The Gilas Pilipinas Fever

The last but not the least win over Senegal is not bad for our FIBA National Team Gilas Pilipinas. I am not an avid fan of basketball compared to my late mother, but I was touched by these players who fought hard on the court. It is my pride and joy to watch them play hard over their mighty basketball nemesis. Filipinos buoyed by the team resilience over the four times court mishaps supported Gilas until the conclusion of the game. Winning over Senegal was the game that elevated the morale of Gilas team and millions of Filipino basketball fans.

The most talked about hard court battle was that of the match between Gilas Pilipinas and Argentina. Argentina coach Julio Lamas twitted as I quote “The most uncomfortable game I had to coach in my life.” Sports writer Andy Bailey  says “Gilas Pilipinas refuses to die.” Filipino fans within the Philippines and abroad were glued to their televisions cheering relentlessly for their basketball icons. We lost in the score board, Philippines 81, Argentina 85. But, take note as of 2013, Argentina ranked third worldwide, Philippines is on the thirty fourth slot.

Recap of Gilas Filipinas Games FIBA World Cup 2014 – Seville Spain

August 30 Gilas Pilipinas scored 78, Croatia scored 81

August 31 Gilas Pilipinas scored 70, Greece scored 82
September 1 Gilas Pilipinas scored 81, Argentina scored 85
September 3 Gilas Pilipinas scored 73, Puerto Rico scored 77
September 4 Gilas Pilipinas scored 81, Senegal scored 79

I would say, if Manny Paquiao gained popularity worldwide as boxing icon. Heart strong Gilas Pilipinas gained great respect in basketball game worldwide. It was not an easy win for the much taller opponents. Gilas Pilipinas fought mightily like a Filipino warrior with agility and passion. Truly inspiring!

HATS OFF FOR YOU GILAS PILIPINAS! 

The Purple Thumb

Most winning candidates last 13^th of May on our automated election were already proclaimed as winners. Most are happy, yet some are not. Some are questioning the qualifications of the winners. Some winners are yet to be determined if they are qualified to run process wise.  Our Election Commissioner Chief had been strict on our Party List Representatives.  The battle for some disqualifications cases for these Party Lists Groups are still pending for resolution with our Supreme Court.  

                    My CONGRATULATIONS to the Winners!

Economy Booster

http://t.co/dSj24wwtgu

Some say this is a hoax.  They have not felt the change as they are still jobless or underpaid. I am not into politics or I know someone who works for Philippine government. I respect the opinion of everyone. But let me share what I have in mind. 

There are lots of job openings, sad to say only few are qualified. Filipinos are technically qualified but when it comes to soft skills most applicants are having difficulty expressing themselves.  Foreign investors on BPO industry hire Filipinos as we are known to speak English language in the best way British and Americans could understand. 

Corollary to this, I encourage Philippine government to consider English language as the medium of instruction to start at least in high school. Filipinos should likewise do away with Juan Tamad (Lazy John) attitude waiting for the guava to fall, to eat it. We must hone our talents. In this way, when opportunity knocks, we are ready.

Feast of the Saints

Filipinos trouped to  memorial parks to celebrate the feast dedicated to our departed loved ones. The nationwide celebration started as early as the 30^th of October and will end until around the 1^st week of November. Although multitudes visit on the 1^st of November, others like me prefer to visit early to avoid traffic jam.  The traffic jam I am referring to is not on the roads but inside the memorial park.

I left home at around seven in the morning, the 31^st of October. I ate heavy breakfast as I planned to stay for several hours. The plot where my parents were laid to rest is just beside the pathway. It makes it easier to locate if anyone of our relatives would like to visit. I was surprised to meet the family of the lady buried to the right of my parents. The family erected a tent good for about ten people complete with small chairs and small table. I met the husband and one of the daughters of the lady, years ago.  They recognized me, and apologized for the space their tent had occupied. 

The family members started partaking their lunch. The old gentleman offered me a plate of rice, with my favorite Filipino dish abodo and a piece of fried stuffed bangus fish. I felt full, but I do not want to frustrate the old guy who offered me the sumptuous lunch. I told them I got lucky that day for the shade of the tent and the sumptuous lunch. They left at almost noon time. It was when they left I realized the scorching heat of the sun without the tent. 

