End of Days

DECEMBER 21, 2012. What does this date truly indicate? What will happen to the Earth? What will happen to all of us?

Many people, which includes some of my friends, are confused of the complexities of the 2012 prophecies --- Nibiru, Nostradamus' predictions, end of the Mayan calendar etc. According to an article I read few days back, much of these prophecies are the result of the so-called "Mayan Calendar". Phew! What the heck is this? Why some people seems so much interested in a calendar made thousand years ago?" you may ask. I'm not an expert about this "2012 thing" but I'll try to give you the very basic surrounding this.

The Mayan calendar was made by the Mayans of Central America, obviously. This civilization were extremely advanced in areas related to science-time knowledge. They developed the most advanced mathematics and astronomy of their day. The Mayans built amazing structures that is beyond the capabilities of the "modern man". At the peak of their civilization from the 5th to 9th centuries AD, Mayan cities are among the largest in the world.

The Mayans were also incredible keepers of ancient and sacred knowledge - probably originating from sources not apparent at this time - that they were able to construct calendars which charted forthcoming great world events. They forecasted that at the end of the 'Long Count' calendar which is lasting 5,125 years, the world will end. According to them, it is the end of days as we know it, nothing more and nothing less.

Looking back at history, it can be noticed that there has been major catastrophes that struck the Earth every quarter of the "Long Cycle". Such events are documented as the "Great Flood", the sinking of Atlantis etc. And, it is said that the final quarter is set on December 21, 2012.

If the destruction will be similar to the one in Noah's time, well, we can never be sure unless it happens.

***

In the past, there are several situations like this that sprang like mushrooms. Can you remember the rumored doomsday in 2003? Or the Y2K? I think (and I hope) that they are all the same.

But if it's true, Nibiru, Maya or whatever it is, we're going to die and perish in the end anyway. *wink* LOL. Nanakot ba?

***

Last Sunday, Cammille egged me to watch the movie that is stirring a lot of fuzz on the past weeks, "2012". I must say that the movie is wonderfully-crafted. Two thumbs up for Emmerich and all the people behind it.

"The moment we stop fighting for each other, that's the moment we lose our humanity."

:|.poOt!

STATUS: Confuse

S***! I can't understand myself. I told her that I don't love her, that I only see her as a close friend. But, why does I feel jealous every time she's fluttering her eyelids to this "guy-from-outer-space"... oops! I mean this "guy-from-other-course"? I can see na masyado siyang kinikilig. And it's breaking my heart.

Last Thursday night, me and Close friend's roommate, J__, were texting. I confided to her this bizaare feeling that I just felt recently towards our friend. And I can tell that she's in the mood to talk possibly evidenced by her upright answers to my questions. She even presented to me these three theories:

1. Maybe you are jealous because you were used na ikaw lang ang lalaki sa buhay niya.

2. Maybe you are jealous because you know that she loves you but now it seems that she's shifting her attention to someone else.

3. Maybe you are jealous because you also like her.

As of now, I don't know what to answer. I'm still totally confuse. Just give me enough time.

***

This post is shoddy for Pete's sake. What's happening to me? Can you please punt me in the head to bring myself back into consciousness?

:|.poOt!

KISS of GOOD LUCK

JOY, together with thousands of Midwifery students will be taking the Licensure Examination for Midwives this weekend. I know exactly what they're feeling right now. I remember taking the same exam seven months ago. Flashback begins...

03.19.09. I remember that we skipped the afternoon class just to climb a famous hill.

Barely three months before the examination when we started our review classes at AQ University together with the AQ Midwifery students. Honestly speaking, I never took the review classes seriously. I remember skipping classes just to watch a movie or to have jam sessions with my friends. I attended classes just for the sake of the attendance and went to the apartment after, not to study but to have gimmicks.

But, I realized (it struck me like a lightning!) that I had enough. I mean, my parents are working very hard just to send me to school. And the best thing I can do for now is to pass the exam. At least in that way, I can repay their hard works and sacrifices.

One week before the exam when I decided to leave the apartment (whom I shared with my friends) and went home to study. I finally took the review by heart. I only had three to four hours of sleep everyday but in exchange, I successfully fed my mind with the essentials I need.

Finally, the "JUDGEMENT DAY" came. I can say that I was fully prepared when I took the examination that could dictate my future. I told myself that whether I pass the test or not, I know that I did my best.

At last, after one full week of waiting, I stood victorious. I PASSED the test.

***

Go JOY! Nail the exam. I know you can do it. There is no doubt in me that you'll make it. No one deserves this more than you do. Just pray and stay focus.

PS. Cammille and I are so excited for your treat. 2012 the movie will be great. *laughs*

Oh I nearly forget, here's my kiss of "good luck". smooch smooch!

I also wish "good luck" some of my batch mates who will take the exam: JANE. Jheb. Obed. Shiela 1. Shiela 2. LYN. Junessa. Moya. Sarah. Nikko. Davy. Henson. Make our school proud!

--- This is also the same piece I delivered during our oral examination in Speech Communication last semester.

