2009 Place of the Year

Last year--before 2008 ended--I named Person of the Year first before declaring my choice as 2008's Place of the Year. I apologize, but I have to make a few changes. I'm still considering a few factors before I'll reveal my choice as 2009's Person of the Year. For now, I've finally decided to reveal my blog's 2009 Place of the Year after a very thorough analysis and consideration for days.

This year, many places competed for the limelight--each deserving the world's attention though a few captured much of mine. These places are too many to mention, yet let me name a few.

One worthy of mention is Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Danish capital played host to the world for the United Nations Climate Conference 2009. The city became a microcosm of the world from December 6th to 18th with the presence of more or less 170 delegates from participating nations. The meeting was important for the action against global warming and its effects were discussed. A treaty which aims to combat climate change was signed.

Another is Vientiane, Laos which left a good impression to its Southeast Asian neighbors--as well as to the world--when it became the home of the region's best athletes during the 25th Southeast Asian Games 2009 from December 9th to 18th. It was the very first major event held in the land-locked communist nation, a symbol of opening their doors to the world.

Well, the Cyberspace has been more noisy and useful this year. Who would'nt know facebook? Majority will always be guilty of posting more than a couple of status messages a day and enjoying those applications until they reach the verge of addiction. Plus a bonus for emos for being able to share their sentiments. And, for those who want to escape their busy lives--a perfect getaway.  Have you become a bird lately? Better not deny. Many have been hooked to twitter. If not, at least I'm sure you've heard about it. Updates are faster when birds fly with it, information--which may be important or some useless gossip--is at hand in just a simple tweet.

Speaking of space in cyberspace, the vast Outerspace has also drawn attention this year. Another space tourist visited the International Space Station. In fact, a said outerspace hotel is being planned to be built in a few years as announced this year. We should not be surprised if it will be on orbit in years. A few months ago, scientists have sent a robot-expedition to the moon to explore the lunar surface for the presence of water.

These four that I have mentioned was in close contention for the title "2009 Place of the Year" until one came into my thoughts with justifiable qualifications--at least to my point of view.

I elected the 2008 Place of the Year due to its impressive worldwide appeal and its relevance in saving nature from destruction as well as recognizing the wonders of nature the Almighty God has showered the Earth.

For this year's, the reasons are not just positive or good-to-hear-words but negatives as well or at least reality-based.

First, though the first quarter has been so tough due to the financial crisis, it was still able to post a positive economic growth though not more than a percent. The positive note is that it was able to evade recession unlike the Asian tigers like Singapore and Japan, and its twin tiger cub Thailand.

It's this year that patriotism has been incorporated to the fashion of its people. This is reflected from shirts to jackets, from caps to jeans, from rings to slippers, and from bags to coin purses. Shirts are printed with messages that showcase the place's culture, attitudes, and beliefs. Although, most common prints among clothings is its symbols and colors. Well, had it not been for a local shirt company and an artist, these designs wouldn't have been a mainstream. Thanks to them.

I'm pretty sure you now have an idea about my blog's 2009 Place of the Year. If none, here are more clues.

It has drawn worldwide attention when one of its respected leaders died sometime this mid-year. Its people received condolences from the world for the passing of The Saint of Democracy--as dubbed by TIME Magazine, which also named her passing as Most Fond Farewell for this year.

Something to be proud of has been more this year for it. Too-many-to-mention achievements of its people. Sports, music, television, science, and arts are among the major contributors of its pride. If there is one thing its people should be ashamed of, it's definitely without a doubt the dirty world called politics--pseudo-public-service.

This year also proved how resilient its people are. It's been largely affected by the effects of the global phenomenon, climate change. During the third quarter, three successive typhoons resulting to two-storey-high flash floods once again put it to the headlines abroad. Yet, its people stood firm from the raging flood, the storm, and most of all the uncertainty of the future. Heroism, cooperation, and optimism have been awaken leading to the immediate recovery of most that have been affected.

It  has consistently been home to one of the happiest--if not happiest--people in the world despite its economic condition. It has showed the world many times, in many fields why it deserves to be respected and be treated equal, without discrimination. It was this year that it has proven it's stand once again.

It is home to all who love freedom and ready to fight for it. It is home to those who resiliently stand even after a hundred storms. It is home for those who smile truly. It is home to those who are ready to help in every way anytime. It is home to those who never lose hope.

2009 Place of the Year is Philippines!!!

2009 Place of the Year:

Philippines

Asia

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Next update: 2009 Person of the Year, 2009 Event of the Year