#fuentes manila

[poemaseletras]

ENCONTRE UM AUTOR:

Envie sugestões. Leia uma citação no modo aleatório.

Autores Desconhecidos

Adélia Prado

Adrian Tchaikovsky

Affonso Romano de Sant’anna

Alain de Botton

Albert Einstein

Aldous Huxley

Alexander Pushkin

Amanda Gorman

Anaïs Nin

Andy Warhol

Andy Wootea

Anna Quindlen

Anne Frank

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Aristóteles

Arnaldo Jabor

Arthur Schopenhauer

Augusto Cury

Ben Howard

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Benjamin Rush

Bill Keane

Bob Dylan

Brigitte Nicole

C. JoyBell C.

C.S. Lewis

Carl Jung

Carlos Drummond de Andrade

Carlos Fuentes

Carol Ann Duffy

Carol Rifka Brunt

Carolina Maria de Jesus

Caroline Kennedy

Cassandra Clare

Cecelia Ahern

Cecília Meireles

Cesare Pavese

Charles Baudelaire

Charles Chaplin

Charlotte Nsingi

Cheryl Strayed

Clarice Lispector

Claude Debussy

Coco Chanel

Connor Franta

Coolleen Hoover

Cora Coralina

Czesław Miłosz

Dale Carnegie

David Hume

Deborah Levy

Djuna Barnes

Dmitri Shostakovich

Douglas Coupland

Dream Hampton

E. E. Cummings

E. Grin

E. Lockhart

EA Bucchianeri

Edith Wharton

Ekta Somera

Elbert Hubbard

Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Strout

Emile Coue

Emily Brontë

Ernest Hemingway

Esther Hicks

Faraaz Kazi

Farah Gabdon

Fernando Pessoa

Fiódor Dostoiévski

Florbela Espanca

Franz Kafka

Frédéric Chopin

Fredrik Backman

Friedrich Nietzsche

Galileu Galilei

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

George Orwell  

Hafiz

Hanif Abdurraqib

Helen Oyeyemi

Henry Miller

Henry Rollins

Hilda Hilst

Iain Thomas

Immanuel Kant

Jacki Joyner-Kersee

James Baldwin

James Patterson

Jane Austen

Jean Jacques Rousseau

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Jean-Paul Sartre

Jeremy Hammond

JK Rowling

João Guimarães Rosa

Joe Brock

Johannes Brahms

John Banville

John C. Maxwell

John Green

John Wooden

Jojo Moyes

Jorge Amado

José Leite Lopes

Joy Harjo

Juan Ramón Jiménez

Juansen Dizon

Katrina Mayer

Kurt Cobain

L.J. Smith

L.M. Montgomery

Leo Tolstoy

Lisa Kleypas

Lord Byron

Lord Huron

Louise Glück

Lucille Clifton

Ludwig van Beethoven

Lya Luft

Machado de Assis

Maggi Myers

Mahmoud Darwish

Manila Luzon

Manuel Bandeira

Marcel Proust

Margaret Mead

Marina Abramović

Mario Quintana

Mark Yakich

Marla de Queiroz

Martha Medeiros

Martin Luther King

Mary Oliver

Mattia

Maya Angelou

Mehdi Akhavan-Sales

Melissa Cox

Michaela Chung

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Mitch Albom

N.K. Jemisin

Neal Shusterman

Neil Gaiman

Nicholas Sparks

Nietzsche

Nikita Gill

Nora Roberts

Ocean Vuong

Osho

Pablo Neruda

Patrick Rothfuss

Patti Smith

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Leminski

Perina

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Phil Good

Pierre Ronsard

Platão

Poe

R.M. Drake

Raamai

Rabindranath Tagore

Rachel de Queiroz

Ralph Emerson

Raymond Chandler

René Descartes

Reyna Biddy

Richard Kadrey

Richard Wagner

Ritu Ghatourey

Roald Dahl

Robert Schumann

Roy T. Bennett

Rumi

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Sage Francis

Séneca

Sérgio Vaz

Shirley Jackson

Sigmund Freud

Simone de Beauvoir

Spike Jonze

Stars Go Dim

Steve Jobs

Stephen Chbosky

Stevie Nicks

Sumaiya

Susan Gale

Sydney J. Harris

Sylvester McNutt

Sylvia Plath

Sysanna Kaysen  

Ted Chiang

Thomas Keneally

Thomas Mann

Truman Capote

Tyler Knott Gregson

Veronica Roth

Victor Hugo

Vincent van Gogh

Virgílio Ferreira

Virginia Woolf

Vladimir Nabokov

Voltaire

Wale Ayinla

Warsan Shire

William C. Hannan

William Shakespeare

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Yasmin Mogahed

Yoke Lore

Yoko Ogawa

[taeminsp]

10.10.2024 | 241010

Mensaje de Taemin publicado por DNM Entertainment anunciando la llegada de su gira '2024 TAEMIN WORLD TOUR [Ephemeral Gaze]' a Manila.

🌐Fuente: 🔗IG — 🔗X

Pre-venta para miembros:

⏰ 18 de Octubre 2024 | 12 NN - 11 PM

Venta de entradas general:

⏰ 19 de Octubre 2024 | 12 NN

Información del concierto

📆 24 de Noviembre 2024 🕖 6:00 PM

📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

🎫 Venga de entradas en: TicketNet

[kny-tai]

Santa Cruz, Manila

Part 01 : The Cemeteries

Amidst the vibrant chaos of urban life in Manila, one can discover a solemn sanctuary that whispers tales of the past - the old cemeteries of Santa Cruz. As a district veiled in both melancholy and forgotten grace. Its old cemeteries, like missing chapters of a novel, exude a sense of neglect and abandonment.

In this corner of Santa Cruz, the once-pristine graves, now weathered and crumbling, bear witness to lives left untended and memories lost to time's relentless passage. Here, amidst the faded epitaphs and mossy stones, the echoes of forgotten souls whisper, the weight of unspoken stories hangs heavy in the air, yearning for the solace of remembrance.

Image above: Manila North Cemetery

Image below: Manila Chinese Cemetery

The old cemeteries of Santa Cruz are veritable archives of the human experience, where the past's timeless beauty reveals itself amidst gravestones and mausoleums. Here, Manila's history finds a poignant resting place, etched in the city's collective memory of life and death.

“For the forgotten dead, both heroes and nobles, Lacrimosa Santa Cruz, by their tombs she trembles.”

Part 02 : From “Congratulations” to “Condolence”

Santa Cruz, like a faithful companion throughout the journey from birth to death, whispers its sentiments through the language of flowers - a silent communication that speaks volumes.

In the northern expanse of this district, a somber path unfolds, lined with hospitals and medical establishments that gradually give way to the solemnity of cemeteries.

This slender district, resembling an aisle, gracefully escorts you along its hallow avenue, accompanying you until the very end, akin to a devoted guide on this transformative passage of life.

Part 03 : Fuente de Vida

At the southern part of Santa Cruz, where the bustling streets converge in a symphony of chaos and vitality, stands the Carriedo Fountain in Plaza Santa Cruz. Here, amidst the cacophony of hurried footsteps and blaring horns, a testament to vigor and life emerges, defying the somber ambiance that envelops the district's northern realms of cemeteries and hospitals.

The fountain becomes an audacious centerpiece, its cascading waters dance with fervor, a metaphorical rebellion against the relentless flow of time. Its grandeur is a stark contrast to the humble dwellings and makeshift stalls that populate the vibrant streets nearby, mirroring the chaotic rhythm of the surrounding urban theater.

