FACT: Your Graduation Day Could Not Really Tell How Your Future WouldActually Look Like

Do you still remember that day when the crowd was all cheered up as you walked your way up to the stage after hearing your name from that long list of graduates? Fullfilling isn't it? How about when you were one of those who went up the stage to get a medal, an award or a sash? You must have felt that overwhelming pride thumbing over your chest too. You might have shed some tears of joy. In contrary, you might just puked due to some disappointments.

You might admit that your graduation ceremony could be one of the sweetest and remarkable days of your life. But others might feel that this wasn't worth remembering at all. Few might have felt that they just fought an unfinished battle.   

I remember those days before my high school graduation when some of my classmates were all high just to get to the top of the honor roll. I was part of the star section so everyone there was really competitive that time. That inside-the-classroom competition has been a friendly battle though so we still maintained that healthy emotional bond as peers. 

After the deliveration of the honor roll few days before our graduation day, most of us were happy with the result. However, I can also recall some hisses of silent protest due to other's little disappointments. But nevertheless, these people became receptive after a few days. 

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

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.

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

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"

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.

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

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.

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

• 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

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?"

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

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.

10 Incredible Facts The Jeepney Has Revealed About Filipinos

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?

A Picture that is Worth More Than a Thousand Words

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.

A Curious Case Study on Skin Whitening and Filipinos: A Fad or a Sign of a Confused, Insecure Identity?

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?

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

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

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?

7 Reasons Why Filipinos CAN'T Speak English Better

In the Philippines, the English Language has been selling like an old flavor of ice-cream and has been served repeatedly to millions of students in all the schools for the past decades. Most of us actually have tried this 'ice cream' but not everyone had liked it. These schools though, exerted a conscious effort on how to smoothly deliver this subject matter to every student.

"Only in the Philippines"

According to the Inquirer News online, the Philippine capital, Manila, is experiencing non-stop torrential to heavy rainfall today brought by the southwest monsoon which was enhanced by the current tropical storm Maring (internationally known as Trami).

Since Sunday afternoon, moderate to heavy rainfall was felt in the metropolitan city including nearby provinces like "Bataan, Zambales, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Northern Quezon", the online report continued.

SHELL-SEARCHING. More Fun in Loon, Bohol

“Oh no. It’s low tide.” That is the first thing that came to my mind when Uncle Fred and I have arrived at his relatives’ house here in Loon, Bohol. Uncle Fred too, was a little frustrated about what we saw—the beach was dry and the usual shoreline was now more than a hundred meters away from us.

Originally, the reason why we went here was to do some island hopping. We are about to borrow his relatives’ boat so we could visit this nearby island that Uncle Fred was bragging about. But since the tide is low, I guess we could not run any boat at all on this wide, rough and dry, sandy shore.

Now I could see how Uncle tried to make some twist on this unexpected situation. Well, both of us actually are undecided now. Should we stay or maybe wait ‘til the tide is up again (which is crazy) or we’ll just enjoy this sunset view and go home after an hour?

When uncle saw these kids heading to the beach that looked like on its pre-tsunami stage, he thought something quickly that might also catch my interest.

“Do you want to go with them to pick up some shells?”, he asked.

I paused for a minute to think—What about picking up seashells?

This idea intrigued me so I quickly answered him in a cheerful, certain voice.

“Sure, Uncle! I want to try that too.” Deep inside a little puzzled, I don’t really know what we are exactly going to do there.

Will go shell-picking with the kids

I also met Kuya Julius (Uncle Fred’s nephew). He also tagged along with me to assist and of course, do some sort of a little bit of tour guiding as we navigate the dry shore. Along with the kids, I was so excited on what we might see there. He explained to me that every time the tide is low, people in the barrio usually gather at the shore to pick-up some seashells.

There are quite a few reasons why they pick-up seashell—they gather these for food, sell them in the market, or maybe for any personal reason.

Though Uncle Freddie and I failed to create an epic adventure of island hopping today, I guess this experience was amazing. Though I don’t have any experience of shell-picking before, this activity has given me a chance to see more creatures that I have not seen yet in my entire life!

