A lot has been said regarding Chip Tsao's insult to Filipinos in his article in a HongKong Magazine ... But I still felt compelled to write something about it ...
I have worked outside the Philippines for almost 5 years ... I have seen how hard our countrymen have worked ... Oftentimes, Filipinos are preferred over other nationalities ... not because we are cheap-labor but because of the quality of our work ...
Yes, a lot of Filipinos work as domestic helpers ... so what?! it is an honest job ... Of course, it would be better if there are opportunities in our own country so that people won't have to leave ... But since there's not much, there's no choice but to go out of the country and try our luck someplace else ... THAT doesn't give Chip Tsao's the right to insult us ... HK Magazine apologized and said that the article is a satire and can be interpreted in many ways ... Nah, I don't buy it! ... You can write a satire but not at the expense of the Filipinos! ....
I won't stoop down to Chip Tsao's level, though I want to rant and hurl back insults ... I'll just tell you, Chip Tsao - God bless you and may you sleep soundly at night!!!
------------------------------------------
Here is the complete article of Chip Tsao in HK Magazine.
The War at Home
By Chip Tsao
The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen onboard. We can live with that-—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That's no big problem-—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.
But hold on-—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: There are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as HK$3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don't flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.
As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell everyone of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.
Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her Government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.
Oh yes. The Government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout 'China, Madam/Sir' loudly whenever they hear the word "Spratly". They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, "Long live Chairman Mao!" at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that's going a bit too far, at least for the time being.
------------------------
*** Addendum ***
2 April 2009 (GMANews.TV) :
After admitting he crossed the line in calling the Philippines a “nation of servants" in his article, HK Magazine columnist Chip Tsao approached Philippine authorities in Hong Kong Wednesday night to personally extend his apologies ... "I’m now aware that I’ve crossed the line and I offer my public apology," Tsao said ...
Monday
Brazil : Key Facts
Brazil, a country in Latin America ... famous for its F1 drivers (Massa, Barrichello, and the great Senna), Football greats (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, etc), Havaianas Slippers, Mardi Gras Festival, Corcovado, Ipanema, Copacobana, Amazon River, etc. etc.
But what is else there to know about Brazil?! ... Recently, I read a very interesting article in The Wall Street Journal ... and I can't help but write about it ... didn't realize that there's so much to know about this wonderful country ...
But what is else there to know about Brazil?! ... Recently, I read a very interesting article in The Wall Street Journal ... and I can't help but write about it ... didn't realize that there's so much to know about this wonderful country ...
- One of the top 10 largest oil reserves in the world (Tupi Field) and world leader in deep-water petroleum exploration
- World's leading exporter of iron, coffee, soy, soybeans, orange juice, beef, chicken, sugar and ethanol
- Global reference in the production of biofuels
- World's seventh-largest manufacturer of automobiles
- World's fourth largest manufacturer of airplanes and leading manufacturer of regional jets (up to 120 seats)
- World's largest river basin, with hydroelectric power supplying 73% of energy needs.
- International Environmental Agreements: antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change - Kyoto Protocol, among others
- Leader in renewable and clean energy : 44% of energy derived from renewable sources vs. the world average of 14%
- Brazil has 388 million hectares of highly productive arable land. 90 million of which have yet to be farmed
- In 2008, Brazil exported more than 1,500 different products to foreign markets
- With the largest commercial cattle herd in the world. Brazil is also the third-largest producer of both poultry and pork
- Brazil has the greatest biological diversity in the world with close to 20% of all species on the planet and 12% of all the planet's fresh water.
