Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Country's Problem (Part I): Electricity and The Reasons Why It's Expensive

It is stated that Philippines have the highest energy fee, surpassing the country which has the most expensive energy rate in Asia; Japan. But how did we end up with our bills rising from hundreds to thousands?

Dr. Gerardo Sicat, a Filipino economist, stated four reasons why Philippines has expensive electricity fee with his interview in Manila Bulletin.

The first reason is the high generation costs due to high cost of contracts with independent power producers (IPPs). The government used this method at the height of energy crisis in the 90s. However, despite this so-called solution of the government, he stated that Philippines still imports oil with unpredictable prices from foreign countries. Thus making our expenses rise unpredictably as well.

Second is due to monopoly of the generation and distribution levels. This statement mainly hints the only company managing the surge of electricity, MERALCO. He stated that it can take advantage of their monopoly power by charging operating expenses and paying back of loans.

Third reason is the high system losses of electricity distributors including MERALCO which are paid by consumers. He cited that Philippines are paying twice on system losses than South Korea’s average cost.

The last reason is poor management. Everything about their maintenance has been passed along the consumers as well.

Even if Philippines rely on the newly discovered energy resource in Palawan, the domestic natural gas from the Malampaya gas deposits were tagged with a luxurious price too and it won’t help on decreasing the electricity rates.

The government should think of a better solution to drop down the Philippines electric rates by not relying too much on the helping hands of the foreigners.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Rise of the Planet Tablet


There is a new planet dwelling in the land. And people can't help but get hooked with the exciting, addicting and interesting gadgets this planet has. The planet’s name? Planet Tablet.

Tablets, as we all know, were phones having the features of computers. Aside from they can access to social networking sites online, they can also used in doing reports, editing photos, listening to music and of course, play games that were only available on the Net.

Tablets computers were first introduced by Apple Company originally announced in 2010 as Ipad. Billed as "a whole new kind of device", Ipads proved to be a game-changer, sending tremors through the consumer electronics and computer industries alike. And the rest was history. Many technology based companies also scramble to produce their own "one-of-a-kind" tablet, thus making it the new face of innovated technology.

Redefining Technology

Although, touch screen cell phones have became popular these days, touch screen is still considered as one of the unique and special features of tablets that make them trendy, hip and cool. As many people (especially the techie ones) get hooked with this new breed of technology, more and more tablets have been introduced by big companies with different styles, features and versions.

Tablets that now dominate the scene were Apple Ipad 2, Android Honeycomb Tablets, RIM Playbook, HP Touchpad and the newly introduced IPhone 4s. Let's now check the special apps tablets have in store. 

  1. Games. Gaming is more dun when played via touch screen. With brand new games that lets the user enjoy every battle and playoffs, Tablets offer thrilling and exciting games such as Hardwood Hearts, Talking Tom Cat, the popular Plants vs. Zombies and Angry Birds, Warships and many more.  

  1. Music and Audio. mSpot Music, Slacker radio and Amazon Mp3 were some of the applications found in tablets that allow the users to enjoy their collection of music and personalize their radio.
 

  1. Entertainment. Tablets have different programs made to entertain the users from youth to middle age to elderly age. Drawing Pad was the tablets’ version of Paint, however this is more user-friendly. Users can create their own art by their bare hands and not through the use mouse and keyboards. Because tablets were touch screens, users just have to stroke their hand depending on how they want to draw or color their artwork. Aside from that, Tablets also have movies, video player and Netflix where consumers can instantly watch TV episodes and HD movies.

  1. Books and Reference. One of the special features of Tablets is that you can read books here. It was also similar to phones having eBooks however; the difference was you can scan the pages using your hands likewise reading a real book. Kindle for Android and ArcSoft eBook Reader were the applications present in tablets. This would also help you customize your reading experience with different fonts, display sizes, and brightness, thus making your reading a wonderful habit.
 
  1. News and Magazines. Want a daily update of news around the globe? Well, tablets would be ready to give you that! With accurate and reliable news and information from famous newspaper and magazines all over the world, users will surely stay connected and updated with the world.

