Halloween Costume Party in the Philippines 2012

Halloween in the Philippines is totally different from the western counterpart. You can not see children knocking on doors asking for trick or treats in their fancy Halloween costumes. Filipinos do it in totally different manner.

I have been observing how Halloween is observed. In my childhood days is a different stories because the Halloween costume party is totally sponsored by Lepanto Mining Company. So what we do is we dress up in our most innovative representation of Halloween. Of course I usually choose Vampire costumes because way back then I thought that vampires are elegant and sophisticated creature. They are lovely and very attractive.

Today, when I came to Manila, I see group of volunteers who are organizing these so called street costume parade with stations where the kids would stop by to get their sweet treats.

After the street parade then the organizer would choose the best costume who would then receive a special treat.

One thing I realize, we celebrate it differently but one thing for sure every kids around the globe would for sue love this occasion because by the end of the day they get their sweet treats.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2 marks the end of this new generations Vampire - Ware wolf movie. In the Philippines, a lot of Twihards would had the chance to watch the end of this epic finally on November 14, 2012. 

I myself had a chance to buy 4 tickets online via ENSOGO to watch the advance screening. I am pretty excited to go watch this movie with my cousin, my sister and my friend. I am excited maybe because I got to watch the finally of the movie where everyone is talking about for so many years and plus the fact that I was able to buy those tickets at a discounted rate.

How would this movie end? And so the count down begins....The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 the Epic Finale Advance Screening will be shown at SM Mall of Asia Center Stage. See you there!!!!!!!

Note: Photo's are taken from Ensogo

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicle (My Thoughts About It)

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicle is another GMA Films that may have captured the hearts of some Filipino movie goers. In general, the movie is made of good taste and elegance. I am also fascinated with the special effects they had put in the movie.

The 4 winning pieces of the movie:

1. The Director who have the vision of making the ideas into life. I am sure the director have put a great energy and effort to make sure his ideas on how he interprets the whole stories and brings it to life.

2. The actors and actresses who have put on their best effort to make sure the characters would come to life.

3. The technical team of the said movie have done the best job. Without them am sure the movie is just another Filipino crappy horror movie. The visual effects and the chrome pre and post production team.

4. The make up artist who have made the bizarre make up which made the aswangs so believable. I just so love the way they worked on the make up and costume.

The Glitches....

1. The funny part is awesome but I personally didn't like it because of the fact that it diverts the seriousness of the movie. I personally thought that it is totally out of place. I think it would be better if they have just focused on the drama behind the leading man saving his family from the bad guys. The comedy part is not necessary because the totality of the movie is perfect.

2. The Aswangs is a Filipino Mythical blood sucking creature. In the movie though it has a very high resemblance to the US popular TV Serries: "The Walking Dead" or the video game "Left for Dead". The Aswang should still be in the Filipino context all throughout. I am not fan of twisting it to be "Hollywood-Looking" movie.

Note: Photo's here are taken from the FB Fan Page of Tiktik the Aswang Chronicle.

Kevin Balot Bags MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2012

I am sure that the Lesbians Gays Bi-Sexual Transgender and Friends (LGBTF) in the Philippines are over whelmed and for sure really proud when after so many years Kevin Balot became the first ever Filipino who is crowned Miss International Queen 2012 held in Thailand last November 2 at Tiffany's SHow Theater.

Kevin Balot represented the Philippines along with few other Gay Beauty Pageant Veterans with the hopes of bringing the prize (cash prize and of course the pride).

Being a transgender is difficult. The acceptance in the family and the community is already a struggle. Discrimination is rampant. The term Gay in a general context would mean "being happy" or "happy" however though you would never want to be called Gay because of the definition the society has imposed. Gay in a bad sides would mean to a lot of people for having unsteady feet, lack of better judgement. Which I beg to disagree. Gay people are the happiest people in the world. They are bread winners of their family. They wouldn't care if they do nails or do your hair style for as long as when they go home they have a milk for their family. They careless of themselves for as long as their nephews, niece, brothers, sister, uncle and auntie and cousins would have something on their pocket.

With Kevin winning it gives hopes to the transgender community in the Philippines that someday they would be recognized. That they could wear whatever uniform at school without being eyed on. That they could go ahead and compete in the corporate world and not being pre-judged. To have a law for their own benefit. I still hear some stories of transgender not making it on the final cut in the job interviews (the question is: "what restroom would you use?").

