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Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tired of boring stamps and post-it stuffs and still you continue to find yourself forgetting some important dates and meetings? Do you struggle with your business and still can't find a single customer? When you need to grab attention and bring people to your business, you need to find something that would catch people's attention, something that would scream your message for hundreds of feet. Something that is striking in the eyes, something like an attention flag. When people work in an office for an instance, they are usually surrounded by paper and broken pencils and blu-tac (of plasticine). There could also be some little photo clipper display things -- the ones with a solid base and a spiral bendable thing with a cute design or clip at the edge. With this idea, why not try using attention flags or personalized flags that could be attractively customized to be an attention getter on your table and stick. One can attach a message on it made even nicer with bright neon colors. This will surely be very visible on anyone's working table. One could also have different types of flags for different occasions just by trying this idea. It is more charming and more likely to evoke a response when mailboxes and white boards are all too frequently overflowing with unnoticeable junk.The number of the flags will be bounded into one place, since you'll only ever get one at a time for a certain occasion, reminder, announcement or from any person to remind with. For business establishments or restaurants or a textile store, why not try to use some attention flags to draw more attention. Make sure that the visibility of a flag will be seen 1/4 mile away. Make it more attractive with bold letters or with your choice of color. Just be sure that they blend well with the design. The shape of the flag can be horizontal or diagonal and comes in all sizes with your choice of commercial grade of cloth. With that, your off to go.
by: The Flagman
Monday, March 30, 2009
The flag of Japan has dominated our televisions for more than a decade now. The fever of the Japanese anime started to spread in Asia in the late 70's and is still rampant in the southeastern countries found in Asia. The anime phenomenon has started since my father was 22 years old and even today he still views anime as a work of art. After the late 70's the anime fever swept the world and created a new age for cartoons. The anime such as Dragonball Z and Naruto is known for spreading across the globe in swift fashion. Conventions and anime maniacs all over the world have developed fan art and costume play just to satisfy their need to be like the anime. More than the fever that Japan has spread through out the world, the country itself has a lot to offer. Being a world power in the early 40's and up until now Japan has carved its name in history and technology. Being a country that has minimum natural resources Japan has created various ways in preserving nature. Japan known for making breakthroughs in technology developed an environment friendly garbage truck that can recycle or perhaps renew the non-biodegradable products into methane than can be used as a resource for energy. Advancement in technology is the creation of a humanoid robot and the creation of a hybrid car which runs on electricity is also a product of Japan. Both creations had achieved absolute attention and recognition all around the world, whether it is in terms of technology and innovation or environmental preservation. Japan, with the busiest city in the world which is Tokyo has achieved so much since world war two. The innovations and achievements of the Japanese people have hoisted the Japanese flag on top of the world. Japan is an absolute power in Asia and arguably one of the strongest countries in the world.
