Eraserheads: The Final Set

Was it really the last?

I bet the people are clamoring for more.

Maybe for the last time, Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Raimund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala (Philippines' Fab Four), reunite as one Eheads Band on March 7, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia.

An estimated 100,000+ people gathered together at the MOA Open Grounds to witness the concert which, as they say, sealed the previously interrupted first reunion concert held at The Fort on August 30, 2008.

(A detailed account on The Final Set is described by the Philippine Entertainment Portal)

Some Highlights:

• The Eraserheads opened their set with the witty "Magasin," which was taken from the band's second album, Circus (1994).

• The band then performed the songs "Walang Nagbago," "Maling Akala," "Poorman's Grave," "Waiting for the Bus", and "Maskara".

• Marcus and Raimund took over the vocals awhile perhaps, to lighten Ely's load and help preserve his voice, given the long set list. Marcus performed a reggae version of "Huwag Mo Nang Itanong", while Raimund sang "Alkohol" and "Insomnia".

• Ely resumed vocals via the song "Torpedo" to round up the first set.

• The Second part opens with the band singing accoustic versions of "Julie Tearjerky," "Wishing Wells," and "Fine Time."

• The fans sang and cursed along with Ely while singing the famous "Pare Ko".

• The band, then, played "Back 2 Me," Trip to Jerusalem," "Spoliarium," "Overdrive," and "Minsan."

• Singing Superproxy and Kaleidoscope World, the Eraserheads played tribute to a close friend, the Master Rapper Francis Magalona. Kiko was supposed to sing along with the Eraserheads on Concert Night, however, he succumed to death a day earlier.

• They again sang "Alapaap" (which was their opening salvo during the first reunion concert), but with a much slower temple.

• Would an Eheads concert be complete without the Phenomenal "Ang Huling El Bimbo"?

• To cap the night, The Eraserheads proceeded to sing "Ligaya," "Sembreak," and "Toyang".

Again, the question remains in the heads of every individual who still clamor for more of the Eheads:

Was it really the Last?

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I hope we could spend more time together

A few hours is better than never

If we could only make it longer

A whole day would be fine

A whole day would be fine

A whole day would be fine

A whole day would be fine

-The Eraserheads, Fine Time-

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March 06, 2009: Francis Magalona Passed Away Today

I received news that Master Rapper Francis Magalona already passed away today. Kiko has been previously diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

I felt the need to write a short blog because he's been a part of my blog entries:

Pinoy T-shirts where I have discussed his now famous Pinoy inspired t-shirts

and

Kaleidoscope World-Talk about Racial Discrimination where his song Kaleidoscope World has been featured.

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Inquirer.net reports:

Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died of leukemia Friday at the Medical City in Mandaluyong, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. He was 44.

Magalona succumbed to severe sepsis as a complication of leukemia and passed away at 12 noon.
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Ecclesiastes 11:9 (King James Version)

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
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His songs, specially those portraying Filipino Patriotism will always be remembered.

Jobs and Unemployment in the Philippines

In about a month, many students will finally graduate from college and will be ready to face another chapter of their being: Employment.

However, due to the recent scores of recession in many countries, which actually started in the United States in September last year, these fresh graduates will have to face a more stiff competition in winning a slot for a job. One, because there are not much job openings; and two, because experienced employees are also vying for positions.

The SWS survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2008 states that about 27.9% Filipino adults, or almost 11 million people, are unemployed. Being unemployed is defined as those not working and are looking for work. Thus, housewives, disabled, students, and the retired, are excluded from the survey.

Philstar.com reports that business analysts foresee that unemployment rate in the Philippines is expected to remain high in the next few months as the global economic crisis crimps business activities. This came out after big companies, like FedEx, Panasonic, and Intel, have started to trim down or close their operations in the Philippines, thereby laying off thousands of Filipino employees.

So that leaves us with the question whether our Filipino workforce, including our fresh college graduates will have enough job opportunities.

As we wait for our economy to normalize and recover from the worldwide economic recession, here are some helpful tips for those who are currently at a look-out for jobs:

• Prepare a curriculum vitae/resume which clearly states your qualifications. When coming for a job interview, be sure to appear and act presentable. This goes with the connotation that first impressions are very important. Be corteous enough to talk to whoever is administering your application. A cheerful disposition also improves your chances of taking a positive impression from them.

• Be confident but do not overstate your qualifications.

• This is specially for first-time applicants and/or fresh graduates. Do not be very choosy on the job offerings. As mentioned earlier, there are also job seekers who already have previous experiences, so they have better chances than fresh graduates.

• Other than ads in newspapers, try to search for job openings in the Internet. There are sites which cater to the needs of employees and employers. Some of these are Jobstreet, Jobsdb, and Trabaho.com. When you post your resume on their sites, they go and look for compatible job opportunities and email these to you. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) website might also be helpful.

• Attend Job Fairs. Oftentimes, colleges and universities conduct job fairs in order to give their graduating students a head start in getting work. Local governments and other organizations also conduct these kinds of activities.

• While applying for work, it is also very useful to apply for BIR TIN, SSS ID, NBI Clearance, Passport, HDMF, Philhealth, etc., since you might need these when you start working. When you plan to work for any government office, be sure that you have taken and passed the Civil Service Examination.

• Pick the job that suits your qualifications. As much as possible, apply for jobs that will enhance your college degree, lest your career path will be side-tracked. Then, of course, the saying that says "Follow your Heart" applies. Look for work that will give joy and satisfaction to you while considering your qualifications.

• There is nothing wrong in leaving the country and work abroad. But be sure to do a background check on your employer and the agency handling your papers. We have heard lots of people who have had misfortunes on un-accredited agencies and/or bad employers abroad. So verify with the POEA whether such agencies are duly accredited.

