#Davao Falls

[jazperjay]

Kwagsik Falls

Our Buda tour reached its climax when we ventured to the enchanting Kwagsik Falls. Kuya Diego, our knowledgeable guide, assured us that this journey wouldn’t be for the faint of heart but promised it would be an experience worth cherishing. As we made our way, Kuya Diego regaled us with tales of previous visitors who had embarked on this exhilarating quest, only to find themselves breathless and…

[cbholganza]

Mesmerizing Maragusan

Maragusan Valley is indeed a place of unparalleled beauty and charm. With its enchanting waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, captivating landscape, plus - most importantly - the indomitable spirit of a resilient people.

Maragusan Valley, tucked away in the hinterlands of Davao de Oro (formerly known as Compostela Valley province in Eastern Mindanao), is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This is one adventure for travelers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path destination. On the invitation of the province’s Tourism chief, the bubbly Ms Christine Dompor, my wife and I brought the family to this great hidden…

[southeastasianists]

The Philippines is known as a country that supports political dynasties, and powerful clans have played a major role in the country’s politics for decades. But in the last week of June, Vice President Sara Duterte made an announcement that rocked the nation as her family appears to be gearing up to take political dynasties to the next level. On June 28, the vice president confirmed that her father, Former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brothers, Davao First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, will all run for senator in the 2025 elections. 

Social media is all abuzz with news of this development, with those supporting the Duterte camp ecstatic at the possibility of having all three Dutertes in the Senate. However, those who are staunchly against this have been equally loud on Twitter and Facebook, calling the country’s political system a joke. As one of the most influential political families in the country have benefited from the results of a well-executed social media strategy in the last presidential elections, Filipinos can expect that the Internet will once again turn into an all-out war zone in the coming months. But can social media bring about the downfall of political dynasties, or will it take them to new heights? Here’s what you need to know about the influence of social media on political dynasties in the Philippines. 

Social Media Brought the Marcoses Back to Power

For two decades, Filipinos had to submit to the rules of Ferdinand Marcos’ regime as the former president enforced Martial Law. Historians attest that his dictatorship resulted in over 3,000 extrajudicial killings and more than 30,000 tortures, apart from other human rights violations. The Marcoses also infamously stole $5 to $10 billion from the Central Bank of the Philippines as stated in the documents provided by the Presidential Commission on Good Government. 

After the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., Marcos was blamed for his death. The family immediately fell from grace as Aquino’s supporters joined hands to support his widow, Corazon Aquino, during the People Power Revolution of 1986. Mrs. Aquino became the new President of the Philippines, while the Marcoses were exiled in Hawaii. In 1989, the matriarch, Imelda, as well as Marcos’ children were allowed to return to the country, and from there, they started planning their political comeback. Their return to politics started with Imelda winning a congressional seat in 1995, while her children, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Imee Marcos, won positions in local government. 

After Bongbong was elected as a senator in the 2010 elections, it was only a matter of time before he decided to run in the presidential elections. In 2022, Bongbong was up against nine other presidential candidates, the most notable being Leni Robredo, who was the Vice President at that time. It was reported that social media campaigns to discredit Robredo, a strong disinformation campaign, and online efforts to revise history contributed to Bongbong’s win, putting the Marcoses firmly back in power. That election year was one of the most divisive times in Philippine history, as it resulted in the falling out of families, the shut down of a major TV network, and increased hostility in social media platforms. 

Political Dynasties and Their Hold on Social Media

Political analysts are saying that the Philippines is where it is right now because certain politicians have turned public office into family businesses. With everyone complaining about the ever-increasing prices of commodities, lack of jobs, and non-stop graft and corruption for so many years now, many would think that Filipinos should have had enough of political families by this time. However, with politicians becoming social media savvy in recent years, it’s likely that more political dynasties will rise in the future. With the majority of Filipinos perpetually online, it’s likely that political clans will take to the Internet to gather support for their family members who are vying for a place in politics.

Other than the Dutertes, political analyst Edmund Tayao predicts that there will be more families running together in the upcoming senate elections. Siblings Pia and Alan Cayetano currently have seats in the senate, and so do Cynthia Villar and her son Mark. They are all projected to run for reelection in 2025. Meanwhile, 3 members of the Tulfo family, which has four members in congress, are also said to run in the senate elections. Their bid for a senate seat will be confirmed upon the filing of Certificates of Candidacy in October.

Countering Political Misinformation on Social Media

Certain influencers have found ways to spread disinformation on social media as a way to promote some political families, but anti-disinformation advocates have also taken to TikTok and Facebook to fight political misinformation. Genealogist Mona Magno-Veluz is one such TikTok personality who is actively battling historical and political misinformation. There’s also the local civic society organization Break the Fake movement, which regularly holds seminars to train influencers to fact-check their sources. 