  1. Communication. Because Tablets were still mobile phones, of course, communicating is its primary function. With thousands of apps that permit the user to communicate from one place to another, Tablets were definitely the user’s one-stop social connection. These apps help the user to access their entire network of friends and social sites all in one place. Everything they need, streamlined for when they need it.
 
  1. Tools. Not only tablets are practical for entertainment, social connection, etc. Tablets are also functional in writing and printing documents whether word, sheet, or power point. It also has a daily weather report that tells the user what temperature or conditions to expect. Aside from that, Tablets have Norton Mobile Security that protects the user’s file from destructive virus.


There you have it all. So what more can tablet users ask for? With this new breed of mobile and computers packed as one, certainly, tablets redefined technology.   

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

6:38 AM - No comments

The Hallyu Wave

There’s no more denying that the Kpop Fever also known as the “Hallyu Wave” had taken over almost all people in Asia, and other parts of the Europe, Latin America and the United States itself. With its catchy music, unique dance steps and good looking group members, fans all over the world can’t seem to get enough of them.

What makes Kpop so popular?

There are so many reasons why people are so into the Kpop Industry. First, is because of their type of music.  Kpop Songs are composed of electronic music blended with hip hop, ballad or other genres of songs. It is also what you can say a mixture of the eastern and western music. it's also always new, their music producers are not afraid to make songs, be it in form of extremity or to the point of being too childish or over dramatic. What’s more to it is that it’s always catchy. Even if one doesn’t understand the Hanggul or Korean Language, once you hear I, you’ll just find yourself humming or singing the song. 


Second of all, their singers are all good looking. Male or Female group members or soloists of KPop are all eye-candy and have good sense of fashion. They also wear cosmetics and clothes that even makes their appearance look better. 


Third, they always dance amazingly. Group Idols always dance in sync. It was as if, their bodies are all connected that they dance the same step as their members all the time. Solo singers who dances also puts a lot of effort into dancing and catching their breath while they sing. 

Another important factor of their popularity is their utilization of the World Wide Web. Unlike other videos of bands from other Asian countries and industries, KPop Music Videos, Live Performances and other things related to the idol groups are not restricted. They even release teasers of music videos on their official Youtube channel. In fact, it is in the online community that the big companies of the KPop Industry first announces about the upcoming songs and albums of their groups.They also has huge fan-based pages and accounts on Facebook that can be considered one of the most famous worldwide. 


What's more? Their idol members has versatility. You see them everywhere! They can do commercials, act themselves out, make you laugh at their variety shows or even compete in TV Olympics and Dance or Singing Battles. With that, you can always recognize them everywhere. 

2ne1's Dara endorsing Etude

Fans are also amused on the preparations one has to experience before finally making a big and successful debut in the KPop Industry. Often, big companies hold auditions, pick talents and make them trainees until the time has come for their debut. They undergo dance, music and acting training. So when they debut, you sure are to notice how great they are on what their doing.

The seventh reason is their style of making MV's. In every Music Video they release, you would always see the uniqueness. But on every video that came out, you'd always High Definition Scenes and Over-the-top settings and story Plots. Some MV's almost feels like you're watching a mini movie because of the dramatic effect that it gives off. 

Last, but definitely not the least reason are their fangirls and fanboys. Because of the reactions that every netizens made on what their idols are doing, other people got curious on what they are fighting about or gossiping about. Their opinions affect on the increasing or the decreasing of the popularity of an idol group or soloist. 

Experts Says:

Teddy, one of the biggest producers of Korea, and producer of YG, explains the increase of popularity of KPOP in the world industry. 

Teddy believes that the “KPop Syndrome” is so popular because KPop mixes elements of Western and Eastern music to produce a new, charming song. He stated, “I’ve recently been told that 2NE1′s music is popular in Mexico and Brazil. People are always amazed at which country these songs come from.”
It is natural for foreigners to like KPop. Since childhood, foreigners become accustomed to the Western style of music and see familiar artists, while KPop brings a new flavor that they have never heard before. Teddy said, “In terms of 2NE1, the powerful and trendy mixed with their oriental looks brings a new and unique atmosphere.”


