This is a collection of my favorite controversial videos and award-winning films, both American and foreign films. I do not own these movies, so if you have any copyright issues, let me know and I will be glad to delete it in this blog. If you like this blog, please feel free to share it with your friends and perhaps you can buy me a cup of coffee.
Reminiscing Our Pleasant Years in Marinduque, Philippines- Our Second Home
MARINDUQUE ISLAND, OUR SECOND HOME: Even today, the island’s silhouette remains a favorite sight for travelers passing through Barangay Tungib–Lipata, where visitors often stop to take photos with Bellarocca gracing the horizon. Though its doors are temporarily closed, the island’s allure endures, its white structures glowing against sea and sky, a reminder of the luxury and tranquility that once awaited on Marinduque’s own slice of paradise. This resort was once a 5 Star luxury haven, only about 30 minutes drive from our beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Amoingon, Boac.
During Bellarocca's few years of successful operation, it has been compared to Santorini, Greece. Macrine and I stayed at this resort for 3 Days at $400 per night. For Details and more photos of Bellarocca, read the the three related article at bottom of the page.
On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010
Today, January 21, 2026, President Trump made several major announcements regarding his bid to acquire
Greenland
during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Key Developments from Davos
Rules Out Military Force: In a significant shift in rhetoric, Trump explicitly stated he "won't use force" to take control of Greenland. He previously refused to rule out military or economic force but now claims he "doesn't have to" because the U.S. is "unstoppable" regardless.
Suspension of Tariffs: Trump announced he will not move forward with a 10% tariff on eight European nations that was scheduled to begin on February 1. These tariffs were previously threatened as a pressure tactic against countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of the island.
"Framework" Deal Reached: Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed they have formed a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland and the broader Arctic region. He did not provide specific details but stated the solution would be "great" for both the U.S. and all NATO nations.
Ultimatum to Allies: Despite dropping the immediate threat of tariffs, Trump issued a warning to allies: "You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember".
Is Filipino food finally getting the global spotlight it deserves? Michelin Guide hails Philippines as most exciting food destination for 2026.
The Philippines has been named one of the MICHELIN Guide’s “Most Exciting Food Destinations” for 2026, becoming the only Southeast Asian country to receive the distinction.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco credited the recognition to the successful launch of the MICHELIN Guides in Manila and Cebu in 2025, which brought Filipino cuisine to the global stage. She said the honor supports efforts to promote sustainable tourism while celebrating authentic Filipino food, traditions, and the people behind them.
MICHELIN inspectors praised Filipino cuisine for blending time-honored traditions with modern innovation, noting the rise of young local chefs shaping a dynamic food culture. Iconic dishes like sisig, sinigang, adobo, and inasal were highlighted for gaining international recognition.
The 2026 MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs and Cebu recognized over 100
establishments, including one Two-Star restaurant, eight One-Star restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand picks, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected dining spots, along with special awards for sustainability, service, young chefs, and mixology.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview
Yes, Filipino food is finally getting significant global recognition, marked by the Michelin Guide naming the Philippines a top food destination for 2026 and the launch of Michelin Guides in Manila and Cebu, highlighting rising chefs and unique flavors like sisig, adobo, and sinigang. This follows successes by Filipino restaurants worldwide earning Michelin stars and nods, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern techniques and solidifying its place on the international culinary map.
Key Indicators of the Global Spotlight:
Michelin Guide Recognition (2026): The Philippines was chosen as one of the "most exciting food destinations," signaling a major moment for Filipino cuisine.
Launch of Michelin Guide Philippines: The inaugural guide for Manila and Cebu in late 2025 brought Filipino food to the global stage, celebrating local talent.
International Success: Restaurants like Chicago's Kasama (first Filipino Michelin-starred restaurant) and London's Donia (Bib Gourmand) prove Filipino food's fine-dining viability.
Emergence of Young Chefs: A new generation of Filipino chefs is blending traditional recipes with international techniques, pushing culinary boundaries.
Why Now?
Culinary Evolution: Chefs are confidently presenting their unique flavors and stories, moving beyond historical perceptions.
Food Tourism: The recognition is boosting culinary tourism, encouraging global foodies to explore the Philippines.
Unique Flavor Profile: Filipino food's distinct blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences offers a unique taste.
In essence, Filipino food is transitioning from a niche cuisine to a recognized global player, with recent Michelin endorsements marking a significant milestone in its long-overdue international appreciation.
Meanwhile, here's a list of Places Nearby, Where You Can Enjoy Filipino Cuisine
Tropa Bistro in Lafayette and FOB Kitchen in Oakland, I highly recommend;
The SeaFood City Mall 💚in Concord has several fast food Filipino restaurants serving authentic Filipino Food. Every time I visit the Mall, I feel I am in the Philippines. There is also a supermarket selling all imported goodies/groceries from the Philippines.
My Cravings For the Week: Adobo Na Pusit:(Calamari)
Finally, the top five News of the Day:
1) Geopolitical tensions escalate at Davos over Greenland and US-EU ties Controversy grew at the World Economic Forum as President Trump pushed for negotiations over Greenland’s future, criticized NATO and EU policies, and drew strong reactions from European leaders — even freezing work on a key EU-US trade deal.