In a lighter side, there are are already companies who are gender sensitive. There are companies who are LGBT friendly and I commend them. Because I always believed in gender equality as well I always believed that the LGBT community can accomplish with RAINBOW (LOL.. I mean High) color!!!

Way to go Kevin Balot! Congratulation for not only winning your most deserved crown but also being an instrument of goodwill!

Will he make it to BB Pilipinas Universe next year?

Hope she gets the chance!

(Note: all photos in this article are taken from KEVIN BALOT's facebook account)


Related Topics:

1. My Top Ten Picks for Miss Universe 2012
2. And the crown goes to Miss USA
3. Philippines Sweet Pageant Victory 2012

Other Topics you might be interested on:

1. Pass the RH Bill
2. Donate a book for a school in the mountain.
3. Metro Manila Film Festival 2012 - The Awards Night

You might want to read:

Exploring Sagada - Tour with SAGGAS

KRAZY GARLIK RESTAURANT

Legazpi Village Weekend Market

Mangan Restaurant SM Mall of Asia Review

Kalye Juan MOA Restaurant Review

What if Photo Enhancer Did Not Do its Job

I posted a picture of really odd and quirky enhanced photo of myself and some of my friends in facebook earlier today. It wasnt the type of enhancement we would like to have. Well, I did it not to embarrass anyone (hopefully they are not) or publicly humiliate them because I posted it in our secret group. I posted it to break the norm and to break the monotony of the day.

Anyway, after I have posted it i had realized something. Enhancing one's photo is extravagantly used to almost anything. The question I had in mind is why do people do a lot of photo enhancement? Isnt it better to look at the photo as exactly as they were produced?

For an artist, the photographer for that matter would use photo enhancement to highlight or to bring the best color effects in their photos. Using a camera sometimes doesn't capture the best cinematic effects of the colors say in sunset. Sometimes we use photo enhancement as well to make sure that we bring on the drama. Lets say there are themes that it is better to have it on black and white rather than in colored format or sometimes sepia toned color would increase the drama.

Advertiser maybe use photo enhancement to change the imperfection of their model. They can turn a "healthy" model to skinny one. Their models can have a perfect glowing skin, freckle free and perfect skin with a perfect face.

I would understand those reason as they are selling something or at least making a point. I also understand those who do enhance their photo's so they would look better. For me, sometimes natural beauty is all that matters.

Is this how you enhance your photo?

We know social media is in. it is the new generations world of wonders. Is it not disappointing when you were chatting with your old and longtime friend. You always do some catching up. You browse their photos and his profile pictures are awesome mazing. But, when you finally meet he is all the opposite of what you saw in the pictures.

But what if the PHOTO ENHANCEMENT made a major catastrophe... Will it still be fun? 

Beauty is not suppose to be tampered it is who you are that make you unique and not what you impose you are. Acceptance is the answer of how you look and not what you want others think of you.

THE GRANDEUR OF THE IGOROT LAND

By: KIASO, Jasmin P.

The Igorot land desires to be hailed. It desires to be sustained. Most importantly, this land desires to be seen because she beholds a grandeur which deserves to be revealed as well as protected.

It harbors a number of natural, historical, cultural and man-made attractions that mirrors the region’s richness.

If we are talking about Igorot land as the land of the Cordillerans, then we might as well talk of each province’s and city’s unique characteristics, places and culture which distinguish them as people or as province.

Cordillerans or non-Cordillerans, come with me and let us have a glimpse over the Igorot Land.

Starting from the north of the Cordillera, there stand Apayao, this province has been dubbed as ‘Cordillera’s last frontier for nature richness.’ It is home to underground rivers, overwhelming lakes and waterfalls, and inexplicable caves and wildlife.
 
Next to Apayao is Kalinga which is known as the ‘Land of beauty and the brave.’ The province earned its name because many people believe that the beauty of Kalinga women is exotic while the men are known as brave warriors when headhunting was prevalent in this place. The province is also travelled by tourists just to see and hike Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao or more popularly known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ because, from afar, it looks like a sleeping lady.

Standing at the right side of Apayao and Kalinga is Abra, which is well-known as the ‘Natural dye capital of the Philippines.’ The province is abundant with natural dye-yielding plants such as achuete, duhat, kamachile and mahogany among others.

Down Kalinga is Mountain Province which is known as ‘Weaver’s paradise’ because of the various weaving industries and different weaving designs that are found here. Mountain Province also fronts the Sagada Caves which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

After Mountain Province there you’ll find, Ifugao, which is home to the 8th World Wonder, the Banaue Rice Terraces or also known as Ifugao Rice Terraces .