In an interview with e-fact, the director of a French national broadcasting channel, France 2 TV, commented, “Korean musicians or groups should have no problems succeeding in other European countries, not to mention, any other country in the world.” The director continued, “They are perfect since they have all the basic necessities down along with fluent English. The fact that they have sold out 14,000 tickets in two days without any serious advertisement quantifies the huge potential of the Hallyu wave”.

Surf the Net, Virus-Free!


Now that everybody is using the internet, everything became a breeze for everyone. However, when we accidentally or curiously clicked a website/advertisement, there are instances that viruses will invade our PCs like a cancer.


Since there is a virus, there is also an antivirus which helps eliminate those pesky threats to our data. Here are some lists of popular antivirus that can help prevent viruses from entering your system.

    1. Avast Free
According to Techspot.com, Avast Free is the most popular antivirus out there. Many comments in that site said that it never misses a virus and have their PCs running free of threats and Everybody’s Journal can say the same thing base on the experience. So far, it does not slow down the computer’s performance and it is a freeware program so everyone can have it!

    2. Norton
Symantec’s Norton has been long around and is trusted by peoples worldwide as it continues to protect every PCs from malwares. Many said that when it comes to work, it is fast and captures the bugs quickly. However, base on experience again, when it performs a system scan, it slows down the computer performance.

    3. Kaspersky
From a commenter in CNET|Download.com, Kaspersky has a great performance and doesn’t drag down the computer. The cons for it though are that it has a poor user-interface, updates take too much space and the price is not that affordable.

    4. Avira Anti-Virus
From many reviews in the internet, it performs very well in shielding computers against viruses. The letdown here is that it constantly pops up to upgrade to its Pro version, which is completely annoying.

    5. AVG
AVG is the most downloaded antivirus in downloading sites and many people trusted the programs performance. But from experience, it misses some worms that can also be threatening sometimes.

Having an antivirus is a big help, but there are still viruses that will be created and these programs will not work at some point in time. So for a tip, just don’t click any links that seems to be suspicious. Just think of surfing, virus-free!


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Personalizing your Debut Party


Turning 18 is probably the most exciting part for a young woman. It is where she celebrates herself into accepting the early stages of womanhood and says goodbye to her childhood and adolescence years.
It is where she starts to explore the world, taking baby steps into being recognized as a matured woman by the society.

Which is why, to commemorate this particular event, every debutante wants to celebrate their parties as one of their most memorable and grandest birthday party ever. But with the birthday party turning out as a customary event, ideas are running out into how to make the debut party as unique as possible. 

Well there is a way for you to have a unique party-Personalize it! Except of following the antique ways of celebrating a debut party, why don't you mash it up and add some spunk to your debut preparations to make it your debut as exceptional as it could be. Below are some help tips to how to make your debut more personalized :)

Start with your Invitations

Ribbons, laces, scented papers - these things are old ways for you to invite a person to your party. Instead make use of the computer and the internet and display your creativity in creating your these. You can add some of your baby images and some pictures to your invitations. Websites like picnik.com and softwares like adobe photoshop is also a great help. You could also send these invitations through social networking sites like facebook.com and multiply to spread your news and display your invitation cards.

What's with Monthsaries?


You feel butterflies in your stomach, you smile for no exact reason, and you are always excited to talk about love. Definitely, you’re in love.

It’s so common for couples to celebrate their anniversary. Of course, only few relationships last for years. Anniversaries were usually celebrated to reminisce the first time couples fell in love and to renew their love for each other. Many believed that by celebrating this special occasion, relationships grew stronger and tighter. However, nowadays, especially when teenage love affair became popular, another “sary” existed: Monthsary.

Monthsaries, as we all know, were important days for couples. It is very much alike to anniversaries, but these were celebrated in terms of months, as opposed to anniversaries which are celebrated in terms of years. The only difference is that there are only 11 monthsaries for a certain event; the 12th would already be an anniversary. Monthsaries were famous for young lovers or teenagers in a relationship. This set-up usually existed in high school where cheesiness and “kilig” factors are present.

