THE 2011 BINIBINING PILIPINAS WINNERS

                                                               photos from bbpilipinas2011.com

The long wait is over! After a couple of months of controversies and hardship through screenings and practices, the 40 ( traditionallly 24) official candidates face the moment of truth early morning of April 11, 2011.
The host of the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 were beauty titlist Ms. Miriam Quaiambao and Ms. Precious Lara Quigaman together with Ms. KC Concepcion and Mr. Derek Ramsey. The 40 official Bb. Pilipinas candidates presented themselves before the judges and spectators.
This years judges were:
1.  Mr. Alex Cabagnot
2.  Mr. David Charlton
3.  Mr. Gilbert Simpao
4.  Mr. Anthony Charlemagne Yu
5.  Ms. Charo Santos-Concio
6.  Consul Hugh Wilson
7.  Mr. Cristino "Bong" Naguiat Jr.
8.  Mr. Ernie Lopez
9.  Hon. Secretary Edwin Lacierda
10. Gen. Eduardo Oban
11. Ms. Margie Moran Floreindo
12. Ms. Silvana Fornari
13. His Excellency Hans Danenberg

Before the swimsuit presentation, special awards were given to;

Candidate # 31 - Ms. Samantha Purvor - Ms. Friendship Award which was awarded by Bb. Pilipinas 2008 1st runner-up
Ms. Danielle Castano

Candidate # 26 - Ms. Shamcey Supsup - Ms. Talent Award which was awarded by Bb. Pilipinas 2001 Ms. International Ms. Maricar Tolosa

Candidate # 26 - Ms. Shamcey Supsup - Ms. Philippine Airlines (PAL) - awarded by Ms. Badette Cunanan and Ms. Barbie Atienza

Candidate # 23 - Ms. Luzelle Felipe - Manila Bulletin Reader's choice Award - awarded by Ms. Joana Sarmiento

Candidate # 26 - Ms. Shamcey Supsup - Ms.Creamsilk  which was awarded by Mr. Gilbert Simpao

After the candidates have paraded the stage in their swimsuit, the top finalist were chosen;

CANDIDATE  #  6  - PATRICIA TUMULAK                                        # 26 - SHAMCEY SUPSUP
                    #  8  - CHRISTINA MARASIGAN                                 # 27 - JANINE TUGONON
                    # 11 - DIANA AREVALO                                            # 30 - KATHLEEN SUBIJANO
                    # 13 - QUENNIERICH REHMAN                                 # 32 - JENN ROE GUBAT     
                    # 16 - SABRINNE AL-TAWIL                                      # 33 - DIANNE NECIO
                    # 19 - WENDY LUCAS                                              # 34 - MARY JEAN LASTIMOSA
                    # 23 - LUZELLE FELIPE                                            # 37 - SARAH NICOLE CLENCI
                    # 25 - ISABELLA MANJON

All 15 candidate shows how smart they are in the Question and Answer portion of the pageant, the candidates were ask individually by a judge which was electronically picked by the computer. Those who was unable to join the list of the semi-finalist, comeback on stage for the announcement of the remaining special awards.
This years Best in Swimsuit goes to candidate # 13, Ms. Queenierich Rehman, Best in Long Gown goes to Ms. Luzelle Felipe and the Face of the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 goes to Ms. Angelia  Ong.
Matteo Gudicelli and Sam Milby serenaded last years winners, Maria Venus Raj, who was crowned as the Bb. Pilipinas  Universe 2010, Krista Kleiner Bb.Pilipinas International 2010, and Czarina Gatbonton Bb. Pilipinas World 2010.


Candidate #34 Mary Jane Lastimoso was announced 2nd runner-up and candidate # 27 Janine Tugonon was the 1st runner-up. This years Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 is candidate # 25 Isabella Manjon, Bb. Pilipinas International 2011 is candidate # 33 Dianne Necio and the Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 title goes to candidate # 26 Shamcey Supsup.


Shamcey Supsup  finished BS Architecture at the University of the Philippines and was a magna cum laude. She is 24 years old and from General Santos City. She was also a board topnotcher. Shamcey will compete in Brazil this November to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss Universe beauty pageant.


