Whang-Od & The Cacao Project Controversy
Tattoos are a great part of our tradition as Filipinos, everything changed when 3 of the most powerful nations of history colonized our country: from the Spaniards to the Americans, and then the Japanese. We became independent until tattoo art was lost because of western influence, and we embraced Christianism long before our ancestors.
From 40 million followers it went down to 20 million in just 3 days, because of *exploiting a centuries-old tradition* followed by *an entrepreneur who felt dismayed on the influencer's behavior towards us*. And it became a hot topic around social media today. Let's do a breakdown of each individual involved in this event.
Who was it?
***Nuseir Yassin*** (also known as ***Nas Daily***), a former software developer turned content creator from Israel who is famous for his daily 1 minute videos, then creating 3 to 5-minute videos every week until his career went skyrocketed because of his storytelling.
From creating videos, he then shared his knowledge to other future creators and created his masterclass which consists of Filipino influencers, including the great ***Apo Whang-Od***. Nas had the idea of sharing Kalinga's ancient art of tattooing since the 104-year-old mambabatok gained international fame.
Who is Apo Whang-Od?
The oldest living ***mambabatok*** (***tattoo artist***) from the mountains of the Cordillera Region, and let me be clear it is not a jungle since there are still houses built around in their community, and she is a national treasure of our country.
Born on **February 17, 1917**, from the mountains of Tinglayan, Kalinga. At 15 years old, she learned to create tattoos from her father, and she's been doing this tradition for both male & female members of their tribe. For the men, they would earn it from protecting their village or by dismemberment - slicing off their enemies' heads and take it as their memento. For the women, it is for aesthetic purposes.
Until the tradition of the headhunters was banned in 1972, Whang-Od kept continuing to create tattoos until she gained international fame as she was featured in documentaries both local & international. As celebrities, influencers, and journalists gained the opportunity to get a tattoo with the old fashion way.
She broke the tradition of selecting women as her successors, but the community accepted her decision to pass on her knowledge. From her grandchildren, and even to her grandniece, ***Grace Palicas***.
Why is it no longer showing up today?
This tattoo tradition got lost during the Spanish Colonization followed by the influence of the west. It managed to survive in some remote areas around the country. Not just only Whang-Od who preserves this ancient art, from the Cordillerans to the ***Lumads of Mindanao***, and the ***Sulodnon of Panay***.
Now, let's go back to Nas' career as a vlogger which he shared his story about our country until someone showed his true nature off camera.
The Cacao Project Controversy & Exploitation of Whang-Od's tradition
The moment Nas stepped foot in the Philippines and before reaching sky-high within his career he shared his views about our country. From testing our hospitality, visiting key landmarks, and a "very cheap" economy until he realized it was not cheap at all, then helped out our poor community in Smokey Mountain.
He came back for the second time along with his girlfriend ***Alynne*** (***Dear Alynne***), and his apprentice ***Agon*** (***Project Nightfall***) to visit the country again to create more content about the country they truly love. From the controversies spanned through Nas' career, who would never forget his statements about Will Dasovich calling him a "*Dormant Media Channel*".
https://youtu.be/niMDtCpvKQc
Now, with Nas Academy launched recently there were tensions from the famed mambabatok and another influencer which they weren't included in his videos. A reporter from one of our local networks exposed his true colors, tweeting her experience on social media on what happened as they were about to cover a cacao plantation. ***Louise Mabulo***, one of the founders of the **Cacao Project**, decided to break her silence and fight back against Nuseir.
In **2016**, ***Typhoon Nina*** (International Name: ***Nock-Ten***) made landfall around the Bicol region sweeping 80% of the agricultural industry in the region. Louise's mission is to equip farmers for sustainable success. And in **2019**, Nuseir and his crew decided to cover her story but expectations were not met for the influencer. From showing his tantrums to insulting our Filipino farmers, and setting his expectations it will not gain a lot of views for Louise's story.
For Louise, the reporter who exposed Nas' true nature, even followers of Nas Daily we're disappointed after sharing her story. 2 months ago, Nas announced about his masterclass sharing their knowledge in different professions, to the likes of *Miss Universe '18* ***Catriona Gray*** of being confidently beautiful, fashion designer ***Michael Cinco***, journalist ***Jessica Soho***, including the great ***Apo Whang-Od*** where they can learn the ancient art of the Kalinga tattoos from scratch. *The only catch is?* They'll need to pay **P750** (equivalent to **$14.81**) in exchange to avail Whang-Od's course. https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/05/gma-reporter-exposes-nas-daily-following-alleged-whang-od-academy-scam/?amp
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/2021/08/05/2117811/not-scam-nas-daily-clarifies-whang-od-inclusion-nas-academy
Grace made a post about this, and it was a scam. When a video was uploaded and this was coming from one of Nas' separate pages on Facebook showing Whang-Od placing her thumb mark on the contract. There wasn't an agreement to teach & share their tradition online. Following her outrage to represent her grandmother and their tribe, Nas Daily's Facebook page went down from 40 million to 20 million likes for the last 3 days.
Nas answered all of the allegations against him claiming that the Whang-Od Academy on his website was legitimate, and Louise's story about her was false and fake. Now, the website showing Whang-Od's course has been removed amid this controversy.
My Thoughts on these controversies
If I was in his position, I would never make any proposals to gain profits of sharing an old tradition to the whole world, and that should only remain from their community. Instead of insulting and mocking our people, be grateful for my current situation and adjust myself. Lend a helping hand to any influencer just like Louise, and collaborate with other creators so they can gain exposure in the digital world of social media.
I never followed any of his pages, or even subscribed to either at his channel and also to his collaborators. I do watch most of his videos as my source of inspiration, and now we've seen his dark side. He's a hypocrite, a racist, and exploiting one of our traditions to the world.
For Apo Whang-Od, she doesn't need to have her masterclass online. If anyone is interested in learning the ancient art of the Kalinga Tattoos, then we should go there, travel a thousand miles, and learn from the master herself without anything in return. Looking back from our history, tattoos are a piece of art showing what we truly are as Filipinos, now it becomes an endangered tradition. It should only remain there so the new generation, and the next generation in the upcoming years ahead will uphold that tradition. Never to be sold, or exploited.
Facts You Didn't Know About Star Wars (Part 1)
It's been 44 years since the first film of the original trilogy was released in over 35 theaters in the United States until it became a worldwide phenomenon. From the little children to the elderly who are fans of witnessed Star Wars during their time until today's generation loved the galaxy far, far away.
Here are some of the cool facts, from behind-the-scenes, firsthand stories from the cast, and inspirations from George Lucas.
Majestic Settings
The locations around the Star Wars universe were majestic, other planets are mostly created in a 3-dimensional environment with realism, but in the real world, you can get to visit these locations and feel the Force flow around you once you get there. Here are the following locations that you can visit from the Star Wars universe.
From the sand planet Tatooine, 2 locations were selected. Visit ***Death Valley National Park*** in the ***State of California***, ***U.S.*** between the ***Mojave Desert*** and ***Sierra Nevada*** where ***Ben*** (originally ***Obi-Wan Kenobi***) meets ***Luke Skywalker***, and our favorite droids: ***R2D2*** & ***C3PO*** for the first time. In *Return of the Jedi*, the Twenty Mule Team Canyon was the chosen location where the droids seek ***Jabba the Hutt*** and an attempt to rescue ***Han Solo***.
In ***Matmata***, ***Tunisia***, the selected location for the ***Lars family*** homestead. The *port town of* ***Ajim***, in ***Djerba***, ***Tunisia*** became the ***Mos Eisley Spaceport***, and *an old mosque* was also used to shoot the home exteriors of ***Obi-Wan Kenobi*** in *A New Hope*. Years later, the crew returned to film scenes for *Attack of the Clones*, it became a hotel named ***Hotel Sidi Idriss*** and an experience to dine in the Lars family dining room.
In the planet of ***Naboo***, 3 locations were selected. A Retreat House located in ***Villa del Balbianello***, ***Lenno***, ***Italy***. This is where Anakin & Padme went into hiding from the separatists until they shared their vows at the end of the film overlooking ***Lake Como***. The ***Royal Palace of Caserta***, ***Italy***, and ***Plaza de España*** in ***Seville***, ***Spain*** were the chosen locations for the ***Theed Royal Palace***.
For those who want to embrace the power of the Dark Side, from the Mustafar system head over to ***Mount Etna*** in the ***Metropolitan City of Catania***, between the citu of ***Messina***, ***Italy***. During the set of *Revenge of the Sith*, it was erupting at that moment as they used the hot lava for the lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan & Anakin.
As the ***Death Star*** approaches the planet ***Yavin***, time to wear your flight suits, board your Starfighters as we head over to the *Mayan ruins of* ***Tikal***, ***Guatemala***. The chosen location of the Rebel Alliance headquarters in *A New Hope*. A ceremonial center of the ancient Mayan civilization, and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
There are plenty of other locations that I have not mentioned yet, but I will add them up to the next one so stay tuned. Technically, I haven't visited any of these locations yet, but I will add them to my bucket list once the pandemic is over.
Luke's surname was not Skywalker
Before Luke became the galaxy's last hope, his last name was ***Starkiller***. Based on the second drafts of Lucas' ***Adventures of the Starkiller***. The origins of this surname came from an infamous cult leader, ***Charles Manson***. Responsible for the deaths of 9 people in **1969**, including ***Sharon Tate***.
The murders were still fresh to the public in the 70s, and George was so worried that this surname would be connected to the cult leader. Until he decided to change his hero's last name to ***Skywalker***. Years later, ***LucasArts*** released ***Star Wars: The Force Unleashed*** in ***2008*** where you get to play ***Galen Marek***, a force-sensitive human discovered by Darth Vader from the planet ***Kashyyyk***.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6YtIrx8b4
Unknown to ***Emperor Palpatine*** as his new apprentice and hence giving the nickname Starkiller. It's up to the player's decision if he chose *to serve the light* or the *dark side of the Force*. Also, in ***The Force Awakens***, the First Order's Moon Base was named after it, which is larger than the Empire's Death Star, ***Starkiller Base***.
Dogfights inspired by World War II
An aerial battle between aircraft close range. Dogfights became crucial in ***World War II*** as both forces deployed bombers to fighters on various continents. It became George's source of inspiration as he looks back from archived footage during the war from bombing runs, dive attacks, and close-range duels.
So, Lucas decided to delay the film's release. He hates the first version of the film as they were given a deadline of a year. With the magic behind the crew of Industrial Light and Magic, it only took them 6 months to create the visual effects and we get a masterpiece that left a mark in cinematic history.
Jackson's Color of Choice for his Lightsaber
The monastic order of protectors, the keepers of the peace & order operating within their jurisdiction under the Galactic Republic. ***Blue*** and ***Green*** for the ***Good Guys***, ***Red*** for the ***Bad Guys***, but throughout the Star Wars universe *there are more color representations and their roles as members of the* ***Knights of the Jedi Order***. One member had a very unique color.
***Chief Master Mace Windu*** (portrayed by ***Samuel L. Jackson***), one of the most respected members of the order, and a powerful Jedi of his time. As tradition goes for younglings, Windu obtained an *amethyst-colored kyber crystal*. He was struggling to construct his lightsaber until ***Professor Huyang*** told the secret, and that was patience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAFWJ6XL7s0
He served the order as he rose to the ranks of becoming a ***Jedi Master***, then ***General*** of the ***Grand Army of the Republic***, and advisor to ***Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine*** who became ***Darth Sidious*** after his discovery from Anakin that the war between the Republic and the Separatists was all a set-up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3DHDXAzoBA
Jackson appeared in the first episode of the prequel trilogy as an advisor suspecting the Sith's return for thousands of generations, not until we saw him in action in the next episode. He asked George if he could get a purple blade (one of his favorite colors). George agreed to it, and separating from the traditional blade colors so he can be recognized on-screen then that pivotal moment when he chops off Jango Fett's head, and again during their duel with Darth Sidious.
There are too many stories to mention, but I'll have to dive in deeper to discover more facts that we didn't know about Star Wars, so stay tuned.
Star Wars In Real Life
As I've mentioned previously, Science Fiction can range from different applications to technologies that probably could be real. Ever dreamed of becoming a trooper either a clone trooper or an imperial stormtrooper? Bounty Hunter or Smuggler? Or everyone's favorite dream of becoming a Jedi or being seduced of becoming a Sith?
Star Wars is loved by millions of fans worldwide, and even for me the moment when I watched the Prequel trilogy. What was known to be a work of fiction, now can be turned into a reality. We'll dive in deep into different groups who showed their devotion to the franchise, even inventions, and space explorations from a galaxy far, far away.
The 501st Legion & Rebel Legion
If you're familiar with ***cosplay*** (*the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game*), you would see them mostly in pop-culture conventions, also at charity events, and even in the middle of the crisis we face today.
The ***501st Legion*** is based on the ***501st Clone Battalion*** (also known as ***Vader's Fist***), an elite stormtrooper legion under the command of ***Darth Vader*** . Originally, this legion of troopers is under the command of ***Anakin Skywalker*** (who would become a Sith Lord) and his apprentice, ***Ahsoka Tano*** as 2nd in command, along with ***Commander Rex*** as they fought against the ***Droid Army*** of the ***Confederacy of Independent Systems*** during the ***Clone Wars***.
When ***Order 66*** was initiated, obviously all members of the 501st knew their Commandant General, Anakin became Darth Vader the moment they attacked the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. In the real world, this is an international-based organization made of volunteers dedicated to *the construction and wearing accurate replicas* of **Stormtroopers**, **Sith Lords**, **Clone Troopers**, **Bounty Hunters**, and *other villains* from the Star Wars universe.
They were even featured on the live-action series ***The Mandalorian***. For over 24 years, the Legion had thousands of active members along with approved costumes and around 6 continents in over 60 countries. *Who said that bad guys can't be good?* Aside from promoting the franchise, they also do charity work and in the spirit of volunteerism.
On the other side of the coin, we also have the ***Rebel Legion***. Just like the 501st Legion, from events to charitable works, and the group is based on the ***Rebel Alliance***. They also approve accurate replicas from the ***Jedi Order***, the ***Galactic Republic***, the ***New Republic***, the ***Rebel Alliance***, and the ***Resistance***.
Simply known as the "***Good Guys***", you can portray anyone from being a Jedi Master, a Rebel Pilot, a Rebel Soldier, a Senator, or even the galaxy's favorite princess - Princess Leia. I would even see them around at conventions, and premieres in cinemas and would get a photo with them.
If you want to be part of this organization wearing your costume and engage with charity works & volunteer with your community, visit their official websites below.
501st Legion https://www.501st.com/
Rebel Legion https://rebellegion.com/
Lightsaber
"*An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age.*" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
In the movie, the weapon is powered by a **kyber crystal** and will emit from a metal hilt as a plasma blade that can be shut off at will. Both are used by the ***Jedi*** and their ***Sith*** counterparts. It can cut through from anything, from flesh to blast doors, block and deflect blaster bolts with precision and skill. Practitioners from both sides can use it as a single-blade, double-bladed, or in the form of a staff.
It has various forms of combat and different color variations. Blue and Green for the good guys, Red for the bad guys which are only shown in all trilogies, but throughout the universe there's more. I'll tell you more about it very soon. Lightsaber replicas have been a popular piece of the franchise. From chopsticks to the Force FX series, until YouTuber Hacksmith Industries (**video below**) created their Lightsaber and even got inducted to the ***Guinness World Records***. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/12/canadian-inventor-hacksmith-creates-world%E2%80%99s-first-retractable-lightsaber-641762
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC6J4T_hUKg
Now that is pure awesomeness, and beat that Disney! *What If? You can learn the ways of the Jedi without Force-sensitive abilities, but all lessons are based on real-life martial arts?* No need to worry about chopping your opponent's arm or legs, the replica is made of polycarbonate. It doesn't cut through any objects or block & deflect blaster bolts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZZFsfW03gg
In **Milan**, **Italy**, 3 individuals combined their skills and created a new combat sport called ***LudoSport***, resembling the lightsaber. These practitioners have spread throughout **Europe** to ***North America*** teaching the values of ***discipline***, ***service***, ***care***, and ***respect*** from one another. https://www.ludosport.net/ludosport/
2 years ago, The ***French Fencing Federation*** declared that lightsaber dueling is now officially a real competitive sport, as they try to get engage with the youth's health issues instead of exercising with their thumbs. Fencing consists of 3 disciplines - ***foil***, ***epee***, and ***saber***. With their fourth discipline, the lightsaber, practitioners can now channel their inner Jedi/Sith. https://www.dw.com/en/lightsaber-recognized-as-official-discipline-by-french-fencing-federation/a-48694503
Hologram
Holograms played a vital role in the Star Wars universe, from the introduction of Darth Sidious to Darth Maul, the security holograms at the Jedi Temple, a call to action when Luke accidentally opened R2-D2's Hologram message from Princess Leia to Obi-Wan Kenobi until he played it again when he's exiled in Ahch-To, and the emotional father and daughter scene when Galen Erso's told the secrets of how to destroy the Death Star.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7V05T4DhrU
From real-time communications to represent maps and battle plans, inspired by the ***Dejarik*** (the Holo-Chess board game aboard the ***Millennium Falcon***), Voxon Photonics created a volumetric display without even using other devices such as a 3D glass, but can easily navigate around the hologram with the use of a controller.
