Posts Tagged ‘filipino’

Fantasy Series on Philippine Primetime Television

Before, a fantasy series is just a one episode on a particular child TV programs on either very early morning slot or early evening slot on Philippine TV programming which are only meant for a kiddie audience, but the success of “Marina” – the very first fantasy drama series put on a primetime slots which really gain a high ratings – have changed the landscape of Philippine primetime programming wherein every primetime slots of major TV networks in the Philippines (namely ABS-CBN channel 2,GMA Channel 7 ,and TV5 Channel 5) have one or more fantasy drama series in their respective primetime programming which boast not only the strong plot but also the special effects they use on every scenes.

Dyesebel

Both Filipino adult and children enjoy watching these fantasy dram series (the proof is the high ratings of this kind of TV programs) as an alternative to the surge of drama series which have only a repetitive story plots which flooded the primetime TV slots of Philippine TV before fantasy dram series emerged into the slots of primetime programming.

The rise of fantasy drama series in the Philippine television was heavily influenced by the fantasy and sci-fi (science fiction) movies being produced by Hollywood or foreign film outpits which do really hit the box-office and gain profits from producing them. This inspires the Filipino writers to do the same thing on their primetime TV slots to compensate for the growing needs of Filipino audience for an alternative TV viewing, than intoxicate Filipino audience with too much drama series and news programs. It is also a way to balance their TV programs.

Darna

Among the best fantasy drama series ever produced for Philippine TV aside from “Marina”, were “Mulawin”, ”Lobo”, ”Engkatadia” ,”Ang Panday”, ”Dyesebel”, ”Lastikman”, and “Darna”. However, there are a lot more fantasy drama series produced but they are more kiddie in style.

Vanity Kit of Filipino Men

Beautifying oneself is not exclusively for women of course, but men do have the right to do so but it is just it is not the favorite topic of men because they may look gayish if it is openly talked about. Furthermore, beautifying oneself is not always perceive as a vain thing but also a personal hygiene and personal responsibility to take care oneself wherein the reward is one’s handsome, beautiful, and gorgeous appearance or look, just like gorgeous men and women of the Philippines.

Barber in the Philippines

Their secrets of being beautiful is not actually a secret, it is just a good personal hygiene. According to an online survey, most Filipino men like their female counterpart, uses also natural shampoos and soaps for their hair and body, respectively. The most natural shampoo and soap brand they often use is the Palmolive Natural Shampoo and Soap, but some use the Ascend Natural Shampoo brand and Vicky Bello’s natural soap, particularly the Papaya one.

In terms of facial care, most Filipino men use the Cetaphil brand for their acnes and pimples and facial cleanser as well; but some also use Master Eskinol brand as their facial cleanser. Only few rich Filipino men go to facial centers for ultimate facial care because it is quite expensive.

However, Filipino men do go to parlors not only for haircuts but also for manicures and pedicures; even some go to foot spa for their feet.

Filipino men are also conscious of their boy figure wherein some have regimens in the gym, those who can afford it only.

Men's Health Philippines

These are just a handful of vanity products and regimens which most Filipino men use to beautify themselves. For there are some vanity products where rich Filipino men use which an ordinary Filipino men could not afford and not basically available on a local consortium market where most ordinary Filipino men have access to.

The Rise of Mediocracy in the Philippines

“Everyone wants to rule the word” – This famous statement have marred the good image of late former Philippine president Ferdinand E. Marcos and wreck his administration and ruined his excellent vision for the Philippines. Yes, this over-maligned and defamed former Philippine president was indeed a good and very bright man. He was never a dictator or an evil man contrary to the rumors spread by the mediocre ones and the press media in the Philippines, just like what the mediocre ones and press media doing against former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo today; even former Philippine president Joseph “erap” Estrada was a victim of his own mediocratic principle.

Ferdinand E. Marcos

Actually, late former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos was elected three times as the President of the Philippines for his commendable achievement and by his high-class visions for the Philippines. But this was ruined by the infiltration of a Communist or Maoist thoughts and ideologies brought by the Cold War then (but I suspect it was the international business elites who do this, see my succeeding paragraph below),which created the creation of a numerous “leftist” and vigilantes groups today who pursue a radical change in the government base on the Communist principle; one of the active communist group that still exist today beginning at the Marcos Administration is the New People’s Army or NPA.