by: The Flagman
Friday, March 27, 2009
Earlier today we had a filming viewing about the crisis in the atmosphere and it was all about the ozone layer being destroyed. The video was so old but it was educational. Most of the video took place in Switzerland. In the video, scientists noticed that there was a global warming phenomenon because the glaciers in Switzerland were melting. As explained in the video the reason for the global warming was because of the greenhouse gases being released by industries that use fossil fuels. The greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane serve as a thermostat for the planet but the excessive greenhouse gases in the atmosphere causes the global warming phenomenon which in turn can cause catastrophic events. The video showed some clips of glaciers melting and making the water level go up. After the clip our teacher discussed the facts and showed us the flag of Switzerland. Along with the facts comes the dreaded assignment and so we had to research about the country itself. As I was researching I was surprised about the facts that Switzerland had unveiled. Along with the wondrous mountains Switzerland has wonderful glaciers which can be considered as miracles of nature. I guess the glaciers are the cause of the water that is considered as the cleanest water in the world. Another discovery was that the great Albert Einstein came from Switzerland. I also had it in my gut that Switzerland was unlike any other country, having the cleanest water which supports life and having great souls that changed the history of the world. Before I ended the research I took a final glance at the flag of Switzerland and the view of the Swiss plateau. I thought to myself, why people have to destroy things that are beautiful? I guess I couldn't understand today but I hope tomorrow will give me an answer.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, March 26, 2009
One of the grandest ways of celebrating the coming of the New Year, I believe, is a celebration called the Rose Parade. Everybody gets too see it because it is just so damn big a celebration. The day starts quietly for everyone. But no matter how quietly the day starts, a lot of people would start gathering around the streets very early, excited about when the parade would start. It is not just them that are excited, the participants are also psyched up not to mention nervous about the performance they are going to do in front of a lot of people, the whole state. The parade starts and the sheer silence enveloping the day is immediately broken by cheers of thousands and thousands of people. The numerous gigantic floats of different shapes and sizes start to move around the streets under the lively pennant streamers, some of them land based while some are put afloat by innumerable balloons. Marching bands dressed like nutcrackers are also there. Their trumpets resounded with precise unison and absolute loudness. Drums would begin beating proudly for everyone to hear. Of course, that is not just it. Horsemen are also there. I believe they are called equestrians and they are also very synchronized, considering that they are manipulating horses which have a mind of their own. In the frontline, if I remember right, flag bearers marched and they held their New Year flags confidently. During the passing of the parade, countless balloons are also released to fly up in the air just to make it look more fun and happy. Surely, for the whole state to see, following the parade are the media who endlessly shoots the performers while staying out of their way. That way, anyone who could not see the parade live would be able to see it in television. The news would also be happy to report about the event as well. When the parade ends, everyone goes back to their normal lives or maybe, celebrate New Year's Day some more.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
It's fascinating how time goes by so fast and so quickly. It has been seven years since we last saw each other and now he's married and flying to England. Well, my old classmate invited us for a little dinner before he left last Tuesday. During the dinner he talked about the flag of England and how beautiful the country was. He had been there twice and he talked about the tourist spots that according to him would melt any person' heart. As the night went on, cheers and laughter filled their home and memories of the past were talked about once again. After a while the house was raining with beer and the fun started from there. I couldn't get my mind off of the places that would melt any person's heart, so I approached him and asked. The first thing that went out of his mouth was Pulteney Bridge. According to him the said spot was romantic because of the river that reflected everything above it. "Taking a walk and talking about intimate things was the key to making the place romantic." He said and then he went back to singing and laughing once again. They had a computer wherein I could surf, so I used the computer to surf more about the area. True enough the place was full of places that offer romantic spots not to mention London. Other than the wonderful places, England was home to famous innovators, poets and science. If I hadn't surfed I wouldn't have known that Isaac Newton was from England and so were William Shakespeare and Charles Darwin. The flag of England had touched the peak of the world and sad to say I wasn't aware of it. England has a lot to offer and has a lot of things to be proud of, and my friend is lucky he going to the place and enjoy living there.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I was living in a small bubble, my dad always said when I was younger. I wonder what it meant. Does it mean that I had to watch more news on TV? Do I have to go out into the world and explore? I cannot do that, I do not have the money to do that. Maybe I have to read more books even if I never enjoyed them. Or I could join an organization and fight for something and do something like go out into the streets and wave the American flag that says to stop corruption, or whatever. I really have no idea about what he means by living in a small bubble. But later I realized that I should care about people more. I needed to listen to people better. To answer questions more clearly. To have less lies. To not keep dirty little secrets, but instead show who I really am. I needed to be someone who never lets the wrong things happen to people. I had to have my own opinion, I needed to stand up for what I think is right; but be free to listen to others in the process. To not live inside a small bubble is to believe in yourself, as far as I could understand. If you believe in yourself, you can do many things. You would be able to learn more. You would be able to connect to people better. You would be able to reach goals faster. You would have more passion in the things that you do. You would not need to have a cheesy fashion statement that would be a kind of brightly colored message flag that says to NOTICE you; but instead show your real self. I think my little bubble just grows bigger and bigger every year. Thanks to my dad.
