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2010-11-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

i'm feeling awfully low today. so very unlike me considering that the holiday season is just around the bend. there's a lot of things to do in so little time and among the lot, it is about time for me to "re-arrange" my dreams. most probably, i need to re-think my priorities. and it will be hard if you feel so alone in outlining a life plan and harder to make it work. oh well. tomorrow is going

a farm school for aki

2010-07-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

it took a lot of meeting cancellations, postponement and fixing me and my husband's schedule before we finally found time to attend a parent's orientation at Abba's Orchard. The first email I sent to them to inquire about the school was late last year, when I heard about their Infant Community program for children below three years old. It is not that I am rushing my son to go to school (although

a first time thumbs down to Kris Aquino

2010-06-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was never one who was shy to admit my adoration for Filipina multi-media queen celebrity Kris Aquino. I admire her for her candidness and wit. But this latest development on her marriage to PBA cager James Yap really turned me off. She broke the news in such a distasteful manner, though characteristic of her being one famous for heart-stopping confessions over national TV. I believed her when

new

2010-06-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

there are just so many things new to my life since the last time i posted a blog here. and with those many new things, i found less time to keep this journal updated. it's just like backsliding you know, but unlike my faith walk, in blogging, one have the luxury to be complacent at times.where to start? i updated my profile to show my new job. just last february, i now work for the global service

time out

2009-09-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

“I have chicken pox.”I wish my announcement would have been as grand as saying, “I have the hickies!” It was “prophetic”—the chicken pox, I mean.Last month, when we went to Aki’s pediatrician for his supposed last vaccine shot for his first year, Dr. Serafica asked me and my husband if we already had chicken pox. My husband was sure he had his share (because it seemed like everybody has to get

domestic woes

2009-08-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

i have domestic problems and thank God it is not between me and my husband.but it is getting in my nerves that i am now loosing sleep over these so-called concerns. in fact, right this very moment, i am so furious that I wanted to storm out of the room, out of the house and go next door to try to politely ask (if I can) if our next door neighbors can at least lower down the volume of their

allergy attack

2009-08-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

I’m still sleepy from last night’s visit to Aki’s doctor. He’s been coughing since the past week, although his cough comes only in the early mornings and late at night. I was alarmed when my mom told me that it might be asthma since he’s been breathing faster than usual.Off we go to the clinic and the doctor told us that, unfortunately, Aki got my allergic rhinitis. It usually occurs when

Cory-Marcos in our minds

2009-08-04T07:14:00.002-07:00

I just found out that my hubby is a Marcos loyalist for reasons that he can't really be sure of (those were his exact words). I just found out today when he smiled at my yellow ribbons--one pinned on my shirt and the other one tied around my bag. I asked him if he wants one and he politely declined. In a hush, he said "I'm a Marcos fan.""Why?" I asked. "I'm not sure why," he answered.I asked him

Bohol, now and back

2009-07-24T17:58:00.001-07:00

The last time I was in Bohol was when Anthony and I went to Panglao for a relaxing weekend three years ago (that was a long time ago, I figured!), but it ended up with me stuck in our hotel room because I accidentally stepped on a sea urchin (ouch!).It was a great trip and I told Anthony that the next time we go there, we’ll have our little Aki in tow.Just the other day, I went on an overnight

The P50M story

2009-07-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

If I would win P50 million from the lottery, i'd probably retire from work and live on interest with my P50 million intact, stashed away in a time deposit.But I do not have P50 million just yet, but I will, one day (claiming this in faith!). And I sure know I am ready for when that P50 million comes.I read a blog over at Moneymatters about this story of a Chinese businessman who lives on interest

ALEx

2009-07-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

If I'll have it my way, I would want my son to grow up be one ALEx (an Aboitiz Leader of Excellence).But then, I'd really want my son to grow up to be a lot of things. I would want him to excel in sports, I would want him to become a really good public speaker and I would want him to be one of the best doctors in town. But that's if I'll have it my way.But if, and only if, I could choose among

Just Cant Not Write About MJ

2009-07-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

I cried my heart out today as I, together with the rest of the world, watched the memorial service for Michael Jackson. It broke my heart, and probably a million of hearts more across the globe, when his 11-year old daughter Paris said her piece.My earliest recollection of MJ was me singing One Day in Your Life compiled with other songs for video-karaoke in Betamax format. It's one of my favorite

