“Partido-Pagkakaisa ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral”(PDM) Bulacan State University’s Democratic student leaders and a group of local farmers congregated in Malolos, Bulacan in order to voice out their disapproval against the Philippines hosting of APEC Summit.

In spite the fact that APEC is insuring sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific regions, different groups and organizations in Bulacan and Pampanga are still against it due to the pronounced act of Neoliberalism.

“Mahirap na yung bansa natin e lalo pa nilang pahihirapan.” Said Jeff Raso, a farmer in Norzagaray Bulacan, when asked what his statement against APEC is.

“Neoliberalism is an approach to economic and social studies in which control of economic factors is shifted from public sector (Government) to the private sector.” – Investopedia

And the said effect of this approach according to PDM is a major change through privatisation of public infrastructures and establishments, such as the privatisation of state colleges and universities and further torment to local farmers and fishermen.

“Nakikiisa ang mga estudyante, ang PDM, dahil maapektuhan ang mga State Colleges dahil sa Privatisation (na epekto ng APEC). Gusto kasi ng gobyerno na mabawasan ang sinusustentuhan nitong mga State Universities and Colleges upang mapunta ang pondo sa ibang mga bagay at hindi para sa edukasyon. Kaya gusto nilang maging pribado ang karamihan  ng mga state colleges.” said Freud Alejandro, a member of PDM.

 Mr. Henry a farmer of San Luis Pampanga states his reason of joining the said rally.

“Laban kami sa APEC dahil pati ang mga kabuhayan namin e maapektuhan. Tulad na lamang ng sa  bigas, kung hindi kami makapaglalabas ng bigas e maaring mag-import ang ating pamahalaan mula sa ibang bansa, tulad na lang ng mga NFA(rice)”

From Malolos the ralliers shove their way to Manila, where the APEC Summit is, to ignite more power and to voice out all of their appeals against the possible neoliberalism due to APEC. 

**Here are some of the shots taken from the rally:**

A 140th Blissful Birthday for the Hero of Tirad Pass

Gen. Gregorio del Pilar’s statue during his 140^th Birth Anniversary

History happened once again in the premises of Bulakan municipality as Bulakenyos celebrated the 140^th Birth Anniversary of their beloved hero and soldier Gen. Gregorio del Pilar at San Jose Bulakan, Bulacan, early Saturday morning, November 14, 2015 at the exact place where the young general’s house use to stand.

Some of Gen. Gregorio’s relatives happily stake their joy as they garnered together with Bulakan’s Mayor, IGG. Patrick Meneses; Bulacan-Zambales Head of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Alex Balagtas; and Head of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO), Dr. Eliseo dela Cruz at the General’s humble home.

The event having a theme of “Heneral Gregorio H. Del Pilar: Huwaran ng Kabataan, Gabay ng Nagkakaisang Bayan” started to the ascent of the Philippine Flag, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem which was then followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Following a short prayer offered by Resurreccion Villanueva and greetings of acknowledgement proceeded by IGG. Manuel Dionisio the Barangay Captain of San Jose.

Amid all of the celebration a little glimpse about the sequel of the biopic film Heneral Luna which will be presenting Gregorio del Pilar’s life was specified in a speech given by Gregorio’s great grandson, Dr. Gregorio E.H. del Pilar.

“Some knew that Heneral Goyong’s name is soundly these past few months, in fact Bong (Vicente “Bong” Enriquez III) and I was talking about it. Due to the present popularity of the film Heneral Luna, many have stated that there is a plan to make a movie out of Gen. Goyong’s life and I assure you that that would be interesting because Gen. Goyong, a real revolutionary hero, as said by some wasn’t perfect. Who of all heroes, which were not even a saint, were perfect?”

Vicente “Bong” Enriquez also stated in an interview, that as one of the relatives of the Del Pilars, they’ve wanted to bring out what was true and right in the film.

“In our part, where in we’re involved (as a relative) and we knew what the story really is, we just wanted the film to be right; Right for us and for Bulakan. Because 60 of Goyong’s comrades were from Bulakan and one of those was my father (Vicente Enriquez.) “

Mayor Patrick Meneses also stated in an interview that Gregorio’s relatives are currently in the process of researching to insure the factuality and truthfulness of Gregorio’s life that will be shown in the film. And when asked if the government of Bulakan will be supporting in financial matters, Mayor Patrick jokingly said that they should as well have a profit on it, if ever.

