Wrap Up 2011

2011, this is the year that we will leave behind and we will bid farewell to, a few hours from now. This might not sound unusual but you know?  I feel a bit sad yet happy during the New Year ’s Eve.  Of course, I know all of you feel the same way somehow.  I am treating every year as unique from the other years that have passed; the things that are happening just vary from time to time. 

Let me think of some notable events from 2011.. hmmm.. I guess one of them was the Tsunami and 9.0 magnitude earthquake at Japan last March 11. We have seen how the waves swallowed some parts of Japan that left approximately 15,000 people dead. We were all shocked by the devastation that it brought to that Nation and I should say that it is one of the greatest wake-up call that humanity have encountered in the modern times.

Further to that event there are also some other global news that have made mark in the year 2011. Arab spring, Euro zone crisis, death of Osama Bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi and Steve Jobs, shooting in Norway, famine in Somalia, Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton were just some of the most remarkable occurrences this year. I might not have the time to watch the evening news daily due to my schedule at work but I was aware that these things happened.

In the local scene on the other hand (Philippines), we were also bombarded with catastrophes brought by some prominent typhoons named Pedring and Quiel that battered Northern and Central Luzon and of course the ever so destructive Typhoon Sendong at Visayas and Mindanao areas just this December.  Meanwhile, there were also dramas that took place on our Political Scene this past year which has been well publicized on the news. For instance, who would forget the infamous line “I invoke my right against self-incrimination”? This was brought about by an alleged corruption that happened. Aside from that, there are so many other news makers that I cannot enumerate them all.

Indeed, 2011 became good to some but for the others, it left some marks that will never be easily erased. Let us don’t dwell with those and leave everything behind now guys! We have to embrace 2012 which is now fast approaching.  By the way! I would just also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who are supporting me. I had a very wonderful time expressing and sharing my thoughts to all of you.  This is my last post for 2011, see you in 2012 and that would be tomorrow. Hahaha!!!

Typhoon Sendong: A call for Help

..and here I am sitting in front of my PC knowing that somewhere out there from the South, some of my fellow Filipinos are suffering from the aftermath of Sendong.

Typhoon Sendong, international name "Washi" literally washed away everything that went against its path. This typhoon lashed some parts of Mindanao over the last weekend and the magnitude of the effect is really heartbreaking. It was previously reported that the death toll has already risen to almost 927 and I don't know if it went up as I write as of the moment.

Due to the massive death toll, both Iligan and Cagayan de Oro are already considering mass burials because the bodies are already swamping the local funeral parlors. These two places are normally being visited by an average of 20 typhoons per year and they are not that used with floods hitting them. This might be the reason why so many residents were caught by surprise when the flash flood suddenly hit their homes leaving an unimaginable devastation.

In effect, more than 88,000 people have been displaced by the storm and over half of them are now staying in some of the evacuation areas that have been in placed. Authorities compared the impact of tropical storm Washi to Ketsana (Ondoy), one of the country's most destructive storms which dumped a large volume rain on Manila and other parts of the country in 2009, killing more than 460 people.

To all of you my friends all over the world, I am appealing for your assistance (be it monetary or spiritually) to all of my brothers and sisters at Mindanao who are affected. Let's exercise the spirit of Christmas by extending our blessings to all of them who are in need and in suffering as of the moment. I can't imagine how painful it is to have this kind of trial but we can make a difference. There are lots of venues where we will be able to send our financial help to them, I am reaching out unto all of you. If financial help is not possible, may I just request for your prayers for all the people who died out there and for the families that were left mourning for their loss.

Let me just add.. How I wish.. deforestation will stop to avoid these scenarios in the future (sigh).

Interesting

Not all times you’ll say the word “interesting” right? Because you are also not bumping to something or someone interesting at all times as well. We all have our own criteria in judging whether something is interesting. It may not be interesting for me, but it is for you. I come up with this subject because I suddenly remembered a quote that an artist named Skylar Gray mentioned before which I find very unusual yet appealing. 

I quote “People seem to be afraid of the unknowns, but I’m the complete opposite. I dive into the unknown because I feel like that’s where all your possibilities come from”

Those kinds of ideas are really catching my attention. I am a bit eccentric that’s why bizarre and odd things are being held in my mind for quite some times. Some people are being amazed by things, places, hobbies etc. but me? I’m being fascinated with the thoughts and principles of other people. I love to dissect everything that they want to imply because in that way I will be able to exercise my mind and at the same time learn something new from the people that I am conversing with.

