titajo

WELCOME 2011 !!!

2010-12-31T02:40:00.000-08:00

My family and I wish everyone - GOOD HEALTH, PEACE, HAPPINESS and PROSPERITY in 2011 !!!

YEARENDER 2010....

2010-12-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

This blogger and her husband underwent gigantic life changes. Faith and prayers played major roles in keeping their strength and spirits. Collective prayers and encouragement from old and new friends, acquaintances and family, moved HIM to grant them HIS blessings in everything that they aspired for.

As the year 2010 comes to an end, they welcome the coming 2011 with thanksgiving for HIS generosity.

THANK YOU, LORD! THANK YOU, Family and Friends!!!

May everyone have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A 180- degree turn

2010-08-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

My engineer-brother, Nato, corrected me when I told him that our life (Pete and mine) took a 360-degree turn. He's right, it's only a 180-degree turn.

So many things changed since we migrated to the U.S.

From having 2-3 helpers (two, 24/7 , and one on weekends and busy days), doing all the chores for us (well, except cooking, which I love to do). I only have me and myself- with a little assistance from my hubby every now and then, to do the laundry, set the table, wash the dishes, clean the house, take care of the plants and the pets, clean the car, etc. etc.

From a ratio of 1:1 car for each one in our family back home , we don't have our own car here. Thank God for my kind in-laws, they lent us one of their cars, so we are at least mobile. I have not applied for a driver's license here, so I have to wait for my husband
to drive for me; unlike in the Philippines, where I was able to drive anywhere I wanted to go.

From having our own house, we are living with our siblings in their homes.

From being the interviewer and decision-maker before, my husband is back to square one - applying and being interviewed for jobs here.

From being surrounded by so many relatives and friends in our country, we can count on our fingers, our acquaintances here.

From being pampered by banks back home, even getting a credit card here is like passing through the eye of a needle.

From having a weekly home service manicure and pedicure, I do it all myself now.

From the monthly haircut and hairdye by Janet or Pepot (my favorite hairdressers), Pete trims my hair and his, too; while I do the hairdye for the two of us.

But most of all, from being able to kiss and talk to our children and grandchildren anytime, we content ourselves now with watching their videos, seeing their uploaded pictures, chatting with them, exchanging emails, and talking with them over the magicjack.

We are not complaining; rather we are so thankful for this chance that HE so generously gave us. As long as Pete and I are together, everything would be fine.

As I've said before,"This is where HE wanted us to be, HIS will be done."

PANATA SA PAGBABAGO (PLEDGE FOR CHANGE)

2010-08-20T09:15:00.001-07:00

Photo and layout by Ding Fuellos

PANATA SA PAGBABAGO

Pilipino ako.

Namamanata na tutulong ako sa ating pamunuan
Sa pagtataguyod ng marangal na pamamahala
Sa pagpapalakas ng isang lipunang makatarungan
At sa pagpapatingkad ng ating demokrasya
Upang guminhawa ang pinakamamahal nating bayang Pilipinas.

Gagampanan ko
Ang lahat ng katungkulan
Ng isang mabuting mamamayan
Na kasing-tindi ng paghamon ko sa ating mga pinuno
Na sumunod sa landas na matuwid.

Makikipag-kapit-bisig ako sa aking kapwa Pilipino
Sama-sama nating baguhin
Ang takbo ng kasaysayan upang umiral ang kagandahang-loob.
Ipinangangako ko ito sa ngalan ng aking mga ninuno at mga apo
Patnubayan nawa ng Poong Maykapal ang sambayanan.

------------------- English Version --------------------------

PLEDGE FOR CHANGE

I am a Filipino.

I pledge to support our leaders
In upholding good governance,
Fostering an equitable and just society,
And intensifying the light of democracy
Toward the upliftment of our beloved country.

I will fulfill the duties of a responsible citizen
As fervently as I demand of our leaders
To tread the straight and decent path.

I shall link arms with my fellow Filipinos:
Together and as one we will recast the course of history
Whence decency, once again, shall reign.

This I swear in the name of my forebears and grandchildren.
May the Almighty God continually guide our people.

(Composed by Sonny Coloma & Marian Pastor Roces)

Our new parish

2010-08-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH
7601 N. Grandview Ave.
Odessa, TX 79765

Feeling so sad and homesick on our first week here in Texas, we sought out the nearest catholic church, for Pete and I knew that it would be the best refuge for us. We were right, for there in the church, we met many warm and friendly people of different races. Filipinos, Americans, Mexicans, Chinese, to name a few.

To belong to a parish, one has to register first; which we did right away. A few days after our registration, we received a letter of welcome from the pastor (that's how the priest is called here), Rev. Mark Woodruff, through the Minister of Hospitality, Ms. Julie Andreopulos. Enclosed in that letter is a set of envelopes with our names and the dates of the Sundays of the year, printed on each one. Offerings are to be placed in those envelopes and dropped on the offertory plates, as one enters the church. Mass attendance is easily tracked, because of the date on the envelopes.

As was our practice at the Holy Spirit Chaplaincy in LIDE, Isabel, Leyte, we gravitated to a particular seat near the Blessed Sacrament. It was to be our (almost) permanent seat, as it's always vacant when we go there to hear the 7:30 a.m. Sunday mass.

Before the mass proper, people greet each other, shake hands, beso-beso, etc. The old version of the OUR FATHER,"and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation" is recited (everyone holding hands, too). At first, i found it difficult, as I was used to the new version (Philippine version?) of the OUR FATHER, " and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; do not bring us to the test". Only the priest hands out the sacred host to the faithful during holy communion; however, on either side, there is a couple of laymen, who hold a big chalice with wine for those who opt to partake of the wine after receiving communion. We have not tried it; anyway, it's optional.

Everyone is free to get a copy of the weekly newsletter, where announcements, plans, reminders, etc. are posted, so the mass really takes just an hour, because the pastor (priest) does not have to dwell on those, in the pulpit. Nobody leaves the church, until the pastor has gone out of the church door.

For my apostolate, I volunteered to work with the Cookbook Committee, in coming out with a parish cookbook, for fund raising. We edited all the prized recipes submitted by the parishioners themselves, all 510 of them. They are now in the printing press and will be out in November.

We have only been here for three months; but I can say that indeed - the church -
ST.ELIZABETH ANN SETON - is our best refuge.

SENIORS COULD BE FINED FOR ABUSING DISCOUNTS | The Philippine Star News Headlines

2010-07-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Seniors could be fined for abusing discount | The Philippine Star News Headlines

Good news for SENIOR CITIZENS!!!

2010-06-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Senior citizens to get full tax exemption on food, drugs starting July 6

Senior citizens will be fully exempt from value added tax (VAT) starting July 6 after officials from government and non-government agencies signed on Friday the implementing guidelines for the expanded Senior Citizens Act. The exemption from the 20-percent tax for senior citizens will cover purchases of food and medicines, as well as other services in restaurants and movie houses, GMA News’ Bernadette Reyes reported in “24 Oras." By December this year, senior citizens will also get a 5-percent discount on electric and water consumption, provided that the meters for these utilities are registered under their names and are below 100 kilowatt hours for electricity and 30 cubic meters for water. The guidelines serve as the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 9994, signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last February. Drug store owners, however, expressed concerns on the implementation of the law, saying they would have to make adjustments in their systems before they can give the discounts. “Kailangan pa nila ang panahon para maireprogram ang kanilang mga machines o mga system para maka-adapt sa bagong batas," said Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) president Josephine Inocencio.

(They [drug store owners] need more time to reprogram their machines or systems to as to adapt to the new law.)

Starting in 2011, indigent senior citizens will also receive monthly social pensions of P500 and free influenza vaccination, still in line with the expanded Senior Citizens Act guidelines.—JV, GMANews.TV

Supercat trips from Mall of Asia to Orion, Bataan and back

2010-04-12T13:42:00.001-07:00

SUPERCAT
+63-933-541-4942

DMC TERMINAL
PUTING BUHANGIN, ORION, BATAAN
DAILY SCHEDULE OF TRIPS

#	ETD MANILA	ETA ORION	FREQUENCY	ETD ORION	ETA MANILA	FREQUENCY
1	6:00 A.M.	7:00 A.M.	Daily	7:30 A.M.	8:30 P.M.	Daily
2	9:00 A.M.	10:00 A.M.	Daily	10:30 A.M.	11:30 P.M.	Daily
3	1:00 P.M. *	2:00 P.M.	Fri, Sat, Sun	2:30 P.M. *	3:30 P.M.	Fri, Sat, Sun
4	4:00 P.M.	5:00 P.M.	Daily	5:30 P.M.	6:30 P.M.	Daily

PROPOSED PASSAGE FARE

FARE TYPE	AMOUNT
Full Fare	300
Student Fare	255
Senior Citizen	240
Minor (3-11 years old)	150

Round trip discount = 50% on the return trip valid within 1 month

Group discount = 10% (at least 10 pax)

A fabulous weekend at KUTING REEF

2010-02-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

We were a group of 48 excited LIDE women, who left the industrial estate and our wifey/mommy roles for a 2-day outing at KUTING REEF in the town of Macrohon in Southern Leyte. It took our four-van convoy about four hours to reach our destination, with a brief stop for breakfast at the Maasin City Jollibee.

After the systematic and hassle-free check-in procedures, we went into our assigned cabanas in groups of four, and changed into our beach wear, for the various activities we wanted to indulge in.

Some went swimming in the infinity pool, some strolled on the beach and picked up some stones which are all very smooth, some just relaxed on the bamboo beach lounging chairs, some took a ride on the banana boat, others went kayaking. Some tried to catch up on their sleep in the air-conditioned cavanas, after taking a hot shower. The less adventurous ones had 'live chat' with the others. We even played bingo, which we enjoyed so much. "Sarap buhay."

Kuting Reef's tropical setting with very modern facilities, is a hidden haven for relaxation, for wedding receptions, and corporate events and conferences. It's an ideal hide-away for the stressed and the distressed. They even offer room service 'hilot massage', very ideal for tired and achy bones. They have a souvenir shop and an HONESTY delicacies store (look no sales clerk-customers drop their payments and get their change in the money box themselves!)

Manned with very articulate(they speak Tagalog!), and very courteous staff (headed by Rolan), booking and check-in procedures is a breeze. One could feel their sincerity and willingness to be of service to their guests.

They serve mouth-watering gourmet delights, seafood specialties, pasta, shakes, etc. in the fully air-conditioned dining hall or in the Boardwalk Grill overlooking the blue waters of the sea.

We were very lucky to have seen a garden wedding reception while we were there. What a lovely reception - setting, flowers, food,and all!

I could go on and on,, since there are still so many wonderful things to write about this awesome place, but I guess it would be better for you to check their website: www.kuting-reef.com

Lastly, on behalf of the LIDE LADIES CLUB of LIDE(Leyte Industrial Development Estate), Isabel, Leyte, we thank the very gracious proprietor of Kuting Reef, Ms. Babes Castanares of Laguna and Macrohon. MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

(btw, still wondering how the place got the name KUTING-KUTING REEF. 'kuting' in tagalog is KITTEN. didn't see a single kitten or cat there. it would be nice to know the legend of how it came to be called 'KUTING-KUTING')

The expanded senior citizen act signed into law

2010-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

GMA signs law expanding benefits for elderly
By Marvin Sy (The Philippine Star) Updated February 17, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has signed into law Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, ending weeks of speculation on whether or not she would act on this measure.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar, quoting Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said that the President received the enrolled copy of the bill last Monday night.

Mrs. Arroyo apparently did not have to scrutinize the bill too much since she signed it yesterday morning before going on her tour of the Mindanao agribusiness super region.

There were speculations the President did not want to act on the bill because of its revenue implications as indicated by the Department of Finance (DOF), which recommended that Mrs. Arroyo veto the bill.

According to the DOF, the law would result in a revenue loss of P1.68 billion for the government and complicate the administration of the value added tax (VAT
However, in spite of the DOF’s recommendation, the President said two weeks ago that she would not veto the measure.

“With the signing of the expanded senior citizens’ benefits act, our elderly can now expect additional financial assistance to help them weather the uncertainties of old age in an uncertain global economy,” Olivar said.

Olivar noted that the President was fully aware of the fiscal costs of the measure but she wanted to provide sectors such as the senior citizens with the social services and safety net programs “that have been created precisely to spread the benefits of our fiscal recovery to the neediest of our citizens.”

“The President intends to continue looking after the most vulnerable members of society as she continues to protect the economic gains in her legacy,” he said.

The law would exempt senior citizens from the 12 percent value added tax imposed on goods and services.

While the original senior citizens act, Republic Act 7342, gave the elderly a 20 percent discount on goods and services, they were not exempted from the VAT, which effectively brought down the level of discount to only eight percent.

Now that the law has been amended, senior citizens would be able to enjoy the full 20 percent discount.

The VAT exemption will apply to medicine and essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment; fees of attending physicians; medical, dental and diagnostic and laboratory fees; fares for buses, jeepneys, taxis, AUVs, shuttle services, public railways, domestic air transport and other vessels; utilization of services in hotels, restaurants and similar establishments; admission fees in cinemas, theaters and other places of culture, leisure and amusement; and funeral and burial services.

Indigent senior citizens will also be given a monthly stipend of P500, subject to the periodic review of Congress in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In case of death of an indigent senior citizen, an amount of P2,000 will be awarded to his or her nearest kin as death benefit assistance.

Senior citizens may also enjoy a five percent discount on their water and electric bills on the condition that the utilities are in the name of the senior citizen residing in the household, and that the consumption for electricity and water does not exceed 100 kilowatt-hours and 30 cubic meters per month, respectively.

Establishments that refuse to grant the mandated benefits, including their owners, managers and personnel may be fined P10,000 to P50,000 or face imprisonment of one to six months .

Sen. Pia Cayetano, principal author of the expanded Senior Citizens Act, welcomed the President’s move to sign the law.

“As principal author of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, I wish to express the gratitude of the country’s six million lolos and lolas to the President for finally acknowledging the urgency to sign this measure,” said Cayetano, who is seeking re-election under the Nacionalista Party.

Meantime, last Feb. 12, the President signed the Coast Guard Law of 2009 or Republic Act 9993, formally transferring the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from the Department of National Defense (DND) to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). – With Christina Mendez, Evelyn Macairan

What a blessing!

2010-02-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

I was at a necrological mass at the Fatima Church in Ormoc City yesterday. It was a mass for my friend's friend. I was there to sympathize with my friend, Lucie, who lost a good friend, whom she fondly calls Nang Nita.

Nang Nita was a teacher like Lucie and me. She graduated at the Philippine Normal College in Manila, which is also my Alma Mater. She was a very good mother to her five children (3 boys and 2 girls). She was a very religious woman. She served the church through the Parish Pastoral Council, the Mother Butler, the Legion of Mary, etc, not to mention her daily church visits for the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.

She was well-loved by the parishioners and the people in her community. The huge attendance to her wake and internment can attest to that. Friends and relatives from different places were there to show their love for Nang Nita and to pay their last respects.