A street dance competition and a forum at Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine also took place and delighted the Bulakenyos and individuals who participated in the wonderful commemoration.

Journalism: Enters the Modern Era

A pile of newspapers
Image Source:http://gamesyouloved.com/news-views/june-news/

Ever felt that life as it steps in the modern world changes day by day? We have come to this era where our world revolves around machines and devices. You might be holding a cellphone or a computer reading this article (because it’s the only possible medium for you to be able to read this). Time flows as fast as the wind rushes, life advances and advances; leaving a world full of connections and wires due to innovating technologies. And journalism is one to count into this advancing world.

Journalism, as what the American Press Institute defines, is an act of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is an occupation or profession of writing designed for newspapers or magazines, or of broadcasting news on radio or television. However the traditional Journalism, as what was stated above, is slowly changing comparable to how modern our technology changes. The traditional method gradually develops and becomes more and more digital.

Cardboards and social media stuffs
Image Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/salesforce/2014/09/03/creating-winning-social-media-plan/

Digital Journalism: The New World of Journalism

            Digital Journalism or what many calls as “Online Journalism”, is very much alike to the traditional way the only main difference is the medium of presenting news and information; hence its name digital or online, news and information of this kind are presented digitally/online.

            From the print and manual type of work through the digital and more accessible type, journalism has gone through different changes. Though, the printed type is still available, online journalism is now continuously growing and mustering more appreciation from the mass individuals. Several news publications nowadays offer online portals to go in with the flow of this modern world.

            Broadsheets like Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Standard Today, presents online portals which are free and updated. Competition is highly intense in this modern day and they need to go within the flow of how advanced journalism runs. Its running very quickly that traditional printed news are being push down the hole.

Granting that this kind of scenario predicts the downfall of printed media, it benefits Journalism as well. News goes flashing at the speed of light. The mass people are updated a minute after the story.  Everyone is being up-to-date, anyone can spill out their feedbacks in any scenarios and online Journalists can include images, music, sound, video etc. to support their stories.

The Bottom line is…

Print Media or Traditional Journalism is still very much needed by many but online Journalism can reach as many individuals as possible. Quoting the statement of Michael Fusco in “An Analysis of the Competing Business Models of Online Journalism”:

“If journalism is the art of documenting history, then online journalism is the art and science that will allow humans to document the future. During the past two decades, marvelous technological advancements have allowed journalists to tell stories from new perspectives and distribute them to wider audiences. While journalism on paper likely will last at least for generations, a new set of tools has been created to help the news industry better achieve its many social roles.”

SOURCES:

http://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism-essentials/what-is-journalism/

http://techblogbiz.blogspot.com/2012/06/online-journalism-introduction.html

Why was Apolinario Mabini just seated during the entire Heneral Luna Movie?

A picture of the late Apolinario Mabini sitting in his chair
Image Source: http://indiohistorian.tumblr.com/post/27812996134/baga-mat-mahina-at-akoy-may-saquit-kinusa-ng-loob

As the biopic film “Heneral Luna” continues to trend in the Philippines, another issue concerning another Filipino hero which was also featured in the movie arises. As a group of college students asked why Epy Quizon, who portrayed Apolinario Mabini in Heneral Luna, was always seated in the entire two hours movie.

Just recently actor Jeffrey “Epy” Quizon shared on Facebook that a group of which he acclaimed were Freshmen College asked him why his character, Apolinario Mabini, was just sitting during the whole Heneral Luna movie.

This issue arouse negative feedbacks from netizens in Social Medias, even stating that schools are to blame because of their insufficiency in educating students in history classes.

SCREENGRAB FROM GMA NEWS FACEBOOK PAGE

Apolinario Mabini was the very first prime minister in the country. He was also a minister of foreign affairs and the adviser of President Emilio Aguinaldo. Mabini was known as the “Brain of the Revolution.”

He was afflicted with Polio in 1895 but despite that he still managed to serve the Philippines as a government official. Mabini was exiled to Guam in 1901. In 1903, Apolinario Mabini died of cholera, two months after returning to Manila, at the age of 38.

SOURCE:http://entertainment.inquirer.net/179411/why-is-mabini-just-seated-epy-quizon-stands-up-to-the-confused

Bata: A Mini Documentary About Poverty

"There was an old woman who lived in a shoe,
She had so many children she didn't know what to do;
She gave them some broth without any bread,
She whipped them all well and put them to bed."

