How do you know that you are loved? Can Love be measured?

To me, love is the little things. The little things about trust--a stranger who offers you food because you forgot to bring your own, honesty--the person who is at his deepest times but choose to return your wallet, silence--a friend who is just simply quite beside you while you're crying because you don't talk about it for the moment, and a lot more of the things we both know are valuable. So if you ask me for it is to be measured, yeas and no. Yes, for the things that matter and no, for the things that didn't.

Why I love my Philippines (Tavelogue)

There are so much to love in the Philippines. You'll love the people, food and the beautiful destinations that only Philippines can offer. Check this out!

El Nido, Palawan
 

 Named as the most beautiful island beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine in 2015, El Nido is one of the must-visit and must-return places in the Philippines in 2016. When in El Nido, experience different island hopping tours to white sand beaches, enchanting lagoons, and crystal clear waters, where you can swim, snorkel, do kayaking, or just relax and embrace the hidden beauty of Mother Nature.


Boracay Island, Aklan
 

Boracay is probably the most popular beach island in the Philippines. It’s every Filipino’s dream to visit this island located in the province of Aklan. With its soft white sand, bright blue waters, beautiful sunset view, and unforgettable night life experiences, Boracay has been included in the top 20 best islands in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine

Batanes Islands, Batanes


Batanes is one of the most wanted tourist destinations in the Philippines. A trip to the province will give you the most unique sceneries of the country, which include unspoiled islands that will satisfy nature lovers, livestock freely roaming above endless green hills, massive cliffs overlooking oceans under the blue skies, rocky shores and white sand beaches, and the rich cultural heritage of the Ivatans.

Camiguin Island, Camiguin

Camiguin province holds the record of having the most number of volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on the planet. But beyond volcanoes, the province also boasts natural attractions, including an uninhabited white sandbar, hot and cold springs, and waterfalls. Moreover, you can also witness the Lanzones festival in October, visit centuries-old churches, old ancestral homes and the infamous sunken cemetery.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and home to the world-renowned surfing wave called “Cloud 9”. So if you love surfing, this island must be in your bucket list in 2016. However, Siargao is not only a perfect place for surfers but for any type of tourists. Unknown to many, the island is also hiding pristine white sand beaches, enchanting lagoons, natural pools, waterfalls, amazing caves, incredible rock formations, and more.

Coron, Palawan

Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan. Photo by Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ via Flickr.

Coron is a tropical paradise in the province of Palawan. The postcard-perfect scenery of Kayangan Lake with its towering limestone cliffs and crystalline waters is one of the must-visit places in the Philippines. Visiting Coron will give you an opportunity to swim at Kayangan Lake, dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. Coron is also one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the country.

Hinatuan Enchanted River, Surigao Del Sur

The clear, clean and bluish Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. Image by 2il org via Flickr.

If Surigao Del Norte is famous for its legendary Pacific waves in Siargao, Surigao Del Sur is known for its Enchanted River in Hinatuan. The clear bluish waters of Hinatuan’s Enchanted River can go as deep as 80 feet deep. A popular story among the locals tells that fairies and mermaids swim and play in the waters, protect the river, and maintain its cleanliness.

Mayon Volcano, Albay

Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay. Image by Ronnie Rey Manjares via Pixabay

Mount Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines. But in contrast of its threat lies a perfectly cone shaped volcano that can surpass the beauty of any volcano on Earth. The breathtaking landscape of Mayon Volcano is already a very popular landmark of the Philippines, as you can see it in the Philippine money and in common postcards in the country. Mayon is also named as one of the world’s most photogenic volcanoes by CNN Travel.

Taal Volcano and Tagaytay, Batangas and Cavite

Taal Volcano as seen from Tagaytay

Tagaytay City in Cavite is a popular holiday destination located south of Manila. It’s an ideal place for leisure and recreation activities, such as picnic, horseback riding, zipline riding, and catching the picturesque view of Taal Volcano Island surrounded by Taal Lake. For more adventure, tourists can head to Talisay, Batangas to cross Taal Lake on a motorboat and reach Taal Volcano Island to trek to the crater of the smallest active volcano in the world.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Photo by Carrie Kellenberger via Flickr.

Palawan seems to never run dry of amazing destinations for tourists. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park also called Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2 km long Underground River is said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. The cave system contains stalactites, stalagmites, small underground waterfalls, and more river channels.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Banaue Rice Terraces. Image by Cabajar via Wikimedia Commons

A national cultural treasure and considered by Filipinos as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Rice Terraces of Banaue is a perfect place for sightseeing, getting closer with nature, getting to know the tribes of Ifugao, and even consulting with a Mumbaki (a traditional Ifugao witch doctor) to perform spiritual healing rituals. The Rice Terraces were built 2,000 years ago by our ancestors using stone and mud walls to construct pond fields for rice cultivation in the mountains of Ifugao.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Photo by P199 via Wikimedia Commons.

One of the most famous landmarks of the Philippines, Chocolate Hills are more than a thousand hills spread over the municipalities of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan in Bohol. They are called as such because their green grasses layers turn brown during the dry season, making them look like chocolates. The province of Bohol is also known for white sand beaches, rivers, centuries-old churches, and the Philippine tarsier.

 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan

Tubbataha Reefs. Photo by q phia via Flickr.

If Mount Apo is for hikers, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a heaven for the scuba divers. This wonderful underwater world near the middle of Sulu Sea is one of the best dive sites on Earth. This protected sanctuary is home to pristine coral reefs, manta rays, sea turtles, clownfish, lionfish, sharks, and the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. The Natural Park which was also declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is also a sanctuary for a hundred bird species.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

The Spanish period houses in Calle Crisologo, VIgan, Ilocos Sur. Photo by Adrian Enriquez via Pixabay.

