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My Top 10 Timeless Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Winners

2010-01-17T01:23:00.000-08:00

It is Binibining Pilipinas season once again. Like any pageant fan (ok fine...expert na nga), this is the season that brings me to smile almost everyday.

I've told time and again how love pageants. Call me a sucker for it, but I feel that it's one of the things that keep me sane in this very fickled world I live in. It breaks my routine of work-home-work. I'm very thankful I have friends in the pageant community who have opened doors for me and gave me the opportunities to spread my wings and become the true pageant expert that I am now.

So now that the official delegates for Binibining Pilipinas 2010 are named (I'll open a new blog for my coverage for this one), I've decided to pay tribute to the women who have beautifully represented our country in international pageants of which Binibining Pilipinas selects representatives for. Below are my Top 10 choices for Timeless Binibining Pilipinas winners. It's pretty much the list of my favorite winners to date.

For my first entry, I'll start with the title that is closest to my heart--Bb. Pilipinas Universe. Here are my top 10...in Alphabetical Order:

1. Rosemarie "Chiqui" Brosas (1975)

Growing up, I equated Chiqui's name to that of Del Monte Kitchenomics because I would always see her there every Saturday with Connie Reyes whipping up those delicious recipies that my mom would copy. It was only when I was in high school that I learned that she was actually the 4th Runner-Up in the 1975 Miss Universe pageant. I was impressed. I was more impressed when I saw her in the flesh last year when I covered the 2009 pageant. I was starstruck. She was like a goddess.

2. Joyce Anne Burton (1985)

I am a follower of this person. I think she has to be one of the most down-to-earth persons in the world. Whenever I visit her blog, she gives a feeling that everyone is her friend. I am thankful that she is sharing part of her life with us. But I've always liked Joyce. I honestly believe that she should have placed in the 1985 Miss Universe pageant. She is one of the most eloquent queens that Binibini has ever produced. She is indeed beautiful inside and out. Never mind if it has been more than 20 years since she won Binibining Pilipinas. She still looks like queen to me.

3. Gloria Diaz (1969)

I'm not putting Gloria here because she is the first Filipina Miss Universe. I'm putting her here because her beauty is just TIMELESS. Her features then and now are still the features that Miss Universe is looking for. But add the fact that Gloria had spunk and charisma. To her, it could be luck that helped her win. To me, it was fate. She is and will always be a winner in my book.

4. Vida Doria (1971)

Vida may not have been named semifinalist in the 1971 Miss Universe Pageant, but she was the first Filipina named as Miss Photogenic. What's so timeless about her is the fact that he look is universal. Furthermore, like the rest of the powerful women named in this article, she did not rely solely on her title. Vida was able to carve her own niche in fashion.

5. Charlene Gonzales (1994)

What can I say? The pictures say everything. In fact, Charlene is more gorgeous now than when she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas or when she made her famous "high tide or low tide" answer. I remember back in the day when I was a student in UST, I would often see Charlene at the Main Building. She was a goddess...and that was withought make-up...

6. Margarita Moran (1973)

I have one word to describe Margie Moran whom I've seen more than once in person--CAPTIVATING. She is every bit a Miss Universe. I'm just baffled why MUO didn't contact both Margie and Gloria when they made the Universal Beauty Book. These two women have remained beautiful despite their ages. Now, that's Universal.

7. Pilar Pilapil (1967)

I didn't put Pilar here because she's an actress. I could've put all the other Binibini winners in this list, but I just HAD to put Pilar here because she is simply a paragon of beauty and grace.

8. Miriam Quiambao (1999)

To this day, Miriam's placement in Miss Universe is one that I could not take. It was there, but not quite. But I don't think we were robbed. The final Q&A sealed the deal. But Miriam is timeless because she was able to open doors to Filipinas who may not necessarily be mestizas who dream of becoming Binibining Pilipinas. Before her, the trend was crowning a spanish mestiza or a chinese mestiza to represent the country in Miss Universe. It was indeed fate that placed her there--from the dethronement of Janelle Bautista, to being the Filipina with the best body to ever compete in Miss Universe.

9. Guadalupe Sanchez (1974)

I Love Guada! Can someone send me her picture to date? If I were to give an award for the best face of Binibining Pilipinas Universe by simply judging how they look during their time, Guada would win hands down. Simply timeless.

10. Rosario "Chat" Silayan (1980)

I will forever miss Chat Silayan. She was not only a beautiful woman, she was also a spiritual woman. One cannot deny that she could have won in 1980 had it not been for the fact that Shawn Weatherly was clearly the favorite that year.

Well, that's my Top 10. Next blog, my Top 10 Bb. Pilipinas International Winners

Why I Hate The Beach...

2009-11-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

Earler today I was surfing the net and I was looking at some of my friend's pictures when he went to the beach. It looks so inviting.

Ewan ko ba, I've always told time and again how much I really don't like going to beaches. I like looking at them, but I don't really have the tenacity and patience to stay in one.

So, just for the heck of it, I'll give my reasons why I don't like beaches. Here they are:

1. I feel like I'm swimming in toilet water. People may say how it's "dirtier" to swim in a pool. I say, nope, I don't believe that. At least pools have a filtration system. It filters and cleans the water. So what if pools have chemicals in them? I'd rather have that than swim in the same water fish would literally shit in. I mean...I can't even bear the thought of swimming with fish feces. Eeewwww...

2. I LOVE cold weather. I hate it when it's warm, I hate it when it's super sunny ergo, I hate beaches. Unless I'm in an airconditioned room or cabana overlooking the sea, I'd dread going to the beach.

3. I hate crowds. I'm starting to think that I'm really getting old. Even at a good age of being in my early 30s, I'd rather just spend time in a quiet place if I want to relax or take a vacation. Well, that means Bora, Galera, or any other crowded beach with party people is a definite no-no for me.

4. I get bored easily. I'm not really your typical laid back person. In fact, I hate laid back people. I'm always on the go.

5. While I love mother earth, I'd rather see and be with plants and animals. Take me to a safari anytime than take me to those useless banana boats.

Have a wonderful week ahead of you, people!

Know Your Presidential Candidates

2009-11-03T00:11:00.000-08:00

As early as now, we all have to be responsible voters (well, those who are going to vote) and have the initiative of knowing the candidates.

The other day I was asked if I knew what this candidate did for the country. It was then that I realized that we can't just rely on the infomercials we see on television.

I've compiled some websites I found so that we can pretty much get a grasp of the people who could very well be the future president of the country.

Sen. Noynoy Aquino

http://www.noynoy.ph

Sen. Manuel Villar

http://www.mannyvillar.com.ph

Sen. Chiz Escudero (is he running for President?)

http://www.chizescudero.com

Let's be responsible, everyone.

