2010 Predictions

This is a revelation: I am a seer. Yes, I possess powers normal beings fail to have: ESP. You know those instances when a vivid picture of a situation suddenly flashed in your mind and right then and there, as if on cue, it happens? Or a sudden surge of instinct tells you what card will be dealt next while playing tong-its? I have those. Most of the time.

And now another year has just kicked off, my mind started barfing visions of the events that will transpire in the next 365 and ¼ days. Here are my startling predictions:

1. Marian Rivera will be dumb (as in mute).

2. There will be an antidote for MELASON (yes, I’m a KJ).

3. Aljur and Kris will finally learn how to act.

4. The EB Babes will finally learn what synchronicity means (mind you, I like the EB Babes, hehe).

5. Manny Pacquiao will have a straight vision (I mean, you know, he’ll concentrate on boxing alone).

6. Ana Ivanovic will win a Grand Slam. <3

7. BF will be the next veep.

8. Jojo Binay will come out of the dark and will realize what hypocrisy means.

9. PGMA will fall in a manhole.

10. Manholes will fill the Palace.

11. Ladies who leave their hair untied while riding a jeepney will be burned at the stake.

12. Spitting in public will earn you a one-way ticket to Muntinlupa.

13. There will be no more pickpockets on footbridges.

14. People will learn how to dispose their trash properly.

15. There will be no more floods.

16. The Philippines will be a first world country.

17. Badong will soon find where his missing properties are.

18. Badong and his group will have passing marks in their thesis defense.

19. Badong’s thesis will be hailed as the most outstanding thesis in the land.

20. Badong will IMMEDIATELY find a job (after bumming for four months).

21. Badong will have lesser grammatical errors.

22. Badong will make it to the headlines (not as a criminal, hopefully).

23. Badong will lessen his parenthetical remarks (I’ll try).

24. Badong will not be corny (I’ll really try).

25. Badong will –

Fine! Fine! I’m a fraud. I’m no Nostradamus or a Madam Auring (thankfully). You can now stab me zealously. This article simply sprang forth because of the absurdity of the predictions from these self-proclaimed psychics I see on TV. Just consider this particular prediction: Prepare for an intensity 6 earthquake that will hit the Philippines especially the Metro Manila area during the third quarter of the year. Mmm-kay. PREPARE for an earthquake. That sounds practical. Should I tie our furniture items to the wall come July? Ridiculous.

This is a revelation: I am a liar. But call me a visionary instead.

Badong Updated

The past two weeks have been totally different for me. And with the current flow of events, it seems that this divergence will continue on for a little while. For instance, I’ve been on idle mode doing blog-hopping or even logging in on Facebook (since some of my close friends are still gravely affected by the flooding that they have no time to go online at all). And add the case of the rotating blackouts in Metro Manila that causes me even more sleepless nights. But apparently, it’s just a phase, so they say. I’m slowly returning to my usual self again. For now, here are some quick updates sa buhay ni Badong:

Blackouts

Yes, not brownouts. One thing that I’ve learned finally is the difference between black out and brownout. I know for a fact that the former refers to total electricity outage (the one Filipinos fondly call ‘brownout’), but I never seem to know the latter’s exact definition. The case is it completely slips out of my mind once electricity recommences and I only remember it once there’s another case of brown, err, blackout. And two straight nights of complete darkness seemed to engrave the task of researching in my cranial region so now I am proud to announce that ignorance is not my best friend.

New Header

I’ve been thinking of changing my header for so long now but my friend Procrastination tells me to do it some other time. And so I didn’t object. So for a while, I let other bloggers think that my blog’s name is Sino Si Badong? rather than Bahay Ni Badong. And I actually received two awards and one nomination under that mistaken blog name. Shame. At least it didn’t make the recognitions invalid.

PBA 3

I shamelessly nominated some of my entries in the Top Ten Posts of the Year category of the third Philippine Blog Awards. Luckily, two of them qualified as finalists.

“To see my name in the lists of nominees alone is a great honor already.” – [put actor’s/actress’ name here.]

It’s actually true, those things you see and hear on TV. Before, I thought it was a tad hypocritical of those people to say that they are totally happy to not win an award. That being nominated alone is a feat to cherish already. Of course, who wouldn’t want some recognition? Who wouldn’t want to bag those trophies, those medals home with them? Are they serious?

And then being put in their own shoes makes me realize that yes, they are serious.

When I saw my posts in the list of finalists I felt sudden surge of euphoria ran thru my spine. My initial reaction was, ‘SERIOUSLY?!’ And it’s also somewhat true that once you see who you’re competing with, you wouldn’t really expect that you could win. Nakakatakot, I said to myself when I read some of the entries. All of them are so well written and some are in fact done by pro-bloggers. But, it would also make me a big hypocrite if I say that I did not hope that I could win. Optimism doesn’t hurt, you know. It attracts positive vibes, too, hehe.

But I did not win. But it’s totally OK. I admit it’s heart-breaking, as I said who wouldn’t want some recognition? But then again, it’s a start. A sign for me to do well, to do better. And it’s not about the recognitions anymore, but a task for self improvement.

