Pacquiao did prove me wrong with my predictions that he will lose his fight to the more experienced and bigger Oscar. That's good. That is very good. I lost confidence with him for quite some time now after his character turned for the worse throughout the years (the noted gambling stories, controversies with women, his penchant to run in politics like it's the only thing he can do good for the public people, his current government affinity and tendency to say and do "yes" to all kinds of filthy and corrupt politicians out there).
Oh, I saw this internet poster from this Nike site for Manny Pacquiao (we all know he won already).
It was a different story yesterday afternoon. I was able to watch online a live streaming video of the fight with my laptop. I knew I was going to be late with my meeting with friends that afternoon but I decided I better stick in and watch the entire match for it will be very difficult to catch replays online. All my notions of Manny have gone into smoke from the time he stepped into the ring beaming with a smile to his people to the 9th round when Oscar called it quits and slowly went up to Manny to embrace him. What a fight! But as some of my flatmates and friends mentioned, it could have been a better and more exciting fight if De la Hoya displayed more aggressiveness like what Manny did. He looked more like a punching bag or sparring partner to Manny (his handsome features reduced to a heavily sored and pinkish mess). As one ESPN announcer had mentioned -- a beating of an old De la Hoya.
The running joke is that Manny has more beatings with his post interviews such as this.
Congratulations, Manny, for winning the fight!
Showing posts with label feature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feature. Show all posts
December 08, 2008
October 15, 2008
On Poverty: Some Points From An OFW
This is my entry for Blog Action Day 2008.
As an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), I wonder from time to time whether the money I religiously remit back home does contribute greatly in helping out not just my family but also my country (thinking of the money I send as financial aid to our suffering economy). I know my country is poor and in very bad shape. The years pass and several presidents have come and go (either finished their term or removed from their seat of power) yet nothing concrete was still accomplished in addressing the widespread poverty plaguing my country. The illusions created by the current president are not enough to paint a rosy picture of a “stable country” capable of withstanding this global crisis, trying to cover and sweep under the rug the evidences of dirt poorness brought about by corruption, bad governance, massive consumption, overpopulation, low productivity and inadequate education among the people.
As an OFW, I always think nowadays how I could possibly contribute in helping out the poor back home. While I know that the money I remit to my family is just enough for their needs and could not possibly be shared to other people, I’m thinking of various ways on how to help out my poor fellowmen. As of now, I’m thinking of contributing my old stuffs, particularly my old shirts, and other usable clothing to any possible institutions back in Manila (ala Salvation Army like here in Singapore). I’d like to someday join my fellow office mate here who usually joins his other friends in spending their vacation in the Philippines doing Gawad Kalinga activities like helping out in building houses for the homeless. I like also the idea before of Bob (from Live In The Philippines) when he mentioned about him and his family buying and gathering some of their food from fast-food restaurants and distributing them to young beggars and street children near their vicinity. I know, there are many things that an OFW can do to help out the poor and needy in the Philippines but these are some of the ideas I can currently think of. Maybe someone out there have better ideas.
If you care about the poor, let's brainstorm for ideas.
Poverty is a simple issue.
Corned Beef (a moving article from Tingog.com)
Street Children of Manila (this links to good friend Sid's photo blog and his magnificent photographs of Manila's poor and yet smiling street children).
As an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), I wonder from time to time whether the money I religiously remit back home does contribute greatly in helping out not just my family but also my country (thinking of the money I send as financial aid to our suffering economy). I know my country is poor and in very bad shape. The years pass and several presidents have come and go (either finished their term or removed from their seat of power) yet nothing concrete was still accomplished in addressing the widespread poverty plaguing my country. The illusions created by the current president are not enough to paint a rosy picture of a “stable country” capable of withstanding this global crisis, trying to cover and sweep under the rug the evidences of dirt poorness brought about by corruption, bad governance, massive consumption, overpopulation, low productivity and inadequate education among the people.
