It always feels great to say we are proud to be pinoy to other nationalities. Especially with all the Filipinos around world, in different countries, talking and/or conveying message to foreign nationals, Filipinos who are about 10 million in population overseas in different walks of life.

Though there have been many situations and reasons for us that we are proud to be pinoy, one of the notable points in our history, is when Filipinos are so important in the globalization program of almost all countries. The skills of Filipinos and working attitudes are exceptional that we are being part of these transitions of other nations’ development, until this present time and for sure as well as in the future.

Have you encountered the article entitled  "A Day Without Filipinos"? As one of the point of the article states, imagine the world without us Filipinos. What do you think would happen if all pinoys vanished? Like engineers in middle east, domestic helpers in Hong Kong, entertainers in Japan, doctors, nurses in U.S. and U.K., nuns and priests in Rome, pinoys in United Nations building and all over the world. Would I even want to try to imagine that?

As part of these proud moments in our history, Filipinos overseas are growing bigger in numbers with each year passing by, which in turn, inarguable, helps lifts our economy by sending billions of dollar remittances back in Philippines. Highest exchange rate was in 2005 with 1USD is to 56PHP. Now, while I am writing this blog, its 1USD to 45PHP.

Not just overseas. Back in our home land, the development by globalization of some nations is also and again relying on us Filipinos. With the booming industries of outsourcing, call centers have become dependent on Filipinos back home. Filipinos in the export industries are doing their fair share as well in the dollar inflows.

In so many ways we must say we are proud to be pinoy. With our rich history, culture and traditions, natural resources, people, places, achievements and much more. I love being pinoy and proud to be born and raised Filipino.

In behalf of all Filipinos overseas, as myself is also an overseas Filipino worker, I am doing a little part in this OFW phenomenon which helps build other nations, helps build our own nation, helps build a good life for our family back home, let the whole world know, “I am PROUDLY PINOY!”

In another way, I want also to contribute to this “PROUDLY PINOY LOGO DESIGN COMPETION”. Winning prize is the least in my worries. I am just proudly doing it for my country. Just like that.

Check out their website: http://www.proudlypinoy.org/

I love all the works in there. It’s all beautiful. Kudos to you all who made those entries, and all the people behind this program and website.

Here are my entries: http://noelsaniel.multiply.com/photos/album/24

And here is the link to my other post regarding this logos:  http://noelsaniel.multiply.com/journal/item/7

http://philippines.multiply.com/journal

http://philippines.multiply.com/photos/album/144

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Sa panahon ngayon ng ating kasaysayan, maituturing ko na isa sa mga akmang pagkakataon ito upang ihayag ang mga katagang “Taas-noong Pilipino”.

Masarap sa pakiramdam na sambitin sa ibang lahi na ipinagmamalaki natin ang ating pagiging Pilipino. Lalo ngayon na ang Pilipino ay nasa buong mundo, sa iba’t ibang bansa, nakikipag-usap at naghahayag ng mensahe sa iba’t ibang mga nasyonalidad, mga Pilipinong iba’t iba ang katayuan sa ibayong dagat na halos 10 milyon ang populasyon .

Marami mang kaganapan o kadahilanan upang tayo’y magmalaki bilang Pilipino, isang tanyag na punto ng ating kasaysayan, ay nang ang mga Pilipino ay napakahalaga sa programang pang-globalisasyon ng halos lahat ng mga bansa. Ang kakayahan at kaugalian sa hanap-buhay ng mga Pilipino ay hindi maikakaila na ito’y nagiging bahagi ng pag-unlad ng iba’t ibang bansa maging hanggang ngayon at sa darating na panahon.
 
Nabasa na ba ninyo ang artikulong "A Day Without Filipinos"? Ayon sa isang punto ng artikulong ito, ipalagay nating walang Pilipino sa buong mundo. Ano sa tingin ninyo ang maaring mangyari sakaling mawala lahat ng Pilipino sa mundo? Gaya ng mga enhinyero sa middle east, katiwalang-bahay in Hong Kong, musikero at mananayaw sa Japan, mga doktor at tagapag-alaga sa U.S. at U.K., mga madre at pari sa Rome, mga pinoy sa gusali ng United Nations at kung saan pa man sa buong mundo. maganda ba kayang isipin ito na ito'y mangyayari?

