Fun Friday - S is for Sunset

It’s Fun Friday once again at our Blogging for Fun group! We are still doing an A-Z meme and we are now at letter S. This will be a quick post since I'm not feeling well since yesterday and I badly needed a rest. For today's Fun Friday, S is not about my sickness, but S is for Sunset.

Sunset is an atmospheric condition that I really enjoy watching. It is created by the setting of the sun, the moment before and after it disappears below the horizon. I just love the intense colors formed during sunset.

They said that the intense orange and red hues of the sky during sunset are mainly caused by scattering of sunlight by dust particles, other solid aerosols, and liquid aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere.

Here are a couple of photos that I took during a visit in Zambales, Philippines. It was nature at its best.












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Fun Friday - P is for Pandanggo sa Ilaw

It is Fun Friday once again for our Blogging For Fun group and this will be my first Fun Friday article after my two months of absence in the blogosphere. Well, I already missed a lot of topics for our A-Z meme so I better join the fun now. So here’s for the letter P, it is still something Filipino. This time, I want you to get acquainted with the Filipino culture and arts.

"Pandanggo sa Ilaw" is a folk dance of grace and balance originated from Lubang Island, Mindoro in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The term “pandanggo” was derived from the Spanish word fandango, which is a popular dance characterized by lively steps and hand-clapping that varies in rhythm in 3/4 beat or triple meter.


This unique and colorful dance requires skill in balancing three lighted oil lamps or “tinghoy”, one on the head and at the palms of each hand. The beat is just like the Spanish fandango and it is also characterized by lively steps and hand-clapping. The lights of the lamps are said to represent fireflies that are fluttering in the night.

A good number of Philippine folk dances were originally patterned after European dances during the Spanish colonial rule in the country. But despite its adaptation to western dances, Filipinos still pay tribute to their cultural roots. In fact, every region in the islands has its own folk dances which were performed attractively in various festivals. These have been added to the country’s apparent contribution to the world’s illustration of traditional culture and arts.

To appreciate the beauty of this dance, please watch the video below from likha.org.



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Fun Friday – F is for “Filipino”

It’s Fun Friday once again! First off, I apologize to my fellow members of our Blogging for Fun group if I missed participating in this activity for two consecutive weeks. Anyway, we are making an A-Z meme and we are now at letter F. Since I have long decided that I will blog about something Filipino for this activity, why not make letter “F” is for Filipino?

As you probably know, Filipino refers to citizens of the Philippines or even to a person having Filipino ancestry. The name was derived from Spain’s King Phillip II, when it was the name given to the country in the 16th century by Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos. If you hear Filipinos colloquially referring to themselves as Pinoy or Pinay (the feminine version) these came from the term Filipino formed by taking the last four letters of "Filipino" and adding the diminutive suffix "-y".

Filipino also refers to the national language of the Philippines. The 1987 Philippine Constitution designated Filipino and English as the official languages of the country. The language is based on various existing native languages in the country with a significant number of loanwords from Spanish or other foreign languages. There are about 180 languages spoken in the Philippines. Other major and minor languages include Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Kapampangan, Bikol, Pangasinan, Tausug, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kinaray-a, Chavacano and Spanish.

The basis for the Philippine national language is Tagalog, which had primarily been spoken only in Manila and the surrounding provinces which is why some would refer to Tagalog as the national language. When the constitution provided for a national language, Tagalog has been the predominant candidate for this is the lingua Franca of those who lived in the government capital but because of objections from people living in other regions of the country where Tagalog is not their first language, it was decided to refer to Filipino as the national language.

Now you may ask, what is the difference between Tagalog and Filipino? "Filipino" incorporates more words borrowed from other major native languages including Visayan, Ilocano, Bicolano, Ilongo, Waray, Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Maranao, and also from foreign languages. Filipino also prefers to use more hyphenated Tagalog-English combinations realizing that Filipinos usually combine English and Tagalog in their conversation most of the time anyway. Filipino also accepts transliteration which just spells the words according to how it was spoken by native speakers. Transliterations in Tagalog are done only when there is no exact equivalent or if the nuance of the word combinations demands it.

For non-Filipinos who want to learn a couple of Filipino words, you can watch the video below from YouTube.





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Fun Friday - C is for Carabao

It’s Fun Friday once again and this week’s topic is the letter C. For last week’s letter B topic, I incidentally choose an indomitable Filipino trait we called “Bayanihan.” So it would be apt to select a topic related to that: something Filipino.

Topics that came to mind were coconut, since the Philippines is one of the top producers of coconut in the world. Virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human uses and some Filipinos make a living by making and selling coconut-based products like tender coconut water, copra, coconut oil, coconut cake, coconut toddy, coconut shell-based products, coconut wood-based products.

But then another C that is actually a Philippine national symbol is the Carabao. It is a domesticated type of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis), which is considered as the country’s national animal. It is the farmer’s best friend as it does all the hard work in the fields being used for plowing and for pulling the cart to haul farm produce to the market. No wonder, the carabao is one of the most important animals in the country, especially in agriculture. This animal’s life span is 18 to 20 years and the female carabao can deliver one calf each year.



