Famed British rock band Coldplay honors the memory of
those men from nations all over the world who fought during the First World War through the
release of their newest music video for their newest song entitled, ‘All Your
Friends.’ The music video showcases clips of war memories in vintage black and
white footages. The release coincided with the 25th commemoration on
the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The song was a cut from their sixth album Ghost
Stories which is currently making waves in the UK and in iTunes as one of
the top and fastest selling album for the year 2014.
The multi awarded group
who have won UK music recognition including several Brit awards and three-time
Best British Group. They
have five MTV
Video Music Awards as well as seven Grammy awards. Being one
of the world’s consistent chart breakers, Coldplay have sold more than
80 million records globally.
Coldplay
is currently busy in preparation for the live promotion of the record which they
did at Sony Studios, Los Angeles in March 2014.
Playing a prank is a fun and
enjoyable way to some people. But playing a prank on your wedding day might not
be a great idea at all.
In Shenzhen City, China, a groom calls off his
own wedding when his supposedly 26 year old bride appeared at the wedding venue
all dressed up in her wedding gown but with the face of a 50-year old woman. The bride, Qing Kao has thought of making a prank to test if her groom, Guo Chien will still accept her
even if her youthful looks fades into her old version. The supposedly happy
event turned into a disaster when the groom decided to quit the wedding vow.
Seeing his bride to be in her wedding gown but with the face of an old woman
have turned his excitement to sour and anger as the bride tried so hard to tell
her groom that her looks was all part of a joke to test his love for her despite
her looks. The groom was not pleased but instead out of rage calls off the
wedding for good. The bride was left on the venue all sorry for the prank and what
she did resulting a broken wedding vow. Watch how the event happened in the following video clip:
Canadian Supermodel Coco Rocha shows all what
the human form was all as she pose in collaboration with New York ace fashion photographer
Steven Sebring in his new book
entitled: Study of Pose: 1000 Poses by Coco Rocha. The book which
is Sebring’s version
of four dimensional perspective photography will allow readers and viewers of his photographic
wizardry in witnessing the art of multi-dimensional photography in 360 degrees
capture. Choosing Coco Rocha was equally brilliant since the Toronto born Supermodel has already made a niche of her own in the world of poses and fashion. As an international fashion icon she had already been featured on several internationally acclaimed fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Flare, Harper’s Bazaar and Time & Style to name a few. She already did fashion ad campaigns for renowned fashion brands like Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Chanel, DeBeers, Dior, D&G, Versace, YSL and Zac Posen. On her part, Coco was even candid in saying she really has no idea if she had really posed 1,000 poses in her repertoire. Her work with Sebring was all a delight and hope that the art will thrive as a new concept in fashion photography.
Capturing the Human Form in 360 degrees According to Sebring, through the
wizardry of combining together art, technology and engineering. Sebring has conceived this
decade-long idea into the static pages of the book by the use of a touch screen
app, one can basically manipulate the images in all 360 degrees angle as if the viewer is a participant exploring during the shoot. The concept was done using a 100-camera
set up arranged in a circle which Sebring calls, “The Rig.” For Sebring, “Every time we
shoot, it’s like opening Pandora’s
box. It’s a new way of seeing things.” he said. Sebring told NY Daily
News, “I wanted to document the human form. I wanted people to pick up the book
and use it as a reference or as an art object.“ The fourth dimension, Sebring reveal will be the soundtracks over the shoots completing the interactive photo art.
“Coward!” a high
ranking officer of the Obama administration said. “The thing about Bibi is,
he’s a chickenshit,” the rough comment quoted from this Obama officer as
conversations were delivered with The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldsberg in anonymity. The officer also said Netanyahu “was afraid
to start wars.” Further claiming Netanyahu has Asperger’s Syndrome,to add more
insult to the Israeli PM. These comments by Obama’s officers stirred anew
ripples on the ever hot issue about the raging gulf war.
Despite the cross fired comments, this does not serve
anything on Iran and ISIS.
The one outraged on Israel’s camp was Naftali Bennet, Israrel’s
Minister of Economy and Leader of the religious Jewish Home Party.
Despite the accusations, National Security
Council Alistair Baskey disclaimed the comments does not reflect the views of
the administration. Saying further, “We think such comments are
inappropriate and counter-productive. Despite the extremely close relationship
between the U.S. and Israel, we do not agree on every issue.”
