Tag Archives: pinoy

Pinoy Nicknaming

Posted on by
Reply

If the Filipino advertising agency is to adopt the successful “Share a Coke” campaign done in Australia in 2011, one thing is certain, my name won’t be included.  The campaign removed the iconic Coca-cola logo from the bottles’ label and instead replaced it with about 100 different common first names in their country.  It was reported that there was about 32% increase in the sales of Coke in the first two weeks when the campaign was launched.

My name Neil won’t be included because here in the Philippines, its inhabitants has the habit of giving nicknames that simply duplicates the same syllable like Nene, Toto, Makmak, Leklek, Tintin, Jojo, Junjun, Lotlot, Maymay, Katkat, Bangbang, Kangkang, Tonton, Em-em, Jay-jay, Bibi, Gigi, Ar-ar, Tata.  Believe me.  I can go on and on and on.

Not only in terms of nicknaming people but there are other instances that we do it.  Here’s a few:

  •  “tiktik” – a name of a sleazy tabloid or it means to investigate
  • “kiskis” – meaning to polish
  • “siksik” – which means compacted
  • “sapsap” – a  name of a slipmouth fish
  •  “paspas” – meaning to speed-up
  • “bolabola” – the name we call a hawker’s fishballs
  • “labolabo” – meaning chaos or confusion
  • “major major” – part of the controversial answer of Ms. Philippines in 2010 Ms. Universe pageant which the rest of the world poked fun of

I am not a linguistic anthropologist who could explain this factual phenomenon.  But there must be something in the water that makes us do this agglutinative style.  We even name the vagina and penis in this manner…

Major major eng-eng!

 

Idolizing an 83-Year-Old Dude

Posted on by
Reply

Watching the full recorded YouTube video of Day 2 of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court’s Chief Justice Renato Corona made me fully awake until the video ended. Battle of the brains and the not so brainy practitioners of the law raged on.

One thing is definite after watching the video I was made and transformed to become a fan and admirer of the chief lawyer for the defense, former Associate Supreme Court Justice Serafin Cuevas.  I was in awe on how mentally sharp 83-year-old Cuevas delivered his stand.  He was articulate, extemporaneous and was in full control of his thoughts and reasoning based on logic, provisions of the Constitution and the prevailing laws on due process.

Judging from the video and listening to Cuevas, I saw glimpse of how the Senator-Judges (especially Senator Lito Lapid) has gone amazed and astonished with the way Cuevas delivered his quick-witted manifestations. I myself was nuts about how Cuevas aired out and stressed his keen points and antithesis. Watching Serafin Cuevas perform him duty was an eye-opening experience, that when a person reached old age one should keep the pizzazz and sparkle in everything that he or she does.

I pray to God that I would be blessed with the same acumen when I reach that age.  Two things though, Atty. Cuevas badly needs a good stylist and a more decent haircut.

Aydol kita Manong…

Possible Consequences of the Newly Unveiled Philippine Tourism Slogan – It’s More Fun In The Philippines

Posted on by
Reply

Since the Philippines has started to guilelessly emphasize its tourist destinations to be “more” fun as compared to other destinations in the planet, the tourism bureau, ministries and departments of other countries will definitely contemplate and strategize on challenging the slogan recently unveiled by the country’s Department of Tourism.

If you are to put yourself into the shoes of tourism executives of other countries, would you just sit down and buy this blunt claim and proclamation of the Philippines?  Definitely not.  Having more than five or ten times the budget of the Philippine tourism department, you being a tourism executive of your country will never allow such claim and will definitely carry out ways and strategies to prove the Philippines wrong.  A case in point, the United States of America, without spending a dime released a travel advisory discouraging its citizens to travel to the southern part of the Philippines two days after the controversial slogan was unveiled.

If you are a proud and loyal inhabitant of another country, would you allow the citizens of the Philippines to claim that they’re having more fun in their place than yours? Definitely not.  You would not even think or plan of going there (in the Philippines) so that tourist arrival would not improve and prove that such claim is wrong.  Or worst, you would travel to the Philippines – have yourself easily be subjected to holda-fun, kidna-fun or carna-fun – and with a breeze can announce that the slogan is a wrong claim and say that your home country is more fun.

If you are a Filipino travelling outside the Philippines, you would definitely meet the locals.  In such meeting circumstance, you would tell them that you are a tourist from the Philippines.  At some point you would try to encourage the locals – in support for the Philippine tourism – to visit the Philippines.  But when you would be asked why should they go here, would you say “It’s more fun in the Philippines”?  Definitely not.  This will only show that you are somewhat not enjoying your travel in their country and would rather be in the Philippines.  Thus, two possible things will happen to you.  You would be either brought by these locals to their worst and most boring places because of your arrogance or you would be taken to their most exciting venues and events for you to have the best time of your life to prove to you that the Philippine tourism department’s slogan is wrong.

Don’t get me wrong, Philippines is fun.  But I guess I need more convincing to be swayed by this new slogan…

Hala! Paano na?

Fun Philippines

Posted on by
Reply

“More” is defined as being greater in quantity, measure or degree.  This word entails a person to compare, match and equate at least two elements so as to conclude which is of greater quantity, measure or degree.