Walking Hand in Hand to Keep the Fire Burning

2009-11-01T16:36:00.001-08:00

I was able to (finally) watch Noynoy Aquino's MTV.

It was nothing like the other lame infomercials of president wannabes. It was plain and simple--that there are no promises...that if we want to make our country great, WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER.

It didn't have tones of "I was once poor so now I can help the poor" claim. It didn't have the whole "let's use the devastation of the environment" claim. It was plain and simple.

I so believe in this advocacy. I believe that we shouldn't always rely on the leader. The president of the country is just the driver of the country. We would still have to do something from our end if we want to become successful in life.

The problem is, most Pinoys want things in a snap. If they would earn money, they'd rather it be instantly, or they'd rather put a high mark-up. If you all notice, not all sari-sari stores prosper. it's because at times, their prices are higher than that of the grocery.

I think Noynoy's MTV says it all. We are a country of faith and love. If we work hard to one ideal, with the grace of God, we will prosper.

Noy's MTV just gave me the goosebumps and I think it's (so far) the most creative and beautiful work any supporter could give a politician because of a worthy cause.

go Noy!

This Is It

2009-11-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Ed and I watched "This Is It" at the IMAX Theater in SM North EDSA.

Galiiing!

It was kinda mixed emotions on my part. At one point, I couldn't help but become a fan once more because people will really see how hands on MJ is when it comes to his songs and his concerts.

At another glance, you'll just feel sad that he wasn't able to do that concert. Me? I felt sad for the many men and women behind the scenes who worked hard for that concert only to be shattered by Michael Jackson's death.

Let's blame the drugs that killed him.

Sayang.

Paying My Last Respects to Tita Cory

2009-08-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

When I learned of the death of Cory Aquino, I felt that it was just right to pay my last repsects. However, I was unable to do that the first day (1 August) as I was busy coordinating my niece's 18th birthday party.

The next day I said I would attend her public viewing at La Salle Greenhills. Unfortunately, I woke up late and slept early because I was still tired from the night before.

So Monday, 3 August, I finally decided that by hook or by crook, I would go to the Manila Cathedral where her remains were transferred from Greenhills. I called my friend (and former student) Kristina Malaya De Mesa - Que and asked her if she was interested in coming with me to the Manila Cathedral. Without hesitation she said yes. It was set.

By 8 pm we arrived at the old walled city, Intramuros. It took us an hour to walk to the END of the line. By 9, we found the end of the line and were now standing IN line. The line was long. To be honest, by the time we reached the door of the church, it was 1:30 am. But we never felt tired. For some reason it was fine for us to stand in line that long. Sure, our legs and feet were sore, but in the end, it was all worth it. And why not? Would you do the same thing for your own mother?

When I approached her casket, I looked at my beloved president. It was evident that she had lost a lot of weight. In some ways, it didn't look like the Cory we got to see in pictures. But one thing is for sure. She looked very peaceful. She was with God.

In Requiem Eternam, Corazon Aquino

2009-08-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

We all woke Saturday morning to the somewhat expected and sad news that Her Excellency, Corazon Aquino, the former President of the Republic of the Philippines, succumbed to cancer. She was 76.

Despite being expected (her demise) because she has been confined in the hospital for a month (or more), her death still brought shock to a lot of people including yours truly. I think it came to me as a shock because I still had hope that she would recover--never mind if she was really in the final stage of her illness.

I felt numb. Was this really happening? Is Cory Aquino--Tita Cory to the entire nation--the Mother of Philippine Democracy--really dead? It was as if I was in disbelief. I had to ask a few other people for confirmation. It was then that I turned on the TV and saw for myself the news that I was dreading to hear.

It was as if a close relative died. I cried, and to this day I still can't understand why. Why am I crying? Why is it that everytime that I would watch TV and see the tribute being given to her, or see people stand in line just to see her one last time, I would cry.

Charisma. She had charisma that no other person I know has. She had the same effect that Pope John Paul II had--to make people cry without any reason. Inside, a part of me died with her. She was, after all, the stalwart for change in this country.

Flashback 1986. I was in first grade then when Ferdinand Marcos declared snap elections. My dad had connections from both the Marcos and Aquino side that he would bring campaign stuff from both camps. I remembered filling my closet door with Marcos-Tolentino stickers and the other side with Cory-Doy stickers. However, whenever I was asked who I wanted, I normally answered the former than the latter. Hey, I was a kid. I wasn't aware of what the whole thing was about. To me back then, it was more of me getting used to having a male president with the surname Marcos. Add the fact that I loved his campaign colors.

It was only when my sister came one day with a Philippine flag sewn on her jeans did I start to open my eyes to the history that was unfolding. I wondered why she brought me to EDSA (she lived in Valle Verde) and why there were lots of people. I saw lots of yellow ribbons. Suddenly, all the things I felt for the incumbent turned to admiration for the challenger. It was then that I realized that maybe change is for the better.

It was on this day that I finally got a glimpse of the picture of the woman who was challenging the Manong from Ilocos. She looked mighty familiar. She was the same woman in black that I saw while I was wearing my "I love Ninoy" head band (the one you tie around your head accross your forehead). She was Cory.

This was the start of my admiration for the woman who was so soft spoken that people thought they could step on her. She proved that you do not have to have the brute to topple enemies. All you need is faith and love.

I came to admire her more the day she decided to open Malacanang to the public. This was then that I started to realize the damage of the dictatorship because of what I saw in the palace. So this is what happened. So this is why my nanny was always complaining of feeling poorer by the minute. I was young then, but I understood.

There are many stories about Cory Aquino. People will go at it to tell it to the world. Blogs have been written for her. Mine is no different. But I feel that I owe it to her to write something about her legacy. I feel that it is just right to pay tribute to this remarkable woman who was more than the Mother of Filipino Democracy. She was the spiritual leader of the nation.

There are lots of cynics who would downplay Cory's contribution to the republic. True, the country seemed to have felt that life was harder during her administration. But they were bound to feel it anyway because the previous administration never divulged the reality that a lot was lost because a lot was stolen. Cory's administration was really, the transition phase.

Cory may have the reputation of having the administration with the most number of coup attempts. But rather than look at that, one can see that hers also was an administration of strength because no coup attempt was successful. Cory faced every challenge with calmness, optimism, and faith in God. How many times have we heard that she mentioned the importance of prayers?

A lot of people may say things about her but one thing is certain. She was a person of integrity and transparency. She was never accused of corruption. Now, is there any politician in the country who can claim that as well?