AI tools have also been used by fact-checking initiatives such as FactsFirstPH to fight disinformation. Meanwhile, to inform the youth about election-related information, nonprofit corporation Pinas Forward created the E-Boto website, which contains background information for all national candidates, presented in a Gen Z-friendly, TikTok style.

Can Social Media Eradicate Political Dynasties in the Philippines?

Social media has made it easier to access information, but it has also created opportunities to spread disinformation and propaganda techniques to sway the results of elections. Knowing how to distinguish facts from lies, and putting a stop to historical revisionism can protect Filipinos from repeating past mistakes. Fact-checking information, hearing the opinions of a diverse group of people, and educating the public about the dangers of disinformation, fear mongering, hate speech, and cyberbullying may all help to boost the nation’s media literacy and prevent political families from dominating in the upcoming elections. 

But as long as Filipinos keep voting for candidates who share the same beliefs and principles as their family members who are in power, no amount of protests on Facebook or Twitter can change the country’s political landscape. As proven by the current administration, social media will continue to be a valuable tool for political dynasties jockeying for power. After all, it helped a once shunned family to regain their place in politics, so no one should be surprised if it enables multiple family members – even those who are blatantly unqualified – to be elected into public office. 

Nina Sumsy Nina Sumsy is a freelance writer with a background in journalism

[shinmiyovvi]

「Call of Duty Modern Warfare Original Character Info」

GENERAL INFORMATION

NAME: Noemi Rayne G. Trinidad

CODE NAME: “Soro” (Fox in Filipino)

AGE: 31

GENDER: Female

SEXUALITY: Heterosexual

D.O.B.: [REDACTED]

P.O.B.: Davao City, Philippines

NATIONALITY: Filipino

ALIA(SES): 

Bravo 0-9, Ghost 0-5

Noemi, Emi, Rayne, Ren (By her family, relatives, and friends)

Ma’am, Captain (By Gaz)

Capt, Capt. Soro (By Soap)

Sea girl, Nomi, Show off (By Ghost)

Soro, Love, Ray (By Price)

Zorro, hermana (By Alejandro)

Kapitan Trinidad (By Rudy)

OCCUPATION: Military personnel from the AFP Light Reaction Regiment, an associate member of Task Force 141.

RANK: 2nd Lieutenant (2012-2015), Captain (2015-present)

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Cebuano and Filipino as her mother tongue, English as her third language as she is a polyglot but limited.

AFFILIATIONS: Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Scout Rangers, Light Reaction Regiment, Task Force 141, Coalition, Armistice, JTF - Ghost Team, SpecGru

APPEARANCE

HEIGHT: 5’9” (175 cm)

WEIGHT: 141 lbs (64 kg)

EYE COLOR: Dark brown

HAIR COLOR: Black

HAIR STYLE: Shoulder-length (2019), Overgrown Boy Cut (2022)

BODY TYPE: Hourglass

BUILD: Lean and muscular

BLOOD TYPE: A+

DISTINGUISHABLE FEATURES: Has a scar on her right cheek and the lower left part of her neck. She also has scars on both of her arms, which she mostly wears long sleeves.

FACE CLAIM: Jane de Leon (Images below)

FAMILY

SIBLINGS: 1

STATUS: Youngest daughter of the Gerardo-Trinidad Family

FATHER: Ramon O. Trinidad

AGE: 60

HEIGHT: 5'6" (167 cm)

OCCUPATION: Retired AFP Soldier as he works as a carpenter for their shop.

MOTHER: Paulina G. Trinidad

AGE: 57

HEIGHT: 5'4" (162 cm)

OCCUPATION: Housewife

BROTHER: Leonardo Eric G. Trinidad

AGE: 34

HEIGHT: 5'11" (180 cm)

OCCUPATION: Architect

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

FIGHTING STYLE: Any but most likely uses Muay Thai and Arnis (If she found a pair of sticks)

WEAPON OF CHOICE: Any as she uses a throwing knife to take down enemies silently.

ABILITIES: Can be a translator and a recon sniper due to her experience back in 2016.

SPECIALTIES: Stealth, Espionage, and Hacking to infiltrate unauthorized areas.

PERSONALITY

POSITIVE:

Intelligent: Noemi is one of the smartest students in the class who mostly competes in quiz bees as she receives a lot of rewards from her competitions and also excels in her class.

Boyish: She spends time with her brother and her male friends and she has different interests and traits, unlike other girls around her subdivision.

Good tactician and thinks logically: After becoming the lieutenant, she uses her wits and observation around her as she will find an advantage for her and her squadmates of when to attack or when to fall back. With her being the mentee of the former captain, she took note of how her lieutenant led them to victory.