These are just a few things that came into life from my favorite movie franchise, but there are many more to mention from the big screen to the real world.
This Is The May
The moment you'll read this in front of your screens, it will transport you to a diverse universe from humans to different races of aliens, consisting of different planets that are beyond our imagination, and the eternal war between good & evil.
At first, the epic space saga did not made it to the big screen, but it became a popular culture phenomenon as it was loved by millions of people (including me) worldwide. I was about to post this on the 1st week of May, but I had to dive in deep for thorough research before writing this article.
This is the story of ***George Lucas***, how an ordinary man with a vision who created this universe that no one understood, and how he pushed against all odds to create a movie that would become the greatest mythological saga that left a mark in cinematic history.
Early Life of George Lucas
***George Walton Lucas Jr.***, born on **May 14, 1944**, in **Modesto**, **California**. He had a big interest in comics and science fiction, including **1936**'s ***Flash Gordon***. Before handling the camera, he wanted to be a *racecar driver* and spent most of his high school years racing in the underground scene and hanging out at garages. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_Gordon
Before his graduation on **June 12, 1962**, George had an accident while driving his car when another driver broadsided him, his car flipped several times before it crashed into a tree. His seat belt snapped, ejecting him and saved his life, but his lungs were bruised from severe hemorrhaging and required medical treatment. This incident began to lose his interest in racing, but also inspired him to pursue other interests.
He studied anthropology, sociology, and literature at the Modesto Junior College, and began shooting with an 8mm camera. Then, he went to the ***University of Southern California*** to study filmography as recommended by his friend, ***John Plummer***. He became good friends with other filmmakers, including ***Steven Spielberg*** who would become his collaborator in Indiana Jones.
George was deeply influenced by most of his courses back in college, and the works of ***Akira Kurosawa***. He directed a short film, ***Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB*** which he won in a film festival in **1967**. After graduating college, he became an intern and worked with ***Francis Ford Coppola's*** ***Finian's Rainbow***.
His short film, then became a full-length feature film ***THX 1138***, was not a commercial success followed by ***American Graffiti*** which became a critically acclaimed film as it shows how teenage life was back in the 60s. With the film's success, George was about to set the bar up high on his next project, but big challenges are coming from the young filmmaker.
George's Masterpiece
George was about to adapt ***Flash Gordon*** on the big screen, but he was unable to obtain the rights and left no option but to create his own. He took inspiration from his beloved TV Series to history's most important events, and cultures from both east & west. Science Fiction in the 70s was poorly received by the masses and not performing well in the box office.
After his success on American Graffiti, he wrote the first drafts of the film, then presented the concept to a studio, but it was dismissed. He faced criticism, but he decided to go working for it. As he enlists ***Gary Kurtz*** as they try to pitch their script to a different studio. Rejection after rejection, George was disappointed but continued to move forward. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Kurtz
He seeks the artistic aid of ***Ralph McQuarry***, and told about his next project, he also helped studio executives better visualize his characters and landscapes. Now, the deal is sealed with ***20th Century Fox***, while George created his own visual effects studio, the ***Industrial Light & Magic***.
As George and the rest of his crew begin to film their shots, one week later, they were already behind schedule due to malfunctioning props, actors were being injured on set, their equipment tore apart, and no one truly believed in the film. Despite having a nervous breakdown, George kept going forward.
George hated the 1st version of the film, but he decided to have it delayed and create the visual effects within 6 months. The crew even had to recycle or re-use other props from other sets. On **May 25, 1977**, with only 35 theaters in the **United States**, the film he believed in became a game-changer in the movie business.
From the big screen to becoming a global phenomenon
*Science Fiction is for children?* It is way more than that. It can range from different applications to technologies that probably could be real except for special powers. Star Wars broke the box-office records. There was no social media at that time, as word spread like wildfire and fans lined up to watch the sci-fi movie combined with adventure, and suspense with stunning visual effects.
It was an extraordinary movie, it generated billions of dollars that changed the movie business. From almost not being shown in movie theaters to becoming a global phenomenon, Star Wars became an influence and was parodied from other TV series or created their version with humor, as the franchise expanded from other formats: from animated series to books, live-action series, and in video games.
"*Always remember, your focus determines your reality.*" - George Lucas
He faced adversity from rejections to unmotivated colleagues and uncontrollable nature. A struggling filmmaker became one of the world's most renowned directors.
The Man Who Saved Thousands of Jews before World War II
Life in the late 1930s to 40s was not too good since it was a time of war. A war that devastated a lot of lives from the little children to the elderly, men & women who answered the call to defend & protect our way of life, but the devastating loss was the extermination of the Jews.
One man managed to saved thousands and opened our borders for those who escaped persecution at the hands of Nazi Germany. This is to commemorate his achievement & legacy for Holocaust Remembrance Day in the State of Israel.
The Persecution of Jews in Europe
In **1933**, Germany was taken over by ***Adolf Hitler***, leader of the ***National Socialist German Workers' Party*** then transformed the country into a dictatorship. It quickly became a totalitarian state under Adolf's rule where nearly all aspects of life were controlled by the government.
Before the war started, on **November 9 to 10, 1938**, *a night full of rampage where Jewish homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and synagogues were ransacked* in most German & Austrian cities. It was called ***Kristallnacht***, also known as "***The Night of Broken Glass***". Jews were beaten to death, and most of them were sent to concentration camps.
It was not just smashing down & burn every Jewish home, establishments, or synagogue turned into a pile of rubble & ash, it also became a protest when ***Ernst vom Rath*** was assassinated in **Paris**, **France** by a Polish Jew, ***Herschel Grynszpan,*** by giving justice to the persecuted jews. A year later after Kristallnacht, Germany invaded Poland in **September** **1939**.
As the Germans set up ***ghettos*** to segregate and confine Jews into small sections of towns and cities furthering their exploitation, an industrialist and member of the Nazi Party risked his life and managed to save thousands of Jews employing them in his enamelware and ammunitions factories in Poland. I'll tell his story soon so stay tuned.
If this industrialist saved thousands, and the Jews tried to escape persecution at the hands of the fascist Reich as neighboring counties around Europe closed their borders, but one man from the far east opened its borders for those who want to seek refuge and peace, away from violence and racism.
Manuel L. Quezon - The Open Door Policy
***Manuel L. Quezon***, a former revolutionary during the ***Filipino Revolution***, and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's former aide-de-camp. Then became a statesman & politician, served as the ***2nd President of the Philippines***.
Originally, his plan was to save more than a thousand Jews and have them settled in the island of Mindanao, but the plan was thwarted by the U.S. government, as Manuel faces anti-Semitism in the U.S. State Department. Only if the American government didn't interfere with Manuel's plan, then he could have saved more Jewish people.
Thus, he still pushed his plan with the support of the U.S. High Commissioner **Paul McNutt** in **1934**. By declaring ***Proclamation No. 173*** on **August 21, 1937**. He called on all of our fellow people *to welcome Jewish refugees and instructed the government to assist them*.
Not until when the Japanese made a surprise attack on **Pearl Harbor**, **Hawaii** followed by a full scale invasion around **South-East Asia**, Manuel and the rest of his cabinet members were forced into exile in the U.S., but laid to rest in **1944**. A total of 1,300 Jews were saved.
Manuel's Legacy
For Manuel, he took action despite facing criticism from the Americans, and his fellow people. He did what he had to do, the right way. He believed in the sanctity of human life. In the city of Rishon Lezion, Israel lies the "***Open Doors***" memorial designed by ***Luis Lee Jr.*** to honor the late President and us Filipinos who saved thousands of Jews from the Nazis.
His life was immortalized in a film directed by ***Matthew Rosen*** called **Quezon's Game** starring ***Raymond Bagatsing*** as the titular character based on the stories of the leader of our nation, and his plan to rescue Jews before the war started.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xYAl-lrfN8
A documentary series called ***The Last Manilaners***, a spin-off from the movie which tells firsthand stories of the people saved by the Commonwealth Republic as they describe their experiences from prosecution at the hands of the Fascist Reich to their refuge and new life in the Philippines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfLpWkzPdGI
It was a time of violence, destruction, and genocide at that time. As a Filipino, this is something I should be proud of. My country saved thousands of Jews, just wanting to get away from the dark world of the Nazis. The Jews are very grateful that they were saved by a brilliant & brave leader.
This story was not even mentioned in our history books when I was studying then, or even you who's reading this right now. His story will be shared with future generations, and his legacy will live on.
The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
While I was browsing videos on YouTube, this story was quite interesting because this man, ***Yevgeny Markevich***, and his wife are living within the **30-kilometer exclusion zone** and other inhabitants of the **Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant** in **Pripyat**, **Ukraine**. The area is still contaminated 35 years after its worst nuclear disaster. (video below)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_GRBBqIqYg
The area is off-limits and it is now a ghost town. Once, it was a lively city of Soviet Ukraine until it turned to ruins as thousands of people fled their city to relocate while emergency response teams tried to contain the blast affecting the environment around Pripyat.
Background of Pripyat & the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Named after the nearby river **Pripyat**, and located near the **Ukraine-Belarus borde**r in Northern Ukraine. Founded on **February 4, 1970**, and officially proclaimed a city in **1979** since the population went almost to 50,000. Near the city of Pripyat was the **Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant**.
Known as the ***Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Nuclear Power Plant*** (named after *Russia's first head of government and founder of the U.S.S.R.)*. The construction began in **1970**, with its first reactor commissioned and completed in **1977**, followed by another reactor in **1978**, the third reactor in **1981**, and the fourth reactor in **1983**.
Two more reactors were added, but the construction was suspended and canceled 3 years after the incident. Each reactor is capable of producing **1,000 megawatts** of electric power, and all four reactors can produce about *10% of Ukraine's Electricit*y. It was the first power plant built on Ukrainian soil and the third RMBK nuclear plant.
What Happened?
It occurred on **April 25-26, 1986**, when the technicians at Reactor No. 4 attempted an experiment. They shut down the reactor's power-regulating system, its emergency safety systems, and withdrew most of the control rods from its core while allowing the reactor to continue running at 7% power. On **April 26**, at **1:23 am**, it went out of control.
Explosions triggered a large fireball and blew off the heavy steel and concrete lid of the reactor. The ensuing fire in the graphite reactor core released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere where it carried great distances by air currents.
On **April 27**, ***30,000 people*** were about to be evacuated and relocated to other cities/provinces of Soviet Ukraine. On the following day, monitoring stations from Sweden reported *high levels of wind-transported radioactivity* and pressed for an explanation. The Soviets tried to cover it up but admitted there was an accident in Chernobyl, hence making it an international outcry over the dangers posed by the radioactive emissions.
On **May 4**, both the heat and radioactivity leaking from the reactor core were being contained, but it could lead to great risk to workers. Radioactive debris were buried mostly at 800 sites, and the highly radioactive reactor core was enclosed in a concrete-and-steel sarcophagus.
The Aftermath?
Two people were killed in the explosion, others say it was closer to 50. More and more people contracted radiation sickness, and some of these people later died. The radioactivity spread by the wind over **Belarus**, **Russia**, then **Ukraine** as it reached **France**, and **Italy**.
The forest and farmland consisted of millions of acres that were also contaminated. Thousands of people were evacuated, but most of them remained in the contaminated areas at that time. Livestock were born deformed, and several thousands of people had radiation-induced illnesses.
The disaster sparked criticism of unsafe procedures and design flaws in their reactors. Reactor No. 2 was shut down after a fire triggered in **1991**, while No. 1 remained operational until **1996**, and No. 3 continued to operate until **2000** when the nuclear power station was officially decommissioned.
The Soviets created an exclusion zone, a **30-kilometer radius** centered on the nuclear power plant, but it was expanded in later years to include heavily radiated areas outside the zone. Markevich tried different methods to enter after the evacuation at the time of the incident, but he chose to remain in his beloved city since **1945** and took protective measures against radiation.
He may have faced his fear of being infected by radiation, but Markevich misses how life was then in Chernobyl & Pripyat. Years after the incident, it left a cultural impact on the world. When the ***Bataan Nuclear Power Plant*** was built, the disaster was mentioned by former ***Pres. Corazon Aquino*** since she feared it may have the same result, making the site abandoned during her term.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE8z_1y4V1s
The disaster was featured in documentaries to movies, and even in video games. It was the chosen location for one of ***Call of Duty: Modern Warfare***'s missions ***All Ghillied Up & One Shot, One Kill***, where ***Capt. John Price*** (Lt. Price in **1996**) recalls his mission along with his superior, ***Capt. MacMillan*** were sent to Pripyat, Ukraine, to eliminate ***Imran Zakhaev***.
It was the worst nuclear accident to date, *affecting everyone from their economy to the radioactive cloud as it spreads over Europe*, which led to the *eventual fall of the U.S.S.R*. However, it left the city in ruins, and a lot of people, including those who tried to contain the blast paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Derek Chauvin: Guilty
Remember when George Floyd was supposed to be arrested but was laid on the ground while an officer knelt on George's neck for 9 minutes? As all protesters gathered outside of Minneapolis on Derek Chauvin's trial. The court finds out guilty of all charges, as all protesters rejoiced followed by a noise barrage, and waving flags of Black Lives Matter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU2m0mb_vdY
Who was Derek Chauvin?
The former police officer who's responsible for the death of George Floyd. A former **Army Reservist** from **1996 to 2004**, a member of the **Minneapolis Police Department** from **2001 to 2020**, he took a *bachelor's degree in* ***Law Enforcement*** from **Metropolitan State University** and graduated in **2006**.
During his tenure as a police officer, Derek was involved in 3 police shootings. 18 complaints on his official record. On **May 25, 2020**, George bought a pack of cigarettes then hands over a $20 bill. The cashier suspected it was a counterfeit. As they call 911, Derek and 3 other officers went to the scene to arrest George. Handcuffed and placed on the ground, Derek knelt on George's neck for 9 minutes.
His other colleagues, ***James Alexander Jueng***, and ***Thomas Lane*** assisted Derek to restrain George, while ***Tou Thao*** stood there as other bystanders prevented them to record it from their smartphones. The video circulated all over the internet. All 4 officers were dismissed by the Minneapolis Police Department on the next day. On **May 29**, Derek was arrested and charged with murder & manslaughter.
**What about the other 3 officers?**
They were also arrested, but Thomas Lane was released on bail last **June 10, 2020**. He warned Derek and his other colleagues that it wasn't the right way. In the following days, Alexander and Tou were also released on bail. Yes, they were able to get out of jail, but their trial will be in the next 4 months of **August 23, 2021**.
**Impact on George's Family & for the Black Lives Matter**
https://youtu.be/cKTd5ze-uLY
The Floyd Family received the news of the verdict, as they thanked everyone who showed their support from activists to advocates. Through the power of prayer, they received their answer. As for the **Black Lives Matter** movement after the protests, they will not stop fighting for their rights, and their liberty as citizens of the United States.
However, it might happen again, but let this be a clear reminder for those who are chosen as guardians of our city. The scars of brutality & injustice must be prevented. Now that Derek was led away in handcuffs. He will remain in jail until his sentencing, and for the 3 other officers hoping they would meet the same fate as for their colleague.
Domino Effect of the Community Pantry
A few weeks ago, Metro Manila and other provinces are placed under lockdown again due to the rising number of cases under the new variant. Now the people are seeking aid from our local government units, somewhere in Quezon City created a stand consisting of grocery needs and other essentials where they can take what they need to survive, and give back what they can to help their community.
It all started from the streets of Maginhawa, where this resident of Quezon City decided to help her fellow people despite her business being shut down with the current situation. Until, she and other volunteers placed a stand in Maginhawa St., then started to place grocery items as the people started to line up, take what they need and give back to help their community.
Because of this, more and more people started to create their community pantries to help their fellow people, but there would be people who are taking advantage. One incident happened a few days ago where a group of women decided to take everything that was on the table in the City of Pasig. While officials started to blubber they need permission from the mayor, even worse is being red-tagged.
My question to them is *where is their evidence? Are they connected with the leftist groups? Why do they have to process everything?* It's not even election time yet since these officials never use their brains.
