Pinoy Blog Machine (Beta)

That's right, this week is Filipino celebrity week on American television as Vanessa Hudgens and Cesar Montano come to the television in your living room!

First up, is Filipina actress Vanessa Hudgens' first acting role ever in the controversial movie Thirteen, about young kids having sex. Be sure to tune in to the Lifetime network on Thursday, September 27 at 9pm. Then on Sat. Sep. 29 at 3 p.m. on the Disney Channel, Vanessa guest stars on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, the show about those two annoying little blonde twins. Then catch Vanessa in the role that made her famous, as High School Musical, Sun. Sep. 30 at 6 p.m., and High School Musical 2, Sun. Sep. 30 at 8 p.m., return to your TV screens.


Then if you had not had the chance to watch Cesar Montano's American movie debut in The Great Raid about World War II in the Philippines, here's your chance to watch it this Saturday Sep. 29 and Sunday Sep. 30 at 8 p.m. and Monday Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. on AMC (American Movie Classics). The movie also stars James Franco and Julia Robert's former boyfriend, Peruvian-American actor Benjamin Bratt.

Save your money in buying the DVDs/VCDs of these great movies, and just watch and record it for free on cable TV!

I think Lifetime and AMC are carried on certain Philippine cable providers as well, and of course there's the Disney Channel. so get your Boy Bawang and RC Cola and your fill of these great Filipino celebrities and Filipino-themed movies, and enjoy!

Here's the rundown:

Vanessa Hudgens

Thur. Sept. 27	9:00 PM	LIFE	Thirteen
Sat. Sept. 29	3:00 PM	DISN	The Suite Life of Zack & Cody	Kept Man
Sun. Sept. 30	6:00 PM	DISN	High School Musical
Sun. Sept. 30	8:00 PM	DISN	High School Musical 2

Cesar Montano in The Great Raid

Sat. Sept. 29	8:00 PM	AMC
Sun. Sept. 30	8:00 PM	AMC
Mon. Oct. 1	5:00 PM	AMC

Lea Salonga, Tony-Award winning Filipina actress and the pride of the Filipino people around the world, is looking absolutely stunning and beautiful at the age of 36.

Ms. Salonga recently returned to Broadway in New York City as Fantine in Les Miserables, the hit show in which she starred in before as Eponine.

Photos courtesy of Lea Salonga's Official Website.

This commercial was made for Full Tilt Poker in 2006. FTP has some of the best produced and conceptualized ads of any poker site. Not shown on US television due to it's racy subject, this was shown mostly in Europe and through viral marketing online. This has to be one of my favorites.

Here is proof that Phil Ivey has one of the best poker faces in the world!

Enjoy!

Here are 2 of Lily's music videos that I recommend to you guys to watch. ^_^

Originally posted on hyukta.vox.com

Here are Google's top 5 results for the term online poker at the moment:

1. FullTiltPoker.com: Online Poker - Play Online Poker At Full Tilt Poker Room
2. PacificPoker.com: Play Online Poker at 888.com's Poker Room
3. PokerRoom.com: Online Poker - Play Free Poker Games (Texas Hold'em) at PokerRoom.com
4. PokerStars.com: Poker - Online Poker Games at PokerStars.com - Play Texas Holdem
5. 888.com: Online Casino & Online Poker Room - 888.com

Full Tilt is in the number 1 spot and has been there for quite some time. Big coup for 888 though scoring two of the top five spots.

It'll be interesting to see how this changes over time.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is urging elementary pupils to consider taking up nursing in college because the demand for nurses abroad is expected to rise until 2020, ABS-CBN News reported Tuesday.Carmelita Dimzon, POEA deputy administrator said there is now a greater demand for Filipino nurses in Saudi Arabia ....

read more | digg story

09/20/2007 | 08:11 PM

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

The labor department is giving another opportunity to the remaining 4000 nursing graduates who figured in the controversial June 2006 licensure examination leakage to enroll for the second Special Nursing Review Classes in preparation for a re-take of the exam in DecemberRegistration for the review classes began on Tuesday, Sept. 25, and would go

read more | digg story

Here's a recent press freedom alert on the current situation in Burma by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance:

Journalists, artistes warned from joining thousands of protesting citizens, monks in Burma
24 September 2007
Source: Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)

As thousands of ordinary citizens join some 3,000 monks and nuns in the streets of Rangoon and Mandalay on their seventh day of peaceful marches on 24 September 2007, the junta is warning the press from joining the protests, worried that journalists, too, may be emboldened enough by the deeply moving spectacle to exercise their right to free expression in its most basic form.

