SHAMCEY, an Inspiration to Many!!!

by Raymund Thom L. Golez

Shamcey and Yours Truly

Congratulations to our girl SHAMCEY SUPSUP General Santos City, Philippines for showing the world what a Filipina can accomplish at the Miss Universe 2011 Beauty Pageant which just culminated yesterday! She grabbed the 3rd Runner-up sash, surpassing Venus Raj by one spot!

Her representation of the beauty of the Filipino people in the pageant adds to our national pride, and her victory serves to solidify our status as a beautiful country rich in natural resources, and populated by hospitable, beautiful and intelligent people.

I was so frikkn’ excited when Shamcey made the Top 16, but I almost peed myself when she hit the 5. This girl proved ALL of her detractors that she was not a “maid” to be played with. The moment she made the cut, I had a feeling that she was going to go all the way and that’s EXACTLY what she did. The execution of her final answer was EXCELLENT, AND she was the only one who did not need an interpreterto convey her point. She answered her question confidently and flawlessly, however the substance behind it was a little too forward. She chose GOD as the main reason of why she would not marry someone who would want to change her religion which is commendable to her beliefs. However, IMO, when a judging panel is in front of you trying to judge you on how you would appeal to the WHOLE Universe, you kind of have to have an open mind to not being over-the-top religious. MUO does not want a religious girl, to represent them, but more so someone that can relate to all audiences. Remember, not everyone in the World is religious. I’m glad that Shamcey stuck by her beliefs, thanks for telling the whole world, your first love is God.. She may not have clinched the title, but I think she should’ve at least finished 1st or 2nd runner up, or even the winner. In fact, after reading the comments of Oprah, I’m convinced that even though her answer didn’t appeal to ALL, she definitely delivered it the way a Miss Universe should. Love you Shamcey!

But honestly speaking, the candidates we sent these two years were really good. Both girls did their homework and prepared themselves however it’s their personality that made them stand out and be noticed. I don’t think Ms.Stella Marquez-Araneta did anything different. The gowns are still by Alfredo Barazza…Shamcey was sent to Colombia. Her wardrobe are not that outstanding but at least they were not recycled. I hope we can find another girl next year who can get the crown this time. Right now I am happy we made it to the finals two years in a row.

IMO, if Venus Raj and Shamcey turned out to be a huge success, it was mostly because of their hardships they have trained a lot and focused more on how they will take advantage of their goods. . . but i also do acknowledge what madam has contributed to these girls. . .being the owner, she really has done a lot as well, yet, let us not forget that being the owner, she also has done so many lapses, and i don’t want us to be PASSIVE just because our girls are doing better there are tons of things to improve on and we have seen that during BBP 2011. . .again, we are already seeing positive changes. lets just hope for more!

Venus helped a lot too! Her pointers to Shamcey as the MU participant herself helped Shamcey find her way to the top and get noticed by the org too like what Venus did last year. And of course, their DETERMINATION TO WIN.

Shamcey and her mom, Marcelina

Ms. Shamcey Supsup, have come a long way and have transformed in a way many have not expected and from what she have gone through those aspiring beauty pageant candidates, pageant organizer and pageant critics should have pick up something to learn. For me what i learn from her is that “beauty pageant winners does not come in perfect package naturally but is molded” and that “it does not matter only few believes in our abilities because that gives us space to prove and improve”.

Shamcey may not have won the crown, but she’s won my heart. She will always remain special. She may not have won the Title, but she definitely gave honor and glory to God. And as His children, we would always have that ultimate and true goal. We are certain God was well-pleased with her.

Thank you, Shamcey, for showing the world how Filipino women can be beautiful, smart, modern, and God-fearing at the same time!

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PHILIPPINES MAGKAISA: MESSAGE TO ALL PINOYS

by Raymund Thom L. Golez

 

First up, im writing this blog and hoping Filipinos are one in supporting our candidate. 

 

Its the last stretch of the Miss Universe Pagent and believe it or not, Shamcey has a huge chance of making the cut. (Public vote or Preliminaries) The press loves her, she gets so much attention, one of the favorite amongst most betting odds, favorites amongst the online voting, favorite amongst the locals and the Brazilian public.

If there are only people who hate her its the few people who hated the Filipino Pageant Fans. Some of them perhaps maybe experts, or ambassadors, the hell i care about their f*cked up tags. Jeez those who take it against our girl because of us shouldn’t even be called Beauty experts sh*t or ambassadors or whatever…

Shamcey is charming, beautiful and smart and perhaps faith placed her to be our candidate because she has a huge chance of winning the crown.