Another C that is a source of pride for Filipinos is the Calbiga Caves. The spectacular Calbiga caves in Samar, which is considered the biggest karst formation in the Philippines and one of the largest in Asia, have been featured in different travel shows. It is a system of 12 caves that covers an area of about 2,968 hectares. This is probably the largest cave in Southeast Asia, to think that most of it is still unexplored. There are numerous endangered species of bats living in the cave.














Photos courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabao and www.neda8.evis.net.ph and
wwww.samar.lgu-ph.com

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Fun Friday – B is for "Bayanihan"

Bayanihan is a Filipino word derived from the word “bayan” which means town, nation or community. In general, Bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation to achieve a common objective. Its origin can be traced from the old Filipino tradition of neighbors and community folks volunteering to help a family move to a new location. What they were doing was literally carrying the house by placing long bamboo poles forming a strong frame so they can lift the stilts from the ground using the frame with each man positioned at the ends of the bamboo poles. All this is done on a jolly and festive mood. After which the moving family will host a small fiesta to thank the volunteers.

We now rarely see this old tradition being practiced but Bayanihan has evolved and can now manifest in many forms. One recent display of this indomitable Filipino trait was during the onslaught of tropical depression Ondoy, typhoon Pepeng and subsequent flooding in some areas in the country. Like everyone else, I have been touched by the amazing tales of heroism and bravery in the face of disaster that are being told. There’s the story of a teenager who braved rampaging floods to save more than 30 people, but ended up sacrificing his life in another rescue attempt. There’s the story of a father who drowned after ensuring his family’s safety and the stories of other nameless soldiers and civilians who charge into flood waters to rescue civilians. The remarkable thing is, these stories of bravery have become ordinary in these trying times. People from all walks of life are generously lending a helping hand to the less fortunate victims of this calamity. Those who lived in higher areas opened their doors to their neighbors whose homes were flooded. There are even those who offered their roofs as temporary shelter for their neighbors as floodwaters devoured their houses. Those who were on safer grounds helped by sending text messages and calling media networks to report stranded people requiring immediate rescue. Foods were offered to neighbors and even complete strangers, sharing whatever little they had.

Even big business corporations and ordinary citizens have joined the bayahihan spirit. Filipinos continue to help their fellowmen in whatever way they can. These are hard times for everyone but they expressed support, donate money and whatever services that they can offer. Yes, there’s always something to give although there’s very little that they’ve got.

I never doubted the Bayanihan spirit of the Filipino. We may be divided as a nation but in the midst of disaster, we band together to help each other. Indeed, this is a time for us to put aside whatever differences we have and work towards helping those in need.

Indeed, crisis brings out the best in people. For Filipinos, it showed our best qualities. Generosity, courageous empathy, selflessness and heroism all these can be summed up in one word: Bayanihan. I have never been prouder to be a Filipino.

Photo credit.
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Fun Friday - My Younger Photos

This post is quite late but as some people would say, it’s better late than never. This topic is intended for Friday but because of my problems with my internet connection, I wasn’t able to post this on time. Anyway, I just thought that this week’s topic is interesting and I don’t want to miss participating in this Group’s activity twice in a row. This week’s topic is to show pictures of our younger years.

It’s a good thing that my parents are currently living with me and they’ve brought some of my old photos from the province. Below are the youngest photos of me that I have here in the house.


This was taken when I was in First grade with my father. It was our Commencement exercise and I was the class valedictorian but for a change I pinned my ribbons on my father.



The photo below was taken when I was in Grade Four with my mother.


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Fun Friday - Birthday Flower

Our Blogging for Fun group has decided to revive our Fun Friday activity due to popular demand from other members. This week’s theme is from a popular fun quiz. The topic is our birthday flower. Well, like Birthstones, every month has a birth flower and that each one has a special meaning. And like people, each birth flower is distinctive – filled with significance and stories.

August is my birth month and Gladiola is the birth flower. Its name comes from the Latin word for sword, “Gladius” which represents strength and moral integrity. Its romantic flower is capable of piercing a heart with their beauty – explaining why infatuation is another one of its meanings.

Here’s my quiz result:

What does your birth flower say about you?

My Quiz Result: Gladiolas are the birth flower for people who are born in August. The Gladiolas symbolizes remembrance, strength of character, dedication and devotion towards family. If your birth flower is Gladiolas: You are an intellectual person. People love you for your enthusiasm and charming nature. You constantly try to succeed in whatever you do. You desire to occupy leadership positions.

Take this quiz: What does your birth flower say about you?

Take more quizzes, myspace quizzes and fun quizzes on personality, love and other topics.

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Fun Friday - My Five Favorite Books

For this week’s Fun Friday, we are to blog about the five favorite books we have ever read. Well, I no longer have enough time to read books but I used to be a book worm. I still read during free time but mostly e-books.