Major Tint Swe, the director of the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, summoned journalists and editors from Rangoon-based periodicals to his office on 23 September and warned them from participating in the anti-junta protests that are gaining momentum by the day, reports the global organisation of exiled journalists Burma Media Association (BMA).

BMA said the order appeared to be a hasty response to the urging of a new group calling itself the Association of Journalists and Artists, for members of both professions to join what is turning out to be the country's biggest protests in two decades.

Read more here.

For more information, please contact the DOLE Help Desk at 527-8000 or the UP Manila Coordinating Center Help Desk at 523-14787 / 523-1478 or directly visit http://www.specialnursingreview.dole.gov.ph.


SOURCE: http://www.dole.gov.ph/

US DOJ to iMega: Look, like I told you a thousand times, no candy before dinner! Why? Because I said so!

In iMega-related news, the US DOJ responded to iMega's request for a temporary restraining order just minutes before the deadline.

Nothing new here, and instead they just repeated their previous statements.

Seems like the US is not really taking this seriously or think they can bully their way through.

Waiting till the very last minute (deadline was Sept. 21st), the US Department of Justice did submit an eighteen page response brief on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Reserve addressing the iMEGA’s request for a temporary restraining order against the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIEGA).

Nothing new was presented and the eighteen pages basically repeats the arguments the DOJ have made in their previous motion to dismiss the suit. The DOJ is trying to argue for the dismissal based on the grounds that iMEGA does not have legal standing to pursue the case and that since regulations that the UIGEA calls for have not been brought forth yet, that the iMEGA case itself is “unripe” and therefore can not be settled.

The government set a 270 day deadline from Oct 13th 2006 to have regulations in place to enforce the UIGEA. The government has missed that deadline and is now trying to use that missed deadline as an argument to dismiss this case.

The DOJ wrote that the plaintiff is, “mischaracterizing the UIGEA as ‘presuppos[ing] the elimination of th[e internet gambling] industry and its direct/indirect supporters’, (Pl. Opp. At 9), the criminal prohibitions of the Act are rather limited.”

IMEGA suit claims, “The action of gambling in private on the Internet is protected by First Amendment privacy concerns.”

Hon. Judge Mary L. Cooper (3rd District/Trenton division) has set September 26th as the date to hear arguments in the case.

Read the DOJ Response (in PDF form) courtesy of the iMEGA website.

From 4Flush.com.

So after Filipina actress Heart Evangelista's controversial abortion, especially in the extremely conservative Roman Catholic country of the Philippines, she's vowed to make sure that boyfriend, Filipino actor Jericho Rosales uses a condom the next time.


Before, I was really upset that they always made Heart to be that squeaky clean girl with the perfect life, that was what the studio execs wanted out of her, which I didn't like, because I just knew that behind all that white cleanliness was a real girl wanting to be recognized, I kind of knew something like this would happen, because while many due to their different perspective in life thought that Heart's life was perfect, I knew it wasn't, I knew it was just publicity to make money riding on Heart's squeaky scandal-free image (back then). I just knew that the pressure they (the TV networks, the media, the Filipino public) put on these girls to be perfect all the time would get to them eventually, but now that I discovered certain things about her, I think her cool factor just shot the roof for me, because now she seems more like a real person to me, because...

Because women also enjoy having sex

Real people have sex, even sex before marriage, and enjoy having sex, women also enjoy having sex, although that is a thought that is still scandalous to many Filipinos considering the conservativeness of our culture, but it's reality. Condoms are still banned in the Philippines school system and forbidden to be distributed in health clinics, as are many more forms of sex education that are also banned that would do wonders for the Philippines in many ways: curb teenage pregnancies, stop overpopulation, lower poverty due to the curbing of overpopulation, and prevent failed abortions which many times, if done improperly, result in death or damage of a woman's reproductive system preventing her from the gift of giving birth to kids in the future. And yet, the Catholic Church, God bless them though, is still intervening in the government and without realizing it in the process are helping to perpetuate the problems that the Philippines is suffering for a long time to come. We have to educate our people, and we have to educate the leaders of the government and the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, because they don't even realize that they're helping to continue the destrucation of our country, today and tomorrow, and for as long as condoms and proper sex education are banned in the Philippines.

