UST at 400 : Feels Good to be Home!

The happiest and most meaningful years of my life were my years spent at UST.  My dreams were built and realized in this hallowed ground in Espana Ave.  Who I am and what I am today I owe a lot to my parents, and to my education at the Royal, Pontifical, and Catholic University of Santo Tomas.  And as a fitting tribute and gratitude to my Alma Mater, I “went home” last night as its celebrated its 400^th year.  Memories were re-lived and old acquaintances were encountered.  I used “went home” since for 9 years UST had been my second home and I had no regrets being a part of UST, with all its rich history, tradition and track record of excellence.

Arch of the Centuries: The Gateway to the Greatest Breed of Individuals

Unending Grace

 I was never elated for a long time until I set foot once again at the UST Campus last night.  It was really like coming home more than visiting a loved one.  And as I walked through the fields, grounds, sheds and hallways of my Alma Mater, I can’t help but remember how I used to exist in this vast space along Espana Ave.  I traced back old routines, visited the places I used to spend my breaks on,  and met people who had been part of my years at UST.  From my former mentors, to previous casual acquaintances, to my old classmates, and to my former colleagues at the UST Hospital.   It was also a delight to see Thomasians from all walks of life and from different generations gather to celebrate this special period in UST’s and every Thomasian’s history.  I also appreciate the new developments this campus had undergone. The traffic I encountered  and all the anxiety of going there was really worth it.   Not everyone gets to experience a Quadricentennial in their lifetime. And I was fortunate that I am still alive when UST celebrated it.

Thomasian Physician

I will forever be in gratitude to this institution.  I would not have been a physician today if not for the educational grant I received from no less than the premiere medical school in the country, the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.  During those times, just as when I thought the dreams I built was in danger of being shattered for good, the kind hearts of UST and Thomasian alumni gave me hope.  And through hardwork and determination, I was able to become the Thomasian physician I dreamed to be.  For that, I vowed to myself to give back to my Alma Mater someday, to the best of my capabilities.   That promise is one of my motivations to get through my present endeavour.

In Beauty, and Truth, and Virtues

UST has taught me to appreciate the BEAUTY of every endeavour of the soul.  It had shown to me the TRUTH behind the different sciences which I got involved in.  And most especially, it had instilled in me the VIRTUES of a truly holistic and Christian education.  Its UNENDING GRACE drives every Thomasian to achieve and to excel, and to accept defeat with honor.   I really hope other Thomasian alumni,  new Thomasians, and even transferee Thomasians, would be as proud as I am of our beloved UST.  There’s nothing not to be proud of.  Our rich history and tradition, our excellence in the different professional fields, our distinguished alumni, our most beautiful campus, and yes even our dominance in the UAAP are enough reasons for us to be proud of being a Thomasian.  UST has done, is doing and will be doing its part, but it’s also our responsibility to make UST proud of us.



UST @ 400



VIVA SANTO TOMAS!

GO USTE!   GO USTE!  GO USTE!  GO GO GO GO!

UST Hymn: In Beauty, And Truth, And Virtues.....Imbued with Unending Grace

"Keep us in Beauty, and Truth, and Virtues Impassioned Embrace.
Ever your Valiant Legions, Imbued with Unending Grace."

These are my favorite lines from my beloved Alma Mater's hymn, the Hymn of the Royal, Pontifical, and Catholic University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas.  For these lines define what UST envisions its students and alumni to be. Enlightened in the Beauty of the Arts, In the Truth of the Sciences, and in the Virtues of a truly Catholic Education.  Forever showered with Grace, in every triumph and achievement, and the same Grace to accept every defeat or debacle. 

The UST Hymn is not merely a hymn to exalt an institution; if you would notice, unlike other college hymns, it does not mention the name of the school or even the word Alma Mater on its words.  It is universal and it would like Thomasians to share the message to non-Thomasians.  Furthermore, it is a prayer asking our Almighty God for guidance and enlightenment in our quest for academic, personal, professional and spiritual excellence.  The lines of this hymn and prayer should be the driving force of every Thomasian in  every endeavor.  Like our national anthem, our UST Hymn is part of our identity as Thomasians.  And it should be inherent in every Thomasian to sing the UST Hymn with gusto. 

