maan's ramblings

Please proceed to my new blog address

2010-08-27T06:11:00.000+08:00

This blog is no longer updated, for my personal blog, please visit:

Ramblings Rewind

My other current blogs are:

Travel Binge

Wellness Counselor

Catholic Pilgrim

Arsenic in Water Linked to Diabetes

2009-02-13T01:47:00.000+08:00

Link

ProudlyFilipina.com joins Go Negosyo Women Entrepreneurs Summit

2009-02-12T07:56:00.000+08:00

Babae, Yaman Ka Ng Bayan! (The biggest women negosyo event of the year!)

March being Women’s Month, Go Negosyo is holding a summit for women entrepreneurs entitled Babae, Yaman Ka ng Bayan! The event will be held at the World Trade Center on March 2, 2009. A woman empowering event, the summit will include forums to help the Pinay reach her full potential as a person and as an entrepreneur.

Read more on how you can join us here.

International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima Philippine Visit 2009

2009-02-10T03:04:00.000+08:00

Link

Visit My other blogs

2008-12-31T23:59:00.000+08:00

Please visit my other themed blogs :

Maan's Travels (on word press) (new) : A more professional look and version using my own domain. Similar content than my old travel blog but edited and from now on will be the one updated.

Spa and Wellness Blog (new) : Observations, Information, Experiences

Maan's Travels : Sharing years of experiences with my greatest passion - Travel!
Includes my adventures in North Pole without mounting an expedition, culturally fulfilling sites in various European countries, both eastern and western side as well as those in the tropical cities of Asia.

Maan's Pilgrim Site : A collection of my various religious pilgrimage trips - photos, insights, experiences.

Maan's Multiply Site: Another ramblings and musings blog but I mainly use it for the photos. Easier to upload dozens of them.

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

2008-12-15T02:04:00.000+08:00

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman is a hard-bound coffee-table book paying tribute to the women of the Philippines that features striking photos of the Filipina captured in the different facets of her womanhood:a caring mother, a hobby enthusiast, a spiritual person, a determinate athlete, a professional or a simple citizen.

This book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipino woman, both famous and unknown.

On every page, the reader will get a hint of why the country is so much indebted to its women : the virtues of the Filipina reveal themselves as we can see her create a piece of art, perform on stage or in the sports arena, harvest rice, demonstrate on the street, or simply attend to her children.

The book was painstakingly produced by Louis Paul Heussaff, CEO of Supply Oilfield Services, as a testament to diversity’s feat, vividly presenting the different faces of a Filipina’s womanhood. No one can understand a filipina more than this french national married to a wonderful Pinay herself.

A collection of over 200 photographs, a myriad faces of the Filipina are highlighted in this beautifully designed book. The Manila urbanite finds her place alongside women from the remote hills of Sabtang. Celebrities, artists, politicians and ordinary women are presented in these photographs which highlight the elegance, determination, devotion, sensibility and individuality of the Filipina.

The book is sold at Amazon for $295 (Php 14,500) but thru the kindess of the publisher, it will be made available to proudly filipina members only for Php 1,500 ($30) for a limited time. You can pre-order the book by contacting us here, and you can pick this up during the launch on Dec. 27. For those outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, we shall inform you of the courier charges.

After the proudlyfilipina.com launch, the regular price will apply.

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

2008-12-15T01:58:00.003+08:00

This book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipino woman, both famous and unknown.

After the proudlyfilipina.com launch, the regular price will apply.

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

2008-12-15T01:58:00.002+08:00

This book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipino woman, both famous and unknown.

After the proudlyfilipina.com launch, the regular price will apply.

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

2008-12-15T01:58:00.001+08:00

This book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipino woman, both famous and unknown.

After the proudlyfilipina.com launch, the regular price will apply.

Filipina: A Tribute to the Filipino Woman

2008-12-15T01:58:00.000+08:00

This book is a journey into the heart and soul of the Filipino woman, both famous and unknown.

After the proudlyfilipina.com launch, the regular price will apply.

Sugar overload? Swig some pure Neem Extract! Nature’s cure for Diabetes

2008-08-30T05:36:00.000+08:00

By: Rissa Calica-Gimenez

One of the ancient home remedies for balancing high blood sugar or diabetes is just as close and down-to-earth as your garden. read more at http://www.proudlyfilipina.com

What's New at ProudlyFilipina.com

2008-08-29T00:42:00.000+08:00

Hello All Proud to be Filipinas!

Once again we would like to invite you to register and join the new online magazine and Social Network for Filipinas all over the world.

We have a lot of interesting reads, from Caren's "Second Generation Entrepreneurs" where she mentions that 420 women go out and start their own businesses and most of them are growing revenues, profits and creating more jobs than the businesses itself!

---to Rissa's new natural health find, "Sugar overload? Swig some pure Neem Extract! Nature’s cure for Diabetes" Find out the secret brew in ProudlyFilipina.com

Corrine Blogs about her craving for "Ensaymada" but she says that "When I think or say Ensaymada I do not mean I am craving for sweets but for the comfort of what I am missing" . Isn't that sweet!

You will all be inspired by Lella's Halo Halong Halo, A heavenly mix of things that make life worth savoring.

Join us and comment on the various ongoing Forum topics such as Living with Extended Family, Dealing with your mother in law, Top Attractions in Europe and many more! Create your own thread and let everyone else join the fun!

We hope to see you there. Just hit Register, type your name and email then get your free account activated.

http://www.proudlyfilipina.com

Catholic Pilgrim Blog

2007-07-17T15:06:00.000+08:00

I have moved my religious blog, Catholic Pilgrim to a new domain and this time using Wordpress. Please check it out at:

http://catholicpilgrim.org

My new personal blog

2007-07-12T00:43:00.000+08:00

Got tired of this old blog so created a new one at Serious Prattle this time using
Word Press. I now believe my friends when they had been suggesting moving to Word Press. Its more flexible and widget friendly.

So see you all around in my new personal webspace!!!

Serious Prattle : My new personal blog

2007-07-11T23:17:00.000+08:00

I was so 'sawa' with my old personal ramblings site so decided to shift to a new one using word press. Yup, wordpress is a lot better than blogger so please do visit my new space at:

http://seriousprattle.com

Will I celebrate D day up on Air?

2007-05-13T01:30:00.000+08:00

It has been a tough and challenging period. Had some bouts of depression as something I worked on for a long time has not come into fore. Sometimes it has crossed my mind that I shouldn't have banked on a close friend too much but hen I know I learned a lot from the long study. It has drained me financially however.

Anyway, I am supposed to celebrate a milestone in my life soon and for that I had always wanted to be in my favorite city, Paris. Unfortunately it can't happen. Anyway, I had a memorable birthday in Paris last year, thanks to St. Ignatius.

God is good however. He knows I don't like to be in manila for my birthday. I just wanted to be somewhere out there batanes, appari, timbuktu or the himalayas.

Comes the miles ----- yeah I have them enough to fly half way around the world but how will I pay my accomodations and everything else that comes with the trip?

Sydney!!! Yup, Christine has been inviting me for decades to her place but being a corporate slave then, had only so much vacation leaves which must be used to help out my dad in his trips.

Christine is the I in TAFI, the acronym of our high school barkada - Tolentino, Almeda, Flores and Imperial.

I emailed Christine and told her my thoughts. Both of us were really banking on something we had been working for years, unfortunately, the other party was sickly and perhaps lacked enough focus. Both our birthdays are on the same month and just a few days away.

I told her I will start working on my visa. I havent been to that part of the world so I needed to ask how to get the visa. While gathering the documents, my miles suffered a snag which I thought would derail my trip. Fortunately with prayers all was resolved.

I placed all my faith in Him and He works wonders. All of a sudden I decided to call PAL to reserve. They told me there was just one seat left before my birthday. Goodness gracious I had to grab it. Had myself waitlisted the day before though.

I was told the visa will take two weeks. When I finally filed they said one week. Well well well, miracle of miracles, I got it in two days ha ha! Intl visas seem to love me recently.

This means I can fly anytime but--- I can't. I still need to hire the replacement staff in our immigration office otherwise my partner in Manila, Gerry will go crazy. Also, I want to fly closer to winter. Why? It's too darn hot in manila! I am almost melting with the heat so I want to go somewhere really cold.

I think sydney was a good decision for i can mix business with pleasure. My other business partner Nick, is based there as well as our principal, so I guess I really need to meet up.

I just hope and pray I can confirm that wait listed day otherwise, I will be up on air on my birthday boo hoo......and if it turns out that PAL's arrival will be late--- I may leave the airport (after baggage claim, customs etc) after lunch.

Oh well, you can't win 'em all. Just can't wait to fly again. I have a mole under each foot and after a few months of sticking to land, my feet really itch to leave. I guess I took after my dad.

Oh and by the way, Aura, my ex officemate now based in Vienna told me she will also be celebrating her milestone soon and she maybe in Paris for this since their bank branch in the city of lights will be needing her that period. I was sooooooo Inggit!

Tagaytay, Taal and unexpected side trips

2007-04-24T20:43:00.000+08:00

L

Last Sunday, Bebeth and I brought Ruben to Tagaytay. She brought her van, fetched Ruben in Makati then passed for me in paranaque as I was nearest to the south expressway.

First stop was Starbucks at Petron station to get some hot drink for Ruben who has not yet taken breakfsast. I brought sandwiches, a large cooler filled with drinks and bottled water.

We reached Tagaytay shortly before 11am and I decided to visit the Little Souls convent I heard from a friend. She gave me a small bottle of holy oil dipped in a Sacred Crucifix which came from Belgium. I wanted to know more about this so since it was too early for lunch might was well visit. You can read more about this in my Pilgrim blog.

One thing though, I will surely return to this very peaceful place.

I researched new places in Tagaytay through the internet the evening before we left and I read much about the new place in town which is the Cliffhouse along the ridge quite near the rotonda. We asked a few people along the road but they don't seem to know this place.

The best landmark would be right after the huge Yellow cab sign. It is actually besides Leslie's a similar concept area filled with various restos such as Cafe Lupe and Starbucks.

I will show more photos of the Cliffhouse in a separate post. The most popular restaurant in this area from my internet research seemed to be the Italian resto Buon Giorno followed by FireLake Grill.

Although I was curious to try Buon giorno, I was not that keen on eating Itaian food that time, the same with bebeth and most specially our balikbayan guest. Besides, we noticed the place was really full so no chance for an immediate table.

The only place which has a good view of the lake besides the italian resto is Fire Lake so we opted to take lunch here.

Although it was cooler inside the restaurant, we decided to take the table outside for a better view.

The meal was great but very pricey. More details of our meals in another post.

We couldnt leave the area without having a photo against the
lakeview, what everyone goes to Tagaytay for.

Since I kept mentioning Our Lady of Caysasay, which apparently is in the next province, we all decided to trekk to Taal, Batangas. We asked the waiter for directions and he mentioned that it takes him around 45 mins to reach the place when he uses his motorcycle.

Ruben was also interested in going there as he stayed in an antique house right in front of the basilica.

This then was our first stop when we reached Taal, Batangas, the home of the Calanog family situated right in front of the Taal Basilica.

Ruben greets the matriarch of the family who was only too surprised to see him.

Almost everything in the house is a collectors item like these set of old pottery....

and of course my favorite Angels.

Bebeth was so surprised to see this very old turntable, the kind that you need to wind on the side for it to start.

more antiques....

A combination of old and new images of our Lady.

Time for goodbyes to go to our next destination....

The Taal Basilica or better known as the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours.

On the left altar, one can find the statue of St. Martin de Tours in whose name the Basilica was named after. Will write more about the sain in my Pilgrim's blog.

On the right altar, is enthroned Our Lady of Casaysay, whose devotion spanned hundreds of years. I expounded on the history of Our Lady in my Pilgrim Blog.

The image is very small unlike similar ones of our Lady. We went up the back altar to be able to kiss her mantle.

This was the poster which came out during the 400-yr jubilee celebration (2003) of Our Lady of Casaysay.

I bought a couple of stampitas and novenas after the visit.

Before leaving again for the next stop, bebeth had to have a shot beside the street name as this is her maiden name :)

Next stop as requested by Bebeth is the Taal Market. Here you see her buying the famous Tapa. According to the seller, the recipe was handed down from their great grandparents.

Here you see Ruben holding one of their famous 'sumans'. Bebeth bought one bagful which we all took for merienda. Very delicious! Highly recommended.

All i bought was charcoal and native vinegar. Charcoal cost 5 pesos per bag, in manila it's 15-20 pesos. The small bottle of vinegar was priced at only 6 pesos. Great huh!

Now you see Ruben standing behind a store selling native clothes and bags embroidered the Callado way where Taal is famous for.

Bebeth wanted to buy a 'calladoed' Pinya cloth.

As it was past 5pm, I tried to hurry the two since I really wanted to see the church of Our Lady of Caysasay. We had to ask around for some of them were not familiar with this. Some of them still direct us to the basilica.

We finally found it, a short distance actually from the Basilica. Its really the chilren vendors in the basilica area who were familiar with the church.

This is the inside of the church or chapel of Our Lady of Caysasay. Her image is found right at the center of the altar.

The full story of Our Lady including the miraculous spring found a few mins away from the chapel is discussed in my Pilgrim blog.

By the time we finished with the unexpected pilgrimage in Taal, it was already early evening and we decided to hurry back to manila since Ruben needed to catch the last mass.

Unfortunately, the traffic was horrendous, hardly moving when we reached Tagaytay. When we reached the area of 'Antonio's', Bebeth suggested going down to take dinner instead of waiting inside the car for traffic to ease.

It was all our first time to try the very famous "Breakfast at Antonio's".

We actually took dinner outside but this photo was taken inside where we took dessert because bebeth was feeling cold. Yeah right, she felt cold despite the pashmina. Very unbelievable to hear when you experience the scorching heat of manila these days.

I have more photos and reviews of our dinner but it will be the subject of a separate post.

Dinner at Abe, Dessert at Cupcakes and Hot choco at Mary Grace

2007-04-20T02:58:00.000+08:00

I was suprised to learn the other day that Ruben is in Manila.

Bebeth called to ask if I knew and apparently Ruben sent me a text message earlier but was not able to notice it as I was in a meeting.

Ruben brought us around Vienna last year together with Au.

We all then decided to go out last night at the Fort Serendra area, the Bonifacio High Street as it is the newest place in town.

We first strolled along the area to check on the newly opened restaurants. It was only last January that I was here but since then, so much eateries has opened.

I had wanted to try out the other restos that I have read about such as Chelsea, Brazil, Portico but somehow we ended up again in Abe!

This must be my fourth time here. I usually tend to go here if I have guests so specially the balikbayan ones like Ruben. They tend to choose a place serving good old filipino food.

We actually had a feast starting with Bebeth's favorite chicharon bulaklak (cholesterol delight), and two bowls of kinilaw.

The waiter recomended the Tamarind drink which Bebeth and I tried and boy it was really good!!!

This was followed by our main meal, the signature Bamboo Rice,

another cholesterol filled, Abe's version of Dinuguan (cant recall the actual name but it starts with a T).

and of course I wouldn't miss my favorite vegetable dish, gosh I can't recall the name again but it is made of squash, and some greens. Most of the names in the menu sounded exotic.

This was the first time I noticed the Rellenong Suam na Mais. Apparently it is made of corn and shrimp cooked akin to an omelette.

As I am a soup person, there must definitely one during meals and Ruben chose the Sinigang na belly sa Guava. Actually it was for 3-5 persons but we went ahead and got it.

Finally any balikbayan will not be able to resist trying our good old Manggang buro (pickled mangoes) so despite the tons of orders this must still be part of it.

Obviously we were not able to finish all the 'takaw tingin' orders so we had to request the leftovers taken out.

Because we were really so full, we decided to walk the block to bring everything down. Bebeth suggested we cross the street and take a look at the new Serendra strip made up of more restaurants and shops.

I have heard of this area before but this was the first time I saw it and gosh I was suprised with all the newly opened outlets such as Italiannis, Bos Cafe, Starbucks, Havaianas, Fish o Fun and a lot more.

Took a shot of Ruben and Bebeth trying this gigantic steel decor. One has to climb it then jump a bit as suprisingly it has a trampoline effect.

This was another op art design at the park fronting the strip.

After going around both sides of the serendra shop area, we decided to go back and have dessert as planned at Mary Grace. While walking towards the place, I suddenly saw the small Cupcake snack place and I said I must not miss this. I had been reading a lot about to-die-for Cupcakes by Sonja. We all went in to take a look.

These mouth watering cupcakes surely cant remain on their display areas for long so

I decided to get us one each just to try - Ruben got the nutty type, Bebeth, the one with mint and I chose the one with berries.

