Love, Lou

[louella-veda]

“SEND LINK ”

To celebrate their 8th debut anniversary, K-pop sensation BTS will be holding their yearly MUSTER celebrations on June 13-14. On Saturday, BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE Labels) released the official theme and poster for the highly-anticipated FESTA.

For the unversed, BTS debut date June 13, 2013, is celebrated each year by the 7 boys and ARMY through several fan events, concerts and games as a two-day FESTA. The annual celebrations called 'BTS Muster' is held to commemorate Bangtan Boys' debut date. This year, the BTS Muster 2021 theme is Sowoozoo aka 'Mikrokosmos' which draws its name from the boyband's sixth mini-album Map of the Soul: Persona.

The Philippines is known for the wide Army fanbase it has, not only do the fans support and participate in all the events the artists host, they also do so “differently”.

The online concert and event itself has been trending for two whole days straight, complete with all the necessary promotions and hashtags. The usual visuals and looks of the artists have also circulated online through different social media apps especially on Twitter. One thing that everyone didn’t expect to trend was the #SendLink

Meaning to send the possible links of people streaming the exclusive online concert to share with other fans who are not able to watch and participate in the said event legally.

The trending tweet sparked humor as well as a lot of embarrassment for Filipino fans, exposing them and how they really watch their favorite artists’ show.

The trend got even more chaotic, namely on Twitter because of a certain tweet posted by miss Lea Salonga expressing her excitement for the BTS Concert.

Fans started to like and comment on Salonga’s tweet, asking her for a link to watch the show and asking her questions about streamers and what is currently going on at the said event, thus “Send Link”.

Trend Story by: Lopez, Louella Veda Annicha G. (11 HUMSS 4)

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.

[louella-veda]

Kariton to Klasrum

Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. sports no cape. He has no superpowers. You would neither throw him a second glance nor even notice him in a big crowd. There is really nothing special about Efren except his unparalleled dedication to reforming kids in their poverty-stricken community in Cavite.

Efren Peñaflorida, Jr.’s sanity was questioned when people first saw him going around the neighborhood pushing his improvised cart loaded with food, books, paper, pencils, and other things you would commonly see in a classroom. Why, Efren goes around the neighborhood pushing a mobile classroom to peddle the love for education. He left his well-paying job as a private school teacher to devote all of his time and effort to his Kariton Klasrum project while his neighbors mock him.

To make matters worse, his parents and brother did not see the point in his earnestness to get out-of-school youths interested in going back to school. For a family struggling with their own issues, they felt that Efren should be focusing on making their lives better rather than bothering to solve bigger issues that should be left to those who are in a better position to help.

But Efren wouldn’t have any of their “practical reasons” and kept his eyes on his goal—giving the youth hope and enabling them to achieve a better future.

When Asia Society Philippines asked him how his initiative has delivered in its mission to help revive the youth’s interest in education, the young teacher answered:

“I think our volunteers have learned to value their education more, now that they’ve encountered children whose families cannot afford to send them to a formal school. They are motivated to learn and do well, so that they can impart what they’ve learned to the kids. Also, there are fewer gang-related incidents in these areas, so I think gang membership has decreased. Unlike when I was a student, I’d go out of our house and walk into a gang fight, or see gang members congregate under the bleachers in school.”

Efren’s fame went beyond Cavite—his hometown—when he was nominated as CNN Hero of the Year. He made it to Top 28. It was only then that the people in his neighborhood began to take pride in having Efren as a homegrown Philanthropist. He was furthermore launched to global recognition when he took home the 100,000–dollar prize money after being named CNN Hero of the Year. His organization has tutored 150,000 children and has about 10,000 youth volunteers.

When asked by FHM Philippines how we can all contribute to his cause, he only has this to say:

“Everything given to us, we find ways to make use of them. You may help us build our dream sanctuary for the children. You may send toys, food, supplies or share your time and talent. Whatever you want to share, we appreciate. On our part, we want to share everything we know to help make positive change a reality in the near future. Our programs are duplicable and our pushcart is very replicable with no patent nor franchise.Just help us fulfill the dream of an equal chance for all children to experience learning the fun way. You can help us in a million ways, only your imagination can limit you. Help by adapting the system, tell our story, be inspired and inspire others too. Put up your own cart of learning, send us stuff we can use, help us build our dream center, and many more ways. Remember that “you are the change that you dream and together, we are the change that this world needs to be.” 

Efren proved that heroes don’t always wear a cape, they sometimes push a cart.

Human Interest Story by: Lopez, Louella Veda Annicha G. (11 HUMSS 4)

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. 

Credits to all interview and photo content owners.

[louella-veda]

Must-See Malaysia!

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination and I’m grateful to have experienced a really wonderful time during my stay there. It is an eclectic and gorgeous hub of culture and class, a true gem of Southeast Asia. KL is also one of Malaysia’s major business centers, bringing people together – so here’s why it’s worth a trip.

