Since I was young, I was fond of watching television. My favourite television show is the popular Japanese Anime. Every time I came from school, I hurriedly ran onto our television just to watch the then popular Ghost Fighter. My fondness of anime still continues up to this day, but I know that I am not the only one who is addicted to Japanese Anime. As I observed, there were children, teenagers and even adults who are still hooked up to anime. There are some who even join cosplays; some even collects items of their favourite anime character. The term used to people who are addicted to anime and manga are called Otaku. Now I wonder what is it about anime that is different from cartoons and why are people addicted to it?
Some people often mistake that cartoon and anime had no difference because anime was just coined to differentiate the Japanese cartoon from that those of American or Western cartoons. However, as an anime and manga lover, I can say that anime has depth and plot compared to the cartoons. The characters grow through trials, and as the people watch they started to be drawn and relate themselves to the characters. The plot of an anime is deep, more than the good vs. evil story; sometimes it is a battle between oneself. The plot also includes the element of politics, religion, humanity, and many other abstract concepts. In addition, anime can be for adult viewers while cartoons are mostly for kids. As for cartoons, its plot is very simple and defined, and the characters are easily defined and according to the role.
Entertainment is not the sole reason why I enjoy watching anime and reading manga, it is also because of the lessons it gives and the lessons they imparted on my life. Take for example the famous anime Naruto, the context of the story is not about violence or war, but more on friendship and believing in yourself and others. That alone makes my heart deeply moved. I know that most of the anime are all about violence, if not, most have violent scenes but the violence shown in the anime is part of the life of the heroine. That violence makes the heroine stronger and it is also the reason why they always learned something new about themselves and others, which can be compared to the problems and challenges we face on our everyday lives. But do not take me wrong, anime is purely fictional and our life is totally different from that of the anime. The thing is, we need to learn what the anime imparted on our lives, the lessons it offers and the whole context of the story.
Up until now, even if I am in my 20’s, I can’t stop myself from watching anime and reading manga. It left me hooked up in my seat and wonder what will happen next. I can only say that anime helped a lot on how I face and cope with the challenges in my life because of the lessons I learned from it such as the importance of friendship, being strong in tough times, being there for others and having faith.
Certainly, many people like my fellow otaku’s can relate to what I am thinking about anime. In addition, I am sure that they too can never and will never forget the anime they once watched that they will keep on repeating it over and over again. Also, I know that anime will become a phenomenon as anime lovers and fans increase each year. Truly, the wonders and effect of anime is truly mysterious.
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Justin Bieber bagged 4 awards at the American Music Awards
His phenomenal song Baby got us hooked in our seats. His baby face and his signature hairstyle makes the girls go crazy about him. This young sensation makes it to the top of the music entertainment at the age of 16. But do not underestimate this young boy, for he started singing since he was young and learned how to play different kind of musical instrument like piano, guitar and drums.
Bieber started his music career when Scooter Braun, currently his manager, discovered him on youtube. Braun saw Bieber’s video when he was going through some videos of an artist in the said internet site. He was impressed by Bieber’s performance and started to trace him through his mother. Beiber’s mother was the one who uploaded his video, when in 2007 Bieber rendered a version of Ne Yo’s song So Sick in a local competition where he ended second place. Soon, his mother uploaded more of his video at youtube for the other friends and relatives to see. Braun then arranged him to meet up with Usher, Bieber’s mentor, to sign a contract under Raymond Braun Media Group, a company owned by Braun and Usher.
The rise to stardom of the 16 year old singer is amazingly fast as he bagged four awards at the recently held Music awards. Last November 22, 2010, the 38th Annual Music Awards 2010 was held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California. The singers walked at the red carpet all with smiles on their faces. Bieber, who was nominated in five categories, won four awards including the Favorite Artist Award, Favorite Breakthrough Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for “My World”.
Bieber was all smiles as he went up to the stage to get his award. As he took the trophy for the Favorite Artist of the Year Award, Bieber could not believe and was shocked to have received the award, where other famous singers like Eminem, Usher, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga were also nominated. As reported, Bieber was the youngest person to have received the award. Bieber also thanked, as he accepted the trophy for Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist the late Michael Jackson whom he admired so much.
Aside from the awards he got, the overwhelming support of his fans ruled the whole place as they shriek his name and saying ‘I love you’ all night long. The Bieber fans also went crazy as their idol went up to the stage to perform a live song, where you could barely hear the song because of the loud applause and support coming from his fans.
