I was searching for my Friendster blog lately on Google search engine and I was happy that at least 2 pages have been indexed. I was intrigued by the link just below the test results that said : “Isalin ang pahinang ito” , in English “Translate this page”. So I tried to explore it and was laughing out loud on how strange are the pages translated. It was kind of funny as Google translated it word for word. The goal of the functionality is great and the thought is want counts, though. Thank you Google for the effort of making the web people’s life easier….

Try to read some samples on how Google translate pages to Filipino language:

Thoughts that Bite — Mga saloobin na kumagat
So far So Good, At Least for Now — Kaya malayo pagayon mabuti, hindi bababa sa ngayon
Matters on Stardust — Bagay sa Stardust
SARDUST: A Fae Quest — STARDUST: A Fae pithaya

And here’s the translation on some of the paragraphs:

“Naisip mo na ba kung paano ang mga alitan sa pagitan ng mga leon at ang kabayong may sungay ay may nagsimula? O did you ever nagnanais na catch ng lagas ng bituin ang iyong sarili? Wonder no more for the Stardust by Neil Gaiman will give you answers – fictionized they may be. Wonder no more para sa Stardust by Neil Gaiman ay magbibigay sa iyo ng kasagutan – fictionized sila ay maaaring.”

Have you ever wondered how the strife between the lion and the unicorn have started? Or did you ever wished to catch a fallen star of your own? Wonder no more for the Stardust by Neil Gaiman will give you answers – fictionized they may be.

“Stardust is written in a tone different from his other works of art. Stardust ay nakasulat sa isang tono mula sa kanyang mga iba’t-ibang mga iba pang gawa ng sining. It was mainly because it was written in the tradition of pre-Tolkien English fantasy. Ito ay unang-una dahil ito ay nakasulat sa tradisyon ng pre-Tolkien English fantasy. Fluent as it may seem it is not a tale for children for there are ideas that only matured thinking could grasp. Matatas na ito ay maaaring tila ito ay hindi isang kuwento para sa mga bata para sa mga may mga ideya na lamang matured-iisip ay mahigpit na hawakan.”

Stardust is written in a tone different from his other works of art. It was mainly because it was written in the tradition of pre-Tolkien English fantasy. Fluent as it may seem it is not a tale for children for there are ideas that only matured thinking could grasp.

“In the real world, we always look up the sky to search for fallen star to make a wish. Sa tunay na mundo, kami ang laging maghanap ng langit sa paghahanap para sa mga lagas bituin upang makagawa ng isang nais. But in the world beyond Wall — a village in remote Europe — fallen stars are more than what you really expected. Ngunit sa mundo na lampas Wall – isang baryo sa remote Europa – laglag stars ay higit sa kung ano ang talagang inaasahan. Stars are of humane nature and they are literally in human form. Stars ay maawain ng kalikasan at sila ay kulang sa tao form.”

In the real world, we always look up the sky to search for fallen star to make a wish. But in the world beyond Wall — a village in remote Europe — fallen stars are more than what you really expected. Stars are of humane nature and they are literally in human form.

“And that is what Tristan Thorn promised to give Victoria Forester to prove his love — thinking that it was only a fallen star, in short cosmic rock. At na kung ano ang Tristan tinik ipinangako upang bigyan ng Victoria manggugubat upang patunayan ang kanyang pag-ibig – iniisip na ito ay lamang ng isang bagsak ng bituin, sa maikling kosmiko rock. Stardust is a journey not only of distant lands but a journey to manhood. Stardust ay isang paglalakbay hindi lamang ng layo ng lupa ngunit isang paglalakbay sa mga kalalakihan. Here Tristan will do everything and even cross the wall to prove his love to his lady. Tristan dito ay gawin ang lahat at kahit na-cross ang mga dingding upang patunayan ang kanyang pag-ibig sa kanyang lady. “

And that is what Tristan Thorn promised to give Victoria Forester to prove his love — thinking that it was only a fallen star, in short cosmic rock. Stardust is a journey not only of distant lands but a journey to manhood. Here Tristan will do everything and even cross the wall to prove his love to his lady.