If there's one thing that Cory has, it would have to be the fact that she is very much what her name is--HEART. She has a very big heart that it overflows with love--for her children, her grandchildren, her relatives, her friends, but more importantly, to the Filipino people. She collected the wax that dripped from the dying (or dead) candle that her husband lit for the country when he was assassinated in 1983 and rebuilt a new candle of hope when she restored democracy in 1986.

No other person could do it they way she did it. Even now as we live in the fruits of what she accomplished, it is important that we remember that we will never have what we have today had it not been for her. Even the fact that we can access the internet can be traced to her since she was the person who allowed freedom of information. Now, that's a legacy.

My heart goes to her children Noynoy, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris--their spouses and their children. I could just imagine the pain that they are going through with the loss of their mother. You are always in my prayers.

To President Aquino who is watching from the heaven above, my sincere and grateful thanks to everything you have given us. Rest in peace, my dear president.

Remembering Michael Jackson

2009-07-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

I guess all of us woke up or went to work shocked with the news of Michael Jackson's untimely death. I was one of those who found it quite surreal that today it still feels like he's going to wake up and do his moonwalk, to smile and tell the world that this is all a joke.

But of course it's not a joke. He's never waking up again. He, like Farrah Fawcett (whom I adored as a child--love her hair and her smile), is now in eternal slumber.

I chose to make this tribute to the man and his music rather than the negative things that he was for some reasons known for. Here was a man who was able to crossover from a time when colored entertainers in the United States were not treated as fairly as their white counterparts. Michael Jackson broke the mold and gave a new meaning to the word "entertainment".

For someone who was born in the 70's, had his formative years in the 80's, I grew up listening and singing Michael Jackson songs. For the longest time, I was singing and humming "Ben" unknown to me that this was a song for a mouse. I sang "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" long before I heard the way Filipino icons Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos butchered the now classic Jackson Five Christmas song. I tried (unsuccessfully) to imitate the moonwalk the first time I saw it when Michael sang Billie Jean. I, like many boys in my generation, bought a pair of white gloves but only used one glove. I was awed by the fact that here was a guy who could get the big names in the music industry of the United States together to sing in one song with the purpose of raising money to help the crisis in Africa. I marveled at his concerts on how he set that bar so high for other entertainers to follow. When I watched his concert here in the Philippines in 1996, I was floored by the fact that he was here. I couldn't believe that I was standing and watching a concert of the great Michael Jackson. Never mind if I had to walk a few miles from where we parked to the actual venue. Never mind if the crowd seemed like half of the crowd at the Quirino Grandstand during the visit of Pope John Paul II a year ago in 1995. Heck, this was a legend performing!

I turned a blind eye on all the allegations against him. Sure, the guy could be weird, but I don't think he was weird enough to commit sexual harrassment. He was a little boy trapped in a man's body. How could he be that sexual?

I just focused on what he gave rather than what he is. After all, people listened to his records because of the music, and not the "Wacko Jacko" that he was labelled with. People watched his videos and concerts for the entertainment and not because they were itching to hear if he would comment on the allegations filed against him. After all the words, labels, and allegations thrown at him, he still proved to be the greatest entertainer of our time. From where I stood 13 years ago at his concert in 1996, I noticed that this was an entertainer who had so much charisma that he gave the same effect that Pope John Paul II did to the people--cry for no reason.

Sadly, he's no longer with us now. But his memory and music will live forever.

I'm posting a list of my favorite Michael Jackson songs to pay tribute to the true King of Pop.

Man in the Mirror
Rock with You
Human Nature
Beat It
Billie Jean
PYT
Wanna Be Startin' Something
The Way You Make Me Feel
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Smooth Criminal
Black or White
Scream (with Janet Jackson--i LOVE the video)
You Are Not Alone
Got to be There
Don't Stop Til You Get Enough

May you rest in peace, Michael.

Japes and the Beauty Queens

2009-05-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

I love pageants. No, wait...I am a pageant freak...hehehe...

I had the privilege of meeting Filipino beauty queens and I've posed with them in pictures...here are some of the pictures I have...

Me with Anna Maris Igpit (L), Bb. Pilipinas World 2006 and Lia Andrea Ramos (R), Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2006 (Miss Photogenic, Miss Universe)

With Chiqui Brosas-Hahn, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1975 and 4th Runner-Up, Miss Universe 1975

With 2005 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe (and Miss Universe Photogenic) Gionna Cabrera

With 2007 Bb. Pilipinas World, Maggie Wilson

With 2007 Bb. Pilipinas International, Nadia Lee Cien Dela Cruz Shami

With Precious Lara Quigaman, 2005 Miss International

Working Nights Again...

2009-04-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a year, I'm back to working nights. Thank God one of my bosses told me that it's just for the week. I don't think I can survive working nights again. I'm not getting any younger, you know.

What comes with age, they say, is high blood pressure. I have that. Then again, I've been hypertensive since I was 18 (boo-hoo). I've gotten used to it.

But there's something different now that I'm in my 30s. I have to be extra careful of everything because cells don't regenerate as fast as they used to.

Oh well...'tis the season of growing old...

(...but I don't look old...thank God...and thank beauty products...hahaha)

Bloggin' Again

2009-04-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I used this site to blog.

I have to say, I'm so sorry because I got so keyed up in blogging in my old friendster account.

I have to say, I'm so sorry because I also got keyed up in blogging in my Multiply account.

As they say, the prodigal son returns to blogger. :-)

Gay Misconceptions and Misgivings

2005-01-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

Misconceptions and Misgivings

It just disappoints me to admit that to this day, most Filipinos have certain misconceptions about gay life here in the Philippines. Honestly, I can’t really blame them if they think this way because of the stereotype that the media (more particularly film and television—where a good 80 to 90% of the men are either gay or bi) has influenced the people.

So okay, many beauticians (hairdressers, make-up artists, or both) are gay. But I think it would be unfair to the entire gay, lesbian, and bisexual community if people would generalize the situation. Here’s a fact folks: about 60% of the male teachers are either gay or bisexual. Wake up, and smell the roses. There are politicians who are gay, there are doctors who are gay, and guess what? There are even religious people who are gay.

What has this world gone to???

Honestly, and I hate to burst the macho man’s bubble, the world has had gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Hell, even one of the greatest leaders of the world had his share of homosexual relationships (does Alexander the Great ring a bell?). There wasn’t even an exact passage in the Bible that condemns homosexuality because basically, homosexuality (lesbianism and bisexualism) has been a practice even before the time of Jesus—it’s as old as the oldest profession in the world.

