NorthStar Flags

It was a Sunday many years ago when my cousin first brought home a girlfriend. He was in medical school and was practically about to graduate after more than a decade in there. He met her in a club, and later admitted she was an entertainer in Japan. So that will explain the monthly chocolates and postcards we received on our front door, not to mention the white and red replica flags and stickers.

I was in college myself then, and whenever the girl was in the house I opted to get out and to not go back until I was ready to slumber. She liked walking around the small house in her underwear, see. Sometimes in Japan flag prints. But I did not like that. We weren’t raised like that. My cousin made me promise to not tell anybody about the girl she was seeing. You had to be educated to be welcomed in the family.

When I was away at school, they’d stay indoors and do God only knows what. One day I arrived to a heated conversation inside. My meticulous aunt had paid a surprise visit. I was scared I might be dragged into the mess. I kept silent the entire time because my cousin made me swear, but I knew I was in a bigger mess for not saying anything at all. My aunt phoned her sister, my cousin’s mother. And from there things were just blown out of proportion.

We found out the girl was already carrying my cousin’s child. What’s more, we learned that my cousin had long dropped out from med school, utterly blowing apart the world his parents had built for him. He was sent home to the province and was forced to leave the girl. But a few months before she gave birth, the woman flew to our province as well. The family had no choice but to take her in. She was broke and she was pregnant with the poor child that carried our blood in his veins.

Seven years later and they are the picture of a perfect, happy family. My cousin never turned out to be a doctor, but he’s doing well as a medical representative. The woman is also well-accepted by the entire family now. We had been very judgmental. She is a good person, she’s a good wife, and more importantly, a great mother to their two sons.

For some time now, my job as a painter allowed me to visit the luxurious homes of the rich and famous. And if there is one common thing about their houses which awed me , it is their gardens. I usually do my job using their sophisticated gardens as my background, that’s why I often stroll in their huge lawn to find the perfect place to be their background on the portrait. The gardens I saw were far from ordinary. All were huge and was no doubt intricately planned and designed.

One of the garden that just took my breath away was owned by a wealthy real estate mogul, his garden could’ve measured to up to one acre, it is a mix of an English and Japanese inspired garden which features lots of cherry blossoms, a huge elaborate fish pond, two fountains, various selections of life-size statues, and of course ornamental flowers of various kinds such as roses, tulips and daffodils. The garden also features a huge lawn which was decorated only with feather flags that gracefully sways to where the wind blows.

There was so many good places for a background on that garden that I literally spent to almost a day in contemplating on where should my backdrop be. At the end, I finally found the perfect place to be my subjects’ background. The place was on an area of the garden where the precious blue roses were planted. There was also a nearly destroyed, moss covered wall which was accented with a family crest flag on the place which makes it even more classy.

That garden was indeed one of a kind, it presented the elegance of nature flawlessly. Its beguiling aura will surely entice anyone, and the fresh scent given off by the plants will no doubt ease a long day’s stress. A whole afternoon spent strolling on that garden will certainly be not a waste of time. And if given the chance, I will definitely go back to see that lush garden.

Since the beginning of time, we have used symbols to distinguish our group from the others. During the medieval era, families used family crests to identify their family from other families. The monarchy used crest, usually embedded on a banner to symbolize their kingdom. On the case of religion, Christians makes use of the cross to symbolize their faith. The Islam utilized the crescent moon and the star to represent their faith as well. Even in politics, symbols are widely employed.

In the Unites States, both the Democrats and Republicans use animal symbols to represent their faction, an elephant for the Democratic party and a horse for the Republican party. Small factions of people also utilize symbols to represent themselves. An example would be the LGBT group which uses the Pride flag to be a sign of their group.

Symbols come in many form, it may come as a jewelry, an artifact or as a flag. Today, the most popular kind of symbol in the world is a nation’s flag. They come in various shapes and sizes, in which the most common is the rectangular shaped flag. Also, the symbols embedded unto a flag range from simple to complicated. And those marks are the representation of the nation’s history, religion, political stand, and geographical diversity.

For the flag of the Republic of the Philippines for instance, it is designed with three stars which symbolize the three major archipelagos of the nation and a sun which has eight rays representing the eight provinces which led the rebellion during the spanish rule. Red and blue colors are also present on the flag which depict the nation’s political state, the blue part signifies peace, patriotism and justice. And if the nation is at war, the flag would be raised with the red part up which symbolizes valor and the blood spit for freedom.

Indeed the use of symbols particularly the flag is a worldwide culture. Its uses have also evolved, aside from identifying one’s group or race it has also become a tool to raise the people’s morale in times of hardships. The flag certainly is more than just a piece of clothing, it has become a symbol for everyone under it, something to hold on to and protect.

