The Beatles: Unknown To Others

The Heyday Of The Beatles

      Originally , the Beatles was a group of five lads comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stu Sutcliffe (bass), and Pete Best (drummer). The mop-top haircut trademark of the Beatles was first introduced to Stu Sutcliffe, the former Beatle, by photographer Astrid Kircherr. Later, the bass guitarist Stu Sutcliffe left the group and was engaged to photographer Kircherr. Meanwhile, the group met Ringo Starr in Hamburg, Germany. Then, Ringo was with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines

On September 24, 1972, following the declaration of martial law, National Historical Institute, which was the successor of the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee, was created under Presidential Decree No. 1.

The NHI was tasked to conserve and preserve historical relics of national interest and legacy and to install historical markers. It is known today as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

The Formidable Dictator: Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

During martial law, the formidable leader, Ferdinand Marcos, promulgated hundreds of Presidential Decree, in the absence of Congress, but some of them were not supposedly publicized.

Formal Declaration of Martial Law to the Public

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos declared martial law by virtue of Proclamation 1081 on September 21, 1972. However, after nearly nine years of autocratic rule and by means of Proclamation 2045, martial law was lifted on January 17, 1981.

Medals: Service Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart

Aside from being an adept leader of the country then, the late strongman also possessed an extraordinary memory or eidetic ability which he could memorize sounds, images, shapes etc in short term memory without the use of mnemonics. This phenomenal memory was attested by the former speech writer of Marcos, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, when there was a time when she was urgently asked to compose speech in no time despite the limited time allotted. Thus, Santiago only dictated to the president his well-versed insight of the topic which was approximately 20-25 pages in length. The dictation was undertaken moment before the president's speaking engagement. As if it was premeditatedly drafted, the former president impeccably recalled and delivered the speech in verbatim and suave manner.

In addition, Marcos could recite the 1935 Constitution from cover to cover.

The excellent aptitude of Marcos astounded many including foreign author who mentioned his innate talent in the book: The Marcos Dynasty.

Municipalities Turned Provinces

On April 25, 1956, by virtue of Republic Act No. 1414 signed by then President Ramon Magsaysay, Aklan was separated from the Province of Capiz.

Likewise, before the end of Spanish occupation, Batanes was incorporated as part of Cagayan Province and later reorganized by the Americans to be an independent province considering its strategic location. Batanes once became a stronghold of Japanese Forces during World War II. Batanes regained its provincehood after World War II.

          Also, Nueva Ecija became an independent province derived from Pampanga after the siege of Pampango Empire of Malay conquistadores before the colonization of Spain. Only in 1848,  when Nueva Ecija became fully independent province separated from Pampanga.  

In the same way, Quirino Province was a former part of Nueva Vizcaya. However, in 1966, because of RA 4734, the province known today as Quirino, named after former President Elpidio Quirino, became a juridical entity and a province in 1971.

Quezon Memorial Shrine: Centerpiece of Quezon City

Photo Courtesy: Anonymous from Google

By virtue of Republic Act No. 333 signed and approved by President Elpidio Rivera Quirino on July 17, 1948, Quezon City became the capital of the Philippines for about 28 years until its repeal, because of Presidential Decree 940, reverting the capital of the Philippines to Manila, issued by former President Ferdinand Marcos, on June 24, 1976.

       Centrally located in Quezon City, the Quezon Memorial Shrine inside the "Circle" is an impressive mausoleum where former Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina and his wife Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon are currently interred.

        In the know, the Quezon Memorial Shrine stands at 66 meters---that correspond to the age of former President Manuel Quezon, 66, when he died on August 1, 1944.

     Prior to the erection of this famous landmark, the plan of a National Capitol (legislative complex) was premeditatedly agreed upon on the same site. However, the construction of a National Capitol and a National Government Center, that would serve as the official seat of three branches of the government, around Quezon City Circle was cut-short during the outbreak of World War II in 1941. Conversely, the original plan was discarded after then President Sergio Suico Osmeña released executive order seeking the creation of a committee for the construction of a memorial landmark as a tribute to his forerunner, President Manuel Quezon. Thereafter, a national competition was set for the Quezon Memorial Shrine Project. Homegrown Architect Federico S. Ilustre won the national contest in 1951.After thorough feasibility study, in 1956, Ilustre spearheaded and actualized the construction of a National Capitol (legislative complex) in Batasan Hills that would house both chambers of Congress including establishment of a national government center therein.

Ray Kroc: McDonald's and Real Estate Owner

Did you know that the American entrepreneur  Raymond Albert Kroc or simply “Ray Kroc,” of Czech (Bohemian) descent and owner of McDonald’s, was a real estate man?

His inclination to establish his own restaurant—after working as an ambulance driver, a multi-mixer milkshake agent, a paper cup salesman, and a radio DJ —widened before reaching 50^th birthday. He learned restaurant management after working for “room and food”--- a situation wherein Kroc worked for room accommodation and board (food).

