IT IS a rare opportunity to be given a chance to ask US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a single question but Silliman University students were among the lucky ones Friday.
Via ABS-CBN’s Hillary Clinton: The Manila Forum, the voice of students from the City of Gentle People was finally heard.
Broadcaster Tony Velasquez facilitated the forum in Dumaguete, which was held at the Silliman University compound.
Clinton meanwhile was in the University of Sto. Tomas campus in Manila, but students outside the country’s capital such as Dumaguete and Zamboanga were able to participate in the forum.
Anna Espino, a third year Economics student from the Silliman University, was the first to throw a question to Clinton. It was related to global recession.
In response, Clinton first commended the Philippines on economic growth while admitting that effects of global recession have been reversed slowly. She also made mention of free trade.
“We would like to see free trade… that discourages climate change. We want free trade that has positive impact on workers and environment,” Clinton stressed.
In Manila, Ateneo Blue Eagle Chris Tiu asked Clinton what sports she follows and what her prediction is on the upcoming fight of Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.
Clinton shared that she followed two NBA teams namely Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.
“I am born and raised in Chicago… I followed the Chicago Bulls, particularly when Michael Jordan was there. And then New York Knicks.. but that’s kind of discouraging,” she said. Clinton was a senator from New York.
On the boxing match-up this Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday Manila time), Clinton believes that Pacquiao will beat Cotto. “Of course, the Pacman (Manny Pacquiao) is going to win.”
At the end of the forum, Silliman students offer Clinton their very own “i-heart” Silliman pin.
Clinton arrived in Manila Thursday. She went to a school in Marikina to personally see the area, which was badly-hit by Typhoon Ondoy. The US government is extending help to typhoon victims.
The US official visited Philippines before going to Singapore for the APEC Summit.
]]>
It was a showdown of Dumaguete’s best last Friday as participants of the Festivals of Festivals Street Dance bannered their colorful costumes and props at the city’s main roads.
The competition, which began 2 p.m., was among the highlights of Buglasan Festival 2009.
Every year, not only Dumaguetenos but tourists as well mark their calendar for the celebration of this event.
Buglasan Festival is held every third week of the month of October in the City of Gentle People.
Dumaguete is known for its laid-back lifestyle. It also boasts of white beaches and dive sites.
The festivity this year kicked off last October 16 and will end October 25.
Audiences were treated to a lively performance in Friday’s street dancing tilt and below are some photos taken at the event.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
8AM – Buglasan Family Farm Congress, PAO
4PM – Ecumenical Service, SN Auditorium
5PM – Opening of LGU Booths, SNV
8PM – Buglasan Jingle Presentation, SN Auditorium
October 17
9AM – Lutong Garbo sa Sidlakang Negros, PAO
10AM – Buglasan Chess, NOCC
4PM – Singing Competition, SN Auditorium
October 18
9AM – Marching Band Showdown, LLMSCC
2PM Marching Band Parade, Dumaguete Main Roads
8PM – Minus One Singing Contest, SN Auditorium
October 19
8PM – ABS CBN Night, SN Auditorium
October 20
8PM – Globe Night, SN Auditorium
October 21
8PM – Buglasan Rap and Pop Dance Competition, SN Auditorium
Competition, SN Auditorium
9PM – Live Band Competition
October 23
9AM – Festival of Festivals Showdown, LLMSCC
2PM – Festival of Festivals Streetdance, Dumaguete Main Roads
8PM – Festival King and Queen Pageant, SN Auditorium
October 24
8AM – Buglasan Kayaking and Canoeing Competition
8 AM – Airsoft Competition, Dgte High School
9AM – Buglasan Cheerdance Competition, LLMSCC
6PM – Dancesport Competition, SN Auditorium
9PM – Fireworks Competition Day 1, Rizal Boulevard
October 25
8AM – Airsoft, Dgte High School
12PM – Luncheon Outstanding Oriental Negrense, SNV Conference Hall
5PM – Thanksgiving Mass, SN Auditorium
6PM – Outstanding Oriental Negrense Awards, SN Auditorium
7PM – LGU Booth Awards, SN Auditorium
9PM – Fireworks Competition Day 2, Rizal Boulevard
On July 27, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will deliver her State of the Nation Address (SONA). All eyes I bet will be glued to TV sets as the country’s most powerful official speaks about the accomplishments of her administration.
In the point of view of a journalist, July 27 is surely a big task waiting to be completed. And because I work for a news website, the demand is twice harder. People would expect us to cover the SONA as it happens. They would expect to see photos and videos too. And so undoubtedly our preparations should be doubled otherwise tripled.
Good thing is we have mapped out a plan on how to go about our coverage. Accreditation was the first step. And that’s solved already as we were assured to get inside the House of Representatives’ Plenary Hall where Mrs. Arroyo will deliver her SONA. Thanks to some connections.
Next thing is video grab. We have made a move on this but still awaiting for response from the office that is in charge of the matter.
