Remembering Edsa After 25 Years

Remembering Edsa After 25 Years

After 25 years of the Edsa, anu ano na nga ba ang mga nabago sa ating bansang Pilipinas?  As for me one of the big change is the freedom of speech.  With regards to economy I don't think there is any change. Or else only few Filipinos planning to work abroad.

I hope that after 25 years our government learn from the mistakes in the past. Let this changes start from the top. And may the Lord bless our beautiful country.

Ang sarap ng maging Pilipino!  Ikaw ano ang maihahandog mo bilang Pilipino sa buong mundo?

Handog ng Pilipino sa Buong Mundo - Original Version




Handog ng Pilipino sa Buong Mundo - ASAP Rock Artist Version

....The Filipino Is worth dying for ! by Ninoy Aquino...........

Ibrahim Palace or Qasr Ibrahim (Arabic = قصر إبراهيم) Al Hasa

Ibrahim Palace or Qasr Ibrahim (Arabic = قصر إبراهيم) Al Hasa

Last week while attending one of my call in the Ministry of water In Hofuf, Al Hasa city, I visited Ibrahim palace or Qasr Ibrahim (Arabic = قصر إبراهيم). Which is a block away from my location. I have seen this Palace for many time. When I passing by that street. I was lucky that my colleague left me for 2 hours.  So I had  chance to have a glance of the old palace. I was amazed of the external structure.  The walls were covered with mud that mixed with grass straws.  In my  curiosity of the inside of the fort, I check it out if it is available for public. The care taker allowed me to view and taking picture. It was my opportunity to take some videos, specially there were no Saudi visitor around.

For a short Historical background: Qasr Ibrahim (Arabic = قصر إبراهيم) is a castle built during Ottoman rule. It is located prominently in Al-Hofuf city. Qasr Ibrahim was built in Al-Hofuf in 963 AH by Ali Ibn Ahmed Ibn Lawand Al-Burayki, the Ottomon Governor of the time. He also built the Al-Qubbah Mosque, still in existence today.

In 1216 AH, the Saudi Governor Ibrahim Ibn 'Ufaysan renovated the castle, and some historians ascribe the castle to him. Covering 16,500 square meters, Qasr Ibrahim combines Islamic and military architecture. The mosque of al-Qubba built inside the fortification wall of the palace, which contains a large single dome and is unique in its construction and style in the Kingdom. 

 Dungeon

 Mosque

 Ceiling made bark tree of dates

source Hofuf city

Save Pasig River - Fun Run 10.10.10

Save Pasig River - Fun Run 10.10.10

Water is life! Pasig River is one of the most historic and important landmark of our country.  Once again let us help to bring out the beauty of  The Pasig River. I would like to invite you to Join and Support the ABS-CBN Run for the Pasig River 10.10.10 to be held on October 10, 2010, for more information visit the website: http://www.101010runforpasigriver.com/ . They targeting 120,000 runners in all walks of lives.

The campaign of this fun run is for restoration of Pasig River and to show the world that Filipinos can work together for a big cause. Especially to save our mother nature.  These 120,000 runners will get the Guinness attention.

The race consist 3 major starting points.  SM Mall of Asia (3Km), CCP Complex (5Km), and Makati (10Km), all converging to 1 finish line at the SM Mall of Asia



Piolo Pascaul Support Kapit Bisig Para sa ilog Pasig!



Wherever we are we can be a part of it by inviting our families and friends.  You can visit there website to register. http://www.101010runforpasigriver.com/

The Filipino is Worth Dying For...Ninoy 27th Death Anniversary

The Filipino is Worth Dying For...Ninoy 27th Death Anniversary

Today the Philippines commemorate the 27th death anniversary of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.  Benigno Aquino Jr born November 27, 1932. He was a Senator, Governor of Tarlac and opposition leader who stood against Ferdinand Marcos. He was assassinated  in Tarmac of Manila International Airport. I was in a barber shop while the radio news caster announced that Ninoy is shot & murdered. "Patay Na! Malaking gulo ito" (this is a big problem) as my barber said.

