Hail the Queen: Beauty and Confidence

It took me a while gathering right kind of words to express how the recently concluded Miss Universe 2016 have impacted me in a personal level. Before I share my thoughts, I would like to congratulate all the girls who participated in the said pageant. They are all beautiful in so many ways and deserve recognition for wearing the sash of country they each represented.

Beauty pageant is a contest. Each contestant is scored basically on physical appearance and intelligence. Other than these, all they do prior to preliminary screenings are taken by judges into consideration. Therefore, the most beautiful and eloquent can lose her chance to land in the chosen few to advance in the finals if she behaves badly. Top favorite to win the 2016 Ms. Universe crown never had a chance to make a cut because rumor has it that she showed unpleasant attitudes towards other candidates during the pageant. She is from a country which is on top of BIG FIVE rankings.

The most crucial and anticipated portion of Ms. Universe pageant is the question and answer. This will catapult the candidates to victory if they can show more than what meets the eye of the judges. I love Ms. Kenya's conviction, Ms. Thailand's adorations to her King and Ms.Philippines’s real message behind her answer.

Sinon Loresca,now dubbed as "catwalk king" is my
 chosen featured photo for this post because he embodies confidence which is what Ms. Universe beauty is all about.

If I were to paraphrase Maxine's answer it has to be like this ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT I HAVE SEEN IN LAST TEN YEARS IS THE WALL (you gottah know guys what this WALL I'm talking here or you will miss my point) THAT THREATS TO DIVIDE US. MISS UNIVERSE SHOWS THAT WE CAN BE TOGETHER AS ONE. I WILL BE HAPPY WHATEVER THE OUTCOME OF THE COMPETITION BECAUSE OF THE OPPORTUNITY THAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW TO TELL THE WORLD THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE. MABUHAY PO TAYONG LAHAT! I got Maxine and proud that she was able to deliver what she supposed to though not all were pleased especially those who have no idea how it is to be a BEAUTY QUEEN. Are WE guys beauty queens?

It's just so sad that beauty pageant sparked the UGLIES of some. I am talking about Maxine ( Ms. Philippines) and her bashers. Maxine with her top six finish shows that none of what these bashers tell can even affect our chance to become successful.

Miss Universe is entertaining competition. There is a bigger picture behind the glitz and glam of it if only one has wide eye to see. We shouldn't be pressured on our physical appearance because we think beauty queens portray what beauty is supposed to look like. I admire Ms. Canada for being confident despite body shaming she gets.  Hawa Kamara from Sierra Leone never landed in top 13 but yeah girl you made it to my heart, you represented your country very well because you are SMART. Felicitations to Ms. France for winning the crown, you just showed the world that English language is not really necessary to charm the Universe.

Safe Talks on Use of Contraceptives

The Catholic conservatives and proponents of reproductive health are now on a heated argument again when health department announced its plan to distribute condoms in schools. The said plan would tolerate the youth to engage in acts of premarital sex which is according to some can even aggravate cases of teenage pregnancy and abortion in case of failed use of contraceptives.

Contraceptives particularly condoms are important in this changing world. They don't just secure the future of anyone because of unplanned pregnancy but most importantly halt the spread of SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES.

Sex (as act) is big deal in still developing conservative nation like Philippines. Catholic dogma still has its grasps in the society which makes it challenging for the government to step up its campaign on population control.

In my opinion, distribution of condoms is one of the many things that the government can do. I was expecting to hear sex education so this really came to me as surprise.

My diverse nature doesn't seem bothered by conservative's position on this. There must be a set of options from which both youngs and adults can choose based on their beliefs but all sacrosanct to individual safety and effects to general well-being of all.

Image source: aattp.org

Sex education must focus on having a healthy relationship with partner rather than on demonized notion of sex. It will offer a balance of freedom and responsibility- this can be done without teaching the young population to become promiscuous.

Educating the young people about the detriment of unprotected sexual acts to their health and their future can help a lot. Philippines has one of the fast- rising cases of HIV in the world.

Free access to contraceptives has to be relaxed but this follows after sex education which will include eradicating the stigma of what has been already existing- HIV/AIDS.  AWARENESS not only prevents people from acquiring this life threatening disease but also encourages people to undergo a TEST without fear of being isolated because of mind-conditioning wrong information like Philippines is grappled by- WE HAVE TO CAST IGNORANCE from the consciousness of people.

Education starts at parental level. Parents can prepare their children for the crucial stage of adulthood by teaching them the importance of loyalty and abstinence.

Schools as another institution along with religion and government may offer wide array of alternatives in which using of condom is ONE. This is not obligatory but as I have mentioned BASED ON BELIEFS.