                          

Sadly, the truth is not all Thomasians know the lyrics of the hymn, some even not aware of the melody, and worse some don't even bother knowing the message of the hymn.  A great proportion does not even bother singing it at all during events and even at the UAAP Games.  It is quite disappointing that some Thomasians, despite their 4 or more years of stay at the university were not able to at least memorize the melody and lyrics of the UST Hymn.  I've encountered quite several people who have graduated already from UST without even knowing how to sing our hymn.  I may forgive those who have spent quite a number of years at another institution but "through and through" Thomasians have no excuse not knowing this.  But let me lambast those who have memorized their other school hymns but did not bother singing the UST hymn during their stay at the University.  I just simply don't get it.

The hymn is as easy to pick-up as the national anthem and yet the same people were not able to at least know the melody.  And yet these people can memorize and sing Justin Bieber, Akon and Taylor Swift songs with ease.  More shameful are people who don't even stay during the singing of the hymn.  These are evident during UAAP Games as I have noticed.  When the Growling Tigers win, many sing it but a few people leave before the hymn is sung.  When the Tigers lose, only a few people sing and a great majority leave before the hymn is sung.  If they don't know how to sing it, them they might as well could have stayed as a sign of respect and honor to the University. 

It;s not too late to learn the UST Hymn.  Especially now that our beloved UST will be celebrating its Quadricentennial.  The lyrics are provided below and I embedded a video too.  Isn't it embarassing when you consider yourself a Thomasian and  when other people ask you to sing your school hymn , you don't even know the melody?!

The UST Hymn

God of All Nations

Merciful Lord, of our restless being

Sweep with your golden lilies,

This fountain of purest light.

Trace with the sails of the galleons,

The dream beyond our seeing.

Touch with the Flame of your kindness,

The gloom of our darkest night.

Keep us in beauty, and truth, and virtues,

Impassioned embrace

Ever your valiant legions,

Imbued with Unending Grace

VIVA SANTO TOMAS!  VIVA LA LIGA EL TOMASINO!

90s Flashback: Sarsi TV ad (Angat sa Iba!)

True to its tagline, this TV ad is really "Angat sa Iba." This is indeed one of the best TV ads ever-produced not only in the 90s but in Philippine Advertising history.  It combined a truly Filipino sophisticated melody with a storyline which was well ahead of its period.  This is really Filipino advertising at its finest.  And if I remembered it right, it was the Maestro, Ryan Cayabyab who composed the jinge for this ad.  So definitely, this ad is not your ordinary, cheesy, annoying  everyday TV ad.  Bright minds collaborated to craft this masterpiece of an ad, which is unrivaled up to this date.

Sarsi, Angat sa Iba!

Hindi ka ba natatawa o kaya'y nagtataka
Ganun nga ba talaga pare-pareho na lang ba
Minsan ako nagtatanong bakit nagkakaganoon
Umurong man o sumulong
Ang nasa harapan mo'y iyon at yun.

Uulan, aaraw
Lulubog, lilitaw
Isipin mo mang maiba, yun pala'y katulad rin nila
Huwag na nating piliting tumulad sa ating katabi
Pwede namang maiiba, paminsan-minsan ay baguhin

Mag-Sarsi ka para maiba
Pagkakataong umangat sa iba
Mag-Sarsi ka para maiba
Dahil may pagpipilian ka
Di ba magandang isipin
and di mo pagsasawaan
Di ba magandang isipin na di ka pipilitin

Mag-Sarsi ka para maiba
Pagkakataong umangat sa iba
Mag-Sarsi ka para maiiba
Dahil may pagpipilian ka
Sarsi, angat sa iba

Kulturang Pinoy: Santo Nino

Kaninang umaga ay na-"trap" ako sa kahabaan ng Rosario Ave. sa lungsod ng Pasig. Pangkaraniwan ay mag-iinit ang ulo ko dahil malamang dahil ito sa trapik o di kaya may nasairaan o may nagbangaan lalo na't mahuhuli na ako sa pagpasok sa ospital. Ngunit matapos ko usisain ang puno't dulo nito, ang pagkainis ko ay biglang napalitan ng pagkagalak, sapagkat may mahabang prusisyon pala ng mga Santo Nino sa daang ito. Andaming tao bitbit-bitbit ang kani-kanilang mga imahen ng Santo Nino. Doon ko lamang napagtanto na pista nga pala ng mahal na poon ng Santo Nino.