Some of you might not even have Shamcey’s as their favorite from the BB Pilipinas but that is not the reason for hating her. It’s time to move on and show support for your country. You are with us. yes?

As a pageant enthusiast, I believe, the Philippine contingent are strong. We are strongest not just in missosology but offground & Online and now is not a good time to show that we are divided. It’s time to show the Philippine Pageant Fans Strength once again. To hell with their criticisms.

Have you heard how strong the Philippine audience was in Las Vegas when Venus was called last year. We have to show the same amount of support or perhaps more. Let them raise their goosebumps when they see our numbers again.

Go ask your Filipino Friends abroad to vote 10 for Shamcey in the Miss Universe Site. Here is the link:http://www.missuniverse.com/members/contestants

voting deadline is sept 11

 

Respect other foreigner’s post who their favorites are. Wag natin pagpilitan sa kanila si Shamcey (Syempre susuportahan nila ang sa kanila)

Make our Presence be felt worldwide. Make Donald Trump and MUO realized that Miss Philippines is indeed supported by the Biggest Pageant Block! Our numbers should not be our liability. It should be our freaking Asset!

 

It’s time to wake up Philippines, its 5 days before the Miss Universe. The 3rd crown is very much possible this time around

We have the pageant numbers. That is something we have that other countries doesn’t yet have. 

 

 

 

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Shamcey Supsup, Stepping Up Her Game!

by Raymund Thom L. Golez

From the rivalries of fans during Bb. Pilipinas 2011, Ms. Shamcey Supsup, who is in Brazil proves that she can make it to the top. Officially, when Shamcey stepped on the 1st tile or as she goes down in the airplane, her thinking changes. Probably this is what she said to herself when she was OFFICIALLY in BRAZIL “Ok! Shamcey, no more jokes, although its the beginning, but you need to step it up!” Shamcey, was one of the first ladies who arrived in Brazil.

Though she was tired from the flight from Bogota, Colombia for a 10-day training, she tried to get the attention to the media by showing her NEW skills from the 2-months of training. And this was the outcome of her arrival!

With her dress she wore, she WOWED us with her smile and the way she carried herself. Despite from the tiring trip, she still exudes more confidence. With that confidence in Shamcey, she was able to meet new friends ahead like

Ms. Aruba, Gillain Berry

and Ms. Costa Rica, Johanna Solano

After few days, Shamcey was able to adjust to the environment wherein, diverse ladies were present. It’s not easy to mingle with 88 ladies. In my mind, Shamcey haven’t met yet half of the ladies! But probably close friends of Shamcey so far are those underdogs. BUT HER MOST CLOSE FRIEND IS MS. KOREA, Sora Chong.

The day after her arrival, Shamcey stepped on to Photoshoots! But I don’t know where are they now? In my mind, photographers are somewhat making surprises to us Filipinos.

But with so far she has, she is very lucky, indeed she is blessed especially in votings like the Telemundo, and in Missosology. Would this mean that probably she would also get the highest votes in Miss Universe and gets the lucky spot with the 19k seen on the voting?

Shamcey so far had attended one event that ladies were just handpicked, and it was the “OPERATION SMILE” with Ms. China, Ms. Venezuela, Ms. Brazil and Miss Universe herself Ximena Navarette!

It was just the beginning! Let’s wait for more and she feels your support and love for her… She cannot thank each one of you one by one but she wants to show her gratitude with these tweets:

and “iba talaga mag-mahal ang mga pinoy! kayo na! kayo na talaga!”

She rarely tweets, but a tweet is enough to see her and hear from her!

We will never get tired of supporting you girl!! For Philippines!!

IBA TALAGA KAPAG NATURAL ANG GANDA, MATANGKAD AT MATALINO. YAN SI SHAMCEY!!! 

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My Inspiring Morning Devotion:082611

My Inspiring AM Devotion:

Isaiah 2:11-A day is coming when human pride will be ended and human arrogance destroyed. Then the Lord alone will be exalted!

- Pride and arrogance is something that God does not tolerate.

- God promises to deal with the proud and with the arrogant.

- But God shows favour to those who are humble.

- When we are humble, God can be exalted in our lives.

PRAYER: Lord, forgive me for those times when I am proud and perhaps even arrogant in what I say and do. I lift Your name up and declare that You are the all-powerful One and I exalt You. Amen.

