WANT TO LEARN MORE? GOOGLE IT. :)

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Papal Visit: Netizens go crazy over Pope's responsorial psalmist

During the Papal Mass at the Manila Cathedral, Filipino netizens got struck, not only by the good singing voice, but by the good looks of the responsorial psalmist as seen in the video below. Filipinos online, through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, asked who the person shown live singing the Responsorial Psalm. Others expressed their admiration. Who is he?


 


His name is Sem. Rey Parsad, a 2nd year Theologian from the Diocese of Bangued. He was also the Psalterion Coordinator of the UST-CS.


MUST WATCH: Alisah Banaobra sings Follow Your Dream in The Voice PH Knock Outs

Yesterday, I featured Leah Patricio's singing of the Lani Misalucha classic "Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin" in The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 Knock Out Rounds.

Today, I found her best contender. Looks like Alisah Banaobra will be giving her a tough rid in The Voice PH.


Video Courtesy: Youtube channel The Voice of the Philippines

SPOTTED: Dad, daughter dance to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off

Good morning everyone! Have you taken a sip of your favorite coffee? Or have you taken your breakfast already? Still lacks the energy to move for school or work? Well, I got something for you.

Father's Day is still many months ahead, but this dad-daughter tandem sure has something to look up to. By the looks of it, there's love and passion to dance freely and enjoy what they have. 

Dad and daughter makes a viral video by dancing to the tune of Taylor Swift's Shake It Off!

Video Courtesy: Youtube channel jprinder1

Hopefully all dads and daughters will be having the most memorable bonding moments of their lives. Love your dads, moms and siblings. They're the first and the last people who'll be there for you.

Friday, January 16, 2015

MUST WATCH: Leah Patricio sings Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin in the Voice of the Philippines

What's up guys? The Pope has just arrived yesterday, but great vibes have already been set off this week for me and there's so much more to expect in this week's cap off!

While browsing the web today, I found something that's worth sharing. Leah Patricio's rendition of the Lani Misalucha classic "Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin" is one of the best I have ever heard in the Knock Out Rounds of the 2nd season of The Voice of the Philippines. Watch Leah Patricio sing her heart out through the video below. Just goosebumps everywhere!


 
Video Courtesy: Youtube channel The Voice of the Philippines

WATCH: Adorable twins dance to daddy's guitar

Cuteness overload! Who can't resist this? A dad plays the guitar, and guess what, his adorable baby twins dance to it!


Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Brovadere

Want to see more of these videos? Get more of these cute videos! Like our humble Spotlight Philippines facebook page.

RESULTS: UST Entrance Test (USTET) for AY 2015-2016

UPDATE: The results of the 2014 UST Entrance Test (USTET) will be released on January 28, 2015; the results can now be accessed here.

Please take note. Here is a list of general instructions for USTET 2014 Qualifiers.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS/REMINDERS FOR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS ONLY:

1. Qualified applicants must reserve a slot online and pay the non-refundable reservation fee of P5,000 through any of the following ways:


Online: Please visit UST website (OFAD.UST.EDU.PH) for the instructions.
On Site: Please visit the Office for Admissions(OFAD) from Mondays to Saturdays (except holidays) from 8:30AM-11:30AM and 1:30PM-4:30PM.


2. Reservation is by batch. Please take note of your batch and reservation schedule.

FIRST BATCH : FEBRUARY 03 - 15, 2014
(Only for qualified applicants who do not belong to the second and third batch)

SECOND BATCH : FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 08, 2014
(Only for qualified applicants with travel management, HRM or Nursing as their first choice. Please reserve your slot at the office for admissions (OFAD) only).

THIRD BATCH : MARCH 10 - 22, 2014
(Only for successful waitlisters)

3. The reservation fee (P5,000) shall be deducted from your tuition fee upon enrollment.

4. If you reserve a slot in one program, you forfeit the slot in the other program.

5. Failure to reserve a slot within the specifies schedule will automatically mean forfeiture of your slot.

6. You are also qualified for admission to Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila and Angelicum College - Quezon City.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The USTET was administered in three batches by its Office of Admission (OFAD) last August 24, September 28 and December 7, 2014 in Manila, 37 official testing centers in Provincial areas and 10 international testing locations.