 All went well during my visit. The weather cooperated, it was a sunny day. I left the memorial park at almost two in the afternoon.  I left behind two candles and basket of flowers I brought for my parents.  I mentioned the items to the care taker, so the children should leave them alone.  I went to the grocery for some household stuff before heading home. I was granted one day birthday leave, the 30^th. The 31^st of October and the 1^st of November were my day off. I was home at around five in the afternoon. After a cold bath, I slept soundly for seven hours.

Not My Day

Tough day today folks...I encountered a very rude lady Chinese customer during my work shift. Her phone has no dial tone. From the onset of the call she was already yelling. What I did not like about her is aside from venting her anger on me for the supposedly ineptness of the company she had criticized me personally. She said she does not understand my English!!&%#$&!! I am almost tempted to say. Look who is talking?!!! What about the fai, fai telo, telo? (Five, five zero, zero) My office mates noticed I changed my color from my fair complexion to red complexion. My bad, it is not my day today. 

No offense to some Chinese guys and gals reading my blog. I do not mean all Chinese, just that lady Chinese I spoke with during my work shift. When I accepted the job in the current account I am working with. I was advised Canadians are five times nicer than my previous account. I agree Canadians are very professional people. The things is, there are too many settlers in Canada. Some customers I encountered rude in most of my work shifts are Chinese, those from India and my fellow Filipinos. Holy cow! I am also an Asian. But I know where to put my feet on the ground.

As front line agent, I was not put in front of the computer without proper training. Every Nationality has his own unique accent. Oh, I am just venting folks. I guess... it is time for a cup of coffee.  Anyone wants a cup? Tim Horton? Stabucks? Or Batangas coffee? :)

Shopping Malls

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Miss me folks? No worries your princess is very much alive, walking and running. I had just been extremely busy this week. I completed and mailed my Christmas presents to my sister and her family. I had to do a quick shopping to finish my Christmas presents for my two brothers and their families. It is good I only have one nephew and three nieces. Otherwise more budgets are needed. I am done with those of my godchildren. Next are for my close friends. With limited budget, I had to stay longer scouting around shopping malls. I am glad in December malls have new stocks, no problem in looking around.

I mentioned about my transferring to a bigger place next year in my previous blog post. Meaning bigger than the room I am renting now. I had to start scouting for some appliances I had to buy when I transfer. I tried to scout for some at the big shopping malls but the prices are exorbitant. I do not use credit card. I am glad I found a small appliance store where prices are reasonable. That is one advantage of living on tight budget. I learned to be imaginative to buy items within what my money could suffice and enjoy little luxury. I had observed mall owners had been wiser. They do not have too many items. Once some item is sold, they replenish their stocks.

I had been mentioning about shopping malls in the Philippines. Does it mean Filipinos have plenty of monies? Not really. Big shopping malls in Manila are not solely for selling merchandise. Some malls used the building to house offices like Call Centers. Some malls are good place for conventions and meetings for small delegations, amusement centers, restaurants, fast foods etc. Some mommies who live close to the shopping malls would simply bring their children to enjoy rides and play. The slow moving animals that would drain your coin purse are great treats for the kids. The air conditioned shopping malls are believed to be better and safer for the children rather than open space playground.

Its Christmas

Here it comes! It is December again, the most anticipated month of most Filipino children. This is the month of family gatherings, parties here, there and everywhere. In the Philippines we spend lavishly on Christmas, not only on gift giving and parties, but with our Christmas decorations. The most common decorations in our homes and offices are Christmas trees and Christmas lanterns, we call Parol.

Children anticipate Christmas presents from dads and moms, godparents, nearest kin and close friends. Underneath the Christmas tree is the best place to gather all the presents and open them at the same time on Christmas Eve, after a family dinner we call Noche Buena. 

 

Christmas lanterns line up busy streets at night. Or continuously illuminate homes until the wee hours in the morning. Forget about Earth Hour 60 in December. After all, comes March, is the time for synchronize celebration of Earth Hour. To most Filipinos December is the most expensive month.

