The Other Side of Mae

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Sinulog Princesses

Drumbeats

Colorful Costumes

Fireworks

Festivities

When everybody flocks to Cebu.....

The annual celebration of the Sinulog Festival is being held in the Queen City of the South to honor the miraculous child Jesus, the Sto. Niño. People from all walks of life from all over the world flocked to Cebu to celebrate the grandest parade in the Philippines! Each year, the crowd gets thicker and thicker and this 2013 has the utmost stat with a count of 1.2 million people! (www.newsinfo.inquirer.net)

The Sinulog parade was first held in 1980 wherein students dressed in moro-moro costumes danced to the beat of the drums. The dance depicted the water current (sulog in Cebuano) from which the word Sinulog comes from, having a forward-backward-forward movement. (www.mysmarschools.ph) I am so blessed that since I was little, I've been witnessing such ostentatious festivities because I was promised to Senior Sto. Niño for my good health.

In every parade, there are groups (tribu) in compet with each other. And in every group, there's always that somebody who acts as a leader bearing the image of the Sto. Niño. I am always delighted every time I see them because they are always beautiful. Apart from possessing ethereal beauty, they are also very graceful in their sways, struts, and sashays. I even dreamed of becoming one of them but I didn't know what they are called. But after years of watching them admiringly and doing some research, I now learned that they are called the Sinulog Princesses.

Not just a pretty face, the Sinulog Princess plays a vital role in the tribu.

She's recognized to be the leader from whom the whole group relies upon.

She protects her tribu by not committing mistakes that may sabotage the group.

She has to be strong so she could stand up for her tribu when adversaries arise.

She must behave herself properly to be a good role model to all young females in her tribu.

She must portray how to pay tribute to Señor Sto. Niño with proper respect and reverence like an innocent child.

And just like any other princesses, she must also represent her kingdom with real grace, glamour, and elegance. So all Sinulog Princesses must present herself as fabulous as she could!

A Make-Up Artist Retouching a Sinulog Princess

Truly, people flock to Cebu for these spectacular shows of the event. But we have to be reminded that the celebration is for the child Jesus. Just as the Sinulog princesses do, we must lift Him up to the highest and be exalted at all times. For with or without image, we can worship God in spirit and in truth.

Viva Pit Senyor!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Into the Sea of Married Men

Disclaimer: The content of this post is purely an opinion of the writer. Any resemblance to real life situation is accidental and unintentional.

Men are generally/instinctively/naturally/normally polygamous! It is innate for them not to be satisfied with only one woman! It is typical for them to have two or three women at the same time! They are just too adventurous to explore, too inquisitive to test, and too curious to experience! It is their great pride to taste as many viands as they can! As Jackie Mason said, "Eighty percent of married men cheat in America. The rest cheat in Europe."

So what's with these married men that they just couldn't stay put? And without women (apart from "the" wife) showing them attention, could they still be having illicit affairs? Then why are there single women still entertaining them? And why do these single ladies find them irresistible?

One reason is primarily the male to female ratio in which women outnumber men these days. So some single gals are becoming less picky and just settle for whoever comes in hand. Their raison d'être, there are no single men available so why not just get hitched with the married ones? As Sam (Andi Eigenmann) agreed in A Secret Affair, "'Di siya masasaktan kung hindi niya alam. That's why we'll keep it a secret affair."

Another reason is the thrill of the adventure! For who would not want an exhilarating roller coaster ride, right?!!! Some women nowadays are getting out from their shell, becoming radical, carefree, and wild! Especially in this modern generation, women are getting edgy that it is "in" for them not to be tied up in marriage. That's why sometimes, they just want to do away with the baggage of having real relationships. They just go for the casual sex, no label set-up, with no strings attached! They are just too selfish to share their lives with somebody else. So as what Kara (Anne Curtis) provocatively said in No Other Woman, "No pressure. Just shut up and kiss me. And don't you dare fall in love with me.", they just simply want to have fun and go with flow.....

Additionally, another reason had been recognized to be low self-esteem on the part of those single ladies because some of them believe that they cannot get their own man. They think of themselves as lowly individuals, being in the least of priorities of men. Nonetheless, they like endlessly waiting for a man to be with them. They feel that they do not deserve an exclusive and loving relationship thus they prefer having something in hiding.

But this women are only women - generally/instinctively/naturally/normally weak! It is innate for them not to overcome temptation! It is typical for them to give in and surrender at the same time! They are gullible, easily trapped with sweet words and endearing actions. They are just so susceptible to any man who has the ability to swoon them!

Now let's rationalize the issue. Who are the real culprits? The polygamous men or the weak women? As we all know, two can play in a game. So there is no right-headed men nor women who would want to play with fire. Nobody would ever dare to put their lives in a cliff. Then again like in all ill-fated circumstances, people having illicit affairs are just victims of desire. Because as what Sari (Bea Alonzo) regrettably quipped in The Mistress, "Walang babaeng pinangarap na maging kabit."