Other winners of the awards were Black Eyed Peas for the Favorite Pop Rock Band/Duo/Group, Taylor Swift for the Favorite Country Female Artist, while Shakira received the award as the Favorite Latin Music Artist. The R&B singer Rihanna grabbed the award for the Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist, Brad Paisley was adjudged as the Favorite Country Male Artist, Eminem for Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for his popular album “Recovery,” and Lady Gaga who managed to get the award for the Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.
Certainly, the night was a spectacular night not only for the artists but for the fans as well who managed to see their favourite singers. As for Justin Bieber, the night was not the end for him because surely he will become on of the top singers in the world who is admired and loved. As the Bieber Mania soared high, certainly, many people as well as fans will continue to support him and wait what will become of him in the next coming years. Because of the success of this young singer, truly, many will aspire to become like him. Maybe, a lot of people will think of posting their videos as well in the popular internet site youtube in a hope to have an instant fame, but being lucky is just one ingredient why Justin Bieber becomes phenomenal. It is his dedication to music, his love for it, his heart and mind, and his diligence that he put into his work.
Bieber started his music career when Scooter Braun, currently his manager, discovered him on youtube. Braun saw Bieber’s video when he was going through some videos of an artist in the said internet site. He was impressed by Bieber’s performance and started to trace him through his mother. Beiber’s mother was the one who uploaded his video, when in 2007 Bieber rendered a version of Ne Yo’s song So Sick in a local competition where he ended second place. Soon, his mother uploaded more of his video at youtube for the other friends and relatives to see. Braun then arranged him to meet up with Usher, Bieber’s mentor, to sign a contract under Raymond Braun Media Group, a company owned by Braun and Usher.
The rise to stardom of the 16 year old singer is amazingly fast as he bagged four awards at the recently held Music awards. Last November 22, 2010, the 38th Annual Music Awards 2010 was held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California. The singers walked at the red carpet all with smiles on their faces. Bieber, who was nominated in five categories, won four awards including the Favorite Artist Award, Favorite Breakthrough Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for “My World”.
Bieber was all smiles as he went up to the stage to get his award. As he took the trophy for the Favorite Artist of the Year Award, Bieber could not believe and was shocked to have received the award, where other famous singers like Eminem, Usher, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga were also nominated. As reported, Bieber was the youngest person to have received the award. Bieber also thanked, as he accepted the trophy for Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist the late Michael Jackson whom he admired so much.
Aside from the awards he got, the overwhelming support of his fans ruled the whole place as they shriek his name and saying ‘I love you’ all night long. The Bieber fans also went crazy as their idol went up to the stage to perform a live song, where you could barely hear the song because of the loud applause and support coming from his fans.
Other winners of the awards were Black Eyed Peas for the Favorite Pop Rock Band/Duo/Group, Taylor Swift for the Favorite Country Female Artist, while Shakira received the award as the Favorite Latin Music Artist. The R&B singer Rihanna grabbed the award for the Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist, Brad Paisley was adjudged as the Favorite Country Male Artist, Eminem for Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for his popular album “Recovery,” and Lady Gaga who managed to get the award for the Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.
Certainly, the night was a spectacular night not only for the artists but for the fans as well who managed to see their favourite singers. As for Justin Bieber, the night was not the end for him because surely he will become on of the top singers in the world who is admired and loved. As the Bieber Mania soared high, certainly, many people as well as fans will continue to support him and wait what will become of him in the next coming years. Because of the success of this young singer, truly, many will aspire to become like him. Maybe, a lot of people will think of posting their videos as well in the popular internet site youtube in a hope to have an instant fame, but being lucky is just one ingredient why Justin Bieber becomes phenomenal. It is his dedication to music, his love for it, his heart and mind, and his diligence that he put into his work.
The Controversial RH Bill
The burgeoning of population in the Philippines has tempted several lawmakers to pass a Reproductive Health Bill which states the approval of the use of contraceptive methods like condoms and pills. However, this law become a controversy as different sectors especially the church did not approve of the said bill.
Even before the bill was made into a law officially, there were different groups and organizations who favoured the bill because they believe that it is for the betterment of the Filipino citizen especially the women. The Department of Health as well as other volunteers that is supportive of the bill, started teaching about contraceptive methods and its positive effect on the health of women, and some started to distribute free condoms. Because of these bold acts, the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines made a statement that they do not approve of the bill.
