Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
THANK YOU
to EVERYONE that voted. Not just for me but for all the candidates you thought would be best for the officer positions. Special thanks to those who helped me campaign hard:
I'm looking forward to the new board and another crazy year of AB Samahan! Good luck with finals everyone! Stay sexy and keep your eyes open for the latest FCN updates!
Adele Fredeluces
Adrian Cruz
Allen Acenas
Carlo Munar
Che Lynne Elizaga
Cheryl Smoot
Crystal Gaza
Cyrille Villaflores
Edgardo Bungay
Erwin Mendoza
FemyLyn Plan
Francis Rochino
Ivan Leung
James Alberty
Janina Viloria
Kristian Amaranto
Lawrence Santiago
Leeland Clenista
Madel Cruz
Maureen Balbesino
& YOU FOR VOTING!
Adrian Cruz
Allen Acenas
Carlo Munar
Che Lynne Elizaga
Cheryl Smoot
Crystal Gaza
Cyrille Villaflores
Edgardo Bungay
Erwin Mendoza
FemyLyn Plan
Francis Rochino
Ivan Leung
James Alberty
Janina Viloria
Kristian Amaranto
Lawrence Santiago
Leeland Clenista
Madel Cruz
Maureen Balbesino
& YOU FOR VOTING!
I'm looking forward to the new board and another crazy year of AB Samahan! Good luck with finals everyone! Stay sexy and keep your eyes open for the latest FCN updates!
Sincerely,
Jen Amos
FCN COORDINATOR
AB Samahan 2009-2010
absamahanfcn2010@gmail.com
Jen Amos
FCN COORDINATOR
AB Samahan 2009-2010
absamahanfcn2010@gmail.com
Sunday, May 3, 2009
VOTE JEN FOR FCN!
Hello everyone who's new to my blogspot and thank you for taking the time to come here. :D My name is Jen Amos. I'm currently AB Samahan's Cultural Affairs Coordinator and am now running to be YOUR NEXT Filipino Culture Night (FCN) Coordinator :]
This is fun. I never thought I'd use this blog for campaigning. For those of you who've never been here before, this has been my Cultural blog since I became Cultural Coordinator! I've actually gone through various phases with this blog, but all year its theme has been Filipino and Filipino American Culture and well... my story as a Filipino American. :]
If you're here to learn more about me and my FCN plans, please view the last four entries:
Thanks for reading and may the best candidate win :]
Jen Amos
Cultural Affairs Coordinator
AB Samahan 2008-2009
sdsuabsamahan.cultural@gmail.com
This is fun. I never thought I'd use this blog for campaigning. For those of you who've never been here before, this has been my Cultural blog since I became Cultural Coordinator! I've actually gone through various phases with this blog, but all year its theme has been Filipino and Filipino American Culture and well... my story as a Filipino American. :]
If you're here to learn more about me and my FCN plans, please view the last four entries:
- My Speech from Wed. Apr. 29th (written version)
- Video of My Speech Wed. April 29th
- My Qualifications
- How you can support me :]
Thanks for reading and may the best candidate win :]
VOTING HAS BEGUN.