The part that's banned in the Philippines is the allowance of the distribution of condoms in the public and private school system (which is allowed in the United States) and in public health clinics. Also banned in sex ed classes is talking about birth control and forms of protection of safe sex (how to use a condom, a diaphragm, how to properly take birth control pills, etc.), in place of that is ONLY the teaching of abstinence, so the masas, especially the uneducated C-D economic classes, don't know anything besides "street education" about protecting themselves against disease or unwanted pregnancy, and are instead just shamed with the religion-influenced sentiment that "Don't have premarital sex, it's against God!", which in the reality of the Philippines and the temptation of sex all around you every day, on TV, on billboards, in magazine ads, with Francine Prieto and Polo Ravales practically naked everywhere around you on the billboards in the streets of Manila, the Bench Fashion Show, it's obviously not working considering the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies and deaths from botch abortions in the country, not to mention the alarming rate of STDs, HIV infections, and AIDs.

But back to Jericho and Heart, they seem to have gotten past it, as they were spotted here happily surfing in La Union.

Filipino Cultured would like to thank you, yes you, the supportive reader, in helping our blog achieve something that to me seems amazing, considering this is done out of love for our Filipino people. The blog has only been up for 12 days, but it already has already ranked in the top 10 page rank search results in Google for the following search terms as of Sep. 24, 2007:

keywords: filipino entertainment
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #9 out of 2,000,010 Pages

keywords: filipino entertainment blog
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #6 out of 1,950,000 Pages

keywords: pinoy entertainment blog
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #6 out of 1,890,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #2 out of 2,120,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #8 out of 2,040,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #4 out of 1,400,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #1 out of 1,230,000 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #8 out of 80,400 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler spain
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #2 out of 11,700 Pages

keywords: Enrique Iglesias filipino blood
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #1 out of 158,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #6 out of 1010 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #13 out of 200,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #7 out of 25,200 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #7 out of 170,000 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #9 out of 1,430 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #3 out of 179 Pages

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Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #4 out of 197 Pages

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Filipino Cultured PinoyBlog Entry: Page Rank #8 out of 441,000 Pages

keywords: Antonio Morales Barreto filipino
Filipino Cultured PinoyBlog Entry: Page Rank #4 out of 441,000 Pages


I cannot believe that we achieved that in only 12 days, and I don't know anything about SEO or whatever the hell that stuff is called, although I've been studying it like crazy these past few days even though it's like studying the lost language of Atlantis. But it wouldn't have been possible without any of you guys support, so congratulations everybody! God Bless!

Also our videos on Youtube:

YouTube - SHAILA DURCAL, hija filipina-española de Rocio Durcal y Junior

keywords: Shaila Durcal
Google Page Rank #4 out of 241,000 Pages


YouTube - SHAILA DURCAL, hija filipina-española de Rocio y Junior

keywords: Shaila Durcal filipino
Google Page Rank #2 out of 1,440 Pages

Thanks again everybody! God Bless and we'll be sure to work hard to provide you with meaningful content for the Pinoy people! Mabuhay!

Speaking of which, stay tuned to our kapatid site (Tagalog for sibling) Sexy Pinoy: Ilustrado Filipino Magazine because starting October 15, not only will a new issue be released monthly, but there will also be a new wallpaper gallery, photo gallery, and video gallery, and not the usual type you see on most websites with embedded links from Youtube, but an actual video gallery with cool music videos, special celeb tributes and interviews, for our site only with unique content from Filipino Cultured. It will be flash video, so as long as you have Flash installed, you'll be able to watch it.

Stay tuned amigos! Love you all our Pinoy people and Mabuhay!

At first glance this picture seems it was taken from a dormitory. I found this very interesting photo and article from flightglobal.com as it looks like German flag carrier Lufthansa is studying the possibility of a specialized all-sleeper configuration which will be available for long-haul flights on economy class. The airline is currently soliciting passenger opinions on this I think eccentric concept.

The picture above depicts a possible cabin arrangement featuring fully lie-flat bunks stacked three-high in a herringbone layout on either side of the cabin, with additional berths in a wide central aisle.

I think it's a great out-of-the-box idea, at least in principle. I always want to try out new things and definitely this will be included in my virtual list. One of my concerns is that what will happen to me if ever I'm seated, rather lying on the top tier of the "sleeper" vestibule during a bad turbulence. The longer the flight, the greater the chance a bad turbulence might occur.

And also, I think I can't endure a 9-12 hour flight just lying all the time except for bathroom breaks. And during meals are passengers expected also to have breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack on top of their beds? I know that breakfast in bed is a romantic things for others... but not this time.

