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Monday, August 31, 2009
It's all over the world wide web, really. People just make online profiles, post them and instantly, their personalities become accessible to the whole world. Truly, times have changed. With the plethora of different social networking sites accessible today, it's difficult to take our pick from them. But there are a lot of things we find fun, no matter which site you decide to sign up with!
You can direct who you are. An online profile says a lot about you and you may even fake a lot of things there. Like indie groups but too ashamed to do so? Say you like The Veronicas instead of Tegan and Sara. Like a native Indian dish that smells bad? Just say you frequent Wendy's. Profiles start out like blank flags, just waiting for you to put something in and wave it around.
It is a convenient way to be and keep in touch. The internet is an easy arena to be and stay in touch. A lot of networking sites offer birthday reminders and event posting. Getting together for the next big affair just got easier. When before it needed pennant streamers or message flags to advertise, a mere wall or board posting in websites will do.
It's unlimited! The space is almost unlimited, that's because internet is unlimited! You can store as many pictures as you like and have as many contacts as you prefer. Social networking sites thrive in the bounty, not appropriation. So it really doesn't care about space.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A technique used in real estate selling, the idea that everybody wants what everybody wants makes selling a whole lot easier because with the impression that something is heavily desired, it is easy to desire it also. When all these desires pile up, your product gets talked about, your product is coveted and before you know it, its value has multiplied exponentially. Luxury product companies have spent a lot of time developing the desire for their items so when you own one, you, yourself, becomes desired too. And isn't that a good thing?
It doesn't matter if they're as big as a Rolls Royce or as small as a 3 carat diamond ring. Specialty items, like miniature flags of luxury, will always remain to be seen, not heard.
Luxury items are programmed in such a way that they are heavily sprinkled with all the things that glimmer and glitter. They are given the best kinds of materials and when they are announced in the market, they are endorsed by the best looking celebrities in such posh settings. This announcement is the complemented with heavy promotional advertisements. There is just no way to not want such things!
Because everybody wants a piece of such fine specialty stuff, they always top anybody's Christmas and birthday wish list. It didn't take long for the rest of the competitors to feel the pressure of hyping up their introductory ads also. After building up their product lines, they start building up the brands also. They redesign their insignia and put them up in corporate logo flags. They come up with innovations to top the other products. They present easier paying schemes. Truly, even the luxurious can participate in a dog-eat-dog market.
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Philippines as a country filled with basketball fanatics is left wondering on what happened to their national basketball team. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, many expected that the Philippine flag will not show up on the basketball court due to the tough competition in the FIBA Asia tournament. Although many were proud that the Philippines had some competitors who really had a shot at a gold medal, some are still disappointed because the Philippine basketball men's team did not qualify. In the Philippines, Filipinos had their attention set on the basketball events and it proved to be very exciting. Since Team Pilipinas is not a qualifier, everyone was looking forward to how the U.S.A. team would win the gold medal. With the likes of Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the line-up, everyone around the globe was expecting the "Redeem Team" to win.
The big shocker for the Filipino fans was the basketball team of Angola. To every Filipino's surprise , the flag of Angola was raised on the basketball court. Hearing people talk, they had side comments like "Team Pilipinas always beat those guys and now they're in the Olympics up against the power house team U.S.A..." or "Those guys can't even beat Team Pilipinas". As for some, they only kept silent and watched the game. After the whole tournament, the predictions turned out to be true. The Redeem Team, although battered and bruised , came out to win the gold medal. The reaction from the Philippine fans was simple, the guys from the U.S.A team were simply unstoppable.
The Filipino basketball fanatics would always support their national team. Now and forever they would not stop hoping that one day, in the Olympics, team U.S.A and Team Pilipinas would meet on the court and play ball like there's no tomorrow.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A visit to the Philippines absolutely isn't complete without the jeepney experience. The jeepney is the most basic means of transportation found in this country. It is originally built from the US military vehicles which were left during the 2nd World War. Now after so many years since its so-called birth, the jeepney has still remained to be a national symbol of Philippine culture.
To say that it has become much bigger, innovative and colorful is an understatement. The jeepneys these days come in all shapes in sizes and a lot of are adorned with eye-catching car flags and other accessories displayed on the hood. Designs on the flags vary, some with abstract gothic patterns while others are decorated with Disney cartoon characters and action figures . Other jeepney ornaments also include a display of miniature world flags that make the ride more interesting and the vehicle itself good-looking.
