MY YEARENDER
In Their Words & In Their Deeds
WOW, THAT WAS FAST! Suddenly, it is 2012 and, in fact, more than two weeks have passed.
And as we warm up to the new year, there is just so much happening already. This is as if to jolt us back to reality after having fun, making memories, and simply gaining unwanted weight with all those holiday partying.
As our kababayans in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan slowly get over the fury of typhoon Sendong and try to get on with their lives, low pressure areas loom in the horizon and the threat of flashfloods and landslides remain.
A tetanus watch has been declared by the Department of Health (DOH) as an offshoot of what Dr. Eric Tayag called the deadliest New Year's Eve ever.
The Revilla family feud is far from over with a hot video of Ramgen Revilla and girlfriend Janelle now showing on the Internet; while the wonder of PhotoShop takes center stage once more as the covers of Preview and Mega magazines show “totally different” Charice and Jinkie Pacquiao, respectively.
The Senate has started its own teleserye which they call the Corona impeachment trial as Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo and Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad make a slight change in their lakeside wedding this Sunday to donate part of their reception budget to the victims of Sendong .
an interview over ANC, ABS-CBN's news channel, his senatorial slate that includes Risa Hontiveros and Sonny Trillanes, among others.
The bachelor leader of the land continues to be chided, criticized and censured for a variety of reasons, most recent of which is his search for a replacement of the Chief Justice whose impeachment trial has yet to be concluded in the Senate.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) makes yet another controversial marketing slogan, proving that kibitzing, speaking one’s mind out and opinionating are indeed more fun in the Philippines.
And the list of happenings and come what may is endless, truly an indication that 2012 is going to be exciting, entertaining but also enervating.
And the list of happenings and come what may is endless, truly an indication that 2012 is going to be exciting, entertaining but also enervating.
One Last Look
But before I dwell on the new year, let me just take one last look at 2011. The year definitely chalked up some of the worst disasters and tragedies to hit the country as well as the best moments in Philippine history, highlighting the Filipino’s talent as well as strength of spirit and character.
Sendong alone is enough for us to be thankful 2011 is over and done with. There was no sexy but scared Christine Reyes stranded on the roof but the December typhoon has overtaken Ondoy in terms of devastation and death.
homelessness but the loss of a loved one.
But God practices justice and equilibrium and compensated us with precious moments and inspiring achievements to make us realize that this world was never meant to be a place of hurt.
Image source page. http://www.csmonitor.com
But God practices justice and equilibrium and compensated us with precious moments and inspiring achievements to make us realize that this world was never meant to be a place of hurt.
In retrospect, I would like to talk about my kind of people in 2011. In their words and in their deeds, they have made the just concluded year truly inspiring for me and from whom many lessons were learned.
Pride Without Prejudice
Amazing Race. First on my list are my kababayans , who make me feel good being part of this amazing Filipino race.
Their resilience is commendable and my favorite comedian Vic Sotto could not have been more correct when he proclaimed in an interview that “ang Pinoy naman babangon at babangon 'yan,” as the rest of us discover how hardly hit Eastern Mindanao was by Sendong. Nothing or no one can simply put us down.
Another thing that makes me truly proud about being a Filipino is the way we spontaneously help each other in times of real trouble; or rally collectively to champion the Filipino cause – be it a beauty pageant or praying for the canonization of a saint among us.
Again we cite the typhoons we have experienced in 2011, including Pedring and Quiel. All this time, we did not hesitate or falter in showing our deep concern for each other.
Presently, Sendong continues to make itself felt through families who have lost a parent or a child; through empty spaces where once stood a happy home; and through mothers and young kids traumatized by the rampaging waters that changed their lives forever.
But in the midst of this great grief are their kababayans continuing to give support in cash and in kind. This sad incident in our Filipino life has made us solid in more ways than one. Regardless of religion and status in life, each one did – and continues to do – his/her share in providing physical comfort, easing the pain, and giving hope that this tragedy will soon pass and we will all be the better for it.
To cap the year 2011, we had a fund-raising dance concert, performed free by the House of Dance, owned and managed by batchmate Mirella Gotangco-Clarete. The kids themselves watched the said event and this will be the subject of another blog.
No matter these incidents, Manny remains a hero to the Filipino people. He continues to put the entire Filipino world into an exciting halt –
No Mere Heartthrobs. The almost orgasmic shot to fame of the Azkals, the national football team, proves an important milestone in the country’s standing in the world of sports, where our only claim to fame is Manny Pacquiao.
