Pedro Flores: Yo-yo

I can still remember my first time to have a yo-yo. I was only 8 years old that time. (I once lived in a very rural town in Mindanao. So don't be surprised if I tell you I didn't know what yo-yo is that time.) My Grandfather brought me to a river we called Suba. It was his everyday routine to visit our small house (a hut) nearby the river and took his fish baits he put the other day to gather the fishes and crustaceans trapped inside. I was playing on a river shore when I notice a round-shaped colored-green thing floating. i didn't know what it was and it has no string connected on it. I took it by curiousity, and showed it to my Lolo. (Till now, I still have this kind of attitude of picking thrashes with interesting look.) Then, he told me what it was. The next day, he gave it to me with a white string attached to it. I was amazed when he demonstrated how to use it, and then he taught me how to do it.

There was this Japanese anime about a kid who is a prodigy in playing yo-yo. He had these tricks that really amazed many other yo-yo enthusiast. I forgot the title of the anime. And because of this, I really thought that Japanese started this kind of craze. Later on, I learned that it was actually a Filipino-made toy. Then eventually, many people claimed it was originated in the Philippines.

It was said, back in Pre-hispanic Philippines, our ancestors used yo-yo as a weapon. Well, I think, many of you were aware of this information. But is it really TRUE? If you will asked Pedro Flores of where did he found out this toy, he will answer you 'from the Philippines.'

Anyway, who is Pedro Flores? (Note: He's not connected with Agapito Flores. Okay?)

Pedro Flores

Pedro Flores was born in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, and came to United States in 1915 where he studied college.

He is considered the first yo-yo maker in the US, and often described as an inventor of the yo-yo but he never personally claimed to have invented it. Flores always mention about its history as a centuries old Philippine game. Unfortunately, we don't have a strong evidence to prove it.

Pedro Flores started and ran a Yo-yo Manufacturing Company in Santa Barbara, California between 1928 and 1932, but he never patented his works.

Between 1930 and 1932, he sold his interest in yo-yo manufacturing company for greater than $ 250,000.00 to Donald F. Duncan Sr. After that sale, he was still involved in selling yo-yo under Duncan and was instrumental in setting up large number of the promotions in the cities where the early Duncan contests were being held.

The Yo-yo

To those who don't know what yo-yo is, it is a toy with an axle connected to two disks and a length of string looped around the axle. If you wanted to know how to play it, go to youtube and watch a hundred of videos uploaded there.

Accordingly, it was first invented in ancient Greece in 500 BC. However, it was also believed that the yo-yo originated in China and was played there at a much earlier date.

Back in ancient Greece, there were records describing toys made out of wood, metal or painted terra cotta pointing out what we called now yo-yo.

Take note, the 'yo-yo' probably came from an Ilocano language or a cognate of Philippine languages. Well, it is obvious, the first make who created the toy is a native of Ilocos Norte.

Afterword

Whether the yo-yo really came from the Philippines or not, we are still part of its fame in the whole world. Tayo ang pasimuno niyan.

In my own opinion, it is really impossible that the toy actually originated in our country and was used as a weapon by our ancestors.

First of all, if the toy originated from China, the first trade between some barangays in the Philippines and the Sung Dynasty was probably in the year 982 AD. So if we assumed that the yo-yo was traded that same year, and was continuously used till then, therefore yo-yo is thought by some natives to be ours because of too old forgotten transaction back in 982 AD.

About using it as a weapon, well, I have no idea. But I think, it is possible that the toy can really be used as a weapon, the same way how the Australian aborigines used boomerang as weapon.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yo-yo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Flores_(inventor)

Image Source:
http://www.orso.biz/ProductsDetail.aspx?ID=413

The Mysterious Death of Julie Vega

After every celebrity death comes the rumors. The most peculiar and mystifying rumor becomes the most accepted of all stories. And finally, this rumor end up as an urban legend. From a factual information, this is added by opinions of other people, and the teller altered them so his/her hearers become interested. That's a simple formula of making a famous urban legend.

One of the most popular celebrity death with an urban legend is Julie Vega's. Her cause-of-death story morphed into a much more interesting gossip. Ever since I was a kid, I always hear those claims of how she really died, who took her life, and why did she die at a very young age.

Anyway, let's just try to discuss the mysterious death of Julie Vega from the utmost bottom of all reasons and/or answer.

Julie Vega

Julie Pearl Apostol Postigo (popularly known as Julie Vega) was born on May 21, 1968, and died at the age of 16 on May 6, 1985, 15 days before her birthday. She is a very good Filipino child actress, singer, and commercial model. She won Famas Best Child Actress by playing as Angelita in her 1979 movie entitled Mga Mata ni Angelita, and as Lucia in her 1980 movie Durugin si Totoy Bato.[1]

She is the only girl and the youngest in six children of Dr. Julio Postigo and Perla Postigo.

She studied at the Our Lady of Sacred Heart School from grade school till first year high school before transferring to St. Joseph's College where she finished her high school.

She was discovered by Film and stage Director Lamberto Avellana, and actress Miss Boots Anson-Roa in 1975. She was performing at a Christmas party.

She started to become famous from portraying as Angelita in the movie Mga Mata ni Angelita which made her won the award. Her other known role was her GMA Network's soap opera, Anna Liza. This soap opera caught the sympathy and affection of Filipinos which made her more popular. That time, Flor de Luna in ABS-CBN was her greatest rival, roled by Janice de Belen. That role should have been Julie's, but she declined because of her tight schedule.[1]

She is also known in her portrayals in Mga Basang Sisiw, Isang Bala Ka Lang, Durugin si Totoy Bato and Lovingly Yours, Helen: The Movie.

Lovingly Yours, Helen

Lovingly Yours, Helen is a Sunday afternoon program aired on GMA-7 from 1980 to 1996. This evolved into a television drama anthology from a daily counseling program on radio with the same title aired in DZBB.[2]

In 1984, because of its great popularity, they decided to turn it into an anthology movie.

The first episode of the movie was a horror-drama, which starred Julie Vega, Anita Linda and Coney Reyes. The second episode was drama, then the third one is a comedy-drama.[2]

Julie Vega roled as Ida in the first episode of the film. The shooting was done in an old house in Mt. Manalmon which is located in San Miguel, Bulacan.

This movie is actually the last film Julie Vega had before she died. The story is about this little girl who was a daughter of a mortal woman and a demon. This demon frequently possessed her.

The Rumor

I am not yet born at the time of her popularity and death. So I only knew her from the movies and rumors.

The first time I watch the movie Lovingly Yours, Helen, I was still a kid, and it really scared everything in me. The way she portrayed the possessed Ida made it much frightening. For me, she is the Emily Rose of the Philippines. Everytime I remember her face with bubbly mouth and her demonic voice, it really creates a nightmare.

She used to be an energetic and lively girl before they started filming the scary episode. Rumor has it, that after the shooting, few days later, she started to get sick and died eventually in a young age. Thus, people blamed the said movie. For what reason?

There are rumored reasons why she died. Some are connected to the movie, some are personal. Here's the alleged explanation of her death:

According to the rumor, she was cursed by a supernatural being called engkantada when they shoot this movie in San Miguel, Bulacan. This beings were disturb and disrespected by the movie staffs so they took her life as punishment. When she died, they said, her body is as if still alive - still soft, warm, and sweaty.

Other say, there are lamang-lupas (Land monsters) in the place of filming which fell in love to her. And still, people say that her soul was now living with them in the woods of Mt. Manalmon.
On one account, Julie saw a bearded child many times in the temporary comfort room they built. They even made a sacrifice to appease the said being, and as respect to the place.

Another rumor has it that a Spanish ghost was fond of her, that's why this ghost took her life. During the time when she was to be buried, a spirit-questor claimed he saw Julie Vega's ghost floating over her coffin. She might be still alive at that same time.

There's another much scientific rumor, that she took a secret diet which lead her to death.

Another rumor blames the house they bought in 1982 using Julie's earnings. They started to get unlucky after purchasing it. A hundred days after the acquisition, her brother Jeffrey was stabbed to death inside a car.

After Julie was buried, it was said, that her song Somewhere in My Past was playing in her room while her parents were in their room.

Conclusion

She started to get ill after her high school graduation in 1985. She was complaining of extreme weakness and lack of sensation in her lower body. Her parents brought her to a private hospital for diagnosis and treatment. After that, she was diagnosed with a demyelinating disease. It is a disease where their is a loss of fatty covering myelin of nerve fiber. As she was getting worse, her parents transferred to Quezon Institute.

As she was confined there, she also got bronchopneumonia which make her condition worse.

Then she was transferred again to the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City on May 6, 1985, and she died at around 90 minutes later after her arrival at the hospital's intensive care unit. Her death is caused by Cardiac arrest secondary to Bronchopneumonia. Her death left Anna Liza incomplete.

That's what really killed her. However, I cannot say that the rumors about the engkanto is not true, because almost all people who knew her claims she died of engkanto curse. These creatures are unexplicable beings, and no one knows when they attack people.

Before she actually died, her family consulted a clairvoyant to know who killed Jeffrey. The clairvoyant asked them if they have a daughter. After saying yes, she warned them to take care of the child because she's about to die. Thus, Julie Vega's family realized the omen was true.

Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Vega
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovingly_Yours,_Helen
http://philippinetales.weebly.com/5/post/2013/02/february-22nd-2013.html
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8509

The Legend of Nora Aunor

Walang himala! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao! Tayo lang ang gumagawa ng himala! Walang himala!
There's no miracle! Miracle is in the heart of a person! We're the one who makes miracle! There's no miracle!"

I don't know if the line I quoted is correct, but surely it's near to the right one.

That's my favorite line in a 1982 Filipino Film entitled Himala (Miracle) starred by Ms. Nora Aunor who played the role of Elsa. The first time I watched the movie, it fascinated me. The story definitely pictures the attitude of Filipinos when it comes to 'miracle'. It shows how Filipinos' faith is, and the way how they react with it.

This movie was the first and only Filipino film ever to qualify in the Competition Section of the Berlin International Film Festival (1983). For its international accolades, it bagged 1983's Bronze Hugo Prize at the Chicago International Film Festival.[1] In 2008, it was chosen by CNN as one of ten best Asian films of all times, and was awarded as the CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of all Time. Just this year (2013), the movie was restored and premiered in the 69th Venice International Film Festival under the Venizia Classici Section.

That's enough for praising the movie. I just can't help myself because it was my favorite classic Filipino film. We'll actually be discussing one of the urban legends where Ms. Nora Aunor was the main character. By the way, who is Ms. Nora Aunor? (For our international readers.)

Ms. Nora Aunor (real name Nora Cabaltera Villamayor) was born on May 21, 1953 in Baryo San Francisco, Iriga, Camarines Sur. Her parents are Eustacio Villamayor and Antonia Cabaltera. She is a critically acclaimed Filipino actress, recording artist, and film producer.[1] Filipinos call her The Superstar. No doubt that she is suited to her nickname.

In 1970, a film entitled Lollipops and Roses was starred by a Filipino actress and a Hollywood actor - Nora Aunor and Don Johnson, respectively. The movie was produced by Premiere Production and it was one of the most expensive movies shot in Hollywood.

Who is Don Johnson?

Don Johnson (or Donnie Wayne Johnson) is an American actor and recording artist, born on December 15, 1949. Best known for his lead role as James "Sonny" Crockett in the 1980s television series, Miami Vice.

Nora Aunor was only 17 years old when she made the movie with Don Johnson, who was at that time was already 21 years old. Aside of the two, Victor "Cocoy" Laurel, son of Senator Laurel, and Davy Jones, a recording rock 'n roll artist of the The Monkees, also starred in the movie.

Rumor

There is one question at that time: Did Don Johnson really fell in love with Nora Aunor?

According to Pep.com, some of the show business writers and the Filipino fans of Ms. Nora Aunor insisted that the Hollywood actor - Don Johnson fell in love with the brown doll. This rumor certainly symbolizes the popularity of the movie to Filipinos.[2]

Well, if you can watch the movie you might even think that the white guy is certainly in love with the cute Nora.

As the rumor goes, Nora, at that time, was nursing a broken heart after her breakup with Tirso Cruz III. Thus, Don was at the right place and at the right time. He courted Guy and they had a short fling. Then, it ended when Nora returned to the Philippines and they never saw each again.[2]

Now, the question is: Is it true?

Conclusion

According to an interview with Nestor de Guzman, the editor of the book Nora Aunor Sa Mga Noranian: Mga Paggunita at Pagtatapat, he revealed that the rumor is a mere fiction, just an urban legend. Don Johnson is just her co-star no more, no less. Actually, Nora find her famous co-star, Davy Jones more likable than Don.[3]

Aside of the movie Lollipops and Roses, Nora also starred in another movie - The Singing Filipina by Tower Productions. She co-starred with an Indian international actor named Sajid Khan. Nestor revealed that the two had 'something' at that time. What I mean of 'something' is that they developed a 'mutual understanding'. When Nora returned home, Sajid followed her but Nora have no time of seeing him for some important reason. Sajid returned without seeing her personally.[3]

Well, that 'important reason' is her secret meeting with Tirso Cruz III, which at that time should not be seen together by anybody else because of the problem between the Sampaguita Pictures and Tower Productions.

Afterword

There are other urban legends about Nora Aunor which are difficult for me to create another article, especially I wasn't born yet at the time of her stardom. All I know about this cute little lady came from reading books and internet articles and/or websites. The website PEP.com made two more urban legend stories - the Operation: Kumbento and the Lucky 12 and Superstar Phenomenon. Well, I think, I should not mimic those articles and put it here.

Anyway, I heard another (I don't know if it was scary or cute) rumor about the blonde-haired, child-sized doll given by Pip to Nora as symbol of their love.

Pip (real name Tirso Silvano Cruz III) was born on April 1, 1952. He is a Filipino actor and singer. He is one of the famous actors in Philippine show business. He is once famous for being Nora Aunor's real lover and stage lover. Pip came from a famous musical family from Tondo.

As said by the rumor, the doll frowns whenever the two breaks-up or have problem in their relationship. I don't know when this thing started. Obviously, it is just an urban legend. It is a creation of imagination, and if I estimate the time when this story spread, I guess, when Nora Aunor is having a problem with Sampaguita and Tower.

Nora originally was a Sampaguita talent in 1967. She did only supporting roles in Sampaguita movies. It was Tower Productions that launched Nora to full stardom in 1969 with D' Musical Teenage Idols. In Nora's next movies with Tower, she was paired with Tower's contract star Manny de Leon. [. . .]

[. . .] after Tower learned of the frequent secret rendezvous of Nora and Tirso, Tower put a tight security on Nora to prevent her from seeing Tirso and the fans of their love team.[4]

Tirso, that time, was in Sampaquita Pictures. Thus, seeing him together with Nora will destory Nora-Manny love team.

And the rest is history.

Sources:
[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nora_Aunor
[2]http://www.pep.ph/features/fact-or-fiction/16420/superstar-nora-aunors-urban-legends-part-1-noras-fling-with-hollywood-actor-don-johnson/1/1
[3]http://www.pep.ph/spotlight/fact-or-fiction/16420/superstar-nora-aunors-urban-legends-part-1-noras-fling-with-hollywood-actor-don-johnson/1/2
[4]http://www.pep.ph/spotlight/fact-or-fiction/16518/superstar-nora-aunors-urban-legends-part-2-the-legend-of-the-lucky-12-and-operation-kumbento
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Johnson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirso_Cruz_III

The 666 Rumor in Aquino Family

First of all, what's about this number 666?

666 ... The cursed number; the unlucky one; the number of the beast; and many more. All Christian know that, and it was written in the Holy Bible. It was according to Revelation 13:17-18:

. . . No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.[17]
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.[18]

This number is also the alleged mark of the Anti-Christ people, which may appear by means of a tattoo or some say, as a bar code of something that will be inscribe or be put in human body. Example are the Biochip, Microchip, or Nanochip. (I don't what's there difference.) Its appearance is the clue of the coming Judgment Day.


Then, what's about this biochip, microchip or nanochip?

The future is now. I remember this line in the movie Time Machine. Well, it is true! Finally, the future is the time where we are right now. We have computers, gadgets, even robots, and aircrafts that, at some time in the past, was once a part of a science fiction book. Jules Verne is one of my favorite sci-fi novelist, and one of his books that caught my attention was From Earth to the Moon. At his time, no one believed that it could be possible, but look at us right now, the mankind planned to inhabit the Mars. Therefore, The Future is now.

By the way, what is its connection to the biochip, microchip or nanochip? Simple. Because this technology is part of what we call a futuristic machine.

The biochips are essentially miniaturized laboratories that can perform hundreds or thousands of simultaneous biochemical reactions. These chips are used for biological purposes. These will enable scientists to gather more information about the organism where it was embedded.[1]

While the microchip, perhaps, it's similar to the biochip but with different purpose. Or just another name for it. The nanochip is just the smaller kind of microchip.

According to rumors, this kind of chips will be used to humans. They (whoever they are) will insert it inside the skin. With these, humans will no longer need to handle a tangible kind of money, just like putting your funds in an ATM card than putting it in your wallet. Then, it will be used for pecuniary transactions - buying and selling of goods and services.

Aside of it, these will also help doctors to be updated with everyone's medical history. Instead of keeping a file with papers which can be destroyed anytime, it will be saved in the chip like a flash drive. Not only medical files, but also personal files like birth certificates and many more.

Some rumor also include that these chips can be used as a tracker for humans. Kinda like that of a global positioning system tracker. Thus, some authorized individuals will keep track wherever you are. In short, it will make 'hiding' impossible.

In other words, these chips will give us access to cyberspace.


What is its relation with the 666?

This question is hard to answer for me. I heard someone say that those chips have bar codes with number 666 on it. Book of Revelations [13:17] revealed that, . . . no one may buy or sell (or get health care) except one who has the mark, or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name. Accordingly, soon, everyone is required to have these tattoo or microchip so you can buy and sell food.

It's easy to promise that you will never acquire one because you know you can patiently live without it. As a parent or a child or a brother/sister, can you afford to see your love ones dying and suffering of poverty and sickness? Well, some of you would say its better to die than have it, but some will sacrifice themselves for the sake of others. Some . . . They don't care about it. {: )


That's enough for an introduction. We'll actually be discussing the 666 rumor of the Aquino Family and the Aquino Administration.

Kris Aquino

Kris Aquino (whole name Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino) is a Filipino television and movie personality who gained prominence from her talk shows, game shows, and numerous endorsements.[2] That's why Filipinos call her the Queen of all Media, Queen of Philippine Talk, and Queen of Philippine Game Shows. Well, I also heard that someone addressed her as the Filipino Oprah Winfrey. She was also called as the Massacre Queen because she starred in a true-to-life story of Vizconde Murder.

She was the daughter of Pres. Corazon C. Aquino and Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr.. She was the youngest of the five children.

The first thing that comes in my mind whenever I hear her name is her horror movies - Feng Shui and Sukob. I love those movies because they scared me so much, and, somehow, gave me an idea about Filipino pamahiin (superstition).

There was this rumor pointing her that tells about a biochip inserted in her right hand (some said, it is embedded in her wrist). They said it was a 666 biochip. Many people believed on it. The rumor started sometime before the year 2000.

I have no idea if this rumor is true. One of my professor believed it was real. She's actually the one who gave me an idea about this. I still need to find for a strong proof.

Pres. Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino Sr.

Pres. Noy is Kris Aquino's only male sibiling.

ANNOUNCEMENT: President NoyNoy Aquino and President Obama of USA approved 150 million dollar budget for the UNIFIED MULTI SSS ID SYSTEM (666), Philippines radio program DZRH reported. Nag start na!! BIOCHIPS I INJECT SA RIGHT HAND OR FOREHEAD NG TAO!!! Which they call "LIFETIME SAVING IN US"!!! Next is the PHILIPPINES!!! Dami ng nagpatatak!!! According to the TIMES NEWS... PLS. PASS TO ALL CHRISTIAN!!! BE READY "JESUS IS COMING SOON" Morning or night or noon. PLS.READ, REVELATION 13:1-8[3] [ANNOUNCEMENT: President NoyNoy Aquino and President Obama of USA approved 150 million dollar budget for the UNIFIED MULTI SSS ID SYSTEM (666), Philippines radio program DZRH reported. It just started!! The Biochips will be injected in an individual's right hand or forehead!!! Which they call "LIFETIME SAVING IN US"!!! Next is the PHILIPPINES!!! Many people have volunteered to be sealed!!! According to the TIMES NEWS... PLS. PASS TO ALL CHRISTIAN!!! BE READY "JESUS IS COMING SOON" Morning or night or noon. PLS.READ, REVELATION 13:1-8]

It includes a Bible Verse:

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, [According to the Book of Daniel, these represents the 10 nations.] and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the names of blasphemy.[1]

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the mouth of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon[The dragon could be Satan.] gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.[2]

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.[3]

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshiped the beast saying, "who is able to make war with him?[4]

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.[5]

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.[6]

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.[7]

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.[8]

What do you think is its connection to the above announcement?

Anyway, I found this announcement from Facebook.com. It was posted April 21, 2012 at 9:53 pm. I found it September 6, 2013 which means its 1 year ago. I don't actually believe on it because the time itself can be an evidence against its genuineness. However, I am still curious. Why do people spread such an announcement? I still need to verify if the DZRH really announce it on radio.

In addition to, the original version of it was posted in the year 2009. According to it, it was Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who approved the budget. Take note, in that same version, it was not 150 Million dollars but only 15 Million dollars was approved.

By the way, what is Unified Multi SSS ID System?

The real name of it is Unified Multi-Purpose ID. It was a card developed as a single card for the relations between several government-related agencies. Those agencies are Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund (Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya, at Gobyerno or Home Development Mutual Fund). The card is also suggested to be used as voter's ID. This card was introduced in 2010. Therefore, it is not a Biochip but only a handy Identification Card.[4]

Findings

According to a Wordpress.com blog, the University of Illinois, which was Pres. Barrack Obama's alma mater, produced a microchip that can be inserted inside human skin just like a temporary tattoo which will link physical world with the cyberworld.

Pres. Obama included a provision in his Obamacare plan for this kind of technology which will begin by 2013.

Well, the chip is created for human advantage and for good reasons. This will be used to monitor medical status of humans and for treating disorders that require links to computers.[5]

Aquino Family

to all christian MAY BAD NEWS POH ...ANG FAMILYA NILA KRIS AQUINO AY MAG PA2TATAK NPOH NG BIO CHIP O (666) LIFE SAVING ... KNG C NINOY(Noynoy) ANG MANA2LO WLA N TLGANG PAG ASA ANG PILIPINS DHL MAMAMAYNI ANG ANTI CHRIST....KYA PKI (balita) SA IBA POH [S IBA] ANG BLITNG ITO...SPECIALY POH SA MGA BORN AGAIN*[6] [To all Christians, I have a bad news. Kris Aquino's family will be marking themselves with a biochip or (666) life saving. If Noynoy will win (the presidential election), Philippines will be hopeless because the Anti-Christs will overwhelm the country... So, will you please spread this news to others. Especially to Born Again.] *Born Again: Non-Catholic Christians.

I will not name who spread this news in Facebook.com. I don't know what made him/her do it. It was posted May 15, 2010 at 5:59 pm.


I created this article not to discriminate the Aquino Family. I made this just to collect rumors about them. But personally, I don't believe on those rumors.

About Kris Aquino, well, I know sometimes she's rough or kinda maarte, no one shall criticize her. Walang basagan ng trip. About PNoy, I know he will do anything for Philippines' sake (I wish). He knew what's right and wrong, and he knew what his parents did for their beloved country.

Remember: The first person who throws a rock is the one who is clean. You know what I mean.

Sources:
[1]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochip
[2]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kris_Aquino
[3]https://www.facebook.com/wegotfaces/posts/410836175602434
[4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Multi-Purpose_ID [5]http://gofishministries.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/transhuman-microchip-666-mark-of-the-beast/
[6]https://www.facebook.com/broeddiecvillanueva/posts/399120374544
http://www.theprophecies.com/antichrist.html

Image Source:
http://www.politis-news.com/politispics/aquino%20family-P_copy1.jpg

Spolarium

Songs are created by song writers to express their feelings, to tell their stories, and to say their disappointments for something. All of the songs are meaningful - they may expressly or impliedly say something from within.

One of our viewers suggested a topic to me through e-mail. She asked me to create an article of a song with a hidden meaning on it, or backmasking. I became interested, so I begun searching songs with hidden meanings. There were many, but only one caught my attention - the Spolarium of Eraserheads.

The Song

The song Spolarium was written and performed by the Eraserheads, and was included in their album - Sticker Happy. The song was allegedly hiding something puzzling behind the poetical lyrics. People who hear it might not understand instantly what was in there if they don't know the story. On the other hand, people may also misunderstood the song if not gently inspected and studied.

Now, let's have the lyrics of the said song.

[Taken from Internet:[1]]

Spolarium By: Eraserheads Dumilim ang paligid May tumawag sa pangalan ko Labing isang palapag Tinanong kung okay lang ako Sabay abot ng baso May naghihintay At bakit ba pag nagsawa na ako Biglang ayoko na At ngayon di pa rin alam Kung ba’t tayo nandito Pwede bang itigil muna ang pagikot ng mundo Lumiwanag ang buwan San Juan 'Di ko na masasakyan Ang lahat ng bagay ay gumuguhit na lang sa 'king lalamunan Ewan mo at ewan natin Sinong may pakana At bakit ba tumilapon ang gintong alak dyan sa paligid mo At ngayon 'di pa rin alam Kung ba’t tayo nandito Pwede bang itigil muna ang pagikot ng mundo Umiyak ang umaga Anong sinulat ni Enteng at Joey dyan Sa gintong salamin 'Di ko na mabasa Pagkat merong nagbura ahhh… Ewan mo at ewan natin Sinong may pakana At bakit ba tumilapon ang spolarium dyan sa paligid mo? At ngayon di pa rin alam Kung bakit tayo nandito Pwede bang itigil muna, ang pagikot ng mundo Pwede bang itigil muna, ang pagikot ng mundo Pwede bang itigil muna, ang pagikot nga mundo

Spolarium By: Eraserheads The surroundings dimmed Someone called my name Eleven(th) floor(s) And asked if I was okay While handing me a glass Someone was waiting And why is it when I’ve had enough Suddenly I don’t want it anymore And now, I still have no idea Why we're here Can we please just stop the earth from revolving The moon shone San Juan I may not be able to ride (on it) Everything is just drawing a line (trailing) across my throat You don’t know and we don’t know Who did it And why did the golden liquor spill all around you. And now I still have no idea Why we are here Can we please stop just for now, the world from revolving The morning cried What did Enteng and Joey write In the golden mirror I can’t read anymore Cause someone erased it ahh… You don’t know and we don’t know Who did it Why did the spolarium spill all around you? And now I still have no idea Why we are here Can we stop it for now, the world from revolving Can we stop it for now, the world from revolving Can we stop it for now, the world from revolving

Meaning of Terms

The title Spolarium (misspelled from the real term Spoliarium) was actually a 19th century painting of our hero - Juan Luna. The painting is now displayed in the Malacanang Palace. It depicts a picture of a scene in a Roman Coliseum with soldiers dragging cadavers of gladiator out of it. The painting signifies the death or absence of freedom or the lost of hope of a country.

The Spoliarium, in Latin, is a word referring to the basement of the Roman Colosseum where the fallen and dying gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly possessions.[3]

Other than that, there were also other obvious words in the song that might imply something important.

According to a website[1], these are the words he considered are important facts of the song.

San Juan
This might refer to a place. The verse 'Di ko na masasakyan (I may not be able to ride on it.) might tell you a clue of a jeepney routing to the place named San Juan.

The word gumuguhit
Gumuguhit came from the simple verb guhit which means to draw. However, the song didn't really mean to draw. Gumuguhit is actually a kind of feeling - sensing something sharp that trails accross your throat, especially if you're drinking a liquor.

Enteng and Joey
Enteng is a name presumed to be Vic Sotto, as it was his name in his popular fantasy movie, Enteng Kabisote. And Joey is Joey De Leon. They are two famous comedic icons in Philippine entertainment scene, or more appropriate mass culture. (You can still watch them every noon of Monday to Saturday on Eat Bulaga in GMA Channel 7.)

The Alleged Story

Some people said that the song was actually telling us the story of Pepsi Paloma who was said to be a rape victim. They said, the rapist was Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Richie D'Horsie.

She was given a liquor till drunk. When her consciousness was lost, she was raped.

The case happened in 1982. Joey de Leon along with Vic Sotto and Richie D'Horsie made headlines when underaged actress Pepsi Paloma accused the trio of gang raping her. The case was settled out of court and the trio made a public apology to Paloma. According to Pepsi Paloma, it was mainly Tito Sotto who coerced her to sign the affidavit of desistance to throw out the filing of the rape case, which is punishable by death penalty at that time. Justice was stopped from moving when the comedians humbly made a public apology to the judge to where they admitted to the crime committed to the starlet. Paloma committed suicide by hanging herself afterwards in 1985, due to the trauma she experienced from the hands of the comedians.[2]

There were rumors that Pepsi didn't actually committed suicide, instead she was killed to stop her from testifying in court.

As the Spolarium resembles an absence of freedom, Pepsi's death indicates the absence of justice.

The True Story

It wasn't actually about the case of Pepsi Paloma. Yes, the story of the song did happen, but wasn't connected to the prior sad story.

In fact, it was telling us about how a drinking spree started.

It was evening, Ely Buendia was about to go home. Then he was called out by somebody in the eleventh floor of a condo in San Juan (particulary in Unit 1108 of that condominium). He was asked if he's alright (as it was our habit, saying Kamusta? or How are you?). Somebody hand him a glass of liquor. He stayed there till morning.

The gintong alak (golden liquor) is a Goldshlagger. Enteng was one of the Eraserheads' roadies that time; Joey a.k.a. Cowpunk, a classmate of Raims, was a member of the Eraserheads' posse. Thus, the song didn't have any connection with Vic Sotto as Enteng and Joey as Joey de Leon. What the two wrote using their hands in the mirror was Ely's true name but slightly erased. So he can't read it properly.

Last Updated: April 08, 2014

Source:
[1] http://aragonasten.wordpress.com/2008/06/29/spolarium-by-eraserheads/
[2] http://www.istorya.net/forums/general-discussions/550586-pepsi-paloma-and-meaning-behind-song-spolarium-eraserheads.html
[3] http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/Collections/Spoliarium.html

The Vagina Lock

In the midyear of 2010, there was this rumor that just suddenly emerge from nothingness. Well, for me it was a nasty thing to talk to. It was very personal that should be kept by only two individual who are involve in such incident. For a playful tongue, it was a very interesting topic to be discussed - not thinking of the reputation of two celebrities.

Let's have a quick talk about the strange incident that put this two person in an scandalous situation.

Actually, I don't know how to start this in a not-so-disgusting way. Well, we all know that dogs, when copulating, suddenly connects with each other, as if their genitals are tied up. It was natural for them. The female dog locks the genital of her partner, and I don't know the reason why. It was called penis captivus or vaginismus or commonly known as vaginal lock. It is possible that women may lock the same way the latter do. However, this isn't natural for humans though there are incidents of this.

The celebrities I am talking about is Shaina Magdayao and John Lloyd Cruz.

The Story

[Taken from Internet:]

... Shaina Magdayao suffered from vaginal captivus, an occurrence wherein the vaginal opening of a woman closes. Anonymous people claim that John Lloyd and Shaina were having sex in the latter’s house. At the climax of their tryst, Shaina’s vaginal opening apparently locked while John Lloyd’s genital was inside it. The two allegedly tried to remedy the situation but to no avail. What they did was to cover themselves with a blanket and rush to the St. Luke’s Medical Center. Just now, TV host Boy Abunda claims that there is no truth to the ongoing rumors about John Lloyd and Shaina.[a]

That's a little part of the broad urban legend.

Some claimed that the hospital is not St. Luke’s Medical Center, that it was Makati Medical Center instead.

Other people added information that the two celebrity called their managers for help. Then they sent ambulance to fetch them covered in blanket.

The rumor spread in public because the doctor who cured them told the story to other people.

The setting of the story is not in John Lloyd Cruz's house but in Shaina Magdayao's residence.

Breaking the Silence

In a press conference held to introduce Shaina Magdayao's new teleserye, reporters asked her about the said issue. She answered,

. . I would like to take this opportunity. . Hindi po totoo yun. Nakakalungkot na mayroong mga tao na, Diyos ko hindi ko alam kung saang parte ng isip nila nakuha yun. I think it's the most outrageous chismis sa industriya natin.[a]

[. . I would like to take this opportunity. . It is not true. It's sad to think that there are people who, my God, I don't know where they got this. I think it's the most outrageous gossip in our industry.]

About the witness and claims that other people mentioned, this is what she said,

. . May mga nagsasabi na confirmed daw, may proof pa. Asan yung proof niyo?! Sa hi-tech na panahon natin, kung may picture dapat kumalat na. Kung na rush ka sa E.R., 'di ba dapat mayroong mga forms na dapat i-fill up, bayaran. E wala naman maipakita na nandun yung pangalan namin. Hindi rin nagpapunta ng doktor sa bahay. Nakakalungkot na naisipan pa kami ng mga ganung bagay. Kung iisipin natin, kahit naman sa normal na tao, kung totoo nga namang nangyayari yung ganung bagay, pupunta ka ba sa ospital? Ano pa kaya kami na public figures na kahit anong gawin namin nababalitaan ng mga tao? I think walang ka sense-sense yun. Hindi nga natin alam kung nangyayari siya sa totoong buhay. . .[a]

[. . Some are saying that this was confirmed, and they have proof with them as well. Where is this proof?! In this advance age, if there's a picture, it should've spread. If you are rushed to E.R., you should have filled up some forms, payments. But they have nothing to show to prove our names were on it. There's no doctor sent in my house. It feels sad that we were created with such thing. If this is actually happening, even for normal people, would you like to go to hospital [in such state]? How about us public figures in which everything we do is being broadcast? I think it was non-sense. We even don't know if this actually happens in real life. . .]

Other people suspected that the said story was made up to hype their new teleseryes, she defended,

Kung gimik siya, definitely it didn't come from our end. Hindi ganyan mag-market ng artista ang Star Magic. Ako gusto kong makilala, mapansin yung talento ko. Not in this negative way. Gusto ko yung dapat napapanood nila, hindi puro chismis lang.[a]

[If this is a gimmick, definitely it didn't come from our end. It's not the way how Star Magic market their artists. Me, I wanted to be recognized, noticed by means of my talent. Not in this negative way. I would prefer something people can watch, not just gossips.]



Source:
a. http://pinoyshowbiss.blogspot.com/2010/09/john-lloyd-cruz-and-shaina-magdayao.html
b. http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/8659/Shaina-Magdayao-breaks-her-silence-on-the-nasty-vaginal-lock-rumor.aspx

The Kleptomaniac

Actually, I don't know if I should include this in my blog, because this can be just a gossip or some what a joke. Well urban legends came also from these sources and the public just took it very serious.

There's this intriguing blind item in showbiz (show business) in the Philippines by a tabloid news paper. The said news paper didn't mention the name of the celebrity suspected of being a kleptomaniac.

The Blind Item

[Taken from a Showbiz News Website:]

"There is a fly in the ointment in what is generally perceived to be wedded bliss of a very popular showbiz couple. The husband found out that her [sic] angelic wife, a scion of an old haciendero family, suffers from kleptomania. It was only recently that he was shocked to learn, after being told by an executive of a ritzy Makati department store, that his wife was caught shoplifting. "The guy immediately proceeded to the store, paid double the amount involved (which were for small items really) and asked the management to clamp down on the incident. But the incident was repeated several times. The embarrassed husband hired a security guard to look after the wife. The guard was instructed to watch discreetly but closely if the wife shoplifts and pay for the item without creating a fuss. "The husband has confronted the wife about this malady and the wife had agreed to undergo psychotherapy in St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City. The latest word is the wife is now seeing a shrink regularly.”

It turned out that the alarming blind item is talking about the angelic lady Ms. Lucy Torres-Gomez, and his husband Mr. Richard Gomez.

What is a Kleptomaniac?

Before we go on to our story, let's start by explaining what kleptomaniac actually is.

Kleptomania is the inability to refrain from the urge to steal items for reasons other than personal use or financial gain. First described in 1816, kleptomania is presently classified in psychiatry as an impulse control disorder. Alternatively, some of the main characteristics of the disorder, which consist of recurring intrusion feelings, an inability to resist the urge to steal, and a release of pressure following the theft, suggest that kleptomania could be an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder, although this is disputed.

Actually, kleptomaniac person doesn't steal large items just like those of real thieves. Instead, they only steal fancy thing, or should I say cute things. The adventurous feeling of getting something from others is the satisfying thing they often wanted to feel.

Investigations and Conclusions

The media and other simple individual person took the conclusions about the names of the celebrities in the blind item. They took it seriously.

Showbiz TV Shows in every network made investigations and conclusions to defunct the rumor. Some of them claimed that the blind item is true, but some told it isn't.

[Taken from a Showbiz News Website:]

ABS-CBN PICKS UP. The “Lucy Torres-Gomez shoplifting incident” grew even louder when shows and people from the TV network ABS-CBN picked up the rumor. The now-defunct showbiz-oriented ABS-CBN show Ek! Channel began running a story about the rumor in January 2005, complete with reenactment. ABS-CBN newscasters Ces Drillon and Karen Davila also touched on the rumor. Ces did her own investigating and began asking around, while Karen was supposed to be keeping the “surveillance tape” of the whole “shoplifting and arresting” scene that happened in the “ritzy Makati department store” mentioned in the blind item. This establishment was also identified as Rustan’s Department Store. The Buzz was also getting ready to launch its own take on the rumor, as it grew even louder in cyberspace through web forum discussions and emails, complete with the “conversation” between Lucy and the guards who “caught” her “shoplifting.” And in the emails and forums, the rumor began to sound believable since the pinpointed sources of the story were “people from ABS-CBN.” For almost a year, nothing was heard from the subject of the shoplifting rumor. Lucy kept quiet in the hope that the rumor would die a natural death. But it did not. So, Lucy finally spoke up.

The GMA Network S-Files claimed that it was not true.

[Taken from a Showbiz News Website:]

AFFIRMING LUCY’S GOOD NAME. Rustan’s Department Store, responding to a query made by the GMA-7’s S-Files, issued this official statement made by its own president Bienvenido Tantoco Jr. “It has come to our attention that there are rumors circulating that Mrs. Lucy Torres-Gomez was caught shoplifting in Rustan’s. We would like the public to know that there is no truth to this and that Mrs. Lucy Torres-Gomez is a customer of good standing and is welcome in any of our establishments at anytime.” Saddened by how it easy it is for anyone to make up a story and mask it as truth, Lucy accepted the fact that, being married to Richard Gomez, something like this was bound to happen. She said, “I guess nothing just really prepares you for it when it really happens already. At the back of my mind it has always been there.” She just has to prepare herself for more of something like this in the future, Lucy said. But she resolved that next time she will not be passive anymore. She will meet the insults squarely. SOURCE: February 2005 issue, YES! magazine

Sources:
http://www.pep.ph/spotlight/fact-or-fiction/16140/lucy-torres-gomez-shoplifting-incident (Karen Pagsolingan - Wednesday, June 04, 2008 @ 04:44PM)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania

Hate Letter to Filipinos

As I read the Hate Letter, which they said, written by Mr. Art Bell, I was disturbed! I felt angry on how he look at Filipinos, and I was very offended to how he described my country - Third World (which he meant many things, such as uneducated, pervert, and trashy.)

I can't imagine that there's an individual person existing in this world as racist as he is. Whoever created this e-mail, he is much more disgusting than the Filipino he is pointing out. He speaks for the whole not for few, but even he did, still he is much puking. Whatever nation and race he came from, perhaps, it's the most flawless and perfect country of all. I don't want to speak wicked things on his country, but to him, I will.

Story

According to the E-mail, it was created by Art Bell.

Arthur William "Art" Bell, III (commonly known as Art Bell) is an American broadcaster, an author, and founder of the Pahrump, Nevada-based radio station, KNYE 95.1 FM. He also created and formerly hosted its companion show, Dreamland. Semi-retired from Coast to Coast AM since 2003, he hosted the show many weekends for the following four years. He announced his retirement from weekend hosting on July 1, 2007 but occasionally serves as a guest host.

It was stated in e-mail that Art Bell once lived in the Philippines, and it is true. Moreover, his wife is a Filipino. Nowadays, he is still living in the said country with his family. That made me doubt of his authorship of Hate Letter. How can he say those words if his wife is a citizen of the country he is insulting? Make sense...

Well, here's the letter in e-mail:

[Taken from Internet: (Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:16:26)]

Filipinos... ..*make me puke* (Art Bell) As we've all come to notice, in the past few decades, Filipinos have begun to infest the United States like some sort of disease. Their extensive involvement in the U.S. Armed Forces is proof of the trashy kind of qualities all Filipinos tend to exhibit on a regular basis. You can see this clearly by studying the attitudes and cultural Icons of most Filipino Americans. Origins of Pinoys/Pinays: Are they really Asian? Well we've come to accept the fact the Filipinos come from a part of the world known as South East Asia . But the term ' Asia ' is used in the wrong way. You may notice that contemporary Filipino Americans try very hard to associate ate themselves with groups that we know as Asian. I cannot count the number of times I have seen a ' Third World ' Filipino try to connect themselves to the Chinese or Japanese people. There is no connection and here's why. The Philippines is a Third World country. Nothing respectable has EVER been created by Filipino people during our entire human history. Young Filipino men in America have become obsessed with 'import racing'. They have an enormously perverted affection for Japanese cars. It's a common phenomenon. In their minds, these Filipinos somehow believe that they are Asian and that it somehow connects them to Japanese people and Japanese cars. They often take credit for the ingenuity of Japanese people and say how it's an 'Asian thing'. This term...'Asian thing' derived directly from African American slang 'blackthang' . 'It's a black thang.' 'It's an Asian thang.' You can see the connection. It's even funnier that, in Japan , Filipinos are heavily discriminated against. The only Filipinos that can live successfully in Japan are the Filipino prostitutes. But that's the case for most Filipino people no matter where they live in the world . Now we've come down to this fact...and it is a fact. Nothing in Filipino Culture can be seen as Asian. They have no architectural, artistic, or cultural influence which is in ANY way, Asian. Thinking of the great countries in Asia such as Japan , Korea , and China there is no way you can possibly connect the Philippine Islands. This assault by Filipino Americans to connect themselves with the great peoples of North East Asia is foul and disgusting. Try visiting a young Filipino's web site too. You'll see something called the 'Asian IRC Ring'. It has to do with the chatrooms. The most horrible thing about this is that these TRASHY people are trying to associate themselves with Asia again!! People in Asia don't act like, this at all. What we are seeing here is the natural Filipino in it's element with full access to technology and this is how they act! You will consistently see this behavior over and over again. Another interesting thing is that these 'third world' people also frequent RC chatrooms such as #Chinese # Japan and #Asian. They must believe that they are some how related racially or culturally to North Asians. But it's completely WRONG! There might have been some distant contact With China and even less with Japan during World War II, but these people are actually more closely related to African Americans and Mexican Americans. Do the parents of these young Filipinos know what's going on? Would they accept this? I believe that they would and do. This is the natural 'Trash' element in Filipinos manifesting itself. Nothing good has ever come from Philippines and I don't believe anything good ever will. Recognizing your Roots (A Message to Filipinos) To all filipino people: Please recognize your ROOTS! You come from the Third World ! You country is a disgusting and filthy place. Most people there live in poverty! Your culture has MUCH MORE SPANISH influen ce than chinese, and absolutely no JAPANESE influence whatsoever. People in Japan and China , do not act like you. They do not constantly talk about sex and they have a MUCH HIGHER level of RESPECT for each other. There is NO WAY that you can connect yourself to Asia other than location. Your culture and technological advancement does not even come CLOSE to What Chinese, people have done in the past and what Japanese and Korean people are doing now! Everything you do is distinctly filipino. You cannot take credit for Japanese cars, video games, or Hentai! It's not an 'asian thing' it's, an 'American thing'. You have no concept of culture...no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy! Can you demonstrate how you use Confucianism or Taoism in you everyday life?? You can't. And you will NEVER be able to. I understand t hat you are trying to create an identity for yourselves as young people... but it is NOT related to Asia . Your Identity is Filipino. That's all you are. Just Filipino. Think about what that means.... Sincerely, Art

As I read the main letter, I was almost convinced that it was true, that Art Bell made it. Well, some of the qualities of Filipinos told above is quite real. Even I would admit it.

Filipinos are trying to connect themselves to other races.

Well, it is somewhat true. Filipinos have this attitude: Colonial Mentality. Colonial mentality refers to institutionalized or systemic feelings of inferiority within some societies or people who have been subjected to colonialism, relative to the values of the foreign powers which had previously subjugated them through colonization. Philippines was once colonized by Spaniards (Spanish) which brought this kind of mentality among Filipinos, until now. It is said that when a foreign colonial or imperial power is too strong to be effectively resisted, the colonised population often has no other immediate option than to accept the rule of the foreigners as an inescapable reality of life. Filipinos was oppressed and forced to do work (Polo y Servicio) by Spanish invaders, but those Filipinos with foreign ancestry (Filipino Mestizo) are exempted. They were even free to have education while natives were not. Thus, in order for Filipinos to achieve freedom, they need to marry foreigners.

Filipinos affection for foreign products.

Yes, it is quite true. It is because, some Filipinos treat local products as low class. So they prefer to buy foreign goods.
Young Filipino men in America Have become obsessed of 'import racing'. The Import Scene or Import Racing Scene or Tuner Scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars (commonly referred to as imports), especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing.

Nothing respectable has ever been created by Filipino people during our entire human history.

Definitely it is not true! We Filipinos had created many respectable things in the world. Even the simplest thing, you can count on it. I just can't tell them all, one-by-one. Examples are, Jose Rizal, many people (local or foreign) were inspired to what this Filipino guy did for his nation; Previous Pres. Corazon Aquino, fighting for democracy, who also inspired other countries to fight for their freedom; Manny Pacquiao, for giving honor to Filipinos in boxing; OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), who sacrificed themselves for the sake of their family; and many more. If he only know.

The only Filipinos that can live successfully in Japan are the Filipino prostitutes.

I don't want to comment on this one. But I definitely disagree with it. There's still Filipinos who became successful for being a good worker, not from being a good prostitute.

Nothing in Filipino Culture can be seen as Asian. They have no architectural, artistic, or cultural influence which is in ANY way, Asian.

I can't think of one, but the reason behind that is, Filipinos came from different kinds of Asian people, and these people originated in countries where civilization concentrated. If you notice, whatever island you visit in this country, there is another culture and language different from where you are. That is an evidence that Filipinos came not from only one kind of Asian, and was not united before the Hispanic Era occur. Other than that, we are not alone from being like it, if we actually are.

Here's the continuation of the e-mail:

... and here's a response to this idiotic mail: ------------ --------- --------- --------- --- I find this funny, he is right in some ways where we, as Filipinos dont actually have an 'Identity'. I think this is due to the confusion of our mixed races from Hispanic, Chinese, American and Malay origins. I see it in malls, imagine young generations wearing ski caps and ski goggles in a tropical country, baggy low rise pants like that of African Americans living in th e Bronx of New York, not to mention endless whitening products being sold at department stores and drug stores. But his ignorance also blinds him from the other truth. That while we may glorify Anime shows and Japanese Internet gaming, he is not aware that a nameless Filipino may be responsible for some technical aspects of some Japanese software. He is not aware of our contribution to the the society in general .Technological advancements that may have aided post war navigations and landing on the moon. That the antibiotic Erythromycin was discovered by Dr. Abelardo Aguilar from Iloilo creating the brand 'Ilosone'. Thomas Edison may have discovered the electric light bulb and the fluorescent lighting was thought up by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores (a Cebuano named Benigno Flores of Bantayan Island , according to the Philippine Daily inquirer), a Filipino scientist. Americans helped then-Philippine leader Ramon Magsaysay to develo p it for worldwide commerce. That the personal physician of former U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton is Eleanor 'Connie' Concepcion Mariano, a Filipina doctor who was the youngest captain in the US Navy. A Filipino writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2, and grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French and Chinese. Or that a Filipino genius was responsible for the near hiatus in the PENTAGON and White HOuse nearly infiltrating their closely guarded secrets with the 'ILOVEYOU' bug. Nuisance maybe, but still one heck of a 'beautiful mind'...not to be underestimated. The list goes on and on, but who cares right? Certainly not Mr. Art Bell...Boy, I'm not surprised. Perhaps Art Bell does not know that although we consider ourselves ASIAN because we are strategically located in the Southeast asian region of which our nearest neighbors are Malays, ASIA does not mean only Chinese and Japanese race of people. Then maybe it is his connotation that 'Asia' meant only our economically successful, paler brothers and he considers Malays such as Thais, Malaysians, Indonesians, and ourselves as a ' Third World ' race. Then it is 'his' ignonimity that would make a civilized person of whatever race puke. Imagine literally connecting Chinese, Koreans and Japanese to the Philippine Islands which is archipelagos away from the countries he has mentioned. I also wonder where he got the impression that we aspire to be Japanese(??? ) Hispanics maybe but not the Japanese. But even Hispanics today do not mind sharing their 'surnames' to their Asian brothers who they have colonized for 3 centuries. Another sad reality that although most Filipinos working overseas are domestic helpers and prostitutes, who does he think educates the toddlers of Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Tokyo? Parents of these countries rarely have time spent with their children, leaving them to their Filipino nannies. And with regards to prostitution. Filipinos are not the only ones working as one. I HARDLY SEE FILIPINOS STARRING IN PORN MOVIES. THERE MIGHT BE A FEW FILIPINOS WE HAVEN'T SEEN , BUT MOST ARE FROM MR. ART BELL'S RACE. He also mentioned that we have no concept of culture..no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy. How can we demonstrate Confucianism or Taoism in a Christian nation? IS HE INFORMED THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS THE ONLY PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN/CATHOLIC NATION IN ASIA ?! YOU HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE IN A LOT OF THINGS SOMETIMES... We do not need to create an identity for ourselves. We are who we are. Our identity stems from the anonymity we live in this world. How we contribute silent ly towards the progress of the world and not just one country. Although the Filipino blood may be tainted with malice, corruption, poverty and prostitution, it is not a perfect race... But so are the others. Maybe Mr. Art Bell needs to think about this. WE MAY NOT BE PERFECT MR. BELL BUT AT LEAST WE STILL H AVE VALUES. FOR ONE THING WE DONT PUT OUR AGING PARENTS IN NURSING HOMES BECAUSE 'THEY'RE SIMPLY OLD AND WORTHLESS'. WE DONT HAVE AS MUCH NUMBERS OF SINGLE MOTHERS WHO GET PREGNANT IN THEIR VERY EARLY TEENS AND EVENTUALLY BECOME PARASITES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR YEARS AND YEARS. YES...WE CAME TO YOUR COUNTRY TO WORK, TO EARN DECENT MONEY (HALF OF WHICH BY THE WAY GOES TO TAXES BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY SOCIAL PARASITES FROM YOUR RACE).AND BY THE WAY, MOST EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH DONT COME FROM YOUR RACE... THEY'RE ACTUALLY IMMIGRANTS TOO. AND THOSE EDUCATED ONES DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU DO, PERHAPS BECAUSE THEY'VE REALLY BEEN WELL EDUCATED..AFTER ALL THAT'S SAID... WHO IS THE IGNORANT ONCE AGAIN?! - ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ So, be proud, you are a Filipino,... and not like Mr. Art Be ll. Please do send this to as many person as you can until it reaches him.

About

This E-mail hoax spread specifically in America, but it went out to other countries, and even got in the Philippines.

Hans Eisenman enumerated four things to look for when reading E-mails similar above:

Does the email recommending sending it to everyone you know?

Yes, as written above:

... send this to as many person as you can until it
reaches him.

Does reading it make you feel outraged, angry or like you have to "do something"?

Yes

Do you find yourself saying "incredible!", but yet somehow believing it could happen?

Yes

Does the subject matter scare you? Does it make you think "what a scary world we live in today!" or something similar? In other words, is it preying on your fears?

Yes

Definitely the E-mail complies on the said requirements above to be a hoax. But actually, in this case, the message speaks to all the Filipinos, not for a specific one. Whether this is not written by Art Bell, yet it prejudices the personality and character of every Filipino in the world. It still affect the treatment of foreign nation and people to Filipinos.

Well, I need to accept the opinion of other people. Truth can set everybody free, and DOGS BARK WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW THE PERSON.

Here's the whole e-mail: (Note: I didn't edit it. I retained the original form.)

Subject: "Hate Letter" Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:16:26 -0400 This is a very disturbing open E-mail letter to all Filipinos around The world; specially here in North America !, from a man who has the power To reach million of people. (he's a radio talk host) Please read on.......... .... This is an open letter email by Art Bell, a radio talk show host in Nevada (more info in the email itself). Here is yet another person who has taken advantage of his power and privilege to use hateful words and racial stereotypes that breed further ignorance and intolerance in our society. Art Bell is a talk radio host who has two shows that he broadcasts from his home in Nevada , that is rebroadcast by 400 stations across the country. He's written 2 books. He lived in Okinawa , Japan for some years and had a radio program on the English station here. And, though it's hard to believe after reading the following letter from him, he actually has been to the Philippines (he's traveled fairly extensively around the world). This letter is so degrading, I think it's really important that everybody read this and not attack him, but respond to him in a civilized manner because otherwise his th oughts will be reaffirmed. Understand that not everyone has a viewpoint like we do, and that this is an opinion of someone who hopefully can be changed only by civil actions. ............. ......... ......... ......... ....... Filipinos... ..*make me puke* (Art Bell) As we've all come to notice, in the past few decades, Filipinos have begun to infest the United States like some sort of disease. Their extensive involvement in the U.S. Armed Forces is proof of the trashy kind of qualities all Filipinos tend to exhibit on a regular basis. You can see this clearly by studying the attitudes and cultural Icons of most Filipino Americans. Origins of Pinoys/Pinays: Are they really Asian? Well we've come to accept the fact the Filipinos come from a part of the world known as South East Asia . But the term ' Asia ' is used in the wrong way. You may notice that contemporary Filipino Americans try very hard to associate ate themselves with groups that we know as Asian. I cannot count the number of times I have seen a ' Third World ' Filipino try to connect themselves to the Chinese or Japanese people. There is no connection and here's why. The Philippines is a Third World country. Nothing respectable has EVER been created by Filipino people during our entire human history. Young Filipino men in America have become obsessed with 'import racing'. They have an enormously perverted affection for Japanese cars. It's a common phenomenon. In their minds, these Filipinos somehow believe that they are Asian and that it somehow connects them to Japanese people and Japanese cars. They often take credit for the ingenuity of Japanese people and say how it's an 'Asian thing'. This term...'Asian thing' derived directly from African American slang 'blackthang' . 'It's a black thang.' 'It's an Asian thang.' You can see the connection. It's even funnier that, in Japan , Filipinos are heavily discriminated against. The only Filipinos that can live successfully in Japan are the Filipino prostitutes. But that's the case for most Filipino people no matter where they live in the world . Now we've come down to this fact...and it is a fact. Nothing in Filipino Culture can be seen as Asian. They have no architectural, artistic, or cultural influence which is in ANY way, Asian. Thinking of the great countries in Asia such as Japan , Korea , and China there is no way you can possibly connect the Philippine Islands. This assault by Filipino Americans to connect themselves with the great peoples of North East Asia is foul and disgusting. Try visiting a young Filipino's web site too. You'll see something called the 'Asian IRC Ring'. It has to do with the chatrooms. The most horrible thing about this is that these TRASHY people are trying to associate themselves with Asia again!! People in Asia don't act like, this at all. What we are seeing here is the natural Filipino in it's element with full access to technology and this is how they act! You will consistently see this behavior over and over again. Another interesting thing is that these 'third world' people also frequent RC chatrooms such as #Chinese # Japan and #Asian. They must believe that they are some how related racially or culturally to North Asians. But it's completely WRONG! There might have been some distant contact With China and even less with Japan during World War II, but these people are actually more closely related to African Americans and Mexican Americans. Do the parents of these young Filipinos know what's going on? Would they accept this? I believe that they would and do. This is the natural 'Trash' element in Filipinos manifesting itself. Nothing good has ever come from Philippines and I don't believe anything good ever will. Recognizing your Roots (A Message to Filipinos) To all filipino people: Please recognize your ROOTS! You come from the Third World ! You country is a disgusting and filthy place. Most people there live in poverty! Your culture has MUCH MORE SPANISH influen ce than chinese, and absolutely no JAPANESE influence whatsoever. People in Japan and China , do not act like you. They do not constantly talk about sex and they have a MUCH HIGHER level of RESPECT for each other. There is NO WAY that you can connect yourself to Asia other than location. Your culture and technological advancement does not even come CLOSE to What Chinese, people have done in the past and what Japanese and Korean people are doing now! Everything you do is distinctly filipino. You cannot take credit for Japanese cars, video games, or Hentai! It's not an 'asian thing' it's, an 'American thing'. You have no concept of culture...no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy! Can you demonstrate how you use Confucianism or Taoism in you everyday life?? You can't. And you will NEVER be able to. I understand t hat you are trying to create an identity for yourselves as young people... but it is NOT related to Asia . Your Identity is Filipino. That's all you are. Just Filipino. Think about what that means.... Sincerely, Art and here's a response to this idiotic mail: ------------ --------- --------- --------- --- I find this funny, he is right in some ways where we, as Filipinos dont actually have an 'Identity'. I think this is due to the confusion of our mixed races from Hispanic, Chinese, American and Malay origins. I see it in malls, imagine young generations wearin g ski caps and ski goggles in a tropical country, baggy low rise pants like that of African Americans living in th e Bronx of New York, not to mention endless whitening products being sold at department stores and drug stores. But his ignorance also blinds him from the other truth. That while we may glorify Anime shows and Japanese Internet gaming, he is not aware that a nameless Filipino may be responsible for some technical aspects of some Japanese software. He is not aware of our contribution to the the society in general .Technological advancements that may have aided post war navigations and landing on the moon. That the antibiotic Erythromycin was discovered by Dr. Abelardo Aguilar from Iloilo creating the brand 'Ilosone'. Thomas Edison may have discovered the electric light bulb and the fluorescent lighting was thought up by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores (a Cebuano named Benigno Flores of Bantayan Island , according to the Philippine Daily inquirer), a Filipino scientist. Americans helped then-Philippine leader Ramon Magsaysay to develo p it for worldwide commerce. That the personal physician of former U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton is Eleanor 'Connie' Concepcion Mariano, a Filipina doctor who was the youngest captain in the US Navy. A Filipino writer Jose Rizal could read and write at age 2, and grew up to speak more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French and Chinese. Or that a Filipino genius was responsible for the near hiatus in the PENTAGON and White HOuse nearly infiltrating their closely guarded secrets with the 'ILOVEYOU' bug. Nuisance maybe, but still one heck of a 'beautiful mind'...not to be underestimated. The list goes on and on, but who cares right? Certainly not Mr. Art Bell...Boy, I'm not surprised. Perhaps Art Bell does not know that although we consider ourselves ASIAN because we are strategically located in the Southeast asian region of which our nearest neighbors are Malays, ASIA does not mean only Chinese and Japanese race of people. Then maybe it is his connotation that 'Asia' meant only our economically successful, paler brothers and he considers Malays such as Thais, Malaysians, Indonesians, and ourselves as a ' Third World ' race. Then it is 'his' ignonimity that would make a civilized person of whatever race puke. Imagine literally connecting Chinese, Koreans and Japanese to the Philippine Islands which is archipelagos away from the countries he has mentioned. I also wonder where he got the impression that we aspire to be Japanese(??? ) Hispanics maybe but not the Japanese. But even Hispanics today do not mind sharing their 'surnames' to their Asian brothers who they have colonized for 3 centuries. Another sad reality that although most Filipinos working overseas are domestic helpers and prostitutes, who does he think educates the toddlers of Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Tokyo? Parents of these countries rarely have time spent with their children, leaving them to their Filipino nannies. And with regards to prostitution. Filipinos are not the only ones working as one. I HARDLY SEE FILIPINOS STARRING IN PORN MOVIES. THERE MIGHT BE A FEW FILIPINOS WE HAVEN'T SEEN , BUT MOST ARE FROM MR. ART BELL'S RACE. He also mentioned that we have no concept of culture..no concept of asian ideas or asian philosophy. How can we demonstrate Confucianism or Taoism in a Christian nation? IS HE INFORMED THAT THE PHILIPPINES IS THE ONLY PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN/CATHOLIC NATION IN ASIA ?! YOU HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE IN A LOT OF THINGS SOMETIMES... We do not need to create an identity for ourselves. We are who we are. Our identity stems from the anonymity we live in this world. How we contribute silent ly towards the progress of the world and not just one country. Although the Filipino blood may be tainted with malice, corruption, poverty and prostitution, it is not a perfect race... But so are the others. Maybe Mr. Art Bell needs to think about this. WE MAY NOT BE PERFECT MR. BELL BUT AT LEAST WE STILL H AVE VALUES. FOR ONE THING WE DONT PUT OUR AGING PARENTS IN NURSING HOMES BECAUSE 'THEY'RE SIMPLY OLD AND WORTHLESS'. WE DONT HAVE AS MUCH NUMBERS OF SINGLE MOTHERS WHO GET PREGNANT IN THEIR VERY EARLY TEENS AND EVENTUALLY BECOME PARASITES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR YEARS AND YEARS. YES...WE CAME TO YOUR COUNTRY TO WORK, TO EARN DECENT MONEY (HALF OF WHICH BY THE WAY GOES TO TAXES BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY SOCIAL PARASITES FROM YOUR RACE).AND BY THE WAY, MOST EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH DONT COME FROM YOUR RACE... THEY'RE ACTUALLY IMMIGRANTS TOO. AND THOSE EDUCATED ONES DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU DO, PERHAPS BECAUSE THEY'VE REALLY BEEN WELL EDUCATED..AFTER ALL THAT'S SAID... WHO IS THE IGNORANT ONCE AGAIN?! - ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ So, be proud, you are a Filipino,... and not like Mr. Art Be ll. Please do send this to as many person as you can until it reaches him. Note: I retained the E-mail on it's original form. I didn't edit it. It is as is.

Sources:
http://www.joewein.net/hoax/hoax-art-bell-hate-letter.htm
http://hanseisenman.typepad.com/hans/2005/11/how_to_spot_a_h.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_mentality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Import_scene

Nardong Putik

Leonardo Manecio (sometimes credited as "Manicio") aka Nardong Putik was a Filipino gangster turned folk hero. Putik was born in 1923 in Sabang, Dasmariñas, Cavite. His father was a politician of some consequence in his town who was killed by his political enemies. Putik was a driver by profession and at one time saw services as a policeman in Dasmariñas. Putik was married to Feliciana but had many common-law wives. He had one known son, Leonardo, Jr. and two known daughters, Angelita and Estrellita with his legal wife.

An amulet-wielding hoodlum from Cavite province, Putik credited his ability to survive and escape numerous ambushes and gunfights to his anting-anting (amulet). Nardong Putik's ability to elude the law and his enemies made him a legend to many people.

According to Caviteños, Putik got that name as he was known to submerge himself in mud paddies, among carabaos, using bamboo or papaya stalks as breathing tubes, whenever he had to evade a police or military dragnet. But according to some people, he can be invisible once he set foot on the mud using his anting-anting.

His mysterious powers and unexplainable abilities made him a legend, and that's the reason why I put him here.

Story

[Taken from Internet:]

First capture: Putik was first convicted and jailed in 1953 but escaped in July 1955 from the Constabulary stockade in Imus, Cavite where he was held as a detention prisoner. Second capture: Putik was re-captured on May 27, 1958 after he was cornered in a rice mill in barrio Medicion in Kawit, Cavite b He is the 31st PC Company and of the 117th PC Company who were both promoted to Captain and decorated the Gold Cross Medal, the third highest military battle award, for their daring capture. Putik surrendered to Lt. Lazo after engaging the patrol in a 45-minute gun battle. It was a tip from a constabulary informer, received by Col. Manuel Yan, intelligence chief of the Philippine Constabulary, at about 10 o'clock in the evening of May 26, that reported that Nardong Putik was going to spend the night with one of his common-law wives in a rice mill in Kawit, Cavite owned by Lorenzo Rodriguez. The report was immediately relayed to Col. Ricardo Papa, deputy chief of the constabulary. Ruling out a night operation, PC men were deployed by Col. Wilfredo Estrada, provincial commander of Cavite, at about 4:30 a.m. of May 27 with elements of the 117th PC Company led by and forces of the 31st PC Company led by Lt. Elias R. Lazo, Jr. At the break of dawn Lazo and Navarro were instructed to search the mill. The men searched the mill except for the office which was locked. It seemed that Manecio might not be in the mill at all. Nevertheless, the raiders refused to give up and kept their positions. After instructing the PC troops, Lt. Col. Estrada departed with former Cavite Governor Dominador Camerino for Barrio Sabang, Imus, to gather relatives of Manecio to use them to get Manecio to surrender peacefully. At 9 o'clock Estrada and his group have not returned. The troops were getting impatient. For want of anything better to do. Lts. Lazo and Navarro edged closer to the outer window of the locked office in the mill. But from where they were standing, they could only see the far side of the room over the tops of tables and steel cabinets. Lt. Lazo ordered Corporal Esmilla to see if he could from the outside pry open the window on the other side of the room. Esmilla had just inserted his bayonet through the slit to lift the latch when a shot rang out from within, confirming Manecio's presence in the mill. Esmilla hit the dirt, unhurt. Lazo hurried over to where Esmilla was and was himself greeted with another shot from Manecio. The shot also missed its target. Seeing that Manecio was in no mood to give up without a fight, Lazo and Navarro ordered their men to move back. Lazo then ordered one of his men to throw a grenade toward the window. Manecio responded with shots from his pistol. Lazo shouted to Manecio to surrender, "Nardo, mga PC ito. Sumuko ka na at hindi ka maaano!". But instead of a reply, he answered with shots. Lt. Navarro, who was covering Lt. Lazo, fired back with shots. Then Lt. Lazo yelled at Manecio again, this time identifying himself. Manecio acknowledged with "Sir, kayo pala". Manecio said he would yield only to Col. Estrada, ex-Gov. Camerino and Lt. Lazo. As Estrada and Camerino had not yet returned from Sibang, Lazo asked him to throw out whatever weapons he had out the window. This Manecio did. He threw out his pistol, holster, extra magazines for his pistol and a hand grenade which, fortunately, did not explode when it hit the ground. Lt. Lazo then shouted that he and Major Daniel Lantion, executive officer of the constabulary's intelligence division were ready to accept his surrender. But since the door was locked, the door was battered down with a log and Lazo and Navarro rushed into the room with guns ready. The woman was nowhere to be found. Manecio was whisked off to PC headquarters in Imus, Cavite and from there to Camp Crame where he was treated for his minor wounds. For all the shooting exchanges Manecio was only creased on the left forearm, above the right eyebrow and another on the abdomen. Putik credited this to his anting-anting. Putik was sentenced to jail for 182 years and two months at the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa. He escaped in October 1969 and took refuge among the poor farmers of Cavite. Third capture and death: As a fugitive, Putik and his men continued to instill terror in Cavite. Among the cases he was involved in were the illegal cultivation of marijuana and money extortion activities. On February 10, 1971, the National Bureau of Investigation's Narcotics division surveyed a marijuana plantation in Imus, Cavite allegedly being protected by Putik. Two NBI Agents, Rogelio Domingo and Antonio Dayao were captured, tortured, and killed by Nardong Putik and his men.[8] The incident sealed Putik's fate: Angered by the heinous crime, NBI Director Jolly Bugarin ordered all his Agents to capture dead or alive Nardo and all responsible for the death of Agents Domingo and Dayao. NBI Agent Epimaco Velasco was then installed as the new Chief of the NBI Narcotics Division. In a month's time, they were able to record the movements of Nardong Putik. Later, with enough data, they were able to track his full whereabouts confidently to enable them to launch the operation to capture him on October 10, 1971. The operation which was a joint NBI-PC-Imus police force was composed of some 20 men. Troopers from the 233rd PC Company were led by Capt. Manuel Bruan. At 5:00 in the morning, the light of the house of the mistress of Nardo went out. After a few minutes, Nardo drives his Chevrolet Impala car out to the main Manila-Cavite highway. For unknown reasons, or maybe Nardong Putik senses that he is being tailed by the Philippine Constabulary, he was able to escape the PC dragnet or checkpoint at Panamitan and Tabon, Kawit, Cavite. However, Nardong Putik did not notice a Volkswagen Kombi tailing him in the highway at the same time. The Kombi contained NBI Agents Velasco, Nasol, Utico, Bautista and others. They chased Nardo's car, and at Noveleta, Cavite, they were able to overtake the Impala and was at the right side of the car. Velasco shouted "NARDO!". He sensed the danger and immediately reached for his .45 pistol. At that moment, the NBI Agents opened fire with their revolvers, carbines, and submachine guns, peppering the car, and causing Nardo's instant death. The car lurched to the side of the highway and stopped. The Agents then immediately jumped out of their vehicle and took cover. Some Agents were still firing their guns to make sure that Nardo will not retaliate. The Impala was later hauled into NBI Headquarters in Manila, with the dead Putik inside, in full view of Director Bugarin. The news became a flash report on local television, and a top newspaper story the next day. That mission cemented the fame of Agent Velasco, who later became NBI Director in the nineties. The operation was reportedly pushed by Juanito Remulla who was then a Constitutional Convention delegate from Cavite. The killing of Cavite's Public Enemy No. 1 boosted Remulla’s political career having been elected to the provincial board in 1972 then as vice-governor the same year and as Cavite governor from 1979 to 1995. On Nardo's death, some of his men were later arrested, charged and convicted in court for murder and other offenses. [See Philippine Supreme Court Decision no. GR No. L-36613-14 entitled as PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellete, vs. RESTITUTO JIMENEZ, PEDRO NAVAL, MACARIO FRANCISCO, MAMERTO MENDOZA, and MARIO SALAZAR, defendant-appellants. The killing of Putik was met by mixed reactions in Cavite as he had built a reputation as a local "Robin Hood" given that his criminal exploits mainly targeted the rich.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nardong_Putik