Playlists and Favorite sites

I'm really enjoying the holidays even if they weren't how I planned them. Same time last year, I was on plane to surprise my parents. Today - I'm just chilling at home, looking at the 3 or so feet of snow glad that I don't have a delayed or cancelled flight. I just get to chat with them on the phone and miss them lots which is good cuz that means I love them. Being a Buddhist I don't really celebrate the birth of Jesus which in fact really is in the spring. I read this ironic information from a recent article debunking the movie Zeitgeist. So what does one to do enjoy oneself during a freakishly wonderful White Christmas in Vancouver being that it's to crazy to drive or wait for a bus? Well, utilizing the internet I found a site called Pinoy Fanatics that plays Tagalog movies ALL DAY LONG!!! And we're not talking the old ones - it's the recent ones. Then there's a site, Hayag that streams the two main Filipino channels, then there's good old Justin TV that plays the latest movies. Getting bored watching movies - I start organizing and downloading songs, creating playlists. I was blown away by the music that has really shaped my 38 years of existence and that ideas that flow from them. From Siouxsie and the Banshees, to Courtney Love and Hole to Kanye West and Justin. FYI - Madonna has her own playlist - hulleer? So do all my favorite OPM (Original Pinoy Music). Memories start rushing through me - making me appreciate the life I've had and yet to have. More songs, more memories, longer play list - better life. Playlists almost shape and give a clear indication of who a person is. What's on your playlist? If you don't have one - use this precious time to make one, you'll be glad you did. Happy Holidays!!!

I'm not into boxing but ...

I saw the Pacquiao/DelaHoya fight tonite. It's not the violence that I'm into but it's the symbolism about the spirit of fighting against our own doubts that was really inspiring and what the athlete has to go through. I felt like I was with Manny and many of the millions of people watching, facing all the difficulties in my life, bobbing, weaving - facing my own darkness - taking aim and POW ... left hook - right in the eye! In this fight I saw how strategy and preparation were necessary, it wasn't just a couple of guys punching each other out. Also it was literally a David/Goliath story. Dela Hoya was larger but Manny was more determined. The victory captures the spirit of a people who have to fight to survive everyday in the Philippines, but I guess it's even larger than the Filipinos as there were people part of Manny's team that weren't from the Philippines, united in a goal to achieve victory. The principals I'm talking about I think are Universal. So even if you're not into boxing I understand, but if you're into fighting to win in your life, well, you see the analogy. I get why my brothers were into boxing and what it meant for them to grow up in a new country and how they used that sport to focus stress, anger or pressure in situations and again, for many youth that may not have had certain privileges. In the next while, as things may get difficult or challenging everywhere in the world - as we go into the ring with our negativity and the challenges in our life - and let's do a "Pacquiao" and knock it out! Congrats Manny!!

Slumdog Millionaire

What an amazing film. A great story about never giving up no matter how difficult and dark things get. It's truly a triumph and the fact that he was able to shoot a film in Mumbai with the crowds and the noise. I don't want to give away too much but just some of the shots were incredible - it also shows that the world is constantly changing - well at least physically - from slums to financial districts - from slumdog to Millionaire. Go and see it ...

Your Mission is here in Canada ...

This is the phrase that Mrs. Izumi, the first person to ever chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Canada said to me last week. She gently touched my arm and looked me compassionately yet firmly in the eye and said with every fibre of her being "You're Mission is HERE in Canada." Who's one to argue with living history and one who has fought so hard with our mentor Daisaku Ikeda to create Kosen Rufu in Canada. So that's my answer to the good 'ol Clash song: should I stay or should I go now? I've been asking that question since I was in Boracay a couple of years ago and I felt like I was capable of doing something good and right in this world - and to be an example to others. This completes this whole phase where two years ago, I got myself to the Philippines - my life changed. It was this huge culture shock - I wanted so much to do something for the people there and felt guilty, angry for what we had here in Canada. But recently - I realized that if I succeed here - I'll be in a better position to help people there. To go back there at this point in time would be running away and living small. The sacrifices my parents made to get me here would sort of be wasted. It's not saying that I'll never live in the Philippines full time at some point but for now, with the series, the 2010 Culture Festival it seems all roads are leading me back to Canada. I get that now. The answer is very clear. I have to do my very best here! Be the best at what I do here ... I think I will always strive to visit there every year but will make the most of what I have here. To world peace - starting where I'm at right now.