PINOY MIXX

The year 2015 has brought us a lot of memorable moments. It was a roller coaster ride, if I may say so. There are ups and downs.

But despite all of the ups and downs that we have encountered, we still are all here to face the forthcoming challenges that 2016 might bring.

2015 was a notable year for our country, the Philippines. It started with the Papal Visit to horrible traffic during the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Conference) in November and the year was capped with the controversial winning of our very own Pia Alonso Wurtzbach in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant during the year end.

Of course, who can forget last year’s disturbing nationwide issues that fumed the local travelers (and even the foreign tourists)—from the Mamasapano bloodbath to the Tanim Bala rip-off to the interminable and horrendous Metro Manila traffic.

Mercy and Compassion in January

During the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, he sanctified our country with his papal presence early last year; blessing us with his grace and wisdom. And for the last five days, we were filled with mercy and compassion.

What struck me during the papal Visit was when a man with cerebral palsy gave His Holiness a Madonna and Child cross-stitch frame, which he made using his feet.

OFW’s Reprieve

In April last year and after several years of negotiation, the Indonesian government eventually gave Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina OFW, reprieve minutes before her scheduled execution.

The Indonesian government granted pardon to Filipino drug convict Mary Jane Veloso, who was among the nine prisoners scheduled for execution at that time.

Indonesian government, which previously rejected President Aquino’s constant appeals for clemency and Manila’s motion to review her case, decided to postpone the death sentence after her recruiter voluntarily yielded to Philippine authorities on the day of her execution.

Pinoy talents dominate World’s talent search

El Gamma penumbra, an all-male shadow play group was the final winner with their heartwarming performances in the first season of Asia’s Got Talent. This talent search was dominated by Filipino dancers and singers during the final competition.

Also known as the 4th Impact, the Gollyan sisters, Mylene, Irene, Celina, and Almira wowed the audience with their powerful performances at The X Factor UK. This proved that Filipinos ranked first anywhere in the world when it comes to talent competition.

AlDub phenomenon

Many social scientists and local pop culturists amazed as to how the concept of Kalye serye and Aldub has literary conquered the minds and hearts of the majority of Filipino televiewers.

Maine Mendoza, a You Tube personality who became popular with her lip-synching a.k.a. dubsmash skill, is paired with the likely matinee idol, Alden Richards. The effect of the pairing is sensationally successful.

MMDA Metro-wide Shake Drill

In preparation for coming of “the Big One”, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) held a metro-wide earthquake drill to train Metro Manilans on what they should do when the disaster strikes. As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry”.

Tanim Bala Rip off

Local and foreign travelers alike are still on their toes and anxious when they arrive at and depart from the NAIA terminals due the notorious laglag bala modus of some alleged corrupt airport officials.

Death of an Eagle

Filipinos were distressed when the Philippine Eagle named Pamana was found lifeless due to a gunshot wound two months after it was released into the wild at Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental. The Philippine eagle endangered Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental.

Iglesia ni Cristo mess

The video of Angel Manalo appealing for help that became viral, caused the entire INC (Iglesia ni Cristo) to hold a demonstration rally. It created a monstrous traffic along EDSA.

This expose on corruption in the INC, and the politicians who interfered made headlines and stirred controversy on the issue concerning the separation of the church and the state.

Mamasapano Clash

The entire country grieved over, and virtually lost faith in the Aquino government, when the 44 Special Action Force men were brutally massacred during a Philippine National Police (PNP) covert procedure. The operation was intended to eliminate a Malaysian terrorist.

Lumad carnage and persecution

The military and paramilitary groups assaulted the ethnic minorities in the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. They were left homeless and marginalized. The Lumad areas are said to be rich in natural resources, specifically minerals, which has become the bone of contention among the warring factions.

APEC meeting in Manila

In spite of the problematic and horrendous traffic schemes, numerous demonstrations, and good-looking leaders, the Aquino government boasted that APEC Summit 2015 was a success. Many were still asking the 10Billion Peso question: What success?

Kris Aquino strikes again

The incredibly tactless presidential sister Kris Aquino strikes again as she posted on her Instagram the following: “Quits na tayo sa lahat ng nahirapan mag commute these past few days, patas ang mundo, patche patche naman ang balat ko.”

Kris Aquino said this in response to those who are bashing her due to the terrible transport system and grueling experience of daily commuters as she nonchalantly showed a picture of her post-APEC sunburn.

Alma Moreno vs. Karen Davila

“Dasal lang talaga,” “Yes, with reservations,” “Kailangan pa bang sagutin ’yan?” These are the answers that launched a thousand laughs.

Alma Moreno, a sexy siren during the 80’s, made it to social media after her “fateful” interview with news anchor, Karen Davila.

Karen, as she herself also gets occasional bashing from the netizens due to her dim-witted manner of interview, met her “match.” Some say that while Karen looked like a bully, Alma surprisingly earned sympathy votes as the underdog.

Finally the Miss Universe Crown

After over four decades of waiting for the elusive title, Pia Alonso Wurtzbach finally bagged the 2015 Miss Universe Title.

Amidst the controversial faux pas by Steve Harvey as he misread the real winner, Pia graciously breezed through the confusion with élan confirming that she is truly the rightful winner.

Pia’s winning the Miss Universe crown removed all the furrows and troughs Filipinos have been experiencing brought about by natural and man-made tragedies for the entire year.

A Happy Healthy and Wealthy 2016 to All!!!

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Who da who?

• Who is this legendary actress who is suffering from a respiratory condition. She has been diagnosed with this serious medical condition but refused to undergo treatment. The diagnosis revealed that her lungs are not totally functioning well but she still continues to smoke up to this day.
• How true is the information that this politician’s partner was told to keep a low profile. The family of this politician was apprehensive about the presence of the partner because the partner has become more of a liability than an asset.
• How true is the report that this administrator from a leading Catholic school has been asked to resign due to financial embezzlement and sexual harassment, yet wanted to be very much around by joining official functions of the school. The school’s top official is so uncomfortable seeing this ex-administrator walking around scot-free.