NEIL ETHERIDGE FAILS ULTIMATE TEST OF FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP

I have always doubted the Filipino citizenship of Azkals' goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. But the president of the Philippine Football Federation swears that all the Fil-foreigners in the national football team are legitimate Filipinos. The good president stands firm in his claim that all the Fil-foreigners of Azkals are Philippine passport holders.
But recently, major newspapers carried the news that Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier, Simon and Chris Greatwich will not see action in Mongolia for the second match of the country in the AFC Challenge Cup. Etheride has a contract with Fulham which he wants to honor, effectively preventing him to play for the crucial match set March 15. Etheridge, third in Fulham's goalkeeper list, has just signed a two year contract with the club. I am simply stunned that the highly popular goalkeeper of the Azkals values his place in Fulham more than his place in the national team. Etheridge's decision, as well as the three other Fil-foreigners', proves that citizenship goes beyond the procurement of a passport. Ultimately, citizenship involves the heart and desire to put country above everything else.

TOKYO MARCH FOR LIBYA : JAPAN'S RESPONSE TO FREEDOM

People in Japan gathered in Tokyo last Saturday to march and show support for Libya in its quest for freedom. Japanese activist Hajime Nakano shares pictures of the march to showcase the support of the Japanese people for the Libyan people. The Tokyo march sends a powerful message that Japan is one with the world in its call for Gaddafi to step down and prevent further loss of lives. It too affirms Japan's commitment to freedom and the sanctity of life.
Kudos to Japan and its people.

OPEN LETTER TO THE B-MEG GOVERNOR

Dear Mr. Pardo,

I have just been terminated from the paper I work for. My editor says that the termination is due to cost-cutting measures. While what my editor says might be true, I can't help but think that you may have in a way contributed to my termination. After all, out of all the sports personalities I have talked to and written about, you were the only who took the time and effort to hunt me down and tell the PBA and my editor of your great displeasure regarding my work. To think that I have written far more controversial articles, it was a surprise for me to hear you so upset over such a harmless article. Now after 2 months since the article, I am left with no spot with the paper I work for.

Perhaps the lesson to be learned from the whole ordeal sir is to realize that our actions have far-reaching effects. That mere displeasure when expressed in no uncertain terms, can lead people to draw certain conclusions, whether they be true or not. And it can haunt us even long after our moment of anger. Perhaps, it is time to realize that acting like a rich untouchable has its downside as well. And that it is better to talk to the person with whom you are upset with face to face than turning to other people and institutions to relay a certain message.

The best of luck to your team.

Yours,

Eric

END OF MY WRITING CAREER ?

I got an unexpected text message from my editor saying that I will no longer write for Bandera. I asked my editor the reason behind my termination. I was told that it was part of the cost cutting measures that Bandera was implementing. I asked my editor if I could still write for Bandera even without pay. My editor did not respond.
I can't help but think there's more to my termination than mere cost cutting. I remember that things started to go downhill for me when I upset a governor of one of the teams in the PBA. My blog posts concerning the over-hyped Azkals, I think, did not help my cause either. Then there's the controversy which I dared to tackle concerning two swimming groups. Interestingly, I tweeted a PBA personnel asking whether it is truly James Yap who tweets under the name jcy18 the day before I got terminated.
Still, I am thankful to my editor for giving me the opportunity to write for Bandera. It enabled me to meet sports personalities, some of whom have become my good friends. But I certainly wish I could still write for Bandera. even without pay. After all, I truly believe that money should not be a main concern in a profession like writing for a paper.

CAN LIBYA, BAHRAIN, YEMEN AND IRAQ WIN THE FIGHT WITHOUT FOREIGN HELP ?