For me, no need to process anything to help my fellow people, and no papers or any documentation to organize a community pantry. There's nothing wrong with helping your brothers & sisters out in the time of need. What the government thinks is everyone is an enemy of this nation. If I get tagged by the government, well I don't care. I'll move forward and remember why I started the movement.
For those who organized this community pantry from their respective communities, keep doing what you're doing. As I say it again, there's nothing wrong with helping your brothers & sisters out in the time of need. For the officials seated in government, do not wait for the moment that you'll be afraid of your people.
European Super League
If you'll look back in our history, football has different variations in different countries, and it became the sport of the people. Throughout the years, it became part of our daily lives, through the good and bad, our second home as we sing out loud rooting for our club. It is created by the people, but some would steal it for their interests.
I know that my country is a hoop nation, and we get trending issues mostly in showbiz, but for us football fans here in the Philippines we have our thoughts on this.
12 Founding Clubs of the Super League https://read.cash/@rapsantos/european-super-league-e0647b73#12-founding-clubs-of-the-super-league
6 from the Premier League, 3 from La Liga & Serie A joined as founders of the Super League. The following association football clubs are:
A.C. Milan
Arsenal
Atletico Madrid
FC Barcelona
Inter Milan
Manchester City
Chelsea FC
Juventus
Liverpool
Manchester United
Real Madrid CF
Tottenham Hotspur
If you're a fan of any of the clubs listed in this article, feel free to post your comments down below what are your thoughts and why did they decide to join this new tournament. Luckily, I'm not a fan of any of these clubs. From the list above, these are the most successful football clubs in Europe imagining an elite tournament of the best of the best.
The Elite Tournament of Greed https://read.cash/@rapsantos/european-super-league-e0647b73#the-elite-tournament-of-greed
Football is supposed to be for everyone. It doesn't matter about status, the geographical location, the supporters, as long as they want to have fun by playing in the league. That's why it has a system and every football country has a different system.
If the club performs well, either you'll get promoted or get a shot in a different tournament and get rewarded. If the club is on the brink of not performing well, you'll suffer the consequences by relegating down to another division. That is for the punishment if the club is being relegated down to a lower league.
Most football countries have either 3 up to 5 divisions. If the Super League would follow this system, well expect they'll be squaring off with the same club they're facing in their respective domestic leagues, and even the UEFA Champions League. In the end, they'll gain some revenue. How about other clubs who want a slice of the pie?
Football is for Everyone https://read.cash/@rapsantos/european-super-league-e0647b73#football-is-for-everyone
I disagree with this. It is killing the sport itself and should be for everyone. When are we going to see some cinderella stories, the biggest upsets when a lower division club beats a well-known club, the giant killers, the most thrilling matches we've ever witnessed either in the stadium or at the comfort of your home. That is why we are here as the voice of the club we are rooting for.
Now that the 6 clubs of the Premier League stepped down on proceeding with this new tournament as they heard the voice of their fans. Hoping the 6 other clubs would do the same. Football will always be for the people, not for the corporate capitalists who don't even understand the sport itself.
The Battle of Yultong
Years after World War II, peace was restored throughout the globe, nations began to rebuild what was lost, but this period at that time when tensions between the **East** - *The* ***Communists of the Soviet Union***, and the **West** - *The* ***United States and its allies***. It marked the beginning of the **Cold War**.
After Japan's surrender, Korea is divided at the **38th Parallel** into 2 zones of occupation. The northern half is controlled by the **Soviets**, while the southern half is controlled by the **Americans**. But the North Korean People's Army with support from China & the Soviet Union plans to invade the South. On **June 25, 1950**, the **Korean War** began.
Most of us are now getting hooked into Korean-Pop Culture, but there's one particular story during the Korean War where only hundreds of Filipino troops managed to hold the line against thousands of invading forces from the Chinese, and the first battle won on foreign soil.
The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK)
Also known as the **10th Battalion Combat Team**. This was the Expeditionary Force sent to fight in the **Korean War**. Composed of **1,468 troops**, and *the fifth largest force* under the **United Nations Command**. The battalion was attached to the **U.S. 3rd Infantry Division** during the invasion to retake South Korea, but the battalion had heavy losses, only **900** remained alive.
As they prepare for the offensive, the **U.S. 65th Infantry Regiment** deployed 2 Battalions facing the **Imjin River**, the **10th BCT** held the regiment's right flank, next to them was the **Turkish Brigade** in the east where the Filipinos were stationed at.
How did the Battle start?
It began on **April 22, 1951**, at **8:00 pm** (**20:00**), when the Chinese hit the Turks' position with an artillery barrage. After midnight, an artillery and mortar barrage followed by small-arms & machine gunfire struck the 3rd Division of the 65th Regiment. At **11:00 pm** (**23:00**) the assault began in waves and fought a series of close combat engagements within its positions.
The line for the 65th Regiment was disconnected by enemy artillery but was restored at **12:30 a.m.** (**00:30**). The Turks were ordered to reposition south of the Hantan River, while the 2nd Battalion of the 65th Regiment was forced to fall back a hundred yards to regroup since the attack from the Chinese was intense.
**April 23, 1951**, **1:00 a.m.** (**01:00**), the Chinese have surrounded the 65th Regiment so no one could escape. As for the 10th BCT, they remained in their position to hold their ground: drivers, typists, clerks, medics, cooks, and a chaplain joined the fight. They were pinned down but still managed to launch a counter-attack driving the enemy away.
**Capt. Conrado Yap** learned that some members of his battalion were killed, and wounded so he led a counter-attack towards the hill to rescue any survivors and recover his men. But Capt. Yap was killed in the fight. They succeeded in their objective and recovered a squad of survivors.
The Fighting Filipinos held their positions until early morning and covered the 3rd Division's retreat. 12 Killed in Action, 38 were wounded while 6 were missing. While the invading force suffered a lot of casualties, more than 500 Killed in Action, and 2 were captured.
The Aftermath
The late **Capt. Conrado Yap** was a decorated Filipino serviceman of the **Korean War**. He was posthumously awarded the following medals and to honor his legacy, he was commemorated in various ways provided below:
**The Philippine Medal of Valor**
**U.S. Distinguished Service Cross**
**First Class Taegeuk Cordon** / **Order of Military Merit**
***Camp Conrado Yap***, a Philippine National Police camp in Iba, Zambales.
The ***Philippine Military Academy****'s mess hall* called ***Yap Hall*** was named in his honor.
**BRP Conrado Yap**, a corvette naval ship of the Philippine Navy
**Capt. Conrado Yap Day** is a non-working holiday every **April 23** in **Candelaria**, **Zambales**.
A monument was erected during its 15th Anniversary of the Battle of Yultong on **April 22, 1966,** in **Yeoncheon**, **South Korea**. If you'll visit **Luneta Park** in **Manila**, there's a monument called the **Filipino-Korean Soldier Monument**. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties of the Philippines & South Korea on **September 6, 2010**.
This story shows us how we Filipinos are resilient and would do anything on their part for their love of our country, and to their fellow brothers in battle. Still, both North & South Korea are not on good terms after the war, but I'm hoping for both countries to ease the tensions and may bring peace & prosperity for both nations.
HSBC Asian 5 Nations: 1st Gig of Ultras Filipinas
With my tenure for 9 years in Ultras Filipinas, I remember that this was our official gig to support our country participating in a **Rugby Football** tournament as they go against **Singapore**, **Chinese Taipei**, and **Sri Lanka**. We were only a few, but we managed to make some noise with the crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
It was called the ***HSBC Asian 5 Nations***, and this happened on the evening of **April 15**, **18**, and **21**, **2012**. All games were held at the **Rizal Memorial Stadium**, **Vito Cruz**, **Manila**, **Philippines**.
Why Rugby Football?
For the group's formation, *click/tap here* to read more. First, I haven't watched a Rugby Football match personally, and I only knew a few personalities who previously played for the **Philippine Volcanoes**. Also, we have no idea how the game works. If I could remember, we did some research for the rules/calls before the game. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/day-20-8-hours-later-8167759f
Rugby Football is much cooler than American Football, I kid you not. If American Football has protective gear with various plays from offense to defense, and can only tackle the ball carrier, in Rugby Football, it's way better. In Association Football, 11 players can play, while on Rugby Football up to 15 players.
Everyone can score so they need to carry the ball towards the end, it is called a try for 5 points, and a conversion similar to a penalty kick for 2 points. Whoever has the highest score wins the game.
My 1st Time Being a Capo and Drummer
When Ultras Kaya was starting, I was the ***Capo*** and ***Lead Drummer*** of the group. The capo, in Ultras terms, *they're leading the section of the entire group as what they'll choreograph*, *or sing along with the chants*. Think of a chorale but no one has an individual part, everyone has to sing their hearts out throughout the game.
I was freaking nervous on the first game since it was a different atmosphere, so all of our chants that we used in our local league changed it a bit just to show our love and pride for our beloved motherland. I remember when the 1st half-finished and was about to take a cigarette break. I was a hard smoker back then, so I stopped smoking when the pandemic came in.
I was about to go down in the stands to take my break when 2 of the organizers gave me a recommendation. So the 2 of them recommended once the Volcanoes go for conversion do not make much noise, I want you and the rest of your group to make much noise for the visiting team when they make a conversion. We all agreed to that, I took a few hits, and back to the ball game.
We had a banner that said "**We Support No Matter The Sport**" Ultras Filipinas' objective was to mainly support Football since their next game will be a few more months at that time. Just to warm up ourselves, this is the first game that we want to make some noise so everybody will know there's an Ultras group here in the Philippines.
The Aftermath
The crowd loved our efforts, others would say we're getting paid for it. No, our passion for supporting the team is not for sale. Until today, we were not chasing money in exchange for supporting our national teams, more importantly, we showed up, answered the call, be there in the stands singing out loud, and were at the top of the world.
We don't ask for anything in exchange, and a funny story here is after the game, some of the crowd gave us cans of beer as we drank it up inside the stadium, even the players approached us appreciating what we were doing that night. We attended all games and supported the Philippine Volcanoes until they won the tournament.
After supporting the Volcanoes, then we supported the Azkals. Next was we tried to make much noise during the FIBA Asian Championships in **2013** but we're being overpowered by the San Beda Drum Band. Not until we made much noise 3 years ago during the FIBA Asian Championships in **2018**, things were changed when the San Beda Drum Band wants to collaborate with us.
Now with the current situation, all sporting events are postponed. If there would come to a time when Rugby Football is organized again here in the Philippines, I will never miss that match and gather once a small group 9 years ago, now a bigger group to answer the call of supporting our Philippine Volcanoes once again.
The Misinformation about Covid-19 & the use of Ivermectin to Infected Patients
I was laughing out loud when someone shared on Facebook that the coronavirus was made out of aerosol, not airborne. *How on earth did he get that information?* As far as we know, the Coronavirus is cannot be seen in the naked eye. This personality mentioned by my friend here is they might be working for handling the virus, either a health official or from the joint task force.
False Information about Covid-19
Certified scientists and even medical experts gave their collective research about the virus. Providing the needed information on how we can prevent it spreads faster, but some people deny it, from ordinary people who are not working under the medical & research industry.
Worst is, there are also people spreading misinformation who have medical experience and expertise. The example above that I mentioned here is it could lead to misinformation, and one medical doctor has already been on the hot seat for providing false information about the coronavirus.
I know you've known this guy for a few months, now his pages and other accounts have been taken down, also his image was pixelated and featured on the Dept. of Health's page. He was a medical doctor, and his license should be revoked. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U-UEcaY0YM
**How can we stop spreading misinformation about the virus?** Work with your local health department. Send them a report or you can *click/tap here* on this page to view more. Aside from this, there's a medication that cures infected patients and it is mostly used in other countries. https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/how-to-report-misinformation-online?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmcWDBhCOARIsALgJ2QeCxm3DDWtp1Nsh1xAkhVw-ThJfVkgJTrJMvFJkftllpivK0_9CsAkaAkq6EALw_wcB
What is Ivermectin?
***Ivermectin*** is a medication used **to treat many types of parasite infections**. It can only treat in various forms. To us humans, it can treat ***head lice***, ***scables***, ***river blindness***, ***strongyloidiasis***, ***trichuriasis***, ***ascariasis***, and ***lymphatic filariasis***. For our beloved pets, prevention and treatment of ***heartworm*** and ***acariasis***.
If this is being used to treat infected patients, it is given when we take our medications it may have side effects: ***fever***, ***itching***, ***skin rash*** when consumed using our mouths. ***Red eyes***, ***dry skin***, and ***burning skin*** if the patient needs treatment for head lice.
Now, *an influential and well-known journalist* wants to push for the medication of Ivermectin here in the Philippines. He says no need to take the vaccine, and it can cure or prevent getting infected with the virus. According to **FDA.gov**, there's no sufficient evidence that Ivermectin can treat Covid-19 patients, but they already conducted initial research. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFc6xCWW-6Y https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19
This type of medication is only used for *our pets and other animals from horses to cows*. https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/antiviral-therapy/ivermectin/
What's the effective way to prevent Covid-19?
Self-medication is not the answer. Don't use Ivermectin to treat yourself or you'll suffer the consequences. I'm no medical expert but get your sources first from legitimate organizations. For us to prevent the spread of the virus, continue to wear your head protection (mask & shield), wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds & maintain your distance from other people.
***Stay Safe & Stay Healthy!***
Inrupt: Changing Controllable Data
For the last 3 decades, the Internet has evolved in many ways and how it changed society. From its development and the moment it became part of our lives, it changed our way of living. Interacting with other people from our loved ones & friends, various contents from images to videos, but one innovator wasn't pleased with the results throughout the years.
Who is Tim Berners-Lee?
Better known as ***Timothy John Berners-Lee***, a **Computer Scientist** from the **United Kingdom**, and well known as the inventor of the ***World Wide Web*** - or what programmers called the **HyperText Markup Language** (**HTML**), a standard markup language where these documents are stored into a folder, then it displays on your web browser.
The whole page you visit or log in to social media serves as the *Skeletal System*, and it can be supported with other technologies, primarily 2 of them, that is we called the **Cascading Style Sheet** (**CSS**) which serves as *a dress for every web page*, and **JavaScript** which is the page's *Nervous System* of how the pages work and their behavior.
With Tim's innovation, he was dubbed by her royal highness ***Queen Elizabeth II*** in **2004**. Tim became the director of the **World Wide Web Consortium** (**W3C**), founder of the **World Wide Web Foundation** and senior researcher & holder of the **3Com** founders' chair at the **MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory** (**CSAIL**).
His contribution made our lives easier until social media came in, new programming frameworks which became more complex depending on the technology used by programmers, and the user's data which was hacked & stolen when there's a security breach.
Facebook, Google, or any big corporation have taken the Internet what was supposed to be a free environment. Tim always believed that the web should be free and open, but these corporations made big money on their gathered data for the last 2 decades. So, Tim is on a mission to fix it.
Tim's distaste for Major Corporations
3 years ago (**September 30, 2018**), Tim created a startup company as he is on a mission to declare war on big tech. Following the data breach incidents from the *Russians interfering with the U.S. Elections last 2016*, and the *Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal*, Tim was dismayed at how his creation works today and it needs to be repaired.
https://inrupt.com
So, Tim collaborated with other well-known tech institutes, he created an open-source company called **Inrupt**. The company runs on a decentralized environment called **Social Linked Data** (**Solid**) created and in collaboration with the **Massachusetts Institute of Technology**. The project he created and other collaborators was a decentralized application.
It aims *to radically change the way Web applications work today*, *resulting in true data ownership as well as improved privacy*, but the primary goal of Inrupt was *to allow the users to have full control of their data*, *including access control and storage location*. Here was his interview below 2 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ6IrWc7Wt4
I haven't checked the website yet, so if you have plans of creating this application soon, feel free to visit their page at *Inrupt.com* to view more. https://inrupt.com
Day of Valor
On this day, we commemorate all the servicemen who answered the call, and their duty to protect our motherland from the Empire of Japan during World War II. Thousands of Filipinos and Americans lost their lives as they marched thousands of miles from the scourging heat of the sun to the abusive methods given by the Japanese.
How do we define Valor?
https://martialartsnewyork.org/2014/11/17/filipinos-carry-bolo-knives/
***Valor*** means *great courage in the face of danger*, *especially in battle*. The moment when our ancestors did everything by sacrificing their lives to being free from the Spanish to the Japanese. They fought with blood and sweat just to achieve freedom from our oppressors.
Now, the Chinese are becoming dominant to the entire world, as ordinary Filipino fishermen and even seafarers stood their ground on what is truly ours for what is right. We also remember their great deeds for our country, and their bravery. If I become the leader of our nation, I will never kneel to anyone who dares to oppose my fellow people.
