August 28, 2009

Madonna booed'

BUCHAREST, Romania - At first, fans politely applauded the Roma performers sharing a stage with Madonna. Then the pop star condemned widespread discrimination against Roma, or Gypsies — and the cheers gave way to jeers.

The sharp mood change that swept the crowd of 60,000, who had packed a park for Wednesday night's concert, underscores how prejudice against Gypsies remains deeply entrenched across Eastern Europe.

Despite long-standing efforts to stamp out rampant bias, human rights advocates say Roma probably suffer more humiliation and endure more discrimination than any other people group on the continent.

Sometimes, it can be deadly: In neighboring Hungary, six Roma have been killed and several wounded in a recent series of apparently racially motivated attacks targeting small countryside villages predominantly settled by Gypsies.

"There is generally widespread resentment against Gypsies in Eastern Europe. They have historically been the underdog," Radu Motoc, an official with the Soros Foundation Romania, said Thursday.

Roma, or Gypsies, are a nomadic ethnic group believed to have their roots in the Indian subcontinent. They live mostly in southern and eastern Europe, but hundreds of thousands have migrated west over the past few decades in search of jobs and better living conditions.

Romania has the largest number of Roma in the region. Some say the population could be as high as 2 million, although official data put it at 500,000.

Until the 19th century, Romanian Gypsies were slaves, and they've gotten a mixed response ever since: While discrimination is widespread, many East Europeans are enthusiastic about Gypsy music and dance, which they embrace as part of the region's cultural heritage.

That explains why the Roma musicians and a dancer who had briefly joined Madonna onstage got enthusiastic applause. And it also may explain why some in the crowd turned on Madonna when she paused during the two-hour show — a stop on her worldwide "Sticky and Sweet" tour — to touch on their plight.

"It has been brought to my attention ... that there is a lot of discrimination against Romanies and Gypsies in general in Eastern Europe," she said. "It made me feel very sad."

Thousands booed and jeered her.

A few cheered when she added: "We don't believe in discrimination ... we believe in freedom and equal rights for everyone." But she got more boos when she mentioned discrimination against homosexuals and others.

"I jeered her because it seemed false what she was telling us. What business does she have telling us these things?" said Ionut Dinu, 23.

Madonna did not react and carried on with her concert, held near the hulking palace of the late communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Her publicist, Liz Rosenberg, said Madonna and other had told her there were cheers as well as jeers.

"Madonna has been touring with a phenomenal troupe of Roma musicians who made her aware of the discrimination toward them in several countries so she felt compelled to make a brief statement," Rosenberg said in an e-mail. "She will not be issuing a further statement."

One Roma musician said the attitude toward Gypsies is contradictory.

"Romanians watch Gypsy soap operas, they like Gypsy music and go to Gypsy concerts," said Damian Draghici, a Grammy Award-winner who has performed with James Brown and Joe Cocker.

"But there has been a wave of aggression against Roma people in Italy, Hungary and Romania, which shows me something is not OK," he told the AP in an interview. "The politicians have to do something about it. People have to be educated not to be prejudiced. All people are equal, and that is the message politicians must give."

Nearly one in two of Europe's estimated 12 million Roma claimed to have suffered an act of discrimination over the past 12 months, according to a recent report by the Vienna-based EU Fundamental Rights Agency. The group says Roma face "overt discrimination" in housing, health care and education.

Many do not have official identification, which means they cannot get social benefits, are undereducated and struggle to find decent jobs.

Roma children are more likely to drop out of school than their peers from other ethnic groups. Many Romanians label Gypsies as thieves, and many are outraged by those who beg or commit petty crimes in Western Europe, believing they spoil Romania's image abroad.

In May 2007, Romanian President Traian Basescu was heard to call a Romanian journalist a "stinky Gypsy" during a conversation with his wife. Romania's anti-discrimination board criticized Basescu, who later apologized.

Human rights activists say the attacks in Hungary, which began in July 2008, may be tied to that country's economic crisis and the rising popularity of far-right vigilantes angered by a rash of petty thefts and other so-called "Gypsy crime." Last week, police arrested four suspects in a nightclub in the eastern city of Debrecen.

Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia also have been criticized for widespread bias against Roma.

Madonna's outrage touched a nerve in Romania, but it seems doubtful it will change anything, said the Soros Foundation's Motoc.

