Ignite Change.

Change is inevitable, it is nature.

MANILA - We, as humans, live in a world of constant change. What we learn today, is the old science of tomorrow. What we often thought would be eternal, is proven otherwise.

It was the dawn of a new day in which no one expected a striking of change when Ketsana, a typhoon, hit our country - particularly, Manila. The 6-hour, non-stop pouring of rain, which was equal to a month's downpour, instantaneously flooded the metro.

Low-lying cities were submerged as the floodwater reached high-cities like Pasig and San Juan. It was a complete wash-out of not just houses, but of lives of innocent people, not ready to be stricken by change.

Time stood still as the planet watched the Philippines, especially the Manilans, revive the spirit of "bayanihan" to fight against odds and continue the progress of change.

TV stations launched 24/7 telethons, receiving cash and kind donations from the business and private sectors alike. Universities and other green organizations followed - from organizing relief operations, mass re-packing of goods to benefit concerts to raise funds and awareness of the tragedies brought by the typhoon. By the end of the week, there was an estimated 200-million-peso donation of cash and kind to victims of the calamity.

In this moment of time, I thought... If Filipinos would only be this patriotic to our country and its inhabitants, even without typhoons hitting our land, we could have been a much-developed country by now.

Imagine this. If that 200-million-peso budget was to be given to less-fortunate people, without being victims of whatever, that would have been a BIG change. These "kababayan" of ours could have been given better futures, with better education yielding better lives through that BIG change.

Many doors may have been shut, but more windows of opportunities opened. If foreign-countries care to help our Philippines, why can't us Filipinos, right? You could be somewhere safe while reading this, perhaps in your house, in you condo, inside Starbucks or maybe even surfing through your phone. But I tell you, there are a lot more to do - especially, to be of help.

Once happy families are now broken due to their kin's deaths, they could be anywhere - from living in evacuation centers, to wandering in their mud-flooded streets. Could you take that thought? Could you continue reading this feature without having to think about what you can do to help feed hungry stomachs, relieve aching minds and comfort lost souls? Could you?

You couldn't. But, you could be of help - of BIG help, of BIG help to achieve a BIG change. You can find volunteer centers almost everywhere. Those unused extra clothes of yours, stock-piled in your closet could be of great use to them. Those "pancit canton" that you were saving for mid-night snacks could feed kids way hungry than us. It's a matter of sacrifice, but that sacrifice brings forth joy and contentment of what you have, and where you are.

I want to ask you now, "What are you doing to be part of this BIG change?"

No one is incapable of helping. No one is incapable of change.

You, where do you stand?

Act now, ignite change.

by John Joshua Ochoa

For Better Or For Worse

As far as I can remember, I and my whole family often go on a night stroll in the well-known Baywalk in Manila. Especially when Christmas is fast approaching. I and my folks enjoy this very special moment. They take a cup of coffee at Figaro while I prefer a steamy cup of cocoa than some other cold drinks for kids.

Today, what once was a jam-packed Baywalk is now an empty, quiet spot in Manila. The jolly, beaming lights it had before seem to fade while vehicles pass by every second. The cafeterias sand singing bands that used to entertain people are all gone.

What happened? Is it for the better or for the worse?

Out of curiosity, I tried to ask questions to my mom and to other people who are most familiar with the city of Manila. And they give me on common answer. "It's because of the come-back of Alfredo Lim in the Manila City Hall."

It means a new Mayor has dominated the city. Well, should I say a re-elected one?

I overheard that most of the citizens still trust Alfredo Lim than Lito Atienza. There are also rumors that there was an anomaly in the "buhayin and Maynila" project of former mayor Atienza.

And now that Lim is back in the position, his constituents have great expectations for him. They hopefully anticipate that crimes all over Manila will be solved just like what he has done before.

According to them, my Baywalk is and will never be gone. All of the establishments there were swept away because of prostitution and illegal transactions. But the place itself will always be there.

