Weather in Ilagan City, Isabela, Philippines

Monday, November 06, 2023

Let's get back to sound body and health

On August 17, 2023, it came to my mind to buy a bottle of apple cider vinegar at the Uptown Mall in BGC Taguig City. It's time and again to go back to my old habits of drinking this awesome drink. To maintain one's body and mind in a healthy state is a must for everyone.


As I googled some of the benefits of drinking this bottle, let me share you as follows:
  • it helps to loss weight
  • it reduces cholesterol
  • lowers blood sugar levels
  • if you're diabetic as it may lessens the symptoms (not be considered as an alternative)
I need to loss weight and I constantly making sure that I don't go above 1300 calories per day. Right now, my weight is 90 kilograms. Upon checking my body mass index (BMI), I should stay and maintain 70 kilograms. So this drink will help to loss excess weight. Of course, regular exercise is a must while doing drinking this daily.

For more information, you may read this article on Six Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Backed by Science.

I suggest you to buy a bottle or two of the unpasteurized version of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinergar with the monther label. This is not an advertisement.

Make sure to drink it in small amounts only. Large amount of consuming this drink is possibly unsafe. Avoid applying it on your skin as it can cause chemical burns. If your potassium level is low, drinking apple cider may even lower it so take extra precautions. For more details, read more about
Apple Cider Vinegar.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Officially a theater actor

I want to qoute this adress posted on Facebook by Joel Saracho.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
by Jose Javier Reyes
On the occasion of the First General Assembly of the
Philippine Theater Actors’ Guild

10 October 2011
PETA Theater Center

This gathering is important.

It is not only an expression of camaraderie, a renewal of friendship or a sharing of common interests.

Tonight is a vital first step.


This gathering is a statement. We want change…and we all realize that there is a task at hand. This is a necessity not merely for the sake of survival but to certify the significance of what we have chosen to become.

We come from a culture that seems to celebrate disparity as much as it makes a big deal out of our sense of unity. And yet our history has proven that change and advancement can only come when we all decide to forget our differences and assert our common goals.

If one still asks if it indeed a necessity for theater performers to get together, I think the answer is quite apparent.

This has got nothing and everything to do with the consumption of SkyFlakes crackers for lunch and dinner. This meeting is important because it is a necessary step from a decision we all made some time agao: We decided that we wanted to be artists.

We decided that this human life lent to us can and will only have meaning if we pursue, persist and fight for what can give us fulfillment. And that is to be theater artists. That is to be performers.

Mind you, I am not talking about success. I am speaking about the more important fulfillment.

Believe me, when I say that there are so many people I know who are so successful but are completely unfulfilled.

Well, yes… rarely can a theater artist be featured in Yes Magazine! to showcase his or her house: well, not unless you are Eugene Domingo.

Rarely can the theater artist be recognized in a tiangge in Greenhills… or spend his weekend shopping at the third floor of TriNoMa or the exclusive shops at Greenbelt.

You see that is the difference between being a celebrity and an artist. A celebrity gets immeasurable recognition, gets paid exorbitant amounts and gets all the fringe benefits for being public property.  A celebrity will earn literally multi-millions for endorsing everything from laundry detergents to feminine washes. And a celebrity does not even require talent. Just a lot of marketing and helluva lot more luck.

Ah, but if you choose to be a theater performer, chances are… you come from a very rich family or basically a masochist.

Theater has never developed to become a lucrative business in this country.

You join the theater because you love to perform… even if you know you cannot make a decent living out of it. Through all these years, the Filipino theater artist has subsisted for the love of the art and the craft--- whether he came from the walkways of the Rajah Sulaiman Theater in Intramuros or the backstage corridors of the Insular Life Theater in Ayala Avenue or the Tanghalang Batute or the Little Theater at the CCP.

The theater artist seeks more than success; he is in constant search for elusive fulfillment. Ironically, fulfillment is so hard to define is the reason why… we persist, insist and subsist.

That is why you are all gathered here tonight. I am joining you in your celebration of untied masochism.

More than that, you are here because you care for theater. No, you don’t only care for theater… you love being part of theater.

Because you share a comoon passion, you want our countrymen to understand what you are doing… and what you want not only for ourselves but for our country. 

You want Filipinos to finally acknowledge and appreciate the passions that so few truly understand.

You are here not for selfish reasons --- because if you were here only after the trappings of success, then perhaps you would have given up this calling and ended up in a call center instead.