It is the mind that really interests me, if only I could have a shift of career I might also want to try Psychology. It is fascinating that if we are all given a chance to define one word, e.g. “fear” it will differ based on our own perspective and it will really be diverse. It is captivating to know that all of us can think of something that if said will be able to catch the attention of others.

To sum it up, I just love how the mind works…it can affect the emotion but you can still manipulate it based on what you want to think and feel.

That is awesome!!!

Enough of what interests me; I just shared what’s on my mind. :D

Let me just ask… How about you? What interests you?

On Being a Leader

If you are a leader, it doesn’t follow that you are already a good one.  We have to analyze first your goals and approach in doing the responsibilities in order for us to determine if you are doing your job very well. I have been a leader  for numerous times before during my academics years and I would say that being one requires a lot of skills. You have to learn every skill possible for the welfare of your followers/members in order to execute the project smoothly and successfully. When I became a Battalion Ex-O during my 4^th year in High School, I learned to become firm and open –minded with the hardships of my Cadets versus the command of my Superiors. When I became a President of Various Clubs and when people are depending on me when there’s a speech that needs to be delivered and piece that needs to be narrated, I learned to speak up and relay the information fearlessly. When I became part of our student publication during my College days, I learned to accept my editor’s harsh comments and write new paragraphs even in times that I am so frustrated. 

I never thought that I could use those experiences of mine to know if that particular person has very good leadership skills or not. I am already outside the academe and I have already seen various approaches in leading. I am so proud to say that I have seen some who are definitely the best and some who holds the worst spot.  Nonetheless, I am still thankful that I encountered both sides as I would really love to use what I learned from them in the future, be it positive or negative.

Being a leader is not just about you as individual, it’s about mentoring and bringing out the best with the people who are depending on your strategy and shield. Well that is my opinion, but we all have our own definition of the word Leadership. Per what we can see on some references, it has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". However, this definition will not be achieved if you don’t have the styles in applying such. Let me give you some styles that you may see on your own leaders:

Autocratic Leadership Style - This form of leadership is quite unpopular especially when it comes to building trust and if you would also want to make friends with your subordinates. Autocratic leadership, means that one person has control over all of the workers or followers. The leader is in complete control and no one is permitted to make any proposals or offer any opinions, no matter how it may benefit the group. This is not a good style if you are handling superb followers who could handle the work themselves. However, if the group is somehow flat or no person is standing up for the team then this style will really help.

Charismatic Style - The Charismatic Leader gathers followers through impression of behavior and appeal, rather than any form of external power or authority. Charismatic Leaders will often center strongly on making the group very clear and different, separating it from other groups. They will then build the image of the group, in particular in the minds of their followers, as being far finer than all the rest. The Charismatic Leader will typically attach themselves firmly to the identity of the group, such that to join the group is to become one with the leader. In doing so, they create an inalienable position for themselves.

Coaching Style of Leadership - A great coach is definitely a leader who also possesses an exceptional gifts ability to teach and train. The Coaching leader clearly defines roles and tasks, but seeks the input and suggestions from the followers.  Decisions are still made by the leader, but communication style is more two-way. The coaching leadership style is most suitable when followers are more accountable, knowledgeable, and agreeable.  The coaching leader directs and guides; including providing encouragement and inspiration to help motivate the followers.

The three styles that I have provided above are just part of so many styles in leadership that you can find. Let me just emphasize that all the styles should point out in achieving the goals not only on the outside but in the core. A good leader is someone who knows what he or she is doing, but if not he/she should know how to get the answer through the help not only of his/her superiors but also from the followers. I know it’s tough to be in that position, but it is tougher though if you are a leader and so many people are opposing on what you’re doing ayt??. Would you want to lead a bunch of unpredictable rebel followers? haha, just kidding.. :D

General Luna: Femme Power

I have always been a big fan of Filipino Bands and It's normal for them to have male members. I have seen some with female front but all girls? hmmm... the last that I've known of was "Prettier than Pink". However, that perception changed when a band called "General Luna" appeared on the limelight. As I am listening to their music, it was a bit like the sound of Razorback but the female version of it. They are not the typical type of girls that you would see on a band as they are so very gorgeous and pretty yet they really rock so hard (no offense to other female bands out there though  ^_^). Trust me, they have the looks and they definitely have the talent in music. General Luna is the newest all women, all Filipino rock band, a group of gifted individuals who have both the looks and skills that will leave you amazed.

