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... :-)