so let's ROCK THE VOTE
VOTING HOURS in the office [158-D -- Lower Aztec Student Org Offices]:
TUES. 11-1:45; 2-3
WED. 2-3
THURS. 11-1:45; 2-3
FRIDAY. 10-1
If you're unable to make those times,
please let ELECTIONS COMMITTEE KNOW [JHOSELLE, ABE, KIM, JULIUS]
Sincerely,so let's ROCK THE VOTE
VOTING HOURS in the office [158-D -- Lower Aztec Student Org Offices]:
TUES. 11-1:45; 2-3
WED. 2-3
THURS. 11-1:45; 2-3
FRIDAY. 10-1
If you're unable to make those times,
please let ELECTIONS COMMITTEE KNOW [JHOSELLE, ABE, KIM, JULIUS]
Jen Amos
Cultural Affairs Coordinator
AB Samahan 2008-2009
sdsuabsamahan.cultural@gmail.com
Thursday, April 30, 2009
FCN Coordinator Qualifications
(Click photo to enlarge)
More Details
http://twitter.com/samahanfcn2010
*Already made; will use if elected
*May also use cherple.com
- People can connect their phone to twitter so we can send them the latest updates about FCN and recognize people who contributed their efforts throughout the year
---
http://absamahanfcn2010.weebly.com/
*Already made; will publish if elected
Will have updates on the following:
Main page
+ Minutes of whatever I report at E-board meetings
About Site
+ What the website is about
The Script
+ Individuals can ask for full script but I’ll most likely give a summary of each scene
Characters
+ (And after auditions, I will also post up the actors)
Contact page
+ How you can contact me and others
+ Hijenamos.blogspot.com (I will change my cultural blog to an FCN blog)
Forum
+ In case people want to discuss the script or any aspect of the production
Sources
+ Will list all research here in case people may want to look them up as well
Credit
+ List down everyone that participates along with their contact information (if they wish to disclose)
---
*Already made; will use if elected
+ E-mail account for FCN :]
+ May also use the GOOGLE DOCUMENTS feature
++ So scriptwriters can feel connected and members can view the latest updates on the script
---
+ May make a digital program (a brainstorming idea) for FCN
---
What I've Been Working On Since Before I Became Cultural
Script
+ Already have FOUR ideal scenes in mind
+ Ideal characters for the play
Dances to incorporate
+ Traditional
+ Modern
+ NEW: Break dancing
People to work with (some I already asked to work with me)
+ Scriptwriters
+ Dance choreographers
+ FCN Assistant
+ Possible costume designers
+ Funding, promoting, recruiting
+ Musicians
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
FCN Election Speech
[ Stay Tune for the Video ]
Two years ago, a good friend of mine invited me to watch AB Samahan’s twenty-second annual FCN – Malakas Ng Puso. Little did I know that I’d fall in love with the production. As I watched the second day in a row, I told myself, “I’m going to coordinate this one day.” Though I knew I had a lot of learning to do, I was already determined to get the position.
I joined AB Samahan my sophomore year to see what it was about and auditioned for an FCN lead role. I became part of the main cast and participated in my first FCN. I was more inspired to run for the position. But I still needed time. So while I brainstormed for FCN, I took on the Cultural Coordinator position. I spent this year studying about my culture and at the same time, finding a story for the future FCN.
For over a year now I’ve been observing, learning and brainstorming ideas for next year’s production. I already have an ideal story and yes, a game plan.
Communication will be my biggest priority this year. If we can communicate, we can cooperate. And if we can cooperate, we can efficiently operate. Plus I believe that establishing an understanding with one another will decrease tsismis, negativity and division. I want people to feel included, not excluded.
Next year’s production is intended to have a bigger cast as opposed to the past two years making it more important to keep the communication lines open. I intend on having one-on-ones and discussion groups about the play. In addition, a website that everyone can refer to for FCN updates.
Now, what’s a production without help? Next year I plan on expanding my resources by increasing member and non-membership participation. Members don’t come to Samahan just to be spectators. And spectators can be potential participators. People want to contribute their talents, and I will take full advantage of that for necessities such as funding, promoting, recruiting and more.
I know that I have the ability to make the twenty-fifth annual FCN one to remember. Being cultural coordinator this year has taught me that a presentation is only as good as your audience’s reaction. Messages are important, but knowing your audience and how you present that message makes all the difference. I plan on studying the demographics of FCN viewers, interviewing potential resources and overall making a story that will appeal to you.
Thank you for listening. My name is Jen Amos and I hope to be your next FCN Coordinator.
Two years ago, a good friend of mine invited me to watch AB Samahan’s twenty-second annual FCN – Malakas Ng Puso. Little did I know that I’d fall in love with the production. As I watched the second day in a row, I told myself, “I’m going to coordinate this one day.” Though I knew I had a lot of learning to do, I was already determined to get the position.
I joined AB Samahan my sophomore year to see what it was about and auditioned for an FCN lead role. I became part of the main cast and participated in my first FCN. I was more inspired to run for the position. But I still needed time. So while I brainstormed for FCN, I took on the Cultural Coordinator position. I spent this year studying about my culture and at the same time, finding a story for the future FCN.