There are many Spanish colonial period houses and mansions that are scattered in the Philippines. But if you like to see an entire district that is exceptionally intact from its Spanish period architecture and scenery, Vigan is the place to be. The historic town of Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along Crisologo Street to experience an ambience dating back to the 16th century.

Intramuros and Rizal Park, Manila

The walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is abundant with historical and educational attractions. The 400-year old historic walled city of Intramuros is home to Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Manila Cathedral, Palacio del Gobernador, Plaza de Roma, centuries-old canyons, cobblestones, and other buildings and ruins from the Spanish period. A walking distance from Intramuros is Rizal Park, the most famous park in the country and home to the iconic Rizal Monument, the country’s tallest flag, KM Zero, and much more.

National Museum of the Philippines, Manila

The huge painting, Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Another must-visit destination in Manila is the National Museum of the Philippines. If you like to learn more and appreciate the national cultural and historical treasures of the Filipinos, the museum is a place you shouldn’t miss in 2016. See for yourself the giant painting Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the Manunggul Jar and other prehistoric artifacts dated back from 890 to 710 B.C., the treasures of Spanish Galleon San Diego, the Balangay or Butuan boat, the different paintings and sculptures of various Filipino national artists, and other stuff you have probably only seen in textbooks.

Kawasan Falls, Cebu
 
 If you happen to be on a team vacation in Cebu, then take your members and leaders to the beautiful municipality of MoalBoal which hosts white-sand beaches and bountiful marine world. Ever dream of going under the waterfalls? Troop to Kawasan Falls in Badian, north of Cebu! The Queen City of the South can serve as your first stop for all your bucket list thoughts in the province of Cebu!

Sagada
 
Where do broken hearts go? Well, it’s probably in Sagada. Find your soulmate here if you’re still a lonely wanderer. Wake up after the night chat with the inspiring view of its cliffs from the Kiltepan Peak. Immerse in the burial culture through the Sagada Hanging Coffins. And don’t forget to taste the local lemon pie and yoghurt! 

Guimaras Island

The Western Visayas island of Guimaras is an interesting summer destination. There’s so much to do here from soaking in the crystal clear waters serving Raymen Beach, exploring its sea-level Baras Cave, walking up the Giusi lighthouse, snorkeling at Soly Luna, and of course, tasting their export product and an ultimate favorite fruit, Mango!

Dumaguete City

Next in the list is Negros Oriental’s Dumaguete City. Visiting delicacy shops should be definite. Everybody loves Sans Rival and their local street food lined up in their bay walk! You may also go to Dumaguete Zoo to see for yourself some of the country’s endangered species. And then, there’s the Dumaguete City Public Market which a tourist should never ever forget to visit for its cheap produce. If you have time left, go to Siliman University, the oldest American university in Asia.

Siquijor Island For a totally private and romantic hideout, go visit Siquijor – the island of fire. You’ll just love to cool breeze flowing into the island. Just want to hear the soothing sound of water? Take a ride to the island’s Cambugahay Falls and Lugnason Falls. Adding to the island’s charm are its centuries old Balete trees, butterfly sanctuaries, and dive spots.
 

What do I expect from the Next President of the Philippines

Brave, decisive, smart, transparent, confident, committed to his work and the people, an inspiration to all, approachable, with moral conscience and a good heart. The next president of the Philippines must have this qualities inable for him to run the country well. Our country is in a dire situation and will never move forward unless a good leader will take-over over their so-called "Daang Matuwid". We had enough of this trapo (traditional politicians)! We want a leader to fight for people's right and not for his or his colleague's good only.

The next leader must be the one that our country lacks off. First, we lack discipline. No country can be progressive unless its citizens are law-abiding and disciplined. We have enough law  in this country. In fact, Philippines is one of the countries in the world that has so much laws, but why are we still like this? Second, the drug problem has become a national menace.Third, corruption is endemic in all levels of government. Lastly, criminality is rampant nationwide.

There is this man from Davao that I think he can lessen but not eliminate this problems our country is now facing. He has the qualities. He has been in politics for how many years but he is a not a "trapo". He speaks candidly without fear of the political consequences of what he says. He is a problem solver. He has successfully addressed the problems on illegal drugs, traffic and criminality. He has balls and is not afraid of anyone. He has a track record of good governance.

Let me also briefly describe the frontrunners in the 2016 elections. Vice President Jejomar Binay is allegedly involved in the massive corruption. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas is intelligent but has done nothing spectacular during his long government service. Let's add the Yolanda fund that he allegedly used for own good or for the campaign.Senator Grace Poe has a very little experience in governance.

For me, the best choice for the position is Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Well, we have also Senator Mirriam Santiago but let's accept the fact that she has stage 4 cancer and I think she will not be able to finish the 6-year term as a president if ever elected. Mayor Duterte has also many controversies but we can't also deny how brilliant he is for governing Davao for over 20 years. And Davao now is the 9th safest city in the whole world.

Gain in your 20s, Build in your 30s, Chill in your 40s


Future. Just a word but once you hear it, different things will come into your mind. What am I doing ten or twenty years from now? Did you already plan for your future? Me, I'm working on it.

Gain in your 20's. I'm nineteen and nothing. And I'm afraid to being a twenty-year-old lady with no job. Well, I already plan for that. By God's grace and hard work, when I become twenty-one-year-old and a CPA, I will work in the most prestigious accounting firm the the country, SGV and Co. Philippines. I will work there for like two years or so. I need to have a good experience in accounting world inable for me to grow as a competent and talented accountant cause I really want to work abroad. Yes, I know everyone wants to work abroad and I'm one of them. I can really feel that my future is there, that I'll live there with my family. Gain. Gain. Gain. That's what I'm planning during my twenties. Who wouldn't want to be rich, right?