In response to the team’s instant popularity, forward player Phil Younghusband was quoted saying, “If they come to (our) games just to watch me take my shirt off or my brother, or anyone, if that’s an excuse for them to come and watch football, then so be it.”
But the Azkals, in time, would prove that they are no mere heartthrobs. In the midst of the screaming girls, the men took notice as well and their sudden interest in football has nothing to do with Phil and brother James’ abs or the other Fil-Brit players’ good looks.
Indeed, they can play powerful football and they have impressively put the Philippines in the international map in terms of the said sport.
In the home front, they have succeeded in inspiring the youth to take on the sport. The Younghusband Football Academy has been set up to hold a series of enhancement clinics where they share their football skills.
In between these activities, the Azkals find time to help out. At the start of 2012, they had a charity game with the Spanish team, Internacionale de Madrid, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to raise funds for the victims of Sendong.
No doubt, these athletic stars are a complete package, they have good hearts, too.
God’s Groupies. From this amazing Filipino race, I would like to zero in on the men and women of Cottolengo Filipino, an organization located in the rolling hills of Montalban, Rizal.
This is a shelter for neglected and abandoned physically challenged children run by the Congregation of the Sons of Divine Providence, led by Fr. Julio Cuesta Ortega.
The Italian priest tells us one incident when kids in the neighborhood called him “Amerikano,” to which he answered with candor, “hindi, Filipino ako.”
Considering the genuine love he has for the kids of Cottolengo Filipino, Fr. Julio was telling the truth, he is totally Filipino.
Let me first tell you that I salute all the other organizations here in the country helping out the less fortunate, most especially the children. But Cottolengo Filipino is in my list and obviously close to my heart because my batch at UST High School and I have come to personally know the organization’s devoted staff who take care of the kids as well as the Board of Trustees who, despite their busy schedule, make sure the kids are well taken care of.
COTTOLENGO Filipino, led by Fr. Julio Cuesta Ortega (above photo, middle), finds a true friend in USTHS Batch 71 Alumni Association with Sonny Marquez (above photo, right) as president. Both are shown with Marie Estanislao, batchmate Joyce Rodriguez-Estanislao's daughter and emissary of goodness. Marie hands over a cash donation in behalf of her mom. Below photo shows members of my high school batch with Fr. Julio after a successful fund-raising dance concert performed for free by the House of Dance, owned and managed by batchmate Mirella Gotangco-Clarete (seated, left).
I likewise salute my high school batchmates for sort of officially making Cottolengo Filipino our advocacy in 2011 and, of course, this will continue for as long as we can. I am proud to let you know that we didn’t just donate cash or other things that the kids needed. We actually bonded with them and through their gibberish talk and sometimes painfully tight grip, they make us fully understand that we are now friends with them. Their smiles tell us they enjoy being with us.
To cap the year 2011, we had a fund-raising dance concert, performed free by the House of Dance, owned and managed by batchmate Mirella Gotangco-Clarete. The kids themselves watched the said event and this will be the subject of another blog.
Kahlil Gibran once said, “you give but little when you give of your possessions … it is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
Well, I am proud to say that aside from the men and women of Cottolengo Filipino, the USTHS Batch 71 Alumni Association truly gives.
The Main Man. Manny Pacquiao is one of my favorite persons. Whatever he says or does always has an impact on people.
The mere act of watching a football game with wife Jinkie would cause David Beckham to play more than the stipulated time in his contract during a game of his team LA Galaxy against our own Azkals last December just to impress him.
“I saw him walk in and I wanted to play in front of him … and I wanted to play good.” These were his words to Dyan Castillejo during an interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol. We all know that he also gave his shirt to Manny after the game. (Photo above shows Manny showing the shirt to the crowd.)
“I saw him walk in and I wanted to play in front of him … and I wanted to play good.” These were his words to Dyan Castillejo during an interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol. We all know that he also gave his shirt to Manny after the game. (Photo above shows Manny showing the shirt to the crowd.)
Definitely, Manny’s fans do not just make up the entire Filipino nation but they come from other parts of the world as well.
In 2011, he did not just win another boxing bout although his fans feel he has seen better fights.
Interestingly, he likewise found himself in battles that bordered on controversy – from siding with the Catholic bishops in a campaign against the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill while wife Jinkee is quoted in a magazine that she takes the pill, and being promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Philippine Army reserve force when his former rank of senior master sergeant should have sufficed since this is the highest rank given to a non-college graduate military reservist.
