goal

The Philippines is not really into sports. Well to put is more clearly, the Phiippines is not really excelling well in sports.

As of today the country ranks 5th place in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Way below Thailand and Vietnam. The country had never won a gold in the Oympics and just 1 or 2 silvers in the history of the Olympics. The Philippines has never joined World Cup finals or other big time sporting events. The weird thing is that Filipinos love sports, yet has not shown it yet to the world.

Basketball is a favorite pasttime in the country. Swimming is also big in the country, having been surrounded by water since the beginning, it is no surprise. Filipinos love PBA, UAAP, NCAA and a whole lot of Sportsfest. Filipinos are sports fans and addicts. They have the strength and determination to excel. But why can't they beat the world?

Although, there are a few who became world famous- Manny Pacquiao, Efren "Bata" Reyes. If one thinks about it, it is just boxing and billiards. What about other sports especially team sports? The Philippines has not left that big impact in sports in the world.

Probably it all boils down to funding. The government lacks money to fund stadiums, sports training, sports facilities among other things. Sports is not a priority in the country's budget. It is just sad to hear things like this. Good thing, some companies would sponsor Philippine teams. Cebuana Lhuillier takes care of the women's basketball team, Happee, PLDT, Smart, San Miguel and other companies does the same with other teams. At the very least, there are companies who supports.

The country has so much potential to lead in sports, even just in the region. In fact, the Philippine won over-all champion in the SEA Games hed in the country. Governement should give a little more for sports, because it might seem that it's just sports. But the truth is sports is more than just winning or losing... It helps people in many things- physically, socially, mentally and it also prevents people to take drugs or do vices. Above all, sports unite the country in ways that are intangible and in ways that citizens cannot comprehend.

a supplement to the previous entry

This article came from abs-cbnnews.com and this can be made a supplemental report to the latest entry in this blog.


Shun excessive materialism at Christmas, Pope says

from Reuters

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict on Sunday urged Catholics to rediscover the religious significance of Christmas, saying the holiday should not be dominated by materialism.

The Pope's words at his Sunday blessing to crowds in a rainy St Peter's Square marked the second consecutive day that the Pontiff warned of consumerism just as the Christmas shopping season kicked off in Italy.

"Too often, unfortunately, today's manner of living and perceiving Christmas suffers from a materialistic mentality," he said.

On Saturday, when Roman Catholics marked the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the leader of the 1.1 billion member Church said adults were only deceiving children by introducing them at ever younger ages into a life of unbridled materialism.

Too many children were growing up in a world saturated with "false models of happiness" and being lured by unscrupulous adults into what he called the "dead-end street of consumerism," he said on Saturday.

christmas nowadays

It's basically christmas already! The holiday fever has started way back when the so-called 'ber' months came. In the Philippines, Christmas is a very special season. One can see colorful christmas decorations in almost everywhere. The streets of Makati are filled with golden lights, Araneta Center in Cubao has a very tall Christmas tree and just about every establishment has decors and sounds and lights all over the place. Despite poverty in the country, this holiday season will still be celebrated with a big bang. After all, this is the only time of the year where family reunites with one another and where offices and classes have their own parties and fun activities.

Christmas is such one of the most awaited events of the year. But as Christmas trees grew taller every year and as lanterns become bigger every year, the true Christmas spirit diminishes every year. It has become a big commercial/revenue generating/ and spiritless event. There are so many Christmas specials, christmas sales and other gimmicks. Although they are good for consumers, it is not good for Christmas. Businesses used the holiday season for their own benefit. Christmas has lost touch its real meaning. People sees Christmas as Sale day or party season or vacation week.

In other countries, like Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, India among others. They celebrate Christmas with a big bang- fireworks, parties- you name it. They promote tourism by their Christmas events in their respective countries. What is ironic is that these countries are not even Christian in general. Yet they celebrate the birth of Christ??? This is bothering coz I don't even think they know what Christmas really means and yet they greet "Merry Christmas" to everyone. As if they know that it is the time when the Savior was born. Christmas has lost touch really its real and true meaning. It saddens me that Christmas is celebrated all over the world... minus the fact that it is Christ's birthday.

