DRAKIENESS: A New Age Perspective

Cebu's Reflexology and Foot Therapy at Gabayan Alternative Healing Center

2012-07-01T20:43:00.001+08:00

Gabayan Alternative Healing Center (now Blessed Pedro Calungsod Alternative Healing Center )
(Reflexo-foot therapy) Address: Patria de Cebu Building fronting Cebu Cathedral, Cebu City.

I was wondering of a productive thing to do today, after writing a special article I asked my cousin to accompany me to have a reflexology session. He was scared because he realized it would be painful. Anyway, I am committing to do this on a weekly basis and will be bringing all my foreign guests to try it once they visit me here in Cebu.

Patria de Cebu is situated across the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral along P. Burgos Street, Cebu City. Within its confine is the Blessed Pedro Calungsod Alternative Healing Center which was founded since 1992. I would say this is the best convenient and affordable reflexology center here in Cebu. The signboard still is using its old name which is Gabayan Alternative Healing Center which was founded by the late Artemio “Timmy” Tejedor. It is open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 pm which is the cut-off time of listing the names of persons who want to have reflexology. There is no exact payment, just a donation from your kind heart. You will just bring a towel, oil and an alcohol.

As you enter the center, you would see people of all ages and from all walks oflife who just wanted to relax or be treated with this kind of foot therapy. Although several of these patients were old people who have several body ailments there are also those adults who are just stressed out workers looking for a place to experience relief from their daily work.

The service is free, however they have two donation boxes. They will ask you for any amount while waiting for your therapist and right after finishing the session. I am strongly against those individuals who do not care much about these therapists. Why am I saying this? First, all of these therapists are non-salaried. Volunteers who spent most of their time daily in the center. Second, I believe there are 10-15 therapists you would see inside the center. And they will share among themselves the total amount the donation boxes would sum up at the end of the day. As per my interview with some of their staff, sometimes they only take home P60-P100 pesos which really saddened me.

I had my first reflexology session maybe around 2 years ago. But this time, I would confessed that it is really very very painful. They say it would get better as you do it regularly. I suggest for you to talk to your therapist and let them know if you want them to be extra careful and gentle pressing those pointed stuff into the soles of your feet.

You might be asking how do these volunteers get in to do service in the center. Based on my interview with their staff, they undergo a specialized training. After the training, they were given a written exam and a practical exam, and if you both passed the exams, you are now allowed to render a voluntary service in the center. This is a voluntary service for the people and to the Lord that is why they do not have wages.

THINGS TO REMEMBER AFTER REFLEXOLGY SESSION:

Reflexology really has its benefits and soothing effect, but it can also be really painful especially to those who are stressed out or ill. It is advised to NOT wet your feet for six hours after the reflexology. Also, it is advisable to do it if not always, maybe often.

BENEFITS of REFLEXOLOGY and PRECAUTIONS:

SCHEDULE and MATERIALS NEEDED:

Atheism vs Agnosticism vs Universalism

2012-07-01T13:19:00.002+08:00

First and foremost, I am writing this article without a trace of prejudice or being bias. I just want to simply convey the facts, as much as possible, of what these three philosophical contexts mean. Personally, I would also like to be straight to the point in telling everyone that I am a universalist. Period!

Today, I was browsing for 'Buddhist meditation chants' on Youtube for my daily yoga practice, however, what caught my attention is a video about atheism as one of the suggested videos on the left panel of the page. I bookmarked it and planned to play it after my yoga... Well, honestly, I've been so interested about topics related to Atheism since a long time ago and asked why there are people who think as such. Is it really a big deal to be such or not? As years, decades and centuries came rolling by and unfolded a new dawn of history, new philosophical school of thoughts seems to also be emerging.

In this article, we will be leaving behind the concept of "theism" because almost everybody knows it. We will just have to define these three, often misunderstood, concepts of religion or spirituality.

Disclaimer: Some facts and persons in the list contained herein can sometimes be ambiguous since different sources have conveyed different set of information. As to the preciseness of the material, I suggest you do your own research and NEVER rely solely on this article. Moreover, the choice of certain individual may change from time to time, therefore, the lists provided are subject to change without notice. Names on the list are not the only person who adhere to the category they belong to and there could be more.

ATHEISM:

In it's broader sense, by adding the prefix "a", which means "not; without," we get atheism - and hence "not/without belief in gods." Atheism among atheists is quite simply "not believing in any gods." Atheism has to involve all gods, not simply one god - and an atheist can often approach different gods in different ways

Theists normally make the serious error of focusing only on the specific god in which they believe in, failing to recognize the fact that atheists don't focus on that god particular god alone.

As mere observation, most Atheists are Humanist and philanthropists who are involved into several charitable deeds. Famous slogan from American Humanist Association is "GOD MAY NOT EXIST. BUT YOU DO. Take goodness into your own hands."

Atheism revolution, join their cause at WeAreAtheism.com (Stand Up. Speak Out. Be Counted)
It's like a social networking site where atheists around the world gather.

April 21, 2012 - PATAS convention at at the Bayview Hotel

PATAS relief operation

Here in the Philippines, we have PATAS, founded in February 14, 2011, the Philippine Atheists and Agnostics Society is a trailblazer of critical thinking, free thought and scientific inquiry in the Philippines.

Famous Atheists:
Björk (award-winning singer-songwriter from Iceland)
Sasha Grey (famous American porn star)
Sigmund Freud (famous neurologist and the “Father of Psychoanalysis"
Bruce Lee (influential martial artist and actor)
Morgan Freeman (Academy awardee, The Shawshank Redemption)
Bill Gates (chairman of Microsoft, philantrophist)
Angelina Jolie (actress, UN Goodwill Ambassador)
Brad Pitt (actor, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
George Clooney (actor, Batman)
Natalie Portman (actress, Starwars)
Keanu Reeves (actor, The Matrix)
Joe Rogan (TV host, Fear Factor, UFC)
John Lennon (singer, The Beatles)
Jodie Foster (actress, The Silence of the Lambs)
Billy Joel (Grammy awardee, pianist and songwriter)
Pierre Curie (1859–1906): French physicist
Thomas Edison: American inventor
Lance Armstrong (road race cyclist)

Names were mined from Celebatheists.

AGNOSTICISM:

Agnosticism can simply be defined as to have no absolute knowledge thus they are "unsure" whether a god or gods exist. Strictly speaking, agnosticism is about knowledge, and knowledge is a related but separate issue from belief, the scope of debate between theism and atheism.

If a person cannot claim to know, or know for sure, if any gods exist, then they may properly use the term "agnostic" to describe themselves. Some agnostics limit themselves to saying that they do not or cannot know if any gods exist, some go further and maintain that no human can possibly know if any gods exist.

Famous Agnostics:
Zac Efron (actor, Highschool Musical)
Antonio Banderas (actor, The Mask of Zorro)
Winston Churchill (British politician, Prime Minister)
Charlie Chaplin (famous comedic actor)
Albert Einstein (famous scientist/physicist)
Mark Twain (American humorist/writer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885)
Matt Groening (American cartoonist, The Simpsons)
Larry King (TV and radio host)
Charles Darwin (English naturalist)
Stephen Hawking (British theoretical physicist)
Sean Penn (actor, director, Mystic River)
Sting (rock musician, activist, actor, philanthrophist)
Siddharta Gautama Buddha (spiritual teacher, founder of Buddhism)

Famous Buddha philosophy:
Knowing how the world started is not going to end your suffering, it’s just going to give you more stuff to think about.

Names were mined from Celebatheists and Dombestlist

UNIVERSALISM:
Universalism, in its primary sense, refers to religious, theological, and philosophical concepts with universal application or applicability. In its secondary sense, a church or community that calls itself Universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine. -Wikipedia

There are several accepted definitions of universalism in the dictionary:
~a theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved (which I strongly do not agree and do not accept)
~something that is universal in scope
~the state of being universal

On many websites, they have a third classification for those persons who can neither be an Atheist or Agnostics, they call it Ambiguous, in the sense that they do not claim themselves as non-believer or unsure. However, it seems like the people included in this list are people who do not deny the existence of higher beings which I would synonymously refer to as universalists here in this article.

Famous universalists (ambiguous):
Oprah Winfrey (famous TV host)
Tina Turner (singer, actress, Buddhist)
Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand explorer and philanthropist)
Elton John (English rock singer-songwriter and philanthropist)
Sandra Bullock (actress, Miss Congeniality)
Napoleon Bonaparte (French emperor, political leader)
Meryl Streep (actress, The Devil Wears Prada)
Bruce Willis (actor, Pulp Fiction, Armageddon)
Mick Jagger (English rock star, The Rolling Stones)
Sarah McLachlan (Grammy awardee, Canadian singer)
Marilyn Manson (American rock icon)
Christopher Reeve (actor, Superman)
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama: (spiritual leader, human rights advocate)

Famous Dalai Lama quote:
“Whether you believe in God or not does not matter so much, whether you believe in Buddha or not does not matter so much. You must lead a good life.”

Names were mined from Celebatheists and Dombestlist

So personally speaking, I am a universalist because:

1. I am a believer of a Higher being.

The circle of friends closest to me identify me as a person who do not conform to any fundamentalist religions yet I believe in a form of a higher mystical force. The nature of what I conceived as a Higher being is not those subject to the characterization of certain fundamentalist religions. Christians has their own characterization of their own God which maybe different from how Muslims, or Jews or Hindus characterized theirs.

However, I am more inclined into the neo-Pagan concept that this Higher being is in duality (male and female aspect), omnipresent (being present everywhere), omniscient (knowing everything) and omnipotent (having unlimited power). With these being said, I characterized my god/goddess as one that can be called or addressed using any names that I feel convenient for me. I may used established names like Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Apollo, Venus, etc the way I like it, in the end, it's all up to me. I also would like to stress that I pray almost everywhere since I believe that my god/goddess is omnipresent. You do not have to be attending services, masses or collective prayers in a church, mosque, or temple to do it, although doing so is not against my will and is okay.

2. I am spiritual NOT religious.

I do not strictly conform to any religion or to any of their religious' specific rites and exclusive teachings. (ex. Catholics - worshipping of saints, idols, Sto. Nino, etc while Islam consider it a sin and strictly impose all followers to practice the 5 pillars of Islam. They are (1) the shahadah (creed), (2) daily prayers (salat), (3) almsgiving (zakah), (4) fasting during Ramadan and (5) the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime. )

3. I study and apply NOT apply because I'm required.

I accept the universal principles of most religions and not conform to a singularity of a religion's theological and philosophical teachings. In simple terms, these are general concepts which you may find from every single religion that I personally believe to have a universal application or applicability to myself and for others.

And what are these universal principles I'm referring to? For example, the famous golden rule, if you come to think of it, have versions that can be found on almost all mainstream and minority religions, including both old and newly blossomed faiths. The idea of this rule is to simply do goodness to others.

Confucianism: "Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you." —Analects XV.24
Buddhism: "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." —Udanavarga 5:18
Christianity:
^"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this;Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Galatians 5:14 "Do to no one what you yourself dislike."—Tobit 4:15
^"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." —Luke 6:31
Islam: “That which you want for yourself, seek for mankind.” —Muhammad's hadith
Jainism: "Just as pain is not agreeable to you, it is so with others. Knowing this principle of equality treat other with respect and compassion." —Suman Suttam , verse 150
Judaism: "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." —Leviticus 19:18
Scientology: "Cause only those things which others are able to experience easily." —Scientology: A New Slant on Life, Two Rules for Happy Living
Taoism: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." —T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien
Wicca: "These eight words the Rede fulfill, 'an ye harm none do as ye will." —The Wiccan Rede

4. I view life as a journey NOT destiny.

Life for me is not a predestined path. I believe that it is our journey towards greatness and self-realization. I felt that we were all born here in this world to bring goodness for ourselves illuminating it to the world around us.

I do not simply rely on what fundamentalists called "prayers". They normally ask, gratifiy, and thank their deities for things which are mostly and commonly abused by followers of these religions. Most people rely on prayers for their deities to give them good lives but conveyed less to no actions at all. I work for myself, I persevere and I am totally accountable to what I am now and what I would become. I believe that God is within us and strongly agree that we do not need any mediators like a priest, imam, sheik, rabbi, monk, or any religious leader per se to communicate to our own God.

I am also against the idea that our life should outline what has been practiced for generations especially in a patri-archal society. My parents had always told me to study, get a good job, marry and have family. This is a kind of life we've been told and encouraged by society. I am not adherent to the concept that humans should grow and have family. It is an option. The most important aspect of living is for us to live a life with purpose. Whatever that is, we find it within ourselves on our individual journeys.

Aside from these, there are several ritualistic concepts which for me is should be optional like baptism, circumcision, marriage and strictly heterosexual-love. My idea of life is different. I want to live a life where I just follow my heart without being imposed on by society regarding the things I should do. In the end, it's just a matter of being happy and doing the things you want with great aspirations and good heart.

