Image from Wikipedia: Filipino and American forces engage in battle

Our country is fated to have been conquered by foreign powers who were bent in seeing our country as an extension to theirs. They found our country quite attractive to their sword-bearing, gun-totting tastes, a paradise where they can brandish their swords and yield their guns freely as if there are no laws. Colonizers wouldn’t even admit they have exploited our country for plunder and slavery. Among those who have colonized us were the Americans, whose presidents are seen as demi-gods.

Our diplomatic relationship with the most powerful nation in the world did not start with a handshake of friendship. It started through deception and betrayal of trust. On the painful night of February 4, 1899, the Americans, who were supposed to the the Filipinos’ allies against Spain, revealed their true colors as they fired the first shots that ignited the Filipino-American War. That part of history will be forgotten by many of us, history-unconscious Filipinos.

The Filipino-American War was a hard test for Filipinos. They rose to challenge against the pale-faced and coal black foes who were much superior in warfare technology. To pay allegiance to the stars and stripes of the milk-white, coal-black foes is a blasphemy to the fallen who had struggled against foreign invasion. From 1899 to 1902, our heroes had only one option: To fight.

A Fiipino being executed through the "garrote" by the stooge of the American colonizers

It was three years of pain, suffering, and bloodshed. A considerable number of Filipinos turned traitors (They were the first political prostitutes.) and offered the blood of fellow Filipinos in exchange for gold and the American dream. Filipinos, saints and sinners alike those who love the country, resisted against the uninvited westerners. There was no United Nations or Amnesty International to prevent the Americans that time, but opposition to the war was strong in the United States. The colonizers had lots of dirty tricks in their sleeves. They cannot conquer us so easily, so they resort to banditry, thievery, thuggery and terrorism.

Despite the gallantry and courage shown by our heroes, it was not enough to overturn the destiny of having been conquered. The Americans fused their own type of warfare with brutal human rights violations (among the first done by the Americans in the world) and terrorism.

On September 1901 American soldiers pillaged and massacred the poor inhabitants of a village in Balangiga, Samar days after they were defeated in the same village by Filipino cleverness, Not contented, they even stole the church bells, a profane act against the faith of the unfortunate people. Such violations of human rights were committed too by them throughout the country. The fanatical struggle of an enslaved and oppressed people to achieve freedom, justice and independence through blood had ended dishearteningly.

Filipino fighters surrendering to the Americans

The Filipino-American War is one of the saddest chapters in Philippine history. It is a sad picture of our first encounters with America. It was 113 years after the first gunshot the started the war was heard.

Within those 113 years, the Philippines would side with the Americans in whatever they do. We would play puppy or dummy to them. We would stand behind Uncle Sam in their wars, in the promulgation of their world domination policies and concerns while hurting Filipino sensitivities.

We receive aid from them in return for them to exploit us and our natural resources. The American government  calls us to reduce our population before they would hand us their millions or billions worth of aid. Why so? They are afraid our big population would prevent American interests in our natural resources. They want them for themselves.

I can say that the Philippines is the biggest puppet of the United States of America. It is either we go against them or we lose.

The cries for justice of the millions of Filipinos who suffered and perished from the atrocities of the Americans were forever unheard and unheeded. We history-unconsciousness Filipinos did nothing. We really did forget our history. Come to think of it.

Filipino natives challenging the American imperialist rule

I believe I never have any true blue writer’s blood in my veins. If I have so, they do not do up to my head. I’m struggling to write and to form a serious thought from my sentences. Serious because I want to write stuff which help people think and decide on things.

Because I cannot get a license to own a wide range of legally and illegally made AK-47s, I turn to writing. I never intend to impress. I was only trying to express using what little skills I have. I want to be serious with what I write or with what I can write.

I am not ashamed to admit that I am never blessed with true talent. You can laugh at me. I never know how to sing. I never know how to dance, paint, and play musical instruments or sports, whatsoever. But I can rap a little. Aside from that, I am utterly talentless.