The irreconcilable differences of church and government are the main reason why the two act separately and independent to each other. Unfortunately, these differences put the public, economy and even the whole country at risk.

English Language for Miss Universe Winning Answer

"For me Miss Universe is not about being able to speak a particular language, it's about being able to influence and inspire other people. No matter what language you have as long as you have the heart you can inspire other people." This is Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon’s answer as to speaking English being a prerequisite for Ms. Universe. Her answer has been tagged as one of the best answers from  contestants who didn't get the crown.

All eyes and ears are now on Philippines’s representative to Ms. Universe 2016 - Maxine Medina. She is poised to make a history for Philippine pageantry if she will be crowned by fellow Filipina Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. A standout beauty, Maxine is pressed by her ability to deliver during question and answer portion. Her poor command in English might  jeopardize her chance of at least a runner-up position. Is it time for our representative to ask for an interpreter just like undefeated powerhouse Venezuela been doing all these years?

Miss Universe is about HUMAN DIVERSITY. Though it is a competition I believe that a contestant must be gauged not on language alone that she is capable of speaking but on intention that lies behind her answer no matter how it is delivered. A contestant can choose between her native language and accepted international languages so long as she can confidently deliver her answer with clarity. Venezuelan Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza is one of my favorite title holders because she (go check!) answered her final question with wit, style, clarity and confidence.

Image source: GMA

Philippines is now caught by its cultural identity crisis. It is a country known to have English as language commonly used in business and media. The US- inspired Philippine Constitution is written in English. From kindergarten up to college English language is used as medium of instruction. According to a TOEFL scores (2010) based ranking, Philippines is ranked 35th out of 163 countries worldwide lagging behind Singapore and India for 3rd and 19th respectively.

First three Filipina Ms. Universe title holders all answered their questions in English. Same with title holders from India; Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. Interestingly, Venezuela who ranked second (not verified) in “big five” is non English-speaking country. Most of the winners (by country) used their native language for the final question. Judges for the upcoming Ms. Universe did their reviews for sure- with them knowing Maxine to use an interpreter for her weakness could affect her chance.

As of this writing time, there are no reports that Maxine will submit herself to the management of BPCI to ask for an interpreter during the pageant proper. Whatever will be her decision, let us try to support her by being objective in our criticisms. It's just so ironic that I read a lot of negative comments (mostly from countrymen) criticizing her “English”. If English is matrix for intelligence then perhaps a lot will fail ESPECIALLY THOSE WHOSE PHRASE IS LIMITED ONLY TO POPULAR EXPRESSIONS or SLANGS! RIGHT BESH?

Basic Guides for Getting a Healthy Lifestyle Through Proper Diet and Exercise

Hours after I shared my self-portrait photo via Facebook days past I started to receive questions about how I made my ABS as appeared on their screens. First of all, I am NOT a fitness professional, gym has always been my preferred place to feel good by burning excess calories and shedding accumulated negative energies. It has been a part of my simple lifestyle to keep my health as good as I can.

However, I believe in the power of knowing. A person who has acquired a good education can give you the best advice in terms of program and diet but it is only you who can make it work. Not all is made for all; with the height of information technology, ignorance can sometimes be a choice.

Our bodily response to certain diet and program differs from one to another- our genetic compositions can ally this fact. There are many considerations to spot which one best suits you. Basically, you can look for a fitness professional to getting things started.

Your GOAL is important. You can't undermine the common goal which is our HEALTH just because you want to look like Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham BUT why not. You can be aesthetically pleasing as the mentioned athletes without sacrificing the benefits of going to gym and adhering to proper diet.

Some think that diet has something to do with depriving one's self of the foods that can be eaten. Diet is tailored on your goal and pre-existing health conditions. Portions of major components on your plate namely STARCH,PROTEIN and VEGETABLES/FRUITS depend on whether you want to gain or lose weight.

In my case, I have trained myself to appreciate foods based on the nutrients that I can get from them. This is tough but you don't do this everyday all throughout your life .CHEAT DAY is the term used to describe a day when you allow yourself to what you are restricted to eat- a day or two is not bad.

I replaced my white rice with brown and opted to eating lots of vegetables (fiber is important) and lean sources of protein. There are good foods in which I refrain from eating because of high allergen content. Lactose intolerant like me has to look for lacto-free milk if you have uric problem to have soya or almond milk as alternatives.

Self-portrait: Jovie Suganob Tuyac

Take note that what you eat during your cheat day can still affect your goal. Body has its own mechanics- it stores its own reserved energies (calories) by which when not utilized will develop into FATS. To cite an example, do not eat five times the overall volume of what you eat the rest of the diet days especially if you are aiming for weight loss and lean muscle.