Netherlands is an interesting country. Like many other countries in Europe, it is a seat of marvelous artists and fascinating old world structures. And being one of the parliamentary democracies, the Netherlands in a sense is a modern country from its very constitutional foundation. This country is traditionally known for its elegant tulips, windmills, clogs or wooden shoes, delftware, gouda potteries, and bikes. And just recently, Netherlands has been also widely known for its social tolerance because of its liberal policies towards drugs, prostitution, homosexuality, and euthanasia. Along with that, although the Netherlands is composed mostly of Catholics, it is one of the most secular nations in the world wherein less than 20% of the population visits the church frequently.

A religious person may think that this country is somewhat in misery since it clearly lacks or ignores the moral guidance of religion. But interestingly enough, Netherlands is one of the most successful countries in the world today. At present, it ranks 14th place in world happiness rankings. It is also at the 13th spot in the Mercer Quality of Living Index.

Furthermore, in 2008, its capital city Amsterdam was hailed as the best city to live in. And lastly, this nation ranks as number 15 in world competitive ranking. The facts presented shows how successful the Netherlands is as a nation and how happy the people are under the Netherlands flag.

Netherlands truly is an interesting country. It’s a country where the old values and traditions are flawlessly combined with the new ones. It also shows how a liberal policy should be made and how this policies could benefit the country. This nation truly is a model of how human laws should be, no wonder one of its cities is the legal capital of the world. With its current standing and with its ability to be open for new alternatives, there is certainly more to come for Netherlands. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Netherlands’ flag keeps on rising even with the economic downturn.

Netherlands is an interesting country. Like many other countries in Europe, it is a seat of marvelous artists and fascinating old world structures. And being one of the parliamentary democracies, the Netherlands in a sense is a modern country from its very constitutional foundation. This country is traditionally known for its elegant tulips, windmills, clogs or wooden shoes, delftware, gouda potteries, and bikes. And just recently, Netherlands has been also widely known for its social tolerance because of its liberal policies towards drugs, prostitution, homosexuality, and euthanasia. Along with that, although the Netherlands is composed mostly of Catholics, it is one of the most secular nations in the world wherein less than 20% of the population visits the church frequently.

A religious person may think that this country is somewhat in misery since it clearly lacks or ignores the moral guidance of religion. But interestingly enough, Netherlands is one of the most successful countries in the world today. At present, it ranks 14th place in world happiness rankings. It is also at the 13th spot in the Mercer Quality of Living Index.

Furthermore, in 2008, its capital city Amsterdam was hailed as the best city to live in. And lastly, this nation ranks as number 15 in world competitive ranking. The facts presented shows how successful the Netherlands is as a nation and how happy the people are under the Netherlands flag.

Netherlands truly is an interesting country. It’s a country where the old values and traditions are flawlessly combined with the new ones. It also shows how a liberal policy should be made and how this policies could benefit the country. This nation truly is a model of how human laws should be, no wonder one of its cities is the legal capital of the world. With its current standing and with its ability to be open for new alternatives, there is certainly more to come for Netherlands. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Netherlands’ flag keeps on rising even with the economic downturn.

I love attending seminars. Aside from getting to visit new places and having the luxury of an all- expense paid hotel life, I also get to meet a lot of new people, and gather new ideas on how to conduct seminars. That’s right, I don’t only spend my time being a participant of these events, on some occasions, I also take part in setting up seminars and corporate gatherings.

It’s never easy to organize one good gathering where all the expected participants are professionals. You can never please them all, like they always say. But you can always avoid heavy criticism by doing your part well. My usual share of the job is to ensure that the venue is ready and properly designed for these types of affairs.

It’s a very important job to make sure that ambiance in and around the venue is conducive for these conventions. A good and simple environment will settle the participants well into the flow of things and this should help them get a lot out of the experience. At this level, the extent of creativity and human understanding at hand can make or break a formal gathering.

But function will always have to be coupled with form as it is also important to keep the venue not only lucid and comfortable, but also beautiful. An attractive venue will always have the edge, but too much accessories can spoil the concentration of the audience. For this, I usually turn to custom made twirler flags.

These beautiful flags can catch eyes without screaming for attention. They are very easy to handle, and don’t take up too much space. These twirler flags are also versatile enough for outdoor use. They are very durable and don’t wear out easily. In fact I still have the ones I used for some seminars years back. They make me remember my career’s success more than anything else.

A recent Forbes.com declaration puts a far northeastern city in the pedestal by declaring it as the most livable city in the United States of America. Not everybody expected it but Portland, Maine tops the charts and will surely attract more settlers in the near future.

The largest city in the 23rd state of the U.S., Portland is a historic port city turned posh and vibrant. The Forest City, as it is affectionately called, boasts a low unemployment and crime rate, something that goes against expectations given the recession that swept through the whole country. But as it looks, the city and its mother state is holding on, and holding on well, much to the delight of the economists in the region.