The Bravery of our servicemen during World War II
Let us not forget who answered the call, and their solemn duty to protect our motherland against the invading force of the Japanese during World War II. These are ordinary people in their 20s at their time. As the years go by, they were forgotten, faced discrimination, and lurking in the shadows, but they were recognized for their efforts in the following years.
I still admire these people, I am grateful for their service and everything they've done for our country. Hoping there would no longer be another war, but in this current situation we're facing today, we should also look up to everyone around who's fighting on the same line to survive.
A Snappy Salute to our Medical Frontliners
Doctors, Nurses, Emergency Response Teams, everyone who's working in the medical industry. You have been criticized by those who are meddling in the government just to fill their pockets and who don't even care for our people. Generally, not all of them, but there are a few people who would help you out in the fight against this epidemic we're facing.
Even if you cannot see the enemy in the naked eye but I say thank you, for your hard work and for your dedication to facing a great threat mankind has unleashed. Aside from our medical frontliners, I would also give a snappy salute to our call center agents keeping our economy intact.
A Snappy Salute to the BPO Industry
With my service for 4 years in the Business Process Outsourcing industry, I dealt with criticism from my family, and relatives. I chose this path then because of the reality that awakened me like an explosion. Yes, it is a great job with good benefits, and great money although our parents dreamed of the moment when we'll be getting a job after college.
Ignore those naysayers, critics, and remember why you chose that path just to help out your family. Whether you're a Customer Service Representative, Technical Support, Community Support, or whatever be your job title on the BPO company you're with, I'd say thank you for making our economy alive.
Shutting down BPO companies would cause an impact on our economy, and our country is not even richer than our neighbors in South-East Asia. Finally, I'll give my last salute to every ordinary person out there.
A Snappy Salute to everyone's fighting on the same line to survive
You may be lost your job, you had a fight or an argument with someone, you've been caught up, changed your path during the pandemic or whatever may be your situation right now. Be brave out there, face the adversity today. Don't give up. Remember there are a few people out there who loves you, cares for you. Remember why you're doing this for them.
I remember that day when I moved out and stayed for months at my previous company, just to survive. I converted that fear to muster my courage. We don't know when this is going to end, but I'm hoping that everything will be back to normal again, and we will share this story for generations to come.
The Filipino Revolution (Part 2)
Japan's participation in the Filipino Revolution
During the Spanish colonization in the Philippines, and before their divine conquest during **World War II**, Japan has close ties with the Philippines before it's discovery & the 1st expedition of **March 16, 1521**. As the relations between the Philippines & Japan dates back to the ***Muromachi period*** when Japanese merchants & traders had settled in **Manila**. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-spanish-colonization-that-lasted-for-3-centuries-part-1-9ec11388#the-magellan-elcano-expedition
They also lent their support in numerous revolts from the ***Sangley Revolt*** to the ***Tondo Conspiracy***. They even plan to colonize the country as they offered 40 million pounds of Sterling from Spain, but this offer was not accepted according to a Spanish diplomat. *Would you imagine if the Japanese colonized the country in the 1890s?* https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-spanish-colonization-that-lasted-for-3-centuries-part-5-fa872ad7#the-chinese-revolt-of-1603 https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-spanish-colonization-that-lasted-for-3-centuries-part-4-12be83b4#the-maharlika-conspiracy-1587-1588
Another story was Spain offered to sell the country to Japan for $3 million of gold, but the offer was rejected. Going back to their involvement during the revolution, and Since Jose denied his full support of an armed revolution, Andres continued his plan to rusticate the Spaniards.
Japan can be a probable champion of Asian liberties against Western oppression at that time. After sending Pio to Dapitan and convincing Rizal's full support, in **May 1896**, a Japanese cruiser named ***Kongo*** docked in Manila commanded by ***Admiral Kanimura***. One of Pio's friends, ***Jose Moritaro Tagawa*** was also in Manila as their translator.
He informed Andres and other leaders of the Katipunan about their visit as they agreed to arrange a meeting. After exchanging courtesies, Andres tried to negotiate with the Japanese to purchase weapons, but failed due to insufficient funds until the group was discovered 3 months later.
The Katipunan's Discovery
As the group was busy preparing for the uprising, there were different versions of the story how the Katipunan was discovered. In **August 1896**, ***Teodoro Patiño***, a typesetter working for a printing press called ***Diario de Manila*** (*the* ***Manila Journal***).
It is said that Teodoro was given a direct order from Bonifacio to expose their existence according to one of Andres' closest friends who was expelled in **1895**, others say that he betrayed the society through a confession which became the standard version of how it sparked in **1896**.
Teodoro had a misunderstanding with ***Apolonio de la Cruz*** - a press foreman also working for ***Diario de Manila***, regarding about their wages as they fought over for a salary increase. Apolonio tried to blame Teodoro for the loss of the printing supplies for the group's publication, ***Kalayaan*** (***Freedom***).
Teodoro confessed to his sister, ***Honoria Patiño***. She was shocked, and was very upset of her brother's story. She told everything to the mother superior of the orphanage. Until it reached to the town of **Tondo**, **Manila**.
When Teodoro confessed to an Augustinian priest where they hide their *equipment*, including *documents of membership*, *a picture of Dr. Jose Rizal*, and *several daggers that was made for the Katipuneros*. As for the priest, he was accompanied by the authorities, searched the office and found pieces of evidence stated by Teodoro.
The Spaniards now organized mass arrests when the news was reached to ***Governor-General Ramon Blanco***, and many innocent people were forced to go at ***Fuerte de Santiago*** (***Fort Santiago***).
The Revolution Begins
After the mass arrests organized by the Spanish authorities, Andres gathers all Katipuneros to decide when the revolution will start. It is said there were different stories from dates to different locations when the revolt started. After much deliberation, the official stance was it began on **August 26, 1896**.
All Katipuneros gathered in **Caloocan**, where they decided to start a nationwide armed revolution against our colonial masters, as they tear up their ***cedulas*** (***tax certificates***) along with cries of patriotism. It is called ***Grito de Balintawak*** (***Cry of Balintawak***, also known as *the* ***Cry of Pugad Lawin***).
The group agreed to attack on the **29th of August 1896**, as all leaders from other provinces prepare for the spark of rebellion against the Spaniards. Civil guards discovered the meeting and the first battle occurred in the ***Battle of Pasong Tamo***.
The Katipunan had the upper hand, but the civil guards turned the fight around. Andres and his men went back to **Marikina** via **Balara** (now **Quezon City**), then proceeded to **San Mateo** (now the **Province of Rizal**) and takes over the town. However, it regained control by Spanish forces 3 days later. Andres regroups his forces, and decided not to attack Manila.
Instead, they agreed to take a powder magazine garrisoned by the Spaniards at **San Juan del Monte** (now the **City of San Juan**) on **August 30, 1896**. 153 Katipuneros died in battle, but they had to withdraw when Spanish reinforcements arrived.
As the news reached in other suburban areas of **Manila** from **Caloocan**, **San Pedro de Tunasan** (now **Makati City**), **Pateros**, **Taguig**, and the provinces of **Cavite**, **Laguna**, **Batangas**, **Bulacan**, **Pampanga**, **Tarlac**, and **Nueva Ecija** rose to arms. The Spanish colonial government declared ***Martial Law*** on 7 Provinces and only one City, the Filipino Revolution had begun.
Car/Motor Shows that I covered before the pandemic
As I was browsing on my Memories on Facebook, 3 years ago when I was able to attend a car show. Just for a change since the next pop-culture convention at that time would be in June. It brings me back to when everything was lively then until everything stopped in just one snap.
Why did I attend a Car Show 3 years ago?
The last event that I attended when it comes to cars, was in 2009 before graduating High School. Since I had a job at that time, why don't I go and attend a car show this time? That was the Manila International Auto Show 2018 held at the World Trade Center & the Philippine Trade Training Center at Pasay City. For those who don't know yet, I'm a *car enthusiast*.
When did I start to love cars?
When I played ***Gran Turismo*** and ***Bakuso Kyodai: Let's & Go Eternal Wings*** on the PlayStation at that time. That was the moment I fell in love with cars. When I got older, my love for cars didn't stop there when I played other games related to racing: ***Need for Speed: Underground 1 & 2***, ***Split/Second***, and the ***Wangan Midnight: Maximum Tune*** series on Timezone.
Not until when ***The Fast & The Furious***, and ***Initial D*** showed up on our screens. That was the time when the art of drifting and street racing was about to be spreading out little by little until it gained popularity around South-East Asia, and North America for the following years.
**Do I own a car?** For now, No. I don't have one yet, but soon I'll have my own.
If I have my own car, what would it be?
I'll go for the **Mazda RX-7**. This car was featured many times in pop culture, the car of choice by ***Keisuke Takahashi*** on Initial D, and ***Han Seoul-Oh*** on The Fast & The Furious trilogy. A funny story on Han's given name in Hangul was a tribute to everyone's favorite smuggler in the galaxy, Han Solo. My favorite car that I use on ***Wangan Midnight: Maximum Tune 5DX+*** on Timezone.
Here's the full list below of the Car & Motor show events that I covered before the pandemic. Click/tap on the links below to view the full album.
**Manila International Auto Show 2018** https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.605976959740396&type=3
**Hot Import Nights 2018** https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.624504087887683&type=3
**27th TransSport Show & Makina Motor Show** https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.626507821020643&type=3
**7th Philippine International Motor Show** https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.747167702287987&type=3
**Manila Auto Salon 2018** https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.765630010441756&type=3
**Manila International Auto Show 2019** https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.842617219409701&type=3
The Filipino Revolution (Part 1)
Spain ruled the Philippines for over **3 centuries**, from **3 expeditions** until our ancestors were baptized in **Christianity**, but many Muslims including ***Sultan Kudarat*** hindered & resisted converting to the new religion at that time. With countless revolts, many of them were short-lived, one lasted for many years just to be free against the oppression of the Spaniards. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/sultan-kudarat-the-sultan-who-resisted-conversion-to-catholicism-d5f13951
The Aftermath of 1872's Cavite Mutiny https://read.cash/@rapsantos/cavite-mutiny-the-rise-of-filipino-nationalism-afd31f15
https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-execution-of-gomburza-d6cde8d2
Well-known ***Ilustrados***, ***businessmen***, and ***noblemen*** were arrested after the failed mutiny and only the last mutiny during the Spanish colonial government. Their sentence was changed, and originally they were to be executed, but instead, they were sent in exile in other colonies controlled by the Spaniards except for the Filipino Martyrs: ***Gomez***, ***Burgos***, and ***Zamora***.
Also known as ***Gomburza***. They were pinpointed by the Spanish government that they were the masterminds of the mutiny, but the priests confessed they don't have any connections with the mutiny of **January 20, 1872**, since the priests well knew each other the moment they become servants of Catholicism until they were sent to trial, and bribed a witness testifying their participation in the mutiny.
As the military tribunal sentenced them to death, on **February 17, 1872**, the Gomburza were publicly executed by *garotte* in **Bagumbayan** (now **Luneta Park**), **Manila**. ***Paciano Rizal*** and his younger brother ***Jose*** who would become the nation's hero witnessed their execution as they made a vow to avenge their deaths.
Rizal's Voyage in Europe
After finishing his studies in two of the most prestigious universities in the country: ***Ateneo Municipal de Manila*** (now ***Ateneo de Manila University***) & the ***University of Santo Tomas***, Jose traveled alone to **Madrid** in **1882**. Supported by his older brother Paciano without his parent's knowledge and consent as he studied at ***Universidad Central de Madrid***.
Rizal earned a ***Licentiate in Medicine*** then attended lectures at the ***University of Paris*** and the ***University of Heidelberg***. Before moving on **January 2, 1884**, a reunion of Filipinos was held at the house of ***Pedro Paterno*** in Madrid. Jose proposed to create a novel and was agreed with one accord by all men present, but it didn't push through.
The following men who agreed to help Rizal were: ***Maximo Viola***, ***Antonio*** & ***Pedro Paterno***, ***Graciano Lopez Jaena***, ***Evaristo Aguirre***, ***Eduardo de Lete***, ***Julio Llorente***, and ***Valentin Ventura***. They didn't write anything and the initial plan was to cover and describe all phases of Filipino life, almost everyone around wanted to write about women.
Jose saw his companions spend more time gambling & flirting with women. So he made a different plan. Instead of collaborating with other writers, he decided to write the first drafts of the novel alone. At **Heidelberg**, Jose completed ophthalmology in **1887** under the tutelage of Otto Becker. In that same year, he finished his first novel.
Jose feared that his book may not be printed, and it would remain unread. He was struggling at that time on how he'll publish his book until ***Maximo Viola*** stepped in for financial aid. Jose was hesitant, but Maximo insisted and he lent Jose **P300** for 2,000 copies. Hence, ***Noli Me Tangere*** (***Touch Me Not***) is now ready for distribution.
The title came from *the* ***Gospel of John***, and its premise is set in our country during the Spanish colonial period as it features aristocracy behind poverty and abuse of the Spaniards. It became *an influence on Filipino nationalism* until the book was banned by the Spanish authorities, but copies of Noli Me Tangere were smuggled to pass through customs.
One of his closest friends, ***Ferdinand Blumentritt***, has a copy of Noli Me Tangere. After writing his first novel, he joined the propaganda movement ***La Solidaridad*** (***the Solidarity***), formed on **December 13, 1888**, with its objective to increase awareness of the needs of the country and to propagate a closer relationship between the 2 countries.
Jose used 3 different pen names: ***Dimasalang***, ***Laong Laan***, and ***May Pagasa***. Most of his writings center on liberal and progressive ideas of individual rights and freedom for the Filipino people. After leaving the group, he continued to write his second novel before returning to the Philippines. ***El Filibusterismo*** (***The Reign of Greed***) was published in **1891** to commemorate *the martyrdom of the Filipino Priests of 1872*.
"*To the memory of the priests, Don Mariano Gomez, Don Jose Burgos, and Don Jacinto Zamora. The church, by refusing to degrade you, has placed in doubt the crime that has been imputed to you; the government, by surrounding your trials with mystery and shadows causes the belief that there was some error, committed in fatal moments; and all the Philippines, by worshiping your memory and calling you martyrs, in no sense recognizes your capability. In so far, therefore, as your complicity in the Cavite Mutiny is not clearly proved, as you may or may not have been patriots, and as you may or may not cherish sentiments for justice and for liberty, I have the right to dedicate my work to you as victims of the evil which I undertake in combat.*"
Just like in Noli Me Tangere, this is a continuation of Rizal's first novel where the main character returns as a disguised persona, but it has dark elements as he tried to attempt the country's issues by reforms which made no effect and seemed impossible with the corrupt attitude of the Spanish. Now, he'll try to resolve the country's system through violent means.
Same thing as goes for his 1st book, ***El Fili*** was banned in the Philippines because of the colonial government's portrayal of abuses and corruption. Both of his novels became the inspiration to start the revolution against our colonial masters at that time.
A year later, *an anti-Spanish colonialism secret group* with its primary goal was *to be independent from Spain through a revolution*. ***Ang Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan*** (simply known as ***Katipunan*** / *the* ***Supreme and Venerable Association of the Children of the Nation***) was formed in **1892**.
The Katipunan
It is said that the group's foundation was in **January 1892**, or on **July 7, 1892** - the day when Rizal was arrested after organizing ***La Liga Filipina*** (***The Philippine League***). The group was influenced by Masonic rites and its members were subjected to not tell the truth to the outside world and expected to abide by the rules established by the society.
Founded by ***Andres Bonifacio***, ***Teodoro Plata***, and ***Ladislao Diwa***. Men were only allowed to join the group, later, women were accepted into the society. Any person who wished to join the group needs to pass initiation rites similar to the Freemasons, by testing their *courage*, *patriotism*, and *loyalty*.
Jose's Return to Manila & Exile in Dapitan https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-execution-of-dr-jose-rizal-38bf7ba5
https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/735/today-in-philippine-history-july-3-1892-dr-jose-rizal-founded-the-la-liga-filipina
He returned to **Manila** in **1892** as he went to **Ilaya Street**, **Tondo**, to create a civic movement named ***La Liga Filipina*** on **July 3, 1872**. Similar to ***La Solidaridad***, its purpose was to build a new group that sought to involve the people in the reform movement. The moment he returned to the country, he was declared as an enemy of the state, as Spanish authorities arrested Jose.
It became inactive after Jose's arrest, but it was reorganized and La Liga Filipina was split into 2 groups, the ***Katipunan***, and the ***Cuerpo de Compromisarios*** (***Corps of Compromisaries***) - this group aims to continue supporting La Solidaridad through peaceful means, while the Katipunan continues to lurk in the shadows of the colonial government.
Jose spent his later years as he was sentenced in exile at **Dapitan**, **Zamboanga**. Andres contacted Jose for his full support of the group. That happened on **May 4, 1896**, Andres and his councilors decided to seek advice for Jose's decision of the revolt.