Is it really  Filipino worth dying for? Despite of the threat for his life, he still considering facing the giant rather than living apart from his mother land. Even the Marcos concerned of Ninoy safety. They warned him that if he return he might get kill. His death in August 21, 1983 rose the patriotism of the every Filipino. Where the Marcos were accused of mastermind of Ninoy's death.

After 3 years of Ninoy's death,  people's power arise that lead to the ousted the former President Ferdinand E. Marcos from power.  After 27 years the mastermind of the murder is not yet resolve. Lately the soldiers that have been accused of the participation in the assassination were acquitted & released. During the Cory Aquino presidency, she's not able to solve this mystery of Ninoy's death. Now the son of Ninoy, Noynoy, is the President. Maybe his truth commission  will reopen this case.

After 27 years our debt is rising to the roof. Graft and corruption is still exist. I hope that our President PNoy will change the course of history. Where his parents fought for the freedom, democracy and good government. May the legacy of Benigno Ninoy Quino Jr will continue. In order his death may worth dying for...

Watch Live President Aquino’s First State of the Nation Address (Sona)

Watch Live President Aquino’s First State of the Nation Address (Sona)

President Noynoy C. Aquino’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 26, 2010. Watch live streaming of P Noy first state of the nation address at the first join session of the 15th Congress in Batasan Pambansa. The President is expected to arrive at 3:00 P.M.(Manila Time)

The State of the Nation will tackle on Educational and truth telling speech. PNoy will reveal the anomalies of the past administration but he have no intention to offend Congresswoman Gloria Macapal Aroyo.

His Sona theme “Where there is no corruption, there is no poverty.” Let us watch and listen to the plans and promises of PNoy for his 6 year of presidency.

Updates: Senator Juan Ponce Enrile re-elected as the Seanate president. Congressman Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte elected as the House Speaker.

Watch Online Live PNoy State of the Nation Address
 ANC   * GMA7 * ABS-CBN
  
Watch the replay

Download full text of PNoy Sona

source: inquirer.net

President Noynoy Aquino's Inaugural Speech - Full Transcript

 President Noynoy Aquino's  Inaugural Speech - Full Transcript

For the benefits of those who are not able to watch the inauguration speech of President Noynoy Aquino last June 30 at the Quirino Grandstand Manila. Here is the full transcript of his inaugural speech.

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His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, members of the diplomatic corps, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and other members of the Senate, Speaker Prospero Nograles and other members of the House of Representatives, members of the Supreme Court, Special Envoys and members of the Diplomatic Corps, local government officials, distinguished guests, mga minamahal kong kababayan.

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako’y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.

112th Declaration of the Philippine Independence Day

112th Declaration of the Philippine Independence Day

Trivia: In the presence of a huge crowd, independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 between four and five in the afternoon in Cavite at the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo some 30 kilometers South of Manila . The event saw the unfurling of the National Flag of the Philippines, made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza, and the performance of the Marcha Filipina Magdalo, as the Nation's National Anthem, now known as Lupang Hinirang, which was composed by Julián Felipe and played by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band.

In the Philippines, Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kalayaan) is an annual national holiday observed on June 12, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It is the National Day of the Philippines. The 1898 Declaration of Independence, however, was not recognized by the United States or Spain. The Spanish government later ceded the Philippines to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, and the United States granted independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila. July 4 was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until August 4, 1964 when, upon the advice of historians and the urging of nationalists, President Diosdado Macapagal signed into law Republic Act No. 4166 designating June 12 as the country's Independence Day. June 12 had previously been observed as Flag Day. source wikipedia

Looking back from the past.  We don't have a true identity of so call independence. At present, do we really have that independence? Or we still cling on to the foreigners? With our new elect President & vice president I hope that they will help our country to gain the true meaning of independence.  Being a democratic country is a gift. Where everyone can express their feeling or thoughts. Wherever  our history lead us. We just enjoy our independence that our forefather fought for us.

Noy-Bi Proclaimed Winners of the May 10 Election

Noy-Bi Proclaimed Winners of the May 10 Election

June 9, 2010, the Filipinos rejoice in  the most historic moment in the Philippines election. The joined Senate and Congress proclaimed Noynoy Aquino Jr III as the 15th President and Jejomar Binay  as the15th vice president of the Republic of the Philippines. This is the first time that we have a fastest and almost fully automated system. Despite of some confusions, allegations and technical difficulties. Still the COMELEC have successfully obtain the objective of the speedy election process.

