always @ your SiRVis

Heneral Luna

2015-09-22T15:29:00.001+08:00

Heneral Luna is not a historical movie or a biopic but an artistic scathing contemporary parallelism of the Filipino's indifference (towards history and freedom). We are too forgiving, forgetful of the lessons of history or we lack true sense of patriotism. Or we just don't care. Hence the question aptly posed by Luna: "Negosyo o kalayaan, bayan o sarili? Mamili ka?"

It debunks our fondness of looking for a hero/ idol and immortalizing them as gods. It reminds us that heroes are not saints and that heroes are humans too. Leaders are not necessarily heroes. Leaders and heroes are not infallible. Tayo ang bayani. Tayo ay bayani din. The movie also emphasizes the pivotal role of unsung and mostly historically forgotten "lesser" heroes. I'm not just talking about Luna's faithful comrades: General Jose Alejandrino, Colonel Francisco “Paco” Roman, Captain Eduardo Rusca and the Bernal brothers but Antonio Luna himself who pales in recognition compared to Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo or even his brother Juan Luna. If a survey was conducted prior to the film showing, Luna won't even land in the top 10.

Heneral Luna decries the politics that has beset our nation since time immemorial. The prevalent themes of self-righteousness, self interest, divisiveness, dishonesty, and betrayal are but familiar even (especially) in the present Philippine setting. We should be reminded (as Heneral Luna imparts) that we are our own worst enemy.

Notably featured in the movie is role of women especially mothers in the lives of heroes and in the course of history.

The movie's appeal is its simplicity and candidness. It is mirror of the Filipino psyche - a virtual Spoliarium as indicated at the end of the film in reference to Juan Luna's (Gen. Luna's brother) painting. It's not artsy fartsy and preachy. Educational yet not too academic. Periodic at the same time contemporary. And yes, thank God, it is a welcome respite from mushy and hollow Pinoy blockbuster movies.

The movie's disclaimer though is ironic and un-Heneral Luna. However, it may be necessary especially with the way we trivialize and fictionalize history as well as due to our spoon-fed intelligence. View it more as a reminder rather than an apology. And hope that it is not meant to appease the critical gods.

A movie like Heneral Luna deserves a sequel or a paraquel featuring Goryo, Manolo, Poly or even a version of the events from Rusca's point of view. The Oscars inclusion is encouraging. It should be an inspiration and momentum starter lest we fall again to artistic ningas cogon and just be contented with "patok sa takilya".

Although this may sound like an unsolicited movie review, it is more of an invitation to watch the film and support the arts in general. It is a prayer and a manifestation of hope.

I still believe in the Filipino!

- @SIRVis, 22 September 2015

(Photo: Movie screen cap)

Diglat: "The Bangar Tree and the Dryad"

2014-04-14T04:04:00.000+08:00

"The Bangar Tree and the Dryad"

"Why are you sad, Bangar Tree?" Asked, the Diwata. The tree replied, "I am sad because nobody likes me. The birds seem to avoid me because of my odor. Many people want to cut me down because I either stink or stand in their way. I am not beautiful like you!"

The diwata said, "but you are beautiful! Your fruits are treasured as food and dye for hand woven products. Your skin is made into pretty baskets, your trunk as interior of houses and your shade as children's playground. You are the oldest tree in Pangasinan or possibly in the Philippines. They even named a town in La Union after you."

The tree then unabashedly spread it's branches, grew its leaves, blossomed its flowers and didn't mind how it smelled because she is beautiful, loved and real.

*diglat- a Pangasinan word for fiction

Diglat: "The Boy Who Cried Ey!"

2014-04-14T03:59:00.000+08:00

"The Boy Who Cried Ey!"

The boy asked the blind old man, "Do you know where we are?" The blind old man replied, "We are in Princess Urduja's castle in the Kingdom of Caboloan." The boy then said in disbelief, "But you are blind! And what you are saying is just a myth! We are just in a S-shaped building near the seashore!" The blind old man said, "One does not need to see. When you hear the anlong and kansyon, there will always be a silver fish known as Betel, a princess named Urduja and a magical place called Pangasinan!"

*diglat- a Pangasinan word for fiction

Diglat: "Breakwater"

2014-04-14T03:45:00.001+08:00

"Breakwater"

The girl asked the boy, "Can we withstand the waves of life when we grow up?"

The boy staring at the violent waves answered, "Maybe. Maybe not. But hold my hand tightly, I will be your breakwater against any storm surge..."

*diglat- a Pangasinan word for fiction

Stories from the Street: Tondaligan

2014-03-25T05:22:00.001+08:00

If you are from Pangasinan, I'm sure you've been to Tondaligan at least once in your life. In one of your visits to the park or the videoke sheds along the shores of Bonuan Blue Beach, you probably bought mangoes or boiled peanuts from an old woman with a faint smile and mellow voice. It could be out of compassion or maybe you just couldn't resist how the green mango made your mouth water.

Her name is Nana Violy (Violeta Landingin Cornel). According to her, she's been a vendor in Tondaligan for more than 40 years. Long enough to send her children and grandchildren to school. Long enough to remember that Tondaligan has changed name numerous times before. It has been named National Children's Park, Ferdinand Marcos Park, Tondaligan Park, and Bonuan Blue Beach People's Park. We shared the same sentiment that the names Tondaligan Park (to describe the park) and Tondaligan Beach (to describe the beach) are misnomers. Tondaligan Park is redundant as tondaligan in Pangasinan means a place to rest or a place of recreation - meaning, a park. And to describe or name the beach as Tondaligan Beach is absurd as literally it would mean a park beach. History is clear that the beach’s name is Bonuan Blue Beach. But somehow the names Tondaligan Park and Tondaligan Beach stuck the way most of us Pangasinenses have accepted Panggalatok (which I vehemently detest) as the same as Pangasinan.

I observed that her basket of goods was still full even if it’s already late in the afternoon. She lamented that sales have waned through the years and the Tondaligan she knew has changed. She didn’t ask me to buy her stuff. With enthusiasm she smiled and said: “Tomorrow’s another day, sales will be better!” Before parting, I asked her if I could take a picture of her to which she reluctantly agreed. She said a lot of photographers have taken a snapshot of her with the promise of her picture reaching overseas and different magazines. All she wanted is that they give her a copy of her picture when they see her again but years have passed and none have returned. I said, I will not only show her photo to many people but share her story as well. She smiled profusely and said goodbye.

Advil Liquid Gel Defeats Pain Monsters Flash Mob

2011-07-18T13:45:00.002+08:00

I read an article about the flash mob that happened in Market!Market! last July 15. I wondered what this was about so I watched this video:

There were four Pain Monsters known together as “The Legion of Pain” namely Body Pain, Headache, Dysmenorrhea and Toothache. Each one of them shared their sinister plans on how they will give assorted pain to the people. “The Tablet Man” appeared but he was no match to the group. So who will save us from pain?

