REPOST: Hard Work ... Not Filipino-ness

I've always reiterated over and over again the message conveyed in this article:

FROM: AntiPinoy

Hard Work ... Not Filipino-ness

(A rearranged compilation of tweets from twitter.com/antipinoy)

Pacquiao's success was built on the sports program of a Non-Filipino - you all better thank Freddie Roach - the individual.

That Pacquiao, Pempengco, Banatao.. and OFWs succeed overseas just tells you one thing about the culture of mediocrity in the #Philippines.

An individual can succeed - given the right environment... Pacquaio .. like OFWs have to leave the Philippines to find the right environment 35 minutes ago via TweetDeck

Parental support?.. kung Pinas pa rin ang coaching at facilitiies mo... makiboksing ka na lang sa nanay at tatay mo.. Get real now.

Coaching.. training.. focus.. hard work.. and a winning attitude.. does not have anything to do about being Filipino. Get Real #Philippines

Just because you are a Filipino, does that now make you a great boxer? Is that so? Really? maghunos-dili ka.... guni guni mo lang yan.

Manny owes Freddie Roach big time... not his "Filipino-ness"... susmaryosep.

Proud to be Filipino?

Proud to be filipino because manny is filipino? am sorry but i can't for the life of me make that same comment. if manny were a product of a concerted national sports programs - that's the time i will be proud.

But, trained by freddie roach, training in california... get real now.

Without Freddie Roach intervention and guidance - manny would have wind up like Rex Navarette - it had nothing to do with Manny being Filipino at all.

Manny rose above being a Filipino - a mere accident of birth is not something to be proud about.

The Philippine Sports Program

Tontowist Pinoys will rejoice about Manny... seriously.. look at the philippine sports program and WEEP!!!

Philippine sports program and Manny Pacquiao... one is real.. the other is fantasy... :)

Manny Pacquiao wins - eight championships... Philippiine Sports Program .. what.. there's a program?

Manny pacquiao's win is diametrically opposite to the loser of a Philippines sports program.

If Pacquiao relied on local coaching and local facilities... hanggang Pilipinas lang siya champion.. afterwards kulelat na .. parang bang mga PBA players.

Boxing Program? Congress will allot budget - 90% goes to Tongressman/Senatong - 7% goes to actual program - 3% to Roach.. ipis 27 minutes ago

Hire Roach to run Philippines BOxing Program? the Philippines don't pay jackshit. Office of Press Secretary staff payroll delayed by Coloma for 2 weeks.

Where would Pacquiao be without Roach... if Manny trained locally.. he'll be a has-been in no-time.

Pacquiao and his Groupies

Pacquiao's was surrounded by roaches and rats.. Tongressmen and Jueteng Lords.. not referring to Freddie Roach - he's a'ite.

Pacquiao has integrity... Aquino.. is pure fantasy. If Manny doesn't watch it - he can wind up in la la la land as well.

Pacquio's millions of dollars worn the hard way.... Aquino and Hacienda Luisita and Lopezes earnd millions the nakawan way..

Philippine Army eyeing new role for #Pacquiao as peace negotiator. - hay naku - papakidnap lang yan ng mga AFP generals.. zarzuela na naman

Pacquiao tags Margarito with combinations - while Pacquiao surrounded by tongressmen with jueteng combinations.

Margarito has got balls... Aquino aint' got one.

Pacquio's millions of dollars worn the hard way.... Aquino and Hacienda Luisita and Lopezes earnd millions the nakawan way

Hoy mga congressman... Pacquiao earned his money fair and square.... samantalang yung mga kasama nya so kongress... MAGNANAKAW.

*********

Get over it Philippines. Manny is a great boxer - now among the greatest. The Philippines still sucks.. and Pinoys still SUCK.

Manny Pacquiao is a Filipino but Filipinos ain't a Manny Pacquiao - intiendes?

My Take On The Mislang-Vietnam Issue

So Mai Mislang, President Noynoy Aquino's speechwriter, did some pretty juvenile things during their diplomatic visit to Vietnam. We've gone past the fact that she was very wrong in tweet firing the Vietnam cuisine because it was really careless of her. Here she was, a very crucial member of the president's core staff and yet she doesn't realize how she is closely tied to the Aquino administration. She didn't think how Twitter, a SOCIAL networking tool, is very social in a sense that in just a few seconds millions of people can read every word in that 140-character limit. We're past that.

Now I want to point out how we ridiculously despise and segregate Filipinos who do shit like this like we never knew them. I saw one Facebook fan page that was exclusively created to hate on Ms. Mislang. The description reads, "THIS IS A HATE PAGE DEDICATED TO THE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL MISS MAI MISLANG! PNOY'S SPEECHWRITER. WE, FILIPINOS, ARE ASHAMED OF YOU."