I feel some kind of lonely. But what matters is the betterment of the whole city. Not my own, selfish leisure.

Now, you judge. Lim or Atienza?

Soriah! Soriah! Soriah!

Divisoria is a place that you can see a lot of businessman there even how big or small their business. As we all know Divisoria marked district in the heart city of Manila. Their product was export from various provinces that they can be sold here in just low price. They have a kind of selling, wholesale, retail and bargain. If it is wholesale you can get some discount if you but a lot. Retailing is if you just buy 1 or more items. From bargain means it is sale and the price was cut off in 10% and up.

Their product is like toys, clothes, fabric, accessory, novelties, books, electronics, office and school supplies, fruits and vegetables, dry goods, etc. everything that you will be needed everyday are there in Divisoria and it is very low price.

Divisoria was bisected by Claro M. Recto avenue. The sidestreets has minishops, stalls it can be for goods, clothes, toys and markets are branch out of the main boulevard. There are many sidestreet shops like Juan Luna, Ylaya, Tabora, Santo Cristo and Soler and the center of it is Divisoria.

If you wanted to go here for public commuters, it can be, LRT, MRT, Jeepney, FX, all of this is accessible to ride in to go in Divisoria. LRT/MRT traversing Recto avenue and getting off in the last station of Recto. Jeepney, FX, it can be in from Taft avenue, Espana and Cubao was ply to Divisoria route.

A brief history of Divisoria:
Divisoria's root as a commercial center can be tracked back to the Spanish time during which non-christianized Chinese were forbidden to live or trade inside nearby Intramuros. The Spanish capital relegated to the parian. Chinese merchants eventually set-up their own community in present-day Binondo and gradually set-up there and in areas continued to blossoms into a commercial center in the 1900's, bolstered by the fact that Tutuban Center Station, formly the main railways station of the Philippine National Railways become a major drop-off center for tradegoods.

The Divisoria area are also historic. The figures such as the revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio and the first Filipino Saint Lorenzo Ruiz were born in its environs.

Over the last 2 decades there was a various shopping malls were build in Divisoria to care bargain hunters. Who wanted to avoid crowds, frenzied atmosphere, and it is like a maze set up of the outside market. And they have 4 major shopping mall (Tutuban mall, Divisoria mall, 168 mall and Meisic mall.)

(Note: The latter part of this article has been edited / removed due to its insignificance to the topic.)

Unholiness Around Holy Ground

Let’s take a look around Quiapo Church.

"Crowded, clamorous, and busy. Buzzing people moving around here and there, buyers arguing with vendors to get cheaper items; untidy little lads walking around bare-footed, selling their packs of cigarette sticks."

This is a usual scenario in the eyes of people living in the vicinity of Quiapo. And this district of Manila would never be complete without the huge church occupying its core. The Quiapo Cathedral, officially known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazareneis one of the most famous churches in the country. It serves as home to the renowned Black Nazarene.
During Fridays, thousands of devotees stream through the street of Hidalgo, wearing magenta shirts and holding handkerchiefs printed with the face of the Black Nazarene and head to the Quiapo church to attend the weekly novena in devotion to the Nazarene. Traditional Filipinos believe that the much venerated statue of Jesus Christ has miraculous attributes. Devotees even attempt to take hold of it and be blessed with its life changing wonders.
Quiapo is referred to as “old downtown.” Known for its cheap items. Ranging from electronics, bicycles, native handicrafts to photo-related items. Unfortunately, illegal transactions have been infecting what was once a flourishing trade in the area.
Despite of the church’s unparalleled fame among devout Catholics, Quiapo has been painstakingly cracked up as a crime haven. Religious Catholics inside the gigantic house of prayer kneel and wholeheartedly pray to the Almighty, while its extremities are vividly depicting an image of lingering black market for fly-by-night abortionists.
What a terrible irony, isn’t it?
A mass communication student of UP Diliman walked on Quiapo’s grounds and tried to interview an abortionist. Unluckily, three of them resisted. On the fourth try, she even attempted to bribe the woman. Still, she refused. The next time, having no choice, she acted to be three-months pregnant. She pretended to be interested with the products that the fat baby killer is offering. The student naturally inquired on how she can get rid of the sprouting life inside her tummy. The woman gladly entertained her and dictated all the possible solutions to that. But according to her, the most effective way is to use a drug called cytotec.
Cytotec or Misprostol is a drug that is used for the prevention of gastric ulcers. Licensed medical practitioners use this for early abortion, to treat missed miscarriage and to induce labor. It only costs P20 in the drugstore counter before it was banned. But here in Quiapo’s black market, it costs P70 to P150.
After knowing all these creepy, sinful stuff, the student decided to go away and told the abortionist that she changed her mind. The woman even thought that the lady was setting her up with the NBI. But the girl quickly denied it.
Before leaving, the student noticed that the abortionist was actually pregnant with her own flesh and blood. The curious lady asked her if her conscience bugs her. Or does her conscience even let her sleep soundly at night.