Jeepneys can be classified into various sizes, with those large ones specifically designed for long distance routes and the smaller ones built to travel within main city thoroughfares only. While the first jeepneys were refurbished from used U.S. military jeeps, the ones running today are mostly produced by local manufactures or are refurbished Japanese and Korean vehicles.
Just the sight of the flags in vibrant colors, moving along with the rush of the wind is just one of the unforgettable things one could ever have while riding the jeepney. It may not be that grand or that extravagant, but it gives the passenger a unique feeling of riding in a public transport only found in the Philippines.
by: The Flagman
Monday, August 24, 2009
At this day and age, women have taken the world by storm doing almost all tasks and responsibilties usually handled by men aside from giving birth, taking care of the kids and doing the laundry. Women today have courageously braved beyond the so-called limits our ancestors have ever set for them.
Fast forward to the present and now. Most working mothers have learned the art of multi-tasking so much that they can accomplish errands for the day without batting their eyelashes. They may look fragile and unassuming but deep inside they hold enormous strength that could move mountains. Although they don't wear message flags as they go about every little thing they do, you can sure see it in their faces that they want to carry on despite the odds and difficulties in keeping the home and making their husbands and children happy.
Career at Home and at Work . And because times are getting hard by the minute, women took it upon themselves to help out and find a living for the family. This is where her admirable skills of balancing her quality time between the home and work come in. Despite wearing a uniform with her company corporate logo stitched on it, you can see her carrying a bagful of groceries to fill her cupboard and almost always driving the kids to school.
At the end of the day, a mother somehow feels complete that she is able to fulfill what her existence is all about. With a smile on her face, she looks forward for what the next day has to offer.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A baby is a blessing, a new addition to this colorful world, another citizen vowing to be responsible. And a baby is also a symbol of happiness to a set of parents. A baby shower celebrates this kind of delivery because life is supposed to be celebrated well.
Baby showers are actually hard to plan. First, you need to round up an expecting mom's friends and you also need to gauge their feelings towards her, the expecting mom regarding the pregnancy. Usually, if it is unwanted, the baby is supposed to be just delivered in silence, no parties, whatsoever. However, if the child is much anticipated, then, by all means, that's the green light for the party.
Next, you need to have a budget. Baby showers work like common parties: you spend for the invitations, the decorations and other communication expenses. Sometimes you even have to hire a professional planner, if you want the event to turn out to be just the way you wanted it.
Lastly, you need to conceptualize how the party will actually look. If the baby is planned to be christened Christian, it's nice to see little Christian flags all around the place. If the child already has a given name, use custom mini flags with his or her name printed on it with a pastel hue and put it in the kits, all around the house, or you can even print the invitation at its back.
By now, perhaps you have a lot of things to make sure perfect. A baby shower is a delicate and endearing event. Good luck in planning yours and don't forget to pray it doesn't rain!
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Euthanasia is currently defined as the mercy killing of people of very old age, usually those with terminal illness. Sometimes, younger people can also be euthanized. The premise here is that they are diagnosed with terminal illness or that they are suffering too much. Euthanasia is being held as an evil by most pro-lifers simply because no matter what the intention is, it is the blatant killing of people who are still living. In most countries, life holds absolute value. Notice that before, death threat was considered as a justifiable form of reparation for the victims of heinous crimes. But then again, as the death row began to thicken, more governments realized that they shouldn't take it away because life is still an absolute gift. When you are alive, you are capable of logic, and thought, hence, the chance to create positive contributions to yourself and to your society. People who are bedridden are still capable of thought and feeling, and even if they cannot talk about it or we may not know if they can still recover or not, it is important that we continue to nurture the life left in them. Moreover, with the advances in technology nowadays, to save lives are easier. You don't need hospital street banners to advertise that. Euthanasia takes away whatever chance these people have to live their lives once again. Even if there is just very very little chance, it is important that we scoop that chance out. After all, most of the people whom we decide euthanasia for are people who are close to us, most probably part of our immediate family. In poor nations, poverty will always challenge this mindset. However, what is important is that every family holds this mindset because it paints a picture of a strong family unit, a family that nurtures life at its fullest. And we all know that a strong family unit builds a strong community. Now we can salute to our world flags with pride for having to value life as much as this.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Why do people want to be united in the Holy Matrimony? Sure, they want to have their love of a lifetime for keeps, anyone can understand that. It sure feels nice to have someone to care and love you and someone who would really like to grow old with you. After tying the knot, it's always Valentines Day at the newlyweds' abode. It seems love is in the air so much that they could always hang one of those St. Valentines Day flags on their walls or windows.