While many couples engaged their selves in celebrating their special time on a monthly basis, there are some couples who don’t celebrate monthsaries. They thought that those who celebrate monthsaries will have relationship that won’t last. For them, couples don’t need to have a monthly celebration for they don’t have to count the months or days their relationship had gone.
However, many couples still liked to celebrate their monthsary because this makes their relationship strong. They celebrate their love monthly and so renewed their feelings for each other every time they would celebrate monthsaries. For them, it feels like they fall in love with each other every month. They thought that counting the numbers of months they’ve been together were a mark of a strong relationship.

Love expires especially when not renewed. And so, it’s always important to improve your love for your partner by celebrating special occasions like monthsary. It seems cheesy, impractical and juvenile, but this would definitely heat up your love for each other. Like many other couple celebration, monthsaries also has its pro's and con's. But that's not really matter. What matters is that you cherish the moment you have with the one you love. Because every day with your loved one is a celebration. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Valentine's All Over the World


Valentine’s Day, as we all know is a celebration of love and romance. However, not only in the Philippines is Valentine’s celebrated. Different countries all over the world commemorate it in different ways depending on their culture.


In Japan, it is only the women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men; Japanese women are usually too shy to express their love. Therefore, Valentine's Day was thought to be a great opportunity to let women express their feelings. It also a custom that smart chocolate companies spread to boost their sales and it has been very successful. Now, the chocolate companies in Japan sell more than half of their annual sales during the week before Valentine's Day. 


In Korea, couples wear same shirts or known as the “couple shirt” in Valentine’s Day to show how much they love each other. In the United States, Valentine’s Day is mainly a day catered to females. Men are responsible for planning dates, getting flowers, getting the right gift, etc.


People in South Africa totally indulge themselves in the African culture and art to celebrate the occasion of Valentine. Be it an old man of 60 or a young lass of 16, the joy of celebrating love is same in everybody. South Africans as well as tourists attend huge balls where they match their dancing steps and flow in the Valentine mood with different alcoholic beverages. 


Africans also like to visit wildlife parks and sanctuaries with their friends and families. Many other events like river rafting, mountaineering amidst the exotic islands are main attraction of the day. Luxurious resorts give the most enthralling view and rated as one of the best place to spend a romantic evening.

Here in the Philippines, what makes Valentines more fun?

5. Speed-dating and blind dates. Blind dates originated in. Basically, blind date is about two people who never met each other but go on together in a date. Well, it might be a little scary and risky, but this is still something you will enjoy especially when you're single.


4. Promos for couples. These are popular in the Philippines. Famous indeed, that as soon as January 31, you can already see different posters and advertisement about joining a contest that will make your Valentine celebration incredibly and romantically memorable. If you think you have the best love story then you can join these contests. You might win and have the most exciting and special date this Valentines.



3. Kasalang-bayan. Actually, these are more popular in June, but there are some government and non-government agencies who conduct these events meant for financially-challenged couples. This wedding expo lets the public to witness a number of partners exchanged "I do's".


2. Concerts and Movies. Every Valentine's, celebrities and artists would really prepare something that their couple fans would enjoy. Pre-valentine concerts are set where couples can enjoy their date while watching the show. Movie watching is one of the traditional thing whenever a couple dates so movie producers give them a treat as they offer a wonderful love story for their supporters to enjoy.


1. Pick-up lines. "Siguro dati kang ex-convict, kasi pinasok mo na nga ang utak ko, ninakaw mo pa ang puso ko." Cheesy. Pick-up lines have long been introduced in the Philippines. However, it just became popular because of Boy Pick-Up from GMA's longest running gag show, Bubble Gang. Though, pick up lines were not really funny, “the ka-corny-han” of it makes it more acceptable and sweet. I'm just wondering how a girl would react after she was given a pick-up line by his suitor.