by: The Flagman
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saying goodbye is sweet sorrow, but after my experience with saying farewell to some of my friends, I discovered that goodbye is just the start of another joyride in life. But, yeah, it was fun. We were in the sun, the weather was perfect that day. The clouds were in a shade of cerulean, the sea was perfectly clear. Some of my friends were grilling fish and pork chops, as we were sipping our tall glasses filled with ripe mango shake. Ah, what a perfect day it was. And what a perfect day to have fun. I couldn't remember how to get to that place but it was like a cool paradise. The sands were white, there were colored twirler flags near the shore, and small pennant streamers hanging all over like festival decorations, fluttering happily in the pleasantly cold breeze. Cool summer music was playing even though it was late December. What can you expect? It was in the tropics. The weather is almost always nice there. At night we made a bonfire and had that one really sentimental moment. That was it, it was time to say goodbye. We knew that when we wake up the next day,we might never see each other again. We were sad, because it's the end of another part of our lives; because we knew each of us might only be a fragment of each other's memory. But we were happy, I guess, because we all now become part of something else; we'll go on and make new memories. It was something to remember. We gave each other bracelets and messages and all that cheesy but very heartfelt stuff. I didn't get to sleep that night. Instead I sat beside my friends who didn't want to sleep either, underneath the star-filled sky; watching the waves dance in the moonlight. It was magical, it was the first time I saw the moon glow a brilliant gold, shining like a fairy-like spotlight in the dark sea. We remembered the good old times as we waited to watch the sun rise. It was time to go home. It was what seemed to be the last time I'll ever have fun with them as a young person. I know one day we'd see each other again, but I don't think we'd still bother talking about the simple things in life, not like we did before. Maybe we'll just talk about what job we have, or if any of us got married or had kids. All that serious stuff makes me feel like I don't really want to reach my 30's just yet!
by: The Flagman
Friday, March 20, 2009
It certainly is a tiring afternoon from work, but I agreed to help my brother with his theology subject. It was about how people from different religions worshipped their god or gods for whatever matter. Sure, yeah, most of the other religions would offer songs and dances. Some would have a festival, with all the grandeurs of good food, colorful clothing, colorful pennant streamers on the streets, and a really long prayer. But what really caught my attention is the kind of offering the Tibetan Buddhists as a form of prayer. They were flags, of different sizes and shapes. What makes those Tibetan flags so interesting is that they are inscribed with auspicious symbols. They have prayers and mantras inscribed with the symbols. For centuries, those prayer flags were hung outside their homes and sacred places. It is said that as these flags are carried by the wind, they also carry a good aura for the rest of the country. These flags bring happiness, longevity and a prosperous life to the one who planted the flag and those who were living near that person. It reminds believers about compassion, kindness, courage, among many others. Just by hanging those flags in high places, it can carry the blessings to everyone. The Mantras are said to sanctify the air as it passes over the flags. The prayers inscribed in the flag etch a permanent mark on the universe, the prints slowly fade because of the strong winds. The fading of the prints on the prayer flags are significant to me, because it reminds me of the fact that in this life, it's always a cycle of living and dying. We should be able to accept the fact that anything can change in a blink of an eye. And we can only hope for better days. And we should be able to see the greater role we have to play in life.