~ANONYMOUS, nursery rhyme

"Then all the Fweep children would wipe away frowns
To laugh with each other on Flozzle playgrounds.
They’d swing and they’d sing and they’d dance in a ring,
‘Tis the end of poverty — what a wonderful thing!"

~ The Flat-Tummy Fweeps

Heneral Luna Fever to Reach 2016 Oscars

Image Source: http://whitecrayonsareevil.net/2015/09/14/review-heneral-luna-2015/

Heneral Luna and his cast

The Historical life of Heneral Antonio Luna will be screening again as the historical biopic “Heneral Luna” has been chosen to represent the Philippines at the upcoming 2016 Oscars for the Best Foreign Language Film category.

Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/Heneral.Luna?fref=ts
Heneral Luna's Official Facebook page update

Afternoon of September 21 (Monday), Heneral Luna Official Facebook Page happily announced the great news for all the massive Heneral Luna’s fanatics.

Image Source: https://instagram.com/p/75kulimHkR/
Meme made by netizens for Heneral Luna's nomination

According to GMA News Online, Director Jerrold Tarog’s wishes for Heneral Luna to become the first Filipino Film to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.

Image Source: http://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2015/09/08/Heneral-Luna-movie-Gen.-Antonio-Luna-Jerrold-Tarog-John-Arcilla.html
John Arcilla as Heneral Luna

Image Source: http://www.clickthecity.com/movies/detail/9IStN7/heneral-luna
Heneral Luna's Print Poster

Heneral Luna is a historical biopic film portraying General Antonio Luna’s fearless leadership to the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War. It illustrated how great of a leader and a gentleman the Filipino hero was. The movie was starred by John Arcilla( Gen. Antonio Luna) , Mon Confiado (President Emilio Aguinaldo), Epi Quizon (Apolinario Mabini) , Arron Villaflor (Joven Hernando), Joem Bascon (Col. Francisco "Paco" Roman) and Archie Alemania (Capt. Eduardo Rusca).

Image Source: http://www.filmpolicereviews.com/heneral-luna-of-chalk-paintbrush-sword-and-gun/
Heneral Luna and his troupes

 SOURCE: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537746/showbiz/chikaminute/heneral-luna-is-official-philippine-entry-to-oscars

Anonymous Hackers

Image Source: http://technology.inquirer.net/44422/hackers-deface-ntc-website-over-slow-internet-in-ph
Message left by Anonymous Philippines on NTC's website last September 20, 2015.

Slow internet connection seems to be not that of an issue in the country. Filipinos use the internet, browse and scroll without minding the speed of their internet at all. But the truth is, we pay much more than we receive using this turtle-net and so some individuals sympathized or what I want to call as “were irritated” with that fact.

September 20, 2015 (Sunday), the website of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) was hack by members of Anonymous Philippines. In the picture shown above which was made by the hackers, they’ve said that they sympathize on their fellow Filipino netizens who’s battling against “ ‘Over promised, under delivered’ system of the internet service providers in the Philippines”. Therefore they’re calling for the attention of the NTC which was why they hacked NTC’s website.

At the latter part of Anonymous Philippines’ message to NTC they said “we are asking for the fairness in charging and serving our data services; Unlimited should be patterned to its name- “UNLIMITED”; not “UNLIMITED with 800 MB cap”. A 2MBPS speed should never be a 56 kbps. A 98% service reliability should be always on the 98% part, not the 2% one.”  

And they as if left a sign for NTC whenever the issue of slow internet connection couldn’t be solve; saying as their final message:

“We are anonymous

We are Legion

We do not Forgive

We do not Forget

EXPECT US!”

SOURCE: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537643/scitech/technology/hackers-deface-ntc-website-to-protest-unreliable-internet-service-in-phl

The 117th Malolos Congress Annivesary Celebratory Blessing

Statue of the late 1st President of the Republic of the Philippines inside the vicinity of Barasoain Church.

September 15, 2015- It was a day worth celebrating for as the 117^th Malolos Congress Anniversary was celebrated in its beloved home at Barasoain Church Malolos, Bulacan.

Early Tuesday morning of September 15, 2015, Maloleños gathered around the parking lot of Barasoain Church as they celebrate the 117^th Anniversary of Malolos Congress, the first ever congress in the Philippines and even in Asia and Africa.

Numerous associations and organizations dispersed around the totality of Barasoain church as the history and importance of the first ever recognize congress in the country was recalled by Mayor Christian Natividad.