The “Advil Liqui-Force” came to the rescue! With smooth acrobatic stunts, they attacked and quickly defeated the Pain Monsters with the new advanced Liqui Gel laser gun. The flash mob scene ended with the defeat of the pain monsters and distribution of Advil – Liquid Gel samples.

Everyone enjoyed the flash mob and I know it clearly delivered that message that Advil – Liquid Gel acts faster and is more effective for all types of pains. This is a good and innovative way of marketing a product!

The active ingredient of Advil – Liquid Gel is Ibuprofen which is known to relieve aches and pains due to headache, toothache, backache, menstrual cramps, the common cold, muscular aches, and minor pain of arthritis. It also temporarily reduces fever. It provides fast acting stronger relief for pain because it makes use of solubilized ibuprofen and is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Source: The Lunch Break Blogger

Ang Araw ng Kalayaan sa Bagong Panahon

2011-06-12T01:48:00.001+08:00

Ano ang Kalayaan para sa iyo at paano mo ipinagdiriwang ang Araw ng Kalayaan?

Naisip kong itanong ito at alamin ang kasagutan hindi lang bilang paggunita ko sa Araw ng Kalayaan kungdi upang maintindihan kung ano nga ba ang kalayaan para sa ating mga Pinoy. Sa aking pagkalap ng sagot, marami akong nalaman at ang mga sagot ay naging tanong, panalangin, pagduda, agam-agam, pagkamuhi, pagasa at panindigan.

Madalas na panagdiriwang ang Araw ng Kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng parada, mamahaling paputok, pagkalembang ng mga kampana, pagwagayway ng bandila o kaya isang programa na halos panay mga opisyales lang ng gobyerno at mayayaman ang dumadalo. Ang sinasabing kalayaan ay nakalimbag na lamang sa mga tarpaulin at talumpati ng mga pulitiko ngunit ang diwa nito ay napabayaan sa limot at ningas cogon nating mga Pinoy. Ganito lang ba natin gugunitain ang pinabuwisan ng buhay, dugo at pawis ng ating mga bayani? Ni hindi man lang ginawang holiday ni PNoy ang Lunes upang ito’y maipagbunyi ng maayos? Lip service na lang ba ang kalayaan?

Ang tema ngayong June 12, 2011, ika-113th anibersaryo ng proklamasyon ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas ay “Kalayaan: Paninindigan ng Bayan.” Ang tanong ko, may paninindigan nga ba?

Ayon sa Wikipedia, Ang kalayaan ang karapatan, kakayahan o abilidad, ng sariling determinayson sa pagpapahiwatig ng isang hangarin. Halos kapanalig ng konsepto ng kalayaang pulitikal ang mga konsepto ng sibil na kalayaan at karapatang pantao. Natutukoy ang karamihan sa mga demokratikong lipunan sa iba't ibang kalayaan na nakapagbibigay ng legal na proteksyon ng estado.

Sinabi ni Gat. Jose P. Rizal: "Habang ang isang tao'y pinapanatili ang wika; ipinapanatili nito ang mga marka ng kalayaan.” Kaya’t minarapat kong gamitin ang salitang kinagisnan sa pagsulat, pagsalita at kahit mapa-OL (online) at IRL (in real life) man. Tama nga naman si Pepe, hindi tayo malaya at wala tayong kasarinlan kung hindi gamitin and sariling wika at hayaan itong mawala at mamatay. Ito rin ang sambit ng aking kaibigang reporter na si Charisse Mae Victorio nung tinanong ko siya tungkol sa kalayaan. Paano tayo magiging tunay na malaya kung kahit sa Facebook man lang hindi natin magamit ang sariling wika. Bakas pa rin sa atin ang galamay ng kolonyalismo. Kahit mali-mali ang Ingles natin, TH pa rin tayo sa paggamit. Ayon din kay Charisse, ipinagdiriwang natin ang Araw ng Kalayaan sa ating munting paraan. Ito ay maaaring lingid sa ating kaalaman, ipagdiriwang natin ito sa paggawa ng anumang gusto natin sa araw na ito- ang kalayaang mamasyal, magbakasyon, magpahinga at makasama ang mga mahal sa buhay.

Ito naman ang aking mga nakalap sa Twitter gamit ang #kalayaan hashtag:

@Jonver_David: Tunay nga bang kalayaan ang mayroon tayo, mga Pilipino? Ating isapuso ang ating kalayaan. Maging tunay tayong malaya.

@Harlijk: Sana ay tunay tayong malaya sa puso, pag iisip, at pamumuhay!

@Pilipinas_Natin: Patuloy tayong makikipaglaban para sa ganap na kalayaan, ang ating secret weapon-- PAGKAKAISA.

@chadjuego: At dahil Araw ng Kalayaan ngayon, magtatagalog ako buong araw.

@SmokeyManaloto: Dahil Araw ng kalayaan, kulay ng ating bandila ang susuotin ko ngayon. Pulang tshirt, bughaw na maong, puting sapatos at dilaw na... Brip.

Sabi naman ni Sheilla Finuliar sa Facebook: “Araw ng kalayaan. Nawa'y maging malaya na rin ang mga pusong nasasaktan.” Eto naman ang kuro-kuro ni Atty. Farah Decano: “Bilang pribadong mamamayan, hindi ko na kailangan pang magkaroon ng mga seremonyas, mga paputok o magsuot ng Filipinana upang gunitain ang ating paglaya mula sa Espanya. Isa-alang-alang ko lang sa aking pang-araw araw na pamumuhay ang mga magagandang kataga ng ating Lupang Hinirang- ‘alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay. Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting, sa manglulupig, di ka pasisiil.’ Hindi lang ngayon mga dayuhan ang ating mga kalaban. Nandiyan ang mga sariling kababayan natin na pansariling interest lamang ang nasa isip sa pamamagitan ng hindi pagtupad sa batas, at panlalamang sa kapuwa.”

Hindi na tayo alipin ng mga Kastila, Kano o Hapon. ngunit may mga iba’t ibang kalaban pa rin na umuusig at sumasakop sa atin ngayon. Nandiyan pa rin ang utak kolonyal, mapanlupig na oligarkiya, katamaran, katiwalian sa pamahalaan, mapagbalat-kayo at huwad na pamumuno, panlalamang, kasakiman, karahasan, pangungutya, kahirapan, kamangmangan at kapangkaraniwan.