Kuala Lumpur has undergone so much development since its heyday as one of the major areas for tin mining during the Industrial Revolution and as a Commonwealth nation. With its colorful inhabitants of every race and religion adding their flair to the city, KL has now become a center for Malaysia to invite and accommodate the rest of Asia; creating a metropolis like no other. On every corner is a testament to the assimilation into urban life regardless of origin and class, adding to the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur in every way possible, from the glittering skyscrapers to the quaint coffee shops. Marvel at the tenacity and beauty of every walk of life coming together as you tour the sights and flavors it has to offer.

In addition to the already many cultures that have nested in the land of Malaysia, international demand for other cuisines via globalization have both transformed and diversified the delicacies available. With Kuala Lumpur being a transit point for the world, the city has invited and accommodated many new flavors, bringing pieces of home from all over to ensure that globe trotters would always be close to a slice of familiar life.

Whether you’re habitually thrifty or on a treat splurge, most of the things in Kuala Lumpur are reasonably affordable. From the fancy restaurants and flagship luxury stores in Bukit Bintang to the food courts and small stalls on the roadsides of Petaling Street, anyone at any budget can enjoy a nice day out shopping and eating to their hearts’ content.

Here are some cute dresses and button-downs that me and my mom bought at the night market as both souvenirs and outfits to go travel with!

 Malaysians are generally not known for hitting the hay early, so an evening in Kuala Lumpur is sure to bring the term nightlife a whole new meaning. Changkat is a popular spot catering to tourists from all over the world for a night of booze and exotic foods; while the cheaper alternatives in the rest of the city are popular among locals who don’t want to retire for the night just yet. Stop by the Indian Mamaks, popular for being open 24 hours a day for a simple yet refreshing meal of roti chanai and a glass of teh tarik after partying or catching up on a live football match. Fun fact, most of the mamaks pull out a giant projector screen for all their customers during the season, so don’t feel bad occupying a table for more than four hours.

To preserve the rich and diverse history of Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, many museums dedicated to the arts and lives of Malaysia’s people have been established all over the heart of the city. Whether it be carefully curated collections in polished galleries or the still living, breathing streets filled with old timers and curious explorers, Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly proud of the rich chaotic mix of history grown and blended by its people. Spend an entire day doing a history crawl, from the beautiful halls of the National Islamic Museum to the alleys of Jalan Pudu and Brickfields and witness the city grow through its architecture and inhabitants.

Despite the apparent chaotic nature of the city’s development, Kuala Lumpur is quite tightly connected through an extensive series of train lines and bus routes. You will surely not miss a stop at KL Sentral, the central station beating life into the veins of Kuala Lumpur, on your journey to explore the many attractions of the city. The many new developments to the transit line have opened up even more access points all over the Klang Valley, providing ease of commute to the entire state. It is advisable to be mindful of the rush hours, as you might be stuck waiting for up to three trains. One of my personal favorites though, was the Skytrex experience. It’s like zip line but in the form of a little train!

The beacons of this shining city, Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers proudly claim their record as being among the tallest towers of the world, showcasing world-class architecture and deep-rooted artistry. These fantastic pieces of skyline are instantly recognizable all over the world, showcasing the achievements of Malaysia as a global force.

 And if the man-made ones aren’t enough, the area of Kuala Lumpur also stretches out to the natural giants; the most popular of which are the Batu Caves and the Klang Quartz Ridge to the North. Most of Malaysia’s mountains are composed of limestone, which cultivates an entirely unique eco-system both in and on the exterior of the crags.

As Malaysia is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife on planet Earth (think of the many BBC nature programs featuring Borneo), Kuala Lumpur is the next best place to go looking for exotic creatures. While it may not be as impressive as the East Malaysian reserves the animals originate from, the National Zoo and Aquaria KLCC host the largest collection of native and international fauna available for public visiting. For the more specific wildlife lovers, visit the KL Bird Park for a dizzying collection of birds, the KL Butterfly Park for creepy crawlies of every kind and also the Batu Caves for some fun monkey feeding and playing! 

Travelogue by: Lopez, Louella Veda Annicha G. (11 HUMSS 4)

All photos are from yours truly. 

[louella-veda]

Rabiya Mateo: STILL A QUEEN

“If there would be one thing that I want other people to know about me is that I’m beautiful then and now. The only difference is now, I know better. Stop calling anyone ugly. If that’s how you see things and maybe then, it’s your soul that needs surgery.”

Rabiya Occeña Mateo (born November 14, 1996) is a Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant and finished as a Top 21 semifinalist.

Mateo was born out of a domestic partnership between her Indian-American father and her Filipino mother who later on separated. According to Mateo, she grew up in poverty. She attended the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Program at the Iloilo Doctors' College and graduated cum laude. As of 2020, Mateo was working at a review center in Manila as a lecturer and review coordinator.

She represented Iloilo City at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant after she won Miss Iloilo Universe 2020 at West Visayas State University Cultural Center.