The usual “other woman” resurfaced in 2011 but his fans seem to have just let it slide, including Jinkee. There were rumors that she was going to leave him but they were just that – rumors.
including crimes – each time he fights and that is something. I am touched by the way he goes down on his knees, does the Sign of the Cross after every fight; and how he dotes on his mother, Mommy D(ionisia).
More importantly – and unlike other celebrities and politicians – he reveals his true self in public, including the unlikeable versions of himself, with self-confidence.
In response to the team’s instant popularity, forward player Phil Younghusband was quoted saying, “If they come to (our) games just to watch me take my shirt off or my brother, or anyone, if that’s an excuse for them to come and watch football, then so be it.”
But the Azkals, in time, would prove that they are no mere heartthrobs. In the midst of the screaming girls, the men took notice as well and their sudden interest in football has nothing to do with Phil and brother James’ abs or the other Fil-Brit players’ good looks.
Indeed, they can play powerful football and they have impressively put the Philippines in the international map in terms of the said sport.
In the home front, they have succeeded in inspiring the youth to take on the sport. The Younghusband Football Academy has been set up to hold a series of enhancement clinics where they share their football skills.
In between these activities, the Azkals find time to help out. At the start of 2012, they had a charity game with the Spanish team, Internacionale de Madrid, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to raise funds for the victims of Sendong.
No doubt, these athletic stars are a complete package, they have good hearts, too.
Ultimate Hero. Last year’s June 19th marked Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. There were a lot of activities all over the country and in some parts of the world where there are Filipinos to celebrate this special occasion.
It was not just done on the day itself but a series of events meant to honor him happened the whole year, culminating on his 115th death anniversary on December 30th.
With all these, I was sort of reintroduced to the man and I was reminded once more of his colorful life which the youth can definitely learn a lot from. I was also introduced to a new word: sesquicentennial, meaning 150 years and so JR’s birthday last year was called his sesquicentennial anniversary. Quite a big word but befitting an ultimate hero.
A NEW BOOK on JR was launched in July last year by the Department of History of the Loyola Schools and the University Press. It was part of Ateneo de Manila University's commemoration of JR's 150th birthday. The book's author, John Nery, is an Atenea.
A NEW BOOK on JR was launched in July last year by the Department of History of the Loyola Schools and the University Press. It was part of Ateneo de Manila University's commemoration of JR's 150th birthday. The book's author, John Nery, is an Atenea.
One of the activities I got interested in was an essay-writing contest entitled If Rizal had been a blogger, what would he have blogged about? I wanted to join but the contest was only open to students aged 14 to 18 years old.
As a blogger, JR will definitely be a hit. He would blog about the same things he wrote in his time. He will address the youth no end and make them realize they are the hope of the fatherland. He will trumpet the value of education and patriotism and love of everything Filipino.
He will expose wrong-doings in government the same way he did against the Spanish friars. He will call for reforms but will not initiate a revolution. He will stress that “there can be no tyrants where there are no slaves.”
Of course, he will also reveal his romantic side and blog about his lovelife – from his innocent first love to the complicated relationships with women he would meet during his travels here and abroad. There will also be love letters and poems and the men will surely pick up a few lines from these for their own “use” to woo their love interests.
On the overall, JR will definitely prove that action does not speak louder than his blogs.
Girl Power
No Other Anne. Easily my Girl of the Year is Anne Curtis.
Ever since I was assigned to do her cover story for MOD magazine (August 2008 issue) and had the chance to meet her in person and interview her, I became a fan. It amused me no end when in an episode of ABS-CBN’s Gandang Gabi Vice late last year, she showed how she posed in that MOD cover as she and Vice Ganda spoofed the many poses she has done for various magazines.
During the time of the interview, she has just started taping for Dyosa, an ABS-CBN fantaserye with her playing the lead role of a mermaid.
“Dream come true na ‘to,” she gushed as we talked to her in between takes for her underwater scenes in a secluded beach in Batangas. You see, as soon as she entered show business, it was already her heart’s desire to play the role of a mermaid and that soap gave her just that -- and more
because the mermaid can likewise fly.
That's me and Anne (above) a couple of years ago during an interview in her tent in between takes of her underwater scenes in a secluded beach in Batangas. Photo below shows us in a souvenir shot, this time she untied her hair. Photos were taken by Jhen Declaro, then editorial assistant of MOD magazine.
The following year, I had the chance to write about her again for the magazine’s Trendsetters issue (September 2009). In that article, I called her the goddess of reinvention. And that remains true until today. She is never the same and that is why she is never boring.