Ever since Marlisa’s audition for Australia’s X-Factor, Judge
Ronan Keating couldn't help but all praises and standing ovation for the 14
year old Australian X-Factor finalist Marlisa Punzalan. Keating was in awe as
he told her, “Who you are now is so endearing,”
after singing ‘Stand By You’ earning her another round of standing
ovation from the panel of judges of X Factor Australia.
Redfoo astounded by Marlisa’s performance said, “I think you
got yourself a hit there. You got a hit there lady. Now all you need to do is
win this thing.”
Danii Minogue on her part was all praise telling Marlisa’s
superb performance, “Great title, and great performance. A style queen,
as I’ve said, all throughout the competition, you have absolute style and
grace, stuff you can’t teach people. I’m sure all your friends, your family,
and everyone else that’s grown to love you.”
Watch Marlisa on her all judges standing ovation performance
of the song ‘Stand by You’
Humbled by the praises and good things being said to her
singing talent, Marlisa remained soft spoken and shy. Raised from humble
beginnings, the daughter of a Filipino couple living in Australia balanced her
time attending school and her X-Factor stints. A true and real inspiration
indeed to her schoolmates, family and friends.
The New York Times Magazine’s Fall 2014
issue features a dining experiment entitled, ‘Small Plates’ to see what
happened when six second graders are treated to a $220 per person seven-course
tasting meal.
For Brooklyn second graders Maya
Colombo, Amira Patrick, Chester Parish, Rohan Gelber-Higgins, Caylan George and
Phoebe Spickler it was an exciting experience not only to because it was a new
place and new taste they've experienced. But for these six schoolchildren, that
Saturday afternoon it was a discovery of fine dining experience at its best from one
of New York’s best French fine dining restaurant – Daniel. World renowned French
chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud delighted his young guests with his signature
French cuisine menu his restaurant was famous for.
Their amazement started from the moment
they entered the French inspired restaurant’s revolving door, on to the waiting
doorman greeting and receiving them cordially. The waiters made them sit leisurely
on the table even arranging throw pillows rested on their backs to accommodate them
on the high back dining chair supposedly meant for adult dining guests.
The $220 seven course menu which
include a trio of canapés and an amuse-bouche,
naturellement was a moment of extraordinary small plate discovery of flavors,
layers and texture spectacle that were out of their ordinary and everyday home
and school meals. Witnessed by Chef Daniel Boulud himself, the exquisite dishes
earned him remarks from the young diners ranging from ‘the most foreign thing
for them of the Smoked Paprika Cured Hamachi to ‘This is, like, the only good
course. It’s yummy.’ remark of 7-year old Chester Parish on the custom made non-alcoholic
cocktail served to them. Chef Daniel toured them through each of the course
explaining in details what each were made of.
Of the prepared dishes presented to
them, the Crispy Japanese Snapper was among those they loved to see. Whereas, the
Wagyu Beef Rib Eye was “a big success” to them. But just like most kids dining as and
each course was served to each of them, they are so anxious to wait for the
desert to be served. The fine dining experience of these schoolchildren was captured for The New York Times by Director Jeffrey Blitz of the Oscar nominated documentary "Spellbound."
In the world today, modern military gears proliferate simply because war
never stops in almost any corner of our world. Tactical military designs of
military drones and battle gears kept on improving and transpiring right before
our eyes. Superpowers seemed to exchanged marketing and exhibit performance of
these military pieces on war torn areas. A recent show on the might of some of
these military paraphernalia happened on an unfortunate event where a civilian
commercial airplane was targeted and hit by a surface to air missile of a rebel
group in East Ukraine.
[Photo grab from wikimedia.org]
All its 289 civilian passengers were wiped out instantly into thin air.
Although air space routes to these war torn places are being avoided, accident
still happens and the poor victims sadly are wasted and treated as collateral
damages or just simply a show off of might of the military armory of each
opposing sides. And as virtual technology upgrades, the internet has become a
vast field to market these military equipment and supplies. Gears such as
drones and battleships are selling like hotcakes on war torn areas and places.
Transactions and shipments are of course hidden and sealed as top secret
details. Other countries hosts exhibits
and shows that showcases information and details of these military merchandise.
