Where Are You Christmas?

As we wait for Grim...

Well, I think this is it. I need to face the fact that my Mama will never recover and I think my family (Papa, Kuya and I) am just waiting for that moment. I'm so proud of you Mama, you are the bravest person I ever met.

The truth is that we already accepted it, yun nga lang... masakit kasi Mama ko sya and she is my bastion of strength. Now that she will be leaving us, medyo nangangapa ako kung saan ko kukunin ang tapang ko.

No need to make those concoctions to save her. I already accepted it that she will be leaving us any time soon. She will be a memory. Those happier moments, sad moments... times that I become angry at her, those times that I didn't understand her. Those are just memories now. But I will always remember you Mama and I will always love you, at lahat ng pangaral mo sa akin at kay Kuya ay babaunin namin sa mga darating pang pag-subok sa buhay.

Paalam. You will be in a better place far from all the turmoils and heartache this world gave you. Today... until whenever, nakapaikot kami sa iyo. Si Papa, si Kuya, ako. Wag na wag kang mag-aalala sa amin. You are a legacy, a lesson in life and your light will always shine to guide me and my Kuya.

Today, we are all French.

Giving the credit where the credit is due.

I'm not really a fan of this AlDub whatever... And I don't even watch EatBulaga, but again I have to give the credit where the credit is due. I like to thank EatBulaga for their plan of giving the earnings of the "Tamang Panahon" concert last Saturday (October 24, 2015)  at the Philippine Arena to help built libraries and class room to schools all over the Philippines. A gift of knowledge is a best thing you can give, specially to the young Filipinos. 

For that, I salute you and more power.

* Pictures from various sources in the Internet.

October is Cancer Awareness Month

October is Cancer Awareness Month / Breast cancer Awareness Month / Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Every year many people die because of cancer and it is considered as the second cause of death (next to heart disease). Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity, and believe me, men can also die because of breast cancer.

It is very important to know the symptoms.  If the cancer is located only in the breast, the five-year relative survival rate of people with breast cancer is 99%. If the cancer has spread to the regional lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 85%. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the five-year survival rate is 25%. For all stages combined, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 89%, the 10-year rate is 83%, and the 15-year rate is 78%.

From Cancer Research UK

Education and and healthy lifestyle is the key to prevent cancer. Let us all join hands - you may be saving the life of your own love one.

Happy with a "Y" and not with an "I."

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

One movie that open my mind that the journey to success is not an easy road, but the destination will be quite awesome.

"Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you you can't do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream. You gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want something, go get it. Period."

In 1981, San Francisco salesman Chris Gardner (Will Smith) invests his entire life savings in portable bone-density scanners, which he demonstrates to doctors and pitches as a handy quantum leap over standard X-rays. The scanners play a vital role in Chris' life. While he is able to sell most of them, the time lag between the sales and his growing financial demands enrage his already bitter and alienated wife Linda (Thandie Newton), who works as a hotel maid. The financial instability increasingly erodes their marriage, in spite of them caring for their five-year-old son, Christopher (Jaden Smith)...

 So now I know why I should always spell HAPPY with a "Y" and not with an "I."

Life is a Lonely Journey

Come, join and associate with Mr. Hideki Shiina, a Japanese Buddhist lecturer for over two decades, to know the true purpose of  life. It will be rare chance to meet one Buddhist Master from Japan this month. Join to learn about  Buddhist teachings.

This is a FREE event.

Where: 7th floor Conference Room

             The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

             119 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village,

             Makati City, Philippines

When: August 30, 2015

           2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Heads Up Book lovers!

A 5 days event, and now on its 36th year, the MIBF still remains the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair. It showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature for leisure and academic reading. Everything you need from fiction bestsellers, to textbooks, to graphic novels, and even educational materials are all under one roof. 

Click HERE for more information.

The Great Warehouse Sale

Picture courtesy of Ms. Pie Llewrub

Find great bargains and great finds at National Book Store’s “The Great Warehouse Sale” in Quezon Avenue. Get up to 90% off on books, supplies, and gift items from August 13 to 18, 2015, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., only at the 4th Floor National Book Store, Quezon Avenue cor. Sct. Borromeo and Panay Avenue.