Amidst the unapologetic raucous and vivacious surroundings, the Carriedo Fountain stands tall, a testament to the indomitable human spirit that thrives even in the most tumultuous of circumstances.

[ao3feed-berlermo]

body and soul // tokyos tale

body and soul // tokyo’s tale https://archiveofourown.org/works/47839624 by bluehearts2x

Growing old in a prison cell wasn’t for me. I’d rather be on the run. Body and soul. And if I can’t run with my body, at least let my soul be free. The full story of Silene Oliveira told from Tokyo’s POV.

Words: 1619, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Major Character Death

Categories: Multi

Characters: Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Rio | Aníbal Cortés, Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez, Denver | Daniel Ramos, Stockholm | Mónica Gaztambide, Professor | Sergio Marquina, Lisbon | Raquel Murillo Fuentes, Berlin | Andrés de Fonollosa, Palermo | Martín Berrote, Helsinki | Mirko Dragic, Oslo | Radko Dragic, Moscow | Agustín Ramos, Bogotá | Santiago López, Manila | Julia Martínez, Marseille | Jakov (La casa de papel), Alicia Sierra, César Gandía, Luis Tamayo, Arturo Román, Alison Parker (La casa de papel)

Relationships: Rio | Aníbal Cortés/Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, René/Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez/Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Denver | Daniel Ramos & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Denver | Daniel Ramos/Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Professor | Sergio Marquina & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Lisbon | Raquel Murillo Fuentes & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Berlin | Andrés de Fonollosa & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Palermo | Martín Berrote & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Helsinki | Mirko Dragic & Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Tokyo | Silene Oliveira & Moscow | Agustín Ramos, Tokyo | Silene Oliveira & Stockholm | Mónica Gaztambide, Tokyo | Silene Oliveira & Manila | Julia Martínez, Denver | Daniel Ramos/Stockholm | Mónica Gaztambide, Lisbon | Raquel Murillo Fuentes/Professor | Sergio Marquina, Berlin | Andrés de Fonollosa/Palermo | Martín Berrote, Helsinki | Mirko Dragic/Palermo | Martín Berrote, Bogotá | Santiago López/Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez, Helsinki | Mirko Dragic & Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez, Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez & Stockholm | Mónica Gaztambide, Tokyo | Silene Oliveira & Alison Parker (La casa de papel), Tokyo | Silene Oliveira/Alison Parker (La casa de papel), Rio | Aníbal Cortés & Alison Parker (La casa de papel)

[takeoffphilippines]

Watsons Brings Vaccine Education In A Fun And Engaging Way With SPIT Manila And Medical Experts

Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer in the Philippines, recently held an engaging vaccination awareness event in partnership with the popular improv group SPIT Manila titled "As A Matter of Vaxx: Get Your Vaccine Facts Straight" The event took place on October 15, 2024, at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater in RCBC Plaza.

The program kicked off with a panel discussion featuring esteemed medical experts who shared their insights on the crucial role of vaccines in preventing diseases and maintaining public health. The panel included Dr. Minette Claire Rosario, M.D., Chair of the Adult Immunization Committee (2019-2023) of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Dr. Cristina Alberto, M.D., Board Member of the Philippine Vaccination Foundation; Dr. Gilinezabel De La Fuente, M.D., from the Community Pediatrics Society of the Philippines; and Dr. Nicole Anne Buenavista, Board of Trustee of the Philippine Digital Medicine Society. The discussion was facilitated by medical content creator Dr. Kilimanjaro Tiwaquen, popularly known as Doc Kilimanguru. Brand partners from GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Exeltis, Pfizer, and Unilab were present to support the event.

The experts provided valuable information on the benefits of vaccines, addressing common misconceptions and myths surrounding immunization. They emphasized that vaccines help in creating a healthier community as they are safe, effective, and necessary to protect against illnesses such as flu, pneumonia, HPV, shingles, and hepatitis B. By debunking misinformation and presenting accurate facts, the doctors aimed to equip the audience with a better understanding of why vaccines are a vital component of public health.

Following the insightful discussion, SPIT Manila brought a dynamic and engaging approach to the topic of vaccination. Through interactive skits, fun segments, and audience participation. The improv group made the serious topic of vaccination more relatable, ensuring attendees absorbed the key messages in an engaging and enjoyable way. Actress and comedian Rufa Mae Quinto has also graced the event and joined the group’s performance.

“Vaccinations are a crucial line of defense against outbreaks. Getting vaccinated is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community. This is the message we wanted to drive home with this initiative. We hope that by bringing medical experts and engaging acts from SPIT Manila together, we can encourage more people to get vaccinated and help dispel common misconceptions and myths surrounding immunization,” said Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons Philippines.

Check the vaccination schedule and book your appointment online at https://os.watsons.com.ph/VASS_UI/AppointmentBooking. You can also inquire via Watsons' official Facebook Messenger and book appointments at select Watsons stores, with options available for walk-ins. Available vaccines include 2024 Flu, Pneumonia 13, Pneumonia 23, HPV4, Shingles, and Hepatitis B.

Healthcare needs? Find it at Watsons! Shop for vitamins, supplements and medicines offline and online by visiting any of the 1,100+ Watsons stores nationwide or by downloading the Watsons app at http://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp.

—

📧 If you wish to send an invite and feature your province/company brand/event; Just ask the author of this vlog, email us at team.takeoffph@gmail.com

Follow our Social Media Accounts: Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/TakeOffPHBlog

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Website: https://takeoffphilippines.com

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[gonzalo-obes]

IMAGENES Y DATOS INTERESANTES DEL DIA 6 DE JULIO DE 2024

Día Internacional de Los Beatles, Día Internacional de las Cooperativas, Día Mundial de la Zoonosis, Día Internacional del Beso Robado, Año Internacional de los Camélidos.

San Isaias, Santa Goretti, San Norberto y Santa Dominica.

Tal día como hoy en el año 2013

Explota un tren cargado de petróleo al paso por el centro de la localidad de Lac-Mégantic, al sur de Canadá, causando la muerte al menos a 50 personas (20 confirmadas y 30 desaparecidas).

1988

Explota la plataforma petrolífera Piper Alpha, en el Mar del Norte, a unos 180 km de la Costa de Aberdeen (Escocia). A lo que siguió un incendio y hundimiento de la torre de perforación. Ciento sesenta y seis hombres perdieron la vida más uno al día siguiente. Casi todos los supervivientes tenían fracturas y quemaduras.

