Ang Aking Hilig sa Larangan ng Pagsusulat: Isang Pagsisimula

Bawat tao sa mundo ay may kanya-kanyang talento at kakayahan na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos. Ang Pilipinas ay isang bansa na sinasabing naghihirap nga ngunit ang bawat mamamayan nito ay pinagkalooban ng talento sa iba't-ibang larangan. At ako ay isang Pinoy na ipinanganak sa Cavite, isang lalawigan sa Pilipinas sa rehiyon ng Luzon na may sariling kakayahan.

Ako ay isang tao na sadyang malikot ang aking imahinasyon at maraming mga ideya na tumatakbo sa aking kaisipan. Mahilig akong magbasa. Mahilig akong mag-aral. Mahilig akong magbahagi ng aking kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo. Madaldal. Maraming kuwento. At higit sa lahat, pag ako ay tahimik, ang mga sankaterbang kuwento at ideyang dumadaloy sa aking isipan ay idinadaan ko (minsan kausap ang aking sarili) sa pagsusulat.

Hindi ako ang tipo ng taong makuwento ngunit kapag may mga taong madaldal sa aking paligid na mahuhusay magkuwento ng isang bahagi ng kanilang karanasan, nais kong magkuwento. Ngunit may mga ibang tao na di mo puwedeng makumbinsi na pakinggan ka dahil iba ang kanilang interes. Dinadaan ko na lang sa pagsusulat.

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Mahilig kasi akong magsulat. Kung anong naiisip ko na pawang nakakatuwa sa aking imahinasyon eh isinusulat ko. Mahilig ako sa ballpen at papel. Mahilig din akong magmasid sa paligid, minsan sumulat sa diary, manood ng TV, magbasa ng libro at mag-internet kung saan ako nakakakuha ng inspirasyon sa pagsusulat.

Noong bata pa ako, ang aking mga paboritong libro ay fairy tales, Araling Panlipunan, at mga libro sa paaralan. Ngayon, hilig kong basahin ang mga libro ni Bob Ong (ABNKKBSNPLAko?, Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino, Stainless Longganisa), Alex Lacson (12 Little Things That Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country), Kokology ni Prof. Isamu Saito at mga inspirational na libro.

Mahilig ako sa pulitika, TV shows, feature articles at mga personal essays. Hilig ko ang pagsusulat ng sanaysay, hindi ako mahilig sa tula ngunit gusto kong matuto ang pagsusulat ng maiking kuwento at dula.

Nakakapagsulat ako kapag may tumatakbong kakaibang ideya sa aking isipan na makakakuha ng interes ng ibang tao at nais kong ibahagi sa madla. Isinusulat ko muna ito sa papel at ililipat sa computer sabay type, edit at print. Kapag naprint, ipapabasa sa ibang tao. At itatago sa aking folder. Yan ang nakagisnan kong mga bagay at sikreto sa pagsusulat.

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Hindi ko akalain na sa pagsusulat ako makakakuha ng mga papuri at parangal ng ibang tao. Nagsimula ito noong Grade 6 sa isang tipikal na klase, last section. Naghahanap ang aming guro ng pambato ng aming section sa Nutrition Day Essay Writing Contest, dalawa sa aking kaklase ang nagsasabi na ako raw ang isali. Wala akong idea kung ano ang "essay" hanggang sa pumayag ako kahit hindi ko iyon alam. (Alam ko lamang noon ay talata o paragraph) Noong sumalang na ako, doon ko nalaman na ang essay ay isang sanaysay o isang sulatin na pinagsama-sama ang mga grupo ng talata na may iisang diwa mula sa paksang hinihingi. Sumulat na lang ako ng sumulat kung ano ang hinihinging paksa. Ibinahagi ang aking nalalaman tungkol sa nutrisyon, masustansyang pagkain at pagpapanatili ng malusog na pamumuhay. Hanggang sa di ko akalain na makukuha ko ang ikatlong puwesto sa nasabing patimpalak.

Noong high school ako, ipinagpatuloy ko pa rin ang pagkamit ng pangarap. Ngunit hindi sa pagsusulat. Pansamantalang naudlot. Ngunit may mga gawain pa rin sa pagsusulat sa mga subjects namin. Ang aking kaibigan ay sinubukan naman naming gumawa ng mga kuwento. Ngunit libangan lang namin iyon. Nakasali din naman ako sa Spelling Bee at umabot naman ako sa school level bilang pambato ng second year high school at natuklasan ko ang kakayahan na makapagpantig ng mga salita sa Ingles. Noong fourth year high school ako, ang aking mga kaibigan ay gustong sumali sa staff ng aming school paper, nagpasa ng entry ngunit di kami pinalad. Kahit ganun pa man, naudlot ang aking hilig sa pagsusulat.