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My Thoughts on Shamcey-MU2011:KOREA AND PHILIPPINES WILL SHARE THE SAME ROOM

by Raymund Thom L. Golez

 

My humble thought about this pair-up.

I haven’t heard of KOREA making waves during the arrivals and I rarely see photo’s of her. At the prelude of the pageant three countries from ASIA were hyped from various pageant forums namely 1. MALAYSIA 2. CHINA and 3. PHILIPPINES and during the arrivals the most photographed asians were CHINA, MALAYSIA and THAILAND. It is sad to note that the beautiful lady from KOREA was so lack-luster during the arrival. Not to conclude, but I’m speculating that this is due to the poor support of the Miss Korea Org to their candidate. Lack of assistance and support can lead to poor performance during a very stiff competition. It takes a strong will and determination to overcome such misfortunes and be able to deliver well. Well enough to outshine even the clear front runners.

Miss Philippines SHAMCEYSUPSUP and Miss Korea Sora Jung

On the other hand, Shamcey has been considered by many as one of the darkhorses and is expected to take the extra mile and be able to continue what was done by last year’s representative. The pressure is more to her than any other contestant as it is rare to happen that the Philippines can get a streak in Miss Universe. With the credentials of Shamcey and the thought on how we can get crazy over supporting our candidate, we can clearly outline the difference between Korea and Philippines standing this time.

Blue is Shamcey’s color!!!

 

The benchmark of the competition starts with the candidate’s roommate, considering for the sake of argument that this is the lady she spend most of her time with, then this might be a disadvantage to Shamcey. If we consider someone who was not properly supported as our benchmark then actions might lead to mediocrity. If such is the case, then It takes a lot of constant reminder for Shamcey to keep her momentum high and even higher everyday until the preliminaries in order to keep herself in the competition. If the table turns around and we can see Korea stepping up her game then it is more of an advantage to Shamcey since Korea’s determination fuels Shamcey’s drive towards the TOP 15.What I’m trying to point out is that, having a roommate is not just having a roommate. This is not a competition of the best roommate but a competition amongst all who joined. This is not a vacation(unless one hopeless candidate consider it as one) that you meet friends along the way but this is a beauty pageant. This goes to say that all factors should be considered and that a candidate, apart from being congenial, should also consider to befriend her competitors. Korea and the Philippines both came from Asia and they have a lot in common. They can easily be friends and they can talk over a lot of things. But at the end of the day, it is still a competition and among the array of almost equally deserving ladies one should find a way on how to outshine even the clear front runners. 

with her boyfriend and mom, Ms. Marcelina Supsup

 

This is rather a though fight for Shamcey and she should always remember that whatever her roommate’s effect to her will be, may it 

be for the better or worst, she should find a way to make things work for her. This is her game and she’s the only one who can play it right.      GO MAKE US PROUD SHAMCEY!

 

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The Boy and the Boat: the Grace of Redemption

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people

We needed a redeemer—someone who would buy us back from the captivity of sin and Satan over our lives. Jesus Christ is the only one who could pay the ransom that would free us from Satan’s hold. There was only one price that could be paid to deliver us—the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.

 A young boy once made a beautiful toy sailboat out of wood. When he finished creating the boat, he took it to a nearby lake to sail. The boy was thrilled with his creation and proudly placed it in the water. The boat was all the boy had hoped it would be. All was well until a strong gust of wind blew the boat out of the boy’s reach and out into the lake. In just a few minutes the boat was lost. Several weeks later when the boy passed a toy store, he noticed a sailboat in the window. Upon close examination, the boy discovered it was his boat. “That’s my boat in your window”, the boy said to the store owner. “and I’d like it back.”

            “I’m sorry”, said the store owner, “but I own the boat now. If you want it, you’ll have to buy.” When the boy found out the price for the boat, he went home and sold all he had to buy the boat back. After returning to the store with the full payment, the boy took the boat to his heart and said, “Little boat, you are twice mine now. I made you and I bought you.”

 

And because of our redemption we are twice the Lord’s—He made us and He bought us back with His blood.

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Interesting Paradoxes: Raymond’s touch

Jacob was a cheater.

Peter had a temper.

David had an affair.

Noah got drunk.

Jonah ran from God.

Paul was a murderer.

Gideon was insecure.

Miriam was a gossip.

Thomas was a doubter.

Sarah was impatient.

Elijah was moody.

Moses stuttered.

Zaccheus was short.

Abraham was old.