Yes, internet gives us the convenience of things but human intelligence cannot be replaced with mechanical or artificial ones.

You could also see the translated version of this page through Google’s translator.

The moment I heard Bugoy sing, I knew that he is a star-in-the-making….

My eyes are sparkling with joy. My whole body is shivering that has nothing to do with cold. I focused my attention on the television. And started to cheer when I heard the host announced the name of the PDA Season 2 Grand Star Winner: “BUGOY!”      How great if this fantasy were to become a reality. That is why I can’t wait for the Grand Dream Night on September 14, 2008.

Bugoy: The Farmer's Son

Bugoy is the most [vocally] versatile among the remaining six scholars. He has the distinct voice that you would instantly recognize when you hear it. And because of this I believe that he is deserving to become the Grand Winner of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2. So for all Bugoy supporters out there, let us help Bugoy achieve his dreams by voting him as the rightful PDA Season 2 Winner.

To vote Bugoy text

PDA BUGOY
to the following access numbers:
2331for Globe, TM and Bayan Wireless Landline subscribers
231 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers

Or you can vote online at: http://s2b.pinoydreamacademy.ph/tabid/57/Default.aspx

If we combine our votes and support Bugoy to the fullest extent we may be able to place him to highest pedestal. Let us also remember that God is the source of all the blessing so prayers could also help.

Bugoy’s Profile:
Bugoy only recently discovered that he had a stage-ready singing voice, and only accidentally.

Coming from an impoverished family in a far-flung area in Camarines Sur, the hard-working farmer’s son went into university with the dream of earning a degree. He payed his tuition through scholarships and earned his pocket money working as janitor, dish washer and other odd jobs.

It must have been a habit for Bugoy to sing while doing menial jobs. But back in the farm where only the cows and the birds could hear him, his voice went unappreciated. It took a friend, who heard him singing while cleaning with a mop, to make Bugoy realize that he could actually carry a tune. Winning school competitions soon emboldened him to dream some more and try out for PDA.

Look where he is now. Pursuing his dream of becoming a singer. Wherever this takes him, Bugoy will has packed enough prayers in his suitcase to see him through. And he has yet another dream… to meet someone he could fall in love with and call his girlfriend. “Para hindi na ako paghinalaang bading.”

As usual April Rose or more commonly known as Cay is the brain of all things spammy. Just kidding… but it’s always her alerts that fill my Facebook inbox to the limit. And now what’s this another nice game to play along with — let’s play tag.:

Rules/Instructions  (as if)
-Click copy/paste, type in your answers and tag four people in your lists! Don’t forget to change the answers to the questions with that of your own.

(A) four places i go over and over 

1. My Room(?) - LOL is this a valid answer? I guess so.  I like reading books and the exact sanctuary for this purpose is my room. Well I wouldn’t really call it as a room for it has technically no walls at all. How I miss my old room in our old home where everything is neat and tidy and all my books are arrayed in customized shelf.

It’s a pity we have to transfer to my grand’s place due to some circumstances.

2. National Book Store - Books… books… books! All I can think about are books. A week will never pass without having an at least 4 times of visit to the National bookstore of my life. I want to buy all of the books that I like but sadly it would be impossible for it would cost me a fortune.

I hope that there is someone out there that would buy me a book as a gift on my nearing September birthday. Hehe and here are some of the books that belong to my National Book Store wishlist. Choose any.

3. Mall/Cinema – Aside from my book addiction I am easily obsessed with movies. At least 2 times a week I would visit the cinema and during those visit would be a marathon or a watching spree until I watched all the movies released for that week.

I usually watch movies alone and my friends usually believe or rely on my opinion if ever they wanted to watch movies. And of course I would (unwillingly willing) join them and watch the movie for the nth time.