Writing is my hobby and my livelihood. I earn my living through writing, employed and part-time. At times I feel little sense of achievement in what I write. Anyway, I am proud of my work as a web content writer. Without me, my SEO workmates would have noting to submit to article submission sites.

Despite what writing capability I have, I cannot seem to keep up with one kind of writing form – creative writing. If I am not creative enough in how I handle things, how much more with my writing? Writing “literarily” is indeed hard work.

Poems and prose make up literary writing. Yeah, I wrote a few poems, some in haiku, tanaka and rubai forms. Prose? I cannot write short stories, I can write essays with ease. Still, I consider myself literarily incapable, and I feel sorry for myself.

I stopped writing song lyrics more than two years ago. I ran out of ammunition. Writer’s block, you say it. Until now, I have no fresh ideas or inspirations to write lyrics. This writer’s block is killing me. Because of that, I feel sorry for myself. I feel wasted. I feel like a bum.

It’s not that I want to get recognition for my literary pieces. I just want to write a good piece that can make many people think and discuss about it. Let the people decide for its literary value. I only want to express myself through writing and through it that I can get any form of advice, help or mentorship from the more established writers.

I wonder if the 2007 Virginia Tech Massacre gunman Cho Seung-Hui ever felt writer’s block. I believe he is a much better writer than me. Do his writings ever get recognized?

The lack of recognition in one’s artistic pursuits can do oneself no good. Karl Marx’s poems and drama received no recognition because they possess no literary value. Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda minister of Nazi Germany, lacked success in drama. Afred Rosenberg, the philosopher of German racism, was unlucky in his philosophical endeavors; Adolf Hitler saw no success in painting, poetry and architecture. You know what had happened to them.

Like them I also started with artistic ambitions (though I started late). I feel frustrated because I cannot write artistically. I cannot easily spew words and make sense out of it. I have a few creations which are just nonsense jumble of words. When I peruse through some of my past creations, I feel ashamed not having to create something that has more sense and thought, something that has value. You cannot write if you are not going to put value in it.

I am already more than two decades old, and I have yet to write great stuff. I want to write things that evoke emotions and provoke thought.

But how can I write if I am literally incapable and artistically inept?

Saint Paul, William Shakespeare, Christina Rossetti, Karl Marx, G.K Chesterton, J.R.R Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Allan Paul, C.S Lewis, Rabindrath Tagore – some of mankind’s great literary figures. Their names will ever be remembered. In their lifetime, they wrote veraciously in thousands of papers, in many bottles of inks.

I hope to bear fruit in continuing to I will continue to immerse myself in writing. I got to keep on reading. I got to understand things in wider perspectives. I need to go out and learn as much as I can in every way. That’s the only way. It is.

“What makes good writing is not what you put in, but what you take out.” – Being A Writer by Peter Elbow

P.S. Yesterday a applicant came at work to apply as a web content writer. If he is accepted into work, he can help me take  the writing load off my back.

This will be my third New Year’s Day in the city, and this is the most anticipated New Year’s for me. Why? I never felt so much hope waiting for a new year to open up. I have been through many problems and issues this year. I long for a relief, and with 2012 approaching, I confidently say to myself that next year will be definitely my year.

I even made up some new year’s resolution to remind me to live a new life and become a new person in 2012 and in the years to come. I need to let go of the past, my depressing past. I would not like to look back. I want to move forward, living a new life and becoming a new person. I want to be happy for the rest of my life. My resolution will remind me for that. I need to mature in life. This, I will do in 2012.

With two days more to go for the new year, I am preparing all that I can. I need to throw away some stuff, settle my finances, give thanks, write down my journal, smell the air, feel the last days of the year and yes, feeling hopeful for great times ahead.I want to make the most out of this year before proceeding to a new, new year.

2011 was a stressful year for me. Not wanting to feel that next year, I will strive to avoid all sources of stress and tension. I have a short life. If I am to die, I want to die smiling, not feeling stressed out and looking sad or troubled.

I resolve to be a new person. I resolve to live a new life.

I realize life is worth living. I look forward to appreciate more of life.

You, how would you approach 2012?

Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND TO YOUR LOVED ONES!

Too bad I miss some mornings of the traditional misa de gallo or the Christmas dawn masses. I feel bad about it. I then lost the motivation to get up and attend the remaining of the nine mornings. Well…Anyway, in my opinion, Christmas time is a great time to go to church and renew your relationship with God. Christmas time is also a great time to renew our hope.

Whether I can complete the nine mornings or not, I am just excited for Christmas like you. I cannot say much about it. I just feel happy. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It is the only time of the year that I feel renewed hope for the future.

I love the sounds of firecrackers. I love the melodies of the Christmas carols. I love to see people carrying their wrapped presents. But I don’t like the traffic and the long lines at shops.

My Christmas will go on despite me not having any gifts. I cannot afford to have swallow joy. Though I am a materialist, I am responsible, I can afford to gift myself and I rather work for the stuff I want to have rather that ask from anyone. If I receive something a gift then, thank you.

Some people could pass on Christmas as one of the days ordinarily marked on the calendar. What’s there to celebrate if there is no food on the table, no home but streets to live, no clothing, and debts to pay? For them, it is just one of those days.

What’s there to celebrate in the troubled times, especially with a coffin to watch over? I feel sad for the people of Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City for the tragedy they have suffered from typhoon Sendong’s onslaught. What a bad time to suffer! Surely nature choose an untimely moment to unleash its fury. I thought Christmas and calamity never go together.

What’s there too to celebrate amidst the threat to freedom of religion? Christians in Indonesia are disallowed from holding Christmas services, and in Malaysia, Christians are told to obtain police permit to sing carols in public. I believe the Islamists will hunt down the Christians on Christmas Day in Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan and Nigeria.

Yeah, what’s there to celebrate? It’s just another Christmas anyway.

I cannot say for others but I anticipate Christmas every year. I take it as an opportunity to renew my hope for the next year. Yeah, I can do that on New Yera’s eve, but Christmas is different. Christmas is a celebration or a birth of joy and hope amidst despair. It a genuine time to genuflect.

I cannot say much for Christmas. I cannot feel envy for the people who have lots of gifts to receive, parties to attend, and companions to celebrate. Well, I am happy enough to have another December 25 to celebrate in my life. I am happy to wake up on that day with renewed optimism.

Merry Christmas whoever you are and whenever you are…

Next day, the shortened NBA 2011-2012 season will commence.

I would not write this post if only I did not think about the state of Catholic contemporary music. Much have been said about Protestant or non-Catholic Christian worship and praise music being sold in record stores. But what about Catholic ones?

Exposure to Protestant Services

When I was in Manila last month, I had attended Born-Again (Protestant) Bible meetings with my girlfriend at her brother’s place. I found myself joining non-Catholics (who have the tendency to criticize the Catholic Church) in singing and praising God. I was not bothered. I did not feel strange amidst the Born-Again crowd.

I was attracted to their style of singing for God. I observed them to be joyous and full of energy, which I feel is lacking inside Masses. My observation did not only stop at Bible meetings. I had attended their religious services and the founding anniversary of their church, and once again, was exposed to their vibrant songs and dances of praise and worship.

The Church’s Need for Lively Music

There is the need for the Catholic Church to polish its music to awake the flock’s spirituality during Masses. I have witnessed the reason why many Catholic are converting to Born-Again – the Catholic Church’s lack of vibrant worship style at Masses. I have read about this before. It was said that the Church is losing its sheep to the lively Born-Again groups due to its lackadaisical Masses and lack of energy and creativity in its worship. It was advised that the Catholic Church should adapt to the modern times by changing its style of worship. I see that the Born-Again Christians are using music to bring people to their flock.

Non-Catholic Christians’ Emphasis in Music

There are many Christian contemporary musicians whose songs are very well known. Gary Valenciano and Kitchie Nadal are among the popular Christian artists in the Philippines, and you can find them singing in Christian gatherings. Abroad, there is Rachel Lampa, Stacie Orrico, Kirk Franklin, and Jars of Clay in the United States. There are bands like P.O.D, Flyleaf, Switchfoot, Plus One, Sevendust, and Whosoever who are said to be singing Christian-themed songs. Who can even forget Hillsong United and Don Moen?

