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

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-Aguilar

Born 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.

What About the Ladies?

"Widows left out of FilVet Equity Act" by JOSEPH PIMENTEL

But Lou Lou Astilla is torn because the $198 million Filipino Veterans Equity Act provision that was included in President Barack Obama’s stimulus pacakage does not provide any compensation for widows of Filipino veterans.

"It’s so sad you know," said Astilla, who is starting an organization to help claim money for veteran widows. "I know there are many widows complaining even those in the Philippines…why have they been discarded or put aside? When in fact the widows need more help because they are widows."

Earlier versions of the Filipino Veterans Equity Act gave compensation to widows of veterans. However, when the bill was revised into the lump sum agreement, they left out payments to the widows.

Arcebal added that many Filipino veterans are relieved to have finally received some sort of compensation for their service but that some might not be reluctant to fight for the widows of veterans.

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Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/1281-widows-left-out-of-filvet-equity-act.html

Listening To Yo Mama

"Dr. Jonathan Saluta, Leading to New Advances in Surgery" by JOSEPH PIMENTEL

FOR Filipino-American Dr. Jonathan Saluta, listening to his mother paid off. "Like every Filipino mom, [growing up] they want you to be a doctor or a lawyer," he told the Asian Journal. "And I kind of rebelled a little bit and said ‘Oh mom, that’s crazy. I don’t want to do that.’ But at the end of my college career, I gave it a shot. And mom was right."

Saluta said he specialized in orthopedic surgery because he really wanted to help people and was fascinated by the way human bodies work.

Saluta said that he’s glad that he listened to his mother’s wishes. He knows becoming a doctor is grueling but well worth it. He advises younger Pinoys to follow their dream.

"Don’t ever give up," said Saluta. "If you have a dream and you really want to do something, do whatever you can to achieve it. Work hard, work the extra hours, talk to people, get friends to help you, just don’t ever give up, and don’t think that society or the world will put you down. You can accomplish anything that you want if you put your mind to it."

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Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/galing-pinoy/59-galing-pinoy/1279-dr-jonathan-saluta-leading-to-new-advances-in-surgery.html

It's kind of weird reading this article cause although he's giving advice to follow your dreams and blahh blahh blahh, he listened to his mother's wishes and became a doctor.

I don't know how to describe this... ironic?

Is this a message to everyone to listen to their parents and that they know what's best for us?

Maybe health and financially wise... But career wise?


His mom just got lucky.

Relief for Filipino American Veterans

"An end to the Filipino Veterans’ long journey" by Asian Journal

AFTER more than six decades of struggle and fighting for benefits, the Filipino veterans of World War II may now have reached the end of their long journey. This was after a provision for benefits for Filipino WWII Veterans was inserted by Senator K. Inouye in the American Recovery and Reinstatement Act of 2009 or more popularly known as President’s Obama’s Stimulus Bill.

Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/editorial/5-editorial/1240-an-end-to-the-filipino-veterans-long-journey.html


"US to pay 18,000 Philippine WWII veterans"

The US finance package, which was approved by Washington lawmakers on Friday, will provide a lump sum payment of 15,000 dollars to Filipino veterans living in the United States, and 9,000 dollars to those still in the Philippines, Romulo said in a statement.

Complete article: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iprzCBBu5cAZe7IZnzVhJD_n_v4A


"RP AMBASSADOR’S STATEMENT" by Willy C. Gaa

It has been a long and difficult struggle through the decades, but the effort was well worth it. Our brave and selfless veterans have served as a glowing inspiration for all of us and their faith and trust in our efforts have provided all of us a strong motivation to help secure justice for their cause. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve on their behalf and to help them reclaim their honor and their dignity.

Complete article: http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/1263-rp-ambassadors-statement.html

Philippines in Simpler Terms

National Commission for Culture and the Arts has a Children's Corner where you can learn about the Filipino culture in simpler ways.

Check it out!
http://www.ncca.gov.ph/pambata/childrenscorner.htm

This might be a good place to gather cultural presentation ideas :]

(This site was found through Karen V.'s blog. Thanks Karen :])

Clinton makes first visit to Asia

"Mrs Clinton has said that the US is keen to broaden and deepen its ties with Asia."

"Her stops in Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and China are the first time the region has been the initial trip for a secretary of state since the 1960s."

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It doesn't mention the Philippines, but I think it's just amazing enough that she'll be coming to Asia. Yay for making good relations :D I feel like the world is becoming friendlier:]

Complete article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7891511.stm

Winners and losers in the final stimulus bill

From Lisa Desjardins
CNN Radio

Losers

• Veterans: Nearly all items for Veterans Affairs were reduced and the $2 billion the Senate wanted for VA construction was wiped out altogether. The VA did get one thing: $1 billion for medical facilities renovation and retooling.

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I wonder if this means that the benefits for Filipino veterans has changed...

Complete article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/13/stimulus.winners.losers/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular

More Perks for Filipino Veterans

"More perks for WW II vets possible--DND"
from Philippine Daily Inquirer by Jocelyn Uy

"...the stimulus bill the US Congress approved on Friday carried with it the recognition of Filipino veterans as legitimate members of the US armed forces, empowering the government to seek additional benefits the US extended its veterans."

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Full article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090215-189474/More-perks-for-WW-II-vets-possible--DND

Interracial Dating

Cultural Presentation #2
Presentation Date: Friday, February 13th, 2009
Inspired by: B. Figueroa
And thanks to the opinions & help of: J. Valdez, C. Pagaduan, A. Delosreyes, K. Flint, E. Kelsey

+++ click pictures for larger size




*=Asking questions to the audience

*How many of you were ever in an interracial relationship?
*Never?
*How many of you are more than one ethnicity?
*How many of you think that interracial dating has more prominent than ever before?

Believe it or not, interracial marriage is not a new thing for Filipinos. In fact, it’s hard to find fully bred Filipinos today without them having some Malayan, Indonesian, Chinese, Spanish, even American mix in them.

*How many of us can say we we’re fully Filipino?
Although I'm full Filipino, I am a mix of Kapampangan and Ilokano.

So what could be the reason for all these mixes? Well let’s look back at history for a bit.


So here’s the Philippines (we are the Carabao)

Before common era, it is theorized that the first inhabitants of the Philippines were Malays and Indonesians that migrated from the Malay Peninsula.


Around the 9th to the 14th century, Chinese came to the Philippines and became one of Philippines top traders. You know the big malls at PI? The majority of them are driven by Chinese business people.

Going into the mid-16th century, the Spaniards came in, took over and colonized the Philippines for over 300 years.

Then in the late 19th century, the US took the Philippines from the Spaniards. But then… WWII ended and the US left PI in ruins only for them to build themselves up on their own… (trailing off then up beat) But basically, you have all these different countries coming over and meshing with the Filipinos:

(Didn't address during the presentation) [*Besides from history, what are some other reasons we meshed together? Our parents wanted to get out of the Philippines and attain US citizenship. Wanted to be equal with Caucasians. Or they just really loved each other...]

Well, that’s the past. *Can I see a raise of hands of who’s mixed again?
You all are products of interracial marriages. And to speak on behalf of you all today, is Katrina Flint. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it today, but we did interview her.



Okay now we're going to break into discussion groups. Here are some points you all can discuss with one another:

Reflection
*If anyone wants to say anything.

So to recap, Filipinos have always been mixing with other races and culture. So before I end this presentation, I'd like to leave you all with this last question:

How do we define (Filipinos and) the Filipino culture?

Thank you & Happy Valentine's day!

Finally Rewarding Filipino Veterans

(E-mail sent by J. Alejandro)

"Historic twist to stimulus bill: Senate votes to reward Filipino veterans" By Ken McLaughlin

The stimulus bill approved by the U.S. Senate on Monday night authorized the release of $198 million to rectify Uncle Sam's postwar snub. About 18,000 Filipino vets who fought in the war under the American flag would now receive up to $15,000 for their service.

Sarah Gonzalez of San Jose, whose late father was a guerrilla in the Philippines, said the bill doesn't give the vets everything they wanted and felt they deserved.

"It's not really the victory they fought for," she said. "But it does provide some kind of closure. "... It's too bad the U.S. economy had to fail for the compensation to be approved."

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Complete Article
http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_11673701?source=rss

TRUE LIFE: I'm Clashing With My Parents

(E-mail sent from Jho)

MTV's True Life: I'm Clashing With My Parents

Are you clashing with your parents? Going against their wishes? Defying them even? Are you an Americanized teen growing up in a household with immigrant parents whose conservative cultural values are at odds with your modern viewpoints and lifestyle? Perhaps your religious beliefs are setting you and your parents at odds. Are you abandoning the beliefs they instilled in you as a child? Or is your deepening passion for faith and religion concerning your more secular-leaning parents? Maybe the conflict between you and your parents is a classic old disagreement over the guy or girl you're dating.

If you're personally living through any of these scenarios, or an equally compelling conflict with your mother & father, we'd like to hear from you. MTV is working on a new episode of "True Life" that will explore the impact on young adults, and their families, when grown children challenge their upbringing and defy their parents.

If you appear to be between the ages of 14-25 we'd like to hear your story. Email us at Parents@mtvnmix.com and please include your name, phone number and a recent photo of yourself.

Paste Towel

All my life, my mom has said, "Paste towel."

So all my life, I have said, "Paste towel."

---

Me: Do you have a paste towel?

Him: Don't you mean face towel?

Me: No, paste towel.

---

That day, I realized that my mom's Filipino accent got me to believe that it was paste towel when it was actually face towel.

The end.

Inject Filipno-ness

Phone beeps once- must be a text message.

It's from the sister.

"Ate?! Uncle Gabe's here?"


So I think my mom and her (ex?)boyfriend are talking again. Maybe it's the last thing they'll do before he leaves for the Philippines. My mom apologized for listening to her friend. Her friend was even shocked that my mom told Uncle Gabe the things she said. "You weren't supposed to tell him."

Hey, a girl can gossip, right?
At least until gossip influences the way we act...

I don't know how long he'll be around, but I'm glad he currently is. I made my usual jokes around my mom and he'd laugh whenever she didn't get it.

Anyway, we were all watching TFC together. ASAP was on - that one show where Filipino celebrities sing all these American pop songs as if it's theirs. The more I understand the American westernization in the Philippines, the more unbearable it is for me to watch shows like this.

"How can you watch this?" I asked my uncle. "It makes me cringe."

My uncle raised his eyebrows and slightly pointed his chin to my mom. He was just watching it because my mom had it on the TV.

"It's a shame," said Uncle. "We have such a beautiful culture and no one cares anymore. We just like to imitate." Uncle went on about how nothing in the Philippines is original anymore. And how the media plays a big role in it.

It was just the right timing. Excited, I shared to my uncle what my current plans are for my cultural position this semester. I told him about the first presentation I made over a week ago.

He complied and made me smile, "At least you still have Filipino in you."

Though his comment made me feel good about myself, I'm not too sure about having Filipino in me. If anything, I think I'm trying to inject Filipino-ness in me.

As a Filipina American, I feel like I've grown without my roots ever touching the ground - the very ground that helps me understand where I came from. Or at least, where those before me came from. Getting into this position has helped me find that very soil I never touched.

There are a lot of things I want to present this semester. I only hope that my findings will be eye-opening to my audience as much as it was for me.

*sigh*
And for some reason I feel like I'm not doing enough right now.

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.