To Eat

Our taste for different things varies from one person to another.  The way we react on something and our preferences are unique. There are things that we do voluntarily. There are things that we just can’t manage to do or accept. This blog will try to give you a glimpse of a few topics that I haven’t discussed in my former posts. I hope that this post would be informative and fun to read. This blog will be dealing with a spectrum of things that would probably play in your mind the moment you read the title.

Let me start with food. “Maselan” is one of the words that my friends and family members usually tell me whenever they discover the variety of food that I do eat and don’t. I grew up eating Filipino food cooked at home. Both my parents cook superbly! Sinigang, Nilaga, Menudo,Kare-kare, Pinakbet, Tocho, Mechado, Caldereta, Torta, Paksiw, Pancit, Dinuguan,  and Adobo are just a few of the best dishes they can cook which rivals the best Filipino restaurants in the metro. This is one of the reasons why I don’t usually eat these dishes in other household. My sisters and I tend to compare the distinct flavor of our home cooked meal and those of restaurants.

Growing up in Malabon gives us an almost unlimited access to taste an array of different sea foods delicacies. My dad was a former fisherman and my mom was a former “taong-gilid/naghahayuma”. My sisters and I developed different preferences on the food that we eat. Ging who is the second child after me only eats fish and noodles (fish that we know), no vegetables, chicken beef or pork. Our youngest, Caryl eats most everything but meals with red sauces (Mechado, Kaldereta…). She prefers soups and pork (Bulalo, Nilaga, Sinigang…). My mom and I are the only member of the family that eats pastas, sausages and pizzas. Now I will give you a glimpse of my food preferences; what I eat and what I don’t:

a.       I love eating pizza and pasta (spaghetti, lasagna, baked macaroni, parmigiana, baked ziti, carbonara, tuna casserole, macaroni salad…) except those in marinara sauce and seafoods.

b.      I like “Kakanin” (rice cakes, puto, bibingka, sapin-sapin, maja, biko, pudding, cuchinta…)

c.       I can’t resist the delectable smell and taste of tuyo (the only food that I dip in vinegar), sardines and tinapang bangus/smoked boneless milkfish. These are food that I didn’t use to eat before. My titas introduced me to different food when I was still a kiddo and I tend to like most of it.

d.      I like eating warm Taho with sugar syrup and sago, Yakult, banana-que, sweetened camote fries, fish balls(squid balls, chicken balls, kikiam dipped in a sweet and sour sauce), tokneneng/kwek-kwek (hard boiled chicken/quail eggs coated with orange batter)

e.      I don’t eat bagoong, achara, balot, penoy, okoy, shell fish (tahong, talaba, paros…),

f.        I eat only a few kinds of vegetables like upo, sayote, raddish, turnip, tomatoes, legumes, carrots, onions, potatoes, squash

g.       I like eating Nissin cup noodles sea foods (the Japanese variety), Lucky me supreme (La Paz batchoy)

h.      I like cheese flavored dirty ice cream, cold fruit yogurt, halu-halo, maíz con hielo, fruit salad and double dutch ice cream

i.         I like Tortang giniling (Omelet with grounded pork and potatoes), shanghai, sweet and sour pork

j.        I like fish but I only eat fish that I know (dilis, bangus, hasa-hasa, talakitok, matang-baka, tuna, tanigue, bisugo…). I love squid and I also eat prawns and shrimps.

k.       I don’t drink alcoholic beverages but if there is such thing as a waterholic/iced-teaholic, I am guilty.

l.         I like burgers and clubhouse sandwiches.

m.    I like fruits (tangerines, duhat, santol, chicco, atis, grapes, apples, watermelon, melon, peaches, prunes, green and ripe mangoes, bananas, oranges…)

n.      I like nuts (peanuts, cashew, pili, almonds, macadamia, pistachio…)

o.      I like cakes (chocolate, chocolate mousse, mango bravo, fudge cake, black forest, rocky road…)

p.      I like leche flan, halayang ube and gelatin

q.      I love milk and fruit juices

I might have forgotten a few more but the list goes on. I still try to eat new things and try new stuff. Maybe I’m not just as daring when it comes to the food I eat. Now let me move to the second half of this blog.

