Wow Philippines

[R*Philippines]

Hello everyone!!!
I'd like to take this oppurtunity and at the same time use this space to give you some facts and informations about my country.
Let's call the thread:
WOW PHILIPPINES!!!
With 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice the length of that of the United States, the Philippines can claim to be Asia's Beach Capital.
It's summer time in the Philippines. March to May is hot and dry.Enjoy the warm crystal blue waters of both the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Mention the Philippines and images of long, white sand beaches and bodies of water blessed with a variety of marine life come to mind.
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/spacer.gifhttp://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/spacer.gifhttp://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/great_hideaways/beach/beach_boracay.jpg Boracay (http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=famousefor&province=98#Bora)
Boracay Island, with its sugary white sand beaches and azure blue waters, is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The best of the island is the 4 km. White Beach, touted as the “finest beach in the world.” The water surrounding the island is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago.

[Veilingmeat]

eeer Roy ole pal ole buddy...have you just got a job at a tourist office or summit? :tongue: lol WOW Philippines indeed! looks a nice peasy and sunny place, i would'nt say no to a wee bit of time there sometime in my life!
I DO hope WOW don't mean World Of Warcraft Philippines http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-008.gif far too any g33k$ otherwise hahaa

[Little Bird]

With all those beaches, who wouldn't want some time with that?

Thanks for sharing Roy. It's always good to learn about other countries and cultures.

[R*Philippines]

Veilingmeat
eeer Roy ole pal ole buddy...have you just got a job at a tourist office or summit? http://www.jewelkilcherforum.com/images/jkf%20smilies/tongue.gif lol WOW Philippines indeed! looks a nice peasy and sunny place, i would'nt say no to a wee bit of time there sometime in my life!
I DO hope WOW don't mean World Of Warcraft Philippines http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-008.gif far too any g33k$ otherwise hahaa


buddy mate marc,
I could be a tourist guide to anyone of you, if ever you would like to visit the Philippines... and oh yes, a lot of Filipinos are addicted to World Of Warcraft... so it could be... hehehe... but kidding aside, indeed the Philippines has some of the “finest places in the world.”
And if I may add buddy mate marc, Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what were perceived as corrupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations.


Little Bird
With all those beaches, who wouldn't want some time with that?
Thanks for sharing Roy. It's always good to learn about other countries and cultures.


Thanks for the oppurtunity as well Kiera dear friend.

[R*Philippines]

R*Philippines Hometown:
Pampanga - Culinary Center Of The Philippines.
It is populated by resourceful hardy folk who are justifiably proud of their famous Kapampangan cuisine. Steeped in history and blessed with natural and man-made scenery, Pampanga offers several sightseeing options for visitors. It is also famous for the Pampanga Christmas lanterns.
The province has remnants of a long and colorful history. It houses a booming night life and tourist destinations. It is the site of world-class resorts, casinos, duty free shopping, and golf courses.
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/province/12_3.jpg
Cutud Lenten Rites
The City of San Fernando (my birthplace) is world-famous for the Cutud Lenten Rites, which are held every Good Friday, or the Friday before Easter. The rites are a re-enactment of Christ's Passion and Death, complete with a passion play, culminating with the actual nailing of at least three flagellants to a wooden cross atop the makeshift Calvary.

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/Gallery/Big/PAMPANGA/Crucifixion-on-good-Friday.jpg

[Veilingmeat]

Well Roy...thats an interesting fact to know! Honestly i never knew that you Philippino's celebrated anything in the name of christ!!! i always thought it was praise be to the Buddha and all that?
I do like the sound of 'Kapampangan cuisine' ....so what does this consist of??? and i bloomin bet its spicy as HELL!!!

[ROBARE]

WOW!! re-enactment nails sword in the side as well? Sounds like a legal snuff flick,just kidding ,post the utube link!!!!!No I don't think i wanta see it...

[artyjames]

I really want to go to the phillipine's! looks amazing

[R*Philippines]

Well Roy...thats an interesting fact to know! Honestly i never knew that you Philippino's celebrated anything in the name of christ!!! i always thought it was praise be to the Buddha and all that?
I do like the sound of 'Kapampangan cuisine' ....so what does this consist of??? and i bloomin bet its spicy as HELL!!!

