HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHILIPPINES!

Today is the 110th Anniversary of Independence of our brothers in the Philippines. Our good neighbors accross the Mer de Chiene who looooves to sing all day long. =)


Southeast Asia is not the same without you.

Thank you for Pacquiao, Lea and Batista. Thank you for the extra votes at the New7Wonders of Nature. Thank you for El Nido, Mayon Volcano and San Miguel Beer. And...thank you for buying our rice. =)


Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Timog-Silangang Asya!

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SELAMAT HARI JADI, BRUNEI!

When the clock struck midnight in New Year’s eve of 1984, our brothers in Brunei gained full independence from the British Empire. The 1st of January is one of the most important event in the rich history of the Sultanate of Brunei – the Abode of Peace.

Long before the Europeans came, Brunei was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. Their territories covered the whole of Borneo and the southwestern part of the Philippines. Brunei is one of the few who won war against mighty Spain in those times. Not until the British came and its territories was decreased as to what it is today.

Brunei resisted the pressure to join the Federation of Malaya in the 1960s *good for them!* Otherwise, they would just be another non-sovereign states unable to control its own destiny as a nation.

Thanks to Sir Haji Omar Ali Saifuddin (the 28th Sultan) and his son, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (the 29th Sultan) for ushering Brunei through the imperialist era to the modern times maintaining their dignity and sovereign as a proud nation.

HAPPY 24TH INDEPENDENCE DAY
to all our brothers and sisters in BRUNEI!


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*Photocredit: Anthony & SoulJah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAMBODIA!

Today is the 54th Independence Day of the Kingdom of Cambodia from almost 90 years of French colonial rule.

Independence day celebration in Phnom Penh earlier today.
Photos courtesy of Reuters and AP.


Cambodian school children wave Cambodian flags as they hold portraits of former King Norodom Sihanouk and current King Norodom Sihamoni during the Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh November 09, 2007. Cambodia celebrates its 54th anniversary of Independence from France on November 9. [REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea]

More pics here...


Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni (R) walks past an honour guard during Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh November 9, 2007. Cambodia celebrates its 54th anniversary of Independence from France on November 9. [REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea]


Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni walks past an honour guard during the Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh November 9, 2007. Cambodia celebrates its 54th anniversary of Independence from France on November 9. [REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea]


Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, right, and other dignitaries attend Independence Day celebration at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007. King Sihamoni is jointed by thousand of civil servants and students to mark the country's 54th Independence Day from France, Nov. 9, 1953. [AP Photo/Heng Sinith]


Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni (bottom R) prepares to release a dove during the Independence Day celebration in Phnom Penh November 09, 2007. Cambodia celebrates its 54th anniversary of Independence from France November 9. [REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea]




Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, left, greets students during the Independence Day celebration at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007. King Sihamoni is jointed by thousand of civil servants and students to mark the country's 54th Independence Day from France, Nov. 9, 1953. [AP Photo/Heng Sinith]


Happy Birthday Cambodia!


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H.M. NORODOM SIHANOUK: The Father of Khmer Independence

Today is the 54th Independence Day of the Kingdom of Cambodia from almost 90 years of French colonial rule.

On 25 April 1941, a 19 year old prince was crowned King of Cambodia – the charismatic and stately King Norodom Sihanouk. The French thought that by putting a young monarch to the Cambodian throne, they can manipulate him to fit their colonial rule. Well, that was their plan…

Around this time, World War II has started. Paris fell to the Germans a year before (June 1940) and France is gathering all their resources because they are not as powerful any longer. The Japanese taking advantage of the French weakness in Indochina, took control on 9 March 1945. But ironically, France has already booted out Germany from their country.

France was planning to regain their Indochinese rule when the brave King Norodom Sihanouk declared independence from them 4 days after the Japanese took over. It was a bold move of the young king as the French could regain their colonial rule and replace him. Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945 to the Allies leaving the new Kingdom vulnerable and unprotected.

