From the time being that I had known that Philippines had been conquered by Spain (for more than 300 years), USA (for more than 3 years), and Japan (1 year), my understanding of how pure I am as a Filipino had been a crucial argument with myself. Actually, as of the present, let me include *China since they own a lot of businesses in the Philippines - lol!!!! It seems like they are "currently" co-owning the country. That's just my personal opinion though. (So sorry, let me continue writing about the "INDEPENDENCE WEEK".) I own some qualities of the Spaniards in terms of how black and thick my hair is, not wavy like theirs but straight (so Asian, maybe from Japanese or Malay race), my built is in between endomorph and mesomorph... some say I could pass for a Chinese when I try to bargain in Mong Kok (I try to speak in Cantonese so that I could get a good deal; that way they'd never think of me as a tourist.) I'm not surprised that I am attracted to Spanish music and they're way of dancing. I guess, the Spaniards really influenced us a lot in terms of lifestyle because I can never take away my fascination for POKER and having *siesta in the afternoon.
In terms of learning, I owe it to the Americans I guess since they're the ones who introduced public schools in the Philippines. Japan, lastly, were brutal as far as I know based on the books that we had studied and movies that included reenactments of those horrible times. But I do owe them a lot in terms of my drive to strive to being the best. In my own opinion, Asians tend to become survivors because of their color and/or race per se. Most of the Asian countries are always seen as composed of third world countries. They are the ones who are often mistreated by racists. So, they always strive to be good in everything.
Well.... all in all, I just want to be proud of who I have become. In honoring the Philippine Independence Week, I would like to take into account, all our ancestors who had shaped the freedom all of us Filipinos enjoy today. If not for them, we would always be "a part" of a colony. We would never get to share our history combined with our rich culture.
I came across this passage after seeing the photos of Filipinos being dumped
because they didn't make it in the Death March.
At the present time, so many Filipinos are gracing different countries of
service, talent and whole-hearted dedication.
Let me mention Filipinos that gave an inspiring impact to me this year
that they deserve a special mention and introduction.
I'm sure not only me knows these people.
Firstly, the one who held this much record in boxing....
International:
- 2000–2009 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade[156]
- 2000–2009 HBO Fighter of the Decade[157]
- 2001–2010 World Boxing Council Boxer of the Decade[158]
- 2001–2010 World Boxing Organization Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter of the Decade[159]
- 2006, 2008 and 2009 Boxing Writers Association Fighter of the Year[156][160]
- 2006, 2008 and 2009 ESPN Fighter of the Year[161]
- 2006, 2008 and 2009 The Ring Fighter of the Year
- 2008 Sports Illustrated Boxer of the Year[162]
- 2008 Yahoo! Sports Fighter of the Year[163]
- 2008 and 2009 ESPN Star's Champion of Champions[164]
- 2008 and 2009 World Boxing Council Boxer of the Year[165][166]
- 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 The Ring No.1 Pound-for-Pound (year-end)
- 2009 Ask Men Most Influential Men (ranked 24th)[167]
- 2009 ESPN Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)[168]
- 2009 and 2011 ESPY Awards Best Fighter[169]
- 2009 Forbes Magazine World's Highest-Paid Athletes (ranked 6th)[170]
- 2009 Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year[171]
- 2009 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)
- 2009 TIME 100 Most Influential People (Heroes and Icons Category)[172]
- 2009, 2010 and 2012 Forbes Magazine Celebrity 100 (The World's Most Powerful Celebrity) (ranked 57th, 55th and 33rd)[173]
- 2010 Bleacher Report Most Exciting Athletes of All Time (ranked 85th)[174]
- 2010 World Boxing Organization Fighter of the Year[175]
- 2010 Yahoo! Sports Boxing's Most Influential (ranked 25th) [176]
- 2000–09 Philippine Sportswriters Association Athlete of the Decade[177]
- 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008 PSA Sportsman of the Year
- 2003 Presidential Medal of Merit
- 2003 and 2010 Congressional Medal of Achievement / Distinction / Honor
- 2006 Order of Lakandula with the rank of "Champion for Life" (Kampeon Habambuhay)[72]
- 2008 Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of "Officer" (Pinuno)[178]
- 2008 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Honorary Award for Sports Excellence[179]
- 2009 Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross with Gold Distinction)[72]
- 2011 Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Memorial "Quintessential Athlete" Award
Our very own MANNY PACQUIAO.
I wanted to say more but I just copied this much in WIKIPEDIA.
I didn't realize that it was going to say it all already.
But just a little thing to add up.
He trained when he was young with an old set of tires which
I shared the photo in one of my blogs entitled "Strive to Make a Difference".
Please don't hesitate to check it out.
Next is Ms. JESSICA SANCHEZ,
being the the 2012 American Idol 1st Runner Up. She blew
an audience off during the entire season of 2012 American Idol
since was just the best from start to finish, needless to say.
Being a 16 year old singing sensation, she had the chance
to perform with Jennifer Holiday, the one and only daring dreamgirl
during the last night of the mentioned singing competition for showing off what she got.
I'm sure she had inspired not just me but a lot out there who
own the same talent merging it with pure intentions and a very sturdy passion.
Last but not the least, I would like to honor the two Filipino
ballet dancers, namely, *CANDICE ADEA and
JEAN MARC CODERO
for winning 1st Place in Helsinki Internationall Ballet Competition
and Best in Pas de Deux Technique respectively.
It's such an overwhelming feeling, witnessing how Filipinos strive
in becoming at their best and in the end, accomplishing
breathtaking success. I have to mention all the overseas workers
also who sacrifice being away from their families just to earn a living
and provide for their dependents' needs. Here in Hong Kong,
Disneyland cast members, domestic helpers, government workers, entertainers and teachers
are just but a few who render service to the best of their abilities.
Again, like the people who had sacrificed
their own lives in the past, the OFW's who are now
sacrificing their own time away from their loved ones are heroes in their own right.
We wouldn't be granted much of this FREEDOM if not for their courage.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL OF US!
*SIESTA ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siesta ) - is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some countries, particularly those where the weather is warm.
*Candice Adea and Jean Marc Codero's article: go to this link --> http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/6691-filipina-wins-first-prize-at-prestigious-ballet-tilt
or click the link above which I've set for my own post featuring the talents mentioned to go directly to the information regarding this article.
DISCLAIMER: All of the information shared are based on a research made online only. Google links to certain blogs and usage of photos are for visual purposes for identification of certain topics, specific people and detailed descriptions. I am humbly sharing it and not claiming it as my own. WIKIPEDIA had also been one of the resources used.