Really? That quick? It's just the way it is. Every time international relations is in jeopardy we put our fellow countryman down. Remember Rolando Mendoza? Hate pages started popping out everywhere online. We care so much about our image to other countries that whoever tries to tarnish that (as if it's not already gone bad) will be tied up and stoned to death. Like I said in my previous posts, we know how fucked up our country is, so we try to go into the denial phase and don't admit that we're in a very bad shit hole. We are too insecure to admit it so we try to cover it up by bashing others who expose it.


Here's an idea. Why not try to find a way to get our shit together and fix our way of thinking then we won't have to go through all this loops just to protect our already tarnished reputation. Claire Danes wasn't incorrect when she said that Philippines "smelled of cockroaches." Are you trying to tell me she is wrong, and that you are offended from the truth itself? C'mon, Philippines. Cockroaches are as staple part of the country as rice is on top of our tables. What did she do that deserve a cry for her ban in Manila? The day I don't see a cockroach roaming around tiny little corners is the day you can all decide to ban her ass in the country.


What about Alex Baldwin when he made a remark about Filipino mail-order brides? It is true. What the fuck was Senator Bong Revilla thinking when he wanted to beat Mr. Baldwin? Here's a thought: Google "Filipino Women" and look at the search results. Again, the day Filipino women stop enrolling into this "agencies" is the day I give the senator a free ticket to beat the shit out of Baldwin. And need I mention that it is part of humor that we seem to always feel like we need to take so seriously? And it does happen, so what's the deal, Philippines? IT IS NOT FREAKING RACIST!!!

We make this country the way it is today. So why the hate on ourselves and other people who only happens to see it the way we refuse to see it? We know cockroaches exist, we know these dating services are up and running online, but still we hate it when people tell us that straight to our face. Hmm. We can't take a joke and we can't handle the truth. What can we do?

Okay, bash on Mislang for all you want. But don't drag the entire nation to your hate page. It only gives them the wrong idea. Hate her for her individual act alone, but don't treat it like the olympics how "we, the Filipinos, are ashamed of you." Are you stupid? Ashamed is such a strong word. In fact, the only reason why people hate her is because of the international image. What else is there to fight for but to fight our own battle? Don't fight and contest the way others think of us, rather look into what is wrong and try to change it. Save the energy.

I think it would be pretty awesome if we know we are such in good shape that we won't have to worry what others think for we know we hold our ground. But the reality is, we are in a pretty bad shape.

And I can't help but wonder why the hell Aquino lets his staff off that easy? Make a stand and fire her. That is what he should have done. No room for mistakes. It only shows how weak of a president he is.

Just to compare, two people who were directly involved in the spread of melamine the past year were punished by death by the Chinese government. I'm not saying we should shoot anyone who fucks up (our president doesn't even have the balls to fire someone from her job), but let all who are accountable get what they deserve.

Mr. Aquino, please grow two of what the Chinese government has.

Don't Watch And Bitch

These chick flicks and romantic films that teenage girls, single girls, horny girls and married girls all go crazy for are no good for society. They send this message that there's a perfect guy out there for every girl. When I say perfect, I mean 100% void of any flaws known to a typical guy. Now they have seen countless of these films over and over again since they knew what a penis looked like. They developed this idea over the years to continue searching for that one prince charming they have always dreamed about.

Who's on the losing end now? It's us- the guys. No matter what we do they would always compare us to that fictional character Zack Efron played in a Hollywood movie. They may not do it out loud, but at the back of their mind, it's what they are thinking. Just one little mistake and they think they chose the wrong guy. Now they go on Facebook and Tumblr looking for tagged photos of cute statements on what a sweet guy would say or do. Truth be told, it's girls who create this chain messages which they then send to other girlfriends. No guy said such a thing, it's a result of their fantasies. Then they blab about how they wish this ALL GUYS act this way or that way.

Girls aren't perfect either, but we don't go on social networking sites boldly proclaiming we need one who is. Unknowingly they are also declaring that they're the stronger and better sex. Yup. That's what girls portray when they go on this hunt for their supposedly ideal man. It's like saying no person who has a penis is good enough for them because they make it look like they don't sin even for one instance.

Look, get it out of your head. It's a movie. Nothing wrong with admiring the character from a Nicholas Sparks novel. The only problem is when you take it out on us. Sure, praise those imaginary boys all you want, but please never ever compare them to the point that you actually think there is really someone out there.

From my angle it is pathetic because here they are being picky with partners yet when they're single and on their mid-30's they press the panic button.

Stop watching or stop bitching.

Developing Filipino Insecurities In Sports

Almost everyone has a problem with foreign players playing for their respective schools in college tournaments. They argue that bringing them in won't develop our local talents. I have something to say for all you close-minded freaks. Why don't we close the doors of every school in the country from others who come here only to study. How about that? Since from your rational thinking, it could mean one less spot for a Filipino student in an Algebra class. I guess it comes down to insecurities again because we know how much we suck at basketball, so we use this excuse to somehow get whatever point we're trying to make. If you want to "develop local talents", create a separate team that says "In Development" and shut the hell up.