The turn of events that followed was full of political struggles and turmoil. In September 1949 King Norodom Sihanouk signed a treaty with France granting some independence for Cambodia. Still wanting full independence and answering the call of the Khmer population, the king went to France in March 1953. He personally asked the French President to grant full independence to Cambodia. But France turned a deaf ear and threatened to replace him if he continues to be uncooperative.

The brave king went back home but – not without stopping by America, Canada and Japan to publicize his “Royal Crusade for Independence”. It was one of the king's boldest move, not thinking if the French would replace or not.

The king was brilliant with his daring political maneuvers with the French government. The king was undaunted in his pursuit of freedom. The road to Khmer independence was rough and it must not be forgotten. The title proclaiming Norodom Sihanouk as “Father of Khmer Independence” is very appropriate and well deserved.


Long live Khmer independence!


Some photos of the celebration here.

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EVERYWHERE I LOOK, I SEE MALAYSIA ประเทศมาเลเซีย สันต์วันเกิดนะครับ

Our neighbor Malaysia is celebrating their 50th Year of Independence from the British monarch. Half a century of glorious nationhood and I shout with my Malaysian brothers "MERDEKA!"

From Nasi Lemak, my favorite food to The Petronas, my favorite architectural wonder. From Teh tarik, my favorite after-clubbing drink to the beaches of Perhentian, Langkawi and Redang -- my favorite beaches! Thank you for sharing it with us.

I gotta admit...I'm a little jealous that the best of Asia is in one country --Malaya, China, India -- you guys showed us that a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-belief society is possible.

From Vietnam to the Philippines, from Indonesia to Burma, from Brunei to Cambodia and Laos, from your neighbors to the South; Singapore to your loving neighbors to the north; THAILAND...our hats are off to you.


Malaysia is a special place on Earth.



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ONE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH

Some photos from Malaysia's Merdeka Day.

Malaysia's new King Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and his wife Queen Nur Zahirah.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah and British Prince Andrew.

Our Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailandwith his wife, Princess Srirasm.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.


My personal hero and master Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Siti Hasmah.

Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka!

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Photos from Associated Press

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDONESIA! MERDEKA!สาธารณรัฐอินโดนีเซีย สันต์วันเกิดนะครับ

The world’s largest archipelago with more than 17,000 islands. The world’s largest Muslim country. One of the world’s cradles of civilization. The world’s second largest in biodiversity. They hold more world records than all of Southeast Asian countries combined.

They got the biggest economy in Southeast Asia. The only member of OPEC from Southeast Asia. They got the longest coastline, the most number of ethnic groups, the most number of volcanoes. It is said that if Indonesian volcanoes would erupt all at the same time, Earth would be in total darkness for 10 years!

They are our largest neighbor -- 235 Million strong. They got one of the world’s largest armed forces and the most powerful in Southeast Asia. It is said that if they would want to invade the whole of Southeast Asia…they can easily do it in 3 days! *but of course, they won't do that*

Our silent but MIGHTY neighbor is celebrating their 62nd Independence from the Dutch monarch today.


Merdeka to our brothers in Indonesia!




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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!สุขสิงคโปร์ สันต์วันเกิดนะครับ

They have shown us it can be done. They have proven us that a little tropical island can attain world-class status. They have shown us what discipline is all about. They have given us a new meaning to shopping, how an airport should look like, how to cook our crabs properly. And most importantly… how to PARTYYYYY!!!

Singapore’s 42nd Year of Independence is one heck of a colossal party – parades, spectacular air shows, concerts, waterfest, sportsfest, *gum chewing contest?*, fireworks and all!

The 2007 National Day Parade will be held later today at Marina Bay. This is one of Asia’s most spectacular events and I am kicking my sorry ass because I am not there to see it. *sigh*

I so would like to jump around, chili crab on one hand, singing “There’s No Place I’d Rather Be” waving the Singapore flag and be like a real Singaporean just for a day. *Wooohooooo!* I LOVE SINGAPORE!

Happy Independence Day to all our brothers, sisters and friends in Singapore!

10,000 Years to the Lion City!

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