Sa isang artikulo ni dating pangulong FVR, isinulat nya na sa lahat ng regalong maaaring ibigay ng isang henerasyon sa susunod na henerasyon, walang hihigit pa sa kalayaan. Ayuon sa kanya ito ay dapat palawigin ng bawat henerasyon. Ang kalayaan ay isang pamanang dapat pagyamanin at huwag abusuhin. Ito ay katungkulan ng bawat Filipino. Kung nais nating alamin ang buong kahalagaan ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas, hindi dapat sapat na tayo’y masiyahan sa pagulit ng makasaysayang nakaraan. Hindi sapat na purihin ang ating mga bayani. Tularan natin sila at pahusayin ang kanilang mga nagawa sa ating pagmamahagi, pangangalaga, at katapangan para sa Diyos, bansa, at mga tao.

Ang kalayaan ay parang ang pawikang si Joy na pinakawalan namin sa karagatan noong isang araw. Mangamba man ako na baka masaktan ito o hulihin ng mga mangingisda at baka mas maganda na ikulong na lang sa aquarium at alagaan, mas nararapat na ito’y nasa dagat sapagkat ito ay kanyang likas na sarili at ang dagat ang tunay nyang tahanan. Ang tanging magagawa ko lang ay bantayan at panataliing malinis ang kalikasan.

Ang kalayaan ay parang pag-ibig. Ito’y puno ng sakripisyo. Ito ay pinahihirapan, nagtitiis, makatarungan, makatotohanan, puno ng kabutihan at handang ipagtanggol ng hanggang kamatayan. At ang kaligayahang dulot ay walang hanganan.

Ang kalayaan ay ang ating pagiging Pilipino. Ito ay likas nating katangian. Nagkakaisa, nagsusumikap, mapangalaga, matapang, maprinsipyo, maasahan, magiliw, magaling, masaya at malaya.

Ang tanong ay hindi kung tunay na malaya nga tayo o kung kelan talaga ang Araw ng Kalayaan o kung paano natin ito ipinagdiriwang.

Ang tanong ay kung kaya nating ipagpatuloy nating pinagtatanggol at ipaglaban ang kasarinlan.

Ang tanong ay kung kaya nating isabuhay at panindigan ang nakasulat at nakasaad sa bawat titik at salita ng kantang sa Lupang Hinirang:

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta,

Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,

Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,

Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

Ritrato ni Joey Alaizo galing sa digitalphotographer.com

How to Prepare for Disasters

2011-03-26T14:23:00.000+08:00

Many have been said and written about what to do when a disaster strikes. It has been said that prevention is always better than the cure. Although we may not prevent earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, typhoons from happening, we can always prepare for them. This is the reason why I wrote about Disaster Preparedness in the household level. Many thanks to the following for their contribution to the article- Kuya Robert Erfe-Mejia, Mja Bayle, Dave Paragas, Maite Quesada and Tin Tin Babao.

Here is my Philippine Online Chronicles article:

Bug-out bags and other ways to be disaster-prepared

Saturday, 26 March 2011 11:35 AM Simon Francis Blaise R. Vistro

Don’t be scared; be prepared.

This admonition, sound as it is, is easier said than done. Who wouldn’t be scared with the current disasters that hog the headlines? These are headlines about the earthquakes, floods, tsunamis that seem like doomsday stories: Australia's Queensland faces 'biblical' flood; New Zealand earthquake: 65 dead in Christchurch; Death toll in Japan quake, tsunami surpasses 10,000 and At least 75 killed in Myanmar earthquake.

In the Philippines, the more recent disasters have been caused by floods and typhoons. Fresh in our minds are the lethal floods in Bicol and Isabela. Not too long ago were devastations and deaths caused by Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. But the recent earthquakes and the possible tsunami are the ones now terrifying Pinoys. Instead of being afraid and stressed out from worrying, we should learn from the disasters and prepare for whatever might happen.

Dagupan City after the 1990 Earthquake

It has been 20 years since the July 16, 1990 Luzon earthquake but the magnitude of destruction and number of fatalities continue to haunt the memories of those who experienced the seismic disaster. Who can forget an earthquake which caused deaths totaling to an estimated 1,621 people? The earthquake was one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the Philippines.

I was a senior high school student in Dagupan City when the 1990 earthquake happened. My classmates and I were in the third floor of the Mother Goose Special Science High School building when the earthquake shook us like we were sardines in a crumpled can. Luckily for us, the building did not collapse or sink like the other buildings in the city. But chaos was everywhere. I fetched my younger cousins from their schools and we walked for kilometers as we braved the aftershocks, petrifying road cracks where water oozed and the horrifying scene of sunken establishments because of liquefaction. One of Dagupan’s bridges split into halves like a crisp soda cracker. Deaths caused by the killer quake could have been minimized if the structural integrity of buildings was frequently checked. People should have been calm and alert so that stampedes and accidents were avoided. Preparedness could’ve spelled a big difference between life and death.

Safety begins at home so I interviewed Dagupan City’s Public Order and Safety Office and City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council Chief, Robert Erfe-Mejia to know what to do for disaster preparedness at the household level. Here are prescriptions he gave:

Appoint a Safety Officer in the family. There is a need to have someone who will be in-charge of everyone’s safety in case of a disaster or an emergency. Someone who will not panic and lead the members of the family to the safe areas and be responsible to conduct first aid as well as decide for the welfare of the family. There should be at least two appointed safety officers just in case one is not around or if the other is injured or not capable to perform the duty. The safety officer could be the father, mother, one of the children, the kasambahay or the trusted house help.
Structural integrity of the house should be examined and checked regularly. This is important in preempting possible destruction that could cause serious injuries or even death. Repairs and reinforcements should be immediately made to ensure that the house can withstand disasters or at least minimize ill effects to the household in case of disasters.

Read the full article here.

Read my other articles at Philippine Online Chronicles here.

No KIDding, This K is the Answer to KKK

2011-03-18T06:03:00.001+08:00

This Kid is kay gwapo!

What is K and why is it the Answer to KKK? K is short for Kambing (Kanding in Pangasinan) or Goat. Yes, it the same ruminant (an animal with four stomachs) that you love as pulutan or ulam. The kambing can be cooked in to a variety of K dishes: Kaldereta, Kappukan, Kaleskes, Kinigtot and Knorr (just to make it start with K) Sinampalukan/ One Set (Goat's head and feet in tamarind broth). It is the answer to KKK - Kagutuman, Kahirapan and Kalusugan.

SiRVis holding a Nubian kid

Days ago, I visited Urbiztondo Goat Farm which is owned by my brother-in-law Camilo Velasco, Jr. and his family. I enjoyed the experience as it was a gastronomical feast (an upgrade's meat was cooked as kaldereta and pinapaitan) and an educational tour in one. I admire how UGF has turned goat-raising as an answer to poverty, health and nutrition. It has provided work for farm hands, part-time forage gatherers and soon for goat milkers. UGF is now concentrating into Nubian breeding and milk production.