Fact of the matter is (and this some people just can’t accept), that in this day and age, homosexuality has been more and more accepted and tolerated. Why? Because the whole world is starting to realize that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, after all, are HUMAN.

I had an experience recently with my friends from my office. They wanted to go out for a gimmick. One suggested that we go to Malate, more particularly, to Bed, one of the trendiest gay bars in the metropolis. So we went.

Wait a minute, a gay bar? Yes, my friends, a gay bar—a G-A-Y, space, B-A-R. Now, why is it that most people would have a peculiar reaction to the term?

For the straight people here in the Philippines, a gay bar would have to be a place where some male strippers would dance waiting for their customers to tuck money in their tiny trunks.

Point taken. It is true. However, one tends to generalize the term with this kind of place. A gay bar, even if you look it up in any reference manual, my friends, is a bar catered to the gay community. It does not necessarily mean that every gay bar in the country would have good chiseled men grinding to the tune of “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” of Celine Dion.

Bed is a different kind of bar. It’s a bar where any gay, lesbian, or bi goes to party and just have a good time. It’s your typical bar, as in B-A-R with drinks and good music—where people mingle and be themselves. It just so happen that this bar in particular is frequented by gays, lesbians, and bisexuals.

I would be unfair if I do not tell that even straight people go there, more particularly straight women. Why? Because the atmosphere there is far better than that of the bars they are accustomed to go to. At least there, they can just be themselves and have a good time, minus the bad looking guy desperately trying to get her number, and minus the guys feeling they’re so handsome that they can get any girl at a wink. In this bar where I go, everyone just have a good time.

So okay, you see some guys kissing. So what? Don’t you guys do that to your girls in straight clubs? What is so wrong with that?

Honestly, I pity straight men. I do not mean to generalize this but majority of the men developed a double standard. They claim they abhor homosexuality but enjoy looking at two women getting at each other. HELLO! Lesbianism, darlings, IS HOMOSEXUALITY. So what is wrong with two men kissing each other?

I particularly hate it whenever a guy would say that he does not like going to places where there are a lot of gay people. They actually think that gay people would go after them. This made me think. Maybe it’s the other way around—honestly, maybe you’re just to scared of being unnoticed and rejected.

There is a saying that gay men have far better taste than women. I’d like to think that way as well. Why then, would women still come to OUR BARS? There was even a saying that the ultimate test whether a man is good looking is to ask the opinion of a gay man. I’d have to agree with that.

Funny, but sometimes, people mistake the gay lifestyle as a life that is centered in sex. That is particularly not the case. While most gay man loves having sex, one can still attribute it to the fact that biologically, a gay man is still a male species. And male species, by nature, have a tendency to be promiscuous.

At least for gay men, they know if their partner is really experiencing orgasm. After all, they’re male too. Based from the many women I’ve talked to, they admit having faked orgasm, all because their men seem to focus sex on themselves. That, my dear heterosexual male friends, is a FACT.

There are many misconceptions on the gay lifestyle. But we, the gay community, can’t just re-educate and re-educate people all the time. Friends, ignorance can NEVER be a reason. As I always say, an ignorant person is a stupid person.

I pity them.

Adobo Eaters in the Olympics: The Future of Philippine Sports

2004-08-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

I was a bit exhausted from my work the previous day and I had to force myself to wake up at 2:45 am of Saturday so that I could watch the Opening Ceremonies of the 2004 Olympiad in Athens, Greece. Yup, the nation that gave birth to the olympics long before Jesus was born was again hosting the most celebrated sporting event in the world.

The Olympics was actually revived in 1896 by a Frenchman (which is why the official language of the Olympics is French) and was held in Athens. Now, as the banners and the billboards in Athens would say, Greece is welcoming the Olympics home.

So there I was, sitting on our blue leather couch, watching the Opening Ceremonies on TV. I was watching it through the local channel and was so glad that because of budget constraints, the network did not send their pool of broadcasters to cover the event. At least now, I was able to watch the Opening Ceremonies without the local broadcasters yapping and yapping throughout.

After the drama, pomp and pageantry of the performances, the athletes were now being honored through their parade in the stadium. Anxiously, I await the entrance of the Philippines. It was only then did I realize that according to Olympic tradition, it is in the host country's discretion whether the countries (212 I think) would be arranged according to their alphabet. Greece did just that and the Philippines was country number 197. It was a long and ardent wait.

Then came our very own Pinoys. Romeo Brin was holding the flag. It made me think. The Philippines has been participating since the 1900's. Never did it win a single gold. Well, actually, we did win one gold in the 1988 Seoul Olympiad. Arianne Cerdeña gave that honor. However, bowling, at that time, was a demonstration sport. As such, the winners will not be part of the medal tally.

This year, 16 athletes from the Philippines will compete to bring home a medal. The last medal achieved was in the 1996 Atlanta Olympiad. It was a silver medal won by Mansueto Velasco for boxing. This made me think. The Filipino athlete has a lot of potential in any international sporting event. What is wrong with our system today and our athletes are not doing as good as they are supposed to?

Here's the current scenario. While we learn in grade school that the national sport is Sipa (Sepak Takraw), if we go anywhere in this country, one can see the ultimate sporting influence of the United States--basketball. Give me a Barangay or an area here in this country that does not have a basketball court and I tell you, within a week, expect one to be built, even on the street if possible.

True, the Filipinos have a passion for this sport. There's an Amateur league, a professional league, even a barangay league and a school league. There's PBL, MBA, PBA, NCAA, and UAAP. And it does not end there. There's also AAPS, PASARELLE, and even Milo Basketball competitions.

So now I ask this important question. If we are a nation so keen on basketball, then how come we don't have a team competing in the olympics? Here's my answer: because we are NOT QUALIFIED. Why? Because we NEVER won any International Olympic Committee (IOC)-accredited international event. Would we bask in our SEA Games victory? That is too small to compare.

Here's a thought. Why don't we pattern our system with that of the Chinese? They start training early on when they are kids. And more so, they train according to disciplines that THEY CAN EXCEL IN because it is a possibility in terms of skill, and PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES. Face it, with China's 7-footer athletes and the taller caucasians, does our small players in basketball stand a chance? NO.

Let's focus more on sports that do not need height advantage. Here are some that I can suggest:

1. Archery
2. Bowling (if it becomes an official sport in the Olympics)
3. Badminton (the current olympic champs are from Indonesia and Malaysia--who are shorter than us)
4. Tennis
5. Golf
6. Dancesport
7. Gymnastics
8. Baseball/Softball
9. Synchronized Swimming
10. Diving
11. Cycling
12. Sailing
13. Rowing
14. Fencing
15. Swimming
16. Rhythmic Gymnastics
17. Taekwondo
18. Judo
19. Weightlifting
20. Wrestling
21. Discus throw
22. Javellin Throw
23. Shotput
24. Hammer throw
25. Shooting

Let's support these disciplines first and maybe, just maybe we can get a gold...say, 2008?

