philippinegreatness

[philippinegreatness]

England football superstar David Beckham (R) greets survivors of devastating Typhoon Haiyan during a visit to a tent city in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines on February 13, 2014.

Beckham said: "I was humbled to visit Tacloban and see how people are still so full of spirit despite the devastation they have suffered.

"Close to 6 million children are affected and many have lost loved ones.

"As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, seeing how children are being given a sense of normality amidst the rubble of their communities has been amazing.

"I want to show people around the world how their generous donations have had an enormous impact on children and their families and how thankful people here are for their kindness."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/david-beckham-makes-surprise-visit-3140731

[philippinegreatness]

David Beckham makes a visit to the Tacloban, Leyte

via USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/02/13/david-beckham-visits-typhoon-survivors-in-philippines/5451547/

After hitting New York Fashion Week with his family on Sunday, David Beckham has jetted to the Philippines.

On Thursday, he flew to Tacloban, one of the areas in the Philippines that was hit the word by Typhoon Haiyan in November last year.

According to an AFP report, hundreds of survivors rushed out of their tent shelters to greet the retired soccer star, even though he seemed unfamiliar to many citizens of the Philippines.

"He's so handsome. I heard he plays for the Azkals," gushed mother-of-four Darilyn Bascug, referring to the Philippines' national football team, reports AFP.

More:: Filipinos struggle three months after typhoon

It was the second visit to the Philippines for Beckham, 38, in his role as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Children's Fund.

He visited a shelter for former street children in Manila during his first visit in 2011. And he and wife Victoria donated designer clothes to raise funds for typhoon victims.

The tattooed Beckham, sporting a black UNICEF T-shirt chatted with survivors and spent time with children in a makeshift classroom, according to Sky News. He removed his shoes as he entered another tent, visiting a family and stroking a sleeping infant's hands.

He said: "I was humbled to visit Tacloban and see how people are still so full of spirit despite the devastation they have suffered."

[philippinegreatness]

Beautiful and superb performance. Truly world class! Congratulations Mr. Michael Martinez! Continue fighting for your dreams and keep on inspiring!

MICHAEL CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ! <3

[philippinegreatness]

Martinez takes early lead in men's figure skating finale

via Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/sports/specials/olympics/50618-martinez-takes-early-lead-in-mens-figure-skating-finale

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Christian Martinez garnered 119.44 points in his final free skate routine for a two-day total of 184.25, good enough for the lead in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics figure skating finals on Friday evening (Manila time).

The lone Filipino Winter Olympian performed to the tune of "Malagueña" of Ernesto Lecuona which lasted for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds, drawing applause once again from the crowd in attendance.

The 17-year-old Filipino skater from Paranaque, Manila is currently in first place after three performers although it is still a long night, with 21 more skaters trying to impress the judges as well.

Martinez, who ranked 19th last night, had a pristine start in the finale.

"That triple axle went up like a rocket. Super start," exclaimed one of the commentators.

He did have some anxious moments, being deducted a point after a fall, but he fought hard enough to earn a score of 119.44.

"He's giving everything that he's got and he's fighting right to thr finish," said another commentator.

"A lot to be proud of. He looked very, very impressive indeed," capped the event commentators assessment after Martinez ended a phenomenal performance.

Martinez, the lone representative from the tropical country, is trying to become the first figure skater from South East Asia to win a medal in the event. - Rappler.com

[philippinegreatness]

COULD WE JUST TAKE A LITTLE WHILE AND APPRECIATE THE 17 YEAR OLD SOUTH EAST ASIAN’S FIRST EVER FIGURE ICE SKATER TO COMPETE IN 2014 SOCHI WINTER OLYMPICS?

We all knew that Yuzuru Hanyu has the most fans out there and the most popular representative in Asia. But could we give a little love to Michael Christian Martinez? This guy is called “the lone skater” because he’s the only one representing his own country and even with his asthma, he still wants to cope up with his dream. Damn, this kid, hardly had any gov’t support and has to mortage his own family house just to join the 2014 Sochi Olympics. HE ONLY TRAINED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF FUNDS. BUT STILL, LOOK HOW FLAWLESS HIS PERFORMANCE IS. Because there is lack of ice skating trainers in the Philippines, he had to train in Southern California which costs his family and friends a LOT of dollars. 

While he may be short on funds, Martinez is not short on prayers. He’s hoping for one more miracle on the ice that can score an Olympic medal not just for him but for the Philippines. GO MICHAEL!

Dang son, he’s an inspiration to every ice skaters out there who wants to show their talent to the whole world; whatever their current status is. Bless this guy. AND WHAT A CUTIE asdfghjkl ;A;

[philippinegreatness]

Martinez enters Top 24 of Sochi Games figure skating

via Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/sports/specials/olympics/50539-filipino-winter-olympian-martinez-impresses-crowd-in-debut-performance

MANILA, Philippines - On to the the next round.