If one can notice during the first six months or the first year of marriage, a couple is usually so sweet. They are fond of always hugging and kissing each other whenever they had the chance. It's as if they can't get enough of one another, much less of themselves. Usually, the only time one can see couples being 'unsweet' is when they are not together which only happens for a limited time.
Yes, we all are suckers for romance and happy endings but seeing the same routine really sucks and for other people, sadly, it can be a source of envy. This holds true for old people who lost the flame of love and only stick with friendships and pension plans. Sure, all the cheesy stuff happen on the first year and keep it going for a couple more years but after all the brownies and chocolates, there comes the challenge. When couples quarrel for the first time, it is always like the fourth of July. Funny, but some neighbors would hang Fourth of July flags on their windows while routing for the husband or wife. Good things just don't last very long. They do come back only in different packages. The sweetness can be revived by having a new baby at home but conflicts can do return and before you know it, it's the end of a what seemed to be a blissful marriage. People can sometimes rush things and that's one of the not-so good characteristics of humanity.
by: The Flagman
Monday, August 17, 2009
Oh, how I love city fiestas. They always bring a great feeling of merriment and excitement going around town, seeing countless street banners, decorations and colorful pennant streamers livening up the entire place. In the Philippines, there is one celebration dubbed as the "Festival of festivals" one couldn't simply miss. It is during the third week of August that marks the festivities annually held in Davao city, famous for being the 'Fruit Basket of the Philippines'. At this time of the year, most produce and fruits are in season with the local fruit Durian, fondly named as 'King of the Fruits' leading the pack. Also showcased are the fruits throughout the year such as the pomelo, banana, mangosteen, lanzones and rambutan. These are just few of the treats that make people come and visit Davao City, be it the locals or foreigners alike. Davao City, being home to the Philippine's highest peak, Mt. Apo and of the country's National bird, the Philippine Eagle (also one of the world's largest eagles) boasts of a grand week-long celebration during the Kadayawan festival. Various shows, tourism activities, contests joined by students and adults are sponsored by civic organizations. One of the exciting highlights is the much- awaited street dancing called, 'Indak-indak sa Kadalanan' where participating students and professionals happily march the city streets clad in the native costumes and music instruments. Not to be missed too is the extravagant Floral and Fruits parade showing the ingenuity and artistry of the Davaoeños as they uniquely decorate their respective floats using flowers, leaves and fruits that are distinctively available only in the city.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, August 13, 2009
For the fashion world, the runway is the center of all things trendy and beautiful. Exquisite textiles being worn by gorgeous models always seem to catch everyone's attention. But this is only the case with those who are fashion conscious. How about those who prefer a more masculine form of appreciation for all things beautiful?
Enter the car show. Car shows are the equivalent of a trendy fashion show for men who like to appreciate the beauty, craftsmanship and performance of the world's greatest cars. The runway has been replaced by velvet ropes surrounding these awesome pieces of art and machinery. Many car owners who put their automobiles for show affectionately refer to their cars in the feminine form. "She's a beauty, isn't she?" is one line you might hear from a car owner or manufacturer. Car shows don't usually have automobiles for sale similar to fashion shows. You don't buy cars or clothing within the car show or fashion show. It is only there to give you an idea of what these different manufacturers and designers have to offer.
Whether its Italian supercars, hi tech Japanese imports, American muscle or vintage cars, car shows offer a unique spectacle for owners and manufacturers to present themselves. Trade show banners adorn the walls and surrounddings of a convention center. Car owners and manufacturers sit behind tables with custom table bannners showing the maker they represent, much like a fashion show and press conference rolled into one. The car manufacturers are the Guccis and Pradas of the automobile world while the cars themselves are the sultry models showing the best of them. What could be more beautiful?
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, the thing causing confusion in faith is religion? One religion says this and that while the some other always has a counter argument. Well, it is evident that every religion has its own beliefs, therefore, anyone who believes in another would be confused. They say that religion cannot save a soul because faith does and it is true as written in the scriptures. But how do we measure our faith? Is it by going to our worship place everyday? Or is it by standing firm on what we believe or by carrying Christian hand held flags? All the things mentioned above could be divine to the human eye or worse, can be perceived as an act of hypocrisy. It is divine for some because they exhibit faith, not being afraid to be persecuted for what they believe in. People consider them as those who believe by faith. But on the second thought, do they really believe? Meanwhile, others are perceived by the society as hypocrites. They pray and sometimes carry the Israel - Zion flag, shouting the name of God. They acknowledge themselves as the sons of Israel. But are they being hypocrites or do they stand for their faith?