For all her good and lovable ways, God blessed her with a final goodbye, which would be a hard act to follow-even by the richest faithful. Nang Nita so generously shared with God 2 of her 3 sons. She not only allowed, but encouraged and inspired her 2 sons. Rev. Fr. Gani Petilos and Rev. Fr. Ivan Petilos to become priests. The Archbishop of Palo, Monsignor Jose S. Palma, celebrated the requiem mass, with 128 priests as co-celebrants. That was the first time that I ever saw so many priests, and with the bishop at that, saying mass altogether, for one departed person.

WHAT A BLESSING!

GUESS WHO????

2010-01-31T05:43:00.000-08:00

My Barkada in College (1963-1967)

2010-01-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

It was supposed to be a teaser, so I just posted the picture and nothing else. I wanted my present friends to ask who they are, where they are now, how we met, etc.

However, I changed my mind after posting the picture. They deserve to be named now, not later,

Left to right: Bella Altura-Mitra, Me, Charito Robledo-Tolentino, and Flordeliza Espina-Noriega.

My three friends are all true-bloodied Batanguenas. We bonded at the Philippine Normal College (now, Philippine Normal University), because we belonged to class IV G -10 from first year until graduation. Furthermore, we all stayed at the PNC dormitory- the Normal Hall the whole duration of our college years.

They came home with me to Orion, Bataan on some weekends and me to theirs in Batangas- (San Jose, Tanauan, and Batangas City). We went to church, watched movies, ate in different restaurants, trooped down to Quinta Market in Quiapo for imported soap, shampoo, and chocolates and most of all, shared secrets, which were aplenty at that time. We sometimes wore identical made-to-order dresses, and shared whatever stuff or food we can share with each other. We came to be known as THE GENUINES. It was an in-thing in the sixties for a barkada to have a name.

After graduation in 1967, we lost track of each other and found each other again through the internet early last year. It was only last January 14 this year, that we saw each other again. Bella picked me up at the Naiaa 3; Flor( a balikbayan) picked up Charito in Tanauan, and we met at the San Pedro, Laguna residence of Bella and Andy. All hell broke loose when we saw each other - with all the hugging, kissing, jumping, laughing and crying. Andy(Bella's husband) and Teddy(Flor's husband) could only smile, sharing our happiness.

Andy and Bella (mostly Andy-hahaha!) prepared a very sumptous lunch and plenty of between meals delicacies and chichiria for us, which we ate with gusto, while sharing and giving updates on our life between 1967 and 2010. 43 years, 43 long years! Wow! God is so kind!

We sadly bade each other goodbye, with promises to keep in touch as much as we can, and to be ALIVE FOR OUR NEXT REUNION! That's a tall order, isn't it?

So, Bella, Charito, Flor, HASTA LA VISTA!!!

Pastillas de Leche

2010-01-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

I have yet to meet someone who would not fall in love with my PASTILLAS DE LECHE! Ehem!!!

This is one of my treasured (of course, closely guarded, too) recipes, which I learned when I was still in high school, in the early sixties.

Making the pastillas has always been a labor of love. I give them away to people close to my heart. I feel happy when after the first bite, they keep on getting and eating more, pausing only to say, "Ang sarap naman, pahingi nga ulit." ("These are so delicious. May I have some more?").

When they ask me, how they are made, I have a ready answer - "SECRET".

So there - the next time you see me with a bag of pastillas, just keep on eating, they are free, but please don't ask me for the recipe. hahaha!

Thumbs up for the DFA Consular Office in Tacloban City!

2009-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

The orderly and swift processing/ renewal of passports in the Tacloban DFA Consular Office is a whiff of fresh air in government service in the country.

My husband and I were there yesterday for the renewal of his expiring passport. The security guard in the main entrance of the office, greeted us and asked politely why we were there. Upon learning what we needed, he directed us to the one manning the photocopier and to the photographer's studio. How convenient that one can have the documents photocopied and the ID pictures taken right then and there.

At the end of the hall, another respectful and very accomodating employee gives out the application forms, as well as answers to applicants' querries. He even has a bottle of paste for pasting the picture on the form. Not only that- he pastes it himself and staples the other pictures where they should be attached. There is no unahan or palakasan in the processing either, because a number is given to each applicant, as he comes.

No time is wasted, so everyone is able to accomplish their purpose in going there, with speed and without stress.

I credit the DFA and their consular officer assigned in Tacloban, for the able leadership and management, which is very evident on the good performance of the employees there.

Kudos, too, to the janitors/gardeners, who were diligently doing their jobs, cleaning the premises and working in the garden.

How i wish we can say the same nice things on the rest of our government offices and employees.
I have so much faith on the ability, industriousness and innate goodness of all Filipinos. We need dedicated and good leaders to motivate us to do our best. But most of all, we need to be determined to do our best always, in whatever circumstance we are in.

P.S
I just learned from Mr. Charlie (he's also very courteous}that the DFA Tacloban Regional Office Director is Ms. YOLANDA S. OFIANA.

CONGRATULATIONS, Ms. YOLANDA S. OFIANA !!! May your tribe increase!

"What will matter"

2009-08-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

"WHAT WILL MATTER"

Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned, or what you owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do list will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important, will fade away.
It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant,
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
SO WHAT WILL MATTER?
HOW WILL THE VALUE OF YOUR DAYS BE MEASURED?
What will matter is not your success, but how hard you tried.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched,empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting losswhen you're gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

LIVING A LIFE THAT MATTERS DOES NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.IT'S NOT A MATTER OF CHANCE, BUT OF CHOICE.
CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS.

Written by: Michael Josephson
Published in: Fr. Reuter's Column

The 1955 total solar eclipse (as I remember it)

2009-08-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

I was a third-grader in Orion, Bataan when the 1955 total solar eclipse took place.

Days before that much-awaited scientific phenomenom, we were taught by our Science teacher, to blacken pieces of glass with soot from esperma or lampara.
Those were to be used when looking upward directly to the sky, without damaging our eyesight. Those who have no pieces of glass (which were quite rare then) were told to fill palangganas with tubig, to watch the eclipse through the reflection on the water.

There were no television sets yet then. Electricity was only available from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. so there was no live telecast of any event, which is commonplace now.
We were all out on the streets, waiting anxiously for what will happen. We were able to see the slow movement of the moon as it covered the sun. The cocks and the hens cockled, because it was pitch-dark, parang gabi na. Women,including my mother and lola, dropped to their knees, praying aloud," Panginoon, iluwa po sana ng buwan ang araw." They even prayed The Angelus after that. We were all so happy that the prayer for "the moon to spit out the sun" was granted by God. We knew that our prayer was granted, because the sun came out again. We all rejoiced at the effectiveness of our prayer.

Back to school the day after that eclipse, we were asked to share our experience and observations, through story-telling or informal themes.

It is so disappointing that I was not able to witness the last eclipse. However, I am comforted with the thought that at least, I was able to experience one in my lifetime. I am 61 years old and counting, but that 1955 total solar eclipse is so vivid in my memory, as if it happened only yesterday.

From PDI - Good news for senior citizens

2009-07-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Last month, courtesy of the office of Sen. Pia “Compañera” Cayetano, I received a copy of a draft consolidated committee report on pending Senate senior citizen bills. It was initially prepared by several Senate committees but the final product is more the work of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development under Sen. Loren B. Legarda. Other co-authors of the measure are Senators Edgardo Angara, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Manuel Villar and Antonio Trillanes IV.

Let me focus on some of the more important changes which will be of great benefit to senior citizens of our community.

As all senior citizens are aware of, the 20-percent discount we enjoyed under the law was drastically affected by the imposition of the 12-percent Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT). In effect we were left with only an 8 percent benefit instead of the full 20 percent authorized by law.

The proposed legislation to be known as the “Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2008” aims to correct this anomaly.

Henceforth, senior citizens shall be entitled to the following:

“A) The grant of 30-percent discount for the exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens from all establishments which are covered by the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) Law on the following:

“i. On the purchase of medicines, including the purchase of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and other essential medical supplies; provided, that the DOH shall administer free vaccination against the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease for indigent senior citizen patients, subject to implementing guidelines to be issued by the Department of Health;

“ii. On the utilization of services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers;

“iii. On the professional fees of attending physicians in all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinic and home care services;

“iv. In actual transportation fare for domestic air transport services and sea shipping vessel and the like, based on the actual fare, advanced booking and similar discounted fare; and

“v. On funeral and burial services for the death of senior citizens.

“B) The grant of a minimum of 20-percent discount for the exclusive use and enjoyment of senior citizens from all establishments not covered by the EVAT Law on the following:

“i. On medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees including medical supplies in all private hospitals and medical facilities, outpatient clinic and home care services, in accordance with the rules and regulations to be issued by the Department of Health in coordination with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth);

“ii. On admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses and concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement;

“iii. In actual fare for land transportation travel in public utility buses (PUB), public utility jeepneys (PUJ), taxi, Asian Utility Vehicles (AUVs), shuttle services and public railways including light rail transit (LRT), mass rail transit (MRT), Philippine National Railways (PNR) and any skyway transport.”

NOTE: There is now a differentiation between establishments covered by the Expanded Value Added Law (EVAT) and those not covered by the same law. There is also a difference in the discount for air and sea transportation (30 percent), as against land transportation (20 percent).

The use of credit cards has always been a problem with some business establishments not honoring the discount if a senior citizen card is presented.

The new measure reads: “The discounts provided for herein may be availed of on cash or credit card purchases and also apply to value and promotional goods and services; provided, that in case of a specific discount offered on promotional goods and services is higher than the discount provided herein, the senior citizen shall avail of the higher discount provided, however, that in case the specific discount offered on promotional goods and services is less than the discounts provided herein, the said discount shall be deducted from the total discount senior citizens are entitled to and the difference shall be applied to enable them to enjoy the full discount provided in this Act.”

There is also a program covering vision services for senior citizens.

“For this purpose, senior vision services shall refer to services to elderly persons who have a functional visual impairment. ‘Functional visual impairment’ means an impairment of sight that interferes with the senior citizen’s ability to perform specific daily living skills and tasks. Persons who are not regarded as legally blind, pursuant to this paragraph, but who experience such an impairment of sight, shall be eligible for senior vision services. These services shall include but not be limited to, diagnostic tests and low vision screening, information and referral, client and family counseling, referrals for ophthalmological, optometric and optometric health care services, technical assistance and training for human services personnel to serve senior citizens who are blind or visually impaired.”

Punitive measures for violation of the law: “The owner, manager and/or employee of any establishment who refuses to honor the senior citizen card issued by the government shall, if found guilty, be punished by a fine of not less than ten thousand (P10,000) Pesos nor more than fifty thousand (P50,000) Pesos, or imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than six months, or both, at the discretion of the court.

“Upon filing of any appropriate complaint and after due notice and hearing, the proper authorities may also cause the cancellation or revocation of the business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted to any business entity that fails to abide by the provisions of this Act.”

* * *

Let me emphasize that this proposal is still pending in the Senate, and has a long way to go before final approval and implementation. But I am certain that the law will be passed. If you have any comments/recommendations, now is the time to be heard. Other proposed changes will be taken up in future columns.

From PDI - on healthy diet

2009-06-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Plant foods fight most-feared diseases
By Tessa Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:44:00 06/19/2009

Filed Under: Health

MANILA, Philippines – As aggressive marketing campaigns for processed animal foods continue to woo the buying preferences of children and their parents, nutritional experts are now taking a closer look at the other end of the diet spectrum—at plant-based foods —and its greater potential to fight dreaded diseases.

Last week’s press conference at the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health (“Oplan FLUnas, the ABCs of Flu Prevention”) which discussed personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and immune system strengthening, saw NIH director Doctor Lulu Bravo saying that strengthening an individual’s resistance would have to include loading up on vegetables such as malunggay.

Malunggay, as Filipino nutrition experts have known and declared, is gram for gram seven times more concentrated in Vitamin C compared to oranges, four times the calcium and twice the protein compared to milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, and three times the potassium content of bananas. It also contains minerals and amino acids, and has been cited by the Asian Vegetable Research Development Center in Taiwan as the most nutritious plant in the world.

Isn’t only superstar

Malunggay, however, isn’t the only superstar in a veritable superhero collection of plant-based foods. Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Nancy Bermal stressed that one must eat a mostly plant-based diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables (and low on red meat). In combination with a lifestyle that reduces stress and has enough sleep (7 to 8 hours), this provides the optimum environment for a strengthened immune system.

“The immune system is a network that helps you avoid illness—or sometimes it can become the underlying reason you get sick,” Bermal said.

Former health secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan’s “12 tips on How to be Healthy at any Age” stressed the health-boosting effects of a plant-based diet and destructive effects of processed foods.

Daily must-eat foods

Galvez-Tan’s “daily must-eat foods” are:

• Vegetables, eaten raw or as salad or pickled

• Fruits, all kinds, eaten fresh or taken as fresh juice

• Cooked vegetables

• Nuts—peanuts, cashew, coconut, pili

• Complex carbohydrates—brown rice, brown sugar (muscovado, molasses), whole wheat bread, whole corn, kamote, cassava, gabi, ube

“Our diet today is filled with empty calories, carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals), high-sugar, foods high in bad cholesterol and fat. Eating a plant-based diet will boost your health and well-being,” he said.

On the other hand, Galvez-Tan’s “must-avoid foods” are:

• Animal meat, especially processed meat

• Animal milk and milk products like butter

• Shell fishes—tahong, talaba, tulya, alimango, alimasag, shrimps, prawns, lobsters.

“The World Cancer Research Fund’s report in 2007, based on a five-year project spanning more than 7,000 clinical studies, declared that all people should immediately stop buying and eating processed meat products and that all processed meat should be avoided for life. Processed meats contain chemical additives that greatly increase the risk of various cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, brain tumors, and pancreatic cancer,” he said.

Not milk?

Galvez-Tan also stressed: “Milk by itself is a good source of nutrients. Organic milk is still a good source of nutrients today. However, milk bought from the supermarket is full of hormones and chemicals injected to cows in order to increase milk production. The US General Accounting Office (GAO) and the Consumer’s Union, publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, have warned of the potential hazards to human health caused by consuming products derived from Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone or rBGH-treated cows.”

“Shell fishes, though naturally good, are no longer safe to eat today. These seafood are filter-feeders, meaning these are the scavengers of the aquatic world. Thus, these are easily contaminated by oil spills, pesticide run-offs, and other dangerous chemicals collecting in the seawater,” Galvez-Tan said.

The “must-avoid foods” according to Galvez-Tan are:

• Products with trans fats or hydrogenized vegetable oils

• Foods fried in soya oil or corn oil or hydrogenized vegetable oil

• Processed foods using white sugar, refined flour or processed grains.

An Invitation

2009-06-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am reproducing an invite to the birthday of a most loved monsignor of the Catholic Church in the province of Leyte. He is very special to us here in LIDE, Isabel, Leyte, because he is instrumental (along with the Abanillas, Quimsings, Avilas and Corderos) in the establishment of the Holy Spirit Chaplaincy Marriage Encounter Community in this place.