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I heard from my supervisor the other day what his friend told him. If I recall correctly his friend told him that the poor should all be killed because they are unproductive. I couldn't believe what I heard. I believed that by now, at this age of humanity and with the people having sense and rationality discrimination is a thing of the past, well, I was wrong. People of all ages and gender are still suffering from tyranny and discrimination. I could not tell by just listening to those words what is really happening so I decided to go out and see for myself what is happening with the world. As I was walking down the street I saw this pride flag and I don't even know what it stands for. With the use of the internet I took time to find out what the flag means. I know that it is the symbol of the LGBT community and it is used as a symbol of gay pride. Reflecting on what I researched I remembered a few incidents in my life that really struck me. I used to see gay people in my high school days being beaten up to the point that there mouths bled, and sad to say I didn't do anything. I guess people should respect the LGBT community, and their pride flag should be honored. Let us face it, most of the creative people and those who made innovations in designs and fashion have come from the LGBT community. These talented individuals have changed the world and made it colorful, we should at least give them respect because like us they are also humans and most of them even work harder than us and instead of discriminating them why not learn from them? I am not saying that we all be converted, I am saying that we should respect their sexual preference and their humanity.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I was once asked by my friend "what is the most romantic place on earth"? One city immediately crossed my mind, Paris. Though I've never been there, I've seen enough pictures and read some blogs on the internet that would justify my answer. Paris is also known as The City of Love, its major attraction is the majestic Eiffel Tower built beside the Siene River. The tower is the tallest structure in the city and also the most visited paid monument in the world. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, there are other famous historical structures in Paris such as the Notre Dame. But if you aren't a history fan, you can also indulge yourself and your partner with the famous Parisian cuisine and wines while cruising the serene Siene river. Certainly, a date on a loveboat will set the atmosphere right for every couple. Sightseeing is indeed a popular activity to do in France, and if ever you get bummed with all those still structures -a different kind of sight is also available 24/7. Those gorgeous Parisians will certainly be an excellent subject for photography or observation. So if you're alone in The City of Love, there's still chance that you'll feel the love atmosphere. Nice Parisians are always in each corner of the city, whether for a fling or for a serious relationship. Paris, aside from the metropolitan area is largely unchanged since the 1860's that is why a large number of old buildings are still present. The Paris Flag which is composed of a red and blue stripe is patterned from France's national flag. So if you are traveling, you'll know your in the vicinity of Paris if you see that red and blue stripe cloth on a flagpole or if you feel that magical love atmosphere that all of them are talking about. Anyway, my friend said that my answer is wrong. The most romantic place on earth according to him is wherever your heart is. Poetic others may say. But, I say it's cheesy.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I was always fascinated about the middle age wars. The tales from the Middle Ages starting for Merlin to King Arthur and his knights of the round table to Beowulf and his adventures have been my favorite treats before I go to sleep. As the years went by and as I learned to love to read more books I found a liking to the Vikings of Sweden. They were the brute and ruthless people that have invaded parts of Europe through raids. To feed my curiosity and to heighten up my knowledge about this people I have discovered more than just the mythical raiders of Europe I found the country's beauty itself. The flag of Sweden, a blue flag with a yellow Scandinavian cross extends to the edges of the flag is simple if you would look at it but to know the country itself is more fascinating. As I have read through books, I have seen some majestic views of the place. One was the Lapporten mountain pass in Lapland. The view was amazing and the thought of going there and visit really gets me going. Another view to behold in Sweden is the sunset over Lake Vattern, the beauty of the sunset itself is romantic and fit for any lover who would want to spend time with each other. More than the views, Sweden is also proud about the success of their people. Alfred Nobel came from Sweden, the inventor of dynamite and institutor of the Nobel Prize. Another thing that made Sweden known was ABBA, the Swedish pop quartet that took the world by storm. The last thing that I would want to share about Sweden is their 190 meter tall Turning Torso, it's a skyscraper that has a marvelous design and as the name suggests, it looks like a turning torso. All of this achievements and success has brought glory to the flag of Sweden and I hope I can visit that country and experience it first hand.