 4. Church – For the past months I am totally inclined to be religious as far as I could or as far as I am capable. I’ve been an emo for almost my entire life and only the church gives me the serenity and purpose to live.

(B) four people who email me regularly:

1. Iloilo Views - Newsletter about recent events that occur in Iloilo City as well as the country.

 3. Notifications, alerts- Social networking has never been my thing but lately i kept on joining these networks without even knowing the full potential they could offer. Just join and let it be until my inbox bursts to the limit.  

4. The Hobbit Movie Newsletter- I eagerly await any update to the Hobbit Movies. Yes I wanted to know the latest info on this project as I cannot wait for 2011. I hope The Hobbit 1 and 2 will be as good as its predecessor but I have a feeling that it will be great as Del Toro will direct the movies.

(C) four of my favorite places to eat:

1. Home- Nothing can beat the “lutong bahay.”

2. Teds- Well I like batchoy so this is where I usually go and eat Lapaz Batchoy. Yummy!

3. Chowking- Now lets all feel and taste what ever the Chinese food could offer. Right now I’m thinking about Beef wanton noddles, Congee, halu-halo, dimsum etc. I am hungry already…

4. Jollibee- I was a Jollibee employee on my final year in college and it was all for the want of experiencing what life is like if I were a service crew of one of the busiest fast food store. After my experiences at the store all I want to do with my Jollibee meal is to savor evey bit of it for I know how hard it is to work as service crew.

(D) four places i’d rather be:
1. Hogwarts – I always wished that Hogwatrs School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was for real. How I liked to live in a School like that where every corner sparks with magic. But unfortunately I can only live in this wonderful place through my imagination.

2. Europe – The feel of being a stranger living in a foreign land appelas to me greatly. What more if that foreign land excudes with ancient and conservative building, historical spots and likeable people…. I wanted to be in a place where I could easily access the Stonehenge, Colliseum, and other landmarks.

3. Palawan - I also wanted to live in a peaceful area where natural things dominates the scene. I like a seaside scenery and that comfort it offers. I will be greatly happy if the place where I live in is as clean, peaceful and harmonious as some selected areas in Palawan.

4. Under the Sea – If only I could have an apparatus that could supply me my any basic needs to last me underwater for a lifetime… The world of the sea is more interesting than the other parts of the earth, as far as I am concerned.

(E) Four people I think will respond:
1. Cilay – (Blogging friend) maybe she’ll respond but I am not sure.

2. Ibos – I am not sure if she’s updating her multiply blog or if she ever replies to chain-thingy LOL.

3. Donnabel/Hanah - My officemates and teammates. The full force of local talk show and the like. Wahahaha.

4. Darcy Arnie Mirasol - The one that started it all. A colleague, a classmate (then), a friend. He is the one who inspired me to make a blog and I am always surprised whenever he comments or replies to my ancient posts.

(F) four tv shows i could watch over and over:
1. D.Gray-man – I like anime! especially this one. Enough said.

2. Any show from the Discovery Channel and National Geographic – I am greatly entertained whenever I watch about something ineteresting, something natural, and something about science. I like to watch about animals and their way of living, the mysteries of the unfathomable space, and the strange culture of other nations.

3. Smallville – Superhero-thingy has been one of my obssessions lately. And the show that could fit the bill is the story of the Superboy who will eventually become the Superman.

4. Any Reality Show – I just like the thrill of a reality show.

Note: Do not believe any of these as the author is quite disllusional when he was writing this.

Despite wushu’s being a demonstrational event in 2008 Beijing Olympics it is still our pride that the Filipino athletes were marked as the one of the best in the said event as they garnered the ever coveted gold medal. The four-member Philippine wushu squad is lead by the reigning world champion Willy Wang, who is seeing action in nanquian or forms and picked as one of the fancied entries in his event.

