Archive for the ‘Philippine Culture’ Category

Mindanao Art Artists’ Chance

Usually, it is the Manila based art artists were given chance to show their talents and works on both local and international prestigious painting exhibitions, but now the Mindanao based art artists were given once in a lifetime chance to show off their hidden talents and works which was usually neglected, not known, and eclipse by the work of the Luzon based art artists.

Thanks to Brenart International who accommodates Filipino Mindanao Art artists to do an exhibit in their premier art galleries in Belgium. Yes Brenart International is premier art galleries in Belgium.

The painting exhibit is entitled “Tanaw Mindanao”, which show cases of course the art works of four Mindanao artists, namely Rameer Tawasil, Joel Geolamen, Kublai Ponce-Millan and National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Asia Imao.

Abdulmari Asia Imao

The painting exhibit on Brenart International will be special because this is the first time a Filipino art works will be featured on the galleries of Brenart International wherein mostly a Belgian art works, the pre-Columbian, ancient Oriental and African arts are displayed or exhibited. So, it is really a very rare chance among Filipino art artists and even more the Filipino art works are Mindanao’s best art artists’ masterpieces wherein their audiences are European people.

Kublai Ponce-Millan

Filipino Police Brutality Origin

Recent Philippine news reports another acts of Filipino police brutality which was caught on video, wherein it ruins again the image and reputation of Filipino police and that Filipino police cannot be trusted because they treat their captives as not humans and act bestially toward their captives. This is already very alarming which the Philippine National Police (PNP) should amend and do something. Why this brutality and bestiality traits towards their captives does dominates Philippine police force in their way of policing. Is this taught on the national Philippine police academy, to treat captives as not humans? Or is this just an abuse of authority and personal boastfulness?

Filipino Police

Un my opinion, I don’t trust much Philippine police because sometimes they attack their own assets and use them as their sacrificial lamb for their own mistakes or sins, just like for example about the rub-out cases and the ambushes of alleged car napping groups wherein they massacre them with their bullets not considering the innocent people that will be affected by their actions. This is Horrible!

Similarly, this is also done in Philippine military camps because the Philippine police force is directly connected to it, wherein I suspect that the brutality and bestial acts originated and derives from the hazing activities,”pahirapan”(made to suffer),and hard punishment systems of the military police academy or schools in the Philippines, as well as what was done on ROTC course on colleges and universities in the Philippines. But where do they have this mind-set to put into great suffering a cadet or a neophyte?

Filipino Police Beating Filipino

I bet this comes from international military group elites who oversee military and police tributaries in the world to impose a reptilian (bestial) way of disciplining their cadets. This is indeed not good! ; For the reptilians are working against the human race which some humans unknowingly know about their secret stratagem.

The Most Respected Gays in the Philippines

Philippines is one of the countries who could sympathize and have a heart for gay and lesbian people though the Philippines is predominantly Catholic and Christian country; the Catholic and Christian religion is actually the major ones who demonized the third sex rooting from Judaism and even mostly the Islam have demonize it also. But now, people are opening up their understanding and the sexual discrimination mellows, though there are fanatic Catholics, Christians and Muslims who still shows discrimination and prejudice against gays and lesbians.

Gay Pride

In the Philippines, there are numbers of gays that are well respected and admire despite of their sexual preferences. There are top three respected gays in the Philippine I can name and are renowned:

1. Ricky Reyes – he is the most respected gay in the Philippines being the top successful hairdresser in the Philippines who gave the Philippines a great pride when he won some prestigious international hairdressing competitions. He is known as the “mother” of Philippine hairdressing and also known for his famous line “ang ganda”.

2. Inno Sotto –he is known as the “Manila’s Prince of Fashion”;the most successful gay fashion and design guru in the Philippines.

3. Boy Abunda –the Philippine TV’s “King of Talk”; he is the most successful gay talk show host in the Philippine TV.

Boy Abunda

Filipino’s Search for Balikbayan Box

The Balikbayan Box is already a symbol for the hard work of many Pilipinos working abroad or outside the Philippines just to earn a decent income for their families in the Philippines. It is a package box filled with variety of stuffs from garments to household needs to personal stuffs like soaps, shampoos and towels, wrapped and compressed into a one large box, either sent prior to the homecoming of a Pilipino worker outside the Philippines to their respective families in the Philippines or it is together with the cargo of a Pilipino worker when he comes home as a “pasalubong” (a present or gift) which signifies his or her hard work outside the Philippines.

Balikbayan Box

The word Balikbayan is equivalent to the English words “back home”, thus a Balikbayan box represents a present to their respective families in the Philippines when they come back home.