He is officially retiring as Parish Priest of Sto. Nino Parish in Tacloban City and as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Palo. We know that this will be his chance to be active in other pursuits. He has a green thumb, so he will most likely be very busy nurturing his collection of rare plants in their ancestral home in the city. He is looked up to in the Marriage Encounter Community, so we hope to see him during the coming M.E. weekend seminars, all over the region. The seminarians will be very happy to welcome him back to the seminary which he used to head before. He will have time to travel to most interesting places now. Most of all, he will always be our father-confessor-counselor.

THE INVITE:

Sto. Nino Parish
Tacloban City

With Thanksgiving to God
the Catholic Community of the
Sto. Nino Parish of Tacloban City
cordially invites you to the celebration of the

65th Birthday

of

RT.REV.MSGR.BENJAMIN M. BACIERRA,P.A., S.T.L., M.A.

Parish Priest of the Sto. Nino Parish of Tacloban City
Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Palo

on Thursday, 18th day of June 2009

for the

Concelebrated Mass at 5:00 p.m.
at the Sto. Nino Parish Church
Tacloban City

&

Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
at the Asia Convention Center
Real Street, Tacloban City

My hubby and I and some friends will be leaving Isabel after lunch to be with MONSIE (as we fondly call him) on this special day for him.

MAY THE LORD BLESS HIM WITH GOOD HEALTH AND LONG LIFE, SO HE WILL ENJOY HIS RETIREMENT YEARS, IN THE COMPANY OF PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR HIM. AMEN.

Tatay is now 92 years old!

2009-06-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Tatay celebrated his 92nd birthday last March 23. Though stricken with Alzheimer and bedridden, we are very thankful that he is still with us.

Conversation with him is one way now. He used to be a highly principled and opinionated person. He encouraged us to be honest with our opinions, feelings, principles. He made us realize that no one can defend us best, except ourselves. So very unlike most of his contemporaries, he preferred that we reason out to him (very politely, of course) when accosted with misdemeanors. He believed that in every issue, one has to take either the black or the white, never the gray area. He did not believe in being neutral at all.

Being the eldest child in the family, I was privy to Tatay's thoughts and actions, more than my younger siblings. This is why I try to put in print my recollections of our father.

On June 21, the world celebrates Father's Day once again.

To me and to my siblings, TATAY IS OUR WORLD! May his tribe increase.

What a life!

2009-04-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I'm home!!! I'm so happy!!! So relaxed!!! So rested!!! So carefree!!! No cares!!! No worries!!!

ALL BECAUSE - I'M HOME!!! I'M HOME!!! CAN ANYTHING GET BETTER THAN THAT???

An interesting article from PDI

2009-04-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

How to get what you want
By Lia Bernardo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:24:00 04/07/2009

Filed Under: Therapy

MANILA, Philippines - The law of attraction is extremely powerful. Use it wisely. I am not an expert and I’m simply sharing the lessons I have learned along the way.

The law of attraction is about transforming your life, and recognizing what will truly make you happy. Attract what is positive in life. When this happens, everything just seems to flow.

If you are looking for love, for example, it is important that you love yourself first. If it is abundance you are looking for, you must get rid of poverty-consciousness. The secret to using the law of attraction is believing you already have what you desire.

You get exactly what you manifest. For example, if you are constantly saying: “I hope I meet and marry a rich man,” you will probably end up meeting and marrying someone who will make you financially secure, but will probably not treat you right.
Or if you say: “I want stress to disappear from my life,” “stress” is the key word you are sending out to the universe, thus, you attract more stress.

Key to manifesting
The key to manifesting lies in the phraseology “I have met my romantic soulmate. We have a harmonious relationship filled with understanding, mutual respect, humor, romance, financial independence, etc.” You need to enumerate every aspect of what you want.

A friend of mine went through this exercise and met the man of her dreams. The only problem was he was eight years younger. She forgot to put the age. They just laugh about it now, and they are happy together.

It is like saying: “I don’t want to get into an accident.” Since the words “want” and “accident” are dominant, they are what the universe will give you. “I am safe and protected at all times” is a more positive affirmation. Thus the universe deciphers it as “is safe and protected at all times.”

Notice also that I use the present tense. If you state “I want,” you will forever be in the state of want. “I will” puts you in wait mode. There are a lot more books besides “The Secret” that give advice on how to use the law of attraction.

Just remember to manifest what is important in your life. Peace, joy, tranquility, contentment, love, romance, harmony in the family and at work and the like are part of the language of the universe.

Home Sweet Home!!!

2009-03-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

Flying back home (HSW!!!) in a few days! After over two months of absence from home, I now fully realize why it's called 'HOME SWEET HOME'.

home is where the heart is...

home is where a lifetime of memories are etched in...

home is where our children and their spouses and their children are...

home is where our parents, siblings, in-laws and their families are...

home is where all our relatives are...

home is where our friends are...

home is where everyone knows you by your first name...

home is where people of the same culture, feelings, attitude, temperament are...

home is where the food tastes best...

home is where the sun shines brightly all day long...

home is where both the people and the weather are warm...

home is this... home is that... home is... home is...

(the list is endless...)

All I want to say now is ... THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!

"can't wait to be home!"

I'm still alive!

2009-03-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Been absent from the blog too long, but the good news is "I'm still alive" and kicking! (thank God).

The last three months has been a never-ending cycle of happiness, apprehensions, paper chase, excitement, surprises, photo ops,parties, reunions, etc.etc. I'M NOT COMPLAINING. In fact, I feel so blessed for everything that's happening to me and to my hubby.

What a blessing to be with relatives and friends whom we have not seen for decades.
What a blessing to be in places which we could only dream of before.
What a blessing to feel the warmth of friendship with our friends of way, way back.
What a blessing to be with those whom I've been MISSING (lumusm) for years.
What a blessing to be smiling before the camera for thousands of times.
What a blessing to be with my hubby 24/7 for two months since we got married 35 years ago.
What a blessing to realize that our children can really fend for themselves in our absence.

THANK GOD FOR ALL THESE BLESSINGS!

The forthcoming LLCI Juniors-Seniors Prom

2008-11-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

I read with gusto the latest blog at Galewynand'@.multiply.com, on this schoolyear's JS prom, to be held in February, 2009.

I was a parent in the same institution, so I have a gut feel of the parents' opposing points of view re: the venue for the affair. Most of the parents prefer to have it in the town (Isabel), rather than in one of the hotels in Ormoc, which was their venue for the past years.

The Junior-Seniors Promenade is one of those milestones in the life of students. The beautiful memories of an enchanted evening is one that they would go back to over and over again, for the rest of their life. The prom is not all glamour and display of excesses. One primary reason for proms is the concreting of social graces and proper grooming, which are taught to them in school. What could be a better place to apply them than in a formal social event in a fitting venue? At least they would experience, first hand, proper decorum when they are in a hotel or similar venues during social functions.

I agree with the reasons of economics and safety raised during the parents' meetings. They are real concerns nowadays.

Let me start on the parents'apprehension on their children's safety. I was a teacher before, so I know how eagle-eyed teachers could be, when students are entrusted to them. Students' safety is a great responsibility that teachers take very seriously, in and out of the classrooms.

Economics - times are really hard. It is in times like this, however, when children could be taught resourcefulness and entrepreneurship. Here's a golden opportunity for the children to find ways to partly finance their JS Prom.

By the way, were the juniors consulted on the matter of venue choice? If they were and they chose to hold it in the usual venue (Ormoc hotel), the parents could have set a ceiling on the amount that they are willing to spend for the affair, then let the children raise the difference, through some money-making or fund raising ventures. That would be an excellent working experience for them.

The gowns - oh yes, the gowns. There are many ways to have them at lesser expense. "Let me count the ways."

Cocktail dresses - They are the latest in fashion. Long gowns are out, even for the wedding entourage. Besides, the young ladies can move more freely and dance the night away in comfort, in short cocktail dresses than in long, flowing gowns. Short dresses come out cheaper, because smaller fabric is needed and dressmaker's labor cost is relatively lower. The parents and the children could agree on everyone wearing only cocktail dresses to the prom. In that way, aside from makakatipid, mababawasan pa or mawawala ang pabonggahan. Maybe the same thing could be imposed on the mothers, too? Do I hear 'human rights' clamor? Hehe!

Rent - So many party dresses could be rented not only from the gown rental establishments, but from the parents who spent a fortune on their children's gowns before. I'm sure they would be very happy to recover a part of their 'investment' , rather than let the gown rot away in their closet.

Borrow -- Be ultra-friendly and nice, and chances are you will be able to borrow from your friends.

Recycle/ Remodel - Squeeze your creative juices. Add appliques and accessories to old party dresses. Beading materials are very cheap at Aizylym in Ormoc. (free ad),

No need to buy signature, and definitely very expensive RTW dresses. Browse over fashion magazines where you can find pictures and sketches of beautiful party dresses. Buy inexpensive materials in beautiful color. Go to one of our local dressmakers (Delia and Jay, to name two). They are highly skilled and they charge very reasonably.

The boys' attire is not a problem per se. They usually borrow coat and tie from their father, or uncles, or from the numerous unrelated titos in the place. Many prefer to wear long sleeve shirts and necktie, which are available in the many ukay-ukay stalls in the town.

Scout for other venues in Ormoc. Tip: Give a hint on the many discounts and freebies being offered by the other hotels. The marketing people have the tendency to outdo each other to get a booking.

Here's hoping that the parents, the children and the teachers will come to a compromise on this matter, so EVERYBODY WILL BE HAPPY.

Solution to financial crisis?

2008-11-16T05:14:00.000-08:00

Grow and develop entrepreneurs now

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:12:00 11/16/2008

NBI CLEARANCE, atbp.

2008-10-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

An NBI clearance is valid for only a year. Ours expired last September 7th, so we drove to the NBI regional office in Tacloban, to renew them.
We left LIDE at 5 a.m. and arrived in Tacloban two and a half hours later.

The basic requirement for getting an application form or for renewing the expired clearance is the presentation of 2 valid identification cards at window A of the office. The following are the acceptable ID's: SSS/GSIS , E-card, voter's, company, senior citizen, school, postal and passport. For our renewal, we presented the expired NBI clearance certificate, along with our identification cards. After filling up the info blanks at the back of the old clearance, we submitted them to window B. It was a breeze. The process took us only a few minutes. We were done at about 8:30. However, the waiting time for the release of the renewed documents was a different thing. All morning applicants were told to return at half past one, which meant that we had to "kill time" - for 5 hours!

To be able to do that without "dying" of boredom, we decided to go to the San Pedro Sea Restaurant of the Leyte Park Hotel. It used to be the only 5-star hotel in the region. I don't know how it rates now. Well, the food bill was certainly still 5-star. Anyway, okay na rin, maybe we were charged for the ambience.

We still had about 3 hours left before the return to the NBI office, so I suggested that we go to the Caluwayan Beach Resort in Marabut, Samar. It's about an hour drive from Tacloban, through the beautiful San Juanico Bridge. We stopped for gas at a Shell gasoline station, and off we went. I changed my mind when I saw the Babatngon road sign. I suddenly remembered the Rafael Farm so I cajoled him into going there instead. Pete was a champion debater in school, but he has never tried his debating skill with me. So he said," Of course, we should go to Rafael Farm instead." He said that with the sweetest smile that he could muster at that moment.

The place has improved so much since the last time I was there with the LIDE Ladies Club. We had lunch of fresh garden salad, grilled tanguige, baby back ribs, pandan rice, turon (for dessert) and their rated iced tea for drinks. The latter is more like a soft ice cream with the iced-tea flavor. Very refreshing! It was a good lunch, after which we relaxed for about thirty minutes in their very comfy and rustic seaters and butaka.

There was already a long line infront of Window D, which is the releasing section. You could just imagine how stressed I was to be told to call them up on 29 October as I was in the HIT list again. HIT in NBI parlance means that one has a namesake who has either a pending case or a criminal record. I went inside their office and requested for an audience with their office head. I was adamant at first, because I was given a clearance last year, meaning to say that they have verified everything. Why on earth would I be subject to the same SOP again? Besides, I haven't been charged of anything, not even of jaywalking or any traffic violation. I deserve to be given an NBI clearance! Mr. Lemuel Yu very patiently and respectfully explained that records at the NBI central office are never revised. No revision, no addendum, no nothing; which means that the same thing would happen everytime I renew my NBI clearance.

The people in the regional office should not be blamed for it, because they have no access to the central file. They only print whatever Manila sends to them. Dad called up a friend, Dan, who hails from Tacloban. Dan contacted Atty. Antonio Pagatpat, who is the Director of the Region 8 NBI regional office. He was very accomodating and in well chosen words, explained to us the process.

I understand that the employees in the regional or district offices have no control over the system on how things should be done. If no notes are added to the old file about verifications done, people like me, who happen to have the same name as those who are charged with crimes or convicted law breakers. would have to go to the NBI office at least twice everytime a clearance renewal is needed. With the high cost of travel, even the clearance is not within the common tao's reach anymore.

I wish someone in the upper hierarchy would take the cudgel of improving the system to be able to give us, Filipino citizens, the good service that we deserve.

I wish it would be SOON. But isn't that like wishing for the moon?

Change or Status Quo?

2008-10-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

CHANGE IS THE ONLY PERMANENT THING IN THIS LIFE. How true, indeed!

In the early eighties, we were already pretty settled in our hometown, having built our home and sent the first two children to school. I was happy in my job as District Guidance Coordinator/ Guidance Counselor. I've started a small business with my friend, Naty. It was doing good, too.

When my husband's former boss learned that he was planning to come home for good upon completion of his fifth year with Aramco, the latter readily made an offer which Dad found so hard to refuse. It jived well with his desire to be with our children during their critical growth years. He didn't want to miss the joy of co-raising them with me, and he dreaded being an absentee father to them. His decision to accept the Philphos job, meant that we had to transfer residence to Leyte, and leave my parents, siblings, friends, job and house in our hometown. I cried a river when we left home and when we finally boarded our flight to Tacloban on September 20, 1983.

25 years! We've been here for the last 25 years! The original plan was to stay here for a year or so only. We found the place so ideal for raising our kids. LIDE (Leyte Industrial Development Estate) has the magic of making one stay for as long as possible. Good and friendly neighbors, lush greenery, nature at its best, a chapel within a short walking distance from our house, very good school ( De la Salle supervised), beautiful homes, hospitals, an airstrip and FREE amenities: electricity, water, landline phones, transportation, gasoline allowance, recreational facilities - huge swimming pool, tennis, badminton and basketball courts, golf driving range, shooting range, bowling alley, clubhouse, picnic grounds, beach houses, playground, park, community library, etc. etc.

We've established friendship and close relationship with almost everyone here, including the people living outside this industrial estate. We have so many kumares, kumpares, inaanaks, mga suki, at mga apo sa mga inaanak. It would be hard to find a new manicurist, a new reflexologist, a new beautician, and new meat, fish , fruit and vegetable tinderas who are as efficient and as honest as the ones that I have now.

We are supposed to stay here until 2010, but circumstances might shorten that period to a few months. At our age, we've become less adventurous and would rather maintain status quo in every aspect of our life. Besides, leaving this place won't be that easy. Life here is like being in a cocoon - so serene, so secured, so happy.