Then the stories. We discussed possible highlights of this year’s SONA. We talked also on what to expect in the President’s report, how to do the minute updates, and the personalities to be interviewed.
Everything is still on date as to preparations. I just hoped all things will turn out well on the SONA day. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Her promises
Every SONA, the ongoing debate is whether the President was able to achieve the promises she made in her last report or not.
On her 2008 speech, Mrs. Arroyo mentioned three general targets of her government – to bring in rice to feed people; to bring in investments to create jobs; and to keep peace and maintain stability in our country.
I personally salute the Chief Executive for these so-called aims. But while she may have done something to accomplish her targets, it cannot be denied that there are some circumstances affecting food security, job generation, and peace and order.
For one, the global recession resulted to shut down of big companies. More employees lost their jobs. A lot of overseas workers also were sent home by their respective employers. Thus, as an effect, it is just understandable that many families were having hard time putting food on their tables.
The series of bombings in Mindanao is another thing we must consider. Last July 7, a bomb exploded near a church in Iligan City. At least 22 people were hurt in that incident. Kidnappings in the southern part of the country remain rampant. Italian Red Cross Volunteer Eugenio Vagni was recently released by his Abu Sayyaf captors. But there are still teachers who remain captives.
So to the question whether President Arroyo was able to keep her promises, I think the answer depends on how one sees the current state of the country.
hey are undoubtedly huge, thus eye-catching. When they flap their sides, you can see they can be graceful under water. Their tails are long. And the moment their eyes pop out, you can just see some gentleness in them despite stories of how dangerous they are — a fact is they have killed people. Back then, I have no appreciation for Stingrays or locally known as Pagi. A day in the Manila Ocean Park however changed such an opinion. I was simply amazed at these sea giants. We were told it can weigh as much as 790 lbs and size up to 6.5 ft. One of the highlights at the oceanarium is the Over Hang Tank at the “Pagi” zone.
Another scary marine animal you can find there is sharks. Stingrays and sharks are cousins. A specific zone called “Pating” features the different variety of the shark family. Other zones include Agos, Bahura, Laot, Buhay na Karagatan, and Kalaliman.
The journey starts with the Agos zone that has a rainforest theme. It features an artificial waterfalls and you can see some crocodiles here. Next zone is Bahura, which displays artificial corals. Take note that use of real coral reefs is prohibited by the law. Thus, most of the corals found in the oceanarium are artificial except that of the aquarium housing clownfish.
After Bahura is Laot. Big fishes are the attractions at this zone. Then the Buhay na Karagatan, which I love the most out of all the zones. It is a 25-meter tunnel and 220 degree curved walls. Standing here with your picture taken seems like you are in a different world — a “sea world” it could be. The tunnel resembles other oceanariums such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Fifth zone is the Kalaliman and you can see here some sea animals, which can only be found at the deepest Philippine waters. Next zone is the Pagi and the journey ends with the Pating section.
After exploring the big aquarium, you still have other activities to do at the second floor. Choose your 
next stop — a restaurant, souvenir shop, fish spa or glass bottom boat ride. The fish spa is wonderful treat. How it works? Well doctor fish will take off the dead skin cells of your feet. It cost P120 per person while the glass bottom boat ride is P150 per person. Nice thing about the boat ride is you would have the chance to ask the staff questions. In addition, you would get to see the actual size of the fishes.
The Manila Ocean Park is located at the back of the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park. This has become one of attractions in the Philippine Capital as it houses about 300 species of fish and 90 percent of these are taken from the Philippine sea, particularly in Palawan. A staff there shared that the water is 12 feet deep and the glasses four inches thick. The water is sourced from the Manila Bay itself, but filtered through four stages. They also have a quarantine area for sick fishes. The entrance fee is P400 for adults and P350 for kids. They offer a package rate at P500 – this included the popular fish spa and glass bottom boat ride.
“Kasalang Filipino 2009 - Maanyag nga Lalik” is a wedding fair and exhibit open to the public for free admission. The exhibit includes wedding supplies and displays, floral and event styling, Ever Bilena bridal makeup competition and fashion show. The event is co-presented by kasal.com, ABS-CBN, Bethel Guest House, and Key Cities.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This is the best time to bond with family and friends. And take a vacation out from the busy days in office.
Considered as regular holidays are: December 25 (Christmas Day), December 30 (Rizal Day), and January 1, 2009 (New Year’s Day).
On December 24, President Arroyo likewise declared January 2, 2009 as special non-working day.
The declarations are based on Arroyo’s Proclamation No. 1463.
As an explanation to this rare opportunity, the President said that the long break is aimed at giving Filipinos more meaningful observance of Christmas and New Year and to strengthen as well their ties with one another.
Not all
With so many call centers now, it is unfortunate though that not all can enjoy the long holiday break. Call center agents are bound to work even on graveyard shifts.