One can't judge a person if you haven't really known him and one can't judge someone as to who he actually is when you haven't seen him doing simple things. For those who are perceived to be faithful, at times people are right. They do exercise their faith but they can be wrong sometimes. A wolf can always wear a sheep's wool, as they say. And for those who are considered to be hypocrites, often times, people are right. Yes, no one is a prophet in his own homeland. Little do they know, a person might turn out to be a savior, just like Jesus Christ.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Advertising has come a long way. Cave paintings are our ancestors' way of showing directions to the nearest hunting ground. Different hunters that find different hunting grounds gain reputations and become important figures in the tribe. Today isn't very different. Companies are competing in getting as much people into their product line as they can by almost any ethical means possible. Cave paintings have evolved into custom flags, table banners , large format billboards, neon signs and so on. Multimedia is a whole different story. Sometimes simpler is better.
Banners are one of the most common ways of advertising a product. A well designed banner can essentially lure and hypnotize a passerby into reading whatever it is that's on it. They are cheap, easy to display and don't need that much maintenance. They can do wonders for the company that commissions them or drown them in controversy.
Billboards are another way of telling people about your product, event, and so on. Billboards often have sparse pieces of information. This is because most billboards are displayed on highways and roads. People won't have enough time to read too much information. A well made advertising campaign uses a combination of billboards banners and flyers each having more and more information respectively
With the dawn of the television, advertising has grown into an art form. A college degree in advertising was unheard of half a century ago. This only proves that advertising has become a serious matter and contributes to the growth of any company.
by: The Flagman
Monday, August 10, 2009
It's getting hot in here. No, I'm not talking about that rap song. It really is getting warmer around the world because of a phenomenon called global warming. As the name suggests, it affects the entire world. This is partly the reason for all these erratic weather patterns we have been experiencing in recent years. Should we be scared? I think we should. If you look around you might even see custom street banners telling you to!
Since the industrial revolution, we have been releasing harmful chemicals and gases into the air. At first we thought that the number of factories doing this shouldn't be able to cause drastic changes. 50 years later, we are starting to eat our own words because industries have grown exponentially. Tons of harmful carbon based compounds pollute the air and trap solar radiation in the atmosphere causing a rise in temperature. This is called the greenhouse effect. Although the hole in the ozone layer is slowly reforming its getting hotter and hotter. It's so hot that some people would even rush outside at the slightest hint of movement in the trees or flagpoles on a hot day because of the breeze!
It's hard to say that it's not entirely our fault but the fact of the matter is that we really are the ones to blame. Even the seemingly mundane act of using spray on cologne or deodorant might seem harmless. But there are millions of people in the world. Imagine all these people simultaneously spraying aerosols into the air at the same time!
by: The Flagman
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sometimes we just can't help but reminisce. We just can't help but remember how we were as children growing up in a strange, strange world. It almost seems that everyday was new to us to some extent. Then, when we reach a certain age, the world just starts being boring or worse, just plain ugly.
Having a neutral or negative outlook on the world doesn't only affect ourselves; it affects the people around us as well. Though it's quite hard to go back to the times when we viewed the world with such awe and innocence, we shouldn't take it out on everyone else, most especially with our children.
Do you remember the time when your family would go on a picnic? Mom spreads the cloth on the grass while dad would help you get the kite from the trunk of the car. You would look at the clouds or stare at a nearby flagpole to watch for wind. And the rest of the day would be spent with you in awe as the kite takes flight.
When we become mothers and fathers, it becomes natural for us to shield our children from whatever we have come to realize about the world in our time of growing up. We always have to make sure that the world isn't boring or ugly for them until it is time for them to be on their own. Until they walk the aisle, diploma in hand and custom banners raised signifying achievements, parents will always be proud and be there for them.
by: The Flagman
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hip Hop music has just taken the world by the storm. A lot of new artists are coming out faster than new clothing trends come out every season. Hip hop songs are getting more and more creative; there are newer collaborations between artists, newer approaches in music, and newer beats composed. However, today, hip hop has become more than just a musical genre. It has also evolved into being a subculture.
