P is for PNoy

Today was another glorious day to wake up to. Today we Filipinos were enamored with the sight of a new leadership that is about to steer the course of our nation. A leadership that hails from a family of good character and noble values. A leadership by newly-elected President, PNoy.

Benigno Aquino III takes oath as the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines.
Our president.

After such a long time, a lot of Filipinos have felt ignored and left behind by the government. Today however, we caught a whiff that that may change. Today, as the newly inaugurated President took the stage, he spoke with such connection to the ordinary Filipino citizen that he presented himself as one of us. Today, we got a feeling that alas, someone from the government cares what we think and feel everyday! And sometimes, a little acknowledgment can go a long way.

The inauguration was a historical and hopeful sight. Historical that it is such a rarity to have a son/daughter eventually succeed his mother/father from a Presidency in all of the world's governments. Hopeful because the family of which he came from has been a long symbol of peace, prayer and People Power. In his speech, the President further reiterated the enlivened spirit of the People Power Revolution by saying that,

"Kayo ang boss ko, kaya't hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo." -- It's true, the power is in us to change our country. It sounds like a broken record, or such an ideal thing to perceive. But what we fail to realize is that it is so simple. We are the people, and we are the power - hearing PNoy say that reminded us that.

It's not just the question of what he can do for us but also of what we can do to help him.

Congratulations PNoy!

Thank you for keeping the power of the people alive!

Love,

The Pink Tarha Team

Pork'et Nasa Pinas

OFWs in Saudi Arabia, what do you miss most? I'm sure 'family' is your first answer but on your list, I'm sure to find various products that can only be found in the Philippines. I'm guessing pork is in that long list. As you know, pork and pork products are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. (Kaya wag nang pasaway please lang!) Most OFws await their vacation to the homeland to fill their tummies with pork. I confess, that's what I did during my first few weeks. Ngayon, sawang sawa na ako sa pork, lol.

Because I've been eating too many pork since I landed in Manila, I'd like to share some. Sorry, pictures lang muna. Hintayin ko na lang magbakasyon din kayo. Hehe. Someone will definitely kill me for making him/her drool over these cholesterol-inducing meat! I apologize for making you envious of delicious, juicy, and succulent feast. I expect your mouth to water this very minute. Yes, like right now! Here are some of the Philippines' finest pork viands! :)

Lechon Kawali by Museum Cafe (Greenbelt, Makati)

Dinakdakan by Gerry's Grill (Glorietta 5, Makati)

Inihaw na Liempo by Gerry's Grill (Glorietta 5, Makati)

Sisig by Gerry's Grill (Glorietta 5, Makati)

Sauteed lechon kawali by Rose Bowl (La Union)

Lumpiang Shanghai by Rose Bowl (La Union)

Binagoongang Baboy by Silverio's (Pangasinan)

Adobo with Garlic by Fely J's Kitchen (Greenbelt 5)

The mother of all pork viands... LECHON!

You'll find the best lechon in Cebu but lechon in other parts of the country are quite satisfying too. Basta may crispy skin! Not included in the photos is my fave pork product: longganisa (from Vigan FTW!). Surprisingly, I'm still eating lots of chicken meals, even if I mostly eat chicken in Saudi Arabia.

Bon appetit!

§undrenched, blogging from MNL

"Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact"

--That was the tag line of CNN when their search for nominees for the CNN Hero of the Year 2009 began. Clearly however, their eventual Top 10 nominees were not "ordinary" at all. Those ten people were extraordinary people to begin with, and as logic would find it, they were meant to accomplish extraordinary things.

The Pink Tarha Ladies proudly salutes Efren Penaflorida's win as the CNN Hero of the Year 2009. We voted relentlessly online and we truly believe in the cause that he and his volunteers have 'pushcarted' all the way to the best that it could be. It is rejuvenating to hear that a Filipino has been recognized for his service. A service that was not for fortune nor fame. But a service for the sake of service itself; a sincere and significantly life-changing one.

We also congratulate the rest of the Heroes: Brad Blauser, Roy Foster, Doc Hendley, Andrea Ivory, Betty Makoni, Jorge Munoz, Budi Soehardi, Derrick Tabb and Jordan Thomas. Each and every single story of these nine people are remarkable. God bless them all.