Bahagi ng mga pagkakatong maipagmamalaki sa ating kasaysayan ay patuloy na pagdami ng mga Pilipino sa ibayong dagat. Hindi natin maikakalila na sa ganitong situwasyon ay umaangat ang ating kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng mga ipinadadala ng ating mga kababayan sa kanilang pamilya sa Pilipinas. Ang pinakamataas na palitan ng pera noong taong 2005 ay 1 dolyar ay halagang 56 pesos. Sa ngayon, habang aking isinusulat ito, ang palitan ng 1 dolyar ay halagang 45 pesos.

Hindi lamang sa ibayong dagat. Gayundin sa Pilipinas, ang pag-unlad sa pamamagitan ng globalisasyon ng iba’t ibang bansa ay nakasalalay din sa mga Pilipino. Sa pagunlad ng industriyang ”outsourcing”, ang mga “call centers” rin ay nakasalalay sa mga Pilipino sa Pilipinas. Gayundin ang kalakalan natin sa ibang lupain ay mayroon ding sapat na bahagi sa pagpasok ng dolyar sa ating bansa.

Sa napakaraming paraan ay ating ihayag na ipinagmamalaki nating tayo ay pinoy. Sa ating malawak na kasaysayan, kultura at tradisyon, mga likas na kayamanan,  mga taong-bayan, mga pook, mga naisagawa at iba pa. Mahal ko ang aking pagiging Pilipino at ipinagmamalaki ko na ako ay isinilang at pinalaki na isang Pilipino.

Sa ngalan ng mga Pilipino sa ibayong dagat, katulad ko na isa ring manggagawang Pilipino sa labas ng bansa, ako ay nakikibahagi sa kaganapan ng OFW na nakatutulong sa pag-unlad ng iba’t ibang nasyon, nakatutulong sa pag-unlad ng sarili nating bansa, at nakatutulong magbigay ng kabuhayan sa ating pamilya sa Pilipinas, nais kong ihayag sa buong mundo, “ako ay TAAS-NOONG PILIPINO”.

http://www.proudlypinoy.org/ 

Less than 7 years ago, I was in dire need of 5 gran and it was for one of my brothers’ tuition fee. As far as I can remember, I was supposed to receive that exact amount from our company bonus and that didn’t materialize for some reasons.

I have no idea WHERE?, WHEN? or HOW? am I going to pop the money out. Neither how am I going to say this to my parents knowing that it’s part of the pre-arranged responsibility of mine in our family since I got my first job and salary.

I guess my prayers were heard up there when Teresa came to me one day with a leaflet from her sister about an upcoming logo contest for a religious organization - Pastoral Warriors of the Holy Souls. Heading says “Win P5000 in cash”, which I thought was a direct, point blank shot at my face saying “WIN THIS ONE, NOW!”.

I was partly happy because at least I know my problem about the question WHERE is solved but there’s 2 more, and answers for that were uncertain. HOW? - For sure I need to compete with other participants and I have no idea how many of them are. WHEN? - The time the prize money is awarded to the winner and I have no idea if I will be the lucky one.

Below here is the rest of the story. It’s an article from the website of the hosting organization.

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LOGO CONTEST WINNER

The judging of the logo contest took place on June 22, 2000 during the core group meeting set on the same day. Those present who judged the entries were: Chita T. G. Monfort, Susan Paredes, Chit Cailles, Chi Gonzales, Eleonor C. Mendoza, Vic Sevilla Jr., Ter Maloles, Carlos Oda, and Fr. Jojo for the final judging. Many beautiful entries were submitted to the office: a total of 58 entries. The more outstanding ones were submitted by: Jose Ramon L. Ramos, Dindo Valenciano, Sam Izumi, Maria Pianne S. Talay, Dominador Laroza, Leonardo G. Cereno, Terence Lewin L. Yap, Renato Mallar Jr., Hospitaler Sisters.

Prior to the judging, all the entries were exhibited on the folding-wall of the boardroom of the Guevent office. The core group members looked over each entry considering the content, creativity and relevance to the organization. Each core group member made a choice narrowing down to eight best choices. From the best eight choices, the judges selected the best three logo designs. And then, in another selection Mr. Noel B. Saniel became the winner of the cash prize of P5,000 pesos. Noel was born on April 23, 1977 in Pasay City. He finished Fine Arts at the University Santo Tomas and now is an Industrial Designer at Lara’s Gifts & Decors.

Many thanks to all those who submitted their entries. We could see their efforts, talents and dedication to the cause of our humble organization.

Here’s the link - http://www.pwhs-mfi.org/newsletter/news5/logo_contest.htm

-END-

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Well, you can say I could be a lucky guy. I guess I will have to share to you the true other side of this story, with honesty.