However, not all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are fortunate to send or to bring a Balikbayan box when they got home in the Philippines because some experience maltreatment and abuses from their foreign employers and the worse sometimes some Overseas Filipino Workers end up being jailed abroad or even killed unjustly, which brings greater bitterness, tears, and sorrows to their respective families in the Philippines rather than a Balikbayan box that brings smile and joy.

The desire to find a better pasture outside the Philippines results into finding hungry wolves that devours joy and Hope. Only few Pilipinos outside the Philippines are fortunate to found a greener pasture or a Balikbayan Box that they could send or bring home to their loves ones in the Philippines.

Philippines Top Famous Original Fashion Brand

The famous fashion brand on the market today in the Philippines is not a foreign brand but an original Pilipino brand that have branches internationally into foreign markets. The famous top fashion brand in fashion industry in the Philippines which I am talking about is none other than – BENCH.

Bench Philippine Fashion

Yap, Bench is an original Pilipino brand that is so very famous in fashion market today in the Philippines. Bench is a combination of the name of its Chinese-Pilipino creator –Mr. Ben Chan.

Bench started as a small store selling men’s shirts only but now it has expanded into selling underwear, perfumes cosmetics, and accessories. It has also established traditional underwear shows featuring the famous Philippine showbiz stars modeling the bench underwears on the show.

Moreover, bench also has contracted not only famous showbiz personalities and celebrities in the Philippines, but also an international showbiz star like the Taiwanese heartthrob Jerry Yan as a print its models.

Now, bench is the favorite fashion brand of most Pilipinos and the most sold brand in fashion market.

Bench is indeed one of the Philippines’ pride in line of fashion industry, though it has a Chinese touch.

Recently, Bench held another sizzling hot underwear show.

The Maharlikans: The True Pinoy

Before the Spaniards came to conquer and indoctrinate Pilipinos into Catholic Christianity under their powers or to be a colony of Spain, Pilipinos have already their own set of beliefs systems and government system that is the Maharlikan system.

The Maharlikan system is quite similar to the Mayans and Hindu religion. Thus, it is suspected that the real Pilipinos have Sumerian and Egyptian lineage, as well as one of the real dwellers of the lost continent of Mu or are Lemurians. The lost continent Mu is the one called “Lemuria”; Lemuria is a contemporary counterpart of Atlantis then.

The Spanish conquerors not only forcibly indoctrinate many Pilipinos at that time to convert to their religion but they also change or rename the Philippines, from Maharlikan into now the Philippines in line with the name of the king of Spain at that time which is King Philip.

Up until now, the majority of Pilipinos are still held captive by the Hispanic influence of the Spaniards though the Spaniards no longer in the Philippines; through holding still the name “Philippines” and still practicing and the worse integrating into the real Pilipino culture the religious belief of the Spanish conquerors and missionaries back then which is Catholicism, instead of the name “Maharlikan”, and the Maharlikan system of Beliefs.

Philippine literature is vast, informative and entertaining. It is the literature associated with the Philippines and includes the legends of pre-historical and colonial legacy of the Philippines. These are written in both indigenous and Hispanic languages.
Most of the notable literary works of the Philippines were written during the Spanish period. Philippine literature is written in Spanish, Filipino (Tagalog), English and other native Philippine languages.
Compared to other Asian nations, the Philippines have very few artifacts that show proofs or evidences of Philippine literature or writings.

A script called Baybayin was used in Luzon when Spaniards settled in the islands in 1521. Also indigenous people in Manila and among other native groups in the Philippines wrote on bamboo and specially prepared Arecaceae palm leaves, using knives and pointed sticks as pens.

They were using the primitive Tagalog script which has basic symbols. That is easy to write and understand. Modern Filipino literature are award winning. Some literary works are being studied in schools and is part of the learning curriculum. Also some literary works have television, theater and movie adaptations.

Notable Philippine Literary Works:
ï    Biag Ni Lam-ang
ï    Doctrina Christiana
ï    El Filibusterismo
ï    Florante at Laura
ï    Ibong Adarna
ï    Noli Me Tangere
ï    Dekada ë70

There are a lot of types of dances in the Philippines. As varied as the people here so are the dances.
Philippine dances are expression of many things. They can be expression of grace, love, creativity, religion, culture, spiritual beliefs and festivities.
Philippine dances are categorized ranging from geographic location; societal functions dance influences and time periods. That’s how they are categorized.