People who are into body building sports basically don't mind the foods they eat during BULKING stage. BULKING simply means eating a lot with low intensity kind of work out. During CUTTING phase they eventually cut the consumption of CARBS while increasing PROTEIN for fat loss and building muscle respectively- they do these with stack of supplements that work for them.

Overdosing with supplements can backfire your health. I don't have enough knowledge to debunk the effects of INJECTABLES (especially steroids) to our health in the long term. Fitness professionals are not really NUTRITIONISTS or DIETITIANS so if you engage to a routine of diet and exercise make sure to consult your PHYSICIAN first especially if you are taking prescribed medicines that will interact with REGULATED fitness products.

Cases like hypertension and bone-related problems are important to be considered- this is what I always tell them NOT ALL IS MADE FOR ALL. I have known some who had their spine fractured and some who fainted because of the sudden spike of blood sugar and pressure during a session. THIS can be aggravated when heavy weights fall on your face.

WE ARE WHAT WE EAT and this applies to my friends who asked me how I got IT. You can't just rely on crunches and cardio only to eat twice the calories you burned after your session. Although there is this AFTER BURN EFFECT but you still have to weigh it on your major goal which is the CALORIC DEFICIT.

Fat loss can sometimes lead to muscle wasting. Check your progress with the supervision of your fitness professional. Diet and program can be changed to prevent this or to overcome PLATEAU.

Six-pack abs is good but don't make it as your main goal. Mine appears and sometimes disappears. It has to come as reward but not as TROPHY.

Know what is the acceptable BODY MASS INDEX or body fat percentage from fitness authority. You can never go wrong with eating the right foods and keeping a healthy lifestyle. And remember, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW YOUR LIMITS UNLESS YOU PUSH YOURSELF TO THEM.

My Take on Capital Punishment

Ever since, death penalty has been instrumentalized as capital punishment to solve crime problems. It has been subjected to many debates among religious groups ,moralists and lawmakers. SANCTITY of life is the basic ground for those who oppose it while DETERRENCE if not total eradication is the proposition of the other side. I believe in the value of one's life and chance to change as much as I believe that innocent people deserve a space in this world than life-threatening few who knows no one to advance their selfish motives. Good or bad we have to make a collective action to voice our stand on this issue because a LIFE at the expense of either criminal or innocent involves everyone.

There are handful of countries using the said punishment. If data is to be used as argument for its effectiveness we could SOMEHOW agree that it can decrease the rate of drug-related and heinous crimes. Religious conservative nations especially in Middle East proved it to be effective. Multi-racial/cultural Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and one of the most peaceful. This small country in the South East of Asia attributed its success not just on instilling fear to its people but most importantly on effort to educate the population about cultural respect and obedience of the law.

Image source: CNN

Meanwhile, member countries of European Union have abolished capital punishment except Belarus. This is a part of commitment to adhere in the duly constituted CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION and the EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS. Kazakhstan which is a Eurasian country is still using capital punishment. United States which is the first to develop LETHAL INJECTION currently has 31 states having death by several methods as capital punishment. A known crime buster President of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte is advocating the reimposition of death penalty which was last carried out during the term of Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

The bottomline of the debate must dwell on safety of the most- we can't have heaven on earth. There are pressing problems, which are precedents to crimes that governments must address first like poverty and lack of education. Law enforcement can be improved and judicial system can be overhauled to fit the need of the time. The goal is to spare lives by not allowing innocents to become criminals. Once again, I am OKAY with capital punishment provided that government will improve the justice system and other underlying problems because every life is a gift that counts and every person matters.

Our Guide for Social Media Proprieties

That feeling when you are like taken to a virtual wet market! Though market is where you can buy the freshest produce from your  favorite vendors, it is also a place where noise is mixed with curses and yells and wherein fury can extend to physical altercations.

Image source: spyderbytemedia.com

In Philippines, if you are labeled as “PALENGKERA” that means you are ill-mannered person. People who have less regard to propriety are turning the world of social media into WET MARKET.

They're not literally coming from markets-with all due fairness to those who sell for decent living. I just used the words to stress my subjects who (some) are actually my friends in facebook who happened to be Filipinos.

This collectively applies to ALL.

KNOW THESE!