By the way, another loads of thanks to Kuya Nebz of Isla de Nebz and Mar of Taympers for telling me that I am one of the finalists. I don’t visit the PBA site that often, you see.

CTRL + S

Amidst the blackouts and the awards, I learned one valuable thing: Always remember to save your work every minute. You’ll never know when MERALCO will cut your electricity.

UPDATED: Four-Point Plan for a Successful Miss Universe Campaign

Ever wonder why Filipinos love beauty pageants? From the smallest barrio to the most prestigious competitions, from girls to guys to the in-betweens, from humans to animals and even lechon, believe me, walang pinalalampas ang Pinoy. However, recent years have shown that our dearest country isn’t having much luck on the most celebrated beauty contest in the world, the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. So, trying to break the black drought, I propose four simple ways on how to have a successful Miss U campaign:

1. Naturalization of Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans, Brazilians, etc.

Admit it, but the competition has an obvious fetish for Latina beauties. Don't agree? Check Wikipedia. In our case, finding Latina-looking Filipinas could be a great option but when scarcity prevails, let the law take charge. We have a whole lot of Brazilians thriving in our country so make use of them!

2. Mandatory online voting for the Miss Photogenic Award.

One evident sign of the lack of unity in this lovely country is our failure to bag the highly coveted Miss Photogenic award for two consecutive years. That’s TWO CONSECUTIVE years of dearth preceded by a legendary THREE-PEAT. Common guys, make those fingers working! If we couldn’t make it in the top 15, then at least we are assured of a special award. Added exposure is very important.

3. Do it the Miriam way!

Now this goes to the delegate herself. Hold your head up high, toddle on the catwalk as if you’re a ghost floating on air and throw a banana peel you secretly hid behind your sash. Make sure to step on it. Then do the Miriam Quiambao move! See to it that you stand up as graceful as possible and at the end extend your arms to the crowd as if you’re saying “There you go, folks!” Two Miss USAs did it and it proved effective on them so why not give it a try? Audience impact din yon.

4. Use the ever reliable interpreter.

I know we Filipinos are very adept with using the international language, but just for this special event, let's pretend otherwise. For obvious reasons,it will benefit our representative big time. She will have ample time to think and give a very good answer as the question will be posed on her twice. Strategy!

Someday, the Philippines will conquer the universe.

Goodbye and Thank You

I woke up today with high hopes for this brand new day. It was a little bit gloomy, though, as it has been raining for hours now. I turned on the Internet to check for some updates when I found this very depressing news: Corazon Aquino, Philippines president, dead at 76 (AP).

I stared in front of the monitor in wide-eyed disbelief. Tita Cory, the good, passionate, demure and strong-willed woman who once governed this country has now surrendered to her true master. Then I instantly knew the reason behind the gloomy weather. The heavens must have been mourning for her too.

A lot of public figures have retreated to their final resting place already but none of them had blown such an impact on me than Tita Cory. How could someone be so lovely, so full of heart and so gracious like her be gone? Siguro totoo nga yung kasabihan na “Kapag masamang damo, matagal mamatay”. Tita Cory is far from being one.

I want to keep this post short. And as a final salvo, I want to say, thank you President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. THANK YOU.

Ako Mismo

“Ayoko ko nang mag-reklamo.”

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Nasa sa’tin na mismo ang pagbabago. Nasa kamay mo. Nasa kamay ko. Ako mismo ang gagawa ng pagbabago.



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The Biggest Joke in the World

I’m a big fan of funny reads. From joke books to comic strips to humorous satires…everything that stimulates my funny bone. You name it, I’ve probably read it. Little did I know that the biggest joke of all will be featured on TV. And guess what, I found it on the news.

So I was watching the night news when I almost fell off my seat because of a particular headline. It read: 5-ANYOS NA BATANG NAIWAN SA TAXI, IDINULOG NG DRIVER SA GMA NEWS! Kewl. LOL

Now seriously, what are he chances that you’ll leave a sleeping child at the back of a taxi? My, were the people the child was with that tired. And can someone please explain this to me: Does the cab driver really have to bring the child to a TV station? Surely he’s not another case of temporary amnesia to forget that easily where he dropped his last passengers. So what for? A good 15 seconds of fame? To proclaim to the world about his good deed?

Welcome to the World of Absurdity.

Shirts of Pride

I've been really wanting to buy either a 3 Stars &a Sun or a Team Manila t-shirt for months now but I guess I have to sacrifice a little bit more since I definitely need a serious prioritizing of my expenditures. For those who don't know, those two brands I've mentioned are the 'in' thing right now for they produce shirts and other clothing items whose designs showcase the national emblems of the Philippines and everything that is Pinoy.

It's very amusing and undoubtedly uplifting seeing youngsters like me sporting these patriotic shirts. It's like showing to the whole world how proud you are of your own race; that being a Filipino is something to be grateful of.