One recent exposition was the Asian Defense and Se
curity Exhibition (ADAS) that
happened in the Philippines initiated last July 17, 2014. The exhibit showcased
various military equipment and armaments that could counter terrorists, rebels
and other military insurgents. A highlight of the exhibit included the Battledrone T.Re.X4, atactical multi-rotor unmanned aerial system used in military
operations.
[Photo grab from mb.com.ph]
In April of 2013, London
exhibited counter terror gadgets. Armoured 4x4 vehicles, bulletproof glass,
grenades, robotics and life-sized paper targets of suicide bombers and terrorists
were put on display.
[Photo grab from the dailymail.co.uk]
Last September25-28 2013, Russia sponsored an exhibit tagged as the IX
Russia Arms Expo 2013. The exhibit showcased Russia’s military equipment,
ammunition and other military gadgets.
And as billions of people worldwide wait, pray and hope for WORLD PEACE
some are busy selling and exhibiting their military wares. All peace loving and
law abiding citizens of the world can only wait, pray and hope where in the
world will PEACE be sold too. Billions await and hope that WORLD PEACE can
still be attained and will still be FREE. But since PEACE seems to be so
elusive, are we to set our minds that we all need to be prepared and gear up
for the next battle just to be able to really fight for PEACE. Is the world
gearing up for world battles that even plain civilian citizens need these
battlegears as immediate protection? Do we need to replace our wallpapers with
images of suicide bombers and terrorists and start target shooting practice
even in our dreams? Will the next car model be an APC look-a-alike or a missile
blaster? Or maybe we need to stack up our closets with battle drone outfits so
that we could blast off from our windows and blow everything suspicious as
targets?
This video was taken from Kim Symythe’s YouTube
Channel. Kim also does not know the
original author of the video and just find appreciation for sharing it
publicly. The video featured a little boy diagnosed with down syndrome due to his physical features. Some have even reacted about why one allow a big dog beside the boy to play around.
The risk was obviously there. But there must be a meaning behind why this video
happened. Anybody who would watch the video will sense some deep moving emotion
about what it means and why it happened. And even though the boy cannot
comprehend much about the dog’s ways of endearment. As much as the dog cannot
also understand the language the boy also conveys. There is but a greater and
absolute power that made the two understand each other in the manner most of us
are capable with – AFFECTION. The video
captions itself speaks bigger than everything:
Life is a struggle, accept
it.
Some
consider it a gift.
God doesn’t make
mistakes.
Our life may all be struggles we cannot instantly
comprehend. Many times we were against it and made us question the Divine Being
with so many ‘Whys.’ Yet all we need to do is conform to it. And although some
appreciates and consider it a gift. But many are not really sure on how to live
about it. As we go along our lives and attain a certain level of wisdom, we
started feeling we are BETTER & BEST without having to ACCEPT that we are
just a speck and dust in an IMMENSE creation of the MASTER OF LIFE.
We thought we are INVINCIBLE and cannot be outdone by any
great powers.
We thought we are SUPERIOR and nobody can destroy nor
annihilate us because of our newfound powers.
We thought we are UNBEATABLE and nobody can surpass the
achievements we acquired.
We thought we are VICIOUS enough to outwit everything that
comes our way.
We may think what we like to think about ourselves. We may think what we like to do about
ourselves.
We can even think what we think our lives will be in the
future.
But before we do, think or make something about ourselves
and for others, do remember that ALL happens for a reason according to the blueprint
of the MASTER OF LIFE.
Each us has roles to play. We may not like what we have or
have not.
We may have the wisdom to tell what is and what is not.
But there is still a GRAND PLAN for everything and anything.
Where we all fit and built to match accordingly. Simply
because…
God does not make mistakes.
We are all part of each other lives.
God does not make mistakes.
We are all His beautiful masterpiece! Unique. Integral. Connected.
[Grenoble Hospital in France, left Schumacher, middle, Lausanne Hospital in Switzerland, right]
Today, Monday, June 16, 2014 - Family, friends and fans of
F1 legend Michael
Schumacher rejoices as news of recovery from coma by the famous race car
driver spreads. Michael
has left the Grenoble Hospital in La Tronche, southeast of France to resume
full rehabilitation outside of the public’s prying eyes. Michael’s family,
doctors, nurses and staff have extended their appreciation to all the people
all over the world who have prayed and wished his well-being since the fatal skiing
accident that happened late December of 2013 just a few days before his 45th
birthday last January 3, 2014. Michael has been in
long induced coma after he was airlifted and rushed to the emergency of
Grenoble University Hospital. Michael regained consciousness
last April but needed to still be under sedation as per his doctors diagnosis
and further observation. Michael will recover
and recuperate at the Lausanne University Hospital called the ‘CHUV’ which is
nearer his family’s Swiss residence.