As you can see, I've got tons of things that I've been putting off since Erin came into our lives. Sometimes, the daily grind can be tiring and all you want to do is escape from it. J and I would certainly love to have a little couple time once in a while. Getting away and staying at a private resort or in a Pennsylvania bed and breakfast would be great. That would be the life!

Alright, time to burst that bubble and go back to reality! I need to tend to Erin now.

I got this in my inbox the other day. I'll definitely keep this in mind!

1. I love you! There is nothing that will make me stop loving you. Nothing you could do or say or think will ever change that.

2. You are amazing! I look at you with wonder! Not just at what you can do, but who you are. There is no one like you. No one!

3. It's all right to cry. People cry for all kinds of reasons: when they are hurt, sad, glad, or worried; when they are angry, afraid, or lonely. Big people cry too. I do.

4. You've made a mistake. That was wrong. People make mistakes. I do. Is it something we can fix? What can we do? It's all over. You can start fresh. I know you are sorry. I forgive you.

5. You did the right thing. That was scary or hard. Even though it wasn't easy, you did it. I am proud of you; you should be too.

6. I'm sorry. Forgive me. I made a mistake.

7. You can change your mind. It's good to decide, but it is also fine to change.

8. What a great idea! You were really thinking! How did you come up with that? Tell me more. Your mind is clever!

9. That was kind. You did something helpful and thoughtful for that person. That must make you feel good inside. Thank you!

10. I have a surprise for you. It's not your birthday. It's for no reason at all. Just a surprise, a little one, but a surprise.

11. I can wait. We have time. You don't have to hurry this time.

12. What would you like to do? It's your turn to pick. You have great ideas. It's important to follow your special interests.

13. Tell me about it. I'd like to hear more. And then what happened? I'll listen.

14. I'm right here. I won't leave without saying good-bye. I am watching you. I am listening to you.

15. Please and Thank You. These are important words. If I forget to use them, will you remind me?

16. I missed you. I think about you when we are not together!

17. Just try. A little bit. One taste, one step. You might like it. Let's see. I'll help you if you need it. I think you can do it.

18. I'll help you. I heard you call me, here I am. How can I help you? If we both work together, we can get this done. I know you can do it by yourself, but I'm glad to help since you asked.

19. What do you wish for? Even if it's not yet time for birthday candles and we don't have a wishbone, it's still fun to hear about what you wish for, hope for, and dream about.

-- Author Unknown

Filipino Cultured would like to thank you, yes you, the supportive reader, in helping our blog achieve something that to me seems amazing, considering this is done out of love for our Filipino people. The blog has only been up for 12 days, but it already has already ranked in the top 10 page rank search results in Google for the following search terms:

keywords: Isabel Preysler
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #8 out of 80,400 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler spain
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #2 out of 11,700 Pages

keywords: Enrique Iglesias filipino blood
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #1 out of 158,000 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler philippines
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #2 out of 747 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler filipino
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #4 out of 964 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler filipina
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #6 out of 1010 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler mestizo
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #1 out of 1,370 Pages

keywords: Isabel Preysler mestiza
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #2 out of 1,370 Pages

keywords: Enrique Iglesias proud filipino
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #1 out of 70,900 Pages

keywords: Enrique Iglesias filipino pride
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #1 out of 130,000 Pages

keywords: Shaila Durcal filipino proud
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #4 out of 197 Pages

keywords: Shaila Durcal filipino
Filipino Cultured: Page Rank #9 out of 1,430 Pages

keywords: Antonio Morales Barreto
Filipino Cultured PinoyBlog Entry: Page Rank #8 out of 441,000 Pages

keywords: Antonio Morales Barreto filipino
Filipino Cultured PinoyBlog Entry: Page Rank #4 out of 441,000 Pages


I cannot believe that we achieved that in only 12 days, and I don't know anything about SEO or whatever the hell that stuff is called, although I've been studying it like crazy these past few days even though it's like studying the lost language of Atlantis. But it wouldn't have been possible without any of you guys support, so congratulations everybody! God Bless!

Also our videos on Youtube:

YouTube - SHAILA DURCAL, hija filipina-española de Rocio Durcal y Junior

keywords: Shaila Durcal
Google Page Rank #4 out of 241,000 Pages


YouTube - SHAILA DURCAL, hija filipina-española de Rocio y Junior

keywords: Shaila Durcal filipino
Google Page Rank #2 out of 1,440 Pages

Thanks again everybody! God Bless and we'll be sure to work hard to provide you with meaningful content for the Pinoy people! Mabuhay!