State of the Fashion: Pres. Gloria Arroyo's Outfits Every SONA

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"In her first two SONA events, I believe she was trying to project an image of professionalism, competence, and a 'can do' image by choosing outfits that projected more of a 'dress for success' look... "The succeeding choices for her SONA outfits then shifted to the terno and Maria Clara gowns, perhaps in an effort to project a more Filipino image."

That is what fashion designer and internationally certified image consultant Delby Dragais told ABS-CBN News Online regarding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's gowns in her past State of the Nation Addresses. Yes - she projected in a sort of a professional, nationalistic and an example of a Filipino surrogate mother - an image she portrayed when she stand in front of the representatives, senators, and millions of Filipino every July for SONA. As a famous personality and the most powerful person in the Philippines, she is not safe with the criticisms, especially when it comes to her annual SONA - and her fashion.

"Outfits of the head of state should be carefully thought of in terms of design, specific body type, her fashion personality, her best colors, her lifestyles, or where the outfits will be worn; in a addition to a well thought-of branding strategy," she said.

"This way, she makes a strong and consistent fashion statement, as well as uses this mage to further her political goals and objectives in the local and international arena," she added.

This strong woman symbolizes a powerful persona when she made her report for the Filipino people for nine (9) years. It's good enough that majority of the contents in her SONA were not really good and undoubtedly, the people aren't satisfied of these. But in fairness to our Madam President, she doesn't lack of portraying a woman of substance every SONA. Afterall, for nine SONAs she did, undoubtedly (again), she became a big part of Philippine political history...

... and I'm hoping that her last SONA for 2009 would be the last.

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I Love Santo Papas: An Appreciation To Our Two Beloved Holy Fathers

I really love the late Pope John Paul The Great. I love reading his stories and some struggles in his papacy. I even write a feature article months after he died to commemorate and celebrate his worthy life as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Although I don't have any chances to see him personally when he was still alive, I'm really hoping and praying that I can visit his tomb at the Vatican City to thank him for giving me such realizations that I regret to put in my mind in the past. He was my inspiration in joining a Marian organization way back in high school. As we all know, Pope John Paul II is a Marian devotee and really love the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because of him, I'm now a Marian and really loves Mama Mary, next to Jesus and before him. I really MISS his smile every Christmas and Easter Sunday masses on television. ü

Meanwhile, I became worried when I lerarned about Pope Benedict XVI's injury yesterday morning while on his vacation in Northern Italy.

According to the New York Times, the Pope fractured his right wrist and went to his first medical intervention known to the public since his papacy in 2005.

"It’s nothing serious," the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said in a telephone interview with the Times. He said doctors had ruled out the possibility that Benedict XVI had been ill before falling.

In a statement released by the Vatican, the pope’s private physician, Dr. Patrizio Polisca, said that Benedict was "in good condition.

The Vatican said that the pope had slipped overnight in his room in the chalet where he was staying in the mountainous Valle d’Aosta region.

Father Lombardi said that Dr. Polisca, who travels with the pope, was already in Valle d’Aosta when the pope fell and that he oversaw the local doctors who performed the operation.

In a statement, the Vatican said that Benedict XVI was well enough to eat breakfast and celebrate Mass before being taken by car to the local hospital on Friday morning.

I am praying for the safe recovery of our beloved Pope and for his continuous good health, so that he can make his divine responsibility for all Catholics in the World. Amen.

Visit http://www.nytimes.com/

A Worthwhile Life: A Simple Salute To Michael Jackson, The King of Pop

Brooke Shields shared her valuable moments with the late Michael Jackson last July 07, 2009 at the Michael Jackson Memorial Service in Staple Center, Los Angeles, California. One of the many things she told to the billions of people around the world was MJ's most favorite song - and it does not belong to the list of songs that he wrote when he was still alive. It was Nat King Cole's 1954 hit inspirational song “Smile".

As my unqiue dedication to the King of Pop's contribution to the music industry, I just want to share the lyrics of his favorite song. I know it's too late to give him a simple gift, but I know, this can be a worthy way to celebrate his life, which was according to his favorite song, a life that's "still worthwhile".

Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though its breaking

When there are clouds in the sky, youll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

Youll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

Thats the time you must keep on trying

Smile, whats the use of crying?

Youll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Thats the time you must keep on trying

Smile, whats the use of crying?

Youll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

Thank you so much for the music, MJ! We will hear you sing with the world again in our next lifetime...

GONE TOO SOON (Dangerous, 1991)

Music video by Michael Jackson paying tribute to Ryan White. Ryan was a hemophiliac since he was six days old. When he was 13, it increase into AIDS, he passed away in 1990 at 18 years old.

(courtesy of MichaelJacksonMusic, Youtube)

Visit http://www.michaeljackson.com/

Start The Change: A Campaign For The Cleanest Philippine Elections

From the makers of the Philippines' largest and most successful media campaign for socio-political awareness, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs continues to empower youth and technology to strive for honest and clean 2010 Presidential Elections. "BOTO MO, I-PATROL MO: AKO ANG SIMULA" is an election campaign that will enhance, not only the youth, but all Filipinos the power to choose the 'right people' who will run the Philippine government for the next six years.

BE A BOTO PATROLLER!

Visit http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/boto

Philippines' Wonder: A Campaign For The Newest Seven Wonders of the World

PUERTO PRINSESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER (Palawan, The Philippines)
Please vote for this natural park as one of the newest Seven Wonders.

Visit http://www.new7wonders.com/