Flip Pride
May 29, 2009 by Christian · Leave a Comment
James Bryan (Honolulu)
Flip Pride
Filipinos’ firm religious belief has long surpassed the colonial period it underwent and never was shaken by any threats of imperialism. Now, with 81% of its population as Roman Catholics, Philippines is known as the third largest Catholic nation in the world next to Brazil and Mexico.
Catholicism is a good object of discussion of debates for its controversial beliefs and practices. Pressing issues on veneration of saints, opposition to contraception, and its separation from the State are among others. Despite all of these, Filipinos remain steadfast to its teachings.
On what makes Catholic a subcategory of Christianity or what’s the difference between Catholicism and Christianity is still a mystery for the author and an amply vague topic to be discussed.
Filipino Sun and Writing
May 27, 2009 by Christian · 1 Comment
Kris Hampton (Warrington, England)
Filipino Sun and Writing by Voodoo Tattoo in UK
“My modified Filipino sun tattoo with a star in the middle. The writing below was done before the sun tattoo, it says ‘magsama-sama at malakas, magwatak-watak at babagsak’ meaning – united we are strong, divided we fall. I got this because I want it to show I am proud of my English and Filipino heritage.”
Filipino British (Filipino Britons) population is the second-largest Filipino community in Europe but it isn’t as cohesive as other communities in other countries.
Having said that, “united we stand, divided we fall” can’t be applied to Philippine’s current social status as it is strongly diverse in all aspects. Unending political wars, social aggravations, massive poverty with seemingly no solution and whatnot. We really can’t be united if we don’t know how to be one. Reality bites.
Nevertheless, there’s still the bright side. Fil-Brits are unstoppable from making names, which is something we all should be proud of. We have ex-Sugababes member Mutya Buena, TV personality and beauty queen Leilani Dowding, and young Britain’s Got Talent contestant Charlie Green to name some.
Blood Compact
May 25, 2009 by Christian · 1 Comment
Vincent Antonio (Quezon City)
Blood Compact by Ynah Pilarta
Considered as the first international treaty, Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi entered into a pact called Sandugo with Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna ensuring friendly relations with the Filipinos on March of 1565. Sandugo or blood compact is a Visayan term which fuses the words isang and dugo meaning one blood.
One ironic thing about the blood compact is its aftermath. Performing Sandugo was relatively significant to the Bohol natives as it symbolized brotherhood and peace. Howbeit, Lopez de Legazpi took possession of the island in the name of King Phillip II few days after the compact. It was the commencement of the 256-year rule of the Spaniards; reason why Spanish influence is very much obvious in Filipino’s culture
Hometown QC
May 22, 2009 by Christian · Leave a Comment
Arjay (Fullerton, CA)
Hometown QC by Big J
A three-letter tattoo on your tummy is pain, getting it covered with ink is #*%^+$~&.
Quezon City or QC, which used to be the capital from 1948 to 1976, is the country’s melting pot. People from different provinces migrate to this location every year hence it is the most populous city in the Philippines. It shouldn’t be confused with Quezon Province, though both were named after the late President Manuel Quezon.
QC is tagged as “the city of new horizons” due to its low level of poverty and illiteracy and its rich culture and lifestyle. Many government offices are located in the city being the former capital. Media moguls ABS-CBN and GMA 7 along with most of the broadcasting networks are also based in QC.
Stating all of these, there are still lots of interesting stuff we can learn about Quezon City.
Filipino Flag
May 20, 2009 by Christian · Leave a Comment
Charlee (Ontario)
Filipino Flag by Pleasure & Pain
Okay. We all know that the three stars represent LuzViMinda, the three largest regions. Its sun’s eight rays are the first eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish regime. Is there anything new or more interesting about the Philippine Flag that we need to know than these usual stuff?
There are certain places that, by law, must display the Philippine Flag and have it illuminated at night. The shades of the colors red and blue have been changed several times, which was dependent to the leaders and whatever country ruling the Philippines. Zambales and the Moslem Islands tried to be the ninth ray claiming that their provinces were also at war during the colonial era. Both petitions were rejected. A Flag Law forbidding the Filipinos to use or display the flag anywhere lasted for 12 years.
There are always more than the infamous three stars and a sun of the Philippine Flag that are worth-knowing. Let’s not be that frivolous.