For the USTET, OFAD now employs the barcode system where a control number is assigned to an applicant. This number corresponds to his or her own barcoded answer sheet.

High school grades, or the student's academic performance, make up 40% of the applicant's total score. Added to it, as 60% of total score, is his/her USTET score.

There are cases admission to some of UST's colleges doesn't only depend on the USTET score. A second screening, through an interview, is required by the College of Nursing and the College of Tourism & Hospitality Management. The Conservatory of Music requests for an audition, while the College of Architecture and the College of Fine Arts & Design asks for an artwork rendition.

UST is one of the oldest educational institutions in the Philippines. Together with UP, UST, UE, AdU, AdMU, DLSU, NU, and FEU, UST involve itself in the UAAP, among other extra-curriculars.

WHERE: NBI Clearance release sites, locations

Where do you go to get an NBI clearance? Here's a list of fifty-five (55) sites nationwide for payment and biometric enrolment and NBI clearance release.

Metro Manila (NCR)
  • NBI Clearance Center – U.N Avenue, Ermita. Manila
  • Quezon City Hall – Makatarungan St, Diliman, QC
  • Victory Shopping Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
  • Mandaluyong City Hall – Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City
  • Las Pinas City – Las Pinas City Hall
  • Robinson’s Place – Basement 1 Ermita, Manila
  • Robinson’s Otis – Level 2 Guanzon St., Paco, Manila
  • Robinson’s Galleria – Basement 1 Ortigas Ave., QC
  • Robinson’s Metro East – Level 4 Marcos Hi-way Pasig
  • Robinson’s Novaliches – Novaliches, QC
  • Ever Gotesco Recto – 3″‘ Flr Cinema 3 Recto Ave., Manila
  • Duty Free Fiesta Mall – Ninoy Aquino Ave., Paranaque City
  • Empire Mall – Edsa, Pasay City

REGION I
  • NBI Regional Office – Aguila Road Sevilla Norte San Fernando City
  • Dagupan District Office – A. B. Fernandez West Dagupan City
  • Laoag District Office – Brgy 10 P Gomez St, Laoag City

REGION II
  • NBI Regional Office – Government Center Carig Sur Tuguegarao City
  • Bayombong District Office – Capitol Compound Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya
  • lsabela District Office – National Highway Brgy Osmena Ilagan Isabela

REGION III
  • NBI Regional Office – Capitol Compound City of San Fernando Pampanga
  • Bulacan District Olftce – Capitol Compound Guinhawa, City of Malolos, Bulacan
  • Cabanatuan Dislrict Office – Llanera St Old Provincial Capitol Cmpd Cabanaluan City
  • Olongapo District Office – 17 Kentucky Lane Upper Kalaklan Olongapo City
  • Tarlac District Office – Brgy Macabulos Drive San Roque Tarlac City
  • Marilao Municipal Hall – Beside PNP Station, Marilao, Bulacan

REGION IV-A
  • NBI Regional Office – Capitol Site Capitol Hills Batangas City
  • Cavite District Office – J.P. Rizal St. Kaybagal South Tagaytay City
  • Lucena District Office – NIA Compound Genes Aguilar St., Lucena City
  • Laguna District Office – Rizal Blvd Brgy. Tagapo City of Sta Rosa, Laguna
  • Montalban Rizal – Ground Flr., Municipal Hall
  • Robinson’s Cainta – Level 2 Junction Cainta, Rizal
  • Lipa City Hall – Lipa City, Batangas
  • Robinson’s Dasmarinas – Dasmarinas, Cavite

REGION IV-B
  • NBI Regional Office – Sitio Cuadro Aguas Brgy Sta Isabel, Calapan City
  • Puerto Princesa District Office – Taft St., Brgy Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

REGION V
  • NBI Regional Office – Maria Cristina St.,Naga City
  • Legazpi District Office – Quezon Avenue Legazpi City

REGION VI
  • NBI Regional Office – Duran St., Fort San Pedro Iloilo City
  • Bacolod District Office – Aguinaldo St. Bacolod City