The Philippine should take advantage of this scenario. In fairness to the country, it really celebrates Christmas differently from Asian countries. For one, Filipinos know that it is the birth of Christ and that it is also a thanksgiving. There are "simbang gabi" and traditional noche buena for the entire family. Plus the fact that there are also sales and fireworks and other gimmicks too. The country should position itself as the place where one can experience the real spirit of Christmas in the Far East . It is a fact anyway. Western countries and even Asian nations would want to visit the Philippines knowing that indeed since the country is a predominantly Christian nation, then probably the Philippines does celebrate Christmas in its truest sense. Tourism department must think of this strategy next time (if there is a budget of course). I'm sure Asians, who are not Christians, would feel interested to know and feel real and true Christmas the right way. After all, it is more expensive to go to the US or other "Christmas countries". Just a thought.

negativity

It is a fact that there are things people surely don't like about themselves. Some don't like their status, some their homes, some their work and some their appearance. Truly, almost all people questions a certain part of their body. One wants a better breast, one a good-looking nose, another one would wish to extend his penis, and some would want to look thin and sexy. Others also would want to change the color of their skin- from dark to white and for some from white to tan. People surely are not contented with their body.

And this is partly the fault of the media. People see their favorite celebrities on TV and want to be like them. For others, they see the advertisements showing women with long back hair and white skin and super flawless face and great teeth, etc. For the guys, they see men with muscular built with 6-pack abs, flawless skin, and a lot of women wanting to be near the guy. Ordinary people, which comprise 99.9% of society wants these kinds of body figures. That is why cosmetic surgery clinics are earning well and that is why beauty products companies are gaining more and more clients and that is why fitness gyms suddenly sprouts a over the metro. Not to mention, the many miracle drugs that promises to whiten your skin or bring back more hair for the bald.

Wanting to look good is itself not bad. No one would want to look like trash. But the reason behind looking beautiful and sexy must be thought about properly.

When people look at other people, the first thing they notices is the one thing they lack. If one has a dark skin, she will automatically notice first the skin of the other person. If one has flat nose, the first thing she looks at is the nose of the other. Many people look at others based on what they don't have and what they proudly have. The problem of beauty lies there. Beauty is supposed to be subjective, but now there are cetain standards that everyone follows.

Of course, not all people think this way. There are still many who doesn't really care about what others think regarding beauty. But majority are victims of this idea, of this mindset. One must have a change of perspective to see the real beauty. Media must reduce projecting standards of beauty. Even the not-so-perfect people can be the most beautiful of all.

democracy

Democracy, an already over-used term in the Philippines. If before, it was such a sacred word and a word everyone keeps in their heart. Now, it is so abused that everyday people would hear it most especially on the streets, where people rally and shout demokrasya, kalayaan etc.

In a speech given by ABS-CBN Senior Vice President for News and Current Affairs Maria Ressa, as she accepted the TOWNS Award at Malacañang on October 18, 2007, she stated:

"For two decades now, my friends and I have had an ongoing debate: why isn’t our country doing better? First, it was because we didn’t have democracy. Then it was because we had too much democracy. Now it’s because our democracy is too mangled and torn by vested interests – often distorting truth and shattering certainty. What can we believe in? Where do we find hope?"

The country is experiencing a lot of difficuties, the question is what or who seems to be the culprit of this? Of course, the Philippines also has a slice of good news and comparatively speaking, this country is a lot better that other countries like those in Africa I guess. But the Philippines is far behind from its neighbors. The country was second in Asia in terms of economy, growth, etc in the 1950's. Now all other countries caught up and never looked back. The islands stayed in the bottom part. The Philippines was once the envy of Asia, the Pearl of the Orient. Now, I don't see the pearl shining anymore. What was the problem? What happenned?

We asked for democracy and freedom, it was given. Nothing happened. We asked for a change of government, it was changed. Nothing happened. Now, a new government is being wished by many.

With all these, What can we believe in? Where do we find hope?
There is hope for sure, that I can answer.

high low

The Philippines is growing quite well. The peso hits a 7-year high rate at around Php 44.31 versus the US dollar. And to think that it reached almost the Php 60 mark more than a year ago. The Philippine stocks are also setting an all time high record. Businesses in the country are flourishing. Investors are gaining a lot from this growth. The peso is in fact the second best performing currency in Asia, only next to India's. It is no surprise that foreign companies are bullish in investing in the country. HSBC even predicted that the peso will continue to rise by 41-42 by the end of the year. This is a good news for many. Even Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself is proudly saying it to foreign businessmen when she visited the US, China and India in the past weeks. With all the controversy hounding her, the good news of the economy was her weapon against detractors.