Again, Efren, THANK YOU.

MABUHAY KA!

To know more about Efren's cause and how you can help, visit their website:
http://dynamicteencompany.org/

Pacquiao's Diamond Belt

(Magsitayo po tayo para sa Pambasansang Awit ng Pilipinas)

It's the BIGGEST news for Pinoys worldwide today:

MANNY PACQUIAO TKOs MIGUEL COTTO.

Dumadagundong ang pride sa dibdib ko.

Whenever Manny wins, I get the grandest feeling pumping inside of me, making me want to strut the hallways, hold my head up high and hope that no foreigner messes with a Filipino today, because I'm helluva sure that we're gonna kick your butt. Nothing can bring us down today. Not now. Not ever.

Speaking of strutting, I am completely glazed over the idea of that Diamond Belt the WBC had specifically created for the Pacquaio-Cotto fight. I would looovvee to have that belt on a power-catwalk! this special, Elite Champions-only belt is made of 8-karat gold plates, 861 diamonds, six rubies, 221 emeralds and 180 Swarovski crystals all mounted on an Italian Ferrari leather and displays the pictures of both Pacquiao and Cotto as well as the Puerto Rican Philippine flags. According to FightFan.com:

The WBC Diamond belt, will fill that important emptiness, to grant a special distinction to the elite winner, like it is obtaining with his triumph the very prestigious WBC green and gold belt, now with diamonds, just to be won by very few. For it will only be delivered when two of the greatest professional boxers of the moment fight each other.

This is the belt that Manny won. Apart from the WBO Welterweight Belt of Miguel Cotto. The Diamond Belt cost around $50,ooo to make. Talk about fancy bling blings now, why don't you? Manny seen here swimming in his winning belts:

Well, Manny sure earned every single diamond on that thing. And even though the rest of us are not as fashionably-jewelled as he (and Jinkee) is right now, no gold nor diamond could make us feel like a million bucks compared to the love, unity and pride that Manny Pacquiao brings to our hearts as Filipinos.

MABUHAY KA MANNY!!!

Cheers!

-ec-

Keep the Philippines Above Water

It's just another storm, after all it's the Philippines... the country uses up all the letters in the alphabet to name typhoons annually. But the typhoon everyone thought "normal" - there were no Milenyo-like strong winds - took everyone by surprise. It left the Philippines drowning, desperately gasping for air.

Tropical storm Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) has damaged the Philippines in ways we did not imagine. Ondoy caught the Filipino people, particularly those who are living in the National Capital Region and its neighboring provinces, by surprise leaving 341 mm of water in the streets in just six hours of rain. (The average rainfall for an entire month is 391 mm.) It's the heaviest rainfall in 42 years. The number of casualties has risen to 100 and the damage brought to infrastructure and agriculture is over 100M pesos. The photos from home are heartbreaking and gut-wrenching.

The country's worst flooding in more than 40 years!
pinoytumblr.com

Aerial views of the aftermath.
thebaghag.blogspot.com

Makati underpass.

Araneta Avenue.

Marikina.

Scenes from the street.
saabmagalona.tumblr.com

Filipino people, we know what to do, yes? BAYANIHAN.

Kababayans in the Philippines, here's how you can help directly: Disaster Relief Google Spreadsheet. This spreadsheet compiles relief drop off points, private efforts, hotline numbers and establishments that have opened their doors to accommodate relief goods. It is comprehensive and updated. Share this link to everyone.

For kabayans in Saudi Arabia, Migrante KSA has launched a relief drive. It's probably the most convenient way for us, OFWs in KSA, to help especially when giving clothes and goods. You may also send in your cash donations through your families and relatives in the Philippines.

For those who feel helpless in these times due to personal circumstances, there's always a way to help:
Photo credit: markgosingtian.tumblr.com

There are many lessons and insights that we can get from what happened, but right now, let's focus on keeping the Philippines above water.

PS. Mary, we're hope you and your family/relatives are okay in Bulacan. Stay safe.