Goodbyes in June, Goodbye to June

2009-06-30T02:14:00.000-07:00

June was a very busy and sad month for me. I’m glad that tomorrow, it’ll be July and we can all just leave the memories of June behind. But let me leave my trails, as I see it fit to reminisce about memories that somehow leave the heart etched with more passion for life.First, hubby and I decided to sell Age – our dependable 2004 Kia Sportage Turbo. It was a hard decision for me since I haven’t

women and children champions

2009-05-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

I interviewed lawyer Andrey Sawchenko of the International Justice Mission yesterday and I’ve never seen somebody so full of hope for women and children who were once the victims of abuse.He envisions that someday, women and children—who used to be incapacitated to function as responsible wards of the community because of trauma from abuse—will one day turn their backs from shelters and brave the

2009-05-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

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2009-05-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

mani(c)mania

2009-05-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

The acting mayor of Cebu City told a group of businessmen this afternoon that he insists for the national government to give a commendation to Manny Pacquiao as a mega tourism promoter."We've got to give credit to the fella," Mr. Rama said. I had my doubts. But after I asked all my questions, it was quite an eye-opener for me. And I told myself that truly, pride and prejudice go hand in hand.I

coming back

2009-05-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

its been so long since i last posted an update on this blog. April was a very busy month for me since i was so darn bent on getting that windmill on my virtual farm in Farmtown. If you haven't heard what (or where) Farmtown is, you probably need some shaking. I've also been managing my virtual resto and i have probably spent half of my waking hours the past days trying to re-arrange my virtual

Furniture manufacturer creates jobs, changes Inayawan’s image as dump

2009-03-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

by Debra M. EsteroBEING the lone Cebuano awardee for this year’s Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino Awards, furniture designer Allan Murillo said the recognition was unexpected but it brought a sense of pride not only to him but to the employees of his furniture export company, Murillo’s Export International Inc.Last month, Murillo was one of the regional finalists of the award-giving body, which

the freeman is free

2009-03-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

"you cant talk peace and have a gun," he said. more aptly, he sang.now, i'll wait for the sickos project to be out in the public and get a hold of the master rapper's genius the last time.a standing ovation is well deserved. god bless on a journey towards a freer mind.

Packaging Cebu Otop a ‘struggle’

2009-02-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

by Debra Magallon-Estero AN OFFICIAL from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Cebu Provincial Office admitted there has been a “struggle” in looking for good packaging and labeling designs to improve various products in Cebu, which are identified under the Otop (One Town, One Product) Program.Aside from this, the manufacturers of Otop products also face a financial setback in the actual

Exporters seek tax cuts, funding to survive crisis

2009-02-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

by Debra Magallon-Estero/Gerome M. Dalipe of Sun.Star CebuTHE Cebu export industry has prepared a position paper that will be sent to President Arroyo and lawmakers at the “soonest possible time” to help address the problems of the sector that is suffering from the effects of the global economic crisis.The same position paper was presented to the Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday by the

when aki threw up..

2009-02-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

i am still very disoriented after we have to rush aki to the hospital. it was nothing major, thank God! but for a first-time parent like me, seeing my baby vomit all the milk he took sent me on my toes. it was last saturday that when aki threw up the third time, my hubby and i decided we go to the hospital. in our haste, i forgot to bring my atm card and our checkbook. fortunately, there was no

ICT, BPO still ‘hopeful’

2009-02-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

by: Debra Magallon-EsteroTHE information and communication technology sector and the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, remain “hopeful” despite the global economic downturn.“There are no job cuts among IT (information technology) companies, that’s the good news,” said Bonifacio Belen, executive director of the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology (Cedf-it)

love and reason

2009-02-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

maybe i love without reason. i am never really one who uses her head over her heart when it comes to love, loving and living. and i believe i am never different at all.many times, i saw women who literally wear their hearts out on a sleeve. and many times i saw them torn into pieces and when they try to mend back what was broken, a part from the shattered hearts and broken dreams seem to not fit

2009-02-11T03:51:00.001-08:00

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Cosmetic docs open center

2009-02-09T17:58:00.001-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroA GROUP of “board certified” cosmetic surgeons will extend its services to Cebu to offer more options and cost-effective packages to patients coming from the Visayas and Mindanao.Led by Cebuano Dr. James Joaquino, the Cebu New Life Plastic Surgery Center (Cebu New Life) will also be working with the Gullas

500 workers lose jobs amid crisis

2009-02-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroFIVE small players in the seaweed processing industry in Cebu have closed down, displacing 500 workers, Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines president Benson Dakay said.He also sees no growth in the industry this year but Shemberg Marketing Corp. (SMC), which he owns and which is the country’s