Moving on, at the southern part of the region, there dwell Benguet, which is the tagged as the ‘Salad bowl of the Philippines.’ The province got its tagline because of its large production of upland vegetables. One of the most popular places here is Mount Pulag, the second highest mountain in the Philippines.

The city of Baguio which sits at the heart of the Benguet is the ‘summer capital of the country.’ Most tourists prefer to spend their summer vacations here to escape the sizzling temperature of their place or other cities.

I’ve only mentioned some famous characteristics of each place, but how about the other sides of the dice? Come to the land of the Cordillera and you might be surprised to know that Cordillera holds a grandeur of several unique places and characteristics which are worth to visit and experience.

But, mind you, not only the majestic places in the Cordillera are worth the travel. The people here who share common culture and history are interestingly and even more worth to be with. Cordillerans are known to be hospitable, peace-loving and reserved. They will surely experience the genuine touch of who they are as people.

I can guarantee that travelling to the Igorot Land is simply the grandest yet the most inexpensive tour or travel you’ll ever have.

It is really ironic however, that some Cordillerans might prefer travelling to Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Palawan or even as far as abroad or other popular places.

Mount Tenglawan (the highest among this mountain range) in Sinacbat, Bakun Benguet. One needs rope to reach the peak of this rocky mountain.

Isn’t it that it is shameful when people ask you about your province or your region and you do not know about it? The secret piece here is to know first who you are, before knowing who Abraham Lincoln is. It is almost like saying, “you must change yourself before you could change the world.”

Now, would you prefer a pocket-emptying travel, or an inexpensive and fulfilling travel to the Igorot Land?

SETTING FOOT ON THE NATIVE LAND

By: Potectan, Cherry V.

Momentarily, the history lies abashed in the eyes of the beholder- a spirited spectator wishing to see more than what appreciation rouses. The cultural ways and practices cut taboos and reel the true beauties of a preserved place at its best. Indeed, like muyong as a practice of the Ifugao people in trimming distinction of their forests, it also follows that other Cordillerans apply their own indigenous knowledge, systems and practices (IKSP) to void environmental destruction.

Having determined a photography class concept of Benguet torist spots, Benguet, Ishayaw Mi; Benguet, It-ek Mi came into the picture. Our exploration covered most, if not all, the municipalities of Benguet. Truth be told, Benguet alone has much of its hidden beauties flaunted right at the tip of our camera lenses. Below are some places where I, together with others, have set foot.

Mt. Kabunian of Poblacion, bakun gave us a 6-hour steep viewing while being amazed of the natural-formed mountain figures as well as the mountainous views waiting to devour us from the breath-taking ravine during the hike.

Benguet falls on the other hand didn’t fail to amaze as we were more astounded to whart lies in front of us. Mangta Falls of Bakun and Lengsad Falls in Kibungan gave me the feel of the value of an untouched creation that awaits a city individual like me. Though how much I was eager to stay, Kapangan calls.

The gigantic Amburayan River goshed it’s presence along the bridge t where we stood to view. More so, Longog cave steamed the excitement as we soaked our way through its magnificence. Forest preservation practices were displayed by Kapangan’s Communal and Anthurium Forests shone with our camera clicks.

It’s amazing to tell of how much the Igorot people keep their cultures mirrored on their own territories. Exploring and discovering their potential and well-known tourist spots is a fulfilling task to do. The photography travel was not comparable with urbanized tourist spots where all forms of transportation access can be possible any time.

UNTOUCHED. The people of Poblacion, Bakun saw a lady bathing in the basin of the falls but whenever they try to find out who she is, she promptly disappears then again, reappears at far sight. The people convinced themselves that she is the fall’s nymph. 

To tell you more, making the effort to explore the undisturbed Igorot land is a great challenge since all you can trust is your stamina and feet for hours of hiking without any hope for even a hitch. But given the energy sapping hiking and trekking, enticement 5to continue will dominate the exhaust since the pathways revealed the preliminary expectations of the place itself. My body pains can never replace the sense of fulfilment I had for myself since I was pushed to my limit-finding my endurance towards the physical challenge.

One testimony can’t paint an exact picture of the real view. There’s never been one who could prove that travelling the Igorot on foot fera is an opportunity than just a plain pastime. Subjecting our body to these exposures could really earn us an award-winning sweat bucket and bunch of exhausted expression. But once we set our feet on the very track- “Loo, I’m glad I made it here personally than being a mere spectator once the framed picture was displayed on an exhibit.