Geographic locations, presents dances in the Philippines that are often categorized in ethnic or geographic location. This Localization is often presented in the following categories:
ï    Dances of the Cordillera Mountains (Igor)
ï    Dances of Taga-Ummah (Muslim)
ï    Dances of the Traditionalists (Lumad)
ï    Dances of the Low-Land Western Christians

Societal function, are other less common presentation of the Philippine dances that have been through their categorization as societal functions.
Philippine dances are unique as they not only convey the artistry of movement but these movements are often associated to a life function such as occasions like weddings, the mimicking of certain animal  movements or sounds through dance and even warding off evil spirits.
This type of dances are can be looked at or categorized as:
ï    Ritualistic Dances
ï    Mimetic Dances
ï    Life-Cycle Dances

Dance influences are another presentation of dances through the influences of the Spanish and Americans. They are as follows:
ï    Southeast Asian Influence
ï    Mainland Asian Influence
ï    Spanish Influences
ï    American Influences

Time periods, also has something to do with the dances in the Philippines. It varies on which time period it came from. As culture is constantly evolving, dances often change along with it. Categories are:
ï    Pre-colonial
ï    Spanish Colonial
ï    American Period
ï    Modern and Post Modern

Philippine Superstitions

People in the Philippines are known to be superstitious. Filipino superstitions are mixed beliefs that are composed of different kinds of actions and so called ìritualsî that one person must do to avoid something bad to happen or to attract something good. They are a combination of Catholicism, Chinese Traditions, and Filipino Folk beliefs with strong pagan undertones.
Filipinos’ attitudes towards superstitions, is that there ís no harm in doing it so or trying. If it will bring good luck without hurting anyone itís worth trying then.

Though there are superstitions all over the world. Filipinos are notorious for being the biggest superstitions believers. In this article, are compilation of selected superstitions that are categorized accordingly.

Bad and Good Luck:
ï    Encountering a yellow butterfly will bring you good luck.
ï    Do not mend your clothes while wearing them or harm will befall you.
ï    Adorning your dress with pearls means you will shed many tears.
ï    Stepping on a pillow brings misfortune.
ï    If you sit on your bag while traveling you will not reach your destination.
ï    Wearing a diamond protects the bearer from evil-minded people.
ï    Dreaming of fish, trees or snakes means good fortune, money or happiness.
ï    Whistling at night invites evil spirits.
ï    A person who is headed somewhere could not proceed with her journey if she trips on something after leaving the house. Something terrible will happen to her.
ï    If a brown butterfly enters your house you will lose money.

Death and Illness:
ï    Warts are caused by the urine of frogs.
ï    A lingering black butterfly is a sign that one of your relatives has just died.
ï    A wound inflicted on a Good Friday will take a long time to heal.
ï    Do not form groups of three or thirteen because one among you will die.
ï    It is said that the soul of the deceased returns on the 3rd, 5th and 7th days after death.
ï    A falling spider that lands on you is an omen that someone close to you will die.
ï    A widow who caresses her dead husbandís face is sure to re-marry.
ï    If someone sneezes at a wake, pinch him lest he join the dead.
ï    When a tree that was planted at the same time that a child was born dies, the child will die also.
ï    Give away your black dresses after 1 year of mourning to prevent another death in the family.

Love and Marriage:
ï    If you give your girlfriend a handkerchief as a gift it will make her cry.
ï    When a star appears near a half moon it is a sign that young couples are eloping.
ï    The groom must arrive at the church before the bride to prevent bad luck.
ï    The groom who sits down ahead of his bride will be a henpecked husband.
ï    If it rains during the wedding the couple will have many crybabies.
ï    Throwing rice at the newlyweds will bring them prosperity all their life.
ï    Breaking something during the wedding reception brings good luck to the newlyweds.
ï    A person who habitually sits at the head table during meals will never marry.
ï    Women who have moles under their eyes right where the tears fall will be widowed.
ï    A married woman, who wears a pearl ring, will cause her husband to commit adultery.

Money and Wealth:
ï    A house frequented by black ants means that itís owner will be rich.
ï    Anyone who pays his debts at right at night will become poor.
ï    A small anthill under the house is a sign of good fortune.
ï    A white butterfly is a sign of impending wealth.
ï    If your palm itches, it means you will soon receive a lot of money.
ï    Always keep a coin inside your suitcase or bag. If you donít spend it, youíll have money throughout the year.
ï    Give a generous discount to the dayís first customer so that your sales for the day will increase.
ï    Donít set your purse or handbag down on the floor, or you will not prosper.
ï    Never sweep the floor at night or youíll lose all your wealth.
ï    As soon as you see a shooting star, wrap some money in a corner of your handkerchief and play any game of chance, for you are sure to win.

Pregnancy and Childbirth:
ï    If a pregnant womanís abdomen is pointed, her baby will be a boy; if itís round, the baby will be a girl.
ï    A pregnant woman shouldnít have her picture taken or her child will die at birth.
ï    When a woman is about to give birth, place a lighted candle under her bed so that any witches passing by may be seen.
ï    Give an expectant mother anything she craves for, or she will have a miscarriage.
ï    If a pregnant woman eats a fruit from a tree all the remaining fruits will turn sour.
ï    After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord must be rubbed on the newbornís cheek to produce dimples.
ï    A pregnant woman who eats twin bananas will give birth to twins. To prevent this, she must split the twin bananas behind her back.
ï    Visitors who do not enter the house, but stay or linger at the door, will cause a pregnant woman a difficult delivery.
ï    When a baby lies on her stomach for the first time, place a pencil, paper and a book under her so that the baby will be intelligent.
ï    If a pregnant woman wants to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, she should step over her husband while heís sleeping and all of her symptoms will be transferred to him.

