Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day One: Simple Start

Day One: Simple Start

Another year has passed and this time I go on another adventure again to complete a tradition that most Pinoys also follow. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is also my way of professing my faith and also finds it very fulfilling to complete the 9 days. The first year of Misa De Gallo diaries were really tough yet was also happy experience. On its second year, I hope that this also give another unforgettable experience. I look forward  to know more about traditions, friendships and also history since most of my trips are not bounded with only one church. Also this will be different as I also have a lot of schedules and work to attend to, unlike last year. Generally, this is still something new, this is also something that comes once a year. So better make the most out of it. And I'm very happy to share to you the first day! Now with perseverance and enough sleep I know I can get through this and also learn a lot of things from people and also the encounter at the house of God. Join me!

For the first day, I planned to have it with EDSA shrine or Manila Cathedral but due to distance and schedule, I went ahead to the office and decided to go to the nearest church which is Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Addition Hills. I have passed so many times but never got the chance to celebrate mass there.The church looks really small due to its location but it houses a lot of parishoners that even spills out into the streets. And since its also my first Misa De Gallo, so this makes this day special as it also kick off the start of the adventure. Though had only a few hours of sleep I was able to stay awake throughout the mass. The first gospel was about John the Baptist as the herald of the Lord until his arrival. And also of the fact that people would be excited at first but would turn cold after he left. This is true for us Christians as we also be excited at first but would lose enthusiasm after some time. That is why the challenge of the gospel is to always keep our hearts aflame and vigilant as the hour of the savior is fast approaching and what we will be doing on that hour.

After the mass, the Mgsr asked the community to join in in a small feast of kakanin and coffee provided by the barangay and some sponsors. Of course, the Bibingka and Puto-bungbomg would never be left out as people also lined in stands for the Christmas delicacy. I decided to go back to the office since its almost my shift and I still have to work. SO far I could rate my first day as a major major success with the inspiration and motivation that I have discovered on the first day of the Misa de Gallo. One down, 8 days to go!

Pacquiao and Hardworking Pinoys Trubute Art at the Mall of Asia Seaside

There is truth in the saying “no pain, no gain,” and Filipinos, more than anyone else in the world, best exemplify that pain is a symbol of perseverance, strength and courage. We are, after all, known globally as hard-working people who strive for excellence in whatever we do. 

Time and again, we’ve witnessed how Filipinos wear their pain with pride and honor, as badges of jobs well done. Often, simple workers—such as those who toil under the sun, teach children in rundown classrooms, sew hundreds of garments a day, and go through much pain and sacrifice—steer the country towards the future. They are the true heroes of the country. It is these amazing, hardworking Filipinos, who accomplish even the most ordinary tasks with extraordinary dedication, that Alaxan FR lauds and salutes with the “Aray Ko Galing Ko” campaign.

Manila Metropolitan Theater Curtain to Rise for Magwayen

Ehipto, the new masterpiece of Magwayen Creative Scholars Guild, will be staged at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on January 29 and 30, 2011.

This curtain-raiser will be the guild’s grandest and most ambitious production to date. And what could be the best platform for this other than the “grand dame” itself, the Manila Metropolitan Theater?!

Magwayen, a student based theater organization, resides at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, the foremost university for the Manileno scholars. For the past 12 years, the guild has been performing at the university’s Justo Albert Auditorium. But for its biggest project, a play that will try to stage few of the Bible’s most majestic miracles, the members looked for a place that is more awe-inspiring. And that is where the MET comes in.

The Metropolitan Theater, being one of the most celebrated Art Deco structures in the Philippines, used to hold world-class theatrical performances, operas, musicales, pageants, and other lofty events during its heyday.

Unfortunately, the theater was severely damaged during the World War II. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos tried to restore it but it finally fell into decay in the 90’s.

But prepare to be stunned once more as the Government Service Insurance System, the City of Manila, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts join forces to restore its beauty and magic. 

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim wanted to re-establish this glorious theater for the underprivileged people of Manila so they may have better appreciation for arts and culture.

“We must make culture available and attractive to the masses,” Lim said in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “The one venue the poor will find accessible is the Met, and that’s the reason why I think it should be revived. Once it opens, people will again get to see and hear the kundiman, zarzuela and other stage plays showcasing Filipino heritage and talents.”

The timing couldn’t get better as the sole theater group of the scholars of the Pamantasan decided to bring its best act into the regal arena. The members are now rehearsing and getting the “feel” of performing in the historically and culturally rich venue. The artists of this 12-year old guild, still considered young, just can’t hold their childish excitement every time they daydream of performing on the same stage as the cultural icons.

The Magwayen officers are seeking the help of Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, vice chair of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission and executive assistant to Mayor Alfredo Lim, in mounting this event. Ms. Araneta’s positive response overwhelms the young thespians. They couldn’t believe it’s finally happening.