1967

La República de Biafra, que hasta hace cinco semanas ha formado parte de Nigeria, es atacada por el ejército del gobierno nigeriano. Durante los combates, el recién creado Estado perderá sus campos petrolíferos, fuente principal de ingresos, y como consecuencia un millón de personas morirán de hambre al carecer de recursos para la compra de alimentos. Tres años más tarde, en 1970, Biafra se rendirá ante Nigeria. (Hace 57 años)

1923

Entra en vigor la primera Constitución de la URSS, en la cual quedan separadas y delimitadas las competencias de la Unión y de las Repúblicas consagrando el predominio de Rusia sobre el conjunto de pueblos que hasta hace poco han compuesto el imperio zarista. Las repúblicas que en teoría disponen del derecho a abandonar la federación, carecen de competencia en planificación económica o en defensa territorial. El órgano supremo del Estado será el congreso de los soviets, de cuyo seno saldrá un comité ejecutivo que designará un presidente. Este cargo recaerá por primera vez sobre Vladimir Ilich Lenin. En enero de 1924 Lenin morirá a los 53 años de edad a consecuencia de unos infartos cerebrales, el penúltimo de los cuales lo dejará postrado en la cama sin posibilidad de hablar. Correrán rumores de que murió sífilis. (Hace 101 años)

1885

En Francia, Joseph Meister, un joven mordido por un perro rabioso se convierte en el primer ser humano que salva su vida gracias a la técnica empleada por Louis Pasteur, al inocularle, por medio de una vacuna, el virus de la rabia debilitado, un virus que ataca a casi todos los mamíferos destruyendo las células del sistema nervioso. (Hace 139 años)

1876

En Canadá y tras la colocación del último clavo en la vía férrea, queda inaugurado, después de siete años de durísimo trabajo, los 4.674 km de raíles que unen por ferrocarril las costas del Atlántico y del Pacífico. (Hace 148 años)

1854

En una Convención Nacional celebrada en la ciudad de Jackson, Estados Unidos, se funda el Partido Republicano que se declara contrario a la esclavitud. (Hace 170 años)

1770

Los rusos destruyen la flota otomana en la batalla naval de Çesme, frente a la costa de Anatolia, acelerando la política de Catalina II de desmembrar el imperio turco. (Hace 254 años)

1763

Mediante el tratado de paz de París, España recupera el puerto de La Habana y la ciudad de Manila de manos británicas. (Hace 261 años)

1630

Gustavo II, rey de Suecia, desembarca en Pomerania (Polonia) y toma partido en la "Guerra de los Treinta Años" a favor de los protestantes. Comienza así el Período Sueco, tercera etapa de la "Guerra de los Treinta Años". (Hace 394 años)

1573

En la actual provincia de Córdoba (Argentina), el adelantado español Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera funda en la margen izquierda del río Suquía, en un paraje llamado Quisquisacate, la aldea de Córdoba La Llana de la Nueva Andalucía. En 1599, llegarán los religiosos Jesuitas instalándose allí para hacer de estas tierras su punto central para la evangelización. (Hace 451 años)

371aC

En Grecia acontece la Batalla de Leuctra donde el ejército tebano de Epaminondas se enfreta a los espartanos de Cleómbroto I, terminando con la derrota espartana, en lo que será el comienzo de la hegemonía tebana y el inicio del declive de la influencia política de Esparta, alterando el balance de poder existente en Grecia central. Tebas comenzará su invasión del Peloponeso. (Hace 2395 años)

[wendellcapili]

I am proud of my dear friend Joey Albert, who flew to Manila for gigs and shows. She was a guest at Pops Fernandez's anniversary concert at Solaire last week. She had a Valentine's Concert at Manila House last night. Tomorrow evening, she will be with The Company and several other performers for the Wish 107.5 FM Tides Concert at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Millennials may not remember that Joey is the original vocalist behind some of the songs they grew up with, including:

Louie Ocampo and Allan Ayque's "Tell Me"

Jose Mari Chan's "I Remember the Boy"

Danny Tan and Jose Javier Reyes's "Iisa pa lamang"

Louie Ocampo and Freddie Santos's "Memories"

Louie Ocampo and Freddie Santos's "Points of View" (her iconic duet with Pops Fernandez)

Louie Ocampo and Freddie Santos's "Yakapin mo ako"

Louie Ocampo and Joey Albert's "Ikaw lang ang mamahalin"

Louie Ocampo, Joey Albert, and Janice de Belen's "It's Over Now"

Louie Ocampo and Jim Millbower's "Without You"

Cris Kuizon's "Say you're mine"

Robert More's “Million Miles Away"

Gerry Paraiso's "Over and Over"

Cecile Azarcon's "Goodbye"

Odette Quesada’s “Loving you” Ray-Ann Fuentes's "Porma ng porma"

Tony Perez and Allan Ayque's "Back in My Arms"

Luigi de Dios and Rina Caniza's "Only a mem'ry."

Luigi de Dios and Rina Caniza's "Roses in the Rain"

Luigi de Dios and Rina Caniza's "Brief Encounter"

Jose La Vina's "Just for a while"

Paola Luz's "How can I make you see"

Joey Albert's "Paano Sasabihin"

Archie Castillo and Onie Zamora's "Sa aking pagbabalik"

Manoling V. Francisco S.J., Silvino Borres and Philip Gan's "Sa 'yo lamang"

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and Jose Javier Reyes's "Kumukutitap."

Vancouver-based, she survived three cancers and continues to sing and write music, largely to support the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross-YMC, a Filipino Religious Congregation for priests and brothers founded in 1976 by Joey's mom, Mrs. Leticia Tordesillas Albert ( https://marian-missionaries.com/aboutus.html / https://www.facebook.com/mmhcymcofficial )

2024 marks her 43rd year as a musical artist. After listening to her latest single, Kundimang Kupas (By Robert More, composer, and lyricist of her 1980s hit, "A Million Miles Away"), I am convinced there are greater reasons why Joey Albert overcame her illnesses. Her meaning and purpose through music have empowered her to live.

[onwardop]

OP-Siena community celebrates Foundress Day

by Andrei Cabigao, OD Staffer

Two years in the pandemic, Dominicans from different OP-Siena Schools commemorate the death of Venerable Mo. Francisca Del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes, the foundress of the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena though virtually as they reminisce her works of charity for the sick, the poor, and the young.

As the CL/VE area led the opening salvo with Mr. Gerald Simbogan and Mr. Jayson Abuya as hosts, a simultaneous wreath-laying ceremony happened at Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila where Venerable Francisca's tomb lies.

Back here in school, Mr. Abuya and Mr. Simbogan facilitated a quiz bee on the life and virtues of Ven. Francisca via Kahoot in which Patricia Nicole Zafe of 12-Justice won the first place, Mel Christian Verona of 11-Sincerity clinched as second, and Jana Micyla Sarmiento of 10-Benevolence placed third.

“I had fun! [Hindi] ako aware sa [mga] mechanics kaya I went with the flow na lang the whole time," Zafe said in an interview with OD.

She also shared her journey from the start up to the virtual podium.

“But as I recalled what I reviewed last night and what we watched before the quiz bee, which was about the life of Mo. Francisca, it somehow inspired na hindi pa naman tapos, ang dami pang puwedeng mangyari so kaya pa ‘yan," she added.

Afterwards, Fr. Filemon Dela Cruz, Jr., O.P presided a thanksgiving mass held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Quezon City.

Fr. Dela Cruz, OP. reminded about the real purpose of commemorating one’s death - it is to continuously inspire others to be "venerable", and manifest the virtues Mo. Francisca lived by.

“Inspiration is something that can move you, something that can guide you...That is what Mother Francisca is for all of us,” he shared during his homily.

Finally in her closing remarks, Mo. Ma. Sofia Taguinod, O.P., the Prioress General of the Congregation, gave her words of gratitude to all Dominicans, faithful believers, and people who contributed to the successful virtual celebration for Venerable Mo. Francisca and continuously wishes for uniting everyone’s heart, mind, and soul.#

photos courtesy of Mr. Erwin J. Calilap, School Paper Adviser (English) and students from Grade 10 Benevolence

[kwavecl]

Super Junior D&E anuncian fechas y ciudades para gira mundial fan-con “DElight PARTY”.

