From Bumbay To Indiyano

I would like to believe that in this modern age, Filipinos have (finally) realised that calling Indians bumbay is not only inaccurate but can also be potentially offensive. Bombay (stress on the first syllable), which is the origin of bumbay (stress on the last syllable), apparently comes from a 16th century Portuguese pronunciation of Mumbai - the financial capital of India. Do you think the Indians call us manila or makati?

Anyroad, with the fading usage of bumbay, Filipinos have now come to use another word; one that would appear politically correct but is in fact another poorly chosen name: indiyano.

In popular linguistics, words such as this would be dubbed 'salitang siyokoy' (I will share other examples sometime else). Like the folkloric siyokoy (roughly, mermen), who are neither fully human nor fully fish, this new word is neither Spanish nor English but something else: an abomination born out of ignorance of both languages.

In English, the appropriate (and only) word for someone who is a native of India would be 'Indian'. In Spanish, believe it or not, the word is 'indio' (masculine) or 'india' (feminine). If this is confusing, remember that when European colonists first encountered the natives of the Americas and the Malayan archipelago, they thought they were in India.

Now where does this all lead us? I am not too sure, really. Whilst I am sure that the ancient, pre-colonial Filipinos traded with the Indians, what I am not sure about is what they called them. Can somebody direct me to the correct answer? Until then, I confine myself to "Indian" or "indio".

By the way, the beautiful (and foxy) lady above is Aishwarya Rai - a popular Bollywood actress of Tulu descent. A beauty, is she not?

Christians Persecuted Once Again

Sorry, I could not help but share this:

Christians Persecuted Once Again

I usually don't pay much heed to Christians in North America crying that they are being persecuted and discriminated against, but I think they just might have a case here:



The latest assault against Christianity is a nefarious organization calling for a (gasp) "No Name-Calling Week" at schools. The fact that many gay rights organizations support the initiative is evidence enough that this is all a liberal plot to take away children's god-given right to torment homosexuals.

Imagine good Christian children having to survive for a whole week without being able to call anybody a faggot. If that isn't persecution I don't know what is. In fact, Linda Harvey, spokeswoman for the Christian activist group Mission America "contends the effort promotes hate, not tolerance", because homosexuality is actually a hate crime. "The only hate around is homosexuality itself. It hates the natural human body and spirit, and opposes truth at every level".

They feel that forcing children to be respectful to each other goes against everything the bible teaches. And according to Harvey the world began descending into anarchy and darkness the moment we began teaching kids to be tolerant of others. "Christians are not the oppressors, nor the creators of division in schools. This horrendous behavior is. And it will not end, even if Christians were to leave. Actually, all that's restraining total barbarism is the few true Christians left,".

Another glass of Kool-Aid Linda Harvey?

Posted by Brian at 17:14 Tuesday, 27 January 2009

"Dirty Dancing" with Brandon and Logan

Some say these guys are straight. Some say they're gay. I say: Does it really matter? I wouldn't give a shit. These strapping young lads are way too cool! Isn't it just fun to be secure?

New Blog: Man Talks

MTM is a blog about men, for men, written by men.

You can check them out at: http://mantalksmanstuff.blogspot.com.

"Because real men can hold hands."

MTM is about male-male relationships: about men and their need for intimacy, affection, and bonding with other men.

MTM promotes brotherhood between blokes who desire only the best for their fellow blokes. We aim to limit if not nullify the effects of social oppression towards men (whether by other men or by women, or by society in general). We are not unlike Men's Movement in this respect.

MTM is about male-male sexuality: about men and their sexual attraction to other men, and the need to eliminate irrational fears and inhibitions in regard to these feelings.

MTM is not about 'homosexuality', as it includes female-female sexuality, and has historically been [incorrectly] associated with sexual misconduct (eg: sodomy), mental conditions (eg: GID), culture-specific sexual identities (eg: Gay), and transgender - which all deserve blogs of their own.

MTM is not about misogyny. We do not think that males are better than females. We do not, and cannot, hate women. We believe that both sexes have their differences but are nonetheless born equal.