My friend Marc, the Philippines is one of only two majority Roman Catholic countries in Asia (the other being East Timor). About 90% of Filipinos are Christians, where 81% belong to the Roman Catholics, and the 9% composed of Protestant denominations.

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/discover/main_pic/religion.jpg

Kapampangan Cuisine Pampanga is populated by resourceful hardy folk who are justifiably proud of their famous Kapampangan cuisine. Sisig is pork cheek, grilled to a crunchy perfection, chopped and mixed with chicken liver, onions, calamansi and fresh sili. Kamaru are mole crickets sautéed in garlic and onion. Other must-taste fare are pindang babi or damulag, which is sweet cured pork or carabeef; burung talangka, which comes from the fat of salt-preserved little crabs; buro, or fermented rice with small shrimps; and betute, or stuffed frog.


http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/discover/main_pic/food.jpg

[R*Philippines]

I really want to go to the phillipine's! looks amazing
:welcome: artyjames, anytime.

[R*Philippines]

It's the hottest summer in the Philippines. 41-42 degrees celcius. I was invited by my friends in college to spend this weekend at Puerto Galera. We'll leave this Saturday and we'll be back on Manila Monday morning.

I'd like to share some pictures of the place we're going to:
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/province/21.jpg

Puerto Galera. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike.

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/Gallery/Big/ORIENTAL_MINDORO/5puertogalera.jpg

The foremost asset of Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors.

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/province/21_3.jpg
There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes.
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/Gallery/Big/ORIENTAL_MINDORO/3puertogalera.jpg

The inverted-J-shaped Oriental Mindoro is endowed with some of the Philippine Islands’ best naturescapes. Choose your own beach among the many that abound, from fawn beige to powdery white. Then match the experience with interesting mountain lairs, lakes, rivers, rain forests, wild animals, rare flora and fauna, and pocket communities of the existing ethnic groups. It has maintained its unspoiled environment, all within a rustic agricultural setting.

[Little Bird]

That looks absolutely beautiful. Paradise on earth. You are very lucky!

[Veilingmeat]

Kapampangan Cuisine Pampanga is populated by resourceful hardy folk who are justifiably proud of their famous Kapampangan cuisine. Sisig is pork cheek, grilled to a crunchy perfection, chopped and mixed with chicken liver, onions, calamansi and fresh sili. Kamaru are mole crickets sautéed in garlic and onion. Other must-taste fare are pindang babi or damulag, which is sweet cured pork or carabeef; burung talangka, which comes from the fat of salt-preserved little crabs; buro, or fermented rice with small shrimps; and betute, or stuffed frog.


http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/discover/main_pic/food.jpg

Roy...thats looks and sounds fantastico, crispy pork cheek hmmmm yummzy! and all the rest marvelous! dunno about the stuffed frog tho...i'll leave that for the frenchies to gobble :wink:
and 41-42 degrees celcius!!! ay thee champion...i'll get thee and no messin :tongue: yer lucky sod hehe....ENJOY yourself mate

[R*Philippines]

Thank you Kiera. Thank Marc.
I sometimes wish the world is smaller so I can just easilly take the JKF team to this place for an over night stay. That would be perfect, we'll play Jewel music all night long.

More pictures from Puerto Galera.
http://images.zoomandgo.com/h/EAS/RP/HEASRP00B0109-BE11AC0505SS.jpg
http://homepage.sunrise.ch/homepage/tsaure/sunsetpuerto.jpg

[strengths.with.faults]

thats a beautiful sunset pic!

[DreamsLast]

I work with and am friends with several Filipino people. Almost all of them return to their homeland once or twice a year. One lady cooks food for us all the time, and it is SO DELICIOUS!! I can't get enough of the vegetable rolls she makes for us. She could seriously start her own restaurant.

Every Filipino I know is very polite, respectful, and friendly. I'm glad to learn through them what their culture is like. I didn't realize how beautiful the beaches were there until you mentioned it, Roy. So I've learned something from you too!! Thanks so much for sharing with us, and keep it coming!!! ;-)

[R*Philippines]

thats a beautiful sunset pic!

Well thank you!!!
Here are more sunset photos for you taken from that place (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines)
Hope you like them.
Stay Cool!!!

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/06/42/23962460/372334964l.jpg

[R*Philippines]

I work with and am friends with several Filipino people. Almost all of them return to their homeland once or twice a year. One lady cooks food for us all the time, and it is SO DELICIOUS!! I can't get enough of the vegetable rolls she makes for us. She could seriously start her own restaurant.