For over a year now I’ve been observing, learning and brainstorming ideas for next year’s production. I already have an ideal story and yes, a game plan.
Communication will be my biggest priority this year. If we can communicate, we can cooperate. And if we can cooperate, we can efficiently operate. Plus I believe that establishing an understanding with one another will decrease tsismis, negativity and division. I want people to feel included, not excluded.
Next year’s production is intended to have a bigger cast as opposed to the past two years making it more important to keep the communication lines open. I intend on having one-on-ones and discussion groups about the play. In addition, a website that everyone can refer to for FCN updates.
Now, what’s a production without help? Next year I plan on expanding my resources by increasing member and non-membership participation. Members don’t come to Samahan just to be spectators. And spectators can be potential participators. People want to contribute their talents, and I will take full advantage of that for necessities such as funding, promoting, recruiting and more.
I know that I have the ability to make the twenty-fifth annual FCN one to remember. Being cultural coordinator this year has taught me that a presentation is only as good as your audience’s reaction. Messages are important, but knowing your audience and how you present that message makes all the difference. I plan on studying the demographics of FCN viewers, interviewing potential resources and overall making a story that will appeal to you.
Thank you for listening. My name is Jen Amos and I hope to be your next FCN Coordinator.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Help Support :]
Click fliers to enlarge :]
If you support me as your next FCN Coordinator, please set either one of these fliers as your social website default pictures (Facebook, MySpace, Tumblr, Blogspot, Twitter, etc.) Hard copies will have their debut at Speech and Q&A night Wednesday, April 29 @ 6pm! :D
You can take them down at the end of voting. (Voting will be from May 4 to May 8th at the AB Samahan office!)
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
AB Samahan FCN 2009 Review
Cultural Column with Jen Amos
*This entry will constantly be updated until notified otherwise
Filipino culture. There are key aspects that come to mind when we think about it: the Philippines, Philippines history, folk dances, tradition, family, religion and so on. Past FCN stories have addressed the journey of Filipinos coming to America such as Carlos Bulosan, historic times such as the Marcus Era or political issues such as the Filipino American WWII Veterans. But rarely in AB Samahan’s FCN history has a story’s focal point been about Filipino American (Fil-Am) youth.
This year’s scriptwriters Cyrille and Cypress Villaflores took on the daring task of writing a play based on Fil-Am college students and Filipino organizations. Anticipating the controversy their story would bring, the script became a product of 2o interviewed Fil-Am college students, input from numerous college professors and academic and social research on the Fil-Am youth. This year-and-a-half project went through constant revisions just to ensure that every addressed issue was explained thoroughly making the play as unbiased and realistic as possible. Overall, FCN 2009’s story was flawless and the least bit exaggerated.
Not only was the story a great representation of contemporary Filipino culture, it went up and beyond the standards of a traditional FCN. It is the first FCN to strategically tackle down the issues of Fil-Am youth and their lives in and out of cultural organizations. Most of all, it recognized the Fil-Am lifestyle as culture of its own.
It’s not to say that we should move on from our ties with the Philippines. Aspects of Filipino culture such as Philippines history, national heroes and cultural dances were lightly touched upon this year to challenge the audience to think critically of the play and find the overseen aspects of our culture existent in today’s society – or in most parts of the play, a college setting. The play also encourages Fil-Ams to personally discover and apply the ideas taught from our traditional culture to modern times. It’s just as MC Baguiro mentioned in her elections speech, “The old ideas are not useless because they teach us to be self-sustaining and instills in us a sense of duty to teach these lessons to others as well.”
Culture doesn’t end with the Philippines or Filipinos coming to America. If that is the case, then what does that make Filipino Americans and the Filipino American youth? Is today not considered a part of Filipino culture? Does this mean as time progresses, Filipino culture can only be presented as a past culture that became westernized? How passive and defeating does that sound?
American values have become part of Filipino values. There’s no doubt about it. Though ideals may contradict each other, Fil-Ams fight everyday to find that balance. This type of struggle is part of our culture. It is, in fact, becoming part of many oriental cultures as well. If not consider this part of Filipino culture, consider this a subculture that needs to be known.