Tie A Yellow Ribbon

I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times
In a day spanning nineteen years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young
Enchanting and vibrant, eternally new
She was brilliant, fragrant and cool as the morning dew

I fell in love with her the second time
When first she bore her child and mine
She's always by my side, the source of my strength
Helping to turn the tide…

I fell in love again with the same woman the third time
Looming from the battle her courage will never fade.
Amidst the hardships she has remained
Undaunted and unafraid She is calm and composed.
She is God's lovely maid.

I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE (With the Same Woman Three Times)
Words by Ninoy Aquino
Sung by Jose Mari Chan

If a woman can inspire such a beautiful song like this, it's no wonder how great this woman is.

To the woman who inspired this poem and song, we are truly honored that you became our leader, a woman whom we can always look up to in every aspect of life - be it in politics, family life, religion... You did not only empower the Philippines during one of its most turbulent times, you have also inspired women like us to do great things for our country and for our people. Madame President Corazon Aquino, thank you very much. May you rest in peace.

*Yellow ribbon photo from Wikipedia.

Proud Pinay: Note To God By Charice (Let's Keep Her at #1!)

I've watched it over ten times already, and I still can't get over it!

Charice has definitely cast a spell over 'em teeny, tiny hairs behind my neck and 'ose teeny, weeny goosebumps that come out of nowhere when I watch her perform. She really gave it all she's got on this one. CHILLING. UNBELIEVABLE. AMAZING. FA.NA.LO. What else can I say?!?

If I am not mistaken, this performance was from last night, where Charice kicked of her first single "Note To God" on the Oprah Show. Written by Dianne Warren and produced by David Foster. I've read that it was on Jojo's second album but it was never released as a single. Anyhoo, it's currently at the No. 1 spot on Amazon's MP3 Bestsellers List (Over Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus!).

Click here to buy the single "Note To God".

Let's support Charice in any way we can. Her single is under a buck and soon her album may come out, so let show some love to this wonderful girl who's given us so so much to be proud of. If you won't take my word for it, watch this video and be the judge.

Kami MISMO!

When was the last time you became proud as a Filipino? Right. Yesterday when Manny Pacquiao stunned Ricky Hatton in a swift victory. Before that blink-and-you'll-miss-it win, when was the last time you felt good about being a Filipino, seriously? Right. You couldn't remember.

Okay, so our government is filled with corrupt officials who don't give a damn about their countrymen (burn in hell you trapos!), our people are languishing in poverty (hello Philippines, hello third world!) and our resources are nearly depleted... but, ARE YOU? Are you now corrupted, poor, and wasted like your country that you refuse to hope that things will become better? We will become better? The choice is ours to make. So let's do something (much better than doing nothing)! Whether it be a small or a big deed, let's give apathy a cold shoulder and start caring for the Philippines and our countrymen instead.

Let's start by chanting: AKO MISMO ANG KIKILOS PARA SA BAYAN KO!

"No more complaints, no more excuses."
Make a stand at AkoMismo.org

"Simulan mo ang pagkilos tungo sa muling pagbangon ng Pilipinas. Maliit man o malaki, ikaw mismo ang magsasabi kung ano ang gagawin mo."

As for the Pink Tarha's more specific pledges?

"Stop merely surviving and start living."

The Pink Tarha Girls do solemnly pledge that we will continue to spread the love for the Philippines and our countrymen, especially to global Pinoys, through this blog. We promise to uphold the virtues and values of true-blue (pink?! :P) Filipinas and won't let other nationalities discriminate us by gender or color. We ♥ Pinas!

We are also encouraging Pinoy expats in Saudi Arabia to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting. Here's the schedule of registration activities for May. Our votes matter! They will count it. Well, pwede nilang gamitin sa pandaraya pero at least pwede mong ipagyabang sa buong mundo na pag pumalpak ang nanalong presidente sa 2010 na hindi sya ang ibinoto mo. :P We're given the right to vote, let's exercise it! Pag hindi ka bomoto, wala kang karapatang magreklamo masyado.

Ikaw, ano ang gagawin mo para sa kinabukasan ng bayang ito?