As I (slowly and desperately) explore more topics for discussion in this humble and honest blog, I am introducing you to a new segment, Pen&Eraser. Frankly, this is nothing new from the weekly roundups that we see from other sites (SPOT.ph and Rappler, to name a few). In here though, I just want to talk much, write less and maybe entertain more.
Going direct to business, here is Pen&Eraser (insert Gaga song: I work for the applause, applause, applause): From pencil, Who and What should be retained in this world and should we deeply encourage to propagate their sensible selves, and Who and What should evaporate faster than a newly-blown bubble would. And I'll explain all the reasons Why.
Pen; let's make their mark permanent
1. The covers: Angel Aquino for Rogue and Cherie Gil for Esquire (November Issues)
Here are two ladies, fined by their experience, elegance and artistry, gracing two upper class glossies of the country this month (well, last month kasi December 1 na mapa-publish ang blog ko). Angel shares to her On The Job director Erik Matti what she thinks of Philippine cinema in Rogue's 2nd Cinema issue since Cherie's cover in March 2008 (Oh yes, it's Cherie over and over again in this list.) Angel never dreamed of being a star back in her UP days but look at her now, a constant fixture in some of the most promising projects in the industry -- may it be independent or mainstream.
Cherie, on another note, raises the bar for women in their 50's. She fiercely encourages women to not need a man but always want one instead. A symbol of a woman not to be ignored, Cherie is one of the honest, careless, and classic stars who remain true to her brand -- being an Eigenmann and a foremost primetime antagonist.
2. The beauties: Mutya Johanna Datul, Megan Young, Ariella Arida
Philippine pageantry has been on the rise these past few years. I don't know why but I think we are slowly becoming the 'Venezuela' of Asia. Nevertheless, these fine young women are really commendable for making us proud during ordinary times and the not-so peaceful of days.
For the second half of this year, Mutya won as Miss Supranational, a beauty fair slowly gaining fame and credibility among pageant aficionados. Megan, however, made bigger news as she ends the 47-year curse of title-less Pinay beauties in the beauty-with-a-purpose Miss World. And just recently, Ariella placed fourth in Miss Universe. Fans and forecasters predicted she will take home the crown, even 2012's Olivia Culpo said she was rooting for Ariella. In Ariella's credit, placing fourth is not a bad place to be, especially if you're the only non-Latina in the Top 5. That speaks a lot and we should thank her for that.
P.S. There is really something about how beauty queens react during attendance (see pics above)
3. The Brave Man: Atom Araullo
When Yolanda came in, he made it to worldwide Twitter trend. He also caught the attention of a CNN anchor, prompting him to ask: who is that brave man? Well, this news heartthrob really proved that there is more to his pretty face. And what exactly did he do. Well, Atom Araullo reported live in Umagang Kay Ganda from Tacloban while the storm made its first blow in the country.
He was there on the street, soaking wet and reporting even when losing communication with the home studio. His bravery, the first to go live among his contemporaries, inspired memes and short FB and twitter love letters from fans and peers, alike.
Eraser; let's get rid of them. Sayang lang sa space sa earth
1. The super typhoon: Yolanda, enough said.
Everyone was suddenly on their feet, calling for and giving out help. It was really a hard time for our country no matter how you look at it; from the POV of a government official, housewife, student, priest, media, or what-have-yous and who-are-yous. I think the only person happy that Yolanda happened is Dick Gordon, because uhm... we all know why. You know that red cross thingy... (my parents volunteered and they saw how more expensive canned goods and other imported items are being excluded in the relief bags. sad but unsurprisingly)
2. The super Yolanders: Korina Sanchez, Jejomar Binay, That Yellow Ribbon
[He said, she said, they reacted] When CNN superstar anchor Anderson Cooper reported live from Tacloban, he said he didn't see much on-the-ground effort from the government. When ABS-CBN pokerface anchor Korina Sanchez heard this, she said he doesn't know what he is talking about. When netizens heard her say that, they said: He's in Tacloban and you're in your radio booth. Who do we believe to be telling the truth? Not to mention that netizens slammed Korina for (allegedly) protecting her husband's reputation as our Interior Secretary.
We have not heard from Korina since then. Thanks to her management. Frankly, I think that people just overreacted. Anderson Cooper will be given a Star in the Eastwood Walk of Fame by entertainment guru German Moreno while the White House said they are looking for possibly appointing Cooper as their PH envoy; just because he covered the story. Why did it not happen with other foreign media as well? Meanwhile, Korina was suspended for an indefinite period while netizens ranted against her without any concrete solutions raised to help the victims. Again, frankly I think people just overreacted.
Going back, where do all these commendations for Cooper come from? Is it because of his story or plain idolatry?
Jejomar Binay, on the other hand, was simply everywhere during the relief efforts. And this I say with all the literal implications of the word: his face is on every relief goods and plastic bags donated to the victims. Mind you, even on drinking water. He said it was his 'friends'' idea but honestly, Jejomar, didn't you think it was way too loyal of them as it was already blatantly inappropriate and insensitive? And of course, I felt sad when I also saw That Yellow Ribbon on other plastic bags. That used to be a noble and dignified symbol of our nationalism. And the way they stuck it in those bags, it lost all the meanings it used to have.
To my politicians: Yolanda during, before and after, was not your time to shine. Clearly, there are people who died and suffered. The last thing I, we, want is for dole outs to be in yellow or orange stickers. And it was also sad that the President wildly entertained a blame game with the LGUs. Care to show some maturity and urgency, please.
Pencil; I don't know where to put you because of the polarity of the incidents in your life this month
1. The boxer and the tax evader: Manny Pacquiao
He is back! Said the headlines last November 25, a day after our 'pambansang kamao' reclaimed his kingship in the boxing ring against Brandon (totally unmatched for him) Rios. Again, people were in celebratory mood because he 'raised' our flag despite the aftermath of Yolanda. But to our surprise, days after gaining his new belt, he was knocked out with an ATM saying: Hey Manny, congrats on additional bills, unfortunately you cannot withdraw a single cent from me. Talk to BIR for more information and inquiries.
Yes, the country's (perhaps) most hated bureau said that Manny didn't pay his dues for a period way back 2009. Manny's side rebutted that he paid his taxes in the US and he will not repeat losing some more (or paying the PH government). This appeal to correct Manny's tax payment has been under the radar since but when BIR finally made it public, it was instantly a huge issue. The money we are talking about already reached P2.2 billion, and is still increasing. Frankly, Pacman, you should talk to Kim Henares. She is a woman of substance, honor, and lots of guns. I hope this gets fixed cleanly and honestly.
2. The new Muslim lovers: Freddie Aguilar and his sweet sixteen keychain
Why do people care if national music icon Freddie Aguilar is so fond of her minor girlfriend? To some he is a pedophile, well to me, he is in love. And let me remind you that the girl reciprocates the affection and seems to be normal during interviews and photo ops. Why do people focus on them when we have bigger issues to resolve? Where is Janet Napoles now? do CBCP and DSWD care? (my search for Janet is good for another blog, altogether).
Let them live and let them be. At the very least, nobody is harmed and/or killed yet. Although admittedly, converting to another religion, may it be Islam or not, can really get controversial especially if the intent is union and/or marriage only. Again, I don't want to think about it, I have my own dilemmas. Buti nga siya may syota eh?!
Most of the time when two people are in love, others are happy for them as well. But all that changes when they are 44 years apart, biologically. Why is that so, sige nga "anak", pakiexplain, labyu!
***photos are not mine
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