A loving friend and daughter: Despite her stern, relaxed, and laid-back personality, she is nothing more than a friend you can always rely on. She is a loving and caring daughter to her family in which she tends to overwork herself just to get the right amount of money to provide her parents for their needs. 

Dutiful with her occupation: Noemi is very dedicated to her job as a soldier in her country even if what she entered is a life-and-death situation. She mostly escapes her near-death experiences during the siege after their deployment in 2017. Noemi has no hesitation in killing her targets, as long as she knows what their wrongdoings are, she won't think twice to kill them in an instant.

Can crack jokes: If she ever feels like lighting up the mood, Noemi won't hesitate to brighten up the spirit of her fellow soldiers with some jokes.

NEGATIVE:

Has trust issues: Noemi tends to have trust issues and is also cautious when choosing the right people to trust.

Weighing some guilt inside her: After losing some of her friends during her career, she couldn't help but distinguish self-guilt from what happened to them.

Getting out of control of her emotions, especially anger: Noemi tends to bottle up her emotions, which she would snap at any time, and manages to go feral.

An expert in manipulation and deception: Noemi is capable of manipulating and deceiving people in order to acquire intel. She may act natural but deep down she was using them for extracting information.

TRIVIA

Noemi is the lead guitarist for the school's band which joins the battle of the bands.

Her favorite activities in school are Intramurals, quiz bees, band performances, and sports fest.

She likes to play video games during her free time during her off duty and sometimes she would draw on her journal to pass the time.

Noemi never shares her music taste with anyone but she listens to Jpop, Kpop, OPM, Pop, Pop Rock, Punk Rock, Rap, and Alternative Rock.

Noemi was known for being the smartest student who tends to sleep during class and answers questions without even trying to be attentive during the discussion sometimes.

BACKGROUND

Noemi is the youngest of the Gerardo-Trinidad family and was born to have an inspiration to be a soldier because of her father's past. Although her parents wanted her to be a nurse, she declined and was eager to pursue her dream of being a soldier and fighting for her country. Noemi is a talented and intelligent child who tends to join quiz bees as she is also an athlete at her alma mater. She is the captain, and outside hitter of her volleyball team, and the small forward of the basketball team. She also joins badminton and sepak takraw competitions, and everyone looks up to her as one of the athletic students in her school. After graduating high school, she passed the PMA exam and strived hard to finish her military training. Noemi joined the AFP and then proceeded to join the Scout Rangers to get the Scout Rangers Qualification Badge in order for her to join the Light Reaction Regiment. Before she joined LRR, she embarked on missions that molded her as a soldier and took down notes about becoming a leader from her captain. She lost her comrades during the Siege of Marawi she looks at them as her brothers-in-arms and a family. In 2019, Noemi became an associate member before the formation of Task Force 141 after Laswell introduced her to Price and Gaz as she continued to work in TF141.

Images for the gif above (From left to right):

MW1 (Left), MW2 (Center), MW3 (Right)

[hath-e]

So after reading through about halfway of Vol. 2 of Hathaway's Flash I have to say this, I only agree with him more.

Those who don't want spoilers have the official original cover art for all 3 volumes by Mikimoto Haruhiko.

Those who don't mind spoilers click below cut

So why did Tomino write the feddies as the worst thing to ever exist?

It's like the text in novel 1 directly states that for a time Hathaway was obsessed with Char and wanted to learn EVERYTHING there was to him. And yet due to the fact that the Man-Hunters and Feddies are written as completely fucking deplorable that criticism falls on deaf ears.

So the Man-Hunters in Davao directly do a occupation of a few blocks, have snipers set up and actively threaten anyone with a beating or death. When they shut down a group of gourillas they would rather jump to their deaths than get captured, which might I add is described very brutally for the few words it uses. Mihessia is under threat of just being sent into a far off colony with no chance of getting out (and presumably do slave labour for the federation) just because she's been caught a second time without a permit.

Going back to Davao, they just actually do a occupation of the blocks, they pack people into trucks without checking for anything, I don't know to me it directly feels like a reference to the Nazi occupation but I might be reading too deep into it.

So now onto what happens in vol. 2

The Kimberly unit treatment of Oenbelli as described is sickening, I genuinely don't think they will be allowed to animate any of it. From the ruined and destroyed buildings, the corpse piles, the tortured bodies, and guy who's charred body was hanged inside the building that Kimberly and his officers were escaping. The woman who's described to be in such a state that she will actually kill herself if let to proper strength. All this destruction and torture over an unconfirmed report that a group calling themselves "Mafty's 1st Army" is stationed there.

