In the News: Proudly Pinoy [Archive] - Page 18

afterlife00

December 13th, 2010, 07:58 PM

I DO HOPE SO...

Filipino football facing brand new era :banana:

http://www.affsuzukicup.com/images/news/filipinofootball.jpg

Boxer Manny Pacquiao may be the Philippines' best loved son and basketball the sport revered across the land, but the run to the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup by Simon McMenemy's team could be about to have a major impact on football in the archipelago.

The Philippines' history in the game may not be auspicious but it is amongst the oldest in Asia; the country featured in the first-ever international match played on the continent, when the Philippines lost 2-1 to China back in 1912 and was one of the 12 founding members of the Asian Football Confederation in 1954.

But while football throughout Asia has developed markedly since, the game has barely taken hold in a country more enthralled by the influence of the United States and the sport of basketball that now so dominates the nation's sporting landscape.

The events of the last two weeks, though, could see that start to change. As the Philippines prepare for their first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup, the nation of more than 90 million people is sitting up and taking notice.

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino has already sent his message of congratulations to the team and social networking sites were buzzing throughout the group stages as the country and the tournament witnessed something special taking place.

Draws with Myanmar and Singapore coupled with an historic win over defending champions Vietnam have qualified the Filipinos for the last four, an astonishing achievement few would have predicted before the tournament commenced.

Much of the credit has gone to the England-born contingent within the team's ranks and boosted the squad's quality.

Players such as the Younghusband brothers Phil and James, former Wimbledon defender Rob Gier, midfielder Chris Greatwich and Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge have played key roles in pushing the team towards previously unattained heights.

And for all the talk of reaching the semi-finals and their impending clash with Indonesia, everyone within the game in the Philippines is hoping the appearance in the knockout phase of the competition will lead to longer-term achievements.

"I think it's important that we ride this wave," says central defender Gier. "We'll do as much as we can to get momentum going in the Philippines."

For a country without a football infrastructure and no national league to talk of, the achievement has been remarkable. But now one eye is fixed on using the achievement to turn the state of the game in the Philippines around.

"There's so much potential there," says London-born James Younghusband, who has been living in Manila for the last year. "There are so many kids who love the sport and it's just a shame that there's no proper structure.

"There's no opportunity for them to develop their interest and skills in the sport like there would be in Europe or in other places. But hopefully that will start to change."

The Philippines' lack of footballing facilities means the country's first foray into the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup will see them play both legs at Indonesia's imposing Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Possessing their own version of the imposing 90,000-seater venue is a pipedream for football in Philippines, but coach McMenemy is hopeful that the success tasted so far in the tournament can lead to bigger and better things for the country.

"The president of the country sent us a goodwill message and he has said we are trying to make an attempt to enter the international arena of football," said the coach.

"If he's recognising that then hopefully he will recognise that we can't do that on our own and that he being president can help make those changes. Like building a stadium, for one.

"I'm told that once he said that, the channel he said that on received hundreds of emails saying: Build us a stadium, build us a stadium. We have to start thinking ahead in those terms.

"We are just hoping that this is the snowball being tipped off the top of the glacier and hopefully it rolls a long way."

Source : Aff Site (http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_742309/Filipino_football_facing_brand_new_era)

b_two

December 13th, 2010, 08:10 PM

baka kaya nabokya mga vietnamese sa laban nila vs. azkals kasi natutulala sila tuwing aaatake ang mga azkals... akala nila mga artista ang sumusugod... ang pupugeh tapos kebabango pa. :lol:

NOVO ECIJANO

December 13th, 2010, 08:38 PM

[QUOTE=afterlife00;68844901]I DO HOPE SO...

Filipino football facing brand new era :banana:

http://www.affsuzukicup.com/images/news/filipinofootball.jpg

Boxer Manny Pacquiao may be the Philippines' best loved son and basketball the sport revered across the land, but the run to the semi-finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup by Simon McMenemy's team could be about to have a major impact on football in the archipelago.
^^
ang bilis mo.Naunahan mo ako sa post,good luck Azkals

Ady001

December 14th, 2010, 06:15 AM

Local Thor Heyerdahls...

Phl Balangay Expedition arrives in Manila
By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) Updated December 14, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The 39-member Philippine Balangay Expedition team arrived in Manila yesterday after a four-month journey across six countries in Southeast Asia.

The team, onboard vessels Masawa Hong Butuan, Diwata ng Lahi and Sama Tawi-Tawi, reached Harbor Square at the Cultural Center of the Philippines at around 9 a.m. after sailing from Sangley Point in Cavite.

The three boats are replicas of the precolonial balangay boats, patterned after the boat unearthed in Butuan in 1975 and carbon dated to 320 AD.

The team sailed 12,600 kilometers from Butuan City to Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia.

It sailed through rough seas using ancient navigation methods such as charting courses using the positions of the sun, stars, wind and clouds.

Among the personalities present to welcome the expedition team were former President Fidel Ramos, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Philippine Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, and former Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim.

Team leader Arturo Valdez said they received enthusiastic support from Filipinos in countries where they docked.

“Our countrymen even came to our rescue several times when supplies ran low or when storms would drive us off course,” Valdez said.

The Philippine Balangay Expedition was launched in September last year to retrace the pre-Hispanic transportation and trade routes of early Filipinos.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639127&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Parchie

December 14th, 2010, 05:54 PM

FlashCollider

December 14th, 2010, 09:26 PM

^^
There are some new findings about the migration pattern of our ancestors. In fact the new hypothesis is debunking the previous theory of our ancestors coming from mainland sea through the land bridge during the ice age. It is being postulated that the new migration pattern is from Taiwan, descending down to the Northern Philippines and from the Philippines it spreads out as far as the South and South West Pacific Nation.

You can read the book by Stephen Oppenheimer although this is not an academic research but its fun to read. The title, Eden in the East the Drowned Continent of Southeast Asia.

Askal82

December 15th, 2010, 01:08 AM

tseee:D kay muning na lang ako:D toinks hahahaha:lol::lol::lol:

May pusa ako- Si Siopao ang pangalan. :lol:

Askal82

December 15th, 2010, 01:13 AM

Perseus II

December 15th, 2010, 05:57 AM

Isa lang napatunayan ko, good looking ang mga Filipinos kapag half breed. Gaya na lamang ng The Riches (TARA 4) and Team Azkals (football). Kaya maraming taga Asya ang naiinggit sa atin... :lol:

sabi nga ng seatmate ko sa stats , it took a half-breed Pinay to end our 10 year drought sa Miss U :)

Linguine

December 15th, 2010, 08:28 AM

A refreshed look for Nine West by Rafe
BEEN THERE, BEEN THAT By Myrza C. Sison (The Philippine Star) Updated December 15, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/4435/lif1.jpg

Portrait of the Filipino as a bag artist: Presidential Awardee for Pamana ng Filipino Rafe Totengco says, “I have such a love for design and fashion and I would like to be able to extend it beyond accessories at some point in the future. The story of my career is best described in the words of the poet Robert Frost, ‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.’ I think this says it all.”

New York-based Filipino accessories designer Rafe Totengco visits the Philippines at least once a year, but his latest homecoming this month will certainly stand out as the most memorable one to date.

Last night, Rafe received a 2010 Filipino Presidential Award in the “Pamana ng Filipino” category for bringing “the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of his work.” President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III gave out the awards at the Malacañang Palace to Rafe and 23 other individuals and groups chosen from 110 formal nominations.

The Filipino Presidential Awards honors the achievements of overseas Filipino individuals and groups. Signed into law by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in 1991, the awards were also established to help celebrate the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day in December.
Nine West bags of the near future: As the new creative director, Rafe Totengco promises to infuse the line with “new materials, modern shapes and detail touches that capture the trends of each season.”

In his speech last night, Rafe said, “Being caught up in my own life and career, until recently I was not aware that there are more than eight million Filipinos overseas in almost country which is more than 10 percent of the population of the Philippines!” He added, “This is truly impressive! Our global kababayans are increasingly skilled and educated, and they contribute to this country’s economy. Obviously we are doing something right!” He said he wanted to share the honor with “the thousands of our less visible kababayans who reflect the diversity and immensity of Filipino talent and compassion.”

The award signifies a culminating milestone of sorts for Rafe’s career in international fashion that spans over 13 years. He launched his successful namesake handbag and accessories line in New York in 1997. In 1998, he was granted membership of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

By 1999, Rafe bags were sold in 60 stores around the world. That same year, he was named finalist for the Perry Ellis Accessories Design Award for Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

In 2000, he got a ”Rising Star” award from Fashion Group International (FGI). The following year, the Accessories Council named him Best Accessories Designer. In 2005, the US mass retailer Target asked Rafe to create a collection for them, the first accessories designer to do so. In 2008, he was voted one of “50 Outstanding Asian Americans in Business” by the Asian American Business Development Center as well as featured in an ad for the 2008 Chevy Malibu, for which he created accessories inspired by the car. In 2009, Rafe was featured in a series of American Express ads and commercials along with other up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

In the last decade, Hollywood celebrities the likes of Sex and the City stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon; Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Katherine Heigl, and Fergie have all been photographed wearing Rafe bags. His creations have also become fashion magazine staples, landing in the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, In Style, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and the rag trade paper Women’s Wear Daily.

Not too shabby for the then 21-year-old Ilonggo who packed up his life and a thriving fashion design business in Manila in 1989 to move to New York. In pursuit of his wildest dreams, he enrolled in courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology, supporting himself with whatever jobs he could find to get his feet wet in the industry, whether it was selling clothing, styling or designing fabric.
Go west: “The Nine West brand needed a refreshed point of view. I am lucky to have a great team to work with toward the goal of re-launching Nine West handbags.”

A favorite early career anecdote of Rafe’s that is very telling of just the kind of mixture of fearlessness, audacity and determination that he possesses, essential to the dog-eat-doggedness of the world’s fashion capitals: In 1994, Rafe decided to make a collection of belts and watchbands for a SoHo boutique, which were sold out immediately. The owner was pleased and asked if Rafe had any matching bags. Without flinching, Rafe said “Yes!” despite not having any, nor knowing the first thing about making them.

Sixteen years hence, you could say Rafe has certainly learned a thing or two about bag-making along the way. The latest feather on his cap, or shall we say notch on his belt, or closure on his bag, if you will: In August, Rafe was appointed creative director for handbags for The Jones Group Inc., which sells brands like Nine West, Vintage America, Jones New York, Stuart Weitzman and Robert Rodriguez.

Jones president and CEO of branded business Richard Dickson told Women’s Wear Daily that Rafe, who he says “has a gift for world-class design,” has been tapped to act as a “conductor, who will orchestrate our brands in the design process.”

In this exclusive interview, Rafe talks about his latest career landmarks and in the process reveals snippets from and secrets to what it takes to succeed in a global fashion career — from the struggles and triumphs to paying it forward and spreading the word of hope.

How did your Jones New York appointment as creative director happen? What led up to this?

It was all about timing. I was planning to take a sabbatical to re-think how I wanted to reinvigorate my namesake brand and during that time The Jones Group was looking to bring in new talent. Nine West is a coveted global brand that exemplifies accessible fashion and I’m excited for this wonderful opportunity.

What exactly does the new position entail? What have you been tasked to accomplish?

As creative director I am looking to infuse the line with new materials, modern shapes and detail touches that capture the trends of each season.
Global bags: “Increasingly the taste of the consumer is becoming more and more similar. Oftentimes it’s the same bag that is the best seller in New York and Hong Kong.”

What has it been like so far?

I started in the middle of August and it has been a whirlwind. It’s been fun, exciting and energizing! The Nine West brand needed a refreshed point of view. I am lucky to have a great team to work with toward the goal of re-launching Nine West handbags.

What will happen to your Rafe line?

The Rafe brand is currently on hiatus as I work on refreshing the Nine West brand. It will definitely be back, possibly in 2012!

Has it been hard for you to shift from being an entrepreneur to joining an established fashion company?

So far I see or feel no difference between being president of my own company, or being a creative director at Jones. I enjoy passing on and applying the considerable knowledge and skills I have developed over the years.

What is the state of things in the fashion industry today? Has it become more and more difficult for designers to sustain their entrepreneurial ventures without the backing of big companies?

It has been difficult for all levels of the fashion business. It’s essential never to give up and I would encourage new designers to continue to work towards their dream.

What are you working on for Nine West now?

I’m working on my first collection for Nine West Handbags, which will launch in February 2011.

Will the bags have your name on them?

The bags will not have my name on them. Right now my focus is on refreshing the Nine West brand.

Do you have a typical workday?

There’s no such thing as a typical workday. From design and merchandising meetings to production and timeline deadlines, my day is filled with lots of energy and excitement

Jones New York president Richard Dickson said you have a “gift for world-class design.” What is “world-class design” to you? How and why do you think you have excelled in it?

I think what it means is exactly as it sounds. As the world has become smaller via the Internet and blogs, increasingly the taste of the consumer is becoming more and more similar. Oftentimes it’s the same bag that is the best-seller in New York and Hong Kong. My multi-cultural background and constant traveling have totally aided me in being able to see things from a different perspective.

Richard Dickson told Women’s Wear Daily that 2010 was the year of bags, and called bags an affordable luxury and a functional investment that outlasts apparel trends. Where do you predict bags are going in 2011?

I agree with Richard’s opinions and predictions for the reasons he states. Industry sales, margin and sell though data supports these ideas. And traditionally accessories sales movements are seen to be a future indicator of the fashion business health as a whole. To see where bags are going in 2011, keep an eye on what Nine West will be shipping in late Fall 2011.

How did you learn about the Presidential Award?

The Philippine Consulate General in New York approached me and with the recommendations from my professional associates and friends I applied. I’m very excited to be honored with the Presidential Award.

What makes Filipinos succeed overseas?

As I said in my speech last night, besides the fact that we Filipinos are some of the most qualified, highly educated, hard- working and ambitious people on earth, due to our unique history of colonization and ethnic migrations the Philippines is like no other place, it is home to a truly unique people. We know in our genes what “unity in diversity” and being a “world citizen” really mean.

We are a culture of contrasts. We are family oriented; yet we openly welcome strangers. We are fiercely proud of our regional ways and languages, yet we embrace our nation and our place on the world stage. “Live and let live” is our motto. Our strength as Filipinos abroad is that we are ambassadors for the Philippines. This is why we travel well and are warmly welcomed wherever we roam. In my 25 years of travel I have not heard anyone say a bad word about Filipinos. Our reputation precedes us!

You have been bringing pride to our country for over a decade. Did you ever think your career would reach such great heights? To what driving forces or qualities in you do you attribute your success?

When I started getting recognized by the Philippines for my work and the success I experienced in my apparel business in Manila greatly encouraged me. Then, later, the success experiences and validation I received working on Seventh Avenue as a design assistant in New York shortly followed by the incredibly positive reaction to my designs when I started Rafe New York out of my apartment, and the recognition, encouragement and respect I received from fashion retailers and press. At some point I realized I had what it took to be a successful designer “someday.” And with a decade of working 24/7 I am pleased to get a “return on investment” from all the sweat and tears.

What can you say about awards and accolades for artists in general? Are they important? Do they inspire you to do better?

Awards from trade associations are important because they validate and assure one is on the right path, and they inspire the recipient and others to work hard to strive for more.

The last time you were in Malacañang in 2002, it was President Gloria Arroyo who gave you your Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award. Last night it was President Noynoy Aquino. What did you urge him to do in your speech?

I said, “It is essential that we maintain and expand our excellent educational and vocational systems, because we are preparing the future citizens of the world!” I also said in my speech, “I trust that [you] and our government will do everything in their power to advance the excellence the Philippines has exported to the world” as we saw gathered there last night.

Besides your Tapulanga Foundation and Invisible Sisters craftwork projects, do you have more plans underway to achieve your mission to “give back” to the country?
At the moment I am focused on Tapulanga (a charitable organization that sends underprivileged kids to school in Negros Occidental, from where Rafe hails) because my time and resources are limited. I do what I can but I would certainly like to do more in the future.

You got your Pamana ng Filipino award for your ”consistent exceptional or outstanding performance, innovation, social consciousness, dedication and commitment.” What’s your advice for those who want to achieve even just a fraction of that?

I believe it all begins with passion and focus. I love what I do and that’s what keeps me going no matter what. My dedication and enthusiasm affect my relationships with people I work with and I believe that I get the best out of people because I demand the best from me first. People do their best when they are happy and fulfilled. Giving back is something I find incredibly fulfilling. When I met the kids of St. Francis of Assisi school in Talisay, through the Tapulanga Foundation, it made me want to help more. These kids are going to have more opportunities for their future because of the level of education they are receiving. It was very inspiring meeting them.

What else do you want to achieve in this lifetime?

I have such a love for design and fashion and I would like to be able to extend it beyond accessories at some point in the future. The story of my career is best described in the words of the poet Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” I think this says it all.

What message do you want to send out to everyone?

When I was young, many people believed that my future was bleak in the fashion world. Fortunately for me, I have great family and friends that believed in me and helped me to persevere. Believe in yourself and dream big — anything is possible.

xxxriainxxx

December 16th, 2010, 12:04 PM

Less than one hour to go before the Azkals meet the Indonesians.

johnmizer

December 16th, 2010, 12:15 PM

is it televised in studio 23?

xxxriainxxx

December 16th, 2010, 03:01 PM

^^ Yes.

We lost 1-0 to Indonesia. But it is going to be payback time on Sunday.

xxxriainxxx

December 16th, 2010, 03:31 PM

^^ OT na yan. Tama na ang pagpost ng photo na yan, panira lang yan ng thread na to.

JQiCr6XghcQ

xxxriainxxx

December 18th, 2010, 06:35 AM

What a great Indonesian welcome for the Philippine Football Team during the AFF Semis Match 1!

FOSlstTC0Ao

:ohno:

IMPRESARIO

December 18th, 2010, 09:53 AM

sandwindstars

December 19th, 2010, 01:29 AM

So, it really proves ancient Filipinos are capable of navigating the oriental seas! Nice post there, and TY.

Correct. Read about the Austronesians. Early Filipino Austronesians became highly developed maritimers, their descendants settled Borneo, Malay Pen, Indonesia, all the way to Madagascar, the others went to Melanesia, then on to Polynesia to Hawaii to Easter Island. One article I read said, it was the world's largest human expansion, and the world's greatest ancient mariners - they followed the stars on their voyage.

Ancestors of Filipinos, did not come up from Malay or Indonesia but it was the other way around, starting from Taiwan.

bakasaurus

December 19th, 2010, 02:20 AM

Correct. Read about the Austronesians. Early Filipino Austronesians became highly developed maritimers, their descendants settled Borneo, Malay Pen, Indonesia, all the way to Madagascar, the others went to Melanesia, then on to Polynesia to Hawaii to Easter Island. One article I read said, it was the world's largest human expansion, and the world's greatest ancient mariners - they followed the stars on their voyage.

Ancestors of Filipinos, did not come up from Malay or Indonesia but it was the other way around, starting from Taiwan.

Yep yep. The most astonishing thing for me is how they reached the most remote islands of the world scattered across the Pacific with the level of maritime science and technology that they had at that time. Magellan's feat has got nothing on them!:lol:

diz

December 19th, 2010, 02:50 AM

^^what i didn't like was how the crowd behaved during the playing of the Philippine National Anthem. They were loud, chanting and shouting and lighting up fireworks to purposely drown out the anthem. :ohno:

Do what the citizens of boston did to counter the boos of a particular canadian city during the natl anthem of the US. When if ever they play on philippine soil, drown out their anthem in cheer.

flymordecai

December 19th, 2010, 09:07 AM

Do what the citizens of boston did to counter the boos of a particular canadian city during the natl anthem of the US. When if ever they play on philippine soil, drown out their anthem in cheer.

I'd rather not have our people lower themselves to that level, we should be above that.

I honestly don't know how Filipinos would act if we had a football game at home and we had a large stadium like that in Indonesia. The Indonesians looked a lot like Filipinos. :lol: I just hope (and think) we're classier than that.

Parchie

December 19th, 2010, 01:50 PM

I'd rather not have our people lower themselves to that level, we should be above that.

I honestly don't know how Filipinos would act if we had a football game at home and we had a large stadium like that in Indonesia. The Indonesians looked a lot like Filipinos. :lol: I just hope (and think) we're classier than that.

I agree. It's just a game, and games are for friends. If we are not friends, then why play? If we stoop down to that level, then we're no different than them.

jimPUNKZ

December 19th, 2010, 02:27 PM

indonesian fans,,,,,,,,,,,,very noisy....:ohno:
am very disappointed:ohno:

Parchie

December 19th, 2010, 02:36 PM

indonesian fans,,,,,,,,,,,,very noisy....:ohno:
am very disappointed:ohno:

1-nil, Uruguay goal at 43 minutes! God damn it, the full backs collapsed in that segment and the sweepers didn't help! Hope they will equalize in the second half!

jimPUNKZ

December 19th, 2010, 02:43 PM

^^the filipino team appears frustrated:ohno: tsk tsk tsk
am hoping for the best....

ashton

December 19th, 2010, 03:21 PM

Uruguay 1 Philippines 0 again! sh*t bitter lang ko ha for at least 30 minutes! LOL!

Askal82

December 19th, 2010, 10:07 PM

^^the filipino team appears frustrated:ohno: tsk tsk tsk
am hoping for the best....

Uruguay 1 Philippines 0 again! sh*t bitter lang ko ha for at least 30 minutes! LOL!

1-0. That is tons better than 13-1 of the yesteryears considering that PF is underrated and under supported at all levels. Imagine if we invest a lot of time and money in supporting soccer in the country, Philippines is a force to contend with.

garzland

December 20th, 2010, 01:57 AM

^^Considering that it is not a popular sport in the country, no decent facilities for this sport, and we're part of the semis for the first time, that's a huge achievement already. That implies that we're getting better despite the odds that hinder us.