-----------------------------
Source : Federative Republic of Brazil, Office of Public Affairs
Bagaberde (Roxas) Gig Guide - April 2009
April 01 - Carlo Orosa
April 02 - Side A
April 03 - Freestyle & Flipside
April 04 - Nyoy Volante & Juan Pablo Dream
April 05 - Closed
April 06 - Closed
April 07 - Closed
April 08 - Closed
April 09 - Closed
April 10 - Closed
April 11 - Closed
April 12 - Closed
April 13 - Closed
April 14 - Closed
April 15 - Carlo Orosa
April 16 - Mymp
April 17 - Hansen, Liezel and Miguel (Pinoy Dream Academy)
April 18 - Freestyle & Drizzle
April 19 - Closed
April 20 - Closed
April 21 - Avon Cosmetics (Exclusive Party)
April 22 - Carlo Orosa
April 23 - Side A & Mymp
April 24 - Hansen, Liezel, and Miguel (Pinoy Dream Academy)
April 25 - Freestyle & Fat Session
April 26 - Closed
April 27 - Closed
April 28 - Closed
April 29 - Carlo Orosa
April 30 - 8 Rocks
--------------------------------
Bagaberde Grill and Bar
CCP Complex (Boom na Boom Grounds)
Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd.,
Pasay City
Phone: 831-2242, 833-9882
April 02 - Side A
April 03 - Freestyle & Flipside
April 04 - Nyoy Volante & Juan Pablo Dream
April 05 - Closed
April 06 - Closed
April 07 - Closed
April 08 - Closed
April 09 - Closed
April 10 - Closed
April 11 - Closed
April 12 - Closed
April 13 - Closed
April 14 - Closed
April 15 - Carlo Orosa
April 16 - Mymp
April 17 - Hansen, Liezel and Miguel (Pinoy Dream Academy)
April 18 - Freestyle & Drizzle
April 19 - Closed
April 20 - Closed
April 21 - Avon Cosmetics (Exclusive Party)
April 22 - Carlo Orosa
April 23 - Side A & Mymp
April 24 - Hansen, Liezel, and Miguel (Pinoy Dream Academy)
April 25 - Freestyle & Fat Session
April 26 - Closed
April 27 - Closed
April 28 - Closed
April 29 - Carlo Orosa
April 30 - 8 Rocks
--------------------------------
Bagaberde Grill and Bar
CCP Complex (Boom na Boom Grounds)
Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd.,
Pasay City
Phone: 831-2242, 833-9882
Side A Faves
This is an excerpt from a Ricky Lo article in PhilStar (3 Oct 08) ...
I found this very interesting ... Of all the songs of Side A, what's the favorite of the current band members? ... I wonder what was Kelly Badon's and Joey Benin's ?! :-)
---------------------------
... what Side A song means so much to each of them?
Naldy: “Time To Let Go. It has a basic lesson for everyone — you know, sometime somehow, you just have to let go no matter how painful it may be.”
Ernie: “Hold On. It’s the Side A’s first hit noong kasali na ako. There’s a beautiful story behind that song.”
Joey G.: “Forevermore, of course! It opened a lot of doors for Side A. That song was an answered prayer. Wyngard (Tracy, a veteran talent manager, retired), told us that after Tuloy Pa Rin and Hold On, we should come up with another hit kasi ang tagal na wala kaming hit. We never expected Forevermore to be such a big hit. Ang daming trabahong naibigay sa amin ng song na ‘yan, up to now.”
Leevon: “Only You. It’s all about God and Him being around.”
Ned: “Forevermore. I’ve always looked up to Joey G. as my idol and my inspiration. It has a nice melody and a nice message.”
I found this very interesting ... Of all the songs of Side A, what's the favorite of the current band members? ... I wonder what was Kelly Badon's and Joey Benin's ?! :-)
---------------------------
... what Side A song means so much to each of them?
Naldy: “Time To Let Go. It has a basic lesson for everyone — you know, sometime somehow, you just have to let go no matter how painful it may be.”
Ernie: “Hold On. It’s the Side A’s first hit noong kasali na ako. There’s a beautiful story behind that song.”
Joey G.: “Forevermore, of course! It opened a lot of doors for Side A. That song was an answered prayer. Wyngard (Tracy, a veteran talent manager, retired), told us that after Tuloy Pa Rin and Hold On, we should come up with another hit kasi ang tagal na wala kaming hit. We never expected Forevermore to be such a big hit. Ang daming trabahong naibigay sa amin ng song na ‘yan, up to now.”
Leevon: “Only You. It’s all about God and Him being around.”
Ned: “Forevermore. I’ve always looked up to Joey G. as my idol and my inspiration. It has a nice melody and a nice message.”
Die Just A Little - Side A
This is the latest single of Side A ... Entitled "Die Just a Little" ... Composed by their Bassist - Ned Esguerra ... It tells about a guy trying to cope with a broken heart ...
Can be downloaded online from Fliptunes (www.fliptunes.net/sidea) and www.mp3tone.ph via WAP on your mobile phones.
-------------------------
Die Just A Little
Side A
It doesn't matter what I do
It doesn't matter what they say
Cause everything I see around me
Reminds me of the day you went away
If I tell my friends that I'm alright
It doesn't mean that I don't cry late at night
I know that at the end of every tunnel
There's a ray of hope, a guiding light
But, baby, for tonight I think I'll
CHORUS:
Die just a little
Cry some more
Trying to remember how it was before
Let me die just a little
I'll be fine
Soon as I can get you off my mind
Soon as I can get you off my mind
It's been more than just a while
But I don't seem to feel the need to smile
What's the point when the only thing that matters to me just walks away?
How can you just walk away?
Give me one more day I need to
(CHORUS)
I'm not sure how this will go
But loving you is all I know
Maybe there's a chance to find a way to love again
Maybe until then (2x)
(CHORUS 2x)
(Soon as I can get you off my mind)
Soon as I can get you off my mind (2x)
Can be downloaded online from Fliptunes (www.fliptunes.net/sidea) and www.mp3tone.ph via WAP on your mobile phones.
-------------------------
Die Just A Little
Side A
It doesn't matter what I do
It doesn't matter what they say
Cause everything I see around me
Reminds me of the day you went away
If I tell my friends that I'm alright
It doesn't mean that I don't cry late at night
I know that at the end of every tunnel
There's a ray of hope, a guiding light
But, baby, for tonight I think I'll
CHORUS:
Die just a little
Cry some more
Trying to remember how it was before
Let me die just a little
I'll be fine
Soon as I can get you off my mind
Soon as I can get you off my mind
It's been more than just a while
But I don't seem to feel the need to smile
What's the point when the only thing that matters to me just walks away?
How can you just walk away?
Give me one more day I need to
(CHORUS)
I'm not sure how this will go
But loving you is all I know
Maybe there's a chance to find a way to love again
Maybe until then (2x)
(CHORUS 2x)
(Soon as I can get you off my mind)
Soon as I can get you off my mind (2x)
Sunday
Anima Christi
Had attended the 7:30pm mass in Greenbelt Chapel ... For the Communion Song, the Choir sang "Anima Christi" ... While singing, I felt my throat constricting and suddenly I had tears in my eyes ... I don't know why, but somehow the song had touched my heart ...
Upon reaching home, one of the first things I did was to look up the complete lyrics of the song ... and here it is ...
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, give me strength.
Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds,
That I may never leave Thy side.
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me.
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee,That I may praise Thee with Thy saints, forever
Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds,
That I may never leave Thy side.
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me.
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee,That I may praise Thee with Thy saints, forever, forever, forever.
Upon reaching home, one of the first things I did was to look up the complete lyrics of the song ... and here it is ...
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, give me strength.
Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds,
That I may never leave Thy side.
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me.
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee,That I may praise Thee with Thy saints, forever
Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds,
That I may never leave Thy side.
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me.
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee,That I may praise Thee with Thy saints, forever, forever, forever.
Saturday
Poem for FrancisM by JdL
... this is a very touching poem written by Joey de Leon for Francis Magalona ...
Mga kababayan ko,
Wala na ang kaibigan ko.
Wala na ang magulo
Isang ama sa walo
Magpahanggang sa dulo
Ay ayaw magpatalo.
At wala na ring pilyo
Kahit kwarenta'y kwatro
Mukha lang binatilyo.
Wala na ang isang henyo
Wala na rin si gwapo
Pwede mag-inglesero
Pwede ring dilang kanto.
Wala na si idolo
May buhok man o kalbo
Dito tiyak ang sagot mo
"Wala yan sa lolo ko".
Batanes hanggang Jolo
Maging sa buong mundo
'La na'ng nasyonalismo
Ng 'Tol at Dabarkads ko.
At nasubukan pagka-makabayan mo
Nang bigyang pag-alala isang Sabado
At sa paglipad ng mga puting lobo
Mapa ng Pilipinas binuo nito.
Mga kababayan ko
Nasa langit na ang kaibigan ko.
Mga kababayan ko,
Wala na ang kaibigan ko.
Wala na ang magulo
Isang ama sa walo
Magpahanggang sa dulo
Ay ayaw magpatalo.
At wala na ring pilyo
Kahit kwarenta'y kwatro
Mukha lang binatilyo.
Wala na ang isang henyo
Wala na rin si gwapo
Pwede mag-inglesero
Pwede ring dilang kanto.
Wala na si idolo
May buhok man o kalbo
Dito tiyak ang sagot mo
"Wala yan sa lolo ko".
Batanes hanggang Jolo
Maging sa buong mundo
'La na'ng nasyonalismo
Ng 'Tol at Dabarkads ko.
At nasubukan pagka-makabayan mo
Nang bigyang pag-alala isang Sabado
At sa paglipad ng mga puting lobo
Mapa ng Pilipinas binuo nito.
Mga kababayan ko
Nasa langit na ang kaibigan ko.
Francis M (1964 - 2009)
Francis Magalona - Known as "Francis M", "Kiko", "Master Rapper" - had passed away yesterday, 6 March 2009 at around 12 noon. He had succumbed to multiple organ failure - result of his months-long battle with cancer.
With his demise, he had left a huge vacuum in the music industry ... He left us with the well-loved songs like : Mga Kababayan Ko, Kaleidoscope World, Man from Manila, Cold Summer Nights ...
He not only inspired us with his music but he also sparked our nationalistic spirit ... He showed us that we can be proud of our Filipino Heritage ... that we shouldn't be ashamed to say that "We are Filipinos" ...
I don't know him personally ... but was really saddened by his death ... I got goosebumps yesterday when my sister-in-law texted me about his death after Vic Sotto announced it in Eat Bulaga ...
I had been watching the TV Programs since last night which are featuring tribute for him ... SNN had their whole show devoted for Francis M ... and today, while I'm writing this, am watching Eat Bulaga ... I've realized that there's more to this man ... I've also surfed his multiply site and seen how a family man he is ...
Francis M, you will surely be missed!!!
With his demise, he had left a huge vacuum in the music industry ... He left us with the well-loved songs like : Mga Kababayan Ko, Kaleidoscope World, Man from Manila, Cold Summer Nights ...
He not only inspired us with his music but he also sparked our nationalistic spirit ... He showed us that we can be proud of our Filipino Heritage ... that we shouldn't be ashamed to say that "We are Filipinos" ...
I don't know him personally ... but was really saddened by his death ... I got goosebumps yesterday when my sister-in-law texted me about his death after Vic Sotto announced it in Eat Bulaga ...
I had been watching the TV Programs since last night which are featuring tribute for him ... SNN had their whole show devoted for Francis M ... and today, while I'm writing this, am watching Eat Bulaga ... I've realized that there's more to this man ... I've also surfed his multiply site and seen how a family man he is ...
Francis M, you will surely be missed!!!
Picture from Francis M's fansite in Facebook, by Michael Madriaga
American Idol Season 8 - Lucky "13"
The AMERICAN IDOL Top 13 finalists are:
- Kris Allen
- Megan Joy Corkrey
- Anoop Desai
- Matt Giraud
- Danny Gokey
- Alexis Grace
- Allison Iraheta
- Adam Lambert
- Scott MacIntyre
- Jasmine Murray
- Jorge Nuñez
- Lil Rounds
- Michael Sarver
My Favorites (in no particular order! hehe) :
- Danny Gokey - the story about his wife left a lasting impression
- Scott MacIntyre - his courage amidst his blindness is amazing
- Michael Sarver - want this oil rig guy to be given a chance
... They might not have the best voices ... But what the heck! I like them :)
... None of the girls really caught my attention ... Guess Lil Rounds is the only girl I like so far ...
Friday
Side A Live - Singapore
Event:
Side A LIVE in Singapore
Date/Time:
12 April 2009
3.00pm
Concert Duration:
1hr & 30mins
Promoter:
Quebec Leisure International
Venue:
D'Marquee, DowntownEast
Ticket Price:
VIP (seated): $45.00
Early Bird (Limited to 1st 500 tickets - Free Standing): $23.00
Each ticket includes:
2 drinks for NTUC member,
or1 drink for Public
Redeemable @ DXO
[*Prices excludes $2 Booking Fees]
http://www.tdc.sg/events/details.aspx?eid=5459
Side A LIVE in Singapore
Date/Time:
12 April 2009
3.00pm
Concert Duration:
1hr & 30mins
Promoter:
Quebec Leisure International
Venue:
D'Marquee, DowntownEast
Ticket Price:
VIP (seated): $45.00
Early Bird (Limited to 1st 500 tickets - Free Standing): $23.00
Each ticket includes:
2 drinks for NTUC member,
or1 drink for Public
Redeemable @ DXO
[*Prices excludes $2 Booking Fees]
http://www.tdc.sg/events/details.aspx?eid=5459
--------------------------
*** Addendum ***
Perfect timing that I can be in Singapore to watch the Side A concert in D'Marquee last April 12, 2009. I was even able to attend the Pre-Concert Party in DXO the night before (which was also Leevon Cailao's birthday).
The concert was fun! ... My estimate is that there were around 2000 people in the audience. Side A was in their element. As usual, they performed superbly. I wasn't able to use my seat, was standing the whole time ... The crowd was also great ... They sang along with the Band - From the First Song "Foolish Heart" till the last song "Forevermore"...
With the great success of the Concert, I wouldn't be surprised if there will be a repeat within the year ;-)
Entrance to the Concert Hall
Side A - Live in Singapore
Perfect Shot of Ernie Severino 
JoeyG & Ned Jamming
The Birthday Boy - Leevon :-)*** Thanks to Jojo for the pictures! Glad that you were there. Was so enjoying myself that I wasn't able to take any pictures hehe
Monday
Cancel Friend Request in Facebook
Scenario :
You had added a "friend" in Facebook ... but somehow after the Friend Request was sent, you realized that you shouldn't have sent it ... for one reason or another, you want to take it back but you don't know how to
You searched in vain on how to cancel it ... but couldn't find how...
... It's because it cannot be done in one step! ... Yup, you read it right ... It can be done, but not in one step ...
Here's How :
1) Go to "Settings" -> "Privacy Settings"
2) Type the name of the person in the "Block" box, then click "Block"
3) This automatically cancels the "Friend Request"
4) After this, the person's name will appear with an option to "Unblock" it.
5) You have the option to "Unblock" it, just in case you want to add that person again in the Future.
Sunday
Side A with FreeStyle in Timog
Side A & FreeStyle
Back to Back Show
March 5, 2009
8:00pm
Off the Grill Bar & Restaurant
#69 Timog Ave, Quezon City
Ticket Price :
Php 350 (w/ one local beer or iced tea)
Back to Back Show
March 5, 2009
8:00pm
Off the Grill Bar & Restaurant
#69 Timog Ave, Quezon City
Ticket Price :
Php 350 (w/ one local beer or iced tea)
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