I'll update and add more insights once I've got time. I also wrote this right then and there without proofreading. I apologize for the grammar slips. ^_^

Banco de Oro, A Not So Pro-consumer Bank!

2012-06-03T10:45:00.001+08:00

Before I start, please do not consider this libelous because this is based on my "experiences", yes, experienced it so many times. I don't want to be so blunt but yes I can. I just want to share my thoughts to others. I feel that I am obliged to let people know what they ought to know.

I went just yesterday (Saturday) to deposit an amount as payment for my order online. I normally do this via BPI but unfortunately the branch closer to my place is not open on Saturdays. Then I decided to take a ride to the nearest mall which happened to only have BDO in it. At least banking in malls are open every weekend too.

3 THINGS I DO NOT LIKE ABOUT BDO?

1.) Depositing procedure still uses conventional method which is proven to be inefficient and time consuming.

*When paying you have to fill out a deposit slip with all the necessary information you need to let the teller know. Other banks like BPI uses this ATM-like equipment near the entrance where you would just need to input your deposit details forwarding it the system and a unique code will be generated and you just need to give this code to the teller pulling up the details of your deposit. I hope all the other banks are sincere enough to truly find ways, look for "innovations".

2.) Tellers are not pro-customers and definitely not enthusiastic.

*I would have to say I may appear generalizing everyone and every branches. But so far, based on my experiences here in Cebu, I can tell most of their tellers do not portray great enthusiasm when they assist their customers. Like what do I mean? They just get the slip, take your cash, and process it on their computers and without minding that you are there. I work in a customer service environment for almost 5 years now. Representatives should do small talks, smile, and provide suggestions or answer customer's questions enthusiastically.

My banking with BPI or Unionbank is a pleasurable experience. When I ask questions or needs suggestion they smile and answer right away. Also, I had this funny experience with a BDO teller. When I give the deposit slip I failed to write down how many paper bills of every denomination I will be giving. While the teller is processing the details, she got back to me and asked me to specify them. I only gave two paper bill worth 1,000 each. It would be kind of her if she could just write it down herself to speed up the wait. Is it against legal terms that I really need to do it personally?

Tellers also tend to make the time spent processing your deposit doing some other tasks in between making you wait longer. For instance, this teller processing my deposit was counting the money she had in her cash register while printing the receipt, and then when her boss approached her,she spent time answering her boss questions. It made me wait more! You guys should VALUE your customer's time...

3.) Definitely not pro-poor interbank deposit charges and possibly other transactional charges as well.

*Ive noticed this way back. My priority when I do banking is to hasten mytransaction and SAVE money or reduce transactional costs compared to doing it via MLHUILLIER or any other non-bank financial companies. BDO has this Interbranch Deposit charges. Imagine all their customers being charge for this amount of money is ridiculous! Why? Other banks don't have this. Like for instance, BPI don't require any interbranch deposit fees (May it be cash, check deposit) on any BPI branches anywhere in the Philippines. Interbranch withdrawal is also free of charge (For passbook or checking account).

When I asked the teller, she said the P50 pesos deposit charge is needed because I am not depositing within the same branch or the account is in another BDO branch than the accepting branch of the amount deposited. I was advised to simply put it as charges for "over-the-counter services". So where's the point? I found this so unreasonable, maybe other consumers would! Of course, please expect bankers to deposit amount to their friends and relatives away from home. I believe they knew about this from the start, but did not even care. Instead, they may have thought of this as a good scheme to earn more and make more money. Well, who knows?!

Moreover, if the deposit charge serves as a service charge for over-the-counter transactions, do they mean that everytime they get our deposits and process them, their system need maintenance everytime per all transactions made? So the charges serves as a payment for the services given by their employees and maintenance of their system? So per customer doing the transaction they are getting P50? That's way too much! Imagine it happening everyday! Even if you need system maintenance, it is not even done everyday! Hello? Is their system poor or lowtech?

I would have to say, "GUSTO KO LANG NAMAN MAG SAVE NG PERA OR AT LEAST MAKATIPID EVERYTIME SA TRANSACTIONS KO, TAPOS BABAYARAN KO PA?

Thus, to conclude, if other banks can offer great innovations for their VALUED customers; if other bank can train their tellers to be more enthusiastic and proactive so as not to waste customer's time; AND if other banks can provide their services for free without the need to collect unnecessary charges, THEN how come BDO can not do this?

This should be one criteria in which bank we choose to save our money. Even If I was given a BDO account from my company still I'm lucky I don't have not opened my personal BDO account! I would recommend everyone to open an account in another bank. Anyway, that's their bank's policy. It's up for the people to give in or not, but I would advice people that as much as possible, look for a bank that don't have any interbranch charges. It is one way of accommodating bank's client at no extra cost on their part.

Thank you for thetimespent reading my sentiments. I'mjust so sad. Filipino companies should be pro-Filipinos. I've said my case. Please feel free to comment.

BANKS w/ DEPOSIT CHARGES (incompelete list):
BDO - local is free / P50 regional
Metrobank - minimum P50.00 for cash deposits / free for check deposit
UCPB - local is free, regional is P100 per deposit slip for amount P100k and below
LandBank - 50 pesos for below P10,000 / 100 pesos for P10,000 up
PNB - P100

BANKS w/ NO DEPOSIT CHARGES (incompelete list):
UnionBank
BPI
PSBank

RECOMMENDED BANKS:
1.) UNIONBank
- zero charges for regional interbranch deposits (cash/check)
- tellers are hasty when making deposit, you dont need to wait longer compared to other banks. They take your deposit slip, process and take your cash and presto!! You're good to go.
- they offer an EON card for a minimum of 500 initial deposit where you can use for PAYPAL transactions and ATM as well.
-enrolling account for Online Banking is easy.
-email representatives answers your email promptly
-

2.) BPI
- zero charges for regional interbranch deposits (cash/check)
-they have a sophisticated way of getting deposit details from depositors and forwarding it to their system. They have a designated locations for these machines. It saves time and minimizing the people lining up. You only need to give the slip with unique code to the teller and take your cash and then you are good to go.
-online banking enrollment is easy

Disclaimer: Information here are not absolute and may change without prior notice. Please do a personal research or visit or contact any of these banks for accurate information.

RELATED BLOG/FORUM:
http://consumeramblings.blogspot.com/2010/07/banco-de-oro-interbranch-charge.html
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324225

My 25th Birthday Love Letter Only for You!

2012-04-29T07:37:00.018+08:00

MY BIRTHDAY APPRECIATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE GREETED ME ON THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION. THANK YOU FOR THE ALMIGHTY FOR CONSTANTLY BEING THERE.

Today marks my 25th year here in this world. Thank you very much to those who have extended their greetings. I may not be able to thank each one of you but I love you all. Thanks for making my world so meaningful.

-Drake C.

To my iLearners Inc. family. Thank you for always inspiring me every step of the way. You rock guys, you know who you are :) Let us continue the fire burning as we continue to help more and more kids and sending them to school.

To my Cebu Indie filmmakers circle, sir Albert Chan Paran. To Black Canvass Productions. You have never ceases to amaze me with the craft that we do. Let's make this BIG! :)

To my Ananda Marga and Yoga & meditation friends in Cebu and from other parts of the world. Thank you for always giving me sparks of love and devotion for the Supreme and all its creation. Baba Nam Kevalam!

To my Sinha Bahia de Capoeira family, my coaches and co-students. I so miss you guys. Dont worry Ill be back. Thanks for always being there despite of us not seeing each other that often.

To my friends in the online gaming community here in Cebu, salamat mga bradir ug sis :) Padayon lang gihapon sa pagduwa. :)

To Convergys Social Welfare club members, my office colleagues, my real friends. I am so missing you. You know who you are. Thanks gengsters. :)

To my Couchsurfing friends, YOU GUYS ROCK!! You know who you guys are. Thanks for staying true and super genuine about everything. Don't worry we'll party harder the next time I see you. Better watch out. :)

To Astrid Montforte, Ga Lou, Gautier, Vincent, Gregory, and the rest. Thank you for being such a cool friend the moment I came to know you guys. Thanks for being my Language exchange partners. :)

Francais

Aujourd'hui marque ma 25eme annee ici, dans ce monde. Merci beaucoup a ceux qui ont etendu leurs salutations. Je ne peux pas etre en mesure de remercier chacun d'entre vous, mais je vous aime tous. Merci d'avoir fait mon monde si pleine de sens.

To my Mandarin Chinese speaking friends, classmates, Ms. Aleth Lim, Shi Jiu Feng, my Lao sh Sun Zhun Wang, wherever you are :) Thanks for inspiring me to go on. Despite of age differences, our interests and discussions are so very refreshing. You seem like my brothers and sisters already. LoL. You are one of the super cool folks here on Earth. Miss you and love you.

Mandarin Chinese:

Jīntiān shì wǒ 25 nián zài zhège shìjiè shàng. Fēicháng gǎnxiè nàxiē yǐ yáncháng tāmen de wènhòu. Wǒ kěnéng wúfǎ gǎnxiè nǐmen měi gèrén, dàn wǒ ài nǐ. Wèi shǐ wǒ de shìjiè rúcǐ yǒuyìyì de gǎnxiè.

To Taclobanons who have become part of my life. To my long-lost friends from Leyte Subcultures Community, Jehann, Bambi, Jet, Krista, Ambo, Lester, Noel, Antit, Lehi and others... I so miss you guys. I know will find each other someday. Thank you for letting me experience another side of the world where we are bonded as brothers and sisters.

Waray-Waray:

Yana an ika 25 anyos ko na didi ha Kalibutan. Damo nga salamat han adto nga naghatag han ira tim-os na pagbati. Diri ko man papasalamatan hit nga tanan ha iyo pero ginhigugma ko kam nga tanan. Salamat han paghatag hin kolor tak kalibutan.

To my Amanung Sisuan online family. Thanks. Mga Cabalen!

Kapampangan

Ngening aldong iti, ya pu ing ka-beinti-singku anyus ku keti king sulip. Dakal pung salamat kekongan peyabut pamamugue kanaku. E ra ko man apasalamatan tunggal-tunggal, dapot kaluguran da ko ngan. Dakal pung salamat, apasaya't agawa ye pung makabaldugan ing yatu ku.

Sa akong pinalanggang ginikanan, igsoon, grandma, akong pamilya. Despite of frailties I have, you're just there every step of the way. A shoulder to lean on. Despite of the things we've been through you remain strong. I love you. Thanks for trusting me and my decisions.

Cebuano

Karon ang sinugdanan sa akong ika biente singko anyos dinhi sa katilingaban. Salamat uyamot sa katong mga nipadahilay sa kanilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga pagbati. Dili mo man nako mapasalamat kada usa pero gihigugma ko kamo tanan. Daghan salamat sa paghatag rason sa akong kinabuhi.

I may have missed some folks here. I apologize, I believe it's just me being so preoccupied lately. But deep in my heart I am always thankful for the people who have become part of my life, who have helped me and molded me to what I've become today. Thank you.

Drake Travels

2012-03-29T11:10:00.003+08:00

Also posted at Drake Travels.

The word "travel" is a very fancy word for me. For the past 20 years of living and growing up here in the Philippines I never came to think about traveling. Maybe because I was born and raised thinking about it as a luxury and a waste of time and money. My parents have always reminded us that we should be more concerned towards looking for a good job with a good pay and to have our own family someday.

Before 2011 ended, I came across Couchsurfing.org, a voice within encouraged me to register and what happened next were incredible experiences. I was able to meet, host and mingle with several local and foreign travelers who have changed my perception of traveling. That to travel is everyone's right... That it doesn't need or you really do not need money at all to do it... That it is free... And that traveling means to NOT limit ourselves within the horizon we are currently in. A friend of mine from Bulgaria once quoted, "It is an awesome opportunity for us to widen our horizons, live life to the fullest, and realize some things in life that you would only ponder if you travel."

The Turning Point

Being used to always have someone watch over me in anything I do is very pathetic. The year 2012 had provided me enough courage for my first out-of-town experience. Although it was just a few miles away from my abode yet it was the first time I decided to explore and unwind all by myself. Along the way I had met several interesting people that made me more eager in exploring the world. Thus, I conceptualized to add more blogs to document my whereabouts: Philippine Explorers (friends promoting Philippine culture, tradition, and arts) and Drake Travels (my personal travel experience). I have made a promise to myself that this would be the start of a journey, uncertain, yet I know it would give me a chance to mold myself wholistically in becoming a better person. To be rewarded with unfathomable abyss of experiences to cherish forever is what makes it worth it.

You may check out the following for travel related source: (Note: work-in-progress)

http://www.drakieness.com/search/label/Destinations - travel-related post on my New Age personal blog

Philippine Explorers (my group of friends promoting Philippine culture, tradition, and arts)

Drake Travels (my personal travel experience complete with photos and travel tips)

My 2012 Travel Calendar

The following are my travel itinerary for the whole year which would be subject to modifications and regular updates. If you would like to travel with me on these dates. Feel free to contact me.

