Good Bye 2011. Welcome 2012, New Beginning. New Hopes. New Dreams.

               Some people often joke about the sordid events that this year might bring. There’s the famous 2012-is-definitely-doomsday remark invariably accented with a stern tone but comical nonetheless. Others amuse themselves by concocting a series of predictions that would befall the coming year. The skeptics say that a gruesome calamity is likely to occur and there’s no escaping it. However, optimist minds argue and take this reasoning as a well-fabricated hoax. They say that 2012 is just another year to live, to laugh, to cry and to just enjoy the mere notion of living.

               Whatever it is that will soon be occurring, no one knows for sure. People could imagine lots of things but those are just personal views. While many are visualizing what events would happen, let’s take a quick look at the happenings, gleeful or not, that 2011 had brought us.
 

The Tempest

              The wrath of typhoon Sendong was absolutely one of the most horrific events that transpired just this Dec. 16, 2011 on the northern part of Mindanao. Hundreds of lives were lost and some are still missing. The torment brought by this typhoon was both unexpected and shockingly devastating and Filipinos all over the country mourned for the lives that had perished. Even PAG-ASA failed to predict the ghastly effects of the tropical storm and many feared that such calamity might happen again. 2012 might drag with it such kind of event or worse, but the best thing one can do is to have an utmost preparation and strong reliance and faith on the Humble One above.

The Impasse

               They termed it as a constitutional crisis but it can also be referred to as an impasse - - a situation that is so difficult that no progress can be made. President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino’s trial of former President Gloria Arroyo, formed by the contestation between China and the United States in the region, resulted to open conflict between the judicial and executive branches of government. Aquino, has had Chief Justice Renato Corona impeached and many have applauded on this move by the President while others, supporters of Corona, have vehemently argued.

         This battle led to a more complex dilemma and didn’t do much good to the country. While political elites are engaging in this dispute, more Filipinos are confused and are suffering adversities which need immediate response. 2011 has had enough of this constitutional crisis. 2012 definitely wants to kiss this goodbye.

Atrocious Killing

              
           Early this November, a shocking and dreadful incident created a big buzz in the country when Ramgen Revilla (one of the former senator Ramon Revilla Sr.’s children) died violently in his own room sustaining three gun shot wounds. What made it more talked-about was that he was allegedly killed by his own siblings. It was said in the investigation that his own sibling were the master-minds of the crime.

               Authorities say that they are standing by the results of their analysis.
               Based on an investigation conducted by the Paranaque police, money was the motive behind the young Revilla’s murder. 

               Sources say that his siblings got resentful of Ramgen because he was the one that held a reported P1 million monthly support from their father, Ramon Sr.
 

Mideo’s Infamy

           This very news sparked a protest among many religious groups, organizations and common individuals. Philippine artist Mideo Cruz was bombarded with a lot of complaints when he created a poster of Jesus with wooden phallus glued to his face.His creation was a part of an exhibition held by a group of alumni from a religious university, in which artists were asked to create pieces that question figures they idolize. 

          The controversial piece by Mideo was displayed in the government-run Cultural Centre of the Philippines, a fact that has ignited remonstration from Catholic groups in the country.

          A statement on the website of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines quoted Catholic activist Jo Imbong, who said "those responsible for the public exhibit... have a liability because they offended the religious beliefs of a country that is 85 percent Christian."
Many Catholic Filipinos have been enraged over what they call a blasphemous work of Mideo, calling for its removal and threatening lawsuit.

West Philippine Sea Clash  

 

              The Philippine government has put it in the doctrine to use “West Philippine Sea” to refer to the waters west of the country instead of calling it “South China Sea”, which is the subject of the territorial claims of other nations.  The Spratly Islands are part of this territory.

              Aside from the Philippines, the other countries taking their claim on the oil-rich territory are China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

             “The Republic of the Philippines has stated its position on the various territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea. We are committed to dialog with other claimants,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told a news briefing.  