The Exodus adaptation, written by Magwayen founder Marlon Miguel, will highlight the poignant relationship between the two brothers, Moses and Rameses. The Egyptian ruler, Rameses, in this production is not necessarily evil but merely a king trying to perform his duties in the best methods he possibly could. Meanwhile, the adopted prince, Moses, doesn’t despise his brother. Instead, he simply obeys the commands of the God of his people. In the course of carrying out their duties, to their people and to their faith, the brothers who once adored each other become opposing men who are driven by totally different forces.

Many of the key players are the organization’s finest members and alumni: from Executive Producer John Borgy Danao, Director Shengka Mangahas, Dance Consultant Michael Flororita, to actor and Production Manager Sheena Flor Tamayo, and co-actors Michael Cayatano, and Mark Angelo Lapada.

This January, Magwayen will reap another milestone.

This January, the Metropolitan Theater curtain will rise again.

This January, we will applaud for the Manilenian arts in its rightful home.



(this note was written by Shengka Mangahas, an alumni of PLM and the director of Magwayen's new play, EHIPTO)

Misa de Gallo Diaries

One of the project that I am happy to share. It was sacrifice indeed as I struggle trough different routes to get to the churches and have a unique experience in each location. You can check my posts last year with the links below. And for this year, it will be another challenge as I also go into this tradition while having time for work. But the moral of this one is how can I be patient and also be faithful. A journey that I made me realize a lot of things in life, to be happy, to be thankful and always find something interesting and inspiring even after going to mass for 9 consecutive days. This is another year for the Misa De Gallo diaries...

Philippine Blog Awards 2010

CCIts PBA time again, Philippine Blog Award that is. And this time it was held at the RCBC tower in makati. I realized that this place was nostalgic to me because 6 years ago, this is also the place where I got my AY Foundation Award for National Discipline, but anyway going back to PBA, it was unfortunate that I was late for the event. But I was able to meet and greet the blogger winners and also friends who witnessed the event. Now let me share the winners for PBA this year!

MAIN AWARDS

Best Blog in Advocacy Category – Web Safety Philippines by Sonnie Santos

Best Blog in Beauty and Lifestyle Category – The Reluctant Stylista by Alexandra Lapa

Best Blog in Business Category – Ready to be Rich by Fitz Villafuerte

Best Blog in Culture and Arts – Anik-anik Love by Mitch Mauricio

Best Blog in Entertainment Category – Without Wang2 by Nickie Wang

Best Blog in Food and Beverage Category – Happy Foodies by Ferdz Decena

Best Blog in Gaming Category – Back 2 Gaming by B2Gamers

Best Blog in Hobby and Recreation – Back 2 Gaming by B2Gamers

Best Blog in Home and Parenting Category – iMom by Chats Siao

Best Blog in Humor Category – The Professional Heckler by Loi Reyes Landicho

Best Blog in Lifestyle – The Creative Dork by Robbie Bautista

Best Blog in Literature / Literary Category – City Buoy by Nyl Lim

Best Blog in Personal/Diary Category – Yoshke.com by Yoshke Dimen

Best Photoblog – Gerryruiz Photoblog by Gerry Ruiz

Best Blog in Social, Politics and History – The Pro Pinoy Project by The Pro Pinoy Project

Best Blog in Sports – Filipino Boxing Journal by Kenneth Ragpala

Best Blog in Technology Category – My Silly Point of View by Richard D. Feraro

Best Blog in Travel Category – Just Wandering by Nina Fuentes

Best Blog in Video and Podcasts – Pinoy How To by Buddy and Yael Gancenia

SPECIAL AWARDS

Best Blog Design – The Reluctant Stylista

Bloggers’ Choice Award – CHKSLG

Readers’ Choice Award – Green Archers

Best Filipiniana Blog – My Sarisari Store

Top Blog Post for 2010 – Do They Read Blogs in Heaven? by Yoshke.com

Top Posts for 2010

EXCLUSIVE: GMA Breaks Her Silence by the Professional Heckler
Sometimes We Are Lost by I am Fickle Cattle.
Fireworks, Hormones and this Blog Post by Yoshke.com


Top Photo Posts for 2010
A Solo Traveler’s Photo Story of Backpacking in Palawan by Ambot Ah!
Pahiyas Festival by Biyaheng Pinoy


Top Video Posts and Podcasts for 2010
Krimmy Couple: Of Bad Words and Saranghae by My Korean Boyfriend
Podcast 6: Being Friends with the Ex by Ria Jose
Krimmy Couple: The Korean Eats Balut by My Korean Boyfriend

MY CHRISTMAS WISH THIS YEAR: A NOKIA C7

I remembered almost 10 years ago that my first mobile phone ever is a 5110 (with antenna) and always wondered what the future holds and what things that will be new with the future mobile phones. Though not really a text addict or a serial caller, I always find a mobile phone as a thing of many uses and features that gets better and better each year.  True enough, from the colored phone, to bluetooth, to camera and radio integration and now the age of the expanded mobile internet lifestyle wifi and applications, and there are thousands out there!

