What Michael Likes

The Ugly Truth Behind Today's Celebration of the Philippine Independence

2014-06-12T07:00:00.000+08:00

This more-than-a-just-life-size monument of Andres Bonifacio along with some symbolic figures of the rebolusyonarios was constructed in 1933 in Caloocan, Metro Manila. This bronze sculpture was designed by the country's National Artist for the Visual Arts (Sculpture) in 1973, Guillermo Estrella Tolentino.

It's 6:30 in the morning and I am on my way home after a night shift duty. I thought it's gonna be an easy day for me, but this heavy traffic along EDSA near Monumento has just quickly given me some headaches. And oops, yeah! I almost forgot that today is going to be another special day for the Filipinos. I realized that today, June 12, is a major holiday and it's the commemoration of the 116th anniversary of the Philippine independence.

And that could be an unquestionable reason why as early as past 6 in the morning today, people from different parts of Metro Manila are already flocking the areas of the Monumento Circle. I guess, some are just curious observers only, and maybe others were already a constant, annual witnesses to this occasion. While quite a few maybe--like this street vendor, might just be here for business reason alone.

This street vendor is grabbing the chance to sell some Philippine flags. However, he might know as well that this will be a one-day business opportunity only.

The Cadet Corps Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) is starting to assemble in the venue of the celebration.

And here they are, all set and ready.

The Monumento Circle has now become the usual venue for these kinds of national occasion. I guess this place has been serving its purpose over the years and because of this, it is now considered as a symbolic cultural ground. By just merely criticizing this enormous masterpiece of Guillermo Tolentino which depicts Andres Bonifacio and his people's thirst for freedom, you'll get to realize how strong the faith and patriotism of the Filipino people toward their endless pursuit of the nation's independence.

On my way home, there's no other way but to pass by this area. This enabled me to notice how people are getting ready for today's celebration. Unexpectedly, there are some questions that just popped up in my mind until it eventually clouded some of my thoughts.

I understand how valuable this day is for every Filipino. Like what was being taught at school, June 12, 1898 is a day to remember. It was when the nation's independence was formally proclaimed in front of the masses in Kawit, Cavite by the country's first president, Emilio Aguinaldo. It's when the word 'independence' was finally brought back to life since the Philippines already has the capacity to stand by its own feet. Yes, it was the time when the country has finally tasted this kind of freedom from the one-sided dictatorship of Spain.

The celebration of the Philippine independence is being done yearly and you might say it's worth celebrating. But despite of that, did it ever come to your mind how should national freedom really feel like? Have you ever asked, if in case Bonifacio is still alive today, what would he feel about 'our' independence? Would he be part of these rebellious activists who usually parade the streets while raising some signboards full of annoying anti-government slogans; or might he be one of these government officials who intentionally swapped democracy to dictatorship? These are some of the questions that have just worsened my throbbing headache.

Media people are now also getting ready to cover this national event

I think it's a little ironic to see these policemen equipped with riot shields surrounding the area where 'freedom' is about to be celebrated.

Historically speaking, we are now free from these Spanish conquistadores who slaved the country over a hundred years back and that's why we are commemorating. But I guess this kind of independence is not what we need today. The truth is, this nation is still trapped inside this metaphoric bird cage of poverty, sickening corruption in the government, unemployment, slow and stagnant economic growth, compromising system of education and the list goes on and on. To cut it short, we really have not yet experienced how real and sweet freedom should feel and taste like.

This flock of pigeons inside this cage is one of the important emblems of the ceremony. Releasing them into the air mainly symbolizes independence. Like these birds, the Filipino people of today might still feel being caged--not free from these unresolved national crises.

The ceremony might start in a short while. For sure there will be a special guest speaker who will soon deliver a speech about how and why this occasion is worth celebrating. I know he won't define 'independence' the way I understand it. But let's just say Bonifacio is just around the corner, alive and attentively listening. Do you think he will agree that our quest for freedom is over now?

I want to hear your thoughts. Please post your comments in the box below:

ZipMatch City Guides: A Quick Solution to Avoid the Hassle Brought by the Faulty Train System in Metro Manila

2014-02-25T11:57:00.000+08:00

Can bullet trains really solve the problem?