Sea Urchin

Honestly, we were not serious about this activity; we just want to enjoy the moment together as we explore the ocean bed. For me, it was like scuba diving without literally going down the depth of the sea. Here, I have learned not just the basics of biology but more about the appreciation of God’s wonderful creations.

We stayed here for an hour. I enjoyed this activity with Kuya Julius and the kids, of course. Though the unpredicted low tide was frustrating, I think I must be more thankful for having this to happen.

Filipino Hospitality in Tagbilaran, Bohol

My officemates are a little surprised when I told them that I have relatives here in Bohol. They believed that I may be just pertaining to the tarsiers, where Bohol has been known to have these cute little poppets. They were also thinking that I may just be kidding them since they are always comparing me to these smallest living primate on earth. Well, I don't really care much if I look like a tarsier to them, ha-ha! First thing, they are so irresistibly cute and cuddly. Second, we have some similarities—they are active at night and a kind of loner.

But honestly speaking, yes—I have some relatives here that I have not met yet. I have seen them through Facebook but a close interaction with them was never established. The distance between us must be the cause why I haven't seen anyone of them yet, but I guess there is this unseen bond that connects us together wirelessly.

The Filipino Hospitality

When I first saw them, I was amazed by a very warm welcome. I was not expecting that a bunch of them is already waiting for me to arrive and that made this moment so special. There are two things that came to my mind during the time I saw them coming to me to greet me. First, they might feel the same way too—the excitement to see each other for the first time. Second, I thought about Filipino hospitality.

Filipino hospitality is one cultural trait we Filipinos are known for: A warm welcome; a smile; a hug; an offering of a good merienda when one visited our place; a simple invitation for a stay for anyone who doesn't have a place to sleep at night; when we say hello, we say "Kain tayo" (Let's eat) instead—to name a few examples. Though some cultures practice this too, but in our country, this is genuine that foreigners always notice it.

Quote taken from a 'It's more fun in the Philippines' ad

This trait must have been inherited from centuries of the past, but its warmth has never changed. I have experienced this as I travel around the Philippines not just here in Bohol. I guess this kind of Filipino hospitality is well-preserved within the country but of course, very worth-sharing. It's one thing that makes it more fun to be here. It's our unique identity.

What about Tagbilaran's Tricycles?

There is this one thing that fascinates me everytime I travel around the provinces here in the Philippines. Aside from loving the beaches and the cities, I can't keep my eyes off on these creative,  roaring street machines: the tricycles.

If you travel a lot, you'll get to realize how these tricycle designs vary and evolve in each region of the country. I live in Luzon and we have a smaller version of it here. When I went to Puerto Pincesa last year, I was amazed with their vintage-looking Cadillac style! Each has unique details that looking at them is always a fun thing to do. 

Here in Tagbilaran, Bohol, they also developed a creative way of tricycle detailing to flaunt their uniqueness.

Don't confuse yourself by focusing just at the front side. Simply because, the cool stuff lies at the back. It became a daily activity for me here to look at the passages written at the back of these tricycles. This goes to show that Boholanos are all God-fearing and God-loving people. 

"Not in the Philippines?"

With Andrew today

Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City, Philippines

Ordinary photos as might these look like, but these have become a subject of our discussion with my good friend, Andrew.

He started by saying, "Dude, post it on my Facebook wall and let's see how everybody will react to this."

"Yeah, one might think that this was taken in Singapore or Malaysia." I answered back.

Did I say it right? I just realized one thing. It always happens that we disassociate the Philippines from these tall-modern infrastructures and commonly we think of some other countries that are far better than ours. Sometimes if we see photos on the internet of a sunny, clean, and a modern Asian city, we would think of Malaysia or Singapore before realizing that the photos were just taken along Ayala Avenue or Eastwood City in Libis.

I couldn't blame myself or some other people for feeling and thinking this way. It happens everytime when  we hear the word Manila or the Philippines, we initially and unconsciously think of the negative side before we think of the good part.

It is my dream that soon--in a few years to come, all the cities here in my country would be more progressive and well-developed. But I always end up knocking my head! However, when it comes to cities, I still believe that ours would still not the worst.