Every Filipino I know is very polite, respectful, and friendly. I'm glad to learn through them what their culture is like. I didn't realize how beautiful the beaches were there until you mentioned it, Roy. So I've learned something from you too!! Thanks so much for sharing with us, and keep it coming!!! ;-)

That's nice to hear my friend.
If I'm not mistaken, the vegetable rolls she makes for you is called
"LUMPIANG UBOD" or "LUMPIANG SARIWA"
http://static.flickr.com/82/243217061_4630080ca8.jpg

Ubod is a vegetable extensively used in the Philippines. In fact, we even serve it as punch called ensalda. Lumpiang Ubod is a specialty of Silay, Negros Occidental and my province Pampanga. The ubod is enclosed in very thin wrappers and no sauce is added because all flavors are incorporated into the sautéed filling. In San Fernando City,Pampanga, however, lumpia is not lumpia without a sauce. For better color and flavor of the sauce, the sugar can first be caramelized.
Sariwa means Fresh.

[Veilingmeat]

ROY!!! You lucky...lucky sod :tongue: With those wonderous sunsets, i'm all for it! and the FOOD...well say no more! that Lumpiang Ubod looks Fantastico.....send me some in a jiffy bag will ya.
Nout compares to nice countrys like that...and dont you just live in greatest of sun soaked paradise eh!
I feel the need too do a wee special on England or (Blighty) as i like to call it, so here goes....and Roy, you'll never want to come ere after this lmao!!!
YAWN ENGLAND :sick:

Blackpool Tower at the butt end (literally) of England, always a cold wet, windy...eerm boring, ugly, dismal, smelly and cheap place to go...beware the fish & chips, they change there oil every 3 years
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c301/Einzats/Beach_and_TowerBlackpool.jpg

Blair Biatch Project ....alas is over, our politics are great
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c301/Einzats/blairite.jpg

The Great British NHS its so good....the waiting list is only 10 years...even for just a plaster!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c301/Einzats/ambulance-1.gif

....and last but not least British Humour
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c301/Einzats/krankies.gif
Well....it has gone a bit sour since then...and i dare not talk about out food, let alone show a picture of a Kebab, you'de throw up

[R*Philippines]

MARC,we are all lucky... That Blackpool Tower photo may not be perfect, but i still see beauty beyond that shot.
Look at those people walking freely regardless if it's cold wet, windy...eerm boring, ugly, dismal, smelly and cheap place to go,
look at the Tower standing so strong on a cloudy day.
I'm sure i would still find a way to enjoy in that place.

And by the way, you mentioned politics,I don't hate politics, but some or most politicians aren't loveable.
Legislative and local elections are to be held here on May 14, 2007. Positions being contested include half the seats in the Senate,and all the seats in the House of Representative.

Manila from the air
Politicians never forget to visit this place during the campaign.
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/06/42/23962460/588054199l.jpg

View from the hotel of the wealthy Manila suburb of Makati (where most of Politicians stay.)

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/06/42/23962460/546207612l.jpg

[R*Philippines]

Many people from different countries misspelled my country's name to Phillipines :lmao: or Phillippines :muhaha: , which obviously neither is right.

The correct spelling is::jay:
P h i l i p p i n e s

[Little Bird]

....and last but not least British Humour
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c301/Einzats/krankies.gif


Oh Dear Lord - I thought those bad memories were gone forever and now you've ruined it. AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

[DreamsLast]

Roy, have you ever had balut (sp?)??? Rumor has it that it is an aphrodisiac....

For those who don't know what it is from WeirdFood.com:

Baloot
(Phillipines) (This is spelled Baloot, Baalut, Baluge, or Balute.) Half-hatched chicken egg. A baluge is a fifteen- or sixteen-day fertilized chicken egg. Open an egg and pop a sixteen-day-old incomplete chicken fetus into your mouth, complete with partially formed feathers, feet, eyeballs, and blood vessels showing through the translucent skin of the chick. My grandfather told me about this. He says the bad part is picking the feathers out of your teeth...

I'll show a less graphic photo of it, b/c they usually have a baby chicken in them:

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/4/4e/Balut_Egg.JPG

[ROBARE]

aphrodisiac!!!!Man I would turn south after looking at that thing!
Bellagio buffet! Now my compass is stuck north.

