...at the Temple of Heaven...
...let's GO!
The Paralympics Kicks Off!
Let's not forget our handicapped friends in the paralympics! The 13th Paralympics opens on September 6!
...at the Temple of Heaven...
...at the Temple of Heaven...
The Sichuan Connection
Today is August 28, 2008.
Lucky, lucky day, is it not?? :P
Have you heard of the spook creeping around China's medal tally?
The final medal tally for China in the Beijing Olympics was--
Gold 51 Silver 21 Bronze 28
Line up the numbers 5 1 2 1 2 8
The Sichuan incident occured on May 12, 2008 at exactly 2.28pm.
China should have won one more silver.
Thank God They're Not Called "Friendlies" And An Olympic Hangover
Now that the Summer Olympics 2008 is over, I suppose there are still people having the hangover??
My friends, the 2CC's, provided just the cure for that!
Yay!
My friends, the 2CC's, provided just the cure for that!
Yay!
Anyway, did you know that the Fuwas were originally coined the Friendlies???
That would make them sound like those scary tubby dolls on TV.
Seriously, good thing the name changed.
I mean...Friendlies~~ yuck.
If you're interested in knowing more about the history of the Olympic mascots, check out this slideshow!
Check out Amik--he's the one that looks like a hat.
That would make them sound like those scary tubby dolls on TV.
Seriously, good thing the name changed.
I mean...Friendlies~~ yuck.
If you're interested in knowing more about the history of the Olympic mascots, check out this slideshow!
Check out Amik--he's the one that looks like a hat.
See You In London!
The Beijing Olympics 2008 officially ended last night. And I guess people will forget China now--for a while.
Londoners gave an 8-minute show during the handover. And David Beckham suddenly appeared out of nowhere--doing absolutely nothing.
Wooohhh...
In closing, Rogge said it best, "[To the athletes] You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."
Ladies and gentlemen, 1432 days to go.
Londoners gave an 8-minute show during the handover. And David Beckham suddenly appeared out of nowhere--doing absolutely nothing.
Wooohhh...
In closing, Rogge said it best, "[To the athletes] You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."
Ladies and gentlemen, 1432 days to go.
A Study In Contrasts
I have always been curious about this picture. I took this when I was on transit from Xian to Xiamen. Can you see it??
Why Hearing The Philippine National Anthem Made Me Cry
I don't normally cry when I hear "Lupang Hinirang". That's the Philippine national anthem for you.
I love my country. But I don't break down every time it is played.
Still, I am so happy to finally hear our national anthem being played during the Beijing Olympics 2008.
Willy Wang of the Philippines got the GOLD during the wushu competition. Although the medal did not count in the official medal tally, Willy Wang made my country proud.
I hope the lola in the Palace won't be fuming anymore.
I love my country. But I don't break down every time it is played.
Still, I am so happy to finally hear our national anthem being played during the Beijing Olympics 2008.
Willy Wang of the Philippines got the GOLD during the wushu competition. Although the medal did not count in the official medal tally, Willy Wang made my country proud.
I hope the lola in the Palace won't be fuming anymore.
Last Medal Hope For RP
When I woke up this morning, I was feeling very good.
Philippines' Tshomlee Go will be competing in taekwondo, and I can practically smell a medal.
After reading about Go in sports bulletins and during the Athens Games mania, I was thinking--medal, medal, medal~~
And yes, his name sounds so catchy, don't you think so?? TSHOMLEE for taekwondo.
I was ready to write a blog post already-- WAY TO GO, TSHOMLEE GO!!!
But no...
He lost to Australian Ryan Carneli.
So the pressure is definitely there for Rivero now that everyone knows she's our last medal hope for RP.
And someone had to point out that we're in the losers quarters among SEA countries.
Philippines' Tshomlee Go will be competing in taekwondo, and I can practically smell a medal.
After reading about Go in sports bulletins and during the Athens Games mania, I was thinking--medal, medal, medal~~And yes, his name sounds so catchy, don't you think so?? TSHOMLEE for taekwondo.
I was ready to write a blog post already-- WAY TO GO, TSHOMLEE GO!!!
But no...
He lost to Australian Ryan Carneli.
So the pressure is definitely there for Rivero now that everyone knows she's our last medal hope for RP.
Rivero in top form
And someone had to point out that we're in the losers quarters among SEA countries.
Get Well Soon, Liu Xiang!!!
Love Competition
Love risking your pride
Love winning it back
Love giving it everything you’ve got
Love the glory
Love the pain
Love sport even when it breaks your heart
Holiday Economics
Which brings me to my point.