As an OFW, I always think nowadays how I could possibly contribute in helping out the poor back home. While I know that the money I remit to my family is just enough for their needs and could not possibly be shared to other people, I’m thinking of various ways on how to help out my poor fellowmen. As of now, I’m thinking of contributing my old stuffs, particularly my old shirts, and other usable clothing to any possible institutions back in Manila (ala Salvation Army like here in Singapore). I’d like to someday join my fellow office mate here who usually joins his other friends in spending their vacation in the Philippines doing Gawad Kalinga activities like helping out in building houses for the homeless. I like also the idea before of Bob (from Live In The Philippines) when he mentioned about him and his family buying and gathering some of their food from fast-food restaurants and distributing them to young beggars and street children near their vicinity. I know, there are many things that an OFW can do to help out the poor and needy in the Philippines but these are some of the ideas I can currently think of. Maybe someone out there have better ideas.
* * * *
On the side note: Here are some other web links I find interesting, tackling the issue of poverty especially in the Philippines.If you care about the poor, let's brainstorm for ideas.
Poverty is a simple issue.
Corned Beef (a moving article from Tingog.com)
Street Children of Manila (this links to good friend Sid's photo blog and his magnificent photographs of Manila's poor and yet smiling street children).
June 16, 2007
Posting On A Rainy Day + Home Brewed Images
Currently, I'm nursing myself inside the flat, with a headache and some colds and fever. Also, it's raining outside since this morning. Look's like the weather today emphatize with my sickness.
But anyways... hard rain or not, nothing would deter me from blogging now.
I love designing, especially creating graphics and images. I also love drawing. For now (or even years), I've lost some motivation to draw again. Nowadays, using my laptop and Photoshop, I churn out graphics for this blog or even create new ones for creating a spanking new blog layout for my friend Jerry's blog - Maripipi Online.
What and where is Maripipi? It's a small island in the Philippines with some great beach resorts and where my friend originally came from. I actually envy fellow Filipinos who came from provinces because they've got the chance to grew up in such places where there is no pollution, no heavy traffic, and no chaotic city life. I grew up all my life in the heart of the Philippines - Metro Manila (or Manila to the outside world).
Besides the Maripipi Online layout, I also had the chance to create a graphic image for a fellow officemate here in Singapore. He has a band called Launchbox, and they're slowly making a name for themselves along with other amateur Filipino bands residing in Singapore. I'm an avid supporter of their band.
Check them out also at my previous post.
But anyways... hard rain or not, nothing would deter me from blogging now.
* * * *
I love designing, especially creating graphics and images. I also love drawing. For now (or even years), I've lost some motivation to draw again. Nowadays, using my laptop and Photoshop, I churn out graphics for this blog or even create new ones for creating a spanking new blog layout for my friend Jerry's blog - Maripipi Online.
What and where is Maripipi? It's a small island in the Philippines with some great beach resorts and where my friend originally came from. I actually envy fellow Filipinos who came from provinces because they've got the chance to grew up in such places where there is no pollution, no heavy traffic, and no chaotic city life. I grew up all my life in the heart of the Philippines - Metro Manila (or Manila to the outside world).
* * * *
Besides the Maripipi Online layout, I also had the chance to create a graphic image for a fellow officemate here in Singapore. He has a band called Launchbox, and they're slowly making a name for themselves along with other amateur Filipino bands residing in Singapore. I'm an avid supporter of their band.
Check them out also at my previous post.
May 08, 2007
Makan Tales (Or Dining Adventures)
First things first: Makan is a Malaysian term for "to eat". Food hawkers here in Singapore always ask this to people who approach their stalls. They ask their customers whether they like their food to be prepared for dining at the same place or nearby (thus makan - to eat here) or their customers would rather have their food placed in styrofoam and bagged to be eaten somewhere else. If you want your food to be bagged for home consumption, you would say "for take away" (yeah, take it awaaaayyy....!). I'm used to saying this back in the Philippines as "for take out". I know in America, "to go" is rather replied.
Mini Wok Noodle - breakfast at a nearby 24-hour Makan Eatery
Once during work, I was asked by the local clients here whether I know some Malaysian terms like Makan (seems like it's their first time to meet and work with a Filipino), hinting from their small knowledge that Filipinos had some roots from Malays and Indonesians. I told them no (of course). Though, that would be my first introduction to one of the Singaporean dining terms which comes in very handy if I feel adventurous to try a local cuisine, but always hesitant since I don't know how to communicate verbally in Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, or Tamil. Instead, I communicate physically (turo-turo style as I point this, point that, nod here and nod there).