[Little Bird]

:OMG: That is disgusting! There are some weird things in this world to eat but that is one of the weirdest. Gross.

Think I've just had a resurgence of morning sickness.... ew.

[Veilingmeat]

eeeeyyuuurgghh!!! hell that.....thing...looks like a..actualy i wont say what it looks like, but looks as if someone has bad constipation!!!
reminds me of the Monty Pythons sketch, in which the police interorgate the 'Crunchy Frog' chocolates bloke! But ROY, tell us you've never eaten that vile thingmebob!?

@Kiera, sorry for bringing back those horrific nightmares of the Krankee's :lmao: thankfully those days are gone!

[R*Philippines]

Roy, have you ever had balut (sp?)??? Veilingmeat
But ROY, tell us you've never eaten that vile thingmebob!?
:wacko: Guys, I'm an honest man... Yes I had. Many times.
DreamsLast;24050]
Rumor has it that it is an aphrodisiac.... Yesterday 12:09 PMROBARE
aphrodisiac!!!!Man I would turn south after looking at that thing!
Bellagio buffet! Now my compass is stuck north.
:yahoo: Yes again, balut is also a popular aphrodisiac for men. But even with the good vibes and positive spin surrounding balut, the stigma attached to eating it overshadows all the warm and fuzzy aspects of this very Deep End Dining dish.

Answers to frequently asked questions:
1. Yes, you can feel the feathers on your tongue.
2. No, the duck's eyes are closed
3. Of course it's dead.
4. No, you can't pop the whole thing in your mouth. To begin with, there's too much, unless you have a big mouth. You have to separate the balut into its component parts to appreciate it, and that requires reverent contemplation of the duckling, forever asleep.
5. Yes, it tastes great and I like it.
WARNING:
If you cannot bear the silence and the darkness, do not go there; if you dislike black night and yawning chasms, never make them your profession. If you fear the sound of water hurrying through crevices toward unknown and mysterious destinations, do not consider it. Seek out the sunshine. It is a simple prescription. Avoid the darkness.
- Loren Eiseley from the book The Night Country
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2ipIqIS_EHo

[Veilingmeat]

eeh lad Roy, you sick puppy :sick: i'd rather eat my own turd than that....well actualy i would'nt, but thats not the point...its caveman food!!!
and you say you can feel the feathers on your tongue!!!! jeeez, not a good thing when the mouth feels a little hairy to begin with lol, i suppose your gonna tell us next, that it tastes like chicken? :laugh:

[R*Philippines]

(June 12 )
Philippine Independence Day
Philippine independence refers to the struggles of the Filipinos for independence from colonial rule —first by Spain, and then by the United States.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg/250px-
The National flag of the Philippines is a horizontal bicolor of blue over red, with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist containing three 5-pointed gold stars at its vertices and an 8-rayed gold sun at its center.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ca/Php_bill_5_back.jpg/350px-Php_bill_5_back.jpg
The proclamation of the independence of the Philippines from Spain by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 as depicted on the back of the old 5-peso bill.

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/06/42/23962460/353139828l.jpg

[Veilingmeat]

ROY, your a total star!!!! :wink: i'v never known anyone to be so proud of there country and there heritage etc

[Eibhlin]

gah gah gah, eating a fetal duck

--runs away fast vowing to never visit the phillipines--

[DreamsLast]

HAHAHAHA!!! I've watched several shows about strange foods on the Food Network and belut ALWAYS shows up on the list. The poor American guy that was the "guinea pig" on the show had a very hard time eating it, and this is a guy who has eaten almost every strange food from all around the world! He almost tossed his cookies; or should I say duck fetus?!?!?! On this show they showed the entire process of how they rotate the eggs until they're in a nice stage of rotting-ness. I think they may sit for like a month or something if I remember right.

[R*Philippines]

Guys, please don't make me get Balut today...
I'm starting to think how did i start and when was the first time i ate Balut.
And guys don't you realize that the more you are pushing me to eat Balut more.(Well at least now I have the reason why I'll eat balut).... Now I really think I should get balut....
Oh no!!!
Oh yes!!!
No...
Yes...
No...
Yes....
:BANANAROCK:<---This is Mr. Brendan Campbell....(Can't get him off my head)
(Now my humor is getting corny... Ok! I'll get 1 or 2 Balut... Anyone from the forum would like to try one?)