Last time I checked, collegiate sports are about playing for their schools, not for their country. There is nothing wrong if a 6'8 skilled Nigerian come in to play basketball. If he has an ID from that school, let him play without any criticism. Some argue they might use it as an excuse so they can to "cheat" their way in being a top contender. It's called recruitment everybody. Universities in the US bring in players from all over the globe to play for their schools. This is no different. It is not even an issue. If it's a matter of nationality then it is now called the olympics. No, they are entitled to prepare their teams in the best possible way, and that includes scouting for players.

Also there is a topic of conversation on how we send Filipino-Americans to represent the country in international contests. One mentions that, "Buti pa dati walang halo." (I like it before when there weren't any mixed nationalities) Why do you have a problem with that? They are still Filipinos. I can not even see the point you are trying to make. They are not any different from the ones who grew up here. I think it's that insecurity kicking again, like we must prove that we can do it on our own. Ladies and gentlemen, if we could we wouldn't have to search for more players. Accept that the international level of play has dramatically improved and we're slowly getting left behind. Let that pride go for a minute. No one is really has "pure blood" so to speak. We all have a mix of certain race dating as far back to the grandparents of our grandparents. You can't throw the first stone. No one can say that he is more Filipino than the next guy. That is just plain stupid.

I have said this again and I will say it once more. We must accept the world and its diversity. Times are changing. We can't always become too arrogant in our own walls. It's the way we think I have a problem with. It's all fucked up and blasting in all directions, without a direction. They say shit but it has no substance. Shut up and think sensibly for a minute.

If you don't, might as well close the airports for tourists who want to go to Boracay since it might apparently mean one less seat on the plane for a local traveller who won't be able to enjoy the island.

My Take On Noynoy Aquino In The Philippines Hostage Situation

Has anyone seen how our president Noynoy Aquino handled the Quirino Grandstand hostage crisis? What are your thoughts?

You are more concerned about being accused of censorship had you ordered a media blackout than actually doing something which at that time seemed more logical. You were afraid of what could happen instead of what should have happened. You are the president. Do something concrete. So what if you get criticized for something which hasn't even happened in the first place? Answer yourself later. Explain to the public why they were kept in the dark. I know you're standing up for what was the key point in your campaign all this time, that you want to be honest to the people, that you don't know anything that they do not know. None of that mattered at that particular moment. It looked like you were watching from the sidelines while getting a play-by-play commentary of the live broadcast. Maybe that was the definition of what you told the press that you were "monitoring" the situation that evening.

Another response he gave out during his meeting with the media is his comparison of our situation to a circumstance in Russia, which according to him, is no different since civilians also perished during the ordeal. What does Russia have anything to do with this? So people died in a hostage crisis in a different country, does that mean it's a perfect justification to let this go?

It is only when we are hit with an actual problem that we come up with a solution just in case it happens next time. When Ondoy hit us, there were calls for a review of our preparedness in times like that. We acted as if the next big typhoon would hit in the following days. Now this entire Rolando Mendoza-led events turned out the way they have, we are now then looking at the readiness of our police force. We are too proud to say that we are not invincible. Just like the president, the Filipinos are afraid to admit that we're not that great.

We don't need your bullshit on how we are your boss. Again, it doesn't do any of us any good. It only boosts our ego that we are always right, and there is nothing about us we should change. It gives us the idea that we're more powerful to the point we refuse to listen anymore. The president should make it clear that he IS the boss, because he is the leader. Who is he fooling?

This is a test you have failed, Mr. President. You obviously did not prepare enough to enter this class (aka presidency). It's like you know you did not study all your life, but your mom dragged you out of your bedroom to force you to take a life-changing test like the SAT's. Don't think too highly of yourself. Not the entire Philippines love looking at your parents' banners all over the streets. Not everyone loves yellow ribbons.
In this unfortunate situation that reached a stage beyond repair, I saw every bit of your character as a president which isn't like any president I have ever seen.

My Take On Philippines Hostage Crisis

What the fuck people? Why are you all blaming Rolando Mendoza for apparently screwing this country up? We have all been part of the decline of this country, in case you're not aware. The little things you do, from peeing along sidewalks and running past that red light. How are those different? We are talking about the behavior of one man. Well then, look at how you handle yourself. Mendoza is an escape for all you crabs. He had his reasons, but you chose to use him to deflect all insecurities you may have that this country is fucking up real bad. You are in denial. You can't honestly admit that you have flaws, and luckily for you, it just so happens that there is a hostage situation on going.

I don't hate Mendoza for he had personal reasons, and unfortunately things ended the way they did. What I am very furious about is how people treat him. One man causes shame to the country, and they all bring him even further down. It is not doing anybody good. We deny him at all. No one knew the man. A lot of people all over the world have screwed up, but no one really associates the entire country with that one man. We are too insecure so we go on this preemptive strike how Rolando Mendoza doesn't represent the entire country. I know he doesn't. Stop bitching. I know that. You are all concerned about the image again. It always goes back to that. I understand why, it's probably because.. MAYBE YOU ARE TOO INSECURE! You know you already suck so much as a nation that one more event like this will bring us to our own graves. If we know we're a respectable country why then we do we give so much damn about this right? Obviously that isn't the case since we try so hard to make ourselves pleasing to the eyes of others. We try so hard. Too hard. It's becoming pathetic already.