You are here to make a point… and to make others see that you matter. Yes, you do matter. You may not be treated as well you wish it to be… but you matter.

Whether recognized or not… even if the theater artist is not beholden to the kingdom of the giant networks or do not have direct lines to the gods and goddesses of the movie studios… you matter!

You, like all creative agents --- mavericks, rebels and iconoclasts --- are instrumental in the shaping of our national culture.

So what makes this event important? Let me give my tatlong puntos.

Firstly, as soldiers of theater, it is about time that this country learns and recognizes the importance of this form of art as part of their lives.

There are still those who believe that theater is an elitist form of entertainment. There are those who do not recognize that the history of our country has always been anchored on theater forms in order to bring a sense of community and express the sentiments or mindset at whatever point of our soci-political evolution. But let’s not even go there.

To make my point straightforward and simple --- theater is still considered either a luxury or something required by classess in Literature and Theater Arts in high school and colleges.

The tradition of an authentic theater-going public has yet to be developed because it was never given a chance to be even a habit.

And why? Because of very apparent reasons. Not only do we lack the accessible venues for our countrymen to see the showcase of our works. Theater has been relegated to a dispensable form of entertainment made accessible only to a few.

Because of that, theater artists have never been given the importance they most definitely deserve. Because people do not know you. People do not appreciate what you do and what you represent.

Yes, we have the Cultural Center of the Philippines and places such as this… but there has been no concerted effort to bring theater closer to the people rather than compelling the audience to come to the theater.

As long as theater remains as an option from watching a concert of Bruno Mars or the Black Eyed Peas… as long as theater is considered a necessary evil, a requirement to complete courses because of reaction papers and submitted reviews to teachers… then theater can never truly be a part of the life of our countrymen.

And after all these years… after all the sacrifices made by the likes of Tinio, Mabesa, Espejo, Anton Juan, Amador, Guidote-Alvarez and a whole generation who precedes those gathered here tonight, it is about time. Yes, it is about time that you make theater matter.  

The country takes pride in saying we have talents in world-class caliber. Pointless to mention the names too familiar that they have become part of a mantra: Lea Salonga, Joanna Ampil, Leo Valdez, Junix Innocian, Monique Wilson, et cetera et cetera. Pointless to relentlessly celebrate their names and yet admit the fact that you --- theater artists--- are still being treated like second class citizens in the entertainment business.

This leads me to my second point: It is about time that the theater artists are given the respect that he and she deserve.

Let me assess the situation we all know: Even a respected veteran movie and television performer whose acting and popularity were honed by media experience said that times have indeed changed. Nowadays, it is so easy to be called an artista even if you know nothing about acting. Because of a highly competitive dog-eat-puppy world of mass media, actors are no longer treated as people. You guys have become commodities. Whereas before, to be called an actor means to prove how good you are in what you do, nowadays anybody who has been thrown in front of a camera can make claims that he is already an actor.

We all know, for instance, that reality shows are the biggest on-camera auditions ever conceived by mainstream commercial television to find the next generation of stars to fill up the studio’s stable. We all know that there are endless talent searches to keep the stockroom filled with second and third-liners.  Fresh from the catch, these young wannabes are thrown straight into the barbeque pit and made to mimic what is supposed to be acting in front of the cameras. Performers borne out of popularity and salability of the moment are made leads, considered as star while do their on-the-job training. The veteran actress asked, “Ganun na lang ba yon? Kahit sino na ba artista na ngayon?” And the sad answer is both a yes and no. 

Anyone can be a star --- for as short as three months--- or as long as his talent can hold. But not everyone --- not just anyone--- can be an actor. Stars fade--- actors mature. Stars are dependent on the box office receipts of their latest movies --- or how their most recent adventure in television fairs in the ratings game.

Actors are as good as their most recent performance --- measured by their competence in the role that they are made to play and challenged by other roles that remain to be discovered. That is why actors are diamonds that shine with greatest brilliance in time. Celebrities merely fade … or enter politics.

When television and film productions --- both commercial and independent – are in need of competent, reliable and guaranteed professional performers --- they tap the theater actors. I know that for a fact.

As a line producer for commercial films or as a TV director, there is a roster of theater performers who form a core group of supporting actors that can enhance any show or film.