[DreamsLast]

With all that balut you're eating, your girlfriend must be very "happy" since it's supposedly an aphrodisiac and all.....

HAHAHA!!!

From what I know, they say it's the equivalent of eating oysters in America, if you catch my drift......

[R*Philippines]

gah gah gah, eating a fetal duck
--runs away fast vowing to never visit the phillipines--

My dear Andrea, It's PHILIPPINES... Come on, i don't think it's fair enough not to visit The Philippines because of Balut!!! :wacko:

With all that balut you're eating, your girlfriend must be very "happy" since it's supposedly an aphrodisiac and all.....
HAHAHA!!!
From what I know, they say it's the equivalent of eating oysters in America, if you catch my drift......

Yes indeed!!!:yahoo:

[R*Philippines]

The world’s shortest and lightest freshwater fish is the dwarf pygmy goby (Pandaka Pygmaea), a colorless and nearly transparent species found in the streams and lakes of Luzon. Males have an average length of 8.7 mm. and weigh 4-5 mg.

http://www.fishbase.org/images/thumbnails/gif/tn_Papyg_u0.gif

The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark, locally known as Butanding, regularly swims to the Philippine waters.

http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/images/whaleshark3.JPG

[DreamsLast]

How interesting, Roy. I love learning about the ecology of different places, and I'm fascinated with different landscapes and geology. I'm a science nerd!!!

[R*Philippines]

The Philippines is the world's 3rd largest English-speaking nation, next to the USA and the UK.
Filipinos were introduced to the English language in 1762 by British invaders, not Americans. :friends:

The word "boondocks," which is now a part of the English language, dictionary, and vocabulary, comes from the Tagalog word "bundok," meaning "mountain."

[R*Philippines]

This has been creating a fuzz over youtube here in the Philippines and around the world. In less than a week it gained more than a million views, believe it or not. See it and feel free to make a statement.

hMnk7lh9M3o

[Veilingmeat]

This has been creating a fuzz over youtube here in the Philippines and around the world. In less than a week it gained more than a million views, believe it or not. See it and feel free to make a statement.

hMnk7lh9M3o

Hahaaa...Roy thats a class find, the good ole Thriller! rather well done if i must say so myself! but i do think tho, that at the end they should rip her up to peices and eat her...dont you think!?!??? ..........no......maybe its just me then :tongue:

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/teufel/devil-smiley-068.gif

[kjm030584]

Hahaaa...Roy thats a class find, the good ole Thriller! rather well done if i must say so myself! but i do think tho, that at the end they should rip her up to peices and eat her...dont you think!?!??? ..........no......maybe its just me then :tongue:

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/teufel/devil-smiley-068.gif


I totally agree with you! Speaking of ripping people apart, when does Grindhouse come to DVD?

[last_dance_rodeo]

I saw something on this the other day. I didn't realize it was in the phillipines though. Makes me chuckle

[R*Philippines]

Hahaaa...Roy thats a class find, the good ole Thriller! rather well done if i must say so myself! but i do think tho, that at the end they should rip her up to peices and eat her...dont you think!?!??? ..........no......maybe its just me then :tongue:
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/teufel/devil-smiley-068.gif

Marc, it's HIM not HER..:jay:

Anyhow, I'd like to share this video that conceptualized those dancing prisoners videos...
EEJa61439KU

[R*Philippines]

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/images/pacland.banner.051117.jpg

One of the greatest boxers of his -- or any -- generation, Manny Pacquiao is the reigning WBC International Super Featherweight Champion. Prior to capturing the title, “Pacman” was the WBC Flyweight Champion from 1998 to 1999, the IBF Super Bantamweight Champion from 2001 to 2004 and the People's Featherweight Champion from 2003 to 2005. Pacquiao’s enviable career record of 45 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws has also been highlighted with 35 knockout victories.

Yesterday, the Philippines rejoices after his victory against Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera at their rematch in Las Vegas, Nevada.

[R*Philippines]

Christmas in the Philippines is a mixture of Western and native Filipino traditions. Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, sending Christmas cards, and singing carols have all been inherited from the cultures of the West. However, these have all been adapted to fit the nature and personality of the Filipino people.
Christmas Eve in the Philippines is one of the traditions most families celebrate. It is a night without sleep and a continuous celebration moving right into Christmas Day.
The Noche Buena (a family feast that takes place after midnight) is very much like an open house celebration.
Food is in abundance, often served in buffet style. Among the typical foods prepared in the Philippines during Christmas are: lechon (roasted pig), pancit, barbecue, rice, adobo, cakes (Western and native rice cakes), lumpia, etc.