***Dr. Pio Valenzuela*** was sent on behalf of the Katipunan. To cover their tracks, Pio accompanied a blind man named ***Raymundo Mata*** since Jose is an ophthalmologist and they arrived in Dapitan on **June 21, 1896**. Pio told his real purpose, but Jose disagrees with an armed conflict, but rather defend themselves if necessary.
He believed that the people are not ready for a massive revolution, and arms & funds must first be collected before raising the revolution. So with this, Pio made another proposal to Jose: to rescue him. He disapproves of this plan because Jose gave his word of honor to the Spaniards, and he didn't want to break it.
He recommended Pio to seek help from wealthy noblemen to gather funds, and create an elite army which will be led by ***Antonio Luna*** to be the group's war general in case a revolution breaks out. Pio returned to Manila and informed that he failed in seeking Jose's support for the Katipunan. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/historical-figures-antonio-luna-5d655988
Since Jose denied his support, the Katipunan was trying to address its arms supply problem and had taken steps to seek aid for weapons abroad.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
Before it became a popular video game of the late 90s, up to this day things were changed in the game's mechanics but added sure realism and abilities of each operator. Originally, this game loved by millions of fans worldwide including me it all started as a techno-thriller novel.
Premise & Creator of Rainbow Six
Rainbow Six is created by ***Thomas Leo Clancy Jr.*** (popularly known as ***Tom Clancy***), a former insurance agent turned author behind some of his best-selling novels: ***The Hunt for Red October***, ***Clear & Present Danger***, ***Patriot Games***, and ***The Sum of all Fears***.
It tells the story of a fictional group called ***Rainbow***. A multi-international counter-terrorist group led by ***John Terrence Clark*** (call sign **Rainbow Six**) and ***Allister Stanley*** (call sign **Rainbow Five**), his 2nd-in command. Based in **Hereford**, **U.K** - Home of the ***22nd SAS Regiment***, the elite group has combined elements of the **U.S. Armed Forces**, UK's **Special Air Service**, Germany's **GSG-9**, and intelligence units from the **Federal Bureau of Investigation**, **MI-6**, **DGSE**, and **Mossad**.
With their rigorous training, they were deployed in various missions, until a plot that is so sinister which this bio-terrorist group plans to decimate the entire population. As the group investigates their previous missions piece by piece until they'll discover who's the mastermind, and why do they have to eradicate the entire human race.
Action-packed & Suspense
I have a copy of the novel which was purchased from a 2nd hand book store by my brother-in-law, and he gave it to me years ago. I never had the time to read the novel back then. When the coronavirus came in, that's the time I went to stay on-site and brought the book all along with me so I'll never get bored instead of using my phone.
I read it on the weekends, or sometimes after work but I was able to finish it a month later. The moment I read this novel, somehow it transported me to that universe re-imagining the scenes of every page like in a movie or a video game. It is full of action, and the suspense was killing my mind.
The suspense of how the antagonists were introduced to the group's mission on how they can deal with the situation with precise & full proof planning until their investigation that would lead them to something bigger than their previous operations.
The Aftermath & Influence of Rainbow Six
The novel, however, received mixed reviews from its storyline to the secondary characters. Somehow, it became one of Tom's best-selling novels, and most of his works were brought to life in the video gaming industry.
On **August 21, 1998**, weeks before the novel was released, the first Rainbow Six game was created by ***Red Storm Entertainment***, which Tom was also the co-founder. The video game's story is not connected to the novel since this was released first. The game became a commercial success and it spanned through different sequels, but different storylines.
For the full list of Rainbow Six games, *click/tap here* to view more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1UTtQ-bLxo&t=320s
Not until they made a few adjustments to the game, from **Single Campaigns** until they entered the **Massive Multiplayer Online** genre, but the mechanics is still a **First Person Shooter**. From operators with different specialties as your team will defend the area while the other team will scan first for targets before executing the mission.
It's like Counter-Strike with sure realism just what operators would do in the real world. From a popular novel then was transported to the gaming world. Until to this day, Rainbow Six is still loved by gaming fans, and retired operators from other parts of the globe.
AIA Philam Life 7s Football League
It's been a year when the whole world stopped affecting everyone around our environment. Things are gradually coming back, but more and more people are getting infected with the new variants of the coronavirus. So please stay safe, follow the safety measures, and stay healthy. Before this pandemic, I remember when I covered my 1st sporting event 2 years ago.
Is it a professional league?
No, it's just an amateur league. I got an invite from one of my friends, and I knew him very well aside from being a passionate fan and promoting the sport. Now, he has his podcast who also shares the same advocacy to promote and support our local football leagues here in the Philippines. You can *click/tap here* to visit their page. https://web.facebook.com/eatsleepbreathefootballPH
I remember when I asked him a few questions if I need a media pass, or if I need to show any identification once I enter the stadium. He said no need to show anything, just tell me once you're in the stadium.
With my passion in photography for 10 years, from the streets to the urban life, pop-culture conventions to motor show events I've never tried to cover football yet so I took that opportunity and went to **McKinley Hills Stadium** (formerly **Emperador Stadium**), **Taguig**, to take photos for the Philam Life 7s Football League.
The stadium is located a few kilometers from **Venice Piazza**, and farther from **Bonifacio Global City**. I remember from our glory days of the 2013 season of the United Football League. It was great to remember those glory days when Kaya FC beat Global FC twice, even Loyola FC (formerly Loyola Meralco Sparks FC), but the trouble of commuting there would take us hours to get there.
History of the Philam Life 7s
When the United Football League was discontinued last **2016**, the Philippines Football League came in **2017** with its football clubs to represent their respective cities around the Philippine Islands. From 8 football clubs, 2 of them discontinued their participation with the following year's season of the league.
https://sports.inquirer.net/347322/philam-life-kicks-football-clinic-into-high-gear-with-tottenham-hotspur-coaches
Previously, up to 5 foreigners, now only 4 can play in our local football league. Because of this, many were not given the opportunity to play for the top-tier league division. That's when ***Anton Del Rosario*** (former Azkals / retired in **2014**) decided to create an amateur league in **2018**.
With 2 of the clubs who discontinued their participation in the Philippines Football League (***Meralco Manila*** & ***Ilocos United***), the ***AIA Philam Life 7s Football League*** was born. They secured sponsors for a week and opened the gates for foreign players who previously played in the United Football League. No foreigner cap rule and everyone can play the beautiful sport.
The 1st season only began with the Men's Division, followed by its second season in 2018 the league became affiliated with ***FIF7***. As the league grows by organizing matches outside the capital region, on its 3rd Season (**2019**) they accommodate youth squads in various age groups: U-9, U-11, U-13, and U-15, followed by the Women's Division with 8 clubs participating in the league. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIF7
Sunday Football of the Philippines
The moment I got into the stadium, the terraces were packed with people from different walks of life. From families with their kids supporting them at the sides, a few of our local celebrities whose children were also interested in the sport, well-known members of the Azkals and other foreign players are also playing in this amateur league.
Matches are scheduled every Sunday and held at the McKinley Hills Stadium, City of Taguig. The stadium is split into 3 sections. If you're facing the stadium's grandstand, half of the stadium on the left is separated into 2 fields where youth football clubs and the Women's Division can play, while the other half on the right is for the Men's Division.
My friend gave me a tour around the stadium where the youth, the Women's & Men's would play, as I start to snap some photos around the venue. It was challenging at first. The players are moving so fast. Unlike other events that I previously covered, most of my subjects are stationary, so I made a few adjustments to my camera settings.
I would say this is my 1st sporting event to cover, and something to add to my portfolio. My passion for football and photography was intertwined because of this event. After taking a few snaps outside, they will be having a short interview with the players participating in that match.
Another challenging moment is, it is freaking hot outside, but in the media room, it is chilling cold in there. I only go out to take a few photos. If the match is very interesting on the pitch, that's where I would stay for a few minutes. Sometimes I would take a few breaks, and the best part is there's a nearby food truck or food stall outside the stadium.
Are the rules & regulations similar to association football?
Yes. Unlike in Football where 11 players can play, the match starts with 7 players and consists of 15 minutes each half. The free-kick, goal kick, corner kick, and fouls still apply on a 7-side match just like in Football. As I've mentioned earlier, No Foreigner Cap rule, and anyone can play with or without professional experience.
The only difference was the penalty kicks. As the penalty taker will dribble the ball and go toe-to-toe with the goalkeeper, **MLS 90s Style**. For reference, you can *click/tap here* to view more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRITqS6WEn0
Was I able to cover the following season?
I wasn't able to do that and was busy taking my coding boot camp at Zuitt until I found out that ***David Beckham*** was invited to the 7s League. Hoping I would meet him in the future. Another reason is the transportation issues since I was living at General Trias, Cavite at the end of September 2019. https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/79191/david-beckham-manila-2019-a4373-20190919
The 5th season of the Philam Life 7s Football League was postponed due to the current situation we face today. If he is reading this right now, I am grateful that he allowed me to cover this league, and thought that we only have one football league in the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WrcXBiGmRE&t=575s
I'm going to head back to McKinley Hills Stadium and continue to cover that league again, and other 7s League established around the country. Also, I'm inviting you to watch & support our local football leagues and head over to McKinley Hills Stadium, Taguig, once the pandemic is over and we're back with our normal lives again.
Here's where I got featured on my friend's vlog (video above) and another acquaintance I met (video below) who made a behind-the-scenes vlog 2 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5lMLpCBcWw
For the full album, *click/tap here* to view more. I recommend that you can switch it to feed view. https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.839510623053694&type=3
Bill Gates: We are not ready for the next epidemic
The video below was recorded years ago before the pandemic in **March 2015** in **Vancouver**, **Canada**, which one of the most influential innovators of our time shared possible outcomes that we currently face today. The man speaking in front of the crowd was a *software developer*, *businessman*, and *philanthropist*.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Af6b_wyiwI
Who is Bill Gates?
Aside from being a software developer, businessman, and philanthropist. He was one of the co-founders of ***Microsoft Corporation***, along with ***Paul Allen***. With his tenure at Microsoft, he became the *chairman*, *chief executive officer*, *president*, *chief software architect*, and also the largest individual shareholder until **May 2014**.
One of the world's wealthiest people since **1987**, he even surpassed ***Jeff Bezos*** in **October 2017**. As of today, his estimated net worth was at **US$163 billion**, making him the 3rd richest person in the world. At Microsoft, he transitioned from part-time roles to full-time work at the ***Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation***, a private charitable foundation established in **2000** with his wife, ***Melinda Gates***.
On **March 13, 2020**, Bill left the company to focus on his advocacy to philanthropy, including climate change, global health, development, and education.
How did a billionaire and innovator believe a pandemic so stronger than in 1918?
From doing part-time positions at Microsoft while doing philanthropic work on their private charity foundation, Bill spends most of his time discovering what could be the next threat that could claim a lot of lives. During his presentation, he showed a barrel on stage that contains enough supply of food and other essentials.
Possibly we could have another war, but it almost happened. Remember a year ago when one of *Iran's top military figures was killed in a single airstrike, and guess who ordered the attack?* That was from the past administration as the Iranians stormed the U.S. Embassy, and the whole country mourns the death of ***Qasem Soleimani*** - commander of the ***Quds force*** and the ***Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps***. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qasem_Soleimani https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quds_Force https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Revolutionary_Guard_Corps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1NlLK9BPaU
As the people of Iran raised their war flag on top of their mosque. We are worried when this war was about to start, but luckily it didn't happen. After the tensions between the U.S. and Iran, there it happened when the 1st case was recorded until it spread throughout the world like wildfire, the current situation we're facing today claimed millions of lives.
Countries from other parts of the globe are now going back with their normal lives, others are still prone to the different variants of the virus. Bill was right. It was not another war, but a microbe that cannot be seen by the naked eye, and this is coming from a billionaire & innovator.
What should we do to prevent the next pandemic according to Bill Gates?
Bill mentioned a few things on what can we do to prevent the next pandemic, by building a fast response system through the advancement of science and technology. Information can be deceived sometimes which would lead to false facts, but it must be from a trusted source. Also, I will add some of my thoughts or ideas that would come up in my mind.
***Create Reserves***. He stated that by creating a medical reserve corps that knows different medical aspects and expertise. Aside from medical experts, why not create an organization if all agencies of the government cannot contain & control the epidemic, they're more like pandemic specialists and it can be from various backgrounds.
***Pair Medical & Military personnel***. Combine all available assets of Medical staff, as for the Military will handle logistics for the deployment of Medical teams and secure locations of the outbreak. This is also a good one. Medical teams may only have a few resources, with the fast deployment of the military they can be sent there in no time.
***Run Germ Games***. It's a simulation similar to war games, but you'll not going to use any weapons, it practices your mind if you're mentally prepared for the outbreak. As Bill mentioned in his presentation there was a germ game conducted by senior officers of the U.S. government in **2001** called ***Operation Dark Winter***. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Dark_Winter
It was a coincidence while I was researching for sources, this was also linked to Ubisoft's video game, ***The Division***. The simulation is real, and I even discussed this previously on how the game works comparing it to the current situation we face today. You can *click/tap here* to read more. https://thedivision.fandom.com/wiki/Operation_Dark_Winter https://read.cash/@rapsantos/tom-clancys-the-division-in-real-life-c23797c5
***Step Up Research & Development***. Double the investments in Research & Development, but it would cost tens of billions of dollars a year. Only if the government would invest in scientific tools, hoping they would support our medical researchers and create more vaccines in the upcoming months.
Are we ready for the next epidemic?
I know that time is not our side since it tested our resilience and the need to survive for our daily needs. Now we have learned our lesson of this situation we're facing today. In the future, I'd say we can be ready for the next epidemic.
My New Game Plan this 2021
I was busy for the whole day packing up my stuff so we're about to move out to another house. I thought we'll be staying here for a few months and just like from our previous home, there were a lot of defects around this house and the owner is quite a loudmouth. Anyway, tomorrow in the afternoon we'll be moving out so here's my new game plan.
No more Job Hunting. Go Full Time here!
The moment I got demotivated from using this platform for the past few weeks, that's when I decided to hunt for job openings that suit my experience, even in content writing. Also, I wanted to go back to the BPO industry. I was having second guesses will I go back to my first company? Or find a new one?
After countless applications sent to recruiters and clients, all of the jobs that I applied for are still pending. It's been months, or weeks now. So, from this day forth, I'll continue to write more. I was able to do it for the past 6 months, and aside from using this full-time, I'm going to find another source of income.
Don't place your eggs in just one basket
I'm not just going to focus on using this full-time, but there are a lot of ways to earn more income. It can be 2, or 3, or maybe more that I can do to earn more. I remember when I used this, it became my side-line while I was working at Teleperformance.
I am overwhelmed with my salary, and I can't remember how much was it every payout. If I need to tighten my belt to save, then I don't have to worry since BCH is always there to the rescue. The moment I left my previous company, this became my lifeline as of today.
Save from my Emergency Funds
I remember when I was able to save from my other bank account as for my emergency funds. The moment I left the company, I don't have a place to stay, that's when I visited my best friend last year and witnessed how the pandemic changed their lives. The following day, I was roaming around in the City of Makati the whole day and decided to sleep outside. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/day-2-freedom-add16f45 https://read.cash/@rapsantos/day-3-life-after-lockdown-makati-city-7a6cd304 https://read.cash/@rapsantos/day-4-terrible-rest-day-97c37d03
But it was unrelaxing for me when I experienced it for the first time. From endless honking to other distractions, luckily, my emergency funds were transferred to my digital wallet on the next day, but the hotel I'm staying they don't cater any digital wallets as a payment method, but still, I have a few bucks to check-in and have it transferred to my bank account.
It's very important to have a back-up account that serves as for your emergency funds, now I'm able to get back the amount that I previously spend (that's P1.5K or P2K from my previous trip). If you're currently working, then you'll need to have another one or create a new one that serves as your emergency funds.
It can only be used for when you lost your job, you lost profit from your business, or you had an accident but hopefully not to happen. You can save up to a few bucks that are either 10 or 20% off your salary. Whatever the situation may be, your emergency funds will always be around for you, and they can only be used for the time being.
The funny story is, I now have 2 wallets. One's connected from my smartphone and the other is from my laptop, so whoever has that highest amount, that's where I'll send my money to my digital wallet, and the lowest amount goes to my other wallet, but it can be vice versa, so my next plan is.
HODL (Hold for Dear Life!) Bitcoin Cash
For the past 3 months, I've tried different applications where I can hold my earnings. Coins.ph was my first digital wallet when I started using this website. Months later, my friend introduced to me another wallet called Celsius.Network, which I didn't know he's now also investing in cryptocurrency.
