SF

JAJA BOLIVAR: Starting from zero but giving a hundred percent

Wednesday, 22 April 2009 22:56 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress Los Angeles

(6 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)

JAJA BOLIVAR: Starting from zero but giving a hundred percent

I’VE watched her as Kikiam Defensor, a spoof of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wazzup, Wazzup on ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 when I was still in the Philippines and in between giggles I’ve often wondered how she does it. It’s true that it’s easier to make people cry than laugh, that is why clowns dress outrageously or some go for slapstick. So for her to be able to tickle your funny bone is real talent.

But Jaja Bolivar is not a clown, nor your female version of any of the three stooges. She is, as I’ve discovered, a beautiful and smart woman, whose zest for life, love and laughter could exceed what most of us would even dare try.

Serenity, solemnity, solidarity

Wednesday, 08 April 2009 00:59 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress San Francisco

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

The Filipinos’ homage to their faith

BEING largely a Roman Catholic nation, the Philippines and its people observe almost every religious festival there is. Aside from the Christmas season, one of the most important religious events of the year is the Semana Santa, or the Holy Week.

Although many Filipinos still adhere to their traditions and faith, there is no denying that the observance of Holy Week here in the United States differs from what we are used to back home. Yes, Catholic Churches offer Masses and other related activities, but unlike in the Philippines where most businesses and establishments are usually closed as early as Maundy Thursday and especially on Good Friday, Holy Week in the US is maybe not as significant as compared to their Thanksgiving celebration.

A Stir of Artful Emotions

Wednesday, 25 March 2009 22:25 Malou Li wanag -Aguilar / AJPress Los Angeles

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Kularts’ approach to educating the community about Philippine tribal art, culture and performance

ONE could think it is somewhat lost art—tribal culture, that is. In this age of contemporary art, mixed media and technology, it is hard to determine one’s roots. But art, whatever form it can be, can stir up a person’s emotions—a simple painting can make us cry, a sculpture can make us think, and a performance can make us discover our heritage. Kularts believes that through this, tribal Filipino arts in the United States can be presented and preserved.

Lord of the greens

Thursday, 19 March 2009 04:02 Malou Liwanag -Aguilar / AJPress Los Angeles

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Carlos ‘Camig’ Briones becomes the youngest men’s champion in San Francisco golf history

AT 14, most boys would still be trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives and how to make a name for themselves. However, Carlos Briones seem has set his name in stone, as just this month he became the youngest men’s golf champion in San Francisco’s 92-year history.

And to think he hardly spoke a word of English when he first moved here in the United States from the Philippines at the age of five. "It was a hard transition, I only knew a couple of words," Carlos said in an interview with Asian Journal. But as any new immigrant, he later on adjusted, and explained that being in school helped him learn English.

Bryanboy’s road to fashion (blog) stardom

Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:37 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress Northern California

(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Bryanboy’s road to fashion (blog) stardom

I’LL be the first to admit that I’m not the best person to write about fashion. Don’t get me wrong though, as I would still be able to know a number of designers, but my fashion statement can be described only in two words—cheap and comfortable.

But I still try to own a number of fashionable pieces (all from the sale/clearance rack, of course), and go around shops in the city just to see what’s the latest in fashion. Yet this piece is not about designers and their (at times) ridiculously priced pieces, but more about one of those people who actually talk about their creations—Bryanboy.