Santo Nino de Cebu

Ang imahen ng Santo Nino ay marahil pinakaunang imaheng Katolika dito sa Pilipinas. Ayon sa kasaysayan, ang mananakop na si Ferdinand Magellan ay may dala nito nung sya ay dumating dito noong 1521 nang ipinalaganap nila ang Kristyanismo dito sa Pilipinas. Ang imaheng ito ay iniregalo niya kay Reyna Juana ng Mactan nang ang huli ay binyagan bilang Kristyano. Noong 1565, sinadyang sunugin ng mga Kastila ang malaking bahagi ng Cebu. Ngunit may isang sundalo na himalang nakakita sa imahen ng Santo Nino na naligtas mula sa apoy. Ang imaheng iyon ay kasalukuyang nakalagak sa Katedral ng Cebu. Ito ay dinadayo ng mga deboto at tuwing Enero ay idinadaos ang makulay na Sinulog bilang pagpupugay sa Poong Santo Nino.

Ang debosyon at pagkilala sa Santo Nino ay laganap sa Pilipinas. Bawat tahanan, mga establisimyento at maging sa sasakyan ng mga Katolikong Pilipino ay may Santo Nino sa altar. Marahil ang pagiging kabataan ng hitsura nito ay lalong nagpapalapit sa kanya sa puso ng mga Pilipino. At bagaman mukhang bata at inosente, hindi nalilimutan ng mga deboto ang kapangyarihan at pagbibigay biyaya ng mahal na poon.



  

Santo Nino Sapatero

Ang kanyang kapistahan ay ipinagdiriwang sa maraming bahagi ng Pilipinas tulad ng Cebu, sa isla ng Panay, sa Pandacan at sa Tondo. Ngunit di rin pahuhuli ang "Adik sa Santo Capital of the Philippines" na Marikina City. Bagaman hindi kasing-bongga, kasing-kulay at kasing-sagana ng pagdiriwang ng mga  nabanggit, taun-taon ay ipinagdiriwang din sa iba't ibang parokya at kapilya dito sa Marikina ang pista ng Poong Santo Nino. Dito sa aming barangay na Calumpang ay nagkakaroon pa noong mga nakaraang panahon ng Ati-atihan at pagpaaagaw ng mga kendi at mga kukutin sa daan. Naaalala ko ang mga panahon na matino pa ang pag-iisip ng aking lola. Madalas syang magpa-aagaw ng mga kendi mula sa balkonahe ng kanyang bahay. Tapos dun din kami magtatago dahil takot kami sa uling ng mga nag aAti-atihan.

Ngayong taong ito, walang Ati-atihan ngunit meron pa ring pagtatambol, pagpapaagaw ng kendi (at oo, pati pansit na naka-plastic pinapaagaw) at prusisyon ng kay dami-daming imahen ng Santo Nino. Maliit man o malaki, nakadamit magara man o hindi, de-gulong man o wala, may naka-damit prinsipe, may nakapanglaboy, may naka-Spiderman, may naka-pambahay, may nakapang-karnabal....Andami nila. Napa-"anak ng Tinapay" nga ang pari nang makita ang iba't iba at maraming uri ng Santo Nino. Hindi nawala ang pagkilala ng aming mga ka-baranggay kay Santo Nino. Isa ito sa pinakamasayang prusisyon na naganap dito sa amin sa nakalipas na mga taon. At kahit na mas inaabangan ko ang prusisyong pang-Mahal na Araw, ako ay naniniwala na ang tradisyong ito ay di dapat mawala sa mga susunod na panahon.