Build in your 30s. I'll marry the man I love in my 30th year. This will be the time that I want to settle for good with my future husband. We'll build a family with two children, a boy and a girl and a  house that just not  for the 4 of us, I want my mama and papa to live with us if they want. I want a mustang car for me, and a ford ranger for the whole family and for my husband, well he can choose whatever he likes.

Chill in your 40s! This will be the time of my life! When I was young, I always wanted to travel around the world. And I have a list already. I wanted to go to Japan, Maldives, Rome, Paris, Australia, Los Angeles, Washington, Unites Kingdom, Bora Bora, New York, San Francisco, Venice, Brazil, Dubai, Singapore, China, South Korea and many more. I know it costs a lot but it's free to dream and like I said, I'm working on it.

I'm a girl with lots of dreams in my head and I'll be conquering it!

Story of my Life


I am just a simple girl from the south who dreamed of a simple life together with my family. But not until I began college. I realized that the world is so big to have a small dream, I have to conquer the world.

When I was till in high school, my mom is always telling me that engineering course is the best for me, that I'll enjoy being an engineer someday. She told me how engineering course can change my life someday but not until when I was in my fourth year in high school. She changed her mind. She told me to take up accountancy instead. "You're good at math", she said and "accountancy are for the girls." And the engineering course? Well, she told me that when I become an engineer someday, I will hate my job cause I'll go to building sites and it will be so hot there and dirty and it's not for the girls. Actually, I hate her that time. I set my mind that I'm going to be an engineer for a long period of time and in just seconds, she will change her mind. As for me, being an obedient daughter as always, I said okay.

I really have no idea what accounting is! I don't even know about debit and credit! I really struggled during my first year. Yes, I love reading but only novels. I never thought I'll read bunch of books just to pass my major subjects. And take note, not just reading, it's reading and re-reading and answer lots of problems! This is suicide, I said to myself.

There are lots of time I wanted to quit but I always wash that away from my mind. There are also a lot of time that I feel so tired and wanted to give up but I think of my family. There are times that I drown myself into tears and talking to myself like, "this is my mom's fault why I'm like this. This is really her fault why I'm suffering like this." But someone said that when I become a CPA someday, I will tell my mom, "Ma, this is all because of you."

Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going. It's not only willingness, but it comes also with hard work and prayers. Next school year I'll be in my last year being an accountancy student, hopefully. I'll be a CPA someday. I can do all things in Him who strengthens me!

THE WONDERS OF MY PROVINCE, REGION IX (ZAMBOANGA PENINZULA)

Mamalawi Island, the Crown Jewel of Basilan




Sibugsay Festival at Sibugay




Dipolog Cathedral




Buluan Island at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay





Our Lady of Pilar in Zamboanga City





Fantasyland in Dapitan City





House of Rizal in Dapitan City




Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City





Big Manok at the Municipality of Manukan





Montaño Sardines




Lampacanay Sala Set of Zamboanga Sibugay





Wesmin Coolers Calamansi Concentrate of Zamboanga Sibugay

FAVORITE FILIPINO DELICACY

Pinakbet

Ingredients:

• In a pan, fry the boiled pork to brown. Set aside.
• 2 medium-length eggplants, cubed
• 1 medium-length bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced
• 6 tender okra pods
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup of sliced onions
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup water from rinsing rice
• 3 tbsp fermented sauce (less if it’s a salty bagoong)
• 1 tbsp pounded ginger
• 1 cup boiled sliced pork
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

How to Prepare:

1. In a pan, fry the boiled pork to brown. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, stir-fry the garlic, onions, ginger and tomatoes.
3. Boil the rice-washing water in a large pan (2-qt capacity) with the bagoong.
4. Add the pork and the stir-fried garlic, onion, ginger and tomatoes.
5. Bring back to a boil, then add the ampalaya, eggplant and okra.
6. Cover the pan and cook over high heat, then turn down the heat to prevent scorching.
7. Cook until the vegetables are done. Don’t overcook because the vegetables will lose their bright colors and become mushy.
*Feel free to vary the ingredients. For instance, squash (kalabasa) is a popular ingredient because it adds a bright orange color to the dish. String beans (sitaw) are another popular vegetable in pakbet. If you don’t have bagoong on hand, just use salt.

I often ask my mom to cook me pinakbet when I'm home.The first reason why I love this dish so much is that it's really healthy since it's ingredients are most vegetables. Second, it's really delicious especially when you pair it with ginamos. That's the way I eat pinakbet. Lastly, it's so easy to cook. I haven't cooked pinakbet yet but I know it's easy to cook since I always watch my mom cook it. My sister can even cook pinakbet so I'm pretty sure I can do it also.

My 5 Favorite Filipino Poems

ANG HALIK NI  INA

ni: Pascual de Leon

Ang mata ni ina’y bukalan ng̃ luha
Kung may dala-dalang damdamin at awa,
Ang lahi ni ina’y sampagang sariwa
Na may laging laang halik at kaling̃a.

Sa halik ni Ina ay doon nalagas
Ang tinik at bulo ng̃ musmos kong palad,
Sa halik ni ina’y aking napagmalas
Na ako’y tao na’t dapat makilamas.

Ang bibig ni inang bibig ng sampaga’y
Bibig na sinipi kina Clara’t Sisa
Kaya’t mayrong bisang kahalihalina.

Ang halik ng̃ ina’y apoy sa pagsuyo,

Hamog sa bulaklak, Pag-asa sa puso’t

Liwanag sa mg̃a isipang malabo.

