Bayanihan: The Power of We

Bayanihan is a well known trait among Filipinos. This is where the "we" concept is very much alive.

It has been an age old tradition for citizens in the Philippines to help each other in times of need. Typically, the bayanihan spirit is most famous in a situation in the barrios wherein a family moves to a new location and their townmates would gather together to help move their house made of bamboo and light materials by carrying it on their shoulders.

The 1986 EDSA Revolution is a major event in the Philippines that displayed the "we" trait among Filipinos and one which caught the attention of other countries. Tired of the dictatorship regime of former president Ferdinand Marcos, people of all ages and religion flocked in droves to the EDSA Shrine in February of that year to protest against the Marcoses and throw him out of his presidency. So successful was this mass movement that the Marcos family was forced to leave the country at that time eventually leading to the establishment of democracy.

In times of natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes, the Filipinos also unite to help the victims in any way they can. Immediate actions of help by food, clothing and monetary donations are taken by companies and private individuals as a way to alleviate the sufferings of those affected.

This is how the "Power of We" is put into action in the Philippines. Through this bayanihan spirit, Filipinos have proven that they can topple a dictatorship, move for the establishment of democracy, stop corruption and unite to help people badly affected by natural disasters.

Filipinos are always resilient citizens the reason why they are admired by people from other nations. Thanks to this bayanihan spirit, we always find a way to stand up and move on after a storm in our lives. Long live the Philippines and to the Filipinos, mabuhay tayo!

This post is in commemoration of Blog Action Day 2012 on October 15.

Mom Bloggers for Social Good

I recently joined this group called Mom Bloggers for Social Good and I'm happy to be a member. This group created by Jennifer James provides great inspiration to moms around the world who care about the work of NGOs and non-profit organizations.

This women's coalition supports causes close to the hearts of moms and through its members, helps spread the word about various issues that affect men, women, children and the environment through blogging and social media. From 400 members on its launching last January 2012, the group's membership now has reached 900.

Group founder Jennifer James also announced a few days ago the release of the Social Good Moms mug. The mug is being sold and proceeds will feed the children who are beneficiaries of the World Food Programme.

But you have a chance to win one by leaving a comment on the website until July 20 only. There's also an option there to share a tweet for an additional entry.

I'm inviting others mom bloggers out there to join the group. You can visit the official website of Mom Bloggers for Social Good or go to the Facebook page. On Twitter, you can follow @socialgoodmoms.

Don't Forget to Laugh!

In these times when people are preoccupied with work, there's one important thing that we should not forget to do. It's a very easy act but has great benefits to a person's emotional and physical health. I'm talking about LAUGHTER, what else.

I found this photo on Facebook being shared and thought of sharing it here as well. A friend of mine said if this was only available over the counter, she would really buy it. I second the motion.

Laughing makes me feel good. To enjoy this privilege, I look for ways so I can laugh on a daily basis. I watch TV shows that are funny, whether local or international. I'm a fan of Showtime, Gandang Gabi Vice, Loko Moko, Just for Laughs, Mr. Bean and of course, the comedy films.

Other things I do are play with our dog which is also therapeutic. Or I would recall memories of my childhood and teenage years and have a good laugh.

So go ahead take your daily dose of laughter. It's free, improves your mood and has definitely no side effects. And the best part is it gives you a different kind of high.

What I've Done as a Fan of Aga Muhlach

Many of my friends are not really aware that I'm such a big movie fan when I was a teenager. In fact, it's not just the movies that I'm a fan of but even TV entertainment shows. So if by chance these friends of mine get to find out about the things I've done as a fan, they would raise their eyebrows in disbelief or tell me "You've got to be kidding!"

So let me share with you the things I did as a teenager who was going ga-ga over some celebrities (both males and females). I remember that it was the movie "Bagets" that started it all. From the time I saw that film, I just fell in love with Aga Muhlach. Since then, I developed an interest in the lives of movie and budding TV stars and followed the latest updates of those that I liked.

For Aga Muhlach, these are what I've done as far as I can remember...

• Would you believe that I made two major scrapbooks filled with clippings of his photos and news taken from magazines?


• I also collected magazines (new and back issues) where he was featured. Some were given to me by cousins and friends.


• I bought photos of him sold at bookshops.


• The biggest move that I made that really thrilled me was meeting Aga in person and kissing him on the cheek. What a joy that was!

Meeting Aga was an opportunity that came to me when I was already working in the broadcast media. I learned that he was coming over to Iloilo City and I took the chance to contact a media friend who was working on the side for SM (ShoeMart as there was no SM City yet) and asked her where I could personally meet the actor. And so she told me the hotel where Aga's entourage were staying and that I could wait in the lobby.

