A total of 982 examinees passed the 2010 Bar examinations. Passing Percentage is 72.5%. The passing rate for 2010 is the second lowest in the past decade – next only to 2002 when only 19.68 percent passed the Bar exam. The Supreme Court added that a total of 4,847 examinees finished taking the tests in all 8 law subjects. Read More →
Muslim is such a stereotype. It is basically the default race when people think of terrorism. Think 911. Islam is actually a very peaceful religion.It was against the bleak backdrop that eventually led to some peace loving Muslims to restore the image of Islam into the gentle , compassionate and forbearing religion that is to respect for a religion that was once celebrated for its contribution to progress and social development.
The Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) was conceptualised and launched in 2006 with an overall objective is to win the hearts and minds of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to not hate or reject and see Islam as restrictive and uncompromising. Its aim: ““To build an updated visual and cultural reference from which Islam can be related to the modern world through the creative arena of fashion divorced from political, economic and social strife”.
H.E. Datin Seri Dato’ Zainab Abdul Kader (Photo via Jane Uymatiao)
I was fortunate to watch a preview of the Islamic Fashion Festival held at the Hotel Intercontinental upon the invitation of Dato Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad (Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines) and H.E. Datin Seri Dato’ Zainab Abdul Kader (Spouse of the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines). Being a witness to its fresh and artful style that breaks the myth of an outdated and ill-adapted faith is just a breath of fresh air from the usual mundane fashion shows.
I have never felt hate or fear towards my Muslim brothers despite all the news. There has always been that deep admiration towards the inherent beauty and diversity of Islamic fashion and culture. In fact, when the occasion called for me to wear a Filipiniana dress at the Malacanang Palace and the State of the Nation Address, I chose a Muslim attire. I love warm colors, the embroidery and the patterns.
The IFF tagline, ““Discover the Beauty of Modesty”, invites the audience to get to know, understand and appreciate the call for women to cover up in Islam. The strategic intent is neither to preach nor convert but rather, to deliver the simple message that there is beauty in covering up at every level of modesty from slight to full.
Creative expression and interpretation among the designers exemplified the versatility and viability of dynamic Islamic fashion. Let me show you some of the fashion collections of top Kuala Lumpur designers Dato’ Tam Abang Saufi and Melinda Looi and Bali-based Milo Migliavacca referred to as ““The Original Prince of Batik Couture” together with the designs of their Filipino counterparts, JC Buendia, Jun Escario and Veejay Floresca. Jane shows a more extensive write-up of the collections of 7 designers
While the fashion showcases modesty, the IFF also subscribes to promoting moderation in Islam, best summarised by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Rt. Hon. Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak:
I therefore urge us to embark on building a ““Global Movement of the Moderates” from all faiths who are committed to work together to combat and marginalize extremists who have held the world hostage with their bigotry and bias. We must, and I repeat, we must urgently reclaim the centre and the moral high ground that has been usurped from us. We must choose moderation over extremism. We must choose negotiations over confrontation. We must choose to work together and not against each other. And we must give this effort utmost priority for time is not on our side.” – (Excerpts from speech at the General Debate of the 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, United States of America on 27th September, 2010)
It is quite interesting to see that the IFF is not just about fashion but promoting moderation in Islam and learning to appreciate its culture through the beauty of its culture and people.
How right he is. By focusing attention on its kaleidoscopic beauty, the message of Islam can be de-politicised and imbued with a gentler identity.
This brilliant multicultural tapestry of the Islamic diaspora needs to be shared with the international community to break down the negative Muslim stereotype.
Such gentle approach to the message of the beauty and gentleness of Islam through fashion. To see and experience the vibrancy of Islam is affirming my love for my Muslim brothers and sisters here and abroad.
Oh as an added bonus, Stephen Rahman Hughes crooned to everyone’s delight.
The journey continues. The Islamic Fashion Festival moves on to other countries as it brings together different ideas through its multi-religious and multi-cultural participants. Indeed, the Islamic Fashion Festival will provide a channel for meaningful exchange in celebration of the beauty in diversity.