             China's Ambassador Liu Jianchao issued a statement saying the other claimants should stop searching for oil in the disputed territory.  He also emphasized that permission had to be sought from the Chinese government before any undertaking in the said area.  The dispute was heightened when China has again claimed another territory off Palawan.

               2011 is almost over, we only have few hours left to sort things out and whatever happens, it happens with a reason. Next year is a new beginning and a fresh start. 

               Let us face 2012 with a new version with lots of improvements, development and progress. 

     

               Best wishes for the future, dream big but be prepared to back that up with a good heart and lots of hard work.  

               Don't live this year in fear, Happy and Blessed Year to all of us!

Photos from Google

Pinoys’ Cool Yule: A Glance at How Filipinos Relish the Christmas Season

Christmas is indubitantly one of the much-awaited and grandly-celebrated holidays of the year. It is a time where families gather together and express gratitude to the bountiful blessings that had sweetly poured into their humble abode.

 

             Christmas is also a season of forgiveness; a perfect moment to cast off grudges and revivify relationships marred by petty misunderstandings or inconsequential disputes.

            In many countries around the globe, the celebration of Christmas lasts a week or so. However, in the Philippines, the season of thanksgiving and merriment is being celebrated for over three weeks and is regarded as the longest Christmas celebration in the world. Aside from it being the longest, Filipinos do unique stuffs every Christmas which make the celebration even more exceptional and different from that of others.      

Take a look at how Pinoys relish the yuletide season with these unique and exclusive Christmas practices.

On Wishes and Sticky Stuffs

Pinoys’ celebration of Christmas won’t be complete without the practice of Simbang-gabi. It has been a tradition wherein Filipinos go to church and attend a series of 9 dawn masses which starts on December 16^th and ends on the midnight of December 24^th.  During this time, the churches, which are beautifully adorned with colorful Christmas decorations, are flocked with people who believe that if they would fervently attend Simbang-gabi in exactly nine days, they could have one wish and it could most likely be granted by the Lord. 

Simbang-gabi is also a great time to munch on some scrumptious foods that appear only during Christmas season. One of these is called “puto bumbong”, a purple and sticky delicacy cooked in upright bamboo tubes. Pinoys savor its subtle sweet taste and take it as a perfect hunger-reliever after a slightly starving one-hour mass.

Another mouth-watering Christmas delicacy is “bibingka”, a flat cake served on banana leaves and topped with a pat of melted butter and grated coconut. There are other Filipino food favorites during Christmas season like tsokolate, salabat, ensaymada, leche flan, imported keso de bola, roasted kastanyas, hamon, especially jamón dulce and a Noche Buena must-have lechon or litson.

On Overrated Carols and Costumes

            “Sa may bahay ang aming bati…,” this is probably the most widely used Christmas carol by Filipino kids who will knock on one’s door come December 16^th although some are pretty much earlier, and in gleeful voices, will ask for a penny or two in return for their overrated and mostly out of tune Christmas carols. Some would give them money and others would offer them cookies and candies. At times, some would cut them off though they have scarcely begun singing and would say “Patawad sa Pasko na lang…” which means they wouldn’t get any cookie, candy or a single penny but they could comeback on Christmas day and expect a grander gift. 

            Christmas caroling isn’t just exclusive for Pinoy kids because even teens and adults engage in this. They would form their own group and some would even don Christmas hats as costumes. Then they would merrily visit one house after another, belting out their finely-rehearsed Christmas songs. 

On Fine Adornments and Thingabobs

            

We can not say that Filipino Christmas would be complete and at its most without the well-known traditional Philippine Christmas symbols and decorations. Yes, due to Americanization, decorations such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, tinsel, faux evergreens, reindeer, and snow have become popular. But despite these, the Philippines still retains its time-honored decorations.

            Every Christmas season you would see Filipino homes and buildings are adorned with beautiful star lanterns, called parol. These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi, also known as the Three Kings (Tatlóng Harì in Tgalog). If Westerners do have Christmas trees, Filipinos have their much-loved Parols.

