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Monday, November 25, 2013

The Miracle Art Exhibit in Binondo, Manila

It was one beautiful Sunday morning in November... I was excited as I got up much earlier than my usual. It was a "Binondo-Kind-of -Day!"

Said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo was established in 1594 by a Spanish Governor as a settlement for the Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism. A land grant was given to a group of Chinese merchants with a limited self-governing privileges but was granted as tax free in perpetuity! Since then, Binondo became the main center for business and finance in Manila for the ethnic Chinese, Chinese mestizos and Spanish Filipinos.

I'm in a middle of a painting project right now and I'm enjoying applying textures and colors but having difficulty with lights and shades to achieve a 3D effect when my BFF, who is of Chinese descent suggested we go revisit Binondo, Manila. I was like... huh? How would that help me? Hmnn... I was thinking she just probably wanted to go on a Binondo food binge! However, she made a good point. She said there was a Multi-dimensional Art  Exhibit going on in Lucky Chinatown Mall. So I Googled and yes! I loved the idea! The painting by the way, would be a gift for her, reason why she's very supportive LOL!

Prepped for paint splashing
Textures and Colors!!!
Almost done but not quite! Speak to me!!! :)))

The Miracle Art Exhibit in Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila is making raves not so much with art lovers but more with photography and "model-wanna-be" enthusiasts. Huge multi-dimensional art works are painted with acrylic on plywood that create an awesome illusion that you appear to be "inside" of the painting when photographed in different angles! It is highly recommendable for families to visit as it would be a good experience for the kids and also the young at heart!

Me and BFF had so much fun taking each other's shot... like a one-on-one drinking spree (Your shot, my pose now... vise versa LOOOLLLL!!!) we were literally rolling and roaring in laughter as we out-do each other's winning pose! I had difficulty taking her pictures as I was laughing so hard with her gestures and facial expressions my hands couldn't get a steady grip while clicking away. She said I was doing it intentionally and all her shots were motion blurred so I had to retake it! And I thought the same and she had to do it thrice for me for each painting! Mind you, there were like over a hundred display! It was hilarious! The kids were staring at us like we're lunatics while waiting for their chance to pose! They looked like "Jeeeezzz, our chance now puhleaaase!" Haha!

For Details on ticket price and venue, please check out The Miracle Art Facebook Page.




 







































Sunday, November 17, 2013

Typhoon Yolanda: Philippines After the Storm

As more help comes from different allied countries as well as our own Kababayans around the world, the Filipino People, in their darkest moment after braving the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), try their very best to stand up and move forward.

U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington

Death... hunger... looting... rape... anarchy! Survival of the fittest! The looting... some say, could be classified as an act of self preservation rather than criminality but the incident reports of raping, if true, is symbolic of establishing dominance and power over the weak, where education and money could not get you food but physical strength and terror would. It is surreal... especially to those who are just hearing the news 2nd hand. It's like a climactic scene from a diabolic, horror flick ... the protagonist screams!!! Then gets up on its feet and fights back!

Food at last!!! (Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin)


The Exodus. (Photo Credit: AP/Bullit Marquez, GMA NEWS)

It is understandable to have contradicting opinions on how the situation is being handled by our leaders. Emotions are high... and yes, we are a very passionate and emotional People. Frustration and desperation could cloud sensibilities and reasons... but in the end, the common goal to help in any little way each one can, will soon unite our ravaged nation.

All local sectors and industries are now moving as one --- Government agencies, private sectors, artists, professionals, students... everyone has something to share for those directly hit by the disaster. Sympathies and prayers, cash, goods... even talents.

Singers, sung... runners, ran... media practitioners, reported... businesses, operated... events, organized... all for a common good cause... to help raise funds and donate.


Performers: Daddy’s Home, KZ Tandingan, Gab Maturan, Allen Sta. maria, Jeric Medina, Kedebon, take Off, Jerriane Templo, Janice Javier, Radha, Maki Ricafort, Paolo Onesa, Kimpoy, Selena, Keith Martin, Mike Luis, Luke Mejares and many more!