In 2011, she transformed herself big time. Aside from being an award-winning actress, a lovable noontime show host, and a convincing product endorser, she has become a certified singer and what’s more, she has a Platinum album and a concert at the Araneta Coliseum this January. Again, she has made another dream – which she even felt was impossible! – come true.
Never mind if she sounds like your neighborhood Videoke queen. Besides, she has said that we should not take her singing career seriously because it’s just really for fun.
And that makes Anne truly lovable. She is simply having fun doing what she loves and accepting whatever comes her way. She teaches the rest of us to simply let loose and take life as it is.
In my interview, she has said, “I am happy and content with what I have because what I have is already a blessing.”
No doubt, her far-from-diva voice is a blessing on its own because it was instrumental in achieving for her the status of singer and, in the process, made her fans happy. And, once more, this proves her versatility and knack for reinventing herself.
Strong Babe. My first reaction when news came out that she was pregnant was ano ba naman 'tong si Andi. But as she went public and
expressed genuine enthusiasm for the growing baby in her tummy, I sort of forgave her for her rashness.
Andi Eigenmann didn't hide – as other stars may have done – and was practically seen in every gathering, including where there are cameras, flaunting her baby bump.
More importantly – and this is something young girls should pick up from her experience – Andi showed her sense of responsibility when she singlehandedly decided to keep the baby.
Hot Miriam. And, oh, not to forget, Miriam Defensor-Santiago. I simply adore her when she talks because she says it like it is, no mincing of words whatsoever.
She was worth watching and listening to in 2011 – from her tongue-in-cheek pronouncements on her 40th wedding anniversary (“I’m not a blushing bride, I’m a veteran bride.”), and the Divorce Bill (“I think divorce should be available to people who become homicidal at the sight of each other.”); to her aplomb as she cites verses from the Bible (“The Bible does not say, ‘Go out to the world.’ It sounds very much like God is encouraging us to go out and copulate in public. God said in the Bible, ‘Go forth and multiply.’ ”), and her body English as she stresses a point or reacts to other people’s ignorance or incompetence.
Towards yearend, the feisty senator and law expert was elected one of the judges to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the Assembly of States Parties. She holds the distinction of being the first Filipino as well as the first Asian to serve as ICC judge.
This is a fitting ending to a meaningful year for Miriam. This proves that more than her quotable quotes, she is a professional and knows her craft well. So unlike others who utter
words but only manage to add to noise pollution.
A Rogue Among The Roses
Just so you know, she is not one of my kind of people but including her in this yearender was inspired by that bumper sticker, “If you can't be an inspiration, be a warning.”
The “she” we are talking about is former president, now congresswoman, and presently in hospital arrest, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
a.k.a . The Little Girl.
Obvious lessons to be learned from what happened to her are crime does not pay; that there is actually more to life than wanting to have everything; and that enough should be enough.
There is no need to go into the details of the depth and breadth of her deeds and misdeeds. Let me just quote Mahatma Gandhi and may we also remember the great man’s words: “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.”
Love Angles
Finally, I want to cap this quite long yearender with a beautiful love story …
Lola Aurelia, worried about husband Lolo Luis, who left home and hasn’t come back for a couple of days now, sets out in the city streets in search of him. Pinned in front and at the back of her dress is a printout
photo of Lolo Luis.
A street photographer chances upon her in some street corner and takes a photo of her. With Lola Aurelia’s permission, he posts it in his Facebook account and thousands who were touched by this black and white photo shared it until news reporters got wind of it.
ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol sought out Lola Aurelia and was asked to give a message to Lolo Luis just in case he might be listening. She said, “umuwi ka na, magpahatid ka sa mga makahanap sa iyo.” She then tells reporters, “nag-aalala ako kung kumakain ba siya, natutulog ba siya ... maulan.”
The waiting finally ended as some concerned citizens who recognized Lolo Luis tipped DZMM Teleradyo about seeing him and that led to the couple’s reunion.
A very simple plot. No major stars to play out the roles. It is not a product of the TV networks' creative think tanks. It was shown not on prime time but in the news.
For me, this is 2011's best love story yet and watching the news has never been more uplifting. Lola Aurelia is true love’s living testimony … that true love waits, finds a way, and always triumpsh.
Celebrity couples then come to mind and how they go about their so-called relationships – complete with tears and histrionics – and I begin to wonder, what’s love got to do with it.
So there goes 2011. The New Year is not so new anymore but we still have 300-plus days to go to do the things we want to do, pursue and achieve as well as to make up for lost time, make amends and to finally make it right.