But there are times the pointing system is not enough to convey a message that I want something that is not on display. And that would mean I have to converse in English which I know Singaporeans (should) have no problem in understanding. Alas, my English accent would always sound way too different from the way locals speak English to the point that some would turn their heads and look at me curiously. A few would mistake me for an American (because of my somewhat American sounding accent) while others readily think I'm a Filipino. Still, a few would be dumbfounded by me and would call on another co-worker in their dialect, asking for help in conversing in English.
I once saw the owner of my suking makan place near our office eating a food item composed of noodles and broiled crunchy chicken feet. She told me that this is a new dish which they're planning to add in their menu. She asked me whether I have ever tried chicken feet. I told her yes, and added that in the Philippines these are known as a street food fondly called as Addidas (you know, the well-known shoe brand). Chicken feet = Addidas. For me it makes sense (I know it didn't to her, but she slowly smiled about it and told it to her husband who also manages the eatery). Ever since then, when I chance upon those chicken feet displayed in their glass counters and I order for them, the owners would tell me "Ah yes, addidas!" (emphasizing on the second syllable there). I would always cheerily smile back.
* * * *
Mini Wok Noodle - breakfast at a nearby 24-hour Makan Eatery
Once during work, I was asked by the local clients here whether I know some Malaysian terms like Makan (seems like it's their first time to meet and work with a Filipino), hinting from their small knowledge that Filipinos had some roots from Malays and Indonesians. I told them no (of course). Though, that would be my first introduction to one of the Singaporean dining terms which comes in very handy if I feel adventurous to try a local cuisine, but always hesitant since I don't know how to communicate verbally in Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia, or Tamil. Instead, I communicate physically (turo-turo style as I point this, point that, nod here and nod there).
But there are times the pointing system is not enough to convey a message that I want something that is not on display. And that would mean I have to converse in English which I know Singaporeans (should) have no problem in understanding. Alas, my English accent would always sound way too different from the way locals speak English to the point that some would turn their heads and look at me curiously. A few would mistake me for an American (because of my somewhat American sounding accent) while others readily think I'm a Filipino. Still, a few would be dumbfounded by me and would call on another co-worker in their dialect, asking for help in conversing in English.
* * * *
I once saw the owner of my suking makan place near our office eating a food item composed of noodles and broiled crunchy chicken feet. She told me that this is a new dish which they're planning to add in their menu. She asked me whether I have ever tried chicken feet. I told her yes, and added that in the Philippines these are known as a street food fondly called as Addidas (you know, the well-known shoe brand). Chicken feet = Addidas. For me it makes sense (I know it didn't to her, but she slowly smiled about it and told it to her husband who also manages the eatery). Ever since then, when I chance upon those chicken feet displayed in their glass counters and I order for them, the owners would tell me "Ah yes, addidas!" (emphasizing on the second syllable there). I would always cheerily smile back.
April 15, 2007
For This Week
First, let me congratulate Pacquiao for winning his bout against Solis. Mom sent me again an SMS from the Philippines telling me how Manny won the fight. I have no idea Manny's fight was today, since I barely receive any news from my country here in Singapore. Good thing there is mobile technology (chuckle).
I'll blog this time short ala Twitter. Here goes: This week, I'll attend to some (more) important matters and avoid blogging for a week. I'll return next weekend.
Yeah, I've signed up an account with Twitter (really, the name is funny and sounds stupid like Tweety Bird). I jumped again on a bandwagaon (yoohoo). But I have to say this is not much of a new and brilliant idea in blogging at all. Looks to me like text / SMS messenging or online messaging to family and friends but with a twist of blogging (telling specifically to others of your current activities or plans). Well, let's see how Twitter will fare in the next few months.
* * * *
I'll blog this time short ala Twitter. Here goes: This week, I'll attend to some (more) important matters and avoid blogging for a week. I'll return next weekend.
* * * *
Yeah, I've signed up an account with Twitter (really, the name is funny and sounds stupid like Tweety Bird). I jumped again on a bandwagaon (yoohoo). But I have to say this is not much of a new and brilliant idea in blogging at all. Looks to me like text / SMS messenging or online messaging to family and friends but with a twist of blogging (telling specifically to others of your current activities or plans). Well, let's see how Twitter will fare in the next few months.