Ang mga Deboto





Kulturang Pinoy: Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno ng Quiapo

Bukas ay inaasahan natin na dadagsain ng maraming Pilipino, mayaman man o mahirap, may katungkulan man o wala, ang Basilica Minor ng Nazareno ng Quiapo sa Lungsod ng Maynila upang muling ipakita ang kanilang taimtim na debosyon sa imahen ng Itim na Nazareno (Black Nazarene). Maaaring ang pakikilahok sa taunang tradisyong ito ay lubhang mapanganib para sa ilan ngunit tila yata hindi sila mapipigilan sa kanilang panata sa Poon ng Itim na Nazareno. Tunay ngang ito ay isa sa mga pinakamalaki at pinakaaabangang kapistahan dito sa Pilipinas

January 9: Kapistahan ng Poon ng Itim na Nazareno ng Quiapo



Pagdagsa ng mga Deboto



Ang imahen ng Itim na Nazareno ay nagmula sa bansang Mexico at dumating sa Pilipinas noong ika-17 siglo. Ang pagkakaitim nito ay bunga nang pagkasunog nito habang ito ay ibinabiyahe sa isang barko ng mga Kastila. Sa kasalukuyan ito ay nakalagak sa Basilica Minor ng Jesus Nazareno. Ang naturang basilica ay orihinal na nakapangalan kay San Juan Bautista ngunit dahil sa mga himala at sa debosyon ng tao sa Poong Nazareno, ito ay naipangalan at iniaalay na sa Kanya. Ang taunang prusisyon na taun-taong ginagawa sa mga hayag na lanangan ng distrito ng Quiapo sa Maynila ay nilalahokan ng milyung-milyong tao bilang pagpugay sa Poon. Ngunit dapat ding banggitin na ang ipinuprusisyon na imahen ay di talaga ang orihinal na imahen na mula sa Mexico. Nakagawian na ang katawan lamang ng orihinal at ang ulo ng isa mga replika ang inilalalabas tuwing prusisyon. Ang tanging pagkakataon na inilabas ang ulo at katawan ng orihinal na imaehn ay noong 2007, nang ipagdiwang ang ika-400 na taon ng imahen. Ngunit ang katotohanang ito ay hindi hadlang sa kanilang debosyon.



Panata sa Poon



Ang debosyon ng mga Pilipino sa Mahal na Poon ng Itim na Nazareno ay marahil bunga ng pakikiisa ng masang Pilipino sa paghihirap ni Hesukristo. Ang kahirapan at mga pagsubok na nadarama nila sa buhay ay naihahahlintulad nila sa paghihirap na dinanas ni Kristo nang buhatin niya ang Krus ng kaligtasan papuntang Kalbaryo kung saan tinubos niya ang sanlibutan. Ang pakikilahok sa mapanganib na prusisyong ito ay maaari din bilang pasasalamat at pagpupugay sa mga himalang naidulot ng Poon ng Itim na Nazareno.



Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno



Ako at ang aking ina ay may malaking pagtanaw din sa Poong Nazareno dahil noong ako ay sanggol pa ay nagkaroon ng anomalya sa aking bumbunan at muntikan nang operahin ang aking ulo na maaaring nakapagdulot sa akin ng pangmatagalan at permanenteng komplikasyon sa utak at pag-iisip. Ngunit dahil sa pagdarasal ng aking ina sa Poong Nazareno, napagtanto ng aking mga doktor na himala na naging maayos naman ang aking kondisyon at di na nangailangan pa ng operasyon. Mula noon, ang aking ina ay naging deboto ng Poong Nazareno. Nakagisnan ko na rin na sumama sa aking ina sa pagsisimba sa Quiapo tuwing Biyernes ng umaga noong ako ay bata pa. Nagbago man ang panahon at naging abala man kami sa araw-araw na buhay, na naging hadlang sa amin upang ituloy ang aming panata, hindi namin ni kailanman nakakalimutan ang himalang naidulot sa akin ng Poong Nazareno. Hindi man kami nakakapunta na sa Quiapo ngayon at hindi man kami lumalahok sa prusisyon, kami ay taimtim pa ring nagdarasal sa ngalan ng Poong Nazareno.