Marca tu calendario: ¡Super Junior D&E se está preparando para celebrar conciertos-fanmeeting a partir del mes que viene!

El 15 de mayo, la unidad, que está formada por Donghae y Eunhyuk de Super Junior, anunció oficialmente la primera serie de fechas y ciudades para su próxima gira mundial fan-con “DElight PARTY” en su recién estrenada cuenta de Twitter.

La gira mundial comenzará en Seúl los días 24 y 25 de junio, y después, la unidad se reunirá con fans de todo el mundo en 6 regiones, incluyendo Taipei, Bangkok, Yakarta, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur y Manila. El póster también insinúa la posibilidad de que se anuncien más fechas y lugares más adelante.

¡Consulta las fechas y ciudades a continuación!

Los dos miembros de Super Junior lanzaron su primer sencillo “Oppa, Oppa” en 2011. El regreso más reciente del dúo fue su primer álbum de estudio “COUNTDOWN“, que se lanzó en 2021 para celebrar el décimo aniversario del debut de Super Junior D&E.

Hoy mismo (15 de mayo), Super Junior D&E abrieron su propia cuenta oficial de Twitter como unidad, insinuando un posible regreso de la unidad o promociones.

Donghae también se está preparando para protagonizar la nueva comedia romántica “Oh! Youngsim”, que se estrena el 15 de mayo y estará disponible en Viki.

Fuente: soompi.com

[taeminsp]

26.10.2023 | 231026

Vídeo resumen de la actuación de Taemin en el concierto "K-MAGIC Live" (celebrado el 13 de Octubre 2023 en Manila), publicado en la cuenta oficial de ©️OctoArts Entertainment.

🔗Fuente

[claudiosuenaga]

O disco voador no caderno do Professor e outras perguntas sem respostas no final de La Casa de Papel

Atenção, spoilers!

Na cena que se passa no centro de Madrid, cinco anos antes da pilhagem à reserva de 90 toneladas de ouro no Banco Central da Espanha, Sergio Marquina, o "Professor" (Álvaro Morte), rabisca em seu caderno pouco antes de iniciar a conversa com seu irmão Andrés de Fonollosa, o Berlim (Pedro Alonso), e o filho deste e seu sobrinho Rafael (Patrick Criado), conversa no qual explica que sua tendência aos atracos é genética e vem de família.

Pois bem, vemos rapidamente e de relance nesse caderno o diagrama de um disco voador rodeado de círculos e setas a indicar ser ele movido por força magnética. Será que a genialidade do Professor beiraria a de um Tesla ou teria ele feito esse desenho apenas por passatempo? O que os produtores da série quiseram sugerir com isso? Fica a questão.

Mas muitas outras questões ficaram irrespondidas na série da Netflix criada por Álex Pina que acabou de encerrar-se em definitivo depois de três temporadas com a tão aguardada parte 5, Vol. 2, que estreou neste último 3 de dezembro, a despeito de muitas pontas soltas terem sido amarradas e os loops e flashbacks convergido. A história que parecia ter sido esgotada ao máximo depois de superexplorada - um tanto forçadamente, para aproveitar e capitalizar a popularidade da série - ao fim do exitoso golpe na Casa da Moeda na primeira temporada em 2017, enriqueceu-se com novas nuances do passado dos personagens que pretendeu explicar e justificar o motivo de suas ações.

Finais de filmes e seriados dificilmente são inteiramente satisfatórios, ainda mais quando se tratam de sequências e envolvem uma série de variantes e possibilidades como La Casa de Papel.

Pessoalmente achei a resolução do imbróglio bastante engenhoso, mas o desfecho bastante decepcionante, por contraditório que seja. Depois de tantos discursos e lutas contra o sistema, de tanto idealismo manifestado que elevaram o Professor e demais membros da gangue a símbolos máximos da resistência a se projetarem na vida real, não houve nenhuma revolução, mas ficou apenas uma sensação de alívio por não terem sido massacrados e a Espanha não ter sucumbido a um crash econômico. O sistema capitalista que era, em última instância, o principal oponente a ser batido, saiu como o grande vencedor no final, mais firme e forte do que nunca.

O Professor e seus companheiros não foram o Robin Hood esperado, e o ouro não foi dividindo com o proletariado. E sequer ficou-se sabendo ao certo onde acabou o ouro. Permaneceu enterrado sob a casa pré-fabricada? No Banco Central ficou o ouro de latão ou aquele era o ouro verdadeiro? A resposta estaria no bilhete que o Professor escreveu para o sobrinho Rafael?

O diálogo-chave que revelou e sintetizou a concessão que os roteiristas e produtores da série tiveram que fazer ao sistema para que eles mesmos, partes do sistema, pudessem se justificar e se reconciliar com ele e seguirem com suas vidas, é aquele em que o Professor, encurralado, tenta convencer o coronel Luis Tamayo (Fernando Cayo), líder das operações policiais, a aceitar um acordo para que ambas as partes saíssem beneficiadas ou menos prejudicadas: "ou ganhamos nós dois, ou perdemos nós dois".

Tamayo acaba aceitando e acordo e diz ao público que a crise financeira da Espanha acabou e que o Professor, Raquel Murillo Fuentes, a Lisboa (Itziar Ituño), Mirko Dragic, o Helsinque (Darko Peric), Bogotá (Hovik Keuchkerian), Aníbal Cortés, o Rio (Miguel Herrán), Matías Caño, o Pamplona (Ahikar Azcona), Mónica Gaztambide, a ​​Estocolmo (Esther Acebo), Julia, a Manila (Belén Cuesta), e Martín Barroti, o Palermo (Rodrigo De la Serna), foram mortos por resistir. Vários sacos de cadáveres são transportados para fora do banco e para as ambulâncias. Logo depois, a multidão de seus apoiadores começa a lamentar suas aparentes mortes.

E é assim que o Professor consegue encerrar a guerra e evitar que mais deles morressem e ainda escapassem livres e anistiados, com novas identidades e com o ouro, se é que ficaram mesmo com o ouro. Por outro lado, Tamayo, que cometeu atos de corrupção e teve atitudes deploráveis que ultrapassaram os limites, com a mentira contada ao público, mentira essa elaborada pelo próprio Professor, saiu de cena como um herói nacional, sem que tivesse pagado pelos seus crimes ou tivesse um destino miserável.

Portanto, final surpreendente, engenhoso e ao mesmo tempo decepcionante, com o Professor chantageando o governo da Espanha e transformando-os em praticamente testemunhas protegidas sob o preço da "regeneração" de Tamayo, realizando assim o processo de transformação alquímico da maçonaria, ou seja, de chumbo em ouro. Mais do que uma metáfora ou uma simbologia, a aplicação da magia oculta das sociedades secretas em si.

Assim como todos os personagens da série se afeiçoaram pelo Professor e passaram a acreditar nele, até seus mais ferrenhos e obstinados oponentes, nós também, e como eles ficamos com a sensação de que de alguma forma fomos enganados. Como no "jogo de poker", o Professor blefou e limpou a banca.

Seus pupilos foram de alguma e de várias formas bastante enganados, e azar daqueles que pagaram com a vida. A sensação que ficou é que pela dimensão que adquiriram, mereciam eles finais mais grandiloquentes. Ágata Jiménez, a Nairóbi (Alba Flores), foi a alma do bando na primeira temporada, e o seu destino nas mãos de César Gandía (José Manuel Poga), da forma como aconteceu, não parece fazer jus a ela. Agustín Ramo, o Moscou (Paco Tous), Silene Oliveira, a Tóquio (Úrsula Corberó), bem como Berlim, por exemplo, morreram se sacrificando por um bem maior, ao passo que a mesma opção foi tirada de Nairóbi, que era tão corajosa e denodada quanto os demais colegas.