You --- the theater actor--- provide credibility to the performance level of films.  Sometimes the theater actor, as the supporting performers,  surround the neophyte wannabe star so that the audience can be made to believe that the newcomer can impersonate acting.  In other words, you guys give credit to the dancing bear. It is not how good the bear dances… but the fact that you can make the bear dance at all.

But the saddest part is that you still get the SkyFlakes reference as a joke. I am quite sure that young man did not mean it that way… but is perceived that way not only by the larger public. Worse, that is how media productions think and perceive you.

Life for the dedicated professional actor was never fair. Even in the US, the likes of Jane Alexander, Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin and others never reached that much coveted star status not unless you are Meryll Streep. In our contry, the same thing can be said. Theater actors play the competent and inevitable supporting roles and never manage to have their names above the title--- well, not unless you are Eugene Domingo.

But what sounds like a dismal situation is good news. You should give premium to what you are worth not only for your theater work but for popular media as well.

An actor is an actor is an actor… regardless of where he appears: onstage, onscreen or in the tube. You should realize that even if you are given supporting roles that this is not a reason to be treated like second class citizens on the movie or television set.

As I said--- an actor is an actor is an actor. The only way you can dignify the wealth of your experience and training is when people realize that your work in theater is far superior than the three-day workshops given to wannabes who will be force-fed to the television or movie audiences. This leads me to the final point: no one can help you except yourselves.

If I can be so blatantly honest with you, I have learned one thing about this country. You cannot depend on anyone to protect your turf and interests except yourself. Government support to help boost the cultural development in this country? Government support to aid the development and propagation of theater? Far chance, people. Right at this very moment, there are more pressing problems in Hagonoy and Calumpit. Not that the cultural development should not be a priority… but it never was and by the looks of it, shall never be. Besides, anything that has got to do with government tends to be tainted by politics, politicking and partisanship. I guess you wouldn’t want to go into that either.

So the most important lessons, ladies and gentlemen,  is that no one can help you except youselves. And that is why tonight is very important. Tonight, by being here, you make a stand… no longer as an individual who has dedicated his life to theater… but as part of community seeking for a definite identity and a potent voice. Tonight is important because if there is any need, any change that will take place… the crucial first step has already been taken. The journey has already started because you have empowered yourselves… because you realize that if there is anybody who should protect your interests… then it has to be your own moves, your own intentions, and your own volition.

It is perhaps too simplistic to enumerate three points and claim that these summarize the problems you must confront. There are definitely more. This adventure is bound to be a bumpy but interesting ride. But what is important is that you have made the crucial first step. And this, my friends, is the significance of this night… which hopefully is the birth of a new theater in the country.


I am now one step ahead in becomimg a first class actor after a 60-hour worth of theater workshop at PETA Theater Center. It was held from September 23 until October 29, 2023. Tara, samahan niyo ako sa mundo ng Philippine entertainment industry.

Uses of salt in the kitchen

Post by Idongesit Jones

1. To remove the odour from your hands after cutting onions, chicken or fish, just wash your hands with salt and water, then you will have no more smell.

2. To avoid the feeling of the hotness of pepper on your hands after cutting/slicing it with your hands, rub them with salt and vegetable oil or red oil and wash them.

3. When pepper mistakenly enter your eye, put a pinch of salt in your mouth, the hotness of the pepper will disappear and you will see the magic.


4. When storing empty containers or bottle, throw in a pinch of salt to help them from getting stinky.

5. Sprinkling some salt on your fresh peppers while pounding it, helps to make it pound quickly.

6. Soaking bitter leaves in salt and hot water, helps to remove extra bitterness before cooking with it.

7. If your liquid milk always spoil before you finish it, You can add pinch of salt when you first open it, it will help the milk to stay fresh longer.

8. Salt and detergent mixture can help you to kill ants and cockroaches disturbing you in the kitchen.

9. Placing your overripe tomatoes in a cold and salty water overnight, will help to make them fresh and firm.

10. If you cut lemon and you do not want to use it finish, sprinkle salt on it, it would stay fresh for 3 days. Make sure you rinse it before using it again.

11. Salt can be used as a preservative method for preserving meat, fish or vegetables. It helps to prevent bacteria growth.