Per the members, their name has nothing to do with our Hero who is General Luna. That is just a combination of General which is very masculine and Luna which is feminine and those are just a balance of the two concepts. Let me tell you the reason why I really love their works, it is because of the melody that has been well executed together with a loud guitar riffs along with their serious lyrics that pertains to the reality of life. They really encompasses beauty with their talent, thus making them very deserving to have a place in the local music scene and likewise in the international scene if only be given a chance.

Just a brief background of their self-titled album, they have also been supported by some of the topnotch personalities and songwriters from the music industry such as Steve Badiola (front man of Typecast), Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise's vocalist and guitarist), Ebe Dancel (previously from Sugarfree), Japs Sergio (Rivermaya's bassist), NU and The Dawn's Francis Brew Reyes and lastly, the multi awarded Recording Engineer Angee Rozul. 

They are certainly one of the bands that is providing some spice on our music industry now. They will make you say vava voom!! yet will also say, "that's what I call TALENT" Rock on General Luna!

Below are the members of the band:

Alex Montemayor - Bass Guitar

Audry Dionisio - Rhythm Guitar

Bea Lao - Drums

Caren Mangaran - Lead Guitar

Nicole Asensio - Vocalist

 

We can never take it back!

Any fights have their downside and we all have our own piece of words that will be uttered that we can never take back. This is the reason why some people kept on saying to us that we should not open our mouth and say even a single word when we are mad and in rage. We might end up hitting that very soft spot that will hurt the person that we are having an argument with. 

This in effect will make the situation worse and will not definitely help to enlighten the situation. You thought that you've won because you've said what you wanted to say, but in reality NO ONE won. If you really cannot contain your anger, you must at least learn the skills of being silent and listening to what the other person is saying. You might not agree with what has been said but you will have your share of moment when he/she is done. I know it is tough, I too! cannot do it with myself but I am trying my very best to do such when I'm in the middle of an argument.

Remember, words are like knives.. it is harsh and shows no mercy when we use it as a weapon. Think twice before you say something, and make sure that you will be firm with it.

48 Laws of Power: A Must Read

I never heard of Robert Greene before nor his writings until I have spoken with an office mate of mine who said that reading his works is really worthwhile. He mentioned the book "48 Laws of Power" to me and the quote "Never Outshine your Master". He never gave any descriptions of what the book is for, but only a guarantee that I will really learn a lot from it. Hmmmmm, It sounds very interesting to me that's why I decided to give it a try. I searched for it online and then I came to a brief enumeration of its content and found out that it is about the most important points of power and how a person can attain it.

I am not yet done in reading all the 48 points but I could say as early as now that it can really open one's mind. Now, I know why some people in power act the way that they do. I really can't understand them before, but now? I am certain that they are doing such things in order for them to be in control. 48 Laws of Power provides revealing ideals that not all of us can understand. It's up to the readers on how they will be able to accept those and practice the points that they want to pursue.

Ms. World 2011 First Runner Up - Gwendoline Ruais

The 2011 Ms. World Beauty Pageant coronation night was held at Earls Court, London - Sunday. This is a venue where beautiful girls from around the globe gather together to represent their respective countries for a cause. The organization is continuously searching for a lady who will be able to justify what it believes in which is "Beauty with a Purpose".

All the ladies who competed on this year's pageant have their own styles in impressing the people and the judges. I will have to say that they all have the potential but as every competition goes, only 3 have managed to emerged on the top spots and only 1 have been crowned as the new Ms. World. 

Ms.Venezuela - Ivian Sarcos won the title over our very own Gwendoline Ruais (Philippines) and Amanda Victoria Vilanova Perez (Puerto Rico). During the question and answer portion where the candidates were asked on why they should be hailed as the next Ms. World? Sarcos uttered:  

"I believe that the next Miss World should be a woman of responsibility and reason. I believe the woman should be committed to the organization and help people in need. Beauty with a heart". 