We don’t need to be reminded on an annual basis that we came from the Philippines. Though “historical entities” are required for FCN plays, nothing in the AB Samahan constitution states that another “coming to America” story is necessary. The more we do this, the more we belittle our existence in America.
FCN 2009 showed the importance of recognizing Fil-Am lifestyle as an apparent part of the Filipino culture. This was an uncensored story about us, the youth. “Getting To Know You” FCN 2009. It was about modern Filipino culture that not only should our parents come to accept, but also ourselves. Though FCN 2009 has come to an end, I challenge you to look into your lives and discover the contemporary Filipino culture existing today. If you haven’t uncovered it yet, you’ll be surprised how prominent it has become.
*This entry will constantly be updated until notified otherwise
Filipino culture. There are key aspects that come to mind when we think about it: the Philippines, Philippines history, folk dances, tradition, family, religion and so on. Past FCN stories have addressed the journey of Filipinos coming to America such as Carlos Bulosan, historic times such as the Marcus Era or political issues such as the Filipino American WWII Veterans. But rarely in AB Samahan’s FCN history has a story’s focal point been about Filipino American (Fil-Am) youth.
This year’s scriptwriters Cyrille and Cypress Villaflores took on the daring task of writing a play based on Fil-Am college students and Filipino organizations. Anticipating the controversy their story would bring, the script became a product of 2o interviewed Fil-Am college students, input from numerous college professors and academic and social research on the Fil-Am youth. This year-and-a-half project went through constant revisions just to ensure that every addressed issue was explained thoroughly making the play as unbiased and realistic as possible. Overall, FCN 2009’s story was flawless and the least bit exaggerated.
Not only was the story a great representation of contemporary Filipino culture, it went up and beyond the standards of a traditional FCN. It is the first FCN to strategically tackle down the issues of Fil-Am youth and their lives in and out of cultural organizations. Most of all, it recognized the Fil-Am lifestyle as culture of its own.
It’s not to say that we should move on from our ties with the Philippines. Aspects of Filipino culture such as Philippines history, national heroes and cultural dances were lightly touched upon this year to challenge the audience to think critically of the play and find the overseen aspects of our culture existent in today’s society – or in most parts of the play, a college setting. The play also encourages Fil-Ams to personally discover and apply the ideas taught from our traditional culture to modern times. It’s just as MC Baguiro mentioned in her elections speech, “The old ideas are not useless because they teach us to be self-sustaining and instills in us a sense of duty to teach these lessons to others as well.”
Culture doesn’t end with the Philippines or Filipinos coming to America. If that is the case, then what does that make Filipino Americans and the Filipino American youth? Is today not considered a part of Filipino culture? Does this mean as time progresses, Filipino culture can only be presented as a past culture that became westernized? How passive and defeating does that sound?
American values have become part of Filipino values. There’s no doubt about it. Though ideals may contradict each other, Fil-Ams fight everyday to find that balance. This type of struggle is part of our culture. It is, in fact, becoming part of many oriental cultures as well. If not consider this part of Filipino culture, consider this a subculture that needs to be known.
We don’t need to be reminded on an annual basis that we came from the Philippines. Though “historical entities” are required for FCN plays, nothing in the AB Samahan constitution states that another “coming to America” story is necessary. The more we do this, the more we belittle our existence in America.
FCN 2009 showed the importance of recognizing Fil-Am lifestyle as an apparent part of the Filipino culture. This was an uncensored story about us, the youth. “Getting To Know You” FCN 2009. It was about modern Filipino culture that not only should our parents come to accept, but also ourselves. Though FCN 2009 has come to an end, I challenge you to look into your lives and discover the contemporary Filipino culture existing today. If you haven’t uncovered it yet, you’ll be surprised how prominent it has become.
---
This cultural column does not reflect the views of AB Samahan. Any questions, comments or concerns can be directed toward Jen Amos at sdsuabsamahan.cultural@gmail.com. For the complete article, please go to http://hijenamos.blogspot.com.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Charice Pempengco Sings Philippine National Anthem
Damn, her voice is beautiful.