On the other hand, this news brings sadness and frustration for millions of the Filipinos. A good and strong economy should be a good sign for all countrymen, but not all are happy. OFW's are one reason why the peso is gaining strength, but they are also affected negatively by it. They remit millions to their families in the Philippines. If before their 100 US dollars is Php 500, now it's just Php 440. Families of OFW's do not really feel happy about the good news of our economy. They now receive less as compared to before. And there are around 10 million OFW's around the globe who are affected by the growth. Very ironic.

OFW's should not feel sad about it. It is true that the value of their money is now low as compared a few years ago, but if this growth continues, then they don't have to work abroad anymore. One must think of the long term development. If this growth continues, then there will be more companies investing in the country, more tourists to visit the country, thus more employment, more infrastructure and a more progressive society awaits everyone. Of course, it will not be an easy ride. It will take time and prayers. A good economy must be also a good sign for the Filipinos, whether they are OFW or not. The country might be inadequate in a lot of things, but at least the economy is improving and with it comes development of the entire nation. Of course, all these depends also on how the country is governed. The economy is high but do people actually feel it?. Well, that's another topic. From now, one still needs to pray for continuous growth.

Who knows tomorrow the peso might reach an 8-year high.

of growth and politics

For the past weeks and months, the Philippines was and is on the rise. Well, economically speaking that is. The country's economy has been improving a lot. The Philippine Stock Exchange is rising, the peso is getting stronger, there are now more investors in the country, inflation rate is slowly decreasing and a whole lot of economic improvements. The country is experiencing growth nobody expected. Of course, it is a very good thing. After the Asian Crisis exactly a decade ago, it was hard to imagine that the country could recover in less than 10 years. Now, one can see more buildings being constructed, more BPO companies, more infrastructure being built and the focus is not just Manila but the provinces as well. All these things are good and great. If not for the political controversies hounding the country, the Philippines could have even been stronger. A lot of issues are plaguing the country. One of it is the ZTE scandal, which involves resigned COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos and the First Gentleman himself. There are also the Cyber-Ed Project and the Hello, Garci scandal. How weird and funny (and sometimes wise and stupid) politicians are in the government. They make the biggest mistakes and ask the wrong questions and everyting becomes so controversial. Now, Filipinos eat politics for breakfast, lunch and dinner (together with showbiz news). All these make the Philippines a fun place to live. One is experiencing growth in the economy, and also has politicians as the public's entertainers.

best and worst

The Philippines is in the limelight again this week for a rare reason. No, it's not about the verdict on the former president's plunder case or is it about the controversial National Broadband Deal. Just within this week, the country was listed among the best and the worst in the world. How ironic can that be? It is and it's true. The Philippines was included in the list of the Top 20 Best Islands to live in the world! But also was included in the Dirty 30- the top 30 dirtiest places in the world. How weird huh?

Negros Oriental in the Visayas Region was among the Top 20 best islands to live in. The list was made by the international Islands Magazine, one of the widest circulated and most trusted travel publication in the US. The factors that determine the Top 20 List was the weather, language spoken, ease of immigration, accessibility to hospital and others. The list also includes Grand Cayman, Gozo in Malta, Carriacou in Grenada and Vieques in Puerto Rico. This is a good sign for Filipinos. Despite the fact that a lot of Pinoys want to leave the country, it is good to know that there is still a good place to live in the country. And that it was recognized by the foreigners.

On the other hand, a river system in Bulacan was included in the World's Worst Polluted Places 2007. It was conducted by Blacksmith Institute, a New York-based environmental group. It mentions that the river system is very dangerous and polluted because of haphazard dumping of industrial wastes. This river system is the source of water for 250,000 residents. How sad to hear stories such as this. The country may have developed and may have constructed more factories and manufacturing plants, but if they don't know how to throw their waste properly, then the country will never improve at all. The government should have done something about these industrial plants. After all, people are affected by such pollution. Yes, there may be employment for the people, but if pollution increases, there will be no one to work, since everyone's either sick or dead. It's also funny to know that Bulacan is just so near Manila, yet that problem was never resolved by anyone.

To end the blog with a happy and surprising trivia. The Philippines was also voted by Yahoo! users as one of the Top 10 World Travel Destinations. These destinations are called the 10 passport worthy-locations. Manila was number 10. This is really a pleasant surprise. Who would have thought Manila woud be included. I would be less surprise if Cebu or Boracay or Palawan would be on the list. But no, Yahoo! users chose Manila. And I guess they voted for it because of Manila's exotic feel and cheap shopping and friendly people. Others in the Top 10 are Cancun in Mexico, Rome-Italy, Lisbon-Portugal, Phuket-Thailand and Paris-France as the number 1. Phuket and Manila are the only Asian places.