I congratulate President Elect Benigno Aquino Jr III & Vice President Elect  Jejomar Binay for winning this election.  I hope that what ever their plans and visions for our country will materialize.

2010 Theme for International Women's Day

2010 Theme for International Women's Day 

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Every year, there are many events that have been celebrated. Not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Organizations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.

Some years have seen global IWD themes honored around the world, while in other years groups have preferred to 'localize' their own themes to make them more specific and relevant.

THEME: So while many people may think there is one global theme each year, this is not always correct. It is completely up to each country and group as to what appropriate theme they select.

Below are some of the global United Nation themes used for International Women's Day to date:

- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls
- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
- 2006: Women in decision-making
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace
- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women
- 1998: Women and Human Rights
- 1997: Women at the Peace Table
- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future
- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations

Here are some IWD themes around the world

- Global, United Nations: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
- Canada, Status of Women (Federal Gov): Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality
- Australia, UNIFEM: Unite to End Violence Against Women
- Australia, Queensland Government Office for Women: Our Women, Our State
- Australia, WA Department for Communities: Sharing the Caring for the Future
- UK, Doncaster Council: Women's Voices and Influence
- UK, Welsh Assembly Government: Bridging the Generational Gap
- UK, Accenture: Stretch Yourself: Achieving 50:50 in the boardroom by 2020
- USA, IBM: Women@IBM: Success in the Globally Integrated Enterprise

source (IWD)

We Are The World 2010 for Haiti

We Are The World 2010 for Haiti

Recorded on February 1st, 2010, in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier (Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Recording Studios) "We Are The World 25 For Haiti", in which Jones and Richie serve as executive producers and producers, was created in collaboration with executive producers Wyclef Jean, Randy Phillips and Peter Tortorici; producers Humberto Gattica and RedOne; and co-producers Rickey Minor, Mervyn Warren and Patti Austin to benefit the Haitian earthquake relief efforts and the rebuilding of Haiti.

Academy Award-winning writer-director Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby), whose own personal efforts as well as those of Artists for Peace and Justice have already saved countless lives in Haiti, filmed the private recording session to create the accompanying video and behind-the-scenes production, and serves as Film Director and as an Executive Producer with Jones, Richie, Jean, Phillips and Tortorici. The 25th Anniversary recording features over 80 artists and performers.

The recording of We Are The World 25 For Haiti embodied the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago. Every one of the artists who participated, regardless of genre or generation, walked into the room with their hearts and souls completely open to coming together to help the people of Haiti.

 

Fat Tuesday - "Mardi Gras season"

Fat Tuesday - "Mardi Gras season"

I just come across with this topic "Fat Tuesday". This is a Catholics celebration before the lent or fasting season. Make some wiki-wiki and here is excerpt from wiki. 

The terms "Mardi Gras" (pronounced /ˈmɑrdi grɑː/, "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season",in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" (in ethnic English tradition, Shrove Tuesday), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which started on Ash Wednesday. Related popular practices were associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. Popular practices included wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition. In English, the day is called Shrove Tuesday, associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins.

Read full in wikipedia

image by thelifeofluxury.com

How We Can Help To Rebuild Haiti?

How We Can Help To Rebuild Haiti?

A massive earthquake hit Haiti late Tuesday, killing thousands of people and wounding many more. The quake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, has caused widespread damage in and around the capital Port-au-Prince, leaving a large number of people homeless and hungry.

The people of Haiti need food assistance as quickly as possible to prevent hunger worsening the misery already caused by the disaster.This is said to be Haiti's worst quake in two centuries. Every hour we wait means more lives are at risk.

As what we have experienced during the calamities (Ondoy and Santi) struck our country last years. Reliefs and helps coming from our neighboring countries. We our proud to have our peace keeping, medical and civilians volunteers that helping Haitians. Let us also pray for our "Kababayan" for their safety.