Noong dumating na ako sa kolehiyo, muling nabuhay ang aking interes sa pagsusulat. Noong first year college ako, Linggo ng Wika, ang patimpalak noon ay Pagsulat ng Sanaysay. Isinulat ko ang aking mga ideya at nalalaman tungkol sa wika, kung paano nabuo ang wikang Pilipino at paano natin ito ginagamit sa araw-araw na pamumuhay at ang salamin nito sa ating kultura. Muli akong nabuhayan ng lakas ng loob dahil doon ko nakamit ang aking unang medal kung saan nakuha ko ang ikalawang puwesto sa pagsulat ng sanaysay. Noong third year college naman ako, sumali ako sa campus paper at gumawa ng mga articles. Ngunit di nailimbag ang aming article dahil kulang sa pondo. At noong college ako unang nahumaling sa blogging. Gusto kong magpahayag ng saloobin. Ngunit mahirap talagang kumbinsihin ang mga tao (You cannot please everybody ayon sa kasabihan).

Noong panahon na wala akong trabaho, ako ay nasa bahay lamang at ibinubuhos ang oras sa harap ng computer. Hanggang sa nahumaling ako sa Facebook notes at Blogspot. Isinulat ko ang ilan sa mga sanaysay tungkol sa mga ekstraordinaryong pakikipagkaibigan sa mga produkto ng reality search kahit sa isang pulitiko at ang aking pananaw tungkol sa napapanahong isyu. Ang hindi ko talaga malilimutan ay ang pagsali sa Online Writing Contest noong nakaraang taon. Ang tema ay tungkol sa Pilipinas at pagiging Pilipino tulad ng kultura, mga pagkain, mga magagandang lugar at mga kaugaliang Pinoy. At naisulat kong sanaysay ay tungkol sa pagkaing Pinoy tuwing tag-araw ("Cool Pinoy Delicacies On Hot Summer"). Nai-publish ko siya sa OfficiallyPhilippines website kung saan ginanap ang patimpalak, sa Facebook account ko at sa Blogspot. Kailangan din ng online votes. At buong Pilipinas pala ang labanan nito. Ngunit hindi ako pinalad na manalo at kahit ganoon pa man, tuloy pa rin ang pagkamit sa pangarap.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy pa rin akong nagsusulat. Sa tulong ng papel, ballpen, computer at website. Manalo man o matalo, tuloy pa rin ang pagkamit sa pangarap. Hindi pa naman ako kilalang manunulat. Isa pa lamang akong nagsisimula sa larangan na ito. Kahit nagsisimula pa lang, pursigido na akong abutin ang panagrap na ito. Ginagawa ko ito sa mga taong sumusuporta at naniniwala sa kakayahan ko. Kaya salamat sa mga sumusporta sa aking pagsusulat, dahil sa inyo hindi ko ito maisusulat kung wala kayo. Higit sa lahat kay Lord salamat din po dahil gagamitin ko ang talentong ito para sa ikabubuti ng ibang tao. Ito pa lamang ang simula.

Fw: Philippines in the Eyes of Korean

Please pass it to all Filipinos you know.

The message goes:

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently studying in the Philippines to take advantage of our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the same time.

This is an essay written by a Korean student I want to share with you. (Never mind the grammar; it's the CONTENT that counts) Maybe it is timely to think about this in the midst of all the confusion at present.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines.

Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others. That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

(FOR THE LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE)

MICHAEL KENNETH C. BALBIN

Technician - Sr Test/Engr

BAESYSTEMS

Network Enabled Solutions (NES)

Q62403 - Manufacturing Systems

150 Parish Drive Wayne NJ 07470

Tel. no. 973-305-2017 [2024/2710]

TV Classics Review: Showtime Season 2 Grand Finals

The grand finalists from Showtime Season 2: Lal-lo's Blacklight Performers, Mama's Boys, Xtreme 24/7 and Laoag City Gymnastics Group.

The grand finals for the second season of Showtime held last December 18, 2010 where 10 contenders compete for the one million pesos prize. They have different assets that is why they made it to the finale from colorful costumes, fantastic dance routines, and great concepts which show their talent and entertainment value. 