When I heard about the news that a government sector has been eyeing a new bullet train project that will eventually bridge the miles between Metro Manila and Clark International Airport, I was astonished at first. But suddenly, I ended up scratching the back of my head while voluntarily crumpling a few of my facial muscles.

I realized that this may doesn't sound as good as two thumbs up at all. I understand though that this may be a sign of a fast growing and developing economy, but I felt more bothered about how our recent MRT/LTR (Metro Rail Transit/ Light Rail Transit) scenario really looks like everyday. I guess, this needs more attention than laying out another more grandiose and expensive plan like putting up a new railway system for bullet trains just to reduce the travel time going to the airport in Clark (and to other provinces).

Please take time to watch this video so you'll understand what I am talking about:

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These Photos Can't Lie—Araneta Center Farmers Market is Undoubtedly the Cleanest in Metro Manila!

2014-01-31T16:58:00.000+08:00

Compared to other public markets around Metro Manila which are known to have this stinky, nostril-drying smell and sticky to muddy sidewalks; the Araneta Center Farmers Market (located in Cubao, Quezon City) is incomparable when it comes to its high standards of cleanliness and orderliness.

Many times, I heard people talking about how awesome this place is, so to prove it to myself, I decided to visit this place one day to satisfy my curiosity.

More than just a mere rumor, this place seemed to be the best market I have ever seen around the metro. Aside from being a melting pot of the Philippines' known fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat products, I am impressed about how vendors maintain an organized display of all their goods—making the entire place incredibly neat and tidy.

With the cooperative kindness of the Araneta Group Marketing Department, I was able to secure a permit to shoot some photos within the market's perimeter. This made it easy for me to go around while having the chance to occasionally talk with some vendors here, too.

Now, hold on because I am now about to show you some fascinating finds that made my entire Farmers Market experience unforgettably worth sharing.

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The 5 Most Ignored Situations Wherein 'Selfies' Can Impose Danger to Yourself and to Your Relationship to Others

2014-01-17T17:03:00.000+08:00

A classic and a vintage selfie of the Polish poet and photographer, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz [cropped]

Believe it or not, but there are 250 millions of photos that are being uploaded on Facebook daily according to a 2011 report coming directly from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This amount is getting bigger and bigger as time goes by and for sure, a huge bulk of these digital photos is selfies.

Selfies, previously known as self portraiture, is no longer new to the world even before it became the Oxford Dictionary's word of the year for 2013. In fact, even some of the portrait paintings of Leonardo the Vinci during the Renaissance has been speculated to depict his obsession to selfies.

True enough, selfies are not limited to anyone. However, an individual should know his or her limitations on this self-gratifying art though.

Now, try to examine yourself. Go in front of a mirror and ask this 'moving selfie' in front of you: Am I already going beyond the norms of selfies? Is it just merely a medium of self expression or now becoming a mental preoccupation on how I view myself?

Then here are some threatening, most ignored situations that you need to watch out. Even if there's just one of these that starts to manifest in you, STOP doing selfies for a while. These pitfalls can destroy YOU entirely in no time.

A Curious Case Study on Why Filipinos Don't Really Have the Right to Say "I Can't Find a Job"

2014-01-08T10:28:00.003+08:00

Imagine this.

Let’s say, you’re a white collar worker and just today, you were surprised when something suddenly popped up and caused you an abrupt termination from your job.

I know how awful this would be like. But since you're confident with your indestructible, strong personality, you believe that you can easily move on from this tragic scenario.

As a matter of fact, just right after being kicked out, you have already formulated your survival back-up plan and figured out all the possible options:

A. Go job-searching ~~again~~
B. Call your best friend/your mom/dad for immediate help
C. Temporarily use and spend your savings account
D. (Optional) Go out and start selling kwek-kwek, tokneneng and fish balls...or maybe become a pedicab driver for a while.