Although the statement given by Sabine Kehm, Michael’s
manager shortly after the legendary F1 driver had left the Grenoble University
Hospital did not give any further details on Michael ’s medical
condition. Kehm was quoted saying that Schumacher would ‘continue his long
phase of rehabilitation.’ With such
statement, some could only speculate the long term side effects of his injury
therefore taking longer rehabilitation. But since Michael was an
athlete and in top shape, a few good months would probably a good recovery
period. Around the world, colleagues, friends and fans have posted well wishes
for the fast recovery of the 7-time F1 Champion. Doctors and experts hail the
move of Michael’s
transfer to a facility near his home as this will speed up the recovery portion
with family support as much as possible. Ever since the accident, Michael’s family
kept on constant vigil by his bedside in the hospital.
Guess who’s joinin’ the list? Well if you haven’t heard much
about Lady Gaga these days. It is
because Ms Poker Face is up to somethin.’ The Poker Face pop singer did some
pup strollin’ around the busy street of New York with her new French bulldog
Asia. Clad in her see-thru black organza outfit matched with a see thru bra and
a heavily ornate silver necklace to draw more emphasize about her bared nipples,
Lady Gaga now officially joins the list of the 2014 year of the nipples. Busy
New Yorkers took glances with some even have that odd reaction on Lady Gaga’s always
daring outfit. The looks on the faces of
those people encountered by Ms Poker Face seemed to be of mixed reactions but
more on being entertained with the singer’s new nude fashion sense.
[Lady
Gaga – photo grab from Elle.com]
Last month, Lady Gaga was also seen by reporters in Winnipeg
wearing only a long plaid trouser matched with a sunglass and a pair of high
heeled ankle boots struggling to walk around her pup Asia just hours after the
Artpop Ball concert. Lady Gaga’s adopted puppy was everywhere in her Instagram
account. Asia was with her when she went surfing on the sea just last week. In
one photo, Asia was atop a surfboard with Gaga on it too. Lady Gaga adores this
new pooch which she adopted last March this year and loves roamin’ around with
her.
As netizens feast on Rihanna’s almost naked gown
that bared almost everything at the CFDA event last week, it is now Lady Gaga’s
turn to bare hers. Did Lady Gaga post too on her Instagram account? Will Mark Zuckerberg
also close her account? Who will be the next sensation joining the nipple
baring feast? Ask Lady Gaga’s newly adopted pup Asia, she might know the answer
since she was with her most of the time and slept with her in her bedroom.
[Queen Elzabeth II - photo grab from the telegraph]
Queen Elizabeth II expressed her concern over the protection
of the Philippines amid conflicting territorial water rights with China. The 88-year old queen in a speech delivered during
a dinner at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, France with French
President Francois Hollande as host expressed her concern over the protection
of the Philippines amid conflicting territorial water rights with China. The
event graced by the queen commemorates the 70th anniversary of the
World War II event on the landings of the Allied Forces in Normandy as the
Philippines marked its 116th year of independence.
The Allied forces which have shown its strength during World
War II was again reinforcing to protect the Philippines amid impending chaos. The Allies consists of France, Poland and
Great Britain with soon to be joined by the British Commonwealth. The Allies were the group that initiated the
convention of the now United Nations in 1945 for which China was a member.
China’s claim over territorial waters with the Philippines
and some other Asian nations who has concern over the west Philippine Sea
boundaries. Recent satellite images
captured China building some structures over the disputed waters prompting the
Philippines and other claimant nations to express disagreement over China’s
advances. Despite the moves by China, the Philippines and other claimant
nations remain calm and resort to remedy their issues by filing claims to the
UN. But China seems to keep on ignoring the proper channel and keep on its
violations prompting the international community to recognize the urgency of
protecting the Philippines along with the Allies’ common goal of unification. The United States which still have naval
bases in the Philippines initially affirmed its alliance with the Philippines
and assurance as its long-time ally during president Barrack Obama’s visit last
April 29. During World War II when China
was attacked by Japan, the United Nations initiated sanctions to Japan as the US
turned to support China. With the
territorial water disputes over the West Philippine Seas and the Allied Forces
joining the United States in condemning the acts of China over the disputed
waters, it is now left to China what will be the next move to resolve the issue
amicably. The world now awaits China’s reaction.