I don't know how this can be of any debate. The federation is objectively evil, and so what if Mafty kills some civvies in a cross fire, the federation does this too, and it's even in the movie and in the book the amount of explosives sent after Gawman resulted in more destruction than the attacks executed by the Messers.

[reallyhardy]

It’s the very reason the group was launched in February 2021: while original P-pop music saw success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, support faced a steep decline once groups started modeling themselves after their Korean counterparts. The industry lacked diversity and by extension, a distinct identity: something Alamat has in spades. Today, they are ready to live up to their name (which means “legends” in English) as the first multiethnic, multilingual act in the Philippines.

Alamat came together from all over the country. Leader, main dancer, and sub-vocalist Taneo (22 years old) is from Tabuk, Kalinga, in the far North; co-leader Mo (20) is a half-Black American from Castillejos, Zambales; Jao (20) comes from Pampanga and the group’s center Tomás (24) from Tabaco City, Albay. Vocalist and visual R-Ji (23) is a Waray-Waray from Borongan, Eastern Samar, while rapper-producer Alas (21) is a Bisaya from Davao City. 

All were students with side jobs prior to joining the group, and while they all agree that this gig positively changed the trajectory of their lives, the journey was not without doubts. “Lately, it seems like Filipinos gravitate towards foreign influences more: our appreciation for our culture has slowly started to fade. So when we heard of the concept of this boy group, we couldn’t help but think it was risky,” Jao admits.

Alamat’s creative director Jason Paul Laxamana further outlines to Teen Vogue via email the complexities in P-pop and K-pop, and how they’ve affected Alamat’s reception in the country. “For Pinoy K-pop fans, they would judge Alamat based on their standards: glossy sets, Korean-style choreography, and even physical appearance like light skin and colored eyes,” Laxamana says. “Since Alamat doesn’t follow their formula 100%, many perceive them to be doing it wrong.”

But these risks seem to have paid off, as they’ve built an impressive portfolio of songs that illuminate the Philippines’ illustrious culture. “Kbye,” for instance, is their debut anthem about ghosting sung in seven of our local languages. “Kasmala” — which recently went viral for its “f*ck colonizers” concept — references the 1904 St. Louis World Fair, where Filipino natives were displayed like zoo animals before a foreign audience. Their latest EP Pasulong has the sensual and bass-heavy “Aswang” as the lead single, where all six members fall for the country’s most popular urban legend: a bloodsucker that only appears at night.

[chester33333]

National Election 2022

Introduction

This election took place amidst the PANDEMIC pandemic which had caused the country's economy to fall into recession.The ticket of former senator Bong bong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte won the presidency and vice presidency respectively, defeating their closest rivals, incumbent vice president Leni Robredo and incumbent senator Francis Pangilinan.

PURPOSE:

This elections provide an important opportunity to advance democratization and encourage political liberalization. This election determined the the 17th president and the 16 vice president of the Republic of the Philippines.

DESCRIPTION:

It was the first election since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1987 where the president and vice president were elected by a majority, and the first election since 2004 where the winning president and vice president came from the same presidential ticket.

Support:

The election saw the highest turnout since 1998 with about 56 million voters participating. Marcos received 31.6 million votes, the most votes ever cast for a candidate in a presidential election in the Philippines, while Duterte received 32.2 million votes, the most votes ever cast for a candidate in the country.

[redxpranger]

Having a mother who loves to bake made me fall in love with bread and pastries on an entirely different level. It’s funny—I just realized I’ve never actually baked bread myself. So far, I’ve only tried making cakes and cookies. I suppose I know how to bake bread in theory, but I’ve yet to put that knowledge into practice.

I find it a little amusing and endearing how, whenever someone in the family brings home bread or pastries, my mom always asks for my opinion. It’s because I don’t give simple feedback like, “I like it” or “I don’t like it.” I’ll break it down—the texture, the presentation, the taste, and even the overall experience of eating it. My mom and I are such geeks about bread and pastries. When she bakes, I often ask her about the purpose of each ingredient and how things like temperature can affect the final product.

One moment I cherish was the time I bought a Leche Flan Cheesecake from a coffee shop I love. I fell in love with it instantly and decided to buy more to bring home to my mom. I remember I went home feeling excited. It wasn’t just to share—I wanted to subtly suggest it as her “next baking project.” HAHA! I thought of it as my way of supporting and encouraging her in the things she loves. It was also a small gesture to show my parents that I can be soft and affectionate, even though they often see me as someone who’s “hard as a rock.”

Lately, my mom and I have been geeking out about this local bakery here in Davao. It’s such a simple place, just like any typical neighborhood bakery, but the quality of their bread and pastries is incredible! They’re not very well-known, and people who are familiar with it often describe it as “lowkey.” I’m not sure why I’m writing about this, but maybe it’s because I want to remember these little moments someday.