Read first TOP 10: CHINA'S WORST LAWS.
Quezon City residents recently had a very LOOONG weekend. From Saturday to Tuesday.
Saturday and Sunday are regular weekend days. What about Monday and Tuesday?
Because of Republic Act 9492 (that's now a law), President Arroyo has the power to move certain holidays in order to adjust the people's vacation time. She says if holidays or weekends or vacations are longer, people would spend more and the retailers and restaurant owners will especially experience good business.
People would stay longer in hotels, malls, resorts, spend, spend, spend!
Thus, holiday economics.
So Ninoy Aquino Day which is supposed to be on the 21st of August, was moved to Monday the 18th of August instead. And not so coincidentally, Quezon City Day was yesterday--on the 19th.
There are good and bad points to this law. Good is what President Arroyo rationalized.
But what about bad? Will people become lazier or not???
Read first TOP 10: CHINA'S WORST LAWS.
Quezon City residents recently had a very LOOONG weekend. From Saturday to Tuesday.
Saturday and Sunday are regular weekend days. What about Monday and Tuesday?
Because of Republic Act 9492 (that's now a law), President Arroyo has the power to move certain holidays in order to adjust the people's vacation time. She says if holidays or weekends or vacations are longer, people would spend more and the retailers and restaurant owners will especially experience good business.
People would stay longer in hotels, malls, resorts, spend, spend, spend!
Thus, holiday economics.
So Ninoy Aquino Day which is supposed to be on the 21st of August, was moved to Monday the 18th of August instead. And not so coincidentally, Quezon City Day was yesterday--on the 19th.
There are good and bad points to this law. Good is what President Arroyo rationalized.
But what about bad? Will people become lazier or not???
Top 10: China's Worst Laws
I'm just going to copy everything here from Foreignpolicy.com.
Can we compile a similar list in the Philippines??
I think all laws have good and bad points. Everyone's a critic. So as citizens, we can at least help weigh the good and bad side of them.
Can we compile a similar list in the Philippines??
I think all laws have good and bad points. Everyone's a critic. So as citizens, we can at least help weigh the good and bad side of them.
TOP 10: CHINA'S WORST LAWS
Article 105 of the Criminal Law
What it says: Criminalizes “organizing, scheming or acting to subvert the political power of the state and overthrow the socialist system” and “incitement to subvert the political power of the state and overthrow the socialist system by spreading rumors, slander or other means.”
What it does: Although China’s constitution ostensibly guarantees the right to free speech and expression, statutes such as this one allow the state to suppress all criticism. Subversion charges are a common fate for China’s activist bloggers and journalists.
GOH CHAI HIN/AFP/Getty Images
Hukou (Household Registration) System
What it says: Citizens are classified according to place of residence and socioeconomic status. Parents pass down their classification to their children, making hukou a form of social identity. Rural migrants are not allowed to relocate to cities unless they meet certain requirements, including a “stable job or source of income” and a “stable place of residence.”
What it does: The hukou system, excoriated by critics as “China’s apartheid,” traces its origins to the fifth century, B.C. Reforms have lifted restrictions in recent years and enforcement has slackened off, but some provinces still have hukou on the books. Migrants who don’t meet requirements have trouble obtaining public services such as healthcare or education for their children. Some officials defend the system, warning that too-rapid changes will lead to soaring crime and social chaos. But earlier this year, a government-sponsored report suggested that hukou be scrapped altogether to grant farmers the same status as urbanites.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Measures for Managing Internet Information Systems, Issued by State Council Order No. 292
What it says: Prohibits certain content from Web sites, online bulletin boards, and chat rooms, including content that could “harm the dignity and interests of the state” or “disturb social order.” It also holds Internet service providers (ISPs) responsible for the content of their sites.
What it does: Vague provisions such as banning Web sites that “disturb social order” are a blank check for Internet censorship. China employs some 30,000 Internet police to keep tabs on its more than 250 million Web users, and holding ISPs responsible for content often leads to widespread self-censorship and the recording of subscribers’ online and telephone activity.
TEH ENG KOON/AFP/Getty Images
Law on the Supervision by Standing Committees of the People’s Congress at All Levels (2006), Article 3
What it says: It lays out the requirement of “upholding leadership of the Communist Party.”
What it does: Along with the constitution itself, this law enables one-party rule by mandating Communist Party dominance in Congress. Technically speaking, China has eight registered minor parties. But thanks to laws such as this, they have little to no influence on government.