Manila Walk: From The National Museum to Soup Number Five and Frog Legs

Manila is like a lady with a sophisticated and a timeless beauty despite of the odd that people  see her ugly. She has evolved for centuries but still maintaining the classic look of uniqueness. Being the uno primera capital city of the Philippines, this place has a lot to offer to both foreigners and locals residing or just touring the place in a day of two.

With a new-found friend/blogger, female counterpart, Katerina Bianca (katerinabianca.blogspot.com), we chose Manila to be our destination. This place is somewhat a shopping district too but we're not actually up into this. Today, it's going to be a very short travel aiming to appreciate the place better. It's a trip of history and cultural story telling.

The National Museum

I would consider this place a haven of all people who love to see the Philippines closer in a different perspective. Seeing hundred pieces of Philippine cultural art and bio-diversity collections here, I better understood  and appreciated who I really am and what I am as a Filipino.

Here are the things we loved seeing here:

Spoliarium is a painting by National Artist Juan Luna submitted to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid where it won the first gold medal award. 

The Old Senate Hall

With its over powering beauty, this old Senate Hall inside the museum holds unforgettable stories of the past Philippine government from 1926 to 1996. Through PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), it was said that P20 million has been funded to completely restore the hall. 

I guess these millions of pesos is all worth in bringing back this timeless masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance art back into life.

Galleon Trade: Getting Back on Track

The Galleon Trade was dated to be active 250 years ago. These were the huge ships that traveled across the world once or twice per year using the route discovered by a well-known circumnavigator named Fray Andres de Urdaneta. Aside from carrying thousands of people, these ships also carry gold, jars, spices, silk, porcelain, ivory and some other valuable commodities.

According to Nick Joaquin, the Galleon trade is "the first medium to reduce the world to a village". Well true enough, the Philippines has become like a sponge for centuries--collecting all the treasures of the world from these navigating Galleons.

Side Trip, Food Trip

So after the afternoon fun at the National Museum, Bianca and I decided to track our way down to Binondo. A little bit of a food adventure seeker, we decided to drop by here to try some "soft core" exotic food.

First in line is the rumored Soup Number 5:

Rating: ★★★★

We dropped by at one of my favorite restaurant here, Four Season Restaurant, just to taste this unique exotic soup. Just so you know, Soup Number 5 is a stewed cow's balls (part of the male's reproductive system). You don't have to close your eyes before tasting it  because the soup is so good and the texture of the meat is cartilaginously tender!

Picture on the right: Miss Lily, Bianca and I

We also had a short chat with the owner of the restaurant, Miss Lily. She's very bubbly and full of fun. She even offered us to try their turtle soup, eel soup and the black chicken dish. Thanks Miss Lily for this wonderful experience. For sure, we'll come back again to try more of your enticing dishes there!

Frog Legs, Oh La La!

After the soup tasting at Four Season,  Bianca and I immediately proceeded to Kainan sa Estero. Literally a restaurant located near the estero, this place offers a wide array of seafood (always served in bunch orders)--Chinese and Filipino food--in cheap and reasonable price.

Aside from ordering adobong pusit, we also ordered one delectable dish here one might find it a little exotic-- the fried frog legs:

Rating: ★★★★★

I already expected that Bianca will love this. As what she said after taking a small bite: "It tastes like chicken!" Well, I agree and that is true. I wonder why frog legs tasted this way. But it tastes even better than chicken for me.

Wrapping Things Up

View from the Jones Bridge

It's been a day. A long one. We planned to visit Fort Santiago too, but due to time constraint, we have not made it. But I strongly believe that this won't be the end of this tour yet. I'll go with what everybody believes--"It's just the beginning."

Manila has a lot more things to offer and I know that. One should just learn to appreciate these big and little things so he or she can appreciate this place better. Manila is not just about malls and jeepneys. It's not just about Manila Bay and Luneta. There are small details out there that we might have not discovered yet about this city. It's mysterious but it has no secrets at all. One only needs time and an open eyes to see how beautiful this place is.

More fun here in Manila, Philippines!