[wonderwriters2024]

"Bye Achi"

"He is the source of happiness, the one who will take away the stress, and a cute but stubborn kid" his mom said.

Jarl Janus (JJ), 1 year old little boy. The task is to interview and observe the routine and behavior of the child and the family. We felt very nervous but at the same time in awe because of the new environment that we saw right before our eyes. The observation lasts a half day and we interview his mom in between the rest of Jj. In the morning, Jj's routine first thing in the morning is to wake up at 6 am then walk around their garden for several minutes with his nanny. After walking, Jj plays with his cat and when the time strikes at 7 am he will eat his breakfast at the table practicing eating by himself but of course with the of his nanny also. After eating, Jj went to his favorite place in the house: "The bath" he would say "Ba-bath" and drag his mom with him. He would usually take around 20 minutes to bathe because they let him play and swim around the bath tub. After bathing, around 9 am he would take his morning nap and so we interviewed the mother while Jj was sleeping.

We asked her several questions and was in awe at how open minded their family is. Or we're raised differently in our generation? She said that " I value the opinion and decisions of my kids at an early age, to guide and support them in any way possible for them to feel the love and care from us and for them to become independent". Come to think of it, A 1 year old kid gets to decide what he wants or not, it was amazing how parenting evolved as time passed by.

She also added " I try my best to be a good example to my children. Kids in general tend to copy everything that they see and observe from their environment. It's not enough that I will only tell them how to do and act a certain way. As a parent, I should also show them how to behave properly."

Despite the situation they have in the family ( going back and forth at Gensan to Davao beginning from monday and going home to Davao on Friday from work) her partner fills the gap whenever she's working miles away from home. They also have rules for the children like: 1 hour gadgets for the whole day in the weekdays and 3 hours for the weekends, lights off at 9 pm then story telling until the kids fall asleep and lastly they religiously do some stretching or yoga for the kids every morning to make them more flexible and healthier.

Jj's Favorite things to do : Traveling and Sleeping.

Part 2 coming up!

[mytravellingappetite]

CARAGA Region 2024

Butuan Airport

Enchanted River, Surigao Del Sur

Awao Falls, Davao De Oro

[im-gracious]

Mt. Loay, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur

Climbing a mountain is very challenging; you need strength, both physical and mental preparation, and must focus on every step you take because one mistake could lead to a fall and potential danger.

Aside from that, I see some who are wounded, attempting to distract themselves and escape from the real world, even if only for a few days.

Now, I realize how fortunate I am compared to them and how well protected I am by my parents and God, shielded from regrets that could cause harm. God truly amazes me with the goodness of my life.

I cried, reflecting on how blessed I am, recognizing the greatness of my journey, the alignment of my path, and the protection I receive from God.

I enjoyed their company immensely; however, I also observed how they find joy in worldly pleasures.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 2.14 (after 1930)