[Senators
Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and JuanPonce Enrile shares a lighter side at the
senate / photo grab from rappler.com]
After the
again so amusing privilege speech of Sen. Bong Revilla yesterday, Monday, June
9, newspaper headline rally anew to probe on the fate of the Philippine’s 3
senate musketeers. And just like the
legendary tale of ‘All for one and one for all.’ battle cry, the three senators
who was the subject of the plunder case for funnelling out government funds
into their own pockets are now on their homerun stretch to the jail. But all
three expressed readiness for their arrest and does not show fear nor remorse
since they all claim that the case will not stand in the court and they will be
eventually have their justice served. Revilla even made his recent privilege
speech something to be feast upon with memes on the social network forums.
[Maria Sharapova - photo grab from hdwallpaperscool.com]
Russia's pretty tennis pro, Maria Sharapova beats 22 year-old Romanian Simona Halep. Sharapova's win was passionately won in a three spellbinding set many claimed as Sharapova's art of passionate tennis play that only she can conquer and finish with the winning score of 6-4, 6-7, 6-4. Towards the end and as the crowd chants Simona's name to accord her for her fighting spirit, her eyes welled up with tears. But it was Sharapova's winning moment and Halep has to accept defeat with grace and honor. Halep was the first to reach the finals since her manager Viginia Rucizi also lost to Chris Evert 34 years ago. Halep settled as the world's Number 4 in the world of Women's Tennis having beaten also by Serena Williams last year. On her side, Sharapova still congratulates Halep and told. "You've had an unbelievable two weeks, Simona. I’m so emotional right now I don’t know what language to speak, English, French, Russian. But to be able to have the chance to stand on this stage two years is incredible for me.”
[Rihanna at CFDA in the body revealing see-thru gown. Image from dailymail]
Rihanna’s
instagram account was censored
off by Instagram for
flaunting her pornos. Instagram through its owner Mark Zuckerberg who
also owns Facebook has
banned singer Rihanna for
blatantly posting her explicit images from her Liu Magazine layout. The banning was initiated with repeated
warnings but was ignored. She instead continued to post more of her nude
photos, prompting the sanction to be administered at lunchtime last Monday June
2, 2014. It was also last Monday that Riri appeared at the CFDA
Awards in New York in a completely sheer and almost naked ensemble. The dress
made for her by Fashion Designer Adam Selman.
In an interview by Style.com, the designer describe the ensemble to be
just fishnet, crystals and fingers crossed. The translucent mesh dress which
took about 230,000 Swarovski crystals was worn by Riri with a matching head scarf
and gloves, a pink fur stole and just a nude thong underneath. Selman admitted
it was definitely their idea to make it a ‘little bit scandalous while stylist
Mel Ottenberg noted that at least eight people have worked painstakingly to put
on the finishing touches.
In a revelation from Hollywoodlife.com tells the sheer dress
was Rihanna’s sort of revenge dressing to show off singer-rapper Drake whose relationship
with Rihanna has just recently broken up. But Drake’s reaction was
some comment that Riri loves to shock people with her pretty extreme ensemble.
Finally, it’s
officially Mr. & Mrs Kanye West! Today, Saturday May 24, 2014 Kanye West
and Kim Kardashian was officially Mr. & Mrs Kanye West. Dressed in a lacy curvaceous bodice dress with plunging V neckline, Kim was all very sexy and endowed with all her body assets. While Kanye was ever dashing in his dark blue and black suit. The couple was married at the historic 17th
century castle Chateau de Wideville in West Paris, France.
The couple fell in love with the vintage venues and thinks they were really, really classy. The royal princess, little baby Princess Kimye was on her drape covered deep blue colored cradle rolled by her mommy Kim as daddy Kanye signals shhh to hush the crowd so as not to disturb her nappin.’ During the pre-wedding luncheon at Valentino’s chateau, baby North West was well-mannered and did not seem to even grimaced nor bothered to get into tantrums with all the preparations going around her. She was contented nibbling on her dark chocolate and vegetable tempura. On June 15, baby Kimye will celebrate her very first birthday.