March

March 5: Moalboal, Cebu (beach bumming, nightlife and bar hopping)
March 6: Badian, Cebu (Kawasan falls trekking and swimming)

April

April 1: Sunday - Dumaguete City, Negros Orienta
April 2: Monday - Bais City, Negros Oriental and Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
April 3: Tuesday - Cauayan, Negros Occidental
April 4: Wednesday - Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
April 5: Thursday - Bayawan City, Negros Oriental
April 6: Friday - Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental
April 7: Saturday - Larena, Siquijor and San Juan, Siquijor
April 8: Sunday - Lazi, Siquijor and Maria, Siquijor
April 9: Monday - Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

May

May 4: Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
May 5: Talakag, Bukidnon (‘Luna Musikalawaig’ Full Moon Festival)
May 24-27: Kidapawan City, Cotabato (Mt. Apo trek)
May 28: Davao City, Davao del Sur
pending...more to follow...

My Negros-Siquijor Backpacking Itinerary

2012-03-08T10:36:00.011+08:00

APRIL 1 - APR 10

TRAVEL ROUTE SUMMARY CHANGES:

1 person >April 1: Sunday - OSLOB / DUMAGUETE CITY Overnight (RM Guesthouse)

1 person >April 2: Monday - BAIS CITY / KABANKALAN CITY Overnight (Camping)

4 persons >April 3: Tuesday - CAUAYAN Overnight (Camping

4 persons >April 4: Wednesday - SIPALAY CITY Overnight (Langub Pension)

5 persons >April 5: Thursday - HINOBAAN / APO ISLAND Overnight (Camping)

7 persons >April 6: Friday - APO ISLAND / SIQUIJOR ARRIVAL (Angel's Backpackers)

9 persons >April 7: Saturday - SIQUIJOR Tour – Part 1

9 persons >April 8: Sunday - SIQUIJOR Tour – Part 2

11 persons>April 9: Monday - DUMAGUETE CITY HOME SWEET HOME

JOINING ME ARE:

1.) Jessa Abdon (Cagayan de Oro) : April 7 - April 9

2.) John Rey Bado (Siquijor) : April 7 - April 8

3.) Ivy Umpad (Consolacion): April 5 - April 9

4.) Vanessa (Cebu): April 3 - April 9

5.) Dana (Mactan): April 3 - April 9

6.) Alyana Arnan (Manila): April 3 - April 9

7.) Ian Laput (Manila): April 6 - April 9

8.) Ryan Abarra (Manila): April 6 - April 9

9.) Alexis Camesa (Bacolod): April 9

10.) James Abogada (Bacolod): April 9

11.)

12.)

If you are interested, or if you wanna catch up on those dates posted above just comment below. :) Please pass along to your friends who are into backpacking/traveling. The more the many-ier... Mwah mwah mwah. ^_^

UPDATE as of March 24, 2012 10AM

ITINERARY:

April 1: OSLOB / DUMAGUETE CITY

WAKE UP CALL 3AM

AM - OSLOB, CEBU 3am-6am

1. Nigad tree – centuries-old legendary tree

2. “Mainit” medicinal hot springs

3. Whale Watching – 1 hour (Total: 550)

Snorkel Gear P100 | Lifevest P50 | Entrance P50 | Lifevest P50 | Boat Rent 300/pax

4. Oslob to Bato, Samboan Port – 30 minutes (Total: P30)

5. 11:30AM Samboan - Dumaguete – 45 minutes (Total: P50)

Bato, Samboan to Tampi, San Jose, Negros

Maayo Shipping, Inc.

Tampi, San Jose, Negros Oriental

Telephone: (032) , (035) 417-0280, (035) 419-6023

PM - TANJAY CITY (Overnight @Dumaguete City)

1.) Twin Lakes of Balinsasayao – Entrance P10/person | Kayak – P100/hr

take a pedicab (tricyce) and ask to be taken to the jeep or bus terminal going or passing through San Jose
tell the jeep/bus driver to drop you off the junction going to the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. This is after you've passed Sibulan proper but before you reach San Jose proper. ~30 minutes
from that junction, it's a long uphill road. Hire a motorbike (habal-habal) to take you to the lakes. Make sure to arrange for your return. P150 one-way | P300 two-way

2.) Bus ride to Dumaguete City – 45 minutes (Php20)

3.) Overnight at RM Guesthouse Dumaguete: (RESERVED) P275.00 dorm fan

April 2: BAIS CITY / MABINAY / KABANKALAN CITY

WAKE UP CALL 6AM

AM - BAIS CITY

1. Bus from Dumaguete to Bais City Fare: P20

2. Manjuyod Sand Bar

Go to Manjuyod Fishing village, rent boat from local fishermen

P600 rental for 5 person-seat (w/ 3 life jackets)

PM – MABINAY / Overnight Camping @Mag-aso Falls

1.) Bais to Mabinay bus ride - Fare: P50

2.) Mabinay Springs (Entrance: free)

3.) Spelunking - P50/cave | P500/cave guide

Jeffrey Dasian, cell phone # 0918-242-7269

Odloman, Cayaso, Crystal Cave, Panligawan Cave, Pandalihan Cave, Baliw Cave, Mambajo Cave

4.) Mabinay to Kabankalan bus Fare: P15

2.) Mag-aso Falls (Kabankalan) P50/cave

3.) Overnight Camping @Mag-aso Falls, Kabankalan City

Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City - Entrance P25 / Camping Fee P100

April 3: CAUAYAN, NEGROS

WAKE UP CALL 5AM

AM - PM > CAUAYAN

1.) Island Hopping:

Danjugan Island
Agutayan Island
Turtle Island (Anhawan) - Anhawan Island (Turtle Island) (Brgy. Elihan, Sipalay town)/From bus, drop-off at Barangay Road, Cartagena / Mary Grace / Mrs. Rhoda – Contact Number.: (+63 ) 9065477947

EVENING CAMPING: @Cauayan town

1.) Feasible: Agutayan Island just near mainland

2.) Cauayan mainland contact person 09194041365 (Mark from Municipal Tourism Office)

April 4: SIPALAY CITY

WAKE UP CALL 7AM

AM – SIPALAY CITY Stay at:

option 1 - RESERVED Langub Pension

P500 per room, fan, Brgy. 1 Sipalay City

option 2 - UNREACHABLE Manna Guest House eat at Pat’s Eatery

With fan good for 2 persons Php 160.00

Contact Person/s: Gladys Campillanos

Contact #: 09268254159

PM – SIPALAY sight seeing

1.) Brgy. Nauhang cove (Efren De Castro 09186896075) - No entrance

Cave Guide Fee - optional as a group we can just give a guide 200-300.

small Pumpboat rental from local fisherman - P300-P350

2.) Beach bumming

3.) Overnight / Beer sessions

April 5: Thursday - HINOBAAN / APO ISLAND Day 1

WAKE UP CALL 7AM

AM – HINOBAAN

1.) Bus ride from Sipalay to Hinoba-an (Fare 25)

2.) Dry and Wet Ubong Caves (Pending info from Negros blogger Glady)

Entrace ____ | Caveguide _____ | Gears _____

PM – APO ISLAND ARRIVAL & Camping Overnight

1.) Bus to Malatapay Market in Zamboanguita

2.) Boat ride to Apo Island - NOTE: Boat curfew is 4PM in and out of Apo Island

Boat Rental: P1,500 small OR P2,500 big

Entrance Fee P100 | Camping Fee P50/night | Snorkel fee P50

3.) 5PM Setting up of camping tent - NOTE: Should be near Apo Village where public CR is located.

4.) Bar Hopping / Beer Session | Retire @12MN

April 6: Friday - APO ISLAND Day 2

WAKE UP CALL 7AM

AM – APO ISLAND WATER FUN & TREK

1.) Breakfast

2.) Snorkel and Swimming - NOTE: Bring waterproof suntan lotion w/ high SPF

3.) Coastal Trek / Island Sightseeing

4.) Disbanding of tent and departure from the island

PM – SIQUIJOR ARRIVAL

1.) 1PM Apo Island to Dumaguete City (approx. 1hr travel)

2.) 2:30PM Dumaguete to Siquijor (Php190 - 1hr travel)

Delta Fast Ferries | Dumaguete-Siquijor Daily 6:00AM, 10:30AM, 2:30PM

3.) 3:30 PM Arrival @Larena, Siquijor

4.) Room / Booking @ ANGEL’S LITTLE-BACKPACKERS - Brgy. Helen, Larena

RESERVED - LARENA, SIQUIJOR @ Php 200 per person

April 7: SIQUIJOR Tour – Day 1

WAKE UP CALL 7AM

Tour Guide:

Email: biosiquijor@yahoo.com Phone: 0926-9627166

Option 1 Day hikes/drives: 350 PHP (excluding food and petrol)

Option 2 Backpacking treks: 450 PHP per day (food Filipino style included)

AM – LAZI town adventure A

1.) Transpo Rent (Optional)

P25/day – motorbike P800/day – motorcab or traysikad

2.) Century Old Balete Tree

3.) Ilihan Cave (Brgy Simacolong, Lazi)

PM – LAZI town adventure B

1.) Mt. Pinarilag (Brgy Cangumantong, Lazi)

2.) Bandilaan National Park

3.) Cambugahay Falls

EVENING – SAN JUAN town

1.) Capilay Spring Park

2.) Beach hunting in San Juan bay

3.) Drinks with locals

4.) Sleep @12MN

5.) Back to Lodge

April 8: SIQUIJOR Tour – Day 2

WAKE UP CALL 7AM

P25/day – motorbike

AM – SIQUIJOR town adventure C

1.) Cantabon Cave (optional) – Brgy. Cantabon, Siquijor, Cave Guide: Mr. Ivan Victor Ibay

2.) Snorkel @Tulapos Marine Sanctuary – Brgy. Tulapos, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor

3.) Our Lady of Divine Providence Church

4.) Pictorial @Balagdong Forest

PM – SIQUIJOR Finale / DUMAGUETE ARRIVAL

1.) Islander’s Paradise Beach (Sandugan, Larena)

2.) Check-out

3.) 5PM Ship from Siquijor to Dumaguete City

Delta Fast Ferries (Php190 - 1hr travel)

Siquijor-Dumaguete Daily 8:00AM, 12:30, 5:00PM

4.) 6PM Arrival in Dumaguete (Fare for jeepenes/tricycle P50)

5.) DINNER Dumaguete’s Rizal Boulevard Nightlife (P150 for dinner and P100 entrance clubbing)

Party @: Gimmick, Why Not Disco and El Camino Blanco bars/clubs

6.) Accomodation @RM Guesthouse | Retire @2AM

April 9: DUMAGUETE CITY

WAKE UP CALL 7AM

AM – DUMAGUETE Heritage Trip

1.) St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral

2.) Rizal Park

3.) Our Lady of Perpetual Help shrine

4.) Anthropology Museum & Centre for the Study of Philippine Living Culture

Hibbard Ave, the extension of Perdices St

Estimate Fare Moving Around the City: P100

PM – DUMAGUETE Adventure

1.) Casaroro Falls (Valencia, Dumaguete) P10php entrance

Motor from Y-intersection to Casaroro entrance pakyaw P250

2.) Japanese Shrine

EVENING – HOME SWEET HOME!

Option 1 – BUS Dumaguete-Cebu Fare P350 (including barge fee)

CERES Bus ( Vallacar Transit)

***NO Evening Schedule

4:10am 1st trip Aircon bus

5:45am Aircon bus

8:25am Aircon bus

10:15am Deluxe

11:20am Aircon bus

12:15noon Aircon bus

Option 2 – BOAT Dumaguete-Cebu

George & Peter Lines Monday/Saturday/Sunday 11:00pm

Cokaliong Tuesday-Sunday 12midnight

IMPORTANT THINGS TO BRING:

1.) Aqua shoes (preferred) OR hike/trek shoes

2.) sunblock | preferred is waterproof suntan lotion

3.) insect repellant

4.) backpack (suggestion: backpack rain cover/protector)

5.) light clothes or sando (more comfortable)

6.) beach shorts and extra undies

7.) maong shorts (for nightlife, clubbing)

8.) camera | underwater or waterproof (preferred) OR waterproof camera case

9.) water container

10.) 1 sweater (use at night if it’s too cold)

11.) 1 light or small towel

12.) Flashlight / lighter

13.) Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, shampoo, etc.