0. Flowers and chocolates. How will you know that Valentine’s is arriving? It's when bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolates were seen everywhere. They say Valentine's is not completely felt once you haven't received any of these two. Well, good thing I've bought one for myself.


Now that's something interesting about Philippine Valentine’s Day. It's not really different from other countries but it is something people would really enjoy. 

Do couples need to celebrate Valentine's Day?



"Ang Valentine's Day ang panahon ng pagbibigay ng walang kwentang mga regalo pero sweet." A junior jock was saying on a radio when I opened it last night. True enough, from flowers to chocolates, these usual gifts given every Valentines won't last. Flowers would soon dried up and chocolates would soon be flushed. And so why celebrate?

Celebrating Valentine's Day has been a usual act for couples. It is a special time for them to show their love for each other. For some, Valentine's Day means another year of love to celebrate. Girls would always look ahead to this special event and want it to be sweeter, memorable and special. However, there are people (mostly guys) who don’t look at this as something that should be celebrated. For them, you can always show your love anytime and any season. Celebration is not a must, however most people find it sweet and romantic to celebrate on that day. For me, celebration is not really needed but of course, being a woman, I can’t say that I don’t want to celebrate important occasions like that. As what they say, only once a year Valentines arrive.

Well, the origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are alleged to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women's names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year's celebration.

While this pairing of couples set the tone for today's holiday, it wasn't called "Valentine's Day" until a priest named Valentine came along. Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II's verdict that soldiers remain bachelors. Claudius handed down this decree believing that soldiers would be distracted and unable to concentrate on fighting if they were married or engaged. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death on February 14.

After Valentine's death, he was named a saint. As Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15 to February 14 and renamed it St. Valentine's Day to honor Saint Valentine. Since then, February 14 has been given to couples and people who are in a special relationship.

After reading the romantic and sacrificial story of Valentine, indeed, sweetness is famous every Valentine's Day. You can do simple things and yet, sweet. You can give little effort and yet, made someone feel special. You don't need to buy an expensive jewelry or date your partner in a fine dining restaurant. Because at the end of the day, it's the memory that matters not those gifts. And you can always show to your loved ones how much they meant to you even if it’s not Valentines. Ultimately, it's neither the gifts nor the celebration that matters; it's the love you give. After all, Valentines is about love and romance. Have a happy Valentine's.


Monday, February 13, 2012

The 17th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Once again, Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga had served as venue for probably the most colorful and eye-catching event to happen in the Philippine sky, the Hot-air balloon festival. Tourists from all over the world had flown to the country all the way to the Clark Free Port to experience this once a year event.


Celebrating its 17th year dating back its first time in 1994, the grand fiesta begun with its traditional hot air balloon flights. From Kung Fu Panda to Sunflowers and even cakes, different characters and styles were flown into the air totaling to over 26 hot air balloons.


 courtesy of REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco
courtesy of REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

Aside from the awesome showcase of the hot air balloons, different exhibitions and  more varied aerial demonstrations was seen in the event. There was Paragliding, Aero-modeling, kite-flying and many more fun sky-related events.


Some viewers had more fun by riding into a first come-first serve basis on the hot air balloons for a contribution of P 200.00. Cool souvenirs were also given to all the participants of the events to better have a good remembrance of the festival. Overall,it was truly an unforgettable event where you can experience everything that flies,  from hot air balloons, fighter jets, sky lanterns, sky divers, air shows, airplanes, miniairplanes, gliders, kites,etc. 

Missed the fun this year? There is always another hot-air balloon festival for the next year. Just always remember to make early reservations and go there a night or day before the event. Here are some reminders for next year given by the PIHABF organizers:

What to bring:
  • sunglasses
  • sunblock
  • wide-brimmed hat
  • umbrella
  • money for food and souvenirs
  • comfortable footwear
  • binoculars
  • hand sanitizer (for after using the portable toilets)
  • Come early – the balloons lift off at 5:30am.  Consider going to Clark the night before and sleeping over in a hotel.  It's worth it to see the flag jump and balloon launch!
  • Avoid heatstroke!  Water and sports drinks are available for reasonable prices from our many concessionaires.  Remember, if you feel thirsty, it means you're already mildly dehydrated.
  • Don't touch the airplanes!  If you break it, you buy it.
  • Stay away from propellers, rotors, and jet engines.
  • Stay out of restricted areas – the US Air Force and AFP are on patrol, and Clark is our most important air base.  Obey the rules and report any suspicious activity to our friendly security staff.
Stuff you can do:
  • Watch the all-day aircraft shows
  • Buy and fly a kite
  • Eat big at our concessionaires
  • Grab all sorts of cool souvenirs
  • Look around the various displays
  • Meet and hang out with real live pilots and ground crew
  • Most importantly: have fun! :-)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

The Joy of Running



Marathons and running races have gained a lot of supporters in the Philippines. Even celebrities and known personalities join in different running events. Marathons have given the runners a chance to experience the fun and excitement while running. And aside from running helps them become physically fit, they can also help other people in need through running since many “run for a cause” has now emerged in the country.

Running, as we all know, is a kind of sport that helps develop stamina. It also helps people in burning fats and have a physically-fit body. Before running was only done in Olympics or whenever there is a race. Now that running has become popular to many Filipinos, running was not only considered as a sport but also a habit.

There are many athletes or even ordinary individuals, who join different marathons, believed that races were always associated with running shoes. This is why most runners have a collection of running shoes. Running shoes may vary to what type of marathon you are in. For example, trail running always require trail running shoes (of course) which have aggressive outsoles for solid traction. These shoes are essentially designed for off-road routes because trail runners often encounter roots, rocks, mud, critter holes and other obstacles during runs. However, it is also advised to use road running shoes when a runner can’t get trail running shoes.   

Road running shoes are designed for pavement and occasional forays onto packed surfaces with slight irregularities (fire roads, nature trails, wood-chip paths). Light and flexible, they're made to cushion or stabilize feet during repetitive strides on hard, even surfaces. There are also other types of running shoes such as cushioning shoes which are good for runners who race in an off-pavement, stability shoes for neutral runners and motion control shoes for runners who exhibit moderate to severe overpronation.

There are lots of running shoes in the market but what matters is how comfortable you are with the shoes you are wearing while running. You can also check these websites to help you find shoes you're surely comfortable with. 

Thursday, February 09, 2012

7:15 AM - No comments

Anime and Mouth



Anime, Japanese short term for Animation, came to Philippine TV screens on the 90’s. Some may remember the flashy sailor suited girls of Sailormoon, armor-clad women of Magic Knight Rayearth, the four unusual handsome boys of Ghost Fighter (Yu Yu Hakusho worldwide) or the infamous Saiyan of Dragonball Z.

Throughout the years, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece and many adventure themes, succeeded these classics. As the qualities developed well in every department (storytelling, graphics, sounds, etc.), many still criticize the way these animes retain something that is needed to be corrected: the mouth movement.

Watch any anime and look carefully at their mouths (well, it is noticeable), they are yapping in a very awkward way. Just try to say “Oh” while your mouth is in the position of saying the word “Ah”, it is not natural to look at.

Anime producers protect their side by claiming that due to lower budgets, anime mouths refrained from being animated as those of Western cartoons, who are obviously drawn with perfect mouth movements for their words. Critics say their just annoying to watch and needs improvement.

However, if ever the anime mouths were brought to actual mouth movement, this will bring hard time for foreign dubbers and studios. Since Japan is the originator, they will naturally draw the movements for their speech, which are near to Chinese and far from remaining languages. So, if ever an anime is localize in a foreign country (take America for example), they will have to redraw the whole anime for the sake of matching the mouth movements in English language.

This have been a fight between producers and criticizers for a long time now, but no matter what flaws animes have, especially this one, it doesn’t hinder the entertainment it is giving to the people.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Stupid Cupid


Love is blind. Love is sweet. Love is something that can’t be stopped when felt. Once cupid strikes your heart, there’s nothing you can do but allow yourself to fall in love. As what a song goes, “Kapag tumibok ang puso, wala ka nang magagawa kundi sundin ito.” Love doesn’t choose time, place or person. That’s why sometimes; people tend to fall in love at the wrong place, at the wrong time and with the wrong person or with the wrong gender. Yes, you read it right, wrong gender.