You see I really have to win this. I thought, maybe up there, He thinks that I deserve it but definitely I have to work harder to earn it. That is what I thought I exactly did.

The whole week before the deadline for submission of entries, I was so into it. I spent almost all hours of my days sketching ideas, shorlisting the concepts and making the designs and all. My goal was to have the frontline edge of winning this by submitting exactly 20 pieces of well thought, well prepared, well presented entries. I did.

Teresa handed over all my entries to her sister whom in turn, handed it to the hosting org.

From their article, they said there were 58 entries. DANG! 20 of those were mine. I was competing with the other 38.

Last details I heard from Teresa’s sister was that they shorlisted it to top 10. Then 5 of the 10 were mine. Talking about competing with the 5 best entries. Then I heard they shortlisted it to 3 and only 1 of my designs got in. That was the winning logo. (see logo at my photo album section, 'blog pics' folder)

Just for added info, I never saw and I was never present on all the process that the contest went through. I was only present in their office in Mandaluyong in one occasion – when they called me to pick up the prize money.

Did I say I was in dire need of P5000? Haha! Thank HIM up there I say.

P.S.

You’ll see that they posted in their website together
with the article a funny picture of me that I submitted.
It was a resume 2x2” pic shot around 1997.
Trying hard to look best in business attire
but ended up looking like an ELECTROLUX agent
with the tie on and funny haircut. Haha!

(see picture at my photo album section, "blog pics' folder)

3 weeks ago, I woke up early in the morning to go to PAL office here in Saigon to book my ticket going back to manila for xmas holiday. Before heading out of my room, while trying to check my bag, I suddenly found out that I lost my ticket which unfortunately worth more than 600 bucks. Of course I'm sure I might have just misplaced it somewhere and I just need to calm down and try looking for it anywhere for days around the house, like a contestant of “finders keepers” show.

Well, I thought I did try my best but I cant seem to find it. I then just called up PAL office to seek advise on what to do regarding the lost ticket. As expected, I was told that I have to go through filing papers like affidavit and pay for having it notarized then pay again for the charge for printing of new ticket. The filipino PAL manager is quite optimistic and told me to just try again and look for it once more to be sure.

During my friendly conversation to this newly appointed manager….(syempre binarkada ko na si manong, ang bait sakin kasi pareho kami taga-Bicol ), the topic of the coming xmas party of the Filipino community  here in Saigon came up and he was telling me to attend. Most of pinoys here are quite reluctant to attend due to the high price of ticket which is 35 bucks. “Sayang eh, almost 2000 pesos din yun” is what pinoys commonly utters when ask about  attending the party. Eventhough everyone knew about the 35bucks ticket will be raffled on the party and the grand prize is a round trip ticket to manila. “Mabuti sana kung ako ang mananalo nung round trip tiket, eh di a-attend ako” is what you’ll hear from all of us. As for the manager, he told me that for sure he will have to be there ‘coz he’s the one  who’s going to be awarding the ticket to the winner.

More than a week after I lost my ticket, out of nowhere I just felt like I know where could have been the lost ticket were. I grab my bag removing all things inside it and the last white piece I saw was just right on the very bottom, appears to be a cigarette. I took it out and it turned out to be the lost ticket, curled and rolled in the shape of cigarette….dang! how stupid I am. YOOOHHOOOOHH!!! Stupid is as stupid does. There I went…..off to the PAL office and booked my flight. The manager came up and as expected….”sabi ko sayo hanapin mo uli eh makikita mo rin”…..NAAKSSS naka-bida pa.

Last Sunday, December 13 was the scheduled early xmas party of the Filipino community. Anyways, I opted to attend just to experience for the first time being in the pinoy xmas party here in vietnam. Okay lang to pay 35dollars….kasi malay mo ako manalo sa raffle ng round trip ticket…diba?. Well, as one of the most awaited highlights of the party is the last part- the raffle of the ticket….everyone stayed and raffle begins.

                        With Teresa at the Xmas party of "Samahan ng Pilipino sa Vietnam".