To Spit or To Swallow

Just recently the media has made an effort to inform people of the danger of spitting in public. My stand on the issue is similar to my stand in urinating in public spaces, it’s a big no! It is annoying to see people spit unimaginable things out of their mouths into thin air. I just hope people would understand the danger of spitting. Aside from hitting an unknown target it also spreads diseases that are usually airborne. I just hope the public will refrain from doing these things for health and sanitary reasons.

About the other issue you might have been thinkin… I just can’t imagine swallowing… I’d probably just spit… always. Chao!

This is my new blogspot account :D

Please feel free to browse and check it out

Hi everyone! I won't be able to check my multiply site for a while. Yep! The internet settings and firefoxfilter in my office was a bit strict recently and it also blocks firefox from downloading site contents from some sites (multiply, youtube, some other blogs and music sites...). I will surely miss being online hahha (though meebo.com, friendster, e-mails can still be used and access - I don't want to take chances). For now I leave you with this blog... A simple song from lilo and stitch...

Aloha `Oe Sung by Tia Carrere as Nani

Aloha `oe, aloha `oe Farewell (to) Thee, farewell (to) Thee E ke onaona noho i ka lipo Sweet fragrance dwelling in the dark forest "One fond embrace", a ho`i a`e au One fond embrace, before I now leave

"Until we meet again."

http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/hmd/liloandstitch.htm

Everything was just amazing... I just thought that a not so tragic ending could make it more perfect. Loved Hotarubi!

Basilisk (バジリスク甲賀忍法帖, Basilisk Kōga Ninpō Chō^?) is a Japanese manga and anime series. The manga was authored by Masaki Segawa and published in Japan in 2003 and 2004, based on the novel The Kouga Ninja Scrolls by Futaro Yamada published in 1958. The anime, produced in 2005 by GONZO Studios, closely follows the manga aside from a handful of distinctions. The manga won the 2004 Kodansha Manga Award for general manga.^[3]

The story takes place in the year 1614. Two ninja clans, Tsubagakure of the Iga and Manjidani of Kouga, battle each other to determine which grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu will become the next shogun. The deadly competition between 10 elite ninja from each clan unleashes a centuries-old hatred that threatens to destroy all hope for peace between them.

One glimpse of my hometown. Ang Atlantis ng Metro Manila... Malabon City (yey). It's rare to see Malabon on the news when its dry... usually it's only shown when rainy season comes. I don't know why(?) hehehe. Heres a view that is not seen by everyone. Malabon is more than the famous pansit Malabon.There are many places beside the Malabon Zoo. And we don't ride a boat everyday lols.

Here's my introduction for my paper in UP about our place:

Malabon’s Architecture: A flowing signifier of power and change

Rare are the situations that people think of great food such as pancit Malabon, fresh seafoods, “sapin-sapin” and grand old houses when Malabon comes to mind. Gone are the days that former residents go back to their distinguished ancestral houses for family reunions or plain weekend sorties. They fear treading the Malabon flood waters born out of rain and high tide. From famous to infamous, that is Malabon now, living the moniker “flood capital of Metro Manila”. This essay will try to discuss some things that were not as talked about as the infamous “Pancit Malabon”. This paper would be discussing how Malabon’s architecture has been a signifier of power and change. Man is a product of his environment. The way he thinks, acts, and feels is largely influenced by his physical environment, family, school, community and church. Architecture is like a keeper of history and time. With walls that serve as the records to historical events and limitless stories, every corner of a building can offer a wide amount of interesting information.