You always wear Pinoy statement shirts how we are one as a nation. I don't see that now. Not even close. Tell me, where is that? I don't ever wanna see someone wear that piece of trash again. Mendoza isn't a hypocrite, you are. He isn't really the problem. It's the way you think.

Personally, I'd want a reaction that goes along something like this: Oh shit, Mendoza's at it right now. This is bad. I guess we will finally experience what the other countries feel when we bullshit their people. We go on a trigger happy banning steak as if it's only a press of a button. Now we are waiting for a response from Hong Kong. Oh boy, I do wish we get banned. To serve us a lesson. And I hope people don't react too much, because if it were the opposite, we'd do the same. Don't fake it. I know that is exactly what will happen. Increase the security threat level in the Philippines. That way, everyone suffers. Not just tourism. But how everything goes off in chains, affecting each one of us. Then we'd understand the severity before deciding to finally change our evil ways.

Again, I'm pissed the way we are reacting. It is so immature. Say, an American does the same. I don't see anyone crying out, "Not all Americans are like him. We are all different." or something. Whatever. I don't see any other country doing what we are exactly doing right now. Sheesh.

Accept what other countries will say about our country. We need to hear the truth. You need to read this.  Why? Because we are really a fucked up nation. I don't need you to wear those shirts that mask the true character of our country. Inside we know how crazy it is. We must not deny it. We keep on doing so because we know the truth hurts. We're afraid to hear other nations say something unpleasant because for some reason it has been programmed to our system that we are one heck of a nation that every other foreign national want to visit. Nope. Take that out of your thinking. The more you look at it that way the more you will never change. Dude, look around you. It is getting worse every minute. What happened tonight just proves it even more. Stop deflecting. It's on us.

It's on us and us alone. Don't think about how others will judge us. Scrap that out for a minute, please! We care too much about our image (rightly so) but we gotta take care of ourselves first.

Can I just say how the media handled this very poorly. No one wants to see a father, mother, brother or sister passed out, or worse, dead on international news broadcasted all over the world (e.g. ABS-CBN, TFC). No one wants to hear how Mendoza is killed, and how he looks like after being shot dead. His family won't appreciate it. ABS-CBN reporter was almost about to describe it before he realized he couldn't find the right words. But if he did, I'm sure he would have told everyone. It is not fair for everyone. The networks enjoyed this and they are too insensitive. All cameras were rolling but we never really can know what could happen next. Will the bus blow up? Will cops get shot at? Will we see burning bodies? Those are the possible scenes the cameras may get a shot of. Those can't be aired at all. Everything is just so stupid today.. and Mendoza isn't one of them. I'm not saying I am in favor of what he did, by the way. But there are more stupider stuff to talk about than him alone (e.g. YOU?)

The Day The Philippines Stood Still

The Philippines should have a bestfriend who would tell it straight how its people have effed the country up real bad. The friend who would slap it in the face and give it to him without any bullshit. The kind of friend who can lock him up in a hole and make him see all the darkness around him. It doesn't need a friend who would suck up. It doesn't need anymore praising from others. There is nothing to be proud of. What it needs is real talk. I don't understand how we cover up nasty things with sweet words which only make it worse. How is it suppose to change when the people do not even realize what is there to change?

I propose to have a Philippine version of the movie The Day The Earth Stood Still. In it, all the awful things Filipinos are not aware of are clearly exposed. The perfect reaction after showing one example would be something along the lines of, "Oo nga, ano?" The kind that will have them realize that it is there all along. I can't imagine how many ideas I can put in that film already. There's just too many ways how we are fucking this country up. If you haven't seen the movie, it ended with the world getting spared from a catastrophe. I don't mind pushing through with the extinction in a local adaptation. Go all out. We all need it.

"If the Earth dies, you die. If you die, the Earth survives", says Keanu Reeves. Let me try and modify that: If the Philippines dies, we die. If we die, the Philippines survives. Yes! That's how it's supposed to be. Save it. It's really a beautiful country; unfortunately we take it for granted. From north to south there are countless blessings we can set our eyes on. It is amazing. We are the disease that like I said have always screwed things up. The Day Philippines Stood Still will be the day I will start seeing change.

The Wrath Of Keanu Is Upon Us!

Eyes Wide Shut II

We're a nation of people who love to hop on and climb up. It's just the way it has always been. I guess no one cares for us, so we find reasons to make ourselves feel an integral part of the society. Last time I was saying we have the most scrutinizing eyes but in some cases, we are completely blind. This is that some case.