Por falar na maravilhosa Tóquio, sua morte foi inconsolável, e muitos como eu certamente jamais teriam feito essa opção, até para não tirar grande parte do interesse que ainda se tinha pela série. Junto com ela foram vários fãs e a teoria de que ela seria a única sobrevivente no final, já que era a narradora-protagonista em off, alguém que supostamente teria restado depois de todos os outros terem sucumbido. Mas não, era então uma espécie de "defunto-autor", como em Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas, o primeiro romance realista de Machado de Assis e que inaugurou o realismo no Brasil, em 1881.

No flashback que mostra o Professor presenciando a morte do pai, que era um assaltante de banco, assim como ele e Berlim, vemos o protagonista contando para Rafael que nasceu em uma família de ladrões, que é um ladrão e que espera, um dia, ser pai de um ladrão, uma motivação bem mais pessoal do que o discurso sobre a resistência. Ou seja, o Professor, para dar vazão ao seu capricho impelido pela sua "sanha genética", para "honrar" a tradição familiar, resolveu "brincar" com as autoridades e desafiá-las para ver se estavam à altura de sua genialidade, sem se importar com os traumas que deixaria nos reféns que fizeram e que podiam ser todos massacrados na intervenção policial. A troca de tiros, de qualquer forma, causou a morte de muitos, inclusive de membros da gangue, deixou outros feridos e traumatizados, e por fim quase arrastou a Espanha para uma grave crise econômica.

Claro que se trata apenas de um enredo de uma série e que muito ou quase tudo tem um sentido muito mais referencial e artístico do que propriamente escorado na vida real. Seria inverossímil que não houvesse uma intervenção muito mais pesada do que vimos por parte do governo caso houvesse uma tentativa de pilhagem à reserva de ouro de um país, e que as autoridades, como fez Tamayo, simplesmente deixariam uma gangue ir embora e ainda sob escolta com toda a reserva financeira do país apenas para encerrar um roubo. Ademais, se 90 toneladas de ouro ainda estivessem lá fora, as autoridades jamais descansariam enquanto não as recuperassem e não prendessem os responsáveis pelo seu sumiço, o que não seria difícil, já que, mesmo com novas identidades, eles eram todos mundialmente conhecidos, e em um mundo globalizado e tecnológico, qualquer um poderia reconhecê-los e entregá-los.

Franquias sem fim se sucedem ao gosto e demanda do público, e é quase certo que produções futuras, como o já anunciado spin-off de Berlim, que contará a origem do amado personagem, irão explorar à exaustão todas as questões deixadas em aberto por La Casa de Papel.

[ao3feed-berlermo]

The time when Martin&Raquel woke up in a bush

The time when Martin&Raquel woke up in a bush https://archiveofourown.org/works/49109323 by Nope_Noneed

Martin shok her a bit before she get up with a sign that sounded hella like fuck. Martin: “Good morning hermana! How do you feel” Raquel: “Fuck.. Where are we” Martin: “I have absolutely no idea- just woke up” And he started to laugh Or: a hungover Raquel wakes up next to a high Martin and they are in bush

Words: 3690, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, M/M

Characters: Palermo | Martín Berrote, Lisbon | Raquel Murillo Fuentes, Professor | Sergio Marquina, Berlin | Andrés de Fonollosa, Tokyo | Silene Oliveira, Rio | Aníbal Cortés, Denver | Daniel Ramos, Stockholm | Mónica Gaztambide, Bogotá | Santiago López, Marseille | Jakov (La casa de papel), Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez, Helsinki | Mirko Dragic, Manila | Julia Martínez

Relationships: Lisbon | Raquel Murillo Fuentes & Palermo | Martín Berrote, Berlin | Andrés de Fonollosa/Palermo | Martín Berrote, Lisbon | Raquel Murillo Fuentes/Professor | Sergio Marquina, Denver | Daniel Ramos/Stockholm | Mónica Gaztambide, Helsinki | Mirko Dragic & Nairobi | Ágata Jiménez

Additional Tags: Fluff and Humor, Attempt at Humor, Found Family, Alcohol, Past Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Non-Consensual Drug Use, its not bad as it sounds, Crack Treated Seriously, One Shot, Established Relationship

[cq18]

Filipino Dishes

Filipino cuisine is composed of the cuisines of more than a hundred distinct ethnolinguistic groups found throughout the Philippine archipelago.

Arroz Caldo

Arroz Caldo-Chicken Soup

While chicken soup soothes sick Westerners, Filipinos turn to arroz caldo, a thick chicken rice porridge.

Cooked with ginger and sometimes garnished with a hard-boiled egg, toasted garlic and green onions, this Filipino food is sold in street-side stalls.

If dining al fresco doesn't suit, there's the Via Mare outlets around Manila.

Ilocos Empanada

Ilocos Empanada

Yes, its name reveals its Spanish origins.

But its ingredients are all local.

Grated unripe papaya or bean sprouts, egg and loganiza (pork sausage) are stuffed in the empanada and deep fried, accompanied with a spicy vinegar sauce.

Get this staple Filipino food from stalls beside the cathedrals in Vigan and Laoag.

Bibingka

Bibingka

For many Filipinos, Christmas is marked by the scent of bibingkas cooking at dawn.

These rice cakes are made by soaking the rice overnight, grinding it with a mortar stone and mixing in coconut milk and sugar.

Laborious.

The batter is poured into clay pots with banana leaves, with coals on top and below.

It's garnished with salted eggs, kesong puti (white cheese made from Carabao's milk) and slathered with butter, sugar and grated coconut.

Best eaten hot from weekend markets.

The best one is from Aling Linda at the Sidcor Sunday Market at Centris Mall, Edsa, Quezon City.

For the rest of the week, there's Via Mare or Ferino's Bibingka with branches all over Metro Manila.

Turon

Turon

This fried banana with langka (jackfruit) all sealed in a lumpia wrapper is our version of a sweet spring roll.

It is peddled around the cities and towns for the perfect merienda (mid-morning or afternoon snack).

Pork Barbecue

Pork barbecue

In a country where almost everything is marinated, skewered and grilled in the street corners, everyone has their favorite barbecue meat.

Pork is the most popular.

Cebu is known for barbecue stalls along Larsian Street just off Fuente Osmena Circle.

Manila residents are addicted to that from Ineng's, which has many outlets in Metro Manila, for its big, chunky pieces of pork with a perfect, salty-sweet marinade.

If you haven't tried these dishes, you should now! And enjoy eating it with your family and friends!

[postalescolima]

La tuba, bebida refrescante con arraigo colimense.

La tuba es una bebida tradicional de Colima, pero tiene su origen en las Filipinas, desde donde llegó a México gracias a los viajes del Galeón de Manila.

Te contamos todo sobre la tuba, una bebida tradicional de Colima.

Orígenes de la tuba

En el siglo XVI el Galeón de Manila tocaba las playas colimenses con el fin de proveerse de limón —tan necesario para evitar el escorbuto entre sus pasajeros— también desembarcaba a grupos de trabajadores de las Filipinas que venían a cultivar los campos cañeros y arroceros de la región.

El intercambio de costumbres entre aquel país y el nuestro, hermanados por España, pronto dio sus frutos.