Sana ay makamit din ng ibang deboto ang himalang naidulot sa amin ng Mahal na Poon Nazareno. Wala namang imposible basta't may panananalig at pananampalataya.

Ang Pagbisita sa Marikina  ng isa sa mga replika mula sa Quiapo noong Pebrero 2010

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, Sinasamba ka namin, Pinipintuho ka namin, Aral mo ang aming Buhay at Kaligtasan.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, Iligtas mo kami sa kasalanan. Ang Krus mong kinamatayan ay sagisag ng aming Kailigtasan

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, Dinarangal ka Namin, Niluluwalhati ka Namin

Events: What Events I Look Forward to in 2011

It is quite a common practice for TV stations everywhere in the world to show yearend reports during the last week of December for the purpose of reminding the people of what happened the past year, whether boon or bane. And while I agree that looking back at the past and the lessons learned from such experiences will help you in making decisions which could dictate your future, I prefer to look more forward than backward for this coming year, for the simple reason that 2010 was not so much kind to me.

2010 was a tough year for me and my family. From my resignation from an institution which I loved so much, to an unexpected prolonged hiatus from medical practice, and most especially, the demise of my father. I accept what had happened because it was God's way of bringing my feet back to the ground, and I appreciate the lessons learned throughout that rough journey. But I must move on and I like to be happy again. So instead of dwelling more on the past, I prefer looking forward to events which should bring the smile back again on my face, the things which I really appreciate.

5. NBA and NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2k11

All those Lebron haters should start shutting their mouths or better yet shove them into their asses. The King, Bosh and D-Wade are starting to play good music together and there's no stopping the Miami Heat. So what if those Celtics beat the Heat twice already. The playoffs is a different picture and LBJ would make those blabbermouths eat their words. The only reason why those Celtics, Knicks, Spurs and even Lakers fans hate LBJ and Co., is because they know what The King and his men can do come playoff time, and yet they deny it at the same time. C'mon try booing and cursing LeBron again so that he can throw away 30 markers or triple-doubles on your team again! This summer, the Heat will be On.

The HEAT is ON

And over at the ice, perennial contenders Detroit Red Wings should redeem their place at the top of the Hockeyworld. Alex Ovechkin's Capitals and Sidney Crosby's Penguins should make way for the big Red Machine as Nick Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg will try to win back the Stanley Cup they lost two years ago.

REDemption

4. UAAP Season 74

It has become a yearly ritual for the Growling Tigers to hoist the General Championship trophy during the opening ceremonies of the UAAP. UST is the tower of power when it comes to collegiate sports. But admit it or not, Thomasians are also drooling over that basketball championship which was hard to come by the past few years. I just can't understand why UST is losing on the recruitment wars, especially now that the school in Legarda with Rabies is hellbent on luring our homegrown talents with the cash vouchers of their tycoon benefactors. They call it recruitment, but I call it PIRACY. I expect a better finish than last years "overachieving?!" record of 4-10 since most of the rookies and sophomores should have gained that experience and should have developed added skills by the off-season. Honestly, I think Pido Jarencio should be sacked. The Growling Tigers basketball has no established system of play at all, aside from those futile three-point shooting plays. They should start winning basketball games so that those loudmouths from Katipunan, Taft, and Morayta stop mocking and bashing our beloved university despite of our success in other UAAP sports like Volleyball, Taekwondo, etc.

Win "the One" for UST



I also hope the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the Yellow Jackets bring back the crown to where it rightfully belongs in Espana Blvd. And of course, that 13th straight General Championship at season's end is also expected. Go USTe! Go USTe! Go USTEe! Go Go Go Go!


Bring Back the Crown to Espana!



3. Neurology Residency Training at the City

Like what I've said in a previous post, I have been given a second chance by God to become what I want myself to be. And this time, there is no turning back. This is it. Sure it is work and it could be tougher than what I thought it should be. But with the help of God, my family and my co-workers, I think I'll be in for a fun learning experience. Got to get rid of that pride, got to tame that strict superego, will not make any promises or great expectations and just enjoy the most of what the training can offer.