WHAT: Awit Sagip.
WHEN: November 24, 2013 | 7:30 pm
WHERE: Teatro Marikina

Tickets Prices:
400 Php
200 Php
100 Php

You can buy your tickets at Philippine Red Cross Marikina Chapter Office (in front of Our Lady of the Abandoned Church) and  at Calis Grill and Bistro (formerly Mangyan Republic) (along Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue (formerly Tuazon)

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Philippines)

Slowly, we will rise above the situation victorious. 
Let us keep the faith.

At the Miracle Art Exhibit, Binondo, Manila

The Filipinos are one in expressing our deepest "utang na loob" to all the countries who responded immediately to our dire needs. 

Maraming salamat po.


"Do not hold back from those who ask your help, 
when it is in your power to do it. 
Do not say to your neighbor, 
"Go away! Come another time; 
tomorrow I will give it to you!" 
when you can help him now" - Proverbs 3:27-28

Please keep sending in your donations:


1. Philippine Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

2. Caritas - http://www.caritas.org.ph/direckdonation.php

3. DSWD - http://disaster.dswd.gov.ph/donate/donate-online/

4. Gawad Kalinga - http://gk1world.com/give

5.  Kapuso Foundation - http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donation





Monday, November 11, 2013

Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Strengthens the Filipinos' Indomitable Spirit!

The deadliest earthquake in 23 years struck the Philippines on October 15, 2013, at 8:12 am with a magnitude at the epicenter recorded at 7.2 which devastated the whole Central Visayas region, particularly Bohol and Cebu, two of the most beautiful provinces Filipinos are very proud of. Casualties and damages were recorded, lost of lives and properties were deduced into numbers, including 10 heritage churches. Through it all, the unfathomable Filipino Spirit rose above the situation armed with hope, prayers and love for each other.

Barely recovered from the earthquake, another calamity hit the country! On November 7, 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (International: Haiyan), in its peak intensity of 10-minute sustained wind of 235 km/hr made a landfall in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is said to be one of the strongest land falling tropical cyclones on record based on wind speed alone. It battered, almost crippled and wiped out everything and everyone it passed by as it traversed our beloved Visayas region. In Luzon, we heard its howling and felt its robust, gusty wind. We prayed... unceasingly.

The loss and woes... were deafening. Everything was down, all supplies were out... food, water, clothes, shelter, power, communication, transportation. Survivors on barefoot were seen rummaging through remnants for whatever comfort they could get. Torment. Despair. Looting... Anarchy! Those not affected could only imagine...




The multimedia reports could no more"hyperbolize" what was already superlatively amplified but a few ingenious ones still managed "insertions and omissions" to distort facts, however good the intention may be...  read here. It is true that help and encouragement were badly needed by the Filipinos but misinformation was not one of them. Responsible social media sharing, in the same manner as mainstream news reporting, must be observed at all times... most especially if you were in a position to influence opinions. Even a seemingly innocent "misquote" that was misleading, added insult to injury to those who only had hope left in them.

Please, do not satirize or even dramatize the suffering of your own people!


Photo credit: Val Rodriguez, Philippine Star
Many are not satisfied with the response of the Philippine Government, but financial aids are on its way from many allied countries and local sources. It is not the time to point fingers... but rather to hold hands in action and prayers... as we Filipinos say it... "Kapit-bisig, magkakapatid!" literally, it means "Link arms, brothers and sisters!" symbolically, it's the Filipino Spirit fusing together as one in hope, faith and love.



"But when you give to the needy, 
do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 
so that your giving may be in secret. 
Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, 
will reward you." ~ Matthew 6:3-4

To send in donations:

1. Philippine Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

2. Caritas - http://www.caritas.org.ph/direckdonation.php

3. DSWD - http://disaster.dswd.gov.ph/donate/donate-online/

4. Gawad Kalinga - http://gk1world.com/give

5.  Kapuso Foundation - http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donation