These ‘leftist’ groups become so rampant and wild on the Marcos Administration then (because that was their beginnings or birth in the Philippines) which spreads lawlessness (such as disrespectful to the authorities) and vandalistic attitude that threatens the good security and economic status of the Philippines then, which forces former late Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos to impose Martial Law to counter these threats and save the Philippines from being overtaken by Communism and anarchic principles. Thus, because of these threats and the cluelessness of the Marcos administration of who is behind this destabilization plot and demolition job to overthrow the present Philippine government, resort into arresting leaders of the alleged Communist groups and torture them to speak out who is behind the spread anarchism, vandalism, and destabilization plot against the present reigning Philippine administration, and one of the person arrested is Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino because Ninoy repeatedly criticized the Marcos administration without any very solid evidence about his accusations. Thus he was suspected to have a connection to the mastermind or even one of the masterminds of the destabilization plot and demolition job.

Was Marcos wrong in containing these anarchic threats? Or was his ways of containing it wrong?

Furthermore, not only Communism and anarchy creeps in on Marcos third administration but also disloyalty and corruption of his cabinet members flourish beyond his control, which created the “corruption thought” today in the Philippine politics on Cabinet members.

Is the infiltration of Communism and corruption of his cabinet members a POWER PLAY? To destabilize his good governance and to dis-empower him because of the insecurities of the mediocre ones and the revenge of the Foreign Businesspersons then, especially Chinese ones against Marcos plans to transfer foreign ownership of businesses in the Philippines to the Filipinos and they use the mediocre Filipino then to stir up chaos and communism, so that their businesses will not be transferred to the Filipinos?

Ferdinand Marcos

Is the International Business Community, the Mastermind of destabilization plot and demolition job to destroy the Marcos Administration and to destroy Marcos among the mediocre masses, respectively to suit their personal agendas and to build a Philippine government which they could control?

The downfall of a good leader is the rise of Mediocracy in the Philippines, a.k.a “People Power”, perpetuated by the International Business Elites to suit their personal business agendas and to oust out Marcos using the mediocre Filipino mass.

I pity much Marcos, because he was not justified and acknowledged for what he have done good to the Filipinos in his past administrations but remembered as useless and evil Philippine president ever live. This is definitely INJUSTICE.

Is “People Power” worth remembering against a former good leader?

*Note: This Article about Ferdinand Marcos was submitted by one of the writers that work for ThePhilippines.ph, it does not neccessarily reflect the opinions of ThePhilippines.ph, we however believe it is a good starting point for discussing, so fire away

Causes of Illegal Drugs in the Philippines

There are numerous forbidden drugs not only in the Philippines but also on different parts of the world; the reason they are forbidden because they bring harmful effects on the normal functioning of our cellular bodies, if taken or if taken excessively. But there are also drugs which have similar effects in the drug market yet they are not forbidden but legally sold, use and prescribe like the chemically made anti-depressant drugs, wherein taken excessively could result either into brain damage, insanity (increased anxiety and restlessness condition),suicidal tendencies, or even coma or death.

PDEA Philippines

The effect of an anti-depressant drug is similar of the effects of the widely known illegal drugs: shabu, cocaine, and marijuana. These drugs do also cast away depression and stress from your cellular bodies, thus making one tune in a happy disposition and stronger-like feelings. The effects are the same, but these drugs are the most hated in the world, but mysteriously why? However, the marijuana is already accepted as part of legally used drug in some other parts of the world. But in the Philippines it is not yet accepted.

Even though there are stronger efforts of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA to eliminate the selling and use of illegal drugs in the Philippines, particularly shabu and marijuana, still the Filipinos keep on selling and using it, secretly. And why is it so?

Actually, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency or PDEA just only cut and cut grasses when they become overgrown but never uprooted them so that the grasses will not grow again, yet they arrogantly boast they do everything to eliminate the forbidden selling and using of the illegal drugs in the Philippines. I think, they have overlooked the main cause of the use and selling of Illegal drugs in the Philippines or do they deliberately ignore the main causes because they too benefitted from the Illegal drug trade?

Burning 151 kg of illegal Drugs

For me, there are three main causes or roots why Filipinos keep on using and trading these illegal drugs, that is,:

1. Poverty and Financial Destituteness – A very poor Filipino with less education and knowledge will be force to participate or sell these illegal drugs because of the large amount of money they could profit from it. For they do not have sufficient skills to apply on a specific job neither have money even to go to a vocational school in order to gain skills for a specific job.

2. Increased rate of Unemployment and Lower salary compensation – This is due to unmatched skills to vacant or available jobs, and if one Filipino could find a job, the salary compensation is very low and even though there is a demand for an increase, their employer seems deaf. So the resort would be to find any job that could compensate them well or have a higher amount of income to sustain sufficiently the daily needs of their family as well as for themselves.

