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Archive for 2009

As i scroll through the internet looking at various news articles and spent some time watching about British tourists in Thailand it makes it pretty obvious why things go so bad for so many. There is an arrogance that a lot of people have when entering a country that does give foreigners respect. But also the same issue leaves many people off guard when they get caught out by some local criminals. A lot of countries orientated around tourism will cut foreigners a lot of slack but some people just don’t know where the limits are and push the boundaries. Drugs are a major problem in Asia and something to avoid as much as possible. You may find some locals smoking some weed but you can guess who will be in the cells quicker than you can say it wasn’t me. Foreigners make good news headlines as we are supposed to be setting an example and if caught doing something we shouldn’t then it sells newspapers. It doesn’t mean you cant have fun while abroad but just be aware that eyes are on you more than you realise. If your going to get caught doing something make sure its something in a good light. I remember the one day we were sat in McDonalds when this young girl had been begging as we entered the store. Then was stood at the window while we ate. I went and got her burger,fries and an ice-cream. She wouldn’t come to the door as she was scared of the guard so I had to take them outside. After I gave it to her she ran over to what must have been her brothers and they divided the food between the 3 of them. When I went back to my table April said to me that people were saying how nice it was of me to give the food away. But to me it wasn’t important what was the kids smiles. But it also shows a few people seen me in a positive light but if I had done something stupid and in the newspapers I would have been seen by literally thousands of people in a negative way. The Philippines is our home and should be treated that way.

It doesn’t mean I’m Perfect as I know I’m far from it. The problem I think a lot of people experience is cheap alcohol and hot weather mixed with boredom. The same reason I have pretty much stopped drinking alcohol except at social gatherings. The other reason it goes straight to the hips.. A lot of people expect foreigners to be foul mouth loud drunkards something I want to steer clear of. Do I expect to be accepted in the Philippines as more than a foreigner? Simply I don’t expect anything.. some days you feel you fit in and then something will happen that shows your still an outsider. If I’m an outsider so be it. It reminds me of the song common people by Pulp with the lyrics

“But still you’ll never get it right
’cause when you’re laid in bed at night
watching roaches climb the wall
if you called your dad he could stop it all”

because no matter what you do people will always see you as a rich foreigner and the fact that you could just up and leave. Because culturally most peoples perception of the world outside of the Philippines comes from Movies and TV. Problem with that is its about as far from the truth as life could be.

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(Fuente Osmena, January 8-17, 2010)

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Dec 01 – Jan 31, 2010

Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.

Janaury 3-31, 2010

Sinulog Photo Exhibits featuring 2008 Sinulog Photo
Winners , 2nd level of the Northwing SM City Cebu

Janaury 3-31, 2010

Sto. Niño Exhibits, SM City Cebu Art Center

January 9-19, 2010

Dancing Pilgrims: Sinanduloy of Tangub City
Exhibit of Tangub City dancers from past to present
SM City Cebu

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January 07, 2010 (Thursday)

Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus

4:00 AM

Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña

4:30 AM

Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño

5:30 AM

Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2010

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January 08, 2010 (Friday)

Sinulog 2010 Kick Off

Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years @SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, MCIAA

2:00PM

Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)

3:00 PM

Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)

7:00 PM

Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dancesports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities

7:30 PM

Ms. Cebu 2010 Presentation, Fuente Osmeña

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January 9, 2010 (Saturday)

Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan

1:00 PM

Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 PM

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center

4:30 PM

Awarding of Winners

7:30 PM

Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province

9:30 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 10, 2010 (Sunday)

Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

4:00 AM

Cebu City 2010 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com

1:00 PM

Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 PM

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center

4:30 PM

Awarding of Winners

7:00 PM

Cultural Show  (Fuente Osmeña)
Southwestern University,
Asian College of Technology,
Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology

9:00 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

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January 11, 2010 (Monday)

7:30 PM

Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
Univ. of Southern Philippines Foundation
University of Cebu

9:00 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 12, 3009 (Tuesday)

7:30 PM

Cultural show  (Fuente Osmeña)
University of San Carlos

9:00 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 13, 2010 (Wednesday)

9:00 AM

Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

7:30 PM

Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
Abellana National School,
Cebu Doctor’s University,
Cebu State College of Science and Technology,
USJ-R COE Talents Guild

8:00 PM

Ms. Cebu 2010 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel

9:00 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

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January 14, 2010 (Thursday)

9:00 AM

Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

10 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo Shoot Sinulog Festival Queen , SM City Entertainment Plaza

7:30 PM

Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
University San Jose Recoletos,
Cebu Institute of Technology,
Velez College

9:00 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands          

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January 15, 2010 (Friday)

Visual Merchandising Contest
(Dept. Stores and Malls)

4:00 AM

Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño

7:00 AM

Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)

7:30 PM

Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
DepEd, Cebu City

7:30 P.M

Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum

7:30 P.M

Sinulog Festival Queen 2010, Cebu City Sports Center

8:00 PM

Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu

9:00 PM

Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands          

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January 16, 2010 (Saturday)

6:00 AM

Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

9:00 AM

Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño

2:00 PM

Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

6:30 PM

Cultural Shows

7:00 PM

Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

8:00 PM

1st Sinulog Fireworks Competition , fronting SM North Wing

8:00 PM

Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

8:00 PM

Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts

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January 17, 2010 (Sunday)

SINULOG GRAND PARADE

4:00 AM

Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño

6:00 AM

Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal

9:00 AM

Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off

7:00 PM

Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center

7:30 PM

Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

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January 18, 2010 (Monday)

1:00 PM

Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

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January 22, 2010 (Friday)

“HUBO”

4:00 AM

“HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

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January 29, 2010 (Friday)

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Showing of Sinulog Short Film Festival, SM Cinema 4

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January 30, 2010 (Saturday)

1:00 P.M

Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest
/ Sinulog Short Film Festival

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February 1 – Feb. 10, 2010

Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ‘10 @SM City Cebu

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For more information: Contact Us at 253700, 2545010, telefax 4164548

For more information on Sinulog please visit the official site.