People power is sweeping across the Arab world. With what has happened in Egypt and Tunisia, Arabs realize that they have it in their power to effect change in their countries. Dictatorships have become vulnerable to attacks from previously fearful citizens. The whole world now witnesses courage and determination never before seen from the Arab world.
But while people from Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Iraq are determined to continue their fight for democracy, their respective dictators have managed to hold on to power. Despite the huge number of people gathering in major cities, the ouster of corrupt leaders remains elusive for Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Iraq.
One thing which I think exists for Egypt which still has to exist for Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Iraq is the strong lobby in the U.S. for these nations. Egyptians in the U.S. to this day continue to hold rallies and marches to demand total freedom and better government for the Egyptian people. A friend of mine in fact organizes events in Washington to push for the demands of the Egyptian people. Whether one admits it or not, the U.S. plays an important role in world politics. The U.S. can effectively put pressure on foreign governments and demand certain actions. When the U.S. speaks, the whole world listens.
Libya is suffering the most as it attempts to topple Gaddafi because Gaddafi does not hesitate to kill protesters to hold on to power. Extreme situations demand extreme actions. Perhaps, it is time for Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Iraq to ask for help from the Americans to prevent further loss of lives. True nationalism puts the lives of people above everything else.

MOVE OVER CHARICE, MAKE WAY FOR THIA

She is only 15 years old. Has a unique singing voice. Not pretty at all. But with the right packaging, has the makings of a teenage singing superstar. She is no other than American Idol hopeful Thia Megia. The Fil-Am is set to conquer America as she has made the top 24 of the highly popular singing competition.
With the significant Filipino population in the U.S., Thia stands a good chance of making the top 12. With the right song, Thia can certainly prove to everyone that she truly deserves a place in AI. At 15, she is the youngest in the group. And being the youngest can work very much in her favor.
But what I truly find outstanding with Thia apart from her singing talent is her Filipino character that manages to shine through. For one, she never showed resentment when their vocal coach scolded her. Much like an obedient Filipina girl, she just stood there and looked sad at how the vocal coach from hell just threw a fit in front of her. She also showed during the eliminations how much she values her mother and new friend in the person of a fellow AI contestant. She does not seem to be too conscious of the fact that she must act and sound too much like an American. With a good head on her shoulders, Thia should do well in American Idol and give Charice Pempengco a run for her money.

JAMES YAP ON TWITTER ONCE AGAIN

James Yap is back on twitter after a long haitus. During the time that he and Kris Aquino were in the news last year, James Yap chose not to go on Twitter. When he could have clarified issues regarding his separation and annulment, James Yap remained silent and distanced himself from Twitter. But now that all things have been settled amicably with his ex-wife, here comes James Yap, tweeting, as if nothing happened.
Getting back on Twitter is definitely a smart move for James. For one, Twitter can salvage his sagging basketball career. James Yap hardly generated news and positive publicity for himself last conference. Now with Twitter at his disposal, James Yap can appear to be friendly and accommodating to his fans by keeping them updated with his activities. Twitter likewise affords him the chance to be close to his fans by answering some of their tweets. The PBA, which was dropped like a hot potato by Solar Sports, will benefit greatly from James' return to Twitter. The interest that James Yap will generate for the PBA through his tweets will help the PBA improve its television ratings and increase its gate receipts.
The fact remains however that the PBA and James Yap are using Twitter for their survival. When the PBA and James Yap needed to own up to their mistakes, stand for positive values and uphold the truth, they both failed to respond to the challenge.

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL ?

On my way to work, I sat across a woman who was frantically trying to apply white make-up on her face. I wanted to tell her that all her efforts at face whitening were doing her no good. But better judgment prevented me from doing so.
I am just disturbed that Filipinos equate beauty with whiteness of skin. Filipinos spend thousands on gluthatione, methatione and cosmetic procedures just to look whiter and more " beautiful ". Being in a tropical country, consciously whitening one's skin will only make one susceptible to skin cancer. In effect, like smoking, skin whitening is a slow and sure process of killing one's self. Besides, being deathly pale or white like Sadako is far from being beautiful. It is interesting to note that Venus Raj, 4th runner-up in the Miss Universe and Danica Magpantay, Supermodel of the World 2011, are dark skinned.
Lastly, Filipinos' obsession with skin whitening supersedes the need to be beautiful from within. When Filipinos should be more concerned with being helpful, compassionate and loving to others, many prefer to devote time and money to buying the latest gluthatione and methatione products available in Mercury Drug. Perhaps, it is time for Filipinos to define what true beauty is. And leave the white faces to Kabuki where it is expressed as an art form.