This is the very word that seems to bother me with the newly launched tourism slogan of the country – It’s more fun in the Philippines.  The word “more” in the slogan would tend to drive the tourist to compare the country with other tourist destinations which for me need not be.  I being a tourist in some points in my life cannot compare the sights and experiences of other destinations for these places and their events possess distinct and unique qualities.

Thus, one should never say that a certain destination like the Philippines is “more” fun than the others.  For me, only immature tourists would compare one destination and his experiences to that of other places and events on the planet.

It is indeed and no doubt fun and interesting to travel, see and experience the Philippines but personally I need not compare or match it to other tourist destinations.  I am proud of the Philippines but comparing and saying there’s more fun here seems a bit juvenile. Sorry but due to the word “more”, it created a speckle of reservations on me concerning the new slogan if I would totally welcome and help justify such pronouncement about my country.

It could have been better if the Tourism Department just simply say “Fun Philippines”.  It’s simple, uncomplicated, non-pretentious and undemanding.  Yet, it’s classy, refined and world-class in thought.

Pwedeng paki rebays ng konti?

Happy Fruity New Year!

Posted on by
Reply

Nothing will be missed, nothing will be gone.  So in keeping with the Pinoy tradition of hoping and wishing for good luck and prosperous New Year, I have filled two humungous containers with varieties of sweet round fruits.

Let me also take this great opportunity to thank all the sweet-fruity-like people who provided me joy in the year 2011 may it be like a tiny cherry in shape or the titanic watermelon in structure.  A heartfelt thanks to all people who kept me company in chasing butterflies and harvesting the crops of my existence, you made me further appreciate the rainbows of life.  You have been the fresh grapes, apples and mangoes of my being.

And for those who’ve been like rotten fruits who gave me a sting in the neck this year, let me pronounce that I forgive you and I’m wishing you not to carry out the most evil thing that you would do on the coming fresh year that would result to a karmic debt that you will be repaying and re-harvesting for the rest of your life.

In 2012 we for sure will encounter noble failures – that’s the bitter part of life – but let’s turn and plant these mishaps to bear creative golden orange-like opportunities.  Let’s all keep dreaming and try to achieve it with a smile.  Happy New Year everyone!!!

Hwag kayong mag-alala, tulad ng prut salad, masarap pa rin ako neks yir!

Bellarocca: A Pacemaker for the Heart of the Philippines

Posted on by
Reply

If you are to equate the shape of the Philippines to a human body and try to locate where the heart is, you will no doubt identify the island of Marinduque as its heart.  Interestingly enough, the shape of Marinduque is similar to the shape of a human heart.  Google your Philippine geography to see what I mean!

Ironic yet parallel to the experiences of a Filipino, the country’s heart is considered one of the most abused and devastated, not by nature, not by its own citizens but by foreigners.  Marinduque a decade ago was in the world’s headlines because of a massive mining disaster (remember the Canadian-owned Marcopper mining toxic leaks?) that inflicted the health, livelihood and environment of the locals.

I don’t know if clean-up, rehabilitation and restorations has been finalized, but while still recovering from the long term impact of the disaster, located at the apex of the heart is a glimmering hope for this tranquil and laid-back island.  It is like a pacemaker has been installed to an ailing heart to keep the blood from pumping.  At the southernmost part of the island, you can find a small islet called Elephant Island where tourism boost is on-going.

Elephant Island in Buenavista, Marinduque is the very site where one of the most sought after resorts in the country today is located – Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa.

my travel buddies - karen & denton (the crowned prince and princess of armidale)

I enjoyed the relaxing stay in this world-class resort.  Combining excellent service and breathtaking scenery, Bellarocca is the perfect place for some rest and recreation…

Hindi lang saging ang may puso… Pinas din!

If I were Gloria, If I were Noynoy

Posted on by
2

If I were Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA), I would not fly and go to another country to be in hiding.  I will face whatever charges will be filed against me.  If I was able to save the whole country from world financial crisis (as recognized by the IMF and World Bank) during my administration, I’m pretty sure I can also handle whatever charges will be filed against me.  This is because if I fly and would not come back, I don’t want history to judge me the cruelest verdict that not only was I corrupt but also gutless and cowardly.  I want history to remember me that during the time when almost all high-profile countries were suffering from economic crises, I was the great power who saved the country from economic collapse.

If I were President Benigno Aquino Jr. (Noynoy), I will not focus too much importance, valuable time and resources on the former president.  I will not make GMA my most convenient excuse for my continuing failure to meet the rising expectations of the masses who swallowed the promises of change.  I will not allow my presidency to create the image of always blaming and accusing the past administration for everything that goes wrong in the present.  So what if GMA leaves and doesn’t come back?  Actually, if she doesn’t come back, it will be the clearest form of guilt and I will have the focus to do what’s supposed to be done.  I will instead work on matters of much importance like improving our economy and uplifting the lives of the poor.

The problem is… I’m not Gloria neither Noynoy!

Itong dalawang ‘to, mga wala sa hulog.