REGION VII
  • NBI Regional Office – Escario St., Capitol Site, Cebu City
  • Dumaguete District Office – Capitol Area Daro Dumaguete City
  • Ormoc Gaisano – Gaisano Capital Mall

REGION VIII
  • Samar District Office – Old Health Bldg., Capitol Site Catbalogan City

REGION IX
  • NBI Regional Office – 19 Corcuera St. Zamboanqa City
  • Dipolog District Office – Quezon Ave Sta Isabel, Dipolog City
  • Pagadian District Office – BALGU Bldg., Capitol Compound, Pagadian City

REGION X
  • NBI Regional Office – Capitol Compound Cagayan de Oro City
  • lligan District Office – IBP Bldg., Badelles St. Pala-o lliqan City

REGION XI
  • NBI Regional Office – J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
  • Tagum District Office – Door 5 Duson Apt. National Highway Visayan Village Tagum

REGION XII
  • NBI Regional Office – 2nd Floor South Cotabato Gymnasium Koronadal City
  • Saranggani District Office – San Pecto St. lagao, General Santos City

REGION XIII
  • NBI Regional Office – 2nd Floor FCB Bldg., J Rosales Ave Butuan City

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (CAR)
  • NBI Regional Office – Upper Session Road Baguio City

ARMM
  • NBI Regional Office – Governor Gutierrez Avenue. Cotabato City

Note: Most of the NBI satellite offices are closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

STEPS: How to apply for an NBI clearance online, requirements

In 2012, I released a step by step guide (list of procedures) to apply for an NBI clearance in Manila. Today, I'd like to share a list of steps in order for you to apply for an NBI clearance online. What are
the requirements? What should I do? Ano ba kailangan gawin para makakuha ng NBI clearance online?

1. VISIT NBI SITE
Check out the NBI Clearance Online Application page through the DOJ or NBI websites.


2. FILL OUT NBI APP FORM
Completely fill up the application form online with the necessary information. Choose from the drop-down menu, when provided.

Transaction cost will vary from 115 to 415 PHP. For the Presented ID part, include the type of valid ID and corresponding ID number. 

List of valid ID's for online application are the ff:
  • Voter’s ID
  • Valid passport
  • SSS ID
  • GSIS UMID
  • Postal ID
  • Driver’s License
  • PRC License
  • TIN ID
  • School ID
  • Philhealth ID
  • Alien Certificate of Registration
  • Senior Citizen
Note: The valid ID will be used in Step 4 so make sure you have it with you and don't lose it.

Once finished on clearance registration and Applicant Information fields, click the "Submit" button to continue with the remaining steps.

Then, you'll be required to fill up the Contact Details and Family Background areas. Make sure to review your inputs specially the e-mail address (where a confirmation message will be sent).

Once done, click the "Submit" button once again.


3. PRINT FORM

After the successful online application, print the form bearing your assigned Registration Code. For those who have no printer, write down the Registration Code or save the file as PDF, then print it outside.


4. GET TO THE NBI BRANCH WHERE YOU'RE LOCATED
Proceed to NBI Clearance Center nearest you, present your Registration Code and 2 valid IDs (original with your signature) and pay the corresponding clearance fee.

Ask the guard or any authorized personnel where to fall in line for this transaction.


5. IMAGE CAPTURE, BIOMETRICS
Proceed to the Online Application counter for image capturing and fingerprint biometrics.


6. IDENTITY VERIFICATION FOR DEROGATORY RECORD CHECKING
Hit is a process made by NBI Clearance personnel to verify the identity of the NBI Clearance applicant if he/she has a derogatory record.
  • For 'No Hit' applicant, proceed to Releasing Section, for the printing and issuance of your NBI clearance certificate. 
  • "With Hit' applicant, you'll be advised to come back on the release date written at the back of your Official Receipt (OR).
When advised to proceed to Quality Control Section for interview, your clearance will be issued upon evaluation and cleared by the QC Interviewer.