Kids kidding kids kidded kids with kids
(as described by John De Guzman)

The Nubians are beautiful but I learned that the ideal Nubian is one that is a good milk producer. The Beauty Queen should also be a Dairy Queen! This breed of goats are famous for its milk's high butterfat content.

These Nubian goats are big! Mature bucks grow as tall as calves and weigh as much as 200 pounds. Imagine how much the upgrades (cross breed of Nubian and local goats) would cost in the market. That's one big yummy Kaldereta!

Nubian Buck: UGF HUGU TLA

UGF BRVHRT MERCEDEZ

Goats practically eat everything green- grass and leaves of shrubs and trees. This was the initial reason why Camilo raised goats; to eradicate the weeds in the around the Mahogany trees he planted in Dalanguiring, Urbiztondo. But when he came across Anglo Nubians, it was love at first sight (quoted).

Serendipitous Mahogany Trees

Mulberries

Forage for the goats however differ in nutritional value. Mulberry leaves for example have high protein and low fibre content and high digestibility. It is planted in the UGF as source of forage.

Nubian Kid

Nubian kid

Upgraded Nubian Kids cost P10,000 and Purebred Nubian Kids are worth P25,000.

To learn more, visit the farm or UGF's Multiply and Webs.com site.

Kambing is the Answer to KKK. And I'm not KIDding (pun intended)!

Globe MY SUPER TXT ALL Promo

2011-03-10T17:09:00.000+08:00

This is Good News (at least for Postpaid Subscribers)! Globe Telecom brings another first: Unlimited Text Messaging to All Networks (Globe, Sun, Smart, Talk 'n Text, Red and TM)! Globe just launched it's newest promo My SUPER TXT ALL. It's P599 for 30 days of Unlimited text to any local network (that's just P20 per day!). Visit www.globe.com.ph or tweet @enjoyGLOBE for details.

Only if this is available for Prepaid subcribers then this would be Great News!

What makes March special?

2011-03-05T23:45:00.001+08:00

March is just one month among the 11 other months of the year. For some, March is special; for others it is just but an ordinary month. Read about March and what it means- as seen through my eyes. Here is my Philippine Online Chronicles article:

A March to remember

Saturday, 05 March 2011 05:00 PM Simon Francis Blaise R. Vistro

What’s so special about March? What makes the month of March different from the other months? Here’s a trivia: March which was named after the Roman god of war was once the first month of the year during the ancient times. This is because in the Northern hemisphere, spring season (which associated with rebirth, renewal and regrowth) begins in the month of March.

Philippine history is replete with events that happened in March. Magellan discovered (or rediscovered depending on one’s standpoint) the Philippines on March 16, 1521. Pinoy novelty singer Yoyoy Villame’s song however had it wrong as it is in the uninhabited Homonhon Island, Samar where the Portugese explorer actually first set foot in the Philippines:

On March 16, 1521

When Philippines was discovered by Magellan

They were sailing day and night across the big ocean

Until they saw a small Limasawa island

Magellan landed in Limasawa at noon

The people met him very welcome on the shore

They did not understand the speaking they have done

Because Kastila gid at Waray-Waray man.

It is the first mass in the Philippines that was held at Limasawa, Leyte on March 31, 1521. Several years later, on March 15, 1565, the Sandugo or a blood compact was made between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in Bohol as a sign of peace agreement.

The Tejeros Convention was held at Tejeros (now General Trias) in Cavite on 22 March 1897. This is considered as the first Presidential and Vice Presidential election in the history of the Philippines. In March 23, 1901, General Emilio Aguinaldo was captured in Palanan, Isabela. The American colonial government considered this the end of the Revolution. On March 24, 1903, Meralco was granted franchise by the government to supply Manila and its environs with electricity and the electric street-railway system. The Tydings-McDuffie Act, otherwise known as the Philippine Independence Act, was signed into law on March 24, 1934.

Former President FVR with the author

Speaking of beginnings, March is the birthday month of our three former Presidents: Miong, JPL, and mykaluyagan (provincemate and idol) Tabako. Sadly, it is also the month when “My Guy”, arguably the best President we ever had, died. March also marked the publication of two important revolutionary works, Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere in 1887 and KKK’s secret newspaper, Kalayaan in 1896.

Read the full article here.

Read my other articles at Philippine Online Chronicles here.

iPad 2 is Here!

2011-03-03T14:38:00.001+08:00

iPad 2 is Here! iPad 2 is Here!

After a much awaited launch of the new iPad, it's finally out. And it's probably worth the wait, hoopla and anticipation. The iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and faster and more...

According to the Apple website, the iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the 1st iPad. This makes one enjoy the experience with comfort- literally technology in your fingertips. I'm changing the lyrics of Laurie London's song to "You got the whole world (wide web) in your ~~hands~~ fingertips."

With the Dual-core A5 chip, the iPad 2 just became twice faster. The graphics is also super fast (up to 9x faster). Multi-taskers and gamers would surely drool! I can't wait to try and play my favorite online game Shaiya using the iPad 2!

iPad 2 has two cameras (front and back). You know what that means? FaceTime! This is one feature that I enjoy in my iPhone 4. And it's now in an iPad 2! Woohoo!

Then there's this thingy called iPad Smart Cover. It's not just for aesthetics but also for protection and function. iPad 2 + iPad Samrt Cover = MFEO!

Tech Specs? Click here. For more iPad 2 features, click here.

Mark your calendar. Apple iPad 2 is out in the market on March 11. Price starts at $499!

Love at Porsche Sight

2011-03-02T17:01:00.001+08:00

So much have been said about a man's love for a car- an expensive super car! It's love at Porsche sight! Who should I choose? Si Portia, si Betty, si Mercy, si Lexie o si Fe?

Read on and enjoy the article:

Toys for the big boys: love at Porsche sight

Wednesday, 02 March 2011 03:53 PM Simon Francis Blaise R. Vistro

Si Portia, si Betty, si Mercy, si Lexie o si Fe?

Naku hindi ito mga pangalan ng mga babaeng nasa “Black Book ko” o listahan ng mga ex-girlfriends. Eto ay mga pangalan ng mga kotseng inaasam-asam ko. Oo ganyan talaga. Karamihan ng mga lalake ay binibigyan ng pangalan ang mga kotse at inaalagaan na parang babaeng sinisinta. Ngunit yung mga binanggit ko ay hindi lang kotse kundi mga dream cars! Woot, woot!