They say teenagers are full of angst. There is a saying that “adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years.” With the advent of Facebook, teens get to use the wall to rant. Well, my kids were not young teens when Facebook and other social media sites like Twitter and Plurk came arrived sometime 2007. I do recall parenting teens were the most turbulent years that became more complicated by the death of my precious son. The good news is this too shall pass.
Facebook Parenting: For the troubled teen
So I came across this super viral youtube with 28,245,691 hits and 233,246 comments. The video called “Facebook Parenting: For the troubled teen” where the father shares the wall post of her daughter who” thought it would be funny/rebellious/cool to post on her Facebook wall just how upset she was and how unfair her life here is; how we work her too hard with chores, never pay her for chores, and just in general make her life difficult.”
Watch the video till the end to see father’s tough love.
I nodded as he lectured on his no-nonsense approach on dealing with his daughter’s complaints. After all, parents are in the best position to understand their children’s peculiarities. I agree children need to learn responsibility now so that they know that they can rely on themselves when they leave home. Social Media may be the downfall of the current generation if our children do not know how to use it responsibly. It is also important for parents in setting hard rules and consequences about using social media. Watching intently with my husband, we agreed setting limits is needed for teenagers. The shocker was the last part when he shot her daughter’s laptop. I also felt that it is already bad enough when an insolent teen airs their dirty laundry, in public. But does that exempt an adult just to make his point?
Oh well, to each their own parenting style.
I noted there were over 233,246 comments and wondered how others thought.
@MrsAirman79 seemed to share the same opinion as mine, “I was with him on this one till he shot her laptop. lets just hope the daughter doesn’t find his gun.”
Another understood “he was trying to punish her and everything, but I just re-watched this and it’s quite obvious he’s overreacting a little more than he should be… I mean him shooting her laptop was a complete waste of money and him saying she should get off her “lazy ass” was stooping to her level, which you shouldn’t do with teenagers. He also said she’s 15 and frankly that’s the age for teens to be a little melodramatic..”
Others that disagreed said the following:
“humiliating your daughter by posting family business online because she posted family business on facebook. a facebook post last like 10 seconds, this could last her whole life. nice parenting.”
“Yeah, I get that she needs to be disciplined for disrespecting the parents, but escalating the situation with this video and laptop thing are not productive ways to teach her the intended lesson.”
“Kid sounds bratty as hell but I think this is kind of an immature way to respond to…immaturity.”
You are an asshole, you set a good example for your daughter alright… better make sure that 45 is hidden.
Others agreed with the father’s tough love.
Someone who lived outside the USA commented that “This is the problem with American-washed kids. If it were to happen overseas, they get an ass whooping”.
” no…this wont ruin her life. She’s young and very disrespectful to the people that raise her and gave her everything she has. She needs to learn to respect”
One pointed out that she “really don’t know who I should side with”.
What the teens thought about tough love
Some of the interesting comments from the youtube video came from young teens. A teen addressed “all those people saying he’s a awful parent, I’m in my teens and I have more responsibilities then her and I complain but I do it. I don’t get paid for them because I have a iPod, camera, and a nook, and the only way I will get a laptop is if I don’t get anything else for Christmas. Her dad said he spent like 150 or so dollars on her laptop the day before, then what dose he get a ungrateful daughter, she deserved every bullet in that laptop.”
Let me share some comments from teens:
I’m 13 and you’ve made me realize that I have it way too easy in life. My mom busts her ass off every day and I really should give her a hand around the house a bit more. Thank you for enlightening me
If he were my dad I’d get the hint, stop being selfish and take a look around and realize how good my life was. Some adults dont have computers, or a nice house with a guest room. good shooting sir.
I am impressed and I applaud his effort. I sure hope it worked on his daughter, she had it coming! Boy am I glad that my parents didn’t take it to this extreme though because i know i was bratty too
i’m with this guy if a kid, teen who ever does that, their parents have the right to do that. But if my dad found out i did this which i will never do he would probably run it over in his truck.
This is so epic! Even now being 21, my mom would never stand for me to talk like that. I applaud you sir! You sir are awesome, If I could I would buy you a drink!