Nice simple bags huh? Bebeth showed Ruben the Rest Room while I lined up at the cashier.

After I paid for the cupcakes, I waited outside the shop. I liked the painted antique chairs and tables used. I remembered those furnitures in our old home in manila where we lived with Lola and Lolo. Too bad it was given away when we moved to quezon city.

A few minutes later Bebeth called to tell me they are at Mary Grace which apparently was closing so she had to order their famous chocolate which we can just take outside.

I first thought bebeth meant a chocolate cake but apparently Mary Grace served a very delicious hot chocolate drink similar to our local tablea.

Since we were the last clients to pay, we just requested a pitcher full of iced cold water. The weather outside though almost midnight was really too hot and humid.

Everyone must try this highly recommended choco drink. It is really sooooooooo good. I will need to go back in this place soon just for this sweet delicacy.

Scorching Heat!

2007-04-19T18:37:00.000+08:00

It's too darn hot in Manila! One can hardly breathe in this weather. Thank God for airconditioning but then some of them like those in starbucks at 6750 hardly functions.

When I out of my bedroom this morning, the living room felt like an oven.

According to the news temperature averaged 38 degrees celsius and may worsen. Rains according to the weatherman may start around May.

I thought it will at least shower this afternoon as suddenly the clouds darkened but I guess the clouds really lacked the necessary water of life.

How I wish North Pole could spare some of their icebergs right now. This really is Global Warming!

Reminiscing Capri while watching "It Started in Naples" DVD

2007-04-15T17:17:00.000+08:00

Just finished watching this DVD I bought in New York last year. Its an old classic made in the 60s.

Of course one main reason I bought this was it was the movie was made in one of my favorite regions. I particularly loved all the scenes in Capri where most were filmed.

I remembered our visit to Capri during my 2002 trip with Bebeth. I originally wanted to stay in the place overnight but we couldnt find a place so opted for Sorrento. It was raining the whole time so was not able to see much specially the Blue Grotto which for years I had been wanting to visit.

At least I was able to see the inside of the cave via this movie. I was able to see only the outside part before as the boats were not allowed to go in when its raining. The movie was a very simple love story nothing great but during those times I just wanted to relax and feel good the movie was a welcome treat.

Google buys Double Click

2007-04-14T20:10:00.000+08:00

Learned from a friend that google just bought double click for $3.1B in cash! She was reading it from the New York Times but couldnt find the story on the online version.

This must be a better deal than than You Tube not only price wise as the online video was paid via stocks.

Makes me want to pursue a dot come I have been mulling on :)

Showing or hiding the blues....

2007-04-14T04:52:00.000+08:00

When people say they are depressed, usually they look gloomy and tend to sulk. However, I now realize that one can be depressed yet wouldn't show the usual signs of depression.

Perhaps I belong to the latter group. Some friends even think I am joking when I laughingly say I am drepssed.

On the other hand, I am not really sure if this last one is better for it maybe skin to hiding the pain which becomes more stressful.

As I mull over this, it dawns on me that prayers and surrender to the Lord is still the best option to get over this.

An Impromptu meeting and belated birthday celebration

2007-04-11T15:22:00.000+08:00

Lella and I had a scheduled meeting with a potential strategic partner in a business we are concocting when we suddenly remembered to call our schoolmate boyet who we were supposed to meet the past week.

Little did we know that he was free that time and we all decided to meet for a late dinner at the shang mall. Boyet chose Congo Grill as I told him I didnt want to eat in the chinese fast food at the basement as I can't tolerate vetsin. Our earlier meeting was held in that area.

Upon reaching the restaurant, boyet called Alex, who was then in the gym down south and in about half an hour he arrived to join us for that belated birthday treat.

Just felt like posting this as I know God indeed works in wondrous ways. Lella and I had been praying hard for this endeavour we started discussing barely less than a month ago. We plan, we research and brainstorm but most of all pray a lot. He seems to be pointing to us the right people to talk to.

I had tried touching base with many who I thught can join us but our skeds dont seem to match. I think God is saying they are not the right people, I will tell you who you must meet with. Alleluia! and this he did!

nice quote....

2007-04-08T02:17:00.000+08:00

I just watched the DVD of Danielle Steele's "Full Circle" and I can't forget one of the important lines always uttered by a major character, Harry:

"Sometimes you just have to jump off that bridge, and build your wings on the way down"

The Philippine Blog Awards

2007-04-06T06:57:00.000+08:00

Wilson Ng called me up one time to request that I stand in for him during the Philippine Blog Awards as he is one of the finalist.

The awards night was held last March 31 at theRCBC auditorium in Makati City.

Of course agreed and even told him I am almost sure he will win as I am a follower of his blog which is full of profound wisdom and advices.

True enough when the winner for the Business and Entrepreneur Blog Category was called, it was Wilson's Reflections of a Biz Driven Life!

Migs Paraz handed the award for the category. Earlier was I was also called on stage to present the award for the best Travel Blog. That was really cool as many know that travel has always been my passion. The winner was Ivan about Town, a blog that I sometimes read as I encountered the author in my multiply site.

One important highlight of the event which I really liked was the invocation said by a priest blogger Fr. Stephen Cuyos (Happy Faith). I would like to quote this below:

So compassionate, so faithful, so loving You are Our Father.
We ask You to increase our faith and our love for You that we may use blogging as an instrument to fulfill Your purposes. May we become bloggers of truth and
promoters of peace.
Help us to be steadfast in our Christian commitment that visitors may find in our blogs a source of encouragement and inspiration. Give us strength to proclaim Your word, that we may play our part in breaking down the walls of hostility in the world and use our blogs to strengthen the bonds of friendship, solidarity and love.
Make our hearts meek and humblethat we may treat our readers as friends, not as unique hits,that we may strive to change ourselves for the better more often than we pimp our site templates,that we may find more time to ease the pain of someone in our own home than to reply to comments left by strangers,that we may interact with our next door neighbors as often as we chat with our blogrolled friends,that we may be more concerned about helping the less privileged than about the number of subscribers to our RSS feeds.
Deliver us, Father, from spams and viruses, from pride and selfishness, and from the temptation to replicate images without permission and copy ideas without crediting the original authors. May we always be united as a network of bloggers and friends working together in Your name. May our blogs lead us closer to You.
We ask all these through Christ,
Our Lord. Amen.

Go Negosyo book launch

2007-04-06T03:03:00.000+08:00

When I confirmed attendance to this dinner little did I know it would be a power-packed event. The invitation said 730pm but I arrived shortly before 7pm and surprisingly there were already throngs of people inside Joey Concepcions house where the affair was held.

The Book Negosyo, Joey Concepcion's entreprenuerial stories featured 50 prominent business people who made their first million and continue to do so from the brothers Jaime and
Fernando Zobel, Socorro Ramos, Paolo Bediones, Jonlu Koa to Henry Sy they all came.

President Arroyo was the special guest. The program was hosted by Anthony Pangilinan and Korina Sanchez. Mar Roxas arrived of course :) and River Maya provided some brief entertainment.

with BSP Gov. Tetangco and PCE
Exec Dir Ramon Lopez

Other prominent people spotted where Joey Cuisia, Cerge Remonde (who was declared the MSME govt czar), Tessa Valdes, Marixi Prieto, BSP Gov Tetangco, Ging Reyes Montinola, Vivienne Tan, Sec. Ace Durano, Illac Diaz, Doy Vea, Vicky Belo, Raul Concepcion and more than a hundred more personalities.Gaita Fores, another entrep featured in the book also catered the sumptous dinner which was sponsored by Citigroup.

Seated in our table are
Usec Carissa Cruz, me, UP-ISSI
Director Sonia Aquino, and the Rural
Bankers Assoc Director.

Cebu Business Month MOA signing

2007-04-06T01:29:00.000+08:00

Last March 14, the evening prior to the PICS Congress, the Cebu Business month organizing committee organized a dinner for its Implementing partners at Shangrila Makati.

The Memorandum Agreement was also signed right after dinner. Due to the many concerns of our PICS major event, I was ready to beg off but then I received some calls they I am the only one not there and its going to be something fast so off I went. The cebu people are good friends so I just skipped the dinner part to be able to attend the ceremony.

My Visita Iglesia

2007-04-06T01:02:00.000+08:00

I had a very fulfilling holy thursday. After visiting lola's grave on her birthday I rushed to attend the services in Don Bosco. Been busy the past weeks so I was not able to hear confession at all despite the various 'kumpisal ng bayan' schedules.

I was surprised to see that there were a couple of priests hearing confession inside and outside the church. Usually confessions end on holy wednesday. Had to wait an hour for my turn as all the lines were really long. It was communion time yet I was not yet done. I decided to receive comunion and gave my post to the next in line. I went back in line and after less than half an hour I finished. The priest was really nice. I was about to transfer to the other priest outside since everyone in my line was really taking so long. It was a good thing I remained.

I visited two churches in makati for the traditional 'Bisita Iglesia" - Don Bosco and Sacred Heart Church. The photo here is the blessed sacrament in Don Bosco. I particularly liked it since angels surround the tabernacle.

Proceeded to take dinner in the only restaurant open in town, Italiannis then left makati for BF home to visit the two churches in the subdivision, Presentation of the Child Jesus, and the nearest to the house, Resurrection Parish. The photo on the left is the blessed sacrament at the Presentation Church. Again, I liked the design esp of the ceiling as it is surrounded by cherubims.

I had originally planned to visit the two other churches in the alabang area but since it was close to midnight when I finished, I decided to just go home after my visit to the Resurrection church.

Lola's birthday 2007

2007-04-06T00:30:00.000+08:00

It was Lola's birthday yesterday. I requested Eddie to go with me to the La Loma cemetery so I can have her grave cleaned as what my dad used to do during her birthday.

The trash and dirt was not as bad as last year as we were able to remove much of the rubber weeds then and sand papered the marble with their names (lola, lolo and my greatgrand ones). Cleaned up and prayed for an hour then rushed to Don Bosco in makati for the Holy Thursday services.

How to feel like a queen even if your'e broke (Feb 22)

2007-03-03T20:45:00.000+08:00

One - win a two night stay at the plush Peninsula Hongkong with $HKG 4k worth of whole day spa treatment Two - be lucky enough to be a director of an organization who suddenly decided to have a planning conference in the same city and voila! It was more than a welcome respite from all the past months challenges.

Upon arrival at Hongkong airport, had to take a photo of this typical chinese New Year decor. It was still chinese new year fever in the country when I arrived. I re read my email instruction from the hotel and proceeded to the next terminal where the Peninsula Hotel counter is located.

True enough they were waiting for me. They thought I got lost. Actually I took my sweet time strolling and getting some tour brochures. The Pen staff then escorted me to the Rolls Royce which will take me to the hotel.

I can't help it of course but to request the driver to have a souvenir shot with the rolls which will take me to the pen :)

I continued to take some shots of the inside. I liked the mini cabinet under my seat but since I was using the seatbelt couldnt bend much to shoot. This photo is just one of the control panels.

The mini cabinet contained cold towels and evian water bottles.

My check in was done inside the bedroom. A hotel guest relations officer accompanied me to explain details of the room plus my stay including my pre-booking with the Spa.

I
I have a fetish for bathrooms. I love big clean ones with lots of amenities so this was really a wow! You have your own personal tv screen plus controls in front of the bath tub :)

The magic of technology, good thing my digi cam had a self timer so had fun taking photos of myself inside the various parts of the deluxe room.

Since I got delayed going to the hotel and I was really groggy from the trip (I hardly slept having to wake up at 5am), I was not able to use the gym but was accompanied straight to the Spa area to fill up some diagnostic form and change to my robe for a foot bath after which I was led to the pool dining area for my late lunch which came with the package. The pool and surrounding looks just like the one in our Wiesbaden hotel last October but this seem to be better.

Since I was alone in the place when I arrived, I was able to ask the waiter to take my photo.

The great thing about the place is the breathtaking view of the harbor while swimming and dining.

the whole place really reminds me of Wiesbaden, the color and design of furniture almost the same. The only difference is that germany didnt have the view of the harbor.

The first part of the gourmet will was a tomato soup but I forgot to take its photo. The second one is fish with lentils shown here.

To cap the meal is a fruity chocolate dessert.

A chamomile tea to help melt down the food.

This was the last view of the harbor before I was escorted to the SPA area.

After my therapist took discussed my treatment, and the facilities I can use inside this Private Suite, I had my photo taken against the jacuzzi and harbor scene.

Showered, took a steam batch for a few minutes before I plunged to the jacuzzi.

The cabinet was filled with various creams and scents I had to choose from before I was told what it really was. The therapist said it was what my body was partial too. Most of those I chose was on the rose scent side.

Ended very late at past 9pm. It was full detox so tiring too from a basic massage, to a seeweed wrap then hot lava stones and a final detox massage. Got so hungry after that I had to order some dinner when I got back to the room.

My last post on the Discovery Suites foul service

2007-01-22T02:46:00.001+08:00

This will be my last post on the Discovery Suites unfortunate incidents. I checked out today but I just needed to share that on the average, any requests from room service, housekeeping to porterage must be followed up a couple of times before it they can act on it. Also, allow at least 45 mins to an hour. I called the service express number (what an understatement 'express') to request for a bucket of ice to be placed in my small igloo containing medication. I told them I was already checking out and the reason for the request.

My first request was around 12:50pm. We should check out by 1pm we were informed. I had to follow up five times with an angry tone on the last and guess what time the ice arrived? 1:35pm.

I just mentioned the last incident but there were more. When I was already checking out at the front desk, it took some time since apparently this infamous Hazel never gave instructions on our arrangement.

The first bill shown to me apparently only showed my stay last friday plus incidental expenses. I was suprised and asked how come I am not paying for my weekend stay package?

The front desk person was really nice and apologetic for he had to reprint again and tried to figure out how everything will tally. Apparently, the events staff never coordinated cause he was at a loss. He said he was just new so he was getting confused.

I believe it was not his fault. I pitied him for if the confirmations were in place everything would have been a breeze. I asked him to check with Hazel but he said she doesnt work on sundays. I suggested that he call her for she maybe the one at fault and when one works in a service institution he or she must be on call.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the welcome letter of the hotel was given to me only today, sunday. Funny! Since we had a session, I just read it when I left the hotel. Apparently the letter explained the check out time and other arrangements. Truly inefficient indeed!

What a topsy turvy procedure they have out there. It would be good to set up another similar hotel in the area with the right service and I am sure their occupancy will drop.

I am not sure how my concerns reached them but I found a small rose bouquet in my room last satruday evening with a note from the asst guest relations officer apologizing for sad experiences. I am not sure how it reached them (maybe my blog?) but I was not impressed. I never mentioned it to any of my colleagues in the weekend workshop/treatment.

First of all, what happened was not just one incident and by the magnitude, should not warrant a cursory note from just an assistant. I expected the GM to do such.

I still recall that I was surprised to receive an email from one of the plush hotels in Honkong late last year. I filled up the usual feedback form which gave an above average rating with some questions garnering an excellent mark except for one unfortunate incident with the concierge. Can you imagine that one tiny incident warranted a personal note from the hotel GM?

This Discovery Suites fiasco is by no means a minor matter.

During lunch we had a sort of graduation program and the hotel GM was present being a friend of one of the organizer and besides he knows many of the participants were high up in society with a splattering of some people in media.

I never mentioned anything. Why? Will they take notice just because of power, who you know, or status in society? I think all clients must be treated the same way, or at least accorded with the minimum expected in the hospitality industry.

Discovery Suites in general doesnt even come near to this minimum but very far down the pits!

More bad feedback re Discovery Suites...

2007-01-22T00:49:00.000+08:00

A former officemate and a friend from media reacted to my recent post and shared their sad tales below:

On 1/21/07, Nora Nano wrote:

hi maan,

thanks for sharing. i have stayed at the discovery suites several times and highly recommended it to balikbayan relatives and friends after another friend recommended it too. service was very good, the rooms were nice and any problem reported was acted upon promptly. but those where the days when discovery suites was quite new.

last july, my moms brothers and sisters and neice rented several units for their use. I stayed with them for several days. I saw the difference in service. I reported the aircon of one rooms in the 2bedroom suite because it was hot and i couldn't sleep. no one seems to know the problem. they keep offerring a solution, but it doesn't work. i practically slept beside the thermostat to make sure the temperature wouldn't rise.. finally i told them to send someone to look at the problem. it took hours before someone came.

you mentioned something about the web rates and the actual charges... my cousin encountered the same. i think it has to do with the exchange rate. different rates were being used for different reasons. she even offered to pay in dollars, but again, computations were different. she wrote a letter to DOT(?) regarding her complaint. later, discovery suites was offerring her some free stay, etc. of course she wouldn't budge. no way for her to go back there.

my uncle from canada has been a frequent guest of the hotel for several years now. when he stays there, it is for extened periords - almost a month and he uses either a 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom unit. but i think he also encountered problems with the hotel in their last stay last july.

am copying them your rambling because i wouldn't want them to experience the same problemif they decide to check in at the discovery suites again. it is a pity because the location is really excellent for expats, and professionals with business in the ortigas area and balikbayans who want to shop in the nearby sm megamall and greenhills area.

regards and hope to see you again soon.