(the author does not claim ownership of the photo posted, no copyright infringement intended)

IT'S GRADUATION TIME ONCE AGAIN

The month of March marks the end of another school year which means it's graduation time once again.  The time when graduates will have to wear mortarboards and their togas / graduation gowns . Pre elementary and Senior students will have their chances to receive the expensive piece of paper every student is longing for. Of course who wouldn't be happy to have a Diploma which serves as their token and key to success in life. Parents of the graduands will be delighted and proud of their child's accomplishment. Graduates will have to face another journey in their life. Pre-elementary students will become elementaries, graduating  elementaries will become high school, high school seniors will become college students and college seniors will either continue to their masteral degree or will be lining up in job markets submitting their resumes.
For most high school seniors, graduation marks the end of their best years in life but as Alexander Graham Bell once said when a door closes another door opens ; Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open. Memories are indeed everlasting. Graduation is a start of something new in life.  It is the transition from one stage of a student's life to another.

THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH GRADUATION

Baccalaureate Service / mass - Usually done in any school with religious affiliations. It is a thanksgiving celebration for the graduating students for dedicating their lives to learning and wisdom . It has been believed to originate from Oxford University. The Baccalaureate Service / Mass is held  prior to Graduation. 



Graduation gown or Toga - the traditional clothing used by a graduating student.

Class ring - also known as grad ring. worn by the graduates to commemorate their graduation.

Valedictorian - the graduating student with the highest scholastic standing.

Valedictory address - is a speech dedicated to fellow graduates by the Valedictorian.

Diploma - a certificate that testifies that a student or the recipient has finished a particular course of study.

Mortarboard or the Square Academic cap worn by graduands. The tassle is usually flipped from right to the left upon receiving the diploma  indicating that the student has already graduated.    


The Graduation music -  The most popular music played during graduation rites is the "Pomp and Circumstance March I which is composed by Sir Edward Elgar. Another popular graduation music is the Verdi Triumphal grand march which is composed by Giuseppe Verdi.


 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRADUATES OF BATCH 2010 - 2011!!!!

MASSIVE QUAKES AND TSUNAMI HITS JAPAN

                                                            (photos from bbc.co.uk)
  
March 11, 2011, Friday, an 8-9 magnitude earthquake hits Japan at 2:46pm (local time). It is said that it is the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in at least 100 years. The horrific earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami. Reports says that the huge deadly wave was measured at 23 feet tall (7 meters). There were countless injuries and undetermined number of deaths and hundreds were missing.. Tsunami warnings were also in effect in part of the Philippines, Guam, Taiwan, Russia, Indonesia, Peru, Hawaii, Marcus Islands and Marianas Islands. According to Reuters, Geneva Red Cross warned that the wave could be higher than those in the Pacific Islands. In the Philippines, people living near the coastal areas were asked to evacuate the area. As of the time of writing this article, some of the areas given tsunami warnings have already experienced first waves.
There were 30 recorded aftershocks in Japan with a 7.1 magnitude as the highest.
Kyodo news agency reported that Japanese Government had already dispatched a total of 8,000 troops to assist in recovery and they also asked for U.S. military assistance.
Videos of the tsunami were shown on different television stations showing sea vessels and cars and debris rode off the high waves and slammed on structures.
Firefighters battled over a large fire at Cosmo Oil Refinery in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. It was burning out of control with over 30 meters of high flames.
Japan shut several nuclear power reactors including those operated by Tokyo Power Electric Company, Tohoku Electric Power Company, and Japan Atomic Power Company causing millions of homes without electricity.
USGS said that this quake was the 5th strongest in history since 1900.

sources: www.digitaltrend.com
                 www.bbc.com.uk
                 www.cnn.com
                 www.eturbonews.com
                www.yahoo.com
                www.bloomberg.com 

PHILIPPINES COMMEMORATES THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION

25 years has passed after the historical non violent revolution that happened in the Philippines. On Friday, February 25, Filipinos are celebrating the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution. The term EDSA revolution was derived from the name of the main avenue where most of the non violent protest happened.  EDSA Revolution is one of the peaceful revolution that happened in history. This prayerful mass revolution became an inspiration to many countries.
What makes Filipinos unite and decide to make a human barricade which is composed of more that 2 million people is their longing for the restoration of freedom that was said to be stolen by the dictatorship of then Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos won the presidential race during 1965 election against Diosdado Macapagal. In 1969,  he was  re-elected again as president defeating Sergio Osmena Jr. At this point in time, several Filipinos were already against his leadership.  He was not allowed to run again for presidency for the the third time. On September 23, 1972, President Marcos declared Martial law (Proclamation number 1081) and his reason is rising civil disobedience. He suppresses liberty. He ordered arrest of his political opponents including then Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. By imposing Martial law, President Marcos prolonged his stay in power.
Benigno Ninoy Aquino who was explicitly refused permission to return and was threatened by death was determined to set his foot back to the Philippines. On August 21, 1983, the brave Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport which is now known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. His assassination started a series of protests and rallies.  President Marcos announced a presidential snap election( Batas Pambansa number 883). Ninoy's widow, Corazon Cojuanco Aquino was encouraged by opposition leaders to run for presidency. During the election, there were several reports that Marcos alllegedly interfere illegally with the election process. Despite all of these allegations, he was still proclaimed by the Commission on Election as President on February 15. 1986.

On February 22, 1986, Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos together with the Reformed The Armed Forces Movement (RAM), SFP and YOU (Young Officers Union) prepared to confront Marcos and his cronies.. Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin through Radio Veritas summoned every Filipinos to support the Rebel leaders by going to EDSA. Millions of Filipinos gathered at EDSA to show their support. Priest, nuns and civilian together formed a human chain to prevent government troops in full combat gear to come near the camps. Priests and nuns lead the prayer vigil holding in their hands their rosaries, civilians hold flowers which they offer to the government troops for peace. This scenario melted the heart of the soldiers, they retreated. The historical EDSA Revolution ended without bloodshed.

The will of the Filipinos to recover its democracy prevailed. Corazon Aquino was sworn in as President of the Philippines on February 25 and Marcos was exiled in Hawaii together with his family and his cronies.

What happened in EDSA 25 years ago made a lasting impact in the world. Let us all continue what we have started at EDSA. Let's continue in making the Philippines a unique nation.

ORIGIN OF VALENTINES DAY

                   photo from candyaddict.com

This month, love is in the air in many places in the world. It is the season of love. The month of romance specially to those who are in intimate relationship. People are giving gifts such as flowers, chocolates, candies and cards to their love ones. This is all because of Valentine's Day. It was actually Saint Valentine's Day but later on shortened to simply Valentine's day. 
Who is Saint Valentine and why do we celebrate it on February 14? 
There were numerous legends as to who is really St. Valentine. There are some who believe that he is a Christian priest who performed many miracles and because of his beliefs and teachings,  he was imprisoned and later on beheaded on February 14.

*Valentine of Rome - a priest in Rome who was martyred in 269 AD and was buried at Via Flaminia. 
*Valentine of Terni -  once a bishop in Interamna (know today as Terni) in 197 AD. He was persecuted under the Aurelian empire. He was also buried in Via Flaminia. 
In 14th Century, distinctions between the two martyrs were lost.  In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as Valentine's day but Pope Paul VI remove it from the Roman Calendar of Saints though its religious observance is still allowed.There were some who believes that these were just made by the Catholic church who looked for a suitable patron to replace Lupercus, a pagan god  of ancient Romans. Prior to the celebration of Valentine's day, a pagan festival already exist and was celebrated on February 13 to 15 to turn away evil spirits and purify their city and for health and fertility. The celebration is named Lupercalia named after Lupercus.
But whatever its origin, we all know that February 14 is Heart's day or a special day for those who were in love. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(sources: history.com, wikipedia)

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE METAL RABBIT

This February 3, 2011, many of us would be celebrating the Chinese New Year. Many of us believes that Chinese New Year is a celebration of change.  It is the 4709th year in the Chinese calendar.