I tried using Celsius for a month, and unlike Coins.ph there's a deduction fee, and it will take me hours to wait for the transfer to be completed, but in Celsius, it took 20 to 30 minutes and I'll be notified that the transfer is complete. No deductions. Another best feature in Celsius, you'll get earning rewards from your crypto or token of choice, depends on how many APY%.
I've read a lot from different members here that are HODL-ing their BCH, and I would say that this crypto would shape the future of cryptocurrency. It became our source of income, whether part-time or full-time and let's say it became a problem solver for us in this current situation.
I'm challenging myself from this day forth, I am going to HODL my earnings, by transferring the funds I earned on my wallet, and check my progress once a week, hoping it would reach 1 BCH. It will not be easy, but the road ahead will be very tough for me.
Indeed, life is very hard, I've been on that tough road and I thought that would be the happiest days of my life and these people will try to pound me into the ground, but it is time for me to saddle up, dig in, and fire as I face each obstacle.
I'm not going to give up, and now that I'm back, I've told this many times now. My life doesn't end here, there will be new opportunities to come with endless possibilities.
One pathetic sob story later... the National Capital Region and other provinces are now under ECQ again. Wishing everyone to be safe & stay healthy.
On This Day: The AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers: Philippines Vs. Tajikistan
3 years ago, we Filipino Football fans relive this moment. On the evening of **March 27, 2018**, the Philippine Azkals qualifies for one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Asia, the **AFC Asian Cup**. I was with my brothers on Ultras Filipinas and witnessed that game-changing moment. You can watch the video below for the full match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tsM6NyFT8g&t=6272s
From the weakest team to the Underdogs of Asia
https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/05/remember-the-azkals-and-the-miracle-of-hanoi-piece-of-history-turns-a-decade-today/
We were the weakest team in South-East Asia. As the sport was starting to boom around then it became popular with the masses. From the ***Miracle of Hanoi*** to clashing with a few football nations around Asia in different tournaments, the Azkals proved their worth to make it into the big stage.
Hours before kick-off we gather up in front of a convenience store at 7-Eleven, at Cityland Vito Cruz, Manila facing the gates of the Philippine Sports Commission for the Corteo. Corteo means that the Ultras are coming, as we make noise outside once we enter the terraces.
For the short videos, click/tap on the links below to view more.
Ultras Filipinas x Corteo (Part 1) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJ_GCrH984/
Ultras Filipinas x Corteo (Part 2) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhJ8D1hHD3r/
Ultras Filipinas x Corteo (Part 3) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIrDopHZ_p/
Ultras Filipinas x Corteo (Part 4) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIsd3Bnq_A/
Ultras Filipinas x Corteo (Part 5) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIqJNhnLEI/
A night of epic proportions
It was a scoreless first half, as both teams made tremendous efforts to score a goal, but ***Akhtam Nazarov*** scored a penalty in the **64th minute** when ***Kevin Ingreso*** took down ***Davronov Nuriddin*** inside the penalty area. Only 26 minutes remaining as the Azkals tried to find a weak spot after numerous efforts.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-03/28/c_137071438.htm
On the **73rd minute**, ***Phil Younghusband*** passes the ball to ***Iain Ramsay*** then crosses it from the left looking for ***Kevin Ingreso***. With a flick of his head, making the score tied to all 1. 16 minutes left before the final whistle when the Azkals attempts to score, but Tajikistan was called for a handball at the 88th Minute. https://www.instagram.com/p/BhHUCECnw3Q/
***Phil Younghusband*** takes the penalty kick as he attempts for his **50th International Goal**. The Philippines are on the lead with 2 goals to 1 and Phil caps off his 50th International Goal. Before the final whistle, there was a commotion on the end of the pitch, after cooling off their heads ***Fathuloev Fathullo*** and ***Dennis Villanueva*** were sent off with red cards. https://www.instagram.com/p/BhGHzaPnNxl/
https://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2018/03/27/Philippine-Azkals-AFC-Asian-Cup-Tajikistan-Phil-Younghusband.html
As the final whistle blows, it was a sweet victory. The Azkals won 2 goals to 1 and qualifies for the AFC Asian Cup 2019. Scoreless first-half, Tajikistan conceded first a goal, then we answered back not one, but 2 goals in favor of Kevin Ingreso & Phil Younghusband. We celebrated outside the stadium as part of our tradition.
For the celebration videos, click/tap on the links below to view more.
**Ultras Filipinas Pyro Celebration** (Part 1) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhEw6FyHjaX/
**Ultras Filipinas Pyro Celebration** (Part 2) https://www.instagram.com/p/BhDD3tynkGN/
Asan na sila? (Where are they now?) The men behind the Qualifying Match for the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
Years after the Miracle of Hanoi, and numerous meetings with other Asian countries from different tournaments, most members of the Philippine National Football Team are now retired, others continued to play for the Philippines Football League, or in other countries from their respective domestic leagues. Let's find out where they at right now.
***Neil Etheridge*** - the current Goalkeeper of the Azkals since **2010**, and currently plays for ***Birmingham City FC*** in the ***EFL Championships***.
***Simeone Rota*** - He received his first call up for the Azkals in **February 2014**, and made his first appearance in a friendly match against Malaysia on **March 1, 2014**. Simeone currently plays for ***Kaya FC - Iloilo*** in the ***Philippines Football League***.
***Carli de Murga*** - the Spaniard started his career playing for the **Tercera Division**, then moved to the Philippines years later and previously played for ***Global FC*** and ***Ceres FC*** (now ***United City FC***) in the ***United Football League*** and turned to the ***Philippines Football League***. He currently plays for ***Terengganu FC*** as Captain in the ***Malaysian Super League***.
***Manny Ott*** - From ***Bundesliga*** to the ***United Football League*** in the Philippines. With his tenure at ***Ceres FC***, he made contributions to the club's international scene at the ***AFC Cup***. When the club was under new management, he and his brother were retained by the new owners. Now, Manny signs for ***Melaka United*** after leaving ***United City FC***.
***Mike Ott*** - Manny's younger brother, currently plays for ***United City FC*** in the ***Philippines Football League*** since **2018** when the club was undergoing management change during the pandemic.
***Iain Ramsay*** - Before he joined the Azkals, he was eligible to play for 3 different countries: **Australia**, **Scotland**, and the **Philippines** since his father was Scottish, his mother was a Filipina but born in the land down under. Until he was called up to play for our country in **May 2015**. Iain currently plays for ***PT Prachuap FC*** in the ***Thai League***.
***Misagh Bahadoran*** - The Persian forward who previously played for Global FC in the United Football League, until the club was eternally banned for participating in the tournament because of a controversy making the club to step down in the league. Until he made his appearance last year in the ***Philippines Football League*** playing for ***Maharlika Manila FC***.
***Phil Younghusband*** - A reserve for ***Chelsea FC*** in the ***Premier League***, but was called up by our country when he and his brother ***James***, were discovered in a **football management game simulator**. Phil is now retired in the world of football since **November 18, 2019**, as he focuses his time with his family, and was recently featured on **Oh my Goal!**. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgWqLV-aRV0
***Daisuke Sato*** - From the ***Urawa Red Diamonds*** of the ***J.League*** to play for the ***United Football League*** under ***Global FC***. Years later, he went to sign for ***Politehnica Iași*** in **Romania**, then ***Horsens*** in **Denmark**, back again at **Romania** to play for ***Sepsi OSK***. Now, Daisuke-san currently plays for ***Muangthong United*** in the ***Thai League***.
***Dennis Villanueva*** - a pure Filipino but born and raised in **Rome**, **Italy** to Filipino parents, then previously played for ***United City FC*** in the ***Philippines Football League***, Now, Dennis currently plays for ***Nakhon Ratchasima FC*** in the ***Thai League***.
***Kevin Ingreso*** - the former midfielder of Ceres FC but eventually returned in **2017** to play for the ***Philippines Football League***. Now, Kevin plays for ***Buriram United*** in the ***Thai League***.
***Thomas Dooley*** - the man behind the sides of that fateful night of **March 27, 2018**. The former defensive midfielder and captain of the **United States National Team** served as **head coach** of the Azkals from **2014** to **March 31, 2018**, which his contract ended after the historic match.
The Aftermath? https://read.cash/@rapsantos/afc-asian-cup-debut-of-the-azkals-85c606d3
After Dooley's departure as head coach since his contract was not renewed, ***Terry Butcher*** was supposed to replace him as head coach of the Azkals, but he announced on **August 2, 2018**, that he will not take the role because it is not the right time for him to be the gaffer of our national team. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Butcher
***Scott Cooper*** took over as head coach until ***Sven-Göran Eriksson*** became the new head coach months after Butcher's resignation since Sven & Scott previously worked together for ***Leicester City FC***.
Sven's 1st tournament as head coach was the **AFF Suzuki Cup 2018**, with wins over Singapore and Timor-Leste, draws with Thailand and Indonesia as the country ended 2nd place in Group B. But we were defeated by the Golden Dragons on aggregate of **March 6, 2018,** during the Semi-Finals of the tournament.
For the full story of our stint at the **AFC Asian Cup 2019**, click/tap here to read more. After the country's debut, Sven left the national team but continues to serve as a consultant for the team. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/afc-asian-cup-debut-of-the-azkals-85c606d3
It's been 3 years after that fateful night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, as I was ranting over on my memories on Facebook, when will this pandemic end? My feet are itching right now because I wanted to see my brothers again as we watch the beautiful game live in the terraces. As we sing along again for our team, and our motherland.
We are a hoop nation but were able to make a ticket to qualify for one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. I'm hoping for this sport to grow for years to come, and for the new generation while I share the story of how Football evolved for the past 11 years, until my last breath.
Gamer: Choose who you want to be
"Video Games destroyed my life. Good thing I have extra lives."
I remember this quote from one of my favorite statement shirts that I'm wearing back then until I donated it to a local charity and other shirts that don't fit anymore on me. Yes, you got extra lives but in real life, you only got one shot whether if it be successful, or not as you gain experience and learn from it.
I still love video games, and my mouth is watering for new releases of video games but for now, I'm currently watching a few influencers both local and the international scene since I'm dedicating my time to use this platform first, and who knows maybe I will have my stream gaming channel in the future.
The first video game that I played on every platform?
I can't remember if it's an arcade or from a gaming console. I remember when the Family Computer Network System was released, with popular titles like Super Mario, Top Gun, 1942, Bomberman, and if my memory serves me right, it would be Super Mario.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLl9XBg7wSs&t=225s
That was my first video game, as you'll jump on obstacles, find hidden boxes for coins, one-ups, beat the final boss, and rescue the princess. From the Family Computer to the Playstation, my first game on that console was Gran Turismo at a rental shop, inside of a mall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49CpLM81TvM
Until we got our console, and the discs that we got on the bundle were Star Wars: Episode I, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and a Playstation Demo disc included. As the years go by we had hundreds of CDs. I only get to play after my assignment and on the weekends.
From the Playstation, video games are now moving on the PC. The first video game that I played on the PC was Counter Stike, and where I would go for an hour for P20 ($0.41) to rent a unit. It was an awesome game, as you pick which side to play and use characters that are based on real-life operators on both teams.
It became my favorite game, but for my mother, even my sisters disagree to play this video game because of its violent theme where 2 teams go head-to-head where the terrorists will set up a bomb while the counter-terrorists will defend the sites and eliminate all threats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIoueckSEtU
Every 90s or 2000s kids would experience the same thing as me when your parents are preventing you to play that game. That moment when I was preached by my parents, they urged me not to play that game ever again. For me, it is just a form of entertainment, until I grew older, I continued to play that game and from its influence there are various versions and similarities to Counter-Strike until it became an official game in the world of eSports.
I also played C&C: Red Alert 2, Yuri's Revenge, NBA Live 2K6, Grand Theft Auto III, GTA: Vice City, NFS: Underground 1 & 2. Going back to CS's influence, there were new first-person shooters both offline & online like Unreal Tournament, the Call of Duty franchise, Special Force, CrossFire, Point Blank, and Assault Fire.
When the Playstation 2 was released, that's when my sister decided to purchase a PS 2, and the first game that I played on that console was GTA Vice City. Yes, I was able to play the game on the PC, the only difference is when you aim and entering the cheat codes using a Dualshock controller which was quite challenging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9qOtlcOvcc
Other games that I played on the PS 2 were Tony Hawk's Underground, Lupin III: Treasure of the Sorcerer King, 007: Everything or Nothing, Guilty Gear XX, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Sonic Heroes, Metal Slug 3, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter. Not until our PS 2 broke up, so I ended up renting again from internet cafes or play at the arcade, or even rent a Playstation 2 for an hour.
When our PS 2 broke, my brother-in-law brought over a Sega Dreamcast which is from his friends, and my passion for playing video games didn't stop there. The 1st game that I played on that console was Crazy Taxi. I only play this at an arcade center back then, to find out they have it also in other consoles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbXI2isTvug
It also became my favorite as you drive around the city, deliver passengers to their destinations within the time limit, earn tips, perform impossible and crazy stunts. Just make sure not to bump into oncoming traffic. Aside from Crazy Taxi, I also played Spawn, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, Jet Set Radio, and Ready 2 Rumble Boxing - the funniest video game I've ever played.
Until the Dreamcast was returned, then I ended up playing games either in an internet cafe, or in an arcade, or find a shop that rents Playstation 2 at that time. It lasted for years from High School to being employed, until I decided to grab my Gaming PC, played the video games that I previously enjoyed back in the day.
Now that video games are evolving, and cross-platformed in different devices, even on our smartphones I was able to play a few of them before I go full time here.
Where's my Gaming PC now?
It is currently used by my 1st sister, when my brother-in-law's PC malfunctioned he decided to sell most of the parts of his computer. The reason was her children don't have anything to use the moment he sold his computer. It is up to my decision if I'm going to sell it for them or get another one and they can keep it.
I made that computer with hard work, sweat, and sacrifice the moment I got my 1st job. I should have been streaming games now, from sharing walkthroughs to my best plays. I was very generous to my 1st sister since she doesn't have a job back then. Her husband does have a job and only contractual projects at that time, but I also took it from experience and learned the hard way.
My favorite video games on each platform?
On the Playstation, that was Bakuso Kyoudai: Let's & Go Eternal Wings. Who can remember this racing game at the height of Tamiya's popularity in the 90s? Where you can pick your favorite characters based in the anime series as where you'll compete in different courses, and upgrade your 4WD through the course of the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jULQi6uvRkM
On the Playstation 2 was Tony Hawk's Underground. I was able to finish this multiple times until there's an alternate ending of the game and I thought that I'll be skating against Eric, then unlocked new characters like Iron Man and Gene "The Devil" Simmons of K.I.S.S., and who could never forget the game's soundtrack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdBZULIS6zs
On the Sega Dreamcast, that will be Jet Set Radio. This is where you'll skate using rollerblades and you're part of a gang called the GGs of Shibuya-Cho, Tokyo where you'll compete with other rivals by creating graffitis while getting chased by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. The game's soundtrack was so memorable to me, and I even saved it on my playlist as Spotify.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_rK8eOllYc
On the PC, where the majority I played most notable and popular games throughout the years. And my personal favorite on the PC? The Call of Duty franchise. From its very first setting in World War II, Vietnam War, Fidel Castro's assassination, until the Modern Warfare trilogy. From Counter-Strike to Call of Duty, this shooter game became my favorite and memorable characters that we know today throughout the franchise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhuIjNSg7Gg
The last video game that I played?
https://youtu.be/tv7LfFeamsc
Call of Duty: Mobile. The moment I purchased a new phone last year, I need something to kill off my boredom on the weekends, as I downloaded the game and tried it on my new smartphone. It was challenging at first since you're tapping on the screen with your fingertips as you run, aim, and fire against other players, then progress by leveling up with new guns & upgrades.
I'm now at level 87 and I was able to save some of my best plays in COD: Mobile before its updates and newest seasons. I uninstalled the game so I can focus on doing full time on this platform, but I will upload a video of my best plays very soon first on my profile on Facebook.
Once were into the void of video gaming, we get to pick who we want to portray. We may have extra lives, but in the real world, we only get one shot on what is facing in front of us, an opportunity, or take the risk. We may use different platforms, but there's only one button that unites us gamers.
6 months later... Just want to give a big shoutout to @CryptoMax as my first sponsor on this platform. Cheers!
Celebrities that I met before the pandemic
With the rise of affected cases of different variants of the coronavirus, the country is still under community quarantine with more enforced rules until **April 4**. I wish everyone to be safe and stay healthy. We can beat this pandemic that changed our lives for a year now, by washing our hands frequently, always wear your protective headgear (mask & shield), and maintain your distance from others.
As all forms of entertainment are still prohibited, from movie theaters to arcade gaming, dine-ins, and events are postponed due to the rise of the new variant cases. Before the pandemic, I was able to meet a few celebrities from the events that I previously attended, especially at pop-culture conventions. Here's a list of the celebrities that I met 6 years ago.