Philippines, as a Christian dominated country, believed that it is immoral to use contraceptive methods just to prevent the rise of population because it is parallel to abortion. According to the church, natural methods and abstinence are enough to stop the population boom and no need to resort to such acts. If I remember correctly, our parish priest discussed on a Sunday noon mass about the negative effects of the RH Bill and why the church is not approved of it. According to our priest, using contraceptive method, such as using condoms or pills, can evoke polygamy or unfaithfulness to one’s partner. It is because when a male thought of using a condom, he will not worry of his partner getting pregnant, thus this can lead to him having one sexual partner, and this applies to females too. Therefore, the sacred of marriage will be destroyed. In addition, according to him, if you read and re-read the whole RH Bill it ends up to abortion.
The Difference in opinion from the church and from the different sectors and government sectors made the President stand up for what he knows is right for his people. The President Aquino made his stance as he support the controversial RH Bill despite the strong opposition coming from the church. The move of the President made a controversy since her mother, the late President Cory Aquino, was a devoted Christian, and the church could not believe that the President would support the bill. Many reports have been released that if the President will not change his opinion, the church will have no choice but to rally against the President.
However, just recently, Pope Benedict the XVI made a statement regarding the use of condoms. In the Pope’s statement, the HIV-infected male prostitute should use a condom in order to prevent the spread of the HIV and other diseases, and to protect the female from contracting this disease. For the staunch advocate of the Reproductive Health Bill, the message of the Pope is an advantage. Meanwhile, some argue that the message was different from what the lawmakers intended because the Pope reiterated that the use of condoms is to prevent diseases and infections, and not to prevent creating babies.
The Philippines is just a small country with a population of almost 99,900,177 as of July 2010. We are the 12th most populous country in the whole world. The rise of population over the years created economic problems in the country especially in the field of education Moreover, because of the rise of population, the poverty also rises. We need to know that as the population grows - education, employment and services should also meet the equal number of people. Take for example: our education is incompetent to other countries because of the lack of school buildings, classrooms and teachers for it cannot meet the demands of the rising population.
Employment is another issue because the employment rate in the Philippines cannot serve all the people that is why many have resorted on working abroad, but the worst part is, numerous Filipino people do not have a job and this contributes to the poverty level of our country. Another is the services that the Filipino should be getting. The ideal ratio is for every 500 Filipino, there is one cop to serve them, but in reality, the ratio is 1:1500. The problem in population is that it creates problems not just for the country but to the economy and society as well.
I cannot blame the lawmakers to pass a reproductive health bill because, reality wise, we need to control the population of our country. I cannot blame the church either for their strong opposition of the bill because I know that they are being true to their duty. But how can we solve the problem in population if both the powerful sectors in the country, the government and the church, cannot cooperate? I think they should talk it all out, settle their differences and make a better proposition to solve the problem of population because whether we like it or not, we need to act before it is too late.
Even before the bill was made into a law officially, there were different groups and organizations who favoured the bill because they believe that it is for the betterment of the Filipino citizen especially the women. The Department of Health as well as other volunteers that is supportive of the bill, started teaching about contraceptive methods and its positive effect on the health of women, and some started to distribute free condoms. Because of these bold acts, the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines made a statement that they do not approve of the bill.
Philippines, as a Christian dominated country, believed that it is immoral to use contraceptive methods just to prevent the rise of population because it is parallel to abortion. According to the church, natural methods and abstinence are enough to stop the population boom and no need to resort to such acts. If I remember correctly, our parish priest discussed on a Sunday noon mass about the negative effects of the RH Bill and why the church is not approved of it. According to our priest, using contraceptive method, such as using condoms or pills, can evoke polygamy or unfaithfulness to one’s partner. It is because when a male thought of using a condom, he will not worry of his partner getting pregnant, thus this can lead to him having one sexual partner, and this applies to females too. Therefore, the sacred of marriage will be destroyed. In addition, according to him, if you read and re-read the whole RH Bill it ends up to abortion.
The Difference in opinion from the church and from the different sectors and government sectors made the President stand up for what he knows is right for his people. The President Aquino made his stance as he support the controversial RH Bill despite the strong opposition coming from the church. The move of the President made a controversy since her mother, the late President Cory Aquino, was a devoted Christian, and the church could not believe that the President would support the bill. Many reports have been released that if the President will not change his opinion, the church will have no choice but to rally against the President.
However, just recently, Pope Benedict the XVI made a statement regarding the use of condoms. In the Pope’s statement, the HIV-infected male prostitute should use a condom in order to prevent the spread of the HIV and other diseases, and to protect the female from contracting this disease. For the staunch advocate of the Reproductive Health Bill, the message of the Pope is an advantage. Meanwhile, some argue that the message was different from what the lawmakers intended because the Pope reiterated that the use of condoms is to prevent diseases and infections, and not to prevent creating babies.