------
From: "relly carpio"

> hear! hear!
>
> and that is why after two bad experiences with presscons at that place
> i vowed never to attend any more events there.
>
> plus, i had a friend stay there when he visited manila, he left in the
> middle of the night and moved to another condotel in ortigas, after an
> experience that he simply described as "i'd rather not talk about it"
>
> nuff said.

Another terrible review of Discovery Suites

2007-01-20T02:18:00.000+08:00

After I rambled about my terrible Discovery Suites experience, I tried to google reviews on this god forsaken establishment and I found similar complaints, see this review at Trip Advisor.

Discovery Suites: The worst hotel ever!

2007-01-20T01:17:00.000+08:00

This is the worst hotel service I have experienced so far. I checked in friday evening since I will be attending a wellness treatment session organized by the Wellness Institute the following day.

Because it will start 8am and everyone will need to check in by 730am I thought to myself, no way will I be able to reach Ortigas that early on a saturday morning.

Since I am paying dearly for this extra day, I had earlier planned to check in by noon to be able to try the gym and wet area plus a spa treatment. Unfortunately, my sked suffered some kinks since I had to attend to some pressing matters which took some time.

When I finally reached the hotel, beverly and our office messenger met me. I told the reception I had a reservation. That was the start of this litany of hotel service woes.

It was taking some time for her to find my reservation so I said it might be under the name Maan instead of Mary Anne.

I then said I am part of the Wellness Institute delegate this weekend and the account officer is named Hazel. She went inside their room then came back saying they just got the email confirmation now. My foot! She must have called Hazel who must have forgotten the reservation.

Why did I say that? Two days ago I tried reserving a room for friday. I was transferred from one department to another - reservations, sales, banquet etc. Can you imagine the staff in this hotel don't seem to know what to do! There seemed to be no procedures at all!

A certain Albert said he will call me back since this Hazel who was in charge of the wellness weekend event was busy. Well what do you know? He never called. Hazel never called. I left all my contact nos.

I was almost sure from the start I will not be able to get a proper service from these people so I called Dale the organizer who fortunately then was at Discovery Suites, just to make sure I will get the friday booking. He said that Hazel confirmed my reservation for 5k+ pesos. I said why did the website say that local rates are only 4,100++? I think these people from Discovery hotel are used to doing short cuts, talking to stupid people and think they can always get away with it. Well I do my research. I had been travelling the world over but never received this type of service!

Now back to friday evening at Discovery Suites. After I was able to check in, I requested the front desk to pls ask the bell boy to bring my stuff to my room asap as I need some papers in my bag badly which I need to give to the messenger.

10, 20, 30 minutes have passed. I had called thrice to follow up. The fourth time, I was sounding upset, the girl on the other line said she thought I was requesting my suitcase to be brought down! Can you beat that???? I really do not know what planet these people from Discovery Suites come from but for sure they were put there without training at all!

After my sixth follow up and suffering an hours delay with my gym and spa appointment, I decided to bang the phone and storm down myself to get my bags. I decided so when the girl on the other line asked how my bag looked like! "expletives"!!! If they know what they are doing, they surely must have labeled my bags, so all they need to ask is my name!

When I reached the ground floor, the cart is still there near the front desk.The place was not full of carts nor guests so I really do not know whats taking them. I grabbed the cart and hoarded my stuff myself. A hotel staff seemed to want to help but I said no way will they touch my things!

Upon entering the elevator, another hotel staff asked what my room number was, and I sarcastically said, he doesnt have to know!

I was really boiling angry! Here I was hoping to have a relaxing day but all I experienced was extreme upset and anger!

After giving instructions to beverly and jing, I changed for the gym. I told the spa people I will be delayed for treatment since I wanted to do a few mins of treadmill and steam. After about half an hour I rushed to the spa place.

I was brought to the treatment room then the therapist said I can lie down for the massage. Huh? I said, I got a package not just a massage which I confirmed thrice (the last time was before I went to the gym! I was wondering why the bed didnt have any plastic cover or something for I know it will start with a salt scrub. She apologiz.ed and check with the receptionist. True enough it was a package I reserved.

The only saving grace this evening was the excellent service of the therapist.

Since I finished close to midnight I checked again with the service staff via the phone if any other hotel eateries were opened. I know the resto closes 11pm but the front desk girl who checked me in said a bar is opened after 11pm. Would you believe the other party on the line dont seem to know what the hotel outlets are? I was always put on hold for every question since he or she needs to ask what the answer was.

Actually when I asked what hotel eateries were still opened, the guy on the other line didnt seem to understand what 'eateries' meant. He had to ask again.

I seem to think that these guys from guest relations answering the phone are all trainees or contractual guys.

I asked about the bar and they said it was closed. I asked about the Serendipity lounge and they said thats were guests take their breakfast. So where is the bar? Nada.

I had no choice but to order room service. I wasnt that hungry but just wanted to gorge a bit in preparation for my hunger weekend :)

After my meal, I double locked my room and tried sliding the other lock. Hmm it didnt want to reach the other pair. I kept trying but it woulnt reach the lock. I then called for help and they sent someone.

He showed me where the double lock was. I said I knew that what I was complaining about was the slide. He tried it. It wouldnt work. It means from the time the hotel was built that lock never worked!

I guess all the other guests were just tired of complaining about other services and never insisted that this contraption be changed.

For someone who has been travelling all her life, and as my dad has always taught me, I need to secure all locks before I sleep. I told the hotel staff I am not in makati, this is ortigas so I dont think I will feel as safe. He said he will report it.

Oh well, I guess I just need to put a chair against the door, no choice. I hope the weekend will be less stressful.

One thing I vowed to do is to tell the world about the rotten service of Discovery Suites. Truly disappointing and embarrassing for the country.

1st birthday of Martin Miguel Ona

2007-01-07T03:53:00.000+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, the first birthday of Martin Miguel, my nephew and son of Ipe and Ampy Ona was celebrated at Betty's in quezon city.

I actually forgot about it till I received a text from my cousin joy. There goes my much delayed manicure/pedicure and foots spa again once again to be postponed. It was a feat travelling from north to south as always so if its not really that important I don't go. In this case it is so I had to be there.

Above is a collage of lolo, lola, tita's and mama ampy all taking turns to carry the celebrant. Cath brought her new baby to the children's party too as you can see from the collage.

Of course Tita Maan wont be left behind and had a photo with martin miguel and with the grandma too.

The hit of the party was of course the much awaited magician. Everybody enjoyed his antics and amazing tricks. I even heard Ipe say, thats the most important part of the party. You may not feed the kids but you can never have the magician absent :)

And finally after the show, before we all left, we had one more shot with martin miguel and his mom with cousins in tow. All titas (joy, trixine. and moi) of martin miguel made sure we all brought home a party loot bag!!!

New Years Day 2007

2007-01-02T01:54:00.000+08:00

I practically slept the whole morning having gone home very late after the new years eve celebration. Of course special days like this will always never be complete without a visit to the resting place of the most important persons in my life, mom and dad.

I bought the flower arrangements the night before since all shops are closed on new years day.

My cousin Feling, dad's side texted me earlier that they would like to visit me in the house. It ended up they joining me at the heritage park so they could also vist dad and mom.

We proceeded to Bonifacio High street to have dinner at Abe's the new place of Larry Cruz. I learned about this place from my classmate Gerry who treated us a few weeks ago. Unfortunately we didnt have a reservation. I didnt realize we needed one. Apparently there was a special New Years Buffet right outside the resto so the place was so full. Good thing we arrived early so I pleaded with the waiter to give us a table no matter where and after a few mins more of coaxing, he gave in :)

I was excited discussing the various projects I will be embarking on this new year. I just found out my nephew was in the IT field and since he also worked in Oman where Frankincense abound, I became more interested to touch base being an aromatheraphy fanatic recently.

Like the past periods, I knew dad planned this day as I mentioned to Feling. I asked Laura, his wife to help me out in our financial outsourcing business and I plan to set up something using her thriving accounting business. God is good.

New Years Eve: The Countdown and fireworks display in Makati

2007-01-01T22:01:00.000+08:00

For the very first time, I spent New Years eve outside my home. I never wanted to go out during those times cause I am scared of the fireworks. The only one I feel safe with are the sparklers.

When rowena texted me a few days ago, informing me about the New Years Eve party at the center of makati, the grand countdown and 20 minute fireworks display, I told her that I don't feel like going cause I dread the noise and explosions.

However, I couldnt catch up with the sked of masses either at alabang or BF homes so my only choice was don bosco in makati. Since I would be in the area, I told rowena, maybe it wouldnt hurt to watch the countdown right at the rooftop of my condo bldg.

Above is a scene from the rooftop of Asian Mansion 2 where you can see four laser lights moving around from the center of paseo de roxas and ayala ave. The lighted portion was where the program was being held with a crowd of thousands watching.

All the other photos are shots from the 20-minute fireworks display, showing the stretch from paseo till makati avenue.

DMAP board Tagaytay sojourn (Dec 28, 2006)

2007-01-01T14:03:00.000+08:00

Last Dec 28, thursday, the directors of the Direct Marketing Association were invited by Prof Joe Miranda in his Tagaytay hideaway for lunch. We all met at Alabang Town Center to ride the Hi-Ace Van of Insular Life.

We arrived Tagaytay close to noon and tried finding Joe's place at Maharlika East. When we finally found the place, we all thought it was no wonder he usually needs to leave early for home. It was a work of Art!

From outside the gates, once coulkd see the overlying theme of his residence replete with precious antiques.

The house was named after his mother, Tinang.

Jun Hidalgo and Lirio Sandoval enjoy the the decors of the orange themed living room.

I particularly liked the stairs and the antique figures lined up. The house was actually featured twice at My Home magazine.

You can appreciate the home layout from these two photos taken from the second floor.

I insisted to have a photo with the house owner esp that he adorned his gate with my favorite angel figurines.

We later motored for our late lunch at the new Taaleno resto which gave a breathtaking view of the volcano lake.

After lunch, we went back to Joe's place where he distributed the special pies from Rowena's as Myrna gave each of us New Year black grapes.

We then had a final photo with everyone at Joe's foyer then motored back to manila after passing through some fruit stands and pasalubong stalls.

Zalazar Annual Family Reunion (Dec. 30, 2006)

2006-12-31T11:36:00.003+08:00

The annual reunion of the zalazar clan, relatives from my Mom's side was held last Dec. 30, 2006 at Hap Chan Resto veranda, Brittany Bay.

Zalazar originally included the Dadia, Ollada, and Tolentino families but now due to marriages included Ona, Lacson, Gonzales, Custodio, and many more.

Early this week, I accompanied Joy to various restos inside BF Homes but we ended up at Brittany Bay which overlooks the Laguna de Bay. It was our first time in that complex which includes other famous restos as Pancake, Dencios, Figaro, Grappas and even the newly opened In the Mood (which appparently was franchised by Larry Cruz to Villar).

We informed everyone that lunch starts 1pm so that it will not be too sunny and warm. Since I went home very late the previous day (around 2am and slept around 4am), I arrived almost 2pm.

Lo and behold, I was the first visitor after Joy of course who hosted the get together. Everyone arrived much later as what usually happens each year.

The food in HapChan was sumptuous and includes the all time favorite garlic fish fillet.

Timmy, Jon, Trixine, Emily and little marcus line up to take the very late lunch.

Joy checking on each of the dishes as she fears it might not be enough. Actually the waiters did well serving so we were able to take home the left over and had it for dinner :)

Enjoying the late lunch on center table Boy, Tito Jun, Ampy, Earl, me, Lulu, Tita Tessie

Patricia taking her turn.

Tita Maan's gifts for the clan. Took the photo before I gave them away :))

Ampy with Martin Miguel. This reunion I think has the most number of kids and babies.
A few years ago, in my first website (which yahoo geocities already deleted boohoo), Marcus, the son of Cath was the youngest member of the clan.

This time we have two! Besides martin we have the new baby of Cath. Photo shows the new baby with parents Cath and husband.

This is the gadgets corner during the party. Tita Marlo on her mobile phone with Teetap and Timmy busy with their new Mac and HP notebook.

Patricia joins the gadget freaks including the Tita's (Trix with her new DELL, Maan with the reliable mini fujitsu lifebook bundled with Visibility so we can all be connected, and Ampy- all with their respective nanos, video Ipods, portable speakers, externals filled with photos and mp3s!

Now its time for the traditional group photo!!!

Last year's reunion was really sad. Many not available. Some came very early and left. I arrived late so group phot was just a handful. This time it was fun.

We chose the bay as the backdrop instead of the restaurant bldg.

This last was the best and brightest since the waiter taking the shot stood on a chair and we were all asked to wave!!!

Hoping for a better, healthy, and successful New Yar for everyone!

Impromptu Get Together at Mendy's (Dec. 29, 2006)

2006-12-30T04:29:00.000+08:00

Well that's how mendy termed the so called "after dinner"invitation....impromptu, but he informed us a few days earlier :) so paanong impromptu? :)

Naku kung hindi ka lang mendy, I don't think Lella and I will really go that far north on a late friday evening of december!

Lella and I took dinner at Zen resto in glorietta before we proceeded to Mendy's place at Retiro. When we arrived in his house, the table was overflowing with food! And I thought it was after dinner :)

Joel Limjap left earlier so he wasnt included in the photos. He had to go to another party. Gina said she arrived sevenish. Had we known some will be coming early we would have done the same so we can go home before midnight.

Had fun reminiscing the good old days as in past reunions. Mendy was so kind to give each of us CD copies of music during our era. Boi Rotea arrived late. The girls made baon some of the sweet mangoes and goldilocks mamon. As you can see from the photos, walang ginawa si mendy kundi mag tinker sa cellphone - texting and calling.

Nice shot from up the staircase! Actually it hides all the flaws since we had to look up :)

from left: joseph taking some shots, his wife, mendy perenially on the phone, and was that jimmy? or tony?

lella, sally, gina, moi and joseph co's wife

Gina and some of the chinese guys led by Joseph, went home around a bit past midnight. Mendy requested us to stay half an hour more which meant Lella and I bid our adieu shortly before 1am.

Christmas Celebration with the new Nuncio (Dec 27, 2006)

2006-12-30T04:02:00.000+08:00

Last Dec 27 was the christmas celebration at the Nunciature with the new Nuncio (the Pope's representative to a country), Archbishop Fernando Filoni. He used to represent the Pope in Baghdad, Iraq from 2001 till early this year.

The first time he was introduced to the friends of the Nunciature, I was not around. The Pope's day was usually held June each year, and during that time I was still in europe. I made sure that this time I will not miss the event so that I can meet the new nuncio.

This photo was actually taken after dinner. Asela (representing Focolare) and I moved to the Interfaith table (buddhists, muslims, etc) to have a chat. I asked the waiter to take our photo together with Fr. Reuter, good thing His Excellency also joined us.

When we were supposed to takeo our seats at the start of dinner, I asked Asela which table we will be taking. I seemed to want to join the table of the Italians like last year. She wanted to take the one with the Inter-faith table but we lacked one chair so we settled for the next table which was actually at the center.

Well, well, well, we didnt know that this would be the table also of the nuncio so we were lucky indeed. Seated beside me was Her Excellency Vera, Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican. I asked her about Msgr Caputto and she told me that I could send a letter for him which she could hand carry. I told her I don't think he knows that dad has already passed away.

There was no program this evening unlike in the past but we had the usual sumptous dinner then His Excellency gave his christmas message to everyone.

PICS christmas party Dec 20, 2006

2006-12-26T22:39:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Internet Commerce Society held its christmas party last Dec 20, 2006. The program higlight was the signing of the Charter with Phil Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) which will determine the working committee for various projects of both PCE and PICS. Mon Lopez represented PCE and Teddy Kalaw for PICS. This was witnessed by DTI Undersecretary Carissa Cruz who earlier presented the One Town One Product Project of her office.

The fun part followed after composed of the hilarious games such as christmas carol songs, Paint me a picture and Maria went to town. See the various photos below.

at Mrs Beans

2006-12-26T21:54:00.000+08:00

I accompanied my cousin Joy to check some restos around the BF pque area for our annual "Zalazar" reunion on Dec. 30. We ended up choosing Hap Chan at Brittany Bay. Didnt realize that we will finish late so I wasnt able to proceed to my planned massage at the spa.