On the other hand, I was not surprised that Gwendoline Ruais got the First runner up title. Aside from having a beautiful face, she also answered the question intelligently with a deep enthusiasm to help others while enjoying what she loves to do.

"To be Miss World is my dream job, and I say job because it is a lot of responsibilities. There's nothing I love more than communicating with other people. As Miss World, you get to use your potential and your voice to help people from all around the world. And what is more wonderful than doing what you love by helping others?"

Truly, Gwendoline have made all of us (Filipinos) proud once again. Filipinas are just simply strength and intelligence behind beauty,  and beauty behind the heart. I apologize for being a bit bias, I adore all the lovely ladies out there from around the world but let me love my own this time..... ^_^

Just an additional information, the final 7 are Miss England, Miss Korea, Miss Philippines, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Scotland, Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela. It was also revealed that Ordos in Inner Mongolia, China, will host the 2012 competition.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - (Swedish Film) Review

To tell you honestly, I haven't had the chance of reading the novel that was written by a Swedish author and journalist named Stieg Larsson. I also thought that it was just another fantasy story because of the title, you know the myths about dragons ayt? (well silly me!).

What I really like about this Swedish film is the ambiance that it is introducing to its audience. If you have no idea about the novel, you will not easily realize where the story would lead. This movie is full of mystery and reality about violence that has been explicitly yet artistically portrayed. However, the mystery was unveiled by two brilliant minds that didn't know each other initially but were brought together by circumstances. These two individuals were Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist and Lisbeth Salander, an antisocial and a bit weird but an exceptional hacker and researcher. I won't go into so much details but I find Lisbeth as the main protagonist in this film. You will be disturbed on the things that she has been through during the course of the film, but will find her very strong and firm as she still managed to move on with her life. In fact, her researches and inputs became a a great help to Mikael who primarily held the case alone.

I may somehow don't subscribe with the fact that the antagonist has been easily attacked at the end and how Lisbeth easily knew his whereabouts, but that is just another glitch that we can just justify on our end (no big deal for me). Putting all those observations aside, I will have to say that this is definitely a must see movie for all of the criminal investigative / mystery films enthusiasts out there. Just be ready on the graphic depiction of the scenes.

Never Surrender?

Who said that quitting is an act of accepting defeat? I would say that we can't really determine that it is indeed a defeat unless we know the reason behind that decision. I've been through a lot of situations wherein I walked out of the way because I just really can't bear what's happening or I am just simply not happy anymore, that's it! Some said that I have wasted the opportunity because of the retreat in the battle, but that's not what's on my mind. The most important thing in life for me is not only the opportunity but the fulfillment and the happiness that has been given to me by what I am doing. 

Let's take one instance as an example, I've been considered to become a scholar of one prestigious company. Sounds like it is one of the greatest achievement that a student could have. However, the opposite happened when I already entered the University. I was forced to enroll on a course that happened to be not my forte and where I am really not good at. I was bombarded with so much pressure that I really didn't endure because I have to maintain a grade that would sustain my scholarship. To make the story shorter, before I end up failing all my grades due to the lack of interest, I quit.

You see? If I pursued that, would I end up with the same situation or job that I am in right now? which I consider as a good one already. I bet not because I have chosen a path that I don't have any passion at all. Sometimes it is not a sign of defeat but a sign of change for the better or for the worst, no one can tell because it lies in our future. Nonetheless, I am not saying that whenever we encounter a problem then we have to quit. I just wanted to imply that we need to take or consider every option that is available to us. Speak up and be ready with the circumstances that we will be facing because of that option that we have chosen. God is good and life is beautiful! Liberate ourselves using our minds and don't be dragged with all those pressures just because you continue to pursue a life that is simply not meant for you. Don't just surrender but review all the possibilities that life may bring to you. We only live once, speak up and decide based on your heart and not with what the norms is bringing unto you.

Groove into the TECHNO

Yeah, let's groove into the sound of Techno music!!!! 

You know what made the films Hanna and Tron Legacy a hit are the soundtracks that were produced by the pioneering groups in electronic music. These music, accompanied with the story and the great incorporation of the sounds to the films really made the execution of the movies very memorable. Two examples of these groups are The Chemical Brothers for Hanna and Daft Punk for Tron. They were born under the Big Beat genre that pertains to electronic dance music that is divided into two; techno and acid house.