De acá les mandamos lo siguiente:

chocolate

tamales

tortillas

pozole

Y de allá nos enriquecieron, entre otras cosas, con “el mantón de Manila” y la tuba, palabra que viene del idioma filipino y que se refiere a una bebida nutritiva y refrescante extraída de la espiga de flores de la palma de coco.

Crónica de un tubero

Colima es un estado pequeño en superficie pero grande en tradiciones, una de las cuales es la extracción y comercialización de la tuba.

Don Cándido Zamora Verduzco, “tubero” de oficio desde los doce años, nos recibió en su casa, en las afueras de la ciudad de Colima, y sentados bajo la sombra de las palmeras de su pequeño huerto nos fue contando que fueron sus tíos quienes le enseñaron dicho oficio.

Para extraer la tuba primero hay que escoger la palmera “que tenga su edad”, que es cuando el “elote” (la espiga en flor cubierta por dos hojas grandes y gruesas) está a punto de abrir.

En la palma real india de color amarillo este brote madura a los seis años, en tanto que en la palma real verde lo hace a los ocho, aunque actualmente los agrónomos las hacen producir a los tres o cuatro años.

Don Cándido nos invitó a escoger una palmera para mostrarnos cómo es el proceso de la extracción de la tuba desde el principio.

Cuando la encontramos empezó alegremente a machetear el tronco, haciendo unos escalones para poder subir, y con una cuerda aseguró su cuerpo a la palmera.

Nos dijo que es peligroso subirse en tiempo de lluvias, pues el tronco se vuelve muy resbaloso; él nunca ha tenido una caída: “si te nace del alma trabajar en esto, pues con cuidado”.

Cómo se extrae

Cuando logró llegar a la parte de arriba nos mostró los tres “elotes”, dos chicos y el mayor, como de medio metro.

“Llega el día que abre”, pero antes de que esto suceda, en periodo tierno, como a los dos meses de edad, se amarra con un mecate para evitar que abra, y a los diez días se desata, se le quita el forro, es decir las dos hojas que cubren la espiga; ésta se lía suavemente y se guía torciéndose hacia abajo y amarrando la punta del mecate a una hoja de la palmera para mantenerla tensa, entonces se empieza a bajar.

“Cada día se le da un jaloncito para evitar que se quiebre, hay unas muy dóciles que se dejan bajar de una sola vez y otras que tienen la garganta corta y necesitan varios jalones; como en seis o siete días se bajan”.

Luego de esta demostración, don Cándido descendió ágilmente y seguimos nuestro interesante paseo.

Cuando encontró la palmera adecuada para seguir enseñándonos el proceso, tomó una de las ollas de barro que tiene destinadas a la recolección de la tuba y en un abrir y cerrar de ojos ya estaba arriba, listo para mostrarnos el paso siguiente en una espiga recién bajada.

Le desató la punta y de un tajo de cuchillo le cortó un pequeño trozo: “hay que hacer un tratamiento: darle una calada para ver si da tuba. Las palmeras son sumamente diferentes, las ‘lecheritas’ dan hasta dos litros y medio al día, a esas hasta besos les damos, pero las secas no dan ni pa’ mojarnos la boca”.

Y diciendo lo anterior metió la punta de la espiga a la boca de la olla, y la fijó a las palapas, cubriéndola después con un lienzo para evitar que los insectos y los pájaros se bebieran el líquido recién salido de la espiga.

Sonriendo desde arriba nos comentó: “la forma anterior de nuestros antepasados era amarrarle un porrón de barro como esta olla, pero en la actualidad empleamos con más frecuencia recipientes ligeros, de plástico”.

Luego nos explicó que las palmeras hembras se distinguen de las palmeras machos sólo al calarlas, pues únicamente las hembras destilan tuba.

La tuba conserva sus características de color y sabor durante las dos horas después de ser recogida, pero a las cinco horas ya se fermenta.

Cuando esto pasa se deja en reposo ocho días para usarla como vinagre de excelente calidad, empleado, entre otras cosas, para cocinar la birria y para encurtir la verdura que se le pone a la famosa sopa de pan que se sirve en las grandes fiestas, como bodas y bautizos.

En la ciudad de Colima, especialmente en los portales del centro y en las gasolinerías, se ven hombres vestidos con camisa y pantalón blancos que cargan sobre los hombros un palo en cuyo extremo cuelga de un mecate un gran bule, llamado balsa, y en el otro una cubeta con vasos, nueces y cacahuates: son algunos de los tuberos que andan por la capital vendiendo la deliciosa tuba.

Fuente : https://n9.cl/nps596

[porcelaine-whispers]

RED RUBIES OF AFFLICTION | PW

“What a familiar sight of a successful figure, Atty. Fuentes.” A sudden greeting from a woman in a wine-red dress, with jewelry that reflects its stones of red rubies. Her eyes sparkled. She had the sweet smile of an angel. In events like these, meeting familiar faces were no surprise. Her presence was comforting as if her greetings were anticipated. It made me feel safe.

‘Atty. Valentina Ally Fuentes; the only heir of Fuentes Pharmaceutical.’

Spoiled rich girl? Such a stereotype I refuse to be associated with. My mother is publicly recognized as Dra. Amelia Fuentes, the owner of Fuentes Pharmaceutical. As for my father, he is the company’s CLO, Atty. Christophe Fuentes. Our business is the fruit of my parents’ sacrifices. Having the title of being one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the country, Fuentes Pharmaceutical continues to flourish. Knowing that our family business is a growing company still astounds me, but along with the wealth it brings is a deprivation that silently suffocates.

After passing the board exam five years ago, my father offered me a job to work under the company’s legal department. Years of working experience exposed me to the environment and exhaustion that comes with handling the company’s legal matters. There was no special treatment, for I am an employee of my parents and I wish to keep it professional in that manner. Having to work for my current title was an endless cycle of sleepless nights.

‘Atty. Valentina Ally Fuentes.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)’

It is a title I have brought upon my name through perseverance. I have always wanted to be known for being Valentina Ally Fuentes and not only as of the daughter of my parents. With determination, I am with pride to say that I have successfully created a name for myself. I proved that I am more than just the heir of Fuentes Pharmaceuticals, that I deserve the company because of my hard work. I am to be remembered as Atty. Valentina Ally Fuentes, a lawyer, successor of the leading pharmaceutical company in the Philippines, and most importantly, a woman of her person.

Being an only child, I grew up in an environment too mature for my age. My parents were often preoccupied with the stress of managing the company. Being in the industry made it hard for them to provide time for me. I have always had a close bond with my mother. Although she used to be the CEO of Fuentes Pharmaceutical, I know how she would consistently check up on me and my state of coping with school. My energy is at its fullest when I am with my mother. She became the source of my motivation if ever I disappointed myself. Her voice gave me the peace that made me realize how valuable her presence is in my life. She is the comfort I will continue to long for.

“I apologize for my mother’s absence. On behalf of Dra. Fuentes, it was a pleasure catching up with you, Dr. Cabrera.”

I flew to Manila to assess the Fuentes Pharmaceutical Laboratory in Makati. My mother usually does the inspections of the laboratories; unfortunately, she is currently unavailable because of her emergency conference at Torres Medical Hospital. Upon arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I placed my carry-on baggage in the trunk of the car and had Ashton drive me to the laboratory. Ashton is the son of our maid, Agatha, but he is now residing here in Manila after getting married. Even before my existence, Agatha has been working for our family. She worked as the caretaker of my grandmother, but because of my grandmother’s passing, she now works to take care of us.