Hurry, 6 days only!

Bring a shovel hahahahaha!

Getting ready for "The Big One."

Because of recent earthquakes happening in the world, the Philippines is getting ready for the "Big One."

The largest Earthquake Drill will be held in Metropolitan Manila which starts at 10:30 am. Some 5-6 million people are expected to participate in the July 30 Metro Manila shake drill to test the resiliency of the people in case a 7.2-magnitude earthquake or stronger hits the metropolis, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Wednesday.

“A total of 538 organizations have signified their intent to join the drill. All public and private schools and universities will join, as well as hospitals, religious sectors, business process outsourcing companies, business groups, malls and even transport groups,” MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said.

For more information about the shake drill on 30 July, people can visit Be Prepared Metro Manila or Metro Manila Shake Drill for more details.

Mud cakes?

How poor is poor? In some part of the world, poor people are resorting on eating mud.

Hungry people in the slums of Haiti are giving new meaning to the phrase "dirt poor." Haiti relies heavily on food imports, but with prices soaring, some Haitians are resorting to eating mud. The cookies -- made of dirt, butter and salt -- hold little nutritional value, but manage to keep Haiti's poor alive.

What's Happening With Our Youth?

This is the infamous "pabebe girls." Pabebe? What the hell does that mean? According to Rappler, it's from a video of two sassy teenagers (sassy?) that has gone viral, turning Janet and Michelle, better known as the "Pabebe Girls," into stars practically overnight.

A what?

I really don't care about this stupid YouTube video and those talent-less local actresses and this gay comedian ( who is really NOT FUNNY)  trying to lift this piece of shit into something else, but come on!

However, contemplating on this, it just gives me a frightening look at today's Filipino youth.

Now, who should I blame?

Maybe I'm just wondering what happen to the Filipino youth. Sayang diba? Our national hero, Gat. Jose Rizal once believed that the youth  is the hope of our nation, but what kind of hope these kind of kids will bring us?

So again, who should I blame?

These er...vile creatures are a product of what? Well, for starters - our declining media - poor TV and movie programs that corrupt our youth's mind in exchange for profit. Then there are these so-called "books" that implant idiocies. Stories that justify teen relationships that doesn't focus on the realities of responsibilities. We also have actors and actresses that plays these character from these junk literature, further strengthening the doltishness of the young people who watch and read these sick stuff.

The list goes on and on and on...

Bulaklak Ng Maynila

Just watched "Bulaklak Ng Maynila." The movie was based from Domingo G. Landicho's novel with the same title.

So, what can I say? I admire Ms. Elizabeth Oropesa's acting - syempre naman... and I think Ms. Angelu de Leon's portrayal as Ada was also OK, but again, the story is too typical and predictable.

So, the story goes like this...

Azun (Elizabeth Oropesa) is a wife and mother living in a slum in Manila, where she sells goods on the street. Azun's husband Roque (Bembol Roco) becomes involved in a burglary that goes awry, leading to a lengthy jail sentence. Needing safety and support, Azun becomes involved with Timo (Christopher De Leon), leader of a local crime syndicate. But Timo's protection does not extend to Azun's teenage daughter Ada (Angelu De Leon); Timo rapes Ada, then forces her to leave her boyfriend (Jomari Yllana) and start dancing in his strip club. When Azun learns what Timo has done to Ada, she makes plans to get her revenge. 

Life in urban poor Manila, a battered wife, someone who because of poverty, was prompt to become a bar dancer in a girlie bar and as a finishing, rape and revenge. Very predictable.

I didn't find Christopher De Leon's character as something new. Masyado ng gasgas yung ganyang uring character sa mga Pilipino films, yet Christopher De Leon's performance as Timo earned him Best Actor honors at the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Over all, I give the film 3-star.

Don't blame the children.