One of our tour guides explained that potential tourist spots are waiting to be developed due to the lack of financial supports from the government. The existing mementos of their own places were presented but come to imagine how many more can be discovered once development funds can be given.

I am proud of being an Igorot stepping on my ancestral land where people assume their role as the mortal keepers of Kabunian’s gift to mankind. In my small way, I’m in one with them in preserving our culture-the only way to protect, preserve and revitalize nature while sustaining the bond among the community.

In going back to my roots, I will be one in enriching it and keeping the spirit of the Igorot Land worth travelling and experiencing. In Benguet alone, much more is to be seen in the Cordilleran region. It’s more fun in Cordillera!

Welcome to Cordillera: walk the trails but leave the trees

By: Mervalyn G. Oplas

Home of natural beauty, the 18,342.7-kilometer square wide Cordillera land is situated in the Northern part of Luzon. The provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao and Abra anchor rivers, lakes, mountains, hills, valleys, caves and forests where the wildlife finds refuge. Baguio City, the lone city of the Cordillera, is the very “center” of the region where Cordillerans from the six provinces meet.

Implied by its name, the Cordillera is composed mostly of parallel mountain ranges. The other bodies of land and water are secondary to the mountains.

A visit to the Cordillera region not only entails witnessing nature at its best. It also means meeting the hospitable Cordillera people and understanding the diversity of culture of the different tribes of the region.

Trees and other forms of life are often associated to Cordillerans. To the historical Igorot, back to the times when nature is intact, this is true.

Orally transferred stories say that the typical Igorot lives in a warm inatep (nipa hut) which is built with pal-ot (cogon grass) and tabla (wood). He goes hunting and will never fail to bring home a wild boar, a wild deer or even a wild chicken. It is an everyday experience for him to just pass the now expensive orchids hanging on trees.

My recent travel around my province Benguet made me realize how rich the Cordillera is. I saw mountains full of trees and other wild plants; clean rivers, though I bet are not as clean as they are during the old times; caves anchoring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites; waterfalls which strong current dug a shallow “lake”; hot springs that serve as therapy to old people afflicted by rheumatism.

Hiking for four hours to a place unreached by roads is thrilling. However, it made me realize how difficult life is the past centuries or decades. Horses are still their means of transportation. When they have to go to the market to buy goods, they let the horses carry their heavy loads while they hike behind or in front of these horses.

In Ifugao, one can see the vast forests untouched by the clumsy hands of people. A ride in the newly constructed roads in the far flung places of Ifugao gives a spine chilling experience from the rustles of wild plant’s leaves blown by the chilly wind. The view of the kallas (a kind of tree that grows in a very elevated place) seems unending that it seems like a sea of wild plants.

The Chico river of Mountain province, the towering trees, huge rocks, rivers and caves which are believed to be home for the unseen beings can take a viewer’s breath away.

Abra, Kalinga and Apayao which are the warmer parts of the region offer huge rivers and mountains.

Behind this beauty, however, is my fear, when I saw the other side. I saw that the intactness of nature is rapidly deteriorating. How fast? It is as fast as people’s procreation. I experienced hiking a mountain where one can hardly find a tree to rest his head from the searing heat of the sun. It is ironic that there is a scorching mountain in the Cordillera.

I wanted to see wild animals, even just birds, but sadly, the hikes are not enough for me to see them. I even saw remnants of cut trees along the way and a bunch of woods soon to be carried down. I experienced walking along roads of sand where plants are scarce. I saw other rivers that look like rivers of assorted-colored mud because of the unstoppable mining.

This made me hope deep inside that the places I visited are not the epitome of all places in the Cordillera when it comes to the rapid extinction of wild life. I hope the Cordillerans will realize that preserving their place’s natural resources means preserving their tribes.

The Cordillera, with its uniqueness, is being visited by different people from different parts of the world. Eco-tourism and cultural tourism are being pushed. I just hope these visitors will just walk the trails (do not make them), look around and appreciate Cordillera’s beauty, but leave the wild life in the place untouched.

AGRICULTURE: (Agree To My Culture)

BY: -Eric Tumalay

Wearing the G-String that symbolizes their identity, having a tattoo that signifies their dignity and legacy, having strong arms that as a protector and having strong feet that stands like their honor. These rare classifications belong to the root, “the IGOROTS.”