MTM is not against male-female sexuality. By all means, indulge in it if you feel it natural. Humans, like most primates, are naturally "bisexual" beings. We are attracted to whoever is "hot" regardless of gender.

MTM is not for perverts looking to get laid. Sex is a good thing but this is not a channel for meaningless sexual exploits. We believe that sex should be treated with respect.

And lastly, the bros of MTM are not infallible. We do not claim to be experts on sexual health, sociology, psychology or anthropology. You may use the comments section to argue with, for, or against any material you see as unacceptable on an objective level.

Note: Posts from MTM shall be cross posted here under 'ManTalks'.

Rak Haeng (the love of) Siam

I know the movie aired 15 months ago but I just watched it two days ago.

And I loved it!

However, as I am not too good with reviews unless rage is involved, often just redirecting others to identical sentiments made by better review-writers, I quote user huangtianci from IMDb [parentheses are mine]:

Melancholic yet hopeful

I love this movie!

Despite the recent controversy about gay issues in Thailand, this movie is not focused only on gay romances, [or even being "gay"] but love in general.

In the movie, we witness various types of people's relationships and the acts of love they do to each other, whether they are of mother and son, brother and sister, grandmother and grandson, husband and wife, or the love among friends.

'As long as there's love, there's hope'. This sentence is from one of the film's theme songs (which are mostly written by the director-writer himself [and sung by both him and Witwisit]), and it exactly presents the tone of the movie: heartwarming and hopeful.

While being promoted as a movie about love, 'Rak haeng Siam' is also one of the best family and coming of age movies ever made. We can see how the characters have to cope with their past losses, and how they overcome their grief. The teenagers have found who they really are, what they want, and go on with their lives. These serious topics are delicately presented, [like a drama minus the stress] thanks to the director who brilliantly helms the movie.

All the main cast are at their best, especially veteran Sinjai Plengpanit, as a woman who's desperate to save her family from being torn apart. Her performance is heartbreaking. Another praise for newcomers Witwisit Hirunwongkul and Mario Maurer, who play the major teenage roles. They are so into the characters we could believe this is real.

'Rak haeng Siam' is indeed a good film as many have said. It tells us even though our love is unanswered, we can still learn from it, and we should be grateful that, at least, we are once capable of loving.

Principessa

"If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness." [Marjorie Garber]

Last week that 'profound sadness' came to be. My dog of 17 years passed away. I cried...more of wept, actually. I did not think I would, but I did. And honestly, I do not think I have gotten over her loss yet. She was not a pet. I do not believe in keeping 'pets'. She was that member of the family who happened to be a dog.

This space I leave in honour of my Principessa: friend and guardian. Run along, mighty paw; run along with the holy hounds. Run along with Artemis. Her bow and arrows look after you now.

And to Artemis Potnia Theron, I thank you for your mercy. On my dog's grave I placed some rice, sugar and an egg. Please give it to her. Take her to the fields and help her cross mountains of wild thyme. She likes the open spaces. And when the time comes that I am ready to meet her on the Rainbow Bridge, please accompany her.

This space is also for you, Mistress.



"Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of Man without his vices." [Lord Byron at the grave of his beloved Boatswain]

I can say the same for my Principessa.

Anubis In Dallas

This is the God Anubis or Yinepu.

According to this man in his article: "He is that wacky Egyptian god with the head of a jackal and the body of a human, [who] is [now] hanging around Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Actually, a 26-foot-tall statue of Mr. Anubis, known as the god of the dead or the underworld, was installed Friday at Founders Plaza, at the airport's northwest corner."

We had a few things to say in regard to this, however.

Posted by random @ 3:37 AM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

Isn't Anubis supposed to be the Gatekeeper of the Underworld? I mean I know airports are Hell during the holidays, but isn't this taking things a little too literally...?

Posted by Rob @ 3:12 PM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

It might behoove you to be a little more respectful of the beliefs of others. Anubis still has adherents around the world (and no, I'm not one of them); would you be inclined to refer to Jesus as "that wacky Semitic god with the nifty crown of thorns?"

Anubis is not "Mr." anything; would you refer to Jehovah as "Mr. Jehovah?"

Kindly grow up and acquire a little respect for others.