April 09, 2007
Rivermaya, Deux
As promised, here are some of the pictures taken from the marvelous concert by Rivermaya at D' Marquee Downtown East, Pasir Ris, Singapore, sponsored by Western Union (umm... do I need to say that - that's free advertisement).
Gritty performance by Rico, along with bassist Japs. Grrrr... grrrr....
Japs decided to celebrate an early New Year with sparklers ablaze in both hands.
Rico gives his all, and Japs swings his arm in delight. Nice split-second shot there.
Mike has his moments during the concert. I dig the hair, man.
I dedicate this song to all of youuuu! A deep moment here.
Are the people delighted to watch Rivermaya live in concert, or are they jubilant playing with their balloons? Spike that flying white capsule-like balloon!
Before Rivermaya performed, there were four other bands featured as guest performers at the start of the concert. Three of them are Singapore bands (John Molina and Krueger [???], The Great Spy Experiment, and Flybar) but alone is composed of Filipino talents - both gentlemen and babes, as shown in the picture above. They called themselves "Addiction".
So where is Mark at the drums? Well, we save the last for one of his best performance with this video:
Gritty performance by Rico, along with bassist Japs. Grrrr... grrrr....
Japs decided to celebrate an early New Year with sparklers ablaze in both hands.
Rico gives his all, and Japs swings his arm in delight. Nice split-second shot there.
Mike has his moments during the concert. I dig the hair, man.
I dedicate this song to all of youuuu! A deep moment here.
Are the people delighted to watch Rivermaya live in concert, or are they jubilant playing with their balloons? Spike that flying white capsule-like balloon!
Before Rivermaya performed, there were four other bands featured as guest performers at the start of the concert. Three of them are Singapore bands (John Molina and Krueger [???], The Great Spy Experiment, and Flybar) but alone is composed of Filipino talents - both gentlemen and babes, as shown in the picture above. They called themselves "Addiction".
So where is Mark at the drums? Well, we save the last for one of his best performance with this video:
April 08, 2007
Rivermaya Video (A Teaser)
Here's a teaser for you. A short video of Rivermaya singing Liwanag Sa Dilim during their concert here in Downtown East, Pasir Ris, Singapore.
More to come. Ciao.
More to come. Ciao.
February 20, 2007
December 25, 2006
More Christmas Pictures
More pictures I've taken of Christmas celebration here in Singapore.
Yesterday afternoon, on the eve of Christmas, I got to be invited by a church friend over to their flat and join in a simple Noche Buena gathering with other friends.
It was awfully quite outside as dusk creep in slowly. Actually, it was raining when we got to the flat. I think we were the only group (all Filipinos) who were loudly celebrating that Christmas eve with lively music, movies, soul food, and some treats for the children of couples who came in the gathering.
As some Filipinos would say: Grabe, ang saya-saya talaga dito ng Pasko sa Singapore, no?
Ehem.
After the event, me and my couple of friends hurriedly went home. I thought I would be able to arrive back to my flat before midnight, but I wasn't able to. Christmas Day came by 12, and I was still inside the bus. I just silently greeted Jesus a happy birthday.
Most of the pictures were taken this afternoon down in Orchard Road where the area was closed to traffic and thousands of people flocked around the vicinity to see the events and free concerts.
Now I go back to work tomorrow.
Yesterday afternoon, on the eve of Christmas, I got to be invited by a church friend over to their flat and join in a simple Noche Buena gathering with other friends.
It was awfully quite outside as dusk creep in slowly. Actually, it was raining when we got to the flat. I think we were the only group (all Filipinos) who were loudly celebrating that Christmas eve with lively music, movies, soul food, and some treats for the children of couples who came in the gathering.
As some Filipinos would say: Grabe, ang saya-saya talaga dito ng Pasko sa Singapore, no?
Ehem.
After the event, me and my couple of friends hurriedly went home. I thought I would be able to arrive back to my flat before midnight, but I wasn't able to. Christmas Day came by 12, and I was still inside the bus. I just silently greeted Jesus a happy birthday.
A shot of poinsettias, taken from a church altar
Most of the pictures were taken this afternoon down in Orchard Road where the area was closed to traffic and thousands of people flocked around the vicinity to see the events and free concerts.