Thailand's football performance is on a decline stage, I read somewhere here, and here we are going up.

ashton

December 20th, 2010, 02:03 AM

^ You guys are right. Football is such a beautiful sport, I hope it grows more in our country. :)

Linguine

December 20th, 2010, 01:11 PM

From Catatonic to Supersonic
Monday, 20 December 2010 19:38 Rick Olivares / Columnist

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2010/December2010/12212010/sports01.jpg

YOU know what song came to my mind when the Azkals’ rock ‘n’ roll express blew into Jakarta? It was Oasis’s “Supersonic.”

The rock anthem may be dripping with swagger but definitely not the Philippine national men’s football team although they went through two rounds and six different national squads while taking names and kicking butt. Indeed, the team had gone from catatonic to supersonic.

I have been asked several times if the team in the wake of its recent success has been treated like rock stars. Not quite rock stars despite the Oasis song. Not at all. They have to queue for food and pay for their room Internet connection. Moreover, they are just ordinary blokes trying to lift the consciousness about football in a basketball republic and hopefully make history along the way.

And with every game, the believers grew. The game of football truly transcends borders because the Philippines was winning fans left and right from Laos to Singapore to Vietnam to Indonesia.

Prior to the match between the Philippines and Singapore, the Lions’ many-time champion coach Radojko Avramovic was asked what he thought of the Azkals. “You make the semifinals first then I will talk about the Philippines,” he said derisively.

After the Filipinos handed defending champion Vietnam a 2-nil defeat marking one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, the Singaporeans, who had been watching the game intently from the lower box broke out in cheer. That evening, Avramovic hung out with the Philippine team in the lobby of the Hanoi Sheraton swapping war stories and dousing the Azkals with profuse praise.

On the day of the Philippines’ match against Myanmar in Nam Dinh City in Vietnam, the team walked around a nearby park for their customary limbering session. As they walked around the pond, seven Vietnamese youths in bicycles followed the team around. A few mouthed expletives while one challenged a member of the team staff to a fist fight.

But for the most part, it would be safe to say that 80 percent of the comments from the locals was overwhelmingly positive. One coffee shop barista pointed to his temple and said that the home team did not use its brains. When it came to the visiting David who slew Goliath, he licked his lips to measure his limited English: “Very good. You know what I mean? Very good.” Then he bowed.

Nam Dinh was the city where 13th century General Tran Hung Dao was born. The soldier won two of the biggest battles in modern warfare. And here 22 Filipino football players and the 11 support staff won over the locals’ hearts and minds in a battle held on a pitch 50 miles away in Hanoi.

In the team’s final practice before the second match with Indonesia in a nearby practice pitch, onlookers—three people deep—surrounded the entire field. During a light scrimmage, when Phil Younghusband scored a goal, a collective cheer from the crowd went up. Since when did people cheer a practice goal! And since when did four Indonesian television networks cover a practice complete with an OB van? It was just an hour’s worth of practice.

During the first match with Indonesia, the entire Gelano Bung Karno Stadium was so noisy that one did not hear the Philippine national anthem playing. By the second match, there were cheers emanating from the capacity crowd of 80,000 plus.

The Azkals valiantly battled on to try and forge a two-goal lead over the host country in order to advance to the finals but last Sunday night, Indonesia was far more superior and had the quicker step to their pace. The Philippines bowed out of the competition with an aggregate 2-nil loss.

During the 45-minute drive to the team hotel that is just next to the stadium (it was made so because of the sheer number of people and vehicles parked around the area), the expletives, bad signs and hostile challenges that had marked their welcome two matches running was now replaced with cheers and applause.

In their group stages, Indonesia scored an astonishing 13 goals against their competition. The Filipinos held them to two goals and could have nearly taken a point or three had some balls found the back of the net. As Indonesia head coach Alfred Riedl said: “Prior to this tournament, any match against the Philippines was an automatic win.” Teams talked not of wins but by how many goals they would score. Now, every team had to take them seriously.

Said Philippine team manager Dan Palami: “We may have lost the game but Team Pilipinas has gained the respect of many for the truly valiant stand against the footballing giants of the region. This is but the start of the Azkal’s journey towards conquering greater challenges.”

To paraphrase the end line of the film “Cool Runnings” which is about the legendary Jamaican bobsled team that competed in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, “The Azkals [returned] to the Philippines as heroes. When they return as an automatic entry in the group stages in the Suzuki Cup in 2012, they will compete as equals.”

Azkals vs. Mongolia in Panaad

AFTER a highly successful 2010 Suzuki Cup stint where the Philippines cracked the semifinals for the first time in the 14-year history of the tournament (only to be waylaid by Indonesia, the top goal-scoring team of the competition), the Azkals break for the holidays before returning to training mid-January for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup qualifiers in a home and away series with Mongolia that kicks off on February 9, 2011 in Panaad, Bacolod City.

“We have written Mongolia about the possibility of hosting the two matches in Panaad,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta. “It would be difficult to play in Mongolia at that time of the year because it’s the height of their winter season. We have sent them a letter of request and are waiting for their reply.”

The Azkals will also be competing in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers that begin by mid-next year and the year-ending Southeast Asian Games that will be held in Jakarta. The groupings for the World Cup qualifiers have yet to be determined by FIFA.

“We will be meeting with the national team management to discuss how we can help them and what needs to be done to bring the team to the next level,” added Araneta who was in Jakarta for the first match of the Suzuki Cup semifinals to lend some support. “Hopefully, what they achieved in Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia which is significantly raising awareness of the sport in the Philippines will continue to rise. We have shown that this is a sport where we can truly be competitive.”

In Photo: That's Cristian Gonzales (center), the Uruguayan native naturalized by Indonesia, who did the damage on the Azkals in the two-game semifinals. Trying to put Gonzales out of commission in Sunday night’s match are Robert Gier (left) and Anton del Rosario. (AP)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/5176-from-catatonic-to-supersonic

jimPUNKZ

December 20th, 2010, 02:03 PM

we lost pero OK. lang considering we are a newbie.,,i mean,more qualified than a newbie could have performed...,,,:banana:
kakainis lang yung red card,,..:lol::lol:.........out!!!:runaway:
:lol::lol:

Fraulein

December 20th, 2010, 02:35 PM

^^Actually, my friend mentioned that its Uruguay versus Europe...:lol:

2d0k

December 20th, 2010, 03:28 PM

^ You guys are right. Football is such a beautiful sport, I hope it grows more in our country. :)

Definitely agree.. Sana, this will be our nation's top sport in the future!

Fraulein

December 22nd, 2010, 12:14 PM

New 'Glee' cast proud to be Pinoy
by Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 12/20/2010 6:16 PM | Updated as of 12/20/2010 6:35 PM

LOS ANGELES, California - He is "Glee's" latest breakout star and he is proudly Pinoy.

"My mom is Cebuano, she’s Spanish, Chinese. My father is very, very white. I’m not like full Filipino but definitely I have many parts of me that are. My family’s Filipino. My family’s in the Philippines. It's our culture and heritage that I've always been proud of, simply because it's such a cool place. And my friends who are Filipinos are the coolest," Criss said.

Criss's mom grew up in Cebu, and he said he's looking forward to spending time with his Filipino relatives when he visits Manila to play 2 shows this week.

"I'm very excited. I was there 2 years ago for my cousin's wedding in Makati and I'll be there playing some mall shows. I'm very, very excited and happy to be back," he said.

Criss won over critics and "Glee" fans alike with his cover of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," a song that he also performed during his 2 sold-out shows here last Saturday.

Criss said if he comes back to "Glee" next year, the chance to work with Charice is something he's looking forward to.

"I would hope to meet her, if not just to congratulate her in all her success. She's just fantastic. Strictly as a fan, hopefully I get to do something with her in some capacity, if it's just to shake her hand or sing with her, I'll take either," he said.

Performing is something that Criss has been doing since childhood. He plays a variety of musical instruments and writes his own songs.

Criss shot to fame last year when videos of his performance as Harry Potter on the musical parody "A Very Potter Musical" went viral.

He and his co-performers from “Team Starkid” staged "A Very Potter Sequel" early this year to great reviews. Criss wrote all the songs in the sequel.

Criss also released his own album called "Human" last summer. It's doing so well that he plans to release a studio album in the near future.

"I was already in the works to release my first studio album right before 'Glee' started. When I got 'Glee' that changed the game a little bit because of the scheduling… We'll see what 'Glee' will let me do. I certainly would love to, but at the same time, 'Glee' is a wonderful thing to be made busy by, but certainly, I'm planning on it," he said.
Criss said hat having instant fame is fun, but he said he intends to remain unchanged by it.

And unlike other stars who can't stop spilling every detail of their lives, Criss declined to talk about his personal life.

He said he wants his fans to focus on his work. "It's a definite change of pace but it's something I'm proud of and I'm very, very grateful for it."

brightblade

December 22nd, 2010, 12:43 PM

I'd rather not have our people lower themselves to that level, we should be above that.

I honestly don't know how Filipinos would act if we had a football game at home and we had a large stadium like that in Indonesia. The Indonesians looked a lot like Filipinos. :lol: I just hope (and think) we're classier than that.

i remember watching the SAEG in manila a decade ago i think. in one of the events, the crowd was jeering "jutay" to a foreign competitor for athletics.

xxxriainxxx

December 22nd, 2010, 12:47 PM

i remember watching the SAEG in manila a decade ago i think. in one of the events, the crowd was jeering "jutay" to a foreign competitor for athletics.

2005?

filcan

December 25th, 2010, 07:15 PM

Booters’ upset of Vietnam gets SI top 10 nod

Cedelf P. Tupas
First Posted 01:32:07 26/12/2010

Respected American sports magazine Sports Illustrated has picked the Azkals’ stunning 2-0 victory over defending champion Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup as one of its Top 10 football stories for 2010.

The selection comes as a welcome surprise since 2010 was also a World Cup year.

The Azkals, who will end the year with their highest Fifa ranking of 150, have competed abroad with little fanfare until their triumph over Vietnam sparked a newfound interest in the sport.

The story, written by England-based football journalist Georgina Turner, said the Azkals’ victory was arguably the biggest upset in the history of the tournament.

Turner noted the criticism on the Philippines’ defensive approach hurled by Vietnam coach Henrique Calisto, who accused the Azkals of “parking the bus” in front of goal.

Calisto’s unsportsmanlike gesture of refusing to shake hands with Philippines coach Simon McMenemy also caught Turner’s attention.

Meanwhile, national team manager Dan Palami said Stephan Schrock, a Filipino-German standout, has renewed his interest in joining the team for several tournaments next year.

Palami said Schrock promised to process his passport, which he failed to do in time for the Suzuki Cup main tournament in Hanoi.

“He will be a big help with his experience and his skills,” said Palami.

Although Schrock plays right fullback with Greuther Furth in the second Bundesliga, Palami said he can be converted into an attacking player if he plays for the national team.

The 24-year-old Schrock has played for Germany in the Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, but a Fifa rule erasing the age-limit on players switching nations paved the way for the defender to become part of the PH Team.

The Azkals‘ lack of attacking options was exposed in the two-leg AFF Suzuki Cup semifinals against Indonesia, which prevailed twice, 1-0, to make the finals against Malaysia.

The Filipinos have not scored in their last three matches, including against Myanmar in their final group match.

Inquirer.net (http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Booters-upset-of-Vietnam-gets-SI-top-10-nod.html)

NOVO ECIJANO

December 28th, 2010, 10:31 PM

Luneta attack was among the 2010 top events.
CNN cites Pacquiao's political win

By NICK GIONGCODecember 28, 2010, 6:20pmMANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao’s sensational boxing conquests took the backseat as CNN picked the Filipino’s stunning elections victory as one of its “20 Stories That Changed Our World in 2010.”

Pumped up by his ring exploits, Pacquiao scored an upset win over Roy Chiongbian, a billionaire businessman from a very powerful and influential clan in Mindanao, to become the congressman from the lone district of Sarangani.

“The fighter of the last decade could be the politician of the next. In his second run at public office in May, Manny Pacquiao beat a heavily favored opponent from a powerful political family by a landslide in congressional elections held in the Philippine province of Sarangani,” CNN said in its description of the Filipino’s feat.

“The beloved Filipino fighter was sworn in to the House of Representatives in June, but requested a leave of absence two months later to train for an upcoming bout with Antonio Margarito.”

Joining Pacquiao’s political triumph on the list of newsmakers were the political tension in Thailand, the Commonwealth Games failure in India, Shanghai Expo, natural disasters in Indonesia, Korea military hostilities, the IPad’s launch in Asia as well as the Hong Kong tourists who were killed during the Manila bus tragedy.Pacquiao had unsuccessfully vied for the same position – but in the first district of South Cotabato in 2007 – and lost badly.

In 2010, Pacquiao saw action twice.

In March, Pacquiao mauled Joshua Clottey of Ghana at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and returned to the same site in November, this time beating up Margarito.

http://http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/295254/cnn-cites-pacquiaos-political-win

dinabaw

December 29th, 2010, 12:32 AM

The Filipino figures at the Vatican Nativity Scene in Vatican City reminds me of those native figures in People's Park or Jacks ridge, hehehe..

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5293541802_1471cc90b6_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5293540276_8288924845_z.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4651/kublai.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/kublai.jpg/)

Filipino figures included in Vatican Nativity Scene
ROME, Dec. 17, 2010—The traditional nativity scene that will be put up at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican will feature a set of nine Filipino figures that will complement the traditional figures of the Holy Family.

The Philippine-made statues depict a Filipino family inside a boat pulling a net with a plentiful catch from the sea. Near them, other companions are portrayed playing different indigenous musical instruments. Some baskets, filled with different Philippine tropical fruits, vegetables, fishes and shells, highlighting the bountiful harvest of the earth and the sea, complete the set.

Designed by Davao-based Filipino sculptor, Kublai Ponce-Millan, the sculptures represent different indigenous groups of the Philippines in a festive celebration of faith, music, food and family on the occasion of the birth of Jesus.

Kublai Ponce-Millan began his work in August after Mercedes Tuason, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, presented the project to the Governorate of the Vatican City State as part of the launching activities of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See.

“To include the Filipino figures at the Vatican nativity scene will surely be most meaningful for all Filipinos knowing that the solemnity of Christmas is perhaps the most popular celebration among Filipino Catholics”, Tuason said in her letter to Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State.

Delighted with this proposal, Cardinal Lajolo responded that “this gesture would be meaningful for the vast Filipino community in Italy, a hard working community of great faith and family values.”

Under the supervision of the Technical Services of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, around 35 workers began work on the nativity scene in St. Peter’s square in early November.

The work is expected to be finished on December 24, in time for the official opening and blessing that evening. Pope Benedict XVI will participate in the unveiling ceremony from the window of the papal apartments.

Filipinos in Italy are consoled to see their Christian faith recognized and affirmed by the Holy See in this symbolic way. They are grateful for the honor of being placed in the center of Catholicism’s celebration of the birth of Christ this year.

The ongoing construction of the Nativity scene and the Philippine contribution to it can be viewed on YouTube by accessing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGTSIREw1qs (Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, S.J.)

xxxriainxxx

December 30th, 2010, 04:40 AM

Azkals win the Fair Play Award. AFF Suzuki Cup 2010! :)

Rall

December 31st, 2010, 06:46 PM

An article from the ArabNews Newspaper

IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUR FILIPINOS (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=462479503860&set=a.462479378860.245560.735003860)
by: Abdullah Al-Maghlooth/Al-Watan
almaghlooth@alwatan.com.sa

Muhammad Al-Maghrabi became handicapped and shut down his flower and gifts shop business in Jeddah after his Filipino workers insisted on leaving and returning home. He says "When they left,I felt as if I had lost my arms. I was so sad that I lost my appetite."

Al-Maghrabi the flew to Manila to look for two other Filipino workers to replace the ones who had left. Previously, he had tried workers of different nationalities but they did not impress him. "There is no comparison between Filipinos and others," he says. Whenever I see Filipinos working in the Kingdom, I wonder what our life would be without them.

Saudi Arabia has the largest number of Filipino workers - 1,019,577 - outside the Philippines. In 2006 alone, the Kingdom recruited more than 223,000 workers from the Philippines and their numbers are still increasing. Filipinos not only play an important and effective role in the Kingdom, they also perform different jobs in countries across the world, including working as sailors. They are known for their professionalism and the quality of their work.

Nobody here can think of a life without Filipinos, who make up around 20 percent of the world's seafarers. There are 1.2 million Filipino sailors.

So if Filipinos decided one day to stop working or go on strike for any reason,who would transport oil, food and heavy equipment across the world? |We can only imagine the disaster that would happen.

What makes Filipinos unique id their ability to speak very good English and the technical training theuy receive in the early stages of their education. There are several specialized training institutes in the Philippines, including those specializing in engineering and road maintenance. This training background makes them highly competent in these vital area.

When speaking about the Philippines, we should not forget Filipino nurses. They are some 23 percent of the world's total number of nurses. The Philippines is home to over 190 accredited nursing colleges and institutes, from which 9,000 nurses graduate each year. Many of them work aboard in countries such as the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Singapore.

Cathy Ann, a 35-year-old Filipino nurse who has been working in the Kingdom for the last five years and before that in Singapore, said she does not feel homesick abroad because "Iam surrounded by my compatriots everywhere." Ann thinks that early training allows Filipinos to excel in nursing and other vocations. She started learning this profession at the age of four as her aunt. a nurse, used to take her to hospital and as her to watch the work. "She used to kiss me wheever I learned a new thing. At the age of 11, I could do a lot. I began doing things like measuring my grandfather's blood pressure and giving my mother her insulin injections," she said.

This type of early education system is lacking in the Kingdom. Many of our children reach the university stage without learning anything except boredom.

The Philippines, which you can barely see on the map, is a very effective country thanks to its people. It has the ability to influence the entire world economy.

We should pay respect to Filipino workers, not only by employing them but also by learning from their valuable experiences.

We should learn and educate out children on how to operate and maintain ships and oil tankers, as well as planning and nursing and how to achieve perfection in our work. This is a must so that we do not become like Muhammad Al-Maghrabi who lost his interest and appetite when Filipino workers left his flower shop.

We have to remember that we are very much dependent on theFilipinos around us. We could die a slow death if they chose to leave us.

garzland

January 2nd, 2011, 06:14 AM

^^I have read this before, probably months ago.. That's an old article I suppose.

amigo32

January 2nd, 2011, 06:48 AM

Mexican version ang orig nyan:D

twisted na yan:D

jimPUNKZ

January 2nd, 2011, 11:57 AM

amras

January 4th, 2011, 07:06 AM

US Peace Corps volunteers can’t get over awe of Filipinos (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110104-312411/US-Peace-Corps-volunteers-cant-get-over-awe-of-Filipinos)

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:53:00 01/04/2011

Filed Under: Foreign Aid, Charity, Family

Close this MANILA, Philippines—When Peace Corps volunteer Shashank Iyer turned 22 in September, a Zambales family he knew for barely two weeks got a videoke machine going and prepared a special vegetarian feast: Bicol express with tofu, ginataang puso ng saging and vegetable curry.

In a place without First World conveniences, Iyer had the best birthday celebration he could have wished for.

“I could not really believe how generous my host family was in celebrating that. I celebrated my birthday most excitedly than I’ve ever had in my life. And it was with a group of people I’ve been with for barely two weeks,” said Iyer, a California native.

He said it was quite an awesome experience. “It really gave me a glimpse of how Filipinos just like to have fun. There might be problems around the corner but it’s something you can deal with when you get to that corner. But let’s have fun for now. Let’s live in the present,” he said of his two-month stay with a Filipino family during his pre-service training.

269th batch

Such spirit of celebration welcomed 137 fresh Peace Corps volunteers from the United States to their two-year tour of service in the Philippines—a record number of new volunteers joining some 79 others still completing their service in villages around the country.

The 269th batch of volunteers, inducted in simultaneous ceremonies in the cities of Pasig and Bacolod in November, are an addition to some 8,000 volunteers who have served in the Philippines since 1961, making for the largest participation in any Peace Corps program worldwide, the US embassy said.

“It’s a combination of good events. We have more resources available for the Peace Corps. The Philippines is such a great partner and we were able to identify good places for them to work relatively quickly. Washington agreed to send more volunteers here because the partnership has been so good,” said US embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett.

After training in host communities for more than two months, the new batch embarked on their respective volunteer services in November in various locations across Luzon and the Visayas, staying with a new set of host families and immersing in new communities.

Volunteers are carrying out projects in education, coastal-resource management and child, youth and family programs in villages around the country, from Bulacan and the Bicol region to Cebu, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Capiz, and Southern Leyte, among others.

Unfazed

Amid terror threats the US warned about in the last quarter of the year, the American volunteers traveled to Philippine villages unfazed, encouraged by the hospitality and generosity they have seen all around.

“I’ve also been to other countries before coming here and found it really difficult sometimes to get through the cultural barriers,” said 23-year-old Morgan Chow, also from California.

“But here, it’s been like so effortless. Just walking down the streets, people smile at you. It’s been so great and welcoming and I didn’t expect that,” she said.

Brownouts

Jennifer Rambach, a 23-year-old American of Korean descent, was with her host family in Manggahan, Subic, when Typhoon “Juan” ripped through northern Luzon in October. But for the volunteer, what became more memorable than the brownouts were the times she played in the rain with local children.

“You really learn to be patient, like we had brownouts, no running water. But the fun part was learning how to take a bath with rainwater, building little toys with children, playing in the rain and having a good time,” Rambach said.