by: The Flagman
Monday, March 16, 2009
It's just a piece of cloth, why does it have to be kept out from rain? It's just colored cloth. Why does it have to be put on the walls THAT way? Why does it have to be put on the coffins of patriots when they get buried? Why does it have to have meaning? Why does it have to be waved whenever we celebrate something big? I'm sure there are other things you can wave around.A captivating street banner, perhaps! That looks better. That little piece of cloth doesn't have rainbow colors on it. And why does it have to be replaced when it's all tattered and old? Why do people want to die for it? It's just a stupid cloth. But whenever people see it, they feel hope when they see it being raised on a pole. People rejoiced when they see it waved after a long time of slavery, abuse, or war. When it's high on a pole, everyone looks up at it and respects it like all their dreams depended on its existence. Some would rather die than not claim it as theirs. People give all their time and effort just to design it, craft it, to carefully weave it, to skillfully decorate it. It has seen so many revolutions. Its colors survived time. It symbolizes something greater than just mere objects. It means more than just vibrant colors put together to look good. It has seen the rise and fall of human beings. It's your nation's flag. And no matter where you come from; no matter what skin color you have, it' s your symbol. It's a reminder that people have given up their lives to establish your nation. It's the hopes of all the people who've dreamed that one day, their people would live in peace. And while these hopes exist, your country flag will continue to wave proudly with the winds.
by: The Flagman
Friday, March 13, 2009
I decided not to eat dinner last night. I've been doing that the past months whenever I felt my belly bulge when I sat. Nothing's happening. So I carried on with my routines, completely aware of all the odd sensations in my stomach. I was hungry, but I decided against eating. After all the nightly television dramas finished off, the Friday night that was so young made its presence felt, and so did my famished tummy. I consider myself lucky for having a housemate, who is all willing to go out during times like these, given that all we would do is eat. We'd look at each other and we'd know already what's on each other's minds. Some food wouldn't hurt especially on Fridays. We changed and marveled at the idea that the two of us are out and about on our way to our usual spot. It was midnight and we were both ready to feast. I was not surprised to see a great deal of people in there. It was Friday after all. A great deal of familiar faces, too - plus a bunch of pretty Korean guys. I got my food and found my friend and me a table in a nice little corner. She had ordered a generous portion of foodstuff for herself and wondered why one had a tiny triangular red-orange thing chucked in the middle. It was a puny replica of the place's advertisement street banner outside. I chuckled. I told her she'd ordered the spicy alternative and that was how they pointed out the food was spiced, and thought about how she didn't notice that eye-catching welcome flag that greeted us. She was gorging on her food in no time. While my friend demolished the food on her plate, I, meanwhile, was by some means dissatisfied because that cobbler I'd been longing for wasn't available still. And because I'd really wanted to devour on it, my friend insisted that we take a walk down to another place and get that delectable treat. We sat down and gobbled our sweets up, chatting endlessly. I went home bursting past midnight. So much for one Friday night.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Australian Open 2009 in Melbourne recently wrapped up without me watching a single game. I did not see Andy, not even heard Maria's cry. I feel wretched. It is one of the small number of annual sports events I have always been anticipating. This year, I even almost totally forgot about it had I not heard in the evening news that Roger Federer lost to 22-year-old Rafael Nadal. I can't even still believe that Rafa is only four years older than I am. He looks thirty, if you ask me. And I still can't believe he just won against Roger - again. I mean, every time Andy brings to and end his bid, it is always Roger I am rooting for. Roger the cool one. Roger the humble one. Roger who could pretend he is twenty-two and would still pull it off. Rafa - he never got my interest. In high school, I felt sick just seeing him in his signature knee-length shorts and sleeveless top, with the matching headband tucked in a mound of unkempt blonde hair, and who habitually pulled his shorts out of his butt. But I hated him mostly because he was good, was young and promising, whilst Andy was slowly creeping his way out of the top ten and was not getting any younger; Andy who would yell at the umpire if his shot was called out, Andy who flung his racket a lot out of obstruction. I could not blame the guy. Now Roger broke down after losing to Rafa - currently the world's number one tennis player. I never saw anyone cry like that in the AU Open before. Especially not a man. But that did not alter my fascination for him. It only made me like him even more. And Rafa will not be hated from now on. He gave Roger a little hug and in his speech said his apologies for beating him which the crowd found amusing. I appreciate his compassion towards Roger and how he's feeling. You gotta love both men. As Roger delivered his heartbreaking speech, and as he marched out of the Rod Laver Arena, in the midst of the cheering crowd wagging Switzerland's flag and some also waving the flag of Spain, he brought with him the respect of not only those who were there present at the game, but of every person who had seen him that night in every nook and cranny of the world as well. He is unquestionably one of the world's finest (and humblest) players.