When we left Orion for Leyte, "I cried a river." Siguro, when we leave Leyte for another place, " I will cry an ocean(Pacific Ocean pa)." Huhuhu!

Isang linggong kaligayahan

2008-10-10T16:38:00.001-07:00

You have heard and sung "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig" but have you experienced "Isang Linggong Kaligayahan"? "I'm in seventh heaven! Nothing could compare to the bliss that I felt for a week!" Hahaha! I could almost feel your disbelief, I could almost see your raised eyebrows, and could almost hear you say, "what? isang linggong kaligayahan na nadama ng isang SENIOR CITIZEN?" ?!?!?! Magkahalong gulat at pagtataka, yan ang siguradong reaction nyo to what I said.

"Of course, I did! I really did!!!" Oh no, not the 'seventh heaven bliss' when we were a lot younger. You got me wrong, hindi 'yon'.

It's our only grandchild, IYA! She's been vacationing with us for a week. So, "Isang Linggong Kaligayahan", like what I said. Now, I could almost see the lolos and the lolas in the batch, nodding their heads, and saying, "Tama si Josie, totoo ang sinabi niya."

It's a universal feeling - the love for grandchildren, the special kind of happiness that only they can bring.

IYA is now 2.75 years old. She's grown so fast. She's learned so many things real fast, too. She reads every letter that she sees on street signs, packages, books, etc. She names the color of every object that she sees. She counts 1 - 20 without any effort at all. She mimics every action and delivers every dialogue of DORA, her favorite tv character. She sings nursery rhymes, the lyrics of some, I can't recall now. She chooses which shirt or shorts to wear, including which hair clips to use for the day. She has full control of the tv and dvd player remote gadget. What she has not outgrown (thank God) is her 'lambing'. She's very 'malambing' (sabi ng Lolo, mana raw sa akin.) ehem!

The sad part is, her mom and dad (Myra and Ian) are coming today, to take her home on Monday. Well, life is a never ending story. We 'lent' our children to our parents from time to time, but were never able to leave them permanently with them. Pahiram lang always, hindi kayang ibigay. It was the same situation with their parents and the parents before them, and so on and so forth.

Whatever, now you understand and believe that I really was in seventh heaven, experiencing "Isang Linggong Kaligayahan."

Care to share your happy experiences with your "apos"? ( either from your children or from your pamangkins)?

Sige na, please, LOLO - LOLA, TATAY - NANAY, DADDYLO - MOMMYLA, PAPITO - MAMITA, GRANDPA - GRANDMA, TATANG -INANG, INGKONG - IMPO, GRAND^DAD - GRAND*MOM, UNCLE-LO - AUNTIE-LA...

"Sheer arrogance"(of Tiger Aspect Productions)

2008-10-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

BBC producers defiant over racist slur

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 07:30:00 10/08/2008

LONDON -- The production company behind a BBC comedy sketch that provoked outrage in the Philippines for being racist said Tuesday that the show was "absurd" and should not be taken seriously.

The Philippine justice minister and the ambassador to Britain have demanded a public apology from the British broadcaster for the sketch, which shows a character urging another to "mate" with a Filipino maid.

In a letter to the BBC, Ambassador Edgardo Espiritu said the episode of "Harry and Paul", the brainchild of British comics Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, was "very malicious and is a blatant display of racial prejudice".

The BBC, which has received 54 complaints over the show, said it had yet to receive a formal complaint from any official Philippine body, but that if one arrives, "we will deal with it according to the correct procedures".

But a spokesman for Tiger Aspect Productions, which makes the show, said it was an adult program that "tackles many situations in a comedic way".

"Set in this context, the sketch in question is so far beyond the realms of reality as to be absurd -- and in no way is intended to demean or upset any viewer," he said.

During the sketch, Enfield's character urges his neighbor to have sex with another neighbor's Filipina maid, saying he is trying to see if "we could mate their Filipina maid with our Northerner, but he's not having any of it".

He then says, "Come on Clyde, mount her" and addressing the maid, says: "You, you, present your rear."

Espiritu wrote that the sketch was "not only egregiously insulting to the Filipino community in the UK. It is also very malicious and is a blatant display of racial prejudice".

"Not only did the show give a bad impression of Filipino women. It also portrayed British employers as perpetrators of exploitation of young women, vulgarity and immoral activities, using their employees, in this case, the domestic worker, as a sex toy," he wrote.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he would add his name to a petition calling for an apology from the British broadcaster, saying: "I don't like our fellow Filipinos to be insulted."

Millions of Filipinos go abroad to work and the money they send back home is an essential part of the country's economy.

American television network ABC apologized last year for an episode of "Desperate Housewives" which questioned the competence of Filipino doctors.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 9, 2008.

"How could you, BBC?"

2008-10-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Pinoys to launch protest action vs BBC ‘racist’ show

10/06/2008 | 09:29 PM

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MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos in London are set to launch "concerted efforts" against British government-owned British Broadcasting Corp (BBC) for its reportedly "racist and humiliating" portrayal of a Filipina domestic worker, a lawmaker said on Monday.

Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, head of the subcommittee on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said during the plenary debates on the proposed 2009 budget that Philippine Embassy representatives in the United Kingdom were already coordinating with the Filipino community there regarding their protest actions.

"The Philippine embassy, our representatives there, already have met with the Filipino community for concerted efforts versus the BBC such as a silent protest and a vigil right at the BBC," said Mandanas.

Mandanas added that an email campaign "condemning" the BBC and a demand for apology were also being circulated among Filipinos in London.

The Philippine Embassy has sent letters of complaint to various United Kingdom government offices — including the UK regulatory industry, the Mayor of London, and the BBC itself — while Philippine Ambassador to the UK Edgardo Espiritu is studying whether any legal action can be made, according to Mandanas.

"Ambassador Espiritu is really very active in filing the complaint and studying whatever actions can be done," said the Batangas lawmaker.

Mandanas made the statements in response to the inquiry of Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros who earlier urged the DFA to demand apology from the British government for the BBC skit portraying a Filipina domestic worker in a "humiliating" manner.

The controversial skit aired in the September 26 episode of Harry and Paul, showed comedian Harry Enfield telling a postman that he is ordering his Filipino maid to mate with his friend, Paul Whitehouse.

Hontiveros said the supposed young Filipina, who was wearing a gray uniform and an apron, was shown "gyrating and dancing lasciviously."

"He (Enfield) kept ordering the girl to gyrate and dance in front of Paul and even instructed her to hump him," Hontiveros said in a statement.

The lawmaker added that "when an indifferent Paul stood up to go inside the house, Harry scolded the Filipina girl, telling her to get out and just go. The scene closed with the postman sidling up to the Filipina, whispering to her as they walked off together."

Hontiveros said the humiliating portrayal of Filipina workers "promotes negative stereotypes that cultivate impunity among those who abuse Filipina workers abroad."

"By making a horrible scene of exploitation an object of ridicule, the show trivializes an act of abuse commonly experienced by Filipina workers abroad. It desensitizes its audience on human trafficking, an issue that merit global indignation," she said.

She added that making overseas Filipinas appear as submissive sex objects reinforces the notion that foreigners could easily hire small and sexy Filipina domestic helpers and turn them into sexual objects.

"By making it a joke, it encourages a consciousness that promotes human trafficking," Hontiveros said. - JOHANNA CAMILLE SISANTE, GMANews.TV

"How could you, Pablo?!#&!?"(with apologies to Pabling and Azon)

2008-09-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

I packed my bag before going to bed last night, in anticipation of the Isabel Tourism Council's visit to the town's tourist spots. I didn't want to be late nor to miss this exciting event. Our main task is to do an assessment of the places, for us to be able to prepare our long range plans for local tourism.

Got up very early, and loaded my things in the car, including a life jacket (just in case the boat capsizes). My helpers, who are used to riding on small bancas (pumpboat) thought it was funny and odd to be wearing one, for a very short banca ride(10 minutes).

The itinerary says that the tourism council members should be at the taxpayers' lounge on or before 8:00 a.m. First destination is barangay Tolingon, then the marine sanctuary and to the Busay (waterfalls) in barangay Apale. Assessment of the sanctuary and the waterfalls would have to be done before we proceed to the Maharlika Spring in barangay Matlang. Assessment of this spring will be made before our lunch at the residence of Brgy. Capt. Jerby Frias.

After lunch, we will travel to Banahaw Spring in barangay Consolacion. Last place to be visited is the Candonicot Cave in barangay Bantigue, which could be reached by boat or by land. Aside from the cave, we will see the livelihood centers there, where they make clay pots, bags and baskets.

By 5:00 p.m. we would be in the poblacion, and home.

For the first time, my husband did not allow me to leave! Quite unusual! "Bakiiiiiiiiiittt?" (Why?)

"Because of PABLO!" " PABLO. who???"

"It's signal no. 2 here in Leyte. The typhoon's codename is PABLO." "Please don't go. It's so unsafe."

"Grabe! PABLO!#*@%?^!!!"

Just got a call from the mayor's secretary. The activity is postponed to another date. "Ay, salamat! Matutuloy pa rin. Di nga lang ngayon." (smile)

"A Moment of Grace and Healing"

2008-09-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

My bestfriend, Leni DLS Larrazabal, invited the healing priest, Rev. Fr. Fernando Suarez, to Ormoc City, for ' A Moment of Grace and Healing.'

Fr. Suarez was already working as a licensed chemical engineer for five years, before he entered the seminary in Canada, where he was ordained to the priesthood at age 35. He hails from Taal, Batangas, where he 'discovered' his healing power at the age of 16. It was a gift that he tried to hide for so many years. Only upon the advice of his superiors did he use that gift to heal the faithful of their spiritual, physical, emotional and other kinds of affliction. He has brought his healing ministry to so many places all over the world.

Straight from a 2-day healing of thousands of devotees in Tacloban City, he came to Ormoc City on September 24 - 25, for a night and a day of healing. I was among the thousands who flocked to the Sts. Peter and Paul Church and the Ormoc Superdome. Healing masses, confession, vigil and healing were held in both venues. I witnessed 'miracle after miracle' as I personally knew some of those who, after being 'slained by the Holy Spirit' were healed.

"I AM ONLY AN INSTRUMENT OF THE LORD, IT IS HE WHO HEALS," Fr. Fernando Suarez would repeatedly tell the faithful, as he encouraged each and everyone to pray fervently to the LORD.

We are indeed so lucky to have been visited by the healing ministry of Rev. Fr. Fernando Suarez, which according to my bestfriend, started with her simple prayer, "Lord, please bring Rev. Fr. Fernando Suarez to Ormoc City." His coming was the first miracle.

"Giling-giling"

2008-09-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Our new chaplain, Rev. Fr. Peter Tiguelo, requested the LIDE Ladies Club to present some intermission numbers, during the BEC (Basic Ecclessial Community) Assembly for the Palompon Vicariate yesterday, September 27, 2008.

We rehearsed for two hours each day for 4 days. We decided to present a folk dance - Binuyugan, a chacha number, and Willie Revillame's Giling-Giling. We enjoyed dancing the latter. The ladies marveled at my 'perfect' giling movements. They deduced that I must be a "kapamilya" after all. "No! I'm a certified "kapuso"! But this giling-giling is actually a modified revival of the "grind" during our heydays, when the gyrating movement was 'mani'(very easy, no effort at all).

Now, after each rehearsal, this blogger has to ask hubby to apply 'haplas' like efficascent oil, polar bear, pau de arco, omega, ben gay, etc.(to name a few) to the aching hips, knees, legs and feet. Sigh!

Well, going back to the presentation, the Binuyugan dancers did it perfectly! Not one of the 'palayok' on their heads dropped and they danced so gracefully.

If we were in a dance competition, and audience impact was a criterion for judging, the giling-giling would win the top prize hands down. In our all black get-up ---- skinny jeans and hugging t-shirt with an abstract fuschia design on the bodice, matching accessories and high-heeled shoes, we took the crowd by storm. Maybe they couldn't believe that a group of midlifers and senior citizens can stil giling-giling ala Roxanne Ginoo (or ala Pokwang???). Oh my, how it is to feel young again!

After the program, we hurried to our Lide Ladies Club Office cum Community Library, for a lunch of litsong manok, ginataang gulay, among others. Because of the successful presentation, everyone pleaded with our dance instructress, Ate Jess Goyone, for more choreographed dances for (hopefully) future engagements.

Group dancing is a very good exercise in itself. It also fosters friendship and camaraderie, and is very effective in fighting boredom and depression.

So what are you waiting for? Let's "giling, giling - giling, giling..." hahaha!

The 'dying' river

2008-09-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

I have beautiful memories of the river that passes through the Tulay-Bato, the Tulay-Baraka, and the Lambingan Bridge in Wawa(Pabiluang). I went to school and back on foot from elementary to high school. Looking down from the two bridges near the public market, I was always attracted to the brook-like water current, and the pebbles that can be seen clearly beneath the clear waters.

I walked from school to our home in Wawa, at least four times a day. When we were in the elementary grades, I used to pass through Daan Bilolo, the palengke ( to see my grandmother), then Lati and Pabiluang.
When we were in high school, I took a different route: Arellano (Tangaran), Bagumbayan, and the Bagumbayan-Wawa bridge. Everyday, there were boys having fun either swimming in the river or paddling the lunday in the river. It was very safe to swim in the river during those years.

Now, the water is greenish and littered with all kinds of garbage. It is almost stagnant. It is in a very sorry state. It is literally 'dying' if not yet dead. It is very unsafe to even set foot in it, much less to swim there.

However, I think with concerted effort our river can still be saved. It is a matter of educating the people on proper waste disposal and strict implementation of municipal ordinances, as well as national laws on saving the environment. Somebody or a group must take the lead.

What do you think, batchmates? Please send in your comments and suggestions through our blog. (Luz is willing to post them for you. Please call her up or send your handwritten notes to her.)

Promoting Local Tourism in Isabel, Leyte

2008-09-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Isabel Tourism Council was formally organized on September 22, 2008. I represent the NGO (non government organization) in every municipal organization and activity, so I was present to give my ten cent's worth again.

The Department of Tourism Regional office has declared this town as one of the tourist destinations in region VIII.

Dr. Edwin Balearino, VSU-IC Dean, Ed Escoto of PASAR, Noel Faller of PHILPHOS, and this blogger, were tasked to prepare a brochure showcasing the places to visit in this town; tourist activities like diving, fishing, kayaking, trekking, as well as local products that can be brought home as 'pasalubong' - take home gifts ('sinugatan' in the local dialect). To date, a group of entrepreneurs has been baking the USWAG ISABEL mango tarts , to perfection. They were served as snacks during our meeting. Guess what! They were 'lami'(delicious), so I ended up ordering a bunch for giveaway to friends.

