Up to now, my parents always tell tales about the EDSA Revolution and how they carried me with them and rallied among other Filipinos fighting for democracy. How the late Aquinos have fought against  dictatorship and for our rights.  I was like 3months old that time. Almost every girl on their picture wears pink but me as a kid, almost all my stuff were yellow. Growing up with Aquino supporter parents, even my first birthday was yellow-themed, and I always smile with the “Laban” sign in pictures. My parents never fail to tell us about the heroism of Ninoy and Cory everytime our discussion ends up with Martial law.

It was a very shocking news when I heard that President Cory Aquino died last Saturday.  It was kind of sad because the woman that we always lookup to is gone and yet somehow peaceful in a way because everyday,  I can hear from the radio that she is having a hard time.

It‘s a good thing that Wednesday, was declared a holiday and I get the chance to at least pay respect to her by waiting for funeral cortège and at least say a little prayer.  Even just waiting at the Quirino Avenue, I saw in my own eyes that Filipinos have not forgotten what she had done for us. It felt as if I was in EDSA (though I can’t remember. I was so little that time)

Everyone was patiently waiting for her cortège and some are giving away free yellow ribbons.  Everytime a part of the cortege pass, it’s like everyone knew each other.

Exchange of smiles and signs of “Laban” is what I witnessed. I have never seen such respect given to anyone. Really, she doesn’t need a state funeral. It is very clear that her greatness is very much appreciated.

It’s just sad because there are always opportunist that make use of these moments in a bad way. AKBAYAN,  Rissa Hontivero’s Party list was so disrespectful. Her party came with a very big banner that instead of saying good stuff for the late president, there they were using the chance to protest to GMA. I don’t like GMA either but they should have chosen another time and not during a solemn funeral.  That is just unethical. She even went to the burial (I saw on TV).

In my heart, I will always remember that if it wasn’t because of President Cory Aquino,  we never had the democracy that we are enjoying right now. Let’s not forget to fight for our right just like she did.  She had lived as an example of selflessness and  courage. Thank You President Cory.

http://www.earthhour.org/about/

we’ve been so lax in taking care of our planet for so many years. now, let us give her what she deserve.  a little favor to shut your lights off on March 28 830-930 PM can make a difference.

A simple task to lessen the effect of the fast climate change. To show concern to save the Earth. To save our future.

Thousands of flowers have once again painted Baguio City on its annual Panagbenga Festival. The highlight and the grandest among the month-long series of events was held last February 28 – March 1, 2009.

Panagbenga, is a local (Ilocano) term which means “season of blossoming.” Because of its cold weather, Baguio is renowned for its spectacular blooms that are sold around the Philippines and are sometimes exported abroad.

The Grand Street Parade (Feb 28) featured street dances from students in Baguio and other sponsored groups. Most of the performers I have seen were kids and they were really good. The costumes were very beautiful, and some are even came dressed as a flowers.

The Grand Float Parade, the most awaited and most celebrated Panagbenga event was held last Sunday, March 1, 2009 at around 8am. It showcased like 20 floats with different themes and dressed up with lots and lots of flowers!

The street dancers interpreted one particular song- the Panagbenga theme song that gave me ear worms. I can still hear it!(Tenenen tenenen tenenen.. ahaha.) it sounded happy anyway.   oh gosh. earworms! i can’t resist humming the tune!!!

Some local celebrities also joined the parade which made the crowd cheer louder.

I think this year’s celebration must have been the grandest. reason is, aside from Panagbenga, Baguio is also celebrating its 100th year of inauguration as a city.

Just to give you some tips,  it’s better to arrive a day earlier so that you can come early to the parade and have a very good view especially if you are into photography. Also, tour around the city. Baguio has a lot of interesting places to go to.

I’ve been wanting so much to see (and even ride) a hot air balloon ever since I heard about the festival. But it was only last Sunday (February 15, 2009), when me and my friends went to Clark for the 14th Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Excited, we left at around 3:00 am and had a short pitstop at an NLEX oasis (that’s what I call gas stations in the highway) to have breakfast. Despite our early arrival at Clark (5:30 am), we already got stuck in traffic! Well, this was the first time we would be seeing the festival so we didn’t have any idea what it was like.

Anyway, while we were stuck in traffic, we saw that the hot air balloons were being inflated already! It was a bit upsetting because that was what I wanted to see! By the time we had parked our rides, the balloons were already high up in the sky. But it wasn’t that bad because there were still events and planes to see anyway. Be always optimistic – it’s a key to happy traveling!

Some Hot Air Balloon Facts:

- it was the Chinese who first used the hot air balloon which is used for military signaling. It is called Konming Lanterns.
- the famous Montgolfier Brothers was the first to adapt the concept of Konming lanterns to carry humans and use it for navigation.
- it was invented during the reign of King Louis XVI of France the husband of the ever famous Marie Antoinette of Austria.
- the basket is made of wicker, the same material used for gondolas.

We went inside and saw a showcase of (according to the slogan) everything that flies. We saw a few not-so-ancient warfare aircrafts, mini-planes and 2 hot air balloons left on the grounds. There were also skydivers. They were actually pretty good. They ran around the sky with an enormous fan at their backs that propels their direction and a chute to stay afloat in the air.

There were jets that made an aerial exhibition. I wasn’t able to watch all of it though. We were kinda busy shooting. To continue, we lined up to ride the not-so-ancient aircraft and what annoyed me is that some people are really inconsiderate. There was this long line of people who wanted to ride the plane and yet there was this woman (who was so lazy to fall in line) cutting in. She even shouted at her kid and told her to climb the plane right away. It pissed me off. If parents are setting that kind of example to their kids, I won’t be surprised why there are lots of undisciplined people nowadays.

Anyway, ’nuff said,  I think there was this kite exhibition thing going on at the time. when we got bored we decided to leave and have lunch, bought chocolates and went to Subic Tree Top Adventure… Haha… And that’s another story to tell for another time.

What we realized when we got home is that we should have brought a copy of the schedule or we should have asked around… We could have gotten back in the evening for another round of the balloon flight. Sigh… maybe next time.

It was a very tiring weekend of everything that flies. Even our minds are floating, tired and sleepless, I felt giddy and all but still it’s a weekend to remember.

Title: Balloon Flight Festival
Location: Clark Field Pampanga
Description: Showcases everything that flies. from Balloons to RC Planes and all

Visit : http://www.clarksubicmarketing.com/news/clark_hot_air_balloon_festival.htm

PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA 2009

From what I’ve heard entrance fee costs Php100.00 and  for those who wants to join the Photo Contest, the entrance is Php500.00 which includes a blow-up of your chosen photo and serves as your entry in that contest.

Getting There

Getting to the Clark Freeport Zone, otherwise known as the Clark Special Economic Zone by car is easy. Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat.  After your exit – a left turn towards Angeles City will bring you to within an easy right turn of the Clark Zone itself. Clark is around one and a half to two hours away from Manila

Start Date: 2009-02-12
Start Time: 5:00
End Date: 2009-02-15
End Time: 19:00