3. Depression – It has many causes, namely of course poverty, unemployed status, poor income, family conflicts, conflicts on romantic relationships, poor spiritual lifestyle, etc. Thus, some Filipinos in order to combat the debilitating depressive mood will resort to an anti-depressant drug.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at Work

For me, if the Philippines, especially the Philippine president will focus on these three causes, not only illegal drugs will voluntarily uproot itself but also some crimes.

The Happy Pinoy

Modern day fast-paced and workaholic lifestyle wherein our time for sufficient rest and relaxation has been hi-jacked by the inventions of light bulbs, computers, televisions, radios, etc. and other technologies and inventions that extend our daytime and sometimes makes us sleepless, has brought multiple stress-related diseases like depression, anxiety disorders, Hypertensions, heart attacks, diabetes, and other modern-day illness and diseases, which not only robs our physical body to have a sufficient break but also eats up our ability to stay constantly at peace, positive and happy. A suicidal rate has now been part of every country in the world.

Pinoy

With all of these, how can such group of people or nation in the world stay laughing out loud the problems and worries they are facing? ; For recent reports reveals that the Pilipinos are one of the most happy people in the world today. Wow, that is really good news for people seeking to be inflicted with a Happy diseases. But how can Pilipino stay happy and positive despite of the attacks and onslaughts of problems, diseases and calamities, whereas some other races succumb to suicide and depression? This is one of the mystery attitudes of Pilipinos aside from being a talented race which the other nations admire and enamored with.

The Blame Game of the New Philippine President

Since PNoy political campaigns, the theme of his would be administration is already showing, that is “I am the righteous one, they are evil”. In short, political hypocrisy!;to find fault from the former administration and exalting oneself to be righteous rather than focusing on the needs and necessities of every Filipino and to bring peace and harmony in the Philippines.

Noynoy

On his first days of work, his administration already start the blame game they plan to do and behind this political hypocrisy and self-righteousness are the so-called “Hyatt 10” or the “Black and White Movement” whose suspicious major agenda is only to take a personal revenge against the former administration for axing them from their respective former government seats during the former administration. They keep on criticizing and maligning the former administration for such this and that without showing a very solid convincing proofs, which is already becoming annoying and provokes nothing but contentions and strife again, rather than peace and true change (of Philippine political landscape, for example).The legacy of useless political bickering still continues and never have changed as his promise on his political campaign. You can expect more of this political blame game at his first State Of the Nation Address or SONA, as he says in the news that his SONA will “shock” the Filipino.

How the Filipino has is always victim of political hogwash and ear candy promises in choosing their leader? Has PNoy do something that will produce change when he was senator? Nothing! He just “blames and blame”.

The New Philippine President

However, to be just, let us give the new Philippine president a break, but if these blame games continue, I don’t think the Filipinos have finally chosen a right leader for their country.

Philippines Richest Man

This half Chinese, half Pilipino entrepreneur is of course, not only the No. 1 richest man in the Philippines but also the most famous man in the Philippines because of his very famous successful and well loved Malls which have branches nationwide or have spread on the entire Philippine – the SM Malls or SM Supermalls.

Mr. Henry Sy

The SM Mall is now the national Mall of the Philippines which have 37 branches nationwide or across the Philippines and four branches in China where the half bloodline of this Chinese-Pilipino entrepreneur resides. Of course, what I am talking about is none other than Mr. Henry Sy.

Because of this success of him in retail business (actually, the SM Supermalls are group of retail businesses residing within one commercial building), the Philippine Retail Association have bestowed him the title “The Father of Philippine Retail” ,only last 2005. Many retail business entrepreneurs have strive to be as successful as Henry Sy’s SM Supermalls but still failed because SM Supermalls holds already the appeal of Pilipino masses. However, there is another Philippine Malls that have an edge against SM Supermalls – The Robinsons Malls. The Robinsons Malls likewise SM Supermalls have many branches across the Philippines and sometimes it established its Malls head to head to SM Supermalls.

Mall Of Asia, Manila Philippines

Now, one of his large SM Supermalls that exist today is the SM Mall of Asia

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 Philippines has many languages. The Philippines has a total of 171 native languages that are still spoken and used in the country. Such a small country but has so many dialects/languages.

Filipinos, refer to languages as dialects.

Believe it or not, Spanish was the original official language of the Philippines. Because for such a long time the Philippines was invaded by the Spaniards. And learning Spanish is mandatory at schools and universities during that time.

But after the independence of the Philippines, the national language of the Philippines has become Filipino or popularly known as Tagalog.

English, is also widely used in the Philippines. Since it’s a mandatory subject at schools and universities, up to now.

