Culture Unplugged Video

I talked about this topic in the book KAPENG ARABO in passing. While I still believe that this happens in a miniscule of a percentage of our population, I just couldn't help but worry that the issue of hunger may go out of proportion if we don't do something.

I remember I was chatting with a friend regarding a related topic, i.e. the squatters in the country. Being out of the country, he claims I have no idea of how grabe the situation of our folks in the slums. Of course, I do. And I also have an ample idea how they are used by some people to pursue their political dreams. Ahhh...this is so complicated topic. And if you really want to know my stake on this, we could go on forever.

On the lighter side, this video won the Best Short Story category. I won't write the details as they are part of the video. Though I personally do not like how things were presented, it has that tinch of sadness, ka-touch baga. But you be the judge.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Having a bad day and getting some laughter

Much like everyone else who had to weather all bad trips or negativities around; like that virtually unnoticed associate in one corner of the office, or that kasambahay who had to succumb the ire of her boss due by putting salt in his coffee by mistake, or like that contestant booted out of the AI (American Idol), I also experience a bad day.

And i just had one today, and this blogging thing is my therapy.

But the problem is, I had to control myself because this is not my personal blog, rather, of the book KAPENG ARABO. And so, I had to ease out and psyche myself that we are still living in a good world after all.

Nonetheless, having a bad day is as natural as combing your hair or putting toes inside old shoe, and so we need something to counter its effects.

And here's what i found on the net, some interesting thoughts.

1. Here's an article from oprah.com. The topic really is about interview with Daniel Pink, the author of "A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future" but during the course of interview, you'll come across the idea that there are laughter clubs where the agenda is for people to come together and laugh for no reason at all. Accordingly, they recite "Ho-ho-ha-ha- ha, ho-ho-ha-ha- ha, ho-ho-ha-ha- ha" repeatedly.

According to Pink, this is a brain exercise we all can do. Laughter is not about laughing at a joke or at something; it's about the physicality of laughing. It's laughter yoga, or a kind of meditation. And we call can do that. Check out the rest of the article by clicking here.

2. Ok, fine if you are not amused with laughing for no reason at all, here's a video I personally couldn't stop myself laughing after watching. But please, I have the least intent to discredit Ms.Barreto. And I know this is an old old video, but I just found it funny at the moment. No offense meant to all the fans. Check it out:

Democracy Challenge

I'd like to share this video to the readers this blog. This small video made by students of the University of the Philippines emerged in the frontline beating over 900 entries from over 95 countries in the recently concluded DEMOCRACY CHALLENGE.

Whether you agree to what it says is immaterial. I have all but positive words to this work. It is awesome, and very powerful. Because it combined the power of photography, written and spoken words. Kudos to all Pinoys!



*
*

OFW PO AKO - The thin line that defines the difference of an OFW from a Balikbayan!

I really found this article witty and very interesting. To blog owner of BarrioSiete.com, please pardon my taking liberty of posting this article. I just had to. Anyways, I am linking your blog:

Nangingilo ko pag tinatawag akong Balikbayan, hindi dahil galit ako sa mga ito, kundi dahil sa tingin ko di ako “qualified” to be labeled as BALIKBAYAN—ako ay isang OFW. Katulad ng nakabalandra sa 1st Floor sa POEA sa Ortigas ang nakasulat ay —-drum roll please….“This way to BALIK-MANGGAGAWA CENTRE”. Di ba malinaw hindi BALIKBAYAN CENTRE!
Mga dahilan (di naman masyado marami) kung bakit ako nagka-AVERSION sa konsepto ng BALIKBAYAN:

To continue reading, click here
*
*

KA Battle of the Bands

Yep. You read it right. KA, in its attempt to reach out to 'young minds' (notice I did not write young people) is sponsoring a battle of the bands.


The event on July 11, 2009 at the Las Pinas Covered Court, Philippines is co-sponsored by Cordia, an international company (branch in the Philippines) that promotes continuous communication between families separted miles away from one another. It uses VoIP technology so Filipinos abroad can talk to their families and loved ones in the Philippines unlimited.

I shall post updates as the event draws. Meanwhile, those interested to personally witness how the young generation struts its version of rock and roll, you may call +639212122320/90832758170 or 4903653 for the tickets, or visit http://kanmg.multiply.com for other details.

Rock-rock-an na ito!
*
*
*

Lupang Hinirang

Inspired by the month of June's special event, being the celebration of the country's Independence, this video is worth sharing. This perhaps is the most symbolical Lupang Hinirang MTV I've ever seen.

If you're a Filipino, watch it. It's worth your time.

Otep talks of Kapeng Arabo

I'd like to thank Otep for featuring the book in his blog. I am linking his wordpress blog so you can take a look at it too (I also listed his blog on my blogroll). Apparently, Otep was able to track me via Friendster (FS).

This is why I couldn't leave FS. Although I personally do not know majority in my friendslist anymore, I had to admit FS is still the more popular social networking site among Filipinos.

Going back to Otep's blog, its title (or should I say subtitle?) "Libre Lang Mangarap" is quite fitting for most readers of this blog who comprise mostly of OFWs and Pinoy abroad (apart from my family and friends in the Philippines, of course).

The assumption is we all bear the heartaches of being away from the country to pursue our dreams. And since it is free, why not keep dreaming, right? There is nothing wrong in dreaming. In fact, I always tell Filipinos here in the Middle East, and to friends in other countries to dream... and dream big!

I guess the difference lies in how we treat these dreams. Let me ask you a question: As you wake up in the morning, do you look at the clock, go back to sleep and keep dreaming? Or do you get up immediately, and chase those dreams?

In my case, I'd like to wake up with my morning coffee (not necessarily Arabo), attend to my morning routine, and walk and greet people with that burst of sunshine. But then, that's just me.

But, how about you?

P.S.

You can now follow me at Facebook and Twitter.
*
*