Kei Shindachiya & Ryousuke Kaizu
This was from **Henshin-Con** last **March 22, 2015**, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The guests were ***Ryousuke Kaizu***, popularly known as ***Takeru***/***Michael Joe***/***Red Mask*** of ***Laser Squadron Maskman***, and ***Kei Shindachiya***, popularly known as ***Ken Hoshikawa***/***Five Blue*** of ***Chikyuu Sentai Fiveman***.
These were my childhood heroes of the 90s together with ***Chojin Sentai Jetman***, the ***Mighty Morphin Power Rangers***, Metal Heroes like ***Mobile Sheriff Jiban***, ***Space Sheriff Shaider***, ***Janperson***, and I know there are too many heroes to mention but these are the people who made my childhood so awesome in their afternoon and evening screen time.
These shows were dominating on our local networks until everything changed when telenovelas about family, from rags to riches, spoiled brats, mistresses, heir to the family's fortune, that kind of storyline it affects today's generation of viewers. Unlike from our days, we would imitate their moves until they beat up the bad guys.
I'm not fluent in Nihonggo and can only speak the basics, but I purchased a T-Shirt as a souvenir (photo below). The moment Ryousuke-san hands over the shirt to me, he wants me to shake his hand, so we shake hands and I said ***Domo Arigato*** (***Thank you so much!***) while we both bowed gently, grabbed the shirt, and walked away in a few steps while looking at my hand.
Carla Perez
This was from **Toycon '17** last **July 2, 2017**, a day after my 2nd anniversary at ePerformax at that time. ***Carla Perez***, known as the main villain ***Rita Repulsa*** of the ***Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Seasons 2 & 3***, ***Power Rangers Zeo***, ***Power Rangers Turbo***, and ***Power Rangers in Space***.
Without my knowledge, she's a half-blood, a Filipino-American. I guess Carla had a great time meeting her fans and her fellow countrymen, but our meeting was quite short because my shift on that day starts at 2:00 pm. Here's how the story goes.
That happened on a Sunday, so I woke up around 11:00 am. Her meet & greet starts at 1:00 pm, so I took a shower, after that, I dressed up immediately as fast as I could, then I went out of the house and head towards to SMX Convention Center.
I arrived at the venue around 11:45 am, so I was able to buy a ticket and have time to roam around at the convention, then purchased a meet & greet pass. Since it will start at 1:00 pm, I took my lunch at the convention and started to take photos of toys and other displays around the venue.
When I met Carla in person, I pictured her costume in my mind. She was friendly and very sweet. I thought she will make me one of her henchmen. She may be scary on-camera and made us frighten with her plans to destroy the Rangers, but I'm proud of her roots being a Filipino, and with her influence, more Filipino-American actors and even Asian actors are getting noticed and involved in the franchise.
This was my souvenir with the meet & greet, her autograph, and a selfie with her before I took off and head straight to the office for work. Luckily, I was not late for work.
Walter Emmanuel Jones
This was 3 years ago, on **March 24, 2018**, at **Comic-Con Asia 2018** also at the SMX Convention Center. Previously, I met a villain, next was ***Walter Emmanuel Jones***, popularly known as ***Zack***/***The OG Black Ranger*** - ***Mastodon*** of ***Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 1***.
I was so hyped when Walter is about to visit the country, so I filed a vacation leave on that day, a month before the event then saved a thousand pesos for the ticket, and meet & greet access. Walter was not only the celebrity to visit the Philippines, the creator of the most popular superheroes we know today, ***Stan Lee*** of **Marvel Comics** is also going to Comic-Con Asia.
A few days later, Lee's management team decided to cancel his visit and appearance at *Comic-Con Asia due to health issues*. For the people who purchased their early bird access to meet the man himself, they reimbursed their payment, and apologized to the fans. Hoping he would recover from his illness, but he was laid to rest on **November 12, 2018**. https://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2018/03/15/marvel-stan-lee-comiccon-asia-2018.html
Moving on. A week before the event, I got notified that my vacation leave was approved. So, the same thing as I did from my previous meetings, I went to SMX Convention Center at 11:00 am, and I noticed there's a huge line outside on the sidewalk.
Luckily, I purchased my ticket a day before the event. The meet & greet will start at 4:00 pm, so I have more hours to roam around the venue. Took photos from Cosplayers to exhibits, toys, and played video games like Crazy Taxi, and Tekken 7 after meeting Walter. It's been years since I last played Crazy Taxi, and it brings me back to my pre-teen days.
After roaming around by taking photos, visit each booth, and play video games, it is time to meet Zack. The moment I met Walter, I was so nervous meeting one of my childhood heroes, so we had a short conversation followed by taking a photo with him as a souvenir. As I got off the stage, I took photos of the other fans as they have a great time with Zack.
Hip-Hop Kido never loses energy the moment he met another fan when a kid danced along with him followed by taking their photo beside him. This would not be possible without the efforts of YouTuber ***Chris Cantada*** to invite one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Kelly Hu & Dante Basco
This happened on **June 8 to 10, 2018** at **Toycon '18**, also at the SMX Convention Center. I also remember these days where I decided not to show up at work. This was the time I got burned out of my job then, as I tried to file a vacation leave for 2 days (Saturday & Sunday), it was denied due to critical working days.
Originally, ***Jason David Frank*** (popularly known as ***Tommy Oliver***) is the one I was supposed to meet personally at **Toycon 2018**. Yes! One of the greatest & legendary rangers of the franchise. From Mighty Morphin, Zeo, Turbo, until his comeback at Dino Thunder, then a few cameos from **Boom Comics** as ***Lord Drakkon*** to the anniversary special of ***Ninja Steel*** where he wields his legendary Morpher that can transform and change into his 5 ranger suits.
When I heard the news he's going back for the 2nd time (his 1st visit he was invited to shoot for an eSports event at the Mall of Asia Arena, for a film called ***Underdogs Rising***), I was able to save for the VIP Access, and eventually he got sick, then canceled his visit here in the Philippines. So they announced other celebrities at Toycon '18: ***Kevin Grevioux***, ***Dante Basco***, ***Kelly Hu***, ***Michael Copon***, and DC comic artist ***Neal Adams***.
On **June 9, 2018**, the moment I was in the venue, I need not be seen by my co-workers by following the crowd, and wear a hoodie so no one can see me. Also, I turned on the Airplane mode on my phone so no one can contact me throughout the day. I went incognito as I took photos again around the venue. Hundreds of photos from exhibits, toys, cosplayers, and even got the chance to meet Kelly & Dante.
***Kelly Hu***, former **Miss Hawaii**, and **Miss U.S.A.** Popularly known as ***Sorceress Cassandra*** of ***The Scorpion King***, ***Lady Deathstrike*** of ***X-2***, and ***Tech Communications Officer Suki Toyama*** of the video game ***Command & Conquer Red Alert 3***. The moment I met her, she was very pretty, and pictured her on the last campaign scene of Red Alert 3, asking me to take a vacation in Oahu, Hawaii with her.
She's now in her 50s. As they say, age is only just a number. I asked her about her role on Red Alert 3 on how she got the part. She never auditioned, but she was simply invited by Electronic Arts to portray one of the hottest communications officers in the Red Alert franchise. My souvenir? Her autograph, including this photo below.
***Dante Basco***, another ***Filipino-American***, and child star of the 90s. Popularly known as ***Rufio*** from the movie **Hook** starring ***Robin Williams***, ***Dennis Hoffman***, and ***Julia Roberts***. Lent his voice as ***Jake Long*** of ***American Dragon: Jake Long*** & ***Prince Zuko of Avatar: The Legend of Aang***. We only had a short conversation and took a selfie including a photo with him before leaving the VIP area.
That's all of the international celebrities that I met before the pandemic. Meeting these celebrities was the best day of my life, but my last visit, took my job in jeopardy since that was my way of protesting against the company. But, they were able to get me back as I decided to report to work.
I've been star struck for many, many times now. Once everything is back on track, I guess I'll have to save for any upcoming events. Meeting my childhood heroes will not stop because of the pandemic, and I know that I'll meet them in the future. Post your comments down below and let's talk about who are your celebrities that you've met before the pandemic.
Freedom! x 3/2/19
I remember this exact date (**March 2, 2019**), 2 years ago, where I broke my chains from my 1st company that I served for 3 years. It was a great ride for me, working with people from a diverse environment from different backgrounds, until I decided to leave so I can shift my career into a different path.
How did I get into the Business Process Outsourcing industry? https://read.cash/@rapsantos/6-years-later-d8ce21d3
I was a fresh graduate from **ABE International Business College** last **May 2014** and took ***B.S. Information Technology***. I was able to finish college but used most of the things that I learned back then. Our expectations while were studying is, once we're finished we'll get a job based on our course.
In reality, we need to gain experience in that certain field. That is why we ended up being rejected by recruiters ending up entering the BPO industry. It took me 6 months to find a job after graduating college. From my previous article, I told on *that fateful day that changed my life*. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/6-years-later-d8ce21d3
No connections within the company, it's just that I was depressed on the day before, when a pastor showed up in front of me while taking a good look at the sunset of Manila Bay. Prayed and then walked towards the crowd the following day, from Makati's Central Business District to MRT Ayala Station where I stumbled upon ePerformax's Cafe2Go Booth.
Stonewalled Tactics of Recruiters
https://sayingimages.com/job-interview-meme/
We were being stonewalled by the recruiters and they choose who has more experience in the field rather than the fresh graduates. And it is based on their criteria for the profession needed, you'll need 2 to 3 years experience, that's the minimum. Others would go way beyond that. *5 years of experience?* *How on earth would you find that rightful candidate?*
Another tactic they'll use is this specific reason "*We'll call you back once we have an update with you*", meaning no callbacks. For us applying back then, it means we didn't pass for their qualifications, and we end up roaming around the city.
Applying for their company you should have a connection inside as they'll vouch for you. These stonewalled tactics are still used today if you want to apply for that position you're working for after years of studying. That is why most of us apply and get a job from BPO companies. But the sad part is for our parents questioning why we chose this profession.
Questioning our Profession by our Parents and Relatives as Call Center Agents
From our parents, even our relatives would end up questioning our profession. Yes, we're able to finish college, but ended up working for BPO companies like ***ePerformax***, ***Teleperformance***, ***VXI***, ***TaskUs***, ***TeleTech***, ***Harte Hanks***, ***Telus***, and other companies based here in the Philippines.
https://twitter.com/pgag_ph/status/1161962290586853377
Importantly, there is nothing wrong with it why we chose this path. Great benefits, and good money, as we try to explain it to them until they got the full meaning of it. I remember 6 years ago, days after I celebrate my **23rd birthday** watching **Heneral Luna** at SM Megamall, I got a message from my sister, and it's about my dad. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/movie-review-heneral-luna-5e5fdcbf
That was around 9:00 or 10:00 pm, and I was about to go home. My father went to her in the afternoon, then left some documents as she hands her over to me a processing application to Canada. I know what you're thinking. It is a great opportunity, but I refused it. Why?
**First**, I just signed my contract at ePerformax, as I am willing to do the best of my ability to perform, work hard and get everything I want. **Second**, I refused it, pretending to my father that I would go along with him in Canada until I told him the truth so they can be with his mistress.
My father was a womanizer, an irresponsible father, and only thinks of himself from the moment when my sisters were born, and even for me. I grew up with a broken family, and I'm the youngest. Both of my sisters now have families of their own, and it is very hard for me when my father is not around. I was an innocent kid then until I found out the painful truth when I grew up as they told the story from my mother and sisters.
That was the last time I spoke to him about why I don't want to go to Canada. Because, I was happy with my new profession, and I'm able to help out my family. If that happens, well, he's going to monitor my every movement, do this or don't do that. My father, still thinks that I'm still a kid. I'm already grown up and think wisely as an adult.
I even promised myself that I don't want to become like him if I'll ever have my own family in the future. My mother respected my decision, my 1st sister does, but my 2nd sister doesn't like it, because I wasted that opportunity. From her point of view, yes it's a great opportunity. But from my side, I didn't because of my father's plan to be with his Filipina nurse & mistress.
Tears are pouring out on my eyes while I'm writing this and remember *that grim and dark days of the* ***3rd week of October 2015***. It's just that my 2nd sister opened up that issue again, but I'm already moved on to it. Now, they're together with his mistress in Canada without me.
My father said harsh things to me, that I'm selfish and prideful. So what? I don't care, and I have got nothing to prove to him. I guess that was a long story. The diploma is only just a piece of paper with your name and the course you've finished for years as I have told this my parents and relatives.
Education is not being measured based on your personality, it is based on how you interact with other people. Anyways, aside from our parents, let us also not forget the critics questioning our profession.
Questioning our Profession by the Critics outside the BPO industry
https://lithub.com/actually-criticism-is-literature/
From ordinary people to radio jocks that you hear on the radio station. Applying to becoming an agent, and the duties & responsibilities of being an advocate is no easy task.
Why? You'll have an assessment where it tests your skills if you're fit for the position, followed by an initial interview where you'll be asked a few basic questions. If you pass, you'll be endorsed for a client interview. If not, then you'll have to follow their procedure to re-apply for the next few months, depends on the company's procedure.
Same thing as goes for the client interview. If you pass, then you'll be given a contract showing your basic pay, benefits, your checklist for employment requirements, and the exact date when your 1st day of training begins. If not, then you'll have to wait for another few months to re-apply.
Speaking English throughout the shift is challenging for us agents. Being an agent is not an easy profession, as you'll deal with irate customers depending on their profile from pre-teens to adults, including senior citizens who just want to have a conversation. As you'll get the process of every concern, the results are very rewarding.
You'll get recognized for your efforts as a performing agent, rewarding you with a bonus from gift certificates, appliances, freebies, and metric bonuses that are separated from your basic pay & benefits, which you'll eventually get on every payout.
I've been recognized as a top-performing agent multiple times. As eBay's **Member 2 Member (M2M) Email Rockstar** of **June 2016** at ***ePerformax***, and the **Top Performing Agent of the 3rd Quarter of 2020** at ***Teleperformance***, before my last program Microsoft Office was transferred to Jaipur, India.
It's not just simply copy and paste queries, overall you'll need to use your critical thinking skills to resolve the issue and use our available resources in front of our screens. As I say again for the last time, being a call center agent is not easy, and I also include not a **no-brainer profession**.
*Everyone's a critic*, as they say. For the critics, I dare you! I double, triple, quadruple dare you! Try to apply to become an agent and see what happens. If you get lucky, congratulations in advance! If not, then Karma will breach into your doors. Shame on you for insulting & criticizing the Business Process Outsourcing industry.
Why I left ePerformax? My first company?
It was a roller coaster ride for me that I served 3 years for eBay under ePerformax. I am grateful that they gave me the opportunity to be trained, to work with different walks of life in a diverse environment, gained knowledge & advice by doing the right thing. Because we exist to help our customers by giving the quickest, easiest, simplest way and making our community great along the way.
My life was in a complete circle. I had the financial freedom, I can go anywhere, eat, buy anything I want *until I fell in love with a transgender*. The benefits that I enjoyed so much disappeared, one by one. Followed by the rules created by the Operating Supervisors at that time which made a big impact on our productivity. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/day-21-i-fell-in-love-with-a-transgender-f75a3582
I got burned out because of the repeated cycle day after day, and your Team Supervisor expects & by pressuring you to perform more until I have thrown the towel to the ground and decided to leave. Leaving the company was the biggest decision of my life. Even if I am no longer part of that institution I will continue to perform and to show everyone out there that *we are the best, not the biggest*.
What's next for me?
Being an agent for 4 years, I learned that you can never please anyone. You'll never know what's coming from that phone call or the message you're getting on your email. For all the advocates out there, a snappy salute to everyone working in the BPO industry.
Now that I left my previous company, Teleperformance. I tried to apply with different companies the moment I got demotivated using this platform. Now that I'm back, and I guess it is time to say that I'm done serving my time to the BPO industry. My life doesn't end here, there will be new opportunities to come with endless possibilities.
The Tejeros Convention of 1897
*The 1st presidential and vice-presidential elections in* ***Filipino History***, but only members of the Katipunan can only vote, not the general public. One of the most important meetings of the armed revolt-group during the later years of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
Who are the men present at the Tejeros Convention?
The assembly was held on **March 22, 1897**, in a friar estate residence called ***Hacienda Tejeros*** at **San Francisco de Malabon** (now **General Trias**), **Cavite**. All men are present between the Katipunan's 2 groups: ***Magdiwang*** (led by ***Andres Bonifacio***) & ***Magdalo*** (led by ***Emilio Aguinaldo***) factions.