• Big Trio (Nueva Ecija) - They have the very good Asian concept which reflects in their Shaolin costumes and props. They have the good way to start the show because of their precise choreography and stunts. Score: 9
• Kidz@Trix (Davao City) - They have the passion in dancing but it was very unorganized dance routine because of the song choice they have which is somewhat not good to the ears of listeners (especially with the gun sound effect).Score: 8
• 89.9 Hoodz (Zamboanga del Sur) - They have the very good talent and passionate dance routine. They got the attitude but the song choice is not good. However, they got the attention of the audience when someone injured in their routine but it was a joke. Score: 9
• Mama's Boys (Manila) - They have the entertainment factor plus the fact that they were all comedians. They have a very good concept, costume and funny song selection. Score: 9
• Lal-lo's Blacklight Performers (Cagayan Valley) - I really love this group because of their heartfelt performance, touching song choice and concepts which can be integrated in their blacklight theater. They have the best concept because they tell their story of their journey in Showtime from showing their winning pieces and in the end, they remembered the Christmas season. Score: 10
• Speed Movers Crew (Misamis Occidental) - They have the breathtaking stunts however it was a very common dance routine from season 1. Score: 7
• Xtreme 24/7 (Zamboanga del Norte) - They have the light and groovy song choice and they are total performers from their colorful animated printed tshirts, blacklight dance, very good dance steps and meaningful rap. Score: 10
• Laoag City Gymnastics Group (Ilocos Norte) - They are truly stunning performers which shown a world-class gymnastics performance. They are sophisticated, spectacular and superb. They deserve to compete in Olympics in gymnastics category. They truly deserved a standing ovation. Score: 10
• Zero Gravity (Leyte) - They have the precise movements and good character portrayal but their monthly finals performance is much better. Score: 8
• Ground Zero (North Cotabato) - They have a touching interpretative dance and a song choice. The boys have a brave attempt to do interpretative dance but it was predictable. Score: 8 

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Grand Finals

The shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra and aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy both received a standing ovation from the judges and overwhelming support from the crown during the semi-finals because of outstanding and world-class talent.

After the nationwide auditions from almost 70 cities, provinces and towns in the Philippines, witnessed the judges deliberation in the selection of top 36 in the Judges Cull and the live semi-finals performance, twelve acts from different parts of the country made it to the grand finals of the third season of Pilipinas Got Talent. 

El Gamma Penumbra of Batangas

The competition began with the shadow theater group El Gamma Penumbra did an amazing way to start the show. They have a very lively song choice about promoting Philippine tourism, fantastic concept of Filipino culture especially the part where Muslim and Christians hold their hands and they did a world-class shadow play.

Maasinhon Trio of Southern Leyte

The singing trio Maasinhon Trio did a very good rendition of "Nais Ko" by Basil Valdez. They have a very good blending of voices and they sing in harmony. They got the perfect song choice and considered as one of the most consistent performers in the third season because of their versions of OPM classics. 

Loverkada Kids of Butuan City

Loverkada Kids of Butuan City did a good gymnastics routine although one member of the group was injured but they still continue to perform in order for them to win. They did a good job in forming horizontal wave formation and the human jump rope. However, the routine they did in the semi finals was their best performance.

Renagine Pepito of Cagayan de Oro

Renagine Pepito of Cagayan de Oro sang Charice's "Note To God." The song matches her vocal prowess and quality but only few people can appreciate the song because of its popularity. Therefore, she deserves to be in the grand finals as the first female child singer to make it to the finale and maybe she will follow the footsteps of Charice and Lea Salonga because of her powerful voice.

Kiriko of Santa Cruz, Laguna

Kiriko of Laguna performed an original composition about Pilipinas Got Talent and achieving the dreams. They have the originality, clarity in delivering their rap, meaningful lyrics and they are consistent performers, that is why they are the only rap group who made it to the finals of PGT since season one. They deserve to have a recording contract which proves that Pinoy rap still lives on. 

Bringas Brothers of Davao del Sur

The acoustic duo of Jefferson and Kurt known as Bringas Brothers performed Eric Clapton's "Change The World." They got the perfect song choice, good accompaniment and the cool vocals plus the song truly matches their life story. They inspire a lot of people because of their story where Kurt received an artificial leg as a help.

Twin Divas of Nueva Ecija

The singing and dancing duo of Mahal and Honey or the Twin Divas took their performance to the other level where they sang Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey's "When You Believe" where they belt out like divas. After that, they showed their versatility in the tune of Jennifer Lopez's "Let's Get Loud" where they sing and dance plus they took it to the ultimate performance level.

Muriel Lomadilla of Cebu

Muriel Lomadilla of Cebu did a soulful and groovy performance of "Killing Me Softly with his Song" where she performed using her foreign beauty and world-class voice. She had already an identity as a next recording star in our country with her soulful voice, unique singing style and total packaging as a music star.

Lucky Twins of Leyte

The contemporary dancing duo Lucky Twins did a heartfelt interpretative dance. They have the precise and passionate choreography and they are truly good contemporary jazz dancers. They have the posture and grace in dancing which looks masculine.

Sandugo Band of San Pablo City, Laguna

Sandugo performed "Yugyugan Na" by P.O.T. which their performance is somewhat away from their comfort zone which is reggae. They shown versatility where they performed funk and reggae. Still, they still have a strong showmanship and energy from the vocalist to the musicians.