First ticket was drew and my fingers was crossed, then the number was two digits….mine was three digits so I let loose of my fingers and thinks its ok ‘coz there is another tiket….i mean theres 2 round trip ticket to be raffled out. Next ticket was drew and the host said again its two digits…..wheeww, its number “44”, Im done……but then everyone is looking around and nobody is standing up to claim the prize…..all the pinoys is shouting….”going once……number 44” the hosts said. “Going twice……..WALA?” then the host ask for to draw a new number. YESSSS! ......Im back in the ballgame I thought. The numbers of tickets in the bowl is about 300 stubs but then….”its three digits” the host said…....I told to myself  “yes, yes, yes”. Crossing my fingers, I heard the first two numbers were “1,…5,……” together with the drum rolling for the background. The host shouted…” ITS…154!!! ”. YEESSSS!!!!. I stood up straight raising my hands holding my ticket number…man its....…154 it is. Then the whole room full of more than 300 pinoy expats here in vietnam staring at me in silence with the looks of  “syeeettt, bakit sya nanalo…dapat ako eh, sayang”……..except for some of my good friends around who were as excited as me. I walked to the stage towards my new friend, the PAL manager who also can’t believe that  my ticket is 154. They had to check my ticket and its official….I won. YOOOOHOOOOHH!!!!!!.

While handing out to me the ticket with videos and cameras flashing in front of us, and as  I was being instructed to pose for them,……. PAL manager butts out on me…..“Napakaswerte mong bata ka pare koy, benta mo na lang to, diba nakita mo na yung nawawala mong tiket bwahahaha!!! ”.

So then…..my friends in manila..…I’ll be home for xmas and new year……and I’ll be home in manila as well on February…courtesy of PAL and my 35bucks raffle ticket.

                                          The certificate and ticket awarded to me by PAL.

P.S.:

While walking out of the banquet room of the party, many pinoys came up to me for the  “swerte mo, congatulations” parting words, even the philippine ambassador and consulate general……… but there is one I wont forget for a while. From the guy outside  who is assigned to handout all minor prizes, came up to me and tap my shoulder and said “ang swerte mo pre, busy ako sa trabaho ko dito sa labas”  then flashing his ticket right on my face.  Unfortunately for him and fortunately for me ……..It’s the ticket number “44”.

Drizzling Mizzle

by Noel Saniel

Tears falling from the skies

Is it tears from bliss or from sorrow

How many of them up there are crying

How many of them are in joy and elation
 

Showers, sprinkles from the clouds

It may only mean just falling water from….

….high above or just a rain to anyone

But it could mean different things to someone

Drizzling from above us

Flows down on my face

And I see them smile

I smile too and I laugh

Drizzling all around us

Running down the windowpanes

But behind some of the windows

Are miserable souls maybe in pain

Drizzling all over us

From the leaves around, its dripping

And it resonates tranquility

That rejuvenates my spirit
 

Drizzling and then gone

Then comes back drizzling again

In different ways it magically

Touches moments of our lives

Mizzle, descending from the heavens

Moisten our feelings, our inner thoughts

It creates texture to any of our experiences

Leaves our days misty for a while

Mizzle, when its through its never over

It always leaves a beautiful token for us

A rainbow will show up somewhere

To remind us that earlier there was a mizzle

Right after my college graduation, I was so excited to kick-start my professional career as a designer. At the end of that graduation week, I grab the first Sunday issue of manila bulletin. The choice of newspaper for most of the unemployed during that time to cut sheets of job posting from the thick pages of its classified ads section. Going through those ads, I suddenly realized that the common requirement for an applicant would be having at least 3 years of professional experience. I luckily found few that has this “fresh graduates may apply” on one of the bullets of preferences. Then I told myself that I’ll just have to settle to whatever comes my way. I mean whatever company would hire me is alright as long as I would stay there for 3 years at the least. Then I’ll just cross the next bridge from there.

With luck on my side, the first ad that I applied for from that first Sunday newspaper I bought, hired me. I was really having a great time with my progressing career that I was not able to notice I’m already in my 7^th year as a designer for that company without even thinking of finding another job. Then time came when there were lots of sudden changes around that affected my career in negative ways and I have to decide to part ways from my company, old time colleagues, friends and family as well. I was hired to work in Vietnam and there I started a new chapter of my life. I found out that one of the main reason I was hired by my new employer was because of my long years of experience and the fact that it was from one and only company. It reflects all positive points for me. Great contributor to the company’s growth, highly skilled, well experienced and the likes, are points that it speaks of, of which I’m may proudly say that fits me.

Changes, we always have to go through this. Again, time came for another sudden changes when my professional career is at stake. I had to take another firm stand and decide wisely. For the 2^nd time in my life, I filed my resignation last month ceasing my service from my current employer after almost 2 years with him. Today(9/30/06), will be my last day and will start a new chapter in my career as a designer for a new employer in the coming days. I am optimistic with my career direction right now and whatever lies ahead with this new chapter, with fingers crossed and another blessings from the real designer, the Creator, this is going to be another beautiful long years of experience.

check my design portfolio at - http//www.cloroflot.com/DZYNE