The purpose was to form a revolutionary government and defend the province of Cavite against the Spaniards. Emilio Aguinaldo was not present at the meeting since he went to defend the town of **Pasong Santol** (**Santol Pass**) in **Dasmariñas**, **Cavite**, while celebrating his 28th Birthday. ***Daniel Tirona*** was sent on his behalf to attend the convention. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Tirona
Republic or Monarchy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W968aGGH-xM&t=316s
Before the election started, people were asked what type of government should they create? *Andres Bonifacio, the head of the Tejeros Convention, and* ***Supreme Leader*** *of the* ***Katipunan*** stated that it should be maintained as a republic. Bonifacio asked everyone that the results shall accept and respect whoever is elected into office.
Bonifacio should be the President of the Revolutionary Government as declared by a loyal supporter of Bonifacio. Tirona contradicts that a formal election should be done so the Supreme Leader would be elected in office. As they proceed with the nominations followed by writing their full names on a piece of paper of their chosen candidate and cast their vote to a ballot box.
The Election Results
Emilio Aguinaldo won, ***in absentia*** *as* ***President*** *of the Revolutionary Government*. Bonifacio got the 2nd-highest number of votes for President, and automatically he should be the Vice-President, but no one declared a second motion as the election continued.
***Mariano Trias*** won as ***Vice-President***, followed by ***Captain-General Artemio Ricarte***, ***Director of War Emiliano Rigo de Dios***, and ***Andres Bonifacio*** as ***Director of Interior***. He accepted the position as Interior Director but was insulted by Tirona because of his educational attainment.
A certified lawyer and an expert of the law should be fit for the position. Bonifacio wasn't able to finish his studies so he could help his siblings, then studied on his own by reading books. He vents out his anger to Tirona, draws then aims his pistol, and challenges Tirona to a duel.
It was de-escalated by the other officials. Bonifacio as the head of the convention declared the results were null & void, then leaves the assembly.
The Aftermath?
Emilio Aguinaldo, who was not present at the assembly, stayed to defend the town of **Pasong Santol** in **Dasmariñas**, **Cavite**. The following day (**March 23, 1897**), he was notified as the President of the Revolutionary Government requesting to take his oath of office. He wanted to remain with his troops, but ***Crispulo*** (Emilio's brother) volunteered to defend the town.
Emilio went to Hacienda Tejeros, where he and other officials were elected, It was officiated by ***Padre Cenon Villafranca*** and pledged their oath as new leaders of the revolution. Captain-General Ricarte found out that the election was dirty or shady.
After leaving the convention, Bonifacio wrote to ***Emilio Jacinto*** that the election was rigged, then manipulated. Sounds familiar, isn't it?
On **March 28, 1897**, Andres Bonifacio met 45 of his followers. Convinced that the election was a fraudulent result, as they wrote a document called ***Acta de Tejeros*** (*the* ***Tejeros Act***) stating their reasons for rejecting the election results. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acta_de_Tejeros
As Bonifacio plans to resist the revolutionary government, they went to **Naic**, **Cavite** and wrote another document called the ***Naic Military Agreement*** rejecting the revolutionary government formed in Hacienda Tejeros. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naic_Military_Agreement
Bonifacio continues to oppose Aguinaldo and his cabinet members, which the Supreme Leader would later cost his life on **May 10, 1897**, executed with his brother Procopio in the mountains of **Maragondon**, **Cavite**.
Was the Tejeros Convention rigged? Or not?
It is said that the elections at the Tejeros Convention were rigged, including the manipulation by the Caviteños, that they should not be led by men from other towns, meaning they should elect Aguinaldo instead of Bonifacio. This is where Regionalism came from its roots in our country.
The Supreme Leader didn't want to declare a recount of votes since the election was ongoing at that moment, and only members of the Katipunan can cast their vote. Until to this day, this tactic is still being used after numerous dirty elections of our country's history.
Dirty Elections
From the rigged ballots of the Tejeros Convention to the **malfunctioned PCOS machines** by ***Smartmatic***, handled by the **Commission of Elections** (**COMELEC**) and the **National Citizen's Movement for Free Elections** (**NAMFREL**).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEnV6TtM2sg
Most of us have learned our lesson, others are not because of choosing their candidates who would stay for years, or even decades stayed in their position as diplomats of our country.
Generally, I'm not telling all of them, but there are still a few good people who stayed true to their word why they've been chosen by the people. Most of them are in jail now. Yes, they've tasted their own medicine, but they find other ways to make it out of their hole.
My thoughts?
Now they only have a year left on their term as politicians, let's see if they can remain in their position, as new aspiring candidates for president are now appearing on our local media. It's been years when we were given the right to vote, and are they still worth it to become politicians again?
Don't base it on how they look like, let's use our critical thinking skills with a background check on each potential candidate like what they've done for our country, what were their contributions? Achievements? Milestones? Everything from their career as a politician.
If he/she will be given another chance, then so be it, but let's also give way to the new generation of new leaders of this country. Choose wisely if they're fit for the position.
The Spanish Colonization that lasted for 3 Centuries (Part 8)
This is a continuation from my last part after the events of the **Cavite Mutiny of 1872**: The powder keg that explodes after the public execution of **Gomburza**, and *my thoughts 500 years later*. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-spanish-colonization-that-lasted-for-3-centuries-part-7-56b5bef3
Rizal was exiled from his later years at **Dapitan** before his death, ***La Liga Filipina*** (***The Filipino League***) was separated into two groups: ***Ang Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan*** (***The Supreme and Venerable Association of the Children of the Nation***), an anti-Spanish colonialism and secret society turned to an armed movement, formed by ***Andres Bonifacio***, ***Teodoro Plata***, & ***Ladislao Diwa***. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9s_Bonifacio
The group was founded after Rizal's meeting to organize *La Liga Filipina*, but was captured on **July 7, 1896**. Other sources say it was formed early on **January 1892**. From hiding in the shadows of the colonial government of Spain, until they were discovered after tearing down their ***cedulas*** (***certificates***) during the ***Cry of Balintawak*** that sparked the ***Filipino Revolution of 1896***.
The other was the ***Cuerpo de Compromisarios*** led by Filipino propagandists in Spain. As the Katipunan clashed with the Civil guards of Spain, from numerous battles to the government's declaration of Martial Law on 8 provinces in Luzon. Followed by an execution organized by the government on **September 12, 1896**.
It was called *the* ***Trece Martires de Cavite*** (***Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite***), to spread fear against the rebels. Executed because they collaborate with the group. Rizal met the same fate as all those who were executed in the name of freedom. Rizal was sentenced to death by musketry on **December 30, 1896**. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-execution-of-dr-jose-rizal-38bf7ba5
After his death, 11 were executed in Bagumbayan while 4 of them died in prison on **January 4, 1897**. 7 days after, 13 were also executed in Bagumbayan on **January 11, 1897**, as the people involved in both of these events collaborated with the Katipunan. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/quince-martires-del-bicolandia-c1dd06d2 https://read.cash/@rapsantos/trece-martires-de-bagumbayan-d417ef32
As the revolution continues between the Katipunan & the Spaniards, after numerous battles and victories on our side, ***124 years ago*** *and* ***on this day***, the **Tejeros Convention** (video below from the movie ***El Presidente***) - a meeting between the ***Magdiwang*** (***Aguinaldo's group***) & ***Magdalo*** (***Bonifacio's group***) *factions of the* ***Katipunan*** held at **San Francisco de Malabon** (now **General Trias**), **Cavite** as they form a revolutionary government. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmqa1TbM4e8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W968aGGH-xM
This was the 1st presidential & vice-presidential elections in Filipino History, and only members of the Katipunan can only vote & participate, not the general public. It was also ***Emilio Aguinaldo's 28th birthday*** (today is his **154th** birthday and it is called ***Cavite Day***) at that time, but he was not present during the assembly as he and the rest of his forces went to defend the town of **Pasong Santol** in **Dasmariñas**, **Cavite**. ***Daniel Tirona*** was sent on his behalf. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Pasong_Santol
Before the start of the elections, he asked everyone that the results shall be respected by everyone. As all men decided that their type of government should be a republic, and all present at the assembly, they nominate their selected leaders, then write the nominee's full names and cast their vote by dropping it into a box.
***Emilio Aguinaldo*** won, ***in absentia as President***, and Bonifacio received the 2nd highest number of votes for president. It was suggested that he should be chosen as Vice President, but no one declared a second motion as the election continues. ***Mariano Trias*** won as Vice-President, followed by ***Captain-General Artemio Ricarte***, Director of War ***Emiliano Riego de Dios***, and ***Andres Bonifacio*** as the Director of the Interior of the revolutionary government. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_in_absentia
He accepted the decision but was insulted by Tirona because of Bonifacio's educational attainment. A certified lawyer should be fit for the position of being the Interior Director. Bonifacio wasn't able to finish his studies so he could help his siblings, then studied on his own by reading books.
Raged by anger, he drew his pistol, then aimed and challenged Tirona to a duel, but was de-escalated with the other officials. As Bonifacio being the head of the assembly, he was disgusted with the results and leaves the convention.
It is said that the election results were rigged. After the events of the assembly, the Katipunan is now separated into 2 groups. Andres and his brother, Procopio Bonifacio were sentenced to be executed by the War Council, but Aguinaldo insists that he needs the Supreme Leader alive. Not until the Bonifacio brothers were executed on **May 10, 1897**, in the mountains of **Maragondon**, **Cavite**.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBT-qSm-gJs
As the revolutionary government continues to fight against Spain, forged alliances with other Filipino noblemen, and *making allies with the Americans*, the Spaniards sold the country to the **United States** following with the ***Treaty of Paris***. Without their knowledge, the Philippines was stonewalled during the treaty, until the Americans claimed their new colony, and the rest was history.
500 years after Spain's control of the country it left a mark on us Filipinos, with a mix of good & the bad. *From food to habits, culture & traditions, even in sports*. It is up to us if we want to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Spaniards with the help of a Portuguese explorer. We Filipinos will never forget what they've done to our ancestors.
If we could turn back the hands of time, then they should have moved out for a long time, and the country is free from Spanish imperialism. But what's done is done. The only thing that matters is we learned from it, and we need to eliminate a few of their habits we inherited from the Spanish since cancel culture is popular in this generation.
https://wethepvblic.com/spanish-ship-retraces-magellan-route-philippines/
Also, since the Spanish Navy's ship arrived a week ago (image above), was there *a rematch that happened in the island of Cebu?* Another thing that we need to eliminate as Filipinos since we hold grudges of the past. What we need to do is to move forward, learn from it and never look back.
The Spanish Colonization that lasted for 3 Centuries (Part 7)
Down to the last 5 revolts during the Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
Basi Revolt (1807)
Known as *the* ***Ambaristo Revolt***, led by ***Pedro Mateo*** & ***Salargo Ambaristo***. This revolt was very unique, and it is for the Ilocano's love for **basi**. In **1786**, the colonial government expropriated the manufacture and sale of **basi** (**sugarcane wine**) effectively banning private manufacturers of the wine, which was done before expropriation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basi
The Ilocanos were forced to buy from stores under control by the government, as they rose up and the revolt started on **September 16, 1807**, with the revolt spreading to nearby towns and clashes lasted for weeks. The revolt ended on **September 28, 1807**, with heavy casualties on the losing side.
Novales Revolt (1823)
Led by ***Andres Novales*** who grew discontented with the Spanish authorities of how they treat *the* ***Criollo*** ***people***. His discontentment climaxed when ***peninsulares*** were shipped to the Philippines to replace Criollo officers. He sympathized with many of the Criollos. As punishment for the rising sense of discontentment, many officers and public officials were exiled. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criollo_people
Andres was exiled to **Mindanao** to fight the Moros. However, on **June 1, 1823**, Andres along with a sub-lieutenant Ruiz, and other subordinates in the King's Regiment, went out to start a revolt. From a small squadron, they recruited 800 indigenous natives as they took control of the **Palacio del Gobernador** (**Royal Palace**), the **Manila Cathedral**, the **cabildo** (**City Hall**), and other important key buildings in **Intramuros**, **Manila**.
They tried to find ***Governor-General Juan Antonio Martinez***, but they killed the Lieutenant Governor and former Governor-General, ***Mariano Fernandez de Folgueras***, who suggested replacing Creole officers with peninsulares. Following his death, the townspeople followed Andres and his troops as they went to seize **Fort Santiago** but eventually failed because Andres' brother Mariano, commands the fort and refuses to open the gates.
Soldiers rushed to the fort upon learning that it was still holding out against the rebels. Andres was caught hiding under the **Puerta Real**. On **June 2, 1823**, Andres and his co-conspirators were executed by musketry in a garden near **Puerta del Postigo**. In his last minutes, Andres declared that he and his brothers set an example of fighting for freedom.
Palmero Conspiracy (1828)
This was a failed plot to overthrow the Spanish government in the Philippines, but they suppressed further details on this conspiracy. Led by the Palmeros, one of them was ***Marcelo Azcarraga Palmero***, when the government discovered the plan, they thought it will be wise not to report this to the general public. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Azc%C3%A1rraga_Palmero
The plot itself would embarrass the government since the conspirators were one of their own, and it would seem that the Spanish would want to overthrow the power of Spain in the country. The main conspirators were exiled.
Pule Revolt (1840-1841)
*Another religious revolt*, and *one of the most famous revolts in* ***Filipino History***. Led by ***Apolinario de la Cruz***, nicknamed ***Hermano Pule*** (***Brother Pule***). He started his religious order called ***Confradia de San Jose*** (***Confraternity of Saint Joseph***) in **June 1840**. Due to the influence of Spanish religious power and authority of different religious orders (the ***Augustinians***, ***Jesuits***, and ***Franciscans***) and the concept that Filipino priests should remain in the church, and not the convent.
The Spanish banned the new order, especially due to its deviation from original Catholic Rituals and teachings, such as prayers and rituals which inculcated paganic practices. Thousands of people from **Batangas** to **Manila** have already joined the order. So with this, the government send troops to suppress the order, forcing Pule and his followers to take arms.
Many battles were fought between the Spaniards and Pule's religious order. The Spaniards won, and Hermano Pule was executed on **November 4, 1841**.
Cavite Mutiny: The Rise of Filipino Nationalism https://read.cash/@rapsantos/cavite-mutiny-the-rise-of-filipino-nationalism-afd31f15
The last revolt during the Spanish Colonization in the Philippines, but made a big impact after the execution of the **three Filipino martyrs**: ***Mariano Gomez***, ***Jose Burgos***, and ***Jacinto Zamora*** - also known as *the* ***Gomburza***.
It all started when ***Governor-General Carlos Maria de la Torre*** was replaced by ***Rafael Izquierdo*** in **1871**. He disliked the reforms created by the previous Governor-General, then reduced the benefits enjoyed by the Guardia Civil. Workers, laborers, and soldiers were not getting paid and required to pay a monetary sum, even perform forced labor.
***Sgt. Fernando La Madrid*** and 200 soldiers, including laborers under his command, marched to **Fort San Felipe**, **Cavite** on **January 20, 1872**. They seized the fort, until it reached the Governor-General as he sent a regiment to take down the mutineers, dead or alive. Sgt. La Madrid was killed, others disarmed their weapons and surrendered to the authorities.
What happened after the Cavite Mutiny?
29 revolts, most of them were against the new religion at that time. Others were against the system of how they were treated by the Spanish government. One was very unique, and the other took 85 years to clash with the Spaniards. The Philippines is a Muslim country, but diverse in different ethnicities and religions at that time.
From Hinduism to Buddhism, even our own pagan beliefs then, but the Spaniards did everything to make the whole country Christianized for the last 500 years, except for our brothers and sisters in Mindanao remained faithful to Islam. I'm not against with Muslims, and I respect their way of life after my point of view changed since they were referenced in popular culture as the bad guys.
The Filipino Martyrs, ***Gomburza***, were pinpointed by the colonial government, as the masterminds of the mutiny. *It is believed that the mutiny was a well-planned conspiracy to dissolute Spanish Sovereignty in the Philippines*, but they are not involved in that event. They even knew each other the moment they would become servants of Catholicism.
The military tribunal bribed a witness to testify against the priests and was charged with treason and sedition. The Filipino priests were publicly executed by garrote at **Bagumbayan** (now **Luneta Park**), **Manila** on **February 17, 1872**. Their deaths lead to an explosion, like a powder keg. As Illustrados, wealthy businessmen, and noblemen were exiled while studying in Europe. https://read.cash/@rapsantos/the-execution-of-gomburza-d6cde8d2
From a propagandist group to creating novels in memoriam to the martyrdom of Gomburza that would trigger the Spanish government, ***Dr. Jose Rizal***, the author of ***Noli Me Tangere*** (***Touch me not***) & ***El Filibusterismo*** (***The Reign of Greed***), was branded as an enemy of the state.
@rapsantos