Good News! Finding a Flood-Free Location Within Metro Manila as Quick as 5 Minutes is Now Possible Through Zipmatch

2013-12-29T20:54:00.003+08:00

The flood has been Metro Manila's constant, unbeatable enemy

Aside from political rivalries that have been a deep-rooted issue in Metro Manila through the years, there's this one that's big enough to bother most of the citizens here too.

Deep-settled as dirt, flooding within the megacity seemed to be like a long-term problem now. Forever may seem not enough for the government to resolve this. Though early detection of rainfall and typhoons has been mastered over the years such as giving early warnings to over 12 million people who live within this area, this system cannot reverse the effects of flooding thereafter.

But of course you don't want to leave Metro Manila just because of its faulty drainage system that always challenges your readiness every year. The flood has been your constant, unbeatable enemy that always knocks you down, your plans and all your appointments for the day and perhaps, you are used to this already; however, the sick thing is you might feel so weak and defenseless because you just can't do anything after all.

Well, that's what you think. Why not consider moving in to any place that's flood-free but still just within your beloved metropolis?

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"No, But I am Not Going to Buy, Create or Hang a Parol this Christmas!"

2013-12-23T12:04:00.000+08:00

Parol is a star-shaped ornament that is commonly displayed or hung during Christmas season in the Philippines. Commonly it is made out of paper, bamboo and other indigenous materials. Though it varies in size and shape, the most common design still resembles a pentagram or the basic star pattern.

There, I can see you raising an eyebrow at me now, huh? Or perhaps you might be shaking your head while saying: "This guy must be crazy."

No, I am not crazy. Not at all. Honestly, I'm just being different.

Let me explain.

How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 3)

2013-12-09T00:02:00.001+08:00

<< Go back to: How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 2)

Leonardo da Vinci: Fulfilling His Dream to Fly

Aerial Screw (Vite Aerea)

Though this machine has been identified as the ancestor of today's helicopter, this probably have never flown, though.

During the medieval times, children used to play with 'whirligigs', where the blades on a central threaded shaft can whirl around and move upwards into the air. Leonardo perhaps obtained his idea from this ancient toy.

How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 2)

2013-12-09T00:01:00.001+08:00

<< Go back to: How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 1)

Leonardo da Vinci: On the Rise of the Machines

Self-propelled Car (Carro ad Autotrazione)

This is said to be the ancestor of the modern car. However, experts speculated that this design was probably used as a stage prop for a spectacular theatrical production during Da Vinci's time at the court in Milan.

How the Mind Museum Uncovered Leonardo da Vinci's Colorful Life and Greatest Inventions Like No Other Book of History Can (Part 1)

2013-12-09T00:00:00.003+08:00

You hated your world history class when you were in high school because firstly, your teacher was as boring as a warm summer afternoon, that everytime you're in his class, you can't help but yawn and if you just could, you would want to lay down somewhere because of too much sleepiness in your head. You can still remember how he discussed these great people during the Renaissance period—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rafael and Donatello—but the only thing left everytime you leave his class are the Ninja Turtles. Nothing else.

But gone are the days when you still have to read these thick history books that just usually make your nights a little miserable. Now, studying world history and the life of the greatest people on earth is as easy as listening to an audiobook and as energizing and fun as playing a Candy Crash Saga game. Yes, history made easy!

Take for example, the Mind Museum has opened a captivating exhibit on September 1 called, Da Vinci - The Genius. It lasted for almost three months and has become so successful in attracting the interest of both kids and adults like a best-selling ice cream parlor.

I don't want to miss this so I visited this mind-blowing exhibit on November 30 (which unfortunately, was its last day of operation) and I was astonished with all the things I saw here that I have never seen before. For sure, if you have the chance to see all these, you'll be keeping some of your history books away since you'll rather be more interested to see how all these things you read about Leonardo da Vinci come to life.

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After Typhoon Yolanda: Who's to Blame? What's Next?

2013-12-02T16:54:00.004+08:00

Everyone has been warned to evacuate before the typhoon comes, but why there are still thousands of people who died? Does it mean, they did not listen to the warning?
Who's at fault: the people, the media, or the government?
The climate change is on—what does this mean for you?
What the Mind Museum's Cafe Scientifique can do to help you deal with this rising climate crisis?