The local government of Isabel, headed by the honorable mayor, Gen. Saturnino M. Medina, Jr.(Ret.), the Sangguniang Bayan, chaired by the vice mayor, Hon. Marcos Gregorio M. Cerillo, the municipal administrator, Engr. Saylito Purisima the very dependable Mrs. Jenny Francisco,and the barangay captains, have identified the following natural and paradisiacal spots, which are on different stages of development at present:

***** BANAHAW SPRING ----- in Brgy. Consolacion
***** BENTURARAY CAVE ----- in Brgy. Tolingon
***** CANDONICOT CAVE ----- in Brgy. Bantigue
***** MAHARLIKA SPRING ----- in Brgy. Matlang
***** BUSAY(waterfalls) ----- in Brgy. Apale
***** ISABEL BAYWALK ----- along Dupon Bay
***** LIDE COMPLEX ----- in the Leyte Industrial Development Estate

The newly formed Isabel Tourism Council is scheduled to visit all those places on the 30th of September, for an on-the-spot evaluation/assessment. It will be a whole-day field trip on jeepney, on foot, on banca. I wonder if this senior citizen's energy will be enough to fnish the activity. But then again, what will happen will have to be in a follow-up blog. See you folks!

Postcript: See PLACES TO VISIT IN ISABEL, LEYTE on YOUTUBE.

Isabel Reforestation and Water Shed Development

2008-09-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

I was invited to a conference by the LGU of Isabel last September 18. In attendance were local government and barangay officials, and representatives of private companies, schools, cooperatives, professional/civic/religious organizations and NGO's.

This is another project of the Local Government Unit of Isabel, headed by Gen. Saturnino M. Medina, Jr. (Ret.) - the honorable town mayor, ably assisted by the municipal administrator, Engr. Saylito Purisima.

The target is to be able to plant a total of 500,000 mahogany and other trees in a period of 5 years. Initially, this year, about 40,000 tree seedlings have been planted already. On September 26, the remaining 60,000 trees (for year one) will be planted by some 1800 volunteers in the mountains of Potingbato. The LIDE LADIES CLUB, to which I belong, fully support this undertaking, so we will be going up the mountains to plant as many tree seedlings as we can, on that day.

The whole municipality of Isabel was declared a BIRD SANCTUARY, by virtue of Resolution No. 0708 - 116. Furthermore, there is a ban on indiscriminate cutting of trees for the next 25 years - Ordinance No. 2008 - 11.

I'm so happy to be a part of these laudable projects, which will benefit the present and future generations of Isabelanons.

Kudos to the LGU of Isabel, Leyte and the other sectors that have pledged their support for the undertaking.

MABUHAY!!!

My favorite poem - song - TREES

2008-09-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

TREES

by: Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918)

THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

"Trees" was originally published in Trees and Other Poems. Joyce Kilmer. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1914.

"This poem-song was taught to us by Miss Magdalena A. Lazaro, when we were still in grade four at the Orion Elementary School."

Picture - the poem-song on the board was a gift from my husband (for my LIDE Park project).

TRIVIA: JOYCE KILMER IS A MAN.

"...patriotism for the nativeland is alive..."

2008-09-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

jlmglimGlimpses
The patriotism of Filipinos
By Jose Ma. Montelibano
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 00:59:00 09/19/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Disaster, after all, is not the exclusive experience of Filipinos—it is a growing nightmare in America as well. The collapse of giant business enterprises that symbolize American stability is sending a tremor in American society that is cracking its core confidence and occasional economic arrogance today. The panic of the public is not yet uncontrollable only because the government is the one panicking ahead of everyone else and trying to save even what may not be saved anymore.

When the Asian crisis in 1997 saw several currencies lose great value, many realized how absolutely unreliable the global financial systems were, and how utterly brutal they were to people. At that time, it was acknowledged that more than 90 percent of the world's financial transactions were not based on actual products or services but on speculation. That should be nobody's business then but of speculators — except that the currencies of nations rose and fell on those same speculative transactions. Asia teetered but Asia recovered. Perhaps, that experience has made Asian economies stronger, so strong that Asia is now the center of global growth today and tomorrow.

Asia's growth, though, is borne of its resiliency. It has precisely because of its experience of pain and inferiority that it has developed a capacity for taking hard punches, of being beaten, but of surviving through it all. The effect of that whole process of being conquered, colonized, exploited, and kept at the bottom of the cellar has been submission on the outside than resentment at the inside. China and India broke loose from historical imposition and beating the West in its own game. Even Russia that was almost begging from its Western counterparts just yesterday seems determined to regain its dominant status even in global economics.

Where, then, is the Filipino in all of this?

At home, things are not all well. Government as represented by the president and Congress is overwhelmingly unpopular. The Catholic Church is slowly losing its own credibility as an institution, with respect and admiration for it waning as fast as the confusion that its highest leadership generates with less than united and consistent actuation on several issues. Philippine society is virtually leaderless as the traditional State and Church dominance clings on mostly by the force of police state and the fear of hell. In the whole equation, both State and Church provide no inspiration, no vision, no noble mission which they can send their people to eagerly pursue.

The American economic debacle hurts Filipino-Americans, and the pain of Fil-Ams translate to pain for their families and relatives in the homeland. Remittances from America still comprise the majority of all remittances to the Philippines, and decreased earnings by Fil-Ams will result in less money remittances to Filipinos and the Philippine economy. A century ago, history created an umbilical cord between the Philippine and America. The relationship has not always been a fair one or a kind one, but it is there and it is being evolved to being a more intimate one with a few million Filipinos now citizens of the United States.

Filipinos rank as the second-highest income earner among ethnic groups in America, with Filipino families earning even higher incomes than American families on average. In a small gathering I attended recently in Chicago, I was told by one Fil-Am lady that she did not feel having done anything spectacular to achieve economic wellbeing except to seize opportunity after opportunity that she encountered along the way. With her was one Fil-Am after another who, too, had done the same, and they too were progressing by the day. There were dentists, artists, journalists, TV producers and the simply employed, a good representation of first and second generation Fil-Ams.

I was amazed at the spirit that was prevalent in that gathering. Whatever generation they belonged to, whatever profession or business they were involved in, a common thread of love for the homeland and concern for the poor was clearly evident, and the determination to each find a tangible way to share their blessings. Everyone accepted that the divisiveness that defined especially the first-generation Fil-Ams but it was obvious that the younger generation was moving under a different set of circumstances.

The memory of a native land and blood ties to a people left behind deeply mired in poverty and corruption is no longer simply discouraging Fil-Ams like before. Perhaps, decades of frustrations have pushed many Fil-Ams to think of different ways in which to help the Philippines despite the absence of inspiring leadership and good governance. In other ways, the urge to help is getting stronger and can soon overtake the propensity to merely gripe about things.

I have been moving from one city to another — many in California, and in Maryland, Virginia, and now in Illinois. I have several more to visit before I can complete this trip, but it is obvious that a special moment in the evolution of Filipinos is now emerging. It is an awesome emergence, one I had feared I would not see in my lifetime. Today, I am convinced that the trend is irreversible, and becomes more so under adversity. Truly, patriotism for the native land is alive and being stoked, not discouraged, by failed leaderships all around us.

It seems true, then, that despair can lead to determination, that frustration can lead to action. The air is truly laden with a strange and rare quality of hope that is undeterred by a darkening moment. It is not a hope of fantasy, but a hope grounded on a resolve to act, to contribute, to change, to share, to save the poor, to build a nation. It is an energy preparing to burst, difficult to describe but palpable enough to sense.

In the midst of an extended helplessness in the motherland, in the midst of an economic depression in America, it is no longer surrender that is forming in the hearts of Filipinos worldwide but a surprising determination to move forward even without leadership. After all, it may be America where great change is expected from the propaganda of politics. Indeed, it may be in the Philippines, from the patriotism of Filipinos.

* * *

Responses may be sent to

pses@gmail.com.

To MICMAC - with love,from Mom and Dad & vice versa

2008-09-16T19:53:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much mom and dad!!!! I can't thank you enough for always being there for me when I am down or frustrated or have problems I can't seem to get enough of. For every trial I encounter, the two of you were always there to pick me up and tell me that it's going to be alright. Even more, you have adopted another daughter by the name of Candy. I love you both so much. I know I haven't been much of a son lately. And sometimes I have "init ulo" spells from time to time..I am controlling it now and Candy helps me to control it as well. I am sorry I sometimes lose it but really it's not because I am angry, it's just the way I react that's off. Sorry for that, I will work on it some more. Thank you so much mom and dad and I love you just as much.

Michael Peter J. "MicMac" Macalua

Gurango Software Corporation
Branders.com
SOE-Force1
BigBoys Motorcycle Club
Club R
Deep 6 Dive Club Inc
Hello Divers
PPD Divers

> -------Original Message-------
> From: j2 m
> Subject: September 19, 2008
> Sent: 16 Sep '08 22:53
>
> we know that there is an important event on september 19, but we are
> having our senior moment, kaya di namin maisip kung ano.
>
> we know that a very important person in our life is celebrating something,
> but we are having our senior moment, kaya di namin maisip kung ano ang
> okasyon.
>
> we know that we love that person so very much, but we are having our
> senior moment, kaya di namin maisip kung sino siya.
>
> we know that he is a very talented, charismatic, thoughtful and charming
> person, but we are having our senior moment, kaya di namin maisip kung
> nasaan siya ngayon.
>
> POP!!!
>
> now we know! that talented, charismatic, thoughtful and charming person,
> who is celebrating his 27th birthday in manila on september 19, and whom
> we love so much, is none other than our one and only ---
> MICMAC!
>
> buti na lang nawala na ang senior moment namin! hehehe!
>
> HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIC!
> AMIDST ALL THE TRIALS, HAVE FAITH THAT "THE BEST IS YET TO COME"
>
> love always,
> mommy and dad
>
>
>

Going to the dogs

2008-09-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

Thought of relaxing after dinner last night, so I turned on the television set to the Kapuso channel. "This is good," I said to myself. "It's about pet dogs." I still miss Centee, our Dalmatian, which was born during the RP Centennial celebration. Sadly, Centee passed away while I was touring the country with the Sales Blitz group. The veterinarian said he succumbed due to kidney failure and hypertension, because of too much meat and too little water in his diet. Maybe, just maybe, Centee's fate would have been different if I did not entrust him to the helpers. Sigh!

Going back to the tv show, what was shown was the luxurious lifestyle of dogs nowadays. It started out with fashionable dog outfits, dog spa and grooming centers, dog birthday parties - complete with theme and catering. There is the dog boarding house, or something akin to a dog day care center. Would you believe that there is even a memorial park exclusively for canines, with lots ranging from several thousands to millions of pesos per lot? There is a dog crematorium and columbarium, and many more unthinkable amenities for dogs.

I can't explain my feelings while watching that tv feature. On impulse, I pressed the remote control to turn it off, not wanting to see more. I don't hate dogs, but I value human beings much, much more. How can people spend that much for dogs while our fellowmen are suffering from hunger and poverty? Wouldn't it be more Christian to buy food for the needy than to spend for dog luxuries? A dog birthday party which costs at least five thousand pesos can buy about 4 sacks of rice from NFA. How many families will be assured of 3 square meals with that? How many Gawad Kalinga houses can be built for the homeless with the amount needed for an estate lot in a dog memorial park? The 'how many's' are endless.

Conscience makes men different from animals. Conscience will prevent our society from going to the dogs.

Marriage Takes Three

2008-09-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

I once thought marriage took,

Just two to make it go.

But now I am convinced,

It takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails ,

Where Christ is asked to enter,

As lovers come together,

With Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives,

And homes are incomplete,

Till HE is welcome there,

To help avoid defeat.

In homes where CHRIST is first,

It's obvious to see,

There unions really work,

For marriage takes three.

ADAPTED

A Parent's Wish...

2008-09-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

This will hit home to many of us. Josh Groban sings... A Parent's Wish

It's on Full Screen....really NICE!

Be sure to watch it all and then send to your children and your friends with or without children.

Please Click on below:

http://parentswish.com/site01/big.html

Thanks to Nelia Amparo for sending this to me.

Love Story

2008-09-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 4, 2008

An Incredible love story

HOPE is a Waking Dream ... with LOVE everything is POSSIBLE!

(May I share with you this beautiful and inspiring love story? I know that there are many hopelessly romantic ones in the batch. Count me in!)

An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world..
It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace
for over half a century.

The 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his
80-year-old wife has passed away in the cave which has been the couple's home for the last
50 years. Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old
widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin...

In a twist worthy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet,
friends and relatives criticized
the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children.

At that time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love
an older woman.. To avoid the market gossip and the scorn of their communities,
the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County
in Southern ChongQing Municipality .

In the beginning, life was harsh as they had nothing, no electricity or even food.
They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a
kerosene lamp that they used to light up their lives.

Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, 'Are you regretful?
Liu
always replied, 'As long as we are industrious, life will improve..'

In the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began and continued for over 50 years,
to hand-carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.

Half a century later in 2001, a group of adventurers were exploring the forest and
were surprised to find the elderly couple and the over 6,000 hand-carved steps.
Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, 'My parents loved each other so much,
they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day.
He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother's convenience,
although she doesn't go down the mountain that much

The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years,
returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as
he passed away in her arms. So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had
on his wife's hand even after he had passed away.

'You promised me you'll take care of me, you'll always be with me until the day I died,
now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?'

Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband's black coffin
with tears rolling down her cheeks.

In
2006, their story became one of the top 10 love stories from China , collected by the
Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the love ladder

and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever.

5 comments:

neliaamparo said...: Thanks for sharing this love story with us,Jo. It is indeed very beautiful.You are right,nothing is impossible with love.Lucky are the ones who were given this beautiful experience in their lifetime,even though it means breaking all the rules,for nobody can explain love's mystery.; July 5, 2008 2:49 PM
C C ramirez said...: A bitter-sweet love story fraught with much physical hardships and the unthinkable lack of creature comforts we take for granted. It would be an extremely rare breed of woman or man who would take that road to romance.

I wonder what the frigid- hearted psychoanalysts would make of it.

And one other question: How did the children (hers and theirs) fare?

But there is another equally if not more heartwarming love story close to home, waiting to be told: Of a woman who selflessly tends her old ailing husband as he waits for the inevitable, with her unwavering faithfulness and devotion,out of pure love and respect and unquantifiable affection. How about it JoGJMac?; July 5, 2008 9:37 PM
JoGJMac said...: Thanks, Nel, for the inspiration you're giving to us, bloggers. It really feels good to know that there are batchmates like you who take interest on our posts.

From the looks of it, I'm not the only 'hopelessly romantic' soul in the batch. I'm counting you in. Where are the others? Dalawa lang ba kami ni Nel?; July 7, 2008 6:17 AM
JoGJMac said...: Thanks so much, too, CCR, for the very kind words about my mother.

Would you believe that I've been working on a post about her, for quite some time now? But unlike my previous writing attempts, which I was able to do in one sitting, I'm taking my time, for I want to be able to do justice to her being an exemplary wife, exemplary mother.

Pardon the adulation again.; July 7, 2008 6:27 AM
neliaamparo said...: You're welcome Jo. I'm glad that somehow, I serve as an inspiration to our bloggers.You know ,our blog serves as an inspiration to me also,especially on days that I'm so stressed out from work.I've read that our profession is the 2nd most stressful job next to air traffic controllers.That's why having this blog is God sent for me.I can't remember a day that I didn't open our blog.
By the way, about being romantic,I'd like to remind you that I was born under the sign of Venus,which is the goddess of love,so don't be surprised.; July 8, 2008 10:28 AM

Typhoon FRANK

2008-09-09T20:38:00.001-07:00

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Franks

He is one of the most likeable fellows in the batch - Frank (Herilla). The other Frank was one of the greatest musical performers of the century - Frank Sinatra.
No problem with those two Franks.