I’m 16 and I say good for you man, I can’t believe how disrespectful some of my classmates are to their parents and stuff. They took care of you since birth, chores are the least you could do for them
Im still a kid,but Half of you who disagreed with this aren’t even parents.Its HIS daughter HE raises her how HE feels.For all of the poorly raised adults out there you can agree hes doing her a favor
Congratulations for doing what needed to be done to get the point across. Honestly, I wish some of my friends had their phones/computers destroyed.
you forget that if these kids had any sense that they would know what’s right and it is also not necessarily the parenting that is this problem I know kids who have parents that are the nicest people you ever met but the kid can be as awful as hell and really disrespectful to the ones that love them and care for them
the daughter should appreciate what her parents do for her. this is coming from a TEENAGER.
way to go dad!
I would never disrespect my parents like that…
This is why disrespectful people shouldn’t be allowed on the Internet. They could end up with a laptop full of bullets;)
Some gave their own parental advice that respect begets respect, that “the only way to get respect from those around him is only by carrying a gun. PRETTY SAD.”
Another comment exclaimed “Wow in front of the world!!!!!!  You could have done it without involving the Millions. Shoot the laptop yes. But dont humiliate your child in front of the world, Not good parenting skills!! .”
Others also felt that one didn’t need to shoot a laptop which to me is crazy. A few felt that the laptop should have been given “to a school or deserving kid who can’t afford it. Kinda scary to just whip out a gun like that but I guess thats America for you! Hope this got the result you wanted…”
Parenting Teens
Parenting is a hard work. I met challenges when my teens were growing up . It’s tempting to respond with anger. How I wished I were more informed then? Sometimes teens can’t help acting insolent or being rebellious. Scientific evidence shows their frontal lobes  are not fully connected. Really. But the good news is the frontal lobe gets to fully develop in their mid-twenties.
These are the best years to be with my girls and I cherish it. Take stock When you find yourself wondering, like all parents of teenagers, “What were you thinking?” Just make sure children know their boundaries when they are young children.
Simple rules such as establish priorities, set standards, maintain family routines and stay connected. There should be consequences for breaking rules, such as taking a laptop away or disconnecting the Internet.
Like they say the troubles of adolescence eventually all go away – it’s just like a really long, bad cold.
Shielding myself from the scorching sun, I clutched on to my umbrella and looked down towards the smooth bermuda grass. My eyes linger to the engraved markings staring back at me , “Luijoe, my angel”.
“Mom are those weeds?” a daughter pointed to the tiny yellow flowers dotted at the top of his tombstone.
“I planted those so Luijoe will always have flowers cradled around his resting place”, I explained.
My husband knelt down and laid down a vase of mums as my other daughter carried another umbrella to shield him from the sun. We all stood there staring at the flowers and I couldn’t help feeling proud, “this is my family”. I took my iPhone and took a snapshot. Four pairs of feet beside Luijoe’s tombstone.
I felt a tug in my heart and wondered why I felt this way. It’s been 11 years after all. It must be a trigger. I was getting sentimental that my daughter would soon be leaving for Australia the next day. Or perhaps the stressful political conditions in the country must also be getting to me.
The words echoed inside my mind, “still a family” as we inched closer together and prayed, “Thank you God for family.”
I know that death ended Luijoe’s life but not his relationship to my family. He will always be our precious son. The difference is I gave up the old person who was physically connected to a now deceased Luijoe and made a spiritual connection with my child who died. True, my second daughter will not be with us for a year but I know we will always be connected, thanks to the internet.
It is with a sense of gratitude knowing my family will always be with me wherever they may be. I am thankful for their support in understanding the work that I do. During challenging moments, it is my family who stands by me.
No accusations of “you are pro-Corona, pro-GMA, anti-Noynoy” or “funded to support the RH Bill” or “someone is using you” or “influencing your choices”. Some of my friends disappoint me at times.
Next to God, my family knows what is in my heart. Searching for truth and justice is not being a pro-anyone but merely fighting for what I believe is right. After all, didn’t God give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit to know the difference between right and wrong, and to choose to do what is right? Life is too short to dwell on negativity.