We instead proceeded to Mrs. Beans, their coffee shop inside BF Homes. Photo above shows me, joy and Patricia who has grown so tall at 5'7!

Moving to the new blogger version

2006-12-26T13:50:00.000+08:00

I have just moved two of my blogs to the new version of blogger. I had been hesitant in the past as I might lose so much data written through the years. Dennis however mentioned to me that the new version is really great.

Well I started moving my Travel Blog. Lesson: copy and paste the template scripts before moving. Of course all the data was there but then I need to find all the html tags once more for my counters, guestbooks etc

Last night, I did just that prior to moving this main blog. I should have started with my pilgrim blog since there was lesser data.

Nevertheless, I think the new blogger version is cool. I just have one problem. I need to categorize my post here and up to now I still cant find that feature.

Christmas day 2006

2006-12-25T22:18:00.000+08:00

As the most important part of christmas, I went to Heritage Park to visit the most important people in my life, mom and dad. Aling Miguela and Beverly arrived after lunch so we brought the flowers I got the evening before and some chairs so we could spend sometime praying at the park.

There were lots of people at heritage when we got there, some having their picnic and one family had a mass said. Felt guilty since i knew thats what dad wanted but its getting too darn difficult getting a priest during the special holidays.

After an hour, we proceeded to makati to watch a filipino movie, Karma. Wanted to to see Kasal, Kasali but all the seats were taken. Had dinner before the movie at Capricssio a new italian resto at greenbelt 3.

Noche Buena 2006

2006-12-25T05:30:00.000+08:00

Had dinner at Mirako Japanese resto with my former officemate Mel, the night before christmas. Had to bring her home after and traffic was really bad along aguirre near the presentation church. Fetched Rowena and her kids and proceeded to St Jerome in Alabang where Doc Bob was waiting for us then attended the 11pm mass.

Everyone spent noche buena in the house including the family of our helper.

Ateneo College Reunion (Dec 7, 2006)

2006-12-09T01:59:00.000+08:00

Last Dec 7, 2006, thursday, the annual reunion of college batch 1978 was held at the Blue Room of the Ateneo Professional Schools in Rockwell Center, Makati, MM. The ocassion was started with the traditional mass said by one of our batchmates, Fr. Rene Mangahas. Our batch has a couple of priest graduates including Bishop Ambo David.

Philip Araneta flew from Bacolod, Marissa Segovia and Mayor Jerry Trenas from Iloilo, Cynthia Teodoro Totanes from Djakarta, Nick Celino from Sydney and Larry Gochioco straight from Texas, USA. Mandy Pascual who regularly commutes to Vietnam and India also made sure he would be in manila for this reunion.

A program was prepared by Benjie Laza with Corie Magsino Luz. A video which reminisces our past including our silver jubilee was shown. Cynthia Teodoro Totanes, brought the scholar who the batch has been supporting since 2003. She gave a short message to the group. The program was capped with a tribute to our batchmate Achoot Cuyegkeng who is the new Vice-President of the Loyola School

After the program some more batchmates arrived such as Joel Limjap, Dr. Renee Balago t and Clarisse Gener (who had to attend a party in her Innove office). Elma's husband CB Governor Say Tetangco joined us during the party as well as Bill Luz, Corie's better half.
Nini Santos Borja's son visited her mom's party. Nini hasnt aged since college so when she introduced him, at first I thought he was the husband? :) Took their photo but I cant upload more photos here so you can check out my Multiply site.

I dont have the list of attendees but from the photos you can see the bankers Lily Reyes-Lao (China Bank), Gina Rialp Tan (Metrobank), Joel (citibank), Jun Naranjilla (EBC), as well as call center stalwart Jovie Sison, our yahoogroup list owner, Yoyo Bongco-See who also works in a call center in Ortigas, Invesment bankers Norbie Ong and Benjie Laza as well as the guru Gener Mendoza. Others who attended are the famous lawyers Atty Pam lazatin, Atty Gerry Paras legal counsel of the expat community and the current counsel of Amy Perez and One Voice (yes told him I see him on tv) Atty Mel Sta Maria (without Ampy), Boyet Palma raking it in with his chain of Max restos and Via Mare franchises, his buddy Alex Cayaba going strong with his many businesses including an IT related one,

Tina Ribas, Carla Sison Siojo, Sonny Clutario, Johnny Co, Singapore airline executive Ella Salita and Nona Luisa Santos Aquino, Achoot and Joey Cuyegkeng, another IT guro Denny Natividad, the pawnshop magnate Tina Legazpi, Paeng Javellana, Mike Tan, Winnie Jimenez (whose mom just passed away that week), our treasurer Mon Jarencio, AIM marketing executive Ronnie Rivera who painstakingly invited everyone, shipping exec Mon Caballero, Mon Villarama, from the medical field Dr Sally King, Dr. Renee Balagot, Monarch's Boy Ramos, Chito Narvasa, our favorite, Conrad Favorito who almost became a priest, and the pride of the underground economy the finance wiz Rene Estandarte. I might have missed some other people since I just based the names from the photos. Will just update this blog when I can.

45 days till christmas they say

2006-11-10T01:04:00.000+08:00

Just watching the late news and they said it's 45 days till christmas. When mom passed away, I never looked forward to christmas. When dad followed a few years after, I hated christmas.

I tried to sleep through christmas and new year last year.

This year? I don't wanna spend it here. Wanna fly out. Am broke so maybe I will use my miles. I am supposed to use them for business but who cares! Thinking of where to escape.

Mass at Hertiage on All Saints Day and herbal remedies

2006-11-02T03:31:00.000+08:00

I had wanted to go to Heritage Park where mom and dad are laid to rest on both Oct 31 and Nov 1 but since I was really sick I had to rest the whole day of Oct 31.

I was still nursing a fever morning of Nov 1 so decided to shower and leave close to noon time. Dr Bob was kind enough to find me a priest who can say mass that afternoon which I was so grateful for. I know dad and mom had always wanted a mass to celebrate this special day for our dearly departed.

Once I reached the cemetery and set up all the tables, chairs, candles, flowers and food, which took us around half an hour, I sent the driver to don bosco in makati to fetch dr bob and the priest.

Beverly, her friend rosalie and aling Miguela arrived a few mins before 330pm and soon after the priest arrived with some of his scholars in tow and dr bob.

We had a memorable mass for Fr Ritchie gave a long and most interesting homily about the visionary Vasulla and the Lord's messages sent thru her.

Many of the people near our tent all attended this special mass.

After mass, father blessed mom and dad's grave plus those around it (lucky them) then partook some meal.

Father and his 'entourage' was brought back to makati maybe two hours later.

One of our 'neighbors' in heritage, I found out, was collecting articles on herbal treatments. She mentioned this since I kept coughing due to my asthma. She told me about her conction of Oregano which I previously knew but just forgot and of course the old reliable Kamias. I was amazed at all the clippings she was able to preserve through the decades. She showed me just one album since it was kinda late and hard to read. Talking about the wellness revolution once again................

I miss my mom

2006-11-01T03:30:00.000+08:00

When I went home last night (past midnight is more apt) I really felt bad. My fever was high and during these times I really miss my mom.

This photo was taken when mom decided to hire an interior designer to dress up our house that christmas. She said she wanted to enjoy the season cause she might not last that long and she didnt.

If mom was here, I wouldnt feel so bad when I can't breathe due to my asthma, allergies, terrible cough and colds. Moms always make you feel better.

Dinner with Michael

2006-10-31T14:01:00.000+08:00

Had dinner last night with Michael Loh, publisher of Spa Asia magazine and organizer of the biggest Wellness Summit in asia.

I promised to treat him for dinner when he visits manila since he helped me find my laptop when I lost in thailand last august. Of course I almost went crazy when I found out my laptop was missing so Michael true to his name was an angel when he was able to trace this.

Rowena and Monica who just joined Phil Daily Inquirer were with us. Since the place was really noisy from the non stop singing, we decided to move to another place for coffee. First choice was Nicotina but it was closed so we moved to Mina Gabor's The Garden. Fortunately they were sitll open at past 10pm since Mina had a guest from the govt of Maldives and invited some lifestyle editors to her place. It was really great conversation for everyone was enthusiastic about the growing Wellness Industry.

PICS at SEO Phils BeerCon

2006-10-29T17:22:00.000+08:00

Attended the SEO Philippines BeerCon 2006 last saturday night upon the invitation of Marc Macalua list owner of they Search Engine Optimization mailing list.

Photo collage (note: had to replace collage with actual shots for blogger didnt want to accept this weird, since it was done in picasa) shows other directors from the Philippine Internet Commerce Society (PICS) and colleagues in the industry Edna and Arnold Belleza, Erwin Oliva, Bobby Gantuangco, Rowena Rivera, Mon Lizardo, and Aileen Apolo, google Philippine consultant who was a guest speaker.

Marc raffled off an I-pod based on a raffle which I was asked to draw. I picked a number from three halloween containers which gave the number 43. Whoever was in that google rank got the prize. Lucena dot com apparently won the prize.

Drinks and food abound at Jill's restaurant at the Fort Strip. I didnt realize that a colleague back in college, Ito Ramirez, PLDT executive was part owner of the place.

Didn't plan to stay long but left the place close to midnight.

A Baden Baden Experience

2006-10-25T20:59:00.000+08:00

After our conference in Wiesbaden, Susan and I were lucky enough to be able to ride with Christiane Walter, director of Messe Frankfurt going to the famous spa city Baden-Baden in Germany. We drove around two hours before we reached our hotel, the famous and most luxurious in the country, Brenner's Park Hotel and Spa Resort.

The photo above shows Brenner's park which I took right on our hotel balcony. We were given a tour of the spa by the SPA Manager that late afternoon and treated to cocktails and dinner at the garden restaurant of the hotel.

With Susan, Christiane and I, were Heinz and Franz from Tirol Wellness, Austria.

I was too embarrassed to take photos inside the spa itself so all you can see is the immaculately clean white walls of the entrance to the hotel spa.

You have a choice of products to choose from - Futuresse, Kanebo or Bulgari.

Now this is the interesting part when we took our spa treatment the following day. Susan originally reserved for aromatheraphy massage but ended up with Lomi-Lomi. I had a much needed deep tissure massage. We arrrived at the spa area earlier so we can use the wet floor.

When I entered the wet area, they were all nude! Yes I know we were told that this is normal around the saunas in the country but I was not totally unprepared seeing some of them who were speakers in the conference therefore we know personally.

After spending some time at the jacuzi, I entered the sauna to follow susan who was draped in towel like me. There were a couple of men inside in their natural glory! Well well, even if they laughed at us, I just cant follow suit ha ha. Dalagang pilipina!

Susan left ahead so I felt uneasy being alone with naked men around me, counting a minute, I stood up and left. After the shower, I followed susan and christiane outside the wet area, near the plunge pool. In our immaculately white hotel robes, we had some girl talk while savoring the cool air of baden when all of a sudden this huge man in all his glory walked right in the midst of us and plunged on the cold pool wetting all of us! Indeed it was just to cool down his heated 'glory' (cant think of a better term).

'enuf said what else could we do but get inside again and dry ourselves? Such an extraordinary spa experience this year.

Wellness Summit at Wiesbaden

2006-10-25T01:30:00.000+08:00

Just attended a really great conference in Wiesbaden Germany last Oct 13-14 right at the historic Kurhaus. The past wellness conferences I attended were usually done in resorts but this time we had a more formal atmosphere inside the old congress building with its intricate architecture as can be partly seen from the photo collage.

You can feel and smell the history of the place which is located at Wiesbaden’s distinguished boulevard Wilhelmstraße right in front of our official hotel Hotel Nassauer Hof. Almost all of the top hotels are in the immediate vicinity.

The conference was organized by Messe-Frankfurt and I should say one of the best industry seminars I have attended so far.

I learned of the event quite late and almost didnt attend this but I had to meet up with my best friend and business partner Susan who is based in chicago. It turned out to be quite a fruitful trip despite all the preliminary snags.

My schenghen visa expired last Sept 20, my late mom's bday. I had to harness all connections in order to be able to secure a visa in less than two weeks. To top it all, I couldn't get a confirmation of my return flight to Manila due to some big event in china thats why at the last minute Lufthansa had to book me in Swissair and Cathay, with two plane changes in order to reach home.

I decided though to get down honkong for some business meetings that was supposed to take place early next year. At least I didnt have to pay for another plane fare for that.

eBusiness Made Easy book Launch

2006-10-01T11:50:00.000+08:00

Last September 25, 2006 we finally launched the much awaited book eBusiness Made Easy : The Philippine Internet Society's Internet Roadmap for the Small and Medium Entreprises.

This was held during the General Membership meeting of PICS at the Zobel Dining of Makati Sports Club.

I would like to thank the writer, Joey Alarilla of Inq7.net, the editor, Winthrop Yu, and Project Lead Edna Belleza.

The book was sponsored by Innove Communications, PLDT, Jobsdb.com, Microsoft, Yes IT, Plantersbank, Yahoo and Tech Cellar.

Speakers during the launch were Gil Genio, CEO, Innove Communications Inc, Tim Diaz de River, Director General of the National Computer Center, Joey Alarilla who spoke about his experiences on the book project, and Marie Cortez Marketing Manager of VMV Hypoallergenics, who spoke about the company experiences as the company was featured in the book.

The book was endorsed by Joey Concepcion, Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship, President and CEO, RFM Corp, Napoleon Nazareno, President and CEO Smart Communications and PLDT, Jayjay Viray, Country Manager, Jobsdb Philippines, Ruperto Alonzo, Director UP Institute of Small Scale Industries and Gil Genio, CEO Innove Communications.

Day 4 of no power

2006-10-01T11:19:00.000+08:00

Fourth day of no power at home. Excruciating. Stayed at makati condo for the evening but need to go home tonight. They all promised full power by today but now they are saying it maybe tuesday. Come tuesday I wonder if all be will restored. No longer have faith in what they all say.

Photo taken along the south expressway showing one of the giant billboard structure twisted by the winds of Milenyo.

Terrible Milenyo -

2006-10-01T01:39:00.000+08:00

As many have experience or read (those not affected esp in other countries) this is one of the worst typhoons which hit metro manila. Good thing Pag-Asa weather bureau had new instruments which enabled them to inform the public a day before of the impending extra strong storm.

Power was out since Thursday. Normally outages last not more than 24 hours. In paranaque, where I live, there is no power till this writing.

Tried booking a hotel last saturday for I can no longer stand the heat and darkness but whether it be the most luxurious hotel or smallest one they are all booked! Cant sleep over my makati condo for even if a generator runs the bldg, its still hot. Just went there to charge my phones and two laptops yesterday.

Saturday morning I learned that my condo had power so I immediately packed my bags and moved to makati temporarily.

Since radio was my only link to the world, I found out about lots of programs I have never heard before. I am more of a tv person than radio. Of course I listened to the two major stations, DZBB of GMA and DZMM of abs-cbn.

I noticed though that DZMM tries to always protect meralco. Obviously they have the same owner! I learned then to also listen to their competitor which gives out more impartial views of the situation.

Its practically sunday right now (at past midnight). Almost four days of darkness. I do understand the tons of trees, debris and gigantic billboards which lined the streets but as of yesterday they were almost cleaned up. I heard though that since Meralco just outsources the repair job, they were not able to muster enough personnel to fix all the problems since past projects were not yet paid. Hmmm sounds believable.

It sure sounds so great when you listen to the news that almost all power has been restored. When you pass roxas blvd however, pasay city, most parts in makati, paranaque, las pinas, alabang etc all you see at night is complete darkness!

If they announced 50 percent restoration then I may believe it but 80 percent???

I cannot even relate all the havock in my sked this outage has brought. Of course when you listen to the radio, esp the station owned by the same owners of the power company, you will hear stuff such as, its better to get back to the basics sometimes, you learn to relax, etc etc and all that hullaballoo.

Reality though tells us hey where are the people supposed to repair the electricals??? I actually didnt find any on the streets! Maybe they were somewhere below the bowels of the earth so I didnt see them.

The Devil wears a Prada

2006-09-22T00:53:00.000+08:00

Just watched this blockbuster last night with my cousin. It was a blast!!! I mentioned to Lulu (my cousin) that perhaps we can relate with Miranda :) Yes for me that was long ago. After a while you just want to slow down.

What interested me in the movie besides the story line is the Paris scene and an unforgettable line from was it Christian ? "I had always lived in america but my hometown is Paris"

I told Lulu after the movie that I had always lived in the Phils but my hometown is paris :)

I noticed that there was a ferris wheel shown near the Eiffel Tower. I know that was built during the jubilee year but many parisians complained so was torn down the following year. I visited paris in 2002 but the ferris wheel was gone. This means that the movie was shot several years ago?