14.) Snorkel - optional >Buy @Metro Gaisano P300-600

15.) TENT > You may buy now there is a promo @Php700 (2 person capacity)

16.) SLEEPING BAG - optional

17.) pocket knife for emergency and utility

PROJECTED Budget:

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	TOTAL	REDUCED
1 person	960	2115.00	Pending	1010.00	1855.00	740.00	475.00	465.00	710.00	8330.00	6,000
2 persons	660	1225.00	Pending	730.00	1205.00	615.00	475.00	465.00	585.00	5960.00	5,000
3 persons	560	921.67	Pending	638.33	988.33	573.33	475.00	465.00	543.33	5165.00	4,000
4 persons	510	800.00	Pending	710.00	880.00	552.50	475.00	465.00	710.00	5102.50	4,000
5 persons	480	700.00	Pending	610.00	815.00	540.00	475.00	465.00	585.00	4670.00	3,800
6 persons	460	638.33	Pending	571.67	771.67	531.67	475.00	465.00	543.33	4456.67	3,500

To know more:

Siquijor: http://www.siquijor.gov.ph/where%20to%20stay.pdf

Negros: http://www.trc.dost.gov.ph/SocioEconomicTourismPage.jsp?provinceid=139

Negros: http://www.touroriental.com/wheretostay/staynegrosoriental-hotel.html

Dumaguete: http://www.haroldsmansion.com/down/2011-05-SCHED.pdf

Boat Trips Cebu-Dumaguete: http://www.cebuboattrips.com/fast_craft.htm#cuardo_alas_navigation

More info from Negros Bloggers:

Ian Rosales Casocot

Mike Ramos

Glady Tomulto

CouchSurfing Guide: Why Promote Cultural Exchange?

2012-02-27T09:24:00.001+08:00

Couchsurfers: Cebu hosts and guests convergence last January 2012

In your own words, how do you feel about CouchSurfing and promoting cultural exchange?

This, by far, is the first online community where awareness of other culture, languages, and tradition is observe. Everybody is open-minded and eager to learn and know more about other people's identity and origin. In this world of war, hatred and diversity I firmly believe the very need of helping each other promote cultural exchange and tolerance to understanding foreign cultures. This for me can be considered the first step in global unity, a unity of the hearts not the minds. CouchSurfing is trying to make this possible and is already are, the revolution is on. :) Are you one of us? Let us take part and show our support.

Please watch the video for more information and an introductory to first timers about what CouchSurfing is all about.

Filipino Dialects: Kapampangan Grammar and Vocabulary

2012-02-25T20:48:00.005+08:00

This post is first of the Filipino Dialect series which is my personal initiative to promote the awareness and study of Filipino dialects across the nation. I am a person of diversity and will promote diversity. It's one good way to balance everything. In all aspect, even in languages, we must have diversity but individuals must learn to love what they know and treasure it to be able to provide something for the new generations to come.

Here's a shocker, just read a magazine, or was it even a magazine? LoL. I think that was a photo excerpt from a newspaper. Yes, endangered species are being helped by environmentalist and NGOs efforts for a much better chances of survival, but what about the very truth of preserving the languages of our dwindling aboriginal and tribal communities? Very very rare you would see groups or individuals who aim in preserving this. Languages for me is a mirror of ones culture. In this article, Kapampangan and Pangasinense are few of the dying dialects here in the Philippines. Let's help them :)

For travelers and beginners here are the common phrases that you may use with your interactions with a native Kapampangan speaker. But for those who want to practice their skill and accent you may try singing a modern Kapampangan pop song entitled 'You made it, abe" by 1DELACREW here.

SOME COMMON PHRASES AND SENTENCES:

Kumusta na ka? – How are you?
Masalese ku pu. – I'm fine.
Mayap ku pu. – I'm good.
Nanung lagyu mu? – What is your name?
Malagu ka talaga! – You are really beautiful.
Kasanting mo! – You are so handsome!
Wa – Yes
Ali – No
Ume ka keni – Come here.
Bisa kung maglolo keka. – "I want to court you."
Tabalu keka- literally "I don't know with you." (expression)
Eku balu.- I don't know.
Mako na ku. – I am going.
Mangan ta na, mangan tamu. – Let us eat now, let us eat.
Kanyaman na ning lutu mo! – You're cooking is good!
Gusto mo nito?- bisa ka?
Ewan ko sa iyo- tabalu keka!
Ang sarap! (or your generic expression when you taste something na masarap po. - kanyaman!
Ganda ko anoh?- kalagu ko ne?
Gwapo ako.- pogi ku.

Magandang umaga- mayap a abak
Magandang tanghali- mayap a ugtu
Magandang gabi- mayap a bengi
Maganda- malagu
Pogi- masanting
Mahal kita- kaluguran daka
Ano? - nanu?
Ikaw - ika
Doon - keta
Masarap - manyaman
Kasama - kayabe
Mabait - maganaka
Masama - marok
Sex- karat

Mangan - verb, to eat (kain)
Mengan - verb, have eaten (kumain)
Mamangan - verb, will eat (kakain)
pamangan - noun, pagkain (meal)

Tagalog: kumakain (present), kakain (future), kumain (past)
Kapampangan: mangan (present), mamangan (future), mengan (past)
Waray-Waray: nakaon (present), makaon (future), kinaon (past)
Cebuano: nagkaon (present), mokaon (future), nikaon (past)

Grammar and Sentence Construction

NOUNS:
Trivia: Every Kapampangan nouns used in a sentence are most of the time preceded by case markers.

*Noun markers are divided into two classes: one for names of people (personal) and the second for everything else (common). Personal classes usually ends with -ing, common classes has no -ing ending.
*Case markers have three types of case markers: absolutive (nominative), ergative (genitive), and oblique.

	Absolutive (Nominative)	Ergative (Genitive)	Oblique
Common singular	ing	-ng / ning	king
Common plural	ding / ring	ring	karing
Personal singular	i	-ng	kang
Personal plural	di / ri	ri	kari

Examples:

Dinatang ya ing lalaki. Dumating ang lalake. ("The man arrived.")
Ikit neng Juan y Maria. Nakita ni Juan si Maria. ("John saw Mary.")
Munta la di Elena ampon i Robertu king bale nang Miguel. Pupunta sina Elena at Roberto sa bahay ni Miguel. ("Elena and Roberto will go to Miguel's house.")
Nukarin la ring libru? Nasaan ang mga libro? ("Where are the books?")
Ibie ke ing susi kang Carmen.

Ibibigay ko ang susi kay Carmen. (I will give the key to Carmen.)

PRONOUNS:
Kapampangan pronouns are categorized by case: absolutive, ergative, and oblique.

	Absolutive (Independent)	Absolutive (Enclitic)	Ergative	Oblique
1st person singular	yaku, aku	ku	ku	kanaku, kaku
2nd person singular	ika	ka	mu	keka
3rd person singular	iya, ya	ya	na	keya, kaya
1st person dual	ikata	kata, ta	ta	kekata
1st person plural inclusive	ikatamu, itamu	katamu, tamu	tamu, ta	kekatamu, kekata
1st person plural exclusive	ikami, ike	kami, ke	mi	kekami, keke
2nd person plural	ikayu, iko	kayu, ko	yu	kekayu, keko
3rd person plural	ila	la	da ra	karela

Examples

Sinulat ku. "I wrote."
Silatanan na ku. "(He or She) wrote me."
Ninu ing minaus keka? "Who called you?

1.) Genitive pronouns follow the word they modify. Oblique pronouns can take the place of the genitive pronoun but they precede the word they modify.
Ing bale ku. (Ang bahay ko.)
Ing kakung bale. (Ang aking bahay.)
"My house."

2.) The dual pronoun ikata refers to only the first and second persons.
3.) The inclusive pronoun ikatamu refers to the first and second persons. It may also refer to a third person(s).
4.) The exclusive pronoun ikamí refers to the first and third persons but excludes the second.
Ala tang nasi. "We (you and I) do not have rice." [the word "you" here maybe plural or singular]
Ala tamung nasi. "We (you and I and someone else) do not have rice." [this is the same as above; "tang" is only a shortcut of "tamung"]
Ala keng nasi. "We (someone else and I, but not you) do not have rice." [the third person maybe singular or plural, that is, "we" may refer to "He/She and I" or "They and I"]
5.) Furthermore, Kapampangan stands out among many Philippine languages in requiring the presence of the pronoun even if the noun it represents, or the grammatical antecedent, is present.
Dinatang ya i Erning. (not *dinatang i Erning) "Ernie arrived."
Mamasa la ri Maria at Juan./Mamasa la di Maria at Juan. (not *mamasa ri Maria at Juan/mamasa di Maria at Juan) "Maria and Juan are reading."
Silatanan na kang José. (not *silatanan kang José) "José wrote you."
As a comparison, it would be akin to saying *dumating siya si Erning, *bumabasa sila sina Maria at Juan and *sinulatan ka niya ni José in Tagalog.

Special forms

The pronouns ya and la have special forms when they are used in conjunction with the words ati (there is/are) and ala (there is/are not).

Ati yu king Pampanga. (not *Ati ya king Pampanga)
"He is in Pampanga."
Ala lu ring doktor keni./Ala lu ding doktor keni. (not *ala la ring doktor keni/ala la ding doktor keni)
The doctors are no longer here.

Pronoun combinations (Cebuano translation italicized.)

Ikit da ka. Nakita kita. Nakit-an ta ka. "I saw you."
Silatanan na ku. Sinulatan nya ako. Gisuwatan ko niya. "He wrote to me."
However, the following constructions are incorrect: *ikit ka da and *silatanan ku na

Demonstrative Pronouns
Kapampangan's demonstrative pronouns are outlined in the chart below.
This particular system of demonstrative pronouns differs with other Philippine languages by having separate forms for the singular and plural.

	Absolutive		Ergative		Oblique		Locative		Existential
	Singular	Plural	Singular	Plural	Singular	Plural	Singular	Plural	Existential
Nearest to speaker (this, here)	ini	deni reni	nini	dareni	canini	careni	oyni	oreni	queni
Near speaker & addressee (this, here)	iti	deti reti	niti	dareti	caniti	careti	oyti	oreti	queti
Nearest addressee (that, there)	iyan	den ren	niyan	daren	canyan	caren	oyan	oren	quen
Remote (yon, yonder)	ita	deta reta	nita	dareta	canita	careta	oyta	oreta	queta

1.) The demonstrative pronouns ini and iti (as well as their respective forms) both mean "this" but each have distinct uses.
Iti usually refers to something abstract but may also refer to concrete nouns. For example, iting musika (this music), iti ing gagawan mi (this is what we do).
2.) Ini is always concrete and never abstract. For example ining libru (this book), ini ing asu nang Juan (this is Juan's dog).
3.) Furthermore, in their locative forms, keni is used when the person spoken to is not near the subject spoken of. Keti, on the other hand, when the person spoken to is near the subject spoken of. For example, two people in the same country will refer to their country as keti however, they will refer to their respective towns as keni. Both mean here.

Nanu ini? "What's this?"
Mangabanglu la rening sampaga./Mangabanglu la dening sampaga. "These flowers smell good."
Ninu ing lalaking ita? "Who is that man/guy?"
Me keni/munta ka keni. "Come here."
Ati ku keti/atsu ku keni/atyu ku keni. "I am here."
Mangan la keta. "They will eat there."
Ninu ing anak a yan? "Who is that child?"
Uyta/Oyta ya pala ing salamin mo/mu! "So that's where your glasses are!"
E ku pa menakit makanyan/makanini. "I haven't seen one of these before"
Manyaman la ren./Manyaman la den. Those are delicious.
Ayni/Areni/Oreni la reng adwang regalo para keka. "Here are the two gifts for you."
Buri daka! "I like You"
Kaluguran daka! " I Love You"
Mangan Tana! "Let's Eat"
Edaka buring mawala! "I don't want to lose you!"

VERBS:
Kapampangan verbs are morphologically complex and take on a variety of affixes reflecting focus, aspect, mode, and others. With conjugations, it's different from any other Western languages but if you are good in Tagalog verb conjugations like tatakbo, tinatakbo, tatakbuhin or naglaba, naglalaba, maglalaba; then you are in good hands because we will gonna be using Tagalog as our reference.