But the third one - who came to the country a few days ago, is one that everyone abhorred. He visited the whole country bringing with him howling winds, gusty rains, floods, and very rough seas. In the aftermath, he left behind, fallen houses and trees, sea disasters, destroyed crops and a number of deaths. He has not left, and in fact, is still going around the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao (as of this writing). Woe to all the places and people in his 'itinerary'!

In times like this, it does not pay to be hospitable - let's drive him out through our combined prayers. ' Frank' please leave now!!!

3 comments:

C C ramirez said...: Thoughts and prayers are with you, our country, our home, our people.; June 22, 2008 9:08 PM
neliaamparo said...: I haven't watched the filipino news lately bec. I've been working everyday.When I come home I just go to bed 'cause I'm so tired so I haven't watched even the late news.I really feel sorry for our kababayans,hirap na hirap na nga dahil sa taas ng mga bilihin tapos dinadaanan pa ng malalakas na bagyo.All we can do is pray na sana umalis na nga sa Phil. si Frank and leave our poor country alone.We have to pray some more for our country and our people.
Thanks for posting this news Jo.; June 23, 2008 6:08 AM
Pilar Villegas Cuevas said...: Jo, thank you so much for letting us know what's happening there. I don't have Pilipino channel so thanks a lot for posting this news. Let us all pray for all our kababayan that our Lord God protect them and grant them graces especially at this time of disaster.; June 24, 2008 7:39 PM

Gen.Saturnino M. Medina, Jr.(Ret,) - Isabel Mayor

2008-09-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Leadership and Discipline

My family is not lumad (native-born) to this town of Isabel, Leyte. We were uprooted from Orion, Bataan some 25 years ago, when my husband was “pirated” by a giant fertilizer plant situated in the Leyte Industrial Development Estate here.

So many exciting changes are taking place in the town now, mainly due to the leadership and discipline of the newly-elected mayor, Hon. Gen. Saturnino Medina, Jr.(Ret.) He has been in the service for barely 7 months, but his accomplishments to date, could put to shame a not-so committed public official of 7 years.

During the turn-over ceremonies with the former mayor, it was so touching that leaders of the different religious denominations were present to offer their prayers. The leaders of the Roman Catholic church, the Iglesia ni Kristo, the Protestant church, the Seventh Day Adventist, the Baptists, the Brother Muslims- each said beautiful prayers of reconciliation, cooperation and hopes for a better Isabel. God must have heard their prayers, for truly, the town is now a place that every Isabelanon could be proud of.

The first notable change is the cleanliness everywhere you go, especially in the public places, like the municipal hall, the plaza, the Freedom Center, the public market, the shoreline, the bus terminal, the public restrooms, and on the streets all over the town. Beautification is also taking place in every corner. Standing proudly at the entrance to the poblacion, is a well-landscaped area, where the name of the town in gold-plated metal is announced in the off-white wall behind a water fountain. Just recently opened to the public is the Isabel Baywalk, where people of all ages and walk-of-life, converge for relaxation and a view of the beautiful sunset in the bay. There is so much improvement in the town hall, which is now very clean, orderly, well-ventilated and very functional. With fewer employees, efficiency and discipline is very evident in the different departments. Mayor Medina had a Taxpayers’ Lounge constructed in a space between the rows of offices frequently visited by taxpayers. It is fully air-conditioned, with very comfortable seats and a cable tv. The plaza has been re-landscaped into a very serene Japanese garden. Two gazebos were constructed on either side, where positive values are inscribed. Strategically located are seats where people can while the time away, while listening to well-chosen music and watching the gustling water from the giant fountain. The Freedom Center (a covered multi-purpose structure for social events and basketball games, constructed by the former mayor, Hon. Jun Fuentes) is now surrounded by bleachers to accommodate more people during such events. During the last Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Barrera fight, people were admitted free to watch it via live telecast on giant screens. It was so thoughtful of him to have done that.

Driving through the town’s streets is a breeze now, because vehicles never park on either side anymore. With the absence of parked vehicles, it seems like the thoroughfares were widened overnight.

One feels safer going to the poblacion, at any time of the day, with the very noticeable police visibility anywhere you go.

The once dilapidated, unsightly barbecue stalls are all gone. Recently inaugurated were the concrete ones that house the “barbekyuhan” in a section of the market complex along the bay.
The “litsong manok” porta-stores, painted uniformly in golden yellow, are now located near the barbecue stalls. Even the popcorn and junk food “tiendas” near the plaza, now sport a uniform structure in the same golden yellow color.

Under construction at present is a new transportation terminal. Once it’s finished, the old terminal will be renovated into a Children’s Fun Center. Street lighting from end-to-end of the town’s boundaries, as well as in the town proper, is on-going. This is in connection with his fiery fight against drugs, crime, gambling and all forms of vices. He believes that the best deterrent to all these is a well-lit community. Next in his agenda is the construction of a hospital. Mr. Jose C. Alvarez of PHILPHOS, who is the mayor’s good friend, has recently donated a hectare of land for this purpose. To bring the government closer to the people, Mayor Medina and heads of the different departments bring the basic services to far-flung barangays where they conduct monthly medical missions and outreach programs, complete with doctors, dentists, midwives and entertainers.

Negotiations are now on-going with a commercial bank, for the establishment of a branch in this industrial town. This is a long-overdue dream of the thousands of employees of the companies, as well as of the businessmen here. At present, people either bank with the rural bank here or go to the city of Ormoc for banking needs.

Foremost in all his accomplishments is the pride and discipline that he has instilled in the hearts of the Isabelanons. He has made the town into a place that we can all be proud of. Because of that pride, everyone wants to maintain its beauty and cleanliness. Seeing garbage, even cigarette butts, is a thing of the past. People have learned to use the garbage binswhich are strategically located all over the town. Even the market vendors, keep on cleaning their stalls, so the market, even the wet market, is so clean. It’s a common knowledge that the good mayor is a stickler for cleanliness and orderliness, so everyone has become conscious of keeping the town clean. AFTER ALL, IT’S A LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE.

In recognition of his feat, the LIDE LADIES CLUB, an Isabel NGO, has awarded the mayor for his exemplary performance on his first 100 days in office.

I wrote this article to show my appreciation for the mayor’s dedication in making this first-class town, truly first class, and to encourage all public officials to exert as much effort in their respective communities. How I wish that a concerted action be done by every elected official and by every citizen, to make the Philippines as progressive as it should be. I believe in the innate goodness and ability of every Filipino. If this feat can be done in the town of Isabel, IT CAN BE DONE ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE COUNTRY!

Our hats off to HON. MAYOR SATURNINO MEDINA, JR! May your tribe increase!

An old blog from: http://www.titajo.com

1 comments:

ErnestoDR said...: Jo,
Thanks for this posting!
It is really very encouraging and inspiring to read and hear about examples of leadership and discipline in our country which seemes so bereft of well-meaning and cogent leaders like retired Gen. Medina. My snappy salute to a comrade who is worthy of emulation! At a time when people are becoming desperate in looking for an ideal, comes a man that stands out of the rest of grandstanding politicians and government officials.
I believe that a hero is born out of conflict and chaos, and who takes courage to effect change.
You pricked a certain nostalgic feeling in me having remembered Isabel during my flying days when my colleagues and I would hover around town, stroll the beaches, and take snack of litson manok amidst the anarchic array of tricycles and vendors and istambays. Your description of a new Isabel keeps me away from my old picture of a dilapidated, rustic, backward, and disorderly town. It is indeed a relief to see it transformed by an officer and gentleman.
A model leader and a model town should serve as inspiration to all of us Pinoys!
Regars!; March 21, 2008 11:51 AM

Tales of Young Loves

2008-09-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Very interesting indeed!

I had to let go my very efficient helper, “Tina”, so that she can attend to her six children - 4 in grade school, 1 toddler and a baby.(actually, 7 kids, for she has a love child, who is not living with her now).
Though I need her services very badly, I think her children need her more. Told her to seek employment near her place, so she can be with the kids everyday, after work.

The day after Tina left, my friend and I started the hunt for a suitable replacement. After several stops, asking for leads on possible applicants, we came across a very young girl with a 2-year old lovechild. According to her, poverty drove her to stop schooling and to work as a helper in Manila at the age of 15. She met a young man from another province when she was 17 and gave birth to her love child before she turned 19. That man turned his back on her when he found out that she was pregnant.
A broken-hearted girl, already an unwed mother, and she’s not even 21 yet! If those statistics amazes you, wait for the next ones about this young girl’s mother!

Her mother, let’s call her,”Paula” is very charming and has a very sunny disposition. Paula narrated to us her life/love story. She had her first period at the age of 12, and eloped at the age of 13, with a truck helper 4 years her senior. She gave birth at the age of 15, and now in her late thirties, she already has seven grown-up children and three apos(grandchildren). She said that she never regretted getting married at the tender age of 13. She and her husband lived independently from day one of their marriage!

I am now trying to recall what I was all-gaga about when I was at that age. Paul Anka? Crushes/FL? The Twist? Limbo Rock? Hula-Hoop? Artistas, like Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes, dresses, shoes(not necessarily in that order),etc, Definitely, marriage was not even in my vocabulary then!

How about you? What were your thoughts and interests when you were 13? It would be very interesting, indeed, to know.

An old blog from: http://www.titajo.com

Prayer for our children

2008-09-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

A Prayer

A prayer for children taken from SIMPLE PRAYERS for Busy People. 2004 Springs Foundation,Inc.

PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN

Lord Jesus, bless and protect my dear children.

Keep them safe from all harm and danger, sickness and disease.

Preserve and strengthen them from the corrupting influences of the world, and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy.

Give them godly friends and holy company, who will encourage and inspire them to a life of purity and selflessness.

May they have a listening ear to parental instruction, and develop in them virtues such as diligence, kindness, honesty, compassion, patience, obedience and self-control.

Lord God, I commend my children to Your care.

Pour Your grace upon their hearts and multiply in them the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Let them grow in wisdom and in favor with You, and raise them up to be God-fearing and holy, faithfully serving You throughout their lives. Amen.

KUMPISAL - Frustration,Depression,etc.

2008-09-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Kumpisal

I must confess that the primary reason for my absence in our blog is the deep feeling of frustration/depression that haunted me for so many weeks. I felt so inadequate and very helpless that nothing came out of our effort to give some color to NORBERTO'S life. I never mentioned this to President-for-life Mike during our last phone conversation, nor did I write about it in my last blog and in my recent email to Pilar and Azon.

I am writing this on impulse. Got the feeling that I have to get it out of my chest somehow. WISH KO LANG didn't even acknowledge my lengthy letter about NORBERTO. I understand that only a few will merit their help. That they have to choose the most needy from all the letter-senders. It was a long wait. I waited patiently and watched every episode on tv, hoping against hope that NORBERTO'S plight would be next. But it never came.

I am at a loss on what to do next for him. What do you think?

Udyong (Orion, Bataan)

2008-09-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 20, 2007

The good, old UDYONG in the sixties...

I haven't been to the US, so I cannot relate to the things that were listed in the quiz. After reading the comments of Corazon and Ernie, the things that remind me of Orion in the sixties, came to my mind. Let me list them down here in random:

barn dance, torch parade, campanaryo's biscotcho de cana, banana and camote cue, karitela ni mang osyo, sorbetes ni mang modi, basnig, candies at mang bosyo's store, bowling at tindahan ni mang tonyong bulag, halo-halo, peanut butter and cheez whiz sandwiches at riverside canteen ni tia puring mendoza, pansit guisado ni mang turing, pansit luglug ni tia justina, mga kakanin ni impong elang, somo's, rodriguez at mr. style tailoring shops, dr. ruperto mariano, ilada ni tia coro at kina rene diolola, botica ni mang bulyong, telahan ni tia anita aquino, rev. fr. jose z. marquez, pamumuno sa dasal ni impong insay, legion of mary under tia alicia rodriguez, noemi theater, jueteng ni mang kiko, MFL, the song - i love you because, paul anka, pandesal ni bascarra, alicia jeepneys, picnics at pandam river, mailman - tonying na kirat, banda ng musiko ni mang rustico, mang fidel ng la mallorca pambusco, beautiful dresses created for me by tia senia, pagtulong sa paggawa ng pakiting-kiting kung fiesta, at kubo-kubo kung mahal na araw, mayor manuel santos, giant acacia and mango trees in the churchyard, first tricycle ever in orion - driven by mang iking. at marami pang iba.

i better end this now, dahil baka maubos ko ang blog space sa dami ng naaalaala ko.

o, kayo naman ang magpadala ng list.

Bohol - Island Paradise

2008-09-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Why Bohol clicks as a tourist destination

I have been to Bohol four times in the last three years. It seems like I can't have enough of this Island Paradise, because there is the yearning to go back again and again.

The moment one steps down on the Port of Tagbilaran, the feeling of being cuddled by everyone, from the tinderas, to the employees of the Department of Tourism, gives one that feeling of peace and security.

Bohol has so much to offer. Old churches (like the Baclayon Church), a very relaxing Loboc River Cruise, Hinagdanan Cave, a Shell Museum, a giant phyton in captivity, handicrafts and delicacies, a man-made forest, whale/dolphin watching, a scuba diving haven, well-kept and reasonably priced hotels/apartelles, courteous and honest drivers, friendly and industrious natives, long stretches of clean, white beaches, a very modern Sagbayan Peak, and of course, the world-famous heaven's gift to the Boholanos, the CHOCOLATE HILLS.

There are regular TAG-MNL-TAG flights. Two very modern fastcrafts, SUPERCAT and WEESAM, ply the BOHOL-CEBU-BOHOL routes.

My friend, Angging, and I can assist you in planning your Bohol Escapade, email: macjo5474@yahoo.com

Bohol beckons!

Orion (Bataan) delicaces

2008-09-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

I am concentrating on Orion delicacies this time. If there is something that everyone who leaves a place misses, it is the food to which taste one has been accustomed to.