 Metal Rabbit Years
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

There are many beliefs when it comes to welcoming the Chinese New Year.
Here are some of what Chinese people do during New Year's eve, to attract good vibes and for continues flow of blessings throughout the year.
Clean your house, every corner should be swept but then after, put away all the brooms and brushes. Never sweep the floor on New Years Day because they believe that sweeping the floor during New Years Day will drive away all the luck that is in store for the coming year. Cleaning the house should start at the front door going to the center of the house, keep the dust and throw it after the 5th day. If possible, hang red paper lanterns and decorate with red scrolls. Wear new clothes. Have a new haircut but not on the day of New Year because it means driving away good luck.
Settle all your debts. Resolve all problems and differences with the whole family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Never say anything negative on New Years Day. Never utter the word four for in China it means death. Knifes and other sharp objects should be kept away during the New Year to avoid accidents.
Chinese fill their dining table with lots of foods. One of the most common ritual during Chinese New Year is  eating Nian Gao or TIKOY for the Filipinos. It is also known as Chinese cake. Tikoy is made of glutinous rice. Nian Gao or tikoy symbolizes unity for the whole family throughout the year and its sweet taste is for good relationship. Some also have Hopia which symbolizes eternity and hope. There should also be noodles as this symbolizes long life.

If you are going to give Ang Pao ( a Chinese red envelope with Chinese characters outside.) which contains money, it should be divisible by 2, for the reason that in China, even numbers means harmony.

In order to chase away bad spirits and bad luck or negative energies, Chinese do the Dragon and Lion dance. There are difference between a Lion dance and Dragon dance. A lion dance is usually composed of 4 person, 2 for the head and 2 for the body of the lion. They are the ones who goes in business premises to get the hanging Ang Pao while the dragon dance is composed of 10 to 50 persons.  It has a longer body and controlled by poles.

The year of the Rabbit is considered to be the most luckiest year.
A rabbit is a symbol of  long life, good manner, and compassion. A person born under the sign of the rabbit were said to be private. He would rather do things by himself discreetly instead of being the center attention. He would be lucky in business and other transactions involving money. Although moody, a person born under the rabbit sign would live in tranquility. He is considerate and understanding, he avoids conflicts. Metal rabbits are very intense whether at work or romance. They are very ambitious.
A person born under this sign is said to be compatible with a person born under the sign of the pig, sheep and dog but not with rooster and rat.

Good Luck to all of you on the year of the Rabbit!  
KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!

HOW DO CHINESE NEW YEAR STARTED?

The most important and grandest of the social, traditional holiday in China is the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year. It is a great time for family get together. Although many Chinese has adopted the Western calendar, wherein Chinese celebrating New Year on January 1, they still observe the traditional Chinese New Year.
There is a known Chinese legend that tells how the Chinese New Year started, It is said that the traditional holiday in China started when their ancestors fought Nian, a cruel monster who greedily eats on  crops, livestock  and the inhabitants specially the children. It is said the he would come during lunar month to hunt for villagers (if you are aware of the game World of Warcraft, the boss OMEN was actually inspired by Nian). Villagers were very afraid of him. They would locked themselves at home. so as not to be one of Nian's prey. During one of Nian's attack, an old, wise man from the village have noticed that Nian was sensitive to loud noises and that he was afraid of children wearing red. The villagers came up with a plan that when the monster would again attack, they would beat drums and gongs, and would light up firecrackers (by that time they use gunpowders) to make loud noises  and they would wear red robes. When the monster Nian attacked, they did what has been planned and the beast ran out. Ever since, the ferocious monster no longer appeared in the village. Since then, they celebrate their victory every year during winter, making loud noises by beating drums, gongs, lighting firecrackers and wearing red, thus making it the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
GONG HE XIN XI, Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái!,

THE FEAST OF THE SANTO NINO

 photo taken from photobucket.com

Like the feast of the Black Nazarene, the feast of Santo Nino ( holy child) is also celebrated every January. The feast of Santo Nino is usually celebrated every third Sunday of January. The Spaniards were the ones who introduced the Santo Nino to the Filipinos. 
When Magellan reached the Philippines in 1521, he introduced Christianity to Filipinos. He convert many Filipinos into Christians. The gift given by Magellan to Hara Amihan, the wife of Rajah Humabon  ( the chieftain of Cebu) on her baptism is a wooden image of child Jesus (Santo Nino). Magellan died a few weeks later in a battle with Lapu-Lapu in Mactan, his men returned to Spain. In 1565, another group of Spaniards arrived in Cebu, Philippines, headed by explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. One of his men, Juan Camus found the image of Santo Nino inside a wooden box.
Santo Nino is the prime of all Christian relics in the Philippines. In fact the image that was found by Juan Camus was enshrined in San Agustin Church in Cebu which is now known as the Minore Basilica del Santo Nino. 
There were many places in the Philippines wherein they celebrate festival in honor of Senor Santo Nino.
The Philippines' biggest and most popular festival in honor of the Senor Santo Nino is the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES  IN HONOR OF THE  SANTO NINO;