VOICELESS IN THE VOICE INDUSTRY

Dr. Rene Ofreneo, Professor at the School of Labor and Industrial Relation, University of the Philippines, an article co-authored with Mr. Christopher Ng and Ms. Leian Marasigan, in an article published in the IJIR, (Vol. 42, No. 4, April 2007, noted:

Trophy or Treasure?

So, you love her because of her beauty huh? Then she’s just your trophy, not your treasure. To be a treasure is not about conquering a pretty face, but to cherish a loving heart.

Visual Aids

The world is so nearsighted when it comes to love. Some people are too shallow.

We look at people based on how she looks like - a pretty face, a slim figure, an enchanting smile, but then what? It will wrinkle as time ravage the body. Skin will be flabby, teeth with fall off and heck - she may even become fat or crooked.

We tend to forget that inward beauty is more durable. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.”

After the parade, then what?

Ok... you have your parade, you have your fun, we celebrated the Pride but that doesn't stop there. May I just ask the Philippine Gay community to share their responsibility: Please, maybe it's time that the showbiz community would stop portraying gay people as irritating  "Screaming Faggots" whose only purpose is to salivate on the leading man of the show and instead depict them as respectable people in the community.

I remember watching Will & Grace and I was so astound how the producer of the show depicted Will as a lawyer - dignified, respectable. I hope the local media will also do the same thing.

I Support Pride

Script vs. Pylons

The Difference Between This Two Movies...

Earthquake has a story. San Andreas is just a bunch of CG special effects.

Who gives a rat's ass about that stupid billboard.

Another issue on the Bench Billboard? I just don't give a flying fuck about that stupid billboard. Nuff said.

Good News! NCCA now owns Metropolitan Theater

Now here's a good news. 

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is now the proud owner of the Metropolitan Theater (Met Theater) in Manila and you know what that means? Yes! After almost 20 years of neglect, the MET will be restored! Now, the National Government has released P270 million to start the restoration of the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

NCCA Chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. (left) shakes hands with Robert Vergara, president and general manager of the GSIS, during the signing of the Deed of Absolute Sale for the Metropolitan Theater on Wednesday (June 10).

Remembering D-Day

D-Day. When words like bravery, heroism and courage has meaning. 

Artists / Wood Carvers Capital in Luzon: Welcome to Paete, Laguna

Paete is a fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines.  It was founded in 1580 by Spanish friars Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa of the Franciscan Order. It is believed that the earliest inhabitants were of Malay lineage, coming all the way from Borneo in their swift and sturdy boats called "Balangay".

Now, what makes Paete special?

It's a place where you can find a lot of artists and craftsmen. Check it out!

What Happened to Rizal Park?

I have been one of those people who love to stay at Rizal Park every Sunday till the wee hours of Monday, joining some of my friends on some trivia contest or watching the evening debates near the chess plaza.

It’s been like that for almost 12 years, but last night…

I was surprised when park guards started to tell everyone to go home because the park will close – WHAT? So our Public Park will now close every 12AM and will open at 4AM.

The security gave us different reasons:  Security, peace and order... but I don't think the public will buy those reasons.

A lot of people go to the park since it is the safest place around Manila, especially if you are looking for a place to spend the morning. If you have no money to spend… uh, let say to pay for 3 hours in a motel and you don't want to travel by early morning (1AM to 4AM) and was stuck on the streets, the best place to go is Rizal Park. This is a refuge.

Senior citizens also love to stay in the Park. Here they talk, drink coffee till 5AM.

But now that there is this order of closing the park, well... I'm gonna miss all those night folks.

What's the commotion? Luneta debaters, park securities and police discussing the sudden closure of the park. Picture courtesy of Philip Reyes.

Justice Must Be Serve!

Yung nagyaring sunog sa Valenzuela City... ano na nga ba? It was a warehouse of rubber slippers and 72 poor souls were trapped and was burned to crisp when the warehouse caught fire on May 13.

3 cute hoglets

Well... For some good news.

My hedgehog just gave birth. She got 3 cute hoglets.