In the Philippines, there are indigenous religious sects who also put emphasis in music in evangelizing the people. The music of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) was composed by the daughter of the founder of that church. Another sect, the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Way) recently held a religious music competition. Another influential sect, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc., also incorporates music in their worship. Like the Born-Again groups, they also have the concert atmosphere.

Non-Catholics Singing at Papal Events

I have read of occasions about non-Catholic Christian singers singing in Catholic events. In the Pope’s 2008 visit to the United States, popular American Idol Kelly Clarkson, a Baptist, sang at one catholic event. She even received a rosary from the Pope. In Australia, Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, a Pentecostal, and another non-Catholic sang for the Pope during the 2009 World Youth Day.

Catholic Christian Music Exists

I believe many people have the perception that Catholic praise and worship music is only limited to church services and do not go beyond it. At least, it has the tendency not to be labeled as “commercialized”. I chatted about music with a classmate, a Born-Again, back in college. He regarded Gary Valenciano’s music as “commercialized”.

But thanks God, Catholic music did exist. I can name a few examples.

Way back in the Jubilee Year 2000, the song by Filipina singer Jaime Rivera titled, “The Jubilee Song” is perhaps the most popular music that time, even non-Catholics would attest to that. A Baptist classmate once told off some female classmates for singing a popular song by a lesbian artist. He told them they should sing “The Jubilee Song” instead.

I cannot forget some lines of “The Jubilee Song”: “It’s the time to give thanks / to the Father, Son, and Spirit / And with Mary, our mother, we sing this song / Open your heart to the Lord / Begin to see the mystery / That we are all together as one family / No more walls / No more chains / No more selfishness and closed doors / For we are in the fullness of God’s time / It’s the time of the Great Jubilee.” This song was often sung at the end of Mass, and some youngsters would rush to the front and dance.

Years later, Rivera came up with another two songs. One song is “Heal our Land” which I can remember was sung during communion. Some lines go line this: “Lord, heal our land / Father, heal our land /Hear our cry / and turn our nation back to you / Lord, heal our land / Hear us, o Lord and heal our land / Forgive our sings / and heal our broken land.” Well, this song happened to be one of the songs sang by the Born-Again people at their church anniversary. Another song was the theme of the 2003 World Meeting of Families in Manila.

Thanks to the Internet, I have stumbled upon some Catholic music.

On YouTube, I came across “Awit Para sa Ina ng Santo Rosario” (Song for the Mother of the Holy Rosary), sung by Karylle, a daughter of popular singer Zsa Zsa Padilla. I don’t know why I don’t hear this song at services during the rosary month of October.

Another great Catholic music I found last year was the upbeat pop-rap ditty “Heart’s Cry” by the UK techno group Ooberfuse. Their song was chosen by church authorities in the United Kingdom as the theme of the Papal visit. Ooberfuse did not expect a rap song would be chosen as the Pope’s theme song for visit to the UK. One member, Hal St John, said of the selection, “I think this is the first time in history a reigning Pontiff has embraced the forms of popular culture to advance the Christian message of love and hope. We were overjoyed when members of the Bishops’ Organising Committee decided to dub our track the ‘Youth Anthem’ of the papal visit.”

“Heart’s Cry” opens with the Pope saying, “Hatred will never reign in the hearts of men again.” then followed by St John, rapping “You got to open your heart wide / To the love that’s deep inside.”  The video is shot in the Philippines. It portrays the social situation of the country.

Earlier this year, I came to know about John Michael Talbot, an American monk and musician. In his younger days, he sang in a secular band with his brother. He and his brother were practicing Protestants. They almost became members of the American rock band the Eagles, but were rejected for their Christianity. Later on, Talbot rejected secular music in favor for Christian music. He then converted to Roman Catholicism. He was enormously grateful that his music has “been a natural bridge between Catholics and non-Catholics.” Talbot bends music and Christian teaching. One of his outstanding tracks is “Come Worship The Lord”.