Apart from the infamous RH Bill proposed by the administration early last year, the current regime is now preparing to instigate a new bill that would certainly convey another round of debate; the legalization of same sex marriage. In liberal countries like USA, the marriage of two same –sexed couples is permissible. However, in a country where church was reputed as a higher institution like Philippines, I doubt if people and the church itself would agree on that petition.

Since the world has been modernized and liberalized, government thinks that it’s about time that we adapt to change and imitate liberal countries in the west. The rise of third sex (gays and lesbians) had made it possible for Filipinos to accept the idea of same sex marriage or same sex relationships. In America and most of the Western countries, they allowed the marriage of two people having same gander because for them, “there’s nothing wrong with two individuals who love each other” and “if they really love each other, they can undergo marriage”


Same-sex Marriage? Fine!

July last year, the Metropolitan Community Church, Baguio held a ceremony wherein eight pairs of individuals having same sex got married. This incident draws a lot of criticism not only from the public but also from different churches and group of pastors. According to them marriage should be between a man and woman only; this was under the law of God. January this year, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed his resistance against the implementation of same sex marriage in the Philippines because this action might oppose the nature of a family. Same sex marriage, according to him, undermines the family, which considered as “the fundamental cell of society”.

Despite the strong disagreement of the Catholic Church to the said bill, still the government pushes this petition because they want a fair and just treatment to the people having the third sex. Ladlad party-list said in an interview that “Love is universal regardless of your sexual orientation and gender identity.”  And that the implementation of this bill will only proves that the society accepts them and recognize their rights. But should the government passed this bill?

For me, no, they shouldn’t.  Same sex marriage, as what the Pope has stated, will undermine the basic unit of society and will only result to different problems. Here are some problems that might occur after same sex marriage: 

1. Unhappy Family
Women are the only people who can make men happy and men are the only people who can make women happy. Once that rule was broken, it will only result to unhappy married life. First, because you don’t have children, so your relationship cannot be classified as strong. Yes, you can always adopt a child but it’s different when you bore your own child. Legal wives knew that.

2. Same sex Marriage is next to divorce
Once a man or a woman realized that he /she isn’t happy with his/her partner, the tendency will always be a separation. Nowadays, men leave his wife if she can’t give him a child so what’s more when you can’t enjoy your marriage life?

3. Homosexuality is a Sin
According to the Bible, homosexuality was and will forever be a sin. God made man for women and vice versa. No man can ever break that law. If he does, then he’s doomed to punishment, eternal death.

4. Same sex marriage is Impractical
I won’t elaborate this statement because I don’t want to hurt gays or lesbians but let’s be realistic here. Same-sexed couples can’t have their own family and can’t enjoy their marriage life. In a more mature statement, same-sexed couples won’t enjoy the pleasure of sexual intercourse because they have the same sex organs.

5. The world changes but Man’s Need Don’t.
The world today might be different. We are liberated and modern. However, man’s need remains the same. We all need love but that need differs from gender to gender. As what I’ve said earlier only women can make men happy and only men can make women happy.

I have nothing against gays and lesbians. I believe that love is for everyone. However, I don’t believe that there’s really such thing as gays and lesbians. God made only two categories, man and women, Adam and Eve. According to a study, gays and lesbian are only psychological, it doesn’t exist. So whether a person is a gay or lesbian, they’re still possible to fall in love with an opposite sex. 




Sunday, February 05, 2012

Okey Lang Maging Single sa Valentine’s


Whenever February 14 comes, couples enjoy their selves dating one another. Some celebrate it and make it unforgettable. Everyone seems to be very happy. But behind the scenes were people who wished that time passed by without them noticing what the world had been doing and celebrating. Who are they? The singles.