NEU Life at the City

2. Marikina Semana Santa 2011



En el Calvario

 While most people prefer to go out-of-town on Holy week leaving Metro Manila as a deserted place, Santo enthusiasts like me from Marikina, would not go anywhere but home. Marikina City despite its recent developments, has not lost any of its traditions, especially those associated with religious occasions. We boast of having one of the most colorful yet solemn, constantly-enriched and well-preserved Holy week traditions which you coud not see anywhere else in the Metropolis.

 



Virgen delas Angustias



For starters we have the different Senakulo or Passion plays, the Pabasa in different localities and the Penitensyas where real flagellation and beating happen. It's nice to note that the younger generations have carried on these traditions. The highlight of the Holy Week celebrations here in Marikina City are our processions. I used the term "processions" because we have a lot of them. You can even stand in one strategic area and without moving places, be able to witness three different long processions from three different parishes. The images are life-sized, well-vested and their carrozas well-arranged. Actually, Marikina City has been considered both by local and foreign media to be one of the must-see places during Holy Week because of these processions.

Paglilinis at Paghahanda sa Katawan ni Hesus 

For the past three years, I had taken a vow to engage in these processions. Aside from my vow of diligently taking pictures of each and every santo in the line-up of two different long processions for three procession nights, I also took responsibility in vesting a tableau and a male apostle owned by my cousins in our Parish's own procession during Holy Wednesday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These are vows which I do not intend to break for whatever reason. It's my way of giving thanks for God's blessings. And I also plan to own a processional image, a tableau, of my own within the next 4 years.

My "alaga", San Simon Makabayan (the Zealot)

What started out as a mere fascination became a regard for tradition, which eventually evolved into a true devotion. And for these reasons, I have always looked forward to Semana Santa in Marikina every year. For me, it's more important than Christmas.

1. UST Quadricentennial: 400 Years of Unending Grace

2011 is the Year of the Thomasian. I have spent 10 years of my life at the Royal and Pontifical and Catholic University of Santo Tomas. And those 10 years were the happiest and most meaningful, most colorful years of my life. I am proud to be an alumnus of UST, for its rich history, tradition and record of excellence. A great deal of what I am today is because of my stay at my beloved Alma Mater. Alumni of other universities can say what they want and claim what they want to claim. But for me, UST is still one of the best universities and Thomasians are still the greatest breed of graduates in the country. Its excellent record in various fields of expertise is just a testament of how great UST eventhough at times it is overlooked and underrated by others.

Home of the Greatest Breed of Individuals

It should be both an honor and pleasure to witness this quadricentennial celebration in my lifetime. There are a lot of events lined-up for the Quadricentennial celebrations, and I'm looking forward to participating in one of them. "Keep us in beauty and truth and virtues, impassioned embrace. Ever your valiant legions Imbued with UNENDING GRACE."

UST at 400: Unending Grace

 

People: My Top 10 Pinoy Personalities of 2010

Two days ago, GMA News conducted an online survey on Twitter regarding the Top 10 Pinoys Who Made Us Proud. These are people who made the news, brought honor to the country and had an impact on the national scene for the past year. So after that 10 seconds or so of self-gratification after seeing my Tweet on National TV as featured on GMA7's 24 Oras, I decided to put up my own list of the Top 10 personalities for the year 2010.  This is a bit different from GMA's list. One may disagree or agree with this list. These merely reflect my opinion and biases.

10. MANNY VILLAR


Manny Villar: Unfortunate Mudslinging Victim

"Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura, nag-Pasko ka na ba sa gitna ng kalsada, yan ang tanong namin, tunay ka bang isa sa amin?" Thus said in his campaign jingle which also became a household tune as it was sung even by the little kids. Everyone was inspired by his rags-to-riches story until the Yellow Army and those no-good, ambitious opportunists at the Liberal party threw mud at him by questioning his poverty and by continuing to pound him with the "C5 at Taga" issue which he denied and was never proven true at all. He could have been our President if not for the baseless and shameless tirades of AbNoyNoy's troops and the conditioning against him by AbNoyNoy's ABS-CBN network. Somewhat, i pity this man because he spent a great deal of money for the past elections, for all those ads and all those supporters from showbiz. I may not have voted for him but he still has my respect.