During the question and answer round of the Top 16 semifinalists, she was asked: "Throughout this journey you have discovered you are a phenomenal woman who is conditioned for greater. How can you create a positive and lasting impact to the world around you?" She responded:

"First of all, I need to stick to my core, which is being passionate about educating people. I am a lecturer and I've been pursuing this because this education had helped me to have that comfortable life that I and my family deserves and I wanna push people, I want them to achieve greater things in life through me and I know that Miss Universe anything is possible because I am a phenomenal woman with a heartfelt beauty."

During the first question and answer portion of the Top 5 finalists, she was asked: "If you can create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it, dead or alive, who would it be and why?" She responded:

"If I were given the chance, I want to use the face of Miriam Defensor-Santiago. For those who don’t know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country. I want to be somebody like her - somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. After all, she is the best President that we never had."

During the second question and answer portion of the Top 5 finalists, she was asked: "This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential. Where do pageants stand in this time of crisis?" She responded:

"As a candidate, I know I am not just a face of Iloilo City but I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest of times. As of the moment, I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact. And that is the essence of beauty pageant. It gives us the power to make a difference."

At the end of the event, Mateo was crowned by the outgoing Miss Universe Philippines, Gazini Ganados as Miss Universe Philippines 2020 along with Best in Swimsuit award.

After being hailed as the winner of the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Rabiya Mateo’s throwback photos quickly circulated online because her yearbook picture from her Elementary graduation captured the attention of netizens as she looked different compared to how she looks today. Naturally with this, some netizens speculated that she went “under the knife” to improve her physical attributes before joining the said competition.

Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo’s mother has come to her daughter’s defense regarding recent insinuations that the beauty titlist had a nose job. 

“Wala namang retoke si Rabiya,” said Christine Mateo, 54, in an exclusive interview with GMA News Online.

“Pilit ng pilit kasi. Tanong ng tanong ang iba. What’s the big deal? Ang alam ko ’pag may problema sa pimples, punta kay doc; ’pag sa mata, lagyan ng eye makeup; ’pag sa ilong, contour or kay doc, you call that enhancement. Alam naman nila iyan,” said Christine, breaking her silence.

The beauty queen’s mom said she too was “an ugly duckling during my younger days.”

“But, I am a happy person and I have improved myself. Unhappy people evaluate and judge others. My children are the most beautiful gift given to me by God, regardless. What’s important is, and I’m sure lots would agree with me saying this, sana all have a lovely face and a beautiful soul.”

Following this, some quarters insinuated Rabiya may have undergone a nose lift.

Reacting to this, the beauty titlist took to Instagram and said: “This is me 11 years ago. I still didn’t have my braces. I don’t (know) how to put on make-up. I’m not aware of what angle flatters me most, but that was still me.

-A lot of things happened in that period of time. I grew up and has become more mature. I was able to invest in myself and practice self-love. If there would be one thing that I want other people to know about me is that I am beautiful then and now. The only thing different is that now, I know better.”

She also hit back on her detractors, saying: “Stop calling anyone ugly. If that’s how you see things, maybe then it’s your soul that needs surgery.” – RC/LA, GMA News

Aside from her charming looks and oozing sex appeal, she is loved by fans because of her inspiring back story and her friends shared how they witnessed the struggles of Rabiya before achieving her pinnacle of success.

Ramon Munez recalls Rabiya’s humble beginnings who did everything just to finish her studies despite the financial instability of her family and shared that Rabiya had no problem sleeping on the floor when she asked to stay in their boarding house.

“Years ago, she stayed at our boarding house for less than a semester while she was studying at the Iloilo Doctors College and she did not have money to pay for rent,” Munez said.

Her hard work eventually pays off as she graduated Physical Therapy as University valedictorian with the distinction of cum laude.

“Through hard work, perseverance, and sheer grit, she graduated cum laude and now, the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines. Congratulations Rabiya Mateo! We are proud of you!”

Nelly Cabales also shared a conversation with Rabiya who asked to recommend her to any sideline job so she can save up for her board exam.

“You really deserve this success you achieved. Yung sipag at tiyaga mo sa buhay nag bunga na. Just continue pursuing your dreams and ignore the negativity of other people!”

In another post of Rabiya’s, we can all see how she uplifts and encourages women and all people to love even their simplest selves, and it really shows how much character she has.

“I live in a cruel industry. I’m always compared to different girls and people have always said some things like

“You’re not beautiful enough. You’re so thin. I don’t like what you wear.”

-But then life is never superficial. It’s not always what’s attractive to our eyes but it’s the love we choose to build, the connection we make to people and how we want to celebrate ourselves! Even in my simplest form with no make-up, no heavy hair extensions and nothing fancy to wear. Just me. 

I know in my heart I am nothing less than phenomenal.”

Personality Profile by: Lopez, Louella Veda Annicha G. (11 HUMSS 4)

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.

Credits to the owners of all interview and photo content.