Selling Southeast Asia

I was reading through some back entries of BISEAN blog one week ago and I was amused to find an article published last May 2007 regarding the tourism slogans in use around Southeast Asia. I had a lot of fun reading it that I decided to come up with a similar entry.

Those who are in charge of our tourism have don their thinking caps to create "tourist brands", slogans that aims to promote our lovely countries and to capture the attention of dollar-spending tourists. No doubt, three of Asia's most successful tourism slogans of all time are in - hold your breath - Southeast Asia, with "Malaysia, Truly Asia", "Amazing Thailand" and "Uniquely Singapore", proved by the annual flock of tourists arriving in each country.

I'm 100% sure you already heard Singapore's current slogan "Uniquely Singapore". It's been around for almost 5 years now. No offense, but what's unique about Singapore? Well, if uniqueness will be base upon safety and security, then the slogan is appropriate. I don't think I can disagree with that in any way. But heck, these tourism slogans aren't about such things right? Personally, I'll choose a destination for its cultural landscapes and cultural attractions and not for its excellent law and order. OOPS! I'm so dead to my readers from Singapore. I gotta stop. [read: pampalubag loob] Well, anyway, the slogan proved to be one heck of a success for them. HOORAY!

My dream destination came up with --- "Malaysia, Truly Asia". Does it mean that the Philippines or Laos is just 'partly Asia'? WTF or so I think. I guess they only want to imply that you can find almost the entire Asia --- in terms of the people, culture, places and things like that--- in Malaysia. If I got it right, Malaysia is the most-visited country in the region. Way to go Malaysia!

Also effective but a tad challenging is Vietnam's slogan. It seems that the Vietnamese government wants to get a piece of the pie that it conducted a nationwide contest in 2006 (or is it 2007?) to come up with a slogan and it turned out "Vietnam, The Hidden Charm" wowed the judges. I gotta tell you... when my friend first heard this, he blurted "if it's hidden, why find it?". LOL. But, I love it. Its like saying "Come here and you'll find something worthy".

Thailand's slogan is also a good model - "Amazing Thailand". Now, that's catchy. Simple yet intriguing. Who wouldn't want to travel to see that? The Thai slogan speaks for itself. It has sought to convey a simple message and to indicate to visitors that Thailand is just simply amazing.

"Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder". It's beautiful. Who came up with this? He needs to be congratulated for a job well done. I must say people that Cambodia doesn't only have Angkor Wat. It has a rich cultural heritage, virgin beaches, sinfully tasty foods, nice and warm people (someone told me that Cambodians are really, really hospitable) and a lot more.

Myanmar made the right decision when it use "Mystical Myanmar" as its promotion slogan. When I think of Myanmar, I envision it as a very mysterious and reserve place. And, they've capitalized on it. Good!

Brunei Darussalam. This little gem of Southeast Asia has chosen "Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures" as its slogan. This country of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has sought to demonstrate that despite of its small size, there is a wonderful world to discover. By the way, do they still need money from tourists? What do you think? Brunei is so rich and you know why --- yeah, oil, oil and MORE oil.

Indonesia with almost 13,000 islands (yeah! almost twice as the number of Philippine islands) and hundreds of tribes chose a slogan that best represent their identity - "The Ultimate in Diversity". But sorry it doesn't work for me. I know Indonesia can come up with another better than that.

"Laos Jewel of the Mekong". I asked some of my friends if they know "what the hell a Mekong is?", answers include, "a Chinese boy's name", "a vegetable" and "an extinct bird". LMAO. See? I think it's a wrong move for Laotians because, obviously, not everyone knows what the Mekong is and not everyone has access to google. LOL. They should change it. NOW!

I'm not really ecstatic when my paradise came up with "WOW Philippines More Than The Usual" as its promotion slogan in 2001. But now, I'm starting to like it. We Filipinos says 'WOW' every time we see anything spectacular. The Philippines' Department of Tourism used WOW as an acronym for many phrases --- such as Warm over Winter, Wild Over Waters, Wander over Wrecks, Wacko Our Wildlife et. al.

BUT HEY! The "Pearl of the Orient Seas" title is miles way better. Long before our neighboring countries came up with their own slogans, the Philippines was already known by this title. But, Hong Kong ... err how to say this?... robbed (oops!) it in the late '80s and we didn't say anything about it. Schucks!

[P.S. Mr. Ace, you can also opt to these slogans I read from The Philippine Star Inbox section --- Philippines, Islands of Tropical Paradise or Philippines, 7, 107 Reasons To Have Fun In The Sun.]

I observed that all our neighbors have already come up with their own promotion slogans... yes, even East Timor have stepped up in the game --- "Discover the World's Newest Nation". OK. I'll let it pass. They're just beginning. Giving little considerations won't do any harm... really.

But, at least, our slogans are better than some slogans use in some parts of the world: Colombia's "The Only Risk Is Wanting To Stay" (I dunno, I just find this creepy), El Salvador's "Impressive", "Korea, Sparkling" and the state of Washington's "Say WA" - indicating that ridiculous slogans sometimes happen, even today.

There you go, promotions slogans that are used to sell Southeast Asia to tourists. I hope you enjoy reading it. So, is there any tourism slogan you love - or love to hate? Let me know.

:|.poOt!