9. HUBERT WEBB



Hubert Webb: Free at Last

He is the latest newsmaker for 2010. After 15 years of languishing in jail for a crime he apparently did not commit, the wheels of justice turned into his and his co-accused favor by virtue of a 7-4 decision by the Supreme Court citing insufficient evidence for convictiong him beyond reasonable doubt for the Vizconde massacre. Though my heart also fell for Lauro Vizconde. I also found it inappropriate to jail an innocent man for life. Back in 2001, I doubted their conviction because I found Jessica Alfaro as an incredible witness. Now he's free and has enjoyed media and public attention ever since. The day after his release, he went to a popular mall to buy stuff, but for a while he felt oddly at the present items in stock and even ordered an already phased-out donut flavor. Seems he got stuck in the 90s.

8. GILBERTO "GIBO" TEODORO"

 

Gibo: He gave us hope

The 2010 Elections was noted for 2 reasons: because it was the first automated elections and because it was the dirtiest elections in recent years. I have never seen this level of mudslinging among candidates before. But one man stood out, and refrained from joining the charcter assassination spree and instead focused on his platforms and what he can do for the country. Despite being backed by the disdained (not by me!) administartion party Lakas-CMD and forever unpopular President Gloria Arroyo, he never took it personally and went on to campaign the way a civilized campaign should proceed. He could have used large party funds to ameliorate his campaign by loading up on TV ads and getting the services of showbiz people; but because he believed in his principles, he chose to go directly to the voters. Never have we seen a politician like him. And because there were so many proto-humans in the Philippines who were influenced by AbNoyNoy's hordes and ABS-CBN, the former Tarlac lawmaker and Defense secretary lost. He had the most impressive credentials and yet he lost. It was not his loss actually, it was the country's loss. And as loyal Gibo supporters would say "We may have missed the flight, But he gave us Hope."

7. WILLIE REVILLAME







Willie Revillame: New Home at TV5

Willie's struggles this year started when he chose to support Manny Villar instead of the ABS-CBN backed AbNoyNoy camp. Then he got in a word war with showbiz columnist Jobert Sucaldito and threatened to resign if Jobert would not be removed. But because of his political affiliation, he was given nothing but a cold shoulder by ABS-CBN which made him take a leave of absence from his Wowowee show which he eventually left permanently. Along the way, issues between him and co-hosts Pokwang and Mariel Rodriguez were uncovered which made things a little bit more uncompromising. After few months of rest and legal battles with ABS-CBN, Willie re-surfaced and signed with TV5 to host the now popular Willing-Willie which i think is an exact adaptation of the now-defunct Wowowee show. In the end, Willie Revillame came out as winner because his daily show is giving ABS-CBN's TV Patrol a beating in the ratings game.

6. CARLOS CELDRAN





Carlos Celdran: TNL

Carlos Celdran was a popular Manila Tour Guide, culture vulture, performing artist and Reproductive Health Bill advocate. He is best known for his lively and informative tours in the City of Manila, and also distributes condoms to promote his advocacy. His recent ascent to the national scene happened on September 3, 2010, when he, dressed as Jose Rizel (or Crisostomo Ibarra), attended a mass at the Manila Cathedral which was also attended by no less than the Archbishop and the Mayor of Manila. In the middle of the mass, Carlos Celdran bravely hoisted a placard with the words "Damaso" as reference to the influential friar from Noli Me Tangere, and shouted to the priests "Stop getting involved in politics" before he was escorted away by police. This stunt was a protest on the Church's negative influence on the State on the RH Bill, of which he advocates. While I disagree with this stunt, I still admire and believe in his advocacy. Thus I brand him my "Tunay na Lalake" of the Year.