No joke, her voice brings me to tears.
No joke, her voice brings me to tears.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Filipino Culture Night Presentation
Thank you Erika and Abe for taking my place while I was in Sacramento <3
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I Would Rather
“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.”
- Corazon Aquino
11th president of the Philippines
FilipinOnline.com
If you want to keep up with Filipino current events but don't like looking at news sites (like me), this might be a good start for you.
I think it's a good blog... I just found it recently. I added it to my RSS feed. But yeah, maybe seeing current events in a form of a blog might help :]
I think it's a good blog... I just found it recently. I added it to my RSS feed. But yeah, maybe seeing current events in a form of a blog might help :]
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Colored Chicks
Chicks, dyed to attract customers, are offered for sale by a street vendor in Manila, Phillippines. (BBC News)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mail For Your Lump Sum Claim!
"Filipino vets may mail lump sum claims"
by Veronica Uy
Filipino World War II veterans in the country entitled to the one-time $9,000 lump-sum benefit from the United States government are no longer required to apply for their claims in person, the US embassy said in a statement Thursday.
In a statement, the US embassy said, claims, together with the required supporting documents, may now be mailed to: US Department of Veterans Affairs, 1131 Roxas Boulevard, 0939, Manila, Philippines.
Claims from spouses, widows and children of Filipino WWII veterans will not be accepted, it said.
In case a veteran dies while the application is being processed, his heirs will get the lump sum payment, said US embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson.
---
Complete article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20090226-191192/Filipino-vets-may-mail-lump-sum-claims
A few days ago I was talking to my mom about the money my grandpa's going to finally get. I asked her when the money will come in, but she wasn't sure.
Instead of waiting. Maybe this'll help.
When my grandpa gets his $15,000, he's gonna go home and build a house. :]
Although we don't really talk (language and shyness barrier on both of our parts, nothing personal), I can tell that he's been a bit happier and upbeat. I kinna wish my mom would keep me updated about grandpa's life. ... at least she tells me whenever I ask.
by Veronica Uy
Filipino World War II veterans in the country entitled to the one-time $9,000 lump-sum benefit from the United States government are no longer required to apply for their claims in person, the US embassy said in a statement Thursday.
In a statement, the US embassy said, claims, together with the required supporting documents, may now be mailed to: US Department of Veterans Affairs, 1131 Roxas Boulevard, 0939, Manila, Philippines.
Claims from spouses, widows and children of Filipino WWII veterans will not be accepted, it said.
In case a veteran dies while the application is being processed, his heirs will get the lump sum payment, said US embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson.
---
Complete article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20090226-191192/Filipino-vets-may-mail-lump-sum-claims
A few days ago I was talking to my mom about the money my grandpa's going to finally get. I asked her when the money will come in, but she wasn't sure.
Instead of waiting. Maybe this'll help.
When my grandpa gets his $15,000, he's gonna go home and build a house. :]
Although we don't really talk (language and shyness barrier on both of our parts, nothing personal), I can tell that he's been a bit happier and upbeat. I kinna wish my mom would keep me updated about grandpa's life. ... at least she tells me whenever I ask.
7/10 Want Arroyo Out
7 Out of 10 Filipinos Want GMA Out of Malacañang
by bulatlat.com
Seven out of ten Filipinos want Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo out of Malacañang, a survey showed.
A survey by independent think-tank IBON Foundation revealed that 66.7 percent of respondents believe that Arroyo should be removed as president.
Only 19 percent of the respondents said she should stay.
---
Complete article: http://bulatlat.com/main/2009/02/25/7-out-of-10-filipinos-want-gma-out-of-malacanang/
by bulatlat.com
Seven out of ten Filipinos want Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo out of Malacañang, a survey showed.
A survey by independent think-tank IBON Foundation revealed that 66.7 percent of respondents believe that Arroyo should be removed as president.
Only 19 percent of the respondents said she should stay.