Posted by Masks Off!!!! @ 7:51 PM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

Rob,

Were you offended? Are you practicing the religion of the pharaohs? If so, nice point.

If not, get over yourself.

Posted by R. Reidy @ 8:00 PM Sat, Dec 27, 2008

Your comments about the god Anubis are very offensive and betray a triumphalist christian smugness towards the gods of other cultures.

Learn a little humility towards those of other faiths. Would you say equally smart-mouth things about Jesus, or the Buddha, or the deities of Hindus, etc.?

Posted by Rob @ 2:20 AM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

Masks Off, I do not personally worship Anubis, but I do know that there are those who do. I do not believe I am out of line in asking for a little respect for their faith. As a member of a minority religion myself, I find myself having to stand up for unusual beliefs, so I also stand up for the beliefs of others.

And from the looks of things, I'm not alone.

Posted by HiC @ 11:43 AM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

I should like to toss my voice into the mix as having found the tone and reference to Anubis objectionable and insulting. I mean..."wacky"? Really?! That seems rather condescending and colonialist ("Oh those funny savages back then").

A bit of sensitivity towards things that aren't American or Christian in the future would be most appreciated.

Posted by Katherine M. @ 2:03 PM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

The worst part is that they replaced his traditional scepter with a candy cane. This statue was created to be a guard of honor for the pharaoh Tutankhamun- which was a wonderful gesture by the organizers of that king's tour- and now we caricature him into yet another cheap, commercial Christmas ornament? What's next, shall we have Jesus singing "Jingle Bells" while being nailed to the cross?

I would have loved to have visited this monument and seen it treated with a decent amount of respect. As it is, the placement of this statue hardly "highlights the cultural and economic significance" of anything- only the inability of the airport to appreciate the honor of hosting this illustrious guest and their failure to treat him appropriately. It is offensive on so many levels, and I encourage the people of DFW airport to replace the wAs scepter and issue an apology.

Posted by Dan @ 5:19 PM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

Actually I do worship the gods. I'm a Greco-Egyptian Reconstruction Polytheist (Basically I worship the gods of Greece and Egypt by the ways they did in Ancient Times ((though of course modifications like no animal sacrifice)) and other gods=I worship gods of Greece and Egypt but I honor and treat respectfully all gods (Yahweh, Yama, Oghma, and etc))).

But yeah....really tempting fate there with the god of embalming and guide of souls...
They do sell alcohol at airports do they? Well then people can before their flights make libations to him before their flights for safe passage (Underworld passage that is, Anubis is equated with Hermes the Arcadian god of Travel and Money AND he guides the souls of the living in travel and the dead to the underworld. BUT I doubt these fellows had that in mind when they did this....)!!!

As for smiting, I am not sure what Anubis would do-depends if he likes the statue or not-or candycanes. Again not sure but I know a few like myself who are staying away from Dallas airport for a while.....

Posted by Masks Off!!! @ 6:44 PM Mon, Dec 29, 2008

Dan,

You're not only the minority, you may be "it".

The PC culture of the US has gone too far. You can't say "boo" without someone who worships ghosts being offended.

Get over it. It wasn't meant as an anti-Greco-Egyptian slight. Nor was it meant as a slight of those that aren't Americans or Christians.

IN THE US, WE GENERALLY REFER TO A MALE AS MISTER, Mr. OR SOME OTHER VARIATION. WHY? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE'RE USED TO DOING.

We're not used to using surnames as the first name, nor the last name after the maternal grandmothers' name.

Get over yourselves. If you're so "offended", don't read the newspaper. Don't listen to the news. And above all, don't talk to the "normal" Texan or American.

Posted by Rob @ 3:19 AM Wed, Dec 31, 2008

Masksoff, Dan is not "it." Reconstructionist Pagans are not common, but they are around. But even if he were the only one, it would still be appropriate to show respect for his beliefs, just as it would be appropriate to show basic respect for any other religion.

This isn't a "PC" issue, it's one of basic decency. What happened to that famous Southern courtesy?

"IN THE US, WE GENERALLY REFER TO A MALE AS MISTER, Mr. OR SOME OTHER VARIATION. WHY? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE'RE USED TO DOING."