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/06/42/23962460/1_432013613m.jpg
The parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern. It is a star-shaped lantern decorated with garlands, wreaths, "comet tails", scrollwork, and comes in an infinite number of materials, colors, sizes, shapes and designs.

[R*Philippines]

Philippines is the only Asian nation in which Christians predominate. The celebrations of Christmas in the Philippines are the longest and liveliest in the world. Celebrations begin on December 16 with a series of nine pre-dawn Masses (Misa de Gallo) and continue through Three Kings Day on January 6


It is a Filipino tradition for children to visit their godparent and elderly relatives on Christmas day.
http://caot.lacitycollege.edu/112/FinalPhilipChristmas/Filipino%20Pictures/pasko.mano-po.jpg
This child is showing respect for his godmother by taking her hand
to his forehead. In return, he receives
a blessing or a gift.

[R*Philippines]

The City of SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
My birthplace. My hometown. The place where I spent the first 16 years of my life is the CHRISTMAS CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES.
http://www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph/tourism/images/giantlanternclips1.jpg
http://www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph/tourism/images/giantlanternclips2.jpg
It is because of these giant lanterns that the City of San Fernando has been dubbed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”
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lIIdvuMDQ4M

[R*Philippines]

The City of SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga

Not only my hometown is the CHRISTMAS CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES.
It is also a favorite tourist attraction for its Holy Week

During this bloody ritual participants flog themselves with glass or bamboo-tipped whips in order to do penance for their sins, a part of the crucifixion re-enactments on Good Friday in San Pedro Cutud, Philippines. (Things You Have to See to Believe, Part 1)
Ox3QFq3vGJY
Two-inch nails are pounded through the flesh of penitents' hands and feet during the Lenten Rites of Holy Week in San Pedro Cutud, Philippines - a re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion. (Things You Have to See to Believe, Part 1)
VI19pLL9VKM

[R*Philippines]

Summer is over. Here comes the rainy days again...
I thought of sharing you some pictures.

This photos were taken by yours truly last April 2008 @ PUERTO GALERA, PHILIPPINES

http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_129105203l.jpg

http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_263730251l.jpg

http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_754493015l.jpg

[R*Philippines]

http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_800624230l.jpg

ROY (R*Philippines)
APRIL 2008 @ Puerto Galera, The Philippines

[R*Philippines]

Roy - before the sunset
http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_236805660l.jpg

Roy - almost sunset
http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_597717815l.jpg

Sunset @ Puerto Galera, The Philippines 2008
http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_430188969l.jpg

http://photos-460.friendster.com/e1/photos/06/42/23962460/1_369546789l.jpg

[louloublu]

They're really beautiful Roy. Looks like you had a great time.

[R*Philippines]

Her Excellency
Corazon C. Aquino

Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, whose "People Power" movement pushed out longtime strongman Ferdinand Marcos less than three years after her husband's assassination, has died at age 76, her family announced Saturday.
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/31/corazon.aquino.obit/art.aquino.file.afp.gi.jpg

"She was the agent of change in Philippine democracy," said Ray Donato, the nation's consul-general in Atlanta.








http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Cory_Aquino_-_Woman_of_the_Year.jpg


President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev in a telegram to President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stated,

“The name of Corazon Aquino is associated with a period of profound reforms and the democratic transformation of Filipino society.”
Medvedev also noted that Corazon Aquino showed great interest and sympathy to Russia and prioritized the development of Russian-Filipino relations.

International figures expressed their grief, with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noting that Aquino was "admired by the world for her extraordinary courage".

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that "Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation." Other ambassadors also sent their messages of condolence following her passing.

Pope Benedict XVI recalled Aquino as a "courageous commitment to the freedom of the Filipino people, her firm rejection of violence and intolerance," according to Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

President of South Africa Jacob Zuma called Aquino "a great leader who set a shining example of peaceful transition to democracy in her country."


Time.com: Saint of People Power (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1914125,00.html?cnn=yes)
Time.com A photo gallery of Aquino's life and career (http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1914109,00.html)
Time.com: 1987 Woman of the Year article (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963185,00.html)