My Chi Spa experience

2006-09-18T01:24:00.000+08:00

Was able to finally have my treatment at this famous, luxurious and definitely expensive spa getaway right at the Shangrila Mactan grounds.

My appointment was 830pm, the last call but was told to be there by 8pm so despite the rains I rushed to the place before the cocktails ended. I wanted to make full use of whatever time I have at this spa and get my money's worth.

Unfortunately I got pissed during the first half hour for I was made to wait while they sort out their screwed schedule. I wouldnt like to prattle off the booboo in their preliminary procedures right now.

Nevertheless, I tried to forget the upset to enjoy and indulge in the treatment I chose 'Traveller's retreat". The spa offered seminar delegates a special package priced at 4,500 but I wanted to experience the villa and get a really good massage. The package included only some facials and/or foot massage.

The villa assigned to me apparently was used by the president's spouse when their party visited earlier. I was informed that the president used the Grand villa good for four people since the spouses couldnt be together for security purposes.

I insisted on taking a quick shower prior to the salt scrub. The villa was similar to Dulaya in Bangkok although a bit more luxurious and spacious.

After the salt scrub, showered again to remove the debris then on to the herbal steam bath for a few minutes. By the way, I like the smell of the mild rosemary shampoo but not the deep lime shower gel. It sort of smelled like durian :)

The therapist then proceeded to do the algae body wrap good for detoxification. After half an hour or so, showered to remove the smelly seaweed then went for the himalayan bath. The warm bath was filled with coconut milk with the usual petals afloat.

The bath was located right outside the villa but still on private grounds. One can stay overnight at the villa so you can see some tables, seats and wooden benches around the garden a few meters away from the bath.

After the himalayan bath, I was given the final treatment which was the very relaxing Vitality massage using Earth aromatheraphy oils.

I was told that I was primarily a Fire person a secondarily an earth person. The therapist asked me to smell both the fire and earth oils and was made to choose which I felt smelled stronger. I pointed to the earth oil so that was what she used on me.

Right after the treatment, I was given a Fire pure soap and recommendation list.

All in all it was really a great experience! How I wish I could do that all over again this time overnight but I guess I need to earn tons of money to afford that :)

Now at Cebu City

2006-09-14T11:31:00.000+08:00

Have not updated my main blog for a while. Been busy flying and going around. This must be my most travelling year so far. Most of my photos are in my Multiply blog. Easier to share photos minus the long text esp if one is in a hurry.

Flew to cebu yesterday because of The Turning point conference to be held tomorrow. I booked at marriot so I can visit the Sto. Nino shrine. Dad has always been a devotee of the child Jesus and I never miss having a mass said in the place whenever I visit cebu.

After check in yesterday, took a cab and hurriedly visited the shrine. Spent more than an hour there. Never realized they had a museum which I was able to visit the first time. It was my only point of interest this visit anyway. Was able to line up to kiss the image.

Today, thursday, I will be checking out in an hour and move to Shangrila Mactan where welcome cocktails will be held early this evening.

late healthy lunch at the Big C fast food

2006-08-23T13:31:00.000+08:00

Grand Hyatt Erawan

2006-08-23T12:40:00.000+08:00

Arrived around 1240pm at bangkok, earlier than sked. Eugene fetched me, and brought me straight to the venue of the pre summit study tour.

A big booboo of mine though was I forgot I had two checked in luggages. Actually the second one was a box with my xango bottle and eugene's 'bilin' - maine and tail shampoo and conditioner. Gosh had to get into customs again with much 'pakiusap'. Good thing it was still on the belt.

Photos show my room at the luxurious grand hyatt erawan, right at the heart of bangkok.

I liked the glass table. Apparently, the business center of the hotel is being refurbished so each of the room then gets this working table which I think is a lot better than going to the hotel bc.

Dusit Resort, Hua Hin (Wellness Summit)

2006-08-23T11:59:00.000+08:00

Left Manila last sunday, Aug 20 for Bangkok to attend a pre-summit Study Tour. Motored to Hua Hin yesterday after lunch which is a three hour trip.

It was worth the trip when we reached the main venue, Dusit Resort as you can see the breathtaking scene from the photo above.

At the airport once again.....

2006-08-20T09:04:00.000+08:00

I still have not finished all my planned posts in my travel blog, which is supposed to narrate my last trip to europe, US and Davao, here I am again at the PAL Centennial international airport waiting for my flight to Bangkok.

This time it will be for a study tour and Wellness Summit.

I never realized that this year will be my most 'travelling' year both locally and overseas :)

I love to travel of course. Its a passion. Sometimes though it gets to you when you have to contend with all the airport security, packing the right stuff depending on the security alert, trying to play catch up with pending stuff you left back home etc.

I called up the PAL office a few days ago to ask what I should watch for in my baggage, what not to bring etc. They said that everything is the same unless you are bound for the US.

Well ha ha, wrong. The xray detected my perfume so off it had to go to my checked-in luggage.

Good thing they found out prior to check in. I will scream if they ask me to leave my very precious Annick Goutal scent - its not toilette, but parfum, ergo trop cher!

I hardly slept for I arrived late last night after hearing an anticipated mass at don bosco, rushing to the parlor for my much delayed finger and toes polish, foot spa and hot oil. When I reached home had to finish packing and giving last minute instructions to the household.

In other words I slept past 3am and just had a couple of winks then had to wake up! My ex boss will fetch me in bangkok and he said he could bring somewhere I fancy such as the supermarket? Well at this point I think all I want to do is sleep before the welcome cocktails this evening.

On the way to Paris

2006-05-27T16:13:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to leave the house 430pm for the airport but got to leave already 5pm. My flight was at 8:05pm but I was anticipating traffic.

When I got inside the airport, check in was a breeze. For a while was worried with the two baggages I checked in as suggested by my travel agent since I will be proceeding to the US after europe.

Had to pass through a couple of xrays and what amused me was I had to take off my shoes! Apparently my shoes had metal like most of the people in line. I was wondering why in my recent past trips I never had to then I remembered I just used my rubber flat shoes then while now I wore my high heeled shoes.

I went straight to the Cathay Pacific lounge and guess who I met? Fr Nebres! He was going to honkong to attend the anniversary of Metro Pacific upon the invitation of Manny Pangilinan.

I found the Cathay lounge super 'tipid'. No ref! I was looking for the ref for cold drinks, and they said it was only in first class!

Long ago, first and business class were together in one place. Much later they separated but the accomodations in the business class lounge were still very comfortable and more than ample. I have a feeling though that this dearth is only in the manila airport.

When we boarded, I was suprised that Fr Nebres was my seatmate. Apparently the seat assigned to him was the front row center but the family in front wanted to all be together. When I stood up to go to the toilet, I found out the seat of father was given to the filipina nanny of a swiss family. Sosyal!

Father and I had a good chat though. I mentioned to him that sonme women alumni were discussing a possible Ignatian way tour for next year. He told me about the route and the places important to St Ignatius and since I will be going to Paris not to fail to visit the Church of St Ignatius.

Of course I followed as he suggested and you can see the photos in My Travel Blog.

I had to change planes in honkong so waited a good hour and half. Just had time to check out some shops, go to the lounge which was really cool! Dimsum, noodle bar (which just closed when I arrived), etc Checked and sent an impt email since I got a call from Mon Jarencio about our batch account not knowing I was out of the country.

CDG in France isnt really an ideal airport. Many find the architecture weird. Immigration, baggage claim, and customs was fast since it was very early morning (We arrived 630am). Took a cab to my hotel - Hotel Gotty opera, near the Opera Garnier of course! Cost as usual around 50 euros or a bit less.

All the rest of my trip will be discussed in my travel blog.

Induction of the new PICS Board

2006-05-22T04:19:00.000+08:00

The induction of the new board of PICS was held last May 17, 2006 at the Zobel Room of Makati Sports Club. Keynote speaker was the new CICT Commissioner, Secretary Ramon P. Sales, a former colleague in BPI.

It was a teribly stressful day for me as I came straight from the airport from Cebu having attended the wake of a dear friend. I instructed our helper to just put my clothes for that evening in my car so when the driver fetches me I can proceed to my condo to change. I had to finish writing my speech when I arrived, change, proceed to an internet cafe to print it then rushed to the venue.

Below are some of the photos taken by a really good photographer commissioned by the Inquirer Publications where Edna is connected with.

The General Membership meeting was sponsored by Yahoo Philippines, Intel Phils, Innove Communications and Hewlett Packard.

The new officers are as follows:

Mary Anne D. Tolentino - President

Ramon Lizardo - Vice-President

Winthrop Yu - VP Treasurer

Mike Abundo - VP Emerging Technologies

Erick Kalugdan - VP Projects

Edna Belleza - Corporate Secretary

Blogging our EB at Outback

2006-05-04T20:29:00.000+08:00

The good old ph-humanities crowd is now meeting at Outback Glorietta (bar and smoking area) after an impromptu texting invite the other day by Yvonne.

I used the photo from Yvonne's camera since it is sharper. Using the restaurant's wifi connection (para free) but it seems kinda slow in uploading the file.

We are missing Eric Tionks who is supposed to follow and of course our favorites Ike and Orion...oh and manny who is in cebu :)

Will try to post another photo later if other people arrive.

Finally I was able to visit Lola and Lolo

2006-04-30T04:30:00.000+08:00

Finally I was able to visit the grave of my grandparents and great grandparents at La Loma yesterday afternoon. I was supposed to go there last Arpil 5 during Lola's birthday but then I got very sick. I felt so guilty since for the first time since she passed away no one visited her. Dad passed away last year and there is no one else but me to visit.

It had to be on a saturday since Eddie has to be with me. I am not sure how to open the iron gates and I knew I had to have it cleaned. Next week will be first saturday and I will be in Bulacan again to hear mass. The following saturday is the concert of Doc Bob. The following saturday I will be teaching 'the women of ateneo" internet stuff" and the next saturday after I will be in Paris celebrating my birthday!!!

Good thing eddie was there for the sliding lock seemed to have gotten stuck and rusted so it got broken when forced open. I had to have chain purchased so we can close it again before we left.

The marker has darkened through time and due to the candles in the past. There were lots of weeds that had grown since we last visited last christmas.

It was a good thing, someone arrived and helped clean. She was looking for dad but told her he passed away last year. She used to clean lola's grave and those around. Her name is Luz and I told her to keep checking on my grandparents place. She sleeps on the next plot which I think belongs to the Salongas. Our lot is on the govt officials area since I think it was given by the city mayor to dad when lolo passed away.

Luz suggested to buy a sandpaper to remove the dark stains and it seemed to be working. Eddie though also bought Muriatic acid just to be sure.

Vines were already starting to grow on the walls next to our lot so Luz went up to try and remove them lest it creeps to our area. The second layer on the grave was constructed since dad didnt know I bought two lots in the more modern Heritage Park. So right now no one is there but I recalled him telling Beverly its all theirs.

It' such a feat reaching La Loma cemetery from my house esp during All Saints Day therefore I decided to buy a different lot. Heritage is less than half an hour from my house and maybe only around 15 mins from makati CBD.

The dark spots are now gone. I think I was able to finish three mysteries of the rosary plus the divine mercy chaplet before the whole area was cleaned :)

A Decade of Cyber Press celebration

2006-04-29T06:34:00.000+08:00

Last night I attended the 10th anniverary of the Philippine Cyberpress. It was also the last public event of Sec Ver Pena as CICT head so I made sure I was able to listen to his farewell speech.

and have a souvenir photo taken with him.

The highlight of the program was a fashion show by some top executives in the industry such as Cynthia Mamon, Sun Microsystem CEO, Nilo Cruz, HP CEO, Rose Montenegro, PLDT SVP, Boboy Romero, VP Innove, and the new Marketing Director of Microsoft (forgot her name).

Of course the fashion show won't be complete without the presence of some of them like Erwin Oliva.....

and Alex Villafania!

Congressman Simeon Kintanar, ICT chairperson gave the closing remarks.

And of course a souvenir shot from my co 'powerful' women, Cynthia Mamon and Lilia Guillermo. Cynthia has been telling us to start with a long overdue project.

A fast update

2006-04-24T18:01:00.000+08:00

Been wanting to regularly update my main blog but had been busy the past months finalizing my travel plans next month besides tons of office concerns. Difficult to be a struggling entrepreneur.

So far, have gathered the following learnings :

1. Never lend money even if they beg and promise the world
2. Choose your partners carefully. Think about it a hundred times.

Truly simple one might say but it could be a profound experience once you get into 'that' situation.

I had encountered lots of hitches in the past coupled with domestic concerns (remember I do everything now and rely only on me and myself alone) which has been causing undue stress.

So I decided right after Dad's first death anniversary, off I run to my favorite city (Paris) where I will celebrate my birthday. Would never want to hold it here with very sad memories (dad was buried right before my birthday).

The impromptu EB at the Loop

2006-03-28T04:38:00.000+08:00

A Geek, a private banker, a newscaster, an ex-banker turned struggling entrepreneur, a housewilfe, what do they have in common? Ph-humanities! An offshoot of an IT mailing list or rather discussion group, its supposed to discuss anything else under the sun but bonkers of bonkers it always ends up discussing politics or religion.

Finally after more than five years ( I think since its been ages since the first EB somewhere in Libis) we had another Eye Ball (EB) and this time at Starbucks at the ABS CBN loop. I didnt really plan to go in this last minute get together but I received succeeding text invites and thought, why not? its a friday and finally I will be able to see Pinoy Big Brother house :)

Oh and I was wearing black and the venue was starbucks - black and starbucks? Oops I said they might mistake me for .........esp that one of our famous member is part of the group, who else but the organizer of the black and white movement :)

The get together was an ungodly hour supposedly 11pm but the people came a bit later. Our favorite newscaster (not not Angelo Castro) ends his stint shortly before 11pm so that time had to be it! We stayed on till the coffee shop closed ast past 1am but yvonne and Orion who arrived from Singapore still proceeded to another joint and I think ended their 'day' at 4am.

The program went on despite the state of emergency (APEC Trace partnership)

2006-02-25T02:38:00.000+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, PICS and UP Institute of Small Scale Industries held its MOA Signing on the Adoption of APEC Training and Certification Program (Trace) for Business Counsellors partnership project.

For while this morning I thought this would be cancelled due to the State of emergency announcement. Its scary when you watch TV but when I went out it seems everything was normal!

There was a long line of people watching movies, the mall was brimming with people, there was a long line entering the parking bldg and it took time for me to get to the event place due to the crowd I had to wade through. It seems the people are more interested in finding potential business than going to the streets to rally :)

Anyway back to the event, This was done at the GO NEGOSYO gathering at Market! Market! , the first and largest entrepreneurial gathering in the country.

APEC Trace is an internatonal training, certification and development program for small business counsellors. It is competency-based, self-directed and self-paced designed to produce effective business counsellors.The program is committed to distinguish business consulting PROFESSIONALS rigorously trained and assessed in accordance to the APEC standards, and dedicated to the highes standards of Business Counselling Ethics and Conduct.

At the end of the program, APEC will confer the APEC International Certificate of Business Counselling.For its part, PICS will help localize the content of successive version of the Electronic Commerce Module, recommend prospective trainors and resource persons for the eCommerce Module, and promote the program to the industry at large.

One of PICS' main mission is encouraging the leveraging and use of existing infrastructure and technologies by all businesses, particularly by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in order to energize private enterprise in the Philippines.As such, we hope to be able to develop more professional business counsellors via this program which could further support the upliftment of the various SMEs of the country.The signing was witnessed by Honorable Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser on Entrepreneurship.

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PICS EVP Mon Lizardo, emceed the short program. I gave the welcome remarks. Atty Teddy Kalaw, PICS VP for Advocacies and Deputy Director Sonia Aquino (UP Institute of Small Scale Industries) presented the project brief.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Paterno V. Viloria, President of The Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation (SERDEF), the Learning Delivery Center of UP-ISSI, and myself as President of the Philippine Internet Commerce Society.

This was witnessed by Hon. Joey Concepcion, Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship and Francisco R. Floro, Chairman of the Board of Directors, SERDEF.

Also present were the other PICS board of Directors Bobby Gantuangco, VP for Special Projects and Mike Abundo, VP for Emerging Technologies.

There were more than 500 booths in that huge hall and I still have not gone around a lot of them. I took some photos of the booths such as
the carts displayed available for franchising.

It seems this event is so successful that they announced an extension till Sunday!

