Friendship at World Wide Web

This blog post is especially dedicated to one of my blogger friends who despite her busy schedule had given me the time and space on her blog. Folks, please feel free to meet Stephanie at this link. -

http://www.bittersweetlife.co.cc/ 

My award says - The Kababayan Award. Kababayan by the way is a Filipino language stating you are from same country. 

Stephanie, I would like to say, much more than thank you for giving me a space in your blog. I am greatly honored for the award. I never thought I could bring sunshine to some of my readers. My blog posts are what I do everyday, my lifestyle, work and anything just to express my feelings. It is a hobby for a while. Now, my blog became my window to the World Wide Web. Likewise to my blogger friends and readers, thank you all, for your continued support.  ♥)

A Festive Family Gathering

I visited my parents again Sunday the 7^th, at the memorial park. I thought of seeing the caretaker of my parents plot for his allowance. The caretaker is on his early fifties who earn his living, taking care of the plots at the memorial park. I did not see him last 25^th of Oct, the last time I visited. Being a Sunday and a week after All Souls Day, the memorial park was full of visitors taking time off from household chores to visit their loved ones. Or I guess like me they did not have time to visit last 1^ST of Nov. I was at work then.

For some families who have cars either they visit early, prior to All Souls Day celebration to have a good parking slot. Or, visit after the occasion. For a fee, tents are provided by the memorial park with matching chairs and a table. The park was on festive mood that started early Sunday morning. As described to me by my parents caretaker. Since night vigils are no longer allowed by the memorial park after All Saints Day and All Souls day. The visiting family members stayed from early morning to late afternoon.  Packed lunch, water and juices were among those prepared for a day vigil.

Upon arriving at the park, a boy around I guess four years old was crouched with pout lips trying to blow a candle. His older sister was giggling as she tried to stop him. The boy probably thought the candle had to be blown like the candle on his birthday cake. The candles placed on the headstones or anywhere near the departed loved ones have to be left lighted.  Soon as extinguished, they have to be replaced until all the visiting family members decided to go home. Of course, beautiful floral arrangements are likewise laid on same places.

The Philippines is composed of several regions and ethnic groups that may differ, in honoring and showing love to departed loved ones. One thing sure is Filipinos attachment to their families, living or those in the after lives.  ♥

Tactless Showoff

I read this article posted on Yahoo Philippines where the good Korean actress Lee Da Hae tried to show off her allegedly mastery of English accent. Accordingly, Miss Lee imitated American and British accents and when she imitated English Filipino teacher she did it in a ridiculous way. This was aired in Korean Broadcasting System (KBS). Without her knowledge there are Filipinos in Korea who had watched the show and were apparently irked by her show off. This prompted Miss Lee to issue a statement on her Twitter account to apologize to her fans from the Philippines. This is how her statement on Twitter was written. http://tl.gd/6plc2r

On Wednesday 3rd November 2010, @cherry4eva84 said: 

First I'd like to give you my sincere apologies for what seems to be a misunderstanding.

It has come to my attention that many of you from the Philippines have posted comments protesting that i was being derisive by mimicking Filipinos when they speak English.

Therefore, in light of this matter I'd like to take this opportunity to clear the air.
In spite of what many people believe, I myself did NOT mention anything
about the Philippines or Filipino accent whilst on the TV show.

On the other hand I recall bringing up Southeast Asia and not the Philippines and the subtitles were inserted when the show was being edited of which I was not aware of until it was aired.

The TV show where this footage was taken from was designed to amuse its audience and my sole purpose was to entertain the viewers by coming up with lighthearted stories.

Since the producer knows that i speak English he asked me if I could
share any episodes that touch upon the English language.

As we all know every country has a typical accent when its people speak English (including myself) so after giving it some thought, I came up with a few lines where I simply tried to compare different English accents: the somewhat rigid British accent and beginners in Southeast Asia whose English tends to be a little hard-edged. No pun or ridicule was intended.

As an individual who use to take English classes over the phone with a Filipino instructor, I give you my word that even the mere thought of mocking Filipinos would never cross my mind.
I cannot tell you how much Filipino fans mean to me and as much as I love them, I would in no way
hurt or upset them.

I hope I have clarified any misunderstandings and once again I am truly sorry if I inadvertently
hurt anyone's feelings.

-i really love you, my Filipino fans.

Hmmm… just an after thought, if this is the kind of English you have Miss Lee. I suggest you better hire a Filipino English teacher to teach you to write better English. My English teachers never taught me this kind of English. Furthermore, I would like to invite you to join us in blogging. Be my guest, and learn how good your educated South East Asian neighbors write their blogs in English.