China Photos/Getty Images
New Property Rights Law, 2007
What it says: A first, this law granted the right to property ownership by private persons.
What it does: Although one can own buildings and fixtures on land, the land itself still belongs to the state. The Chinese government also has a right to seize private property for “a public purpose,” a vague standard that is often exploited by commercial interests. The state must “provide compensation” for such seizures, but it usually offers a menial amount. Some analysts think that giving peasants in particular the right to sell their land would have tamped down rural unrest and helped millions find work and overcome poverty, but such a dramatic step was apparently too much for the Communist Party.
Andrew Wong/Getty Images
Regulations on Religious Affairs (2005)
What it says: Allows religious organizations to possess property, publish literature, train and approve clergy, and collect donations, but requires them to register with the state. Article 3 sets forth that religion can’t be used to “disrupt public order” or “harm State or public interests.”
What it does: Requiring groups to register with the state grants the government the right of refusal over religious organizations. The language in Article 3 is intentionally vague and is often used against groups the government doesn’t approve, such as the Falun Gong. The government officially recognizes just five religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism.
China Photos/Getty Images
Trade Union Law of the People’s Republic of China
What it says: “The All-China Federation of Trade Unions shall be established as the unified national organization.”
What it does: Limits workers to party-controlled All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), which rights groups say doesn’t adequately protect workers’ rights. A new labor law passed in 2007 strengthened the role that the ACFTU could play in negotiating wages and benefits, but the union has traditionally favored management over workers and has not played an active role in defending such worker rights as overtime compensation and the ability to strike.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
State Security Law, Article 4
What it says: Lists specific acts that endanger state security, but are still vague enough to encourage arbitrary enforcement.
What it does: Activists and journalists are often prosecuted for Clause 1— “plotting to subvert the government, dismember the State or overthrow the socialist system,” or Clause 3—“stealing, secretly gathering, buying, or unlawfully providing State secrets.” According to human rights researcher John Kamm, 99 percent of people tried for endangering state security are convicted.
TEH ENG KOON/AFP/Getty Images
Consumer Protection Law, Chapter II, Articles 7 and 8
What it says: Companies are expected to maintain safety standards currently established by other companies, and businesses can’t be punished for falling behind raised standards established by goods entering the market at a later time.
What it does: Safety standards and laws fluctuate with shifts in the market. Thus, there are no objective mandates for consumer product safety. After last summer’s string of product recalls, the U.S. and Chinese product safety agencies met to discuss new measures, including banning the use of lead paint in toys exported to the United States. Still, there is little hope for progress unless Chinese local authorities stop haphazardly enforcing rules and regulations.
STR/AFP/Getty Images
Emergency Response Law
What it says: Designed to ban the spread of false information during disasters, the law prohibits “units and individuals” from “fabricating or spreading false information regarding emergencies and government efforts to cope with emergencies.” It also mandates local governments and authorities to “provide coordinated, accurate and timely information on the emergency and its development.”
What it does: Passed in the wake of Chinese stonewalling during the SARS outbreak in 2003, the law ostensibly aims to improve the spread of information. But critics contend it just as easily muzzles the press. China’s legislature did water down a measure that would have imposed strict fines on the media for “inaccurate reporting,” but the law still contains provisions revoking media licenses for violations. State media coverage of coal-mine and other industrial accidents has been limited, as the government worries such reporting would provoke social unrest.
The Answer To The Question: What If Liu Xiang Doesn't Win?
China's track and field hero Liu Xiang pulled out of the race due to hamstring injuries that finally gave way.
My heart breaks for him. :(
Is this the same response if Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao loses a very important match?
My heart breaks for him. :(Is this the same response if Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao loses a very important match?
Panda Gifts
These are just the cutest!!!
Panda couple Yuanyuan and Tuanyuan are going to Taiwan as gifts from the Mainland.
They were initially rejected by the Taiwanese government, because paranoid Taiwan thought the gifts were one of the tactics used to hoist a "takeover" by China.
But now they're back and ready to roam in Taiwan!
Yay!
PS. Tuanyuan means reunited in Chinese, so does this mean we can see a peaceful relationship between the two nations?
I personally do not want dividing lines among 华人.
They were initially rejected by the Taiwanese government, because paranoid Taiwan thought the gifts were one of the tactics used to hoist a "takeover" by China.
But now they're back and ready to roam in Taiwan!
Yay!
PS. Tuanyuan means reunited in Chinese, so does this mean we can see a peaceful relationship between the two nations?