It's been three weeks after Yolanda hit the Visayas region and most of the people think that this battle has come to its end. You might say Yolanda has already won this climate war. It left the most tragic scene—the darkest in the Philippine history. Its wrath has ended so many people's lives, destroyed people's houses and reformatted the cities, small towns and barrios.

Now, since this monster typhoon has already passed, you started to feel safer. It's the end of this climate war, you thought.

But then, think again. Is it really the end or just the beginning?

For Boys Only: 5 Obsolete Ways You Must Learn to Win A Modern Day, Hard-To-Get Filipina

2013-11-29T00:43:00.000+08:00

When was the last time when you think that you are the best guy for this new girl that you have just met a few weeks ago and then, after all the sweet texting and evening phone calls, she said "No" and ended up everything?

I guess you are not just the only one who have experienced this kind of heart-breaking situation. Every guy is facing these I-am-sorry-but-no moments after proposing courtship to a girl. You might feel you're temporarily half alive for a moment, for days and even for weeks. Staggeringly painful, isn't it?

Now, you might want to assess yourself again. What's wrong with your techniques? Are your words persuasive enough or more likely you are bragging yourself so high that your girl could no longer reach you? Are you too fast that you are already becoming too pushy to give you her "yes?"

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Brownbag Coffee Solutions: At Last! The Coffee Blend That Could Replace Your Brand X Has Arrived

2013-11-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

You have already fallen in love with Brand X's premium coffee aroma, and like what you are always telling, you are now hooked with their strong blend of Cafe Americano and Espresso shots. You know, that very promising, intense, bittersweet taste. So unforgettable.

Thus, you believe that there could be no other coffee brand out there that could beat or somehow could replace your favorite. If being asked, "What would be the world's number one premium coffee brand?" You will not even hesitate to say, "Of course, Brand X."

Now, let me open up your senses again as I introduce you to the next level of another unforgettable coffee experience. Let's see how would this new coffee blend totally revert your expectations while you end up thinking that your Brand X would no longer be the best.

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How Can MomentCam and Bitstrips Kill Today's Comic Artists and Cartoonists

2013-11-18T15:50:00.003+08:00

One of the earliest Filipino Comic Strips: RESURECCTION (Muling Pagkabuhay) Written by Tony Velasquez | Pinoy Komiks #77, April 21, 1966 Graphic Arts Service, Inc.

You were so happy when Momentcam and Bitstrips have finally found their way to the iOS and Android’s busy App market. You have learned to love them because first thing, they are free. They are super cool and user friendly too that you won't need any heavy instructional manuals anymore. Plus, they are so quick to use and free from any hassle as you add some cool details to your photos.

When early photoshops and picture editing tools were introduced on the 90's, the use of these was just within a community of professional photographers and artist. It was used primarily to enhance photographs for advertisements, promotional banners and studio portraiture. But nowadays, the use of these tools and applications are more accessible; thus, transforming photo-editing a less work-demanding experience.
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Manila to Tacloban Buses Resume a Normal Operation Despite the Aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda

2013-11-13T12:11:00.003+08:00

The Araneta Center Bus Terminal

The Araneta Center Bus Terminal has been swamped with people since the super typhoon Yolanda has made a groundbreaking history as it smashed and wrecked the Visayas region, especially Tacloban City from the past days. The number of people here has tremendously increased and the demand for additional buses has been affected too.

Lazada Philippines Announces the Spectacular Online Sale on November 11!

2013-11-10T05:30:00.000+08:00

I am not a fashionista but I am maybe a bad growling tiger hungry enough to check out some of the newest gadgets in town. I am a busy person though so I don't have enough time to spend shopping at the mall or to visit even any of the gadget stores nearby.

We may have this kind of 'ugh-give-me-a-break' schedule but here's one good news from Lazada Philippines that could fix that out.

I don't want you to miss this so here's how Lazada can brighten your night sky on Monday with some fireworks:

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Only 99 Pesos for Healthy Korean Food? Mr. Kimbob Says "Yes!"

2013-11-09T17:27:00.004+08:00

Bibimbap - Photo by: Carey Nershi

Since Koreanovelas have started to pop out and dominate our television screens, the Korean culture has also made its way one step closer to our hearts.