So you say "Mr. Jesus?"

"Get over yourselves. If you're so "offended", don't read the newspaper. Don't listen to the news. And above all, don't talk to the "normal" Texan or American."

Yes, apparently a number of people are offended, and it's only by those people speaking up that things get changed. If you don't like it when the article writer (or you) are called on insensitive remarks, don't read the paper or, better yet, stand up with us for religious equality. You know, "liberty and justice for all."

And I would hope that the "normal" Texan or American knows about the notion that all religions are respected in this country. If you don't believe that, perhaps you'd like to read up on what happens in theocracies?

Very well said, Rob. Whilst I can let the "Mister" part slide, the "wacky" bit though was quite off. Sometimes it can be hard for mainstream folks to understand the concept of cultural sensitivity unless they are finally marginalised themselves. Bigots are still worse than insensitive, hegemonic a-holes but they are still a-holes. And they need to be shoved back to realise that shoving is rude.

Shema Yisrael...

Israel, how will our trees grow out of all this blood and rubble?

I am literally crying. I cannot even move myself to anger.

You say you are against terrorists. Terrorists slay innocent civilians. You have done the same. When will this ever end?

Shema Yisrael, it is also our land.




I am your brother Aldrin: part Levantine, wholly human.

I.I.MMIX.CE

In the end, what matters most in life is not what we have bought but what we have built;
Not what we have got but what we have shared;
Not our success but our significance;
Not what we have learnt but what we have taught;
Not our competence but our character;
Not how long we will be remembered but by whom and for what?
Live a life that matters most, live a life that really cares.

(Nicked from Raymund Quinlo via Yuoseff)

This 2009, may we love and care more, build more and share more, and for goodness' sake, make more sense. Happy two thousand and ninth International New Year!

Para po!

Pasahero: Para sa tabi.

Tsuper: Bawal po dito, doon po tayo sa babaan.

Pasahero: Para...

Tsuper (at ibang pasahero): Bawal po dito...

Pasahero: Para!

Tsuper: Mahuhuli po tayo dito...

Pasahero: Para!!! Ang layo-layo na ng lalakarin ko! (bumababang galit, sabay hampas sa pinto)


Boses Sa Itaas: Ale, hindi na namin problema kung malayo ang bahay niyo sa tamang babaan. Sumusunod lang si manong sa batas. Ngayon, kung magmamatigas pa iyang kokote niyong makunat umunawa na bumaba sa babaang taliwas sa tama, huwag niyo kaming idamay! Punheta.

More Bedtime Stories

Speaking of stupidly ever after, I totally forgot to include this one time she refused to correct a very obvious mistake of hers. I do not remember the exact words so the following are not verbatim.

Pretty Lady: "Oh, that's a funny movie, Meet the Zohans!"

Guest: "I think you mean You Don't Mess With The Zohan."

Pretty Lady: "That's what I said. Meet the Zohans, Don't Mess With The Zohan, it's all the same."



No big deal, we all have our stupid moments. But to refuse enlightenment when it is presented to you? Now, that is entirely a different matter. I personally believe it is a sin. If there is something worse than ignorance, it is wilful ignorance ie: the dangerous kind.

Kumain Ka Na Ba?

“Yes po.”

Is it so hard to just say 'opo'? I just do not understand why people say it or, worse, flaunt it. Can somebody help me? I am this close to calling them 'airheads'.

Celebrity Bedtime Stories: Lucy Torres

Once upon a time, Lucy Torres, in her show 'The Sweet Life', was presented by her guests pictures of their trip to Thailand. One of the pictures had Buddhist monks in their everyday robes.



The pretty lady said:

"Ang galing 'no! Kahit naka-sarong sila, mukha pa rin silang lalaki!" (Wow, even with sarongs on, they still look like men!)

First of all: hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Second, it is not called a sarong. Third, a sarong is also worn by men in many cultures including our own. Fourth: you are a public figure, educate yourself for crying out loud, goodness forbid that kids might believe you.

This is not the first time she has said something moronic. Once, she had continuously referred to replicas/models as 'toys' after being corrected twice and complained about a certain collectible that cost 70,000 PHP, saying it was worth the price of a good bag. Eh?

