Jessica Sanchez, The People’s Idol, Pinoy Unity Ambassador

She may not have won the title of American Idol but Jessica definitely gained the stars of her own. Singing her way to the finals, she was able to once again raise the pride of the Filipino people. Being a Filipina-Mexican immigrant in the US, 16 year old Jessica made Filipinos glued to their TV screens every time she sings and competes in the American Idol stage. Her dreams and aspirations became source of inspiration to many people especially Pinoys here and in the U.S.

Since childhood she was already accustomed to performing in front of many people. At her early age she was already joining several singing competitions which helped her hone her vocal skills. She in fact also competed in America’s Got Talent but she wasn’t able to advanced into the finals.

During her American Idol journey, she became an early favorite, getting several standing ovation performances from the audience and the Idol judges. She also experienced some trips to the bottom 3 and her elimination in the Top 7 which was derailed by the judges 1-time saving power. From then on she proved to be the girl to beat as she became the only female contender in the top 3 and eventually entering the finals. Her ascension to stardom is really something that inspires aspiring singers and other dreamers, that dreams really do come true to those who are persistent and determined.

But what’s more notable about Sanchez’ journey is the unity that was again shown by the Filipinos. This is evident by the resounding online campaigns for Jessica for her not to be eliminated in the competition. It can be compared to how Pinoys are supporting every bouts of Manny Pacquiao. The competition which is ought to be among American’s only became another battle of races as Filipinos in and outside the U.S. went out their way to throw their support for Jessica. Indeed it was another shining moment for Pinoy Pride, because for some time we became united again to support a Kababayan. Just like with Pacman’s fights, several free viewings of the Idol Finale were slated in Manila and other parts of the country as a show of support for Jessica. Filipino community in the U.S. were also united in campaigning for her. Numerous voting parties were organized by the Filipino communities to attract more votes for her. It was indeed a united Philippines in support of the Filipina Jessica.

It’s really happy to see Pinoys united for the sake of another Kababyan. How I wish it’s always Pacquiao Day or Jessica Day, so we can always see this unity among us. Now that we knew that unity among Filipinos is not an impossible thing, hope we can try this everyday to push for the improvement and development of this country. Jessica maybe an icon or symbol of unity but can’t we, each one of us be that symbol or unifying factor for our own’s best interest? If we can do it with Pacquiao or Jessica, it’s not impossible to do it for our family and for the future generations of this country. Let our future became our inspiration to become unified in pushing for a better Philippines.

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“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”- J.K. Rowling

Two Pinoys in Britain chosen as Olympic Torch Bearers

Two UK-based Filipinos were among the thousands chosen to bear the Olympic torch in a torch relay slated across the British Isles for the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. Reymund Enteria and Steven Cheung who are currently based in the UK will represent not only themselves but the pride of the our country in the quadrennial games.

Enteria, is an OFW working at Raphael Medical Centre in Tonbridge, Kent as an Occupational Therapist. He also works as a cook at Waitrose in Tonbridge and taking on other part time jobs. He was able to get the torch bearing sting when he saw an advertisement for torch bearer nominations. At that moment he felt the urge to submit his name and share his story hoping it will inspire people who will read it.

After receiving confirmation from the Olympic committee that he got the job, he felt very happy and proud. He said he will dedicate his run to all the OFWs, his family and all fellow Occupational Therapists and health workers in the Philippines and abroad.

“Di ko po talaga ma-explain kung gaano ako kasaya sa pagkakapili ko po bilang isa sa mga runner ng 2012 Olympics. Hanggang ngayon di pa rin ako makapaniwala na tatakbo ako on behalf of the Filipino overseas worker. I feel proud and privileged at habang buhay ko itong maalala…Gusto ko po sanang punuin ng mga Pilipino yung 300-meter stretch para ipakita na we Filipinos are united as one,” he said.

Another one who was picked as torch bearer was Steven Cheung, a 22 year-old Filipino-Chinese based in UK and working as a Youth community leader. He was nominated by several groups in Waltham Forest for his contributions in youth empowerment in the area. And was chosen by the LOGOC to represent the young people, the Filipino and Chinese communities in Britain for the torch relay. Aside from being a torch bearer he was also tasked as an Olympic Youth Ambassador.

“Proud na proud ako being Filipino and also as an Olympic torchbearer and represent my community in this journey. It’s a once in lifetime opportunity to be involved in the Olympics….As an Olympic Ambassador and torch bearer, I hope to continue to inspire future generations,” he said.”