12. Grease fires or small fire can be put out with the use of the salt.

Source https://www.facebook.com/100009694772498/posts/pfbid02bUsMwQ1J9piC5LK4Ya9MFT7ENsPtosL2sG522d9NuSA5t2keNuvrgcrN6ZfEyoBbl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Monday, October 23, 2023

Tropang Sawi

By: Ren Coruejo

Tara na't Pakinggan,
Kaming mga nasaktan,
Kami'y magpapakilala lng nman,

Ako nga Pala si "Patpat"
Iyon ang tawag nila sa tulad kong Payat,
Minsan nang pinakilig ng taong di tapat,
Ginawang mundo ang taong di karapatdapat,
Nabulag sa pag ibig na inakalang sapat,
Sinisi ang sarili sa katawang buto't balat
Ngayon puso ko'y tila nalowbat
Dahil sa panloloko ng taong Huwad.


Ngayo'y ako naman ang mkikipagkwentuhan,
Ako nga pala si Repob, Pobre ang kabaliktaran,
Minsan ding nahumaling sa gandang kumikinang,
Nasilaw at naakit sa babaeng buwang,
Kinutya, pinagtaksilan, pinagpalit sa Mayaman,
Paghihirap at sakit tiniis na lamang,
Sarili tinanong, Ang pagiging mahirap ba'y isang Kasalanan?

Tama na ang mga salaysay aking mga Tropa,
Ako nman ngayon ang mgpapakilala,
Pangalan ko'y Negrita iyon ang tawag nila,
Umibig sa Lalaking may ibang sinisinta,
Nilalait, pinupuna, kulay kong di kaaya aya,
Tinutukso't binabato ng masasakit na salita,
Hindi mkatulog mula gabi hanggang umaga,
Sa kakaisip kung bakit siya pa,
Iniibig kong lalaki kasing ugali nila,
Ngayo'y natuto na,
Kadalasang ugali ng tao'y kabaliktaran ng itsura.

Labis na sakit na ang mga naririnig ko,
Ako'y pakinggan, estorya ko'y isaulo,
Wala sa Likod, dahil nasa harap nyo,
"Bekikang" iyan ang tawag sakin ng mga tao,
Bakletang mahilig sa matcho at gwapo,
Minsang naging seryoso sa lalaking siraulo,
Binigay ang lahat, maging ang buhay ko,
Binubugbog, pinerahan ng lalaking tarantado,
Sa ibang bakla'y nkipagtalik kapalit ng malaking premyo,
Mga inipon ko't pinaghirapa'y winaldas ng gago,
Mga plano kong binuo'y biglang naglaho,
Dahil sa isang lalaking manlolokong minuminuto,

Aking mga kaibigan, relax muna kayo diyan,
Talambuhay ko nman ang inyong pakinggan,
Ako pala si "Bobby" iyan ang aking Pangalan,
Kasalungat ng Patpat, Ako ay Malaman,
Sa Kusina'y napag iwanan,
Iyan ang bulong bulungan,
Hindi sa nagyayabang, kami'y may kaya din nman,
May negosyo't may ipagmamalaki aking kanunonunuan,
Minsan ding umibig nang walang alinlangan,
Sa isang babaeng akala ko'y pang walang hanggan,
Subalit nahuli kong may ibang kasintahan,
Napagtanto kong siya'y salawahan,
Isang araw siya'y sumulpot sa aking harapan,
Humingi ng tawad sa kanyang mga kasalanan,
Subalit sapat na ang aking mga nasaksihan,
Mga pera kong binigay ang lalaki ang nakinabang,
Kaya't ako'y hindi na magpapaloko kaninuman,

Ang mga naranasan niyo'y masaklap isipin,
Pahintulutan sanang estorya ko'y idagdag din,
Ako'y tinaguriang "Matalinong Matsing"
Dahil sa ilong kong bitin na bitin,
Matalino man, ngunit may kulang pa rin,
Dahil ang itsura ko'y isinumpa ng dilim,
Pinagdarasal ko laging ako ay mapansin,
Ng nililigawan kong kasing ganda ng bituin,
Oo nga't maraming humahanga sa angkin kong galing,
Ngunit hindi sa itsura kong walang bahid ng ningning,
Dumating ang panahon nung ako'y umamin,
Sa babaeng ako'y may tunay na pagtingin,
Pagsinta ko'y pinabatid ng mariin,
Sinamantala kahinaang maituturing,
Ako'y ginamit, relasyo'y nilihim
Pinagawa ang mga bagay na labag sa akin,
Isang araw ng ako'y dalhin,
Ng kapatid kong nag aalala sa akin,
Sa paarala'y nasaksihang may ibang kakissing scene,
Kaya napabulong na lng ako sa hangin,
Tama bang ito ang dapat kong sapitin?