"Philippine architecture is an elusive thing, because while it makes full use of modern technology, it is a residue of the different overlays of foreign influences left in the Philippines over the centuries … What resulted may have been a hybrid, a totally new configuration of Philippine architecture."
- Leandro Locsin, National Artist for Architecture

The said residue is prominent in the architecture of my hometown. Something that has made me astounded since I was a kid. The first part of the paper will be giving an overview on the City of Malabon and how we became a town. “Malabon, despite its uniqueness as a place and as a city, has to reclaim its place in Philippine history. Compared to its neighbors such as Manila, Caloocan, Cavite or Bulacan which are famous for historical events such as promulgating Philippine independence, hometowns of heroes and great artists, or a place rich with culture and traditions, little has been written about Malabon. But the 407-year-old town, enjoying its fourth year as a city, is continually sharing with the people its rich and colorful heritage in silence. In fact the only noise it has been creating for years is the fact that it’s a place that usually gets flooded when high tide sets in.” (Valencia, 2005)

The town of Malabon is basically a coastal town situated in the northern part of Metro Manila. Malabon, together with Navotas, Valenzuela, Pateros, Taguig, Pasig, and Muntinlupa, form the Metro Manila outer ring of towns, with the city of Manila as the center. The city is bounded on the north and northeast by Valenzuela City, on the west and southwest by Navotas and the east and southeast by Caloocan City. East portions of Malabon lie on the Guadalupe Plateau Zone. It occupies a total land area of 23.4 square kilometers.
Malabon was a swampy mass of land, tributaries flowing across adjoining villages, fishponds teeming with a variety of aquatic species. Now the marshland is no more, the river still runs, the ponds still feed. Host now to a number of factories, business establishments and recreational facilities, the land continues to provide for its people. Exposed to different culture on its every single boundary it has acquired a number of cultural and artistic similarities that is prominent in the nearby towns.

The geographical position of Malabon has allowed it to be the meeting point of different culture, customs and traditions. How the town became a town is traced more than 400 years ago….

More pictures can be seen here: Malabon, Isang sulyap sa aking bayan

I was a bit nervous because the weather here in Manila was acting like crazy for the past few days. Pat and I were the only ones that enlisted in that tour from our group of friends. We tried informing a number of people but most of them also have other appointments for the same day. Oh well, so the search for the meeting place was the next task pat and ian had to accomplish.

I was already awake several  minutes before my mobile phone rang. I think i have this biological alarm clock embedded inside me. Whenever I need to wake-up for a certain time I just tell it to my self several times before I sleep and voila! I was in the MRT North Edsa Station earlier than expected a little before 6am. pat arrived a bit late than expected at around 6:25am. We arrived in Ayala Station almost 7am. Good thing Miss Elvie (of the Museum Foundation) was just pushing us to hasten our pace in going to the parking lot of the San Antonio Church in Makati.

The bus left and after everyone settled Ms. Tina Decal gave us an overview of what to expect for the tour. The way she explains and narrates stories was enjoyable and very informative. At that moment pat and I was chatting also of several things under the sun.

Yep! After the more than five hour journey (Our driver must have been extra careful we arrived in Tayabas, Quezon at past 12 in the afternoon... Instead of proceeding with the walking tour of Tayabas our tour guide Mr. Ryan Palad from Tayabas suggested we eat our lunch first then proceed with the itinerary afterwards (We're late though)...

Mi Casa en Tayabas is a 3-storey house that has preserved much of its old world charm. This bed and breakfast serves as an ideal weekend retreat from bustling city life. Fee free to roam around the compound and to visit their charming rooms

What's on the Menu: Pinais, Delino, Pansit habhab, hipon gata with pako, Mi Casa seafood version kare kare, rice, buko juice, and santol gelatin.

(I didn't enjoy the exotic food too much- knowing that I have developed a taste for Filipino food that are usually home cooked by either my mom and dad -who are by the way the best in our town. The food tasted exquisitely Filipino. The flavors are new and it is delectably pleasurable according to the other people I'm with. I loved the deserts though and the fresh buko juice!)