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Preparation for Cebu`s premiere annual festival is underway Sinulog. The celebration will last three months

By January 12, 2010, the parade of twelve young ladies will compete through beauty and brains for the title of Miss Cebu 2010. This is one of the highlight of this 3-month long Sinulog Celebration. If visiting Cebu for Sinulog I would advise booking a hotel ASAP as most are likely to already be booked. Its the one time of year that goes from busy to hectic as it seems the whole of the Philippines has arrived in Cebu for Sinulog. This years candidates can be seen below, follow the link to cast your vote!

To vote for your bet online click here….

photo credits from Miss Cebu 2010 official website

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The FPPF is conducting the 3rd Cebu Photography Workshops on January 6-9, 2010, Wednesday through Saturday at the Sacred Heart Center in Cebu City. This time, the workshops will be two-pronged: one for Basic Photography and another for Advanced Photography, to be held simultaneously in different halls of the Sacred Heart Center.

Basic Photography is for those new to the use of the digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, while the Advance Photography workshop is for those who have attended the first and second Cebu photography workshops. Professional photographers who may wish to refresh their knowledge and techniques are also welcome to attend.

The Basic workshop will cover DSLR camera operation and handling as well as understanding ISO, aperture and shutter speed and how they relate to correct exposure, mastering depth of field, understanding how the camera meters, composition, elements of design, lighting theory and practice and a comprehensive introduction to the digital imaging workflow. The lessons will be full of hands-on exercises using the DSLR camera. The lighting session will simulate studio photography, complete with studio strobes, for the participants to have an in-depth understanding of lighting principles.

The Advanced workshop will focus on lessons and exercises that will prepare participants for a career as professional photographers. Serious hobbyists are also welcome. The Advanced workshop will include Food Photography, Fashion and Glamour Photography and Bridal Portraiture. Professional models will be available for photo shoots in a studio setup as well as outdoor shooting with available light.

For this particular event – simultaneous back-to-back workshops for both Basic and Advanced – the FPPF will come in full force. Seven instructors are scheduled to attend, headed by FPPF Project Director Lito Beltran. FPPF mentors Vic Sison, Ador Pamintuan, Rod Banzon, Prof. Joey Tañedo, Dennis Araneta and Chris Malinao will all be there.

Our organizer and contact person in Cebu is Mr. Icky Salazar of the Salazar College of Sciences & Institute of Technology (SCSIT). Filling out and sending the form below will send him an email with your information.

Mango Park Hotel along Gen. Maxilom Avenue is the official residence of the Cebu workshops. Duly registered participants are entitled to special rates (Single – P1,100, Double – P1,300), including buffet breakfast. When you register online for the workshop, kindly indicate in the Comment section if you are availing of the promo.

IF INTERESTED PLEASE SIGN UP ON THIS LINK

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I can view this only from my experiences over the years but on a personal note I find that the Philippines although becoming westernised quickly is still managing to maintain some of its cultural differences with family bonds for example which make this an important and attractive destination for men from all over the world. But it doesn’t mean its the same for everyone. My in-laws are great and we pretty much work together for common goals which have improved everyone’s lives as we prosper as a group. What I think breaks down some of these factors for others is the problems with family members due to greed or some other personal gain which result in a break down of group mentality. But I have also met some foreigners who see their partners family as not their problem and don’t help out which can often go badly wrong due to pressure put on the partner. But at the same time I know others who have given a lot over the years and now don’t know how to switch the tap off of endless cash flow to the families. It wasn’t all smooth running for us but things have pretty much fallen into place now and ticking along.

The other major factor is that Filipinas find foreign men attractive for fair skin, blue eyes and a lot of other reasons. I have asked a few women about what is it about foreign men and besides the above reasons its also to do with stability, faithful and reliable. I think a lot of the views of foreign men are a bit tainted as most sights of the outside world come via the TV and Movie theatres. But also the fact that due to harsh realities and the practicalities of life in the Philippines the Filipino people are used to “making do” and being practical with things in life so even if your no male model you will probably meet a woman that would in Western culture wouldn’t even give you a second look. On top of that its likely you will fall for each other. You will hear a lot of people say “don’t take your partner back to your home country”. But realistically if your a match your a match moving country wont make any difference except maybe the huge changes for your partner to integrate into a western culture.

“What do Filipinas have that western women don’t?” you might be asking but its the wrong question it should be “What have Western women forgotten that Filipinas haven’t?”. Which in reality is that the family unit is the most important aspect of life. Its  not an attack on women but an attack on feminism which has caused a displacement in Western cultures. If a woman attacks men on grounds of equality its called progress for equal rights. If men attack women on the same issues that are in reversal its called sexism. I’m not hear to get in a debate about it but its one of the main reason I choose to live in the Philippines personally and I know many others with the same thoughts. No I’m not sexist I’m a strong believer in equality for all but in that same sentence I don’t expect people to use sex, colour or race as an excuse to demand equality. Equality should be the fact we are all human beings not minority groups.

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