I am not a person who changes his phone whenever a new one comes up, to be practical and resourceful is the main reason why I have a mobile phone. However, I do value phones that came out recently for the additional features that will blow our minds away. It makes you wonder that things are really getting faster as time passes by. Also phones do also age so that is why of course that there will always be a need to upgrade to a better version. THIS IS ALWAYS MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST!

I have tried some brands so far as the years pass by. Not always a Christmas gift every year, but if given the chance to buy or get one would be my option. And what I would always have on my list is Nokia. And what they have right now is the Nokia C7, definitely I say is a very sleek and savvy phone. Super LIKE! 

Aside from its looks it does a lot of cool things like checking your favorite social networking sites like facebook™ and twitter™. Also integrates the OVI that lets you enjoy mobile bliss with mail and many more. Then one of the juiciest part would be it has a high quality camera, and in HD! Then you can also stream video via web TV. Then aside from the FM function would be great sounds from its Nokia Mini speaker MD-9 so music will still be great music to the ears. Also as a trekker, getting lost is part of the adventure, but it would also come in handy to have a GPS navigator that would also be another and modern adventurer around the city. And it also works with my standard for a phone today, WIFI!

Though I cannot afford to have one right now, I do wish to have one. I think its calling me saying "take me, take me" and  as a tech geek myself. temptation is really a challenge. Well if you do have something similar to this phone, I hope that will be a Nokia and hoping for more that it will be a C7!

just like me, Nokia C7 is perfect reflection of myself and the 'lives' I have been living.

sleek.savvy.cool 

Nokia C7

I'm waiting...

Will Team Pinoy Emerge as the winner of Amazing Race Asia?

It’s the final showdown in the upcoming finale episode of The Amazing Race Asia (TARA) Season 4! Coming head to head will be the youngest team in TARA history versus the first father-and-daughter team versus the super athletic best friends, Richard and Richard! Smelling victory at hand, the teams have upped the game and kept fans teetering on the edge of their seats, as they race neck to neck and check in at stops within minutes of one another!

With the last leg of the race taking place in Singapore, it is the unlikeliest of teams that have made it to the final three that will fight for the first place in TARA 4.

In the only Fast Forward of the race, the Richards sacrificed their lovely locks by shaving their heads, which gave them a significant head start. While their physical fitness placed them at a solid advantage as they led in the top three for seven legs, the Richards hit a spate of bad luck in the last two legs, where they got terribly lost and even broke a race rule that had them backtrack their route and cost them a near-elimination.

As for Michelle and Claire, the girls showed that their youthful age and pint-size builds were anything but a handicap. The best friends beat the other teams with a lot of grit and determination. No one can forget how the feisty duo swallowed 275 chicken balls, out-eating even the men from the other teams! Besides, they managed to trail close behind the Richards with top three rankings in five legs, even after being yielded by the Indian team Dimple and Sunaina!

Despite having a familial bond that is the envy of many, Natasha and Hussein have been cracking under the pressure, which led to constant bickers that saw them end up at the bottom of the pack in several portions of the race. Natasha’s patience was duly tested by her father's antics during the race, especially during his attempt to cheer her on with his whistle blowing during the log sawing session. As the oldest participant this season, Hussein also had some physical limitations in completing some of the tasks, like the high-wire walk in Galle or the trapeze act in Sydney. Not all’s lost though, for in the penultimate leg, the father-daughter team rise to form to take the lead for the first time!

Throughout the race, there have been some pretty extreme challenges presented to the teams, with some that resulted in unexpected outcomes. The underwater dive in Malaysia for example, saw not one or two but five teams failing to complete the task, which resulted in a four-hour penalty for each team. Transportation woes also saw teams arguing, haggling and at times, flirting with pilots to set off early, while others got lost on the roads so much, it almost became a routine. Add in complex dance numbers, eating of exotic food (think crunchy fat grubs with the consistency of jelly!) and death-defying acts and there is no question that this race has become the ride of a lifetime for all teams.

With very little rest and an even tinier time gap among the three teams, will the Richards do Pinoys proud by finally changing TARA history of strong teams not fulfilling their potential (think Marc & Rovilson, Geoff &,Tisha), or can underdogs Natasha and Hussein put aside their generational conflicts to emerge as the winner? Or can Michelle and Claire bank on their home advantage and continue to show that age and size matter not in this race around the world?

All will be revealed in the gripping grand finale of The Amazing Race Asia Season 4 on AXN, 9 December at 8PM (JKT)/ 9PM (SG, MY, PH)/ 10PM (HK)!