Primarily as a franchising agent and later as a co-founder of McDonald’s, Ray Kroc expanded McDonald’s chain after buying the company from complacent McDonald Brothers in 1961. His wide array of strategic entrepreneurship led to the success of his business.

After a speaking engagement with the MBA students at the University of Texas in 1974, Ray Kroc was invited by some students to join at their favorite haunt and stomping ground. Convivially, the invitation was granted by Kroc. To the surprise of drinking students and upon the question of a curious student during the small gathering, Ray Kroc candidly told the students that he was in a real estate business contrary to their belief of him only enterprising with a hamburger business. Yes, he admitted that he was primarily in a hamburger emporium. But he attributed the success of his hamburger business franchise to real estate and sound location.

Now, McDonald’s holds the title of “largest solitary owner of real estate in the world,” not including owning of most priceless intersections in the United States of America and in some parts of the world. 

Inspiration of Yellow Ribbon

Yellow Ribbon was a popular trinket in 1970s symbolizing endearment to a loved one who was imprisoned or who was serving armed forces. The wearing of yellow ribbon can also be traced back in the 19^th century when women wore it as a symbol of affection to their loved one who was serving cavalry.

By this tradition, a song entitled “Tie a yellow ribbon round the ole oak tree” was made by Dawn featuring Tony Orlando in 1973. The song is about a prisoner who has just served his 3-year sentence and wants her wife to tie a yellow ribbon infront of their house as a gesture of welcoming his comeback.   

To the prisoner’s surprise , hundred of yellow ribbons are tied. These ribbons serve as a beacon that he is really welcomed by his wife and family.

A reprise of the same situation was made on August 21, 1983, hours before Ninoy Aquino landed in Manila International Airport from Taipei. Yellow ribbons were tied in tree branches, fences, street lamps, etc. and the rest is history.  

Famous Landmarks That Renamed Places

Since birth, I have been familiarized with cities around the National Capital Region. It is quite interesting that most of them already progressed extensively like Quezon City, Makati City, Caloocan City, etc. Places around the said cities are now known for its famous landmarks and become a habit of making it as a destination for others when using public transport, commuting etc.

Let's say for example, PHILCOA. This prominent government landmark agency can be located around Vasra, Diliman Quezon City. But instead of using barangay to denote one's destination, public transports and commuters use this landmark as a way of proximity towards their destination. The result of this practice becomes a household name to everybody. By this practice, people, nowadays, are confused. If it is asked what barangay in Quezon City does PHILCOA belong, some commuters would certainly not know it.

In Caloocan, Bonifacio Monument or simply Monumento is a 94 feet-famous landmark where the famous statue of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros are located. This monument was sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino—who was also famous in carving Oblation in the University of the Philippines—from 1929-1933 in memory of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan. Monumento has become more famous since the inception of the Light Rail Transit in 1987. So when you wanted to ride an LRT then, you would inform the jeepney drivers about a flag stop at Monumento. In your own realization, what specific barangay does Monumento really belong to? Here's the answer: Although Barangay Grace Park comprises of different zones and is divided into West and East, Monumento is under Barangay 78 Grace Park West.

Still in Quezon City, Muñoz is a booming landmark where primarily designed as a dry market then. Now, after decades, Muñoz rises to be the hub around Sta. Cruz and Roosevelt Avenue in the same city. Malls and Arcades are already erected there. For those people who are unaware of its zone, Muñoz is under Barangay Sta. Cruz—unfamiliar isn't it.

Also, more places in the Philippines are named after a tree, an establishment, etc. Take the case of "Camachile" along Balong-Bato in Quezon City. Apparently, Camachile has become a popular landmark among people passing by the said place. Probably, urban sprawl extincted existence of camachile therein. Probably, the legend of camachile trees—once stood at the hustle and bustle of barangay Balong-Bato in Quezon City—would continuously recur its essence in our mind.

Up to now, many great barangays are hidden in landmarks that we frequently see.

To be continued.......

THE PENULTIMATE SONA OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

THE PENULTIMATE SONA 

OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

The latest State of the Nation Address of the President became so emotional and less firing. Even the opposition spokesperson agreed with the analysis and considered this 5^th SONA of the president as the best among previous annual addresses. The audio-visual presentation became more evident and comprehensive this time as it involved testimonies from the recipients  who benefited from TESDA schooling program which is one of the agencies that was funded by the so-called economic stimulus or popularly known as the Development Acceleration Program (DAP). Although DAP has its tangible and intangible benefits for boosting economic growth of the country, still many critics of the President have qualms about its existence prior to its repeal.Another, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Conditional Cash Transfer) was also underlined in the speech as this program has helped alleviate the effect of poverty and extend relief to the destitute families.