SF

The ‘write’ way

Wednesday, 11 November 2009 21:38 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar | AJPress

(7 votes, average: 4.57 out of 5)

Baybayin touches our roots through our writing system

TO start off with this piece, we would like to clarify that the characters on the cover and this page that most of us are unfamiliar with, should not be assumed as gang graffiti or nonsense. These characters are in fact, an important part of our heritage that would probably be in danger of being fforgotten.

Baybayin is a pre-Filipino writing system from the islands called as the "Philippines." It comes from the word "baybay," which literally mean "spell." A very old Tagalog term that refers to all the letters used in writing a language, another common name for the baybayin is alibata, a word invented by Paul Versoza in 1914, a member of the old National Language Institute and a dean of the University of Manila. Basing it on the Maguindanao (Moro) arrangement of letters of the alphabet after the Arabic alif, ba, ta (alibata), eliminating the "f."

Charice impresses concertgoers at ‘David Foster & Friends’ show in San Jose

Wednesday, 11 November 2009 21:33 Joseph L. Peralta | AJPress San Francisco

(6 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5)

Charice impresses concertgoers at ‘David Foster & Friends’ show in San Jose

It was late in the David Foster & Friends concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose last November 6 when Charice was introduced by the multi-awarded singer, songwriter, producer and talent discoverer.

"I got a call from Oprah," Foster said, as the stage went dim. "And when Oprah calls, you better listen... Here she is… Charice!"

Standing in front of the drums and with the spotlight behind her, Charice sang the first note of Power of Love, popularized by Canadian singer by Celine Dion, and amazed the crowd with the power and vocal ability that came out from her small 17-year-old frame.

A song (Note To God, Charice’s first single), and a medley (songs from the Bodyguard soundtrack) later, Charice did not disappoint. The pint-sized belter was given a standing ovation and was obliged to do come back on stage due to the deafening request from the audience.

Carrying the legacy of Filipino indigenous knowledge

Thursday, 29 October 2009 00:56 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar | AJPress San Francisco

(5 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)

Carrying the legacy of Filipino indigenous knowledge

The Center for Babaylan Studies hosts the 1st International Babaylan Conference in 2010

MANY of us here in the United States may not have heard the term, babaylan, and even if we did, we wouldn’t know what it means. The Center for Babaylan Studies (CFBS) was organized in order to work with others, dedicated to the path of the Babaylan. Headed by its Project Director Leny Strobel, who is an Associate Professor in American Multicultural Studies at Sonoma State University, the center was created after more than five years of research and discovery to continue the exploration and illumination of Babaylan indigenous wisdom and spirit toward the empowerment and healing of individuals and communities. Strobel also sees the center as a container for future collaborative projects, research and discussions that could bring the Babaylan tradition out of the rubble of the colonial lahar it is buried in. But what, and who is exactly a Babaylan?

Unity Tour concert provides great music, laughs and heartwarming moments

Thursday, 29 October 2009 00:48 Joseph Peralta | AJPress San Francisco

Leave it to Kuh Ledesma and company to satisfy the appetites of concertgoers in Northern California.

The Unity Tour made its stop in the Southbay last Tuesday, October 2, and despite being scheduled on a weekday, an estimated crowd of 3,000 gathered at the Jubilee Center in San Jose to catch the Pop Diva and her co-stars in a highly entertaining show that had people riveted, in stitches and saying "Amen!".

United in celebrating Philippine culture

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 23:07 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar | AJPress

(1 vote, average: 5.00 out of 5)

United in celebrating Philippine culture

Skyline College’s Kababayan Program hails the Filipino spirit with the performances of Barangay Dance Company and Kababayan Dance Troupe.

ONE of the ways to be one in learning a culture is through dance and music. The melodies and movements bring a person to a heightened learning experience, making it easier to connect with his roots.

Such is the Kababayan Program at Skyline College goal—0to be able to reach out to not only their students, but to the community. A transfer and community support program at Skyline College, Kababayan focuses on the Filipino and Filipino-American student experience, which includes cultural experiences and community service. The program also aims to create a feeling of campus affiliation for students and motivate students to learn about their culture.