BITUIN AT PANGANORIN

ni: Jose Corazon de Jesus

Ako’y nagsapanganorin upang ikaw’y makausap
At sa pisngi niyong langit ang dilim ko’y inilatag;
Ang nais ko’y matapakan ka ng sapot kong mga ulap
At nang yaong pagsikat mo’y ako lang ang makamalas:


Bituin kang sakdal gandang hatinggabi kung sumilang
Na Buwan ang iyong ina at ang ama’y yaong Araw,
Ang Araw na iyong ama nang malubog sa kanluran
Ay nagsabi sa palad kong huwag kitang lalapitan.


Ako nama’y sumang-ayon dapwat ako’y Panganorin
Na talagang hatinggabi kung lumapit sa Bituin,
Kaya ikaw, Bituin ko’y nasuyo ko’t naging akin.


Liwanag mo at dilim ko’y magdamag ding naghalikan,
Ngunit tayo’y inumaga! … Akong dilim ay naparam
At natakot sa ama mong nandidilat sa silangan!

AWA SA PAG-IBIG
ni: Jose Corazon de Jesus

Oh! Kaawa-awang buhay ko sa iba
Mula at sapol ay gumiliw-giliw na,
Nguni’t magpangayon ang wakas ay di pa
Nagkamit ng tungkol pangalang ginhawa.

Ano’t ang ganti mong pagbayad sa akin,
Ang ako’y umasa’t panasa-nasain,
At inilagak mong sabing nahabilin,
Sa langit ang awa saka ko na hintin!


Ang awa ng langit at awa mo naman
Nagkakaisa na kaya kung sa bagay?
Banta ko’y hindi rin; sa awa mong tunay,
Iba ang sa langit na maibibigay.

Tracing You
ni: Kristina Aquino
Imagine the train tracks,
the train speeding away from you.
We were somewhere
and someone else a minute ago.

So I give you this,
the poet, the imagined martyr,
unmoving in her seat--she is one
of the firsts, she is daybreak today--
it does nothing but stare back.
She is so still the train stops with her.
"Cubao", she mouths.

Imagine the train tracks,
the train speeding away from
you, Cubao.
We were with you
some minute ago.

There are buildings
on the way to the end of the line,
but structure
eliminates the idea of a horizon.
It is sad when imagined things
start dying, too.

Ngiti
ni: Julyhet Roque
Ang ngiti sa iyong labi ay huwag mong iwawaglit,
Pagkat ito sa iba’y kapayapaan ang hatid.
Huwag hahayaang sa iba’y ipagkait
Kahit saang dako ikaw makarating.

Ang biloy sa iyong pisngi,kapag ika’y nakangiti
Para kang inosenteng munting sanggol
Na sa duyan naka imbi
Hayaan mo lamang habang lumalaki
At sa buhay mo ay maging bahagi.

José Corazón de Jesús (November 22, 1896 – May 26, 1932), also known by his pen name Huseng Batute, was a Filipino poet who used Tagalog poetry to express the Filipinos' desire for independence during the American occupation of the Philippines, a period that lasted from 1901 to 1946. He is best known for being the lyricist of the Filipino song Bayan Ko.

Buhay Huseng Batute was born on November 22, 1896 in Santa Cruz, Manila to Vicente de Jesús, the first health bureau director of the American occupation government, and Susana Pangilinan of Pampanga. He was christened José Cecilio de Jesús but he later dropped Cecilio and replaced it with the Spanish name Corazón (heart) because he said it best described his character.

Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino (born February 14, 1971), professionally known as Kris Aquino, is a Filipino talk show host, actress, producer, entrepreneur, product endorser, and writer. Dubbed as the "Queen of All Media", she has hosted talk shows and game shows, and also starred in movies and selected television series. She is the youngest daughter of former Philippine senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., and Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, who served as the 11th President of the Philippines. Her brother is Benigno S. Aquino, III, the 15th President of the Philippines. She is the incumbent and de-facto First Lady of the Philippines, as her brother remained a bachelor.

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

José Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Philippines. While living in Europe, Rizal wrote about the discrimination that accompanied Spain's colonial rule of his country. He returned to the Philippines in 1892, but was exiled due to his desire for reform. Although he supported peaceful change, Rizal was convicted of sedition and executed on December 30, 1896, at age 35.

Early Life

On June 19, 1861, José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born in Calamba in the Philippines' Laguna Province. A brilliant student who became proficient in multiple languages, José Rizal studied medicine in Manila. In 1882, he traveled to Spain to complete his medical degree.

Writing and Reform

While in Europe, José Rizal became part of the Propaganda Movement, connecting with other Filipinos who wanted reform. He also wrote his first novel, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not/The Social Cancer), a work that detailed the dark aspects of Spain's colonial rule in the Philippines, with particular focus on the role of Catholic friars. The book was banned in the Philippines, though copies were smuggled in. Because of this novel, Rizal's return to the Philippines in 1887 was cut short when he was targeted by police.

Rizal returned to Europe and continued to write, releasing his follow-up novel, El Filibusterismo(The Reign of Greed) in 1891. He also published articles in La Solidaridad, a paper aligned with the Propaganda Movement. The reforms Rizal advocated for did not include independence—he called for equal treatment of Filipinos, limiting the power of Spanish friars and representation for the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes (Spain's parliament).

Exile in the Philippines

Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892, feeling he needed to be in the country to effect change. Although the reform society he founded, the Liga Filipino (Philippine League), supported non-violent action, Rizal was still exiled to Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao. During the four years Rizal was in exile, he practiced medicine and took on students.

Execution and Legacy

In 1895, Rizal asked for permission to travel to Cuba as an army doctor. His request was approved, but in August 1896, Katipunan, a nationalist Filipino society founded by Andres Bonifacio, revolted. Though he had no ties to the group, and disapproved of its violent methods, Rizal was arrested shortly thereafter.

After a show trial, Rizal was convicted of sedition and sentenced to death by firing squad. Rizal's public execution was carried out in Manila on December 30, 1896, when he was 35 years old. His execution created more opposition to Spanish rule.