1939 – World War II: German battleship Bismarck is launched. 1942 – World War II: Battle of Pasir Panjang contributes to the fall of Singapore. 1943 – World War II: Rostov-on-Don, Russia is liberated. 1943 – World War II: Tunisia Campaign: General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim's Fifth Panzer Army launches a counter-attack against Allied positions in Tunisia. 1944 – World War II: In the action of 14 February 1944, a Royal Navy submarine sinks a German-controlled Italian Regia Marina submarine in the Strait of Malacca. 1945 – World War II: On the first day of the bombing of Dresden, the British Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces begin fire-bombing Dresden. 1945 – World War II: Navigational error leads to the mistaken bombing of Prague, Czechoslovakia by a United States Army Air Forces squadron of B-17s assisting in the Soviet Red Army's Vistula–Oder Offensive. 1945 – World War II: Mostar is liberated by Yugoslav partisans 1945 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt meets King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia aboard the USS Quincy, officially beginning U.S.-Saudi diplomatic relations. 1946 – The Bank of England is nationalized. 1947 – The act abolishing all noble ranks and related styles comes into force in Hungary. 1949 – The Knesset (parliament of Israel) convenes for the first time. 1949 – The Asbestos Strike begins in Canada. The strike marks the beginning of the Quiet Revolution in Quebec. 1954 – First Indochina war - small French garrison at Đắk Đoa is overrun by the Viet Minh after a week's siege. 1961 – Discovery of the chemical elements: Element 103, Lawrencium, is first synthesized at the University of California. 1966 – Australian currency is decimalized. 1979 – In Kabul, Setami Milli militants kidnap the American ambassador to Afghanistan, Adolph Dubs who is later killed during a gunfight between his kidnappers and police. 1983 – United American Bank of Knoxville, Tennessee collapses. Its president, Jake Butcher, is later convicted of fraud. 1989 – Union Carbide agrees to pay $470 million to the Indian government for damages it caused in the 1984 Bhopal disaster. 1989 – Iranian leader Ruhollah Khomeini issues a fatwa encouraging Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses. 1990 – Ninety-two people are killed when Indian Airlines Flight 605 crashes in Bangalore, India. 1990 – The Voyager 1 spacecraft takes the photograph of planet Earth that later becomes famous as Pale Blue Dot. 1998 – An oil tanker train collides with a freight train in Yaoundé, Cameroon, spilling fuel oil. One person scavenging the oil created a massive explosion which killed 120. 2000 – The spacecraft NEAR Shoemaker enters orbit around asteroid 433 Eros, the first spacecraft to orbit an asteroid. 2003 – Iraq disarmament crisis: UNMOVIC Executive Chairman Hans Blix reports to the United Nations Security Council that disarmament inspectors have found no weapons of mass destruction in Ba'athist Iraq. 2004 – In a suburb of Moscow, Russia, the roof of the Transvaal water park collapses, killing more than 28 people, and wounding 193 others. 2005 – In Beirut, 23 people, including former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, are killed when the equivalent of around 1,000 kg of TNT is detonated while Hariri's motorcade drives through the city. 2005 – Seven people are killed and 151 wounded in a series of bombings by suspected al-Qaeda-linked militants that hit Makati, Davao City, and General Santos, all in the Philippines. 2005 – YouTube is launched by a group of college students, eventually becoming the largest video sharing website in the world and a main source for viral videos. 2008 – Northern Illinois University shooting: A gunman opens fire in a lecture hall of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb County, Illinois, resulting in six fatalities (including the gunman) and 21 injuries. 2011 – As a part of Arab Spring, the Bahraini uprising begins with a 'Day of Rage'. 2018 – A shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida is one of the deadliest school massacres with 17 fatalities and 17 injuries.

[dreiiiadiiiii]

Hello I'm Adriane alore M. Atraje, A language student from wesleyan university, You can call me (dreii or adi ) A writer who loves to write a love story and every little things that happen in my life like, adventurous moments ,travel experiences and how my life circulated by the valuable people I met.

To give a brief description of myself , I'm currently studying bachelor of secondary majoring in English and a full time online money earner to help my family as well as of fulfilling every necesseties in my journey as a college student, in behalf of being a language student I always enjoyed the fascinating view and opportunity, when it comes in conversing and the use of a language I also love to discover things that flourish things in my life, like exploring the language use in the Philippines to sum up I have been wrote those experiences of mine to englighten us, to show us, how tremendously a language becomes part of our daily communication. Not just about Tagalog but also , how other dialects impacted by our communication competence.

Tongues and Tropics: Navigating the Linguistic Tapestry of the Philippines"

In the heart of the Philippines, my language student adventure unfolded against the backdrop of vibrant jeepneys, bustling markets, and the warm embrace of a diverse culture. Armed with notebooks and an eager spirit, I dived into the linguistic kaleidoscope that is the Filipino archipelago.

Manila: Where the City Speaks Taglish

My linguistic journey kicked off in Manila, a bustling metropolis where the language landscape is a fusion of English and Tagalog, creating the unique dialect known as Taglish. Navigating this linguistic terrain was a rollercoaster of code-switching, where casual conversations seamlessly intertwined both languages.

Wading through the crowded streets of Quiapo, I discovered that language in Manila is not just a tool for communication but a cultural emblem. Vendors in the marketplace wielded a linguistic flair, peppering their sales pitches with local colloquialisms, turning a simple transaction into a linguistic dance.

Cebu: Bisaya Beats and Island Rhythms

As my language journey led me to Cebu, I found myself immersed in the rhythms of Bisaya, the local language. Here, language wasn't just spoken; it was sung in the lilting cadence of island life. From bargaining for fresh seafood at Carbon Market to engaging in animated conversations during Sinulog Festival, every encounter was a lesson in the rich tapestry of Bisaya expression.

One particularly memorable experience occurred during a visit to the majestic Kawasan Falls. Engaging with the local community, I learned that language wasn't confined to words alone. The laughter of children echoed in the air, and the rush of waterfalls became a silent conversation with nature—a lesson in communication beyond linguistic boundaries.

Baguio: Igorot Syllables in the Mountain Breeze

Nestled in the northern mountains, Baguio unfolded as a linguistic haven where the melodies of Igorot languages blended with the crisp mountain breeze. Engaging with the indigenous communities, I discovered the profound connection between language and identity. Elders shared stories of their ancestors through oral traditions, showcasing a rich linguistic heritage that echoed in every syllable.