It’s love at Porsche sight! Si Portia para sa akin ay isang Porsche Carrera GT. Hindi ito yung kay PNoy ha. Puting 2007 Type 997 Porsche 911 yung sa kanya. Hay, buti pa siya meron ng siyang kapiling na Portia. Ayaw nga lang sabihin kung kanino binili ng makaiscore din sana ako (hindi masama ang mangarap). Kung ako siguro ang bibili walang babatikos at makikialam. Sabi ni Angelli Sabillo, marami nang mapupuntahan yung pinambili nya ng Porsche – 12 taon pambuhay ng isang pamilya (tipid pa yun ha), sahod ng pangkaraniwang mangagawa sa loob ng 35 years o pambili ng 200 kompyuter para sa mga estudyante ng pampublikong paaralan. Baka yung matuwid na daan na sinasabi niya, dun dadaan ang Porsche nya. Wow! Sarap nung sa rekta mo patakbuhin yung tsikot ng 200 mph! Nakakainggit, Jake!

Anyway highway, mapunta naman tayo kay Betty Boo. Isa siya Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Pangalan pa lang seksing-seksi. Kasing tunog ng ‘curve’. Mura na to sa price tag na $70,000 kumpara sa Porsche na “3^rd hand” na nga 4.5 milyon pa. Si Mercy naman pang front page ng magasin. Hindi yung iniimpeach na Mercy ang sinasabi ko. Ang tinutukoy ko ay si Mercy na mas kilala sa palayaw na Chedeng. Yung type ko ay isang Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. $ 495,000 lang naman siya. Pero pag may ganito ako dapat may isang battalion akong bodyguards at sangkatutak na anjong pambayad sa BIR. Si Lexie naman ay isang Lexus LS 460. Bagay yung pangalan kasi L is for luxury and lifestyle. Technology queen itong Lexus. Ang dami nyang features and gadgets like radar cruise control that automatically keeps a set distance from the car in front, push-button starting, and even a self-parking feature. Sosyal ito. May extended-wheelbase model with optional reclining rear seats (complete with electric massage) and dual-screen video system siya.

Pinakasikat sa lahat si Fe. Fe as in Ferrari. Controversial din siya parang si Portia. Napagusapan din si Willie Revillame dahil dito nung 2008. Hindi lang pala si Shalani ang common denominator ni Willie at PNoy, pati mamahaling kotse pala. Para sa akin there is no other color for Fe but red. Sarap tuloy kantahin yung kanta ni Chris De Burgh:

The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek,

There's nobody here, it's just you and me,

It's where I want to be,

But I hardly know this beauty by my side,

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

Read the full article here.

Read my other articles at Philippine Online Chronicles here.

Apple iPad 2 out on March 2

2011-02-24T03:23:00.000+08:00

2011 is indeed the Year of the Tablet! It can now be said that the Apple iPad 2 will be out on March 2 based on the invitation to selected members of the press:

Please join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on March 2 at 10:00 a.m. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive early. RSVP to rsvp_media@apple.com.

This has been reported by Mashable and CNN.

I can't wait to have an Apple iPad 2! I'm also open for a review/demo test.

TNL ka ba? Sagutin at manalo ng iPhone 4!

2011-02-23T23:12:00.002+08:00

Bro, Tunay Na Lalake ka ba? Prove it and you can win an iPhone 4!

All you have to do is
LIKE the Belo Men Facebook fan page
Go to the Tunay Na Lalake Application tab
Fill in the status message with your entry:
Week 1: Ang TNL ay may confidence dahil...
Week 2: Ang TNL ay malakas ang dating kasi...
Week 3: Ang TNL ay matipuno dahil...
Week 4: Ang TNL ay parating good-looking kasi...
SHARE your TNL Statement

Here are the mechanics of the contest. Click here to join.

Here is my entry. Please LIKE and comment.

My Customized Toy in Art in the Park 2011

2011-02-20T16:20:00.002+08:00

Remember the customized toy that I created in the Toymaking Workshop with the Pilipinas Street Plan at the Lopez Museum last Ferbruary 12?

"How Film Lost its Innocence" by SiRVis

It was on display in the Lopez Museum's booth in the Art in the Park at the Jaime C. Velsaquez park in Salcedo Village last February 19! The Art in the Park is an annual project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. It is an affordable art fair for paintings, prints, photos, and sculpture at P20,000.00 and below

Proceeds of the customized toys that we made will go to Knowledge Channel Foundation’s programs for Filipino schoolchildren.

I wonder how much did my toy sell?

Thanks to Mark Cerbo for taking a photograph of my artwork. Read Mark's article Sights & Images of Art In The Park for more pictures and full story. Revisit my article on the Toymaking Workshop with Pilipinas Street Plan.

Ground Zero Paintball is Now Open!

2011-02-18T19:30:00.002+08:00

Pangasinenses no longer have to go to Camp John Hay, Baguio City just to enjoy a game of paintball. Ground Zero Paintball, the first paintball center in Pangasinan is now open! The opening day was a SPLAT (the sound of the paintball successfully hitting its target)! Fr. Anthony Layug officiated the mass and conducted the blessing of the playing area. He also played a round of 2 on 2 paintball game.

SiRVis at the target range

Gilmark Meneses in combat

Rex Lor and his son Argee testing the paintball marker

Angelo, Aries and the GZPB staff

Nice shot by Derrick Dulay

A Paintball player in action

Atty Joey Tamayo is enjoying the experience

DOJ Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III goes Splat!

The special guests who graced the paintball center's opening last February 18 were Rob Erfe-Mejia, the incoming President of Dagupan Practical Shooting Association (DPSA), Derrick Dulay of Terra and Footprints Spa and Massage, Gilmark Meneses and wife Lingayen Councilor Maan Verzosa-Meneses, former Dagupan City Councilor Joey Tamayo and Department of Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III. The two media networks, ABS-CBN and GMA covered the event. The event was also livestreamed online at http://livestream.com/whatsupdagupan.

The Ground Zero Paintball is a venture of paintball enthusiasts Manda Abratique, Angelo Cerezo, Rex Lor and Aries Layno. Ground Zero Paintball Center is a 3,000 square meters net-enclosed facility with obstacles and designed scenario located at Brgy. San Vicente-Banaoang Road (Back of Plato Wraps, De Venecia Highway) Calasiao, Pangasinan. This is perfect for school and company tournaments, team building sessions, barkada gimmicks, birthday parties, etc.

Print this coupon and present to the staff avail of your 10% discount.

Visit their website http://www.groundzeropb.com for more information or call 09228503569.

Winning an iPhone 4 through Facebook

2011-02-17T00:49:00.001+08:00

I just claimed the iPhone 4 which I won by joining the Nescafe Decaf Night Studio 2 Contest in Facebook. I went to the Nestle Office at Rockwell Center and got the iPhone 4 from Jose Martin Antunez of NuWorks Interactive, the digital agency that handles the online promotions/contests of Nestle Philippines.