Ambiguities and Irregularities of Kapampangan verbs.
To illustrate this, let's take the rootword sulat (write) which exists in both Tagalog and Kapampangan.
For example:

susulat means "is writing" (present tense) in Kapampangan but "will write" in Tagalog.
sumulat means "will write" (future tense) in Kapampangan but "wrote" in Tagalog. This form is also the infinitive in both languages.
sinulat means "wrote" (past tense) in both languages. However in Kapampangan it's in the actor focus but object focus in Tagalog

Kapampangan actor focus: Sinulat ning Aurelio Tolentino. (ning Aurelio Tolentino = actor of sinulat.)
Tagalog object focus: Sinulat ko siya kahapon. (Siya = object of sinulat)

1.) The object-focus suffix -an represents two types of focuses. However, the only difference between the two is that one of the conjugations preserves -an in the completed aspect while it is dropped in the other conjugation. Take the two verbs below:

bayaran (to pay someone): bayaran (will pay someone), babayaran (is paying someone), beyaran (paid someone)

bayaran (to pay for something): bayaran (will pay for something), babayaran (is paying for something), binayad (paid for something)

2.) There are a number of actor-focus verbs which do not use the infix -um- but are usually conjugated like other verbs that do. For example, gawa (to do), bulus (to immerse), terak (to dance), lukas (to take off), sindi (to smoke), saklu (to fetch), takbang (to step), tuki (to accompany), etc. are used instead of *gumawa, *bumulus, *tumerak, *lumukas, *sumindi, *sumaklu, *tumakbang, *tumuki,

3.) Many of the verbs mentioned in the previous paragraph undergo a change of their vowel rather than use the infix -in- (completed aspect). In the actor focus (i.e., -um- verbs), this happens only to verbs having the vowel /u/ in the first syllable. For example, the verb lukas (to take off) is conjugated lukas (will take off), lulukas (is taking off), and likas (took off) (rather than *linukas).

4.) This change of vowel also applies to certain object-focus verbs in the completed aspect. In addition to /u/ becoming /i/, /a/ becomes /e/ in certain cases. For example, dela (brought something) and not *dinala, semal (worked on something) and not *sinamal, and seli (bought) and not *sinali.

5.) Furthermore, there is no written distinction between the two mag- affixes in writing. Magsalita can either mean is speaking or will speak. There is an audible difference, however. [mɐɡsaliˈtaʔ] means "will speak" while [ˌmaːɡsaliˈtaʔ] means "is speaking".

Conjugation Chart
Well , I would rather not include the complete conjugation chart here because it is quite complicated. I'd rather tell you a brief summary of things to note for conjugations. These are just summary of what are the usual conjugations or verb endings that you should take note for each tenses.

	Infinitive & Contemplative	Progressive	Completed
Actor Focus	-um- / m- / mag-	mág- / má- / máN-	-in- / min- / me- / mig- /meg- / ne- /meN-
Object Focus	an / i-	i- / -an	-in-/ -i- / -e- / -an
Instrument Focus	ipaN-	páN-	piN-, peN
Reason Focus	ka-	ká-	ke-

ENCLITIC PARTICLES / EXPRESSIONAL PARTICLES:
1. ba: used optionally in yes-and-no questions and other types of questions.
2. agyaman, man: even, even if, even though.
3. nung: condition particle that expresses unexpected event; if.
4. kanu: reporting or hearsay particle that expresses that the information is second-hand; he said, she said, they said, it was said, allegedly, reportedly, supposedly.
5. din/rin: inclusive particle that adds something to what was said before; also, too.
6. iká: expresses hope, unrealized condition (with verb in completed aspected), used in conditional aspects.
7. itá: expresses uncertainty and unrealized idea; perhaps, probably, seems.
8. mu: limiting particle; only, just.
9. na and pa

na: now, already, yet, anymore.
pa: still, else.

10. namán: used in making contrasts and softens requests and emphasis.
11. nanu ita: expresses cause; because, because of.
12. pin: used in affirmations or emphasis and also softens imperatives; indeed.
13. palá: realization particle that expresses that the speaker has realized and/or suddenly remembered something.
14. pu/opu: politeness particle.

Swerti kanu iti kanaku. It was said that it is lucky to me.
Edukadu ya rin ing nobyu mu. Your boyfriend is also educated.

EXISTENTIAL OR INDICATING PRESENCE / EXISTENCE: To express existence (there is/are) and possession (to have), the word atí is used.
Atí la namang konsyensya.
They also have conscience.

NEGATION OR EXPRESSING NEGATIVES:
There are two negation words: alí and alá.
Alí negates verbs and equations. It means no and/or not.
Alí ya seli.
He did not buy.
Alá is the opposite of atí.
Alá na mo kanung lugud.
They say that there is no more love.
But in several statements, e is used instead of "ali."
E ke seli.
I did not buy it.

INTERROGATIVE / QUESTION WORDS:

1.) Kumustá is used to inquire how something is (are). It is frequently used as a greeting meaning How are you? It is derived from the Spanish ¿cómo está?
Kumustá na ka? “How are you?”
Kumustá ya ing pasyenti? “How is the patient?”
2.) Nanu means what. > Nanu ya ing gagawan mu? “What are you doing?”
3.) Ninu means who. > Ninu la reng lalaki?/Ninu la deng lalaki? “Who are those men?”
Ninu i Jennifer? “Who is Jennifer?”
4.) Nukarin means where but is used to inquire about the location of an object and not used with verbs.
Nukarin ya ing drayber? “Where is the driver?”
Nukarin ya i Henry? “Where is Henry?”

NUMBERS:

Number	Kapampangan
1	Metung/Isa
2	Adua
3	Atlu
4	Apat
5	Lima
6	Anam
7	Pitu
8	Walu
9	Siyam
10	Apulu
11	Labing metung
12	Labing adua
13	Labing atlu
14	Labing apat
15	Labing lima
20	Adwang pulu
21	Adwang pulu't metung
22	Adwang pulu't adua
30	Atlung pulu
100	Hanggatus
200	Aduang dalan
1,000	Libu / Metung Libu / Metung a Libu
2,000	Aduang Libu
10,000	Lacsa
100,000	Gatus
200,000	Adwang Dalan Libu / Adwang Dalan A Libu
1,000,000	Milyun
2,000,000	Aduang Milyun (Modern)
1,000,000,000	Bilyun / Metung Bilyun / Metung a Bilyun (Modern)

Note: Please read our full disclaimer located at the bottom part of this site. For corrections, or suggestion please email info(at)drakieness(dot)com.

Kapampangan's "You made it, Abe" Music Video by 1DELACREW

2012-02-25T05:51:00.002+08:00

I "stumbled upon"this song today, just wanna share it. This song is entitled "You made it, Abe" released last year. Its lyrics is actually a mixture of English, Tagalog and Kapampangan. Song performed by 1DELACREW dedicated to the survivors of the Pinatubo eruption of 1991 and to those who endured the succeeding calamities caused by the volcanic eruption.

Basically, the main reason of me posting this video here is because I am currently trying to learn basic Kapampangan dialect. I always believe when I started studying foreign languages that to be fluent with another dialect or language you test your progress by singing their song. This would also enhance and make your accent better. Alright, without further adieu, here's the song with lyrics below (just scroll down).

LYRICS:

YOU MADE IT, ABE
Artist: 1DELACREW (Members: Raquo, Re-do, Aessa, Jhaye)
A.k.a. The Pinatubo Song
Music: ParaKnowYaH!
Words by Jason Paul Laxamana

REFRAIN:
You made it (2x)
You made it through it all
And you'll make it
You'll make it
You make it through what the future holds

FIRST VERSE:
Di madali ang buhay natin sa daigdig na ito
Payapa ngayon subalit bukas ganoon pa ba?
Di natin batid kung kailan lilindol, bubuhos ang ulan
Panalangin na lang ang inaasahan mo, yeah...

Di ka na dapat mangamba sapagkat ikaw ay matatag,
napagdaanan mo na ang lahat

CHORUS:
Dintang ing bagyu, dintang ing ayun
Pamamakbung ning bunduk oneng
You made it, Abe
Alagpasan mu ita
Minuran abu, dinalumdum ya ing banua
Mikutkut gabun oneng
You made it, Abe
Palakpakan da ka

(REPEAT REFRAIN)

SECOND VERSE:
E saguli ing kekatang biye king yatu ta'ng ini
Tahimik ngeni, makananu kaya bukas?
Malyaring mayun at malyaring muran ni'ng makapagsabi
Ipangadi ta na mu king ginu, oh

E na ka tatakut pa uling matatag ka,
Karakal mu na delanan, abata mu ngan

(REPEAT CHORUS)
(REPEAT REFRAIN)

BRIDGE:
No we'll never stand down to anything in our way
Hand in hand until the end of time...

(REPEAT CHORUS twice)
(REPEAT REFRAIN twice)

..END...

Filipino Pagan Gods and Goddesses (Eternal Deities)

2012-02-25T04:31:00.001+08:00

Thanks to Adrenia, A filipina teen (20 yr. old) living in New York, USA who have inspired me to post and share these deities to my viewership as well.

I have studied and heard names of deities from Western mythologies and pantheons since High School but not too much emphasis were given to the local deities that our ancient ancestors had drawn their worshiped to.

Bathala, The Father Sky God

Aman Sinaya, the Mother Goddess of Sea

The deities of Philippine mythology are the gods, goddesses and diwatas worshiped by ancient Filipinos before the Christianization of the natives during the Spanish conquest of the Philippines. In different regions of the Philippines they are called by various names, "apo", "diyos", "fon", "linamin", "diwata", "lakan", "aring", etc. While not as widely known as its European and Asian counterparts, they have similar elements and characteristics when compared to other mythologies.

Ancient Philippine mythology varies among the many indigenous tribes of the Philippines. During the pre-Spanish era, some tribes believed in a single supreme being who created the world and everything in it, along with lesser deities. Others chose to worship a multitude of trees as an act of animism. Below are some of the gods and goddesses of the various ancient Philippine tribes:

Suggested Readings:
Mysterio delas Felipinas - Gods and Goddesses
Deities of Philippine Mythology - Wikipedia
Life of a Filipino Pagan - Adrenia

(Left) Apo Malyari, Goddess of the Moon residing in Mt. Pinatubo

(Center) Apo Sinukuan, God of the Sun & War, residing in Mt. Arayat

LIST OF DEITIES - FILIPINO PANTHEON

(Eternal Beings)

These deities are taken from various mythological sources, including books, mags and oral traditions. Most of the information are from the said sources, but there are some additional information, regarding working with deities which are from personal experiences of Mysterio delas Felipinas. Disclaimer: This list is not full and complete, please see suggested reading sources, link provided above.

Ideale- the goddess of harvest. If you want to work with her, offer here a plate of rice when the moon is full at around seven in the evening. She will help you in times of trouble provided that you tend plants and herbs of any kind.

Bathla- the sky god, later called as Bathala. He offers the knowledge of the Air element. Offerings of Frankinsence are very appealing to him.

Sidapa- the god of death. Although seen as a dark god, he is kind and caring and will help his priest or priestess in times of need.

Sol- the god of the sun.

Luna- god of the Moon. She weeps for her lover, Kertes, who died in a battle with the sun. That is why we cannot see her sometimes because she hides her mourning face.

Habagat- the god of winds. He rules the whole of the Himpapawirin, the kingdom of silver and gold found in the sky. He will invite his worshipers to his magnificent kingdom.

Pughe- the king of the Dwendes of the North. A dwende is a filipino gnome. Most are divided into the black and white varities.

Kuntalapa- goddess of childbirth.

Pamahres- god of knowledge. Told Sol how he can break the protection given by Luna to Kertes.

Dal'lang- goddess of beauty. Bestows the gift of Beauty to her followers.

Lalahon- goddess of volcanoes. In the olden days, a virgin girl was sacrificed in order to keep the goddess satisfied. But in this time, an offering of fire will please her.

Kidul- god of earthquakes.

Bagobo- god of war.

Kalinga- god of thunder.

Agui- god of fire, brother of Agwe.

Agwe- god of waters

Mangaragan- goddess of war.

Lalahon- maiden aspect of Ideale

Siginaguran- god of hell

Somilge- goddess of magick, queen of witchery, crone aspect of Ideale. She bestows upon her priestess the gift of magick.

Deltise- the god of mambabarangs

Martes- the son of Bagobo. Prince of pain and war.

Kilubansa- the god of healing, Father of Dihas.

Dihas- the goddess of medicinal herbs.

Pasipo- god of music.

Detinos- the god of evil. Enemy of Bathla.

Sirenha- the goddess of fishes. The Sirenas or mermaids are her children.

Oghep- the god of mountains and hills.

S'dop-(sodop) the goddess of gold.

Dayea- the goddess of secrets.

Bayoa- the god of pacts. Invoke during bloodpacts.

Aspene- the shell goddess.

Punho- the god of trees.

Kertes- the lover of Luna, killed by Sol. Born as a human, Kertes was transformed into a god after his death.

Haspe- King of the Tamaos.

Halmista- God of Magic. Highest of all the Magickal Gods, he is the father of Deltise and Kilawnea

Kapalaran- Although he is not a God, he is still considered as a high power. He has the power tochange destiny at his will. He is the strongest of all Eternal Beings.

Sehana- The goddess of love. She has the power to bestow love on any moprtal or Immortal being.

Knowing Your Personal Archangels

2012-02-21T18:17:00.002+08:00

Archangel Sachiel (Tzadkiel)

Now, did you know that we all have our personal Archangels? They were assigned right before our mother gave birth to us by the Highest Realms...

