American history records a humongous first as the first African-American wins 2008 US presidency. President-Elect Barack Obama becomes the 44^th Chief Officer of the United States of America.

I still remember the first time I learned about him, during the toggle between Obama and Senator Hilary Clinton as this year’s Democratic Party’s US President Candidate. I got to know his name first through this video, which showed his powerful speech and I remember having goose bumps as I watched it. It was inspiring and moving.

Even back then, the challenges Obama faced were enormous. He was lugging behind Clinton. He’s colored, after all, and very young, in age and in politics. But I had a very strong feeling that he would get through and yes, he has won over the Democrats.

That was just the beginning. What ensued after was a much electrified, much intensified race to the White House against Senator John McCain. Democrat against Republican. Young versus old. Colored versus white. A promise of change versus long experience. And the battleground was an uneven terrain, with various American people as judges on the sides.

Of course, there were a lot of criticisms, as well as praises as Obama trekked the campaign trail. And evaluating the positive vis-à-vis the negative, I thought that he would make a better president than Senator John McCain. Because I think that Obama is a good man, more than anything. And that is a very important factor. His character embodies outstanding qualities. Throughout the campaign period, he stayed steadfast, calm, cool, intelligent, brave, and noble against the rampaging, overwhelming pressures coming from all directions.

Now, the skirmish is over. The longest presidential campaign season in the history of America comes to an end with a historic reverberating bang. Yes! Obama, a person who does not have an American-sounding name and color, has definitely triumphed over all the obstacles in a landslide fashion. Amazingly, he has emerged through. The divided American masses have decided that Obama would be their next president. The results of the 2008 US Presidential election speak of the change that has started happening in America. They coin it “New America” as a new order replaces the old.

“Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and
prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this
world. Yes we can.”

“Yes, we can!” is his resounding mantra. Obama remains audacious. He believes in hope. While there is still breath to take, there is hope. And when there is hope, change can be achieved. Change! He has fought long and hard for this race. And the victory is his. A victory he shares with both his supporters and non-supporters alike. He plans to be President for ALL of America. Blacks. Whites. Young. Old. Able. Disabled. Rich. Poor. Men. Women. Straight. Non-straight. And everyone in between.

As he addresses America for the first time after his historic win, Obama does not gloat. Instead he remains humble and gracious, thanking everyone who helped him achieve the tremendously difficult endeavor; calm, even amidst the infectious exultant and jubilant cheering of supporters; somber, as he promises to lead America with honesty and fervor; sober, as he ponders on the enormity of the challenges that lay ahead; poignant, as he speaks of “we, us, our” and not of “I, me, my”; and dignified and well-deserving all in all. His victory speech has been wonderful. He reiterated that the “victory isn’t the change we seek” but only provides the opportunity to change. He enjoins everyone to take part in the responsibility to make change come about.

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there."

(If you were not able to watch Obama's acceptance speech, click here to catch it.)

What is more amazing is the fact that this election inspired the biggest number of young American generation to go out and vote, which is another first. And that thousands and thousands have become emotional as they share the joy in Obama’s victory, political leaders in other countries have sent their congratulatory greetings, and many are joining hands as they pledge support to this administration.

Now, Obama moves from campaigning to governing and the hopes are high. All eyes are on him. Will he bring about change? The whole world, together with the United States of America, hopes that Obama will deliver on his promises and more. Let’s keep the hopes up.

On a side note:

McCain concedes defeat to Obama in a gracious manner, as he urges everyone to support Obama as he himself promises to do all he can to continually serve his beloved country.

“I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.”

Labels: 2008 US Presidential Election, Barack Obama, US Politics, Yes We Can

Labels: UP

Hi Everyone!

My friend, Diane, is having a contest for her birthday, which is 3 days from today (August 31).

Labels: contest

Labels: books, meme

So, instead of spending on actual clothes, I spent some precious time dressing up virtually. Very entertaining. Wehehe!

Here is the first installment of my dressing-up antics. ;-)

DRESSING UP IN SHORT

Now for dressing up in short, here are my choices from the closet. Needless to say, in real life, I love wearing shorts and skirts more than jeans. So, I really enjoyed picking up the items. The color scheme includes gray and pink. For the top, I’d don on a shirt with dark gray stripes, with a light gray puffed-sleeved top. I’d match them with a pair of jumper shorts for the bottom and a pair of slip-on wedge sandals for the feet. To complete the look, I’d include silver handbag, a pink belt, silver/gray bead necklace, silver hoop earrings and light pink sunglasses.