No matter how we thought of the Holiday Season. Let us not forget the essence of this especial occasion. Think of something special why you celebrate Christmas. I do not want to touch on religious beliefs and magical Christmas. Just make this Holiday something that will become special and make you happy. If it makes you happy to give, then nobody is going to stop you. Remember it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you have no one to give your presents to, I am here.☺

All Souls Day VS Halloween

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Except for those homes located in posh villages, offices, and shopping malls. Halloween is not a great festivity in the Philippines. Most Filipinos would rather be at memorial parks and cemeteries to be with their departed loved ones. We visit departed loved ones on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, bringing candles and flowers. To some, just to avoid traffic jams, they visit as early as a week before or on the 31^th of Oct or 2^nd of Nov.

All Souls Day is the 2^nd of Nov. following All Saints Day. In the Philippines, however, we celebrate All Souls Day on the 31^st of Oct through the 1^st of Nov. Traditionally All Souls Day is great fiesta for Filipinos. It had been handed down from generation to generations. Filipino families gather themselves at the place where departed loved ones were laid to rest. Some would stay overnight from the 31^st of Oct. to the 1^st of Nov. To some however, they spend the vigil lavishly. Such that, some would bring wines and liquors, intoxicating themselves forgetting some wants to celebrate the occasion solemnly in prayers. To maintain peace and order, police officers are posted inside memorial parks and cemeteries. Bags are inspected from the entrance. Items like, karaoke, kitchen knives, playing cards are confiscated and returned to the owners upon leaving the area.

I visited my parents with my brother and sister in law, Monday 25^th of October. Good enough I heeded the advice of my sis in law. I filed vacation leave for Friday, 29^th of Oct. Lady luck did not smile at me. The vacation leave was not approved. The 1^st of Nov. is a holiday in the Philippines, but sad to say. No holiday for those working in Call Centers. The good news is we get additional pay working on Philippine holidays.

Thank You Jackie Chan

Friends and bloggers, I feel better now after listening to the news almost everyday following 23^rd of August incident. I am on vacation leave again by the way. Four days, out of my remaining eight days vacation leave for 2009. My special thanks to Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan for his faith in the Filipino people. Here are except of his message from his Twitter account.

“HK is a nation built by a lot of different people.. don’t worry! We do not hate!” “Humans should be united and not kill or hate each other,”

Those who were involved in the incident are now under investigation and relieved of their duties. The ground commander who should I say had forgotten his common sense is on leave, too. The sentiment of every Filipino is for the responsible ones, be it in the line of uniformed or non- uniformed officials, to face the music. That is if, their lapse of judgement is proven beyond reasonable doubt. I do not have a military training, yet, it is my belief common sense must prevail to preserve innocent lives over rules of engagement.

Friends, I had written I have my childish manners. I laugh and cry easily. Yet, I am strong willed. The trait I acquired living by myself since I was in my late teens.  Do not worry I do not bite without reasons.  I do not go berserk when I get mad. There are times I would remain silent and withdraws when offended so as not to hurt people. I posted in here a real story, not wanting to hide from my online friends the real scenario of what is happening in our country. Generally, Filipinos are peace loving people, courageous, and you could give an above average passing grade when it comes to endurance. We had proven this to the whole world during 1986 People Power Revolution.

Miss Universe 4^th Runner Up, Maria Venus Raj arrived at the airport at around four in the morning today 26^th of August, time in Philippines. I am happy for her positive attitude. To us Filipinos she is a winner. No major, major, regrets she represented our country to the most prestigious Beauty Pageant. My congratulations to you, my fellow Bicolana! ☺

Few Good Men

Friends and bloggers, I am writing this post with a heavy heart. I am not superstitious person. However, Monday, 23^rd of August is not a good week to start with. Personally I always look forward to the start of the week as a new beginning. I felt so sorry the inevitable unfortunate events took place. In your own living room you must have watched live the hostage taking incident in Manila. I wished it never happened. Yet it did, watched by the whole world while some inept uniformed men struggled to end the tourist hostage frenzy. Where was the boss anyway?

A candle for peace

I normally report for work early, to avoid rush hour traffic jam.  I got lucky I got a ride at once and arrived at least an hour before my log in time. We have two cafeterias at the office and both have television stations broadcasting the incident, live. Most of my officemates were cursing while some were teary eyed. We watched and listened to the panting voices of the radio, television and other media personalities who were eager to have details of the story. I was very much disturbed when I got home at seven in the morning. I cried for the fate of the innocent people who just wanted to have a little enjoyment in life. I cried for the fate of Filipinos.