I have come across an esoteric site mostly providing facts that are Kaballistic in nature. And there were Angels and the Archangels photos displayed. So what do we know about angels? Angels are found in almost all variety of religions and are regarded as spiritual beings (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianish, Sikhism, etc...) The theological study of angels is known as angelology. The term "angel" has also been expanded to various notions of spiritual beings found in many other religious traditions.

The month in which you where born has bestowed you with an important Angelic relationship. This is your Sun Sign Archangel. Together with your Moon Sign forms the foundation of your Angelic relationship to your Archangels.

The Angelic Heirarchy (based on Book of Enoch)

Rank	Choir of Angels	Translation	Archangel	Sephirah (metaphysical realm)
1	Hayot Ha Kodesh	Holy Animals	Metatron	Keter
2	Ophanim	Wheels	Raziel	Chokmah
3	Erelim	Thrones	Tzaphkiel	Binah
4	Hashmallim	Electric Ones	Tzadkiel (Sachiel)	Chesed
5	Seraphim	Burning Ones	Khamael	Gevurah
6	Malakhim	Messengers, angels	Raphael	Tipheret
7	Elohim	Gods	Haniel (Anael)	Netzach
8	Bene Elohim	Sons of God	Michael	Hod
9	Cherubim	Strong Ones	Gabriel	Yesod
10	Ishim	Persons	Sandalphon	Malkuth

So how do you determine your personal archangel? Follow steps below.

Know your Personal Archangel:

Archangel Michael - Leo Only - More Click here
Archangel Gabriel - Cancer Only - More Click here
Archangel Samael - Aries and Scorpio - More Click here
Archangel Raphael - Gemini and Virgo - More Click here
Archangel Sachiel - Sagittarius and Pisces - More Click here
Archangel Anael - Taurus and Libra - More Click here
Archangel Cassiel - Capricorn Only - More Click here
Archangel Uriel - Aquarius Only - More Click here

The Archangels Cassiel and Uriel are a class of Teaching Angels know also as the "Angels of Men" and will help students who have other Astrological signs different from those of Aquarius and Capricorn. This additional assistance is a little too complicated to enter into here, as factor involving your Moon Angel and his Astrological Sign need to be considered.

CouchSurfing Guide: Why start hosting?

2012-02-21T16:05:00.005+08:00

dinner with host Francis (red tshirt) and couchsurfers last Sinulog 2012

Click here for my CouchSurfing Complete Guide

Well, to answer that question, personally speaking I start hosting to meet new people coming from different cultures from around the world. Out of my very hectic schedule I've got not time to go out beyond my border and travel. In this way, it seems like I am already traveling at the comfort of my home. It makes the world closer than it seems. Bringing it right in front of you.

Check out this video made by the CS Team answering the question: Why did I start hosting in CouchSurfing?

Poi Fusion (fire dancing basics): Creating Vortexes Workshop

2012-02-20T11:03:00.001+08:00

BodyMind Well-Being studio (BMWB) will be offering Flag Poi and Fire Poi Lessons Beginning on Feb. 22, 2012 at 2:00 to 3:15 PM. Located at Salinas Drive5th floor AMWSLAI building, across Metrobank. More details below...

A Poi lesson , body movement and coordination class. A body movement workshop involving Poi spinning, coordination exercises, breathing exercises, and stick fighting movements. It helps develop muscle flexibility, encourages left and right brain coordination, develops focus and concentration, all within an enjoyable form of movement meditation. A physical, mental and spiritual exercise.

*poi spinning is a prerequisite for fire poi spinning (Module 2)

As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi artists may also sing or dance while swinging their poi. Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire).

Poi originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, where it is still practiced today. Poi has also gained a following in many other countries. The expansion of poi culture has led to a significant evolution of the styles practiced, the tools used, and the definition of the word "poi."

WEDNESDAY, February 22, 2012
Note: PILATES Class w/ Amitabha will be moved to 6:30 PM instead of 6:00 PM (only for that given date)
to give way to the FREE LAUNCHING of the POI CLASS at 5:30 PM

Venue: Shanti Shala - Body Mind Wellbeing Studio
Located at 5th floor AMWSLAI Building, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu Ciy

For inquiries, you may contact:
Giselle
(032) 505-9164 (landline)
09474887555 (Smart)
Drake
09228946613 (Sun)You may visit the Facebook thread and comment, click here.

Regular Rates (after the free launching):
1.) P2,000 for 12 sessions, 3x a week schedules:
-Friday 7:35PM - 9:00PM
-Saturday & Sunday 2:00PM - 3:30 PM
2.) Per session rate for P250 between these times:
-MWF Sat and Sun 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Also available:
Poi ribbons - Single ribbon poi for Php650; Double ribbon poi for Php750

Everyone is welcome to join, please bring your friends!

The Scare and Fun of the 6.9 Magnitude Negros-Cebu Earthquake

2012-02-07T06:05:00.001+08:00

Earthquakes are increasing and tsunami warnings in a global scale are becoming frequent everyday. I believe there were more earthquakes in history last year and more are expected this year. The most recently devastating earthquake to hit was in Japan (March 2011) that caused the heartbreaking tsunamis. The past two years several had hit us causing several damages in Mexico, Los Angeles, Japan, Turkey, Indonesia, Chile, Haiti and I am sure that many more are yet to come. Could this be a subtle sign of a great danger that all awaits us in the next few months?

The Scare Behind the Negros-Cebu Quake

Just today, series of quakes hit the major territories of Cebu and Negros islands. The highest magnitude recorded was a 6.9 with epicenter 005 km N 41° W of Tayasan (Negros Oriental) as per PHIVOLCS. I was in my room when it struck, and I saw the things hanging on the wall swaying back and forth.

a false Tsunami scare caused people to go uptown

residents panicked as they heard that a tsunami is on its way

students and employees were told to go out and go home

Deep inside I knew there was an earthquake going on but I remain calm, laid down and continued to doze off. I told myself, "This isn't the end of the world!" But honestly, I better be relieved and happy if this could be a start of the so-called "End of Days". Well' I prefer to coin it "global cleansing" or reducing the population because I believe that the Earth will stood still as long as the sun remains shining. I just want to cleanse the Earth with evil people.

An Omen of the 2012 End of Days?

Yes, I guess it is obvious that I am a fan of "the end of the world" chronicles. I also would like to think that maybe it's the only way to renew the Earth and start a brand new world. =) Now we will be talking about the December 2012 chronicles...

Many folks have now believe that December 2012 is something to look forward to. Experts are predicting massive and sudden destructive events of global and even cosmic proportion that will result in the loss of billions of human lives.

Skeptics generally believe that nothing truly remarkable will occur on this particular date. It is merely the date of a solstice when the length of the daytime is at a minimum.

Finally, It is merely the center of a time interval starting years -- perhaps centuries -- in our past and continuing for centuries in our future during which a gradual transformation will be manifested.

The Fun Behind the Negros-Cebu Quake

Let's meet AHCEE FLORES. She is the newest victim of social media or online disparagement when her comment sparked outrage from netizens all over the world. She blasted a rude comment about the recent earthquake that struck Negros Oriental - Cebu yesterday and was praying for the tsunami to strike the Visayan peninsula.

Yahoo Comment of Ahcee Flores

Hater-created Facebook Pages for Ahcee Flores, too much attention for Ahcee, congrats!

Ahcee Flores is trending on Twitter, instant celebrity!

2012 List of Earthquakes:

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Izu Islands, Japan, on January 1, at a depth of 348.5km.

An earthquake swarm of over fifty quakes, including a magnitude 5.1 and a 5.5, struck Christchurch, New Zealand, on January 1.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Santa Cruz Islands, on January 8, at a depth of 38.9km.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia on January 11, at a depth of 20.5km.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck off the South Shetland Islands on January 15, at a depth of 10.0km.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the South Shetland Islands on January 15, at a depth of 14.8km.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico on January 21, at a depth of 79.5km.

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the South Sandwich Islands region on January 22, at a depth of 13km.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the Biobío Region, Chile on January 23, at a depth of 29.7km.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Fiji on January 24, at a depth of 582.8km.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near the coast of Central Peru on January 30, at a depth of 39.2km.

February

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near island of Efate, Vanuatu on February 2, at a depth of 23.1km. This was later followed by a magnitude 6.0 aftershock, at a depth of 21.7km.
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck near Isangel, Vanuatu on February 5, at a depth of 163.4km.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near island of Efate, Vanuatu on February 5, at a depth of 10.3km.
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near island of Negros, and Cebu Philippines on February 6, at a depth of 20km.

Celebrating One Truth, Many Paths in the First Byron Spirit Festival!

2012-01-29T11:25:00.003+08:00

Theme: “Truth is one, paths are many”

The Byron Spirit festival celebrates our union to each other and the divine. Through aligning our bodies and spirits, it is said that we will co-create an awakening to the present moment and will be sharing this with the world.

The Spirit Festival is a new, inaugural rEVOLUTIONary event to be held this February 17th-19th, which will be bringing together the worlds of yoga, kirtan, conscious dance, tantra, healing and music to invigorate body, mind and soul. Local, national and international practitioners will impart their gifts within a charming village hub of healthy lifestyle, natural beauty and social awareness.

Set within the charming village, the Byron shire town of Mullumbimby (10 minutes west of Byron Bay), New South Wales, Australia; this event will be attended by men and women from around the globe. If you are free these days and you have the resources, then why not join? :)

The Festival will will be centered around the Civic Centre in Mullumbimby. There will be a chai and food tent where we will have live music, enlivening discussions and group meditations. The workshops will be based in the many venues within easy walking distance. The Friday night opening ceremony will be at Durrumble Hall, 5 minutes from town. The Saturday night concert will be held at the Civic Centre. Your full ticket entitles you to the attend the entire event including both workshops and concerts.

Working with the theme of “Truth is one, paths are many”, the festival will also feature a diverse selection of local healers, artists and musicians with a focus on sustainability and strengthening community bonds. Set over 3 days, the festival will offer participants a wide variety of workshops including yoga classes, lectures and panel and will cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced. Combined with a complete selection of workshops, the festival will also present an eclectic selection of musical offerings featuring recognized artists from the world music and kirtan movement.

Please visit www.spiritfestival.com.au for all details for tickets, market stall applications, sponsorship and volunteers

Website: www.spiritfestival.com.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/spiritfestival
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ByronSpiritFest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ByronSpiritFest

PROGRAM INFO, click here for the most current lineup of international personalities who will be joining this year's Byron Spirit Festival @ this amazing tantra/yogafest and BOOK NOW for early bird tix (subject to availability) or use the link below:

http://www.spiritfestival.com.au/teacher-and-performer

HIGHLIGHTS:

Highlights
Amazining yoga workshops with renowned teachers including: Mark Whitwell, Simon Borg-Olivier, Gwynne Williams, Louisa Sears, Lance Schuler, Simon Morocco, Future Sound of Yoga, Julie Smerdon, Katie Manitsas, Mark Robberds, Acro Yogis and many more.

Tantra Workshops lead by powerful teachers including: Nityama, Roxy, Andrew Barnes, Cyd Saunders

Other workshops: 5 Rhythms Dance, Yoga Philosophy Discourse, films, Kidz Yoga, Ayurveda, Future Sound of Yoga

Evening Events: Opening night Indigenous welcome ceremony, The Big Dance with The Future Sound of Yoga, OKA, and, and Saturday night concert with Deva Premal & Miten and Manose, Yeshe, and Nomadic Voices.

Recognized workshop facilitators and teachers: Featuring national and international yoga teachers and dance facilitators.

Eco-Marketplace: Featuring an eclectic selection of vendors with a strong emphasis on fare trade and eco-sustainable products.

Global Chai Tent: The chai tent will offer the perfect ambient oasis for attendees and will offer healthy and organic snacks, hot teas and drinks.

Activist Alley: Featuring a diverse collection of local non-profit organizations who will share there work with the community. Special activist workshops and talks will also be programmed in.

Healing Arts Village: Using the amazing healers we have in the Byron Shire, the healing arts village will provide a gentle and welcome sanctuary for festival patrons and will feature a wide selection of therapeutic healing modalities, including massage, homeopathy, acupuncture and more.

Kids Space: will be hosted by Red Tent Yoga

Food: Provided by Santos and Rock and Roll Cafe.

Inspired by the success of the Mullum Music Festival, Spirit Festival will incorporate and promote the many yoga studios, health clubs, health food outlets, cafes, markets, college and community halls for all the activities over the weekend. The central hubs will be the Mullum Civic Centre, and Santos, with workshops, talks, films, dances and more extending as far out of town as Durrumbul Hall.

Cebu's Oslob Whale Sharks, Tourism over Exploitation?

2012-01-21T05:42:00.001+08:00

Who's up for a butanding (Tagalog) or tukî (Bisaya) encounter here in Cebu? I've heard it is now the cream of the crop to do for a tourist traveling around Cebu or for a Filipino who wants to try something quite new this year. These whale sharks were spotted years ago near the shores of south of Cebu, between the mainland and Sumilon island. They measure between 18 to 35 feet in length and weigh about 20 tons. It made its way to mainstream when an article was published by Sunstar Daily News and featured in GMA 7.