Spain's control of the Philippines ended in 1898, though the country did not gain lasting independence until after World War II. Rizal remains a nationalist icon in the Philippines for helping the country take its first steps toward independence.

Jose Rizal is my favorite hero. Since the day I've come into senses, I always hear his name and what he've done to our country. I really admire Rizal's advocacy of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. In his writings, he showed the disparity between the early colonialists and those of his day, with the latter's atrocities giving rise to Gomburza and the Philippine Revolution in 1896. Instead of bolo, he used his intelligence and his pen to express what he feels for the Spaniards and influence Filipinos to fight for our right and independence.

Kaleidoscope World by Francis Magalona


Francis Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as FrancisM, Master Rapper, The Mouth and The Man From Manila, was a Filipino rapper, entrepreneur, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. Born in Mandaluyong City, he was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to cross over into the mainstream. He was credited for having pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, becoming a significant influence to artists in that genre as well. He was also a television host on MTC Asia and Channel V Philippines and on noontime variety television show Eat Bulaga! Magalona died seven months after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Magalona was later awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. The award's citation noted that it had been given "for his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us."

The first time I heard this song was when my sister is listening to it on Myx and I had LSS (last song syndrome) after that. It's just a clever title to how complex the world and society are pretty much. A kaleidoscope never seems to give us the same image, much like the experiences we encounter in life. He is saying that it's a crazy world with a multitude of differences and contrasts. The point the song is trying to make is that in order to exist successfully and with peace, we must learn to co-exist and cooperate.

PRE-COLONIAL PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

• The literature of a formative past by the various groups of people who inhabited the archipelago
• A literature of varying human interest
• Close to the religious and political organizations of the ancient Filipinos
• Versifications: 

               Octosyllabic - Legendary and religious poems
               Dodecasyllabic - Romance

Riddle (Bugtong) - made up of one or more measured lines with rhymes and may consist of 4 to 12                                    syllables

                               -Showcase the Filipino wit, literary talent, and keen observation of the                                                    sorroundings

                               -Involves reference to one or two images that symbolize the characteristics of an                                   unknown object that is to be guessed

     Purpose of Bugtong:

         1. To entertain - living in remote areas, before the advent of electricity, families would sit                                               around the fire and the elders would quiz the younger generation with riddles.

         2. To educate - riddles serve the function of passing down knowledge from one generation to                                      the next. They require thinking in order to solve them.

         3. To tittilate - many ols Filipino riddles contain double entendres that were intended to amuse                                    the men and shock the women

         4. To curse, without expressly cursing - a riddle could be made up against an enemy, rival town,                                                                         or suitor.

         5. To preserve the culture - riddles communicate the old ways from one generation to the next   

Salawikain and Sawikain (Epigrams/Maxims/Proverbs)

-Short poems that have been customarily been used and served as laws or rules on good behavior by our ancestors

-Allegories or parables that impart lessons for the young

-Often expressing a single idea, that is usually satirical and had a witty ending

Bulong (Chants)

-Used in a witchcraft or enchantments

Kasabihan (Sayings)

-Used in teasing or to comment on a person's acutations

Tanaga

-A quatrain with seven syllables each with the same rhyme at the end of each line

Ambahan

-Traditional poetry of the Hanunoo Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro which is normally inscribed on bamboo using a pre-colonial syllabic writing system called the Surat Mangyan

-seven-syllable metric lines

-can be composed of more than four lines

-recited by parents to educate their children, by the youth to express their love, by the old to impart experiences, or by the community in tribal ceremonies

-on some occasions like burial rites, the ambahan is used for entertainment

Myths

-derived from Philippine folk literature, which is the traditional oral literature of the Filipino people. This refers to a wide range of material due to the ethnic mix of the Philippines

Ancient Metrical Tales

-Aliguyon

-Biag ni Lam-ang

-Ibalon

-Hinilawod

.

Folk Songs

-a form lyric which expresses the people's hopes, aspirations, and lifestyles

-repetitive and sonorous, didactic and naive

-traditional songs and melodies

-inspired by the reaction of the people to their environment

uyayi - lullaby

komintang - war song

kundiman - melancholic love song

harana - serenade

tagay - drinking song

mambayu - Kalinga rice-pounding song

subli - dance-ritual of courtship/marriage

Tagulaylay - song of the dead

MYTHS, LEGENDS AND FOLKTALES IN CENTRAL LUZON (REGION III)

2 Myths     

Why the Sky is High

In the early days, when the sky was still low, two brothers named Ingat and Daskol lived with their parents on Earth.
As their names indicate, Ingat was careful in everything he did and was, therefore, his father's right hand man.  He was always helping with the work in the field, and his parents were very pleased with him.
On the other hand, Daskol did his work sloppily.  In the absence of a daughter in the family, the house work came to be Daskol's responsibility.  He fetched water, cleaned the house, and did the cooking.  He also pounded the palay that his father and Ingat harvested.  Even in pounding, Daskol lived up to his name.  Half of the grain he pounded scattered and fell to the ground.  Being naturally lazy and impatient, he did not like the work of pounding rice.
One day, Daskol had to pound a greater quantity of palay than usual.   He was irritated because, every time he raised the pestle, it would hit the sky.   His anger added to his strength and desire to finish the work quickly.  So he raised the pestle higher, and every time it hit the sky, the sky would be raised.  In his hurry, Daskol did not notice that the sky was rising.  When he finished pounding rice, he looked up and discovered that the sky had risen, and that is why it is where it is today.