I personally do not want dividing lines among 华人.
The Importance Of Face
Not face as in your face. But face as in your reputation.
Chinese people have always cared for their face.
I like to say "What about my bin zi?!"
Take for example the case of Miaoke and Peiyi in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Peiyi supposedly didn't represent China, so she was last minutely replaced by Miaoke.
But then I'm just wondering...I think everything about this face thing is sorely misunderstood by non-Chinese. Whoever did say that Peiyi was not cute enough and that she had crooked teeth and all those excuses?
Chinese people have always cared for their face.
I like to say "What about my bin zi?!"
Take for example the case of Miaoke and Peiyi in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Peiyi supposedly didn't represent China, so she was last minutely replaced by Miaoke.
But then I'm just wondering...I think everything about this face thing is sorely misunderstood by non-Chinese. Whoever did say that Peiyi was not cute enough and that she had crooked teeth and all those excuses?
Attention Chinese: Do You Find This Offensive?
I'm just curious. If you are Chinese, do you think this photo is offensive or not?
Team Spain and their Asian eyes
Team Spain and their Asian eyes
A Different Kind Of C.R.
I love going to the C.R. or toilet or washroom or bathroom or W.C.
For fans like me, I'm sure you would like this new bathroom design.
I call this the Honeymoon Special. Only in Guilin.
I'm not kidding when I said it's part of the Honeymoon Suite.
Also found in the lovely hotel room.
For fans like me, I'm sure you would like this new bathroom design.
I call this the Honeymoon Special. Only in Guilin.
I'm not kidding when I said it's part of the Honeymoon Suite.
Also found in the lovely hotel room.
What's this???
Closeup--
Closeup--
For RMB 10, how cheap or not?
Zhang Yimou: I Want A Cute Girl!!!
This specific segment in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics 2008 really touched my heart--
Snubbed!!!
Sports editor Ted Melendres huffs it out as Team Philippines was only given 6 seconds TV coverage by the Chinese channels.
El Presidente was also skipped in favor of El Salvador!
A case of discrimination or just something of I-love-my-own??
Such a waste...and our dynamic delegates were even wearing designer Barong!
Compared to the US Team which was only wearing Ralph Lauren.
No sarcasm there. Just look at the threads here.
El Presidente was also skipped in favor of El Salvador!
A case of discrimination or just something of I-love-my-own??
Such a waste...and our dynamic delegates were even wearing designer Barong!
Compared to the US Team which was only wearing Ralph Lauren.
No sarcasm there. Just look at the threads here.
Bunch Of Sour Grapers?? Or Is It Fair??
This is kind of a baloney video. My take--full of sour graping everywhere. What do you guys think?
Waiting For Manny At The Olympics
Darn~~ I didn't get to catch Manny Pacquiao during the opening ceremony last night.
The Philippine Olympic team came out really late.
[Normally, the countries are arranged alphabetically, but this time--since we are talking about China--and China does things their own way, the countries are arranged according to di we or to how many strokes their Chinese translations are written.]
And Philippines in Chinese is such a long word with so many strokes.
Still, go Philippines!
Go for the 15M!!!
The Philippine Olympic team came out really late.
[Normally, the countries are arranged alphabetically, but this time--since we are talking about China--and China does things their own way, the countries are arranged according to di we or to how many strokes their Chinese translations are written.]
And Philippines in Chinese is such a long word with so many strokes.
菲律賓
I got really tired last night waiting for the Philippine delegation to come out. -_-Even in simplified Chinese, it's a marathon--
菲律宾
Still, go Philippines!
Go for the 15M!!!
And Li Ning Gets To Light The Torch!
Li who?
Many have placed bets who will light the Olympic torch for the opening ceremony of Beijing 2008.
Will it be party chief Hu Jintao?
Or China's hero (and one of my favorite Chinese athletes too!) Liu Xiang??
Maybe it is Grandpa Wen? Remember he has his own Facebook page now!
No, no, no dear netizens and 奥运 enthusiasts.
It's Chinese businessman Li Ning!
Who's he again?!
Li Ning was part of the first Chinese Olympic team where he competed in the gymnastics category. He is from the Guangxi province and a member of the Zhuang minority.
People have been raving that he is a good choice, because he embodies the slogan of the 2008 Olympics--One World, One Dream--having come from a not so affluent province.
Li Ning reminds me of the Chinese goods in 168 mall. Not Li Ning the person but his company of the same name.
The company has a logo that just reminds me of something~~
And Li Ning's slogan? ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Guess what the other company is.