So to all vulnerable single women out there, watch out for married men who are just actually lurking around. They are like mighty lions waiting to catch their prey. Yes, they do are oh so fuckingly hot, but you have to guard yourselves. Do not be deceived by their subtle tactics for you might just end up going deeper to a very complicated situation from which you cannot easily get out. Yes, it's great to be stupid sometimes but you have to also prepare yourselves for the bitter consequences that would definitely follow. So as an advice, just beware sailing into the sea of married men!

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Whimsical Wednesday: A Flair for Old Churches

Whimsical Wednesday shows my fancy in a myriad of beautiful things.

As we all know, Christianity was introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Right then, the very first church was built in the country, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. The Catholic church defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments, and exercising charity. (wikipedia.com) And this is the vocation Philippine Catholic churches never fail to fulfill!

But aside from the church's noble cause in the society, I also see it as an ornate and architecturally prestigious building. I see it as a work of art! As my first feature of an old church in EOS Destination #1!, I am fascinated with its exterior and interior design may it be of any style - Trompe-l'oleil, Baroque, or Rococo. Then my flair for old churches sparked up especially when I had the chance to visit the historical province of Albay. It is a place where churches play dominant features of the towns and countryside in which they stood.

First church is the Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno in the province's capital, Legazpi City.

The Albay Cathedral (as it is commonly called), is the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi. Thus, bishops of the province reside here. My favorite piece of the church is the angel bearing something like a mailbox maybe for prayer requests or donations.

The Grand Interior of the Church

Second church is The Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City, Albay.

The parish was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001. My favorite pieces here are the glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ while He lives on earth.

At the Sides - The Massive Columns of the Church

Third church is Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church in Daraga, Albay.

The church was built by the Franciscans in 1773. It is where the churchgoers of Cagsawa transferred to hear mass after their church was ruined during the Mt. Mayon eruption in 1814. My favorite piece is the hefty belfry where I stood awed by the ringing of its giant bell!

Fourth church is the Church of Cagsawa in Cagsawa, Albay.

As mentioned, the church was buried in rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano. Thus, only the remains stood still in the site. My favorite part of the ruins is the stone foundation for it reminds me of the ruins of ancient Greece (not that I had already visited the place).

The Ruins Turned Into a Garden

Nowadays, churches not only play as a place for Christianity but they also play as tourist attractions. But we must all be reminded that it is still a place of worship wherein we ought to pay respect to. Upon visiting a church, do ask some locals first if it is OK to take some photos. Be quiet upon entering the church and never use your flash. Then buy a candle or two and light them for guidance. Be thankful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to enjoy His wondrous works!

Albay Rising

The Perfect Cone

Hanoi's Historical Sites Series: Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội

Sunday, January 06, 2013

Spiritual Sunday: Epiphany of the Lord's Day

Spiritual Sunday teaches all about life and our Big Boss.

"We have seen his star in the East, and have come to adore the Lord." Matthew 2:2

Epiphany is a Christian festival, observed on January 6, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi; Twelfth-day. (Dictionary.com) On this special day, Christians greet one another with the phrase "Happy Three Kings!"

So who were the three kings? Where did they come from? They were Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthazar - the three wise men from the East (Persia now Iran, India, and Arabia respectively). They had journeyed for twelve days bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to lay down at the feet of the baby Jesus Christ.

Photo from Web

As kings of their own kingdoms, they left and searched for the Holy Infant to worship and adore Him. As it is written in the Old Testament, "All kings shall bow down before Him; all nations shall serve Him." Psalm 72:11. Meaning, Jesus is the King of all kings and Lord of all lords! He is worthy of all our praises! He is high and lifted up, the glory of the nations!

Now that Christmas season is officially over and the tides had calmed down, may we once again reflect on the real essence of it. Because on my part, I had failed to do so. I had turned out to be a scrooge for Christmas. I wasn't "inspired" for Christmas. So I just occupied myself with every little thing I see to be busy about. But after all the effort I did, I still felt empty and disappointed with what is still lacking in the puzzle. That's why I feel bad about my sour mood last Christmas despite the booming business I had. Now I realize that money can't really buy happiness.

So let us all be reminded that Christmas in the eyes of a child is not all about toys, Christmas in the eyes of an adult is not all about stress, and Christmas in the eyes of a businessman is not all about opportunity to make money. But Christmas is all about Jesus! That God the Father sent His only begotten Son to save us from all our sins.

Thankfully, there is still Epiphany for me to make up for my mistake. Since Jesus received precious gifts on the twelfth day from His birth, I also distributed some to some close friends and inaanaks. So I won't be a scrooge at all! And next Christmas season, I do hope to always bear in mind and heart the real essence of it. (No matter how bad will I probably feel on some circumstances.) And that is giving thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who had died for me on the cross!

My 12 Days of Christmas

I Welcome Christmas! :)

Happy Frozen Christmas

Friday, January 04, 2013

Feature Friday: Brownish

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

brown jumpshort from april love. coconut shell bangle from mama. heart-shaped earrings from noiree edmilao. longchamp bag from morishka nicole uy. photos by cattleya mae uy. location at Ayala Terraces, Cebu. FFF