In Canada, the indie band Critical Mass is a proud Catholic band. I find this award-winning band unusual because its lead vocalist has Asian features. They are considered to be one of the most successful independent musicians in Canada. I find one of their song to be captivating, titled “Dorian Gray”. “Dorian Gray” sings of the evils of pornography.

Another popular American Catholic praise musician is Matt Maher. In an interview, he admitted that “a lot of people have been poorly educated about Catholicism.” One of his touching praise and worship songs is “Empty and Beautiful”.

If you think there is not Catholic Christian rap, you’re damn wrong.

There is no stopping Colombian Catholic Christian rapper Nick Torres, who goes by the handle Dy-Verse Colombian Emcee, from releasing Christian rap tracks and letting his fans download them for free. He collaborated with a fellow rapper on one outstanding track, “God’s Souldier”. Together they rhymed, “I will fight till I die for my Savior Jesus Christ.” I am lucky enough to download some of his tracks for free.

Dy-Verse’s fellow Catholic rapper and acquaintance from Texas, USA, C2six (real name: Carlos Zamora) also help spread God’s message through rap music. Dy-Verse and C2six are both members of a Catholic rap group Foundnation. They have one great track which you should give a listen, “Christ is Alive”.

Browsing through the Internet, I came upon Mary Lou Williams, one of the most popular jazz singers in the United States many years ago. An African-American convert to Roman Catholicism, she infused Catholic music with jazz elements and African-American worship style. One of her great songs is “Praise The Lord”. Williams is one of the few Black Americans musicians who are Catholics, including singer Aaron Neville, a devotee to St Jude Thaddeus.

In the Philippines, the Jesuit Fr. Manoling Francisco is a renowned composer of songs which are populary sung at Masses. He helps manage the musical group Bukas Palad Music Ministry. Two of the most popular songs Fr. Francisco has penned are “Di Kita Malilimutan” and “Tanging Yaman”.

There are only a few popular music artists like Williams, Rivera and Karylle who would lend their voice to sing Catholic Christian music. Dana Rosemary Scallon, an Irish-American and winner of the Eurovision singing contest, was a popular artist who composed the hit “Totus Tuus” with her husband as a tribute to the late pope John Paul II. Susan Boyle, a daughter of Irish immigrants in Scotland, used to sing at Masses. On Pope Benedict’s UK visit, she sang “How Great Thy Earth” at one of the Papal masses.

Contemporary Catholic praise and worship music has a long way to go. In a Wikipedia entry, most of the Catholic musicians “operate without the benefit of a record label or major sponsor and sacrifice much to minister and entertain with their music. Some are in full-time ministry, but most are juggling jobs and family to do their ministry.” Names like the husband-and-wife tandem Sarah and Josh Holthusen, Oremus Catholic Rock and Katholicus are in need of greater exposure.

I believe there are many Catholic praise and worship musicians out there who are composing and releasing great songs to lesser commerciality and publicity. Many others are devoting part of their time to sing and praise God’s greatness, Jesus’ loving kindness and the Virgin Mary’s humility – all while taking care of their personal lives. I hold these musicians in high regard for taking part in the Church’s music ministries around the world.

The Catholic Church needs more of music to bring God and Jesus Christ to many peoples and to reconnect their flock to God’s grace. Through it, people will learn to be more open to know, love, and serve the Lord. The Psalms always remind us to sing for God’s glory.

St Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, pray for us!

Christmas is the most anticipated celebration of the year. Churches are busy to remind about Christ’s nativity. Businesses are ready to shell out billions worth of merchandise for the shopping public. Some in the anti-Christmas society will not give in to the spirit of the season. Religious Christmas critics will find every means and opportunity to bash Christmas in the name of (their) religion, but are ready to receive their bonuses and gifts and file their vacation leave.