---
Complete article: http://bulatlat.com/main/2009/02/25/7-out-of-10-filipinos-want-gma-out-of-malacanang/
Losing Jobs Means No Money Sent Home
"Downturn hits Philippine remittances"
by Jill McGivering
In the Philippines, about eight million people - one in 10 adults - work abroad.
Millions of families depend on the money they send back.
But now a crisis is looming - as the economic downturn means thousands are losing their jobs overseas and being sent home.
by Jill McGivering
In the Philippines, about eight million people - one in 10 adults - work abroad.
Millions of families depend on the money they send back.
But now a crisis is looming - as the economic downturn means thousands are losing their jobs overseas and being sent home.
...now a growing number - already in the thousands - are being forced home because they have lost their jobs.
"Many factories are closing and the first ones sent back are the Filipinos," said Brother Luis Andres Maya.
---
Complete article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7911698.stm
Filipinos Are Ballin'
"2007 US Census Data analysis: Filipinos among US top earners"
by Malou Liwanag-Aguilar
A new analysis of data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS) recently showed that Filipinos in the United States remain among the top earners among immigrants or foreign-born residents.
Among the foreign-born, those from India, South Africa and the Philippines have the highest median household incomes.
Other information in the data also revealed that majority of the Philippine foreign-born USresidents are in the labor force, or 68.6 percent. Forty-two percent of them are in management, professional and related occupations, while less than 1 percent or 0.3 percent are in farming, fishing and forestry occupations in the US.Almost 82 percent are said to be private wage and salary workers, while less than a percent, or 0.1 percent are unpaid family workers.
This shows that 69 percent of Filipinos can afford to own a house, while the rest are renting.
---
Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/1304-2007-us-census-data-analysis-filipinos-among-us-top-earners.html
by Malou Liwanag-Aguilar
A new analysis of data from the 2007 American Community Survey (ACS) recently showed that Filipinos in the United States remain among the top earners among immigrants or foreign-born residents.
Among the foreign-born, those from India, South Africa and the Philippines have the highest median household incomes.
Other information in the data also revealed that majority of the Philippine foreign-born USresidents are in the labor force, or 68.6 percent. Forty-two percent of them are in management, professional and related occupations, while less than 1 percent or 0.3 percent are in farming, fishing and forestry occupations in the US.Almost 82 percent are said to be private wage and salary workers, while less than a percent, or 0.1 percent are unpaid family workers.
This shows that 69 percent of Filipinos can afford to own a house, while the rest are renting.
---
Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/1304-2007-us-census-data-analysis-filipinos-among-us-top-earners.html
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Whitening Skin Products
Cultural Presentation #3
Presentation Date: Friday, February 27th, 2009
And thanks to the help of: E. Kelsey, N. Panis
Note: This is the complete handout - not the presentation. It covers more :]
Whitening soap – the product isn’t so unfamiliar to many people considering how it’s the number one selling product for pharmaceutical companies today. Although whitening skin products have been around for centuries, it has become more prominent than ever before, especially for Asians, Filipinos, African Americans, Australians and even Caucasians.
Do you know someone that uses whitening skin products? Your friend, your mom or maybe even yourself? Whomever it may be, here is some information about skin whitening products that you may want to know.
Whitening skin products have become popular over the decades for various reasons. One reason is that a clear complexion provides a youthful look and in today’s society, youthfulness has value. According to The Star Online, 61% of women in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan believe they look younger with a fair complexion. Fair is youth, youth is beautiful.
But probably the most popular and yet unspoken reason as to why whitening skin products are prominent is to ease the feelings of having an inferiority complex. Sapna Magazine states, “Some sociologists speculate that our colonizers’ complexions have become our standards for beauty. Others blame South Asia’s “class complex,” pointing out that those who are from lower social classes tend to be darker because they’re exposed to the sun more in their work, thus linking whiter complexions with higher education and class.”
However you may want to fit in, feel accepted, beautiful or successful, you may want to be aware of the costs of using whitening skin products first.
Warning: Whitening skin products may cause cancer.