Source:
Pinoy Olympic torch bearers proud to represent Filipinos | ABS-CBN News.

Reina Reyes : The Filipina who proved Einstein right

MANILA, Philippines – Think of Filipinos who have astounded the world lately, and the first names that come to mind are likely to be Manny Pacquiao or Charice. The two definitely earned their Pinoy-pride accolades, but they aren’t the only ones who deserve it.

Meet  Reinabelle Reyes, a 28-year-old astrophysicist who astounded scientists all over the world when she proved Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity on a cosmic scale. That was when she was only 26.

Einstein’s theories have been verified many times, but it took Reyes and her Princeton University collaborators to verify his Theory of General Relativity, beyond the confines of our solar system.

Led by Reyes, the research team made headlines back in 2010 when they showed how galaxies up to 3.5 billion light years away are clustered together in exactly the way General Relativity predicts. They came up with a new astronomical measurement, which indicates how galaxies are pulled together by gravity, just as Einstein theorized.

Her findings also support the existence of Dark Energy—a force greater than gravity once merely imagined by scientists. This is a big deal, because, even NASA tells us, pinning down the exact properties of Dark Energy is among the most significant problems facing science today. According to the NASA website, Dark Energy “is the deepest mystery in physics, and its resolution is likely to greatly advance our understanding of matter, space, and time.”

Reinabelle Reyes is among the scientists involved in unraveling this profound mystery.

Read the full story here via The Filipina who proved Einstein right by Nikka Santos of Rappler.com

A World without Filipinos

I came across with this photo on the Facebook and when I read it, I felt so proud being a Filipino. This photo is a screenshot of an article from an Arab newspaper mainly talking about the contribution of Filipinos in the world’s labor force.

It’s very prideful to know that we Filipinos especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) contributed so much and are valued players in the workforce of other countries. As the title of the article goes “Imagine a World without Filipinos”, it certainly proved how other countries need Filipino workers in order for them to function well. And that it clearly showed that Filipinos really play a big part in moving world economies.

There is no doubt that in spite of the poverty or lack of big opportunities here in our country, the skills and talents of our people is at par with the world. That we are vital resources to other nations who we think are far more developed than our country but in reality it is Filipinos, the Filipino work force who contributed in achieving those developments.

Yes, having more OFWs indicate labor problems and unemployment in the Philippines. But to think that the World will be handicapped without Filipino workers in their surroundings is a testament that Filipinos are not only individuals who went out of the country due to lack of opportunities in their own country, but individuals who are working in foreign land because they trust our abilities, capabilities and skills which they cannot find in other nationalities.

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“Because everything we say and do is the length and shadow of our own souls, our influence is determined by the quality of our being.” – Dale E. Turner

Sipa Pilipinas (Chieffy Caligdong)

At the recently concluded Long Teng Cup 2011 held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Chieffy’s hard work paved the way for the Azkals’ 2nd place finish in the tournament. Gaining 5 points from a win against Macau and 2 draws against Hong Kong and Taiwan, the Philippine football team raised its rank compared to the 3rd place finish on the last year’s inaugural edition of this tournament.

Photo by Fritz Gerald Dalida

If you think that Azkals is all about its “good looking” members in the likes of the Younghusband siblings, Phil and James (which I do not agree), look closely and you will find a more brilliant gem in the small but terrible Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong. This Azkal striker may not have the face of the Younghusbands or the abs of Etheridge, but his skills and talent are incomparable. A native of Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo, the small guy proved that being an Azkal is not all about star material packaging but a “kungfu hussle” football skill.

At the Long Teng Cup 2011, after collecting 4 tournament goals (2 against Hong Kong and 2 against Macau), Chiefy was awarded the Golden Boot Award, given to the top scorer of the tournament. This is another accomplishment to his football career and another boost of inspiration to those aspiring future Azkal members.

This should give a signal to all young Filipino football player that you don’t need to be raised abroad where football is a major game, to be one of the bests. All you need is determination and passion for the sport. The dedication and pride to be the best not only for yourself but for the country as well. And Chieffy is a good example of that, 100% Pinoy, full of skills and talent.

And that is the real pinoy hero; you are Bidang Pinoy, Bida ka ng Pilipinas, Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong. Push for more pride and glory, and continue to strike the Philippines’ Goal for a brighter football future.

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“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.” - Paul Bryant

Related articles

• Long Teng Cup: Caligdong sizzles in Azkals 2-0 win (caloysports.wordpress.com)

• Long Teng Cup: Golden Boot winner Caligdong lifts Azkals over Macau