Greatest resource

“It’s an amazing country that has everything. I think the greatest resource that the Philippines has is its people,” she said.

Coming to the Philippines as a Peace Corps volunteer is a dream come true for 59-year-old Debra Pritchard of San Francisco. She was 10 when the volunteer group was inaugurated in 1961 and had always wanted to take part in the service.

Long exposed to the Filipino way through friends in her hometown, Pritchard said in half-jest: “I can’t wait to go back there and speak Tagalog.”

Iyer held in awe how Filipinos “can make a party out of anything.”

“All you really need is a pair of hands to start clapping, you get a song going, somebody will bring merienda over, somebody will bring drinks over, then that’s it. I’ve never really had as much spontaneous fun than in this country so far, and I’ve been here for two and a half months,” he said.

Peace cook

Preparing no-meat meals for her American son was a challenge for Iyer’s host “mama,” Cherry Daniel. But the mother of five, whose eldest son was the same age as Iyer, was only too glad to stretch her kitchen skills with the help of a friend she liked to call a “peace cook” (a play on Peace Corps).

“It was hard at first but I learned... I asked a friend to teach me,” said the market vendor, who admitted getting teary-eyed when it was time to say goodbye to Iyer.

Basketball jersey

As a going-away gift, Daniel gave Iyer a Pilipinas basketball jersey bearing the Philippine colors.

“I always hear Filipinos saying that they have a lot to learn from America, that America’s such a model. But in reality, I think we have a lot more to learn from Filipinos,” said Iyer.

“There’s so many problems in this country, with the typhoon for example. But the way Filipinos deal with it, the way they adapt to the problem, the way they almost make it a celebration is something that’s unbelievable and I don’t think it’s really seen anywhere else in the world,” he added.

b_two

January 4th, 2011, 10:48 AM

^^^^

mas maganda talaga pag ang papuri nanggagaling sa iba... nakaka-touch.:)

OtAkAw

January 4th, 2011, 11:41 AM

^^Not to be pessimistic pero natural diyos ang trato ng mga Pinoy sa kanila kasi foreigners sila and it has been imbibed into our culture that we should make "samba" to them.

Kamusta naman ang trato ng mga Pilipino sa kapwa nila Pilipino? Harap harapan tayong ninanakawan ng mga taong hinahalal naten sa posisyon. Can we still call each other as the "greatest resource of our nation"? Kailangan may magbago.

Fraulein

January 4th, 2011, 11:49 AM

^^Hay naku, never ending story na yan sa sinasabi mo. Likas kasi sa atin na hospitable kahit hindi ka foreigner. Siguro, may experience ka na laging inaaway ng kapwa Pilipino. Minsan check rin natin ang sarili natin kung bakit... :)

pulsephaze22

January 4th, 2011, 03:13 PM

^^ I agree., Kami nga kapag may community service sa mga mahihirap talaga na lugar ganun rin naranasan ko eh. Tapos nung immersion namin for 1 week sa Silang Cavite sobrang babait tlaga nila, ultimo ulam ko dapat mas ok kesa sa kanila, kaya bumili pa sila ng sardinas para sakin kasi ang ulam lang daw nila eh adobong kangkong,. Pati malalambot na unan nila pag matutulog na kaming lahat ibibigay sakin yung mga pinakamalambot., Hay,. I miss them.

Linguine

January 6th, 2011, 05:34 AM

Pinoy designs toys for Disney

Posted January 6th, 2011 | Features | Comments (0) | 139 views
By Steve Angeles

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau – At 30, a soon-to-be-father of 2 is still playing with toys for a living. From “Toy Story” to “Cars” to “Pirates of the Caribbean”, PJ Palijo leads the creative Disney Team that takes movie and television characters from the screen and puts them into the hands of children.

For New York-born Palijo, a former fashion major, it was a Disney movie that would eventually influence his career.

“[The year] 1995 is when I saw ‘Toy Story’ when it first came out. Oh my gosh! I want to be a toy designer. How do I become a toy designer? Fortunately, an after-school I was attending had a toy design program,” said Palijo, Disney’s Design Director of Toys.

Palijo now designs “Toy Story” figures as well as other Disney and Pixar characters.

But he also went back to his Pinoy roots. Recently, the Disney team helped create limited edition Manny Pacquiao-Mickey Mouse figures available only in the Philippines.

Palijo said despite new technologies and characters, they continue to follow basic behavioral science when it comes to creating toys.

“The play pattern for a boy or girl never ever changes no matter how old you are, no matter generations of generations of kids. Little boys play with vehicles the same way little boys played with vehicles back in the 60s,” he said.

2 other Pinoys at Disney

One of his lead designers is another Pinoy, Rey Leoncio. His duty is to design toys and make them look as lifelike as possible.

“It’s a lot of work. But you know, at the end of the day, I think for me the most gratifying is when a kid tells his mom I want that figure,” Leoncio said.

Meanwhile, Bobby Saygen started his career interning for Palijo. He now designs non-action figure Disney toys such as board games and puzzles.

“The players are kinda really an international language so I explore different kinds of play throughout the world,” said Saygen, manager of Design Multi-properties.

Aside from racking up sales, they are also raking in awards.

A gravity-defying vehicle from the movie “Tron Legacy” has been nominated for the Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Foundation. Balitang America

http://thepinoy.net/?p=5673

jbkayaker12

January 6th, 2011, 05:53 AM

^^Not to be pessimistic pero natural diyos ang trato ng mga Pinoy sa kanila kasi foreigners sila and it has been imbibed into our culture that we should make "samba" to them.

I feel bad for you that you feel this way!!:ohno:

jaygold06

January 7th, 2011, 06:08 AM

[PHOTOS FROM FRANKFURT]From left: Manny Ott's brother, Mr. Palami, another brother of Manny Ott, Dennis Cagara, Manny Ott, Mark McMahon, Oliver Potschke, Patrick Reichelt, Paul Weiler, Jojo Rodriguez

Sitting from left: Mark Drinkuth, Patrick Herget, Ralph Koch

This was during the meeting of PFF officials with Fil-foreign... players in Frankfurt, Germany.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8320/pffmeeting.jpg

Kintoy

January 7th, 2011, 04:51 PM

Pacman is featured in Life magazine's iPad version:

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/f9f14039.png

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/20971535.png

urban Iegend

January 8th, 2011, 08:28 AM

pwede pa siguro to maski luma na... :D

Tinikling..Ed Sullivan Show, 1965

Performed by the Leyte Filipiniana Dance Troupe '65. by Texas Brown. Organized by the Holy Infant Academy, Tacloban City, Leyte Philippines
Bamboo clappers on right; Texas Brown and sister Betty Lee. Clappers on the left are Bonifacio Maceda and sister Socorro. Dancers on the right; Olegario Docena and Terisita Maceda. Dancers on the left are Dicky Engle and Cynthia Andrade.
Performed in LA, in 1965.

AjJXFzzCvs0

Fraulein

January 8th, 2011, 09:39 AM

Charice´s Solo Concert Tour in Japan, February 2011.

Check the schedules below:

NAGOYA CONCERT
February 21, 2011 (Mon) Zepp Nagoya
Doors open 18:00 / 19:00 starting
Q) Toukai Kyodo 052-972-7466

TOKYO CONCERTS
February 22 and 23
Kyodo Tokyo 0570-064-708
10:00 to 18:00 hours the operator
Ticket 0570-02-9999
Lawson Ticket 0570-084-003
CN Play 0570-08-9999

Special sponsor prior
Application period: October 19 (Tuesday) 18:00 -
November 26 (Fri) 18:00
Kyodo Tokyo 0570-064-708
Special reception preceding the organizers! Do not miss this opportunity! !

OSAKA CONCERT
February 25, 2011 (Fri) Zepp Osaka
Doors open 18:00 / 19:00 starting
Q) Kyodo 06-7732-8888

Charice Solo Concert in Japan, February 22-23

Looks like the Japanese can’t get enough of Charice! During the Japan leg of the David Foster and Friends Asia Tour, it was announced that Charice is coming back on February 22, 2011 for her solo Japan tour. It seems that Japan is now Charice’s third home (next to the U.S. and the Philippines). She’s just been to Japan about three months ago for her album promotional tour; and after less than four months, she’ll be back there again.
This is certainly an excellent boost for Charice’s career. As stated in the article, “Charice Tops Japan Music Charts”, Japan has the second largest market for pop music, and Charice having a share of that definitely spells success. And an easy feat it was not! Japan is known to have citizens that patronize their homegrown talents, and foreign acts have a very difficult time penetrating the music charts. But Charice didn’t let those things get to her, and just soldiered on ‘til the top.
And reach the top, she did. Her “Charice” album is certified gold in Japan, after only two months from being released there in July. And while she was in Japan during the David Foster and Friends Japan tour, a gorgeous glass plaque was awarded to her in recognition for the strong sales of her album.
Also, numerous appearances in television shows, like FOX Japan’s “Backstage Pass” and “Kiseki Taiken Unbelievable” (where Japanese actors re-enacted her life), certainly helped in generating buzz throughout Japan. One real-life example of her growing fan-base in Japan is Moofin’s experience, from the article “Why Charice is Number 1”:

http://i52.tinypic.com/r2jpzs.jpg

Fraulein

January 8th, 2011, 09:44 AM

'Charice' hits Gold mark in Thailand
By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ
November 11, 2010, 8:28am

MANILA, Philippines - Filipina singer Charice continues to reap success outside the country with her international debut album reaching Gold status in Thailand recently.

Her mother Raquel Pempengco happily tweeted about it on Nov. 9.

“Congratulation[s] Charice! Your album reached gold status in Thailand with 7000+ copies Woot Woot! At the top baby :D,” she posted.

Blogger Carlo dela Rosa affirmed the news in his entry on the same day, saying that he obtained the confirmation from a Warner Music Thailand executive.

The performance of Charice’s eponymous CD has been doing well in Thailand for the past few months. Last August, Carlo blogged about the album’s sales and chart performance.

“When asked for the overall album sales, they already sold 4,000+ copies! Not bad for an Asian artist who’s making a debut in the international arena,” he wrote.

And just 3,000 more copies and Charice’s album---which also went to number one in Thailand’s music stores for a few weeks---will hit the Platinum mark, added Carlo.

The “Glee” star is also enjoying a strong following in the said country, as she reportedly received astounding accolades from thousands of fans who watched her in the Thailand leg of the “David Foster and Friends” concert last Oct. 25.

Last month, Charice’s album was certified Gold in Japan, selling 100,000 copies. It is considered to be a rare achievement for a foreign artist, since local artists generally dominate Japan’s music charts.

Charice flew to the US on Nov. 10 after more than a week-long vacation in the Philippines. The 18-year old singing sensation will be busy fulfilling her commitments, including shooting for “Glee,” working on her second album, and preparing for the star-studded NBC “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special.

While Charice will be in the States, one of her international friends, singer-songwriter David Archuleta, will visit Manila for the second time to promote his new album, “The Other Side Of Down.”

In a recent live chat, the “Americal Idol” Season 7 runner-up expressed his excitement over seeing his Filipino fans again. Recall that he, together with Season 7 grand winner David Cook, held a back-to-back concert in Manila last May 2009.

David will touch down in Manila on Nov. 16. He is scheduled to hold a mall show at the SM City North EDSA Skydome on the 17th.

OtAkAw

January 8th, 2011, 02:44 PM

I feel bad for you that you feel this way!!:ohno:

Thank you for your concern, but since I don't feel bad for myself I don't need any of it. Cheers. :cheers:

Wow, Charice 100,000 copies in Japan?! THAT is a rare feat! I feel so happy for this girl, she deserves every bit of recognition she's receiving lately because she's extremely talented! :banana:

Askal82

January 8th, 2011, 06:21 PM

Thank you for your concern, but since I don't feel bad for myself I don't need any of it. Cheers. :cheers:

Wow, Charice 100,000 copies in Japan?! THAT is a rare feat! I feel so happy for this girl, she deserves every bit of recognition she's receiving lately because she's extremely talented! :banana:

Kaya dami inggit na mga Kpop groups. Total outclassed. :lol:

Ady001

January 9th, 2011, 03:36 AM

^^ An album in Japan costs about 3k yen or 1,500 pesos. Which is very steep for a foreign buyer.

Askal82

January 9th, 2011, 06:49 PM

^^ An album in Japan costs about 3k yen or 1,500 pesos. Which is very steep for a foreign buyer.

:nuts::nuts:

OtAkAw

January 10th, 2011, 06:54 AM

Kaya dami inggit na mga Kpop groups. Total outclassed. :lol:

Hahaha! I bet! :nuts: Kaya naiinis ako sa mga kababayan naten na adik sa K-Pop tapos maririnig mo ang mga comment na "anlaki ng ulo nyan", "ay, retokada", "ay, sumisigaw lang yan pag nagkakanta", "honestly naiirita ako sa kanya" about kay Charice. Talangka mentality at its finest! :nuts:

Askal82

January 10th, 2011, 07:15 AM

Fraulein

January 10th, 2011, 12:47 PM

“Pyramid” No 32 in Disney’s Top Songs of 2010

Posted on09 January 2011.
“Pyramid” No 32 in Disney’s Top Songs of 2010

Charice’s chart-topping single “Pyramid” was given a memory-jolting thumbs-up once more with Radio Disney revealing it was the 32nd most requested song from its listeners in 2010.

Radio Disney’s annual Top 50 Songs list is put together after calculating their most requested and played tracks over the course of the year. “Pyramid,” which also featured Iyaz, was released in February (remixes version) and reach No 1 on the Billboard Hot dance Club Songs.

In May, the only single released in 2010 from her debut international album “Charice,” was also ranked 13th in Radio Disney’s own Top 30 chart. But its popularity amongst radio Disney listeners has kept it amongst the top 32 songs played on the 42-station network over the course of the whole year.

Charice Disney Charts Pyramid No 32 in Disneys Top Songs of 2010

The upper end of the list is dominated by Charice’s fellow teenage music sensations, Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez (with her band The Scene), who together occupy 6 of the top 10 spots. Unsurprisingly, Bieber’s “Baby” makes it to No 1, with “Someone to Love” at No 4 and “U Smile” at No 8. Selena Gomez is at No 2 with “Naturally”, at No 5 with “Round and Round”, and takes 7th place with “A Year Without Rain.”

“Pyramid” is sandwiched between the Jonas Brothers tracks “Hey You” at No 31 and “Your Biggest Fan” (with China McClain) at No 33. Meanwhile, her own collaborator, Iyaz, features at No 26 with his hit song “Solo.”

Charice has become one of Radio Disney’s favorite artists and was a major hit when she guested on the station in June, a radio event that we rated in our Top 5 Most Engaging Radio Interviews of 2010. She held court during Ernie D’s show, exuding that playful side of her character we’ve become familiar with, and which obviously struck a cord with listeners. Later she performed live in studio.

In November, she was interview again by Radio Disney host Jake before her performance at the lighting of the Christmas Tree Lights at the Citadel Buildings in Los Angeles, a concert she did alongside Cody Simpson in front of an estimated 6,000 screaming teenagers.

Radio Disney may be the musical ear of the Disney mega-industry, but in catering specifically for the early teens of the United States, it packs a significant punch in the pop world.

Charice’s popularity then can be seen as a positive sign for her career, and while this list may feature songs only, David Foster himself will no doubt be pleased by his protege’s impact.

Ady001

January 11th, 2011, 03:31 AM

^^ They have issues and it's their problem. For me, I tried to appreciate Kpop but they're too cheesy and 'cold' for my taste. They don't have the charisma and charm of the Pinoy artists like Charice and Arnel that makes them appealing to a more diverse audience. Even the dancing flight attendant of Cebu Pacific who became popular on Youtube commanded more charisma than these kpop groups. hahaha.

Well, KPop for me has become a "for business" medium kasi. It might just be acting wise. Kaya we get too many Korean artists making it big in Japan.

Compare that with Charice. Youtube lang, ayun!

Perseus II

January 23rd, 2011, 03:12 PM

Pinay is 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/300215/pinay-2011-ford-supermodel-world

by ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
January 23, 2011, 6:02pm

A 17-year-old catwalk newbie from the Philippines won the 2011 Supermodel of the World contest in New York City, the first time that the country won the prestigious model search.

Danica Flores Magpantay, a student of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines (UP), won a US$250,000 contract from the Eileen Ford Modeling Agency. It is believed be the fashion industry’s biggest prize for a model search.

Magpantay stands 5’9” and weighs 109 lbs.

First runner-up was Lithuania, whose representative won a US$150,000 modeling contract while second runner-up, Poland, took home US$100,000. Representatives from Brazil and Poland rounded up the Top 5.

Observers said that modeling runs in the blood of Magpantay with her mother, Lala Flores, now a professional make-up artist, also representing the Philippines in the same modeling contest 20 years ago.

Last year, the Philippines figured prominently in the model search when Chat Almarvez was adjudged first-runner up.

The first Filipino to join the international modeling search was 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez who finished as one of the semi-finalists.

The contest, which started in the 1980s as “Face of the 80s,’’ discovers new talent for the fashion industry.

In an interview posted by Adventures of a Beauty Queen, after she won the local model search last Oct. 31, 2010, Magpantay said that it was only last August when she decided she wanted to give modeling a try.

Magpantay said she told about her plans to her mother who agreed to her decision.

The newest Ford model said that her mother enrolled her at the Masters School for Models where she took courses on walking and posing, among others.

After Magpantay graduated from the modeling school, her mentors urged her to join the Philippine search for the representative to the Supermodel of the World contest.

In the local search, Danica’s sister, Danielle, also joined the same contest. In the end, Danica won while her sister

afterlife00

January 23rd, 2011, 05:39 PM

Juris makes big in S. Korea (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/entertainment/juris-makes-big-s-korea) :cheers:

Sunday, January 16, 2011

ACOUSTIC pop singer Juris Fernandez is proud that she gets to release her latest album "If You and Me" in South Korea.

During the press conference of "Sessionistas", the singer said a Korean producer talked to them and relayed their interest in releasing her songs in South Korea.

"Pinapili kami ng mga songs then they added yung mga hits like Officially Missing You and yung Opposite Attracts," she said.

According to Juris, they recorded all the songs in Manila, while their Korean partner was responsible for releasing it.

"Natutuwa talaga ako kasi bagong blessings yun and I want to thank everyone who requested my songs on the Internet," she added.

People usually compare her to international singer Charice, but Juris pointed out, "Hindi ko kaya yung taas ng boses nya. Pero sana magustuhan ng mga Korean yung boses ko."

After the release of her album, Juris hoped to visit South Korea to personally thanked everyone who supported the project. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)

manila_eye

January 23rd, 2011, 05:48 PM

^^ hindi pa nga nire-release yung album makes it big na agad ang headline :|

Fraulein

January 24th, 2011, 12:16 AM

Pinay is 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World :banana: :banana: :banana:

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/300215/pinay-2011-ford-supermodel-world

by ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
January 23, 2011, 6:02pm

her pics: :)

http://i53.tinypic.com/29fa2w3.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2j5gcwp.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1360.snc4/163227_1766926128693_1105365051_32076046_4745262_n.jpg
CONGRATULATIONS Miss Philippines for winning the 2011 SUPERMODEL OF THE WORLD. DANICA FLORES MAGPANTAY of the Philippines wins 2011 Ford Models Supermodel of the World competition in New York City just a moment ago. In the photo, L-R: Lithuania (runner-up), Philippines (WINNER), Poland (runner-up). Great start in 2011 for the Philippines in beauty and fashion. Mabuhay!

Perseus II

January 24th, 2011, 01:42 AM

her pics: :)

http://i53.tinypic.com/29fa2w3.jpg

CONGRATULATIONS Miss Philippines for winning the 2011 SUPERMODEL OF THE WORLD. DANICA FLORES MAGPANTAY of the Philippines wins 2011 Ford Models Supermodel of the World competition in New York City just a moment ago. In the photo, L-R: Lithuania (runner-up), Philippines (WINNER), Poland (runner-up). Great start in 2011 for the Philippines in beauty and fashion. Mabuhay!

ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE PHILIPPINES :banana: :banana: :banana:

xxxriainxxx

January 24th, 2011, 06:02 AM

Hahaha! I bet! :nuts: Kaya naiinis ako sa mga kababayan naten na adik sa K-Pop tapos maririnig mo ang mga comment na "anlaki ng ulo nyan", "ay, retokada", "ay, sumisigaw lang yan pag nagkakanta", "honestly naiirita ako sa kanya" about kay Charice. Talangka mentality at its finest! :nuts:

May point ka dyan. :cheers:

Ady001

January 24th, 2011, 06:40 AM

^^ They're just one-sided about their chosen hobby...

afterlife00

January 24th, 2011, 06:50 AM

^^ hindi pa nga nire-release yung album makes it big na agad ang headline :|

Juris(쥬리스) – If.You.And.Me
- Released November 2010 :|

manila_eye

January 24th, 2011, 09:51 AM

Juris(쥬리스) – If.You.And.Me
- Released November 2010 :|

I was reacting regarding the article and obviously that date wasn't there :|

Makes it big? Did her single made it to number 1? Is her name a household name?

Makes it BIG!

:|

amigo32

January 24th, 2011, 12:16 PM

I was reacting regarding the article and obviously that date wasn't there :|

Makes it big? Did her single made it to number 1? Is her name a household name?

Makes it BIG!

:|

ano ka ba, eh big namn talaga yun:D:lol:

a_terisk78y™

January 25th, 2011, 08:39 AM

@yahoo news

Fil-Am busboy beats LeBron James, Kobe Bryant + more NBA players in basketball shootout

Filipino-American busboy Ricardo Reyes proved to be the David to five NBA Goliaths in basketball shootouts aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live. In June last year, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Charles Barkley and Carmelo Anthony all bowed down to Reyes' Pop-A-Shot prowess. Reyes outscored each of them in a 30-second one-on-one match on the electronic basketball game, with Bryant coming the closest at 58 points to Reyes' 82.