Ang mga Kwento nami'y kapulutan ng aral,
Wag Maging bulag sa pagmamahal,
Puso'y isantabi, isip ang ipairal,
Kung noo'y nasktan ng pusong Brutal,
Ngayo'y matuto ka't wag maging hangal,
Kilatising mabuti mga taong kanal,
Puso'y di mawari sintigas ng bakal,
Sariling buhay mo'y wag isugal,
Sa mga taong may pusong mapanakal,
Ipabatid sa lahat Katapangang marangal,
Mapagsamantalang tao'y di dapat magtagal,
Sila'y di nararapat sa mundong Banal.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Why life begins at forty as they say

As the saying goes "life begins at 40" by people like me who reach the age forty, it suggests that after reaching this age, a person has a fresh start in life and can start anew with new experiences and opportunities. It's often seen as a time to reflect on one's life so far and set new goals for the future. I know that age is just a number, but many people find that hitting their 40s can bring a newfound sense of confidence and clarity, they are now focusing on what truly matters to them. Whether it's pursuing a new career, taking up a new hobby, or simply living life with more purpose and intention, the 40s can be a time to rediscover and reinvent oneself. For my 40th birthday, I want to a famous person that my hometown will be proud of me.


Being a famous person requires a lot of hard work, huge dedication, and a unique talent or skill. It's also helpful to have a clear personal brand, a strong online presence, and the ability to network and collaborate with others in entertainment industry. Additionally, I am considering to look for a mentor, have the time to take acting classes to further develop my skills and to gain knowledge from experienced professionals.

Above all, fame doesn't guarantee happiness, so I will make sure that pursue my passions for the right reasons. With God's help, I want to spend my next ten years in making my self famous at the right time.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

It's 25th anniversary

Happy 25th birthday 🎂 to Google. 🤗

Google's 25th birthday marks a significant milestone for one of the most influential companies in the tech industry. Over the past quarter-century, Google has revolutionized the way we access information, connect with others, and navigate the digital landscape. From its humble beginnings as a search engine to its current status as a global powerhouse, Google's impact on society cannot be overstated.


In celebrating this anniversary, it's essential to reflect on Google's journey of innovation and adaptation. From introducing groundbreaking products like Gmail and Google Maps to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence with projects like Google Assistant, the company has consistently pushed the envelope in terms of technological advancement.

Beyond its technological achievements, Google has also made significant contributions to society through initiatives like Google.org, which focuses on using technology to address global challenges such as climate change, education, and healthcare. Additionally, Google's commitment to diversity and inclusion has helped foster a culture of creativity and collaboration within the company and beyond.

As Google looks ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, one thing is certain: its influence will continue to shape the future of technology, innovation, and society as a whole. Here's to another quarter-century of groundbreaking achievements and meaningful impact!

Monday, September 18, 2023

Theater acting

I embarked on my acting journey in July 2022, delving into various productions to explore the art of performance. Seeking to deepen my skills and immerse myself further in the craft, I made the decision to enroll in a Theater Arts class on August 19, 2023. Facilitated by PETA Inc., the class comprised eight enriching sessions aimed at refining my abilities in portraying diverse roles across stage plays, movies, series, and more.


For aspiring actors eager to embark on their own path, I wholeheartedly endorse the pursuit of formal training. Enrolling in a Theater Arts class not only provides a structured approach to learning the intricacies of acting but also serves as a cornerstone for developing a strong foundation in the art form. Through immersive experiences and expert guidance, such classes offer invaluable opportunities to hone one's craft and expand one's artistic horizons.

Undoubtedly, the study of theater arts offers a transformative journey, enriching individuals from myriad perspectives. Beyond honing artistic skills, it fosters a holistic growth mindset, nurturing capacities for collaboration, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication. Each session serves as a catalyst for personal and professional development, empowering actors to embrace the multifaceted nature of their craft with confidence and finesse.

As I reflect on my own experience, I am reminded of the profound impact that theater arts education has had on my journey as an actor. It has not only equipped me with the technical proficiency required for the stage but has also instilled within me a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the art of performance. I encourage aspiring actors to embrace the transformative potential of theater arts education, knowing that it serves as a gateway to a world of endless possibilities and personal growth.

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To Amend or Not To Amend: That is the Question. A Debate on Charter Change.