Lamps along Ngee Ann City Mall decorated with yellow and red gem like lights
One of the colorful parade floats featured in the event
Just too many people criss-crossing Orchard road
A dragonfly paper figure on a float
This one has a paper butterfly and some flowers and lights used as decors on another float
A terracotta figure playing a harp
I always liked this Paragon Mall Christmas tree decked with hundreds of stars
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
Now I go back to work tomorrow.
December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas Everybody!
Well, technically, tomorrow is December 25 (Asia-Pacific timeline) so tomorrow is Christmas day. But let me greet in advance everyone, especially my family back home, my good and true friends, blogger friends, and my old and new officemates a warm Merry Christmas (Maligayang Pasko).
Below are some of the pictures I've taken around Singapore, particularly at Orchard Road where a thousand lights and Christmas decors are out on display to celebrate a colorful Christmas.
Below are some of the pictures I've taken around Singapore, particularly at Orchard Road where a thousand lights and Christmas decors are out on display to celebrate a colorful Christmas.
An picture at Orchard Road with Christmas decors
Tangs Mall beautiful gem decors during daytime...
...and at night
Small Christmas trees
The star studded Paragon Mall Christmas tree
Same Paragon Christmas tree during the night
This is so cold
Tangs Mall colorful Christmas decor that dangles from the ceiling
Remember the tree like blue glass structure of a mall featured in my March blog? Well here is the same one, inside, with Christmas lights
Hitachi. Inspiring the next... the young and old with its colorful tree
Really, last night was so crowded
Giant Takashimaya mall Christmas tree
Up close and personal picture with the Christmas balls
This is the carton Christmas tree
A Christmas kiosk
Terracotta figures and the aunties. The aunties are real; mind you
"I am not part of the painting!"
I remember I featured some silver students before last September blog post. Not meet the silver man...
This is one of the stilt mans along Orchard road giving away flyers and paper ads
The tall stilt man posing
Underneath the Christmas lights...
December 14, 2006
Mall of Asia
I had a wonderful (short) vacation back in my home country, the Philippines, last December 6-11. We had celebrated my mom's birthday as well as my homecoming for the early Christmas season in our house.
But what made me excited and truly inspired was my visit to the talked-about third largest mall in the world today, the SM Mall of Asia, situated at the reclaimed area in Pasay City, Philippines. This mall is bigger than Vivo City in Singapore, and has the touch of class of its own, unlike any SM mall buildings I have known before.
Last Saturday's visit, I had some shots of the controversial place. This could well be a review or sort of preview for those who haven't yet visited this mall (and for other OFWs out there who are taking their Christmas vacation in the Philippines and are still planning where to take their family).
On with the show...
But what made me excited and truly inspired was my visit to the talked-about third largest mall in the world today, the SM Mall of Asia, situated at the reclaimed area in Pasay City, Philippines. This mall is bigger than Vivo City in Singapore, and has the touch of class of its own, unlike any SM mall buildings I have known before.
Last Saturday's visit, I had some shots of the controversial place. This could well be a review or sort of preview for those who haven't yet visited this mall (and for other OFWs out there who are taking their Christmas vacation in the Philippines and are still planning where to take their family).
On with the show...
The name says it all
Very spacious walkways
Blue structures of the mall
Hanging yellow parols (Christmas lanterns)
Wide floor areas to stroll by
We haven't explored much of the mall's features... literally it will take us more than a day to do so
I call this the arena. I guess this is where some big events are held such as concerts and exhibitions.
Class type food court
A Christmas garden (with poinsettias)
The back of the building
Truly Filipino made traditional Christmas decors. Something I don't see a lot here in Singapore - something exotic and native decorations for Christmas
The mall's giant Christmas tree
Now that's a huge, olympic size skating rink; SM Malls in this tropical country are known for ice skating rinks
Zooming in on some kids enjoying ice skating
More kids and adults skating
Good thing my digital camera has 12 times zooming when I got this picture of Santa Claus with some kids and their mom. Looks like Mom wants to kiss Santa Claus...
Jose Marie Chan, a local singer, belting out his famous inspiring Christmas songs
I want my Jollibee (not burgers, but Chickenjoys!)
The Arena - Toby's all sports item stall
Light up the yellow parols
Luminous blue globe structure at the mall's expansive parking lot
Fireworks display event at 7-7:3O PM
More colorful fireworks display
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About Me
- jio
- Known to be the webmaster of the defunct Taym Matsing website (well, that's old news now...)