We rarely see Igorots that deny their culture, we often see Igorots that decline their nature. It is them that proudly recognizes their root, it is them that never complains and still standing up with their own foot.  A tribe of nationalism. It is a bit ridiculous sometimes, knowing how humble these people are, with their kindness and hospitality, with their reflexes and sincerity, I wonder why people abuse these, I wonder how blind people not to see these, they say how innocent Igorots are, but didn’t they realize that they are ignorant by being prejudice?

The Rice Terraces, the nipa huts, the necklaces and beetle nuts, these are the identities of this culture. Having a unique existence, having satisfaction and a life of silence. I am envious with this kind of healthy living. I am amazed how great they are despite of modernization, I am amazed with their determination . A truly inspiring culture of integrity that can never be abandoned. Being an Igorot is a very hard position, unknowing what would be their role to the world being an individual and being a person. They may not be aware of the modern technologies, but with their heart that sticks with their own identities, with their legacy, I am sure that money is nothing compared with what they call “Unity.”

This is the life of Igorots, the heart of our nation. Even with their feet buried under the mud of tiredness, hesitation and exhaustion, they are still unbelievably strong with their devotion. Igorots with a heart of a true warrior. Igorots that have a great honor, this is what they are. Proud to live with agriculture, agree to their culture.

“Igorot, Cordilleras people, the region of green thumbs, the hands that can never be numb. We are all the same. Recognize these culture and never abandon it with shame.”

Traveling the Igorot Land

By: Oyang, Adelfa 

Cordillera, a blessed inheritance! a region subdivided into six provinces untouched by the struggles and challenges of history. Out of the abundance of its’ land stands a firm race, the Cordilleran people, the Igorots.

Fasten your seatbelt for a travel around the Igorot land, a travel which is not just an adventure or a trip, it is a journey not by the eyes, but by the heart.

Incandescent as it is, the city of Baguio, the city of pines.

Going up to the ever popular Kennon Road is an unforgettable moment to anyone engrossed or not to the beauty of nature. There will be no other road cooler and happier more than it is. The living statue of the lion head adds to the road’s magnificence. As you go beyond the city, you’ll come to realize that there’s more of what Baguio can give; more than the trees, more than the fresh air and more than what is known. 

Gigantic mountain ranges, the rich thick soil of the farms; behind it is the hidden beauty of Benguet, in which the strawberry capital of the country lies.

Culture defines Benguet people, as seen by their beliefs, customs and traditions. As the journey goes on, there you are at Benguet’s very own highest point located 7,400 feet above sea level. It by there where nobody’ superior, nobody’s inferior; what you have to do is witness natures delicacy, no more, no less. Yet it doesn’t end there, going further the province opens your eyes in the secret of the land. Known and unknown caves, mountains, falls, magnificent clouds, springs are just some giving life to the province of Benguet.

Obsequious spots will welcome you at the province of Ifugao, where in the 8th wonder of the world, the never dying Banaue Rice Terraces continue to define its people.

This rice terraces manifest the unbeatable unity of the Ifugaos. Many are named as their inheritance, yet this man made flattering possession is more than enough definition of the Ifugao tribe.

Reminiscent paradises, the Mountain Province, the place where you can never let go, the province who unfailingly gives identity to the Cordillera all because of its’ unconquerable people, the Ibontoc.

The paradise of the weavers, the interesting traditions, and the mystic beliefs made this land a better place to live at. The shimmering stones of the famous Sagada and Sumaging caves will let you reminisce the unmerited favor given by nature. The stones of seemingly real creatures will surely be carved at the deepest area of anyone’s heart.

Odd River among all rivers came out the Abra River, the congregation of all rivers and streams at the province.

Abra River is just one of the Provinces’ prides. At same point, a cave known to locate an underground river have its life. It is where mysterious beings are believed to exist by any means.

Terrifying place, the Province of Kalinga, the Sungag view continue its existence, a very perfect place to look at the beauty and abundance of the Mother Nature.

Also, known for its fearful people and races, behind the Kalinga’s distrustful reputation is a hidden advocacy. There is nothing greater inheritance of this Province more than its very own children, the people of greatness.

There you are at the historical Igorot Land, the land of the free. The most important thing of all is the people behind the richness of the Region, the people who walk at streets barefooted, the people who goes as who they are. Indeed, it is the Igorots who give meaning to their land; it is the Igorot’s why Cordillera still exists despite the cruelty of man and its nature. 

Everyday will be a journey; not just by the tourists, not just by the passers bye, not by just the visitors but the Region itself.

History will repeat itself, a saying says. But may or may not be, surely, Cordillera will always find a way out of the selfishness of others. And the journey will be different and more worth reminiscing one after the other.