Reyes, 5'7 tall, lost all tip-offs to the towering players but reduced them to astounded onlookers when he coolly made shot after shot. Some players attempted to faze him—Bryant even swiped a ball away—but he remained a shooting machine. At the end of the shootout series, he drove off with a 2011 Ford Mustang and took home five trophies from Kimmel.

Reyes told ESPN he practices whenever he's on break at Barney's Beanery in Hollywood, California. According to PhilStar.com, he played every night after closing hours. His fixation with the game, which he spent his tips on, has led to arguments with his wife. But after he got the Mustang from Kimmel, he said, "When she sees my car, I say, okay, there is the money."

According to the website of Barney's Beanery—where Reyes has his own page—he continues to work full-time at the restaurant-bar but may be contacted for bookings.

Reyes beats LeBron James, 72-42

Reyes beats Charles Barkley, 85-51

Reyes beats Kobe Bryant, 82-58

Reyes beats Lamar Odom, 84-35

Reyes beats Carmelo Anthony, 72-38

filcan

January 25th, 2011, 02:58 PM

^^I'm pretty sure he's Mexican.

0WYOawlk6Gc

diz

January 26th, 2011, 03:54 AM

yep. heavy Mexican accent. then again, he lives in LA.

bitoy

January 26th, 2011, 04:34 AM

^^ He's Pinoy according to some of his Pinoy fans who hangout in Barbey's Beanery all the time.

When I used to live there, meron isang Pinoy na pianist sa isang restaurant, lahat ng requested musics ng mga customers, kayang kaya niya tugtugin but he's really a shy guy and don't want any part in the US music limelight, nalaman laman namin, duktor pala sa isang malaking orthopedic hospital sa LA. :lol:

IslandSon.PH

January 26th, 2011, 08:14 AM

Aljur given award in Korea
by Mario Bautista
Sunday, 23 January 2011 19:18

ALJUR Abrenica is understandably anxious about the outcome of tonight’s pilot telecast of “Machete” where he plays the title role of the wooden statue who springs to life.

“This is my biggest, most demanding assignment so far kaya nate-tension talaga ako to find out how the viewing public will accept it,” he says. “I gave my all to this project and I hope the audience will appreciate it.”

Considering how busy he is promoting “Machete,” he still found time to leave for Seoul, Korea last Thursday night to attend the Asian Model Festival Awards at Millenium Hotel. He’ll be given the Male Model award while GMA-7’s budding singer-actress, Frencheska Farr, was given the Female Model award. “It’s really an honor na ako’ng napili nila for this award kaya kahit sobrang busy ako, I still went to Seoul to accept the award personally. Bale two days lang ako roon then balik na agad dito para sa promo ng ‘Machete’.”

anakngpasig

January 29th, 2011, 05:22 AM

Paolo Rolden

Paris Fashion Week 2011/2012

Givenchy
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_VLbmgD6DYwU/TToDfcW2acI/AAAAAAAAIN8/RvM51sgHVsU/s800/Givenchy-Homotography-07.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_VLbmgD6DYwU/TToDvE-przI/AAAAAAAAIQM/8g-knkQMID8/s800/Givenchy-Homotography-42.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_VLbmgD6DYwU/TToDoGYPoRI/AAAAAAAAIPI/G09MPBZAfVQ/s800/Givenchy-Homotography-26.jpg

Hermès
http://i52.tinypic.com/2d9ocuo.jpg[/IMGhttp://i53.tinypic.com/2uhr3v8.jpghttp://i53.tinypic.com/2uhr3v8.jpg

[I]Milan Fashion Week 2011/2012

Giorgio Armani
http://images.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/fall/main/europe/menrunway/giorgioarmani/images/24.jpg http://images.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/fall/main/europe/menrunway/giorgioarmani/images/68.jpg

Emporio Armani
http://images.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/fall/main/europe/menrunway/emporioarmani/images/20.jpghttp://images.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/fall/main/europe/menrunway/emporioarmani/images/45.jpg

bledzoe

February 5th, 2011, 04:35 PM

Filipino cinematographer is Oscar award nominee (http://goodnewspilipinas.com/2011/02/03/filipino-cinematographer-is-oscar-award-nominee/)
Posted on February 3rd, 2011 under We are Pinoys!

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Matthew-Libatique.jpg

Matthew Libatique

Matthew Libatique one of the top creative talents in the US film industry has been nominated for an Oscar in Cinematography for his work in the Black Swan starring Natalie Portman.

The 42-year old is the first 100 percent Filipino to earn a major Oscar nomination. His father Justiniano is from Dagupan, Pangasinan and mom Georgina Libatique is from Lucena, Quezon.

Libatique, who already bagged the best cinematography awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics, the New York Film Critics and the New York Online, will be competing against the cinematographers of “Inception,” “The King’s Speech,” “The Social Network,” and “True Grit.”

Fondly known as Matty to his colleagues, he has also won a Best Cinematography trophy from the Independent Spirit Awards for “Requiem for a Dream” which was named one of the best short films of 1998-2008 by the American Cinematographer, the magazine of The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

A former classmate of “Black Swan” director Darren Aronofsky at the American Film Institute (AFI), Libatique has impressed Aronofsky so much that he has already done five films with him – “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Fountain,” “Pi,” “Protozoa,” “Black Swan” – and next, “Wolverine.”

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Matthew-Libatique-with-Natalie-Portman.jpg
Libatique with Natalie Portman

The award-winning cinematographer, who disclosed to us that he used to deliver lechon as his first job when he was 16 years old, learned the basics of photography first from his dad when he was handed his first camera.

Libatique, who began his career shooting music videos, has done films with Spike Lee (“Inside Man,” “Miracle at St. Anna,” “She Hate Me”), Joel Schumacher (“Tigerland,” “Phone Booth”) and Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,” “Iron Man 2″).

Aronofsky said of Libatique, “We actually grew up with similar backgrounds. He grew up in Queens and I grew up in Brooklyn so we have a lot in common. We just connected really well. It has been a really great life-long collaboration. And Matty, of course, has gone on to do these huge films like ‘Iron Man,’ ‘Iron Man 2′ and ‘Cowboys and Aliens.’ He’s big time now. It is great working with him because he is able to bring that skill set.”

In “Black Swan,” a psychological thriller in which Natalie Portman portrays an obsessed ballerina, Matthew masterfully shows the gritty world underneath the professional gloss of ballet. The film is probably the best collaboration so far of Matthew and Darren, who said that “Black Swan” and “The Wrestler,” for which Mickey Rourke got acting accolades, began as one movie.

daks2003

February 5th, 2011, 06:12 PM

TOPSHOT SEASON 2 on the History Channel
http://www.history.com/images/shows/landing/top-shot-reload-logo.png

http://www.history.com/images/show/article/top-shot/top-shot-about-season2.jpg

Athena Lee
http://www.history.com/images/shows/bios/top-shot/season-2/topshot-athena-lee.jpg

Age: 32
Hometown: Katy, TX
Occupation: Oil company contractor

» Watch Athena Lee in action (http://www.history.com/shows/top-shot/videos/playlists/season-2-bios#meet-athena-lee)

"Who doesn't want to see a short, Asian chick kick butt?" On the pro circuit, kicking butt is exactly what Athena's done. After winning two world IPSC Championship titles on the Philippine Ladies Team--and getting increasingly frustrated with the restrictions on professional shooters there--Athena emigrated to the U.S., where in 2008, she helped win a world title for the American women's team. In addition to competing, she was also a firearms instructor in Houston where she is passionate about opening people's minds about the sport of shooting--and who can be good at it. "It's a good feeling to be competing with a bunch of guys who are bigger than I am."

SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

* 2002 and 2003 World Speed Shooting Open Women's Champion
* 1999 and 2008 IPSC World Shoot Open Women's Champion
* 2001 and 2007 Australasian Open Women's Champion
* 2002 and 2007 USPSA National Open Women's Champion

kiretoce

February 5th, 2011, 10:10 PM

Manny Pacquiao on MTV Cribs! :okay:

uHh91Ru3wP4

crappypants

February 5th, 2011, 11:17 PM

I have two daughters one is princess the other is queen. :lol:
I wonder who stays there when he's not in the US most of the year.

amigo32

February 6th, 2011, 12:25 AM

gusto mo ng tsismis?

pasok tito Boy:D

spearhead

February 6th, 2011, 02:43 AM

Wow grabe sarap ng buhay nya... Pero sana sa pilipinas nalang sya nag invest ng ganyan kesa sa amerika.

amigo32

February 6th, 2011, 03:02 AM

mas malaki namn ang na invest nya sa Pinas. hindi mo pa ba nakita ang kangyang mansion sa Gensan?:D

spearhead

February 6th, 2011, 03:17 AM

mas malaki namn ang na invest nya sa Pinas. hindi mo pa ba nakita ang kangyang mansion sa Gensan?:D

Actually nakita ko na yun... Nakaka pang hinayan lang yung nainvest nya sa amerika na sana sa pinas nalang napunta... Ngayong government offical na sya, mas maganda paring magpakita sya ng patriotism, instead na bumili ng house and lot sa ibang bansa, sana nagrenta renta nalang sya dun ng hotel rooms or something while he was there during his fights.

Narnian_King

February 6th, 2011, 03:55 AM

Actually nakita ko na yun... Nakaka pang hinayan lang yung nainvest nya sa amerika na sana sa pinas nalang napunta... Ngayong government offical na sya, mas maganda paring magpakita sya ng patriotism, instead na bumili ng house and lot sa ibang bansa, sana nagrenta renta nalang sya dun ng hotel rooms or something while he was there during his fights.

1 Awesome House and Lot sa LA compare mo sa dami ng mansion na pinagawa niya sa Pinas :lol:

NOVO ECIJANO

February 7th, 2011, 09:19 AM

Congrats Pacquiao,You deserve it

Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao to meet Barack and Michelle Obama on February 15

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee will meet U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on February 15 at the White House, reports PhilStar.com. Pacquiao will be the first Filipino boxer to enter the White House in Washington, D.C., according to PEP.ph.

The Sarangani congressman will ask Obama for help for his constituents in the province, according to PhilStar.com. Pacquaio told PEP.ph, "Siyempre, excited tayo dahil matagal ko ng pangarap na makaharap at makausap si US President Obama. Isa ito sa hindi ko malilimutan na parte ng buhay ko dahil malaki ang paghanga ko sa kanya." ("Of course we're excited. I've long dreamed of meeting U.S. President Obama. I will never forget this because I admire him very much.")

Meanwhile, his wife Jinkee told PEP.ph, "Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko or masasabi ko kapag nandoon na kami. Baka matulala na lang ako kapag nasa harapan namin sila (laughs)." ("I don't know what to say or do once we meet them. I might get star struck.")

The Preview cover girl plans on wearing something simple but elegant. "Kailangan presentable ako bilang misis niya... For sure, maganda ang suot ni First Lady Michelle Obama. Sana magandahan siya sa mapipili kong isusuot ko." ("As Manny's wife, I have to look presentable. For sure, First Lady Michelle Obama will wear something nice. I hope she likes what I decide to wear.")

http://Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao to meet Barack and Michelle Obama on February 15

shyaman

February 7th, 2011, 12:43 PM

^^ A lot of Filipino politicians will be dying of envy for sure. :lol:

amigo32

February 7th, 2011, 01:00 PM

Like Pnoy?:D toinks

diz

February 8th, 2011, 01:17 AM

beat PNoy to it. :lol: at least he won't get as buthurt as PGMA... he'll be busy playing with his new car.

Ady001

February 8th, 2011, 03:25 AM

^^ What made him a true patriot was when he said that if he's going to meet Obama, he's going into talks about investment in his home province Saranggani.

Now talk about using this publicity rather than dining in a swank resto and spending tons of moolah to entice investors.

Askal82

February 8th, 2011, 03:38 AM

Parang dalawa ang presidente ng Pilpinas. :lol:

pedro delacruz

February 8th, 2011, 10:02 AM

Actually nakita ko na yun... Nakaka pang hinayan lang yung nainvest nya sa amerika na sana sa pinas nalang napunta... Ngayong government offical na sya, mas maganda paring magpakita sya ng patriotism, instead na bumili ng house and lot sa ibang bansa, sana nagrenta renta nalang sya dun ng hotel rooms or something while he was there during his fights.

alam mo ba kung gano karami ang pera ni pacman bilyonaryo yan maliit pa nga yung mansion nya sa L.A. eh. ang maganda dun na ipalabas sa mtv yung bahay nya dapat proud tayo dun. wag kang manghinayang dun dahil maraming natutulungan si pacman..:):):):banana::lol:

hakz2007

February 8th, 2011, 05:15 PM

Reminders:

1. Strong reminder on posting images: provide credit, link to source and respect copyrights! (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/announcement.php?f=585&a=1131)

This is a strong reminder to all forum users that posted images which are not owned and hosted by yourself must be properly credited, a link to the source must be provided and individual copyrights respected. Posted images which are not compliant to this are subject to removal. Thanks all for your cooperation.

2. When posting online articles/news items. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/announcement.php?f=585&a=477)
When posting articles taken from online sources, please also take the time to provide the link as to acknowledge your source. It's only fair and just to do so. Thank you very much for your cooperation on this matter.

All images and news items/articles posted without proper sourcing or linking will be subject for deletion.

Perseus II

February 9th, 2011, 02:25 AM

alam mo ba kung gano karami ang pera ni pacman bilyonaryo yan maliit pa nga yung mansion nya sa L.A. eh. ang maganda dun na ipalabas sa mtv yung bahay nya dapat proud tayo dun. wag kang manghinayang dun dahil maraming natutulungan si pacman..:):):):banana::lol:

at LEAST alam natin saan nanggaling ang pera ni pacman. Kahit ako, kung ganon kadami pera ko bibili rin ako ng house and lot sa amerika.

pacman deserves all the pampering kasi nakikipagbasagan muna sya ng bungo bago nya malikom ang sandamakmak na salapi ... sariling dugo at pawis.

HINDI KATULAD NG IBA DYAN :lol: :lol: :lol:

bledzoe

February 9th, 2011, 04:35 PM

Philippine Azkals win over Mongolia, 2-0
(http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20110209-319413/Philippine-Azkals-win-over-Mongolia-2-0)
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 21:48:00 02/09/2011

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIEMjuDpGB3wNurS7ZpvWVpIgTkp5FWQbKV7Z3JOh3tRhw-1rR

Filed Under: Football, Inter Nations competition
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Azkals beat Mongolia’s Blue Wolves, 2-0 on Wednesday’s first leg of the qualifying match in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Chieffy Caligdong and Phil Younghusband scored the goals for the Azkals as a crowd of an estimated 18,000 Filipinos from all over the country cheered them on like rock stars.

Fraulein

February 10th, 2011, 10:28 AM

^^:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

jaygold06

February 11th, 2011, 04:03 AM

BBC covers Azkals
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/303618/bbc-covers-azkals

BBC covers Azkals
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO
February 10, 2011, 6:55pm

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Even a prestigious media outfit from England, a nation which embraces football like a religion, appears to have been smitten by the exploits of the Philippine Azkals and the football mania that swept the country over the past weeks.

For the first time in its international coverage, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) sent a radio and TV correspondent to cover a Philippine football game – the Philippine Azkals-Mongolia AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match, which the Filipinos won, 2-0, Wednesday night before an electric banner crowd.

Kate McGeon, the BBC’s Manila correspondent, said the coverage wasn’t really for the match itself since it was just a qualifier but it was for the hype and the passion the Filipinos now have for football, which she said can be credited to the impressive victories of the Philippine Azkals.

“I’m here because it’s really interesting that football is taking off in this country. If you think of the Philippines, you think about basketball not football,” McGeon said in an interview shortly after the match at the Panaad Stadium here.

“It’s fascinating to people, especially in UK. You know we are a football nation. And people here are getting interested in the game.”

BBC covers all big-time football tournaments in Europe, including the Premiere League.

“It’s not so much about the quality of the match or how important the match is internationally. It’s more of the Philippines really engaging with football in the way they never happened before,” she added.

A 10-year veteran of BBC, McGeon will be coming out with a short radio piece on the match over the weekend and a longer feature story on TV in the coming weeks.

Describing what she witnessed inside the stadium, McGeon said she was awestruck.

“I loved it. The Filipinos are really happy-bubbly people, anyway. I saw them all in the stadium and the team won, 2-0. It’s unbelievable. They just explode there, it’s brilliant and it’s great,” she said.

Asked how she will angle her story for the radio and TV piece, McGeon quickly responded and said: “My angle will be that, ‘People abroad, when they thought of Philippines, and they thought of sport, they thought of basketball. And recently, the Philippine team, the Azkals, who have won quite a few matches, suddenly made people rooting for the team... buying t-shirts, scarf, painting themselves (face painting-Philippine flag). And they’re coming here in the stadium for the match, the first international match for a long time if you really don’t count the Southeast Asian Games.”

Even President Aquino was rejoicing the victory of the Azkals, issuing Thursday a congratulatory message for the team’s bringing pride and honor to the country.

“I, along with the rest of the Filipino people, congratulate the Philippine Azkals for winning the first leg of their pre-qualifier match versus Mongolia, 2-0, in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup last Wednesday night. I am grateful to you for bringing pride and honor to Filipinos the world over,” the President said.

“Your two goals showcased both Filipino creativity and the hard work you put in to master your sport. You brought our people together, and reminded us once again that, united, we can reclaim our nation's glory. We look forward to cheering you on toward more triumphs,” he said.

All members of the triumphant Philippine Azkals were expected to pay a courtesy call on the President Thursday afternoon at the Palace.

The President was unable to personally watch the football game between the Philippines and Mongolia due to his hectic schedule. (With a report by Genalyn D. Kabiling)

Ady001

February 11th, 2011, 05:43 AM

^^ Madami kasing yummy.

watcher09

February 11th, 2011, 10:08 AM

^^ Madami kasing yummy.

Napatawa mo ako ron! LOL.

xxxriainxxx

February 11th, 2011, 10:40 AM

pWognOH5Q68

Yay!

filcan

February 11th, 2011, 02:55 PM

^^It looks like everyone's more interested in the human wave than the game...hahaha

r0mm3l

February 11th, 2011, 03:24 PM

wow! ang galing! hehehe! ^^ sana marami pang football games ang mangyayari..,

-SNPKLSDMBLDR-

February 11th, 2011, 03:25 PM

di pa naman nagsisimula ang game based doon sa video (i think :lol:)

amras

February 12th, 2011, 04:05 PM

that "human-wave" happened during the half-time break^^

r0mm3l

February 14th, 2011, 08:06 AM

Pinoy wins ice-carving contest in Canada

A Filipino bagged two awards at the "Winterlude" international ice-carving contest in Canada last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said over the weekend.

The DFA said in a statement that Montreal-based Ross Baisas topped in the ice-carving contest, participated by 28 professional carvers from 11 countries.

"Baisas, who is the resident artist of the Casino du Monde Royale in Quebec, won first place in the One-Block Challenge, transforming one block of ice into a sculpture inspired by the theme 'Yin and Yang' in two hours," the DFA said.

Baisas also won third place in the "pairs category," where he teamed up with Canadian artist Michael Tuinstra to produce their sculpture called "Destiny."

The contest was held at the Rogers Crystal Garden, Confederation Park, Ottawa, Canada, last Feb. 4.

Winterlude, which started in 1979, is a festival of outdoor activities including public skating and skating displays, ice sculpture competitions, musical concerts, and numerous off-site events.
— JE/KBK, GMA News.com

amigo32

February 14th, 2011, 11:28 AM

ano yun, baka yan yung mga nag titinda ng tube ice:D j/k

r0mm3l

February 14th, 2011, 01:01 PM

hahaha!:lol: ^^

urban Iegend

February 14th, 2011, 02:58 PM

^^It looks like everyone's more interested in the human wave than the game...hahaha

its quite obvious in the video that the game has not started/resumed yet :)

kiretoce

February 17th, 2011, 06:06 AM

Parchie

February 18th, 2011, 04:10 AM

Today's NPR's (National Public Radio) podcast from the radio show "All Things Considered" about Manny Pacquiao (audio file (http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=133812080&m=133816211)).

Nice to hear people on the other side of the world see things differently.
Thanks @kiretoce for the link, enjoyed listening it.

filcan

February 18th, 2011, 03:31 PM

Canadian youngster becomes Internet sensation thanks to Lady Gaga

A 10-year-old Canadian girl has become the latest Internet sensation thanks to her incredible voice and a little help from Lady Gaga.

The avante-gard pop singer will be joining Maria Aragon live on the phone when the youngster performs on Virgin Radio 99.9 in Toronto Friday at 3:30pm.

Aragon, a Winnipeg native, posted a video of herself singing Lady Gaga’s single “Born this Way” on YouTube. The pop singer saw the post and linked to it on her Twitter feed.

“Can’t stop crying watching this. This is why I make music. She is the future,” Lady Gaga tweeted Thursday.

As of Friday morning more than one million people viewed the girl’s YouTube video.

Citynews.ca (http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/entertainment/local/article/114618--canadian-youngster-becomes-internet-sensation-thanks-to-lady-gaga)

xG0wi1m-89o&feature=aso

xxxriainxxx

February 18th, 2011, 04:40 PM

^^ I am not sure ha...but I don't think she's that a good singer.

NOVO ECIJANO

February 18th, 2011, 05:32 PM

How about this Fil-Am girl?
http://http://www.jDqh_qpFz5o

http://http://www.mswF0jkO7TM

filcan

February 18th, 2011, 05:36 PM

^^ I am not sure ha...but I don't think she's that a good singer.