Our laboratory in Makati is our second biggest after the main laboratory in Mandaue. I met up with Dr. Cabrera, a member of the board of directors and a trusted family friend. He toured me around the offices and introduced me to the staff. I never really introduced myself to staff due to some being intimidated by my presence.

So far, the laboratories are exquisitely designed. All were accessible and had a system that made it easier to inspect, and at the same time keep order and cleanliness. Of course, cleanliness is a sector that I meticulously assess. We are a pharmaceutical company after all, how could we risk the lives of our consumers as well as our staff?

After completing the inspections, I had to immediately catch my flight home to Cebu. It was around 5:35 in the afternoon when I called Ashton to pick me up and drive me to the airport. During the car ride, I felt this fear and uncertainty. I started sweating and trembling, not knowing the reason for my abrupt shivers. I calmly looked out my window, diverting my attention to the towering buildings in the area. City lights remind me of the times I used to come home late with my mother since I would always insist on coming home with her after my student council meetings. If only I could go back to the days where I am in the comfort of my mother’s warmth. I instantly avoided the sight, trying so hard to forget the distinct memories instilled in my mind.

“Oh my god! If I walked to the airport, I would have probably arrived there by now. Is this a sign to stay the night?” I said in annoyance.

The traffic in Manila is dreadful. Imagine sitting in a vehicle for almost an hour, what a hassle. If only I could just spend the night in my condo at Rockwell Makati, which is only a few minutes away from the laboratory. Unfortunately, I do not have all the time in the world especially now that I have duties to attend to back in Cebu. Good thing my secretary, Mrs. Aphelion, booked a flight at 9:25 PM so I do not have to worry about missing my plane. What would I do if I miss my flight due to traffic? At last, we arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before the expected boarding time. Ashton assisted me with the door whilst saying his goodbyes. I boarded the plane, tired from all the wandering I did the entire day.

Upon my arrival at Mactan International Airport, I went to the parking lot and decided to drive myself home. I was on my way home when a sudden buzzing came from my phone. I ignored the call because I was driving, and I did not want to kill someone with my awful driving skills. Driving is not something I would do often. I barely passed my driver's license test. What choice do I have now that I am driving on the road together with reckless drivers?

“Urgh! Who again is calling?!…” I answered the phone when it rang again at the stoplight. It was Emsie, one of our maids. She rarely calls me, why would she call me multiple times now? I was about to speak when I heard her voice of fear.

“Ally, you need to come home right now! Please...” She sounds muffled. Her voice was breaking as if she was restricted from breathing. I felt needles puncture my skin, anxious about the reason for her flowing emotions.

“Madam is—”

“Ally, your mother is—” The call ended.

My mother? Did something happen at the conference? My thoughts were jumbled. I started imagining things I should not be imagining. My mind was too occupied with the thought of what had happened to my mother. From there, I knew it was something serious. I said how driving was never my expertise; but with shock, I drove fast and even forgot to breathe.

As I arrived home, the guards opened the gates with panic seen in their gestures. I ran inside as fast as I was capable of, not even caring about the glass sculpture I broke while rushing to find my father. The staff were in tears, I was confused. They pointed in the direction of the study. When I barged into the room, I saw a group of men talking to my father. They have dressed in navy blue uniforms with one holding a folder; they were policemen. My father’s eyes shifted and met with mine when he saw me, panting from all the running. I could not comprehend what was happening in front of me. I love my mother so much that I did not even bother to ask about what happened; instead, I screamed in pain asking where she is.

“Where is my mother?! Where is she?! I want to see her now...” My vision became blurry, tears filled my eyes. I was trembling, my body felt pain in the numbness; I was paralyzed. I could hardly stand properly when the policeman holding the folder turned to me. He looked disappointed.

“I am sorry for what happened, Attorney Fuentes. Three men have been suspected of the incident; it was an ambush. Dra. Fuentes was shot multiple times, hitting her neck and chest. I am sorry Atty., but Doctor Fuentes died at the scene due to excessive blood loss...”

They handed over a clear plastic bag. It was a set of jewelry with shining red rubies.

My mother’s signature set.

She believed that rubies are stones that can bring happiness and passion into the life of the wearer. Thus, her signature stone being ruby. I remember clearly how she would get ready in her vanity, with a smile on her face as she puts on her earring of shining red rubies. Ruby is a stone believed to protect the wearer from negative entities that leach positive energy, promoting spiritual vitality and wellness overall. My mother is an optimistic spirit. Her words are gentle and comforting; yet what am I now that those words of comfort could never be heard in the same voice ever again?

I collapsed, closing my eyes as a flood of tears gushed down my ashen cheeks.

My mother...is gone. I could never hear her voice, see her smile, and feel her warmth again. All was so sudden that I did not have the chance to say what I wanted to say to her. I felt a pang of guilt in me, it was like she died without knowing how much I loved her. Just like a nightmare, this is the horror that never wanted to happen in my life, yet it did. So many questions came to mind; my thoughts are distorted.

I felt a sharp sting in my chest, a puncture in my stomach, and a bullet through my head. I was in suffering.

“Ally be careful with your dosage! Are you even aware of the amount you intake?!” Hearing the voice of my father, I gradually opened my eyes. I look over to see my psychiatrist checking the bottle of pills. Was it all a vivid flashback?

I then realized how my thoughts took over my body. Driving home and seeing flashing city lights triggered the memories of my mother to flood my mind with thoughts of her tragic death. I felt tightness in my throat, rapid palpitations in my chest. I reached for my medication, unaware of the amount I am taking, hoping that it could relieve the choking sensation that silently suffocated me. With the sound of aggressive honking, I drove drained of strength and energy. Arriving home, my body began to respond to the side effects that came with my medication; It led to my slumber.

After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Torres prescribed me pills to cope with my sudden anxiety attacks. The death of my mother scarred me. My mother died in an ambush when I was 15 years old, almost 20 years ago. I am now 35 years old, a lawyer, a CEO, and a woman determined to grow my mother’s legacy. I know how sentimental the company is to my mother, so I continue to work hard to make what she started to flourish into a company she sacrificed for.

‘A goal without a plan is not a goal, it is only a dream.

- Dra. Amelia Fuentes.’

When she died, I saw how she still looked glowing. Although she died blood-soaked in a silk dress, her beauty was radiant. My mother is the woman that ensured to raise me with passion in all my works. She has left me with the knowledge that made me grow into the woman I am today. Her wisdom will forever remain with me; the most valuable gift she has ever given.

Even after 20 years, it still haunts me, yet I decide to focus on the path ahead of me, instead of longing for the past that I could never bring back. I may not be able to go back to the days we spent as a complete family, but I gradually accepted that my mother is now home in the heavens. Her presence is something I have been longing for ever since she left. I would even hallucinate seeing her in events, imagining her voice of greetings, her smile of an angel, and her gentle touch.

She is now an angel that continues to protect my father and me from this selfish world. I may not feel her warmth anymore, but I feel her presence.

"My mother will forever be the source of my tranquility.

She will forever be my angel."

