Remembering EDSA - 25 years after

This week has been tiring so far but it also has inspired me to move forward. This week is quite special because we will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution this Friday! 

If you're still new to the EDSA thing and if I were explain to someone new, EDSA has been a symbol of freedom in the Philippines. After a 20 year dictatorship, the Filipino People went out to the streets to rally against the Marcos Regime. The EDSA People Power Revolution was a peaceful revolution. There was no bloodshed. Millions of Filipinos were united in prayer and they were able to overthrow the dictator peacefully. It was also the beginning of bringing back democracy in the country. Basicaly, the revolution gave us back our freedom of speech! That's why I can blog! :)

This is something we can all be proud of because other countries have somewhat used this as a model. The Philippines was probably one of the first countries to have done this. (I'm assuming) 

EDSA is quite significant for me because my Lola Cory was one of the people who led this event. I've been watching the documentaries on TV this past week and I can't help but be proud of her. I was also in tears because I saw this part wherein she was speaking to the crowd and said that she was offering her self to the Filipino People. It made me miss her even more. She never wanted to be President but she made the sacrifice. I was months old when EDSA happened. I asked my Mom how it was then and she told me that it was UNCERTAIN. They didn't know what was going to happen. It was a dangerous time for the family. But I have to tell you that my Lola Cory showed no sign of anxiety or fear. A leader should show no sign of fear and that's what she displayed. I'm very proud of her. 

Yes we displayed People Power, but my Lola would also add that PRAYER POWER was present and she was an advocate of prayer. Nowadays, I believe we take a lot of things for granted and prayer is one of those things. If my Lola were here, she'd keep on saying that to me, the family, and the nation. I have to pass it on to the reader of this post. We need to pray for the Philippines.  It's something we have to do as one nation. The Pinoys did it back then 25 years ago. What makes our generation any different? 

 

Other than that, we shouldn't take freedom of speech for granted. We can blog, we can update our Facebook status, we can Tweet! Back then, you couldn't express freedom of speech... 

Our generation is blessed. Very blessed. Let's not forget that. 

If you're a parent, can I ask a favor? :) Kindly talk about the People Power Revolution to your children. To the Ates and Kuyas, tell your younger siblings/cousins if they don't know about it. We can't let this significant event just die in history. We need to keep talking about it!

If you want to read something inspirational, Wilfrido Villacorta, the Ambassador to ASEAN  revisits the spirit of EDSA and launched a book this week. It's all about the triumph of a people's campaign. It's about a recent people power in the country but more importantly, his goal is to reinforce the Filipino's trust in our own ability to help rebuild a nation and recommut ourselve to achieving excellence and development. "Noynoy: Triumph of a People's Campaign" is available at Powerbooks. 

There are many ways to celebrate EDSA this week. Watch a documentary on TV, read a book, ask your parents/relatives. But the important thing is that we talk about it and remember that the Philippines gained freedom without violence. That's no ordinary feat!!! We need to keep the conversations going!!!

"Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo, mapayapang paraang pagbabago. Katotohanan, Kalayaan, Katarungan ay kayang makamit ng walang dahas. Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat."

Graduation 2011

It's that time of the year again. My brother's finishing up school and I feel that I should reiterate what I mentioned before. To the graduating class of 2011, what I can share to you are the following.

1. Don't take a long vacation. Stay ahead of the pack. Apply. Apply. Apply.  The early bird catches the worm right? While you have the momentum, go for it! If you take a long vacation, laziness might get to you. Don't get me wrong. You can have a vacation! Just don't relax too much. Getting a job after school is hard so be ahead :) That's what my Lola told me and I pass it on again.

2. Keep your friends close. Your friends are treasures. They will always be there for as long as you're there for them. Never forget them. You'll be needing them a lot after school life.

3. Never forget the teachers good to you because you owe it to them. I keep in touch with the teachers who gave an impact in my life. Believe me on this one. They can still teach you some more now you're in the real world.

Congratulations to all the graduates! Make your family proud, your school proud, your teachers proud, your friends proud, and your country proud! :)

The result of growing up too fast...

Forgive me for being too "kiddie" but I mentioned a couple of posts ago on how I didn't get toys I wanted when I was younger. I mentioned I didn't get Optimus Prime and the Turtle Blimp.

I completely forgot to mention... I didn't get 3 Japanese robots when I was younger. I wasn't able to get 1. The BIOROBO 2. Voltes V and 3. Daimos...

Thank God, BAN DAI, released a line called "Soul of Chogokin". This line is made STRICTLY for adults and is the most detailed toy line for Japanese Robots. BAN DAI was genius because they made this for adults who never experienced having these robots. So I'm in the target market! Mazinger Z, Combattler V, and a whole bunch of other robots are included in the line with pinpoint accuracy. How accurate? Well, Daimos, seen below, I got last week. I tell you, it's REALLY accurate. I have to take better pictures though but Daimos can turn into Tranza, his chest opens to reveal the double blizzard. His freezer ray can be turned, he can pose with his signature Death Blow, and there's even a mini Richard included! But the most awesome part is that ALL HIS WEAPONS ARE COMPLETE!!!