"Madonna is a pop star. She is not an expert on interethnic relations," he said.

August 27, 2009

MYX SETLIST: MIGUEL ESCUETA

I was invited to attend the MYX Setlist event for Miguel Escueta last August 26, 2009, which coincides with my 22nd Birthday. I am not much of a fan, but since i was short with budget to have a celebration, I chose to go on with the event so it'll be a different one this time. Call time was 5:30pm and the event is supposed to take place by 6pm. But of course, Filipino time, it then happened by 7:30-ish. But in fairness to Miguel and his companions they arrived on time. It was due to sounds men unprofessional attitudes that made the event delayed. ABS CBN would have, one of the most advance security measures among any other buildings. You must be supplied with proper IDs so you can enter their points. It was cool. I am on the elevator that brought me to the 9th floor, and one of my many co - passengers happened to be And I Love You So director, Laurenti Dyogi. Very unfortunate for him, as other people are actually talking/bad mouthing about his current movie. When i reached the area where the event will happen, I was welcomed by a very accommodating person named Mobi, i suppose he works for ABS CBN Interactive. Then there came a lady who gave me a signed CD of Miguel Escueta. When Miguel Escueta and company arrived, i was introduced to them and we ate together. We had pizza and everything while we all are conversing and throwing questions. I love the pizza, it was pretty much my "handa" already for my Bday. Miguel is a very nice person, very down to earth, and he'll make sure you're okay all through out your stay. He'll always check me if I'm having fun. Not to mention his companion is very nice as well, though he hardly talk. I as well met Rodel of MCA music, a very nice person indeed. There then the gig happened and i saw Miguel performed his music live. Very Gifted. I knew that he writes his songs. Wish i have that kind of talent as well. It went for about 45 minutes and it was all worth it. After the gig, we pose for some picture taking and the goodbyes' are said. It really was a memorable birthday for me. Nice. Thank You Miguel Escueta, Thank You MYX. Your Choice! Your Music!

August 25, 2009

"THE TOP SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS or IS NO LONGER A VIRGIN"

1. Pag virgin, AMOY MELON. Pag di na virgin, MELON AMOY. 2. Ang virgin, pag tinanong mo kung virgin, mao-offend. Ang non-virgin, pag tinanong mo kung virgin pa, ang sagot, “Siyempre oo noh! Virgin na virgin pa noh!” 3. Ang tunog ng wiwi ng virgin, “Psssss…” Ang tunog ng wiwi ng non-virgin, “Wooosh!” 4. Ang virgin, pag kinalabit mo, “Ano ba, wag diyan!” Ang non-virgin, “Tara, game?” 5. Ang virgin pag umuwi after mag-burger with her bf, malinis ang lips. Ang non-virgin, may mayonnaise sa labi. 6. A virgin would say “STOP IT, STOP IT!!!” A non virgin would say “STUFF IT, STUFF IT!!!” 7. Ang virgin, mahilig sa beer. Ang di na virgin, mahilig sa hard. 8. When taking medicine, virgins prefer oral while non-virgins would rather be injected. 9. Ang non-virgins, bago kainin ang iltog at chorizo sa umaga, hinihimas muna. 10. Pag piki, virgin. Pag sakang, di na virgin. 11. Ang non-virgins, laging madumi ang pusod. 12. Ang virgin, hatid sundo. Ang non-virgin, sundot hatid. 13. Drop something on her lap. Ang virgins, iipitin ang mga legs. Ang non-virgins, bubukaka. 14. Virgins say, “Thank you!” Non-virgins say, “Please come again!” 15. ang non-virgins, mahilig sa aso. Kasi, nagkakatuta. 16. Ang virgin, mahilig sa bihon. Ang non-virgin, mahilig sa canton. 17. “Hihihi…” Non-virgin: “HAHAHA!” 18. “Bakit mo ko dinala dito?” Non-virgin: “Bakit mo ko dinala dito? Mahina ang aircon dito!” Thanks: RX 931 FM. listen to Chico and Delamar every Mon-Sat 6am-10am. The Morning Rush