Backpackers’ inn opens in Cebu

2009-02-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroSun.Star Staff ReporterAT THE heart of the city is a “hideaway” that awaits budget travelers.Since it opened last October, the Aysha Lily Guesthouse has become a home-away-from-home to foreign and local travelers, especially backpackers.Jo-Ann Badana, who manages the guesthouse while the owners are out of the

DOT eyes LGU councilors

2009-02-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroTHE Department of Tourism (DOT) is planning to involve members of local legislative councils in the country in identifying and developing more tourist destinations.Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque said the DOT will implement a program that will involve educating town and city councilors how their

Mobile phone maker still confident about RP market growth in 2009

2009-02-03T16:10:00.002-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroMOBILE phone manufacturer Nokia is confident it would sustain its growth in the country after its overall market share in the Philippines went up to one percent year-on-year.“(Nokia’s) future is bright in the Philippines,” said William Hamiton-Whyte, general manager for Nokia Philippines.He said that from

Condotels as econ zone

2009-02-03T16:07:00.001-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroTHE DEPARTMENT of Tourism is grateful that the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has expanded the categories for the type of enterprises that can be accredited as a tourism economic zone.Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said Peza also registers condo-hotels (condotels) as tourism economic zones to

Dora goes to public high school

2009-02-01T16:20:00.000-08:00

A news story over at Sun Star Cebu today says that public high school students are to receive Spanish classes under the education department's special program in Foreign Language.The program is aimed to "develop in the students skills in listening, reading, writing, speaking and viewing—qualities that are important for the development and acquisition of communication skills through a second

Stimulus for tourism

2009-02-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroTHE Department of Tourism (DOT) will roll out a “stimulus-like” package to encourage chosen markets to travel and spend in the Philippines despite the weakening of many economies worldwide.However, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano clarified this is “not a dole-out” from the government but rather “a support

‘Small’ markets help RP

2009-02-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by: Debra Magallon-EsteroDESPITE the decreased arrivals of tourists from the country’s regular travelers, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano revealed the “smaller markets” has helped the department “almost” achieve its growth target for 2008.In an interview last Friday, Durano said tourist arrivals last year grew by two percent, or

Filipinos need int’l studies

2009-01-31T18:53:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by: Debra Magallon-EsteroAN executive of an international training and consulting firm disclosed that the Philippines have “a very low” record of students getting international education and that it is a challenge that needs to be addressed.Jorge Perez de Tagle, president of Integrative Learning (IL) Institute, said the number of

Economy to grow, still

2009-01-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph) By: Debra Magallon-EsteroTHE Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) believes the Philippine economy will grow this year despite the global economic crisis. According to data released by Metrobank’s research team, the domestic economy is expected to grow by an average of 3.4 percent

IT manager finds good business in battle games

2009-01-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by: Debra Magallon-Estero IT WAS supposed to be just a “weekend business.”This was the initial plan of Rowel Bughao, an information technology (IT) manager of an outsourcing company based in Cebu, when he fist ventured into a paintball battle ground business.In July last year, Bughao pooled his resources to open Weboss Extreme

Scottish college urges Filipinos to study, work in UK’s HRM sector

2009-01-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph)by Debra Magallon-EsteroWITH 13 million tourists going to Edinburgh, Scotland every year, a Scottish college is inviting Filipino students to enroll in its hotel and restaurant management (HRM) courses and be able to legally work in Scotland’s “most important industry.”The extensive choices in career paths available to people in

Developer expects rise in demand for housing

2009-01-29T18:04:00.001-08:00

Published on Sun.Star Network Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/)by Debra Magallon-EsteroA START-up real estate firm initially thought launching a subdivision project at a time when the global economy is experiencing a set back would be like “starting on the wrong foot.”“But we got a tremendous response from our buyers,” said Rey Aguila, general manager for Cebu-based Primehomes Development

IS THIS A GOOD TIME TO INVEST?

2009-01-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

As the global financial market continues to experience a downturn, would you think if it is a good time to invest while the market is volatile?Based on my interview with Nishit Majmudar, president of Pru Life U.K., a time when there are financial uncertainties is always a good time to invest. Although human reason might tell us to hold on to our money, investing at a time when the market is down

Real Estate Boom Amid Economic Turmoil

2009-01-29T05:08:00.000-08:00

src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">Earlier today, I interviewed the general manager of a start up real estate firm who was set to launch its first residential project here in Cebu.The company is actually the fourth