Time changes, seasons too, and so is the attitude to celebrate Christmas.That’s what I have noticed about it.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus is the center of celebration. He takes over Jesus Christ’s place in the mantle of the Yuletide season. Santa Clause is a propaganda tool of the capitalists, of businessmen who have high regards for Mammon, so we see why religion is kicked out of the celebration. Christmas used to be a religious feast, but now it a secular holiday.I do not even celebrate religious feasts myself. I simple commemorate them in my special way. But to kick Christ out of Christmas is like kicking Jose Rizal out of Rizal day.

Gifts

Don’t go asking me for gifts if you can’t give me one.The nerve of some people to ask for gifts when a) their religion did not permit them to celebrate Christmas, b) despite their riches, they can’t even give me one, and c) they don’t understand my financial situation.

Gift-giving should come from the heart. If you cannot give one out of good heart, then don’t. You will just ruin the spirit of giving and sharing. Sharing? Yes, we should share our blessing with the least fortunate ones. I have no problem with that. I will gladly do that for Christ, not for man.

Some people have the thick face to pester others for gifts. That’s already annoying. They do not take it as a joke. They mean it. People are experiencing financial difficulties today. They can’t even hold a decent noche buena, then you disturb them to for your present? Hope you spend the Christmas in hell.

When it comes to gift-giving, do it out of your own heart. Do it out for love. Do not expect a gift in return. A simple ‘thank you’ is enough to enrich the heart.

No Time For The Family

I feel sad for many people who cannot spend Christmas with their families because they have to stay on duty. On the other hand, some employers do not let their employees off. They have to enslave their workers for the profit. May their unscrupulous hands rot. Christmas used to be a family celebration. Not anymore. To those who are far away from their loved ones or have to work this Christmas, may God bless you.

Carolling

I observe some people out there sing carols for joke or for profit. They don’t sing from their heart or soul. Worse, they do not even sing properly. Well, if you notice such, don’t bother to hand them gifts of money. On the other hand, there are poor souls out there who have nothing to celebrate, so when they carol at my place, I would not hesitate to hand them a few bucks.

Christmas Shopping

Money is abounding at Christmas, so if you shop for gifts, expect the crowd. Malls and bazaars are always full of people. Why can’t they save their money and go shopping next year to avoid the crowds? #occupymalls?

Merry Christmas Anyway

I will celebrate Christmas my own simple way. I don’t need to give gifts. I don’t need to sing carols. I will be alone this coming Christmas. I need to believe in the Person whose birth is the subject of Christmas.

Advent marks the season to give thanks to God, “who gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Advent is a memory to behold because at last, He came into the world to tend the sheep led astray by sin. Christ’s birth should remind us that Satan’s tool, which is death, is coming to an end. Christ the Savior, Christ the King is coming to conquer death and to put everything under His rule.

Advent paves way to celebrate Christ’s birth, a celebration of faith and hope. Advent is a preparation for us to increase our faith and hope. We come to realize that God the Father never loses His love for mankind, reason He sent His Son to us.

May Advent remind us to be vigilant and prayerful. Let us prepare ourselves for Christ’s return and the establishment of His kingdom. Our citizenship is not of this world ruled by the corporate oligarchs,but of heaven. May we the faithful increase and mature our faith, and hold on to God’s promise of eternal life. May Advent inspires us to live a virtuous life.

And while we celebrate Advent, let us not forget the faithful in hostile lands. May we always remember them in our prayers.

El Viva Cristo Rey! Happy Advent everyone!

I am always supportive of the Philippine basketball team in victory or in defeat. I have been following the exploits of the Philippines basketball team, represented by Smart Gilas. This evening, I received sad news that the team fell to the Jordanians 61-75 in the on-going FIBA Asia Championship. The struggles of the Smart Gilas team is a sports newsworthy event.

The Philippines made it to the semifinals for the first time in 24 years. On route to their semifinal appearance, they have to clobber UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Japan in the first round, and Taiwan in the quarter semifinals. Their only defeat came in the hand of China in the first round. The loss to Jordan in the final four ends their journey for the final two showdown – the winner takes a spot at the London Olympics 2012.