Why the Sun Shines More Brightly Than the Moon

Long, long ago there lived a fairy with two very beautiful daughters.   Araw, the older daughter, was very amiable and had a kind disposition; Buwan, unlike her sister, was dishonest, cruel, and harsh.  She was always finding fault with Araw.  One night, when the fairy came home from her nocturnal rambles and saw Buwan badly maltreating her elder sister, she asked God for help against her unruly daughter.
Before this time, God had prepared very valuable gifts for the two sisters.   These gifts were two enormous diamonds that could light the whole universe.   When God heard the prayer of the fairy, he descended to Earth disguised as a beggar.  Upon learning for himself how bad-tempered Buwan was and how sweet and kind-hearted Araw was, God gave the older sister her diamond as a reward.  Buwan was greatly angered by this favoritism on the part of the Almighty, so she went to the heavenly kingdom and stole one of God's diamonds.  Then she returned to earth with the precious stone, but there she found that were jewel was not as brilliant as Araw's.
When God went back to heaven and learned what Buwan had done, he sent two angels to punish her.  But the angels abused their commission; they seized both sisters and hurled them into the sea.  They they threw the two stones upward into the sky and there they stuck.  But Araw's diamond was bigger and brighter than the one Buwanstole.  Thereafter, the bigger jewel was called Araw ("day" or "sun") and the smaller one, Buwan ("moon").

2 Legends

The Legend of Macapuno

In pre-Hispanic days, there was a lagoon that connected with the River Pasig, where later stood the Chinese Parian, near present Botanical Gardens. The Pasig lapped quietly against its banks. Sailing slowly past on the current were floating islands of water-plants, including patches of those resembling cabbages called quiapo, which that suburb is named after. Crocodiles--ancient, scraggy-skinned specimens--abounded, and water-fowl filled the mornings and evenings with their calls. Where the lagoon and shore met in a labyrinth of waterways, the green fronds of the nipa-palm flourished, and forest trees grew about the edges, raised a few feet above the level of the river. This lagoon was later used as a water-entry for the trading champans and cascos with the Chinese, but gradually it filled up after the Parain was transferred across the Pasig to the Alcayceria.

Upon the arrival of the Castilians to the Islands, the petty rajahs and rulers of the settlements were--almost without exception--men of Borneo or, to more accurately, of the the sultanate of Brunei, which claimed everything north to Manila Bay. Such places as Sapa (Sta. Ana) were ruled  over by Lakantagan, a Bornean, whose son by a "Bornean woman" named Pasay--it is said--gave his name to that settlement. So Kainta, Kalilaya, and Komintang (Tayabas and Batangas) of Panay, and Bago and Ilo of Negros were Bornean rulers, as was possibly Lakandola, the grandson of Lontok and Kalangitan. A daughter of Lontok married the ruler of Sapa (Baliuag), a colony planted from the original Sapa (Sta. Ana), who was called Balagtas. Bunayog, the ruler of Bua (Nebuy, the chief settlement of Camarines); Panga, ruler of Lupa; Kayayao ruler of Sabang, settlements of Bicolandia; and Sumaclob, rajah of the Cuyos were all men of Borneo who paid tribute to Brunei before its decadence about the end of the16th century.

Its copper money, at least, was current in the beginning of this century here in the Islands.

Some generations before the caravels of Legaspi entered Manila Bay, this lagoon was home to a family of the rajah class who had been exiled from Brunei for some reason connected with the execution of the Sultan, a cruel and avaricious ruler. Reduced to the lowest circumstances, Rajah Madia and his wife Kimay made the banks of the lagoon their home. Without the usual regiment of slaves and with no means of obtaining them, their household consisted of their only daughter, Macapuno, a girl of extreme beauty and affability and a princess in her own right; the aged brother of Madia, named Tidoy; and Tidoy's two sons, Kamanchille and Guanar, both growing into manhood. The river, marsh, and forest supplied their simple wants, as it did those of their neighbors on the lush banks of the Pasig.

Although many asked for the hand of the beautiful and modest Macapuno, none was of sufficient rank to satisfy Madia and his wife. Attractive and lovable she grew into womanhood, but lacking a noble suitor, she busied herself solely with the tasks of the household. If she had dreams, she kept them to herself. In time, age overtook her parents, who died and were buried according to Bornean customs. Kamanchille and Guanar, haughtily refusing to take service with the datus of Lusong, became expert warriors and hunters, supporting their cousin Macapuno, and their aged father Tidoy, a once-renowned warrior. A year or so passed in this manner for the reduced family living in exile on the banks of the lagoon by the Pasig.

The day came when a wandering hero (bayani) from Brunei passed by, saw the beautiful  Macapuno, and fell violently in love with her. She in turn did not discourage his advances. Having nothing but his arms and valor and pleasing address and appearance, Luanbakar proposed to marry her, but the cousins, Kamanchille and Buanar, as heads of the family, were fiercely proud of their high descent and, following age-old custom, suspicious of all strangers. After conferring with the viejo Tidoy and Macapuno, they allowed him to follow the regular condition of an unknown suitor of Malaysia.

This custom stated that the admirer should labor for a certain period for the family of the maid, until the elders were satisfied that a good choice had been made and that the suitor would prove an eligible match for the girl. Luanbakar readily agreed, and the first task appointed him was the construction of a long dike in order to make part of the lagoon into a fishpond. This pond, supplied by the tides from the Pasig, would prove a profitable undertaking in breeding the fish among the roots of the mangroves and nilad. The work progressed for some time, the dredging and building being done by hand alone. This was varied by hunting trips in the commons, and Luanbakar proved his industry and dexterity on all occasions, partly allaying the suspicions of the two cousins.

Because the fishpond was but a short distance from the house, Macapuno would carry food to the bayani engaged in his labor of love for her, and in the flush of youth, they were naturally attracted to each other. But the cousins of the princess believed that the stranger had not waited for the rite of marriage and, out of revenge planned, to kill him as he had not followed the strict custom. They reasoned that to doing so would save their honor, notwithstanding that the task allotted him had been practically completed and that their cousin and the bayani were as good as married. In accordance with Malayan custom, a wrong remains un-righted until death overtakes the guilty. It is equally un-redressed if the avenger fails to make himself or his aims known to the victim. The boys then plotted the death of the stranger, either singly or in the company of each other.