My life in this mortal world is temporary and I might as well make the most of it by focusing on meaningful work, contributing value to society, sharing joyful experiences with my loved ones, and remembering to slow down to savor the precious moments.
Luijoe, my angel reminds me the temporariness of life and to live more fully in the precious moments I am blessed with.
The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. James 1:11
Nope. No flowers. No card. No cake. No romantic dinner.
It’s been 34 years since my husband and I have been together but Valentine’s day is one occasion we don’t celebrate. See, we met in our college days when our allowance was just enough for our board and lodging. To this day, that habit continues. Even if he can now afford it, he thinks that flowers are just way too expensive on Valentine’s day. Well it doesn’t mean Butch does not surprise me with flowers, or gifts. Doing something special comes during ordinary days.
Since there is no Valentine’s day surprise , I thought I’d share this cute video to warm your hearts.
I didn’t think much of this video when the PR of Dove sent this via email today. In the video, they captured real men as they cooked up a little Valentine surprise for their significant partners. These men agreed to join them for one night to express their real selves, showing how much they’d do to make their women special even on those days when they least expect to.
I have yet to receive something unusual like what these men did in this “Real Men Surprise Their Dates” video.
Aww so sweet. I shared it to Butch when he overheard the music so I played it one more time while typing this entry.
He watched and kidded me that he can sing much better than those real men. To prove his point and to my utter surprise, he crazily sang along and ended the song with a kiss.
“I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.”
Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. (6:55 p.m. ET) Saturday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
It is such devastating news to her fans. Indeed she was such an amazing talent. Her influence can be heard on a generation of young singers who cite her as an inspiration, from Mariah Carey, Brandy and Monica to Christina Aguilera and Beyonce.
“She had the perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise.”
The cause of her death is still unknown.
Towards the end of her career she was known to be a drug user. Her album sales dropped. “Her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.”
I will never forget this memorable song as its lyrics ring true to me. The “Greatest love of all” was the lullaby song I crooned to my babies twenty something years ago to make them fall asleep.
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me
[Chorus:]
I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all
A TV commercial of a cough medicine caught my attention tonight as I settled down on the sofa after a long day. I cringed at the image of a wriggling bacteria on the teaspoon. Eww. Good thing I only give safe, proven cough medicines to my family. As a fussy mom with a Bachelors degree in Food Technology, I am quite aware about adverse effects of bacterial contamination especially in young kids with lower immune systems.
It is scary to see our children suffer from potential adverse effects from toxic ingredients but bacterial infections as well. It can range from an upset stomach to more serious symptoms such as fever and gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, which in severe cases, could lead to life-threatening dehydration. Safety is about more than keeping our children’s hands away from a whirring food processor blade. It means knowing how to avoid spreading bacteria, safe shopping, and more.
The thing is, bacteria is practically everywhere yet I am in control of things I can do. I know I have control over food products or medicines to purchase. I have control about keeping my house clean and making sure handwashing procedure is followed.
“A lot of it just has to do with luck, serendipity.” Emanuel Ax
Yesterday, HBO asia launched its new original series Luck that premieres February 20 at 10 PM. Media was treated to the pilot episode starring Oscar® winner Dustin Hoffman and Oscar® nominee Nick Nolte. I am not into gambling or horse racing so the terms used were alien to me. The thought occurred to me: could the racing be fixed ? or is it luck?
I was brought up to be prepared, work hard, and hope for a little luck. I do recognize that the harder one works and the better prepared I am, the more luck I might have. That is one reason I never mess around with gambling. I don’t like taking risks like that. In fact, I have never played Lotto.
The HBO Luck launch was a exception when the PR had this game “Pick two” where I had to list down the color (red, blue or green) in two sheets of paper. I thought of the Corona Impeachment Trial to decide the color. Red is associated with the Supreme Court protest. I scribbled RED on two sheets of paper. Mind you , this was before I even saw the horses.
Well, as luck would have it, seven of us WON. RED was the lucky color of the day. The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.