I just hope that it goes beyond being just a fad. I hope that every Filipino who wears these clothes live up to what their shirts say. I hope that nationalism doesn't end in fashion, but with passion. The kind of passion that will eventually lead to the transformation of the society where we all exist.

"I am a [Filipino]. I am a HERO."

Superheroes

Everyone knows how miserable life is in the Philippines right now. With the Philippine Peso breaking records in terms of all-time lows, with crime and poverty continuously spreading like wildfire, and with corruption slowly becoming a permanent element of the state, there seems to be o cure for this ailing third world country. No wonder why there are some who seemed to have had enough and decided to search for ‘greener pastures’. Others do that as well, not to stay there for good, but to look for an elusive high-paying job that they cannot grab here. They are the Overseas Filipino Workers or simply OFWs to which we proudly call as ‘mga Bagong Bayani’ (Modern Heroes).

And why not, considering all the sacrifices they made like living in a foreign country and being away from their family, enslaving themselves and ignoring the threats of discrimination and the bitter truth, even death, they truly are worthy of one’s admiration.

There is one major problem, though, and it is something that I think most people (especially the ones involved) fail to see.

Let me first share this to you: One night as I was watching the news, my full attention was suddenly caught by this woman being featured regarding the Peso’s declining value. Apparently, she’s a relative of an OFW she was gleaming at the camera, wearing a smile that reaches her earlobes then she made this devastating remark, “Of course the weak Peso-Dollar exchange rate is such a big advantage for us, for one thing, it will increase the value of my husband’s salary.” I couldn’t believe my ears! Unbelievable. She said it with so much pride and conviction as if money is the only valuable thing for her. The problem is that people would rather let others suffer as long as they continue to live in affluence. This is the root and also the fruit of all this depression – people doesn’t seem to care but them.

The issue now here is not whether you’re in relation to an OFW or not, nor whether you’re a Filipino or a foreign blood. The real issue now here is us – ALL of us. And how we are all accountable for whatever’s happening to the society where we exist.

People, let us be reminded: the roots of real change springs from within us. It is only ourselves who can MAKE it; it can never be brought by one person alone. We cannot continue living in a world of superheroes; there’s no Superman to save us times of despair. Only us. After all, we can all be superheroes in our own rights.

Survivor Philippines Kicks Off Today

Alas, after years of waiting the Philippines has finally come up with its own version of the US reality show Survivor which will start airing today at GMA 7. I am so overwhelmed with excitement right now for two big reasons: First, I am such a fan of the show. Big time. It's actually the main culprit why I can't seem to control myself from watching each and every reality show that I come across on TV. Talk about addiction. Second, unlike the original and the other franchise series, Survivor Philippines will be shown on a daily basis, which means expect a lot of deviations in terms of its episodes.

Why the change in format? Well, I can only come up with two possibilities. The first one is so that it can adapt to Philippine primetime TV since soap operas and other primetime shows here are being shown daily. The other one is to be able to compete with GMA's rival channel's franchise of another US reality show, Big Brother (though the latest season has already ended a couple of months ago). That's simply where Philippine TV revolves -- competition that is.

I can only assure you one thing. This is going to be one helluva trip.

First Day of Christmas

Today's September 1. There's nothing so significant about this date except that for us Filipinos it's officially the start of Christmas!

Oh yes, it's the 'Ber' months once again. I haven't even gotten over last year's celebration and here we go again preparing to give gifts to our dear ones (save for those compulsory 'exchange gift' ceremonies in school or at work). Oh well, Christmas has always been my favorite season of all. I don't know, I just love the peaceful and engaging vibe it carries whenever it arrives. As if there are no problems in the world, like we didn't suck at the Olympics or as if there hasn't been any turmoil in Mindanao.

But times do change, though. During these past few years, I've noticed that the celebrations intended to remember Christ's natal day had slightly decreased in 'intensity' (here in our neighborhood at least). As if every thing's delayed.

If the cool Christmas breeze which usually comes weeks before December is a student, it could have been expelled for tardiness and absenteeism. Seriously, I cringe at the idea that it's the Christmas season yet I wake up in the morning all sweaty. But once it gets cold, it really is cold. Urgh,that global warming!

The carolers seem to be not in the mood for jamming as well. Sometimes three songs is enough (including the infamous We Wish You A Merry Christmas which has become sort of a requirement for some reason) for them to shout 'Namamasko po!'. I don't know, maybe they're just saving their golden voices for tomorrow's gig.

Christmas lights are also making their own disappearing act. Save for our neighbor who puts Christmas lights even on their dog house, people seem to be content putting up one one set of these decorative doodads. Maybe they're just being safe and they don't want to get caught on fire. But most probably it's because of their blowing electric bills.

But despite all these, it is still undeniable that, for so many reasons, Christmas is still the most joyful time of the year. There are the colorful Christmas lanterns, the snowmen (without the snow), the puto-bumbong, the tyangge along the Marikina River, the gifts!, Noche Buena, Santa Claus, and of course, World Peace who visits so rarely. This sounds trite already but I seriously wish it's Christmas everyday.

Wanna be one of the first to greet you this -- Have a Happy Christmas!