While Jay Z thought the wedding has gone out of proportion and have turned over into more of a circus, the wedding vows was finally done and the royalties now has completed their dream royal wedding. Congratulations Hrhs. King Kanye and Queen Kim and now back to reality Mr. & Mrs. Kanye West.
Clad in
simple street clothes with less and no make up to complete the experiment
look. Asia’s famous Nightingale Lani
Misalucha belted out three songs in the noisy, dusty pedestrian side street at
the back of Manila City Hall. The
production crew commissioned two blind bangketa singers, Flor and Mel who
worked by singing and asking donations from the passing crowds of busy Manila
side streets. The two did not know Lani Misalucha will be their guest protégé singer
who will join them as they perform and ask for donations from passers-by.
When the
experiment started, passers-by just casually passed the two blind workers and
proceeded to where they will be going never stopping to even listen nor drop
something on the donation box for the two blind workers. But as Lani started to sing her first song,
people started to listen to an unknown face yet familiar high pitched singing
voice of Lani. People started to be
mesmerized and one by one stop to listen to the melodious voice. The two blind workers are even happier not
only listening to a strange bangketa singer who offered to sing for them and
drew crowd that gets bigger and bigger as she belts out every song to their
listening pleasure. People started dropping donations in appreciation to the
singing talent and the nice melodies they were hearing. With three familiar
songs certainly Lani’s, the crowd got to finally recognize the face behind the simple street clothes in
dark sunglass shades through that distinct voice that only belongs to the one
and only Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha.
Excitement grew and one by one people started taking video, pictures of
the bangketa singer now unmasked. Lani
took the experience as a treasured one and was overwhelmed with it. With her experience, she certainly has high
and deepest regards to the two blind bangketa workers who painstakingly worked
with their talents under the basking heat of the sun, the humid and hot air, he
noisy surroundings for just a few sum of donations in exchange for their talent
and performance. To Lani, it was
certainly a rare and a very moving experience having performed in a very ‘unusual
stage’ but very heart warming experience.
Whoever
says Anne Curtis can’t carry a tune must have been mumbling on air now. The famous Kapamilya fantaserye icon has belted out songs never in their wild
imagination she can do. Maybe not someone
to compare with Broadway superstars, but Anne certainly did an unmatched
performance in her recently concluded concert dubbed as ‘The Forbidden Anne Kapal
Concert Round 2.’ Anne has again filled out the Smart Araneta Coliseum by overflowing
it to the brim with her followers making her a ‘Concert Biggie.’ As hot as
ever, Anne rippled another something for the entertainment scene. Last year’s bar scandals made Anne’s career
almost sour and bleak. The controversy of her as a bad example for the products
she endorses created ripples and memes over the social media network. Early this year, bad moments happened as she
got stunned by a box jellyfish while on shoot of her fantasy series ‘Dyesebel’
in Batangas. But now, as she hums another tune, Anne belted all her bad sides
out of her system as she did unusual concert singing stunts singing popular
hits like ‘Let It Go’ from the animated
movie Frozen and originally rendered
by Idina Menzel. Her star glows brightly
anew and even hotter than before. Anne is currently one of the most sought
after actress and endorser. The sold out
concert was co-produced by Annebisyosa
Productions, Inc. and Viva Live was
a certified blockbuster making Anne Curtis the next concert biggie in
Philippine concert series. Should Annedecide a sequel or another concert audience can expect more fire and hot
numbers from Anne and her concert guests and will surely bring everyone on
their feet and clamoring for more. A
sure stand out with more surprises and more exciting numbers.
What
beauty means are differentiated by how a person perceive what beauty is? Many says beauty lies on the eye of the
beholder. To some, natural and exotic is beauty. A handful says beauty and
brains are tops. Others say beauty is just skin deep. Beauty organizers around the world seek far
and wide who will stand out from its set of criteria and deserve to wear their
prestigious crown and be named as the ‘most beautiful’ among women from
different nations of the world who came to participate and compete for the
coveted title at stake. However, based on the outcome and history of winning
the title crowns there are only a handful of countries in the world who are
consistently winning most of the crowns offered by these beauty pageant
organizers. And in the year 2013, the Philippines have garnered and was enlisted
in the elite list of countries having won the major beauty contests crowns. The
elite group consist of Venezuela, the US and the Philippines with Venezuela having
won 21 major crowns on top of the list followed by the US with 14 and the
Philippines with 9. The Philippines was
also the lone Asian nation to have entered into the elite circle. Qualifying to
be listed in the elite circle was winning the top four major beauty title
namely: Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth.