Beijing 2008 Olympics

The three others Benjie Rivera, Mary Jane Estimar and Marian Mariano competed in sanshou or combat events of the sport. These top-shelf wushu artists have been training in different parts of China since February, according to their coach, former world champion Lester Pimentel.

Wushu

All in all Phillipines ranked Fifth — tied with Iran — in Wushu Tournament after garnering 1 gold (Willy Wang for Men’s Nanquan & Nangun combined), 1 silver (Mary Jane Estimar for Sanshou, Women’s 52 kg.) and 2 bronze (Benjie Rivera for Sanshou, Men’s 56 kg; Mariane Mariano Sanshou, Women’s 60 kg).

Previously I posted about my latest anime craving with one of its ending songs. Now, I give you the eighth ending song of the D.Gray-Man anime (in full):

Changin’
Sung by: Stephanie feat. Tanaka Roma

Haato mitaina kumo ga
Katachi kaeteku youni
Itsuka ha boku mo kawaru no darou

Wakaremichi no mannaka
Hitori tachitsukushita
Kageboushi shizuka ni kietetta

Shizunde mienakunattemo
Taiyou ha soko ni aru youni
Te hanasenai yume dakara

Ikusen no DESTINIES
Unmei nante kaetemiseru
Kono ryoute de ima boku ni nani ga dekiru ka na
REACH OUT FROM INSIDE

Taisetsuna koto sae mo
Miushinaisouna toki
Ikutsu no kotoba ni sukuwareta?

Kakegaenonai takara ga
Boku wo sodate, senaka osu
Tsuyoi kokoro kureta kara

Ugokidasu FANTASIES
Tashikana mono ha koko ni aru
Shinjiru koto sore dake ha dare ni mo makenai
THERE’S FAITH IN MY SOUL

Kagayaku tame ni migakareru
Daiyamondo mitai ni ima
Kizutsuita bunkou hajimeru
Kawatteiku motto motto

Ikusen no DESTINIES
Unmei nante kaetemiseru
Kono ryoute de ima boku ni nani ga dekiru ka na
Ugokidasu FANTASIES
Tashikana mono ha koko ni aru
Shinjiru koto sore dake ha dare ni mo makenai
REACH OUT FROM INSIDE

I been into a lot of anime lately and I really liked D.Gray-Man. I watched the series on my free time and finally I am in pace with the latest videos. I have to watch 2-4 videos a day then just to catch up with 90th epiode. Now, I have to wait once a week to watch the said anime.

Here is the seventh ending song of D.Gray-Man with clips from the anime of course.

Regret
Mai Hoshimura

mado no soto no keshiki utsurikawatte
kisetsu made ga atashi wo oiteku
dare yori chikaku ni ite fuan no tane ni
doushite ano toki kizukenakatta?

anata no sugata ga mienaku naru mae ni
tatta no tatta hitokoto “ikanaide” ga ienakatta

anata ga shiawase nara sore de ii nante zettai ni ienai
nejimagatta konna kokoro ga doushiyoumonai kurai atashi wa kirai

tanjoubi ni moratta inisharu ringu
omoidaseba tsurai dake na no ni
imasara wakatta no wa omou ijou ni
anata wo hitsuyou toshiteta koto

futari de kizuita jikan sae kowasu youni
kokoro to urahara ni dete kita kotoba ajikeenai sayonara

anata ga sugoku koukai suru sonna hi ga kuru koto nozonderu
ijiwaru de minikui kokoro ga kinou yori mo motto atashi wa kirai

anata ga shiawase nara sore de ii nante zettai ni ienai
nejimagatta konna kokoro ga doushiyoumonai kurai atashi wa kirai
anata ga sugoku koukai suru sonna hi ga kuru koto nozonderu
ijiwaru de minikui kokoro ga kinou yori mo motto atashi wa kirai

Lately, I barely go to the cinemas to do may twice-a-week movie-watching ritual. I missed a lot of major movies that I wanted to see. But last weekend I was able to sneak into the nearest cinema and watch one (actually two) of the showing movies. I decided to buy a ticket for a musical flick Mama Mia! and my oh my it was a good one, as far as I am concerened.