I should be listing Filipino books here but most of my readers will not be able to relate and recognize the books, hehehe. So I’ll pick those who have become international bestsellers. These books are worth-reading, entertaining and really kept me at the edge of my seat wanting to see how it will end.


Anyway, here are my five favorite books in no particular order:

On my list is “A time to Kill”, the first book by John Grisham who is best known for his legal thrillers. The book is heart wrenching and I considered it the finest work of this writer. It subtly explores the themes of racism, murder, punishment and revenge.


Another favorite is "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown. I read "The Da Vinci code" before reading “Angels and Demons” and I both enjoyed the novels. I just think that “Angels and Demons” has a more suspenseful storyline than the The Da Vinci Code. It was here that the character Robert Langdon was introduced.



The Harry Potter book series is also on my list of favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed J.K. Rowling’s storytelling about Harry Potter and Hogwarts school of Wizardry. Based on accounts, the idea for Harry Potter was conceived when the author was on a crowded train. Anyway, I read the series a few years ago while I’m at work during idle hours at the office. Those were the times when we are not yet busy with calls.



Then, of course, I have on the list “Rising Sun” by Michael Crichton. He is one of my favorite writers. The book was an international best-selling crime thriller about a murder in a Japanese corporation in Los Angeles. The book was adapted into a film, starring Sean Connery, Wesley Snipes, Tia Carrere and Harvey Keitel.



I made a review of “The Alchemist” of Paulo Coelho in this blog, the first book review that I did. It is a tale of a boy who has a dream and the courage to follow it.



So there you are, my five favorite books.

Enjoy reading!



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Fun Friday - Dumb laws in the Philippines

For this week’s Fun Friday, the topic is dumb laws where you live. I think it's good that I can not think of any dumb laws in the Philippines straight away aside from laws changing the street names or establishments after the name of the President’s father or any other political figure, hehehe. Well, some of the laws are good but the implementation is the problem.

I tried to search the internet for dumb laws in the Philippines and the only information that I got was from dumblaws.com. They pointed out MMDA’s unified number-coding system as a dumb law wherein vehicles whose license plates end with a 1 or 2 are not allowed on the roads on Monday, 3 or 4 on Tuesday, 5 or 6 on Wednesday, 7 or 8 on Thursday, and 9 or 0 on Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

I don’t think that this is a dumb law, at all. The idea here is to reduce the volume of traffic on the streets by 20 percent everyday. And it was effective to some extent. However, car owners are on the losing end. Imagine not being able to drive your car one day every week? Well, I don’t have a car so it is not a big deal for me, lol. On the bright side, car owners will get to save on fuel during those days that they will not be able to drive their cars.

There is another law in the Philippines, that some considered stupid. It is one of the provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act where squatters or trespassers who disregard property rights cannot be evicted and their illegal structures cannot be demolished without finding a relocation site for them or paying them first. How stupid is that??

Can you think of any other dumb laws in the Philippines or where you live?


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Fun Friday - Two Things That I Cannot Live Without.

For this week’s Fun Friday, the topic is to name two things you absolutely cannot live without. Say in a disaster, or end of the world situation, what two things you could not go without.

Hmm, this is quite hard for me since I can easily let go of material things when needed. I even tried living 3 months without a cellphone, an unimaginable feat in this technological age. I decided to ask the help of my girlfriend, Donna who said she cannot live without her perfumes and bags. I asked her what two things I can not live without and without hesitation, she said I cannot live without my computer and my wallet.

I spend about 12 hours a day in front of a computer monitor: 8 hours in the office and 4 hours at home surfing the internet and blogging. Donna would even tease me that I’m spending more time with my computer than with her, lol. I’m just so thankful that she understands.

Another thing that I can live without is my wallet. I don’t leave the house without my wallet which has, aside from cash, all of my ATM cards, Identification cards, contact numbers, health card and even a notepad where I can write ideas and thoughts that would suddenly pop up out of nowhere. I would surely be helpless without my wallet.

If you would like to join us in this Blogging For Fun group where you can earn new friends and drive traffic to your blog, you can sign up to join us by clicking here.
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Balut: Gross food that I love on Fun Friday.

For today’s Fun Friday, our topic is to name at least one gross food that we love. Now, I can name a couple of gross foods that I like but I guess one is enough for this purpose lest you may think of me as a freak, lol.

Now, I have to warn you, this is really a gross food to most people and I don't mean to scare anybody, I'm just having fun here. You may have even seen this food eaten as one of the challenges in TV shows like Fear Factor or Survivor to disgust contestants but in the Philippines, balut or a boiled fertilized duck egg with nearly-developed embryo inside is a common street food. Most foreigners are grossed out by the idea but this food is popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein snack.


I love balut but I don’t eat it that often. The last time I ate one was three or four months ago. I don’t usually eat the chick but I like the juice and the yolk. I know people who can eat five or more baluts in one sitting (and they are not being paid to do it!). It is being sold at the street mostly at night time probably because it’s best to eat it in a dimly lit place so you wouldn’t see how it looks, lol.

But with all the positive vibes and the stigma attached to eating this food, balut has become part of the Filipino culture.
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