When It Became Adam and Steve: A Closer Look on Homosexuality

2004-07-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

It is written in the Bible, more specifically the Book of Genesis, that after God created the earth, He created man in his own likeness and named him Adam. Adam wandered the Garden of Paradise alone and he was lonely. So while he slept, God took a rib from Adam and created Eve.

Fast forward to today...

Nowadays, it's not really for Adam to be with Eve, moreso if Adam was with Steve. This was something that the Book of Genesis was not even ready to record. In fact, if you analyze the Bible, no exact account has been said for or against homosexuality. The Book of Genesis even, despite the fact that it was beautifully written, is not entirely about the facts that happened at the time it was said to happen. It was a mixture of stories cascaded by mouth from one generation to another, and some facts that happened when the aspect of recording and documentation were already possible (ie, Noah's Ark--the remnants of the said ark was said to be found off the coast of Turkey). So that means finding the skull of either Adam or Eve is most unlikely to happen.

So where do we go now?

Homosexuality has been a practice since time memorial. If prostitution is the oldest profession in the world, homosexuality can be regarded as such that is as timeless as our history. However, for the longest time, being gay was the biggest taboo ever to grace the mouths of the people. It was even more a taboo than sex itself.

Are Gays born or is it like a disease that you can get from the environment?

In the age of modern technology, more and more studies show that homosexuality is something that is inherent from birth. There are biological findings that would constitute why gays have similarities regardless of race, religion, nationality or class.

Environment still is a factor, however, from how I want to perceive it, only a factor to reinforcing homosexuality. This is the reason why there are "late bloomers" and why there are those who've been gay all their lives. In most cases, environment plays a factor in the situation. Late bloomers have been gay from birth, only, the signs started showing late. Or sometimes, it's the culture. Fact: there are many in-the-closet gays in the Chinese community here in the Philippines. There is this clamor in their culture for a patriarch that boys are trained at a very early age that they have to get married to produce sons (take note, sons). Now, since a gay is born gay (as I stand firm on this belief), one can sense this on the fact that they seem reserved like their mothers despite the strong influence of the father. They are fused with their culture and as such, could not express (and are afraid to express) their true feelings. This is even (I think) the reason why most Gay cruising bars (the exclusive clubs that demand memberships) are owned, managed, and frequented by Chinoys.

Another fact: There are many muslim gays. Now, before anyone reacts, let me tell you that this is true. I know a lot. But they live in a repressed life because their religion does not allow such. This is another proof that the environment is only a factor in being gay and is not the sole reason why people become gay. The Islamic religion is one of the most (in my opinion, the most) organized and disciplined religion in the world. It has a strong influence even to the children. Now, isn't it odd that there are many muslim gays? Check the chat rooms and you will find those frequented and located in Muslim territories. I even know an Indonesian gay. It only goes to show that there is "gayness" flowing in their blood and that not even religion and upbringing can control them.

If you have sex with a man, does it make you gay?

Good question. Before we can answer this, let us define being gay. The term homosexual means a person who ilicits sexual and loving relationships with the same gender (take note, loving relationships). having sex with a man does not mean that you are gay. But if you liked having sex with a man and wants ONLY to have sex with a man, let alone have a relationship with him, then that is a good indication that the person IS GAY.

Does Gay Sex always have something to do with money?

The answer here is NO. There is if the person is getting the services of a male prostitute (which is normally the case). gay men may have sex with straight men, but it will not make the straight man gay (as the case with male prostitutes). The reason why a straight man is called a straight man is because, he will never have any form of loving relationship with a gay person plainly because he is a man. However, he can ve considered being Bisexual as he is already having sex with both men and women. But since he does not have any "devotion" in the same sex relationship (whether sexual and/or loving), he is not considered gay. Sadly, a lot of people think that all the gays in the world are rich and eager to fill their pockets. Guess again. While some gays find joy in using their money, majority would want to be loved and appreciated at no cost.

This is just me thinking...

Just thinking...

2004-07-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some stuff to think about:

1. Have you ever wondered why when we flush the toilet, the movement of the water is always clockwise?

2. Have you ever wondered why attendants in both Jollibee and McDonalds always say the amount before its modifier? example, they would say "100 pesos your bill" instead of "your bill is 100 pesos"?

3. Have you ever thought why cats, no matter how you throw them, would always land on their feet?

More Beauty Queen Q & A

2004-06-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

Miss Philippines, what is the essence of being a woman?
Well, the essence of being a woman is having a vagina because it is the organ of copulation. It even has a cleaning mechanism called RASPA or DNC and can be done by the medico-legal

Candidate number 8, if you could be a fictional character, who would you be and why?
I would be Jackie Kennedy because she is pretty like me
But Jackie Kennedy is not a fictional character
Talaga? Oh, well,...uhm...ahhh...e di si Imelda Marcos
She is not fictional as well
(Perspiring and becoming tense) Uh...uhm...Margaret Thatcher?
No, Candidate Number 8, she is not fictional as well
(Starts to shed tears) Hay naku, ayaw niyo naman tanggapin ang mga sagot ko...oo na, boba ako...boba na...sino ba ang gusto niyong maging fictional character?

Miss Philippines, the new President will be sworn in today. What is your wish for her?
Oh! that is easy. I wish her a happy birthday!

Do you believe in reincarnation, Candidate Number 10?
Aba, not only! I even drink Carnation!

Upcoming Talented Designers!

2004-06-29T13:49:00.000-07:00
Upcoming Talented Designers!

Dee Vee Soriae
Tut Tu Bahn
Farmere Marquette
Nepaque Marte
Kahm U. Ning
Mandy Loo-Young
Paz Sai
Yoo Kai Yoocai
Kyu Bao

More Beauty Queen Question and Answer

2004-06-22T12:36:00.000-07:00
Miss Philippines, what can you say about the environment?
Mr. Host, I can say that the environment is the, uh,is the environment is ah, is the future of our world...thank you...

Miss Philippines, you will be sent on a goodwill mission. To which country do you want to be sent and which mission do you want to undertake?
Oh, that is very difficult! I want to be sent to the middle east...to a country like Thailand. I want to save the hungry children.
But Thailand is not in the middle east, Miss Philippines.
...and the world is not really a perfect circle, right?

If there was any other delegate here that is deserving of the crown, who would it be?
Uh, uhm...I think...I think...(whispers)oh my god...uhm...Me?