Filipino figure skater Michael Christian Martinez advanced to the Top 24 of the Sochi Games, following an impressive performance which drew applause from the crowd in attendance.

The 17-year-old figure skater garnered a score of 64.81, which is good enough to qualify for the next round or the free skate program.

"That was fantastic."

(READ: Filipino Winter Olympian Martinez impresses crowd in debut performance)

 That is how commentators at the 2014 Sochi Olympics described the historic debut of Martinez earlier in the short program, the qualifying event for the free skate program.

Martinez performed 5th out of the 30-man field and ranked 3rd so far, with the competition still on-going.

Only the Top 24 skaters out of 30 competitors will advance to the next round, with Martinez competing again tomorrow. - Rappler.com

[philippinegreatness]

From the official Youtube Account of: choosephils Choose Philippines collaborated with Pilipinas Got Talent Finalist and web sensation El Gamma Penumbra to give you a new version of their music video. Using the song Piliin mo Ang Pilipinas, El Gamma Penumbra amazingly showcases popular Philippine destinations through shadow play. "PILIIN MO ANG PILIPINAS" is the official theme song of Choose Philippines.

Music by: Allan Dannug Arranged by: Marvin Querido Sung by: Angeline Quinto feat. Vince Bueno Produced by: Creative Communications Mangement; VP/Lyricist: Robert Labayen; Creative Acct. Head: Christina Barbin; EPs: Cidge Laxamana/ Carla Payongngayong; Directors: Paolo Ramos/ Peewee Gonzales; DOP: Jaime Proca, Ding Mendoza. Facebook: ChoosePhilippinesOfficial Twitter: choosephils

[philippinegreatness]

Ever seen music beats and dance synchronized at the same time? Here's a video of it brought to you by Speeshbeats.

Visit: www.speeshbeatsrecords.com Speeshbeats collaboration with the very talented dance crew from the Philippines the "Delta Heatwave Dance Crew" All beats and video editing is by Speeshbeats to show just some of the many talents back home in the Philippines please subscribe and comment would be appreciated. God Speed to everyone who's working hard on there dreams. Videographer: John Becaro, Speeshbeats Choreograher: Jandaryl Legada Video Editor: Speeshbeats Music Production: Speeshbeats Performers: Delta Heatwaves Dance Crew Gerold Flores Ianjan Acumabig Ivy Glee Ravina Joseph Panoy Edward Alintoson Jomar Caberoy Jomar Sonier Jan Reyven Delotina Carlo Mendoza Christopherjhon Altas Joemari Legaspi Rodjee Barbas Darryl Yee Ralph Christian Desuyo Rey Billiones Joven Apatan Chris Mark Barilea Edmar Cose Mark Biuya Renel Magbanua Arca Joevel Mar Maningo Rommel Paniergo Kiven Fajardo Harvey Malumay Jaime Arbolida Ariel Salinas Technical Assists: Joemon Roquinasa Aymer Becaro Patrick Bucabal David Evangelista

[philippinegreatness]

Skating to Lucia Micarelli-Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody, Four Continents Figure Skating Championship 2013. Michael Christian Martinez is the First Filipino Figure Skater who secured a spot in the 2014 Winter Olympics representing Philippines to be held in Sochi, Russia www.sochi2014.com

From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ffJ9gIR99U

[philippinegreatness]

The Philippines says Thank You!

From the Department of Tourism

On February 8, 2014, at 4:40 a.m., Manila time, exactly three months after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, the country launched a global campaign expressing its gratitude to the world, having received an outpouring of support following the devastating effects of the typhoon.

Triggered by an overwhelming sense of appreciation, which has been strongly expressed in social media—for example, #PHthankyou, this groundswell of gratitude is captured in a Thank You campaign created by Filipinos from all over the world. Depicting different ways of expressing their heartfelt appreciation, various messages and images in social media showed the world that foreign support and encouragement has made, and continues to make, all the difference in the country’s ongoing rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

Hoping to ensure gratitude is received by everyone, the Philippine Department of Tourism has crafted a thank you message displayed through print ads and billboards in iconic places across the world, specifically:

- Times Square, New York, U.S. - Piccadilly Circus, London, U.K. - Potsdamer Platz cor. Leipziger Platz, Berlin, Germany - Lafayette Mogador, Paris, France - Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan - ION Orchard, Singapore - Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada - Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia - Paiknam Building, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

All the people across the globe who have expressed sympathies and who have extended support, financial or otherwise, are invited to witness this message of appreciation from the Philippines and help share the country’s profound gratitude to the rest of the world. Using the hashtag #PHthankyou, people around the world can continue to share their support and appreciation.

News from the Official Gazette of the Philippines

http://www.gov.ph/2014/02/08/the-philippines-says-thank-you-to-the-world/