These whale shark sightings in Oslob specifically in Brgy. Tan-awan have already been around for quite some time because the said town is part of their migratory route. There's about 14 or 15 of these wonderful creatures in the area and have been known as the fishermen's 'pets' due to them feeding the butandings with small shrimps or "uyap". Although, whale sharks feed on plankton, a microorganism living in the ocean, these fishermen have continued to feed them with young shrimp which have stirred serious issues among environmentalists. Officials with the help of marine biologists and other partners will “go ahead” in helping develop eco-tourism in Oslob. However, even if these awesome creatures are tamed by their acts some group of divers and environmentalists are saying that the process of feeding (the butandings) is altering their migratory behavior and natural adaptation. Our presence near them is also giving them stress so they might possibly die.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFORTS
Although Oslob government with the help of Gov. Gwen Garcia and Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla had formed a technical working group to study and create ordinances or policies governing guidelines for the whale shark-watching in the town, there are still some issues circling around. During a meeting with Gov. Garcia, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren was asked if the feeding of whale sharks can be stopped amid the recommendation of Gomez to stop it and just let the giant fishes go on their own. Guaren said it is unnecessary to stop the feeding activity considering that the waters of Tan-awan have become a natural habitat of the whale sharks like in Donsol, Sorsogon where several whale sharks are also sighted. Garcia also said she will issue an executive order for all the dive shops and resorts in the province to undergo the accreditation process of the Provincial Government before they can bring divers to Tan-awan.

THE ABUSE OF LOCAL IMPLEMENTATIONS

Few years back, fishermen and their guests would normally just float into the open water where the whale sharks are without even getting a special ticket. Right now? Well, you would notice what's going on if you have been there. According to sources, Mayor Ronald Guaren of Oslob is now requiring all visitors to pay a ticket that's only provided by one resort. And sources said it's owned by the mayor himself. Also, most fishermen in the area are reporting that this tourism activity seems like getting to be a personal business of Mayor Guaren. I've decided to check http://www.experiencephilippines.org, an official website by the Dept. of Tourism listing all destinations and tourist sites across the Philippines, and I was amazed that it was NOT even endorsed by this agency.

Well, a few things come to mind here:
1.) How can we know that the income from the commercialization of whale watching would really go to the government and not someone else's pocket? Are they issuing tickets recognized by other government agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Tourism, and the likes?
2.) If it goes to government projects and tourism-related enhancements, have they done enough? Where's the rest of the money goes? What's the Department of Tourism's say about this?
3.) It is obvious that dwelling to whale shark interaction, tourism will benefit both the social and economic aspects but for how long can the municipal government sustain this benefit?
4.) Are the people ready to face the influx of tourist in the area? Do they have the necessary skills to ensure the smooth operation of the tourism?
5.) Will the LGU and/or the fishermen consider the welfare of the whale sharks in their implementation or do they see them as a resource that needs to be exploited?

Sometimes when we lack awareness and knowledge about something, that hinders us in making the right decision. A lot of people in the town does not know about whale sharks and their behavior. They don’t even know how other areas had implemented whale shark interaction policies. Sometimes they only rely on secondary information and easy accessible information that are most of the time erratic. Some divers and fishermen were lectured about whale sharks and the reason for the regulations (i.e. why it is prohibited to touch them etc.), one could see the disinterest for them to learn more about it. It is sad to know that the regulations/implementation set up for the tourism does not involve the general public participation and consultation from the fishermen. Not representing the majority, where one sector does not have a voice can have a detrimental effect. Any activity that concerns them would become a failure if they are not represented properly.

WHALESHARK WATCHING GUIDE

Getting There: Ride a bus going to Oslob at the South Bus Terminal. Advise the conductor to drop you off at the Barangay Hall in Tan-awan. It's about a 3-hour ride. A few meters back from the barangay hall is a blue gate with the 'Whale Shark Watching' sign just beside the road. Go inside the resort and then pay the fees.

Tip: Go there before 4pm, before it gets dark. Best to drop by on would be weekdays when there's not much people around.

Expenses:

Air conditioned bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Tan-awan, Oslob: 156 Php
Entrance Fee: 50 Php
Boat Fee for 1 hour: 300 Php per person

Snorkelling Gear with Flippers: 100 Php

Life Vest: 50 Php

Bus back to Cebu City: 156 Php
Note: Fees may change soon when stricter regulations are implemented.

(Updated as of 1/21/2012)

ETIQUETTE:

These whale sharks are prone to hitting the small boats where the fishermen are feeding them and they tend to hurt themselves when doing so. Stay still if the whale shark approaches you and be careful you don't bump into them. Let's help in safeguarding these animals.

Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a Whale Shark
Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the Shark
Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the Whale Shark
Do not undertake flash photography
Do not use underwater motorized diver propulsions.

HAZARDS OF TAMING THE WHALESHARKS:

Feeding the whale sharks teaches them to be “lazy” and may dull their ability find their own food.
Large volume of dead small shrimps or "uyap" scattered in the area had attracted other fish species and whale sharks, normally found in deep seas, finding its way to the area.
With the shallow waters of barangay Tan-awan, the area may also be dangerous for the whale sharks because the strong ocean current and waves may push them a shore and get them stranded.

Got any thing to add or opinions to air? Please comment below. Or you may email them to info@drakieness.com

Sinulog and Sto Niño, Through the Pagan Limelight

2012-01-18T16:58:00.001+08:00

It's been a long time coming. Last week was the celebration of the grandest annual Filipino mardi gras, the Sinulog festival. Streets were colorful, congested streets with millions of crowds coming from around the world just to celebrate the feast of this iconic image of the child Jesus.

But, there maybe some curious minds out there who are asking similar types of questions same as below:

1. The image was brought by Spaniards, how come Cebuanos was able to put a festival for a Western image.

2. Isn't this image a sign that Cebuano is had lost their identity towards Western colonialism and culture?

Nick Joaquin said in a 1980 paper delivered before Cebuanos that Sto. Niño is part or shall we say "has become" a part of Philippine history.

“Because it came with Magellan, became a native pagan idol, was reestablished as a Christian icon by Legazpi, and has become so Filipino that native legends annul its European origin by declaring it to have arisen in this land and to have been of this land since time immemorial."-Joaquin mentioned.

The Sto. Niño Church last Sinulog 2012

FIRST FILIPINO CATHOLIC CONVERTS AND QUEEN JUANA

In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan expedition, they discovered the Zubu Island (now Cebu) for Spain and gifted the Image of Santo Niño to the island queen. King Humabon and Queen Humamai of Cebu gave him a warm reception. Queen Humamai was the wife of King Humabon of Cebu. When Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu, the queen embraced Christianity. Humamai was the first Filipina, Cebuana at that, who became a Christian in the entire Philippine Archipelago, and most probably the first native woman in the Far East who became a catholic.

On April 24, 1521, together with some 800 Cebuanos, Queen Humamai received the sacrament of baptism from the hands of Fr. Pedro Valderrama, Chaplain of Magellan’s expedition. The name Juana was given to her as her Christian name in memory of Queen Juana of Castille, mother of King Carlos V. And King Humabon was christened Carlos in memory of Spanish King Carlos V., father of King Philip II, whence came the nomenclature Philippines.

On his death at the hands of Lapulapu’s Mactan warriors, his surviving men escaped and fled back to Spain, leaving the image behind. In its new environment, where Pagans or the sun-revering people, the image ceased to be a Christian symbol. After some vain efforts on the part of the natives to destroy it, as legends has them, it endured its new setting and prevailed to become a pagan idol.

CEBUANO's REFUSAL OF ITS WESTERN ORIGIN

During those 44 years when the Cross had vanished from our land, this is in between the Magellan men left and before the next Spanish expedition came under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi – all 44 unaccounted years, the wondrous miracle happened: we accepted the Santo Niño as part of our land, part of our culture, part of our history and became part of Cebuano life. When asked about the Image, as it was found in 1565 by the Legazpi expedition in one of the village houses, the natives refused to relate it to the gift of Magellan. They said it was there at the beginning, since ancient times, which is historically incorrect.

Writer Dr. Resil Mojares, also in a1980 paper, said that the claim of the 1565 Cebuanos that the Image was native and ancient in the land was probably because they were afraid to admit that it was a Spanish property or else it would be taken away from them.

THE NATIVE'S VERSION OF ITS LEGEND

The natives’ version of the origin of the Santo Niño is in the “Agipo” (stump or driftwood) legend about magical driftwood caught in the fishhook of an ancient native fisherman. Everytime he throw it away, it reappeared until decided to keep it. Then, oi! The fish catch became so plentiful for the fisherman that day. The agipo, brought to the settlement, would later manifest its powers to the people – guard the people’s harvest, protect them from pestilence.

Writer Mojares says this legend of the magical driftwood would only be natural to the folk mind. “The folk mind cannot completely conceive of a God that is manufactured in a workshop somewhere in a country called Belgium but it can believe that a God can rise out of the sea and bring on the rains by being submerged again in it”.

Street dancers of the Sinulog mardi gras/festival

THE STIGMA OF LOSING THE ANCIENT FILIPINO CULTURE

Thus, the unaccounted 44 years of the stay of the Image in the hands of the natives has become part of Philippine history. The Sto. Niño, as writer Joaquin put it, “connected, he linked, he joined together our pagan and our Christian culture; he, belonging to both.”

In the way we celebrate Sinulog, it seems that life began only when we were colonized by the Spanish people. With this to ponder, it is no wonder that it is hard for us to get away from colonial mentality and losing our very identity. Or maybe because of the commercialization of the festival that we are also losing the real deal of celebrating the feast? To sum this all up, I have nothing against Christianity being instituted in Cebu and I respect all religion as me being a Universalist but this is to tackle and speak about this matter in a cultural and historical perspective.

Thank you very much and please feel free to comment below.

CouchSurfing's Emergence, A New Way to Experience the World!

2012-01-12T20:03:00.003+08:00

bringing the world to you...

I hope that you have heard of www.couchsurfing.org. Some of you may even be members of that community. Couch surfing is an emerging Internet community in a global basis for friendship and cultural exchange. The main feature of the community is that members of the community gets free accommodation at couchsurfers place in a foreign country while they are in tour.

IS IT SAFE?

When a lot of people hear about CouchSurfing, they wonder if it's OK to invite someone new into their home, or stay with someone they've never met. Well, I've been a member since November 2010 and had started hosting few months after. CouchSurfing.org creators also thought about that! They have this referencing system that another couchsurfer can write onto someone else's profile. Honestly, I never had experienced any issues with my guests. I even leave them behind in my pad and when I get back, everthing seems to be normal!

TALK ABOUT COUCHSURFING SAFETY!

IS COUCHSURFING FREE?

Many western couchsurfers are enjoying this facility in developing and under developed countries. As we all know it is people from the US and Europe travel the most. A very small number of people alone travel from the poor countries. So the benefit of couchsurfing scheme is enjoyed mostly by American and Europian travelers. And the most important fact is - people who are willing to let someone couchsurf do know that they won't get money and they know if they travel around they will not have to pay money.

share an unforgettable experience with couchsurfers!

HOSTS SHOULD NEVER CHARGED THEIR COUCHSURFERS!

Hosts should never charge their CouchSurfers; anyone who does will be removed from the site. Most CouchSurfers do like to thank their host with a small gift or an act of kindness (such as cleaning the house or cooking a meal), but this is not required and should not be requested by a host -- the only thing that's expected is an inspiring experience!

Daniel (Netherlands) and Ruslan (Ukraine, Bo and Me (Cebu)

IS THERE SOME SORT OF AN OBLIGATION THAT I NEED TO KNOW?

Not at all. You can -- and should -- pick and choose who you want to host, and when. When CouchSurfers contact you, read their message and profile carefully before making your decision. You can also meet people to hang out for a coffee or a drink only, or you can even make your couch completely unavailable. Don't offer your couch out of a feeling of obligation: that doesn't make a good experience for you or for your CouchSurfers. Offering your couch is all about increasing the number of interesting people and possibilities in your life experience, and learning about other cultures and perspectives.

For more information and FAQs click the CouchSurfing.org FAQ page.

MY COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCES:

Dinner with CouchSurfers..

CSers party people!

CSers meet up for drinks and fun...

CouchSurfing in the streets trying the famous "taho"

CS charity event in Cebu City

Trivia Night with folks from Cebu CouchSurfing community..

My Personal Music Playlist

2012-01-08T20:28:00.011+08:00

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words

and cannot remain silent. - Victor Hugo

I finally decided to collate my personal preferences when it comes to music on this blog of mine. I wanted to let the world know what I listen to and the kind of music that I like. Most of the music here are archaic and foreign since I am the kind of person that appreciates wonder out of the very simple things often neglected by many. Nevertheless, I am not a fan of all genres, so presumably, what I have here is just purely the things that I know and like. Enjoy reading a dose of my playlist.