2) Trump gives provocative speech at Davos At Davos, Trump ruled out taking Greenland by force but reiterated that negotiations should begin immediately on U.S. strategic interests — sparking global commentary and heightened scrutiny of his foreign policy remarks.
3) Trump makes controversial comments about Canada in Davos In comments at Davos, President Trump said Canada should be “grateful” for U.S. support and characterized bilateral benefits as “freebies,” intensifying diplomatic friction between the two countries.
4) Analysis of Trump’s marathon press briefing on his one-year term A detailed fact-check surfaced following President Trump’s extended press briefing marking the one-year anniversary of his second term, examining claims and media narratives.
5) Federal attorney Lindsey Halligan resigns after criticism Trump-appointed U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan stepped down following sharp criticism from judges over her performance and handling of high-profile cases.
Fernando Mendoza & the Historic Rise of Indiana Football
To the casual football fan especially those used to the NFL, college football can feel like a completely different world. But the 2025-26 season will go down as one of the most unforgettable storylines in recent college football history, and at the center of it all was Indiana University’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza. My first article on Mendoza:
Fernando Mendoza wasn’t a preseason household name. A Miami, Florida native, he transferred to Indiana after beginning his college career at California. What followed was nothing short of spectacular. Mendoza led the Hoosiers with a season that culminated in him winning the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award and becoming the first Heisman winner in Indiana history. His 33 passing touchdowns led the nation and set a school record, and his efficiency and leadership powered Indiana’s rise from a long-shot contender to college football’s top team.
A Perfect Season
In a sport where parity is the norm, undefeated seasons are extremely rare. But this year, Indiana achieved perfection.
📍 Regular Season Highlights
Indiana opened the season strong with big wins, including a 56–9 rout over Kennesaw State where Mendoza threw four touchdown passes.
A dominate road win against No. 20 Illinois, showcasing Mendoza’s ability to take over a game with five passing touchdowns.
Close, gritty victories - like the 20–15 win over Iowa, displayed Indiana’s ability to win in different ways.
In the Big Ten Championship Game, Indiana stunned the college football world by beating Ohio State in a nail-biter- the Hoosiers’ first outright Big Ten title in decades and a defining moment that secured their playoff berth.
Playoff Dominance
Once in the College Football Playoff, Indiana didn’t just win - they dominated:
🔹 Rose Bowl (Quarterfinal): Indiana crushed Alabama 38–3, their first bowl win in decades. 🔹 Peach Bowl (Semifinal): The Hoosiers powered past Oregon 56–22 in a performance that showed they were a true national contender.
Then, in the National Championship Game against Miami, Indiana capped their historic season with a hard-fought 27–21 victory, completing a perfect 16–0 season and winning the first national title in school history.
What This Means for Indiana Football
For decades, Indiana football was known more for basketball than the gridiron. But under head coach Curt Cignetti, and with Mendoza’s leadership, the program has transformed into a national powerhouse in a single season. Their success rewrote the program’s record books, delivered unparalleled excitement to Hoosier Nation, and brought national recognition to Bloomington.
Whether you’re a long-time college fan or someone who only tunes in for big NFL games, this Hoosiers season was a story of grit, breakthrough performances, and one deeply memorable championship run.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above topic:
Fernando Mendoza led the
Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship on January 19, 2026, defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium. This victory capped a historic 16-0 undefeated season, making Indiana the first team in modern college football history to achieve such a record. Mendoza, who transferred from Cal, also became the first player in Indiana history to win the Heisman Trophy.
2025-26 Championship Season
Under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana completed a "rags-to-riches" transformation from one of the losingest programs in the country to national champions in just two years.
Championship Game: Mendoza secured the title with a 12-yard rushing touchdown on 4th-and-4 with 9:18 remaining.
Historical Milestones:
First outright Big Ten Championship since 1945.
First-ever victory at Penn State and a road win over a top-five opponent (Oregon).
Defeated Ohio State 13-10 to win the Big Ten title for the first time since 1967.
Fernando Mendoza 2025 Performance
Mendoza's Heisman campaign was defined by elite efficiency and record-breaking production.
Statistic
2025 Regular Season Stats
Total Season Stats (Incl. Postseason)
Passing Yards
2,980
3,349
Passing Touchdowns
33 (National Leader)
41
Completion Percentage
71.5%
73.0%
Interceptions
6
6
Rushing Touchdowns
6
6
Passer Rating
181.39
188.0
Sources:
Key Accolades
In addition to the Heisman Trophy, Mendoza swept several major national awards in 2025:
Maxwell Award (Player of the Year)
Walter Camp Player of the Year
Davey O'Brien Award (Best Quarterback)
AP College Football Player of the Year
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
Future Outlook
Mendoza is widely projected to be a top selection—potentially the No. 1 overall pick—in the 2026 NFL Draft. Following his departure, Indiana has already secured TCU transfer Josh Hoover to lead the program in 2026.