Claiming Note:
Claiming depends. When I applied for an NBI clearance in Robinsons Otis, I got it on the same day. Some say, you'll be able to claim it after at least one week.

For a list of NBI clearance release sites, proceed here.

VIRAL: Maroon 5 crashes wedding receptions in "Sugar" music video

Did Maroon 5 really crash some people's wedding receptions to shoot its music video "Sugar"? Watch the video below and find out yourself.



 
Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Maroon5VEVO

Wouldn't you be glad if an Adam Levine serenades you on your wedding day? Really, whether this music video was just set up and the gatecrashing issue was just used to market the video or not, the music is really refreshing and relieving.

Stock Market: How to Invest in the Philippines via COL Financial

Do you have a huge amount of savings which you would like to invest in publicly listed Philippine companies? Do you have extra cash and you don't know where to keep it?

Become an investor in the PH stock market. Join Citisec Online Financial (COL Financial). The following infographic lists the steps needed in order for you to invest in the Philippine stock market via COL Financial.


For more information, you may see what I did when it was my first time to open a COL account. Visit how to open an individual investment account with COL Financial to learn more. 

Thursday, January 15, 2015

WATCH LIVE: Pope Francis Papal Visit 2015

Watch the Pope Francis Papal Visit this year.

VIRAL: Youtube guy sings Taylor Swift's Blank Space and it's amazing!

If you think Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" is just for girls, you've just underestimated boy. In the video below, one popular Youtube artist Tanner Patrick covers this song. It just got viral and would probably lead place him in the Filipino limelight through this blog.

Here's Tanner Patrick with Taylor Swift's "Blank Space".


Video Courtesy: Youtube user Tanner Patrick

PINOY PRIDE: Filipino graphic designer sings Frozen's Let It Go in 42 languages!

Here's something we Filipinos can once again be proud of!

A Filipino graphic designer's rendition of Frozen's Let It Go with key parts translated in 42 languages has gone viral. The video was posted on Youtube; He's earned praises from netizens for being able to speak the multi-lingual version right. Cheers to this guy!


Video courtesy: Youtube user Neil Brian Bernardo

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

SPOTTED: Kapamilya new upcoming shows this 2015

So what to expect in this year's (2015) ABS-CBN lineup of upcoming Kapamilya shows? Will KathNiel be there to meet their fan's request?? Watch the short clip below.

Video Courtesy: Youtube channel ABS-CBN Entertainment

LOOKING FOR: Filipino content writer, blogger

Hi. I am simply looking for a young PART-TIME CONTENT WRITER OR BLOGGER who can meet the following qualifications.


REQUIREMENTS:
  • Filipino college student, preferably Journalism, English Literature, etc
  • has both Gmail and Facebook accounts
  • with internet connection (no need to subscribe to DSL; if tambay ka sa coffee shop, much better hehe kasi di ka mapapagastos)
  • with a BPI (Bank of the Philippines) account
  • can make 30-50 relevant (as requested, with at least 300 words) articles per month (wala talagang pressure basta mameet mo lang yung target post number and quality ko, ikaw bahala magplano and strategize the workload management)
  • can optimize SEO keywords
  • knows how to blog (write efficiently)
  • reads news and Philippines-related articles online or on newspapers
  • doesn't need to be instructed, but listens and cooperates

PAYMENT METHOD:
  • via BPI deposit (that's why it's a requirement that you have a BPI account)
  • payment deadline is flexible, depending on performance of writer; writer sets when I pay him/her

CONTACT ME VIA:
  • adding me on Facebook through Leigh Michiyato

I'm doing this to help those who are talented in writing (but are experiencing financial difficulty in college) earn income while still studying. If you're the one I'm looking for, contact me. Thanks! :)

MUST WATCH: Morisette Amon sings,dances Ariana Grande's Break Free in Showtime

Could Morisette Amon be the next Sarah Geronimo? Watch the video below! I want you to watch 'cause the video shows her fierce and exemplary performance!

She can sing, hit high notes, and dance, at the same time! ABS-CBN has to give this extra-talented woman more exposure! It just shows how an amazing a performer she is, as proven by the very high number of views (more than 1 million) in just 5 days!