     The earliest parols were made from simple materials like bamboo, Japanese rice paper (known as "papél de Hapón") or crêpe paper, and was lit by a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination; although the present-day parol has endless promising shapes and forms and is made of a variety of materials.

            Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belén -- a creche or tableau depicting the Birth of Christ. Derived from the Spanish name for Bethlehem, Belén, it depicts the infant Jesus in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals, and is surmounted by an angel, the Star or both.

            Belens can be seen in homes, churches, schools and even office buildings. The ones on office buildings can be overly flamboyant and extravagant, using different materials for the figures and using Christmas lights, parols, and painted background scenery.

            A notable outdoors belen in Manila is the one that used to be at the COD building in Cubao, Quezon City. In 2003, the belen was transferred to the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan when the COD building closed down. This belen is a lights and sounds presentation, the story being narrated over speakers set up and most probably using automatons to make the figures move up and down, or turn, etc. 

         
          Indeed, Filipinos have a cool and unique celebration of the yuletide season. Throughout the years, they have observed many of their exclusive Christmas practices and kept them as traditions. More importantly, every Pinoy knows that Christmas isn’t just about the vibrant decors that please the eyes or the delectable delicacies that satisfy the stomach but it is more about sharing gifts and giving hope and love to each and everyone.

            May the true spirit of Christmas be with us this season. 

 Photos and Gif images from Google

Uncover

*The following article was written by Germaine Escolano; an Inkie. This was her entry in the 2008 MMFF Gender Sensitivity Writing Contest in Quezon City and had won 2^nd place.

It won’t take ages for a society to make its head turn on the issue about gender sensitivity. One wouldn’t have to have such stupendous Edward Cullen I-know-what-you-think-because-I-can-read-minds thinking capability just to get a scoop of what’s going on about the matter. We may be on a constant roller coaster ride since we have already fallen on the pit of today’s crisis, but the sexuality goes alongside and even Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak is not that magical enough to put this totally out of sight. We would need a black hole to flex it into a spinning spaghetti-like figure until it would run out of control and blast off. A fantasy world that is, but in reality, nothing can smash up the whole thing. At present time, understanding gender would mean two things. One, getting your eyes wide open on people’s points of view. And two, having your ears checked to be able to perceive at least a bit of what they say. Entertainment industry and movies in particular are lucky enough to get a chance on voicing out their own perspective on masculinity ad femininity.

The 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival showed a variety of movies ranging from a heart-touching melodramatic movie to a funny-cackling stress-taking one, down to a soul-freezing nerve-stiffening film. “Baler”, a Viva film starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales won the Most Gender Sensitive Film award. The movie narrates a historic event of the Spanish colonialism specifically on Baler, Quezon. Though, the plot was set on a bygone era, the whole production was still able to give rise to a thrilling approach giving the audience a knock-out blow. Anne Curtis played the role of Feliza, a typical Filipina who irrevocably fell in love with Celso (Jericho Rosales), a half-Filipino soldier assigned by the Spanish government in the Philippines and was designated at Baler, Quezon along with a troop of Spanish soldiers. She was a daughter of Phillip Salvador, a rebel who had a bone-deep hatred on Spaniards since he suffered a lot from them when he was still young and they got him witnessed the brutal rape of his sister from a Spanish soldier. Anne showed the stereotype Maria Clara, who was innocent-looking, religious, polite and kind. But later on, because of the love she had for Celso, she learned to untangle herself and disobey her parents, hiding her unapproved affair with a Spanish soldier. Phillip Salvador had the most prevailing character. He showed great authority and strictly demand obedience among his family members. His character illustrated Filipino men in the late years, who were authoritative in every manner, and whose decisions should be sternly observed. Rio Locsin, on the other hand, who played the wife’s character, greatly depicted Filipino women in the late years. She merely followed her husband’s command. When Anne got pregnant, she was even blamed by her husband as irresponsible, telling her that her guidance was not yet enough. It was in this part that she learned to answer back, saying she never neglected being a mother; it was their daughter’s choice.