The Philippines is just a small country with a population of almost 99,900,177 as of July 2010. We are the 12th most populous country in the whole world. The rise of population over the years created economic problems in the country especially in the field of education Moreover, because of the rise of population, the poverty also rises. We need to know that as the population grows - education, employment and services should also meet the equal number of people. Take for example: our education is incompetent to other countries because of the lack of school buildings, classrooms and teachers for it cannot meet the demands of the rising population.
Employment is another issue because the employment rate in the Philippines cannot serve all the people that is why many have resorted on working abroad, but the worst part is, numerous Filipino people do not have a job and this contributes to the poverty level of our country. Another is the services that the Filipino should be getting. The ideal ratio is for every 500 Filipino, there is one cop to serve them, but in reality, the ratio is 1:1500. The problem in population is that it creates problems not just for the country but to the economy and society as well.
I cannot blame the lawmakers to pass a reproductive health bill because, reality wise, we need to control the population of our country. I cannot blame the church either for their strong opposition of the bill because I know that they are being true to their duty. But how can we solve the problem in population if both the powerful sectors in the country, the government and the church, cannot cooperate? I think they should talk it all out, settle their differences and make a better proposition to solve the problem of population because whether we like it or not, we need to act before it is too late.
North and South Korea exchanged fire
It was reported that North and South Korea exchanged fires Tuesday at their disputed frontier. It was said that the North Korea started to fire the island of Yeonpyeong in South Korea when the later refused the warning of North Korea to stop the maritime drilling at their sea border. The refusal of the South Korea made the North to make its move. According to the reports, there have been fatalities recorded to both countries. This incident made a huge shock to different countries. The President of America, Barrack Obama, gave his word to defend South Korea as part of its alliance. President Obama also strongly condemned the attacks made by North Korea, and therefore called his counterpart Lee Myung-bak, South Korean President to hold a joint military exercise in response to North Korea’s Attacks. Many responded to the incident including some of the powerful and influential people in the hope that what happened would not lead into war.
If we examine the history of Korea, North and South Korea was one country before World War II but was divided in 1945 when the Japanese control on Korea ended. After the World War II in 1945, the Americans controlled the Southern part of Korea, while the Soviets gained control over the Northern part of Korea. The country was divided when the Soviets and the Americans failed to accomplish an agreement on a unified Korean government, thus two separate governments were formed in 1948 creating the Republic of Korea of the South and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of the North. The North Korea invaded South Korea and this started the Korean War that lasted from three years from 1950 - 1953. When the war ended, neither won a complete victory and a permanent peace treaty has never been signed, thus the tension between the two remained. In 1991, North and South Korea entered the United Nations as separate countries.
If we examine the history of Korea, North and South Korea was one country before World War II but was divided in 1945 when the Japanese control on Korea ended. After the World War II in 1945, the Americans controlled the Southern part of Korea, while the Soviets gained control over the Northern part of Korea. The country was divided when the Soviets and the Americans failed to accomplish an agreement on a unified Korean government, thus two separate governments were formed in 1948 creating the Republic of Korea of the South and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of the North. The North Korea invaded South Korea and this started the Korean War that lasted from three years from 1950 - 1953. When the war ended, neither won a complete victory and a permanent peace treaty has never been signed, thus the tension between the two remained. In 1991, North and South Korea entered the United Nations as separate countries.
Department of Tourism’s Controversial Slogan
The Pearl of the Orient Sea, that’s what they call our country, the Philippines. Truly, the Philippines is a wonderful country, especially if you are looking for a place to relax. We are just a small country but it has numerous places where people can enjoy themselves, loosen up in the warm rays of sun, walk in the white sand of Boracay and freshen themselves in the many pristine beaches surrounding the archipelago.
One of the famous tourist spot in the country is the famous white sand beach of Boracay, the hundred islands of Pangasinan, the beautiful place of Palawan and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Other than that, there are still many places to visit in the Philippines like the city of Cebu which is now ranked as the third best island in Asia for Leisure and Travel by a New York based magazine. Cebu is a really great island to pay a visit with. I have gone to many places in Cebu incuding the Kawasan Falls, the Taoist Temple, the Church of Sto. Niño, the Cross of Magellan and the Moalboal Beach. The place never ceases to inspire me and surprise me. I can’t describe the feeling when I first went there; I was in awe of the beauty and tranquillity of the place. Though Cebu is considered as the major city in the Visayas, where offices, buildings and big businesses are found, still the atmosphere of a province remains.