Watch Morisette Amon entertain the Showtime audience via the video below.




Video Courtesy: Youtube channel ABS-CBN Entertainment

POPULAR: Woman, snubbed by date, kisses man beside her on Kiss Cam

A quick-thinking woman who was snubbed by her date after being thrown live on a kiss camera scored instant payback by passionately kissing the man seated next to her. What a lucky man!

Video Courtey: Youtube user Oliver Darcy

VIRAL: Cute baby meets twins, gets confused

Tired of studying or workings overtime last night? Here's a low doze of cuteness to cheer you up and increase your enthusiasm for the rest of the week!

What happens when a toddler meets two almost identical babies for the very first time? Well, watch the video below.

This toddler named Landon is adorably confused after meeting baby twins for the very first time. His reaction during the encounter is priceless!


Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Rumble Viral

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

LIST: What banks are open on the days of the Pope visit?

So what banks are open on the days of the Pope's visit. Here is a list of the banks and the schedule of their operations from January 15 to 19.

Asian United Bank
January 15: Some NCR branches, open from 9AM to 1PM; provincial branches (except Tacloban and Isabela) will have regular banking hours
January 16: All AUB branches (except Tacloban and Isabela) will have regular banking hours
January 19: Regular banking hours in all AUB branches will resume

BDO
Select non-mall branches will be open until 3PM.
Select mall branches will be open until 4PM.
Visit the BDO website or its official Facebook page, for more info.

Maybank
January 15: All Metro Manila branches, open from 9AM to 1PM
January 16: closed
January 17: Resorts World branches, open from 9AM to 1PM; Binondo main office, open from 11AM to 5PM
January 18: Resorts World branches, open from 9AM to 1PM
January 19: All Metro Manila branches, except the Villamor; Newport; and Legaspi Tower Center branches, open from 9AM to 1PM

ALL Maybank provincial branches will be open on regular banking hours, except for Tacloban (January 15, 9AM to 12NN, and closed on January 16)

Metrobank
January 15:
  • Open until 12:00 NN – Greenhills North, Greenhills - Eisenhower, Ermita, J.Nakpil - Taft Ave., Midtown - U.N. Ave., Paco-A.Linao, Quirino Ave. - Leon Guinto, Roxas Blvd.-Vito Cruz, Taft Ave. – P. Ocampo.
  • Open until 1:00 PM – Pureza-R.Magsaysay Blvd., Asuncion, Pasong Tamo-Javier, Pasong Tamo-Bagtikan, Sucat-Gatchalian, Alabang.
  • Open until 3:00 PM – Salcedo Village and Pasay-Baclaran.
  • Open until 4:30 PM – A. Lacson Ave. – Sampaloc, Morayta, N. Domingo – San Juan, V. Mapa, Annapolis-Greenhills, Greenhills-Promenade, Greenhills-Wilson Center, Sta. Cruz-Manila.
  • Other branches – Roosevelt branch will be open until 12:30 PM while ADB Branch will be open only until 4:00PM.
January 19:
  • Open until 12:00 NN – C3-A.Mabini, Farmers Plaza, Commonwealth Ave., Raon, A. Maceda, Bustillos-Sampaloc, España, UST-España, Zurbaran, Escolta Tower, and Intramuros.
  • Open until 1:00 PM – Masangkay-Luzon, Lavezares, Nueva, Pasong Tamo-Buendia, Pasong Tamo-Metropolitan Ave., Head Office Center, Las Piñas-Pamplona and Madrigal Bus Park – Alabang.
  • Open until 4:30 PM – Evangelista-Quiapo, Quiapo, Ortigas-Xavier and Addition Hills.
  • Other branches – 999 Mall branch will be open until 2:00 PM, Sto. Cristo-C.M. Recto will be open until 3:00 PM, while ADB branch will be open until 5:00 PM. 
Source: Rappler

PINOY PRIDE: Pinay belts out Frozen's Let It Go inside mall

A girl named Alisah Bonaobra was recorded inside a mall singing Frozen's Let It Go. Many viewers were amazed at her voice. What great talents we Filipinos have!