Star Cinema’s box office hit, “Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat” flaunted a more accurate representation of today’s women. Ai-Ai Delas Alas played a hilarious single mother of twelve kids who were in every field successful. Their family was seen irrefutably intact in the first part, a typecast Filipino family who cherishes its bonding moments together. But the dilemma aroused when everyone got busy in their careers and Ai-Ai soon found herself seeking for her children’s attention, doing every way to make them proud of her. Though the movie was every inch a humorous one, made to bring its audience to a crackling laughter, one can’t still help being teary-eyed when her children neglected her birthday. Ai-Ai was seen here being the country’s leader, exposing to the public the unlawful activities of the vice-president who was also responsible for the assassination of the former president. The film suggested the Filipina today, who cooperates actively in the drama of political affair as well as dedicated in her job. The entertainment it reveals also shows the strength of a Filipina. It portrays how resilient mothers are and that they are already capable of doing men’s work.

“Shake Rattle and Roll” also depicts how the society undeniably accepts women today. The movie has three horrifying and hair-raising stories wherein three actresses played the main roles, Roxanne Guinoo, Kim Chiu and Marian Rivera. The whole production was able to give the audience a sense of understanding that Filipina can find solutions to their own problems. The three actresses were seen here finding ways to get out of their terrifying situations. A true portrayal of women today, it did not show scaredy-cats ladies rather strong-willed ones who can even save other people’s lives. Marian Rivera played the character of a fearless lady who calls herself an “engkanto slayer”. She was the female counterpart of an “albularyo” but showed more power when it comes to healing and driving away the bad spirits in their neighborhood. Her name echoes from every corner of the town where she lives because of her unique and impressive ability.

There are two other films “Desperadas 2” and “One Night Only” that cast away the Maria Clara personality. “Desperadas 2” showed the relationship between sisters as they got their own share of problems. The movie has its own sense of humor revealing to the viewers the sisters’ outrageous search for an eternal and passionate love. On the other hand, “One Night Only” gave the audience a deep-rooted feeling on the quest of having a well-established affair. It also appeals to the rights of the third sex in the society. The film showed how same-sex people accepted each other and how they strongly gave in to their desires.

The 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival surely did well on expressing to the public how the society accepts women today. Many of the films have women as their lead roles, an indicative that the superiority of men on women had been indisputably raked off. All the movies represented the greatness of a Filipina currently. Discrimination on men and women had been wiped away. There are no such man-knocks-his-wife’s-head-and-pulls-her-hair-throwing-her-with-spiteful-words scenes. The films illustrated the reality that women are in constant development and that they have carefully gotten out of their shells, exposing to the public their hidden skills. They have inculcated on the audience’s minds that modern-day Filipinas, though have gotten their way off from the innocent looks of Maria Clara, find a better way of expressing themselves to the society in which they can be fully accepted. Yes, awareness on gender sensitivity has been unquestionably brought out by these films. It’s undeniable that men are great since God created them as mighty human beings but this greatness can also be done by women and they have flourished fully that the society is now awe-stricken by their great performances. Women have learned to uncover their best and unleash it to the society.

 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival Official Entries

(Movie Trailers)

 Enteng ng Ina Mo 

Segunda Mano

Panday 2

My House Husband, Ikaw na!

Shake Rattle and Roll 13

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Manila King Pin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga

Videos from YouTube

What do you want to get this Christmas?

A brand new phone?

 A brand new laptop?

  

 A flashy car perhaps?

source: photos by google

          These are absolutely amazing things one fantasizes to get this Christmas season.

          But what do shoppers at Greenhills Christmas Tiangge have to say?

SHOP LIKE SANTA: Inkies’ Christmas Shopping Escapade at Greenhills Christmas Tiangge

The bells are ringing.

The lights are flickering. 

The joyous music is wafting through the streets.

 And the blissful spirit is high up in the air. But what’s this? Santa’s asleep? 