I can think of lots of instances where I would actually wear this kind of look. As I have said, i love them shorts. For movies, shopping, coffee or any casual hang-out, I’d prefer this look. ;-)

DRESSING UP IN PINK

If I had a closet full of pink stuffs, I’d choose a darker shade of pink jumper skirt, a lighter shade of pink spaghetti top with some intricate girlish details, an almost-white bolero, and a fine light pink denim cover-up. Since pink really looks delicate and feminine, I’d like to spunk it up a bit with the stylist but not-so-formal denim cover-up. I’d accessorize with shoulder bag with the same color as the jumper. For jewelry, I’d choose a necklace that matches the detail on the jumper and bag. In keeping line with the whole color scheme, the earrings should be of pink and of the same color as the necklace too. Well, the shoes are dainty and fashionable, like what pink connotes. Very kikay! =)

Now, where would I go if I donned on pink from head to toe, which you wouldn’t find likely in real life? Not that I detest it. I like pink but I just don’t think I’ll be caught dead wearing pink all the way. Haha! To answer the question, I’ll probably attend a get-together with the girls at some glitzy place. Hahaha! ;-P

DRESSING UP IN ROCK STYLE

For dressing up in rock style, I tried to achieve a retro look. I chose the following: long-sleeved turtle-neck top with purple stripes, white button-up jacket with brown fur, brown belt with yellow accent, white layered skirt (I’m really partial to skirts), brown cowboy boots, brown bag, classic retro eyepiece, and matching vintage necklace and earrings.

In reality, I think I’ll go attend a concert draped in attire like this. But in other countries, maybe, because I don’t think furs go with the climate in the Philippines; unless, typhoons are raging, causing extreme coldness, which in that case, the concert would be postponed. Haha!:-D

Hmmm, now if the rock concert was in the Philippines, I’d wear the following: white top with red cardigan (which I can pull off whenever), white belt accentuated by a large buckle, rugged skinny jeans (yeah!), red pumps (I’d choose a pair of sneakers if they were in the items), trendy eyewear, gold hoop earrings and a couple of necklaces.

Let’s rock on!

On a serious mode, it’s really important that one feels comfortable with one’s own skin. Otherwise, no matter how classy, beautiful or expensive your clothes are, they won’t make you stand out.

So be confident! Smile and world will smile back at you! ;-) Ciao!

Labels: fashion, imaginative constructs, www stuff

Labels: comic relief, laugh trip

"Another Filipino film is selected in the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Raya Martin’s “Now Showing” is competing in the 40^th Directors’ Fortnight, a parallel section that showcases new and little-known directors from around the world. Since 1968, it has since launched the international careers of directors such as Werner Herzog, Jim Jarmusch, and the late Lino Brocka.

Only 23, Martin has been reaping international recognition for the past several years. His first feature, “Short Film About the Indio Nacional” won several awards in film festivals abroad, while his second film “Autohystoria” won the Lino Award Grand Prize and Best Director in Cinemanila International Film Festival last year. Martin is also the first Filipino to be granted the Fond Sud by the French government for his new film currently in development, “Independencia”.

Running at 4 hours 40 minutes, “Now Showing” is a coming of age narrative set in downtown Manila. A young girl’s story is told in a documentary manner and series of found footage. In between, clips from the 1960's Filipino classic film, “Tunay na Ina” is shown. The film project received the Hubert Bals Grant at the Cinemanila Boracay Co-Production Meeting in 2005. Post-production is supported by Ignite Media, Inc.

Behind the film is young and prize-winning producer Arleen Cuevas. Only 27,her last project “Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela” won Best Film at the Teddy Awards in this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. Cuevas has also collaborated with director Adolf Alix, Jr. on several films including “Batanes” and “Tambolista”.

“Now Showing” stars theater actresses Ness Roque, Adriana Agcaoili, Meila Romero, Daisy Carino and Via Antonio. Roque, playing the lead role, is a 16-year old theater actress currently taking up Filipino Literature at the Ateneo de Manila University. Upon learning that the film was selected in this year’s Cannes, Roque said, “I am thrilled! When Raya called and told me that we're going to Cannes, I asked him to stop and let me breathe. Hindi ako makahinga!”

Martin looks forward to premiering in the prestigious film festival. “Excited ako ipalabas yung film dun. It’s an unusual film.”

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) gives support through a travel grant, enabling the production staff to attend the premiere in Cannes Film Festival, in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the French Embassy in the Philippines, and the Philippine Embassy in France.

Labels: cannes film festival, films, indie, raya martin

Labels: blog, internet, tazshi, thoughts, twaddle