They never make films like they used to. My take on Minsan, May Isang Puso.

 "Ang problema, hindi tinatakasan."

Just watched Minsan, May Isang Puso on Cinema One. The story was nice... for a change. 

It's Free For The Whole Month of May

In celebration of May as National Heritage Month, the National Museum is offering free admission throughout the entire month.

Proclamation No. 439 s. 2003 established May as National Heritage Month, in recognition of its being "by traditions the month when most fiestas, festivals, and other indigenous activities are celebrated throughout the Philippines" and "in the spirit of giving emphasis to the symbol of May as the month of traditional festivities and the month of the people’s participation in the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage as part of the life of a nation."

It's stupid. Nuff said.

HISTORY CHANNELS' IN SEARCH FOR ALIENS IS THE DUMBEST, STUPID, BULLSHIT SHOW I EVER SAW IN CABLE TV. YOU HAVE TO BE THE MOST GULLIBLE PERSON IN THIS PLANET TO BELIEVE ALL THOSE SHIT! 

I HOPE RATIONAL PEOPLE WILL STAND UP AND DEMAND THAT THIS TV STATION BE CLOSED!

I also wish they just throw Giorgios A. Tsoukalos in outer space. 

National Heritage Month

May is National Heritage Month. Let us be proud and celebrate our Philippine heritage.

Planting Rice (1951) by Fernando Amorsolo

Cavinti – A Place of Green Fields and Golden Hearts

We are all familiar with places in Laguna like Paete, Los Banos, and Calamba but how about Cavinti? 

The Art of Fine Dating

You are sitting in a chair, facing your lovely girlfriend. Inside your head, you’re asking, “Is it the right time? Will I tell her?” Your hands sweating  inside your pocket as you hold an engagement ring. Yes! I will ask her to marry me. I will tell her that… Then all of a sudden a baby cried in the back seat. Two kids were playing  tag and one even accidentally bumped into you. The music on the PA system is too loud, you can’t even hear what you are saying. Some ice cream spilled in your best tux and a long line of people at the counter are all looking at both of you.

ARRRGGG!

The horror of dating in a fast food.

A Day In The Art Museum

Every Sunday, the National Art Gallery, Museum of the Philippines is free for the public, so last Easter Sunday, me and some of my friends went to see the collections that they have.

Come and join me on this special tour.

Help For Hands...

There were only 5 pairs of hands, but it's OK. We still managed to deliver the goods to some homeless along Roxas Blvd. here in Manila. 

Thank you Philip Reyes, Jay-r Patio, Ralph Sy, and Vic Michael Estrada.

Earth Day Blues

I thought we're saving the planet by turning off the lights? Eh,  that stage consumes more electricity compare to all the lights in my house. Geez!

It is us humans who need to be save, not this planet.

[Photo by Jesse Ernest De Guzman at Ayala Triangle, Makati.]

Hope For Hands

Photo from my_sarisari_store.typepad.com

Let's make something different.

Philip Reyes and I am planning to give some goods like clothes, toys, books to those homeless near Avenida, Manila this coming Easter Sunday . If you guys want to donate something, you can bring them to Luneta Park on April 5 at 10 to 11AM so you can join us on giving them to the homeless. 

You can also send me an e-mail @ paraisojosejuan@gmail.com for more details.

If you can donate the following:
clean shirts (for men and women)
pants/ long pants
underwear
socks
children clothes
baby clothes
baby toys
toys
blankets
mosquito nets
books
instant noodles
canned goods
bread
soap
detergents

If only...

I hope that instead of "prayers" and "like" people will start to do something real. A small piece of land and some nice building materials to build homes. A simple cooperation with each other can give their children food and education. A few peso can give them rice and fish as food - and when everybody will just help one another, we can give them simple job so they can earn a simple living.

[ Pictures from Abigail Abanilla.com, manilaschoolproject.weebly.com, privatephotoreview.com,  democraticunderground.com and  unicef.org/philippines ]

But alas... I'm just a dreamer.