As Luanbakar was busy finishing the dike, Kamanchille with his hunting spear appeared before him one day, inquiring if the wild boar he was pursing had passed that way. The bayani replied, "No," adding that these animals rarely take to the river to hide. The cousin kept insisting on his story, and Luanbakar turning his head towards the young man, saw him with his spear poised and pointed in his direction. The same instant this was launched with such ferocity that it entered his side below the ribs, passed through the body and hurled him into the water, while Kamanchille taunted him for his flouting of immemorial custom. Terribly wounded, Luanbakar climbed the dike, extracted the spear, bound the mortal wound tightly with his sarong, and saw Kamanchille in full flight after  his treacherous deed.

Certain of him imminent death, Luanbakar grasped the spear and pursued the flying Kamanchille, shouting for him to wait and he would show how the wild boar could die. Gaining on the youth, the latter glancing over his shoulder, tripped over a mangrove root and fell. At this moment Luanbakar threw the lance with such dexterity that it passed completely through his slayer, and at the same time, he fell exhausted beside the body of his enemy. In the moment before their deaths, he whispered in the ear of Kamanchille that the Great Bathala would be their judge, that he forgave the cowardly blow, and that he would so testify. And so they died together.

Macapuno, noting that Kamanchille did not return after passing that way and apprehensive of his attitude came to the dike. It was deserted, but the trail of blood told the story as she followed it to where they lay side by side in death. Tears welled from her eyes for the fate of her relative and her lover, and for some time, she gave herself up to silent sorrow. Stifling her grief, she piled branches on the pair and returned to the house resolved to say nothing and to keep silence over the affair. Guanar, returning later, asked her about the whereabouts of the two, and she replied that the bayani and Kamanchille had gone hunting and awaited him in a distant part of the forest which then extended through Paco--named after its edible ferns--to the nyun of Sapa itself. Grasping his spear, he left hastily for the supposed rendezvous, sensing that his brother was leading the stranger to his death.

Upon his departure Macapuno took a wooden spade and returned to the scene of the tragedy. The night had set and turned dark and stormy. Rain from over the distant mountain pattered on the forest canopies and the lagoon. The wind blew in fitful gusts, chilling her during her terrible task. Without aid of light, she excavated a deep grave in which she placed both bodies, weeping bitterly the while, the work taking some hours to finish. After washing herself in the waters of the river, she returned to the house and prepared a meal for Guanar. He returned about midnight carrying a deer which had fallen to his spear and remarking that he had not found a trace of either his brother or the bayani, although he had searched the entire forest. Macapuno assured him they would return the next day without doubt. The succeeding day Guanar himself continued the work on the fishpond.  Upon noticing the traces of blood he reported it to Macapuno, who replied that it is probably that of some wounded animal in the fight.   While the explanation did not satisfy Guanar, he said nothing.  Some months passed, and the hunters did not return nor was anything further heard of them.  The ancient warrior, Tidoy, passed on, and they were still more alone.   She took the child across the Pasig, entrusting it to an old woman to bring up.   No mention was made of its parents, but princess left with the old crone all her ornaments as recompense--all the property she had left in the world.

Macapuno return sadly to her menial tasks with nothing but memories.   The daily gnawing of conscience tormented her.  Unable to stand these, together with the buffetings of fate, she arrayed herself in her best garments, carefully weighted them with stones, went to the end of dike and threw herself into the river, thus ending the tragedy.  Guanar, finding her absent, searched for her high and low, finally discovering her corpse on a sandbar near the mouth of the Pasig.  His sorrow was great, but no amount of remorse could alter the facts.  Recovering the body he dug a grave on the bank in which he buried the unfortunate Macapuno, but he had nothing to mark the spot.

Looking around he saw a coconut floating past in the current.  This he retrieved and planted it in the grave to permanently mark it.  Returning to the lonely house, he in turn became disconsolate, brooding over the circumstances that left him the sole survivor of all his exiled family.  He resolved to return to the land of his birth and take service under some datu (exiled family).  He paddled out to the island of Takaykay from whence he took passage in a boat bearing the tribute to the Sultan of Brunei, the last of his race.

Years past and the coconut planted on the grave of Macapuno grew up into a noble palm bearing fruit in turn.  While not so tall as its species, its graceful fronds hid an abundance of small round nuts.  But these were entirely different from the ordinary variety, being solid, full of meat, and much sweeter to taste.  The wandering traders of Kalilaya and Bai took these nuts to propagate, and they were thus in high demand.

May not the palm have absorbed the agreeable qualities of the unfortunate princess--her perfection of form, her sweetness of temper?  That at least is the legend, for this variety of coconut is known by all and is called Macapuno.

Legend of Landas de Diablo

A long time ago, there was a girl named Marikita, who lived in the middle of a rice field. Her home was very far away from the main road. She was so alluring that every young man in the village was charmed by her, even Kabanalan, the handsome heir to an enormous fortune.
and because of his status, he instantly won Marikita’s attention . He promised Marikita that if she would only agree to marry him, he would give her anything that she wants.

She said, “If you could make me a stone path that would lead to the main road before the night is done, for tomorrow is Sunday and I would not want to make my feet hurt one more time, before they reach the church. Make me that bridge by tomorrow. And tomorrow we shall wed.”
Dazzled by her charm. Kabanalan promised her that he would build that stone path. When he and Marikita parted, a shadow fell across his face. “I know that even with all my wealth I could not fulfill her wish.” he thought sadly. “I would rather kill myself than to disappoint her.”