-----

[Porcelaine Whispers]

[wendellcapili]

pilita corrales

(originally posted in my “letters from canberra” blog on 10 june 2006—i was then a ph.d. scholar at the australian national university. photo with ms. pilita corrales taken on 27 november 2019 at grand hyatt manila. “letters from canberra” is also the working title of my unpublished autobiography on my growing up years in sampaloc, manila, during the 1970s-early 1980s)

from maestra isang tapales and jovita fuentes to ryan cayabyab and lea salonga, filipino musical artists have been winning worldwide acclaim as soloists, accompanists, composers, and arrangers. i grew up fascinated with filipino pop artists and their achievements in many international music festivals. but my fascination with these artists began with pilita corrales.

i skipped kindergarten and landed immediately in prep school at u.s.t. elementary school when pilita corrales bagged the best singer award during the 1st tokyo music festival (tmf) organized by tokyo’s popular music promotion association in 1972. pilita performed george canseco’s stirring ballad “my daughter.” she bested well-known musical artists like stig anderson (who later became the manager of abba), julio iglesias, paul williams and olivia newton-john. tmf’s succeeding roster of participants and guest artists has included the likes of paul anka, shirley bassey, kate bush, kim carnes, joe cocker, natalie cole, the commodores, rita coolidge, randy crawford, sammy davis jr., al green, israeli superstar ofra haza, jermaine jackson, jackson five, al jarreau, limahl (lead singer of the 1980s pop band kajagoogoo), barry manilow, gilbert o’ sullivan, the pointer sisters, lionel richie, diana ross, frank sinatra, sister sledge ("we are family"), donna summer, the three degrees ("when will i see you again"), vaya con dios (a top belgian band), dionne warwick, andy williams and stevie wonder. not to be confused with the equally prestigious world popular song festival (http://users.telenet.be/wpsf/Main_Menu.htm)(organized separately by the tokyo-based yamaha music foundation from 1970 to 1989), pilita’s victory at tmf was no mean feat.

immediately upon arrival in manila, pilita landed in newspapers and on television, where the local press began dubbing her as “asia’s queen of songs.” that’s how i got to know more about her. soon, pilita became a permanent fixture on ibc channel 13's "seeing stars with joe quirino." then japan's matsushita corporation, owners of national (now panasonic) electronic appliances, handpicked pilita to endorse quintrix state-of-the-art color t.v. and jetscycle refrigerators. right before going to bed late at night, i patiently waited for rpn channel 9 to air pilita's t.v. ad where she sang the first few bars of "kapantay ay langit" at eduardo's along roxas boulevard. pilita was then at the height of her popularity as the country's leading female vocalist.

these days, pilita is well-known on t.v. audiences as a comedy actress. she is “mamita” on gma channel 7’s comedy “lagot ka, isusumbong kita” opposite joey marquez, richard gomez, raymart santiago, and benjie paras. soon, she will be even more famous as the female judge, a la paula abdul, in abc channel 5’s philippine idol (http://www.philippineidol.com/). younger generations of filipinos are probably oblivious to pilita’s impressive feat as the first filipino winner of an international music festival. nobody seems to remember pilita's distinguished achievements as a recording, live performance, and t.v. artist.

nearly fifty years ago, pilita arrived in australia with a shipwrecked troupe of performers. initially, she was the assistant of magician and actor john calvert. calvert had earlier achieved popularity with his long-running magic show in hollywood with edgar bergen, gary cooper, cary grant, and danny kaye during world war II. calvert also appeared in a movie with clark gable. later, pilita and calvert formed a tandem that proved to be very popular at the legendary tivoli theatre ("the tiv") on bourke street. "the tiv" was the center of melbourne's glamour, magic, and live entertainment long before t.v., cinema, betamax, vhs, vcds, mobile phones, dvds, mp3s, ipods, blogs, and laptops took over. it was also the site of pilita's first international success.

as a leading female vocalist from 1958 to 1962, pilita achieved mainstream acceptance and popularity in australia way ahead of newton-john, pat carroll, helen reddy, patsy anne noble, debbie byrne, renee geyer, the moir sisters, colleen hewitt (who made a hit out of "day by day" from godspell), sister janet mead (who did a popular cover version of "the lord's prayer"), marcia hines, samantha sang (who scored a u.s. #1 hit in 1978 with barry and maurice gibb's "emotion" ), kate ceberano (who is actually filipino-hawaiian-australian), tina arena, kylie minogue and delta goodrem. the australian broadcasting corporation (abc) and melbourne's the age recognized pilita as the first woman ever to land on top of the australian pop charts in 1958 with "come closer to me."

pilita also performed with international artists like the beatles, bob hope, julie andrews, pat boone (“you light up my life” singer debbie boone’s father), and sammy davis jr. (at caesar’s palace in las vegas) while hosting prizewinning musical-varieties like “an evening with pilita,” “pilita and jackie, ” “ang bagong kampeon” and "tanghalan ng kampeon.” she popularized songs by filipino composers (“a million thanks to you,” “kapantay ay langit,” “ang pipit”) way ahead of many local artists. her renditions of tagalog classics by tito arevalo, george canseco, levi celerio, constancio de guzman, dominador santiago, leopoldo silos, restituto umali, and miguel velarde jr. under plaka pilipino and vicor helped pave the way for the mainstream (and not just token or marginal) acceptance of original pilipino music (opm) during the 1970s and the 1980s.

after pilita, filipino artists realized they could also win festival honors for the country. celeste legaspi won major prizes in world music festivals held in manila (1976, for philip monseratt’s “pusong nagmamahal”), tokyo (1976, also for “pusong nagmamahal”), and seoul (1981, for willy cruz’s “never ever say goodbye”). didith reyes bagged the gold prize during the 1977 tokyo music festival. leah navarro and the manila music machine bagged the bronze prize at tokyo in 1979. the philippines had been luckiest at the seoul popular music festival (1978-1983). winners of the annual metro manila popular music festival (1978-1985) were sent to compete at the sejong cultural center. except for lerma de la cruz (who did not win in 1983, despite her exceptional rendition of vehnee saturno's "ako'y ako"), filipinos won a slew of prizes in seoul: ryan cayabyab and hajji alejandro for “kay ganda ng ating musika” (grand prix, 1978); freddie aguilar for snaffu rigor's “bulag, pipi at bingi" (best performer, 1979); dero pedero and leah navarro for “isang mundo, isang awit” (bronze, 1980); ananias montano and something special for “babae ka” (bronze, 1981); and jun latonio, tillie moreno, eugene villaluz and louie reyes for “nothing i want more” (grand prix, 1982). in later years, jose mari chan, eugene villaluz and louie reyes, leo valdez, dulce, ivy violan, smokey mountain, regine velasquez, jaya, ryan cayabyab, gines tan, danny tan, vehnee saturno, and a few other artists would achieve similar honors in festivals held in canada, china, finland, hong kong, japan, malaysia, the philippines, and the united states during the 1980s and the early 1990s.

towards the 21st century, a shortage of interest and sponsors caused the demise of many music festivals. the few surviving ones today are mostly national or regional, as in the case of san remo (italy) and the annual eurovision contest. gma 7 tried to revive metro pop during the 1990s, but antonio barreiro passed away. no one could execute the vision and spirit of music festivals locally as he did.

gerry matias, one of pilita’s musical directors, is the father of my former student, gm matias. when i return to manila, i will probably ask gm to get me pilita's autograph. or i'll drop by pilita’s bar in greenhills and tell her how she fascinated me when i was growing up. one of these days, she ought to be proclaimed a national artist. even the city of melbourne has named a street after her in forest hill. and yet, she opted to sing more for her kababayans back home. i will never understand why pilita corrales should not receive the honor she deserves.