Assessing
and measuring beauty by these ‘big four’ world beauty pageant organizers were
based on tabulated score sheets filled up by the assigned contest judges during
the pageant. In some instances public polls and voting are being conducted
online as aid in the popularity aspect of criteria but this aspect was not a
guaranty nor will wholly be the basis of the overall judging criteria.
Organizers and pageant benefactors also play a big role though these will never
be something to be taken into context since ‘unbiased’ decisions are always
claimed and vital for the trust rating satisfaction of the pageant organizers
mainly due to the interest of the viewing public.
The
inclusion of the Philippines in the elite circle of the ‘big four’ has broken
the traditional ‘western countries’ domination of the beauty pageant crowns.
With the shift from west to eastern beauty domination, many beauty pageant followers
are also unto the quest of what beauty will be based on the historic shifting
of winners. Many eastern countries are
hopeful that if Philippines had made it to the elite circle, the feat can still
be repeated. A hope for women in the
east or probably the middle, north or south have something to be challenged
with. This all lead to conclude that
beauty is an exciting competition being watched and awaited by all people from
all corners of the world. Beautiful
women not because they are poised, charming, witty and intelligent but most
fitting of all was that they were representatives of making all the countries
unite and respect each other as a nation and people of this world. Beauty maybe in the eye of a person, but each
women participant in these beauty contests does not only represent beauty but
their respective country, their values, their culture and most significantly
people united and one. A quality that radiates beyond what beauty mean.
Facing the grief of shame, Chung Hong-won admitted his negligence and offer of apology over the tragic deaths of mostly school children of the ill-fated capsized ferry MV Sewol a few kilometers away off the coast of Gwanmae Island near Jeju in South Korea. This led him to surrender and resign from his post as Prime Minister of his country while retrieval operations are still ongoing for the hundreds of bodies that sunk along with the ferry. Of the more than estimated 400 passengers and crew, 187 confirmed and retrieved bodies have been recovered with yet an estimate of 115 still unaccounted for based on the ferry's record. A figure which many presumed was a misfit calculation since many relatives are have come to claim their love ones included in the ferry trip to Jeju. The premier's last visit to a shelter for relatives of the victims in Jindo Island supposedly to console and humble himself was met with rage and anger from the distraught relatives. Some even throw water bottles unto him out of their compromised loss. Heartbreaking text notes to relatives of the schoolchildren on board the ferry were covered by several news agencies. More claimed hearing still their children's tragic plea for help on their sleeps.
Sunset. The most calming and becoming event to see on the horizon. Not every country were graced to have that one lovely setting on the horizon. Some people even try to catch it with their lenses travelling all across the globe just to have a peek at its glory. The stunning and ecstatic scene most likely could not be replicated nor captured twice. No two sunset captures are alike. And there are only a few places in the world graced by such occasion. The Philippines fortunately was blessed with such beauties. Aside from the world renowned 'Sunset in Manila Bay,' there are certainly other places that equally are worth every click and worthy to be pinned on a canvass. Below are some of the captured beauties of the Philippine sunset through the lens of Che Gurobat, a Filipina traveler who have tried to photographed sunsets of 80 of the 81 provinces of the Philippines. See some of her majestic shots of sunsets that can only be found only in the Philippines. Though she have seen and experienced the sunset phenomenon every time in her life, she still find each moment a blissful luxury not everyone can exactly feel. Prepare to be captivated by her ecstatic captures. Boracay Island, Aklan
Ahhhh... what a sight! The glorious splendor of the Visayan skies as if drawn vividly in crimson shades with back drop of fishing boats and mountains from afar. What an escape from the sights of the skyscrapers in the city and the congested city streets. One would surely drop dead seeing this natural canvass of views. Balanacan Port, Mogpog, Marinduque
Fire and ice meet each other. The captured transitioning skies are but just wonderfully ecstatic. God was a real master of of all art with the perfect blend of every colors and elements. Picture perfect in astounding expressive nature's beauty. Manila Bay
Who could ever miss this? The postcard beauty known across the globe. See that ball of fire glowing to hide somewhere that even the fleet of sails and boats couldn't simply hide it. Amazingly worth a momentarily glance. A masterpiece indeed! Tanay, Rizal
The mystery lies deep within. As the sun draws flat on the horizon. The boatman and the lighthouse tower seem to be overwhelmed with its spectacular grandeur that watching it set was all they could traverse. Siquijor
Mystical beauty in pale sunset hue. The beauty hides within releasing the mystery of the nocturnal transition. The abyss is ready to engulf and hide them soon.