A few years ago, no one knew who Charice Pempengco was. Last year, we were all wondering where Efren Penaflorida came from. There are a lot of Filipinos lurking around that we ourselves fail to give recognition to. Now that Charice, as she is called in the international stage, is now a huge star in the hollywood scene, we somehow gave ourselves the right to get up on her when she underwent Botox procedure. The critics will always be there. But where were they when before Charice Pempengco became Charice? None of us discovered her. It took people outside of this country to recognize brilliance on our own damn soil. That is pretty pathetic when you read that statement. It gets sadder when you read it again and again. If I were Charice I'd pretty pissed right now, and given the chance I would run and turn my back on the country who never gave a shit about my talent until now. Now we understand the magnitude of Charice's fame is, we treat her like she is our own daughter and sister. We all want a piece of her now like crabs in a bucket.

In 2009, Efren Penaflorida popped out of nowhere. We didn't know his project even existed. But the thing with us crabs, I mean Filipinos, we felt so delighted that it's CNN much like Charice's stint in Oprah. It's the big stage. Even then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo didn't know who he was. One of her advisors probably just mentioned him, and then she ultimately decided to get a ceremony all rolled out for him at the Malacanang. I hope Efren made noise prior to 2009. Maybe he was making one on the streets, only quietly. This way all the success he made as CNN's Hero of the Year would have been sweeter as we have witnessed his journey as a man dedicated to help others.

I think the media is focused on all the wrong news. Imagine how many news programs there are each day, every day, yet no one was ever to report about Efren. They write about all the usual stereotypical stuff. I am not from the media so I wouldn't know, but if they were doing more than the routine then they must have heard something. I don't know. All I know is there is one thing we need not to report about and that's how we have a good pair of legs to jump on bandwagons and climb up people's backs.

The Real Trending Topic

I don't care if #SONA2010, #Pnoy or #Aquino were trending worldwide when President Noynoy Aquino delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the public last July 26, 2010. No one cares, really. It is a waste of web space used on this negligible topic. The SONA itself is monumental, but to write about how everyone in the world is tweeting about it is just plain pathetic. I bet this is another ego-boosting ploy of local writers to feel proud again that anything Filipino is being talked about internationally. Trending topics often change in just a snap. They don't last for weeks. It is really not big of a deal. It's like saying, "Oh my God I'm so proud to be Filipino since President Aquino's SONA is in the Top 10 list of Twitter's trending topics." Really? Are we serious? We just love it when we're talked about globally. When a person makes a name for himself internationally we do what it takes to dig up information to see if he has Filipino blood in him, even if it's just 1/16 or less. These smart writers then add Filipino-(insert real nationality) before his name. Dude, he is American. He isn't Filipino-American, there's no such thing. We don't write it that way in application forms that ask us what our nationality is. We love to cling on issues that cover self-admiration. We try our very best to attach ourselves to them because subconsciously we know we are a weak country of unappreciated people. If we knew we could stand on our own feet, wouldn't we even feel obligated to force ourselves to be known to the rest of the world? Too much insecurities here.

I remember in the recent May elections how pertinent keywords connected to the event like #halalan were monitored just so they can witness the fall of #JustinBieber, which is 1st on the list. Sheesh.

Grow up. Get real.

When Hope Is Not Enough

Today's headline from The Philippine Star reads, "Noy: Let's Give RP Hope." Let me remind everyone that US President Barack Obama embodied Hope when he ran for the highest political position. That's what the voters saw, and that's why he is their choice. The radiance in him reached out to more, including myself, believing that he could turn things around once George W. Bush's reign is over. Maybe add the fact that during the campaign most of the attention was focused on him possibly becoming the first African-American president helped his case. Simply put, his aura was powerful enough to convince the American people that he is the rightful person to lead their nation.

I've always said that President Noynoy Aquino is similar to Obama in the only sense that he had nothing to offer the public but Hope. Unlike Obama, it wasn't the color of his skin which propelled him to victory, but the deaths of his parents (who are overrated by the way, just like their only son). The ones who voted for this man wanted to see Hope in the oath-taking ceremony because apparently they are too lazy to do their part for their country. What happens after the first year of presidency, when the window of Hope is now smaller than what it used to be in the campaign period? He can't keep letting people "believe" since time will run out, and before he knows it, it's 2016. Hope can't design a realistic plan in times of disasters. Hope can't construct more efficient means of public transportation. Hope can't architect a corrupt-free government. Hope can't drain out all the water in flood-prone areas. Hope can't even stop people from cutting in lines. It can't give us much really. So why should our president give the Philippines Hope? Oh that's right. People are too stupid to think for themselves. They believe Hope is enough to give them that feel-good feeling. He thinks it's enough to quiet the followers and critics alike for the meantime, something to buy him more time for that window that's closing in.

What we need to hear are actual concrete plans to find a solution to pressing problems. If other aspiring senatorial and presidential candidates, who ironically lost, all had something to offer on the table, I can't understand how he can not formulate his own. They had a clear vision if they were to win. They were ready. The president, on the other hand, had Hope by his side. He probably hoped that the influential strength of his parents won't die out. He probably hoped that the correlation of corruption and poverty is convincing enough. Right now, a big part of America is unsatisfied with their president. I'm afraid our very own will end up like him soon.