Our Get together with Nerisse

2006-02-22T03:31:00.000+08:00

The weekend prior to Jan 17, I received a text from Carla saying Nerisse was finally available to see us monday or tue so at short notice I had to infrom both our glee club group and some batchmates for this instant get together for Nerisse who flew all the day from Sweden. We all met at Italiannis on January 17 , tuesday at Italiannis, Greenbelt 2.

Some photos would show that the waiters sang a happy birthday song for Edwin who celebrated his bday last Jan 7 and Nerisse Dec 24. Nerisse still sported her tan then from a fun filled week at Boracay with her family.

Early January reunion with Dianne and Dan

2006-02-22T02:21:00.000+08:00

Early January, as previously agreed upon, we all met Dianne again this time at the house of Nona Luisa Santos- Aquino in Marikina. Ella Salita and Tessa of course were also present.

We were joined by with another balikbayan batchmate, Dan Carandang who I was not able to readily recognize after more than two decades since college. Mon Villarama also joined us and much later Boy Apostol arrived after closing his shop at the abs-cbn compound.

A few days after the reunion, Dianne went back to Russia to join her family.

My Relgious Blog

2006-02-18T03:48:00.000+08:00

I had always planned to create a religious blog but it was only recently that this came to be right after unexpected marian pilgrimage in cebu.

Visit Maan's Pilgrim site. Its a work in process but you will be able to read a couple of pilgrimage sites I visited in the past.

Going hi tech at greenbelt

2006-01-27T23:10:00.000+08:00

Finally I am able to post in this blog after so long. Just wanted to share the magic of technology.

Edna and I are at Italiannis right now. I connected using Globe wiz after texting 2333 to get my user id and password.

Took a shot of Edna (shown here) using my treo 650. Took out the card from the phone and uploaded the file so the world can see Edna while enjoying our italian meal of salmon pizza and salad :) The photo showed the remnants of the brochetta and salad. The pizza is gone!

She is now getting pissed with Globe wiz. It's her first time to try this but its taking ages to get herself authenticated.

Post Christmas with Diane, New Year with Leni

2006-01-02T02:40:00.000+08:00

More batchmates miss the family back home so just before christmas day, Dianne Feliciano Morato jetted in from Moscow where her husband is now assigned after their Madrid stint.

We had a post christmas lunch last Dec. 27 at Italiannis with Dianne, Nona Santos Aquino, Ella Salita and another friend of Dianne.

That evening Leni together with her family arrived from California but she only called yesterday Dec 31 and since she was staying only a week, we all decided to meet evening of New Year.
Lella arranged for the venue and guess where? Italiannis again but this time at the Alabang Town Center. Lella and I were joined by Rainier and Nick who were blockmates from college. As usual topics ranged from recollection of the past, health discussions, age, family and more reunions :)

Nick's Treat at Shang Circles

2005-12-27T02:53:00.000+08:00

I guess Nick really misses his batchmates. He was not able to attend our last silver jubilee celebration for he never knew about it. He missed it by only a day!

He called me after Gerry's dinner treat at Crustacea and wanted to treat just a small group at the elegant Circles Cafe of Makati Shangrila. He said a big group tends to have pockets of conversation so a smaller more intimate one is preferred.

Gerry can only make it on the 21st so I had to move my dinner with Andy another time. NIck invited Andy too but he got sick that day. Ed Wenceslao just arrived from Singapore so he was able to be with us this time as well as Ronnie who had a company party the last time. Rene arrived just as we were taking our dessert.

Maritess was supposed to join us but she had a marriage encounter xmas party at the same time. Lella was with us and brought home by Nick's driver. Mandy was still at the boondocks on quezon so was also absent.

Nick proudly played the valuable shots he took - when Boy Abunda visited him at 1am and stayed on till 4am and our the other one was during last reunion at Rockwell.

Christmas day (night?)

2005-12-27T02:06:00.000+08:00

We woke up very late on christmas day since we we were up till almost morning. Good thing I was able to order the spray of flowers and the loose ones for the vases the night before. I asked bert to get it first thing in the morning for the flower shop was opened only till noon just to serve the orders.

Off to Heritage we went late afternoon. Aling Miguela was asking if I was able to get a priest to say mass. I really planned that for that was dad's custom in the past. I just had so much difficulty getting one during the last holiday (All Saints Day) so I just thought we will just pray for both of them then have masses said later.

We stayed on for an hour or so since it got very dark. The lamps on the middle walk were not lighted at all and I didnt bring a lamp like the last time.

Had I woken up early I was thinking of going to La Loma to visit my grandparents grave but Beverly forgot the spare keys at home. We proceeded to Makati since I thought Rustan would be open but it was closed so off we went home. Rowena said they will take dinner at bf so asked Stella to prepare food. Rowena with her children stayed on till around midnight.

i was very much awake till around 3am or so but when I was in the early stages of dreamland, my phone rings and it was Susan! We talked lenghthily about our business plans so after the call I was not able to sleep for hours once more and just watched tv, scanned photos to update my travel blog and had some 'after midnight' snack :)

Christmas - 2005

2005-12-25T03:20:00.000+08:00

I dreaded this day. Yes dread as others eagerly await this celebration. It will be the first christmas I will be alone. My first one as an orphan. I wanted to get away from home. The only two people who mattered to me in this world is gone so no use to celebrate.

I seriously thought of flying out of the country. I considered Honkong. I emailed Bebette and texted her but never got a reply. Very unusual for she usually replies fast. I then thought of going to Singapore or even Thailand. I didnt want to go far. First because of the cost, second, I just had a couple of trips and the air turbulence made me sick. So no long trips in the meantime.

I surfed through some travel cruise but they were too costly.

I also thought of just going out of metro manila maybe cebu? Ira is very sick and mitos kept calling. If i was paid by a friend who owed me maybe i would have flown to cebu.

I prayed and kept praying for guidance.

I was promised payment thursday so when mitos called I asked her to check if there was room at Marriot. Unfortunately no payment arrived. All of sudden I received an email from Bebette asking how i was. I was suprised for I thought she was out of the country. I told her about my emails and text which apparently she never received.

I think dad didnt want me to leave manila. Had bebette replied earlier, I would have flown to honkong to spend christmas. Had I been paid, I would have immediately bought a ticket for cebu.

Last month, I asked my cousin on my dad's side, Marilou if she and her son would like to spend christmas here. She was not sure because she had church duties. I felt sad since she didnt have family here either except her son. Most are in Canada. I then remembered last friday to text beverly and ask if she and her mother would like to sleep over saturday night so we can spend christmas together. i was surprised when she replied positively a couple of hours later. Maybe she had to ask her mom first. Usually she has her own life and activities.

She suggested hearing the midngith mass at Don Bosco. I didnt have that in mind for I was planing to hear mass at our parish in BF Homes. I said maybe a good idea to hear the 1130pm mass for that is the time I recalled the priest announced the last time I was at Don Bosco.

When I was on the way to makati early evening yesterday I called Don Bosco to ask the sked of masses. The one who answered mentioned 8pm, 10pm and 1130pm. The first mass is out for I still need to buy some stuff and deliver gifts. Besides I find 8pm too early for a so called 'midnight mass".

After I bought a gift at Rustan dept store I thought of calling the church again just to verify the time of the mass. Maybe 10pm would be better I thought for I am sure it will be more than an hour and by the time we reach home it will be midnight therefore just in time for christmas. I asked who will be saying mass and they mentioned Fr Bernie! Bulls eye I said to myself, my favorite priest!

Beverly and Aling Miguela met me at the church. I guess all fell into place just as dad wanted it. He wanted me to spend christmas at home and with the only 'family' I have got. Aling miguela was our helper back at Philam homes when I was in early elemntary. When we moved to pque beverly was already working at marikina so had difficulty commuting and had to move out.

I knew I will be sharing christmas thoughts and experiences in my blog so thought of taking photos of the midnight mass that we attended - a first for me after a few long years. I cant remember the last time I attneded one. The past years dad preferred us attending the day or evening mass of the 25th. He couldnt endure the long nights anylonger.

It was a concelebrated mass with Fr. Bernie, the parish priest as the main celebrant. Photo below shows Fr. Bernie giving one of his very insightful and touching homilies.

Right after the mass, Fr. Bernie holds the baby Jesus so his flock could give a kiss and greet him a merry christmas - and happy birthday :)

The family of estela my current helper all arrived early saturday so we were we all enjoyed the noche buena together. In a few hours after I wake up, maybe noon time of sunday, we will all go to heritage to visit mom and dad's grave.

By the way, Fr Bernie is also one of Dad's favorites. Dad preferred Don Bosco over our parish in pque. Dad's favorite church 'manangs' all served during the mass so I was able to give them some gifts (which I suddently remembered to bring as I was leaving the house - hmm uncanny indeed) as well as one of the homeless girls sheltered in the church who usually hleps dad walking when he doesnt have a companion while at the church. I suddenly saw her when I entered the blessed sacrament. I was really hoping to see her that night.

I guess those were Gods answers to my prayers - on where and how I should spend His special day.

Merry Christmas everyone!

'Tis a Reunion Season - now for Andy

2005-12-21T04:38:00.000+08:00

Yes my blog has so far been about homecomings and reunions. Christmas brings this spirit for it means being with family, relations and old friends. Its a mad week hopping from one commitment and party to the other.

The get together planned by marijo coincided with the combined BPAP/PSIA christmas party so I just had to show my face for a couple of minutes at the Crown Plaza ballroom and off I rushed to Casa Armas at the podium just in time for dessert. Actually food was gone when I arrived at the Crown Plaza earlier. When I reached podium I was in time to scrape off some leftovers :)

Andy and Rio Denoga just arrived from Union City and we were supposed to have dinner on the 21st as previously arranged. All of a sudden I get a call from marijo regarding this reunion then nick wanted us to meet again with a smaller group on the 23rd which later became 21st due to Gerry's sked. Now our pre-arranged date with Andy will now be combined with Nick's treat at Shang tomorrow night (oops its morning so it must be tonight).

I guess all my batchmates and friends from abroad do miss all of us and would like to make the most by being together at all times. Took some candid shots which I made into a collage below. Some of those present were Cynch, Edwin, Alex, Marina, Boots, Marijo, Egay, Denny, Lucille, Mito - Yoyo and Nanny made habol.

Right after the gathering, andy, rio and I proceeded to the wake of Susan's dad. Andy and Rio are close friends of Susan's sister Lulu. Tony, lulu's husband is andy's high school classmate. Small world huh? What will you expect from a wake besides some sad stories? Reunion of old friends and relatives again!

At the wake with Susan

2005-12-18T15:14:00.000+08:00

Last wednesday late afternoon, Susan called me to ask for some prayer books since her dad seems in a very bad state and she just wanted to pray beside him.

I told her what he needs are the sacraments so I will try to call Fr Bernie, the parish priest of Don Bosco. I called the church but they said he left to say mass at greenbelt. I called greenbelt but they said he has not arrived. I left a message to call me and mentioned the reason. I hurriedly showered, dressed and rushed for makati. There was some traffic at pasong tamo so I called greenbelt to ask if the mass was done and if I can speak with fr bernie. They said he has left since someone fetched him. I asked if my message was given but the one who answered didnt know.

I then asked my driver to make a turn for don bosco. I rushed inside and looked for fr bernie. The street children manning the food booth said he just arrived and was inside.

Someone called him to go down. I told father what happened and if I can bring him to the hospital to give susan's dad some sacraments if possible confession too. He said he will just need to introduce Fr. Anton who will be speaking at the ongoing recollection then he can go.

I then decided to fetch susan first at new world so we can be fast once father finishes.

We went straight to the ICU room which really looks big with an adjoining glass portion for the family, a far cry from mom's ICU room at that god forsaken medical center pque where I just sat on the footstool the whole time holding mom's hand while she was gasping for life.

Father gave him the sacrament of the sick. Susan said he seemed to whisper something which I didnt notice. He blessed him and laid his hands on many parts of his body. Later susan's dad's face seemed to have changed color for the better and he seemed to be at peace.

Father said once the ventilator could be taken out he will come back to give him confession. Susan told me last night that when we left, her dad seemed to be at peace and more comfortable and he even slept on his side folding his hands. She thought all will be better now.

Unfortunately the following morning he again turned for the worse and the next morning I get an early call from Susan that he passed away. She said that he must have surrendered now to the Lord unlike in the past when he tried to hold on to dear life.

I was not able to go to the wake at the Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park on that first evening of friday but sent the first crown of flowers. Last night I looked for that crown and we had a photo taken beside it.

As susan and I were near her dad's coffin praying for him, we later realized that both our dad's passed away the same year, the same age, and started to go downhill in 1999.

What's with this year, 1999? I told susan that's when my dad was first rushed to the ICU at Lisbon, Portugal and I had to fly there to take care of him. That's when I moved to the main office of my employer and all my gigantic career headaches started. This was also the year susan had her major operation which rendered her invalid for a while and the source of her daily pain spells. She was no longer able to practice medecine since then but realized later that she was lucky in business.

We both reminisced yet remained hopeful that perhaps all these has a greater reason. We know our dad's are looking over us and that this wellness business we are concocting for years will succeed. Amen!

Christmas party at the Nunciature

2005-12-18T02:07:00.000+08:00

When I received the invitation for a Christmas party from the Apostolic Nunciature, I had second thoughts of attending.

During the past years after mom's passing away, it was the only social event dad had been attending. As a matter of fact, he looks forward to this.

No matter how busy I was, I must make time to accompany dad then for he will have difficulty walking alone.

I said to myself, I know dad would like me to go but at the same time it will be the first time I will be going there alone. The only reason for my presence in the nunciature events such as the Pope's day was because of dad. When mom was alive I used to miss some of them since mom was always there but when she was gone I had no choice. I had been his only official other 'half'.

A week prior to the event, I received an email from Sister Claire who worked with the nunciature for decades but now had been based in Brazil after her Bethlehem assignment. I mentioned my predicament but she encouraged me to go.

Since I was so tired from the previous days appointments, I decided to rest the whole day of Saturday. Dad had always been very early in leaving for the nunciature for he never wants to be late.

We would be one of the first if not the first people to arrive.

I said to myself I must do the same and leave early for Taft Ave is always a traffic maze. Unfortunately I overslept when I took my afternoon nap so when I woke up I tried to make a dash for it. It didnt help that I couldnt find the right pants for my blouse :)

Nevertheless I rushed and as expected experienced the holiday traffic, not really at Taft Ave but at the expressway. It was close to 630pm and we were just at the skyway. I could feel my dad at my back getting upset. Luckily, taft avenue was clear and I arrived shortly before 7pm. There were lots of cars lined up along the three gates of the nunciature.

I asked my driver to go inside the gate as the custom of dad during his last years for it was a feat for him to walk lengthily.

The nunciature staff may not be familiar with the car I was bringing, my silver gray Honda Civic since Dad had always used the green Nissan so they had to check who was the guest coming through the driveway.

The trusted staff recognized me and let us through. For the first time however, I see the staff giving food to the driver before I alighted.

There were dozens of people inside the hall. I tried to look for familiar faces, specially the sisters but there was none! I was surprised for usually I will at least see the sisters in their gray habit. Later I learned that all the sisters were changed to a new batch.

I greeted the Nuncio, His Excellency Antonio Franco who customarily greeted his guests as soon as they go down the vehicle. I then see Mariella and later Fr Reuter seated with the other priests.

A few days ago, I texted Msgr Quitorio asking if he will be attending this christmas party but unfortunately he had another commitment out of town. We usually update ourselves annually either during the Pope's day or the christmas party.

I didnt see any bishop I knew. Well I didnt see any at all but the muslim and buddhist delegation were all present.

Some people started greeting me but I actually didnt know them. Just formalties I guess.

After a few mins, His Excellency asked everyone to be seated so dinner could start. He said some may have been late (many tables were empty) but we needed to start for he knew many were hungry. Mariella seated me in one of the tables in front. I had been wondering where I will actually sit for dad never wanted to take the front tables. He has always wanted to leave early.

Little did I know I was with some Italian embassy people. A filipino couple (who I guess wanted to be chummy with the embassy) chose to stay at our table too.

I met Susan, seated beside me who apparently just got married last year to her italian diplomat boy friend whose name escapes me at the moment. Maybe I will ask mariella tomorrow. He must be important for many people wanted to meet him.

Seated right across me was the owner of L'Inconntrue, dad's favorite Italian restaurant. I actually couldnt remember where I saw him but I was starting at him for he looked familiar.

