While Filipinos Are Trying To Survive...

As the Filipino people are very much preoccupied with trying to survive through the economic crisis – manifested in, among other things, retrenchments, hunger, and shortage of basic goods and services – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies in Congress are taking advantage of the situation to sneak in their scheme to amend the 1987 Constitution. This could pave the way for the extension of term limits for public officials, including Arroyo herself. - "Sneaking In" from Butlatlat.com

Shirt the Kids on The Filipino Channel!

From Sarah Marasigan :]

RIP Apl's Brother

Musician, Apl.de.ap, (Allan Pineda Lindo) of the hip hop group, Black Eyed Peas flew back home to Porac, Pampanga, Philippines on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 after hearing news of his youngest brother’s murder. Joven Pineda Deala was just 21 years old. Joven was alone in his car, which was parked in front of his girlfriend’s home located on Mayflower Street, in the village of Ninoy Aquino. Two unidentified attackers encircled the vehicle before walking to the driver’s side, shooting Deala at close range, once on the left temple. His girlfriend, Ellaine Torres, had just gotten out of the car when the shots rang out. Torres said it was hard to recognize the suspects since the car was heavily tinted and they were parked in a dark area.

Torres immediately called for help and rushed Deala to the AUF Medical Center. Chief Inspector Wilfredo Paul of Angeles City Police reported at around 2:12 a.m. that Deala succumbed to the gunshot wound. Investigators see a love triangle or vendetta as probable motives for the murder. Deala had been involved in a street fight two years ago, leading to possible vendetta motives to explore.

Joven was the half brother and youngest in the brood of Apl.de.ap’s immediate family of six siblings. He was said to be the favorite brother of Apl.de.ap. Joven and Apl.de.ap were abandoned children of a black American serviceman in the former Clark Air Base just outside the village of Sapang Bato where the rapper built a home. The wake for Joven will be held at the former Clark Air Base.

The victim’s family has declined to issue a statement about the incident. The singer's step-father told the Inquirer newspaper that the Black Eyed Peas star is "filled with sadness." Years before this tragedy, Apl.de.ap’s other younger brother, Arnel, had committed suicide in the Philippines. Apl.de.ap. had been living in the U.S. attempting to make it as a musician, when news of his brother’s suicide served as a stunning blow. "The Apl Song" is also a tribute to Arnel Pineda. A line in the tune goes:

"Sometimes life's stresses get you down on your knees. Oh brother how I wish I could have helped you out...”

Everyone here at Bakitwhy.com sends our deepest condolences to Apl.de.ap, and his family. May Joven rest in peace.

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http://bakitwhy.com/apl.de.ap-brother

Intense Tinikling by USD PCN 2005

Jho sent the board an link to this and I thought I'd share it here too. Enjoy :]

"Filipino Barack Obama"

Quotes by Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero in a recent Asian Journal article called, "Escudero about running in 2010: ‘It will come, but not yet.’" by Louie Jon A. Sanchez

"We should have our own Obama. We deserve to have one. The problem is, we just keep on copying, or imitating," said Escudero

In regards to Filipino youth not living in the Philippines:
"When we see them in America, these young ones almost have no trace of being Filipino. They look like Filipino though, have Filipino parents, but that’s all. The big question is really: would they come back to the Philippines?"

In terms of the election:
"This election is actually a call, a challenge to every Filipino, wherever they may be. If we don’t allow them to participate in changing the course of our nation, we are just continuously pushing them away. In order for them to have a say in our state of affairs, they must really decide on going back here. They have to come home."

Read the full article at: http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-philippines/headlines/1185-escudero-about-running-in-2010-it-will-come-but-not-yet.html

FW: MASARAP FILIPINO CUISINE IN SAN DIEGO

(This is from an e-mail I got a few weeks ago.)

Wow, JUST IN ….. ASIAN FILIPINOS RISE UP AND REPRESENT. Masarap Filipino Cuisine - Submission Nightclub, 701 C Street, San Diego. Finally a Filipino Restaurant located at the Gaslamp downtown where we can finally be recognized!!!! Whoohooo!!! Prices range - $15 - $25. 3 levels, 2 full bars nightclub downstairs. Filipino entertainment. Seating for 1200.