There are 13 indigenous languages in the Philippines with at least 1 million native speakers. They are:

1. Tagalog which is mainly spoken and used nationwide.
2. Cebuano, used in the Visayas area particularly in Cebu.
3. Ilokano, used in the Ilocos region (Ilocos Norte, Ilocus Sur, Abra etc.)
4. Hilgaynon, used and spoken in the western part of Visayas.
5. Waray-Waray, used and spoken in the provinces of Samar.
6. Kapampangan (Pampango), used and spoken in Pampanga located in Luzon.
7. Bikol (Bicolano), used and spoken in the provinces of Bicol.
8. Albay Bikol (Albay Bicolano), used and spoken in Albay, a province in Bicol.
9. Pangasinan, used and spoken in the Pangasinan area. It’s also known as “Pangalatok” to it’s native people.
10. Maranao, used and spoken in the provinces of Lanao (Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, etc.)
11. Maguindano, used and spoken in different parts of Mindanao.
12. Kinaray-a, used and spoken in Antique.
13. Tausug, used and spoken in Sulu.

There’s evidently a huge amount of dialectal variation among the languages of the Philippines. A good example of this variation are between Tagalog and Kapampangan. Because they are known to have very moderate dialectal variation.

But if you’re a tourist or someone who wants to settle and live in the Philippines, the best dialect to study and learn is Tagalog. Because it’s mainly spoken nationwide and is the national language of the Philippines. It’s easy to learn too, which is a plus.

Like the month of April in the Philippines, a Philippine May festivity also starts at very first day of the month. But May 1 is not a really boisterous festivity in the Philippines, for as we know it, it is a Day of all the workers not only in the Philippines but also to other countries in the world. It is day of political and social demonstration of the workers who wanted to voice out their voice to their respective governments. Most Filipino workers take advantage also of this special day to protest complains.

Coincide with this May 1 Labor Day demonstration and protests of the workers of the Philippines, is an Aliwan Grand Fiesta celebration being held at CCP Complex at Roxas Boulevard, Manila Philippines celebrating the Philippines’ 16 Regions in all grandest with floats and carnival-style parades, fireworks, and all the pride products of the 16 Regions of the Philippines all in displayed.

Moreover, alongside with this Aliwan Grand Fiesta celebration at Roxas Boulevard Manila Philippines is a similar float parade competition at Davao Oriental Philippines. This May 1 Davao celebration is called “Davao Gulf Regatta”. This celebration features decorated bancas and vintas in celebration of Davao gulfs.

May 1 is also the start of Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan in the whole month of May in the Philippines. All the regions of the Philippines held this kind of parade procession. It is the reenactment of Queen Elena of Constantinople in her search for the holy cross of Jesus. Queen Elena is said to be collecting all the memorabilia of Jesus. Similar with this religious festivity that is also held during May 1 is the Antipolo Pilgrimage which is held at Antipolo Rizal. This religious festivity is a long pilgrimage or like the santacruzan, from Manila Philippines to Antipolo Philippines. It is religious pilgrimage for Our Lady of Good Voyage.

Another solemn festivity during May 1 in the Philippines is the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts held, of course at Vigan City Philippines, Ilocos Sur Philippines. It is a festival commemorating and reminiscing the history and cultural treasures of Vigan City.

May 1 festivity in the Philippines does not end at Vigan City, it still extends to Calape Bohol Philippines that celebrates Pahinungod Festival, the Pilipinyan Festival at Tagaytay city Philippines, the Balangay Festival at Butuan City Philippines, the 100 Island Festivals at Aliminos Pangasinan Philippines, the Araw ng Santiago at Santiago city Philippines, the Pista ng Produktong Pilipino at Subic, Olongapo City Philippines, the Boa- Boahan “Alinsangan “ Festival at Nabua Camarines Sur Philippines, and the Magayon Festival which celebrates Mt. Mayon at Albay Philippines.

Following the May 1 festivity is Dayaw Dalan Festivity held during May 2 at San Jacinto Ticao Philippines, simultaneous with Holy Cross Festival at Alitagtag and Baun Batangas Philippines. Then on May 3 the Carabao-Carroza Festival is held at Iloilo city Philippines where of course decorated carroza being pulled by carabaos. On May 3 also is the Feast of the Holy Cross held at Sta. Cruz Marinduque Philippines.

Like May 1, May 3 also is full of festivity in the Philippines aside from what I mention above,on May 3 also the Sublian Festival is held at Batangas City Philippines as well as the Garlic Festival at Sinait Ilocos Sur Philippines.