^^I know what you mean @Riain, but if you close your eyes it's pretty descent singing for a 10 year old on a piano. :D

xxxriainxxx

February 18th, 2011, 06:15 PM

^^I know what you mean @Riain, but if you close your eyes it's pretty descent singing for a 10 year old on a piano. :D

*heaves a sigh of relief* My God. I was waiting for a :storm:

Oh Thia Megia, I heard she made it to top 24... She's got quite a few detractors, mostly about her voice. She's not bad, she's getting better actually, more control on her voice. She looks like she's a very likable kid. But she's in a very tough place, I dunno if she can make it to top 12, we'll see. There's quite a few outstanding contestants.

Si Clint Gamboa daw (the guy who kicked out the poor fat kid JC from their group) is half Pinoy. But I dont think he will get supporters because of what he did knowing AI is all about popularity.

kiretoce

February 19th, 2011, 04:21 AM

Nice to hear people on the other side of the world see things differently.
Thanks @kiretoce for the link, enjoyed listening it.

You're welcome! It was my pleasure to share it here. :colgate:

Fraulein

February 20th, 2011, 08:59 AM

^^ I am not sure ha...but I don't think she's that a good singer.

Ok lang naman. Pero at least, napapansin na siya lalo na si Lady Gaga...:)

Y_DmxlfIn8U

Nice video... :)

whippersnapper

February 20th, 2011, 10:54 AM

Filipino boxer Donaire stops Montiel to become world champ anew
February 20, 2011 13:02:51
| | More Share133

Nonito Donaire is back as a world champion.

The Filipino boxer stopped Mexican foe Fernando Montiel in the second round of their bantamweight title fight on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A vicious left counter by Donaire to the temple of Montiel sent the Mexican down to the canvass in the latter stage of Round No.2. The defending champion struggled to get up, but the Filipino wasted no time in disposing off his rival before the referee stopped the fight in 2:25 of the said round.

The sensational second-round stoppage had Donaire, a former International Boxing Federation flyweight titlist, wresting the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization bantamweight belts from Montiel to become world champion anew.

Donaire joins eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, WBO minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes and lady world champ Ana Julaton as the only Filipino world titlists. - Rey Joble, GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/pbr/article/213486/filipino-boxer-donaire-stops-montiel-to-become-world-champ-anew

congratss.. ang lupit mo talga..

NOVO ECIJANO

February 20th, 2011, 11:00 PM

Donaire one of the world’s best – expert
Nonito Donaire Jr. AFP PHOTO

BY JOSEF T. RAMOS CORRESPONDENT

NONITO “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr.won’t be just called second best anymore behind compatriot Manny Pacquiao after all.

Even former champion Roy Jones Jr. claimed that Donaire surprisingly caught his attention without a doubt when the Filipino fighter put Fernando Montiel crashing back to earth via solid second round knockout Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“I saw this kid on TV a couple of years ago and I picked him out then,” said Jones, the long-time pound-for-pound who served as a color analyst for HBO on Saturday.

Jones, in an interview by Yahoo! Sports boxing columnist Kevin Iole, also said the Donaire’s style is absolutely different with Pacquiao, which is enough not to compare him if he’s No. 1 or No. 2.

“To be honest, there’s an argument whether he’s No. 1 or No. 2. I see [Donaire] doing things I don’t see many fighters do. He uses his feet first and his hands second. That check hook he threw was incredible. It was a punch I had perfected. I brought that punch to the game and this kid has it down pat solid.”

Jones, who saw Donaire’s ability to counter-punch Montiel’s blistering throws in the second round, considered the 28-year-old Donaire even before the next best incomparable fighter in the last 10 years.

“This kid, when I saw him on TV a couple of years ago, I told my people he was the next best fighter I had seen in the last 10 years,” said Jones, a future Hall of Famer who held world titles at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.

“That’s the truth. It was about two, three years ago and that’s how I remembered his name. I said, ‘That’s the best kid coming up I’ve seen in 10 years.’ They didn’t believe it, but I knew it.”

For most boxing fanatics around the world, Donaire’s speed and the strong left hook all over the second round were absolutely the factors that wiped out Montiel, who now fell to 44-3-2 win-loss-draw card with 34 knockouts.

Donaire, who now hiked his record to 26-1 with 18 knockouts, was never threatened. He was faster, he was smarter and he was far more powerful, according to Jones. And Montiel paid the price for playing cocky in the first round.

Donaire raked him with a straight right in the opening moments. About a minute or so later, Donaire ripped him with a left hook that seemed to bother the champion.

Donaire’s tremendous win earned him the world boxing council and world boxing organization bantamweight straps.

Donaire was a longtime flyweight champion—the same division where Pacquiao began his historic run—and also had won an interim junior bantamweight belt.

Short URL: http://www.manilatimes.net/?p=3687

http://http://www.manilatimes.net/sports/donaire-one-of-the-world%e2%80%99s-best-%e2%80%93-expert/

NOVO ECIJANO

February 20th, 2011, 11:12 PM

Thia Megia,Monique de los Santos and Clint Jun Gamboa,three Filipinos among American Idol top 24?

http://http://www.VxKx2rE8sug&feature=related

http://http://www.PUt-RqGy16Y

swatch69sg

February 22nd, 2011, 09:48 PM

Wall's Gold Series Ice Cream Commercial.

Have you watched this guys? Pinapalabas ito sa Singapore and I believe most Asian countries. In Singapore, mas kilala ang Wall's ice cream brand instead of Selecta brand na ginagamit sa Pilipinas pero I think they are the same brand under Unilever kasi same sila ng logo.

parUf3_OYKc

Below is the version na may Chinese characters yung commercial at the end to cater to Chinese audiences.

ieZjf7Imhb8

diz

February 23rd, 2011, 01:34 AM

^ Unilever Ice Cream brands worldwide:
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101201124827/logopedia/images/thumb/f/f2/Unilever_Ice_Cream_Companies_1998.svg/830px-Unilever_Ice_Cream_Companies_1998.svg.png

lex_99

February 23rd, 2011, 02:20 AM

Yeah, I saw the commercial the other day while watching News on 5. Wall's in SG is actually made in the PI. Also, the previous endorsers of wall's in SG and Malaysia I think are Zoren, Carmina, and their kids

metrosuburban

February 25th, 2011, 03:50 AM

haha, glad to see these commercials with pinoy models being aired in asia..

Fraulein

February 25th, 2011, 12:13 PM

^^agree. It shows na creative ang mga Pinoy in making TV commercials... :)

bledzoe

February 27th, 2011, 01:21 PM

CONTENDER FOR OSCARS
Filipino cinematographer wins indie film award (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20110227-322535/Filipino-cinematographer-wins-indie-film-award)

By Ruben V. Nepales
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:58:00 02/27/2011

http://images.inquirer.net/media/networkindex/images/pic-02270725000338.jpg

LOS ANGELES – On the eve of the Academy Awards, Matthew Libatique, the Filipino cinematographer of “Black Swan” won the best cinematography prize in the Independent Spirit Awards held in Santa Monica, California.

Libatique, the top Filipino-American creative talent working behind the scenes in the US film industry today, is also in the running for the best cinematography honors in the Oscars which takes place Sunday evening (Monday in Manila). It is his first Academy nomination.

The lensman’s win in the Independent Spirit Awards, which recognizes excellence in films with budgets under $20 million, is his second. Libatique won the trophy for the first time with “Requiem for a Dream,” one of his earliest films with his frequent collaborator, Darren Aronofsky.

Libatique told the Inquirer by phone that his second triumph was sweet because the last time he won was in 2001. “It took a long time for me to get back,” he said. “The first award happened early in my career. So I don’t take this recognition for granted.” The filmmaker added that he loves indie cinema and what it stands for so he valued the honor. “I identify strongly with the independent filmmaking community.”

He shared that in his acceptance speech, he gave special thanks to his wife, Magela Crosignani, who is also a cinematographer, and their two children.

“Black Swan” dominated Saturday’s awards, winning in all the categories in which it was nominated – including Best Feature, Best Director (Aronofsky) and Best Actress (Natalie Portman). The film pulled an upset over “Winter’s Bone,” considered the frontrunner with seven nods but which won in only two categories.

Sthanlee B. Mirador, the Filipino-American photographer who covered the awards held by the beach, told the Inquirer, “When Matthew walked into the press room after he won, he had this huge smile on his face. He came up to me, shook my hand, gave me a hug and said to me, ‘We did it, man!’ I replied, ‘Take home the Oscar tomorrow.’ He simply smiled and shook my hand again.”

Mirador said that Libatique was visibly ecstatic when “Black Swan” won in the other categories. In his category, the director of photography beat Michael McDonough, “Winter's Bone,” Adam Kimmel, “Never Let Me Go,” Jody Lee Lipes, “Tiny Furniture” and Harris Savides, “Greenberg.”

In the Academy Awards, Libatique, 42, one of the youngest members of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), is competing against veterans – Roger Deakins, “True Grit,” Wally Pfister, “Inception,” Danny Cohen, “The King’s Speech” and Jeff Cronenweth, “The Social Network.”

Born in Queens, New York, Libatique has chalked up major film credits, including the two “Iron Man” movies directed by Jon Favreau. The lensman’s collaborations with Aronofsky include “The Fountain,” “Pi” and “Protozoa,” a short film from their American Film Institute graduate student days.

In an online poll conducted by “American Cinematographer,” the magazine of ASC, “Requiem…” was named one of the best shot films from 1998 to 2008, alongside such award-winning movies as “Amelie,” “American Beauty” and “City of God.” Libatique’s most recent project is Favreau’s “Cowboys & Aliens,” which stars Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig and is due out this year. His other credits include two films with Joel Schumacher, “Tigerland” and “Phone Booth,” and three with Spike Lee – “Inside Man,” “Miracle at St. Anna” and “She Hate Me.”

Libatique, who is called Matty by friends and colleagues, began his career by shooting music videos with such artists as Tracy Chapman (“Give Me One Reason”), Moby, Jay-Z, Brian McKnight and 98 Degrees. He followed and shot Kobe Bryant during a day in the 2008 NBA playoffs for the documentary “Kobe Doin’ Work.” He also directs commercials in between film projects.

In “Black Swan,” a psychological thriller in which Portman portrays an obsessed ballerina, Matthew masterfully shows the gritty world underneath the professional gloss of ballet. The film is considered by many as the best collaboration so far of Libatique and Aronofsky, who said that “Black Swan” and “The Wrestler,” for which Mickey Rourke got acting accolades, began as one movie.

In an earlier interview with the Inquirer, Aronofsky said that Libatique’s DP expertise helped in making “Black Swan,” whose $13 million budget is loose change compared with the budgets of their “Iron Man” movies. “We didn’t have the spotlight in some of the ballet scenes,” the director disclosed. “So we didn’t know where the shadows were. Matty had to sit there with his dimmer board, making sure one spotlight came down while another came up so that there weren’t any shadows in the shot. So technically, and Matty has said this, too, ‘Black Swan’ was more difficult for him than any of those big movies like ‘Iron Man’ because he had less tools and less time. We had to make do with the limitations we had.”

Libatique traced his interest in photography and cinematography to a gift – a Nikon camera – that his father, Justiniano Libatique, gave him when he was a child. “My father was an amateur photographer and worked at a film lab in New York,” he said. “He taught me the fundamentals of photography at an age when I didn’t realize I would spend the rest of my life using them. I did not even know what a cinematographer was at 11 years old.”

The aspiring filmmaker’s parents “didn’t quite understand how I would make a living as a cinematographer and that was a source of anxiety for them, but they never dissuaded me from it.”

He is proud of his Filipino heritage. “Both of my parents spoke Tagalog when I was growing up,” Libatique said. “Although I spoke Tagalog very early on, my life became dominated by English when I started school. I still understand Tagalog but rarely hear it since my mother married an American. She now goes by the name Georgina Porter. I consider myself a Filipino, however. I cook and eat Filipino food all the time.

Libatique’s trips to the Philippines included one that was work-related. “I shot second unit on a film, ‘Soldier Boyz,’ with Darren. I taught him about pinakbet.”

Portman is considered in a close fight with Annette Bening (“The Kids Are All Right”) in the Academy’s Best Actress race. Libatique’s gritty cinematography is credited as one of the factors for Portman’s well-received portrayal of a paranoid prima ballerina. “Natalie is interesting because she’s a bad-ass actor,” Libatique said. “It’s my job to capture that through cinematography. If you look at the film, you’ll see that it’s her face that makes you believe she is a ballerina.”

Libatique is also grateful to “Spike Lee, along with his former cinematographer, Ernest Dickerson. They are the reasons I became a filmmaker. So, when Spike called and asked me to shoot ‘She Hate Me,’ it was a landmark moment in my career. Making a film with Spike is an experience, and I’ve had the rare opportunity to have made three with him. He challenged me in different ways than other directors. He’s a force of nature who demands the best from everyone.”

Libatique and Aronofsky will work together again on the next “Wolverine” movie with Hugh Jackman resuming the title role.

Of his chances at the Oscars, the low-key talent with impressive credits said, “I don’t expect to win. I feel like I’ve already won, especially with this honor from the Independent Spirit Awards.” He added that he might wear something with a touch of the Philippines or of the Filipino in him. But he stressed that he will make that decision on Sunday morning.

Fraulein

February 28th, 2011, 02:52 AM

^^Wow.. Oscars naman... Sana manalo sya... :)

Fraulein

February 28th, 2011, 05:36 AM

^^He lost to Wally Pfister of Inception...

But anyway, Fil-Am Luke Matheny won Best Short Film (Live Action) for God of Love in 83rd Oscar Awards... :)

http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/83/nominees.html

RonnieR

March 4th, 2011, 07:06 AM

bitoy

March 4th, 2011, 07:39 AM

^^ Thia's song ! alisin ng youtube kaagad ito...:lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9nyms_BP1s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ImAiaOXDoA

Pinoy wins int'l award in Physics (http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=661708)

By Jun Pasaylo (philstar.com) Updated February 28, 2011 11:16 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Another Filipino brings pride to the country after he wins an international award in Physics for his work in semiconductor optics.

Dr. Ryan Balili graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology.

He is this year’s recipient of the Gallieno Denardo Award for his work on the development of a new source of coherent light which may be the future in the production of lasers.

The award is given by the International Commission for Optics (ICO) and the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) to young researchers from developing countries. Balili currently heads the photonics research of MSU-IIT.

The winner of the Denardo Awards gets a cash prize of US$1,000, a diploma, and an invitation to a three-week-long stay in Trieste, Italy where he is given a chance to give a seminar on his work.

xxxriainxxx

March 4th, 2011, 08:48 AM

Congratulations!

THIA MEGIIA made it in Top 13!

*
Thia Megia enters 'Americal Idol' Final 13
By Glenda Villena, For Yahoo! Southeast Asia Thursday March 3, 2011 09:28 pm PST

http://ph.promotion.yahoo.com/entertainment/article/post/entertainmentfeat_ph/361/thia-megia-enters-americal-idol-final-13.html

Filipino-American Thia Megia has secured a spot in the "American Idol" Season 10 finals.

Thia was among the top 10 finalists the US audience voted to stay in the competition. The judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, chose three of the thirteen finalists to remain.

I was skeptical at first of Thia, but her performance for top 24 was really good I have to admit, she's got a great chance. Tama din ginawa nya, puro lahat maingay ang mga kasama nya, tapos sa kanya, tumahimik. Voice quality ang nagdala.

I am a convert now. :) Good luck Thia! :cheers:

Fraulein

March 4th, 2011, 09:24 AM

^^Great job Thia! I hope the next American Idol will be Asian-American!!! :)

bledzoe

March 4th, 2011, 05:30 PM

is it only me or Thia looks like Sarah Geronimo?

look how she stands out!

i couldn't agree more with Fraulein that perhaps the next American Idol will be of Asian descent...that's our very own Thia Megia...she's oozing with confidence. she is not a newbie after all when it comes to big competition like this.

SIo00SMMu1w

VxKx2rE8sug

ISZbqiOVtnI

bitoy

March 4th, 2011, 07:12 PM

^^ In case she made it to the top, her main problem will be her mom. Long story, but it will come out sooner or later.

But she's really good even before her stint on "America's Got Talent". I wonder what happened to her 2 or 3 other female friends, magaling din kumanta ang mga yun...

darknyt1

March 4th, 2011, 08:58 PM

Video: Lady Gaga Performs 'Born This Way' With YouTube Star
posted by Kelly Fisher on March 4, 2011

Concert in Toronto dated Mar. 3, 2011
LEB3nnIsAmQ
featured from AOL's PopEater web

Narnian_King

March 5th, 2011, 01:07 AM

ZwwgyQuH9iA

clear version :banana:

Aerin

March 5th, 2011, 01:41 AM

Askal82

March 5th, 2011, 10:48 PM

Dakpa ang akong tiil

March 6th, 2011, 02:55 AM

Thia Megia makes 'Idol' Top 10 cut; Charice 'Glee' episodes down to four (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/307734/thia-megia-makes-idol-top-10-cut-charice-glee-episodes-down-four)

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Thia.jpg

Charice Pempengco is not the only celebrity rallying behind Filipino-American Thia Megia’s “American Idol” cause. Judges and voice coaches of the most popular talent search on TV have also raved about the 15-year-old’s belting ability.

And America agreed when Megia made it to this season’s Top 10 on March 4 (Manila time).

Megia joins fellow finalists Scotty McCreery, Pia Toscano, Lauren Alaina, Karen Rodriguez, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, Haley Reinhart, and James Durbin. Wild card candidates (Stefano Langone, Ashthon Jone and Naima Adedapo) also join the top 10. This meant 11 out of the 24 semi-finalists were sent home Friday.

“The kid is amazing. She’s 15. She’s so beyond her years musically, it’s insane. This is the first year we’ve had 15-year-olds on the show – I’d like to see her do well because of that,” Michael Orland told HollywoodLife.com in an interview. The entertainment site caught up with the Top 24 semi-finalist from Mountain House, Calif. during “Idol Prom” event in Hollywood a few days ago.

Season 10 judge Randy Jackson also strapped Mejia with good reviews after her rendition of “Out Here On My Own” March 3 when he likened her vocal quality to that of Michael Jackson’s.

“It’s been said and it is definitely true that the mark of a great singer… is the quality of the tone of the voice…. [and] your tone when we first heard you reminded me so much of the late great Michael Jackson,” he declared.

Jackson also called the performance, “Infectious... It doesn’t matter what age you are. This is what hot singing is about!” Jackson added.

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez joined the Megia fan club when the Aerosmith front man raved: “Sometimes a person’s pitch can be so perfect it doesn’t matter what song they sing. And you just did that. I can’t believe you’re 15! Although we [chose] so many people that are so good it’s gonna be hard for the American public to pick but [Megia made] it easy for [me].”

Lopez meanwhile called the entire performance beautiful. “It was just so beautiful. It’s such a quiet moment in the middle of all these very big performances to come out there, stand still, sing with no music in the beginning and just captivate every single person in this room was really, really special.”

Fortunately for Megia, Charice has been publicly cheering the young Filipina up via social networking portals.

“So proud of my friend, Thia being on ‘American Idol.’ Goodluck to you, young lady and see you here in Hollywood! Miss u,” tweeted Charice recently.

Speaking of Charice, she told HollywoodLife.com that she will be back for four more “Glee” stints in the serial’s current season. Not five, six or seven as previously reported.

“I’m doing ‘Glee,’ of course. I’m on for four more episodes, which is exciting,” she told HollywoodLife.com during the annual Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards in NYC’s Lincoln Center.

As Sunshine Corazon, Charice hopes she will be able to unleash the diva inside her gleek character. “People think my role is kind of a nerdy one, so I think it would be fun for Sunshine to do something to transform herself and do like Beyoncé’s ‘Crazy In Love.’ Like a diva, and come out and be like, Wow!”

Apart from “Glee,” Charice disclosed other undertakings to the entertainment site. “I have a new single coming out and lots more projects. But I can’t really talk about them because I will get in trouble.”

By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ
ManilaBulletin
____:applause:

Fraulein

March 6th, 2011, 05:53 AM

^^Good job Thia and Charice!!:cheers::cheers:

Perseus II

March 10th, 2011, 02:10 AM

about Charice and Glee, I heard episode 17, 'night of neglect' daw yung comeback nya, which will air on march 22...

IF charice is up for 4 more episodes, then Glee could end the season with her, since season 2 is composed of 22 episodes.

Di ba sabi ni Ryan Murphy 'we are ending the year with her' :) which I presume is the end of season 2.

NOVO ECIJANO

March 10th, 2011, 06:47 AM

Puro nalang tayo entertainment dito kasi sikat.

Pero yung mga katulad nito na may economic potential ang Pinas, nde napapansin. :nuts::nuts::lol::lol:

bastat nagpapataas ng moral walang problema,kahit na sa anong field ka pa

amigo32

March 10th, 2011, 07:33 AM

12jairien14

March 10th, 2011, 10:12 AM

amigo32

March 10th, 2011, 10:17 AM

:rofl:
never mind

12jairien14

March 10th, 2011, 10:21 AM

^^
:lol:

Parchie

March 10th, 2011, 03:39 PM

^^
huh?
di ko gets

Ansina lang, di mo gets? Magic word is "iba".

white_ranger

March 10th, 2011, 04:56 PM

whippersnapper

March 10th, 2011, 08:13 PM

galing ni Thia.. nakakainlove hehe

12jairien14

March 10th, 2011, 10:33 PM

Ansina lang, di mo gets? Magic word is "iba".
^^
okya yang gets ya iyo doi
:lol:

RonnieR

March 15th, 2011, 04:57 AM

Kettering University alumna honored as the only Filipino-American to serve the board of a Fortune 500 company
Published: Monday, March 14, 2011, 9:48 AM Updated: Monday, March 14, 2011, 9:53 AM

FLINT, Michigan — A Kettering University alumna is being honored as the only known Filipino-American to serve the board of a Fortune 500 company.