I was super excited to meet Aga then that I even brought with me one of my scrapbooks so I could have it signed by him. I waited at the lobby of Amigo Terrace Hotel with my heart pounding out of excitement. I positioned myself to face the elevator so I could easily spot the actor when he comes out.

Then the moment came and the elevator opened with a big guy coming out first (Aga's younger brother) followed by Aga himself. I immediately stood up and slowly approached the actor and presented to him my scrapbook for his signature. I could not forget his words when he saw it "Wow! A scrapbook!" Perhaps he couldn't believe a girl like me could do such a thing. So he signed it with a big smile and I thanked him.

But that was not the end because as if I was not too contented with that, I also asked permission from him if I could kiss him (oh, the shy me!) And he was laughing when he said "Sure!" He then put his arm on my shoulder when I gave him a peck on his cheek. That moment, I was really on cloud 9!

Until now, I have remained a fan of Aga and his beautiful family.

Visita Iglesia

Happy Easter! The Lord has risen...let us rejoice and continue to have faith and hope in our hearts whatever life might bring us.

The past Holy Week was a time for me to slow down from work. It was also a time for me to do an old tradition which I haven't done since I came here in Davao City.

Doing the Visita Iglesia was a family tradition for us while I was growing up in my hometown of Iloilo City. Being a devoted Catholic, we never missed the different activities of our church from the start of the Lenten Season (Ash Wednesday) until Easter Sunday. We would take part in prayer vigils, processions and visit churches.

Visiting seven churches on the morning of Good Friday was one activity I always looked forward to. I remember my family would prepare early to start our rounds of the churches in the city. There were times that we did this activity together with relatives.

Finally this year, I was able to carry on the tradition with my two kids and our house assistant. Although we only visited four churches (Carmelite, Redemptorist, Sacred Heart and Assumption), it was worth the visit amidst the scorching heat. It felt great that I was able to expose my children to this tradition even if their dad was not around.

The Visita Iglesia tradition actually starts on Maundy Thursday right after the procession and ends until noon of Good Friday. I learned that this originated in Rome during the ancient period.

(Photo of Carmelite Church courtesy of Ruby Thursday More's photostream on Flickr)

Proud to Join a Recycling Event

I've always been an advocate of the green movement. Although I don't really join major environmental campaigns that require people to gather in some place, I do my share in preserving our ecosystem in whatever way I can.

At home, I segregate our wastes and use water wisely. I teach my kids to do the same. In fact, I can be strict with them in terms of putting their trash in the garbage bin in and out of the house and turning off the faucet after use or when brushing their teeth.

Last weekend, though, I felt proud after taking part in a recycling fair organized by one of our newest and world class shopping malls (Abreeza Mall of the Ayala Chains) in the city. I've long wanted to join this kind of recycling event but never got the chance.

My purpose of joining Abreeza's Recycling Fair was to dispose of my electronic wastes at home. I had an old computer monitor that was no longer working, old VHS tapes, keyboard, CDs containing PS2 games and old electric cords and they were taking up space in our already filled cabinets. I didn't want to give them to just the "bote't bakal" people who come to our subdivision every now and then because I wanted them to go to the right people who recycle scraps. And the latest recycling fair was the right place to do it.

It was such a big relief to be able to dispose of my e-wastes the proper way. I even earned a small amount just by donating my personal stuff.

For sure, I will continue to take part in this type of eco-friendly events in the future. It's a good thing that major malls around the country are now doing this to raise awareness on the value of recycling among their customers.

Why I Love Davao City

There are just so many reasons to love Davao City! Whether it's personal, business or professional, one can definitely find a good reason to like the place and consider it home.

International Recognition

Davao City hogged the limelight in recent months owing to its positive achievements and its people's warmth. It's one of the "World's Friendliest Countries" according to HSBC's 2011 Expat Explorer Survey capturing the 8th spot. Thanks to the warm smiles and hospitality of locals that greet domestic and foreign tourists of all ages who come to visit all year round.

Business-wise, Davao City is among the fastest growing cities. It's in the 87th place of the World's Top 100 Fastest Growing Cities and Urban Areas. The ranking was made by the City Mayors Foundation, a research group based in London.

More than a decade ago in 2000, Davao City was also named by Asiaweek Magazine as the most livable city in the Philippines and among the Top 40 cities in Asia grabbing the 17th place.

Thanks to the strong governance of Mayor Sara Duterte and her father, Vice Mayor Rody Duterte. Their excellent rapport with the people and business owners have kept the metropolis peaceful and business-friendly through the years.