Did you know that she joined The Voice of the Philippines 2 singing Domino (whose musicality sounded like that of Darren Espanto)?

SPOTTED: James Reid in new song Huwag Ka Nang Humirit

More than just a package, James Reid will soon get his own big break when all his success in movies and songs pile one after the other to reach out to more viewers and prove to everyone that his got what it takes to be the next Daniel Padilla.

Here's James Reid with his new pop song Huwag Ka Nang Humirit.

Video Courtesy: Youtube user eniidaj elites

PINOY PRIDE: Filipina singing Bang Bang by Ariana Grande in a computer shop becomes popular

Talk about viral! A Pinay's cover of Ariana Grande's "Bang Bang" inside a computer shop is now making rounds online. 

 Her name is Lyle Esquila, a Tourism Management student at Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) in Antipolo, who launched to internet stardom after a video of her singing ‘Bang Bang’ was posted on Facebook.





As of posting time, her video on Facebook has been viewed more than half a million times with 8k shares.

VIRAL: Bradley Cooper plays air guitar on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon


Bradley Cooper shows Jimmy his impressive air guitar skills by shredding Neil Young's solo from "Down by the River."

   
Video Courtesy: Youtube channel The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show including: comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.

Monday, January 12, 2015

VIRAL: Disney Princes in real life

We all know who Frozen's Kristoff is, but do we know who the man behind this strong, simple, courageous Snow Princess lover is? 

Who are the cool guys (artists) behind Disney's famous Princes? Who, in real life, is Tarzan? Simba? Aladdin? Watch the video below showing what Disney Princes look like in real life.


    
Video Courtesy: Youtube channel BuzzFeedVideo

LIST: 2015 Golden Globe Awards winners

Here is the full or completel list of winners of the 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards, announced Sunday in Beverly Hills, California, by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association:

MOTION PICTURES/FILM

Picture, Drama: 
“Boyhood.”

Picture, Musical or Comedy: 
“The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Actor, Drama: Eddie Redmayne, 
“The Theory of Everything”
Actress, Drama: Julianne Moore, 
“Still Alice.”
Director: 
Richard Linklater, “Boyhood.
Actor, Musical or Comedy: 
Michael Keaton, “Birdman.”

Actress, Musical or Comedy:
Amy Adams, “Big Eyes.”

Supporting Actor: 
J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash.”

Supporting Actress: 
Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood.”

Foreign Language: 
“Leviathan.”

Animated Film: 
“How to Train Your Dragon 2.”

Screenplay: 
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo, “Birdman.”

Original Score: 
Johann Johannsson, “The Theory of Everything.”

Original Song: 
“Glory” (music by John Legend, Common), “Selma.”

TELEVISION

Series, Drama: 
“The Affair.”

Actor, Drama: 
Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards.”

Series, Musical or Comedy: 
“Transparent.”

Actress, Musical or Comedy: 
Gina Rodriguez, “Jane the Virgin.”

Actor, Musical or Comedy: 
Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent.”

Miniseries or Movie: 
“Fargo.”

Actress, Miniseries or Movie: 
Maggie Gyllenhaal, “The Honorable Woman.”

Actor, Miniseries or Movie: 
Billy Bob Thornton, “Fargo.”

Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: 
Joanne Froggatt, “Downton Abbey.”

Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: 
Matt Bomer, “The Normal Heart.”

Sunday, January 11, 2015

LIST: 2015 Golden Globe Awards nominees

The 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will air at 8 PM, Sunday, January 11, 2015, on NBC.

On this night, George Clooney will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Greer Grammer, daughter of actor Kelsey Grammer, will serve as Miss Golden Globe.