The thing that I love the most with this genre is the bass and the beat that this produces. The lyrics is not that emphasized but the sound will really make you move your body out. The videos may seem so odd but this just reflects the nature of Techno which is a bit eccentric but not that bad to listen to. If you love to dance or do some movements, I suggest you to listen to the music of the artists who are doing some techno music; with the likes of The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk and  The Crystal Method.

On a High Note

"Till now I always got by on my own...I never really cared until I met you. And now it chills me to the booooone
How do I get you alone??...aloooooonneee"...(ehem! the mic seems not working!!!!)

This is definitely a disaster! a total mess! ahahahahaha...Do you also have that frustration of wanting to reach those high notes but you can't because it is simply not simple at all?. If you'll ask me, my answer would be YES! Of course I really do, especially if I really want to sing that certain song that has that impossible range of note (did I say I wanted to sing Paramore's song Decode? LOL)

Writing songs.. check!

Singing Simple Songs..check!

Playing the Guitar..Check!

Reaching High Notes..uh.uh..cross out? T_T

This is the only thing that I badly wanted to enhance in my singing ability. I wanted to hit those high notes with lesser efforts in order for me to be able to sing my songs flawlessly but I know that it would definitely take time. I don't have time and budget to take voice lessons, thus I am just doing it on my own..researching the effective ways on how to enhance my voice. There are so many things that I have to consider and learn before I can achieve that goal. These includes warming up my voice everyday (sort of a practice but goodluck to my family.. hehehe) and breathing correctly.

Well it's really goodluck also to me!!

Mumayski - Behind the Blog's Name

Who is mumayski? she is Mumay...one of my dearest dogs.. along with Misty. I have always been fond of dogs because I can see a friend in them. You know? when I was still a kid, I am not that used in going out the house and playing with some other kids.. a loner?  not really, it's just that I was kind of lazy in playing outdoor games. However, I see to it that I was also playing with them from time to time though (don't get me wrong, I also enjoyed playing with my fellow humans..LOL)

That's the reason why I resorted to dogs because they re just there, quietly sitting beside me during those times that I wanted to read, watch cartoons and eat. I also enjoyed watching movies with the theme about dogs and even cry if there's something terrible that happened to the dogs and their owners. If you were a kid  here in the Philippines during the 90's, who would forget Nelo and Patrasche? They were the reason why the tears poured heavily from my eyes during the finale.

They are not just animals in my eyes, they are my friends because of the traits that they possess. Loyal, Jolly, Innocent and loving especially if their owners are doing the same. We have to love them, not only dogs but all of God's creatures as we were created to look for their welfare. Sadly, some of us doesn't understand our true purpose in this world. Many people hate dogs and other creatures because of their smell or probably they just don't want to. 

"Well who cares? they are just animals? they don't have feelings so why bother to care for those pests?"

Nevertheless, have you imagined Earth without men? probably it's way different because no one will abuse the animals. However, things were not like that! We were here to protect and care for them with the level of intellect that God has given us. Mumay and Misty are just examples of how great our pets and animals could become  if we would just love them with all our hearts. I support PETA, PAWS and all other organizations who are caring for our dear friends. :)

attentive Mumay

Mumay and Misty.. the Askals

Misty with the guitar

Typhoon's Aftermath

Flood.. Flood.. Flood... here we go again! Last week, we have been bombarded with two typhoons: Pedring (international name "Nesat") and Queil (international name "Nelgae"). These two primarily hit Luzon and Bulacan (my home province) is part of it. I don't know! I just feel so vulnerable when rainy season comes, it's because I know  that after the rain, flood will soon occur. This basically became my mind-set whenever there's an approaching typhoon. Between the two typhoons, I believe Pedring caused us more damage. Nonetheless, I just thank God that we're all safe and everything is still in good condition on our place even if we were flooded.

I just hope that the flood at our nearby Municipalities will also subside. I am wholeheartedly praying for their welfare right now. God bless Calumpit (place where my parents got married), Hagonoy, Pulilan, Malolos and all other places that are still suffering from the aftermath of these two typhoons.

 

(during the storm at our house)

For your Information...