No wonder, their food too, has become a subject of curiosity for some Pinoys. Some like it while others are still learning to love its distinct, unique taste.

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10 Incredible Facts The Jeepney Has Revealed About Filipinos

2013-11-05T11:56:00.003+08:00

Aside from dogs that are considered to be man's best friend, here in Manila, you might as well count a jeepney to be one of your closest 'friend'. Why? You ride on them daily when you go to school or work. You wait for them everytime you go home. Funny because you learned what traffic really means because of them. You know that everytime you pull the string inside it'll momentarily stop for you. You might also have seen 'Hudas' not pay and got oriented that a 'driver is a sweet lover' too. If you are particular with all these things, then you are indeed a jeepney buddy and a certified, true Pinoy.

Okay. Let's say you now already know everything about the jeepneys. But did you know that these colorful, noisy kings of the road have an unexpected origin? Each of them is unique, sticker-covered while some parts are polished metals so it will go shining and shimmering under the naked afternoon sun. But did you know that its design speaks more about our beliefs, traditions and identity as Filipinos?

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Blogapalooza 2013: The Spectacular Event that Will Create the Bridge Between Bloggers and Businesses

2013-10-27T04:08:00.000+08:00

Here on WhatMichaelLikes.com , we support our local, pure Pinoy businesses so they can grow and progress. That's one of the core objectives of this blog.

That's why we really tried our very best to register, qualify and be selected to participate in this big upcoming event here in Manila on November 16.
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Mayumi Made™: When a 7-Year Old Kid Can Do Better Than You on Solid Waste Management

2013-10-24T17:29:00.001+08:00

Her name is Mayumi. More than just an ordinary kid, there is something more meaningful behind her name. This may mean modest, gentle and kind in Filipino but there is another good reason why I wanted to know her more than superficial.

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A Picture that is Worth More Than a Thousand Words

2013-10-18T09:09:00.001+08:00

A famous song says, a picture can paint a thousand words. But I guess the picture above—which I took just this morning in front of a pharmacy here in Manila—speaks more than just a thousand words...not just to me but maybe to everyone who might see it.
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A Curious Case Study on Skin Whitening and Filipinos: A Fad or a Sign of a Confused, Insecure Identity?

2013-10-12T22:11:00.000+08:00

Jinky Oda (Actress) - A successful endorser of one of the Philippines' largest
skin whitening manufacturers

My mom's innovative attempts to make my skin look whiter has been an epic failure. Still, I couldn't hide my true brown color. I only get whiter than usual during the rainy season since that's the time that I don't have a choice but to stay home.

When I was at the age of ten, my mom always reminds me not to play under the afternoon sun. She often put some fresh squeezed calamansi juice into a pail of water which I was using everytime I take a shower in the morning. The worst case, at the very early age, she even brought me some papaya soap which according to her, it will even out and whiten my brown complexion.

As a kid, I often ask mom why she wanted me to look whiter than some other children at my age. Like, what's up with all this fad of getting a lighter skin?

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The Neglected Truth About Ukay-ukay (Second Hand Clothing): The Philippine Government Says it’s Illegal

2013-10-07T00:49:00.000+08:00

If health is one of the major concerns why these used clothing is prohibited, then why the Bureau of custom is donating these as relief goods during the times of calamities like floods and typhoons?

A Curious Case Study on Why Filipinos Have Inferiority Complex

2013-09-29T20:12:00.001+08:00

Why we, Filipinos, get nervous in front of a foreigner especially to the white people?

We know how to speak the English language but why we still tend to get nervous in front of them like an accused criminal inside the court?

Marikina Shoe Museum: A Lavishing Shoe Collection of Imelda Marcos and a Display of Genuine Filipino Artistry

2013-09-22T23:41:00.001+08:00

Prestige, glamour, extravagance and luxury—these are some of the qualities the controversial former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos was being known for over the years. Aside from owning an array of expensive clothing, jewelry and signature bags, this dictator’s wife has also been known to own the biggest collection of shoes a woman can kill for.