“Do you feel guilty?” the student asked. “Of course I do! Who wouldn’t?” she says.
“Everyday, I swallow my dignity and go here for my children.”

She panics for a moment, but the student handled the situation. She even asked how many children the woman has. She answered, “Four. This is my fifth.” Shockingly, the woman conveys that she, herself doesn’t believe in abortion! That’s really odd and ironic.
According to Pro-life Philippines, one out of four pregnant women chooses abortion than life. Apparently, the woman happens to be pro-life. It makes me feel totally confused.
The Quiapo church is a paradox: outside are parades of sinful infant-killers who prevent sweet, innocent creatures from the opportunity to live in this world. While inside the huge church, infertile women drop down on their knees to pray and ask for a miracle baby. Everyone likes it fast nowadays. Instant noodles, automated teller machines and the like. Everybody wants it quick, easy, and cheap. Even a quick fix for unwanted babies. Every detail that I have founded contradicts. It has made me think harder than usual. A church supposedly is a temple of the Almighty God, not a marketplace as stated in John 2:15-16. Verse 16 says, “To those who sold doves, he said. “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my father’s house into a market!” In fact, it is not just a buy-and-sell market. It is a league of sinners surrounding God’s temple. You can barely see the faithfulness and devotion that they tend to display around the Black Nazarene. The commitment which they call “panata” during the annual procession of the statue. It’s a little bit hard to understand.
We are Filipinos. And we are distinct for our intimate faith and religiosity. Now, is that really faith or godlessness? Religious or earthly? Maybe, it is sometimes called self-centeredness and wickedness. This time, let’s think harder.

A church is a holy sanctuary, not a folly mockery. It is a house of prayer, and not a den of robbers.

by Danielle Nakpil

More Than Just A Shirt

I am Ninoy? 3 Stars and A Sun? Team Manila? I know what you’re thinking, “astig magsuot ng ganun.”

When you see your friend wearing a 3 Stars and A Sun shirt, the first thing you’ll ask is, “UY! Orig ba yan?” What if you ask someone wearing that shirt, “Orig ba yang pagsuot mo niyan?”

The 3 Stars and A Sun shirt symbolize our Philippine flag. That means if you wear one, you are brandishing the honor of our country.

But what if you do wear, one big and proud, and still litter across the streets? Do you think it’s still counted as “honor” for our country?

Wearing statements shirts like “I Am Ninoy” or “Pilipino Ako”, should not just be for “porma” and “pogi points”. Because if you wear one, it is like you are telling everyone a statement. You are telling everyone that you’re a Filipino and you’re proud to be one, that you’ll do whatever it takes to make your “Inang Bayan” proud.

Now the real question is, are your motives original or fake?