I do not blame anyone, yet I am a person bruised and wounded emotionally. I pray for forgiveness and understanding from the victims relatives. I abhor, apologized for the strong word to my readers, the ways of coward uniformed men for the settlement of their undue demands. Gentlemen in uniform, like you and most civilian Filipinos we are warriors in whatever ways to uplift each of our lives. By going berserk to reiterate your demands the more you hurt yourself, your families and your countrymen as a whole. Because of the latest incident, we became a laughing stock to the whole world. We have threatened possible investors to our country that would alleviate our economic turmoil.

I challenge you uniformed Filipino gentlemen to go by your sworn duties, to die in dignity for protecting lives of innocent people not protecting your own. I challenge you to pass on the legacy to your descendants with pride the Philippines Flagged wrapped on your lifeless body. What a great honor for a gallant Filipino, is it not? There are only few good men, count yourself in.

Going Bananas

The Philippines is among one of the Asian countries known as producers of banana plants. It is why most Filipinos are pimple free. You could not find a monkey with pimples, not ever! Kidding aside, I made a research on this fruit. I found out there is truth in this widely circulated jokes.

By pressing regularly the inside, of banana peel on our forehead and our cheeks, it tightens the skin thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It may not produce an instant result. But by doing it regularly and continuously the skin will look fresher, more toned and healthier. Banana peel speeds up healing of bruises because of its natural healing properties. It helps regenerate and restore skin cells. Banana peels can be used to heal warts. Cut the peel to the size of the wart and tape it in place. It takes around five to seven days to heal the wart completely.

Banana fruit can be used as anti wrinkle topical treatment. It can help detoxify the skin. When used as exfoliating mask. Combine one fourth cup of mashed banana and honey or other ant-oxidants rich fruits. Another way is by combining mashed banana fruit with white cosmetic clay. Mashed banana is used as facial mask to brighten up the skin and clear up acne. If you have no time to buy facial mask, mash one half of banana fruit. Add two teaspoon of flaxseed oil and four to five drops of rose water. Mix them all together to make a fine paste. Apply on your face and neck. Relax for twenty to thirty minutes, then rinse face with cool water. Bananas are rich in oils the helps skin from drying out. The soothing properties of banana fruit prevent acne and other types of imbalances causing inflammation.

What’s In It with Coffee?

Had you visited Manila, and some other cities in the Philippines, you must have noticed a lot of coffee shops located almost everywhere. Among the top ten coffee shops are ~♥

1.      Starbucks

2.      Gloria Jean’s

3.      Bo’s Coffee

4.      Figaro

5.      Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

6.      Seattle’s Best Coffee

7.      Café de Lipa

8.      UCC Café Plaza

9.      McCafe of McDonalds

Let us stop and talk a while..

10.  Café Capreal 

In Manila, most of these coffee shops are located inside hotels, shopping malls or they have their own rented place like that of Starbucks. Starbucks rank number one. You could easily find one, either close to offices, golf course or any strategic locations frequented by people from all walks of life. To be more attractive to coffee lovers, this coffee shop sells, tumblers, coffee mugs, bags or other items bearing Starbucks name. Although Filipinos love coffee, those who have tight budget may not be interested buying the items. They are quite pricey. Coffee lovers do buy them as keepsake items. One thing I noticed about Starbucks is their accommodating place. You could enjoy your stay in the place as long as you want. In some coffee shops waiters would ask if you have other orders or needed something. As if to say, you need to give way to other customers.

As people used to flock to these coffee shops. The entrepreneurship mind of their marketing staff had conceptualized the idea of selling cakes and pastries to go with coffee. Coffee shops are even popular than ice cream parlors. After all who wants to sweat it out at the gym to ward off excess calories? So what is with coffee that made it so popular? Nothing really, it is the place that is more important. Coffee shops are places you could conveniently stay while waiting for your friends. It is a good place for buying time while waiting for a business partner for an important meeting. Or a place to simply read the morning news paper while enjoying a stick of cigarette all by your self.  ☺