The stranger brought out a piece of paper on which they scrawled their pact. Afterward Kabanalan signed his name at the bottom of the page with his own blood. 

But as Marikita drew near, the mysterious stranger from the shadows of the lone grove appeared in a whirl of dust between her and her bridegroom. Everyone who saw him knew him at once. It was the Devil.
“I come to claim my wage!” he cried, and seized Kabanalan. With this prize in tow, the Devil disappeared. 
Marikita was left alone, staring after the void the builder of the stone path had left behind.
Marikita turn deathly pale as she came to realize what her lover had done for her sake. She stood still for a long time. Then when her friends from town tried to approach her, she turned and ran back into her house, and slammed the door shut. She let no one speak to her, and even her own parents could not come near her. 

Despaired, he stumbled into a grove where a solitary mango tree stood, and from the deep shade a handsome stranger emerged. The stranger said to Kabanalan that he could help him if he would give him his soul. Kabanalan did not gave it a second thought and agreed. “Yes, I will,” he declared. “If only to please Marikita.”
The very next morning, Marikita was no less than shocked. She was stepping out, when she saw this sturdy stone path leading from her doorstep to the main road, where a carriage and a handsome young man waited, ready to take her to the church. The young man was Kabanalan. Marikita rushed across the stone path toward him, arms outstretched.
Marikita was found dead after that, floating in the river by which she and Kabanalan used to take long walks. It was said that she had killed herself, but no one was quite so sure.

2 Folktales

Abadeha, Filipina Cinderella

Abadeha is a kind and hardworking young woman.  Her wicked stepmother and stepsisters abuse her and ask her to carry out impossible tasks. Abadeha asks for the help of Bathala (the creator God), her ancestors and her dead mother. At the river, her cries for help are heard by the Spirit of the Forest (counterpart of the fairy godmother). With her guidance, Abadeha is able to accomplish all that her step-family demands of her.

One day, a prince out hunting in the forest comes upon the enchanted tree by the grave of Abadeha’s mother. He sees a ring among the branches and puts it on. By the time he returns to the palace, his finger has become swollen and painful. The king calls for the Babaylan, the priest-healer of the land, but even he cannot take the ring off.

That night, the Prince learns in a dream that only a girl can remove the ring from his finger. Upon hearing this, the king announces to his people that any girl who can take the ring off his son’s finger will be offered marriage to the prince.

Of all the maidens who tried, only Abadeha was successful. And that’s how she became a princess!

The Clever Husband and Wife

Pedro had been living as a servant in a doctor’s house for more than nine years. He wanted very much to have a wife, but he had no business of any kind on which to support one.

One day he felt very sad. His look of dejection did not escape the notice of his master, who said, “What is the matter, my boy? Why do you look so sad? Is there anything I can do to comfort you?”

“Oh, yes!” said Pedro.

“What do you want me to do?” asked the doctor.

“Master,” the man replied, “I want a wife, but I have no money to support one.”

“Oh, don’t worry about money!” replied his master. “Be ready tomorrow, and I will let you marry the woman you love.”

The next day the wedding was held. The doctor let the couple live in a cottage not far from his hacienda, and he gave them two hundred pieces of gold. When they received the money, they hardly knew what to do with it, as Pedro had never had any business of any sort. “What shall we do after we have spent all our money?” asked the wife. “Oh, we can ask the doctor for more,” answered Pedro.

Years passed by, and one day the couple had not even a cent with which to buy food. So Pedro went to the doctor and asked him for some money. The doctor, who had always been kind to them, gave him twenty pieces of gold; but these did not last very long, and it was not many days before the money was all spent. The husband and wife now thought of another way by which they could get money from the doctor.

Early one day Pedro went to the doctor’s house weeping. He said that his wife had died, and that he had nothing with which to pay for her burial. (He had rubbed onion-juice on his eyes, so that he looked as if he were really crying.) When the doctor heard Pedro’s story, he pitied the man, and said to him, “What was the matter with your wife? How long was she sick?” “For two days,” answered Pedro.

“Two days!” exclaimed the doctor, “why did you not call me, then? We should have been able to save her. Well, take this money and see that she gets a decent burial.”

Pedro returned home in good spirits. He found his wife Marta waiting for him at the door, and they were happy once more; but in a month the money was all used up, and they were on the point of starving again.

Now, the doctor had a married sister whom Pedro and his wife had worked for off and on after their marriage. Pedro told his wife to go to the doctor’s sister, and tell her that he was dead and that she had no money to pay for the burial. Marta set out, as she was told; and when she arrived at the sister’s house, the woman said to her, “Marta, why are you crying?”

“My husband is dead, and I have no money to pay for his burial,” said Marta, weeping.

“You have served us well, so take this money and see that masses are said for your husband’s soul,” said the kind-hearted mistress.

That evening the doctor visited his sister to see her son who was sick. The sister told him that Marta’s husband had died. “No,” answered the doctor, “it was Marta who died.” They argued and argued, but could not agree; so they finally decided to send one of the doctor’s servants to see which one was dead. When Pedro saw the servant coming, he told his wife to lie flat and stiff in the bed as if she were dead; and when the servant entered, Pedro showed him his dead wife.

The servant returned, and told the doctor and his sister that it was Marta who was dead; but the sister would not believe him, for she said that perhaps he was joking. So they sent another servant. This time Marta made Pedro lie down stiff and flat in the bed; and when the servant entered the house, he saw the man lying as if dead. So he hurried back and told the doctor and his sister what he had seen. Now neither knew what to believe. The next morning, therefore, the doctor and his sister together visited the cottage of Pedro. They found the couple both lying as if dead. After examining them, however, the doctor realized that they were merely feigning death. He was so pleased by the joke, and so glad to find his old servants alive, that he took them home with him and made them stay at his house.