The Eloquence & Loyalty of Elena Bautista-Horn

Posted on by
1

While awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to allow or not to allow the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to travel to seek treatment on her rare medical condition, I would like to commend Elena Bautista-Horn for doing a very good job.  Bautista-Horn in her interview with Karen Davila exhibited full loyalty towards her boss even though her boss is one of the most-hated human being of this country.  I myself don’t like the former president but with the clear and cloudless explanations of Bautista-Horn in the interview, I am now starting to be persuaded that the former president should be allowed to travel.

Bautista-Horn was impressive in defending her boss in the interview.   She has kept her eloquence and credibility.  Maybe it’s because she’s airing her points based on truth.  Former president definitely found a gold mine in the person of Elena Bautista-Horn.  Her being soft-spoken and debonair way of justifying their courses of action has made Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to look like an abusada (outrageously abusive).

Before watching the video interview, don’t be too emotional to the point of participating in a flash mob phenomenon but instead try to keep an open mind, then you would know what I am pointing at…

I know that this is going to be an unpopular post.  For sure, hating this specific entry will be off the charts! Similar to what I have written in the past – like my personal stand that Hubert Webb should be acquitted –   expect a lot of people would hate me again for posting an article like this. Or maybe it’s because I am just being objective, fair and impartial.

Basta napabilib ako sa talino at paninindigan ng bruhang ‘to.

Annexing the Anti-Epal Bill

Posted on by
1

Every time I see a billboard indicating the name and face of a government official on an infrastructure project being developed I don’t know whether to laugh hysterically or to start throwing big bulky things on it.  Because what I want and need to see is not their big smiling faces but: (i) the cost of the project; (ii) the expected date of completion; (iii) its purpose; and, (iv) the government agency involved.  At this point, I would like to commend the brilliant bill passed by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago dubbed as the Anti-Epal Bill.

Currently undergoing deliberations, Santiago’s bill is formally entitled “An Act of Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project”.  I suppose this is one of the most sensible bills to have been passed this year!  It deserves immediate passing into law.

But upon reading the complete text of the proposed bill, there seem to be four glaring epal circumstances that were left uncovered which I hope should also be included in the proposed bill that is rampantly being carried out by a lot of government offices:

  • the names and hideous faces of public officials on ambulances and government-owned vehicles;
  • the photos of rhinoceros-looking barangay captains on barangay clearances;
  • the pathetic photos of mayors on business permits and licenses; and,
  • the atrocious tarpaulins of government officials (of course with their obnoxious smiling faces) hanged along the streets to greet their constituents Happy Fiesta or Happy Valentines.

It is such a shame that such a dynamic, current and remarkable bill would actually come from a 66 year old senator.  I’m a bit disappointed because I expected the much younger lawmakers to draft this kind of a bill.  Or maybe these young and claims to be fresh and more sensible lawmakers have already been devoured by the old and corrupted epal system.

Now, I know that this bill will be very unpopular among government elected and appointed officials.  So in case this will not turn into a law, may I suggest then that instead of just the face of the concerned politician, the signage must bare the picture of his/her whole family.  With 70+ kids, just imagine how the photo of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. would look like.

Plis, plis, plis, only in the Pilipins…

One Two Three

Posted on by
2

loved the shirt!!!

Last Saturday, I and Karen (one of my best friends and remarkable travel buddy) went on a special journey.  It is an unusual adventure compared to the more than 123 kilometers of travel we usually do.   We decided to go and donate to The Love Yourself Project which aims to provide free counseling and education to the people affected by HIV/AIDS in the country.  No we did not do any counseling but joined and donated in their worthy Charity Photo Shoot.

Upon arrival in the venue, we registered our name, profession and respective e-mail addresses on their log sheet then gave our humble cash donation (which is more than 123 pesos).  The receptionist handed me my complimentary shirt and a slip of paper indicating that I am donor number 123.  They then led us to the next room where we change our top to the one that they gave and were subjected to grooming service prior to the photo shoot.

During the fun posing and light flashing, the assigned photographer after taking few shots told me to keep a serious face, but being a normally cheery person that I am, it took me some time to form a serious facial guise.  I took a deep breath and counted “1-2-3” before showing off an unsmiling expression on my face.  I particularly dig the “picture taking” moment.  I felt like a rock star!  How I wish the sweet-tempered photographer took 123 shots.

Ayaw ko ma-1-2-3! (A Pinoy expression meaning, “I don’t wanna be duped!”), so while waiting for the beauty expert to finish Karen’s hair and make-up prior to her turn for the photo shoot, I graciously asked one of the volunteers if their company is already registered under the Securities & Exchange Commission.   And indeed they were which signifies that their advocacy is actually legit.

Our participation for The Love Yourself Project – Charity Photo Shoot went well.  It took us less than 123 minutes to finish what we have to do so as to help in our own little way.  The donation we gave may not be enough to rally round all the people suffering from HIV/AIDS.  But if it can be of assistance to at least 1 or 2 or 3 people, we would surely be glad to be of help.  And besides, we loved the shirt, fancied the grooming service and of course enjoyed the photo shoot!

Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo! Klik, klik, klik!