Wandering through the iconic Session Road, I encountered street poets who transformed their experiences into spoken word performances. Their words resonated with the struggles and triumphs of the Igorot people, highlighting the power of language as a vessel for cultural preservation.

Davao: Mindanao Mosaic of Languages

In the southern reaches of Mindanao, Davao emerged as a linguistic mosaic where various indigenous languages coexisted. Conversations in Tausug, Maguindanaoan, and Chavacano added layers to my linguistic repertoire, illustrating the intricate interplay between heritage and communication.

A visit to the T'boli community in Lake Sebu became a living language lesson. Engaging with locals, I marveled at the artistry of T'boli dreamweavers who used intricate patterns to tell stories. Here, language transcended spoken words, weaving tales through threads and colors—a testament to the creativity embedded in every aspect of Filipino culture.

Batanes: Ivatan Whispers in the Northern Winds

My linguistic sojourn concluded in the northernmost reaches of the Philippines—Batanes, where the Ivatan language whispered in the winds that swept across rolling hills. Surrounded by stone houses and vast landscapes, I delved into the nuanced syllables of Ivatan, realizing that language wasn't just a means of communication but a reflection of the environment that shaped it.

Engaging with the locals in Basco, I discovered the resilience embedded in their language. Stories of survival during typhoons and tales of seafaring ancestors resonated in the Ivatan dialect. Every conversation became a thread connecting me to the island's history, illustrating the profound relationship between language and the stories it carries.

Reflecting on the Tapestry

My journey as a language student in the Philippines was more than just a study of syntax and vocabulary. It was an exploration of a nation's soul, expressed through the diverse languages that echoed in the archipelago's every corner.

From the bustling streets of Manila to the serene landscapes of Batanes, each region offered a unique chapter in my linguistic odyssey. The critical lens through which I approached language extended beyond grammar rules, delving into the cultural nuances and historical echoes embedded in every syllable.

In the Philippines, language isn't just a means of communication; it's a living art form. The ability to navigate the linguistic tapestry became a testament to adaptability, a skill honed not just in the classrooms but in the vibrant markets, traditional festivals, and natural wonders that define this archipelago.

As I reflect on my time as a language student in the Philippines, I carry with me not just the words and phrases but the stories embedded in each dialect. It's a journey that goes beyond textbooks, inviting me to understand the nation's soul through the lyrical beauty of its languages—a journey where critical and creative thinking converged to unravel the intricate threads of communication in this tropical paradise.

[niyanao]

love — a subject .

i hate talking about personal things like this !! (proceeds to talk about personal things like this)

but seriously, i don't think anyone reads my entries yet and i just wanna dump my feelings so this is my journal page and i do what i want ! anyways, here's my second journal entry, about my experiences with love and loss and everything in between <3

where i start is, who i am as a person. after all, why love something if you have no idea what it is right ? anyway, i've never been a very extroverted person, me being an introvert can be up to debate, but one thing, i'm horrible at speaking to strangers and people who intimidate me. i always preferred being comfortable with 1 person rather than having a friend group, and i guess that's where some of my love stems from. 

i've had four exes so far, though i could say all of them are wonderful people .

— my first love was an online relationship, she lived in davao and i lived in manila, despite us not being that close, it was very heartwarming. sadly, had to end the relationship because of her strict father and his religious beliefs preventing us from merely talking to each other. i would really love to relive that moment in my life again.

— one from a friend that i still know up until now, i liked the bond between us, but to my fault, i misinterpreted that as romantic and just a mere-coping mechanism to breaking up from the first relationship. i realized this and sadly ended my second relationship and i hurt him, to that, i'm still sorry.

— the third one, february this year. i never thought i could be loved. but i guess an inter-class soiree/prom-ish with another school made me believe otherwise again. i found her quite attractive and a fun person to talk to that we'd talk for hours about random stuff. worst mistake i ever made was to confess that i liked her that much on the same night where we first met, maybe i wouldn't be in a different position now. we were two busy students, but she always found the time to talk to me. now i feel like a horrible person because i barely took the effort to reciprocate that, even though i still loved her so much. i'm sorry, and i never wanted to use you.