“Ito (Malolos Congress) ang naging katuparan ng pagkakaroon ng isang organisadong kongreso, ang pagkakaroon ng isang sibilisadong konstitusyon at pagkakaroon natin ng sariling Republika ng Pilipinas. Uulitin ko, napakahalaga nito sapagkat hindi lang tayo nakilala bilang isang lahing Pilipino, tayo ay kinilala mula noong mga araw na iyon (September 15,1898)  bilang isang malayang mamayang Pilipino. Hindi na tayo basta lahi tayo ay citizens of the Republic of the Philippines.” Stated by Mayor Christian Natividad.

Bulakenyos who attended the 117th Anniversary of  Malolos Congress.

 It was then followed by a brief and remarkable speech given by the Governor of Bulacan, himself, Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado. He stated, in his speech, the significance of Malolos Congress which made way to revolutionary government that then made way for Filipino freedom. Bulacan Second District Congressman Gavini “Apol” Pancho also participated in the event as the guest speaker.

“Isang karangalang mapasa-ating mga Bulakenyo ang pagkabansa ng ating lupang hinirang ay nahubog at nagmula, sa araw na ito na ikalabing lima ng Setyembre, kung saan ang makasaysayang simbahan ng Barasoain na ating tinutungtungan ngayon ay naging isang buhay na saksi sa pagbubukas ng Kongreso ng Malolos. Na siyang naging tahanan  ng pagbabalangkas ng mga batas sa ikasusulong at ikatatatag ng lahing Pilipino.” Pancho also stated that as the representative of the current government of the Philippines, he’s in charge of keeping the freedom which the Malolos Congress made way for.

And to end the commemoration of the 117^th Malolos Congress and Singkaban Festival, United Nations Ambassador Gion Gounet spilled out some good news for all of the Maloleños and Bulakenyos, he announced that a $ 400 million Solar Power Plant will be constructed in the province of Bulacan. This year’s commemoration and completion of the 117^th Malolos Congress Anniversary and Singkaban Festival was truly notable and a blessing to all Bulakenyos.

Vibrant Indakan 2015 Gave Color in Celebrating the Singkaban Festival of the Year

Colorful barangay Tabe of Guiguinto, Bulacan dancing their way through championship.

The whole grounds of Malolos Capitol View Park was filled with glamorous colors as Singkaban Festival 2015 started. Different music and colorful costumes accumulated Malolos capitol view vicinity as the most awaited festival of the year began. Singkaban are crafted bamboo arches that sprout all over the province of Bulacan as the date of the festival closes by.

            Singkaban festival is a weeklong celebration which showcases Bulakenyos artistry, culture and tradition. It is celebrated every September 8-15. And one of the most anticipated event every Singkaban Festival is the “Indakan: Street Dancing Competition.” Indakan shows how talented Bulakenyos are at street dancing.

            This year’s Indakan: Street Dancing Competition welcomed the start of Singkaban Festival last September 8, 2015. Noises occupied the whole Malolos Capitol View Park as competitors from different towns of Bulacan gathered around the area, each showcasing different dance moves and energy.

            This year’s competitors were from the town of Baliuag, Malolos, Sta. Maria, Plaridel, San Ildefonso, Hagonoy, Paombong and two barangays of Guiguinto, barangay Tabe and Tuktukan. Each town’s street dancers danced their way from Malolos Capitol to Sta. Isabel where Bulacan Sports Complex, the main event place, stands.  

            It was a competition worth dying for as all of the competitors gave their whole best during their performance. But only one will bring the trophy and the title of a winner back home and that recognition was brought home by Cherubim Montessori School of barangay Tabe, Guguinto Bulacan. They were all smiles as they were called out as champions.

             “Ibang- iba talaga yung pakiramdam na makasama dito sa Singkaban.  Unang-una kasi isang buwan lang e, kulang isang buwan lang kaming nagpractice at gumawa ng props kaya worth it talaga lahat ng pagod. To God be the glory.” Answered Jose Halalan de Leon, teacher in Cherubim when asked how he felt as their group was chosen as champions of Indakan: Street Dancing Competition 2015.

            “Sobrang proud po nagpapasalamat po kaming lahat kay God.” Stated Chablese Venua a student and street dancer of Cherubim. “Sobrang worth it po talaga lahat ng pagod” she added.

            Other than a trophy and recognition barangay Tabe, Guiguinto Bulacan was given a hundred thousand cash. In addition, Hagonoy won the best in costume and was 2nd placer in the street dance competition while barangay Tuktukan of Guiguinto was the 3rd runner up in the event.