Right after we proceeded with the tour in this manner: (pls click to see the albums with the corresponding photos)

Mr. Ryan (our tour guide in Tayabas) started walking and we did these stuff:

:: A visit to Mallari Distillery of export-quality Lambanog.
:: Visit Casa de Comunidad
:: A walk along the Historical Malagonlong Bridge

The places reminded me of Ilocos in a way.

We visited the local church...

:: Pray at the Basilica de San Miguel Archangel and take a climb up the bell tower
:: Browse through the Diocesan Museum

And of course I made my wishes there... hehehe. We boarded the bus right after the quick walking tour with Mr. Ryan. We proceeded to Sariaya right after. It's about 20-25minutes ride from the stone bridge in Tayabas.

Sariaya Church and Convent: It's my first time in the church and I never forget to make my three wishes after thankin God for everything... I loved this church! The retablo and ambiance of the place is truly calming and worth more than a thousand words...

The next part of the tour was visiting three ancestral houses and witnessing a welcoming ritual of people from Quezon in one of the said house. And my most awaited merienda and shopping of course. We went to these ancestral houses:

We are privilege to see and take some pictures of Ancestral houses in Sariaya Quezon. In this album would be: Marquez Mansion y Petra Obispo Ancestral House. The former had a magnificent facade and an impressive art deco ceiling with colored glass accent. My favorite part on the later house was the painted walls and ceilings that reminds you of houses in abroad. The sweet buko juice that was also served was truly delicious. We arrived at the highlight of the ancestral houses tour.The Carmen Rodriguez Arguelles Ancestral House designed by Juan Nakpil was truly a work of art on it's own. The colors schemes on every room and the well-maintained pieces of furniture were a feast for the eyes. After roaming around for several minutes and taking pictures of the last spot for the tour Ms. Decal guided us out of the house and straight to the restaurant in the back of the house. The food was very tasty. I loved the pancit (I just can't remember if it was Machi) and the delectable taste of their cassava cake... A long day has passed and I arrived home at around 11:15pm. Where would I go next?

PS: I was in the Pahiyas Festival last year with family too.

Dapat maaga ako sa opis ngayon pero something happened...I was so careless and what was I thinkin of turning my back and not forseeing what will happen next... It just hurts so bad

I was about to plug the charger of my mobile phone when I noticed "princess" at the living room:

ian: priiiiiincesss!

(I almost forgot she loves to bite our feet and ankles...I miscalculated my moves and from my back there she was... while I had myself off-balanced and fell in my back I think I stepped on her also- my bad...)

princess: (making a terrible sound of pain that almost pierced my heart)

Funny thing is that both me and my dad was actually concerned if princess was ok... sigh! I hope I didn't hurt her... or my sister will kill me plus I won;t forgive myself- she was the newest baby in our family... I was like telling sorry for the longest time while caressing her this morning... I hope she understands that I did not mean it...

I don't know if I hurt myself or something because I already woke up with pain in many parts of my body because of the upgrade in the training I'm having in the gym...

I rest my case... I need a massage or something

Just last week you could probably recall a certain news about a fire in Concepcion, Malabon. I live in the next barangay after. The fire devoured lives and properties far beyond expected...

I have many relatives in both my mom and dad's side that I truly don't know (by name, face or even by feelings). I have a complicated set of family (some tends to have 10-12 children on different spouses... or they tried to have many sons and daughters that are raised in a far away province). Me and my sisters are not even close to our cousins in my father side...

In the ruins of the devastation made by the fire that week a certain sight just made me think...

"Seen in a house in the middle of two other houses burned to ashes was the corpses of two elderly... a man and his wife... that seems to embrace each other while accepting the fate of death... this certain couple was my mom's grandmother's sibling and spouse... in short my great grandafather and great grandmother..."