Marissa Toledo Peterson, who earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the former General Motors Institute (Kettering) in 1983, is the only Filipino-American among more than 5,000 corporate board members, according to the Asian Journal.

The publication cited a recent report by Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. that 80 percent of corporations have no Asian Americans on their board.

Peterson, international director of Louisville, Ken.- based health insurance provider Humana, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Economic Development Conference of the National Asian American Coalition in San Francisco in October.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/03/kettering_university_alumna_ho.html

Askal82

March 15th, 2011, 07:10 AM

kasi iba yun:D

sample
Filipino scientist nakaimbento ng gamot nagpapagaling sa mga may AIDS!
yeheyyyyy! sabi ng mga may AIDS, doktor at iilang kamag anak ng may AIDS:D

Charice tinalo si Lady GAGA, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Justine sa sales ng kanta!
yeheyyyyy! sabi ng lahat ng fans, Pinoy man o foreign may AIDS o wala(ang hindi lang natuwa si askal at kinkoy at iilang SSCers na hindi marunong kumanta:D)

:rofl:

At least may pakinabang sa lipunan yung gamot sa AIDS kesa yung mga kanta ni Charice na tumalo kay Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, etc.

Besides, any scientific achievement is unique. For example, Albert Einstein's theory of relativity can not be claimed by anybody because Einstein came up with that theory first and was scientifically proven several times. It other words, Einstein's contribution to science is indelible.

Charice talent can be replicated many times even from people of different nationalities. It would be arrogant of us to think that only Filipinos can possess that kind of talent.

Nabartek

March 15th, 2011, 07:15 AM

At least may pakinabang sa lipunan yung gamot sa AIDS kesa yung mga kanta ni Charice na tumalo kay Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, etc.

Besides, any scientific achievement is unique. Albert Einstein's theory of relativity can not be claimed by anybody because Einstein came up with that theory first and was scientifically proven several times. It other words, Einstein's achievement is indelible forever.

Charice talent can be replicated many times even from people of different nationalities. It would be arrogant of us to think that Filipinos only possess that kind of talent.

Before Charice, there was Whitney Houston and Celine Dion :lol: Birit would have not come to the Philippines if it were not for the American singers

amigo32

March 15th, 2011, 08:37 AM

At least may pakinabang sa lipunan yung gamot sa AIDS kesa yung mga kanta ni Charice na tumalo kay Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, etc.

Besides, any scientific achievement is unique. For example, Albert Einstein's theory of relativity can not be claimed by anybody because Einstein came up with that theory first and was scientifically proven several times. It other words, Einstein's contribution to science is indelible.

Charice talent can be replicated many times even from people of different nationalities. It would be arrogant of us to think that only Filipinos can possess that kind of talent.

hindi namn sa pakinabang pinag uusapan:D

kasi ang dami nagsasabi bakit puro kantahan na lang ang napapabalita na sumikat na pinoy:D

kaya nga may halimbawa, example, ehemplo akong binigay:D
bakit nga ba? mas sikat si Charice kay sa mga scientist naka discover ng gamot ng AIDS, sakit sa bitlog sakit sa almuranas, sakit sa kurikong:D
bakit?

ang daming matatalino rito (sabi nila matalino sila) di pa rin gets kung bakit:D

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

sana hindi ka UP grad:D kasi nga sayang ang tax namin:D

crappypants

March 15th, 2011, 08:43 AM

^^mas marami kasing singers sa Pilipinas kesa scientists.

amigo32

March 15th, 2011, 08:49 AM

Pero ang tanong bakit daw mas sikat ang singer kaysa scientist?

:rofl:

dami nag audition sa Pilipinas Got Talent alam ko thousands kumpara sa kumuha ng pang siyentipikong kurso sa kolehiyo:D

12jairien14

March 15th, 2011, 11:54 AM

OtAkAw

March 15th, 2011, 12:49 PM

Pero ang tanong bakit daw mas sikat ang singer kaysa scientist?

:rofl:

dami nag audition sa Pilipinas Got Talent alam ko thousands kumpara sa kumuha ng pang siyentipikong kurso sa kolehiyo:D

Science is far too complicated for the general masa, who adore celebrities like angels from heaven, to comprehend. :lol:

pulsephaze22

March 15th, 2011, 03:48 PM

^^It's not their fault they have the talent for performing arts. Sabi nga nila, If you have it, flaunt it. Hindi naman kasi sa konti lang ang kumukuha ng science-related courses. Ang problema kasi, at paulit ulit ulit ulit ulit na lang, eh ang suporta ng gobyerno.Because most of the time, those people who are engaged in performing arts are backed by the private sector particularly those in media. Thus, fame is not too far-fetched. And inventors and scientist, are most of time, or should I say, MUST be backed by the government to have recognition.

Apparently,..........:ohno:

icarusrising

March 15th, 2011, 06:21 PM

Parchie

March 16th, 2011, 02:26 AM

Could be it's what the Philippine gene pool tends to produce. And is that unusual for most societies? Isn't musical talent considered a form of intelligence like the abilities in math and the sciences? Maybe it's in the Filipino blood to be predisposed towards singing and the creative arts. Furthermore, there are many Filipinos in the fields of science and medicine who also excel in singing.

On the genetic side, I have yet to see a study saying Filipinos are pre-disposed to be artists compared with other nations. The Spanish rule might have influenced our ways, though (environmental aspect on human character).

BTW, being entertainers, musicians, and artists breaks Maslow's hierarchy of human needs! While Mr. Abraham Maslow theorized that first, humans needs to fulfill his/her biological needs, second his/her safety needs, belongingness next, self-esteem next and then the last which is self-actualization. Entertaining others is on the last stage but we know that entertainers fail on the lower stages like not having lots of friends (belongingness --> some are loners, introverts, etc) and safety needs (have issues with law, etc.) and most of all on the biological needs (some entertainers are not stable- financially, unkempt, etc.) Yet these people can give others the happiness with their pieces- a form of self-actualization!

Just my thoughts on this side-issues.

Askal82

March 16th, 2011, 02:47 AM

hindi namn sa pakinabang pinag uusapan:D

kasi ang dami nagsasabi bakit puro kantahan na lang ang napapabalita na sumikat na pinoy:D

kaya nga may halimbawa, example, ehemplo akong binigay:D
bakit nga ba? mas sikat si Charice kay sa mga scientist naka discover ng gamot ng AIDS, sakit sa bitlog sakit sa almuranas, sakit sa kurikong:D
bakit?

ang daming matatalino rito (sabi nila matalino sila) di pa rin gets kung bakit:D

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

sana hindi ka UP grad:D kasi nga sayang ang tax namin:D

Nasayang nga ang tax nyo, kasi nde masyadong napakinabangan ang scientific pursuits ng mga iskolar ng bayan. Walang mathematics & science culture ang Pilipinas kaya nagsilipat sila sa ibang bansa at nagkakaroon ng brain drain. Lahat entertainment. Found this interesing: IQ and the Wealth of Nations (http://www.isteve.com/IQ_Table.htm). Let people draw conclusions on that report. Here is the book (http://www.amazon.com/IQ-Wealth-Nations-Richard-Lynn/dp/027597510X) that might be of interest to some of us here to read. :lol:

Askal82

March 16th, 2011, 02:59 AM

crappypants

March 16th, 2011, 03:17 AM

Askal82

March 16th, 2011, 03:24 AM

icarusrising

March 16th, 2011, 09:30 AM

bakasaurus

March 16th, 2011, 09:57 AM

These are all just a bias of media. HIndi naman talaga mas napapansin ang exploits in science and technology compared to showbiz ng mga Pinoy at least. But that doesn't mean there aren't Fil-Ams or Pinoys based in the US who are actively contributing to the production of scientific knowledge and applications.

For example there's Dr. Baldomero Olivera who did the work on conotoxins which became the basis for the non-narcotic pain reliever Prialt. There are even more who don't really get the light of news and chatter as those given to the more glamorous showbiz personalities.

I'm coming from a science practitioner's POV but I don't think it takes away from us if some people get famous and put our country in the map for excellence in the arts and sports. HIndi naman yan mutually exclusive eh. Every bit of excellence in any field is welcome. I really hope though that we give our S&T and R&D a boost and cultivate our scientific sense more but that is not to say that we shouldn't be proud in our other exploits.

Askal82

March 17th, 2011, 03:55 AM

Askal82

March 17th, 2011, 04:02 AM

^^ Can we safely assume that the USA is a country that has a culture of science and math? If so, why aren't there more Pinoys into the sciences unlike the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and even the Viatnamese? Could there be some truth behind the influence of those "Tiger Moms (http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2043313,00.html)" as popularized by Amy Chua.

Asian Americans are stereotyped as 'over achievers' so there could be some truth in the way they were brought up. I am not sure with Filipinos in general but based on my experience, my parents were strict with anything that has to do with academics.

Well, doesn't USA holds the the largest number of intellectual property in the world right now? What is the only country to date that first set foot on moon's surface?

RonnieR

March 17th, 2011, 04:29 AM

it's probably an effect of poverty, singing and dancing contests if you win is seen as a get rich quick solution, instant millionaire just like the lottery. but how many will win in a sea of aspiring singers and dancers or how many will become famous? Especially in the PHils , it's who you know, who you're related to, in the west it's how you look, caucasian.
It won't make the country advance , that's for sure. Singing and dancing should just be a hobby. Too bad the govt. don't have the ambition to prepare the future by investing on the youth and focusing on education, science and technology or maybe they are, we just don't know about it.

PH government has been giving college scholarships thru Department of Science and Technology (DOST). These scholars are enrolled in top public and private universities throughout the country. Benefits include free tuition, book allowances, transportation allowance to/from the provinces and monthly stipends. Total number of scholars is 1K ++ per semester.

The talent in singing among Pinoys does not differentiate whether you are rich or poor. There are well off Pinoys who can really sing well but they don't want to be exposed.

Could be it's what the Philippine gene pool tends to produce. And is that unusual for most societies? Isn't musical talent considered a form of intelligence like the abilities in math and the sciences? Maybe it's in the Filipino blood to be predisposed towards singing and the creative arts. Furthermore, there are many Filipinos in the fields of science and medicine who also excel in singing.

On the genetic side, I have yet to see a study saying Filipinos are pre-disposed to be artists compared with other nations. The Spanish rule might have influenced our ways, though (environmental aspect on human character).

BTW, being entertainers, musicians, and artists breaks Maslow's hierarchy of human needs! While Mr. Abraham Maslow theorized that first, humans needs to fulfill his/her biological needs, second his/her safety needs, belongingness next, self-esteem next and then the last which is self-actualization. Entertaining others is on the last stage but we know that entertainers fail on the lower stages like not having lots of friends (belongingness --> some are loners, introverts, etc) and safety needs (have issues with law, etc.) and most of all on the biological needs (some entertainers are not stable- financially, unkempt, etc.) Yet these people can give others the happiness with their pieces- a form of self-actualization!

Just my thoughts on this side-issues.

It never fails to amuse me that everywhere you go in this country and visit the "sing along or karaoke" bars, you would see young and old Pinoys sing it out like divas or champions. :)

amigo32

March 17th, 2011, 09:05 AM

Well, doesn't USA holds the the largest number of intellectual property in the world right now? What is the only country to date that first set foot on moon's surface?

Hoax
:rofl:

icarusrising

March 17th, 2011, 10:24 AM

Asian Americans are stereotyped as 'over achievers' so there could be some truth in the way they were brought up. I am not sure with Filipinos in general but based on my experience, my parents were strict with anything that has to do with academics.

Well, doesn't USA hold the the largest number of intellectual property in the world right now? What is the only country to date that first set foot on moon's surface?

If even in a society that nurtures scientific minds, immigrant Pinoys would still prefer non-science careers more in relation to other Asian Americans then we should really look into the reasons. Is it something cultural or ingrained in our values system? But then again, aren't many Filipinos into the medical professions? So maybe not so much into hard core science but we are legion in science-related fields.

I tend to agree more on Bakasaurus' observation that Filipinos in the field of sciences aren't just given the same media mileage as Filipino performers considering mass media's natural affinity with entertainment.

Askal82

March 17th, 2011, 07:44 PM

Hoax
:rofl:

So, you're into conspiracy theories now? Yes, the text is true that radiation from Japan will reach Philippines about 3,000 kilometers away. :lol:

Askal82

March 17th, 2011, 07:56 PM

If even in a society that nurtures scientific minds, immigrant Pinoys would still prefer non-science careers more in relation to other Asian Americans then we should really look into the reasons. Is it something cultural or ingrained in our values system? But then again, aren't many Filipinos into the medical professions? So maybe not so much into hard core science but we are legion in science-related fields.

I tend to agree more on Bakasaurus' observation that Filipinos in the field of sciences aren't just given the same media mileage as Filipino performers considering mass media's natural affinity with entertainment.

If you read my previous post, I also agreed with him on that aspect as well.

It's understandable that music and arts are truly ingrained in our cultural upbringing however, science and technology should be emphasized from the early age in line with the programs for development for the next 20 years. The problem is that each successive administration never had that kind of vision beyond his term because they are more focused on quick fixes, public relations, politicking and making conflicting policies that are not consistent with the ones before it.

Nabartek

March 17th, 2011, 08:34 PM

If you read my previous post, I also agreed with him on that aspect as well.

It's understandable that music and arts are truly ingrained in our cultural upbringing however, science and technology should be emphasized from the early age in line with the programs for development for the next 20 years. The problem is that each successive administration never had that kind of vision beyond his term because they are more focused on quick fixes, public relations, politicking and making conflicting policies that are not consistent with the ones before it.

We also tend to stick to obsolete and debunked concepts. Although not science, just take a look at what our schools teach on Philippine migration. Yung debunked theory ni Beyer. Nung 70's pa nadebunk yun, hanggang ngayon, tinuturo pa rin. Di man lang irevise

RonnieR

March 18th, 2011, 04:37 AM

Thia stays in AI! :banana:

Thia Megia survives another 'Idol' round
ABS-CBN InteractiveABS-CBN – 29 minutes ago

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American singer Thia Megia breezed through the second elimination round of the hit American talent show “American Idol Season 10” despite some criticism from Idol judges on her choice of song.

On Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), Megia performed her own version of Vanessa Williams' hit "Colors of the Wind."

Aerosmith singer and AI judge Steven Tyler said he liked the song but asked if it was really her choice of song. "Is that song who you think you are?" asked Tyler.

Judge Randy Jackson said he was bored and felt like he was watching a beauty pageant.

"There was nothing special, unique about it. You have the talent. Maybe a different kind of song next time. Dig a little deeper, take some chances cause you can sing. You have a big voice but it's only so safe and it was so boring tonight,” he said.

To defend herself, Megia explained that she chose the song because it suited perfectly "what's going on in the world today."

Judge Jennifer Lopez said she loved the quality of Thia's voice but she has to work on her vibrato.

"I'm not sure if it's nervousness or that's the quality of your vibrato. Either way I don't wanna think about that. So I feel that needs a little bit of working on too. So push out of the box then come out next week and kill it,” said Lopez.

Although the judges grilled Megia’s performance, American voters saved her on Thursday (Friday in Manila) while Karen Rodriguez was eliminated from the show.

Meanwhile, in her official Twitter account, Megia thanked everyone for their unending support. “Good morning my lovies! Thank you ALL for your support!!! Love you!,” Megia tweeted.

Ashthon Jones was the first to be eliminated among this season's top 13.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/thia-megia-survives-another-idol-round-20110317-190318-707.html;_ylt=Ar6UL4NU8IOsCC4UVjzQLUDmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTM5ODhzNXBmBHBrZwNiNzUwMTliYS1mNDc2LTMyNzItOGNkNi02NDNjYzMxMzYwOTEEcG9zAzIEc2VjA01lZGlhVG9wU3RvcnkEdmVyAzUyOWRmZWMwLTUxMDQtMTFlMC05ZWY2LTU5NDI4OWViODkyZA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFjb2tmZ2t1BGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

kiretoce

March 18th, 2011, 05:45 AM

^^ Thanks to the "Barangay Brigade." ;)

crappypants

March 18th, 2011, 08:15 AM

PH government has been giving college scholarships thru Department of Science and Technology (DOST). These scholars are enrolled in top public and private universities throughout the country. Benefits include free tuition, book allowances, transportation allowance to/from the provinces and monthly stipends. Total number of scholars is 1K ++ per semester.

The talent in singing among Pinoys does not differentiate whether you are rich or poor. There are well off Pinoys who can really sing well but they don't want to be exposed.

It never fails to amuse me that everywhere you go in this country and visit the "sing along or karaoke" bars, you would see young and old Pinoys sing it out like divas or champions. :)

that's nothing over and beyond what a responsible govt. should do , nothing extraordinary about that. they do however spend less on education percentage wise per capita compared to regional neighbors, but they can afford to double the pork barrel of congressmen which goes to waiting sheds and basketball courts in their respective municipalities.

amigo32

March 18th, 2011, 08:18 AM

meron kasi billboard nakalagay mukha nilang makapal kaya mas gusto nila mag lagay ng basketball courts/waiting shed.

puede siguro kung papayag student tatakan mukha nila ng pic ng congressman, baka dadamihan pa:D biro mo walking billboard sila:D

crappypants

March 18th, 2011, 08:22 AM

xxxriainxxx

March 20th, 2011, 11:27 AM

First bamboo car draws raves in Milan
By Thelma Sioson San Juan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:09:00 03/20/2011

MANILA, Philippines—World-renowned Filipino furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue has designed what must be the first and only bamboo and rattan car in the world, and it’s drawing considerable curiosity and rave in an exhibit in Milan, Italy.

“Phoenix”—the name Cobonpue has given his automobile design—has a form made of rattan, bamboo, steel and carbon fiber. It projects this era’s thrust towards artisanship and craftsmanship, biodegradability and environment-friendliness, as opposed to assembly-line production and high technology—the contrast between man’s handiwork and machine. By coincidence, the car is unveiled at a time when the world is facing the horrors of potential nuclear calamity, the fallout from a technology reduced at the mercy of nature.

Last month Phoenix was sent off to the “Imagination and Innovation” exhibit in Via Tortona in Milan. The exhibit has invited designers and artists from all over to display their works in a museum-like setting. Cobonpue is among them. When the organizers saw Phoenix, they decided to display it in the front section of the exhibit area on the ground floor.

Phoenix echoes, in a way, the design of Cobonpue’s “Yoda” chair, with rattan rods in seeming random arrangement. Yet Phoenix’s form and make have gone way beyond “Yoda” or even the “Voyage” canopy bed that gained global buzz for Cobonpue after Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought it. (Pitt has acquired other Cobonpue pieces since “Voyage.”)

Phoenix looks like a bird posed to take flight—a sleek bird. It has a vertebrae or spine that runs to the rear where it forms into a splay of rattan bundled with LED (Light Emitting Diode) rods to emit light; that’s the tail light. The rear is also the space for the car engine.
The sides are for the glass windows.

Beyond furniture

It took months to make the design, with a design apprentice from Germany helping develop it. (Cobonpue’s interior crafts firm accepts apprentices from different countries.) It took 10 days to build the car in Cobonpue’s factory in Cebu.

The car has no engine yet—which to Cobonpue, isn’t an insurmountable task. Cobonpue has long wanted to design and build a car.

“This is to show people that our design aesthetic goes beyond furniture, that as Asian we can extend even to designing transportation,” says Cobonpue in his showroom/factory/design workshop in Cebu City.

Many aren’t aware that Cobonpue’s passion, apart from design, is cars. He collects and tinkers with vintage cars, and with a group of vintage car collectors in Cebu, drives their prized possessions all over the Visayas now and then, braving road, weather and lifestyle conditions. Big boys obsessed with their toys, in short.

Cobonpue’s favorite is a Ferrari 1974. On one visit to his house, we saw how his vintage Porsche has a special sheltered existence in his Cebu home.

So designing a car is a natural thrust for Cobonpue. But his design perspective, born out of environment consciousness, is what’s interesting.

“It’s a challenge (to design a car),” explains Cobonpue. “When you think about it, car building has been all about high technology, robots. But maybe you don’t need all that. It can be handmade. Cars outlive their purpose. How long do you keep a car? Five years or a little more? Then it goes to the junkyard.

“It is not environment-friendly. The cost of recycling (a car) is prohibitive. So why not build from a biodegradable material, the shell you can replace?”

Artisanship

Cobonpue explains a yet bigger picture: “We don’t have to do assembly line. This is to pay homage to craftsmanship and to the artisan… Today’s cars are built for speed, yet in the city you can’t really go very fast.”

Indeed, how often does one need super speed in one’s daily commute? Cobonpue also believes in small, light engine.

The Phoenix has been a purely creative exercise for Cobonpue—he’s not wracking his brain over manufacturing it. He hasn’t really thought of that.

Cobonpue is a designer (a graduate of Pratt Institute of Design in New York) who lives and breathes design, whose mind wanders around in terms of form (line, shape, volume), matter (his factory is a laboratory of materials, from rattan to microfiber fabric), substance (the perspective he promotes).

He’s a designer who—as he told the University of the Philippines graduating class of Fine Arts three years ago—wasn’t accepted into the College of Fine Arts when he was in college. As their commencement speaker, he told the graduates they were lucky to be graduating from Fine Arts because he himself couldn’t make the grade.