A BLOODIER ROAD TO FREEDOM FOR LIBYA

After Egypt, it is now Libya's turn to seek the ouster of its ruler. But unlike Mubarak, Gaddafi, from all indications will not hesitate to use force on the demonstrators.So far, more than 230 persons have been killed in Libya in connection with the protest actions.
Oil workers in the Gulf of Sirte have gone on strike to force the government to listen to the people's ultimate demand of changing Libya's leader. But Saif Al Islam Gaddafi appeared on national television to warn protesters of the dire effects of their actions on Libya's economy. He too warned protesters that his father will use force to protect Libya against Islamists.
But despite the violence that Gaddafi and his men employ, thousands of Libyans continue to hold protest actions in key cities. Demonstrators remain undeterred in demanding that Gaddafi steps down. Libyans continue to hope that they will achieve freedom through their united stand against a dictator who has ruled the country for 42 years.

LUZVIMINDA MCCLINTON : FILIPINA WORLD BODYBUILDING CHAMPION

Luzviminda McClinton is the first and only Filipina to win a world bodybuilding title. But despite several victories in international competitions, she hardly receives the publicity and support that she truly deserves. In an exclusive interview with Bandera correspondent Eric Dimzon, Luz, as she is fondly called, shares insights on bodybuilding and its benefits and the problems that Filipino bodybuilders face.

1. Why did you decide to go into bodybuilding ?

Favorite ko talaga ang mag-workout. When I got married, sumama na ako sa workouts ng husband ko. After 6 months of working out, I decided to go to the next level which is bodybuilding.

2. How long have you been into bodybuilding ?

About 7 years years now. Yung pagsali sa major competitions, 5 years na.

3. Why do you think there are only few Filipinas who are into bodybuilding ?

Filipino men are more into bodybuilding than Filipino women. I think there are only 20 women in the country who are into serious bodybuilding. Kasi sa Pilipinas, parang di pa accepted ang maskuladang Pinay. We're only used to slim, slender and sexy Filipinas. But at least, ngayon, meron nang 20 Filipinas who are into bodybuilding.

4. What are some of the major competitions that you have participated in and won ?

I first entered as a bodybuilder at the Asian Games in Singapore in 2006. The titles that I have won include :

1. Pro.Fame World Figure Champion 2010

2. Miss Universe Figure 2009

3. Fame Muscle Model 2010, silver medalist

4. Naaba Universe 2009, first runner-up

5. Fame International 2010 Champion 

This year, I plan to compete in Germany and Australia. I would also like to clarify that I am a figure model. A figure model is in between a fitness model and bodybuilder. A figure model is not as big as a bodybuilder. Ito yung sexy at well-defined lang. 

5. What do you wish to accomplish in 2011 ?

While I will continue to compete in international competitions, I wish to focus more in inspiring more Filipino women to take up the sport for 2011.

6. Do you have a problem finding sponsorship ?

I really have a hard time finding sponsors. Luckily, ngayon nandyan na ang Cebuana-Lhuiller to support me. Cebuana-Lhuiller is my first and only sponsor in the 5 years that I've done competition. Sadly, bodybuilders in our country do not get proper support from the government. Bodybuilders would only get support during Asian and SEA Games. But for world competitions, wala talaga. I must mention also Congressman Saldan for his support. Tumulong agad siya nang humingi ako nang tulong sa kanya. In fact, siya and dahilan kung kaya ako bibigyan ng award through a Senate resolution. Vice President Binay will likewise give me an award to acknowledge what I have accomplished abroad.

7. Why should Filipinos take up bodybuilding ?

Bodybuilding promotes fitness and health. It teaches people to have a healthy lifestyle. Once you're into bodybuilding, you must abstain from drinking, smoking, vices and late night outs. You have to workout regularly and have 8 hours of sleep. The sport teaches discipline, hard work and dedication. Bodybuilding is an extremely hard sport. Perhaps, it is best not to call the sport as bodybuilding. Masyado kasing intimidating para sa mga Pilipino ang bodybuilding. Iniisip agad natin na kailangan malaki at maskulado ka pag bodybuilder ka. I just wish that more people get into fitness. Hindi naman kailangan na sumali sa competitions. Yung pumunta lang sa gym and to have a healthy lifestyle, malaking bagay na. Kahit yung mga plain housewives, kahit sa bahay lang, sana mag-exercise. Its all about loving your body.