THOSE OF YOU NOT OF FILIPINO BLOOD / DESCENT, KNOW THIS: ASIAN FILIPINOS HAVE BEEN KNOWN FOR THEIR GENUINE AND HOSPITABLE NATURE WHO DO THEIR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE AND MAKE FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS FEEL WELCOME. COME ONE, COME ALL. TASTE THE FLAVORS OF THE FILIPINO ISLANDS - ONE OF ASIA'S FINEST …. MASARAP MEANS DELICIOUS AND ASIAN FILIPINOS ARE A DELICIOUS PEOPLE!

Masarap Restaurant offers a reasonable priced Filipino Cuisine menu traditionally from the Philippine Islands. The menu was prepared from the Executive Chef, Mike Narvaez and Chef Rommel Reyes that based their ideas from the Regional cuisines of the Islands to the Modern cookery of the Pacific rim.

Aside from the upcoming popularity of the Filipino eatery, background music consisting of popular regional tunes, of Muslim, Rural and classics will blend with the diverse downtown crowd. The décor for MASARAP features blackwood accented floors with bamboo walls that give the environment a unique theme décor. The dining table are surrounded by leather chairs and accompanied by leather covered benches and sofas. The three floor restaurant is divided by each floor having its own unique place. The main floor is the high traffic area where customers can get a drink at the bar or dine at the lounge. The mezzanine is where the formal dining area is and has enough space to accommodate 180 people.

The Formal Dining has special private rooms that can be used for private parties. The bottom floor, which is the club has a custom built DJ booth and full beer, wine, and cocktail service bar. It is surrounded by cages that themes the Mixed Martial Artist surrounded by graffit art, which has never been done before.

Our company’s goal is to offer our guest with high quality attitude, fairness, understanding and generosity. Everyday Masarap is aware of all these factors and actions as the end result will give our efforts a sense of purpose and meaning to the business and loyal customers. So therefore to contact Masarap is to call us at 619.236.9836 or Email info@masaraprestaurant.com to book a reservation or private event.

Behind Her Back

Hi Gabe,

I just recently found out what happened between you and my mom and I just wanted to apologize for what happened. Though I don't know the full story, I understand that my mom expressed her insecurities due to the influence of a third party. And so I can understand why this may be hurting you so much.

Just from observation, my mom has always struggled with having strong beliefs and even standing up for them. When I argue with my mom, it's usually easy for me to win because she usually gives in. I think with enough reasoning, it's easy for my mom to change her view points. And it saddens me to find out that her friend won this round.

I don't know who her friend is, but I don't believe she had the right to say what she said. I don't think it was her place. And I think it was a mistake for my mom to listen. Through your actions, it's evident that you've done so much for her. That you were committed to her and that you truly cared about her. Heck, more than half of the things in our house was fixed because of you.

I don't know what will happen in the future, but until we find out, I want to thank you for everything you've done. As you already know, my mom was a widow for about 7 years until she met that one guy who couldn't stay with her in the end - due to his own financial issues. Though she's very prideful and good at holding things in, I was able to see how happy she became when you came into her life. Many times she'd mention you and the things you've done - even if we didn't ask, which was usually the case.

She may not admit it right now, but I know she feels in her heart that she made a grave mistake. Ever since you left our house my mom has constantly checked her e-mail. I know she's dying to hear what you have to say to her.

But back to my point. I want to thank you for everything you've done. Ever since you came into my mom's life, you also came into ours. The house felt more lively. For a long time I felt like I wasn't living in a house with total strangers - asides from my sister. You made my mom smile and just the kind of energy she had made me smile. I was happy that you took care of her and made her happy. It gave me hope that my mom would one day start opening up to me as well.

I'm sorry that this happened and I'm sorry that you have to be heartbroken this way. I don't know if you'll come back so I just thought you'd like to know that I'll miss you. I'll miss the sarcasm you had and all the knowledge you shared with me. I appreciated that you understood me and caught on my jokes when I'd talk to my mom. I really felt like you could've been my second father.

Take care and have a safe trip to the Philippines. I don't know if I'll ever see you again, so I'd like to thank you for have being part of not just my mom's life, but my life.

Sincerely,
Jen