I can now say that Facebook contests are legit (as long as the companies that run them are also legit). Thank you Nescafe Decaf. Thank you Nestle!

Splat! Let's play paintball at Ground Zero Paintball Center

2011-02-16T08:52:00.005+08:00

Splat! That's the sound of being hit by a round capsule with gelatin and food coloring (no worries because it's a non-toxic, biodegradable, water soluble mineral oil). One hit and you'd be tagged with colors- either red, blue, yellow, pink, orange etc. and you or your team would lose the game. This is a game called Paintball.

Paintball is said to be a combination of the childhood games "tag" and "hide & seek" but instead of tagging through physical contact, a paintball is fired from a painball marker (paintball gun). Paintball is played with potentially limitless variety of rules and variations, which are specified before the game begins. The most basic game rule is that players must attempt to accomplish a goal without being shot with paintballs. But what sets the game apart is the adrenalin rush, competitive edge, team work, and strategy brought by the gameplay.

Before, I had to Camp John Hay in Baguio just to play paintball. That is about 1 hour and 30 minutes travel time from Dagupan City. Now, I could play paintball anytime I want because the first Paintball Center in Pangasinan is up. Yey!

Ground Zero Paintball Center, a 3,000 square meters net-enclosed facility with obstacles and designed scenario field would be open starting February 18, 2011. It is also the FIRST Paintball Center in Pangasinan! It is located at Brgy. San Vicente-Banaoang Road (Back of Plato Wraps, De Venecia Highway) Calasiao, Pangasinan. This is perfect for school & company tournaments, team building sessions, barkada gimmicks, birthday parties, etc.

Let the games begin! Splat!

Visit their Facebook page and their website for more information.

Should you fear the BLACK MAMBA?

2011-02-15T23:13:00.002+08:00

The Black Mamba, staring Kobe Bryant, Kanye West, Bruce Willis, Danny Trejo, is a Nike Basketball production, directed by Robert Rodriguez. The film brings Kobe’s alter ego, the Black Mamba to life in a way that’s never been seen before.

The Black Mamba highlights Kobe’s everyday determination and "fight to the finish" spirit. The film also showcases Kobe as one of the best basketball players in the world, featuring him as a "protector" of basketball as he fights off those wishing to destroy and attack the game.

The film will be launched to consumers on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Ronac ART Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan. Gates open at 4:00 p.m.

With the launch of the film is the unveiling of the Nike Zoom Kobe VI. The Nike Zoom Kobe VI is a performance basketball shoe inspired by the black mamba. The design draws cues from this fearsome snake and incorporates key performance elements in a low-profile shoe that weighs just 10.6 ounces in a men’s US size 9.

Toy Making Workshop: From Painting, Customizing Toys to Helping Children

2011-02-14T21:57:00.004+08:00

I came all the way from Dagupan City just to see and experience what the Toy Making Workshop with Pilipinas Street Plan is all about. I reached Ortigas at around 7:00am and this gave me a chance to try the food at Banchetto. I was the first one to arrive at the Lopez Memorial Musuem.

Renz, a "mommy blogger" (who I met for the first time), came in next. Since we came early, we were able to have a quick tour of the museum thanks to Ms. Mary Ann Pernia, the museum's education consultant who ably assisted us and made us feel at home. As it was my first time in the museum, I was in awe when I discovered they had a lot of Luna's and Hidalgo's. I'll surely feature the Lopez Memorial Museum in a separate post.

The workshop participants

It was also my first time to meet Teacher Ria Tirazona and Mark Cerbo the Toy Photographer and his famous toy, Optimash Prime. Other participants include DigitalFilipino.com's founder Janette Toral, PR Professional Rosan Cruz, jewelry designer and gemologist Tara Soriano, Martin Vargas, Bettina Go 0f Cathay Drug Co., Eloisa San Juan and Karen Ang. Some of us tweeted via foursquare as soon as we had access to the museum's wifi:

SiRVis Simon Vistro

by Lopez_Muse

at the toy making workshop (@ Lopez Memorial Museum)http://4sq.com/dTCJMc

12 Feb

digitalfilipino Janette Toral

by Lopez_Muse

at toy making workshop (@ Lopez Memorial Museum)http://4sq.com/eiM3PV

renzalcantara Renz Alcantara

by Lopez_Muse

At toy workshop at lopez museum.

12 Feb

rosancruz rosan cruz

by Lopez_Muse

At the #ToyMaking workshop @ Lopez Museum w Pilipinas Street Plan's street artists Whooop,Wed, FJ. http://yfrog.com/h3mcszaj

dementia Karen Ang

by Lopez_Muse

Toymaking Workshop (@ Lopez Memorial Museum)http://4sq.com/fauglQ

It turned out that the original plan of having public school children as workshop participants didn't push through and the Gawa/Laro Toy Making Workshop became a toy customization workshop instead. The facilitators of the workshop were Wesley Valenzuela, Whooop (it should be with three O's according to him) and EpJey Pacheco, members of Pilipinas Street Plan.

Pilipinas Street Plan explained

Wes Valenzuela

Whooop and EpJey (partly hidden)

The participants

Wes explained what the group Pilipinas Street Plan (PSP) is about, the street wall art or graffiti movement, toy customization and it's historical connection to Philippine culture- the colorful jeepney! He also gave out instructions on toy customization. I found out that we are both alumni of UST. We graduated from college on the same year. You may check the youtube videos:

Whooop specifically explained further about the customized toy, where DIY toys can be seen and bought, and how the customization is made. He shared to me how PSP was formed. It all started individually in 2006. Artists who delved into stickers, graffiti and street art posted their works in the internet and soon they found common ground among themselves. A "conference" was done by gathering the artists until the whole concept was formed. There are about 10 active members of the group.

I livestreamed the workshop via the http://livestream.com/whatsupdagupan account which I use exclusively for What's Up Dagupan. The link was tweeted by @Lopez_muse, the official twitter of the Lopez Museum and @digitalfilipino:

Lopez_Muse Lopez Museum Manila

[Video Update] Watch the Toy Making Workshop at the Lopez Museum http://fb.me/LFQh1pDm

Lopez_Muse Lopez Museum Manila

Ongoing at Lopez Museum now! http://fb.me/MsTQSiK4

digitalfilipino Janette Toral

livestream of toy customization workshop by @sirvis http://bit.ly/eb22IS

12 Feb Favorite Retweet Reply

Sarah Meier - Albano dropped by the workshop she mused:

sarah_meier Sarah Meier-Albano

Love is wandering around a museum by yourself. Bliss is when there's a graffiti/street art installation when you go. #lopezmuseum

12 Feb Favorite Retweet Reply

And of course I had to take advantage of a photo opportunity. Starstrucked me!