He was then sophomore in Business Administration at UP when he decided that he wanted to shift to industrial design in the College of Fine Arts. He didn’t make the grade because he couldn’t draw well enough.

“I couldn’t draw life-size statue,” Cobonpue recalls. “So I quit school and spent half a year just learning to draw.”

This was in Cebu where the family lived and remains based. (It might be interesting to note that Cobonpue and Monique Lhuillier, now the famous fashion designer of Hollywood celebrities in Los Angeles, shared the same painting teacher.)

The middle child and oldest son in a brood of five, Cobonpue was born to Cebuano couple John and Betty who was into a broad range of businesses, from furniture export to real estate, travel agency. Cobonpue considers his father John, an MIT graduate in the US, his mentor in business, while it was his mother who exposed him to the world of design by bringing him to exhibits and expositions abroad.

“I was 26 when my father died,” Cobonpue recalls. “I wanted to work and live in Germany until my dad died. I had to come home and I realized that he had a lot of businesses I didn’t know about.”

Among their businesses was furniture export that Cobonpue took interest in. Accompanying his mom to many furniture shows abroad, he took note of the fact that his mother always had her own designs, meaning the furniture export was more than a business to her—manufacturing furniture was a creative venture.
He considers his mother as his early influence in design—“Not to be afraid to experiment, that’s what I learned from her,” Cobonpue says.

But it was his participation in Movement 8 in the ’90s that Cobonpue considers a turning point in his evolution as designer. Movement 8—a group of furniture and home-furnishing designers organized by then Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions head Eli Pinto and led by award-winning designer Budji Layug—eventually became a global brand after their works and the Movement 8 pavilions they designed in international expositions consistently won in those annual events, from New York to Germany.

Its pioneering members such as Carlo Tanseco who didn’t stay on with the group, have moved on to their own successes, while Layug, Cobonpue, Tes Pasola, Tony Rodriguez, Milo Naval, Ann Pamintuan, Luisa Robinson have been winning fame and markets here and abroad. (Movement 8 has had additional members in recent years.)

Cobonpue’s strongest design influence has been Movement 8. “It showed me how we could take on the world,” Cobonpue talks about how he’s seen the Filipino designer grow in global stature. “Before, when I used to attend these exhibits with my mom, the Philippines was always relegated to the back (of exhibit area), but that has changed.”

It’s noteworthy how Cobonpue, after his success in the world market, sees his learning as a designer.

“I’ve learned to be myself,” he says. “I’ve gone around but it still makes me nervous to speak to a group of people. What am I selling? Myself. I shouldn’t be somebody I’m not. My work speaks for itself, like peeking into my mind. How it works.

“A brand, to me, is nothing but a story I tell over and over again. And what’s the story? It’s using natural materials and Filipino craftsmanship—the Filipino being second to none in this, I believe. I’ve gone around and no one can do the quality (we do)—the intricacy of the weave, the knitting process.”

Cobonpue is one designer who explores materials and works with them first, and second, he identifies or develops the craftsmanship to exploit the materials. Only after these two stages is the form or shape of his design determined.

From furniture to car, Cobonpue, now 41 years old, is looking forward to designing public structures the people can enjoy. He believes strongly that our landscape can use public structures designed by Filipino artists. For instance, he has designed street lamps for Panglao island, for the Tourism Department under then Secretary Ace Durano, but the plan has been shelved upon the change of administrations.

Perhaps not many visitors to his showroom notice that Cobonpue’s showroom/factory—which the family has had since the start of their business—has bad feng shui, to geomancy believers, at least. It is right beside the Carretta Cemetery and across from a funeral home. That’s a no-no in feng shui, death representing negative energy.

Cobonpue’s success and highly acclaimed innovations, however, have proved feng shui believers wrong.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110320-326480/First-bamboo-car-draws-raves-in-Milan

icarusrising

March 21st, 2011, 07:40 AM

Chorale ng PUP High, wagi sa international competition sa Vietnam

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/76124/bt-chorale-ng-pup-high-wagi-sa-international-competition-sa-vietnam

and from a blog...

PUP Laboratory High School Chorale Wins in Vietnam
March 20th, 2011

The Philippines prowess in singing was once again erected as it bagged a gold certificate in the International Choir Festival & Competition in Hoi An City, Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The superb PUP Laboratory High School Chorale scored a high score deserving of a golden performance. Only eight choir groups bagged the gold certificates participated in by four countries.

The Philippines is a powerhouse in choir competition held all over the globe and the PUP Laboratory High School Chorale proves this once again.

This is the first time the country is hosting such an event.

Source (http://www.ghigz.com/pup-laboratory-high-school-chorale-wins-in-vietnam/)

Fraulein

March 21st, 2011, 09:03 AM

^^Congrats!:cheers::cheers:

RonnieR

March 21st, 2011, 10:52 AM

amigo32

March 21st, 2011, 02:42 PM

nagbunga na ang palaging pag kakaraoke:D

Dakpa ang akong tiil

March 21st, 2011, 05:12 PM

Fil-Am writer-photographer wins NatGeo photo contest (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215793/pinoy-abroad/fil-am-photographer-wins-natgeo-photo-contest)

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/infotech/hallstatt.jpg

Filipino-American writer-photographer Yen Baet won the grand prize of the National Geographic Exceptional Experience photo contest for her photo "Rainy Night in Hallstatt."

On her Twitter account, Baet announced that she won the photo contest: "It's official! Rainy Night in Hallstatt takes Grand Prize at NatGeo Photo Contest. Thanks for the support!"

Fil-Am photographer Yen Baet bested five other finalists in the NatGeo photo contest. Photo from Baet's blog
"A heartfelt THANK YOU once again to those of you who saw this through & made it happen. Will always be grateful," she said in another tweet.

The contest results were also posted on the National Geographic website.

"Those votes were definitely hard-earned, and I can’t stress that enough. Most of it came from people I don’t even know and spurred on by genuine friends and family who believed that this was so important to me, enough for them not to ignore or consider trivial," she wrote on her blog.

http://blogs.gmanews.tv/yourvox/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/moi-cropped-small1.jpgBaet was born and raised in the Philippines and eventually immigrated to the US. She lived in Japan and Germany before moving to England, where she is now based. She is the only Filipino to make it to the finals of the National Geographic photo contest. In an earlier interview with GMA News Online, she said she is proud to represent the country in the contest.

She bested five other finalists with her entry that was taken two years ago, on a rainy autumn day in the scenic village of Hallstatt in Austria.

The winner was selected through online voting, and each participant was allowed to cast only one vote. Only legal U.S. residents aged 18 years or older were allowed to vote.

The finalist entry that received the highest number of valid votes during the voting phase was declared Grand Prize winner.

Baet won for herself a nine-day trip for two to Peru, where she and a guest will visit the Incan mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu, listen to music of the Andes, and attend a private weaving demonstration. The approximate retail value of the prize is $13,000.

The five runners-up will each receive a copy of National Geographic Simply Beautiful Photographs, valued at $35 per book.

spearhead

March 22nd, 2011, 02:58 AM

I've been seeing mr Hizon everyday on my tv, im proud of him and his achievements:

Hizon started his broadcast career at Manila based GMA Network From 1988-1995, responsible for covering capital markets, banking and finance, real estate, investment and corporate developments. He anchored the daily business program, Business Today, GMA News Live and Stock Market Live from the trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange. During his tenure, Hizon won the "The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for Broadcast Journalism" award.[1]

Hizon then joined CNBC Asia in April 1995, based in Hong Kong and later in Singapore, where he was the main anchor of the morning edition of CNBC Today, Squawk Box, Market Watch and Power Lunch.[1]

Hizon joined BBC World News in 2002, and presently anchors the daily business and finance programme Asia Business Report and Asia Today live from Singapore Monday to Friday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rico_Hizon

:cheers:

RonnieR

March 22nd, 2011, 03:53 AM

^^ He is always proud of his roots. :cheers: He is also a founder of:

www.goodnewspilipinas.com

that's nothing over and beyond what a responsible govt. should do , nothing extraordinary about that. they do however spend less on education percentage wise per capita compared to regional neighbors, but they can afford to double the pork barrel of congressmen which goes to waiting sheds and basketball courts in their respective municipalities.

Yes, per capita wise but this administration started it right with K12 program. In fact, the budget for education has increased in % to total GDP.

On scholarship, it's not only DOST but TESDA provides training, etc. Well, as to congressmen, I learned that they also have their own scholars in public/private schools of the country.

Dakpa ang akong tiil

March 22nd, 2011, 03:39 PM

Another Pinay singer carves international career (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/310649/another-pinay-singer-carves-international-career)

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/era.jpg

Manila, Philippines- Young Filipina singer Ethel Rose Amistad is making waves in Canada after winning in “PNT Idol,” a Filipino-Canadian-Metro Vancouver area singing competition.

A report on PEP announced that Amistad has already penetrated the Canadian music market via her just-released debut album dubbed, “Ethel Rose Amistad, A life Story.”

The album, produced by former “Canadian Idol” contestant, Ramil Omosura, is also slated for release in the USA and the Philippines.

According to the report, the songs in the album, including "In Your Blue Eyes," "Super Human," "Perfect Melody," "Shelter in the Rain," "Back to the Love of the Same Kind," and "Loveline," are written by a team of songwriters from the UK, USA, and Asia.

"I feel very blessed to record an album with my manager/producer Ramil Omosura through Ecclesiastes Entertainment and I'm thankful for the opportunity,” said Amistad in a phone interview with PEP, March 18. "It's a dream come true for me to have my own album. Until now hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na unti-unti nang natutupad 'yung dream ko na maging isang sikat na recording artist," she added.

"I'm happy because my album will be released not only in Canada but also in [the] USA and hopefully, worldwide including the Philippines, so that my kababayans will enjoy my music."

Amistad is eager to visit the Philippines and sing with her idols. “One of my dreams is to perform with my kakabayans Sarah and Charice in front of my kababayans,” she said.

Amistad is currently conducting tours of malls and schools around Canada to promote her album. She is the first and only recording artist of Ecclesiastes Entertainment.

--- :clap:

Fraulein

March 25th, 2011, 01:32 PM

Azkals beat Tigers, enter Challenge Cup finals
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/25/2011 6:55 PM | Updated as of 03/25/2011 6:55 PM

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals barged into the 2012 Challenge Cup finals by hammering out a sensational 3-0 victory over the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers on Friday.

Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado was a revelation for the Azkals after scoring 2 goals in the second half of the game taking place at the Aung San Stadium.

Guirado’s first goal came early in the second half after heading in a shot from Ian Araneta. He followed this up by striking another goal in the in the 80th minute.

Earlier, Araneta scored the first goal in the 41st minute of the game after picking up a loose ball off Guirado.

The Filipino booters started out aggressively, launching a full attack against the Bengal Tigers. The aggressive play resulted to an early injury stoppage that had Bangladesh’s Zahid being carried off the field.

Guirado and Chieffy Caligdong also made sure to keep the Bangladesh defense busy by closing in several goal attempts.

The Filipino squad also put up an excellent defense with team captain Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario and Ray Jonsson clipping Bangladesh’s wings.

The Azkals had a scare in the first half when Bangladesh nearly scored on a loose ball. Fortunately, Filipino-British keeper Neil Etheridge came out to clear the ball.

:cheers::cheers::cheers: - for three goals!!! :banana::banana::banana:

NOVO ECIJANO

March 25th, 2011, 02:40 PM

Congrats Azkals

basti

March 25th, 2011, 02:58 PM

awesomeness!

Fraulein

March 26th, 2011, 08:38 AM

A taste of sweet victory for Philippine Azkals
By Dennis Gasgonia and Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWs.com
Posted at 03/26/2011 12:12 AM | Updated as of 03/26/2011 12:19 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Friday’s game was such a sweet victory for the Philippine Azkals who crashed into the 2012 Challenge Cup tournament finals by mangling the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers, 3-0.

Filipino booters traversed an arduous path toward the tournament proper, even surviving a series of earthquakes along the way.

After coming off two straight draws against Palestine and group stage host Myanmar, the Azkals were desperate for a win against Bangladesh.

The team played its cards right, surprising the Bengal Tigers with a relentless offense en route to a spectacular 3-0 victory.

Filipino-Spanish Angel Aldeguer Guirado played hero for the Azkals in that game, scoring 2 goals.

The Filipinos also received a great boost from Ian Araneta who struck the first goal during the first half.

The Azkals finished 2nd in the Group A bracket with a total of 5 points on 1 win and 2 draws, good enough for a trip to the 8-team Challenge Cup finals.

Good feeling
After their victory over Bangladesh, the Azkals expressed their gratitude to their adoring fans who closely followed their group stage games.

“Great win, good feeling, priceless!!! Thank you all for the support, couldn't have done it without you guys!” tweeted Azkals player Anton del Rosario.

“Heya all! Thank you for your support! Massive win! The team played well! Celebrations!” said goalkeeper Neil Etheridge through his Twitter page.

For Azkal Jason Sabio, it was a mission accomplished despite the criticisms coming from those who didn’t believe in them.

“Job done! AFC Challenge Cup here we come! We played amazing today. To the haters, that is how you man up! :) We are one We are Azkals! Boom,” tweeted Sabio.

“On to the final 8.. What a sweet victory! History in the books once more!! Thank you everyone for your undying support! :),” said team captain Aly Borromeo through his Twitter page.

Phil celebrates win
Azkals midfielder Phil Younghusband, who missed the group stage because of an injury, cheered his team for making history.

"Congratulations to the team for making history. They deserve this for all their hard work and even through difficult circumstances, we have shown the strength of a Filipino," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Younghusband, whose brother James was a vital cog in the group stage matches, said he was initially worried with the team going through a do-or-die match.

"I was watching the updates through ANC and Twitter and I was obviously nervous before the game," he said.

However, he said that his nervousness turned into glee as the Azkals finished the match with 3 goals.

"But each time a goal was scored. I was celebrating... I am so so happy and proud of the team," he continued.

World Cup
Meanwhile, Younghusband said he is excited for the team’s upcoming games in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

The Azkals will play against a still unnamed team this coming June.

"I am looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers," he said.

Fraulein

March 26th, 2011, 10:39 AM

Azkals seal date with history

by Peter Atencio

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2011/march/26/sports1.isx&d=2011/march/26

MISSION accomplished.

Faced with an improbable task of winning at all cost, the Philippine Azkals did not disappoint, scoring a 3-0 shutout against the stunned Bangladesh Bengals to cap their historic ride into the Final 8 of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup at the Aung San Stadium in Rangoon.

Homegrown talent Ian Araneta and Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado delivered the goals, while the rest of the Azkals, led by Fil-British goalie Neil Etheridge prevented the Bengals from making any headway in the 90-minute encounter.

It was a nerve-wrecking climb to the Final 8, and the celebrated Azkals hugged, “high-fived” and ran across the field carrying the Philippine flag, only too aware of the victory’s significance to Philippine football.

The Philippines thus became the no. 2 team behind Palestine, to take the top spot with a spotless 2 wins and 1 draw record. The Palestine Al-Fursans formally made it to the Final 8 after turning back the Myanmar White Angels, 3-1, over at the National Youth Stadium.

The Filipinos’ feat marked the first time that a Philippine football team has advanced into the tournament proper of an international football tournament in many years.

Araneta, named as designated striker in place of the injured Phil Younghusband, drew first blood for the Azkals in the 42nd minute, picking up a deflected attempt from Guirado near the mouthgoal and sailing it past Bangladesh goalie Mamun.

The Azkals kept up the pressure in the ensuing play, with the 6’2” Guirado making his first goal in the 54th minute. The 26-year-old Guirado scored the header off a feed, also a header, from Araneta. With the score pegged at 2-0, a small crowd of around 40 overseas Filipino workers began chanting the song “Who Let the Dogs Out.”

But Guirado wasn’t done, scoring another goal in the 80th minute to finish off the Bengals.

“I’m overwhelmed with the win. We made history today,” wrote national team manager Dan Stephen Palami on Twitter as the Azkals broke into wild celebration with their fans after the game.

“The game plan was put into action, and it worked perfectly,” wrote coach Hans Michael Weiss via Twitter.

The Azkals played without defender Rob Gier, who left for London last Thursday when he learned this wife Emma was about to give birth. They also missed Simon Greatwich because of two yellow cards.

The Azkals also had to evacuate their hotel room when two magnitude 7.0 tremors struck Myanmar last night.

They were viewing a tape of a Bangladesh’s game with Myanmar with coach Hans Michael Weiss when the tremors shook .

The members of the Azkals are expected to receive a $1, 000 cash bonus which Palami promised the team for the victory.

Haldir07

March 26th, 2011, 10:48 AM

^^ we have to maintain that 'football phenomenon' we are currently enjoying right now. I wonder if the Azkals loses all its matches after that historic Vietnam win, Filipinos might lose interest and return to basketball-boxing as their fancied sport. hehehe

Nabartek

March 26th, 2011, 10:54 AM

^^Whatever happened kaya to the billiards fancy after Efren Bata Reyes. Are still pinoys into basketball? Honestly, I don't feel it. At least not unlike the 90's and early 2000

amigo32

March 26th, 2011, 10:55 AM

^^Whatever happened kaya to the billiards fancy after Efren Bata Reyes. Are still pinoys into basketball? Honestly, I don't feel it. At least not unlike the 90's and early 2000

panahon ni Jaworski:D

Nabartek

March 26th, 2011, 10:58 AM

panahon ni Jaworski:D

wak ka maingay. at least kay jaworski lang. di ko naabutan si lim :lol:

Haldir07

March 26th, 2011, 10:59 AM

^^Whatever happened kaya to the billiards fancy after Efren Bata Reyes. Are still pinoys into basketball? Honestly, I don't feel it. At least not unlike the 90's and early 2000

i see that the country right now are into the "3B's" , basketball-boxing-billiards. Billiards peaked in late 90's - early 2000 when Reyes won the WPC, the first Filipino to do so, then suddenly a surge of billiard halls sprouting in every corner of the country, but now parang kaonti nlng sila but it is still popular.

kiretoce

March 26th, 2011, 11:01 AM

Whatever happened kaya to the billiards fancy after Efren Bata Reyes. Are still pinoys into basketball? Honestly, I don't feel it. At least not unlike the 90's and early 2000

The adage "old habits die hard" comes to mind, once the mania wears off. ;)

Nabartek

March 26th, 2011, 11:02 AM

i see that the country right now are into the "3B's" , basketball-boxing-billiards. Billiards peaked in late 90's - early 2000 when Reyes won the WPC, the first Filipino to do so, then suddenly a surge of billiard halls sprouting in every corner of the country, but now parang kaonti nlng sila but it is still popular.

Maybe we should rename the country to Bhilibbines. That be letter seem to bring luck. :lol:

Haldir07

March 26th, 2011, 11:06 AM

Maybe we should rename the country to Bhilibbines. That be letter seem to bring luck. :lol:

pwede! :lol: bhilib na bhilib! -DOT motto then? :lol:

Nabartek

March 26th, 2011, 11:08 AM

^^If that letter is magical, why not? I know, it sounds awful lot! :lol:

b_two

March 26th, 2011, 11:46 AM

afaik there is no letter p in written arabic and most of the time they substitute the letter b for p so there you have it... bilibins :lol:

basti

March 26th, 2011, 01:09 PM

how about bowling?

Nabartek

March 27th, 2011, 07:18 AM

^^ Paeng Nepumuceno, but I don't think the game itself is so popular to the masa, though bowling centers aren't hard to find

Ady001

March 27th, 2011, 11:26 AM

^^ Ok din naman ang bowling, pero yung 3-pin bowling di ata papatok. Mahal kasi. Yung bowling na parang bowles ok pa siguro.

O di kaya Cricket na lang...

IslandSon.PH

March 28th, 2011, 03:04 AM

Langit wins gold in Thai sportsfest; Javier bronze

Not even an intensity seven earthquake days before the race start could dampen the spirits of the Philippine delegation that is seeing action in the 2011 Mekong River Multi-Sports Festival at Chiangsean district, Chiangrai Province, Thailand Lea Coline Langit had the Philippine flag soaring high with a gold medal finish in the Asian Aquathlon (1,500m swim, 5K run) event after Robeno Javier took a bronze medal showing in the Asian duathlon (10k run, 40k bike, 5k run) race.
Both races were held Friday and the one-gold, one-bronze medal finish surpassed the two bronzes delivered by duathletes August Benedicto and Monica Torres in 2010 edition.
It was also Langit's second Asian Aquathlon title after bagging the said crown in 2009 in Palembang Indonesia. The said event also saw her claiming the bronze medal in triathlon.
The feat however did not come without a sweat as the team and the rest of the competitors have horrowing experience Wednesday night when a magnitude 7 earthquake rocked the province.
''Around 9 p.m., we experienced the earthquake and it shook us all up a little including the stuff in our rooms. There were aftershocks all night so most people either slept out in the street or in the massage room on the first floor, an easier getaway than the 4th,'' said coach Dan Brown who led the six athletes and three officials sent by Triathlon Association of the Philippines and financed by the Philippine Sports Commission.
Despite the lack of sleep, Langit was still in her best form come race day as she anchored her campaign on her strength in the swim to submit the Asian best time at 36 minutes and 19 seconds.
Langit came out of the water second behind world's 25th ranked triathlete Rakda Vodickova of Czech Republic at 13 minutes and 59 seconds as she enjoyed a minute and 13 seconds advantage over challenger Hoi Long of Macau.
She relaxed in the run leg for a slow 22:20 time but the huge gap Langit had against Long was more that enough to cushion the late surge of her rival who finished fourth overall in the 2010 Asian Games triathlon in Guangzhou, China.
Long took the silver with 36:21 while Chinese Taipei's Chang Luo-Yi bagged the bronze with 36:23 time. Vodickov was not qualified for the Asian meet but won the prize in the international category.
Meanwhile Robeno kept in stride with Japanese duathletes Fukaura Yuya and Kurihara Masaaki for a bronze medal finish in one hour, 59 minutes and 34 seconds.
The performance is a fitting follow-up after Robeno also claimed the bronze medal in the Subic Asian Duathlon Open held last November.