— most recently, him. another dear friend of mine, he stuck by me through thick and thin, for the past 3 years. i was so hopeful and always pursued to be perfect, and tried my best to learn from past mistakes of my previous relationships to make this work because i really did love him, and i didn't want to lose him. he's a few years older than me, so pretty much more mature than any facade i can put up. i always loved the midnight chats, where we would talk while you were drawing, i would talk about my problems and you for yours. my heart still aches thinking about it, but the world doesn't stop because my world did.

how i wish everyday to be loved, instead of the person who loves. gosh, i'm so tired of love at this point, and i feel very drained whenever i think about someone i remotely like. other than relationships that came and went, i faced a lot of rejections from people either. despite my heart being crushed and broken countless times, i still continue to blindly fall in love with people. i want to constantly improve myself for the next person to come so that they feel warm and welcomed. but of course, why chase butterflies if you can build your own beautiful garden? a garden so beautiful you wouldn't need to chase butterflies anymore and still be at peace. i've learned so much from the people that i look up to, that i shouldn't really beat myself up that much. god, how stupid am i to give the same advice to my friend to not do that, even if i do that to myself a lot. it's always the fact that i have a hard time loving myself, i guess that's why i think it's hard to love me. 

i want to improve on that, even though it's natural for someone like me to continue doing that. i experience so much envy and dysphoria from day-to-day life that i've forgotten to look into the mirror and appreciate what's there. but i never had. i always see — her. a perfect me. beautiful, cute, smart. or what i want there to be.

but hey, with the help of some people, i've been trying to be at peace with what i am now, but i can't ever help feeling alone.

i really like this poem from my former english teacher. "when love arrives" by sarah kay and phil kaye really touched me because of so much heart-melting lines, like:

"If love leaves, ask her to leave the door open behind her. Turn off the music, listen to the quiet, whisper, “Thank you. Thank you for stopping by.”"

— nao

[rosesarereds-posts]

Municipality mabini davao de oro

Mabini is a fourth-class municipality in Davao de Oro, Philippines, located approximately 107 kilometers from Davao City. Its land area is 165.23 square kilometers, consisting of 16 barangays that are predominantly agricultural in nature, cultivating major crops such as rice, coconut, corn, and banana. Mabini also boasts natural attractions, including hot springs, waterfalls, and caves, which are gaining popularity in the tourism industry. The Tagbibinta Falls is one of the must-see destinations in Mabini. Emerson luego is the municipal mayor, while the municipal council comprises eight members whose responsibilities include enacting local laws and policies for the municipality's progress and development.

#Artdave #Creative nonfiction #literary journalism

[thoughtsoffeliz]

STORM MAKES MAN

An Autobiography

When I was a child, I keep thinking that life is beautiful and worthwhile living, not until I grew up and realized greater things in real life. My name is Rhonan Bacalla Gabica, born on April 17, 2003 residing at Purok Mauswagon, Brgy. Cuambog, Mabini Davao de Oro. Furthermore, I am currently 19 year old and studying at Mabini National High School as Grade-12 student under the academic strand of Humanities and Social Sciences.

My motto in life is, "The greatest glory is not never falling, but in rising everytime we fall". Life taught me greatest lessons because it gives me tests that I won and failed; I've learned that losing and winning is not the important thing at all, but is the experience.

In elementary, I went in Cabuyoan Elementary School where I learned my primary lessons and got foreknowledge of what life has to offer. It is where I started learning, asking, wondering, and anticipating things that are esoteric. I graduated my elementary on April 05, 2017 with flying colors. I was awarded as "Batang Masigasig" or supposedly "Valedictorian" but was modified due to the amendment of DepEd Curriculum. Moreover, I also received academic award which is the "Quizzer of the year" for I have won the Quiz bee competition in 'Hekasi' in District level and awarded as the Champion.

Nevertheless, my achievements were not a product of mere intelligence but because of the tensions and pressure I have been feeling and dealing in life that results to perseverance and determination, and then paid off by my accomplishments. I have attained my elementary's achievements by the reason of financial misfortune, family status, and messy relationship within my family; they've served as my fuel to keep running in life with passion, desire, and dreams. Therefore, the harder the conflict, the sweeter the reward.

There are times that I go to school without penny inside my pocket, without food for my lunch, and even not able to buy any food at the canteen because of poverty; we are marginalized and disenfranchised. My parents do not have a stable job, the reason why they can't give us money sometimes. Together with me in elementary were my two older brothers. My father's job are varied; he could be farmer, construction worker, and tricycle driver. On the other hand, my mother is only a house wife and unemployed.

When we were in junior high, me and my older brother were in Grade 7 and the older one is in Grade 9. Unfortunately, both of them had stopped and decided not to continue because of financial issue. So, I was expected by many to be the only one that could be successful on our family. There are also times that I wanted to give up by the same reason but then I chose to fight and work hard just to revoke the curse of poverty.

Despite of all the trials and problems I faced, I finished Junior High with consecutive honors and other awards. Hence, life's pressures and burden are conquerable when virtue is in presence. I believe indeed that, "Greater things goes under pressure" and I'm way nearer and closer to my dreams now. I'll fight, stand, and rise, come what may.