Wake up Santa! Christmas is fast approaching and there are a multitude of young ones and young ones at heart who are eager for their Christmas presents. But while you’re still snoring deep and probably contemplating on what gifts to give, the Inkies went on an escapade to help you and other kindred and generous souls pick the coolest and cheapest items to give this Christmas season. 

source: gif images from Google

THE HUNT

           There are numerous shopping centers in the country but some of those sell stuffs at costly prices. Don’t be sober though because the Inkies have explored a great place where you can shop awesome items at cheap costs.

            Here it is Inklets. 

Greenhills Christmas Tiangge! 

 

            Greenhills Christmas Tiangge is one of the biggest and most visited shopping places in the country every Christmas season. Located just outside the Greenhills Shopping Complex, it houses a labyrinth of small stalls selling a variety of amazing stuffs that one can choose from. There are also food stalls offering delectable and mouth-watering foods meant to satisfy one’s famished self from the fun but tiring shopping escapade.

            Since it is only 8 days to go before the much-awaited holiday of the year, the place is swarming with shoppers and one might get dizzy circling the area. So, to spare you the pain, the Inkies provided you a list of the cool items in this awesome tiangge that you can offer your loved ones.

THE LIST

Something Cute and Cuddly

                If you are looking for something really cute to give this Christmas, there are a bunch of awesomely cute items to choose from.  First in our list is this gorgeous floral blouse. It comes in different styles and designs. You can stun and wow everyone sporting this chic top for only P200! 

                Second are these fluffy, mushy and adorably cute items. These are definitely a must-have in your list! These endearing stuffed toys will never be out of date in any occasion especially this holiday. You can get it in the affordable price of P100 each. And if you like the puffy toys, you’ll absolutely love these charming hand puppets. 

        These are not just your ordinary puppets; they are certainly one of the most lovable puppets on earth. And you can have it for just P150.

   Last but positively not the least, are these amazing personalized mugs. For only P150, you can ornate the mug yourself and say that you really exerted effort in this gift by adding your own personal twist on it. 

Something Long and Sassy

        Can’t think of something long? These great items are definitely something that one would love to have.

      These shiny and beautifully crafted necklaces will unquestionably dazzle your girlfriends. To sparkle and to add life in any outfit that one has. You can have these shimmering crafts in the reasonable price of P100.

       Oh jelly belt! Jelly belt is without a doubt one of the must-haves to give this Christmas. These colorful and funky-looking belts are absolutely becoming a trend and each costs only P150. 

Something Big and Chic

To have that cute, fashionista style, you should buy these extremely gorgeous big bags. Your fashion-forward friends will utterly love it. Get these gorgeous bags for just P350 each.

Something Crafty and Colorful

        Check out this unique and colorful lamps perfect as a Christmas present. You’ll love its radiant and funky glow. Anyone would be delighted to have this and you’d equally be delighted because it costs only P250! 

        Oh, just look at these bright pencil cases and notebooks! For only P50, you can give this to someone who loves to scribble notes and enjoys writing down his thoughts. Expect an elated beam in return.

     Want to keep track of time? These flashy watches can do just that. For only P100, it can certainly be the perfect gift. Go grab one.

         They’re not just wallets. They’re jelly wallets! Their radiant and luscious color is undeniably irresistible and each costs only P150.

Something Squishy and Soft 

        If you’re thinking of giving something soft, the Inkies have discovered these two cool and squeezable stuffs. 

    They call it the squeeze purse. It’s adorably squishy and is a great gift this Christmas. Have this spongy feel for only P150.

        Next is these angry bird-designed pamper balls. Kids and adults alike will love squeezing these stress-relieving balls and you can buy one for only P50.

HO-HO-HO!

         The bells are ringing. 

         The lights are flickering. 

         The joyous music is wafting through the streets. 

         And the Inkies have just provided you the coolest Christmas shopping list!

         Now, where’s that big-bellied Santa? Here he comes, ready for his own shopping escapade.

         Well then, you better start doing yours and Santa might just give you a present too. Celebrate Christmas through sharing gifts and spread love just like Santa. Have a fun and funky Christmas!