*** 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12, 345, 678, 987, 654, 321

*** The deepest underwater penguin dive is 1,772 feet by an Emperor Penguin.

*** To burn off one plain M&M Candy, you need to walk the full length of a football field.

*** Queen Victoria used Marijuana to help menstrual cramp pain.

*** Ernest Vincent Wright wrote a novel "Gandsby" which contains over 50,000 words -- none of them with the letter E.

*** Females have a wider peripheral vision than males.

**  A person will burn 7 percent more calories if they walk on hard dirt compared to pavement.

*** Dogs can hear sounds that you can't

*** Apples are more efficient than caffeine for waking you up in the morning.

*** The 1912 Olympics was the last Olympics that gave out gold medals that were made entirely out of Gold.

*** You cannot sneeze with your eyes open.

*** An earthquake on Dec. 16, 1811 sent the Mississippi River backwards.

*** Adolf Hitler's mother seriously considered having an abortion but was talked out of it by her doctor.

*** An ostrich egg would take four hours to hard boil.

*** The word Himalayas means the "home of snow"

*** Sir Isaac Newton was ordained priest in the Church of England.

*** Most cows give more milk when they listened to music.

*** Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, preceded by Greenland, New Guinea and Borneo.

*** Goldfish lose their color if they are kept in dim light or are placed in a body of running water, such as a stream.

*** It was World War II that clothes with elastic waists were introduced. This is because the metal use in zippers was badly needed for the war.

Know how to Convince

Are you a salesman? or just a simple individual who wanted to have this sort of a "talent" in the art of Persuading. I bet almost all of us went through the dilemma of wanting to convince a person or group of people for a certain cause but we just don't know how to do it. Well let me give you some ideas on how you will be able to successfully engage the person you are speaking to, with what's on your mind :D.

**When you are saying something to a person, you have to set your own experiences as an example. In this way, you will be able to get the trust of that particular individual. He or she will be challenged with the fact that you have done it already per your experience, why can't she or he?

**The ideas that we are offering should be unique and not mainstream. People tend to listen carefully if what we are saying is kind of new to their ears. Just as what provided in our economics class, if a resource is limited, the demand will be higher.

**If you are on a business meeting, you have to pick up the center seat. This is for the reason that, the one sitting at the center is the one that has more likely to have the influential power. That principle is called "Center Stage Effect", all eyes will be set upon you be it in a negative or positive way. Now it's all up to you on what impression would you want to give your business partners.

**Use humor when explaining or convincing others as it makes the mood of the conversation relax and it livens up the interest. It also helps in keeping everyone's attention to you because they wanted to hear more of you punchline that lies behind the thought that you wanted to convey.

**If you wanted to convince a friend of yours to lend you some money, the best thing to do is to start the conversation with a nice chat and question that is answerable by yes. In this case, he or she will have in mind the word "yes" as an answer. e.g. it's a great day today! hey have you lost some pounds lately?

**During job interviews, you need your interviewer to be convinced with what you are saying because you are simply selling your skills to him/her. You need to be trusted if you wanted to be liked in the first place. If  I am the interviewer I would most likely choose the person that resembles me. That's the reason why you have to watch the interviewer and slightly imitate his/her gestures. When you imitate other people, you'll resemble them and immediately they will like you. However, just be careful on how you'd do it as it is important not to become TOO OBVIOUS.

** If you are sharing your ideas to a group of people, make sure that you show energy and passion to it. What's the use of a very nice content of the speech if you are boring. To be convincing ,we should know how to deliver it correctly and we have to be interesting.

**Always be clear, concise and say only the necessary words. Don't overdo the things that shouldn't be overdone at all.

**Lastly, do you know that caffeine drinks can encourage the other person? it's the best way to get him/her to be more open to you proposals.

You may use the above tips depending on the situation that you are in. However, just always remember to use those properly. Don't do such actions if you are just up to something that will bring harm to your friends or to the people around you. This is a talent that you have to use for the welfare and benefit of the people who are dear to you. Perhaps doing great in your job interview in order to get the dream job that will bring pride to your family or picking up the center seat in order to explain the harsh downside of the panel's decision on a given scenario :)

Support for OPM Bands

Proud to own these CD's.. yeeeaabaaaahh ^_^

I can't describe how it feels like when I am listening to the music of my favorite Filipino bands. I was not amazed that a talent like that really exists in our country because I know that it does. Filipinos have that capability to write artistic lyrics with sense and come up with a very catchy melody.