@SiRVis and @sarah_meier Photo by: Mark Cerbo

MORE...

Bettina Go named her work of art "Bad Hair Day." Rosan Cruz thought of giving the name "Satisfied Clown" by dyosa but eventually settled for "L'amuse bouffan." Bettina praised the work of the PSP artist particularly Epjey's and likened it to Tim Burton's style. She used the words "very cute." Rosan is glad that the artworks will be included in the fund raising event for children.

Bettina Go and Rosan Cruz

L'amuse bouffon by Rosan

Janette Toral made a "Blogger Car" who likes to tweet, digg, like, meme interesting stuff. Love and kisses all around. Imperfect but real.

Blogger Car by Janette Toral

Renz's Wronged Mickey laments the way Mickey Mouse has been wronged many times on video created by individuals tainting Mickey's wholesome image.

Wronged Mickey by Renz Alcantara

I liked Tara's "Martin 10.0" which was most likely named after his friend Martin Vargas. The work was clean and had nice color combinations. She designs jewelry so she's practically an artist. The concept for her work was just "winged" and she had a lot of fun according to her. She'd be glad to attend another workshop like this.

Martin 10.0 (front view)by Tara Soriano

Martin 10.0 (rear view)by Tara Soriano

Tara, the real Martin, Martin 10.0 and Astroboy

Eloisa and Karen were so engrossed with the craft that they were the last ones to leave. The museum staff were also prodded by Ms. Pernia to try toy customization too.

Karen Ang

Eloisa San Juan

Teacher Ria's work

The toy I chose to customize was an orange "Titanic" view-master rip-off. I peered into the eyepiece and saw a nude Rose. For a kid's toy, this is offensive and inappropriate. With this in mind, I am naming my customized toy "how the film lost its innocence." It is reflective of what movies have become- politicized, corrupted, too much mumbo jumbo, and forgetful of its fundamental purpose.

A toy is chosen.
It is wiped with alcohol so latex paint will adhere to the surface

Painting materials are prepared

Toy is base paint, usually white.
Put on a thin layer at a time so it will easily dry.
You may now apply dominant paint color.

Add appropriate design.
Blue lines show the industry have forgotten their primary role-
to tell stories

Red lines represent the cancer called corruption and immorality

A look into the eyepiece reveal a worst situation as
colors clash and muddle the picture

Filmmakers and artists become unwitting accomplices
(Photo by: Mark Cerbo)

And the public consume the poison.
(Photo by: Mark Cerbo)

We all become monsters and slaves to the ills that plague movies.

Here are sample works of art by the Pilipinas Street Plan:

The Gawa/Laro Toy ~~Making~~ Customization Workshop was organized by Lopez Memorial Museum with the art collective Pilipinas Street Plan (PSP), Knowledge Channel Foundation and Boysen Paints. Some of Toys here will be sold on February 19, 2011 in Art in the Park in Makati. Proceeds will go to Knowledge Channel Foundation’s programs for Filipino schoolchildren.

A love letter from me to Love on Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:22:00.000+08:00

It's Valentine's Day and I decided to write a letter to Love. Love who drives us crrrazy and who makes us do a lot of things. It is the same Love who U2 sang In the name of, Michael Buble won a 2011 Grammy for and Madonna went Crazy for. It is the same love that launched a thousand wars and made a million peace, moved in mysterious ways, kept us alive, broke our hearts, healed and mended it, fall for once and all over again.

Read on and Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Dear Love,

Una sa lahat pasensya na kung naistorbo kita. Alam ko busy ka ngayon kasi Valentine’s Day. Big day mo na naman tulad nung Christmas. Naalala ko yung laging mong sinasabi; “every day is a day of love.” Mahirap kaya kung araw araw na kinikilig at baka atakihin yung tao sa puso. Magkakahawig kasi kayong mga L siblings (Lust, Like, at Limerence) kaya madalas kayong napagpapalit ng mga pipol. Akala nila lahat kayo ay love. Pero hindi yan yung dahilan kung bakit ako sumulat. Hindi sentisabado ngayon o di kaya’y nagpapaka-Emo lang ako. Valentine’s kaya medyo nostalgic ako at naaalala ko yung mga “things I did for love.”

Naaalala mo yung nanood ako ng sine sa Elisa Cinema? High school ako nun at dalawa yung katabi kong maganda. Sabi ko sa iyo panahin mo yung chinitang kamukha ni Carmina Villaroel ngunit mali yata narinig mo at yung morenang kahawig ni Ara Mina ang tinamaan. Nadoble gastos ko nun sa pagbili ng chichirya. Tapos ako naman sinunod mong pinana na ang bisa ay umabot ng apat na taon. Dahil sa iyo nasubukan kong magtago sa ilalim ng bench ng canteen kasi chineck ni Sir Beloy yung mga lovers na baka naglalampungan habang naghihintay ng sundo. Buti na lang kayang sapawan ng Drakkar ang amoy ng pawis ko. Napaglakbay mo din ako ng kay layo kasi taga ibang bayan siya. Kung sabagay walang panama yun kasi pinaglakbay mo din ako ng Manila-Dagupan-Baguio-Dagupan sa iisang araw lang. Siya rin yung katelebabad ko sa analog cellphone mula boarding house sa Sampaloc hanggang makarating ako sa SM Sta. Mesa. Siya rin yung kausap ko telepono sa bahay ng mahigit isang araw (kain, ihi, ligo lang ng five minutes ang yata ang pahinga). Long distance call yun kaya huwag ka masyadong maingay baka maalala ni Ermats yun kasi umabot ng five digits yun bill. Malamang ganon din sa kanya kasi salitan kami kung tumawag. Oo siya yung mala-Chin-Chin Gutierrez ang beauty.

Dahil sa iyo ang dami kong natutunang tricks sa telephone. Sa payphone, phase-out na yung dalawang bente singkong sabay. Old school na yun. Yung piso napapaabot ko ng ilang oras na parang arcade game lang. Nadiskubre ko rin na pwedeng tawagan yung payphone. Hindi siya magriring pero kung sakto ka sa timing makakausap mo yung tumawag pagpindot mo ng “talk.” Free call at free text nung bago na ang cellphone? Updated ako dyan.

Trinansform mo din ako na parang Adam Sandler pagdating sa pagjoke at pick-up lines. Madalas corny pero mabenta for how many years. Sari-saring jokes ang aking baon mula knock knock, use in a sentence, isda, superhero at kung anu-ano pa. PinakaClassic yung “Can I Test your IQ?” at “Do you want to see magic?” spiel ko sa lahat ng aking icebreaker repertoire. Alam kong effective ito kung may pakurot kurot at palo sa akin, hagikhik na may patakip-takip ng buong mukha at ngiti ng mga matang nagniningning.