Bangui, Ilocos Norte
The wind howls as the mountains breathe. The failing luster is about to cast not even those mighty windmill blades can stop its journey of hiding. One perfect capture of nature's mighty powers. Batangas
A peek behind leaves the colossal mountain just a shadow that will soon be hidden from the eyes of many. But the fiery wonder was worth an immense feast that last forever. San Juan, La Union
O heavenly goodness what wonderful grace you are? Even the solitary drifter shy away somberly if only to catch you til the next time you peek anew from the horizon. Coron, Palawan
Stunning azure captured in magnificent wonders. Only sunset hues, natural mountains and deep blue waters can create such wonderful blend of hues in perfect harmony. No Rembrandt or Goya nor any of the renaissance scholars can simply replicate such scene. Magnifico! Panglao Island, Bohol
A dreamer's refuge in a dreamy landscape. One will be permitted to sigh with awe and make this scene a rendezvous in their imagination. But why imagine, if you can catch your dream, the island and the sunset awaits, be sure to catch 'em on your next journey to this place. Mt. Manabu Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Captivating layers of earth and sky. What bizarre secrets do you hide behind such enigma? It will truly be exciting to wait until the horizon totally settles in constant tone. It would be nice to take a glimpse before it's gone forever. Anawangin Cove, San Antonio, Zambales
Watch the intense crown of glowing ball go down to the waters. Kissing everyone warmly 'Adieu' only to back in a couple of moments. But don't get impatient it leaves you with a view that will leave you addicted seeing its glory again and again. Apo Reef, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental
The lush green is an ally. Neutralizing and refreshing the intense colors. It only defines the diversity of life. in its most shining glory. Let's celebrate life in vivid colors! Dapitan City
The angel up above. The silver lining up above the sky. That look and resembles that of an angel's pair of wings. God must have sent a real one. Rejoice for God blesses us with angelic beauties we see beyond our expectation. Zamboanga City
The colors representing the south in purely amazing colors. The beautiful vintas meet the glorious colors of the sun setting on the horizon. This completes the colors of sunny Philippines graciously blessed with beautiful people , captivating places and natural events like these amazing sunsets. Come visit the Philippines and see these amazing wonders.
In a
predominantly Muslim place like Iran, execution by hanging was an option for justice. But a mother’s heart proved that mercy
is a way to justice for a
son who died from the hand of a man whom the sharia
law of retribution found guilty for the crime.
What
Balal thought was his last gasp of breath was miraculously deferred. He instead felt a big slap in his face coming
from the merciful hand of his victim’s mother.
The victim’s family did not approve on the timing of the date. It was the day before the Persian New Year Nowruz. Three days prior to the execution
day, Hosseinzadeh Sr., the victim’s father told that his wife
had a dream of their elder son Abdollah telling he was in a good place and told
her not to retaliate. The dream made his wife to further think until the day of
execution. The moment of grace and divine intervention. Six years ago, Abdollah was 18 years old then
and was strolling with friends in a bazaar when the then 20 year old Balal
shoved him. The startled Abdollah kicked him but Balal instead took an ordinary
knife out from his socks which he struck to Abdollah causing his death. Though Balal escaped from the scene of the
crime, he was later arrested by the police and took the court six years to hand
down the verdict of death to penalize Balal for his wrongdoing. Hosseinzadeh Sr however found out that Balal was an
inexperienced killer and could not even handle a knife. “He was naïve,” Hosseinzadeh Sr said.
God has many ways and faces
to perform His graces and mercy. It is
through this kinds of ‘divine
intervention’ that he perform extraordinary miracles to people of different
creed, belief and religion. In some part
of the world, not necessarily in the Islamic region, the period of Lent was being observed. And if this is one way God, Allah or whatever name we call
Him to remember His merciful heart, there must be really some divine intervention why He
has chosen this moment to let MERCY TRIUMPHED OVER JUSTICE.