It somehow started during the era of "The Beatles" when Filipinos began to be influenced by this musical style, which is Rock. The music scene then was dominated by pop genre until folk musicians with the likes of Freddie Aguilar, Asin and Florante emerged at the limelight. The rock and roll revolution is often being credited to "Juan dela Cruz Band" who is considered as the Grandfathers of Pinoy rock. They played a large role in awakening national pride by playing Tagalog rock songs at a time when it was predominantly conquered by lyrics made in English.

Today, many people refer to the work of those pioneering artists as classic Pinoy rock. This new tag was used to differentiate the emerging rock bands of today with the vintage one. During the 1980's, another breed was produced specifically related to the socially relevant issues like "Buklod" and Gary Granada. However, the most popular Pinoy rock band became undoubtedly "The Dawn", when it released the song Envelope Ideas. From then on, everything under the OPM rock scene became a history as it continues to flourish with the touch of our new talented artists.

My only appeal to all of us who are fond of listening to OPM music, PLEASE BUY THE ORIGINAL ALBUM!!. :) Even if you have a MP3 copy, it is much better if you buy the original one as it will show our real support for our homegrown talents. By buying their stuff, we are helping them to have funds that will enable them to produce more wonderful albums that will showcase greatness of OPM quality.

If you like it, prove it by means of your genuine support...You rock when you say no to PIRACY!!  \m/

Bizarre Tourist Destinations

A Tourist Destination is normally being associated with a place that will bring a good vibes to the people who will visit it. It is usual for all of us to go to a wonderful place and learn so many good things about that particular location. What if the place is odd? Do you still want to explore it even if it is a scenery that is not really that pleasing to the eyes? Below, I have a list of the most bizarre places to go to on Earth. Some of them are so creepy that it really caught my attention.

Island of the Dolls (Mexico)

This is also known as the “La Isla de la Munecas” in Spanish. This is an island at the south of Mexico that people are saying to be full of superstitions and mystery. Almost every tree in there were decorated with mutilated infant dolls and as if gruesomely killed by the person who hanged them there. That particular person was Don Julián Santana, a hermit who despite of having a wife still chose to live alone for about 50 years before his death last 2001. This island was created by him in memory of a dead girl who he claims to haunt him. It all started when he saw a doll floating on the canal, he took it and put it on a tree to save him from evil and to make the dead girl happy. He was not contented with just one doll, thus he collected a vast number of those until he made the entire island as a shrine. Ironically, in 2001 he was found dead by his nephew on the same canal where he claimed that the girl who was haunting him had drowned.

Island of the Dolls

Bubblegum Alley (California, USA)

Chew some gum and stick it on the wall, where on earth can you possibly do that but at the Bubblegum Alley. Located at San Luis Obispo, California, this place is known for its unusual and quite disgusting reputation. Why? because chewed bubble gums are being sticked on the walls of that alley. People believe that this alley started in the late 1950's as a result of a rivalry between students from San Luis Obispo High School and Cal Poly Students. It was said that sticking bubble gums on the wall became their way of expressing their superiority above anyone else, thus giving birth to the Bubblegum Alley. Many people protested for the removal of this spot on that place due to some hygiene issues but it just didn't materialize.

How Par Villa (Singapore)

This is a Chinese Mythological theme park that was formerly called the "Tiger Balm Garden". This can be considered as one of the weirdest theme park in Southeast Asia due to the odd looking exhibits. It shows almost 1000 statues and 150 dioramas that were inspired by Chinese folklore, history and mythology. Who would not be disturbed on statues such as a woman breastfeeding her father in law, armed monkeys, or the human faced giant crab. If a person knows the chinese myths, he/she will definitely treat that scenario as fine because they know where it is coming from...but for a person who has no background or whatsoever with the myths, it will just definitely blow one mind out.

 San Pedro Prison (Bolivia)

A prison like no other, that phrase can best describe "El penal de San Pedro" which is situated in La Paz, Bolivia. It is way different from a regular correctional facilities, as freedom to do anything is not an unusual activity on this place. What's funny yet disturbing about this is the fact that there is a society in the jail and the inmates can also live with their families inside. There are also jobs inside it and the sale of cocaine base on the the visiting tourists is a way of generating income to the inmates inside. There is an approximately 1,500 inmates, at San Pedro prison with additional guests staying in the prison hotel.