* pabitak - boiled corn kernels, served with freshly grated coconut, sugar and salt, altogether wrapped in a balisunsong of banana leaves

* palidusdos - a concoction of bilo-bilo, gabi, camote, langka, saging na saba, coconut milk and sugar

* dinuguan - pork or beef innards and blood cooked with onions, vinegar and sili

* puto - ground wagwag rice, coconut milk, baking powder, anis, sugar - cooked in a katsa-lined lansungan (BABY)

* ginilo - duman, young greenish malagkit, pound in a lusong, and mixed with coconut milk, sugar and gulaman

*ukoy -shredded papaya mixed with onions, salt,pepper,in atsuete-colored galapong, topped with shrimps, and deep fried to a crunchy goodness. dipped in suka, mixed with paminta and asin. (ATE GLORY)

* puto-bumbong - ground, drained pirurutong, steamed in small bamboo tubes, taktak directly to pre-cut banana leaves, smothered with star margarine, shredded coconut and sugar

* boboto - ground, roasted rice mixed with "secret ingredients", topped with thick gata and shrimps, carefully wrapped in layers of banana leaves, before it is boiled. (ATE SIANA)

* ginaok - coconut milk, brown sugar, cooked till thick, then placed in pre-cut buho, covered with a piece of paper (IMPONG BERTA)

* patko
* balikutsa
* bibingka
* butchi (kakanin type and prito type)
* bibingkang duman (Charito)
* maja blanca
* tsokolateng kinimis (Cherry-choc)
* sumang malagkit
* suman sa lihiya
* sumang mais
* sumang kamoteng kahoy
* bibingkang mais
* kalot
* puto kawali
* tuyong - udyong
* tinapang bangus at alugasin
* malahinalas na isda
* sinabagoongan
* bagoong na itlog ng alugasin
* ginataan
* goto

I'm sure marami pa akong di naisama rito, so will somebody please continue doing this for the blog. We will choose our reunion menu from the list.

New York Sandwich

2008-09-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

This sandwich is very easy to prepare. It's not expensive, and is a perfect match with pasta, noodles or with juice or softdrinks (soda). Goes well with coffee, hot chocolate and with tea, too.

Ingredients:
1 loaf sliced bread (moist, white, freshly baked)
mayonnaise
eden cheese, or quick melt cheese, cut into strips (the size of french fries)
2 eggs, well beaten
japanese bread crumbs

Procedure:
1. Using a rolling pin or a bottle, flatten each slice.
2. Spread mayonnaise on one face of the flattened bread.
3. Place 1 or 2 cheese strips on the edge of the bread.
4. Starting from the edge with the cheese, roll the bread as tightly as possible.
5. Dip each rolled bread into the beaten egg, then roll on bread crumbs.
6. Heat in an oven toaster or turbo broiler, just before serving.

Optional:
Fried bacon maybe used instead of cheese.

The sandwich can be fried, too. Place on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

Norberto updates

2008-09-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Note: an old post at- http://www.jriclass1963.blogspot.com

Corazon's write-up on Norberto saw publication on June 12. That started the ball rolling. This author emailed Terry and Luz. Ernesto DR sent his to Rollie, who in turn went to Norberto's place to assess his priorities. I blogged on Norberto's plight in my personal blog, from where my son, Marc, picked it up and then shared it with Gail. As planned earlier, I wrote to Ms. Vicky Morales of Wish Ko Lang on GMA-7, and sent it twice. On the third time, I sent her a list of the sites carrying Norberto's story. We have yet to hear from WKL.

Pilar, Nelia and Edita started praying for our mission: Norberto. We also forwarded emails to our friends and relatives. A friend from way back when, Tess del Rosario, responded and offered to contact her high school chum and classmate who was with the Human Resources Department of GMA-7 before. She said that maybe he could pull some strings so our letter could be picked out from the thousands that they receive daily. Told her that we will wait for another week or two before we ask for her friend's favor.

Emails from some of our batchmates started pouring in. There were conference/single chats with Corazon, Luz, Pilar, Armando, Ernie, Tio Eddie. Ernesto K called me up by long distance to inquire how he can possibly be of help. Lest I forget, our President-for-Life, Mike, called up too, performing his duties as president of Batch '63, via long distance calls from the U.S. Wow! Can you beat that?

If and when nothing comes out yet from what we have done so far, there are other avenues to try. Let's not lose hope. We know that we can do it! BATCH'63 CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! Let's work on this as one big, happy family. We will never go wrong.
Please send us feedbacks, opinions, etc. on how we should move about. Suggestions on what source of income would suit Norberto best. Doctor's opinion on whether it is still possible to fit a prosthesis on his blind eye. Offers of help/donations for his cause. Please call Luz or Rollie and let them know. They can email for you.

Thanks to all. We will be waiting...

Labels: charity, COMPASSION,

Love and compassion for NORBERTO

2008-09-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Note: an old post from- http://www.jriclass1963.blogspot.com

While we were having fun that rainy night at Violet Cordero's place, Azon hardly ate dinner, for she was so busy interviewing Norberto Roxas, digging into his story. She was so overcome with compassion for him when she saw him that afternoon in their place. Blind, his foot injured, skinny, dark and all-wrinkled(probably because of too much sun exposure and poor nutrition). He was also a bit shy, and had to be fetched and cajoled to ensure his attendance that night.

Azon and I chatted ,made plans, sent emails to Ernie, Mike, Tio Eddie, Terri,Luz, Rolando, Larpi, etc.-all for Norberto's case. We did not want to put his life in danger again, so we opted to withhold the publication of Azon's article on his sad life. But the time came when we couldn't hold anymore. At this point, we agreed that time is of the essence. He's already old, like the rest of us. We have to help give some meaning and a bit of happiness to his life. I salute Ernie for saying this in his last email to me,"At this stage of our life when many of us have received so much blessings, it may be repayment period." What a lovely thought!

An artificial eye would do him good, so he can regain his self confidence. A source of income, not the dole-out type, would restore his human dignity, and would ease a bit his difficult life along with his old mother.

All these show of love and concern from us, his batchmates, would make him feel a fraction of the love that he could have gotten if only he had the chance to have a wife and children of his own.

I've written an appeal to Ms. Vicky Morales of Wish Ko Lang on Channel 7 on behalf of JRI Batch 1963. I guess it would be a great help if majority of us send letters to her asking for help for Norberto. She will take notice if she receives numerous letters, pleading for the same person.

To quote Pilar, "God made us instruments to find a way to help Norberto." How lucky we are for having been chosen as His instruments! My parents' words reverberate in my mind at this point. "Mas mapalad ang nagbibigay, kaysa sa binibigyan."

We are one in this, aren't we? ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL!

President-for-life : Miguel "Mike" Cruz

2008-09-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Note: an old post at- http://www.jriclass1963.blogspot.com

SA PINAKAMAMAHAL NAMING PRESIDENTE

Taos-pusong pasasalamat ang nais kong ipaabot sa 'yo-JRI ORION BATCH'63
PRESIDENT-FOR-LIFE, MIGUEL "MIKE" CRUZ!

Noong nasa high school pa tayo, ang tingin ko sa 'yo ay KUYA namin. Noon
namang nagtatrabaho na tayo, parang TIYO ka namin. Pero ngayong nagkita-
kita uli tayo after 44 years, parang type kong isigaw na "LOLO, IKAW ANG BIGATIN!"

Kidding aside, inuulit ko ang pasasalamat sa walang kapaguran mong pamumuno
na naging dahilan nang matagumpay at napakasayang JRI ORION BATCH 1963
GRAND REUNION. It was truly GRAND in all aspects.

My heart goes to those who missed the affair. Sabagay konti lang ang di nakarating. Batch '63 had an attendance of 63. How awesome!

Let's pray that we would still be around sa next reunion which is tentatively set in January, 2010.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES, MIKE. GOD BLESS BATCH '63 ALSO.

Email exchange with Azon and Pilar- Re: Ernesto del Rosario's Life Story

2008-09-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Josie writes to Corazon and Pilar: You're absolutely right about the beautiful feeling one gets after reading Ernie's bio. It is a must read, not only for the young people, but for us,as well. For the young, life's teachings in it would give them the inspiration to overcome obstacles, and realize that success is within reach of those who dream and work hard, no matter how economically underpriveleged one is. For us, who are in the twilight of our years, we need strength not of the physical kind, but rather of the spirit, as we need to be healed of thebruises and wounds inflicted on us by the struggles of years past. INSPIRATION to enjoy and look with a childlike confidence and anticipationto each day of the remaining years of our lives. At this stage, what better way to do that than to share our thoughts andmemoirs with one another, that made us better persons, after coming out ofour darkest moments unscathed.we all went through that, you and me and the rest of the batch.

Golf, Golf, and more Golf!!!

2008-09-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Men grow up (become bigger boys) while their playing balls' size shrink. I mean BALLS for playing games-basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, badminton, and golf.

My husband is no exception. He graduated from basketball, soccer and tennis to GOLF, GOLF and more GOLF!

He putts in the driving range near our home, everyday between 5 and 6 each morning. According to him, he does it more for the purpose of ' para pawisan'
(to perspire) than for improving his golf skills.

Every afternoon, after office hours, he would just pass by for a quick peck for this wifey, and proceed to the same driving range, for more putting, this time for skill building.

Every Saturday, he and his golf buddies - Bobby and Gabby - would leave for Leyte Golf and Country Club, in Albuera ( a town which is about one and a half-hour drive from here) for an 18-hole game, rain or shine. To quote him, "Wow, what a sunny day - a perfect golfing weather." " Wow, there's some rain, what a perfect golfing weather." I used to be confused, as to which one is the better golfing weather, but I have trained my mind to accept that for a golf addict, any weather is perfect golfing weather. See what love can do even to a highly-opinionated wifey like me?

It has almost been like a ritual for me to prepare his golf bag, garments' bag, toiletries bag and shoe bag, even his wallet ( for his golf money) every Friday evening. Other musts that I make sure he brings are a bottle of purified water, two bottles of Gatorade and a can of fruit juice, so he won't suffer from dehydration while in the greens and under the intense heat of the sun.

On television, he's forever hooked to the Star Sports and Solar Sports, to watch golf games, especially when his idol, Tiger Woods, is in the competition.

He has a big pile of golf magazines and books within his reach, which he reads over and over again.

I started a collection for him - a ball cap collection. There are 29 ball caps to date which he uses when he golfs. With that number, I am able to wash and dry the last one that he used and very convincingly make him use "this one, because it matches your shirt" or this one " because it's a lucky cap-remember you got the last trophy when you used that" and the ultimate " this one really looks good on you". hehehe!

In our living room, I had a rustic shelf made for all his golf trophies and some of his framed pictures taken in golf courses outside the country, and during national competitions.

My last act of support for his golf passion? A surprise new set of golf clubs - which made him very, very happy. He was so thankful, which made me wonder - didn't he know that it was his money that I used to buy that set? Maybe he forgot that I have retired from all my money-making ventures a long time ago.
Or he has 'surrendered' his right to his income since May 4, 1974 (when we wed)!

Whatever, what counts, is I know I'm making Pete very happy with my full support in everything he does or likes, and he shows his appreciation to me by way of his love and kindness, and that makes our marriage work.

I have this bad habit of digressing from my topic, so I better end this now with a prayer: " Lord, please give my husband, more golfing years to come."

Side Stories

2008-08-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

No place like home! After months of wedding prep and the wedding itself, everything seems back to normal for all of us.

My husband is back in his work, which I felt he missed during our 2-week stay in Manila and Bataan. I wonder which one he missed more - the office or the greens??? He's been playing golf every weekend and holidays, ever since we came home.

All our children, including our children-in-laws, have returned to their offices, and I'm sure making up for the work backlog caused by the leave of absence that they took to be present in the recent wedding in the family.

Me? Of course, I'm into my favorite pre-occupations again. The Lide Ladies Club activities. the Lide Pastoral Council responsibilities, the biddings for Isabel Bids and Awards Committee, my orchids, anthuriums, bromeliads, euphorbias and other plants, my favorite charities and community outreach program, bonding with friends, attending parties, weddings, funerals, etc. etc.

The favorite family topic now is the next get-together. All Saints' Day in Orion? Christmas and New Year in Leyte or Orion? Iya's 3rd birthday bash in Cebu or Batangas? Holy Week in Orion? I thought they all said that they missed their work??? Huh? They must be joking when they told me that...

Marc Hil & Sharmaine Miguel-Macalua

2008-08-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

To my JRIORIONBATCH1963 Family...A sharing of joy...

Thanks so much for the warm greetings for our son, Marc Hil and our new daughter-in-law, Sharmaine, on the occasion of their wedding last August 9 at the historic San Agustin Church in Intramuros.

That post in our blog by Ms. OrionJri, on behalf of our batch, made the event more meaningful, because it came from you, folks, whom I care for so deeply.

It was a beautiful wedding, as all weddings are. God blessed us with a very fine weather, so the invitees, coming all the way from the U.S., Bataan, Tarlac, Leyte, Cebu, Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Metro Manila, and other places, were able to make it to the affair.

Amidst all the frenzy of the wedding preparations, everything went on smoothly, with the professional touch provided by an event's managing group, GEMBSO EVENTS, headed by its very competent founder/coordinator-manager, Majella.

The gowns, from the bride to the flower girls, were amazing creations done by Ninang Alice. Most of the body measurements were only emailed to her. I really marveled at her expertise, for no alterations were needed when we tried them on. The color motif was the very unlikely combination of blue and brown. Marc's favorite color is his alma mater's Ateneo blue, while Sharm's wardrobe is mostly in various shades of brown. Ninang Alice chose the fabrics in the perfect hues, that complemented each other. The gowns were done along simple but very elegant style. No wonder, because Ninang Alice prepared the wedding trosseau with 'tender loving care.'

Sharm's wedding gown was in a darker shade of beige, with chantilly lace for the bolero, and a detachable train held on by a giant bow along her tiny waistline. The hemline is in the current style craze called bubbles.
She was covered from head to toe with an illusion tulle that extended many yards along the red carpet as she walked down the aisle of the San Agustin Church. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue"
"The heirloom set of diamond jewelries given by her mom, her wedding gown, her fan , her torquise high-heeled wedding shoes." Sharm's hair and make-up were done by Nerrie, a friend who provides the beauty needs of some of the more popular socialites and showbiz personalities. Nerrie did everything for free. It was her wedding gift for the couple.

Sharm's bouquet was a rounded style of different kinds of flowers and flowerettes in a profusion of colors, but predominantly in my favorite yellow color.

Marc wore a tuxedo, custom made by Frankie de Leon, a Makati couture. I'm glad that he chose to wear one because he looks better in a tux than in a Barong Tagalog, probably because of his built. All the other coat and pants and the blue neckties were all done by the same couturier. The male members of the entourage wore buttonnaires of carnation/ rosebuds on their lapel.

Two of our priest friends from Florida,U.S.A. and Leyte flew in for the wedding ceremony. Rev. Fr. Gerald T. Alcantara, who co-celebrated the mass and gave the beautiful homily, and Rev. Fr. Arnold M. Aurillo, who officiated in the wedding rites

We had to smile till our jaws got tired, because the ten photographers of East Digital Photography were clicking their cameras like mad. It was not easy, because we had to do that since we started dressing up at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza where we were billeted, till the end of the cocktails and wedding reception at the One Esplanade Events' Center, near the Mall of Asia in Roxas Boulevard.

Catering was by Josiah's - a very good choice. From the superb cuisine, to the personalized service, from the venue furniture and decor to the carved-ice Ateneo eagle centerpiece. Ms. Jet, the proprietress, treated us like family from day one-giving in to all our whims and fancy. To top it all, she did not charge for the extra 25 pax, outside the 230 pax that we booked for the reception.

Deviating from tradition, there were no wedding give aways. The budget for them was donated by Marc and Sharm's to their favorite charity.