Leaders, movie personalities and countries around the world bind together to help Haiti. I invite you to help Haiti to rebuild their home and their lives. If you are worry to use your credit cards, you can choose Paypal or Google checkout. We can send our helps and reliefs to the following agencies:

Donate to UNICEFUNICEF is deploying clean water and sanitation supplies, therapeutic foods, medical supplies and temporary shelter to Jacmel and Port-au-Prince. UNICEF will also be focusing on children who have become separated from their families to protect them from harm or exploitation. You can donate using Paypal Express Check Out.

Other ways to help

Also accepting cash and in-kind donations are the following sites: Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, UNICEF (1-800-4UNICEF), Direct Relief, Yele Haiti, Partners in Health, Red Cross, World Food Program, Mercy Corps (1-888-256-1900), Save the Children, Lambi Fund, Doctors Without Borders, The International Rescue Committee, Care, William J. Clinton Foundation, Meds & Food For Kids, Feed the Children, Habitat for Humanity, Mayor's Fund for NYC

The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:

• SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
• SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
• SMS text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

Source Google Crisis Reponse

Photo by (Reuters Photo/Carlos Barria)
A woman catching loot from a ransacked store in Haiti. Almost a week after an earthquake killed tens of thousands of people and destroyed much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still desperately waiting for relief aid.


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Philippines Air Line (PAL) Is Back to Saudi Arabia

Philippines Air Line (PAL) Is Back to Saudi Arabia

MANILA – Philippine Airlines resumes a long-awaited service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 28, 2010, heeding the clamor of the large Filipino community in the Middle East and marking a return to the region after an absence of four years.

The non-stop service will operate four times weekly, with flight PR 658 departing Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 6:20 p.m. It arrives in the Saudi capital at 11:00 p.m. (Riyadh time)

The return service, PR 659, departs Riyadh at 12:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, and arrives back in Manila at 3:00 p.m. (Manila time)

Boeing 747-400 aircraft, which seat 50 passengers in Mabuhay Class (business) and 383 in Fiesta Class (economy), will be deployed on the service.

PAL last served Riyadh, its final destination in the Middle East, on March 2, 2006. The service was suspended for commercial reasons.

The flag carrier’s return to the region has been welcomed by Filipino expatriates, who number about 2 million – one of the largest foreign communities working there.

PAL has been traditionally favored by Filipinos in the Middle East because its direct service to Manila means that they get home faster compared to other carriers, whose flights can involve up to two stops in intermediate cities before proceeding to Manila.

PAL first flew to Riyadh on March 1, 1987 and over the decades the Saudi capital became one of its most important points.

From March 28, with the addition of Riyadh, the PAL network will count 25 international destinations as well as 29 points in the Philippines.

For booking requirements, passengers are advised to visit www.philippineairlines.com or call (02) 855-8888.

Source www.philippineairlines.com

Philippine Airlines - Shining Through (1980's)

PAL Image fro http://voyagefilm.com

World Tallest Building - Burj Khalifa Opening Ceremony Fireworks

World's Tallest Building - Dubai Burj Khalifa Opening Ceremony Fireworks

The opening ceremony of Burj Khalifa was held on 4 January 2010.The ceremony featured a display of 10,000 fireworks, light beams projected on and around the tower, and further sound, light and water effects. Using the 868 powerful stroboscope lights that are integrated into the facade and spire of the tower, different lighting sequences were choreographed, together with more than 50 different combination of the other effects.

The event began with a short film which depicted the story of Dubai and the evolution of Burj Khalifa. The displays of sound, light, water and fireworks followed. The portion of the show consisting of the various pyrotechnic, lighting, water and sound effects was divided into three. The first part was primarily a light and sound show, which took as its theme the link between desert flowers and the new tower, and was co-ordinated with the Dubai Fountain and pyrotechnics. The second portion, called 'Heart Beat', represented the construction of the tower in a dynamic light show with the help of 300 projectors which generated a shadow-like image of the tower. In the third act, sky tracers and space cannons enveloped the tower in a halo of white light, which expanded as the lighting rig on the spire activated.

The ceremony was relayed live on a giant screen on Burj Park Island, as well as several television screens placed across the Downtown Burj Khalifa development. Hundreds of media outlets from around the world reported live from the scene. In addition to the media presence, 6,000 guests were expected.

Watch the grandeur fireworks


Full story Wikipedia