• Do not give out Original copies of your Diplomas, Transcripts, and other personal important documents to prospective employers. Give photocopies, instead.

• Frustration is out of the picture. Do not stop when you don't get selected. Know that somewhere, there is a job that's specifically for you.

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Pacquiao Vs. Hatton: The Battle of East and West

The Stage is Set on May 2, 2009, Saturday, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Philippine pride Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao battles British prized fighter Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton via a 12-round bout for IBO junior welterweight title on another classic match entitled "The Battle of East and West".




“There is a respect for Hatton and his team but in the ring it is all different. There are no timeouts.

Like all of my fights, I dedicate this fight to my country. I remember as a little boy. I ate one meal a day and sometimes slept in the street. I will never forget that and it inspires me to fight hard, stay strong and remember all of the people of my country trying to achieve better for themselves."

- Manny Pacquiao






“This is a fight between two nice men, but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring.


We both have great fans and we will be fighting our hearts out for them that night. I want to do the U.K. proud and come home victorious.”


- Ricky Hatton







We have a new Poll!

Be sure to cast your vote on the Poll Area found at the top right side of this page. Will it be Pacquiao or Hatton?

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We're Soldiers- And Gay!

Make way for Class Makulay!

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is now contemplating on the idea of accepting gay and lesbian applicants to be part of the Military Organization.

In a GMANews interview, Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado expressed that the military needs further study whether they could allow gays and lesbians to join the ranks, as he noted that there are certain areas where their capabilities and skills may be utilized.

For as long as you are not showing outward manifestation, you are not disturbing others, you are not causing scandals, then there is no problem with that,” said Army chief Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado.

Bayanihan At Work

In a nation where most of the news we hear everyday implicate corruption, poverty, graft, and disagreements, it is very refreshing to hear and learn that Good Things still exist.

Such as the case in Sitio Dumaliguia, Quezon, Nueva Viscaya, where the project, Rangtay Pagbiagan, is initiated.

Residents of Sitio Dumaliguia, an agricultural village, have started contributing P5 monthly to the community’s treasury to pool funds for the repair of their hanging bridges under the project “Rangtay Pagbiagan” (Bridge of Life).

The hanging bridges, approximately 100 meters long, were destroyed during recent typhoons that hit the area.

Out of the 114 families contributing since September 2008, the project has already raised more than P2,000. In addition, the Local Government and personnel of FMC Mining Corp., provides labor in order to build at least two hanging bridges.

The hanging bridges serve as the sitio's link to the markets, where their products, like rice and banana are being sold.

Also, the bridges are being used by children when coming to schools. In previous times, when bridges were destroyed, children were forced to drop out of school, that's why the dropout rate is so high.

Indeed, Bayanihan is still alive in our culture. And I do hope that as other people are able to read and learn about this worthwhile activity, may they be encouraged and continue to believe that something good still exists in this country.

Mabuhay po kayo, mga kababayang ilokano, at pagpalain nawa ng Panginoon ang inyong proyekto.

News Tidbits 2009

(Medyo) Tahimik ang Pilipinas ngayon. Walang masyadong ingay, maliban sa Right of Reply Bill ni Senator Nene Pimentel (na hindi ko masyadong naiintindihan at hindi ko na rin pinagtiyagaang intindihin) at sa pagkapasa ng Automation Budget para sa 2010 elections (na patuloy pa ring pag-aawayan dahil kabi-kabila ang siguradong magsasabing may dayaang mangyayari. Tingnan natin, kung magagamit na ang automation sa 2010 elections, panigurado na yung matatalong kandidato eh magsasabing "nadaya ako!").

Sikat si Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. Aba'y big-time siya! Kung dati-rati eh Pangulo lang ng Pilipinas ang gustong i-impeach, ngayon, naka-file na ang impeachment complaint niya sa Kamara. Ang problema lang, katulad din ng complaints laban kay GMA, may pag-asa ba namang umusad ang kaso? Kilalang kaalyado ng First Couple si Gutierrez, dahil classmate siya ni FG Mike Arroyo sa Ateneo De Manila College of Law. In fact, hindi pa nga napag-aaralan ang kaso eh nagsabi na si Mikey Arroyo na hindi siya tututulan niya ang Impeachment. Pati si DOJ Secretary Raul Gonsalez eh nagpahiwatig na mahirap lumusot ang kaso.

Other than the above news, wala nang masyadong matunog. Magtataka ka na lang, ano na ang nangyari doon sa mga naunang issues, katulad nang Alabang Boys Drug Case, WB Corruption Charges, Euro Generals (sabi sa news, hindi na raw kakasuhan si General Dela Paz kasi ibabalik na daw yung kinuhang pera-pwede pala yun?), Fertilizer Scam, etc.

Para tuloy gusto kong sabihin sa sarili ko: "Hindi ka pa ba nasanay?".

Kung nasusulusyonan lang ang mga nakikitang iregularidad. Kung napaparusahan lang sana ang mga dapat maparusahan. Kung kahit paano sana ay nagkakaroon ng pagbabago at kaunti mang pag-unlad ng bansa. Siguro ay tataas kahit paano ang Trust Rating ng Pangulo. Subalit dahil dito, patuloy na hindi maganda ang resulta ng surveys. Ayon sa pinakahuling tala ng Pulse Asia, halos kalahati ng mga Pinoy ang walang tiwala kay Pangulong Arroyo.

Kung wala na talagang pag-asang magbago ang patakbo ng gobyerno, sana naman ay magkaroon ng pagbabago sa susunod na mga lider ng bansa.