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I was going through some research when I came across one interesting image of a flag. It was blue with a gold strip running horizontally. There was a white star just below the gold strip. I found out that it was the flag of Nauru, one of the smallest country in the world. I found out that Nauru is a small island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The star represents the island of Nauru, it has 12 points, representing the 12 tribes of the island nation. The position of the star below the gold strip represents the country's geographical location which is one degree south of the equator, the gold strip being the equator. The blue field represents the vast ocean the islands lies smack in. I've read that Nauru was known for its only resource and that is phosphate. Before this resource was depleted, the people of Nauru had one of the highest per capita income in the world. Sadly, mining do not renew resources. And now Nauru is having a hard time economically. It doesn't help that it is isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the nearest neighbor of this island nation is 300 kilometers away. The country relies heavily on assistance from Australia. Economics is not the only threat being faced by Nauru, the rising tides brought about by the warming of the planet could drive the population to the uninhabitable former mining areas which are higher than the densely populated coastal areas. Nauru is a microcosmic example of natural resources poorly managed. From a boom area, in less than a century, the country is struggling to make ends meet. What happened to this small island nation can also happen to our planet. After all we are also an isolated "island". The country is trying to recover from the ecologically negative impact brought about by the decades of phosphate mining. It's a little slow, meanwhile, we can only hope that the flag of Nauru will again fly someday proudly because they have won the battle against the effects of the errors and excesses of the previous generation.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I remember my high school days. We used to celebrate UN day every 24th of October. I remember we'd start early in the morning. The morning chill didn't stop anyone from their enthusiasm; everyone was having fun decorating the classrooms. We'd put in all our efforts to try to make the place look like different life-sized postcards that you could actually walk into. Other classes crafted costumes from different countries for dolls in full detail. I remember we'd play loud music which made everyone more lively, and we'd sing along to songs while working. Later in the day, we'd change into colorful costumes. Students would go around the school grounds. Some would go into the 'life-sized postcards'. Some would go and have a parade, and they would wave twirler flags from different countries. There was dancing and fun all over the place. Exhibits showed everyone's creativity. Different talent contests displayed unity and hard work. I remember that our class would never win at any contests, even though we put all our efforts in it. And it was very exhausting, yet it was enjoyable. We always thought that everything we did was worth all our efforts even if some of us exhausted too much money with all those art materials that we used. At the end of the day, the people would go out of the school gates, still with the smiles on their faces. It was, for many of us, another one of those days to remember. I'd remember leaving those banners, and those pretty mini flags decorated outside the buildings, still fluttering in the warm afternoon breeze... How nostalgic. But a lot of people at that time probably didn't even know what that day was really all about that it was the day when the world celebrates and remembers the value of peace and equality, self-determination and freedom.
by: The Flagman
Monday, March 9, 2009
When I was small (and literally small too!) I have always been fond of looking at knights in their glorious moments in televisions, pictures in books, and in video games that featured such images. They ride on a sleek strong proud horse, wear a sturdy lustrous armor and make it look so light, a sword sheathed on their waist. They gallantly rode through the deluge of people cheering for them, their left hand driving the horse and the other, an extravagant looking crest flag of such "grand-ness". Seeing such images, as a child, always made me drool about how they delivered an impressive show of force, without even drawing the sword. Such admiration for such things led me to do what every child would do: imitate them! Well, hey, I was a kid. Need I say more? I requested my dad to give me a toy sword as a birthday gift. Lo and behold, he gave a toy sword which I actually have until now . . . and I still play with it sometimes, too. A few months later I opted for the expensive looking flag of ..err ... grandeur but no, he didn't give me one. Not at all, said it was expensive and not worth it. Said I should be content of the toy sword. That day was where my obsession about knights stopped but it didn't mean I stopped admiring them. Years passed by my admiration about knights slightly faded. Years of reality knocked some sense into me. Being a knight meant I'd have to be ready to die for the country, for the people, and I wasn't totally raised to be the patriotic type. Even it meant me not being able to carry the crest flag, I'd happily pass. But the image of the glorious knight in shining armor still lingers in my head.
