The Freudian Slip Of A Bacolodnon

The year 2012 is about to end and highlights of the year are now being compiled. Among the many highlights of 2012 are the top videos uploaded and seen and shared in Youtube. There have been many videos across the globe that went viral this 2012. Here are some of the most viral videos uploaded and seen in Youtube in 2012. Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" is this year's most LSS-song. Here is one version of the song which has reached more than 17 million views. How to make your video viral in 2013? Do the song shirtless in a public square. And by the way, you have to look like a supermodel too. Wear an old-fashion dark shades and dance some weird steps and sing a song in a foreign language and I can guarantee you your video will turn viral this 2013. Or at least that's what happened with Psy's Gangnam Style video which already reached more than a billion views. I don't know if "experts" or even statistics would agree with me but this w...

     During my visit to Jakarta early this month, we were treated to a night of cultural performances from our Indonesian hosts. We were in Jakarta to represent the Philippines in the first ever US-ASEAN Young Leaders Summit, organized by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, together with the US Mission to ASEAN. During the Opening Dinner Ceremonies held at Royal Kuningan Hotel, we witnessed this amazing Indonesian Dance called the Saman Dance.  Indonesian Students doing the Saman Dance      It is such a beautiful dance and very mesmerizing considering how fast the hands of the dancers were moving throughout the dance. There are many variations of the Saman Dance but this one has definitely blown my mind.     According to information, the word Saman came from the creator of the dance, Syeikh Saman, a Muslim Scholar who spread Islam in Aceh. It is said that the dance originated from Aceh. ...

Every Christmas season, people would visit Baguio City to enjoy it's subzero-degrees environment. It is not only the Summer Capital of the Philippines but it is also a Winter-getaway for many. Even the President of the Republic would also spend the Holidays in Baguio. If the American President has Camp David, then the Filipino Head of State has The Mansion House. The Mansion House was built in the early 1900's as a residence for US Governor-Generals during the time the Philippines was under the American government. Wikipedia would describe the place as consisting of "an elegantly-designed Spanish Colonial Revival main building and a guest house. The elaborate main gate, made of ornate ironwork, was earlier reported as a replica of one of the main gates at Buckingham Palace in London, which is false. The front gate is still one of the most photographed section of the property. Tourists can visit the Mansion's museum containing presidential memorabilia. Across the road...

When Janine Tugonon, Ms. Universe-Philippines, failed to win the crown and ended winning 1st runner up instead, many Filipino fans reacted negatively. They all thought that after so many years, the Philippines will take home the crown again. This year however, it was Ms. USA who won.  Even those who were not Filipinos reacted as well to the decision of the judges. Many believed that Janine was more deserving of the crown. Still, it was a high note for the Filipinos who are rabid fans of their modern-day heroes, athletes and beauty queens included. Here are some videos posted on youtube which captured some of the reactions when the results were announced. Like it? Share it. Get the Share on Facebook widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox ! Not seeing a widget? ( More info )Like it.

During a visit to Jakarta, we were invited to an exclusive dinner party at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia. His Excellency Scot Marciel, together with his wife, hosted the event and was attended by 130 young leaders from across Southeast Asia. The dinner reception started with an official welcome speech from the Ambassador and a group picture with him and his wife. We later found out that his wife, Mae, is a Filipina. We were able to talk with her in fluent Filipino. By the time the party has ended, Mrs. Marciel was kind enough to even give us a quick tour inside the house. We were able to have a picture of the group taken with the Marciels' Christmas tree. Christmas Tree  Philippine Delegation At the Ambassador's Dinner Party Local Indonesian artists providing the entertainment Philippine Delegation With the Ambassador and his wife Mingling Around The Ambassador and his wife were very gracious hosts It was a fun night for...

One highlight of my visit in Jakarta during the US-ASEAN Young Leaders Summit was a short stop at the ASEAN Headquarters. This historic place has been the seat of diplomacy and friendship among the Southeast Asian Countries. The building has also hosted many political world leaders. It is in the ASEAN hall where many discussions were made, dialogues were conducted and political statements expressed. All 130 participants of the US-ASEAN Young Leaders Summit visited the ASEAN Secretariat. The U.S. Mission to ASEAN hosted the participants and even conducted a small workshop where participants discussed which of the three "ASEAN pillars" should the association invest resources on in the next 3 years. Borj Coscolluela, Philippines, sharing his thoughts Philippine Delegation  Preparing for the Discussion inside the ASEAN Hall Discussing with one of the diplomats in ASEAN The visit ended with a group picture outside the building with the participants ...

During the first week of December, I was able to travel to the capital city of Indonesia to attend the first ever US-ASEAN Young Leaders Summit. The Summit was attended by 130 U.S. State Alumni who previously participated in the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program in Northern Illinois University. It was more than just a happy reunion for the alumni. It was also 4 days of dialogue and planning for the respective country follow-on projects. The schedule was hectic that we only had a narrow time for some R&R in the city. Jakarta is very similar to Manila but with twice the traffic jam. We stayed in a new hotel, Royal Kuningan Hotel. We were also able to visit Pacific Mall and other smaller malls within the city. Jakarta by night Local art  Seeing the sights Inside the Pacific Place Mall Shopping in Jakarta Like it? Share it. Get the Share on Facebook widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox ! Not seeing a widget? ...