The Philippines is indeed a world of its own. Many contradictions, thus very exciting. Last week Erap was convicted, now Gloria faces another big hump in her presidency and today marks the 25th anniversary of Martial Law. An exciting country indeed.

pinoy college basketball

The collegiate basketball is one of the higlights of college life every year. And this year is no exception. As of today, UAAP and NCCA Seasons are still on going. All teams are fighting for the big win. They should, their entire university is up for them. Basketball is indeed the most favorite pastime of Filipinos. From the mere barangay basketball up to PBA/NBA. In fact, one could see a basketball court in just anywhere- in all barangays, schools, subdivisions and even streets. It is one of the must-haves in every district, next to the chapel of course. And even up to college, the love for the game- whether your a player or a spectator, never ends. With college basketball, the love for the game is mixed with the loyalty to the school. And that is where the fun really is.

It is a great thing that universities join this kind of events. This game can help develop sportsmanship, physical strength, etc... and not to mention can boost school spirit to its highest level. But can it boost Filipino spirit?

It's weird cause these schools are very Filipino in its core values and teachings. But... just look at the names of their teams. I'm sure no one really think it's something to talk about, but if one looks closely, it is indeed bothering. Schools cheer for the Lions,Stags the Archers, the Maroons, the Falcons, the Bulldogs, the Tigers- I mean do we even have them in the Philippines? This might not be a big thing, but it does need answers. Some of the names are very American-university in a way. Why cheer for bulldogs or falcons or lions or stags or Warriors (which has an Indian as symbol, when they are not even in the Filipino mindset.

In fairness to some NCCA, their team names are more neutral in a sense- Blazers, Cardinals, Bombers. But out of all the teams in UAAP and NCCA, I think the most Filipino name would be the Tamaraws and the Eagles - at least your sure these creatures are in the Philippines (Tamaraws are found in Mindoro and the Eagle being the Philippine National Bird).

This is just my thought. Of course, a lot woud disagree. It's just weird cheering for something so unknown to us and yet we continue cheering. These team names are not the essence of the school, but they represent the school in many ways, that is why they are also very important. On the other hand, it's kinda lame to name a team as Maya or Carabao or Tarsier... :-)

Money Talks

Why is money so important? We use it to buy things (anything at all). We use it to pay for anything and everything under the sun and the moon. It is so important that it is also the basis of our very lives. We talked money with our loved ones- ask money for grocery, children's education, allowance, for a new pair of shoes, for autoload, etc. We also make money as the basis of everything in our lives- some work abroad because money is there even if one doesn't like to leave his family, some will work for a job that is not related to his course just because the other job pays more.

Many people do things they do not really want because of money. How ironic it is that money can make us do things we wanted- like shop, dine, watch movies etc- but money also makes us do things we do not want to do. Like for example, take nursing even if you actually like fine arts or work in a call center even if you really want to be a writer.

It is just sad to hear stories such as this and it all is money-related. Money is so important, yet only a few have them. It controls our nation, our family, our life. It is just unfortunate for us that our country is in poverty level. And I don't know how to solve a problem such as money. Everyday I see people lining up for a Lotto ticket (very long line). Al of them wanted to win the big prize, and I'm sure most of them are not expecting to. It's just that they want something to hold on to and something to hope for.

Books now are all into how to make money, grow rich and create the best business in the world. It's all very helpful and it's nice for them to share their expertise. But it's kinda disturbing also that there are a hundred books about the topic. It's all about money. Although I must say that money is not evil. It is just how we use and maybe how we acquire them that must be thought about. Well, even I want more money. I want to be very rich. And I guess that is where the problem starts.

minimum requirement

We are all asked to do more and to strive more for excellence. In our school, it is called magis. And it is something we all fail to do. Yesterday I attended a mass and the homily was all about the minimum requirement. The things that we always do is just what is minimum. But why do the minimum when we can maximize it.

The priest gave the example of the husband and wife. Every night the husband would just sleep with his wife in the same bed. The priest added why not do more than sleeping, like maybe kiss your wife often or just do more than being a man of the house. He asked us the question: Do we need to pray the rosary in order to be saved? He said no. Do we need to attend mass on weekdays? He said no. Do we need to do confession every month? He said no. But then he added, why do the minimum?