A Lazy (Or Stupid) Birthday To You!

Are people getting lazier or stupider? This is the question I ask now that over the course of time I have noticed one change in the continuing evolution of our language. It's not looking good.

Forget the happy birthdays. Apparently, the trend these days is shortening and manipulating it the best possible way one can. By far the most common one is HBD, short for Happy BirthDay. People have all the time to post longer messages on their friend's wall but can't even get this one right? I have a problem with this simply because it's supposed to be a meaningful greeting. HBD appears to let him know that you are too lazy or stupid to greet him the proper way and you just want to get it over with. It seems to have lost its significance in making an effort to brighten up someone's day. It also adds burden to make him think what the hell does "HBD" mean. I have no idea how many times I've seen this all over cyberspace. Maybe it's just me who has a problem with this. Maybe at this point you've come to realize this too.

I'm just throwing this up there. I apologize if you happen to read this and feel a connection. It's either you're too lazy to type out the entire phrase or too stupid to tell the effect it has on the other person. I'm also heavily considering the my last theory which is you're just trying to be pa-cute and trying to standout which is personally both lazy and stupid. Take your pick.

Eyes Wide Shut

Filipinos possess the most scrutinizing eyes one can ever see. They give these powerful looks to anyone in their line of sight. The eyes have mastered this art to the extent of being able to see beyond what a regular person cannot. Don't think for one second it's a good thing, because it is not.

We give so much attention to the lives of other people that we have failed to respect diversity amongst ourselves. Everyone is different. Let me make that clear. I don't see the point of openly and vocally criticizing a heftier woman of her choice in fashion normally seen in skinny girls. Last time I checked, there is no governing body that legally monitors such actions. I can't even remember how many times I've heard rude comments such as, "Ano ba yan, sexy mo ate para magsuot niyan ha." They're not expressed directly, and not always the precise words are used, but one gets the point. She is, just as anyone, entitled to walk around in a mall with her favorite wardrobe. As long as she feels good, I see no point in making a big deal out of it. Shut the hell up, woman.

It's this kind of attitude that eventually brought me to the thinking that maybe it's one of the reasons why Filipinos are generally shy. We care so much of what people may think, and we know that for a fact. Of course we do. We're just like them. Not everyone's aware that we fail at doing something crazy sometimes. All for the reason we're just too damn afraid of what others will say about it knowing that we treat others exactly the same way. A guy wearing sunglasses drives his Honda with a roaring engine and loud music and the only thing anyone can come up with is a pathetic, "Wow pogi mo para dyan ah." I don't really get it (By the way, that's not coming from my own personal experience). Now this girl who is dying to wear this outfit will most probably leave it inside her closet to rot for eternity as well.

The world, including the Philippines, is rapidly moving at a pace too fast for us. Times and people are changing. As the number grows, so too are the assortment of interests that can be seen all over the place. It's only mandatory to eliminate unacceptable practices which don't coincide with the evolving society in front of us. And that's how I think we can put our keen eyes to good use.

One Ego To Go Please

I'm not sure what it's called, when Filipinos laugh the way someone speaks funny English. Mind we, someone who is Filipino too. From the looks of it, it's going to be a relatively shorter entry because I'm at the peak of my emotions wondering how our stupidity came to be. In short, I'm mad... No, wrathful.

Showtime and Wowowee each has hosts of the many local variety shows whose highly-paid hosts need to invest in a two-year course on social etiquette. But let me give a brief background: It's a fact that our nation is marginalized. There are the ones sitting on top of the food pyramid, the ones a tad below the big guns, the ones lucky enough not to be on the bottom, the ones staring eye-level with the base of that strata. These celebrities, of whom many has looked at them as idols, belong to the upper class of the society. As expected, people "below" them, so to speak, see them as the intellectuals. It's sad, but that's how our system works. I don't even know who is wrong between the ill-advised believers and the supposedly examples. As a result, whatever these people on TV say and do are unfortunately seen by many as the right thing. Remember, they do not know any better so what choice do they have. Going back, these hosts shouldn't make fun of the way game contestants answer questions. First of all, we live in a country in which the first and foremost language is Tagalog, not English. We are blessed to be a nation of people who understand and speak the language many consider as the international language, but that's about it. We are too insecure about our ego that we are afraid of anybody looking down on us. We therefore place so much emphasis on displaying an attitude of never backing down on anyone. It's pride I say. Secondly, the people being made fun of are not even aware that it's not the way they say certain words that are wrong, it's the entire system which blinds us to the truth. It should be known that with this gift of the Western education comes a responsibility to sustain and promote our culture.

No one laughs when winners of Miss Universe coming from Hispanic countries answer tough questions in their native accent yet in English. IT IS BECAUSE IT IS NOTHING BUT ACCEPTABLE! They have great respect for where they come from that they don't feel like they need to force anything anymore further while we say we're proud to be Filipinos and stuff when by example we show the opposite. People, let's get our acts straight, please. Don't we also mock other Asian nations by imitating the tone and accent of their voice? Its embarrassing really, more than anything. I can't understand how we can get away with this.