by: The Flagman
Friday, March 6, 2009
Have you enjoyed paradise and cocktail at the same time? A cool cocktail and with all the women around, wouldn't you enjoy the scenery and the pleasure at the same time? We all heard about the white sand beaches like Bora Bora, Bali, and Phuket. But why go to a faraway Pacific Island when you could enjoy Jamaica. Jamaica has a lot to offer. As I have said, enjoying a cocktail in a beach, especially if it is flooding with sexy girls is truly a sight to behold. Doctor's Cave Beach Club is the place to be. The beach is clean and the view is breathtaking. It truly represent the beauty of Jamaica and can proudly display the Jamaican Flag. With white sand, beautiful girls, beautiful view and a hotel that would accommodate your every need Jamaica is the place for relaxation and peace. Try and experience what I have tried and go to the place that you can consider a paradise. Other than being one as a nation even in a national perspective, it is also the home of the greatest reggae artist in the world, no one else but Bob Marley. In this generation that I live in Bob Marley is still famous, he has hoisted the Jamaican flag, long before I went into college. The cool rhythm and the beat that would make you dance even if you were not up to it that is what I would call art. Bob Marley has been a personal Idol for me. The genre he produced was something that could make me relax even at the time of my distress. The motto of the Jamaican people would be "Out of many, one people". In my own perspective the motto itself tells about how the Jamaican people are united and well. I might be shallow to swallow there motto, but for me the motto itself speaks about the country.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Back then, most people would think that one needs to be a pro to play golf. Today, people of all ages would play golf either for fun, exercise, tournament or just hanging out with friends and play a few holes. There are golf courses that would offer only 9 holes to play through but there are many golf courses which would offer the whole 18 holes for golfers who want to practice on their swings. There are also places called mini golf clubs where, instead of using a whole range of golf clubs, they would only give a putter wherein one has to putt the golf ball through various obstacles along the short path into the hole. There are people who would think that golf is a boring sport, but no, it isn't a dull sport as a lot of people think it is. When a golfer swings that perfect swing and sees his ball land on the green, the golfer and fans alike would cheer for the next putt may sink the golf ball into the hole. A good swing to the golf ball may also be considered when the golfer swings his golf club to hit the ball and the ball lands on the fairway other than the rough or the sand trap, or worse it goes out of bounds. For when it is already in the fairway, the hole can be now be very visible as the holes in a golf course are usually marked by golf flags. Theses golf flags are usually decorated with bright and vibrant colors so that golfers would know in what direction they would swing their golf clubs to hit the ball in order to sink the ball into the hole, if not, then land it on the green. Other than golf courses, there are also places called driving ranges wherein people, professional golfers and amateur golfers alike, practice their swing on a very small place, similar to a batting cage but only bigger, to swing and hit the ball into holes that are only a few yards away from where they are standing. In driving ranges, you don't walk, instead you are given a bucket of golf balls then swing away and practice your swings. The game of golf itself is exciting and invigorating, especially since the objective of the game is to sink the golf ball into the hole with the lowest possible number of swings that you can. This is because some holes are exceptionally challenging even to the professional golf player. A breath of fresh air is simply priceless to a golfer. A cheer or two when the golfer gets a hole in one, this means that he sunk the golf ball into the whole with just one swing. If you get really good in this sport you can win some tournaments and even win cash prizes to boot.