Also expected to work during this season are mediamen, doctors and other medical staff, policemen and other security personnel, hoteliers, and those working in malls.
But the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has issued pay schemes for people who will be reporting to their respective offices on the days declared as holidays. Thus, they will be compensated.
I am among those unfortunate ones. As a journalist, I am also on duty.
If I were to choose, I’d rather take the holiday and spend time with my dear ones. Sadly, this is not the case. I have tasks to do and a role to play.
It was my decision to be of service to the public. Hence, I should not regret being in the office while others are on vacation.
Nonetheless, it is still a merry Christmas for me here in Manila — my first time actually to be away from home on Christmas Day.
Good news though…I’ll be spending New Year with my family in Cebu. I am to take a break. I will be home soon!
]]>The new promo of Globe will run from November 14 to December 14. Its nice catch — Unlimited calls from globe to globe and globe to touch mobile prepaid subscribers from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for only P20.
How it works
Like other Globe offerings, a registration is required. To register: text UNYT20 and send to 2868.
You must have at least P27.50 load balance before registering to Unlicalls Nyt. The registration cost P20 and is valid for 24 hours. The maintaining balance needed is P7.50
All calls you make between 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. globe to globe and globe to touch mobile will have no charges. If you call other networks, then you will be charged the regular rates.
Good news
The million Globe subscribers will surely enjoy this new promo.
While we thought Unlitxt is the best, Unlicalls Nyt is even better. And when we thought Unlicalls is far from reality, Globe made this possible.
Communication has always been a big factor to bridge distance among families and friends.
Thanks to technology. It allows us to strengthen our ties with dear ones who happen to be miles away from us.
A single text of “kamusta na?” spells concern. However, hearing these same words can paint smile on anyone’s face.
Now, there is no more excuse. Express yourself and let other people know they are important to you. Grab this Globe opportunity.
]]>Negresenses must prepare for eventualities that this weather disturbance would bring. Those near coastal areas are advised to take precautionary measures for possible flashfloods.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) spotted Quinta’s center as of 10 a.m. today, November 6, at 40 kms (kilometers) northeast of Mactan.
Pagasa reported that the tropical depression has a maximum sustained winds of 45 kph (kilometer per hour) near the center.
Aside from Negros Oriental, other provinces in Visayas with signal number 1 warning are: Camiguin, Biliran, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Aklan Capiz, Antique, Guimaras Island.
For more update on the movement of Quinta, check the Pagasa website here.
]]>
After emerging as the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen Edition Plus 4th place winner, Beauty has definitely shown that she got a share of the showbiz world.
Cristine Marie Gonzalez in real life, Beauty has appeared in the primetime ABS-CBN teleserye Iisa Pa Lamang that stars Claudine Barretto, Diether Ocampo, and Gabby Concepcion. And today, October 29, her first movie “My Only U” is shown in theatres.
Truly a pride of Dumaguete, she admitted missing home. I had a chance to sit down with her and chat a little after the premiere night of My Only U held at SM Megamall here in Manila.
She spoke about Silliman University, Valencia town, and a lot more places in the City of Gentle People — a gesture of her longing to revisit her hometown. Beauty said she returned home only once after the PBB season.
The Rebellious Beauty inside Kuya’s famous house played the role of Marge in My Only U. She was the assistant of Winona’s (Toni Gonzaga) doctor portrayed by actor-basketball icon Benjie Paras.
Star Cinema’s My Only U starred Toni and Vhong Navarro and directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.
The movie was a perfect blend of comedy and drama. I experienced no dull moments watching it and the cinema was filled with giggles and laughs even if the scenes are serious.
It talked about death the funny way, yet it was able to describe love in its very practical sense.
“Give and take” - is what relationships must be. At the start of the film, it was Toni who was diagnosed to have a lupus. She was dying. And so Vhong (Bong) did everything to make her last days happy.
But there was a wonderful twist in the story. Marge (Beauty) found Toni’s laboratory test result and it turned out she was not suffering from lupus. It was Bong, on the other hand, who is dying. He has a pulmonary disease.
Toni threw a meaningful line there … she said she was used to leaving but not left behind. She was used to being the one at the receiving end and Bong as the giver. And so she has difficulty accepting the fact that one day soon Bong would leave her.
Her eagerness however to make Bong happy in his last days surpass all her fears. She decided to make the most - one year, seven days, or even twenty-four hours so long as they are together.
So what happens next? Curious now of the ending? Think you better watch the movie.
While it was just a story shown in the big screen, the lesson of give and take is something that happens in the real life. We could be selfish and sometimes we could be too giving. But balance is the cure.
There will be times we lose courage and this is when we need someone to give us courage. There will be times we forget to unwind and this is when we need someone to remind us we could relax and unwind a bit. There will be times we get sick and this is when we need someone to tell us we should be healthy for they care about us.
Remember though …
“But mama said
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take”