ATI-ATIHAN Festival -  held annually in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January.
SINULOG Festival - held annually in Cebu City, Philippines. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January.
DINAGYANG Festival - held annually during the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines.
BINANOG Festival - held every second Sunday of January in Lambunao, Iloilo.
KABANKALAN SINULOG Festival - in Kabankalan, Negros celebrated annually during second Sunday of January. 
HINIRUGYAW Festival - held every January 30 - February 6 in Calinog, Iloilo.
BANSUDANI Festival - in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro every January 17 to 19.
KINARADTO Festival - celebrated annually in Buenavista, Guimaras every January 16.
KAHIMUNAN Festival - Butuan City, Butuan's version of Sinulog Festival held every January 16.
BATAN ATI-ATI MALAKARA Festival - in Poblacion, Batan Aklan. Celebrated every January 16. 
ALTAVAS STO. NINO Festival - held annually in Poblacion, Altavas, Aklan every January 21-22.
DINAGSA ATI-ATI Festival - Cadiz, Negros Occidental held every January 24-30
BINIRAY Festival - held annually in Romblon, Romblon every January 9.
SANTO NINO Fiesta in Marilao , Bulacan every last Sunday of January. 
TONDO FIESTA -  celebrated every third Sunday of January in Tondo Manila.

SINULOG PHOTO TAKEN FROM PHOTOBUCKET

The celebration of the feast of the Santo Nino started in Cebu and is now celebrated in many parts of the Philippines. There were hundreds of stories about the miracles of the Santo Nino which made the holy infant close to the hearts of every Filipino. Celebrations features novenas, processions with images of the Santo Nino, tribal dance competitions, fireworks and games for childrens. 

VIVA PIT SENOR SANTO NINO!!!

AN UPDATE ON THE FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE 2011

Right after the mass in Quirino Grandstand that was led by Fr. Anton Pascual, devotees of the Black Nazarene  rushed to the stage of  Quririno Grandstage where the image was enshrined since last Saturday for the "pahalik". Devotees hurriedly climb up the stage for them to be the first to wipe their face towels on the image of the Black Nazarene and be able to grab the rope that will be use to pull the carriage of the Black Nazarene. Father Anton Pascual led the Lord's prayer for the devotees to be pacified. The priest  asked devotees to kneel down.  The cross was even dislodged from the image due to the uncontrollable  male devotees who were excited and can't wait to carry the image. It took a couple of minutes before the image was brought to the "Andas" (carriage).  This was similar to last year's celebration wherein the image was placed on the left side of the stage. Devotees was uncontrollable, they tried to grab the rope and climb the platform where the image is, even though the mass is still going on.
Thanks God there were no reported death in this year's celebration but there were around 700 people who sought medical attention. 
Quirino Grandstand turned out to be like a dumpsite after millions of devotees left the ground to join the " TRANSLACION". Thanks to our MMDA clearing group who were dedicated to their job, who immediately clean the area.
The procession of the Black Nazarene took 16 hours; it started 8am right after the image of the Black Nazarene was placed on the carriage at the Quirino Grandstand and reaches Quiapo Church at 12 midnight.

 Here are some pictures I took in this year's celebration.

 

at the Qurino Grandstand

replicas of the Black Nazarene

 

one of the banner used by a group of devotees

 

ati-atihan who joined the parade at Echague, Manila

 

devotees waiting for the procession

 

MMDA Band

 

vendors around the vicinity of  Sta.Cruz, Manila

waiting for the Black Nazarene

  

 

 volunteers, ambulances and rescue missions

 

 parade along Echague street.

 

 banners at the beginning of the procession

the Black Nazarene