Food:
ï    Donít put money on the table while you are eating.
ï    If you eat too many onions, you will become a playboy or playgirl.
ï    If you leave some rice in the pot there will always be something in the house to eat.
ï    Eating ripe papayas everyday controls sexual urges.
ï    If you choke briefly at mealtime, someone far away remembers or is talking about you.
ï    A woman who switches seats many times during a meal will have many suitors.
ï    The numbers of persons sitting down to a meal should not add up to 13.
ï    If you change your permanent place at the family table, the person you will marry have a short life.
ï    Donít stack your dirt dishes one on top of the other or it may lead to adultery.
ï    When a stranger or distant relative arrives in your home, serve him water first so that he brings you only good news.

Numbers and Colors:
ï    A red car is prone to accidents.
ï    A person with dark colored gums is said to be jealous.
ï    If you dream of your friends wearing white suits, it means that they will get married.
ï    Giving birth consecutively to 3 children of the same sex will bring good luck to the parents.
ï    13 is both a lucky and unlucky number.

Babies and Children:
ï    A baby who sucks on her toes means her mother will soon be pregnant again.
ï    Kissing a babyís feet will result in the baby talking back to his parents when he grows up.
ï    Stepping over a child will slow his growth.
ï    A baby must not be kissed when he us sleeping because he will turn naughty when he grows up.
ï    Cutting a babyís eyelashes during her first month will make them grow long and beautiful.

The Historical Leyte Philippines

If you are looking for a rich historical tourist attraction in the Philippines, Leyte Philippines is the one you are looking for. That is if you are up to historical trip and adventure. Let us just summarize like this, Leyte Philippines is filled mostly with vestiges of World War II remains which has developed into a historical tourist spots. However, there is some other historical sites goes way back before World War II. So our trip to Leyte is like a flashback in the past.

Take for example the landing site of General Douglas MacArthur (remember his famous word “I shall return”?).As you recollect your mind who is General Douglas Macarthur, in case you do not know him or have forgotten your history class about him, I will refresh you about his landing site at Leyte Philippines. He and his companions of American Liberation Forces step in the beach shores of Palo Leyte Philippines in 1944.This Palo beach has now become the tourist-known Red Beach Resort. It is indeed a very beautiful beach in Palo Leyte, where of course, a memorial bigger than life-size statue of Gen. Douglas MacArthur was erected there at the lagoon site of the beach. This particular site is called MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, just like the Rizal Park or Luneta at Manila Philippines. The statue erected on the lagoon was not only him but also with his Allied forces then, in a reenactment act or mode. You better visit Palo Leyte to see these reenactment statues on the lagoon. However, if this not your trip and but want to climb up high from this body of water to keep your foot from getting wet, well try climb the three historical hills of Leyte.

Hill 522 and Hill 120 and Buga-Buga hills are historical tourist hills in Leyte Philippines where one could still see the remnant of World War II between Americans and Japanese, like for example the foxholes which the Japanese soldiers then made at Hill 522 which is also called Guinhangdan Hill. However, there is also a panoramic view of Leyte gulf at Hill 120 where one could relax at concrete canopies and tables surrounded with the landscape of flowers and shrubs while viewing the Leyte Gulf and the coastal lines around the town. But at Buga-Buga hills you will have a creepy feelings while up on it, because thousands of Japanese soldiers died on it and were buried on it as well as hundreds of American soldiers died on it during World War II. Actually, there a bone hunting expedition on it to those who do pilgrimage and foreign tourist.

But if you like banging and get noisy on your historical adventure trip to drive away the spirits of the past lest you will spirit possess by your historical creepy adventure, why don’t you ring a bell at Hilongos Bell Tower at Hilongos Leyte? You could see a huge highest existing Spanish inspired Bell tower here where you could climb it and get Leyte’s attention.

Scared already at your Leyte trip, relax and rest for a while at Japanese War Memorial Cemetery, a site where the fiercest battle for freedom in Leyte took place during World War II. Oops! Seems it is really scarier place for relaxation or rather a wrong place. So let us rather go to this place which they call Dio Mainland Resort. This place they say have native cottages, native beach kiosk, swimming pool, and other you could find in a resort. However, we heard that this resort if formerly called Baluarte San Jose, where remnants of Japanese pill boxes and canon of World War II still exist. Ngek! It seems, there is no place in Leyte where there are no historical vestiges of World War II.