RonnieR

March 28th, 2011, 08:31 AM

^^Whatever happened kaya to the billiards fancy after Efren Bata Reyes. Are still pinoys into basketball? Honestly, I don't feel it. At least not unlike the 90's and early 2000

Billiard still enjoys popularity. A number of local and international tournaments are regularly held in the country. The venues are always packed and sponsors are abundant.

Filipinos emerged as world champions in this sport. According to Efren Bata Reyes in his interview on TV, if Billiard is an Olympic sport, we would have gotten so many golds.

ESPN aired the previous World Pool Championships held in Manila since 2005.

For 2011...

http://www.rayasports.com/media/k2/items/cache/184b7cb84d7b456c96a0bdfbbeaa5f14_L.jpg
Philippine Open Draws Overflow entries of Men and Women Players The Philippine Open Pool Championships scheduled at the SM Megamall in Manila on April 7 to 11, is certain to have a full field of top male and female players from all over the world.

# 30 Countries, over 200 Players Join Philippine Open
# 28 Countries Join Philippine Open
# Philippine Open Draws Overflow entries of Men and Women Players

http://www.rayasports.com/media/k2/items/cache/d61d44254608dd06ccdd2ff02982d14d_L.jpg

The Philippines is the host country of the 2011 World Ten Ball Championship of the World Pool-Billiard Association. It will be the fifth time that Manila will host a major WPA world pool championship.

The championship will be played in the main hall of the World Trade Center in the Manila Bay Area in Metro Manila. The site is located close to the Mall of Asia and various hotels and attractions in Manila.

TOURNAMENT DATES AND SCHEDULE

Main Tournament (Stage 2)
May 10-15, 2011
World Trade Center
Roxas Boulevard,
Cultural Center Complex
Metro, Manila

Qualifying Tournament (Stage 1)
May 3-7, 2011
Star Billiards Center
Grace Village,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Press Conference
11 am
May 9, 2011
Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Players Meeting and Draw
4 pm
May 9, 2011
World Trade Center

Awards Dinner
9 pm
May 15, 2011
Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Metro Manila
Prizes to be presented by WPA
http://www.rayasports.com/events/item/9-world-ten-ball-championship

rawr

March 28th, 2011, 09:39 AM

^^ Pagdating sa billiards, powerhouse maituturing ang Pilipinas.

rain34

March 29th, 2011, 06:45 PM

New Girl Band called BLUSH performing in Hong Kong for Rugby Sevens 2011 with our very own Ms. Angeli Flores

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7xBgVE2TfM&feature=feedf

Nabartek

March 29th, 2011, 07:46 PM

Billiard still enjoys popularity. A number of local and international tournaments are regularly held in the country. The venues are always packed and sponsors are abundant.

Filipinos emerged as world champions in this sport. According to Efren Bata Reyes in his interview on TV, if Billiard is an Olympic sport, we would have gotten so many golds.

ESPN aired the previous World Pool Championships held in Manila since 2005.

For 2011...

http://www.rayasports.com/media/k2/items/cache/184b7cb84d7b456c96a0bdfbbeaa5f14_L.jpg
Philippine Open Draws Overflow entries of Men and Women Players The Philippine Open Pool Championships scheduled at the SM Megamall in Manila on April 7 to 11, is certain to have a full field of top male and female players from all over the world.

# 30 Countries, over 200 Players Join Philippine Open
# 28 Countries Join Philippine Open
# Philippine Open Draws Overflow entries of Men and Women Players

http://www.rayasports.com/media/k2/items/cache/d61d44254608dd06ccdd2ff02982d14d_L.jpg

The Philippines is the host country of the 2011 World Ten Ball Championship of the World Pool-Billiard Association. It will be the fifth time that Manila will host a major WPA world pool championship.

The championship will be played in the main hall of the World Trade Center in the Manila Bay Area in Metro Manila. The site is located close to the Mall of Asia and various hotels and attractions in Manila.

TOURNAMENT DATES AND SCHEDULE

Main Tournament (Stage 2)
May 10-15, 2011
World Trade Center
Roxas Boulevard,
Cultural Center Complex
Metro, Manila

Qualifying Tournament (Stage 1)
May 3-7, 2011
Star Billiards Center
Grace Village,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Press Conference
11 am
May 9, 2011
Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Players Meeting and Draw
4 pm
May 9, 2011
World Trade Center

Awards Dinner
9 pm
May 15, 2011
Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Metro Manila
Prizes to be presented by WPA
http://www.rayasports.com/events/item/9-world-ten-ball-championship

Thanks for the info. It's more of the media not paying attention to it that the sport "dying" in the Philippines

filcan

March 30th, 2011, 01:32 AM

^^ Pagdating sa billiards, powerhouse maituturing ang Pilipinas.

^^at first glance, akala ko sabi mo "billboards".. :lol:

Askal82

March 30th, 2011, 01:33 AM

^^at first glance, akala ko sabi mo "billboards".. :lol:

Pwede rin. :lol:

bitoy

March 30th, 2011, 01:45 AM

^^ :lol: Champion tayo sa billboarding along EDSA. :lol:

kiretoce

March 30th, 2011, 03:04 AM

Post away folks! :colgate:

swatch69sg

March 30th, 2011, 06:33 AM

From goodnewspilipinas.com

Fil-Am singer-actor Michael Copon Proud to be Pinoy
Posted on March 29th, 2011 under Entertainment Success

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Michael-Copon.jpeg

Michael Copon

He could pass for a Latino but Michael Copon, a Fil-Am singer-actor, would tell anybody who mistook him for one that he is Filipino — that is, as Filipino as pansit and sinigang and adobowhich have been part of his diet since way back when.

That’s why when he was offered to be the front act for Bruno Mars’ concert on April 7 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu and at the Araneta Coliseum on April 8, Michael said yes right away.

“I’ve been looking forward to visiting the Philippines,” Michael told Funfare in an exclusive one-on-one last Sunday afternoon at his room at the Discovery Suites, barely 24 hours after he flew in from California (he lives in Studio City, a few minutes away from Universal Studios). He’s two weeks early for the concert — for a good reason. “It’s my first time here,” added Michael whose father is a Filipino and whose mother is an American. “I want to get acquainted with my dad’s birthplace. My aunts in the US have been telling me, ‘Michael, you need to go to the Philippines.’ My dad is from Cavite and my mom, well, is a mix of everything — American, German, Polish, etc.”

Born on Nov. 13, 1982, in Cheesepeake, Virginia, Michael has been appearing in TV shows in the US(One Tree Hill, Beyond The Break, Power Rangers: Time Force, Bring It On and The Scorpion King 2: Rose of a Warrior) and in movies (The Power Rangersseries among them) since 2001. He’s also a model and a composer who writes his own songs, some of which he’s performing in his concert with Bruno Mars who is also half-Filipino.

Gifted with a sense of humor, Michael is friendly. He makes you feel at ease only a few minutes into the interview. As soon as he met me at the door, bathroom-fresh, he offered me a chocolate bar and, when I commented on the baller-band bearing his e-mail address, he took it off and gave it to me, thank you.

Asked how tall he was, he broke into a wide smile and said, “I’m 6’2” tall,” raising his hand to indicate height, and “11 inches,” holding his hand forward to indicate length. Then he laughed and laughed, and I, together with the others in the suite, laughed with him.

It must be his “model walk” and towering good looks that made mallers take a second look at him when he, accompanied by his Filipino bodyguard, took a stroll at the nearby Shangri-La Plaza Mall that Sunday morning. So eager was Michael to explore the city that he didn’t suffer from jetlag at all even if he had traveled halfway around the world.

“I want to go to Cavite and trace my roots,” said Michael, “I want to check out my relatives there.”

That is, when he’s not busy mixing his music and editing the videos that he’s using for the show.

“I’m a one-man production machine. I write and produce everything. I engineer everything on my own as well. I’m a certified mixing engineer in music. I’ve been acting for 11 years and singing just as long, too. I’ve gotten to a point where I can produce everything on my own.”

So from whom did he inherit his love for the arts?

“Everyone on my mom’s side is very artistic,” revealed Michael who was just a kid when his parents separated (he’s an only child from the marriage and has five half-siblings from his parents’ respective new partners). “My grandmother paints, my grandfather is a carpenter, my Uncle Mark is an actor, my Uncle David is a carpenter, my Uncle Greg is a web/graphic designer, and my mom cuts hair and is into fashion. I started drawing people when I was a kid. Every Christmas my folks gave me pencils and sketch pads.”

Asked who, besides his relatives, has a great influence on him, Michael said, “Michael Jackson and the Beatles,” but he added that he wasn’t named after The Gloved One. “My mom liked the name Michael because she’s a fan of Michael Jordan. My other brother’s name is Jordan. By the way, I love all kinds of music. My stepfather is a Frank Sinatra fan.”

And he said he plays football — “I’ve been playing it all my life, in a Fil-Am league that I grew up with.”

But the American football that he plays is different from the football that the Azkals play. Even the ball is different. In American football, it’s oval-shaped; in the Azkals football, it’s round. And the mechanics are not the same.

Is he more American than Filipino or the other way around?

“I think I’m a little bit of both. I grew up more American but as I grew older I became interested in the Filipino culture. I’ve been learning how to speak Tagalog. I’m a huge lover of Filipino food…sinigang, adobo, pansit, mechado.

“I was brought up 50/50 the American way and the Filipino way. Since my parents broke up when I was very young, I would stay half of the time with my dad and half of the time with my mom. I became accustomed to that set-up — growing up with American culture on one side and with Filipino culture on the other side. Even the food is different, Filipino on one side and American on the other side.”

He recalled meeting Bruno Mars for the first time after the Grammys where Mars won an award for his hit song Just The Way You Are.

“I told him that I would be opening for his show in the Philippines and he said, ‘Cool, man. See you there!’ He knew that I’m half-Filipino, too.”

So proud is Michael of being a Pinoy that when he’s offered a role, which would usually be changed from Caucasian to “ethnic” to suit his looks, he would say, “Can I play a Filipino so I can speak Tagalog?”

(Story courtesy of Ricky Lo of Philippine Star)

Nabartek

March 31st, 2011, 08:55 PM

I dunno if this is the appropriate therad but I really want to share this. Not a new topic, but just for laughs. (Bawal pikon. Hehe)
---

Senator Joker? Pinoy names tickle foreigners
CARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA News
03/30/2011 | 01:42 PM
Email the Editor Print Share This
Share107
Playful Filipino names need getting used to, especially if you’re a foreigner with a more predictable Western nickname like Kate.

In a recent article published on the BBC web site, amused British journalist Kate McGeown writes about a favorite topic of first-time visitors to the Philippines -- unusual, invented, or just plain funny Pinoy names, the kind she has been coming across since her first day in Manila when she was served by a waitress named Bumbum.

"I did a double-take, then smiled back, deciding it was probably a joke. But if so, it is a joke that practically the whole country seems to be in on," writes McGeown.

Like fellow Briton Matthew Sutherland, whose tongue-in-cheek article "A Rhose by Any Other Name" listed common categories of Filipino names, McGeown observes that these bizarre names can only be found here, and are "as quintessentially Filipino as the country's Catholic faith, friendly smiles, former US military jeeps knows as jeepneys, beautiful beaches and love of karaoke."

"Even the president is not spared," writes McGeown. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is casually referred to by his nickname Noynoy. Since his election, the nickname has evolved to PNoy, short for President Noynoy.

Even the country's top officials have Pinoy nicknames.

McGeown notes that no one seems to see the need to ask why two of his sisters are called Pinky and Ballsy, or question the integrity of Joker Arroyo, "one of the country's most respected senators."

Indeed, no one seems to think twice about such nicknames. After all, we have grandmothers we call Baby and grandfathers we call Boy, as if their parents thought they’d be infants all their lives. We have families named after flowers, or according to a single letter. When we repeat syllables, we find it more endearing than annoying. Kids are named after food their mother craved for, or their favorite food. So if you know someone named Hershey, you can count on having a Nestle in the family.

For families with several people inheriting the same name, perhaps nicknames are necessary to be able to differentiate. After all, simply adding a number to the name would be so impersonal. Some parents, it seems, can’t be bothered to think up names for their children, and simply name them according to their birth order. Una is followed by Segunda, and so on.

Kids are often given religious names, like Maria. But why settle for one when you can have three, as in Jejomar - Jesus, Joseph and Mary - as our vice president Jejomar Binay is called?

Joker Arroyo is "one of the country's most respected senators."
Other parents see their kids as combinations of themselves, so they name them by combining their own names. For instance, Elovel sounds exotic and foreign, but it's really because her parents are named Edwin and Lani, and well, E loves L.

For some Pinoys, it's only logical. We once entrusted our religious guidance to someone called Cardinal Sin, and we've had classmates like Edgar Allan Pe and Chica Go. None of this is surprising to us.

McGeown attempts a sociological take and writes that perhaps the strange names came about because the Philippines is a melting pot of different cultures. Spain gave us Catholicism, America taught us to shorten everything.

"The president himself is a good example, whose full Christian name is Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino, names which are Spanish, Hebrew and Chinese respectively. His nickname Noynoy is the only part that is truly Filipino," says McGeown.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Could it be that the Pinoy penchant for strange names is good old Filipino creativity at work? In the same way that we took former US military jeeps and came up with a wildly colorful mode of transportation, we came up with names you won't find anywhere else.

Some names just evolved. Bok almost never answers to her real name, which is Tanya. "Nung nagkamalay-tao na ako, Bok na ang tawag sa akin eh," she says. "Bokyo yung buo. May phase din na Atoy tawag sa akin, o Bill," she says. Her mother still calls her Tanya, but ever since fifth grade when a classmate overheard her being called Bokyo, her friends called her Bok as well.

"I'm so not a Raffy," says writer/illustrator/musician Ping.
Ping, whose real name is Rafael Miguel, got his nickname from some high school friends who initially called him Paeng, the standard local nickname for Rafael. "Eventually, Paeng turned into Ping and I kept it. Obviously way cooler than Raffy," says Ping, formerly Paeng and definitely not Raffy.

“I'm so not a Raffy."

At Starbucks, Ping is often asked, "That's Pink, sir? Pink po ang name nyo?"

"I'm 6' tall and 190 lbs. Yes, of course my name is Pink," he jests, but still he keeps his nickname. "Because I knew I wouldn't be able to go through college with Raffy as my nickname. Who would?"

Most interesting names have stories. Bamba, whose real name is Jezreel, got her nickname from the popular song "La Bamba," to which she would sing and dance when she was eight months old, even when she wasn't feeling well. "Tinakbo na 'ko sa clinic, tapos biglang pinatugtog ung La Bamba sa radyo ng sasakyan kumakanta at sumayaw pa rin daw ako kahit tumitirik na mata ko," she said.

Now 25, Bamba still prefers her nickname. "Mas cool. Hindi mo alam kung surname o nickname eh," she says. Also, it gets her instant entertainment. Whenever people mistakenly call her Bambam, she says as in "La Bamba," and they automatically start singing and dancing.

Sutherland devotes a paragraph to "the fabulous concept of the randomly-inserted letter 'h'" - which he thinks is designed to give a touch of class to an otherwise only typically weird name. As it turns out, the 'h' may just be there for luck, although it is unclear where this belief comes from.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but a rhose is even better.
Dharlene's name evolved from darling, which was her father's term of endearment for her mother. "Nilagyan ng h kasi maswerte daw pag may h," she explains. Dharlene was eventually shortened to Dhang, which she didn't bother to change. "Kumalat na siya so nakilala na ako ng buong madla na Dhang. I got used to it, so keri na," says Dharlene-turned-Dhang.

After living in the Philippines for a while, McGeown is no longer surprised. "When I'm introduced to a Dinky or a Dunce, or read about people called Bing and Bong, it seems almost normal. In fact, if anything, I rather like the fact that Filipinos are self-assured enough to use these names, no matter how odd they sound or how senior the person's public role."

But don't count on her changing her name to Kat Kat (Kat2) anytime soon. "While I think it is great that Bumbum can wear her name badge with pride, I'm not quite ready to adopt a Philippine nickname myself just yet," says McGeown. – HS, GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/216499/lifestyle/senator-joker-pinoy-names-tickle-foreigners

Playful Filipino names hard to get used to

By Kate McGeown
BBC News, Manila

Boxer Manny Paquaio holds his daughters Queen Elizabeth (l) and Princess (r)
Boxer Manny Paquaio named his girls Queen Elizabeth and Princess

Bizarre and often unflattering names are as quintessentially Filipino as the country's Catholic faith, friendly smiles, former US military jeeps known as jeepneys, beautiful beaches and love of karaoke.

On my first day in Manila, I walked down to the local cafe and was served by a smiling young girl who wore a name badge entitled BumBum.

I did a double-take, then smiled back, deciding it was probably a joke.

But if so, it is a joke that practically the whole country seems to be in on.

Since then I've met a Bambi, three Bogies, several Girlies, a Peanut, a Barbie and a middle-aged man called Babe.

These names are found in all sectors of society.

Sometimes they are nicknames, sometimes genuine first names - but they are always what people are referred to on a day-to-day basis.

Even the president is not spared. His real name is Benigno Aquino, but almost everyone here calls him Noynoy.

Two of his sisters are called Pinky and Ballsy. No-one seems to see the need to ask why.

Why would you call your children after the days of the week or your favourite desserts?

Neither does anyone question the integrity of Joker Arroyo, one of the country's most respected senators.

That is his real first name. Apparently he got it because of his father's fondness for playing cards.

Joker's brother is called Jack.

And it seems perfectly natural to Filipinos that the boxer Manny Paquiao should express his love for the British royal family by naming his daughter Queen Elizabeth.

Lost in translation?

So why do Filipinos have such odd, even risque, names?

This is not a translation issue, as most people speak English well, or well enough to know that BumBum, for example, is not exactly on the rest of the Anglophile world's list of popular baby names.
Filipino motorcyclist Gilbert and his dog Bogie on a scooter
Filipino motorcyclist Gilbert gave his stunt dog a common moniker - Bogie

I rather tentatively brought the subject up at a dinner party full of lawyers, academics and business people.

Many of them were surprised - they had simply never thought of these names as having any kind of negative connotation.

But once we started discussing it, they did agree that, to outsiders at least, it all might sound a bit strange. Soon a heated debate began.

Perhaps it was because of the propensity of Filipinos to have large, tight-knit families, some of them said.

A man called Babe or Honey Boy, for instance, is probably the youngest member of that generation in the family.

It suited him when he was two years old - now he is a slightly overweight businessman in his 50s, why change it?

But nicknames are not always given when people are young.

The former president Joseph Estrada is more commonly known as Erap - a name he acquired in his 20s.

When spelt backwards, Erap becomes Pare, which means mate or buddy in the national language Tagalog.

Other guests thought that nicknames came about because of a need for individuality.

When I'm introduced to a Dinky or a Dunce, or read about people called Bing and Bong, it seems almost normal

People here often have the same Christian name as their parents.

Former Congressman Ace Barbers, who, like Joker Arroyo, obviously had a card-player in the family, has the Christian name Robert, but so do his father and all his brothers.

He clearly has not found it a problem as he named his four sons Robert too. Nicknames must be essential in their house.

'Melting pot'

The conversation soon turned to the fact that the Philippines is a melting pot of different cultures, and perhaps that is what led to these strange names.
Benigno Aquino
President Benigno Aquino, is also known as Noynoy

The president himself is a good example. His full Christian name is Benigno Simeon Cojuangco, names which are Spanish, Hebrew and Chinese respectively. His nickname Noynoy is the only part that is truly Filipino.

A well-used adage here is that the Philippines spent 400 years in a convent then 50 years in Hollywood, referring to Spanish then American colonial rule.

The Spanish introduced the concept of surnames - in fact they issued a decree in 1849 that everyone had to have a surname.

So even today, most surnames are Spanish.

But the main thing Spain gave to the Philippines was Catholicism, and with it, tens of thousands of newly-christened Marias and Joses.

With the Americans came names like Butch, Buffy and Junior - and the propensity to shorten everything if at all possible.

Perhaps it is the combination of these two influences which has led to names like Jejomar - short for Jesus Joseph Mary.

The current vice president is called Jejomar Binay.

I think it is great that BumBum can wear her name badge with pride

Even the large Chinese community here has not escaped this national name game.

Their surnames are often a form of Anglicised Chinese, but sometimes the Philippine penchant for fun shines through.

I have heard of a Van Go, a John F Kenneth Dee and an Ivan Ho.

But there are some names that just defy explanation.

Why would you call your children after the days of the week or your favourite desserts? To many Filipinos, a better question to ask is: "Why wouldn't you?"

I have been living here for a while now, and I have got used to all these names.

When I'm introduced to a Dinky or a Dunce, or read about people called Bing and Bong, it seems almost normal.

In fact, if anything, I rather like the fact that Filipinos are self-assured enough to use these names, no matter how odd they sound or how senior the person's public role.

But my assimilation is not quite complete.

While I think it is great that BumBum can wear her name badge with pride, I'm not quite ready to adopt a Philippine nickname myself just yet.

How to listen to: From Our Own Correspondent

BBC Radio 4: Saturdays, 1130. Second weekly edition on Thursdays, 1100 (some weeks only)

BBC World Service: See programme schedules

Download the podcast

Listen on iPlayer

Story by story at the programme website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/9435751.stm