Francis Magalona: An Artist that Awakened Pinoy Pride

I was still in Grade school when I first heard his hit, Mga Kababayan ko. In my memory, he was and is the first and only rapper who had songs that were not only good, they made sense and had values.

I also remember watching him on the movie Bagets 2, along side Aga Mulach and Herbert Bautista.

Sadly, just this month, he finally succumbed to his sickness, Leukemia. It was a battle that was highly publicized and read. Francis even shared his stories through his interviews and blog/site. I was never an avid fan, but I always thought of him as an icon. I also appreciate his music and art - his love for the Philippines that is very apparent in all his works.

If there is one positive thing that resulted from his passing, it's probably the awakening of Pinoy Pride. His works are now more valuable and more people are interested in them. Just last March 18, he was awarded by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts. He was given a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. The award's was a recognition of “his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us.”

Another sign of his massive impact in the Philippine culture is his T-shirt business, Three Stars and a Sun. The business is currently is booming. A long queue of fans and supporters, wait for their turn to purchase one of his shirt designs. A note of concern though, I hope that people don't take advantage of this. I hope that they buy ONLY the original shirts and support legitimate concert and tributes for the man.

FrancisM wears his latest best selling shirt, "PRIDE." Photo taken by artist and business partner at FMCC, FrancisM's official clothing line, Carlo Maniquiz.

Francis Magalona is the son of popular 1940's and 1950'sFilipino actors, Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. For more information on Francis Magalona, please visit his official site (http://www.magalona.com/).

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Mang Mel: An Ordinary Filipino, A Janitor, A Hero

I just read and watched an inspiring story in Inquirer about a Janitor, Mang Mel, who made a difference in students lives. My tears fell as I watched the old man tell his story. It's about how his retirement benefits were affected by how his decision to act as guarantor to student loans. Unfortunately some of the students never paid their loan so he ended up shouldering the costs.

I'm just amazed at how small and poor people are so generous of themselves and how some of us forget to the very ones who help us. I wish men like him will never be taken forgranted again. I think him a hero, a hero who gave so much to help his fellowmen attain their dreams and gain a better future.

It's a good thing that one of the students remembered Mang Mel. This blog that tells it all.

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Filipina Chef in charge of White House cuisine

Until recently, the culinary kitchen and the office, was ruled by men. Now times have changed and we see more and more women taking on bigger roles in society. I am also glad to have read that
Cristeta Pasia - Comerford, a Filipina-American, has been chosen to head the White House kitchen. Not only is she the first woman chef, she is also the first person from a minority who has achieved this feat.

I believe that being a Chef involves creativity, precision and dedication. It is also very influential in the sense that food can affect moods. Great food can entertain and lift spirits and I admire chefs who continuously create meals that have made so many of us smile. Congratulations!

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