Lazarus was dead.

Isn’t it amazing that God can still use us and love us despite our mistakes and flaws?

-Anonymous

+++

I think, all this is possible, so as long as we allow Him to use us, IN SPITE OF our mistakes and flaws.

Now, if I will make a more updated with a personal touch, here’s how it goes…

Raymond was pasaway…

Raymond was pessimistic…

…well, I have had (numerous) issues but God uses me

for His kingdom and loves me. How awesome is that? TOO awesome, coz that’s God!

You can see that what ever character’s we have still GOD Love’s us always.

What about you? Can you mention your name and describe who you were before? Just for a little and encouragement!

My Favorite Foreign Films to date…

by Raymund Thom L. Golez

Back in college, one of my favorite subject is FILM (Film and Video, Film Appreciation and Criticism, Filmmaking101).

Part of our tasks and activities is to randomly watch few classic films both foreign and local. Determining the film elements and Mise-en-Scene, evaluating the camera shots and angles, and most important of all, the storyline, plot and cinematography.

One of the challenges I enjoyed in watching foreign films  is to ardently examine the English subtitles to further comprehend and appreciate the story and the script. With that, I might say that I love reading subtitles! 

Without further adieu, I wanna share with you my favorite foreign language films .

RASHOMON - Japan

A heinous crime and its aftermath are recalled from differing points of view.

DIRECTOR: Akira Kurosawa

 

CINEMA PARADISO - Italy

A filmmaker recalls his childhood, when he fell in love with the movies at his village’s theater and formed a deep friendship with the theater’s projectionist.

DIRECTOR: Giuseppe Tornatore

 

TALK TO HER - Spain

Two men share an odd friendship while they care for their girlfriends who are both in deep comas.

DIRECTOR: Pedro Almodovar

 

RAISE THE RED LANTERN - China

China in the 1920′s. After her father’s death, nineteen year old Songlian is forced to marry Chen Zuoqian, the lord of a powerful family. Fifty year old Chen has already three wives, each of them living in separate houses within the great castle. The competition between the wives is tough, as their master’s attention carries power, status and privilege. Each night Chen must decide with which wife to spend the night and a red lantern is lit in front of the house of his choice. And each wife schemes and plots to make sure it’s hers. However, things get out of hand.

DIRECTOR: Yimou Zhang

 

MY LIFE IN PINK - Belgium

Ludovic is a small boy who cross-dresses and generally acts like a girl, talks of marrying his neighbor’s son and can not understand why everyone is so surprised about it. His actions lead to problems for him and his family.

DIRECTOR: Alain Berliner

 

Bangkok Traffic Love Story - Thailand

  The film tells the story of Mei Li (Sirin Horwang), a thirty-year-old woman feeling desperate about being last among her friends yet to marry, and her relationship with Loong (Theeradej Wongpuapan), an engineer working on the BTS Skytrain system.

 

A Little Thing Called Love - Thailand

It is about an ordinary 14 year-old girl name Nam. She’s unattractive or simple call… the ugly! But she had secretly in love with older guy in grade 10 name Chon, a most popular student in high-school. He’s hot, perfect and generous. That’s make girls in school going crazy about him, including Nam too. But she doesn’t give up easily. She tried do everything to made her pretty good and outstanding in school. Because she hopes him turned around at her just once more time. Starring Mario Maurer (The Love Of Siam) and Pimchanok Leuwisetpaibul.

 

CENTRAL STATION - Brazil

An emotive journey of a former school teacher, who write letters for illiterate people, and a young boy, whose mother has just died, in search for the father he never knew.

DIRECTOR: Walter Salles

 

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL - Italy

My all time favorite foreign film would have to be La vita è bella (Life is beautiful). No matter how many times I watch it, it always makes me laugh and cry. It’s such a beautiful story.

 

BICYCLE THIEVES - Italy (1948)

An Italian workman, long unemployed, is robbed of the bicycle he needs for his new job, and he and his small son search Rome for it.

DIRECTOR: Vittorio de Sica

 

MY LIFE AS A DOG -  (1985)

12-year-old Ingemar learns to cope with his mother’s illness and death, and his own propensity for getting into trouble, while staying with his aunt and uncle in the country.

 

Honestly, I still have more. Watch out for it!

 

What are yours? Please suggest some of your country’s greatest films.