However, all is not loss for the Filipinos to compete in the upcoming Olympics. Despite missing its chance in the Asian qualifiers, Smart Gilas still have a shot if it wins over the loser of the China-South Korea duel in the battle for the bronze medal. The 1st and 2nd runner-ups will compete in the 2012 World Olympic Qualifying against teams from the other continents also also failed in their quest for an Olympic spot.

The Philippine team is the underdog in the FIBA Asia Championship. Although not bestowed with celebrity status and glamor and good looks unlike the Philippine soccer team (Azkals), the team pulled out dark horse performances.

The Philippines used to be the basketball powerhouse in Asia. Now, the country has to contend itself ruling in the south east Asian region. China, South Korea, and Iran form the triumvirate in Asia basketball. At many games, the country cannot stand itself against the taller and much muscular opponents.

I stand behind every member of the Philippine basketball team, whether full-bloodied, half Filipinos or naturalized citizens. I am proud to support my country in its sporting endeavors. I salute every Filipino who give blood, sweat and tears for the country at international competitions.

In many Philippine defeats, I find myself cursing against the opponents. There are many cases of sporting biases and unfair practices against Filipino athletes. I curse Thai and Korea boxers many times, and the South Korean basketball team too at the 2002 Asian Games. These muthafuckers can kiss Satan’s ass everytime they cheat.

In win or loss, long live the Philippines!

We should come to realize that life will not always be what we want it to be. I believe everyone of us have experienced their ups and downs in life. We fail the Nursing board exam. We get kicked out of work. We get hurt in an accident. We succumb to disease. We lost the people we love. We do not have money.

What about you? I feel sorry for every unfortunate creature in this world. I feel sorry for you, who is reading this post now. I know you have your own battles too. I am sorry to be not behind you to support you. I could be more luckier than a tramp scavenging among trash, a homeless lady looking for shelter under the rain, or a homeless puppy on the road. May God bless them.

People think I am lucky. Truth is, I am not. I am still being alone in my struggles like the rest of us. There is no one to support me. I fee sad inside, broken like a teacup on the floor. I may look OK outside, but deep inside, I am extremely sad and lonely.

I came to realize that sadness allows us brief time to think about life and to reflect on what we have done. It is in sadness when we can think properly. It is in loneliness I realize that I am my own man. In extreme grief, I realize that no one can share in my suffering.

Despite the lowly state of my life, I realize that life can be good in your own way. You don’t have to adopt anyone’s standards for happiness. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t need to gather influences. You need to be contend with who you are and what you have. You need to be a person full of virtues: Patience, humility, kindness, love, fortitude, temperance, and faith. I realize every day we live in is a miracle.

Many people will not share in my suffering, so I realize I won’t share my happiness with them.

• Michael Jackson - They Don’t Care About Us – A great master piece from the King of Pop. A classic statement against social injustice.
• Debbie Gibson – Electric Youth – The youth is the hope of the fatherland (or motherland), they say. Gibson looks like a young Britney Spears here and I am in love with her. I love how pop stars used to dress years ago. Love those outfits.
• Take That – Kidz – I love the la la la la la la la la la hey part. Politics underlying in here. Pop music comes political. This is a song to dance for, and raise a finger to all governments.
• Demi Lovato – Skyscraper – A ballad I describes as suicidal. I hear it as kinda sad but assuring. A powerful recovery song. Don’t know why I say that, but this is the ballad to beat this year, and she looks cute too.

The fifth one, I cannot say much for this. I don’t know whether to laugh or to feel happy for this girl.

After all the negative publicity she got, plus the death threats and the most number of dislikes for a music video, miss Rebecca Black returns to the music scene with a brand new song and video, titled “My Moment“. A tempo slower than her (in)famous hit “Friday”, “My Moment” is not a bad song after all, though not infectious unlike her debut. As expected, harsh comments are raining down on the poor girl, and YouTubers are looking forward for the dislike button.

Kudos for Black for strongly coming up with a self-produced sophomore effort following her widely publicized debut. For a girl her age, she is living her dream. She sure is a subject of envy. Expect the critics to ruin her moment as she is about to prove them wrong. Right now, Black is enjoying her moment.