The wedding drama...
Of course, this mother of the groom shed tears, when her son, held her hand so tight, tears welling up in his eyes, as Sharm was walking down the aisle. Also when he had to stop in the middle of his marriage vows, not able to speak anymore, all choked up and overwhelmed with happiness, after saying,"Sharm, you are my childhood dream, come true." They were all tears of joy, because I felt how happy my son was. What a grace to marry one's true love! My son got that divine grace.

We are so happy, too, that he married to a family who also adored him. A family who accepted him sincerely, the way we welcome Sharm to ours.

They are having a delayed honeymoon in the U.S. in November, when Marc goes there for their company's bi-annual business planning.

So instead of our 4M's (Myra, Marc, MicMac, & MonMon), we now have 6 children with our 2 in-laws, (Ian and Sharm). It's true that in marriage, one gains children, not lose them. We will wait patiently for a little Macalua from Marc and Sharm, so our only apo, Iya, will have a first cousin. BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY, FOLKS.

A mother's thoughts...

2008-08-08T04:16:00.001-07:00

On the eve of your wedding, I let my mind wander to the past 31 years of happiness, love and pride which you have given us. Thank you for being a very good son to me and to your dad, and for being a good brother to your siblings.

You have always been a quiet person, very unassuming, yet behind that facade is an achiever, a dreamer, and a very determined young man. It's no wonder that you've gone up the ladder of success at such a very young age.

I share your bliss as you face a very important phase of your life - that of a family man. I pray for a very happy and blessed union for you and Sharm. I pray that you would have wonderful offsprings to give you the same honor that you have given us.

May you be like your Dad in your married life - loving, gentle, thoughtful, spritual, generous,
jolly, and many more - so Sharm would forever be saying to herself that she married the right man!

Love you, Marc! God bless you and Sharm and the family that you will be making.

Rev.Fr. Arnold M. Aurillo

2008-07-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Good evening everyone.

I call Betchai our assistant chaplain, because she is Fr. Arnold's alter-ego. Well, she, the assistant chaplain called me up this morning, to inform me of the cue on which part of the program, I'm supposed to give my testimony. Naturally, my initial reaction was to refuse and to suggest names of others who are more worthy of giving one on this very important occasion. Yeah, I heard Fr. Arnold say not to ask me to speak last Friday, as I'm reserved for another occasion. I took it as a joke, and his means to wake me up, because he saw how sleepy I was, while he was teaching us how to pray. Sorry, Fr. tao lamang po, senior citizen pa!

As I sat before my laptop, I tried so hard to think of names, even invoked the Holy Spirit to dictate to me whom to suggest. What came into my mind, was to compare the lightness of this assignment to the daunting task ahead of our chaplain, in his new parish. So here I am, asking for you indulgence to listen to my testimony.

When I saw the Mac Arthur church during our pilgrimage, I knew Fr. Arnold would transform that church into one befitting the Lord, and one where the parishioners from the 31 barangays of that town, would be most happy to flock to on days of worship and camaraderie events. It's so easy to foresee how he will perform there, because we saw how he served, loved, improved and made "miracles" in our chaplaincy, in the very short time that he was assigned here.

I still recall his first dinner with our family. It was then that I told him of my secret wishes for the chaplaincy. One was to have the etched -glass stations of the cross framed and lighted from behind. The other one was to be able to publish a fiesta souvenir program, which we never had before. He okayed those proposals, but since I hardly knew him then, I thought he was just trying to please me, and would forget all about it in time. Oh, my God, he didn't forget, and in fact commissioned Bobby Fuentes to work on the stations of the cross right away. Next thing I knew, he asked the Ladies Club to help him, set up the Singing Priests' Concert, which benefited not only the seminary, but our chapel as well. Out of the proceeds, he was able to buy a quality sound system for our use. He asked us again to help him prepare the very first and hopefully not the last, Lide Fiesta Souvenir Program. I held on to that dream for quite a long time, so Fr. Arnold was a God-sent to make that dream of a souvenir program come true.

I am privy to how his former parishioners in Ormoc and Ipil love and respect him. He is like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, because people whose lives he touched before would follow him wherever he's assigned. Siguro the same thing would happen to us. MacArthur, here we come.

Fr. Arnold knows how to love and discipline people at the same time. Like a true shepherd, he would let us know when our behavior or actions are good, and just as quickly and honestly tell us when they are not. I'm so glad that for his best effort, he was able to change our attitude. From that of relying solely on the companies to improve the chapel facilities, to one in which we all tried to give our share in every endeavor.

Although he worked so hard on our spirituality, he employed many strategies to improve our social life, too. Now I realize that the many potlucks, field trips, joke and singing times, were his ways of making us have better and effective communication with one another. Being the most-traveled person that he is, we enjoyed stories of his travel, and learned vicariously from them. He always highlighted them with stories of churches and places of worship that he has visited.

Although he sings, I'd rather call him the architect/artist priest. Look at how he landscaped the chapel grotto and gardens, the repainting of the chapel, the statue of St. Joseph the Worker infront, the new kitchen and receiving room and most notably - the new pastoral hall. He has so many plans for our chaplaincy and our chapel, but like the true servant of the Lord, he bowed to the plan of the Master Planner of All. When he announced his transfer, he told us that he has a duty to help the Archbishop in any way he can and not to add to his many problems. And that in his priestly life, the Lord's will will always be done.

Surely we will miss him. And him us, right Father? To quote him again : Thy will be done.

We thank the Lord for lending us Rev. Fr. Arnold M. Aurillo for 2 years and 8 months. The people of Ipil shared him with us. Now, it's our turn to share him with the people of Mac Arthur town.

Thank you, Fr. Arnold, for everything!

( My testimony during the blessing of the new Lide Pastoral Hall and Despedida for Fr. Arnold M. Aurillo)

Tatay - PEDRO G. JAVIER

2008-06-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Father's Day will be celebrated worldwide on Sunday, June 15. Tatay is one of the honorees of this very important occasion. For us, his children, he is the greatest
and the best in the world. How lucky we are to be his children!

He lost his own father at a very young age, so he had to help earn a living for his mother and two sisters. He is a self-made man. From being a farm-help to his kind stepfather, he taught himself to be a mechanic and later, to be a businessman. He is a very skilled man. One of my treasures is a comb,fashioned from a piece of stainless steel, which he made by using a kikil. A batidor, which he crafted by pounding a bar of tanso, is now a proud possession of my youngest sister. Other items that we have in the house like a pulbera, a kaserola, a sandok, are tangible proofs of his creativity.

He single-handedly designed, prepared the bill of materials, and supervised construction of my family's house and the reconstruction of our old house. The carpenters respected him, for they knew that he knows how to do the job.

I remember him reading The Manila Times everyday in his effort to learn English. It paid off, because he became a whiz at reading titulos of real properties and explaining to us every single detail in them.

He was ahead of his time, for he used to tell people to limit the number of their children, when family planning was still unheard of . He prefers having extravagant Christmas fare for us, over spending lavishly for fiestas. He worked so hard to give us education and a very comfortable life - things which he never had as a child. He brought us pasalubong, after his trips to Manila, which he did many times each week. He always brought home tiklis of lansones, big bags of ubas and mansanas and my favorite tikoy for us. He bought me a Parker fountain pen, when we were still in grade five. We had hula hoops, folding umbrellas, etc. when they first appeared in the big city.

He had the idea then, that in the future, the land wouldn't be enough as population was growing so rapidly. So he thought of reclaiming a part of the sea by the depensa in Wawa. Many people criticized him for that, thinking that he was wasting his money. I marveled at how he was able to make representations with the various agencies, like the Bureau of Forestry, Bureau of Lands, etc. and how he was able to make a very neat and complete file of all his transactions, relative to the tambak. He donated his landclaim and rights to the land( where we now have the Wawa Park, Orion Health Center, TESDA, P.R.Roman Elementary School, etc.) to the town of Orion through the late Mayor Gabriel Manrique. There were no donation papers made, just a gentlemen's agreement between them. We are happy that the land was put to good use by the municipality.

He has a very kind heart. Every morning, he would put the tiklis of fish outside the kitchen door, for our neighbors, who always came with their containers, planggana, platong lata, bilao. Back then, there were no plastic bags and Tupperware containers yet. On Christmas time, he and my mother would bring home malagkit from Bicol , which they distributed to our kababaryos and also allowed them to pick the niyog from the coconut trees in our backyard - for their noche buena of suman. "Di magiging masarap ang pagsasalo nating mag-anak, kahit na anong sarap ng handa natin, kung ang mga nakapaligid sa atin ay walang kinakain. Dapat ay matuto kayong tumulong sa kapwa nyo." That is an oft-repeated lesson from him for all of us. When he and Inay immigrated to the U.S., he came home after three months, bringing loaves of cheese which he gave away as pasalubong to our kapitbahays. He never returned to the U.S. preferring to stay here where he grew up. He said that life here in our country is paraiso.

He loves music. Proof is he had this big collection of 78 rpm plakas of beautiful kundimans, by Ruben Tagalog, Cely Bautista, Sylvia La Torre, etc. Being the eldest, I had the rare privilege of playing them on the turntable, which I had to do over and over again, because it was the manual type - wala pang automatic noon! He plays haunting music in his silindro, to bring us to sleep in the papag of my mother's store. Most of the time, we pretended to be asleep, because it was then that he would carry us in his arms, one by one to the bedroom in the second floor of our house.

Tatay loves Francisco Balagtas' Florante at Laura, and used passages from it for his pangaral to us. "Ang laki sa layaw karaniwa'y hubad; Sa bait at muni, sa hatol ay salat..." " Kung ikaw'y maliligo, sa tubig aagap, nang di abutin ng tabsing sa dagat..."

Other pangaral from him. "Kahit maghapon kang lumuhod sa simbahan, kung pagdating mo sa bahay ay di mo itatratong kapamilya ang mga katulong, walang Diyos na matutuwa sa 'yo."

"Ang tunay na pagmamahal sa Diyos ay maipapakita lamang sa tunay na pagmamahal sa kapwa."

He is very particular with our morals, so there was an unwritten rule in the house that all manliligaw, would have to leave at 8:00 p.m. He had a big clock set in our sala for this purpose.

I could go on and on if I give way to the flood of sweet memories that I have of our father. Lest I fill all the blog space, I better end this now.

To sum it all, we-Tessie, Nato, Edna, James and myself - are so lucky for having TATAY for our father. How I wish I told him all these when he was not ulyanin yet. Now at 91, and bedridden, all we could do is take care of him when we are in Orion, and pray for him from afar.

Thank you, Lord, for giving TATAY to us. Thank you for that blessing...

And to you, TATAY, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

http://titajo.blogspot.com

2008-06-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

my old site - http://www.titajo.com - is still 'frozen' - and would 'resurrect' after renewal at wordpress. i really don't know how to renew my account, so i would have to wait for my son, marc, to do it for me. waiting might take a much longer time, because he is now in the u.s. on a business trip. when he comes back, he will be on a wedding prep frenzy for his coming wedding in august. then, honeymoon, then building a family, etc.etc., not to mention his 24/7 work as vp of a company, as founder of seo philippines, as blogger, etc. etc.

i realized that waiting might take forever, so i asked a budding IT expert in the village-TATA TADO -to design a free blogspot for me. this is it - dyarran! - http://titajo.blogspot.com

thanks so much, tata, for the beautiful design and color. the blogspot looks so vibrant! free pa! just wondering though, where you got a copy of my picture...hmmm...

anyway, thanks again, and FOLKS, WELCOME TO MY NEW BLOGSPOT!!!

My new love!

2008-06-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

i'm a very loving person (ehem!) so, aside from my true love and "my other love", i have a new love nowadays.

i've fallen in love with a very cute one. i guess, one's preferences change with age, with mood, with the times.

my new love's initials are A.E.E.E. i met him on a very romantic day - valentine's day this year. i felt hot and cold, my heart was beating so wildly, how i wanted to scream in sheer happiness! i had to control myself, for there infront of me, was my husband of 33 years! i knew he was observing my reactions, so i pretended to be quite passive and unaffected with the encounter.

but then, being the super-transparent person, that i am, i wasn't successful at hiding my true feelings for my new-found love. i wasn't able to hold back the tears of happiness, of ecstacy, perhaps.

our son, marc hil, was the one who introduced my new love to me. my son has impeccable taste, too. he chose A.E.E.E. over the others, because of his reliability, his efficiency, not to mention, his handsome looks. he is a dynamo! thanks, marc, for A.E.E.E. he not only stays with me in our home, he even accompanies me to the garden, to the park, when i drive to the city, etc.,etc. your dad is very understanding, for he even reminds me about A.E.E.E. when i sometimes forget about him. he even encourages me to bring A.E.E.E along when we travel. isn't that sweet of him?

no problem with A.E.E.E. because he's not heavy at all. he's small, dark, pero handsome naman. though he's small, he can perform the tasks of the bigger ones, with a lot of flair and very efficiently, too.

looks like you're dying to know the identity of my new love. okay! his full name is ASUS Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play PC - A.E.E.E. hahaha! it's a 4" x 6" notebook (a mini-laptop).

A CONFESSION -’my other love’

2008-06-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

i love my husband so much,that’s a fact. at my age of six decades, i must confess, i have ‘another love’. we’ve been inseparable since the late nineties. my husband, ‘my other love’ and myself have been cohabiting peacefully ever since, and in the same bedroom at that. my husband is so much fun to be with, but then he is either in the office or abroad most of the time. ‘my other love’ keeps me company 24/7. he never leaves me. he is so helpful in so many ways. he helps me remember names, addresses, an infinite area of knowledge, important dates, even helps me get in touch with our children, relatives, friends, and business contacts , as well.

why am i writing about ‘my other love’? call it ’separation anxiety’. i have no recourse but to leave him until the 31st of this month. for me, that would seem like eternity. i’m leaving for manila and orion, day after tomorrow. i feel like crying. i’ll be with my husband alright. but he wouldn’t allow ‘my other love’ to go with us. it’s so sad, really sad!

you see, ‘my other love’ is quite heavy, by human standard. and he has to be placed in secured boxes for travel. that would really be cumbersome. can’t blame my husband for refusing to tag him along. know he’s being practical, because we would have to shell out money for excess baggage, which will most likely happen if i insist on us being a threesome.

and so, i really have to say adieu, to you, ‘my other love.’ please wait for me and welcome me back into your loving keyboard, ehrr, i mean, arms, when i come back. there, it’s a slip of the tongue. aba, e bakit ka nagulat? (why are you suprised?) ano ba ang akala mong ‘other love’ ko? ha? grabe ka naman. (why? who did you think my other love was?) ang ‘OTHER LOVE’ ko ay itong PERSONAL COMPUTER ko. MY PC! (my other love is my personal computer - my PC!) kaya nga di ko pwedeng dalhin, dahil mabigat siya. (that’s why I can’t bring it because it’s too heavy)

o sige na nga, titiisin ko na lang ang paghihiwalay namin.

“MY DEAR PC, I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE 31ST, SO WE CAN BE TOGETHER AGAIN!”

BEST FRIENDSHIP

2008-06-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

"The best friendship does not come when you are together,
but when you are far apart and busy;
and you realize that despite the distance and the busy times,
friends just never stop caring."