Candidate Number 9, what is your take on the poverty here in the country?
I cannot take it. I just cannot take it. As in...

Other than your parents, name one person you will thank when you win and why.
I want to thank my make up artist for making sure I look like a person.

Be Careful What You Read To Your Children

2004-06-14T07:42:00.000-07:00
We grew up hearing literature at a very early age. We grew up with fairy tales, myths, legends, and poetry that to this day, we somehow tell or teach our children.

Do you still remember nursery rhymes? Who wouldn't? Lately, new versions are being aired on children TV programs.

But just a thought...have we really analyzed what is written in these rhymes? You will be shocked at their content.

Georgie Porgie puddling pie, kissed the girls and made them cry...when the boys came out to play...Georgie Porgie ran away

What seems like a tame rhyme is actually a statement that shows one violation commonly being done today--SEXUAL HARASSMENT. Georgie Porgie committed a sexual act that was not welcomed by the girls. And, like a typical sexual offender, Georgie Porgie runs away as soon as he detected that the authorities were coming.

More to come...

More Questions and Answers

2004-06-11T17:29:00.000-07:00
Mr. Senator, what is your take on the current crisis in Mindanao?
Uh, I will uh, not take it. I would like to have the right to privacy.

Miss Philippines, what is your best feature?
There is one that I have at home. It's of the majestic Rice Terraces. I believe that tourism can be uplifted by our nation by means of having a good feature taken. I believe that tourism is the key to the future, second to the children of the world who are our future which is why we have to lead the way for them, thank you.

Mr. Mayor, your opponent's political ad campaign says he will bring back the smile in this city. What is your partake on that?
I will not partake of this idiotic nonsense. Has he asked himself if the city smiled when he was mayor?

Candidate number 5, what is your stand on the status of the showbiz industry in the Philippines
I think the showbiz industry in Philippines is popular because of the popular actors and actresses. I particularly like Aga Mulhlach. I think the showbiz industry is good.

Miss Philippines, do you believe in reincarnation? If so, would you rather be reincarnated as a man or a woman?
I want to be resurrected as a man because I like myself for who I am.
Miss Philippines, are you saying you are a man?
No, I am saying that I like being myself
So why do you want to reincarnate as a man?
Did I say that?
Yes, you did
Oh?...hahahha...sorry...erase, erase...I want to be resurrected as a woman na lang.

Alma, more or less, paano mo maaassess ang career mo sa showbiz?
Naku Ate Luds, syempre MORE
Ha? Ano?
O sige na nga, less na nga lang...

Moving On...

2004-06-11T08:47:00.000-07:00
Packed my suitcase
Looked at the window
Walked to the door
Silence.

Look around
Nobody is there
It's just you
Clutching to before

Look at the window
What do you see
People walking away
People trying to flee

Silence.
It's just you.

Tumayo po tayo at umawit ng ating theme song...

2004-06-10T15:30:00.000-07:00
Where do you get your pretty eyes, my pretty lady?
And that exciting winsome smile, my Binibini...
How did you get to walk and sway
Like palm trees in the breeze
What magic does she have?
What miracle is this?

...she's a perfect symbol of a people
rich in heritage and love
that lovely lady
fascinating, so exciting
the girl who will win your hearts...
Binibining Pilipinas

Heto Na...Beauty Pageant Question and Answers!!!

2004-06-10T15:17:00.000-07:00
What is your stand on pre-marital sex?
Ladies and Gentlemen, to the board of judges...an english question deserves and english answer...what is my stand on pre-marital sex? Ladies and Gentlemen, that is easy. I do not stand. I lie down. Thank you.

Candidate Number 8, If you were stranded on a desert island far outside the country where you are the only person there, what would be the first thing that you would save from the sinking ship?
Uhm, I will save the children because the children are the future of the world. Thank you.

Miss Philippines, if a man from the moon landed on your house, what would you do to entertain him?
That is an easy question. If a man from the moon landed on my house, definitely, I will be dead by then because I will be crushed by the space shuttle. Therefore, I will not be able to entertain him anymore.

Candidate Number 11, if you were to choose, would you rather be raped or beheaded?
Definitely, ladies and gentlemen, I will choose to live na lang.

Miss Philippines, the boat is sinking...
Wait!...I know this one...can we group ourselves into four?

Miss Philippines, if Jennifer Lopez insured her ass for a million dollars, what would you insure?
Hmmm...that is a dificult situation to be in. But since the question is in english, i shall answer in the most comfortable way that I can fathom--the most fluent way that i can forego.
Miss Philippines, you haven't answered the question...
Really? Can you repeat the question please, Mister Emcee?
Miss Philippines, if Jennifer Lopez insured her ass for a million dollars, what would you insure?
Oh, that is easy...I will insure my asshole

tatlong mukha ni JP...

2004-06-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ang makasaysayang 8 sa Buhay ni Japes...

2004-06-04T16:20:00.000-07:00
Mainit ang panahon...July 8, 1996...wala ako sa mood na nagpunta sa HQ ng ROTC. Oh well, at least hindi ako katulad ng ibang mga kadete na kailangang pumunta ng Linggo para lang magpabilad sa araw. Ako, sa isang sem, kailangan lang maka-60 hours ng Light Duty...thank God at may high blood ako!

"Ano kailangan mo dito?"

Bigla akong napatingin sa aking harapan. Kaguwapong lalaki na hinagarang ako sa pagpasok sa HQ.

"Uh, light duty ako dito. Teka, hindi ikaw ang nakaassign na MP dito a. Asan si Valdez?"

Tumingin sakin yung lalaki. Ganda talaga ng mata niya. Laki pa ng katawan...teka, hindi yung tipong taba ha...pare, muscle ito...laman...

"Nakipagpalit ako sa kanya ng shift" sabi niya na nakangiti.

"Ah, okay. Well, ako si JP"
"Roland here..."

Pumasok na ako sa HQ. madami pa akong gagawin--track down ng attendance ng lahat ng mga kadete, mag-assist sa mga estudyanteng papasok para magpa-verify ng attendance nila, sumunod sa utos ng Commandant na naging parang tatay ko na, at higit sa lahat, ang makipagbiruan sa mga officers na nandun.

"JP, linisin mo naman yung banyo"
"Sir, kaya nga ako nag-Light Duty e...bawal ako diyan."

Magtatanghali na nun. Napansin kong mula sa may pinto kung saan nakaupo si Roland e tumitingin siya sakin. Alam ko kasi napapatingin din kasi ako sa kanya. Guwapo talaga siya. Maputi.

Ngumiti siya, ngumiti din ako.