I'm calling out Mariel Rodriguez and Vice Ganda who are just some of the many high profile entertainers who should begin changing their ways. I apologize if it turned out to be a longer entry as I have expected. I guess that happens when the words do come from the heart. It's frustrating and tiring to realize these things, and not be able to share it to those concerned. I think I finally figured out what it's called and it could easily be summed up in this whole entry.

A Forever 21 Lesson

I was in the first and only Forever 21 store yesterday as an escort to my mom who was there to exchange an item. Normally, a job like this is a challenge because it requires patience in being able to withstand standing for a long period of time (although the stint this time around was shorter than usual). It also tests my competence to scout for a strategic spot to be on my feet without getting in the way of weaving shoppers. Anyone who's in my situation understands that the time it takes to successfully complete these tasks is inversely proportional to the time I have in enjoying the best part in doing this.

The seemingly newest flagship women's clothing store hasn't ran out of female customers since opening day. Even that, it's hard to keep track of the number of women in just one particular section of the store. It's so spacious inside that it can get its own zip code. No one's complaining. Forever 21 loves the high volume of traffic. I dig it. I'm an unsatisfied greedy little kid asking for more juicy lollipops in a candy store overflowing with goodies. No one can blame me. I'm rendered helpless, vulnerable and unarmed. I swear it's like a park where guys bring their dogs to hoping to catch a lady or two with the help of their canine companion. Only now, there's no tree-swaying and dog-panting; and no one is definitely trying to "catch" anything, or anyone. Of course not. I didn't come in there with a mission objective in hand. At that moment, I find my head turning 180 degrees panning from left to right, then back again. This goes on for about a couple of minutes which seems like an eternity with all the alluring women coming at me (I repeat, it's coming AT me, not ON me) from all directions.

The delight of seeing beautiful women about to wear equally beautiful clothes makes me appreciate the refinement in them. In a way, it tells me they know what they want, and that they can pull of a pricey dress like that. Aggressiveness. Confidence. Sexy. It may not be enough of a criterion, but it's one thing. To some extent, the charm is everlasting to the eyes of the man who was only there by accident, by chance. Maybe it happens everyday to people like me, that certain things happen which immortalize themselves subconsciously. Maybe that one girl in the line headed for the counter will forever remind me that some things are really worth remembering. I don't know. Now if I had only picked out a good spot way faster and held my ground quicker, I would have probably learned more. Who knows?

Yes, who knows? And wait, forever? Again, maybe. Just 5 seconds in and I'm not so sure already.

Stumble And Fall

It's not the prettiest title, but Razorlight's 2004 single works for me.

A few months ago I stumbled upon (no pun intended) StumbleUpon, which is a really awesome website which allows users to frequently visit and share certain webpages that are of interest to them. After joining, it asks to select all the categories they like and then with just a click of button, it automatically directs users to sites based on the "interests" that they have chosen. So if I selected "gadgets", the system generates recommended sites immediately.

Over time I discovered new websites which I didn't think even existed. It brought me information which I never thought was there all along. I have to admit that clicking that one button is habit-forming. It feels like it caught me in a web of addictive... Well, websites. I'm currently browsing through websites that fall under "activism" since I've always thought I have that inner fire for advocacy in me. Here are some of the pages I was lucky enough to run across:

1. Christmas Resistance. It's a movement against gift-giving during the holiday season. Find out why!
2. Ten Things You Need to Know to Live on the Streets. The title of the news article says it all. It may come in handy, who knows.
3. Three myths about world hunger. Oh please enlighten us.
4. Replate. Instead of throwing left-over food, place it on top of garbage cans for others who have nothing to eat. Sounds crazy? Read the FAQ to find out more.
5. 10 Revolutionary Acts of Courage by Ordinary People. The list includes Rosa Parks and burning one's self. Powerful stuff right here.
6. RateMyCop. I've heard of RateMyProfessors, but this is even better. A certain Maurice Mosley from the Decatur Police Department in Illinois received a comment from one Kim007 that says he is a "Smart, Caring and Super Sexy. Wish I could catch him off duty."

Now I can't decide which one's better- StumbleUpon itself or the long list of entertaining sites I come across. This made me realize how the internet is easily a huge space which loads up new facts and some fiction. Just when I thought I've seen it all.

Not Just A Pretty Face

Inventors discover new ways to make people's lives way easier. From a hypothetical idea inside their homes to finally a precise representation of that scheme, it is almost too fascinating how anyone could still think of more designs and gimmicks to improve the way we do things.

The main reason why these innovators even bother to create such products is because there just are not enough of them. We need them. There were no mobile phones back then, but we needed it. Now that we have it, companies search for more ways to further maximize its potentials in a sense that it was now a challenge to work on what else is out there for the iPhones and the Blackberries. On the other hand, Friendster was great for a while; but the emerging users found particular functions in Facebook which extremely appealed to their tastes.