Susan later told me if I know the said restaurant for they served good authentic Italian cusine and that man was the owner. Of course I said! It's dads favorite place :)

The usual program started after dessert emceed by His Excellency. Susan said it has been their third year attending this party. I said Dad has been attending this even before I was born. The traditional raffle prizes were given but I noticed there was great care in making the raffle numbers right now. They came in intricately colored and cut Star of David papers. I was so happy because I won one of them. The nuncio's right hand priest told me it was one of the best raffle prizes I got for he himself wrapped it :)

Susan also won a raffle and I took her photo below while receivng it. Unfortunately her back was turned. The guests all sang christmas carols and for the first time a copy of the lyrics was given to all of us. After the raffle, the Nuncio led in a christmas toast then it was time to leave. I brought my trusted old camera as always and we had some photos in our table shown in this post and some shots with the group. I saw Sister Jean this time and asked her where all the sisters are. Thats when i knew they all had new assignements - she in Antipolo and Sis Gloria in Tuguegarao.

His Excellency asked how I was and left me with some encouraging words that my dad will always be there. I was trying to hold back my tears but I really became teary eyed and coulndt speak much. I told him I had second thoughts of coming but he said I must always be there for dad will always be with all of us even in spirit. When I got to the car, I felt happy knowing dad was smiling as I did one of what he treaured most during December.

Another Ateneo Reunion - dinner for nick

2005-12-17T15:38:00.000+08:00

For my batchmates who maybe technically challenged and cant view the photos in my multiply site (maybe due to a browser version, security settings or lack of necessary programs), I have done a photo collage of the recent dinner for nick at Rockwell and posted it here in my main blog.

Just click on the photo collage to see a bigger version. Copied and pasted the description I previously wrote below:

Atty Gerry Paras hosted a dinner for Nick Selino (the new surname) with a couple of close Bus. Mgt classmates at Crustasia, Power Plant Mall. Present were Lella Medenilla Santiago and Maritess David Ramos (who was brought home by Nick's driver otherwise they wont be able to make it), Tina Legazpi, Rene Estandarte, Elma Plana Tetangco, Bunny Concepcion and Jun Naranjilla (in his new Hawaiian shirt who came after dinner due to a xmas party at Equitable Bank). Missing were Ed Wenceslao who was out of the country, Marissa Segovia who is celebrating her bday today but invited all of us to go to Iloilo, Nini Santos Borja (always busy with her various stores), Ronnie Rivera (who had an office xmas party too) and who else, Nick's favorite Boy Abunda! (the first person to greet him in school). Nevertheless, we were able to talk to Marissa over the phone, Ed kept texting while abroad and Boy greeted Nick at Pinoy Big Brother's special show. We all waited for Jun thats why we were the ones who closed the restaurant - he was too busy with their special guest Sharon but couldnt say no to the Banko Sentral governess :)

Thomas and Joy - Dec 13

2005-12-16T03:02:00.000+08:00

Thomas Cannon, our Philippine Ecademy Club colleague, and his girlfriend joy are here once more on a holiday and to arrange for their wedding next year. Belen and I met them last tuesday at Italianni's for dinner.

I received a text message from Thomas that he is in town and will be at Glorietta around evening. Good thing Belen and I could make it

around that time. Chelle wanted to follow but couldnt any longer.

Thomas and Joy experience the fun singing of the waiters Italiannis is famous for. Thomas got a free ice cream dessert with his name written in chocolage. I failed to take that photo but he has it in his camera :)

A much delayed Thank You Dinner

2005-12-13T02:57:00.000+08:00

This get together was planned by the current PICS board right after the successful national congress last October. Unfortunately, right after that date, we all had commitments. Norelyn, Mon and Bobby had to fly to Cebu for the Ad Congress. Teddy had to fly to Honkong then I had to attend a conference at Singapore. It was a mad schedule for everyone and it was quite a feat that we were all able to agree on a date - Dec 12 Monday. A thanksgiving dinner turned christmas gathering.
Unfortunately, we all missed Winthrop who had a bad asthma attack that evening. Nevertheless we all prepared for the grandiose popular buffet. As you can see from the photo above, Teddy wa savoring the yummy, mouth watering dessert. Bobby seems to be thinking which table to attack next :)

The ACIL Centennial reunion

2005-12-11T11:25:00.000+08:00

After more than a year of preparation of the organizing committee, the 100 year celebration of ACIL's founding has finally taken place last Dec. 10, 2005.

I was never able to attend the other smaller events leading to this main one simply because I never got the email, was informed late or out of the country. I really wanted to see the Bulacan Center once again. Was the best center for me when I was teaching catechism. Besides, our hosts were friends of my parents.

I planned to leave early anticipating traffic being December. Unfortunately it rained really hard and again didnt feel that well. Seems my bp acting up. When I left the house, didnt realize that some of the streets were flooded. This is it, I thought. I may not make it on time for the 5pm mass. True enough I didnt. Portions of the expressway was clogged as well as C5. To think I had an e-pass so I was able to breeze through the left lane fast. If I didnt have that it would have taken me longer to reach ateneo.

I texted enteng, cynch and edwin asking where I should proceed. I was told to go straight to the Escaler Hall. Gosh so many new bldgs in Ateneo that one would get lost easily. I had to ask the guard for directions. Apparently there are three new bldgs in that area - escaler, jg summit and pldt.

Went straight to the registration table arranged per group - 60s, 70s, 80s etc then inside the auditorium for the 'formal program'. Edwin went to the podium to look for Cesar Marin, oops, Fr Cesar na pala siya :) Apparently he is now with Mary the Queen in greenhills.

When Cesar raised his hand, Edwin announced that he has to do the invocation :)

It seems Ito Ramirez made the power point presentation which edwin keeps referring to.

I cant recall the exact program sequence but some plaques of recognition were handed to : regular caroling supporters like the Jayme Family (represented by Jay), Emerito Ramos and family etc plus of course Mang Sid, Fr. Nebres.

There was an AVP done by some young alumni based on some history stuff written I suppose. Ideally, I was hoping they did some interviews of catechists through the years. That would have been more meaningful. Just my opinion. Oh but I saw myself in one of the photos. I guess it was cynch of edwin's copy however, that was not an acil photo but our vacation in Baguio several decades ago :)

The book sold previously was launched and I think the compiler gave a talk. I dont know her. Yes its a girl ergo one of the younger batch. There were no photo copies (at the least) of programs given away.

There was a keynote person, apparently one of the acil students in Bulacan Center who later (I think) studied in ateneo? Well I may be I am mixing up my facts but I was not too interested in the program. In the informal parlance, hindi ako maka relate :)

Boy Aguila (60s batch) and his group (around 4 of them) were called 'holduppers' cause they were tasked to gather sponsorship money. He did some auction stuff asking for bidders for the two mosaic banners. He called out Mon Paterno and another "rich" guy I cant recall the name. One I think was bought for 10k and another 20k? or was it 15k?

As an acil alumni what would have interested me, besides seeing old catechists in my time are:

knowing what happened to all the other centers I used to teach in
would be interesting to know whatever happened to some students (pinahan, san antonio, esteban abada) during our time
photos of the Centers now - eg Bulacan then and now
How was it in ACIL before our time? I dont care much about the now, since I had been hearing so much about it and I guess the 'fun' side has been gone.
more photos of before, before and before
Derps? Didnt see much of his photos nor heard his name?

After the program, we were all famished and lined up for the food. I liked the food. For 300 bucks that was really good! I checked the caterer and it was the 'kambal' something who Irma gets when we have meetings at 'women of ateneo'.

Of course my favorite C2 drinks abounded. The brains behind the beverage C2 is one of the main organizers! Si Edwin sino pa :)

I liked the ACIL lighted decor - had a photo here for posterity. Why? Tell me how many acil catechists in their lifetime will get to celebrate a centennial year?

my best friend susan

2005-12-11T02:04:00.000+08:00

There are very few people I really trust in this life after my parents left me. Susan is one of them. The other one is Christine but both of them are living oceans away. Susan, in chicago and Christine in Sydeny.

We were all classmate in high school (Maryknoll or now known as Miriam). Together with Babs, we formed the 'barkada' known as Tafi - tolentino, almeda, flores, imperial.

A few weeks ago, I had to go to the flat of susan's parents to get something she sent via courier. When I reached home I emailed her that her saying her dad looks bad and I think she should see him soon. She planned to fly to Manila around end January since she needed to be in spain at this time.

I got surprised when I get an email last weekend saying she is flying here sunday arriving tuesday since her dad's heart stopped twice. I met Susan at the New World Hotel last night. We discussed the wellness businesses we had been planning for two years now. At the same time she was relating to me how she over ruled most of her dad's doctor's medication. She is an ICU doctor and is tasked to keep the patient alive despite the critical condition.

I was misty eyed when she was relating how she continues to save her dad's life by making sure the doctors do what must be done. I told her that I know that if only the doctors here did their duty and not very materialistic, then my mom and dad would still be alive.

I have forgiven them but I do pity them for I know somehow they will pay for their negligence.

I told Susan that maybe thats the reason both of us are keen on the wellness business. She has been a victim of a negligent doctor, who operated on her wrongly and my parents passed away due to the negligence of medical people who were supposed to save lives.

A gift of our Lady

2005-12-09T15:12:00.000+08:00

It was the feast of the Immaculate Conception yeterday and a holy day of obligation. I was not feeling too well so rested at home. I think my blood pressure went up due to past days activities.

I had so many calls and had to send urgent emails to some people so I was rushing like mad to reach Don Bosco church on time. The unexpected traffic didnt help any. I saw my watch and it said 415pm. I was still on the expressway. The mass is aWt 430pm. If there was no traffic it would have been ok but I guess being December expect the hassle.

I felt guilty for Mama Mary has always been good to me and I will be late on her special day! The clock is ticking away. When I reached the skyway it was way past 430pm. Gosh I said to myself, hope the church hymns are long and the priest will not talk too fast so I can reach even up to the gospel.

We went fairly fast after the skyway so we reached the church around 450pm. It was still raining but I was suprised the main doors were opened! I was wondering what part of the mass that was. I saw Joy, one of our favorite manangs. I asked what happened, because it seems the mass has not started. Don Bosco masses always start on time. She said there was an ordination of priests and everyone in the religious community was present so the priest got delayed.

I was so happy becuase I felt mama mary did that for me. She knew I will be late and didnt want me to be thus the ordination stretched longer so I will be on time :)

Not only that, I forgot about the indulgence - confession and communion with the mass (maritess sent me a text reminder the previous day). Then I saw two priests hearing confession. I asked Joy who was in the other confessional box (Fr. Faroni is a permanent fixture on the other box), she said Fr. Bernie. Oops I said, hmmm I know them both so where will I go?

I decided to take a seat first and rest. Was dizzy, my BP still I guess. After a couple of mins I decided to go to Fr. Faroni's box, with the lesser line. He gets angry when youre bad so some people get scared like me :) But he is dad's favorite confessor so I guess I was meant to go to him this time.

Thanks mama mary for that special sanctifying grace!

Canadian Trade Commission Christmas gathering

2005-12-09T00:26:00.000+08:00

Last night, I together with Norelyn attended the Canadian Trade Commission Christmas party at the house of Ms. Ellen Ruth Zeisler at Dasmarinas Village, Makati, Commercial Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner.

When I first received the invitation last week, I wondered who sent it. I remember meeting people from the Canadian Trade twice, once during a meeting of the "Powerful Women" with Sen Magsaysay and the Canadian Trade people and the recent one was during the Cebu ICT month last June.

As the night progressed I learned that it was Lyn, the trade commissioner , also in charge of ICT, who sent the invite. I had to ask permission if I could bring another board member and they agreed yesterday so I asked Norelyn. It was raining the whole day so traffic was bad. It was so bad that we thought it was the friday jam but it was only thursday! It took us an hour just to get out of Ayala Avenue. I guess it was a combination of the bad weather, the holiday month of December, and it was the feast of the Immaculate Conception and a holiday of obligation so those who were not able to hear mass earlier were rushing to church.

The invitation said 630pm but we reached the place almost 8pm! As to be expected, lots of expats filled the place. We went straight to the food area so we can fill our stomachs before exchanging pleasantries with everyone.

I noticed that there was a "Happy Hannukah" greeting at one of the tables and kosher food was displayed. Apparently the trade commissioner is Jewish. i was looking for the Israel Ambassador or anyone from the Israeli embassy who had been long time friends of PICS but apparently they left early.

Inside the first room where the kosher food was, I met Clarisse (Innove Communications), my batchmate in college, Mona Montemayor my former officemate at the bank who is now an executive at ING, and Lyn. They pointed to us that the pasta table was outside.

After our meal, its now time to go around and meet people. I noticed Richard Mills, CEO of Chalre, who gave an interesting presentation during the last BPAP meeting, refuting the recent negative report by McKinsey about the Philippines. I thanked him for sending me the soft copy of his presentation.

When I went to the small room to get some dessert, I met Mina Gabor (Philsmed) who just arrived and was starting to take some cocktails. I asked her how the first saturday healing sessions were in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. I have not yet gone back since then but planning to next year.

While I was on the way back to where Norelyn was, I saw Cynthia Mamon (Sun Microsystems) who apparently just arrived, in a huddle with Atty. Rudy Salalima, legal counsel of Globe Telecom, and Renato Garcia President of PETEF and Lyn.

I asked Atty Salalima why he never accepted any of our recent invitation for him to speak. Apparently he never got any of them. He wanted a repeat of the first time he spoke in our congress together with Cong. Imee Marcos for he thrives on controversial themes :)

Much later I remembered I had a camera in my bag so I asked the waiter to take our photo. Mona came along and offered to take the shot. The first one as shown above was just Tato Garcia, Norelyn, me, Atty Salalima, and Mina Gabor while on the second one we were joined by the Senior Trade Commissioner. Actually Cynthia and Lyn as I can recall was in the first photo but I guess Mona left them out on the frame :)

Why did I have my camera? Because I knew I was going to post a blog and I needed some photos :) The only photo which I really took, with my phone was the Happy Hannukah sign and Kosher food, which I was going to upload here, but gosh when I was checking on my phone I think I tapped on the wrong button - trash instead of save :(

We left the place around 915pm. Still raining outside but lesser traffic.

A Business matching event with Korean companies

2005-12-08T02:49:00.000+08:00

Last Dec. 2, a business matching event was held organized by the Korean Trade office in partnership with the Philippine Internet Commerce Society (PICS).

The delegation was headed by Mr. Eugene Jun, the President of the Incheon Information Technology Industry Promotion Agency (IITPA).

The night before the event, the whole delegation headed by the Korean Trade Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner attended the PICS Christmas party in order to meet other filipino member entrepreneurs and savor filipino celebration.

There were more than 20 firms which signed up to have appointments with the various Korean companies which started 830am till 5pm. I gave a talk on the Overview of the Philippine ICT Industry noontime right after lunch.

There were lots of interesting products from the different korean companies. I was able to sit in three of them but one major problem was the language barrier. Despite the presence of translators, it was really quite a feat trying to understand them. At the start of the conversation, it was pretty easy but once you get into more technical details it was difficult. I tried to use the simplest english but comprehending the heart of the product was quite hard. When you need to discuss details of how a Content Management solution can integrate with the overall portal plan plus underlying structure, wow it sure is quite a gargantuan task trying to make it sound simple.

A sad incident at Fridays Glorietta

2005-12-06T19:35:00.000+08:00

I had been a loyal patron of the various Bistro group Resto's esp Italiannis. Why? Not only because of the good food but great service. Of course at times some 'palpaks' do happen but the managers handle them well. Except for this one though. For the very first time, I had to secure the email and contact info of the groups Managing Director so I can write the letter of complaint which you can see below.

Last night a get a cursory apology email from the GM. I felt insulted. Perhaps they really need some training on good and proper customer service. Its a pity that the good service seem to come only from some in Italiannis. Its not reflected with all the other groups.

If the culture on good customer management emanates from the top then it will trickle down all throughout the organization. Its truly sad if only a part is passionate about serving clients then. They wont last very long.

==============

Dear Mr. Stelton,

I am one of the loyal customers of Bistro Group, specially Italiannis. I am writing you right now due to a very unfortunate incident a few hours ago at Fridays, Glorietta 3. I am copy furnishing Paul Manuud here since he personally knows me as well as my friends who regularly go to Italiannis.

My friends and I just came from the annual homecoming at the Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights. We left the school around past 11pm hoping to catch dinner in makati. Since it was very late then, close to midnight, I suggsted going to Italiannis for I know it closes beyond midnight. My friends though, wanted to try Fridays at glorietta. I was not that hungry then so I just ordered a cup of soup and just shared the salad. While my friends were taking their entree, we heard the truly defeaning sound of the bells which signalled last order. I emphasized the word defeaning for I had to put my hand on my ears or my eardrums might get affected.

I guess that was around 1am. The waiter approached us to ask if we wanted to add anything else, so we said we just wanted some dessert. He asked if we wanted anymore entrees since we can order the dessert much later. As far as I know when the waiter asks for any last order that means including dessert but he insisted we can order it later.