You easily spot the hip hop worshipping youth today. They are dressed in baggy jeans, have multiple piercing and seem to own the streets as they walk upon them. Hip hop has cuddled a lot of time slots in music channels lately, all showing off a lifestyle that a lot of youth looks up to and wants to follow.
The danger in this hip hop hugging generation is that they are blinded by the glamour of it all, that they fail to analyze what really is going on on the side. A lot of hip hop music videos feature scantily clad women who are treated by the male artists often as sexual objects. They call these women in names which they don't deserve to be called, such as bitch, slut and whore among others. Moreover, there are a lot of supposedly detrimental things in these videos, like drugs, alcohol, gambling, mugging and stealing, which are packaged very much like the ideal lifestyle, hidden behind those bling blings, shiny street banners and caviar.
So the next time you watch a hip hop video, do you see the red flags now?
by: The Flagman
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Have you ever dreamed of going to another country? Everyone seems to want to just get out of where they are at the moment and see new world flags as they get out of the airport. Because of this, tourism is one of the most profitable industries in the world. This industry thrives because of one widely known fact: the world is amazing.
The funny thing is, what might be mundane and ordinary to us here might be something new and otherworldly for people in other countries. We often see tourists portrayed in movies as people with miniature flags who never run out of gasps while their tour guides seem a lot less enthusiastic about the sights. Whenever we immerse ourselves in a totally new culture alien to our own, it is like being reborn as someone new. We have to relearn everything in the context of wherever we are staying. And like they always say: 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'.
Another big thing about tourism is that sometimes, people need not invest much in putting up tourist spots. Each country has something unique about it. Whether it's the architecture, the culture or the nature, all countries have their own special experiences that have existed even before the concept of money even existed! Another great thing about tourism is the fact that some forests become reserves that are meant to be untouched. Some of these reserves become national parks and they help maintain the green-ness of the countries that have them.
by: The Flagman
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
House parties are always the center of attraction for teenagers. What an ideal party needs is good food, good music, people and lots and lots of booze. The louder the party, the better and the more participants, the nicer the party goes. Normally, the hosts of the party would want their celebration to be noticed by all. While sparks and fireworks remain popular, others go for chain messages and some would hang custom flags of very good and colorful designs. Party hosts als0 want popular people to be in the party and when we say popular, we really mean popular. He or she could be the hottest chick on campus or the whole basketball team as long as you get tagged as the coolest guy for inviting them. Then the party goes on and on same as any other house party.
Although people put to much concentration on staging a great party, they overlook the fact that it's just the same house party. A story being told over and over again. It's crowded, it's full of posers and popular people, so what else is new? Some people say that gay and lesbian house parties are really different. Yes, you don't want to be in one if you're straight. But for the heck of it, I tried being in one of those parties. You will know for sure that it is a gay or lesbian party because you would surely see a pride flag in one corner. Just like normal house parties, it has the same music, booze and food. The different thing is that there are no barriers. Everyone is equal and all are having fun. No one is being shoved by the school jock to the corner and no one is looking you down. Everyone is smiling and enjoying the party as it is. Well, if you'd dare, try it. It is one party you don't want to miss.
by: The Flagman
Monday, August 3, 2009
Is life always a race to the finish line? Life, amongst all its aspects, humans, elite or mediocre only want two things, love and happiness. People need love to be fulfilled and happiness to feel the fullness of life. But why do people rush things as if they are in a race? Yes, life is always considered a race, fast-paced, dangerous and exciting. According to a quote in the movie Forrest Gump, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you'll never know what you'll get". If only people would realize this, they might not take or perceive life as an endless race.
It is clear that people somehow and sometime rush things. As if they want things to happen in a flash. They never see the yellow caution race flag of life. They never see the danger that lurks in the corner. They want everything to happen so fast but then when the moment they wanted comes their way, people wish it would never end. They cling to things especially if these are about love and happiness. However, it becomes dangerous as it can be a self induced poison. To wallow in happiness and never think of tomorrow or to disregard love only to find out they let go of the perfect one. Both scenarios only lead to regret and depression.
If still people want to perceive life as a race then so be it. If it's about life make the race short, set goals and go for gold. Always see the checkered flag and perceive every moment as an individual race. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but that makes life beautiful. To enjoy the feel of victory and triumph of each moment and to learn from the lessons of every loss. In life we win, we lose but still we keep on living, for love, for happiness and for someone above.
by: The Flagman
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