ROMANIAN:

Activ

Akcent

Alexandra Ungureanu

Anca Badiu

Armina Rosi

Celia

David Deejay

DJ Layla

DJ Project

Dony

Edward Maya

Elena Gheorghe

Ellie White

Gabriel Davi

Giulia Anghelescu

Impact vs. Moving Elements

Inna

Ivana

Radio Killer

Radu Sîrbu

Sasha Lopez

Sianna

Square Bass

Sunrise Inc

Tara

Vivien O' Hara

Vika Jigulina

Mattyas

Morandi

SOUTHEAST EUROPE:

Emrah Is

Aimi

Benny Benassi

Leonid Rudenko

NORTH EUROPE:

Sander van Doorn

Maruja Retana

AwAtion 2

Armin Van Buuren

Hele-Riin Uib

Grete Klein

Jana Kask

Jaanika Vilipo

Tanja Mihhailova

Rolf Junior

Triin Sommer

Urban Symphony

Mirami

Bingo Players

Dash Berlin

Afrojack

WESTERN EUROPE:

Calvin Harris

Paul van Dyk

Daft Punk

Michael Mind

NORTH AMERICAN:

Duck Sauce

Wynter Gordon

Kaylah Marin

ASIA-PACIFIC:

Shingo Nakamura

Zoë Badwi

CHILDREN BEYOND trio:

Tina Turner, Regula Curti, Dechen Shak-Dagsay

Gregorian Chant

Enya

Maksim

Jyoshna La Trobe

Ananda Shanka

Back To Earth

Celtic Woman

Ceredwen

Deep Forest (ethno-electronica)

Delerium (ethereal trance)

Enigma

Eminential Rhythm of the Ancestors

Beltaine's Fire (celtic hiphop)

Medwyn Goodall

Govi

Barbara Higbie

Himekami

Joe Hisaishi

Raymond "Ray" Lynch

Stephan Micus

Loreena McKennitt

David Nevue

Secret Garden

Yoko Shimomura

Isao Tomita

Kathryn Toyama

Vangelis

Hayley Westenra

Akira Yamaoka

Yiruma

Gheorghe Zamfir

Zingaia

Hans Zimmer

Kitaro (Masanori Takahashi)

Sandeep Khurana

Deuter

Krishna Das

Deva Premal and Miten

Shrii Shrii Ananda Murti

doña Esra

Manose Singh

Kevin James Carroll

Oka

Edo and Jo

Yeshe

Deya Dova

Daphne Tse

Lucknow Sankirtan

The Future Sound of Yoga

Carmella Baynie

Gyuto Monks of Tibet

Soundshower

Avishai Barnatan

to be added soon...

Last update: Jan.8,2012

Amazing kiddo singing, another potential Pinoy Youtube sensation?

2012-01-07T09:07:00.000+08:00

TheArknee, that's the handle of a Youtube user who uploaded this video 2 weeks ago using his iphone. I admire real talent, especially talent coming from innocent kids like the one below, so that's why I'm sharing this. Lols. xD~. Kudos to real Filipino talents... please don't forget to like if you want to share this to your friends. =)

I was just hoping TheArknee could have just mentioned the name of the boy. Sit back and be amazed with his powerful voice.

"Battle At The Street", Cebu's 1st HipHop Dance Battle In Support for iLearners Inc's Projects

2012-01-03T17:09:00.001+08:00

SIMPLE SWAGG
in cooperation with
SILVER TICKET ENTERTAINMENT
presents

BATTLE AT THE STREET (Hip Hop Dance Showdown)

SM CITY CEBU - CINEMA ONE
Doors open at 6pm

Inter School Category and Open Crew Category

with special guest XB Gensan (Showtime Season 1 Grand Winner)

with Guest Judge Kenjhons Serrano (Philippine All Star)

A portion of the Proceeds will be donated to iLearners Inc.

co-presented to you by:
SMART COMMUNICATIONS
ARCOS LINEAGE PRODUCTIONS
ABS-CBN - MagTvNa

For Inquiries: 09236155285

www.facebook.com/simpleswagg

Charity Partner:
iLearners.inc

Director of Photography:
Keit Nicko L. Pastorite of ARCOS Lineage Productions

Tickets sold for:

Php180 ang deluxe (Lower Box Seats)

Php160 premiere (Upper Box Seats)

Drakieness Recipe: Vegan Spaghetti in Turmeric Caulliflower Sauce

2011-12-23T18:26:00.002+08:00

INGREDIENTS:
half kilo spaghetti
veggie meat, mock chicken or texturized vegetable protein (TVP) (optional)
white beans (boiled)
115g tomato sauce
250g spaghetti sauce
1 cup cauliflower flowerlets
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp turmeric
6-7 tbsp olive oil or canola oil
salt to taste

herbs for aroma (as desired): oregano, nutmeg powder, rosemary, pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Boil spaghetti al dente or otherwise, as preferred, and set aside. Heat frying pan in oil. Sautee veggie meat, add the turmeric, 1 pinch salt and the apple cider vinegar. Mix in the white beans (drained), tomato sauce, and spaghetti sauce. You can then sprinkle rosemary. Immediately pour in the cauliflower while still mixing the sauce. Now this time, stir in the spaghetti to the sauce. Enjoy!

Serving size: 8-10. Perfect for the Yuletide season!

Wanna share some of your own vegetarian recipes and want them to be published here for free? Send me an email at info@drakieness.com

Drakieness Recipe: Orange-Yogurt Ambrosia

2011-12-23T16:22:00.005+08:00

INGREDIENTS:
cream:
120g yogurt
250mL whipped cream
100-150 mL coconut milk or you can use 2-3 tbsp of virgin coconut oil as replacement (for flavor)
4-5 tbsp pure honey
50-75g mayonnaise

fruit mix (as desired):
2 medium sized apple, cubes or diced
2 medium sized orange, singled
1 large mango meat, diced
pineapple
papaya
sago
gulaman
cinnamon

Note: Feel free to play with your imagination with regard to the fruit selection you will be incorporating. You can also buy/use 1 medium can of fruit cocktail as desired.

DIRECTIONS:

Combine fruits and condiments in one large bowl. Prepare the cream, just mix and whip all liquid ingredients until frothy. Mix the cream to the bowl until well blended. Please do not use metallic ladle. Use spatula or plasticware.

This can serve up to 10-15 folks. Perfect for the holidays!

Wanna share some of your vegetarian recipes and want them to be published here for free? Send me an email at info@drakieness.com

Polish EuroDance: Seksualna Niebezpieczna by Mirami Feat. Vovazilvova

2011-12-22T00:36:00.002+08:00

To those who love Eurodance or Eurohouse music out there, you probably know that there are two popular versions for this song. For the lyrics below, I'm using the newer version by Mirami and VovaZiL'vova. Enjoy the lyrics below...

The girl trio Mirami feat. Ukrainian rapper VovaZiL'vova

DJ Q-Bass feat Monica

Seksualna LYRICS (Polish):
For free English translation you can use Free Online Polish-to-English translator.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Verse 1:
Ty jesteś tak seksowna, że aż chyba cie to boli
i nie ma tutaj gościa który by cię zadowolił
mistrz świata to przy tobie tylko jakaś nędzna sztuka
nie jeden chętnie by dokładnie dzisiaj cię przeszukał
ty z takim ciałem możesz wszystko i to dobrze wiesz
dostajesz wiele nawet więcej niż naprawdę chcesz
gdy kiwniesz palcem każdy wszystko dziś dla ciebie zrobi
bo tobie nie da rady nawet Obi Van Kenobi.

Refrain:
Seksualna niebezpieczna taka jestem lubię być niegrzeczna
Seksualnie doskonała nie dostaniesz nigdy mego ciała 2x

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Verse 2:
Ty wiesz jaki ja jestem i jak na to reaguje
ty niszczysz mnie świadomie przecież ja to dobrze czuje
bo takich lasek nie ma wiele więc nie będzie źle
być może gdzieś jest facet który poskromi cię
gdy w końcu ktoś cię pozna wie że nie jesteś zła
agresja w tobie siedzi lecz to tylko taka gra
odstraszyć, wykończyć te najsłabsze męskie sztuki
lecz mnie na pewno nie uda się odrzucić

Refrain:
Seksualna niebezpieczna taka jestem lubię być niegrzeczna
Seksualnie doskonała nie dostaniesz nigdy mego ciała 2x

Refrain:
Seksualna niebezpieczna taka jestem lubię być niegrzeczna
Seksualnie doskonała nie dostaniesz nigdy mego ciała

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Watch Seksualna on youtube.

My Roller Coaster Year-Ender Message: "Taking Charge of Our Own Lives"

2011-12-17T06:00:00.003+08:00

Take responsibility.

The year 2011 has been truly a magnificient year for me where taking chances on opportunities had become a highlight of my life. Although, still not mentioning the things I've been through, I say it was a roller coaster experience. The most important part is that no matter what we've been through, wether good or bad, we must and should learn from the experiences we had.

Learning? In my own simple terms, it's getting some understanding out of our experiences. We must get something out of it. A lot of things had happened to me this year, the saddest was when i lost my sister with her fight against cancer just two months ago. It was like so sudden that until now my family is still on lament. Yet, I believe everything heals through time. And I also realized that the greatest loss in life is not death, BUT what dies inside of us while we live. Truth be told, the future that awaits us is full of new discoveries, difficulties, adventures, infinite happiness and satisfaction. However, few of these things will be realized if we don't act now and do some conscious decision to take charge of our own lives and moved on towards contentment and joy.

How does a person go about taking that initial step to self-realiance and freedom? Well, I can say that I am, in one way, lucky! I got several promotions this year with my job. I implemented successfully a structure to one of the organizations I currently belong to making it more stable and functional. And that organization had gain more support and recognitions from other agencies here in Cebu. I am also proud of getting multiple checks out of my blogging hobby since I started doing it. So what does these achievements tell us? First and perhaps the most important step is to realize that only you have the key to your future. Everything that you are can change the world you live in, and how you interact with it. If an obstacle is put in your path, figure out a way to go around, through it, or over it. If you are offered an alibi, or reason why something can’t be done, consider it, but unless you’re dealing with something akin to the law of gravity, toss it aside. As what Steve Kloyda said "Alibis and reasons are nothing more than excuses as to why someone else – and not you – did not succeed." We must learn to uncover and value our potentials to help and transform our lives into something so much better than it is now.

Taking charge of our lives and the world around us simply starts with a new profound attitude. Let me tell you a story of a friend of mine. We were in congruent with the things we liked. This is when we're still working in the same company about three years ago. She now has a total of three small kids from three undistinguished fathers. I met her few months ago and decided to invite her to live with me in the apartment to basically just help. She agreed and willingly offered to share with some of my expenses in the house. Then as days go by, I'm starting to uncover more things about her and that's in a negative way. She's completely changed, her manners, character, and attitude towards life. She's becoming less and less responsible with the way she's interacting with me and how she's handling her responsibilities in the house. She's not the person I've used to know and bonded three years ago. And literally had made me live an uncomfortable life. We can look at this example from two angles giving us two suppositions. First, from her standpoint, we can see that she lacks seriousness in taking over her responsibilities towards herself, her kids, to myself and to her future. If only all of us would realize the power of our dreams, then the world will be steaming with air of abundance and joy. If she had only learned from his earliest experience, she could have planned a better life for herself and for her first child. Well, we are here not to judge her but I strongly believe that truth cannot be found without searching for it. This is kindly meant with a constructive goal born out of love. We know when we love and truly care for someone is when we wish all the best for them. A better one. Now let's go on to the second standpoint. Second, with me feeling uncomfortable of what's happening. An alarm had sounded for me to start moving on and take charge of my own's life rather than be responsible with someone else's life and neglecting mine. I believe in the thought that it's not good to start helping others if your own life needs helping. I've learned.

So, once our attitude have been adjusted, our vision of the world around us will start to change. This is normally demonstrated by those who learn the lessons of the past, fully embracing the "NOW" and ardently hopeful of "TOMORROW". with these, one can see the future not as one filled with hardships and uncertainties, but rather a future filled with possibilities. Embrace that change, you mold and paint it allowing it to transform our vision of something truly inspiring. We are the only ones who know well our own lives. So we need to learn taking charge of it. So why don't you start re-assessing yourself today? Start envisioning a life that you want and reference it with your current status. There's so much more to learn in life. Don't forget to keep an open book.

Thank you very much for your time. Happy Yule! See you next year! Let's welcome a new year of hope and positivity.

“When people fail to dream, their future perish.”

-Drake "Danaviir" Cataluña

__________________________

Learn more about the origin of the Winter solstice or "Yuletide" season. More commonly known as "Christmas" by clicking here.