Right after the bells rang, they put off the aircon. It was really very warm. We asked for any electric fan and the waiter said he will get one but it never arrived. We then asked for the dessert menu. Later he came back to say there are no more cooks in the kitchen so dessert is not possible. We were all so surprised. My friends were asking him why that is so when he said we can order it after the main meal. He looked so helpless so I asked him to just call the manager who being so, would, I presumed can decide what to do.

The manager told us the kitchen cabinets are closed so they can no longer serve dessert and that we should have ordered this earlier. My friends was explaining what happend - that we wanted to order but the waiter said we can do so later. He didnt seem to believe us so I blew my top! He sounded so arrogant and condescending and very rude!

I banged the table for he was answering me! He told me not to raise my voice but his voice was also angry and loud! I never encountered such rudeness in all the times that I have eaten in a restaurant. In the past there may have been problems with service but usually the manager can handle any of those. In this case the manager was the problem!!

I had never never asked for your contact info Mr. Stelton except now. There was a time i got upset with Outback but Paul just handled it and the manager was apologetic.

From the time we started to eat I knew that manager wanted us to leave. I think he wants to go home at that time. If they didnt want clients then they should have not accepted us any longer. The waiter and the manger kept approaching our table while we were discussing some serious matters, butting in to ask if evrything was ok. Thats fine as long as you ask us at least ten mins apart not ONE MINUTE apart! We felt he just wanted us to leave and close the restaurant. It was very irritating and rude.

Mr. Stelton, I will not demand that this rude manager be dismissed even if he deserves it. I know times are hard. I just demand a sincere apology from him. I also highly recommend that you re-train him and put him as an understudy of one of your trusted and experienced managers or he will ruin your business. He has a lot to learn regarding customer service. I do not need to enumerate the various ways he should have handled the situation besides telling smack on our face that the kitchen is closed and he cannot do anything!

I had worked in a service institution for more than two decades and have encountered irrate clients but had always handled this well. I never never answer back an angry client. I try to empathize and understand the situation and suggest other creative ways to rectify the problem. For your information, this manager is devoid of any creativity in hanlding customer challenges. He is not only rude, but very proud, arrogant and truly inexperienced.

I hope you can investigate the matter and will await feedback.

The 2005 Ateneo de Mla Homecoming

2005-12-04T16:05:00.000+08:00

Where can you see TG Limcaoco (My Ayala), Al Panlilio (PLDT Global), Toti Casino (PCS), Jim Ayson (philmusic), Jinggoy Estrada, Reli German, Gary Lising, Ed Sazon, Mon Paterno (Credit Suisse), Ito Ramirez (PLDT), or even Bishop Mylo Vergara all letting their hair down as they watch Asia Agcaoili and some of the Viva hot babes perform on stage - The annual Ateneo Homecoming!

I was mulling on whether to attend this year's gathering but hesitant early on, because of the week's hectic sked so I needed so much rest. However, at this age, you sometimes get that nostalgic feeling, longing to be with good old schoolmates, compounded by the fact that I had been receiving a couple of text messages asking if I will be attending the annual reunion in loyola. I rested the whole day saturday so I will have the strength to enjoy the gathering which usually lasts till past midnight.

Top photo from left Coll78 group
photo on stage, school performers,
Lady Eagles. Next level from left:
coll78 table with Fr. Nebres, some
batchmates, hands raised while the
graduation song is sung, TG and I.
Third level from left: Al Panlilio and
TG, HS 80 hands raised while singing the
grad song, me with former officemates, last
level from left: batch of Gary Lising. last
photo rightmost, coll78 group photo on stage.

I wanted to be early so that I can hear the mass at the church of Gesu. It was first saturday and I would usually go to mass at greenbelt, don bosco or malate church. If I do so however I will be caught in a terrible traffic going to Ateneo. I fetched Clarisse at Executive Heights and we
proceeded to the Ateneo grounds. We got in during the homily and sat beside Sonia Araneta and Tina Ribas. The whole center aisle was filled with the Golden jubilarians (batch of Erap) while the right pews were filled with the HS silver jubilarians led by TG Limcaoco where Jinggoy was also included. I learned that this was the reason why San Miguel was a major sponsor. Edwin's C2 beverage was therefore banned being a Gokongwei product. As always SMART is the major sponsor specially now that its Al Panlilio's batch celebrating the silver jubilee.

I couldnt find any of the College 80 batch (mitchie, mon paterno, shankee etc) during the mass. Apparently they all got drunkand were tired the night before, the traditional gala celebration so they all were late and just proceeded to the covered court for the program.

It was drizzling when we arrived in church but it stopped when the mass ended. We were then able to join the traditional procession led by Our Lady's carossa.

When we reached the High School covered courts, I then realized it was a well organized homecoming. Each major sponsor were assigned rooms where they can showcase their products. Registration was a breeze compared to our time where it was crazy.

There were mini stages besides the main one so that program transition was smooth. Each jubilarian class had a presentation and were accorded equal honors by the organizing high school batch. Compared to other years where the program was filled with blaring bands so it was quite difficult to have long conversation, this year was filled with dance numbers, less bands, more pleasant songs (not acid rock). Obvious though was the choice of sexy FHM performers such as the viva hot babes and Asia Agcaoili who left the golden jubilarians speechless (see collage photo).

HS '80, the organizing batch includes TG Limcaoco, Al Panlilio, Jinggoy Estrada, Raffy Jose, Duke Eustaquio, among others and I liked their very informative website. The ones I saw on stage when the golden jubilarians were called were Reli German, Ed Sazon and I was informed that this was the batch of former president Erap Estrada. Prior to this, the jubilarian batch of Gary Lising performed some comedy number.

I came across the table of my former officemates which included Nardy Tiongson, Gas delos Santos, Jun Isidro who were all joined later by Jun Bernardino. I think they belonged to the HS 60s batch (or is it college?).

Was surprised to find Toti Casino (college batch 79) , a colleague in the IT industry and even Jim Ayson (college batch 83). We never discussed our schools in the past so they were equally suprised to find out I was an Atenean.

Unlike our time (2 years ago), the souvenir program was aplenty, everyone took home a copy (or even two). I can remember that last 2003, many people got upset since they never got a copy of the souvenir booklet. This is of course very precious for jubilarians for one will never know whether they will still be on this earth when the next one comes along.

Only one table for our batch was reserved but more arrived so another table had to be pulled and we had to move towards the side to accomodate the bigger group.

The first thing we did upon arrival at the covered courts was to find the table then go straight to the food for we were famished. It was just weird since many of us lined up at Teriyaki boy hoping to order some rice toppings. Apparently they didnt serve rice, only ebi tempura and some sushi so one had to line up again at Dencio's just to purchase rice. Tina gave me her receipt so I can claim both our orders at Teriyaki boy while she lined up at Dencio's. We also checked out the menu of Pancake expecting their famous pan chicken with rice, roast chicken or beef, but what they had was just mini tacos and something else not worth ordering.

When the teriyaki boy staff was still completing our order, I told them that I will just grab some drinks on the other stall and will be back in a minute. When I came back, the food we ordered was gone! It seemed they had to give them to other irate customers. I think they were just disorganized. Of course what do you expect? I raised hell so the supervisor graciously rushed another order. When I left, you can hear two more people raising their voice asking what happened to their food :) This happens each year. I guess it is really a gargantuan task just organizing the food to feed thousands of ateneans. Henry Totanes was in charge this year.

It seems many of the stalls ran out of food fast (an annual occurence). Later on though they were able to replenish so some hungry souls like me, lined up this time at Hotshots. First time I got to try their grilled burger and it tasted good. The drinks were mostly soda, beer and water. After one Coke light I really preferred to drink something lighter like tea. Fortunately, Shankee Miranda (college batch 80) called me to ask if I wanted some C2 iced tea which they brought in secretly and of course I said yes! A few hours later, I wanted to have another bottle but it was gone. Why? They were castigated since its a competitor of the major sponsor.

Met Mon at the table of college batch 80 who reminded me about the ACIL centennial celebration next week. Many of their batch didnt wear their official t shirt since it was only one size and just plain white. Shankee was complaining to me about the tshirt. Thats the reason I told her that two years ago, I volunteered to find the shirt and ordered from the smallest to the biggest size to please everyone. You need to be proud to wear it and it is a pity if not everyone will just because of the color, design or size.

The High School jubilarians had great tshirt quality and design. The year prior to our silver jubilee Chiqui Lara and I observed the various designs of the jubilarian t shirt to give us an idea of how to do it the following year. Almost all of them had creative tshirt designs unlike this year.

Ronnie Rivera was gracious enough to bring the newly printed 78 banner and placed it near our tables. Since the left stage was very near our table, I thought of calling everyone for a photo shoot together with the banner of course. I heard earlier that they didnt want the stage to be used for photos since the program was still going on. No harm though if we did it fast and of course we did it! Unfortunately Tina Ribas already left that time and Benjie Laza and Sonia Araneta was nowhere in site. Boy Ramos rushed after we took a couple of shots but it was another camera that was used so I dont have that copy. Maybe I will ask ronnie or mandy if the complete group photo is with them. The earlier photos though had had tina but I don't remember Sonia joining our batch table. Luckily we were all able to have a photo with Fr. Nebres.

As far as I can recall, below are the people of college 78 who attended: 1. Maan Tolentino 2. Clarisse Gener 3. Tina Ribas 4. Sonia Araneta 5. Mandy Pascual 6. Aster Sotto 7. Ed Wenceslao 8. Winnie Jimenez 9. Ronnie Rivera 10. Sonny Clutario 11. Joel Limjap 12. Eddie Dayrit 13. Pam Lazatin 14. Vic Santillan 15. Freddy Gemperle 16. Edwin Totanes 17. Cynch Totanes 18. Yoyo Bongco 19. Boy Ramos 20. Jovie Sison 21. Joey Cuyegkeng 22. Achoot Cuyegkeng 23. Mon Jarencio 24. Benjie Laza 25. Marcy Rivera

Other colleagues who arrived were Mito Pablo(79), Juny Lim (77), Enteng Francisco (79). I would like to thank Greg Jarencio (batch early 70s?) for taking our photos on stage.

I asked Cynch to take my photo with TG who is a good friend. We walked to the center where the organizing batch tables were. TG pulled me to the center where the pom pom girls were performing so it would have been a great shot! Unfortunately, I was not able to teach Cynch how to widen the lens so what she took was a close up shot.

Mandy, Clarisse and I left past 11pm since they were hungry and wanted to eat out. I suggested makati since its nearer the south. We ended up at Fridays but went home upset. That will be covered on another blog though.

The bigger photos could be seen in my other website http://maandt.multiply.com

Reunion at the PICS Xmas party

2005-12-03T04:24:00.000+08:00

We suddenly realized that for the first time we were all together since the 'Fly High" Tagaytay Highlands workship held last July. Photo above shows Me, Edna and Michelle and with the first photo, we were joined by Lauro Vives, XMG Global managing director whose company was in charge of doing the report on the software industry.

Edna just realized that half of the four of us has changed careers since that fun filled weekend in july. Edna has moved from her executive position in the govt (under the office of the President of the Phils) back to her beloved ex boss, Phil. Daily Inquirer/Print Town and MIchelle has moved from the Academe (MICT) to Microsoft Phils.

CIO Breakfast Forum - Dec. 1, 2005

2005-12-03T03:51:00.000+08:00

Since I was not able to attend yesterday's special session at Hyatt sponsored by Microsoft, I had to wake up early the other day for a CIO breakfast forum held all the way at Crowne Plaza Hotel Ortigas.

It was such a feat to do so for I still felt a bid bad from some pain near my ribs (sort of pilay) to think thats a long way from my house at the south of manila.

Although I woke up very early at around 530am which just gave me two hours of sleep, I had to doze off a couple of times because my constitution seemed had difficulty handling the succeeding nights of rushing some work. Michelle called me as I was dressing up asking where I was since she just left her house too. She lives at Bicuten not far from my place. Obviously she arrived late but I arrived later. At least I caught the presentation of Dondi.

The food was very good but I missed the cheese collection. Just noticed it after the meeting. Most of the people who attended were from PSIA (the local software assoc). Went straight to my condo in makati after the forum to take a much needed nap before I proceeded to my office at Goodwill Bldg.

G-Max extreme!

2005-11-29T22:41:00.000+08:00

No its not a promotion of Globe Handyphone, its one the latest thrillers in Singapore.

When I visited the place a few weeks ago, Bernadette pointed to me this new craze but unlike the usual Bungy jumping we see in manila, you have three people inside this open air silver capsule.

Apparently I just learned recently, this is called G-Max reverse bungy jumping and it originated in New Zealand. Talking of going to the extreme! I will never try that despite my adventurous spirit.

Posting in an Internet Cafe

2005-11-29T21:49:00.000+08:00

Guess where I am right now? In a netopia internet cafe. Yup, despite my two dial up connections (infocom and i-manila) and two laptops, I decided to go here for the moment since the very slow dial up connection drives me nuts. Why then can't I just get broadband or DSL? Well, I am a very mobile person, and I would need to always connect at home at work or wherever I am.

I was mulling on getting We Roam despite some negative reviews on its slow speed. I guess it spells convenience for even if I am in the car I can surf with my laptop. I just had difficulty signing up for one. I am always in a hurry and the office was quite far from makati. I had to gather all the requirements then when it was ready I was busy. After a couple of months, I really needed it for the traffic in the metro drives me nuts specially when I have to send something important. I wouldnt want to do that with my mobile on gprs for that would be quite expensive. I just prefer to be productive even while in a traffic jam.

During the last PICS Congress I was about to sign up specially that the one assisting me was efficient. Unfortunately, the following day when I had all my requirements, the one manning the PLDT booth was far from helpful so I never got the account again. Some other people in the main office kept calling me but then again I didnt have time for that.

If only I had so much dough, I would have broadband at work, in the house plus a We Roam account. Innove has their Universal Access equivalent of PLDT's We Roam but its only for corporate subscribers at the moment.

Why can't the whole metro manila be a hot spot? If you follow my blog, you would have read my recent experience in makati where wi-fi was mistaken for food :)

How I wish it will be easier and more affordable to be connected in this country!

Now for my experience in Netopia - too much security. Well I guess they have to for some users maybe technically challenged. When I first logged in, I went to my 'excite' site where all my bookmarks are located. It will be easier for me to open the sites I regularly visit. It was blocked! I guess its due to the name 'excite' with sexual connotations. Why then is hotmail not banned ? :)

I had to transfer to another cubicle and I heard the staff say, another excite user to be moved to a different computer. It means many people still use this web portal after all. I started organizing my bookmarks with excite and was quite difficult to keep transferring them to yahoo or google or whatever is the present flavor. Guess excite had the first mover advantage in that respect.

When this netopia greenbelt branch was located near the Max Restaurant, they had Adobe Photoshop in their machines. Now there is hardly any program except microsoft office. Hmmm... is it due to the recent BSA raids? :)

Tomorrow I am supposed to attend a 'by invitation only' session sponsored by microsoft. A good friend invited me so I couldnt say no but I had to ask what the agenda was for it was hazy. I was told to check out a link which I did. It seems several small groups were scheduled, maybe a handful per session for there are limited 'gadgets'. From what I have read it seemed we will be taught some basic course on usage of perhaps of the computer, laptop, mobile for work. Hmmm again, isn't that too basic? I called my friend and gave this feedback. If you ask me, I would want to learn something I still dont know and there are lots of them. Nevertheless I will go first because of my friend who is in charge of this, second the food, which will be at hyatt, and third, curiosity :)

Well I guess for the people in this country to be more connected, I do believe the cost of access must be brought down - cost of hardware and connection. The telcos and providers need to follow a similar model to what they did with the mobile phone. How I wish I can see this sooner.

Seredipity turned Wedding Date

2005-11-29T04:40:00.000+08:00

Last night, the movie "Seredipity' was shown on local tv. i remember watching this before but I still proceeded to again see the movie for I havent seen a feel good movie for a long time. As expected, it wasn't that thrilling, so since i felt so 'bitin' I rummaged around my various VCDs/DVDs previously bought but never opened and decided to watch "Wedding Date". I knew I will be having a very hectic week and I wanted to somehow enjoy myself over this long weekend (after working on a holiday).

Guess what, I liked it! Well at least the second part was really good that this morning I had to repeat it. I particularly liked the dance rehearsal part where they played the song 'sway' by Michael Buble. That was so romantic. The final scene, of course the wedding scene used the background music, 'Save the Last Dance for me'. I recallled that being a favorite of mine a long time ago.

How I wish these happy endings would happen in real life.