Quite good marketing technique, I might say! Getting Li Ning to be the official torch lighter.
[Good economics for China.]
And let me tell you, THAT was the coolest part of last night's ceremony. Even the replays of Li Ning's seemingly effortless flight to the top gave me shivers.
And who got the gamblers' pot of gold?
China might as well claim victory for keeping the world with open mouths in the end.
Many have placed bets who will light the Olympic torch for the opening ceremony of Beijing 2008.
Will it be party chief Hu Jintao?
Or China's hero (and one of my favorite Chinese athletes too!) Liu Xiang??
Maybe it is Grandpa Wen? Remember he has his own Facebook page now!
No, no, no dear netizens and 奥运 enthusiasts.
It's Chinese businessman Li Ning!
Who's he again?!
Li Ning was part of the first Chinese Olympic team where he competed in the gymnastics category. He is from the Guangxi province and a member of the Zhuang minority.
People have been raving that he is a good choice, because he embodies the slogan of the 2008 Olympics--One World, One Dream--having come from a not so affluent province.
Li Ning reminds me of the Chinese goods in 168 mall. Not Li Ning the person but his company of the same name.
The company has a logo that just reminds me of something~~
And Li Ning's slogan? ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.Guess what the other company is.
Quite good marketing technique, I might say! Getting Li Ning to be the official torch lighter.
[Good economics for China.]
And let me tell you, THAT was the coolest part of last night's ceremony. Even the replays of Li Ning's seemingly effortless flight to the top gave me shivers.
And who got the gamblers' pot of gold?
China might as well claim victory for keeping the world with open mouths in the end.
Very Inspiring To Live In The Philippines
It's not just in Hong Kong where entertainment is considered a big thing.
In the Philippines, we live and breathe showbiz~~
Not...for some.
My sister just came home telling me her friends labeled her a "loser" for not watching this Claudine Barretto soap. Of course the "loser" thing was like a joke. You know when people are feeling cute...wooohhh...anyway.
So I defended, we watched one episode!!! Ummm...two weeks ago, I think?
But seriously, the soap is sort of fun to watch. If you like quotable quotes (like I do), you will surely be inspired!
Our helper at home really got this line down pat--
"Anak ka lang...asawa ako!"
A-hem, I will try to translate-- "You're just his b*tch of a daughter, I'm his VERY important AND gorgeous wife." Of course that's not a literal translation. But believe me, the Filipino version sounds like that. :P
Oh, there are a lot of of other witty lines in the soap. See, I told you, it's very inspiring to live in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, we live and breathe showbiz~~
Not...for some.
My sister just came home telling me her friends labeled her a "loser" for not watching this Claudine Barretto soap. Of course the "loser" thing was like a joke. You know when people are feeling cute...wooohhh...anyway.
So I defended, we watched one episode!!! Ummm...two weeks ago, I think?
But seriously, the soap is sort of fun to watch. If you like quotable quotes (like I do), you will surely be inspired!
Our helper at home really got this line down pat--
"Anak ka lang...asawa ako!"
A-hem, I will try to translate-- "You're just his b*tch of a daughter, I'm his VERY important AND gorgeous wife." Of course that's not a literal translation. But believe me, the Filipino version sounds like that. :P
Oh, there are a lot of of other witty lines in the soap. See, I told you, it's very inspiring to live in the Philippines.
Yeah, Yeah, Do The Beijing Rap
So my mum has been talking about going to Beijing to catch the Olympics.
But probably that's too late already, since PROBABLY ticket prices are going up; because 奥运 is just a few days away!!!
The spirit of the Olympics is all over the place--especially for this pedicabbie from Hangzhou who pedaled all the way to Beijing to see the games.
But probably that's too late already, since PROBABLY ticket prices are going up; because 奥运 is just a few days away!!!
The spirit of the Olympics is all over the place--especially for this pedicabbie from Hangzhou who pedaled all the way to Beijing to see the games.
If only I passed McDonald's prequalifications.
Fuwas...Transformed!!!
The hype is all about the Beijing Olympics now. Even McDonald's has launched their Fuwa Happy Meal toys already!
Check out the FUWATRON!!!
This post should have come out during the Transformers hype many months ago~~
But seriously, it's about time.
I remember a post by one of my friends Boon about one of the Fuwas. You've got to check that hilarious post out!
Check out the FUWATRON!!!
But seriously, it's about time.
I remember a post by one of my friends Boon about one of the Fuwas. You've got to check that hilarious post out!
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