Hindi ako magaling kumanta pero napaharana mo ako sa cadaver lab sa Medicine Building ng UST at sa bahay nung babae sa QC. Kakuntsaba ko nun ang mga toles ko sa PSG. “Ako’y Sa Iyo at Ika’y Akin” ng I Axe ang aking kinanta at hanggang ngayon, ito lang ang kantang memorized ko. Ito rin ang lagi kong kinakanta sa videoke at mga acoustic bars. Praktisado na kumbaga at kahit papikit-pikit pa. Nakahiligan ko na rin ang makinig sa mga love songs. New Wave at Punk kasi talaga ang trip kong music e. Naging theme song ko ang “Closer You and I”, “Lost in Space” at “It Might Be You.” Di ba nung kasal ko ako din yun pumili ng mga mga kanta mula sa simbahan hanggang sa reception? Yung “Somebody” by Depeche Mode at “Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin” ni Ariel Rivera pinarrange ko pa into acapella/chorale version.

Natutunan ko ding magbigay ng mga bulaklak. Carnation kapag nagpapacute pa lang, red rose kapag in-love na, white rose kapag girlfriend na. Isang piraso kung ordinaryong araw lang tapos isusulat ko sa card ang “because it’s a Wednesday.” O kaya “Everybody is telling you: “Have a nice day.” Me? I am making it one. Tatlong bulaklak kung may okasyon. Isang dosena pagmay budget o di kaya Holland tulips pag medyo malaki ang kupit kay mader. Pati pag-arrange kinareer ko din noon. Bibili ako saDangwa tapos hihingiin ko yung mga kahon ng bulaklak (sa aking mga babaeng dormmates) na galing Esperanza’s, Anabel’s at Holland Tulips para magmukhang mamahalin ang regalo. May binigyan pa ako ng roses with matching card araw-araw kahit wala ako. Ilang araw ding direcho yun hanggang dumating ako sa “monthsary” namin. Salamat kay ate Imelda na naglalako sa may Dapitan gate ng UST.

Naging style ko din yung bawasan ang regalong brownies o chocolates bago ibigay lalo na kung nanliligaw pa lang para hindi masyadong obvious na dead na dead ako sa kanya at para hindi isipin na may gayuma. Para kasing suhol ang gift kung nanliligaw ka lang. Mas “cute” kasi kung parang shinishare lang. Pinagluto mo rin ako at through the years na-enhance ko ito. Pogi points ang signature pasta recipe ko. Pinatapang mo din ako sa pagharap sa mga kapatid, magulang, lolo at lola ng iniibig ko. Ewan ko ba may magic ata ako sa mga nanay at mga lola at nakakasundo ko sila kaagad.

Napasulat mo din ako ng mala-nobelang love letter na more than ten pages- back to back yun ha! Tatlong notebooks din ang aking naisulat na tula ng dahil sa saya at pighati. Sample? Eto yung sinulat ko dati pa isinali ko sa isang online contest:

As one walks along life’s journey, there will always be one who is said to be the one written in the stars…

That one person who I have met along this journey is not just the one written in the stars, not just "The One", not just a part of the journey (relatively the best part), but the woman who to me is undeniably my Love and my Life… You!

Dahil din sa iyo kaya naging matakaw ako sa chocolates, pancit canton at kayang lumalaklak ng isang litrong Coke. Pati insomnia ko ikaw din ang dahilan.

Huy, baka isipin mo na sinisisi kita o kaya nagcocomplain ha. Masaya lang kasing maalala ang mga bloopers at mga mushy stuff na ginawa ko noon. Spontaneous kasi. Masaya nga ako dahil sa aking mga karanasan at escapades na ipinamalas mo. Hinubog mo akong mabuti at ang dami kong natutunan sa iyo. Dahil sa iyo lalo akong naging mapagmahal. Masasabi ko nga that I have found true love at kung hindi dahil sa iyo hindi ko matatapuan si “The One.”

O siya, sige na alam ko busy ka. Salamat sa pagbasa. Ayun o may dalawang nagpapaka-Ethan Hawke at Julie Delpy ng pelikulang Before Sunrise sa Twitter. Go, go, go, panahin mo na. Happy Valentine’s!

Nagmamahal,

SiRVis

Read the full article here.

Read my other articles at Philippine Online Chronicles here.

Happy Singleton's Day

2011-02-13T22:39:00.001+08:00

People who are "single" should not be lonely and can also celebrate this Valentine's. Valentine's can be fun for singles. You can celebrate the day of hearts and call it Singleton's Day instead of Valentine's Day. Love begins at home and love yourself before you can love others, right? So go ahead give yourself a treat. Go to the spa, shop, eat at your favorite resto, watch a movie and hang out with friends.

Have a Happy Singleton's Day!

Mubarak resigns. Egypt is free!

2011-02-12T00:42:00.002+08:00

Egypt is free! Egypt is free! Crowds in Tahir square and everywhere in Egypt shout as Mubarak stepped down.

Finally. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down after 30 years of rule and after 18 days or so of protests in Egypt. VP Omar Suleiman announced that the higher council of armed forces will run the country.

Here are some insights from twitter:

CNN Breaking News

#Mubarak has decided to step down from presidency of #Egypt, Vice President Suleiman says.http://on.cnn.com/ekI4HK

myepinoy

Hosni Mubarak left. Congratulations to the people of Egypt!

SiRVis

Savor your new found democracy. Hope you don't make a boo boo after 25 years by electing incompetent leaders. like us

Carlos Maningat

Again, it is one thing to end a dictatorship, and it is another thing to end the puppetry. This is what#Egypt must learn from the #PH

CNN Breaking News

Mubarak goes to #Egypt city of Sharm el-Sheikh, well-placed source tells CNN.http://on.cnn.com/ekI4HK

Philippine Azkals vs Mongolia Blue Wolves February 9 Game Recap

2011-02-10T04:18:00.002+08:00

The Philippine Azkals won the game against the Mongolia Blue Wolves with 2-0 as the score. #13 midfielder Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong scored the 1st goal and #10 forward Phil Younghusband made the 2nd goal. This game is the 1st leg of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification playoffs. The 2nd leg will be played at the National Sports Stadium, Ulan Bator, Mongolia on March 15, 2011.

Here are tweets about the winning goals:

SiRVis Simon Vistro

Goal! #Azkals

7 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

FireQuinito Fire Quinito

Chieffy Caligdong! #azkals

8 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

tjmanotoc TJ Manotoc

Goooaal! Goal by Caligdong on an magical get-away frm 2 defenders off a rebound. caligdong is fr Negros! Crowd went bananas!!! Halftime now

cedelfpt cedelf tupas

GOAL. Caligdong wd that lovely piece of skill. 44th min

8 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply