Getting Married at Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish

Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish in Guadalupe, Makati is definitely one of the most popular churches around town where couples choose to get married. And why not, it is an authentic baroque church built in 1599. The church's facade makes for a dramatic and romantic background in pictorials. The steps leading to the entrance looks grand especially if adorned with a red carpet. Any bride will feel like a queen.

As of 2010, Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish costs 13000Php. It is inclusive of a priest and mass, 2 candles, simple flower decor with tulle (8 middles aisle and 2 main altar), red carpet, lighted chandelier and wedding usherettes. Red carpet is rolled out only inside the church. To have it extended up to the staircase, there will be additional 500 charge.

Booking at Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish is advised at 9 months to 1 year in advance. 50% down payment is required to confirm your time slot. Sir Ryck, the man behind the church office, is very bubbly, accommodating and kind. =)

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What Makes Charice a Global Sensation

First, I must admit that I am a secret admirer of Charice Pempengco since her days as a contestant in Little Big Star, a locally produced singing talent show by ABS-CBN. I was one of those who silently disagreed when she only placed second runner-up in that competition when I was rooting for her to win. I think she was only 14 then but she already had a big voice. She could hit her high notes with ease. Clearly, she has the talent.

However, there are many other people around the block who could sing just as good. So what set her apart? In my opinion, what made her stand out was her showmanship which she made apparent even in her amateur days. This alone made her distinct among other contestants of Little big Star. She created her own style, what with her mic-tossing or foot-stomping act. That truly set her apart.

How did Lady Gaga, the late Michael Jackson or Madonna make it so big in the music industry? They all have (had) a way of endearing the crowd. Charice could also do that effortlessly. She exudes confidence whenever she goes up a stage to perform. It was really very evident even in her Little Big Star days. Part of Charice’s charm can also be her diminutive stature. It is a big wonder especially to Caucasians how such a small lady can belt out Celine Dion songs.

Flash forward to 2010 and we now see Charice as the biggest international star of Filipinos in their generation. I have seen her youtube video that became her ticket to the Ellen Degeneres Show. I have seen how she roused the crowd to their feet when she sang for the Ellen Show. I have seen how her performance brought tears to Oprah Winfrey’s eyes. Her debut album is a hit in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, and of course the Philippines. And now, I witnessed how Filipinos from around the world waited gleefully for her appearance on the second season of the popular American sitcom, Glee. She has definitely gone places, and she’s gone really far.

Charice is on a roll and she draws strength from her humble beginnings. It is probably the best thing about her. She keeps her feet on the ground while she continues to soar high. She could hardly speak spontaneous English when she was first interviewed by Ellen Degeneres. She took speech lessons (and still is taking speech lessons), and look at her now rubbing elbows with big names like Oprah, Justin Bieber, and Lea Michele. I listen to her interviews now and she can converse well in English, with a good sense of humor to boot.

I heard a few belittling Charice’s success but I believe that she has what it takes to make it big someday. To some, being on Glee may not be a big deal. However, as a Filipino, and seeing how local entertainers find it difficult to penetrate the international scene, being a part of Glee is a big feat. It brings recognition not only to Charice’s talent but also to the whole Philippines. I hope Charice takes an acting workshop too to be more versatile.

On the other side of the coin, there is a possibility too that acting opportunities for Charice (like in Glee) could be limited by her conservative ways. When Lea Salonga was her age (18 years old), Lea already did kissing scenes for Miss Saigon.

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I am a Filipino. The Philippines Will Rise Above the Hostage Taking Drama.

Much has been said already about the incapability and incompetence of the local SWAT Team in handling the hostage scenario last night. People are quick to criticize after all, and they were bold to post their thoughts in social networking sites. It did not help that the local media companies aired the hostage scene live on TV so that the whole world was able to watch how the SWAT team was rendered clueless and helpless in trying to go inside that bus. As a Filipino, I was filled with shame while trying to take in all the things that were transpiring right before my eyes on TV. A lot of things entered my mind. Aside from the fact that the SWAT Team really lacked the proper training and equipment to handle the situation professionally, I also could not help but think about the future of the Filipinos and my country.

As we all know, the Philippines just instated a new president last June 2010. With President Noynoy Aquino, the nation is once again hopeful that big changes are about to happen. And then here comes a local police by the name of Rolando Mendoza. He lost his job and decided to siege a bus of Chinese tourists to demand his reinstatement. His selfish act was enough to send the Philippines in a bad light once again in the international scene. At this point, the Filipino nation is caught in a whirlwind of emotions while trying to process the embarrassing feeling of being in the headlines of CNN, BBC and other international news networks. The national leader of Hong Kong, Donald Tsang, just released an official statement expressing his disappointment at how the hostage situation was handled. He called on all Hong Kong citizens in the Philippines to immediately go back home. And to those who are planning to visit the Philippines soon, he discouraged them from pushing through. As hard as it was to listen to him say those words, it was true to a certain extent. If I were a foreigner, I would also think twice about visiting the Philippines after watching the fragility of our national police.

And thus, it is like being back to square one again when we are just starting to flap our wings once more. Philippine tourism will surely experience a big blow. The CNN just tagged my country as the worst place to visit. It is harsh and difficult to swallow, yet through it all, I do not want to lose hope. If I do not believe in my countrymen, nobody else will.

It was disheartening to read all sorts of angry comments thrown at the national police and media. At this point though, I find all these unnecessary. For me, it is just time to pick up the pieces once more and start all over again. We will continue to pick up the pieces no matter how many times it will take. The Philippines will not be put down by one violent and irrational ex-police. The Philippines will not be put down by one hostage drama that ended on a sour note. We will learn from this and we will earn the respect from people around the world.

My head is held high. I am a Filipino.

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Ara Mina for QC Councilor. What a Big Joke!

I’m not judging showbiz personalities in general. I’m just judging Ara Mina!! There are many showbiz personalities turned politicians out there who were able to somehow prove to the public that they are worthy of the people’s votes and that they are serious about their jobs. Take Vilma Santos for example. I really think she made a big difference in Batangas. But Ara Mina? She’s a totally different issue. Judging from this short interview by Mo Twister, Ara Mina revealed a bombshell about herself, a big explosion that will make her chest diminutive in comparison.

Someone needs to talk some sense into Ara Mina’s head. Given the benefit of the doubt that she has the best intentions, how far could her good heart go to lead her constituents? Ara Mina for QC Councilor is one big joke. Wake up, Ara. This is not showbiz anymore. This is not acting with a series of takes at your disposal to perfect your scene. This is real life with real people dealing with serious issues. Here, you cannot buy your way by having a deep cleavage and bouncing pair. Good heavens, they will need much more than that.

The residents of QC WILL NOT accept excuses like “I was always out so I did not have time to watch the news on TV,” or “I get depressed watching the news.” Please save the little respect people have of you. Go back to peeling off clothes behind the reel and leave QC governance to more capable hands. You shame not only your father, Chuck Mathay, but also your intelligent colleagues in showbiz.

Ara Mina is running for QC councilor, second district. Though I live in the first district, I’m still very bothered. I’m bothered because I know Ara Mina has good chances of winning not only for her popularity but also because of her physical endowments. I’m bothered because this is just the second district of Quezon City we’re talking about. What more on the national level? Who will the majority vote for senators, vice president and president?

If Ara Mina still wins a councilor seat even after the proliferation of this video, heaven forbid, good luck to Quezon City.

Vote wisely, Filipinos! Change is in our hands.

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Freddie Roach Was a Child Star!

 
Do you know that Freddie Roach used to be a child star? 

Many years ago before Freddie Roach found his niche as a legendary boxing trainer, he was a cute li'l blond head who starred in Jerry Maguire as the lovable son of Renee Zellweger. :D

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Does Friday the 13th Bring Bad Luck?

Does Friday the 13th bring bad luck?

I texted him first thing in the morning to prepare for a hot lovin' date. I didn't believe that bad luck encircles a Friday the 13th. I dressed up chicer than usual to prep up for the night. We will have dinner together then watch Law Abiding Citizen. Rendezvous was slated in Trinoma. I was warned early on that the mall was holding a mall-wide sale but I didn't mind. True enough, as I stepped foot on the entrance, I was immediately greeted with a large crowd. And I hate crowds! I knew then I was ushered in to the first string of bad lucks that will continue so for the rest of the night.

I went up to the theaters and was met with very long and winding queues. Three theaters were initially allotted for the 2012 movie but the seats were filling up fast.Then I learned that the Law Abiding Citizen was scrapped to give room for a fourth theater for the 2012 movie. Sucks.

I wouldn't be beaten by the jinx that Friday the 13th supposedly brings. We transferred to nearby SM The Block instead. But lo and behold, the line to the ticket counter was so long it was almost spilling to the exit doors. We made our way to the old building where the rest of the theaters are located. Surely, the ticket lines there should be shorter. Indeed, when we got there, the lines were not only shorter, but there were no lines at all. Apparently, the electricity in the mall was busted and the regular movie screening had to be stopped. The escalators were also shut off due to electricity disruption. We had to climb up and down several escalators turned stairs instead.

We would have gone window shopping instead but the stores were closing earlier than usual also because of the brownout. We were gradually feeling the heat also as the air-conditioners were turned off. Shoppers were heading to the exit one by one. Our last recourse was just to have dinner as we were really hungry already by that time.

At the very least, my stomach was filled with chicken and spaghetti from Peri-Peri. But I went home with sore thighs and feet, and a bag of frustration.

Does Friday the 13th really bring bad luck? Maybe so.

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Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng - Wrath of Nature and the Resiliency of the Filipinos

In a matter of ten days, two typhoons wreaked havoc to northern Philippines. First, it was Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) on September 26, 2009. Its heavy rainfall drowned Metro Manila in under six hours. Floods rose at an unusually fast rate, taking only thirty minutes to reach six feet deep. It sent many Filipinos on their rooftops for refuge where they remained for twenty hours at least before rescue came their way. Meanwhile, floods slowly receded, if not at all, and destroyed many properties. Some homes and other means of livelihood were left beyond repair or recovery. Those rescued were given temporary shelter in evacuation centers.

A week later, although it seemed unbelievable, Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) threatened to cause further destruction as it headed for northern Philippines once more. Although it spared Metro Manila this time, the residents of the northern provinces like Cagayan and Catanduanes were not as lucky. The fierce winds uprooted many trees and likewise destroyed major infrastructures and means of livelihood. As if it were not enough yet, Typhoon Pepeng lingered still for a few days and caused serious flooding and landslides in La Union, Benguet and especially Pangasinan.

The aftermath is a vision of not just devastated areas but also devastated spirits. Many people died;  thousands of families left homeless. The next kind of flooding that occurred is a flooding outpour of help from various sectors that came in the form of relief goods and monetary donations to help rebuild lives. This contagious and electrifying social current spread like wildfire to the whole nation who suddenly took it upon themselves to extend assistance even in the smallest way possible.

The next scene we saw is a series of non-stop operations from different groups that sent relief goods to various affected areas. Thousands of volunteers piled up in these centers to help repack loot bags. Pangasinan suffered one of the most pitiable plights as heavy flooding rendered their major roads impassable. Relief goods rained on them instead from helicopters. It is a most welcome downpour for the victims after their trauma from the typhoon.

The Philippines has experienced to date one of the biggest blows of nature's fury. Practically the whole of Luzon region is now submerged in murky water. However, if there is any positive light that came out of this phenomenon, it is the fact that the Filipinos were once again given the warm invitation to unite and help the thousands of victims of these calamities. The overflowing generosity and act of kindness of many individuals from all over the country are truly heartwarming and moving. These are enough to give hope once more to the victims of a monstrous casualty.

If there is one thing mightier than the wrath of nature, it is the resiliency of the Filipino people. Northern Philippines shall rise again after this debacle and will stand stronger than ever before.

This article was accepted and can be viewed at Ezine.

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Re: Petition for Willie Revillame's Ouster

I don't like Willie Revillame. I hate his diction first and foremost. My ears hurt when I listen to him, whether he's speaking in Filipino or English. I hate it when he cries on TV as if he feels for the plight of the contestants in Wowowee. I always think it's fake and all for show. I don't like the way he makes fun of people even if he means it all in jest just to make his noontime show more entertaining. You don't enliven a show at the expense of those people. I just don't like Willie Revillame. Period.

He is now once more in the center of controversies that made him decide to leave his hosting stints from Wowowee for the meantime. His booboo happened last week when he threw a fit on live television because of the live feed of Cory Aquino's funeral cortege being shown side by side his program. I do not like him but for once I felt he was right. What wasn't right though was the way he said the things he said. He ordered the live feed to be removed like he is the most powerful man in the world! It is a shame that a veteran in the industry like him acted on a whim like that when he should have known better to keep his cool and talk to the people concerned away from the cameras. His sudden outrage was simply unbelievable. Did he hope he will gain the sympathy of his thousands of fans?

I've read many commentaries saying he is nothing compared to Cory Aquino, and that he should be thankful for what Cory had done for the Phiippines. For me, that is going overboard already because there is no reason to compare the worth of two separate identities. On his own, Willie Revillame has this charm that makes a lot of our less fortunate countrymen believe in him. He gives them reason to hope, never mind if I don't believe in his sincerity. But if he could positively affect the lives of these so many people, then for me that's enough for him to stay in the business.

Willie Revillame is now receiving brutal lashing especially in the online world. There is an online petition that requests for his ouster. I'm not so sure if this public response is exaggerated. Maybe he should just be penalized for his rash actions and hopefully he will learn to tame his tongue.

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Maricar Reyes Part 3 Video

The Hayden Kho sex scandal videos are still on a roll! Maricar Reyes' Part 3 video is out for the world to see! In a matter of a few hours, the hits rose from 3,000 to 30,000! This time, the part 3 video of Maricar Reyes gives a new and fresh twist to the whole fiasco. Why? Because Maricar was fully aware that she was being filmed. Hayden Kho would even reach for the cam once in a while to fix the angle and bring focus to the sexual act. How could the girls defend themselves now in saying they did not know they were being filmed?

The installment release of these sex scandal videos seems to be masterplanned! I will not be surprised if more videos will come out soon. We all thought it will stop after the much sensationalized senate hearing and face to face appearance of Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili. But no. The mastermind seems unfazed and undaunted by it all. With the release of the Maricar Trilogy videos, I think the mastermind is up to some big time personal vengeance.

And as for Maricar Reyes, it is no wonder she is not showing herself up to support Katrina Halili and the women's cause in general. She knew she was being filmed for goodness sake! And the saga continues my friends hahaha!

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