And it is so true. Why do the minimum, when we can surely maximize the experience? It does not only refer to being a Christian, but to being a human being. Being a child, a friend, a parent, an officemate- why do the minimum?

This country would really prosper if people would utilize their talents and skills, with honesty and hardwork. We can be more than this. Or you can be more than who you are. We are not required to do it, but why settle for less? You are not required to text your friend, you are not required to call your parents, you are not required to say the rosary, you are not required to run an extra mile. But all this you do to maximize your life. In job hunting, the minimum requirement is a college degree for example. Wouldn't it be better if you also had a minor degree or if you can speak a different language. Surely, you will get the job.

Of course, one must caution himself not to over do it. Magis is very different from greed and far fetched ambition. Do more kung kaya pa. And do more not only for yourself, but for others.

We all can do more. It is up to ourselves if we want to remain doing the minimum requirement or the maximum expression.

what's with the name?

The real estate industry in the Philippines is booming. We can see more and more buildings being built every year, as compared a decade ago during the Asian Financial Crisis where there was so few. Now, it is a good sign for the economy as towers are sprouting in Philippine soil. More and more investors are putting their money in building condominiums for the urban people of Metro Manila (and other major cities in the country as well). Real estate developers are becomming a household name- Megaworld, Ayala Land, Robinsons Land, Filinvest etc.

But, what's with the name?

Names of almost all new condominiums and buildings are very western. And this bothers me. I mean, there is the Manhattan Garden City in Cubao, One Mckinley Tower at the Fort, Newport City in Pasay, San Francisco Garden Tower in Mandaluyong, Gramsci Residences at the Century City in Makati and so many many others. It is good that there are new condos in the metropolis, but why use such names? My theory... i guess it has something to do with colonial mentality (the usual suspect). People can't go to New York, so might as well built Manhattan in Cubao. Filipinos prefer to live in an elegant foreign sounding name. It's bothersome. What's worst is that we tend to connect elegance and beauty with foreign names, and Filipino sounding names as just mere 2nd place.

Well, I don't suggest we use "super" Filipino words such as Tatlonghari Building or something to that effect. I think there are many Filipino words that can be incorporated as condo names. Maybe like: Datu Residences, Kalayaan Towers, Lakandula Suites or instead of a Manhattan Garden City- Visayas Garden City (and the names of the buildings will be like Cebu, Negros, Boracay, etc. I know the idea sounds weird, but it's possible. I think it would help us as a country if we promote our Filipinoness even in the names of our buildings.

On a general note, I don't really blame the developers or the people living in this condos. I guess that's just how our society works. Sadly true.


NOTE: The author currently lives at the California Garden Square in Mandaluyong, a condominium compound with more than a dozen buildings with names such as Dayton, Carlton, Burbank, Fairfax, etc.

prologue

It's raining right now and it had been for 3 days already. The good thing is that it helps the dry lands in the Philippines. The bad side is that it killed more than 10 people in some provinces. The weather is really weird here in Manila and all over the world, i guess. It's already August and there were no tropical storms during the past months, which on normal circumstances, storms occur this time of the year. Is this what Al Gore is talking about?

Not only the Philippines is experiencing such weather abnormalities. One can see that the rest of planet Earth also feels it. Flood in England, heat waves in Europe, snowfall in South Africa and moonsoon rains in South Asia- it doesn't look good.

Weird weather patterns look familiar. They are the very plot in Hollywood movies wherein a tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption or ice melting happens. Kinda scary right. But well, life must go on. People don't really care (or they care very much then forget about it the next day). Climate change has been the issue now in a lot of international conventions including the World Economic Forum last year at Davos and the recently concluded ASEAN Ministerial Summit in Manila. I hope good reforms and changes are comming up.

It has stop raining as I write this, but I am sure the clouds will cry again later. Generally, this rain is good for the country. After all, this rain increases water level in the dams. And that's good news. God has actually answered the prayers of his people, right after Archbishop Rosales urged all parishes to pray for rain. I just hope it doesn't rain too much.

As they say, if it rains, it pours. Well, I guess that's not a good quote to end this blog entry. But anyway, this blog entry will be a start of both deep and shallow insights on life, death and everything else in between.

I'll go watch again An Inconvenient Truth.