Here are the nominees for the 2015 Golden Globe Awards. The highlighted and italicized ones are my picks. :)

Best Motion Picture Drama

"Boyhood"
"Foxcatcher"
"The Imitation Game"
"Selma"
"The Theory of Everything"

Best Musical or Comedy Film

"Birdman"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"Into the Woods"
"Pride"
"St. Vincent"

Best Screenplay Motion Picture

Wes Anderson - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Gillian Flynn - "Gone Girl"
Alejandro González Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. - "Birdman"
Richard Linklater - "Boyhood"
Graham Moore - "The Imitation Game"

Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama

Steve Carell - "Foxcatcher"
Benedict Cumberbatch - "The Imitation Game"
Jake Gyllenhaal - "Nightcrawler"
David Oyelowo - "Selma"
Eddie Redmayne - "The Theory of Everything"

Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama

Jennifer Aniston - "Cake"
Felicity Jones - "The Theory of Everything"
Julianne Moore - "Still Alice"
Rosamund Pike - "Gone Girl"
Reese Witherspoon - "Wild"

Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Film

Amy Adams - "Big Eyes"
Emily Blunt - "Into the Woods"
Helen Mirren - "The Hundred Foot Journey"
Julianne Moore - "Maps to the Stars"
Quvenzhane Wallis - "Annie"

Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Film

Michael Keaton - "Birdman"
Ralph Fiennes - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Bill Murray - "St. Vincent"
Joaquin Phoenix - "Inherent Vice"
Christolph Waltz - "Big Eyes"

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Patricia Arquette - "Boyhood"
Jessica Chastain - "A Most Violent Year"
Keira Knightley - "The Imitation Game"
Emma Stone - "Birdman"
Meryl Streep - "Into the Woods"

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Robert Duvall - "The Judge"
Ethan Hawke - "Boyhood"
Edward Norton - "Birdman"
Mark Ruffalo - "Foxcatcher"
J.K. Simmons - "Whiplash"

Best Director Motion Picture

Wes Anderson - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Ava Duvernay - "Selma"
David Fincher - "Gone Girl"
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - "Birdman"
Richard Linklater - "Boyhood"

Best Foreign Film

"Force Majeure" (Sweden)
"Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem" (France)
"Ida" (Poland)
"Leviathan" (Russia)
"Tangerines" (Estonia)

Best Animated Feature Film

"Big Hero 6"
"The Book of Life"
"The Boxtrolls"
"How to Train Your Dragon 2"
"The Lego Movie"

Best Original Song in Motion Picture

"Big Eyes," "Big Eyes" - Lana Del Rey
"Glory," "Selma" - John Legend and Common
"Mercy Is" "Noah" - Patty Smith and Lenny K
"Opportunity" - "Annie"
"Yellow Flicker Beat," "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" - Lorde

Best Original Score in a Motion Picture

"The Imitation Game"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Gone Girl"
"Birdman"
"Interstellar"

Best Television Drama Series

"The Affair" (Showtime)
"Downton Abbey" (PBS)
"Game of Thrones" (HBO)
"The Good Wife" (CBS)
"House of Cards" (Netflix)

Best Television Comedy Series

"Girls" (HBO)
"Jane the Virgin" (CW)
"Orange is the New Black" (Netflix)
"Silicon Valley" (HBO)
"Transparent" (Amazon)

Best Television Movie or Limited Series

"Fargo" (FX)
"The Missing" (Starz)
"The Normal Heart" (HBO)
"Olive Kitteridge" (HBO)
"True Detective" (HBO)

Best Actor in a Television Comedy Series

Don Cheadle -"House of Lies"
Louis CK - "Louie"
Ricky Gervais - "Derek"
William H. Macy -"Shameless"
Jeffrey Tambor - "Transparent"

Best Actress in a Television Comedy Series

Lena Dunham - "Girls"
Edie Falco - "Nurse Jackie"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - "Veep"
Gina Rodriguez - "Jane the Virgin"
Taylor Schilling - "Orange is the New Black"

Best Actress in a Television Drama Series

Claire Danes - "Homeland"
Viola Davis - "How to Get Away With Murder"
Julianna Margulies - "The Good Wife"
Robin Wright - "House of Cards"
Ruth Wilson - "The Affair"

Best Actor in a Television Drama Series

Clive Owen - "The Knick"
Liev Schreiber - "Ray Donovan"
Kevin Spacey - "House of Cards"
James Spader - "The Blacklist"
Dominic West - "The Affair"

Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Miniseries or Movie

Martin Freeman - "Fargo"
Woody Harrelson - "True Detective"
Matthew McConaughey - "True Detective"
Mark Ruffalo - "The Normal Heart"
Billy Bob Thornton - "Fargo"

Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries

Maggie Gyllenhaal - "The Honorable Woman"
Jessica Lange - "American Horror Story"
Frances McDormand - "Olive Kitteridge"
Frances O'Connor - "The Missing"
Allison Tolman - "Fargo"

Best Performance by Supporting Actress in TV

Uzo Aduba - "Orange is the New Black"
Kathy Bates - "American Horror Story"
Joanne Froggatt - "Downton Abbey"
Allison Janney - "Mom"
Michelle Monaghan - "True Detective"

Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in TV

Matt Bomer - "The Normal Heart"
Alan Cumming - "The Good Wife"
Colin Hanks - "Fargo"
Bill Murray - "Olive Kitteridge"
Jon Voight - "Ray Donovan"

SURPRISE: Church owns at least 30 billion PHP worth of stocks

Has it come to mind that your humble donations every time you hear mass might not be directly going to where you intend them to be? Did you ever think of the possibility that not all your donations help feed the needy and less fortunate?

Have you ever thought of, not donating to the Church, and instead saving up your donations and using the lump sum to buy food and give them to street children? Do you even need to donate money to the Church to help?

If the Church has existed to help the less fortunate for so many years, why are there still many poor people in the country? Why are there expensive Catholic schools (e.g. UST, St. Paul's, private schools) and hospitals? Why aren't churches destroyed by Yolanda and the Bicol earthquake easily repaired despite the fact that the Church receives donations every day? Why are there few orphanages (considering children are susceptible to the human-ness of priests as they too may commit mistakes?) and missions?

These are questions that we need to ponder on. And I am not slapping it to them, as if they have an obligation to fulfill. But what's disappointing to hear?

Rappler recently release an article exposing (once again) the enormous wealth the Church has accumulated through time. It alleges that the Church (through its own dioceses and parishes) owns/ed at least 30 billion pesos in stocks!

30 BILLION PESOS, a major stockholder of the Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI)! This could just be the tip of the iceberg. Imagine how far and how many poor people that 30 billion pesos could have reached (considering that most of it came from people's intended out-of-pocket donations) and helped.

Source: Rappler

Apart from BPI, the Church owns/ed stocks in First Philippine Holdings (FPH), Concrete Aggregates Corp., Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT), Philex Petroleum (PXP), ISM Communication Corp., and Philodrill. All these stocks owned by one archdiocese, the Archdiocese of Manila, which for the renovation of and repair of the Manila Cathedral didn't spend a single centavo - everything was paid for by philantropists! Plus, the government does not even tax religious transactions!

But wait, there's more! Here are some other stocks owned by the Church.

Source: Rappler

This is an eye-opener. We all have met people who (blindly), even with so little money that they have, give most of what they have, in the belief that all these will return to them somehow, many-folds. But, if this is what the Church continuously preaches, then why hasn't the Church used even just a fraction of  its money reserves to alleviate the sufferings of the needy or help educate bright minds without brainwashing or forcefully imposing on them their teachings?

And whether or not the Church has sold its stocks in these companies, the truth is it's wealthy. And with big cash piles, and a portfolio of private schools, hospitals and other businesses, it can do better to lift people out of poverty. The Church exists not only to guide us, but in order for us to serve God, to give back, with FULL trust that the Church will act according to its purpose - to change people's lives and help those who faltered rise  up again.

I know the Church has its good side. It's able to make people more human, more emphatic, more gentle, more loving. But the Church can do more in this society. It can play a great role in shaping the future of generations that will come. It can wield power and influence the less knowledgeable - to do better and be better.

It can make use of its cash (our donations) reserve to really make a difference and really show to those who turned their backs against them, that the Church is sincere in contributing to progress, that it is a reliable institution, that it is as God wanted it to become - the venue to praise and glorify Him by making life less difficult for others, not the other way around.

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On a brighter note, at least we now know the Church cares for its financial future. We're assure the Church can still help people ten, twenty, thirty years from now. :)