This success is by no means a solo effort. The steady growth of Maine’s economy is contributing much to the city’s rise to glory. Home to industrious people, it will be no surprise if Maine outgrows the expectations surrounding it in the near future. Just as where Portland is right now, Maine as a state has started from simple beginnings; a history reflected in its state flag which shows a farmer and a seaman to represent the work that people did in early times. Early work that never went to waste as the state is now seeing the budding fruits of its success.

Of course the future of this budding city remains to be seen. Nobody knows for sure how long the recession will continue to persist. For this, every citizen of the Forest City will be hoping that the city stays true to its motto “Resurgam”, meaning “I will rise again.”

And for as long as Portland’s caring mother, the Pine Tree State, lives up to its historical heritage of industry and statewide cooperation, the future is bright for the most livable city in the country.

A recent Forbes.com declaration puts a far northeastern city in the pedestal by declaring it as the most livable city in the United States of America. Not everybody expected it but Portland, Maine tops the charts and will surely attract more settlers in the near future.

The largest city in the 23rd state of the U.S., Portland is a historic port city turned posh and vibrant. The Forest City, as it is affectionately called, boasts a low unemployment and crime rate, something that goes against expectations given the recession that swept through the whole country. But as it looks, the city and its mother state is holding on, and holding on well, much to the delight of the economists in the region.

This success is by no means a solo effort. The steady growth of Maine’s economy is contributing much to the city’s rise to glory. Home to industrious people, it will be no surprise if Maine outgrows the expectations surrounding it in the near future. Just as where Portland is right now, Maine as a state has started from simple beginnings; a history reflected in its state flag which shows a farmer and a seaman to represent the work that people did in early times. Early work that never went to waste as the state is now seeing the budding fruits of its success.

Of course the future of this budding city remains to be seen. Nobody knows for sure how long the recession will continue to persist. For this, every citizen of the Forest City will be hoping that the city stays true to its motto “Resurgam”, meaning “I will rise again.”

And for as long as Portland’s caring mother, the Pine Tree State, lives up to its historical heritage of industry and statewide cooperation, the future is bright for the most livable city in the country.

Bumming in economy class, 30,000 feet above the ground is never an easy task. There’s nothing to do but sleep, and nothing beautiful to look at except for the charming and beautiful stewardesses that roam the cabin as if the aisle was a modeling ramp. I see them smile back at me so often than usual, but I really am unsure if everything I see around me is real at this time of the flight. I’ve been in a cycle of waking up and sleeping at a fast rate, to the point that I’m not so sure whether I’m still stuck in a dream, or stuck in a dream-like reality.

Long flights are never appealing. I’d rather take long ship cruises decorated with beautiful nautical flags. At least there’s always something to do on a big boat. Inside a plane, you can’t even stretch fully inside the bathroom, much less dance in it. But as always, time is of the essence and there’s no faster way to get around the globe than cross time zones via the airways.

Plus, I’ll never be a fan of in-flight food, especially when you’re stuck in economy. I’m not so sure if it’s the environment that spoils my appetite whenever that flight meal is served, or if it’s the food itself that curbs my senses for the tasty. But I’m certain of one thing: the lack of choice on what to eat on a flight never helps. I wonder what the people in business class are eating.

Then again, for as much as my rants are worth, plane rides will always be a big part of my life. I really do hope though that the food situation improves over the course of time. Otherwise I will be feeding myself with the clouds outside the window as those cotton candies look yummy. And when I see those airport flags, I’ll be the happiest man on earth. Finally I’m free again.

Bumming in economy class, 30,000 feet above the ground is never an easy task. There’s nothing to do but sleep, and nothing beautiful to look at except for the charming and beautiful stewardesses that roam the cabin as if the aisle was a modeling ramp. I see them smile back at me so often than usual, but I really am unsure if everything I see around me is real at this time of the flight. I’ve been in a cycle of waking up and sleeping at a fast rate, to the point that I’m not so sure whether I’m still stuck in a dream, or stuck in a dream-like reality.

Long flights are never appealing. I’d rather take long ship cruises decorated with beautiful nautical flags. At least there’s always something to do on a big boat. Inside a plane, you can’t even stretch fully inside the bathroom, much less dance in it. But as always, time is of the essence and there’s no faster way to get around the globe than cross time zones via the airways.

Plus, I’ll never be a fan of in-flight food, especially when you’re stuck in economy. I’m not so sure if it’s the environment that spoils my appetite whenever that flight meal is served, or if it’s the food itself that curbs my senses for the tasty. But I’m certain of one thing: the lack of choice on what to eat on a flight never helps. I wonder what the people in business class are eating.

Then again, for as much as my rants are worth, plane rides will always be a big part of my life. I really do hope though that the food situation improves over the course of time. Otherwise I will be feeding myself with the clouds outside the window as those cotton candies look yummy. And when I see those airport flags, I’ll be the happiest man on earth. Finally I’m free again.