1. Depending on your privacy settings, anything you shared on Facebook can reach up to more than a billion users .
2. “Think before you click “. Social media is not your personal emotional trash bin by which you throw all your heart aches and pains.
3. There is a thin line between STRAIGHT FORWARD and being RUDE. If there is a word that comes  between the two maybe that is TACTLESS. Make use of SARCASM to discreetly hide your anger in your post.
4. YOU are just ONE of more than a billion users in facebook. But you sound like you are the most beautiful, smartest and the richest. Really!?
5. Have cultural sensitivity. Topics like religion and politics require wit. If you doubt yourself to have it then READING is for you. Don't settle on just ranting and enjoying the patronage of your LIKERS. FUNNY and SMART are not the same dear.
6. Be considerate. You can trim your words without really hurting others. I believe in censorship. It's a matter of words and tone. You can talk about sex without being too risque.
7. Selfies are good especially if they are inspiring. Not all netizens get inspired by the same default of selfie you post every now and then.
8. Know that there is this what we call INBOX/DM/PM.
9. THE RULES OF TAGGING! Know it and keep friends.
10. Videos are okay. If it's explicitly sexual by default, make sure that your mom and dad are not your FRIENDS/FOLLOWERS.
11. There is a life behind your wall. Don't fall into trap of your own pretensions.
12. Facebook is not your diary. Leave a space for people to know the real you behind their monitors.
13. Stalking is not bad so long as you do it for something better. This is why we should classify details according to audience.
14. Your social media account can be your portfolio. Companies make use of them for background check.
15. Know what DIGITAL FOOTPRINT is.
16. Social media is full of GRAMMAR NAZIS. Duh! I got your back! I have share of embarrassments. Correct your phrase ASAP once noticed.
17. FAKE NEWS. Knowing is everything.
18. CLICK BAITS. Newly released websites and blogs will lure you with inviting images to take you to their empty or nonsense/ irrelevant contents just to increase their ranking and web traffic.
19. ALGORITHM. Facebook and Google behave according to how you use them. If you don't want irrelevant ads to appear in your newsfeed, do not engage in public forum regarding which topic.
20. Social media is in general a space where anybody can be SOMEBODY. Use it RESPONSIBLY.
21. Make use of FOLLOW/UNFOLLOW button.
22. UNFRIEND and
23. BLOCK
24. if NECESSARY
25. ESPECIALLY if they don't follow the basic rules of social media NETIQUETTE

The World-Class Filipino Talents and Overseas Workers

Admit it or not you have this feeling of being inspired by the success of others. This could be in the guise of pride felt from our countrymen who marked their respective fields both locally and internationally. Social media is stormed by Filipinos who can showcase their talents and creativities. And if you go down to comment sections, though sounds CHEESY and ANNOYING sometimes, but the phrase “PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO” is always there to be read. Filipinos are SCENE- STEALERS.

What does it mean to you and to the world? Talents and skills are synonymous. Philippine economy is being pumped by hard-working OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS. Being a third (World Bank, 2015) largest recipient of remittances in the world, Philippines is poised to overtake giant economies particularly in Asia. Progressive countries are banking on Filipinos in terms of their demands of skilled manpowers. Multinational companies are eyeing this development as opportunity to outsource their businesses in Philippines.

International Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco
Image source: all-about-juan.info

Proudly Filipinos who made the country shines in the international center stage include Manny Pacquiao, Pia Wurtzbach and Leah Salonga. When it comes to fashion we have Dubai-based couturier Michael Cinco and US-based Josie Natori and Monique Lhuillier. Youtube star (hehe my idol) Charice Pempengco has been dubbed as “the most talented girl in the world” by no less than Oprah Winfrey represents the country's belt as number one source of lounge singers. In the field of dancing, we have XB Gensan who won in several world championships. Filipinos have invaded other countries as well to showcase their talents- this is more than just a victory but also commercial opportunity to some TV stations abroad to promote their shows in the social media by the buzz they get from crazy and proud Filipino fans.

Numerous film makers and actors also highlighted Filipino's ingenuity in providing world class movies. Director Brillante Mendoza earned the BEST DIRECTOR award in the prestigious  62nd CANNES FILM FESTIVAL for his film KINATAY while Jaclyn Jose as BEST ACTRESS for the film "Ma’ Rosa" from the same award giving body on its 69th. Their predecessor Lino Brocka and living legend Nora Aunor also made it to other international film fests. Some Philippine-made TV shows have been exported abroad aside from seafarers and professional health care providers. Philippines is not so soon to be running out of talented and skilled people because of its good standard of education that hones its citizens.

These talents and hard working OFW boost not just our economy but also our morale as Filipinos. Despite being a third world country that pushed our talented countrymen to seek greener pastures abroad, still we are left with ones that have extraordinary talents for our dose of daily entertainments. The Philippines will be once again tested as world's source of talents in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. The said pageant will also promote the country as tourist destination with its beautiful natural diversities. The world will once again witness the overflowing talents and creativities that Filipinos are known and proud for.