TOP TEN : AMERICAN IDOL FINALISTS

American Idol is undeniably the best Singing Search on earth to date.
It produced numerous good singers that dominates the charts. All through out the season, the show features lots of interesting contestants. And I Am a Big Fan. Hence, here's the list of my Top Ten Favorite Idol Finalist.
1. KELLY CLARKSON - She's the original Idol. The singing idol from Season 1 certainly is and will be the most successful Idol ever. Judges were never wrong on their praises to this lady. She's got issues with her size but nonetheless she look radiantly beautiful. Thus, making her on the top of my lists. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: My Life Would Suck Without You, Since You've Been Gone, Breakaway, Already Gone, A Moment Like This. 2. JORDIN SPARKS - Young and Beautiful. This singing idol from Season 6 has one of the most powerful voices in Idol run. Despite her age she still managed to portray very powerful performances that eventually landed her the title. I remember watching her in every episode of Season 6 and whew, i was just but mesmerized as always. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Tattoo, No Air, One Step at a Time, This is My Now, Battlefield. 3. DAVID ARCHULETA - Charming and Youthful. Hailed from Season 7 of idol, one of the earliest front runner but managed only to be on the 2nd spot. He is the most loved among any other Idols. He have tasted both of Simon's good and bad criticisms. I really like the way he brings his self to the public, seems very approachable and appreciative. He's been to Manila for a back-to-back concert with David Cook, and of course, I was there. And to mention, he's been dominating the charts here and there. Kudos Archu. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Crush, A Little Too Not Over You, Touch My Hand, Your Eyes Don't Lie, Zero Gravity. 4. KRIS ALLEN - Looks and Voice. He's got both. For me this idol from Season 8 has the most unique and very distinguishable voice among any others. He performs each song from his heart, good or bad comments are accepted by him. Probably not the best singer on his batch, but thanks to his good looks, America voted and placed him to where he is now. I have high hopes for this man. May he be successful. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Heartless, No Boundaries, Everything. 5. CARRIE UNDERWOOD - Country and Classic. The most awarded singing idol, pride of Season 4. She been very successful on her genre. I wasn't able to watch much of the Season 4 but seeing this idol making big waves on the music industry makes me proud not only of her but of the show as well. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Jesus Takes the Wheel, Home Sweet Home, Before He Cheats. 6. ANOOP DESAI - This alumni of season 8, got the voice, voice that Simon himself praises. Yet, another Indian to make it to the Elite Finalists of Idol. Anoop was able to create an Idol history, breaking the idol usual 12 - finalists per season, Anoop was included and became the 13th finalist of his season. I was once watching the audition rounds as my little cousin said i have a big resemblance of him. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR: My Prerogative, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Everything I Do, Always on my Mind. 7. BLAKE LEWIS - Beat Box and Hip. Runner Up of Season 6, made his way to the top by showing his unique way of interpreting songs. His beat box style to the song you Give Love a Bad Name was indeed remarkable. I really like him during the Season 6 run from the start until the end along with Jordin. I hope he can make it to the music industry and make it big. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: You Give Love A Bad Name, Geek in the Pink, How Many Words. 8. RAMIELLE MALUBAY - Cute and Bubbly. Proud Filipina. One of the early faves but had deteriorated performances as the contest goes by. Simon praised her for her powerful voice. I really am very proud of her as she is proud of where she came from. I know it'll be hard for her to penetrate the main stream but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Alone, In My Life, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, Against All Odds. 9. DAUGHTRY - Rock and Successful. He was not even included in the Top 3 Finalists, but he can be considered as one of the top 3 most successful idols along with Underwood and Clarkson. He's got Grammys and his made big waves on the music industry. I like his style and i hope his music lives on and on. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Home, It's Not Over , What About Now. 10. DAVID COOK - Consistent and Vibrant. Cook's victory over Archuleta is a major dismay for me, but this big winner of Season 7 proved that he is more than deserving of the title and he lives on the very sense of it. He's been consistently great with all of his performances. Rocked Manila with Archuleta last May 2009, one of the biggest events in Philippine Concert scene. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: Come Back To Me, Always be My Baby, Time of My Life. Awaiting for Season 9. Less Paula Abdul, I hope the show is again to produce batch of great singing idols. Mark Bryan V Garcia

Schengen Visa for Filipinos

  I'd like to share with you my experience in applying for a Schengen Visa. I submitted my application last March 12 and got the decisio...