Mamma Mia!

When I started to take my seat I immediately noticed a bunch of mamas having maybe their weekend group-together. But then I regretted seating directly in front of them as they were making such a racket that I can’t concentrate watching the movie. My irritation was only abated as I realized that they were doing such loud laughters because they were really enjoying the movie. ‘Til came such a time that I can’t stop laughing myself at the funny parts for the mammas behind me is really infectious.

The movie was great and it took me a lot of irritable moments just to realize that. Here is the synopis from Yahoo!: “Raised on a Greek island by a formerly rebellious mom who never disclosed the identity of her father, a bride-to-be locates three men who might be her father and invites them to her wedding.” I also like the movie for it uses some of ABBA’s music hits and what made me enjoy the movie even more is that the songs chosen for the movie really fits the story. It was such a great movie-going comeback and I never regretted that I chose this movie.

Mamma Mia! is still showing on theaters near you.

The Flood

Two (or is it three) weeks since the depressing event that caused a couple of lives,  the marks of the great flood still linger. Despite the efforts of many concerned citizens to rehabilatate Panay, it is enivitably obvious that a plethora of evidences are still there to trigger a depression deep within me. Take for example the still homeless families and the heaps of sticky mud  that tells me, “Hey, I’m still here!”. Even though the previous days proved to be rainy, they are still not enough to wash away the dust that irritates enybody’s eyes. 

Stinking

In our area especially many have been disgusted by the ranking smell of bloated rice, soaked with flood water. The storage house of the National Food Authority Region VI is nonetheless affected by flood, along with hundreds of sacks of rice that should have been for the consumption of the people. It is a pity that in the midst of food crisis the nature has made a way to make it worse. Almost 5-6 layers of rice sacks piled one after the other were damaged making it useless. If we are to assume the numbers it would richochet to whooping thousands of would-be food for thousands of Filipinos.

I am not condeming any institution here but simply presenting what should been but what is not. I am still smiling despite all these as the Illongos are showing how resilient and strong they are. Despite the hardships brought by the late event they are not wasting away their time by doing nothing. We strive to continue living. And as the banners of our City Mayor says, “Bangon mga Illongo!”

Quidditch is a fictional sport developed by J. K. Rowling for the Harry Potter book series. It is described as an extremely rough but very popular semi-contact sport played by wizards and witches around the world. Matches are played between two teams of seven players riding flying broomsticks, using four balls and six elevated ring-shaped goals. In the Harry Potter universe, Quidditch holds a fervent following similar to football as a globally popular sport. — Wikipedia

But have you ever seen a Muggle Quidditch match? If not, thanks to mtvU for highlighting the Intercollegiate Quidditch on their Spring Break Tour 2008 and to CBS News for reporting the growing trend of colleges playing one another in Muggle Quidditch. Here is an enjoyable video of a Muggle Quidditch Match:

And yet another:

Binibining Pilipinas or Miss Philippines is the most prestigious beauty pageant in the Philippines that is primarily organized to look for Filipinas who will “wholistically” represent our country on three international beauty pageants: Miss International, Miss Universe and Miss World.

But the recently concluded event graced us not only of beauties and talents, but the extreme stuff as well. One that surely caught my attention is the reigning Bb. Pilipinas – World 2008, which made us all smiles during her interview.

No one can blame her for especially being gorgeous, beautiful and sexy. I like her, that’s for sure. And in defense she may have been nervous at that time and nervous attacks can surely rattle the most confident. On top of this all I for one still salute you Bb. Pilipinas – World 2008 Janina San Miguel.

(Image courtesy of http://www.bbpilipinas.com/)