And she lived stupidly ever after.

Buy some brains, woman!


Disclaimer: This is not too say that the pretty lady is entirely stupid or is not a sensible person in other areas. My angst is simply a reaction to how she projects herself on TV. And by what she has shown me, her light is received as dim, dull going abysmally dull.

On Religious Examination, Burning Child Witches And Islamic Homosexuality

I have been reading some really interesting stuff from my favourite blogs lately which is why I have not had the chance to update both my blog and private diary. That and, of course, the life sucking nature of my job. Anyway, here are some of them.

Islamic Homosexuality in Indonesia? by Brian

Indonesia is such a baffling country. At times it seems like the hardline Muslim faction is taking control and is successfully imposing repressive Sharia laws on the populace. Yet at the same time Indonesians are not Arabs and their traditional laid back tropical island culture is not well suited to the bleak outlook of your typical austere desert dweller.

Read rest here.

Always Asking "Why" by Catherine Noble-Beyer (author of Wicca For The Rest Of Us)

If there is only one piece of advice I can give to religious seekers, it would be this: never stop asking yourself why you do what you and believe what you believe. (...) Any ritual without purpose is pointless.

Read rest here.

Religious Interpretation of Biology by Catherine Noble-Beyer

I returned home to Detroit this week to visit friends and family. Among old acquaintances I caught up with was a friend who spoke at some length about the agonizing choice he made a few years ago to give a son up for adoption.

The process included choosing the adoptive parents from a list of candidates hoping to adopt. Some of the choices were easy for him. As an example: he immediately weeded out anyone who said God had made them barren specifically in order for them to adopt his baby. He didn't want his child being raised in that sort of atmosphere.

Read rest here.

The Sad Fate of Child-Witches in Nigeria by Brian

The people of Nigeria have sunk to a new low. The Invisible Pink Unicorn has the details on the sad tale of Nigeria's so called Child-Witch problem. It seems that quite a number of parents are beginning to blame their problems on their own children, who they claim are either witches or demon-controlled in some way. Many such children are murdered outright but the survivors, these outcast children, are filling the shelters.

Read rest here.

Update on Nigerian Child Witches by Brian

In case I didn't point it out strongly enough in that last post, these atrocities are being directly caused by Evangelical Christians who are being manipulated by their pastors and prophets. It also really needs to be pointed out loud and clear that Sarah Palin's Nigerian pastor friend, the one who anointed her for public leadership, is one of the ringleaders of this anti-witchcraft movement and that Sarah Palin herself applauded the story of his chasing a witch out of town.

Read rest here.

Closing All Hallows

As we end this three day feast of darkness and death; of passing and remembering, I offer this space to a dear friend who passed away this year.

It is true what they say. You never really get over it. You can cope but you can never get over it.

I will miss you, Noel. I wish I had spent more time with you. You know that I wanted to. Fuck work! I wish I had appreciated you more. I am sorry for being grumpy with you all the time back in high school. And I am sorry it took this long, and at this state, for me to finally find you. It breaks my heart that I never got to see you again after 5 fat years. Do know that you were, and still are one of the bestest best friends I have known. I am sorry that it took me this long to tell you all this.

I shall see you again, brother. You will always be in my heart. Wait for me at the Great Shade. But not yet.

By the way, I really appreciate you visiting me that night. Thank you for forgiving me. I love you.



Those gone before, you who wish me good, hear me; guide and guard me, and when the time comes, greet me. You are neither blind nor deaf to this life I live; you did yourself once share it. I come to you in love and trust. I seek to honor you.

Ancestors, you who came before us and were the roots of our line, we ask you to come again into our lives so that we may share in your wisdom and love.

Beloved friends who went before us, we ask you to come again into our lives so that we may once again laugh with you and stand strong together through turmoil.

Dearest children who have gone before us, we ask that when you are ready to be reborn you find happiness.

The wheel of the year turns, and as we pass through the darkness together, we ask that the memory of love stay strong and that we can treasure each time that we are together, whether in this life or another.

Prayer by mothercrone