Facebook provided us the freedom to write comments on almost anything we see on our screen. A bestfriend updates his status- boom, comment! An ex is now "single"- boom, comment! We always have something to say about almost anything we see in there. It just annoys me how one simple post could receive 30 something "feedbacks" (as Facebook calls it) when in reality, are only composed of two people writing one post after the other. It upsets other people who may have "liked" or wrote a single comment because it essentially fills their notifications with stuff they're not interested in. This is why Facebook introduced the ability to chat with other Facebook users who are online in an environment similar to instant messaging clients we are familiar with. This provided a way for two people to interact privately without distracting others.

Why wait for him to comment back on our own comment when we could have done it in a time-saving manner via this:

Next time, like the inventors themselves, make our lives easier as well by taking advantage of what the generous guys over at the Facebook team did for us. It is supposedly there for a reason.

A Tight Situation For The Vagina

Just to what extent does the general population of the 21st century women want to be recognized as on par with their male counterparts? It is not a question whether they want it or not, but someone's gotta draw a glaring line and say, "Hey, we've agreed to these terms so stop whining, shut your mouth and move on."

The world gets excited when we hear a news reporter begins a piece with, "The first woman to ever jump of a cliff..." or something like that. It's a UFO sighting, a Bigfoot encounter or snowfall in the Philippines. No, not really. I'm exaggerating too much. Case in point, it's a rare occurrence. I don't see or hear any feminism-centered social groups reacting now. This is the part where it gets tricky. If they really want their rights to be identified, I propose that they should bitch out on everyone. Equality, huh? Then quit pointing out that they are women, or that they have become the first whatever. If there's already a first, may it be someone with a penis or a vagina, leave it at that. Please, please, completely erase the subcategory of being "The First Woman."

Since when can women demand silently that a gentleman should give up his seat for her? Hey, they fought for their rights to be marked with a social stamp of approval for hundreds of years, so might as well transfer that sexy ball of energy to standing up throughout the ride than making a huge fuss out of it. By huge, I mean texting all your girlfriends how this man was undeniably cute, but unfortunately rude. Even being a gentleman, or chivalry, is not expected at all times. It branches out to so many degrees. I hate it when women, with oozing confidence, declare to the whole world as part of their rebuttal that men SHOULD be gentlemen. Should? Really? Says who? Of course chivalry's dead. Our grandmothers and their grandmothers and even their grandmothers argued their way to receiving this kind of reception centuries running now.

It's really confusing for a guy like me. Seriously. It's true what they say about what women want. We just can't quite figure out what it is exactly. One moment they love this, the next they love that. Stick to something, because it drives us crazy and it even makes it so hard to give them what they want.

So I am finally drawing this very thick line. No grey areas, just a purely black and white situation. Those make ups you carry around with you, they are not always for your faces, try making up your mind too. Otherwise, whine, dine and bitch out.

Jo-Lie-Bee

Jollibee is as much of a staple part of the Philippine culture as the steamed rice is. Every kid belonging to my generation must have grown up to its menu of juicy burgers and cripsy fries. I can't even begin to describe the sensational taste of the spaghetti and syrupy texture of its ice creams. For a 3 year old back then, a face-to-face encounter, including an equivalent high-five with the enormous mascot, is already eternal happiness. However, memories of that innocence tries to coat what I am afraid I recently realized. I can't even believe it took me this long to figure out the fabrication of what we, as "primed patrons" of the fastfood chain, believed to be the best thing in the world.

I can't deny the fact that it is a fastfood restaurant. The certainty of it is seen meters away with several parallel lines leading up to ringing counters and jingling coins. Absent are the bowtie-wearing servers prepared to take customer orders. The place, in terms of my perception of its sanitation, would be ranked far from a respectable score in a survey. The prices of food items are perfect for the regular student with an average amount of allowance, or baon. The equation of adding up all these elements of a typical Jollibee branch came to a stop when their so-called "special sauce" was introduce to the general public.

Now it makes sense. I don't know if they are just too dumb or simply have no desire to clean up greasy corners the management does not think we notice at all. But the thing is, we do notice. I know I do. Don't even get me started with using rewashable plastic cups over and over again as opposed to utilizing disposable ones. So how does the disinct condiment made particularly for their line of hamburgers come into play? They trick customers into believing this is how a burger should be made. A true burger needs our mouth to savor all the richness of the beef. For all I know they could be taking the meat patty out, and leaving just the bun and dressing behind and still we wouldn't notice. It's just addictive. Now all the unpleasant elements are cancelled out by this deceit to our gusto.

Two decades later today, everytime I step into a doorway guarded by an inanimate six-foot waving bee, I remember how it's all different this time around. I feel like each brightly-lit picture of the burgers, spaghetti, fries and ice cream on the overhead menu is artificial in its deepest essence. The innocence that tried so much to protect us from envisioning this moment is now irreversibly gone.