Way of Life

Unlike in other capital cities such as Manila and Cebu, life in Davao City is quite laid-back. You can't feel the rush that is so much associated with the lifestyle in those two big metropolitan areas. Traffic along the major thoroughfares is very bearable and banks, schools, churches as well as offices are very accessible. Even without a car, you can easily catch a ride via a public transportation.

People here can also engage in their favorite social and family activities after office hours and on weekends. With lots of dining places, coffee shops, entertainment spots as well as beach, inland and mountain resorts in place around the city, there's always an opportunity to meet up with friends after work or spend quality time with the family on a weekend.

Food Resources

Foodies can definitely stretch their budget while in the city because of the cheap food resources available.

For vegetables, one can buy at the "bagsakan" along Magallanes Street in the downtown area. There, you can choose from a wide range of fresh vegetables. With a 100-peso budget, you can already go home with two large sando bags filled with your favorite veggies.

Don't forget that tropical fruits are in abundance, too. Durian, mango, pomelo, lanzones, rambutan, chico, banana, watermelon, mangosteen, avocado...just name it and you can enjoy eating them here.

Restaurants are in large supply as well. From the budget-friendly to the fine dining spots, there's one you can always go to whether alone or with some company.

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in the city is a breeze. Lots of hotels and suites have been put up in recent months which means more choices for the people.

You can just go online and search for #Davao hotels and inns and instantly, you'll get results fast. Depending on one's budget, there's surely a place to stay in Davao City any time of the year.

Interesting Places

Being the largest city in the Philippines, Davao City offers a mix of rural and urban atmosphere. As such, both nature and city lovers have every opportunity to enjoy a great time.

Those looking to explore Davao's natural wonders can visit the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Garden Resort and Eden Nature Park. At the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, one can have a fantastic view of Mt. Apo. Beach resorts in the city as well as in nearby Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and the Island Garden City of Samal are also worth visiting.

Those who prefer the city life, on the other hand, can check out the major malls. Davao City now boasts of local and world-class shopping centers such as Gaisano Ilustre, Gaisano Mall, Victoria Plaza, SM City Davao, Robinson's Cybergate and the new Abreeza Mall. Opening soon are the new SM City Lanang while other big mall chains are also set to open in other areas of the city.

Peace and Order

Your safety is always assured when in #Davao City. Peace and order are well maintained by law enforcement authorities and the Duterte leaders to boot. Known for their fearless attitude, the father and daughter tandem make sure that hoodlums are put to jail and other security threats are warded off before they can occur.

Personal Testimony

I am the living proof of somebody who's not a pure Davaoena but who has come to love Davao City enough to call it as home. An Ilongga who moved here in 1997 after getting hitched, I can proudly say that the place has endeared to me. No regrets at all.

Family members and good friends who have visited me here all gave the city a thumbs up after their brief stay and promised to come back. One of my best friends who visited for the first time in November 2011 even loved the place so much that she's now contemplating about relocating here in the future. I was glad to know that she and her buddy had a grand time when I toured them around the famous tourist spots and it was no surprise when they told me they shall return with their families.

This is my own way of paying tribute to the city as it marks #Araw ng Dabaw this March. Thanks to the #Davao Tourism Office for holding this #Araw ng Dabaw blog competition as a way of promoting the city to the world. Indeed #Davao Life is Here!

Submitted as an entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition

Resources:

1. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=767588&publicationSubCategoryId=63">

2. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/11/10/davao-worlds-87th-top-city-189867 http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=105015">

3. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=105015

All About the Dragon

Hello 2012!

Time really flies so fast and I can hardly believe that it is now 2012. It's the year of the water dragon (yang water dragon to be exact) in the Chinese calendar. The next 365 days under this zodiac sign are foreseen to bring possibilities of good fortune.

I was born in the year of the rooster and feng shui experts say 2012 will be a good year for those born under my zodiac sign being compatible with the water dragon. I look forward to that!

Before I came to know that 2012 would be the year of the water dragon, all I thought was just it's going to be simply the year of the dragon, in general. I had no idea that there are actually different types of dragon being followed by the Chinese -- the wood dragon, fire, earth, metal and water. For each type of dragon, there's a different year being observed.

The year of the water dragon occurs every 60 years. It started on January 23, 2012 and will end on February 9, 2013.

The dragon is said to be the only mythical animal among the zodiac signs. In the Chinese element theory, the water dragon produces wood and wood symbolizes growth.

So are you a dragon? Whether it's your year or not, what matters is you work hard to achieve your goals in your personal and professional life. Luck won't be at your side if you don't do your part in reaching for your stars.