Unlike in Manila, where smokes from cars and jeepneys pile up in the air, and the people are always rushing to work, the air in Cebu is clean and the people seems so relax that you wanted to come back again. Aside from Cebu, there is Lake Cebu in General Santos in the province of Mindanao. Boracay is not the only white beach in the Philippines, in fact there are so many in the province of Mindanao, however because of the threat of the militant group, this white beaches goes unnoticed. Truly, there are still many things that we should discover in the Philippines, the hidden gems and the unnoticed beauty of some place.
Besides the place, the Philippines is also known for its warm, hospitable and happy people. I have heard many stories that even though Filipinos are face with problems or difficult challenges, they still manage to smile. This is all the more why people from other parts of the country should visit the Philippines. However, negative controversies cannot be stopped. First there was the hostage drama that happened last August 23, 2010 that put the Philippines as one of the dangerous countries to travel to. Then there was the travel advisory released in some countries that banned their people on going to the Philippines because of security.
Maybe these issues prompted the Department of Tourism (DOT) to create a new logo in order to attract more foreigners into visiting our country. The old slogan Wow Philippines was replaced into Pilipinas kay Ganda, which sparked controversies and criticisms from different sectors of the government. According to reports, the said new slogan was copied from the slogan of Portugal from the colors of the text, the font style, the use of trees and waves, even worst, the DOT was said to use a budget of P5 Million to launch the new slogan to government stakeholders and the media.
Because of the controversies the DOT is facing right now, many people gave their own opinion about the said slogan. For one, the new slogan Pilipinas kay Ganda lacks appeal and the use of the Tagalog Language could be a disadvantage since the target of this slogan are foreigners. In addition, it was said that the slogan was rushed by the DOT in order to meet the said deadline. The slogan, instead of bringing hope to our country for more tourists, it instead brought controversies which leads to criticisms. I hope that someday the DOT will be careful in producing logos and slogans for the Philippines to attract tourists, so that we can share the hidden beauty of our country.
One of the famous tourist spot in the country is the famous white sand beach of Boracay, the hundred islands of Pangasinan, the beautiful place of Palawan and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Other than that, there are still many places to visit in the Philippines like the city of Cebu which is now ranked as the third best island in Asia for Leisure and Travel by a New York based magazine. Cebu is a really great island to pay a visit with. I have gone to many places in Cebu incuding the Kawasan Falls, the Taoist Temple, the Church of Sto. Niño, the Cross of Magellan and the Moalboal Beach. The place never ceases to inspire me and surprise me. I can’t describe the feeling when I first went there; I was in awe of the beauty and tranquillity of the place. Though Cebu is considered as the major city in the Visayas, where offices, buildings and big businesses are found, still the atmosphere of a province remains.
Unlike in Manila, where smokes from cars and jeepneys pile up in the air, and the people are always rushing to work, the air in Cebu is clean and the people seems so relax that you wanted to come back again. Aside from Cebu, there is Lake Cebu in General Santos in the province of Mindanao. Boracay is not the only white beach in the Philippines, in fact there are so many in the province of Mindanao, however because of the threat of the militant group, this white beaches goes unnoticed. Truly, there are still many things that we should discover in the Philippines, the hidden gems and the unnoticed beauty of some place.
Besides the place, the Philippines is also known for its warm, hospitable and happy people. I have heard many stories that even though Filipinos are face with problems or difficult challenges, they still manage to smile. This is all the more why people from other parts of the country should visit the Philippines. However, negative controversies cannot be stopped. First there was the hostage drama that happened last August 23, 2010 that put the Philippines as one of the dangerous countries to travel to. Then there was the travel advisory released in some countries that banned their people on going to the Philippines because of security.
Maybe these issues prompted the Department of Tourism (DOT) to create a new logo in order to attract more foreigners into visiting our country. The old slogan Wow Philippines was replaced into Pilipinas kay Ganda, which sparked controversies and criticisms from different sectors of the government. According to reports, the said new slogan was copied from the slogan of Portugal from the colors of the text, the font style, the use of trees and waves, even worst, the DOT was said to use a budget of P5 Million to launch the new slogan to government stakeholders and the media.
Because of the controversies the DOT is facing right now, many people gave their own opinion about the said slogan. For one, the new slogan Pilipinas kay Ganda lacks appeal and the use of the Tagalog Language could be a disadvantage since the target of this slogan are foreigners. In addition, it was said that the slogan was rushed by the DOT in order to meet the said deadline. The slogan, instead of bringing hope to our country for more tourists, it instead brought controversies which leads to criticisms. I hope that someday the DOT will be careful in producing logos and slogans for the Philippines to attract tourists, so that we can share the hidden beauty of our country.
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