It was said that because of a their age they couldn't afford to leave the place and just accepted the fate of being together 'til death...

It felt different for me for I truly don't know these people... I must have seen them when I was still a kid but couldn't recall or remember... for what it's worth, my mom and dad and other family members would go to the one night only wake for their bodies were almost charcoal that time. The son's and daughters of my greatgranddad and mom decided to just cremate the remains and have the wake for a day...


The incident just made me think that love truly goes a long way... and sometimes disastrous events can truly have a bittersweet hint to it...

"My great grandfather could actually get out of the house but he decided to save my great grand mom instead... too bad a burning post already trapped them in the burning edifice..."

May their souls rest in peace - forever loving in paradise...

1. This game starts with 6 weird things about you.
2. People who got tagged need to write a blog entry of their own 6 weird things.
3. They should as well state this rule clearly.
4. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

I'm too lazy-- pls check nalang my recent tags wahahahaha

Another 10 things you might not know about me

Tagged again hahahah, this time by ms. sheryl

The rules:

1. Each blogger starts with 10 random facts/habits about themselves
2. Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their 10 things and post these rules
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 10 people to get tagged and list their names
(Note: Don't forget to leave them a comment telling they're tagged, and to read your blog)

Walo:Eight:Ocho:VIII

Again as requested hahahaha... bakit palaging nadadamay ako sa ganito (kunsabagay nag-eenjoy naman ako)...

In 8 facts about yourself, you share 8 things that your readers don’t know about you. Then at the end you tag at least 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going. Here are the rules:

RULES: * Each blogger must post these rules first.* Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.* Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.* At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.* Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha (ＤＡＲＫＥＲ　ＴＨＡＮ　ＢＬＡＣＫ－黒の契約者－, Dākā Zan Burakku -Kuro no Keiyakusha-^?, literally "Darker than Black -The Black Contractor-") is an anime television series by Tensai Okamura and Bones. It premiered across Japan from April 5, 2007 on MBS, TBS, and its affiliated broadcast stations, with its satellite television premiere in Japan on Animax in May 2007. The music for the series is composed by Yoko Kanno. The series has also been adapted into a manga series, which is serialized in Monthly Asuka.

Story

Ten years ago, an inscrutable and abnormal territory known as Hell's Gate appeared in Tokyo and altered the sky and decimated the landscape. The heavenly bodies disappeared, replaced by false stars. At the same time, people who possess various special abilities emerged. Kept secret from the knowledge of the masses, these individuals, known as Contractors, are able to murder in cold blood. Various nations around the world use Contractors as spies and agents, often resulting in violent battles for information. Each fake star has a corresponding contractor, and they vibrate when their contractor's power is being used. As such, contractors are usually identified by their star's Messier catalogue number. However, their abilities are gained at the edge of their humanity. They lack human emotions, especially aversion to killing. Contractors usually work for one of various rival Syndicates as spies and assassins, although the ultimate purpose of the Syndicates is initially unknown.

Start:

May 17, '08 07:00a

Tayabas-Sariaya Heritage Tour Join our Heritage Tour and savor local flavor, immerse in culture and bask in old world charm as it all comes to life in this Quezon tour. Our guest lecturers for the day are: Ms. Tina Decal from Sariaya and the popular Viaje del Sol tours and Mr. Ryan Palad from Tayabas and the Museum Director at the GSIS Museum. Tayabas-Sariaya Heritage Tour May 17, 2008 Saturday 6:30 - 6:55 am    Recommended assembly time in Makati. We encourage everyone to have breakfast before the trip although light pastries and water will be served on-board. 7:00 - 9:00 am    Travel time to Pagsanjan. 9:00 – 9:15 am    Stop for bathroom break at Jollibee 9:15 – 10:30am    Continue the trip to Tayabas 11:00 - 12:30nn    Arrive at Tayabas Walk along the Historical Malagonlong Bridge (20 mins) Pray at the Basilica de San Miguel Archangel and take an optional climb up the bell tower. (20 mins) Browse through the Diocesan Museum (20 mins) Visit Casa de Comunidad (20 mins) Mallari Distillery of export-quality Lambanog. (20 mins) 12:30 - 1:30pm    Lunch at Mi Casa en Tayabas for 2 hrs of relaxed dining Mi Casa en Tayabas is a 3-storey house that has preserved much of its old world charm. This bed and breakfast serves as an ideal weekend retreat from bustling city life. Fee free to roam around the compound and to visit their charming rooms What's on the Menu: Pinais, Delino, Pansit habhab, hipon gata with pako, Mi Casa seafood version kare kare, rice, buko juice, and santol gelatin. 2:00 - 4:00 pm    Visit Ancestral Houses (not always accessible to the general public Visit the Carmen Rodriguez Arguelles Ancestral House designed by Juan Nakpil (30 mins) Walk through the 1922 Petra Obispo Ancestral House (30 mins) First time at the Sariaya Church? Don't forget to make your three wishes! (30 mins) 4:00-5:30 pm    Pasalubong shopping in Sariaya 5:30 pm    Return to Makati. ETA 8:30 pm (depending on the traffic) For more information, please call Ms. Elvie Magapayo or Ms. Patricia Limon at 404-2685 or visit www.museumfoundatio nph.org Fee: P2,300 for Museum Foundation members; P2,500 for non-members (Fee is inclusive of lunch, merienda, airconditioned bus, entrance fees and tour guide fees) You can download the reservation forms as pdf or zipped pdf files. The Tayabas-Sariyaya tour flier is also available as pdf or zipped pdf. For more Museum Foundation events and activities please visit our website at http://museumfounda tionph.org/ news/

Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.
G/F National Museum of the Filipino People
Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Manila 1004 Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 404-2685
www.museumfoundatio nph.org

Tayabas-Sariaya Heritage Tour Join our Heritage Tour and savor local flavor, immerse in culture and bask in old world charm as it all comes to life in this Quezon tour. Our guest lecturers for the day are: Ms. Tina Decal from Sariaya and the popular Viaje del Sol tours and Mr. Ryan Palad from Tayabas and the Museum Director at the GSIS Museum. Tayabas-Sariaya Heritage Tour May 17, 2008 Saturday 6:30 - 6:55 am    Recommended assembly time in Makati. We encourage everyone to have breakfast before the trip although light pastries and water will be served on-board. 7:00 - 9:00 am    Travel time to Pagsanjan. 9:00 – 9:15 am    Stop for bathroom break at Jollibee 9:15 – 10:30am    Continue the trip to Tayabas 11:00 - 12:30nn    Arrive at Tayabas Walk along the Historical Malagonlong Bridge (20 mins) Pray at the Basilica de San Miguel Archangel and take an optional climb up the bell tower. (20 mins) Browse through the Diocesan Museum (20 mins) Visit Casa de Comunidad (20 mins) Mallari Distillery of export-quality Lambanog. (20 mins) 12:30 - 1:30pm    Lunch at Mi Casa en Tayabas for 2 hrs of relaxed dining Mi Casa en Tayabas is a 3-storey house that has preserved much of its old world charm. This bed and breakfast serves as an ideal weekend retreat from bustling city life. Fee free to roam around the compound and to visit their charming rooms What's on the Menu: Pinais, Delino, Pansit habhab, hipon gata with pako, Mi Casa seafood version kare kare, rice, buko juice, and santol gelatin. 2:00 - 4:00 pm    Visit Ancestral Houses (not always accessible to the general public Visit the Carmen Rodriguez Arguelles Ancestral House designed by Juan Nakpil (30 mins) Walk through the 1922 Petra Obispo Ancestral House (30 mins) First time at the Sariaya Church? Don't forget to make your three wishes! (30 mins) 4:00-5:30 pm    Pasalubong shopping in Sariaya 5:30 pm    Return to Makati. ETA 8:30 pm (depending on the traffic) For more information, please call Ms. Elvie Magapayo or Ms. Patricia Limon at 404-2685 or visit www.museumfoundatio nph.org Fee: P2,300 for Museum Foundation members; P2,500 for non-members (Fee is inclusive of lunch, merienda, airconditioned bus, entrance fees and tour guide fees) You can download the reservation forms as pdf or zipped pdf files. The Tayabas-Sariyaya tour flier is also available as pdf or zipped pdf. For more Museum Foundation events and activities please visit our website at http://museumfounda tionph.org/ news/

Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.
G/F National Museum of the Filipino People
Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Manila 1004 Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 404-2685
www.museumfoundatio nph.org

filipinaTHE FILIPINA IMAGES

What image pops up in your head when you say or hear the word “Filipina?”

A smile.
A mother breastfeeding her child.
An excellent homemaker.
A powerful leader and mentor in her chosen business, profession or vocation.
Another smile, inviting you to meet her family and firends.
A friend who’s there for you, no matter what.
Ah, I’ve never met a Filipina — but I’d like to.
An influential, affluent decision maker.
A woman, confident and willing to go an extra mile to get things done.
A woman I can trust to take care of my kids.
A sexy woman.
A mystery?
A girl, shy and innocent.
A fun-loving woman.
A beautiful person, inside and out.

Endless, timeless images of a Filipina.

The Filipina of the Future deserves a more empowered, diverse image online.
Multiple, complex, and whole.

We don’t seek perfection. We repeat: We seek balance in the Filipina images that are available online. We share our reflections about what the Filipina of the Future could be like, too. Dignity is every person’s human right. Whether the Filipina is a mother, a nanny, a decision maker in the corporate arena, a domestic service professional (formerly known as “domestic worker”), or a mail order bride, they have the right to empower themselves — through education, through equal rights in the household and the workplace, through connecting with people who want the same — and more.

If we provoke you to share your truth about what “Reshaping the Filipina Image Online” is all about, then we accomplish something. We might not always agree with your opinions or reflections — and we promise to disagree agreeably.

Something wonderful is happening at this advocacy blog and news site. Our contributors and commentators continue to amaze us with their insights and wisdom.

There are many of us who are working diligently to end gender inequality, thus promoting gender mainstreaming for our Filipinas and Filipinos worldwide. We come face to face with many realities, many perspectives. We’re learning how to help, in achievable ways, END violence against women and girls, human trafficking, child predators, and cyber-crimes.

At the same time, we don’t deny anyone of their human right to enhance their ideas of “Call Me Beautiful!” through (here are examples) body piercings, tattoos, hair coloring, or make-up — anything that makes them sexy (our term for attractive!). It’s common ground to everyone. It’s very human.

FilipinaImages.com’s organic growth and evolution happen because of YOU.

FilipinaImages.com was created on August 8, 2007 to make the online campaign an ongoing endeavor. The renewed campaign actually started on June 27, 2007.

Lorna Lardizabal-Dietz, Dine Racoma and myself (Noemi Lardizabal-Dado) created this news portal and advocacy blog for a timeless Filipina Image Online Campaign . Please register and post your Filipina-themed entries or link them here in this site.

All of us posted our own respective Filipina campaigns such as Lorna’s The Filipina Woman’s Image Online: We Have The Power To Shape The Future, Dine’s Let’s Fiercely Campaign to Reclaim the Dignity of the Filipina Woman and Reshape the Clean Image of the Sexy Filipina and my own How to Reshape The Sexy Filipina Image in 3 easy Steps . The campaign does not stop in our blogs. We want to continue to showcase and honor the wonderful, diverse Filipina images even after we have achieved a balance of “Filipina” Search Engine Results (SERPs).