If you want to buy a 3 Stars and A Sun shirt, think about the real deal or the reasons why do you want to have that shirt. Is it because celebrities or the popular kids in your school wear it? Or, is it because you are proud to be a pinoy? If you’re reason is “oo! I’m proud to be pinoy,” then please, act as if you really are! Think about ways on how to make our country a better place. It doesn’t have to be extravagant whatsoever. A simple pledge or consideration will do for now.

Practice what you preach was so last season. But now, practice what you wear.

PDA In Manila Bay

A very famous and well-known spot in the Philippines it the place called "Baywalk", which is near the Manila Bay. The people that are often seen in this place are lovers that spend their time dating. If they don't have the budget to have a date in a fine restaurant, spending time with each other and making sweet gestures in enough for them.

Public Display Of Affection of the so-called "PDA" is very common and seen from two people in-love kissing, hugging, smooching, and every other form of sweet antics is their way of expressing their love for their partners.

Although it's disgusting and not favorable for other people, they just don't care on what other might say.

They think it's cool and fun, but their display of love and affection in public; especially in Manila Bay is an awful thing. They can do it in a room, in a dark place, or in a place where no one can see them. But why in Manila Bay?

Manila Bay offers a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Everyone can see the sunset and the beautiful lights at night. Maybe that's one of the reasons why lovers choose to have a date and express their love with each other in this place.

Maybe when a guy without money invite his girlfriend for a date, he will probably bring his girlfriend in Manila Bay. They can stay there for as long as they want without paying for anything. When they go hungry, they can probably eat "kwek-kwek" of "fishballs". What a great strategy!

To make the date a little longer, the lovers will talk to each other. Maybe about the future or express themselves to each other about their love. It's so cheesy and corny. There's another situations where the guy is just taking advantage of the girl, but doesn't love her that much that's why he can't afford to spend money on their dates.

Kissing and touching the girl is their happiness. Although it's not the true expression of love. But girls are fools, they're letting the guys do that to them. They still believe that the guys are doing it out of love, but it's not true. That's why they don't care even if their doing of things like this in public places are seen my the people.

Being sweet to out loved ones is not wrong, but we must know our boundaries. We think it's stunning to see two people displaying their love publicly, but it's placing a bad impression to us, Filipinos. Manila Bay is great and very popular in our country, so we must choose to respect the place as well.

by Hananiah Paola Bianca Alix

Manila's Street Gourmet

"Oh! Kwek-kwek kayo diyan. Bagong luto, mainit pa! Dos lang isa!" The customer hastily replies, "Manong, sampu nga po. Pabalot, tsaka pa-samahan ng suka." Now the customer has ten pieces of heaven-like goodness, quail eggs wrapped in orange coating with vinegar and cucumber. Yum! Let's go on a journey, a food trip.

Food trip, as it is commonly known, has a different ring to it if you do it in Manila.

"There's something about Manila that makes it the home of authentic food trip and tastebud-delighting street foods."

Ending in fancy restos nowadays is not practical. Spending PhP 200 - PhP 500 for a single dish? That money can go a long way especially with the tropical storm Ketsana leaving our economic status devastated. But now, thank God for sidewalk vendors who satisfy the bottom of our bellies with cheap yet yummy food.

Strolling along with our "barkadas" and family in Manila while eating these street foods is an enjoyable way of giving pleasure, and at the same time, you won't have to spend a lot of money for it. It will make our tummies full and in case of emergency, the dishes in Manila could surely help you.

Fishballs, "Kalamares", "Pugo", and a lot of delicious-smelling food that will pursue our appetites of eating that is easy to eat and instant. In times of hunger and you don't have enough money to feed your growling stomach, Manila's gourmet is the best.

Actually, if you scan over menus of some high-end restaurants or even in hotels, they adopt street foods and turn them into 5-star dishes. For example, Balut Ala Pobre. It just goes to show that the distinctive taste of street food can attract the tastebuds of the socialites and the rich and famous.

by Ishee Del Rosario and Hananaiah Paola Bianca Alix