Nag-pack-up na ako ng gamit ko kasi kakain na ako ng lunch dahil may klase pa ako sa Theology ng 2:30 ng hapon. Naglalakad na ako papunta sa Dapitan nang may marinig akong tumawag sakin. Lumingon ako. Si Roland pala. Nakangiti.

"Sabay na tayo lunch." sabi niya.

"Sure. Pero madali lang ako kasi may Theo pa ako ngayon."

"Okay lang."

Kumain kami at nagkwentuhan. Sarap niyang kakwentuhan. Sarap tignan ang mukha niya pag naaaninagan ng araw. Pucha, nagkakagusto ba ako sa kanya? Syet, ang aga pa.

Pumunta na ako ng klase. Ewan ko ba kasi nasa utak ko siya. Syet, sana huwebes na para duty na naman ako...hehehe...

As usual, trying to be lively ang prof ko sa Theology. Sundan mo pa ng nakakangarag na lab class namin sa Zoology mula 4 ng hapon hanggang 7 ng gabi. Pasalamat na lang kami at dinismiss kami ng prof namin ng 6:15...thank God for Marimar!

Lakad na ako papuntang building namin dahil kukunin ko pa sa locker ko yung isang libro ko. Aba, tama ba namang makita ko si Roland? nakangiti siyang lumapit sakin. Parang magpapalpitate ata ang puso ko...

"Uy, sabay na tayo pauwi..."
"Pare, di ba half day ka lang ngayon?"
"...thought I'd stick around pa e...besides, kakatamad umuwi pa..."
"Baka naman out of the way ako. Kasi taga Sikatuna ako..."
"San yun?"
"Sa may Teachers Village sa Quezon City"
"Okay lang...am sure you're on the way..."

Sumakay ako sa sasakyan niya. Pucha, ang bango ng kumag na ito! Kwentuhan kami on the road. Nalaman niya ang mga routine ko sa buhay, nalaman ko din ang sa kanya. Di nagtagal nasa bahay na ako. Niyaya ko siya pumasok para man lang uminom.

"Huwag na. Malayo pa ang uuwian ko e..."
"Saan ba?"
"Alabang"

Napatigil ako. Ano ito?

May isang buwan din kaming palaging magkasama ni Roland. Most of the time, sinusundo niya ako sa bahay para sabay kami pumasok sa school.Di alam ng magulang ko yun kasi maghihintay yan sa may kanto palagi.

August 28...birthday ko...

Lunch nun at nagkayayaan ang barkada na maglunch sa Glorieta dahil may sakit ang prof namin...nabiktima ng Hepatitis sa UST (ulryt!). Paglabas ko ng room e nandun si Roland. Nakangiti.

"kain tayo..." sabi niya
"Pare kasama ko mga barkada ko..."
"Sama ako."

Sumingit pa ang pasaway na Monina..."oo nga, dude, sama ka na samin...sayo na sumakay si JP..."

Gaga talaga tong babaeng ito o...may van naman...

No choice pero sumakay na rin ako sa sasakyan ni Roland. On the way, he gave me his gift--1 dosenang blue roses at 1 dosenang white tulips--at say niyo, hindi galing Dangwa ha...first time ko itong makareceive ng ganito. Awkaward the feeling, mga pre...

Bumalik din kami ng USTe. May klase pa ako. As usual.

Pauwi na kami nang sabi ni Roland na dumaan sa simbahan. Sa loob ko, why not? Birthday ko naman. Tulos ako ng kandila. Tulos din siya. Sabi ko, ang drama niya. Sabi niya, may petition lang daw.

Sa Kotse pauwi, saktong alas-otso ng gabi, nasa may tapat na kami noon ng Sto. Domingo nang biglang magsalita si Roland.

"I have something to ask you..."
"What?" ang tanong ko...
"Can I court you?"
"HAAAA???"
"You know what I mean. I like you"

Tinignan ko siya. Pucha, ganda talaga ng mata! At sincere siya. Napangiti ako...

"Haven't you been doing that the whole time?" ang nakangiti kong tanong...
"I want it formal."

Pucha, at may formal pang nalalaman ang kumag na ito.

Mula nun e kami na ang constant date. Napalapit ako sa kanya. He was my friend, my confidante, someone I can look up to (sa height niyang 6'2"...oo naman...)

December 8, 1996...Immaculate Conception

Maganda sa paligid ng UST. May mga ilaw...lapit na pasko e. Pagkatapos ng klase ko e nagyayang pumunta sa simbahan si Roland. Hindi na ako nagulat kasi religious siya. Nga naman, Immaculate Conception. nagtulos kami ng kandila.

"Japes, saglit tayo sa HQ"
"Ron, pagod na ako...tatlong mabibigat na libro pa ang dala ko."
"Ako na ang magdadala. Samahan mo ako, please."
"Pucha, wag mong sabihing ngayon ka pa naduwag...at nandon pa ba si Sgt.?"
"Ewan."

Pagpunta namin sa HQ (na nasa kabilang dulo ng UST mula sa kung saan nakapark si Roland) para makitang nakalock ito. Pagod na ako by that time kasi shifting exams ko sa Compa. Feeling ko wala na akong ipipiga sa utak ko. Sumimangot ako.

"halika nga muna dito sa pavillon..."

Hinila ako ni Roland. Sumama ako.Laking gulat ko nang makita ko si Master Sgt. na may dalang (of all things) dalawang Chicken Joy ng Jollibee.

Kumain kami ni Roland. Ang pucha, kakutsaba pa pala niya ang mismong Commandant namin. Napaisip ako, Sir, kayo ba e bading?

"I have a question..." ang simula ni Roland.
"Shoot."
"Can you be mine?"

Napatingin ako sa kanya. Napangiti.

"Yes. Yes."

Biglang tumunog ang kampana. Walong beses. Alas-otso na pala.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
this is dedicated to Roland. We may have parted ways, pero I value the six yeas that we were together...

Mga Bagong Kasabihan

2004-05-25T14:52:00.000-07:00
Ito ang mga bagong kasabihan na nakuha ko kung saan-saan. Nawa ay pagbigyan at ating pagnilayan upang tayo ay makakita ng kariktan...

Ang laki sa layaw ay karaniwang hubad sa katotohanan...hubad sapagkat wala siyang alam.

Kay haba-haba man ng prusisyon, ideretso mo na lang sa point para di ka sounding tanga.

Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan ay pikon.

Kung ano ang tinanim, iba ang aanihin...kaya uutang...patay na negosyo.

Kung ang Diyos nga nagpapatawad...ako...ewan...di naman ako diyos e.

Aanhin mo ang damo kung mahuhuli ka rin ng NBI Narcotics?

Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang pagdadasal, nasa katulong ang paggawa...kaya nga katulong e.

Huwag mong gawin sa iba ang mga bagay na pagsisisihan mo sa huli...kaya Dude! Tama na ang pag-ayuda kay Inday...ala pang sebo de macho yan...

Kung wala kang sasabihing maganda...si Kris Aquino ka.

Huwag mong isasa sa iba ang mga bagay na kaya mong gawin...kasi baka sila lang ang kumuha ng credit...

Huwag ikahiya ang kulay sapagkat meron namang Derma diyan kung talagang nandidiri ka sa kulay mo.

If I Were A Beauty Pageant Contestant...

2004-05-25T11:52:00.000-07:00
If I were a beauty pageant contestant and asked the following questions, do you think I would've won?

1. What is the essence of being a woman?

The essence of being a woman is carrying a child in her womb and raising that child to be a citizen of the country, and the world. Motherhood is the ultimate essence of womanhood.

2. If A Miss Universe becomes pregnant, should she continue her reign?

I honestly feel that a Miss Universe should not finish her reign if she is found to be pregnant. Strenuous activities can put danger in the unborn child's life. Furthermore, the crown is just hers for a year, and motherhood is a lifetime responsibility and will be the better legacy to give to our world.

3. Given the choice, would you rather be water or fire?

I would rather be water. Water symbolizes life that flows in this world. I am full of life and I love life.

4. If you win a million dollars, what is the first thing you will buy?

I will buy two houses. One would be for me to live in, and one will be my contribution to our society--a home for abandoned children. No amount of money can ever replace these kids and it is just right that we help them.

I See You...

2004-05-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Don't you think I cannot see because I do. I know what you've been upto. And frankly, I don't like what I see.

Malapit Na Ang Miss Universe...sino ang mga bets niyo?...

2004-05-24T16:58:00.000-07:00
My 15 picks for now:

USA
Venezuela
Bolivia
Philippines
Norway
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
South Africa
Australia
Spain
Greece
India
Ukraine
Peru
Poland

You Know It's Already May When...

2004-05-24T16:53:00.000-07:00
You know it's already May when...

1. KMU starts their annual protests
2. People in Lucban start decorating their houses with crops and food.
3. Barren couples start dancing with gusto in Obando
4. Flowers are at their utmost high in terms of prices.
5. A rebel child would still contact their mothers to greet them Happy Mothers Day
6. Parents' money starts going away because of the high tuition fees come enrollment time.
7. You go to the beach only to find out that it's starting to rain.
8. Beautiful girls parade under the hot weather wearing gowns, crowns and crucifixes.
9. Lechon De Leche becomes a must have.
10. It's Miss Universe time again!

Mga Katanungan...

2004-05-24T16:45:00.000-07:00
Ito ang mga katanungang kung bakit hindi ko alam ang sagot. Kahit itanong ko siguro e hindi ko makukuha ang sagot...

1. How soon is later?
2. Bakit nga ba mas masarap gawin ang bawal?
3. Gaano nga ba kadalas ang minsan?
4. Kailan ang mamaya?
5. Bakit ang itlog hindi kulay parisukat?
6. Bakit ang talong hindi kulay orange?
7. Bakit sa kala-gitnaan ang Offertory sa isang misang Katoliko?
8. Bakit mahilig magpakipot ang mga babaeng pokpok?
9. Bakit ang pusa pag nahuhulog naglalanding sa paa?
10. Bakit ang aso nauulol?
11. Bakit ko ba sinusulat ito?

Popularity or Talent?

2004-05-20T08:37:00.000-07:00
Jasmine Trias is finally out of American Idol.

Personally, she is indeed lucky to have lasted that long until the Top 3. She was a singer with a voice that lacks power. Most of the times, as I watched her, she seems to scramble for air as she always get cut short on her notes. Still, as a Filipino, I am proud of Jasmine. Never mind, if we know she is truly American (having been born and raised there). I don't even think she knows of the rich culture the Philippines has.

But at any rate, because of her advancing to the Top 3, one question seem to haunt the minds of almost everybody in the world--just how do these people vote?

The first incident happened with Jennifer Hudson, who, in the opinion of many, was truly deserving to be at least on the top four. But she got voted out instead of the mediocre Frank Sinatra wannabe John Stevens. It was then did we start to ask--do people vote because of popularity or of talent?

It is a known fact that the American Idol voting comes solely from the viewers. The judges are basically there to just get the Top 32 from the millions of people who auditioned, and plainly give comments on the perfomrance of each.

So the question now is this: why call them judges if they don't really judge at all? The audience decide who goes to the next level which personally, is not really ethical because they will have no solid basis of judging. That was what happened to Jennifer Hudson.

And more recently, there was La Toya London.

La Toya London could have won the title had it not been for the combined forces of voters to have Jasmine Trias advance to the top three. She was, in everyone's opinion, one of the best. Face it, Jasmine was really horrible that Disco night. We cannpt deny that. Her pitch was wrong, her ability to control air while singing was also messed up--she was really the worst performer for the night.

But she got in.

Now, she is out of American Idol. Is it true that people from Hawaii were not even able to vote because the lines were busy all througout? Was there a conspiracy to ensure that Trias would not advance to the Top two? We will never know. All I know is that for this episode, it was just right that the sweet and pretty Jasmine Trias was voted out.

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My Top 10 Timeless Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Winners

Why I Hate The Beach...

Know Your Presidential Candidates

Walking Hand in Hand to Keep the Fire Burning

This Is It

Paying My Last Respects to Tita Cory

In Requiem Eternam, Corazon Aquino

Remembering Michael Jackson

Japes and the Beauty Queens

Working Nights Again...

Bloggin' Again

More Pageant Questions and Answers

Gay Misconceptions and Misgivings

More Beauty Pageant Questions and Answers

Adobo Eaters in the Olympics: The Future of Philippine Sports

When It Became Adam and Steve: A Closer Look on Homosexuality

Just thinking...

More Beauty Queen Q & A

Upcoming Talented Designers!

More Beauty Queen Question and Answer

Be Careful What You Read To Your Children

More Questions and Answers

Moving On...

Tumayo po tayo at umawit ng ating theme song...

Heto Na...Beauty Pageant Question and Answers!!!

tatlong mukha ni JP...

Ang makasaysayang 8 sa Buhay ni Japes...

Mga Bagong Kasabihan

If I Were A Beauty Pageant Contestant...

I See You...

Malapit Na Ang Miss Universe...sino ang mga bets niyo?...

You Know It's Already May When...

Mga Katanungan...

Popularity or Talent?