The same goes for Voltes V. I like the Voltes V set better because it's frikkin Voltes V man!!! I'm being careful with it so I didn't take pics yet. But man, getting it gives this feeling of nostalgia and excitement. They say that adults who buy toys were the kids who grew up too fast or didn't experience having the awesome toys. I call it unfinished business! Getting these felt like getting the best Christmas Gift during Christmas morning. If you're like me, I suggest you get the toys you didn't get when you were younger. I got complete satisfaction upon acquiring Daimos and most especially Voltes V. I have one more robot to go but unfortunately, it's not available in the Soul of Chogokin line... But once the BIOROBO is available, I'll be the first in line to get it!

The Generation Gap

At work, some of the younger ones didn't grow up with some of the icons of yesteryear. I was surprised that people born in 1988 aren't even familiar with the greatest robot of all time...

I still try to live with the happy memories of my childhood and I thought I'd share with you what I acquired last week. I mentioned in my tweet that after 20+ years, I finally have Voltes V in my possession. Kids, it's not Voltes Vee ok? It's Voltes FIVE.

 (image courtesy of taclobanon.deviantart.com)

Who was Voltes V you ask? Even before the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit Philippine Television, there was a team consisted of 5 members who piloted 5 vehicles to form the greatest robot of all time, Voltes V! The Megazord has NOTHING on Voltes V. Believe me. 

 

  

Seen above is a screen cap of the Voltes Team. Clockwise from top, Steve, Big Bert and Little John Armstrong (They're Brothers), Jamie Robinson, and Mark Gordon. 

Why am I writing this post? As I said in previous blogs, cartoons when I was younger were way better. If you can find a copy of the DVDs of Voltes V, I STRONGLY URGE that you watch the entire series. Instead of watching the TV series of today, go watch this. You wont regret it! The story is frikkin awesome. Even if it's Japanese, it doesn't get any more Pinoy than this! Hahaha! Voltes V is more Pinoy than Japanese. Heck, I talked to Japanese people from work and they have no clue who Voltes V is... It's sad actually...

Here are some screen shots of Voltes V in action. Clockwise from top left, Voltes V posing after the transformation, Using the Electromagnetic Tops, the Voltes Bazooka, and LASER SWORD!

Bridge the gap people! Watch this cartoon!!! Trust me :)

Go Azkals!!!

We are a Basketball Nation. It's a reality that it's extremely popular here in the Philippines. But the past 2 months have been different. Ever since Studio 23 televised the games of the Philippine Football team, people have been clamoring about football. 

My Lola, being the big basketball fan that she was expressed that we need to be good at sports wherein we can compete with the world. I'm just sad now she didn't get to see the Azkals in action! She would've loved it! 

I think it's only a matter of time. It's already sweeping the nation! We had a big game in Bacolod earlier tonight! 2-0 against Mongolia! Plus with the way the girls are raving about the players? Wala na to! Kaya na!

Let's GO PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL! I'm here to support it! :)

Another bad day ends... Another day approaches

How do you get over a bad day? Today was pretty tough for me. But what's good is that there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. You can commit mistakes but just don't commit the same ones. It's always good to learn from them. That you owe to yourself and the people around you. 

Another day has passed and another day is ahead. Just keep moving forward. Roll with the punches if you have to. Keep your chin up and do your best. As Conan O Brien stated that if you work hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen... 

Go lang nang Go! Laban!

Gino's Brick Oven Pizza

Sorry I've been out recently. But as promised, I'm going to update this blog as often as I can. So it's passed 11pm and I'm at it for you guys :)

I have an upcoming top secret project with CJ the DJ of Magic 89.9, Gino Quillamor of RX 93.1 and a number of other guys. But that's for another post. Anyway, CJ texted me and told me to go to this place in Katipunan called Gino's Brick Oven Pizza. (Coincidence lang na kapangalan ni Mr. Quillamor)We had our dinner there.

Gino's Brick Oven Pizza is owned by Mr. Jutes Templo and his wife Cello. (She happens to own Cello's Doughnuts) :) Gino is the name of their baby boy! :)

So anyway, let's cut to the food!

We ordered 2 Pizzas. The first one was the Bianca Verde. It was a pizza with kesong puti and arugula leaves. That simple! But let me tell you, it was EXCELLENT! It was FANTASTIC! What made it so special was that Jutes and his team use the finest ingredients. It's authentic Italian Pizza my friends! The DOUGH! Ang lupet! The texture was soft and crispy at the same time! It's foldable, NEW YORK STYLE! I tell you, the combination of the Arugula and Kesong Puti is astounding! It's mind-boggling! ANG SARAP!

Next on the menu is the Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Now this is what Jutes is proud of. This is entirely different from the commercially produced buffalo chicken pizza. The Gino's Brick Oven Version has a lot of mozzarella, a lot more chicken, bleu cheese and spices!!! The pizza comes in sweet/salty/spicy. It's a terrific blend of flavors in my honest opinion. The spiciness is just right! Magnifico! I highly recommend that you guys try this when you visit the restaurant.

These 2 flavors are a perfect combo! It goes well together! Other flavors include Margherita, Prosciutto, Four Cheese, and Pepperoni. The Bianca Verde and Buffalo Chicken are signature dishes so I suggest you order what we ordered! :)

Gino's Brick Oven Pizza is located in Katipunan Avenue at the K2 Center Building. It's the building with the Mercury Drug across Miriam College and it's right above Figaro. To the Ateneans in College, have lunch here, you guys won't regret it! Trust me on this one!