According to Houma Today, “U.S. Food and Drug Administration don’t review or regulate any cosmetic product before it hits the shelves.” In fact, “11 percent of the approximately 10,500 chemicals used in personal care products have ever been safety tested.” Unfortunately, there is one chemical that rarely gets questioned in most of these products: hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is a dangerous chemical found in many whitening skin products. This “skin fading drug” kills off melanocyte cells (cells that produce skin-pigment making cells called melanin) to lighten one’s skin. The risk of preventing melanin cells from giving you your skin pigment is also risking your protection from the sun. Melanocyte cells work their hardest when you’re under the sun to protect you from UV rays. However, killing off these cells will make you more vulnerable and thus, more prone to skin cancer.
Several countries that have recognized this chemical has banned it. Other chemicals include kojic acid, mercury, lead oxide, azleaic, ascorbic adic and so much more.
If you continue to use whitening skin products, all we suggest is that you research the chemicals in the product you are using. Products with dangerous chemicals are best advised to use moderately, if not at all. You can also use alternatives such as Cocoa Butter lotion, which provides a lot of Vitamin E and skin toning.
For the safety of everyone, stay informed.
Know what you’re putting on.
(That’s what she said.)
Sources
"Beautifying Ourselves to Death"
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20090213/ARTICLES/902139918?Title=Beautifying_ourselves_to_death
"The Color Complex: Is the Fixation Really Fair?"
http://sapnamagazine.com/?p=347
"The Fight Over Whiter Skin"
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/3/24/lifeliving/17190041&sec=lifeliving
"When Beauty Is Skin Deep"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/07/11/redbridge_skin_video_feature.shtml
Review Spot
http://www.reviewspot.org/Skin-Whitener.html
"A Lighter Skin"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/east/series11/week7_skin_lightening.shtml
Skin Bleaching
http://library.thinkquest.org/27034/skin.html
Melanocyte & Melanin
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4341
Australian News
http://au.truveo.com/Cancer-link-to-skinwhitening-cream/id/2935034081
Melanin Inhibitor
http://skinwhiteningsecrets.com/general-info/melanin-inhibitor/
Hydroquinone
http://www.ehow.com/video_4767753_what-hydroquinone.html
Melanocyte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8IXyr6vU7A
Saturday, February 21, 2009
American's Best Dance Crew
"BakitWhy.com Exclusive: ABDC Quarterfinals Showdown"This week’s episode left us with four of the most diverse crews the show has ever seen – from one amazing crew of all bgirls, to a stereotype-breaking, spunky bunch of former Miami Heat dancers, to a high-octane, all-African American step team, and finally to an all Asian-American, fun-loving group of bboys.
Taking into consideration the composition of all the crews, it is quite interesting to realize how, at one time or another (and maybe even currently), the different social faces that these crews represent were all once very marginalized and stereotyped groups – whether it be women, Asians, stepping, or even the highly mocked art of team spirit dancers/cheerleaders.
Ironically enough, this week’s show turned into a battle of the sexes showdown, as each crew was given a song from a top male performer or a top female performer to incorporate into a dance which focused upon whether or not the males still dominated the show or whether the women had firmly taken over.
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Complete article: http://bakitwhy.com/abdc-season-3-mid-season-showdown
(comes with a video interview the last two dance crews)
Vagina Monologues & All Fil-Am Cast
(Los Angeles , CA .) – February, 2009 – CHANGE THE STORY OF WOMEN! The global movement to end violence against women and girls comes to Los Angeles with benefit readings of Playwright/Founder Eve Ensler's award winning play "The Vagina Monologues" and the groundbreaking collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights, "A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer".For the first time in Los Angeles, all-Filipino casts, comprised of actors, actresses, Filipino personalities, television journalists and community leaders have been assembled for both productions, headlined by Dante Basco, Nia Peeples, Janelle So, Giselle Tongi and Tamlyn Tomita.
"The Vagina Monologues"
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009
Learn more at http://bakitwhy.com/v-day-2009
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Who wants to go to LA in two weeks?! :D
Saving Your Passion for the Long Run
"The Art of Marinas" by Malou Liwanag-AguilarBorn in the Philippines, Marinas migrated here in the United States in 1973. Although his passion was art, he had to make sacrifices, being the eldest among 12 siblings. "Nasa akin ang burden, (The burden was on my shoulders)," he said and added, "It was a sad situation, I was born a painter, pero kailangan ko tumigil dahil napakahirap maghanap ng trabaho. (I was born a painter, but I had to stop [painting] because it was hard to look for a job."