5. PRESIDENT NOYNOY AQUINO

 As one of the comments on Facebook said "The Yellow Army brought a knife to a gunfight, and yet this knife was not the sharpest they have." Until now I am still wondering why a previous lawmaker who was not able to pass a single bill during his 12-year stint got the vote of more than 10 million Filipinos? Or should I say, are more than 10 million Filipinos dumb enough to elect an inexperienced and indecisive free-rider? Now 6 months into his presidency, he has not achieved anything significant yet. In fact, his Trial And Error (T.A.E) government did nothing but errors and useless proclamations. He is quick to blame the past administration for the current state of the country and yet he is also quick to grab credit for anyhting good GMA had sown. Too many blunders to date, the Quirino hostage crisis, freeing of Morong 43 and the military adventurists like Trillanes, Querubin and Lim, the unconstitutional Truth Commission, incompetent and bickering staff among others. While I still respect Ninoy Aquino, I really don't like Cory Aquino who also did not do anything good during her term as a president. And this AbNoyNoy rose to the presidency because of the popularity of his hero Dad. mediocre Mom, who happened to have an Idiot Son and a Brat daughter. Besides what would I expect from someone who had no credentials and experience at all, and who was only urged by his opportunist allies. Weakest president yet. I hope his presidency is over by Easter Sunday.

NoyNoy: Your Trial And Error (T.A.E) President



4. CHARICE PEMPENGCO

   Though she was no. 1 in the GMA survey, I still don't consider her deserving of a top spot. Sure she has a good voice, but I find it already too common for a Filipino singer to be a Biritera. What should be lauded is her inclusion in the popular TV series Glee. It was quite an achievement for a Filipino to be included in a top-rating US TV show. But that's it. She's not even a regular in that show. However, her single "Pyramid" made it to the top of the charts.  So, there goes another reason to be proud of her.


Charice: Pyramiiid!



3. MARIA VENUS RAJ



Venus Raj: Major, Major gaffe



 The Philippines boasts of a lot of beautiful women but it seems they do not fit to international beauty pageant standards. For the past decade, the only things we can be proud of in this aspect would be Precious Lara Quigaman's winning of the Miss International and a few others who barely made it to the semifinals but eventually lost. There were pre-pageant hype among Filipina candidates and numerous Miss Photogenic awards (due to the Philippine's massive online population), but they never translated to victories. That was until Maria Venus Raj came. She almost did not make it to the pageant because of some citizenship issues. But during the pageant, she was able to prove that she was indeed deserving to represent the country. She impressed the local media in the US, the organizers and also the judges. She became an instant favorite to win the pageant. But like Miriam Quimabao, she had a "Major, Major" gaffe in the contest's final question and answer portion which sealed her fate. She finished only as the 4th runner-up, the best finish for the Philippines since Miriam Quiambao won 1st runner-up in 1999. And she also made the words "Major, Major" popular in local lingo competing with the Jejemons.

2. MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO

Pacquiao: Pound-for-Pound king

 He could have been No. 1 in my list but come to think of it, his recent wins were not as impressive because he faced lackluster bozos. Sure he was able to bring pride to the country for recording the most number of titles a boxer ever had and for being the Pound-for-Pound king of boxing; but he is yet to face his toughest challenge yet, Floyd Mayweather. But not to take away from the Sarangani Congressman, he indeed deserved those titles and his place in boxing. I really hope Pacquiao vs. Mayweather would happen. That is the only fight I care about. I also hope he does well for his constituents in Sarangani where his help is needed.

1. THE PHL AZKALS

Consistent with my vote in the GMA poll, I still consider them No. 1 for this year. The Philippines was non-existent in the world football map. During the recent FIFA World cup, while the world was wide awake to the tune of Waka Waka and the Vuvuzelas, Filipinos were asleep tight and oblivious. Football was never given attention in this country until this bunch of previously unknown individuals started racking up wins and forcing ties at the AFF Suzuki Cup. And one of the wins came against prevoius champion Vietnam. They entered the semifinals and finally put Philippine football at the pedestal. They may have lost those semifinal games against Indonesia but their achievement was the best yet for the country and better still, they were able to rally a nation behind them. They told our neighbors that we can play Football too. And to think these guys are not your highly-payed, big-egoed brats. Though some of them are half-breeds, it does not matter because they proudly carried the name of the country. I really do hope Football starts to fluorish in the country. It's time to explore another sport aside from basketball, billiards, boxing and bowling where we had tough luck recently.

The PHL Azkals: Filipinos can play Football too