I got worried when a friend’s Facebook status said MV Asia Malaysia has declared abandon ship so I immediately logged in and checked the news. The passenger ship operated by Trans-Asia Shipping Lines was from Cebu bound for Iloilo so there could be somebody I know on-board. Thankfully, the 107 passengers and 35 crew members were all safe.

According to news, the ship tilted on its right side four nautical miles off Calabasa Island in Ajuy, Iloilo which is also near Cadiz City in Negros Occidental. After the ship captain issued a distress signal and abandon-ship order shortly before 6 a.m and eventually sank at around 8:50am.

The passengers were rescued by ships and boats near the area who responded to the distressed call. The ship captain and crew should be lauded for staying behind until all the passengers were safely transferred to the other ships. Those who were rescued by MV Filipinas Cebu were brought to Iloilo City while those rescued by MT Fil Visayas were brought to Bacolod City.

President Aquino in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) mentioned wang-wang 16 times. Of course we Filipinos know he was referring to the blaring sirens used by police cars and ambulances to alert traffic and the people of an emergency. Although considered illegal, wang-wang are also used by some self-important politician or other influential people as an excuse not to follow traffic rules.

President Aquino also used wang-wang in his SONA to refer to the system of corruption in the government. Yes, we all know the meaning and symbolism of wang-wang.

But how do foreigners understand wang wang? The Urban Dictionary has the following definition of wang wang.

1. A “wang wang” is a male’s penis. This word is used around females that dont understand this word.

Nick that girl hittin on you she must want yo wang wang.

2. Wang wang is a nickname for an awesome person, usually Chinese

me: hey wang wang
other: hey dude whats up bob?

3.  Wang wang  is any food that has gone bad/spoiled and has an offensive odor. Especially raw chicken, fish, mayonaise, etc. Could also refer to clothes left in the washer way too long.

Grandmother: “Something smells rotten in the fridge. I believe the chicken has gone wang wang. Sniff that fish and see if it smells wang wang.”
Toby: “My shirt smells wang wang. How long did it stay in the washer?”

4. Wang wang is a word that posers use instead of ta tang tang. The term must be used with a secret handshake. It can be used as a greeting or it can express horniness or joy.

Alex: Wang wang!
Daniel: Wang wang!
*slap hands*

So, now that you know the other meaning of wang wang? Which one do you like best?

Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home yesterday, July 23, 2011. Although we know it would  happen anytime soon, her death still leaves you with a heavy heart. Such a great talent wasted on drugs, alcohol and other addiction. Her self-destructive behavior was well documented and seeing the photos and videos were very saddening. It’s even a surprise to some that she made it this far. The question When will Amy Winehouse die? was already answered.

Winehouse is only 27 joining the list of tragic “27 Club” of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain who all died at the age of 27.

I was touched by a comment in one of the news that says, “As a mother, I cannot mourn the loss of Amy’s “talent” as much as the loss of a vibrant young person. A sad loss.”  The world lost another artist but her family lost a loved one.

image from http://amywinehouse.fansiter.com/

One of the things that we miss from the Gloria Arroyo is her holiday economics wherein public holidays falling on  midweek are moved to either Friday or Monday so the public can enjoy a long weekend. This policy is not a priority of President Noynoy Aquino so we don’t get a lot of long weekends in his administration.

We were glad when news came out that Palace announced that there will be a 4-day long weekend in August. It will be a good opportunity to spend with family or to go on vacation. The holidays areAugust 29 (Monday) marks National Heroes’ Day while August 30 (Tuesday) is the end of Ramadan.

We can all start planning out what to do on those days. It will also be a good time for the airlines to have some promo.

Online social networks especially among Ilonggos have been buzzing with news that Jollibee Food Corp. will acquire 70% of Mang Inasal for a whooping P3Billion. Edgar “Injap” Sia II, CEO of Mang Inasal later confirmed the rumors.

People received the news with mixed reactions. Some people thinkit’s a bad decision for Mang Inasal while Most people think it’s the best decision considering the stability of Jollibee. Most people would agree the Jollibee will acquire Mang Inasal because it is a threat to the company. With 303 branches nationwide, Jollibee should have felt Mang Inasal eating away its market. If you can’t beat them, buy them.

Injap’s feat should serve as an inspiration to others. Here is a young Ilonggo entrepreneur, voted as this year’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Small Entrepreneur Category. And best of all, he has put Inasal, an authentic Ilonggo dish, on the Philippine map. Who would have thought that a young promdi could challenge well established brands in the country and actually win. I consider his selling the majority shares of Mang Inasal as a victory. It was the best decision for his 7 year-old company.

Injap was my batchmate at the University of San Agustin – College of Technology. Just like any typical Filipino-Chinese, he has a simple lifestyle. Though it was his cousin who was my classmate and we may not know each other personally, somehow I can feel pride in his achievements.

Even in college he already has the making of an entrepreneur. He had a photo developing, a laundry service, and a hotel (as partner) way back in college. Although it’s quite obvious he’ll go places, I didn’t have an inkling that he’ll get this far. His company Injap Land is currently constructing Iloilo’s first condominium. He’s only 33 and who knows what he’s going to achieve next.

Congratulations to Injap and Mang Inasal! May you continue to inspire others and keep the flame of entrepreneurship burning.

Image credit: www.sme.globe.com.ph