And for 35 years, Marinas set aside his talents. Of miracles and motivation.
Marinas concentrated on his career in electrical engineering, and during those years, would only paint with his heart and soul in his mind. However, degenerative spinal problems changed the course of his life.
Marinas was able to build a life in the US and was able to help all his siblings, but being unable to do what he is most passionate about created that void in his life. Now faced with a painful medical condition, he became depressed. He was about to lose faith when the miracle happened.
His condition made Marinas unable to work and it was a blessing in disguise – for this time, he had nothing else to do but paint. Marinas produced The Harvest Continues, a mural that depicted grape harvesting, won him first place.
Marinas still continues to paint in spite of his medical condition.
Marinas believes that what he is going through is almost short of being a miracle. In spite of the fact that he will still have to undergo more surgeries in the near future, he recognizes pain as his inspiration. "I use reverse psychology. Pero sabi ko nga sa mga tao that I share my story with – those who have cancer and other illnesses – my life is just starting," he said, pausing a moment to think and then added, "It is never too late. I have so much faith in God."
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Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/aj-magazine/something-filipino/1265-the-art-of-marinas.html
This story stood out to me because it reminded me about my most recent ex. (I hope you're reading this :P)
I remember having conversations about "doing what you want" verses "doing what you need to do first." My ex and I were raised differently. I was well-supported and he was tight with his finances. You can say I was spoiled - and still am. My dad passed away over a decade ago, granting me Chapter 35 by veteran affairs- basically some pretty good educational assistance.
Being well-supported has given me the opportunity to basically do whatever I want - but to be more specific, not be limited to the kinds of occupations I should take (nursing, medical stuff, you know the ordeal). Instead, I've gone through several majors, been involved in many kinds of organizations and made a bunch of mistakes here and there without worrying about the costs. I'm free to find myself. And I have taken full advantage of that.
However, with so much freedom - without a worry about money, I've basically grown up without having to work too hard for the things I wanted. Spoiled, to reiterate.
And if there were many reasons why we broke up, this was probably one of them.
My ex on the other hand didn't have the same benefits I had. In fact, his dad was just retiring so it'd probably take a while before he was able to get some educational benefits. I remember him telling me that his mom had to pay for his school out of her own pocket.
So when you have someone who's well supported and another who's tight on cash together, you can suspect that there will be different view points and personalities.
While he believed in commitment and balance, I believed in passion and following my heart. A lot of things that I wanted to improve about myself, he had. And maybe he felt the same way (but I can't say for sure :P).
At first it was attractive. You'd think we'd complete each other. But read on.
His life was scheduled. My life was spontaneous.
His beliefs were strong. My beliefs kept changing.
He was established. I was still trying to find myself.
Consistent and inconsistent personalities can only get along if both are willing to be patient and understanding with one another. But emotions grew strong. Our good intentions came off as hurtful actions. We didn't understand each other as much as we thought. It came down to hurt feelings and misunderstanding that it was inevitable our relationship would end.
He used to tell me that although he'd rather do music and other artsy stuff, he felt it was important to be stable first. He first wanted to be financially well-off so then he can have the money to do what he wants in the future. I remember we spoke about the movie Rent and how he didn't want to end up like the artists with so many problems in the movie. I don't know if I told him this, but I thought living like that would be a fun adventure. :P
On the same note, he also didn't like problems.
...I usually embraced them with open arms.
But anyway.
Reading this article reminds me of him because in the long run, Marinas was able to live his passion.
It's inspiring, really - to invest for your passions...
Though it's not a lifestyle I personally have to live, it's a lifestyle I've grown to admire and respect.
There's still hope for you, ex. :P
Just kidding. I know you'll turn out just fine.
& hey, I really do hope the best for both of our futures. :]
Thanks for reading.
Hope you enjoyed this :]
Love,
jenAMOS.
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