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A few days ago, our street celebrated its patron saint's feast day. Our small community had been doing that for years, but this year was entirely different. My mother almost annoyed me for saying every so often how merry this year's celebration was. As if trying to make me feel like I missed a substantial part of my life. Colorful banners and pennant streamers of all sizes are put up weeks before the feast day. Prayers and novenas and games for the kids and adults alike are assembled every night that is always with an abundance of food and drinks. That is how I remember our annual fiesta growing up. It has been two years since I last joined in the celebrations and it's sad I did not get to join in now. For this year's activities, everything was more elaborate. Everybody in the street was involved and the chairman made sure everything was detailed and ornate. A major soda company offered and erected tents for the festivity as well as booths with sufficient supply of their products. It was the first time anyone ever did. A digital surround system was reportedly set up as well, thanks to our restaurant owner of a neighbor. A stage was put up for a band that was invited to perform. A temporary basketball court was also built for the mini tournament that gave away cash prizes. My brother also unpredictably sponsored his own darts tournament right in our garage. He never really joined in during these kinds of activities, but I told you this year was different. I do not know what has gotten into him. Guests trooped into our house when no one really ever did before except our relatives. So it was all kind of like an extended holiday season for everybody in there while I mourned over school. What a shame.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Staring at blank flags by the beach is what I do with my extra time. If not writing stories I just enjoy the salty breeze of the sea. I often think of myself as a loner but apparently people think that I am sociable. Judging from what I have been in the past. I usually like it when I am alone and when it's quite around me. It's not because I was deprived of silence and peace. Serenity and calmness for me is everything. I love the peace and quiet of the sea. Trying to stay away from the busy and noisy world is fun and the sea is like a haven for calmness. One of the greatest places I went to was in a place called Cannibad. It is located in the Philippines, particularly Samal. The locals called the place "The Secret Garden Paradise" and true to its name, it was really a paradise. The place is awesome. The resort itself is astonishing. With an open sea view and a mountain range behind you, calmness is at hand. Since the place is still unknown to many the resort only has a few people. The place or should I say the resort is small. Considering that the place isn't commercialized. This small garden paradise has a lot to offer. First, the view of the open sea and the soft and cold breeze of the sea is relaxing. Second, the calmness of the place is spectacular. It is the perfect place to find peace of mind and to escape the busy world. Third, the caretakers and the people are hospitable and warm. Lastly, the ecosystem and the corals would make the stay enjoyable. Staying overnight at that place is fun, especially if you are with friends. With our departure, all we took were memories and as we went home I saw the blank flags bidding goodbye goodbye. I will be back.
by: The Flagman
Monday, March 2, 2009
I was bored staying inside the house so I decided to go to the mall. I was sitting on a bench while sipping my carrot juice but it got me bored nevertheless its worst if I stayed home. I wanted to go to a place where I could relax and unwind do I decided to drop by at my friend's newly opened wellness center for the first time. I was so happy to see her after 6 months. Her place was so cool and comforting. I liked the lights, the music and all. On the entrance, there were several mini flags advertising their services; one of those is a custom made welcome banner hanging with a caption Colon Hydrotherapy is a machine bought abroad and is one of the methods of detoxifying; it eliminates toxins from the body and helps people in reconnecting with their bodies to attain better health. The machine cleanses the colon, exercises the colon muscles, reshapes the colon and stimulates reflexes points. Though I was enthusiastic about it, I did not get the chance to see the equipment because it was being used. After our small talk, she urged me to at least try one of their offered services. Since I'm already there and that I really wanted to pamper my body and to loosen up a bit I tried the body massage. It was so relaxing and soothing that I actually slept. 'Twas really satisfying indeed. The Whole thing was great, I mean really great for the reason that I did not pay for it because it was a treat; she told me it was an early gift for my birthday next week. My day wasn't bad at all, so I then spent a restful and relaxing night.
by: The Flagman
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