My First Time to Eat Horse Meat! … ’twas all good!

by Raymund Thom L. Golez

“Horse Meat for dinner, anyone!? ….. I was surprised when I discovered and tasted it. My verdict? ‘Twas all good! haha …”

Such is the statement that I posted as my Wall Status on facebook few minutes after I had a dinner out with a friend from a cafe nearby…and yes, seriously, Tapang Horse meat  is what we got for dinner! Sounds weird? Well, it’s true!

In Philippine context, we’ve encountered several issues with regard to exotic food, like snake meat, frog legs, alligator meat, azucena or dog meat, to name a few. But personally, hearing about horse meat is very new and unique for me.

The Cafe that offers Horse Meat…

There is  an element of sentimentality between man and horses, as horses have long enjoyed a close relationship with many humans, on a similar level to household pets – this can be seen projected in such Anglophonecultural icons such as Black Beauty and My Little Pony (I’ve read and seen both the book and the film). Because of the role horses have played as a companion and as a worker, and concerns about the ethics of the horse slaughter process, it is a taboo food in some cultures.

My meal: Tapang Horse meat…

I was surprised that  a small neighborhood cafe offers this unique and one-of-a-kind item on their menus. At first, I was half-hearted to try it but eventually, after discovering how it looked like when cooked, as the famous saying goes, the rest is history for me. Horse meat is more firm as compared to cow meat. The texture and smell is kinda different.

I thank God for another opportunity to explore and try out new things in this world.

Larong Pinoy: After 113 years of Independence…I miss it!

by Raymund Thom L. Golez    ๑۩۞★۞۩๑

Growing up in the Philippines is very much different from growing up in the other countries. Though I only have a handful of my childhood memories but practically it’s way different from any other traditions no imaginary barriers were being placed the moment you will set foot in the neighborhood. Honestly, I missed my childhood years and I can still remember a little interaction with peers, friends, relatives and acquaintances. As a child, a traditional Filipino game does the tricks, being the most common form of socializing.

Now that I’m on my late twenties, gone were the proverbial ways of the Filipino. Gone were the familiar faces of my childhood friends, cousins, and relatives. Where were the play-filled afternoons?  Gone were the trees. Gone were the days!

As we now celebrate the 113 years of independence from Spanish Colonization, my memory was brought back to where I used to hang up as a kid. It all went black and white. As I observed, American kiddos just sit on the couch and play computers and video games. In America, you can pay a monthly fee and join a team, where a coach will bark at you, where team mates will give you a hard time for being a loser or sucking at the sport, and where the competitive stress overwhelms the whole joy from playing the game. Are the childhood games that competitive nowadays?

I still vividly recall the days when me and my other siblings together with my cousins and neighbors play TAGUAN after lunch though we need to devise a strategy how to escape our mom from the usual afternoon-scheduled sleep for the youngsters. Who will ever forget the mechanics of the game TUMBANG PRESO, LUKSONG TINIK, PALOSEBO, TRUMPO, DOKTOR-DOKTOR, LUKSONG BAKA and a lot more?

Who in the Philippines escaped childhood without playing patotot in this exciting game? The entire neighborhood or schoolyard is littered with PATINTERO games being played by two teams, each trying to outsmart and outrun the other. Playful screams and boisterous laughter fill the air reminding us how we were once that young.

Do you still remember those times? Or have you forgotten over the years, decades and centuries? Do you miss it?

Can we turn back time? Probably yes, we can! If you really want to do it, if you really want to go back, if you really want to see the homeland and your people once again, you will return like me. Even if it means less money, so be it… because money can’t buy happiness.

I remember my childhood when life was uncomplicated and there were simple pleasures to be enjoyed like mga Larong Pinoy which is the bonding of every children in the neighborhood.

I used to play Jolens, Teks, Goma, Kaha, Taguan and Patintero. Simple games that made my childhood memorable .

Sadly, I seldom see children playing these kind of games nowadays ‘coz children are more into online/internet games now…

What I like most is the game I wish I could still do is…….Tumbang Preso and Patintero. Nobody’s gonna play with slippers and an empty can nowadays sad to say. Our activities nourished us, heart and soul. We were healthy. This is the way our children and their children should grow up. The games we played were not only an important part in our learning process as children, but they had a positive influence on our physical, mental, emotional, and moral being. And these are benefits that can be reaped throughout our adulthood and our entire lives, if only we would seek it, revive it, and maintain it, if we are not doing so already.

How about you guys? Do you still see children playing some Traditional Pinoy Games in your vicinity? I hope you still does though we are now living 113 years after!

๑۩۞★۞۩๑

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