Khalil Joseph Ramos of Paranaque

Khalil Joseph Ramos got the support and audience impact because of his boy next door looks and rockin voice in his rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On." He performed with powerful vocals and he can be the next rock heartthrob. Although it was a hard song to sing, he rendered it properly which makes the girls supported him.

Synergy of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

The aerial acrobatics troupe Synergy did a storytelling through their breathtaking and death-defying aerial acrobatic stunts plus their concept and their colorful costumes. They got the standing ovation from the judges because of their world-class performance which can be compared to Las Vegas circus performance or even in Cirque de Soleil. 

In the end, Khalil, Bringas Brothers and Maasinhon Trio make it to the top 3. Maasinhon Trio got the highest number of votes which made them the winner of the third season of Pilipinas Got Talent. 

Maasinhon Trio, the grand champion of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3.

Blogger's Note: Maasinhon Trio is one of the talented contestants in PGT because although their act is common (due to the dominance of singing trios last season especially the Madrigal Siblings, DJP Trio and Joy's Diva) they are the all-male version plus their age bracket of 38-45 makes me impressed because they can sing with blending and the song choices they had which is more on OPM. All of the 12 contestants are truly talented and this batch is the most diverse in terms of different talents they have. El Gamma Penumbra made a fantastic shadow play about Philippine culture and tourism, Synergy did a very exceptional aerial acrobatics routine which can be competed in international circus shows like Cirque de Soleil, Renagine consistently amazed the crowd with her powerful vocals and Khalil made the girls cry because of his good looks and rockin voice. All of the 12 performers did a great job especially this season the talent has take to another level!

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3: Sixth Semi Finals

Last fifth semi-finals round, Maasinhon Trio got the highest number of public votes and Renagine Pepito won the judges vote which made them as the ninth and tenth grand finalists of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3. Now, only six acts remain to compete for the last two slots for grand finals.

Will Khalil Joseph Ramos become the next singing heartthrob of Pilipinas Got Talent after he received an overwhelming impact from the female audience? Can the youngest contender Jane Ann Arnado will be the young version of Angel Calalas of season 2 in terms of the expertise of hula hoop tricks? Can Flip Duo entertained the crowd with their funny and unique comedic dance routine? Will the only rap group who made it in PGT Kiriko sang their way towards victory with their clear delivery and meaningful rap? Can Technojazz entertain the crowd with their death-defying cheerleading steps which is similar to Dance Selection of season 2? Will  comebacking contestant Jet Barrun sang her way to the finals with her powerful vocals and strong showmanship on stage?

The sixth batch of semi-finalists in PGT: Jane Ann Arnado (hula hoop tricker), Flip Duo (comedic dancing duo), Khalil Joseph Ramos (singer), Technojazz (cheerleading group), Kiriko (rappers), and Jet Barrun (singer).

The death-defying cheerdance and acrobatics stunts of Technojazz  started the show. They have a very funny dance routine plus they have the precise spins extreme and dangerous cheerdancing steps. Their routine reminds me of the steps of Dance Selection of season 2 and other gay dance groups who did that kind of dance routine.

Jane Ann Arnado shown her very good hula hoop tricks at her young age of 7. She did a fantastic job at her age and she will learn a lot of tricks in playing the hula hoop when she grow up.

The rap group Kiriko did an original composition of a song about being a Filipino which inculcates a sense of nationalism. They have a clear delivery of the words, very meaningful lyrics and lines which can be remembered by people when they hear it on the radio or saw it on MTV. Their audition piece is all about the Filipino flag which they have the line "Pula, asul, dilaw at puti" and their semi finals piece line which is "Ito ang lahi ko, Pilipino akong tunay! Ito ang kulay ko, kayumanggi nang habangbuhay!" They truly deserve to have a record deal in OPM plus they can follow the footsteps of Francis M., Andrew E., Salbakuta and Gloc 9 plus they have the meaningful lyrics and music.

The next singing heartthrob and teen rockstar Khalil Joseph Ramos sang "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith which makes a strong impact among female audience. Definitely he had the star factor because of his good looks, rockin voice and a good musical arrangement that matches in his style.

Flip Duo did a comedic dance from "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars. They have a precise interpretation and funny dance moves but their audition performance of "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliat is much better than this.

Jet Barrun performed "Lady Marmalade" from the musical Moulin Rouge. It was a perfect song choice because of her powerful, clear and classy vocals. She takes her performance to the other level which she performed a song and dance number which is hard to synchronized. She reminds me of Haley Reinhart of American Idol 10 in terms of vocal style and showmanship. She deserves to be in the finale but she lost the judges vote (anyway she can join in singing contests like X Factor where she can stand out).

In the end, Khalil Joseph Ramos won the public vote which makes him the 11th grand finalist and the judges made a split decision where Kiriko won the vote which makes them the 12th grand finalist over Jet Barrun.