At the start of February, love is felt in the air. Couples (marriage or in the process) were excited to plan and prepare for the Valentines. Parties, concerts and dates are seen everywhere. It has been a tradition for Filipinos to celebrate the so-called "couples day" since the western had introduced it. Lovapalooza, the longest and most popular event every February, features couples kissing each other for about half an hour (!!!).

However, contrary to what the world thought, it wasn't a problem if you are single in Valentines. Everyone can always enjoy February 14 even without a partner. Here are some ways every single men and women can do to still enjoy the day meant for couples.

1. Family Dating
A very unique way to know your relatives more and to spend time great time with your family is family dating. You can invite your brother, sister or any of your cousins. This could promote closeness not only with your siblings but also with your cousins.

2. Date your friends.
 Lucky you if you are the only guy/girl in your circle of friends. You can date everyone in the group, but I doubt they would permit that (especially the girls). However, friendships can always enjoy group dating. You can invite your barkadas in a gimmick or watch movies together. You can also spend time in karaoke bars or amusement parks. And girls, let the boys do the spending.

3. Hang outs and nights out
Often times, people (especially boys) engaged their selves in night outs and find men, women, even gays and take them out. Well, I'm not encouraging that but of course men and women can still do hang outs and night outs even without engaging to a wild party in a bar or clubs. Girls can enjoy each others' company by talking with their love life, secret crush and other girly stuffs like that. While boys can watch movies (not porn huh!) or have a heart-to-heart talk about their heart breaks and their most serious relationship (if there is).

4. Date yourself
Dating is more fun in the Philippines, especially when you choose to unwind and relax in the beautiful places of the country. You can visit different places in the Philippines while savoring your favorite cuisines. Don't be bother to look like a fool dating and travelling alone. This a free country, and who knows? You might cross with the person you're meant to be with on that trip.

5. Date God
What's more special and memorable than dating LOVE itself? God is love so why not reflect for awhile and date Him. You might be surprised by what you will learn and what you will get from Him. Remember, He is love so He'll never make your Valentine’s Day lonely.

There you have it ka-journals! Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? So if you're single, be proud to say on February 14 that you're happy being single.  Having read my notes, I doubt if you're still lonely this Valentines. Have a happy heart!!!!

4:30 AM - No comments

The Cover Matters

From flirty to dignified, funny to serious, popular to unpopular, and good to bad. Since the emergence emergence of the popularity of magazines in the late of 1700’s its covers had always been given importance and is much scrutinized by the viewing public. Magazine editors and the staffs behind it always give fuss to what it should like.

The Cover and Its Importance


“It is such an honor to be on the cover and I am thrilled”, Demi Lovato, 19 year-old Hollywood Actress and Pop Star on the January 2012 cover of Seventeen Magazine.

The importance of magazine covers in the whole magazine issue defies an ancient adage “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Why? Because these covers define what a magazine offers to every issue it publishes.

It is the cover that lets the readers decide if it is interesting to buy or not. Every Publisher and editor knows of that fact.It will make or break the magazine's buy for a certain period of time. That is why, it is examined clearly before getting published. It is also the reason why models and other celebrities celebrate when being ask to be on a cover of a magazine. 

"The cover image and design reinforce the brand, an important identification factor because the average reader spends only three to five seconds scanning a magazine cover before deciding whether to buy that issue. Magazine covers not only offer information about what’s inside a particular issue, they also provide significant cultural cues about social, political, economic, and medical trends.  As both historical artifacts and marketing tools, magazine covers deserve closer study."http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/files/mag.htm)

In each magazine cover contains what you can read and what you can found inside a magazine. Every part of the cover gives out information of what the magazine’s theme is for a certain week or month.


Masthead - magazine title on top of the cover
Dateline - date of the magazine along with the publication's price
Main Cover Line- main topic of the magazine issue        
Selling Line - magazine's motto underneath the masthead 
Main Image - biggest picture on the cover of the magazine
Cover Lines - blurbs advertising the other topics featured inside of magazine, usually on the left and right sides of the cover
Bar Code - the UPC code scanned by cashiers when they sell the magazine