Santa Rosa City Laguna
Philippines - attracting investors from all
over Asia and the world.
ART
IN THE PARK SUMMER ART WORKSHOPS
It's
the summer season and Enchanted Kingdom Wizards Club
together with Faber Castell Philippines is offering
a summer art workshop like no other.
ENCHANTED KINGDOM WIZARDS CLUB TOGETHER WITH FABER CASTELL PHILIPPINES will launch a summerrific art workshop for kids and teens this month of April.
Dubbed Art in the Park, the summer art workshop is open to all park guests who are interested to discover and develop their art skills. The workshop is set to jump start a lot of exciting activities in store for the upcoming re-launch of the Enchanted Kingdom Wizards Club this summer. The pre-launch event is open to interested participants from 6 to 18 years old.
Learn coloring techniques, batik art, sponge art and card making with Faber Castell’s finest art materials.
The art workshops will be conducted by Faber Castell who will provide free materials for the entire workshop.
Interested participants may register on a first-come, first-serve basis for the first 100 participants only. Art in the Park summer art workshops will be held on April 20, 27 and May 4, 11, 18 and 25.
The workshops shall be conducted at 3pm - 5pm at the Boardwalk Party Place in Enchanted Kingdom. As a culminating activity of the entire workshop, the participants will have a chance to exhibit their artworks in May.
This workshop is one of the many reasons to visit Enchanted Kingdom this summer. Watch out for more exciting activities this EK Summerrific season at the only world-class theme park in the Philippines, Enchanted Kingdom. For more information, you may visit the Enchanted Kingdom official website or like Enchanted Kingdom on Facebook. - Ma. Luigi Angelica Arellano
With summer in full swing, you can now buy Enchanted Kingdom tickets at all branches of Ticket World and SM Tickets, as well as at the park itself and at EK's Makati sales office. Summer wouldn't be the same without at least one visit, maybe two, maybe more. An exciting time is guaranteed for all the family, and even the most adrenalin-pumping rides comply with all the latest international safety standards. Students, expats, armed services and tourists are currently offered special promos. Please be aware that tickets purchased from unauthorized individuals, companies or groups are considered scalper tickets, and they will not be honored at the park.
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BOTH SM CITY SANTA ROSA AND
SM SUPERCENTER MUNTINLUPA
TAKE PART IN EARTH HOUR 2012
Santa Rosa City: (Center) Mayor
Arlene Arcillas led the ceremonial shut off at SM Santa Rosa
together with (L-R) Surplus Shop Manager Edilberto Castro, SM Santa Rosa Brand
Manager Armind Cajala, Santa Rosa First Lady Ofelia Arcillas, SM
Regional Manager for Operations Jason Terrenal, SM Santa Rosa Assistant
Mall Manager Eve Verzola and SM Department Store Manager Georgie
Malabanan.
SM CITY SANTA ROSA AND SM SUPERCENTER joined the entire nation during Earth Hour 2012 in line with its SM Cares for the Environment program.
Earth Hour 2012's new "I Will If You Will" handle empowers people to share a personal dare with the world by asking everyone what are you willing to do to save the planet?
The concept of "I Will If You Will" centers around providing a social contract between two parties - connecting one person, business or organization to a "promise" and their friends, family, customers or members to a "challenge" - uniting them behind the common goal of creating a positive environmental outcome.
Students of Holy Rosary College Santa Rosa pledge their support for
Mother Earth via the "I Will" statement cards.
SM Supermalls supported this campaign by simultaneously switching off lights throughout its 42 malls including the four in China. SM City Santa Rosa and SM Supercenter Muntinlupa switched their lights off at exactly 8:30 until 9:30 pm as a sign of their commitment to ensure the safeguarding of our natural ecosystems and operate with the smallest possible carbon footprint. Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas graced the ceremonial shut off in SM City Santa Rosa together with Santa Rosa First Lady Ofelia Arcillas, while in SM Supercenter Muntinlupa, fire dancers fascinated the crowd of spectators with their daring movements.
Regional Operations Manager for South Luzon 2 Jason Terrenal (2nd from
left) together with employees of SM Supercenter Muntinlupa promise their support
for Earth Hour by observing sensible energy conservation practices at the office.
Mall shoppers were given the chance to pledge their support to the Earth Hour Campaign by holding placards stating various pledges from using eco-friendly bags to conserving water and using CFL lighting bulbs while posing at the Earth Hour photo wall.
SM Supermalls' participation in Earth Hour sends a strong message for its shoppers to take action on global warming and strengthens the company's advocacy to engage their host communities with awareness and educational campaigns.
- Pam Peters-Baun (Photos courtesy of SM Prime Holdings.)
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SM PRIME–GAWAD KALINGA SIGN MOA TO BUILD VILLAGES
IN CAGAYAN DE ORO AND CAVITE
200 new homes will be built in Cagayan de Oro and a further 100 in Dasmariñas.
Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Jose Luis Oquiñena & SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy (3rd & 4th from left) during the MOA signing. Joining them are (from right) SM Prime Vice President Ryan San Juan, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations Glenn Ang, SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia, and GK Partnerships Manager Tito Cajulis and Executive Assistant Anela Reyes.
SM PRIME HOLDINGS INC. AND GAWAD KALINGA have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to build a total of 300 homes in SM-GK Villages in Cagayan de Oro and Dasmariñas, Cavite.
Two hundred homes will be built in Cagayan de Oro in SM's ongoing efforts for the rehabilitation of the victims of typhoon Sendong. Another one hundred homes are earmarked for Dasmariñas, Cavite in a continuous effort of empowering communities towards self-reliance and sustainability.
The project brings together once again SM Prime Holdings Inc through its SM Cares Program and Gawad Kalinga in their joint efforts for improving the quality of living for poverty-stricken families. These GK Villages will serve as physical platforms in putting together model communities guided by Gawad Kalinga's Development model. The partnership will not only build homes, but also highlight programs on infrastructure, community building, health, food sufficiency, child and youth development, the environment and social entrepreneurship.
These will be the second and third SM-GK Villages, respectively in the joint partnership. The first SM-GK Village was built in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, in time for the celebration of SM City North EDSA's 25th Anniversary, whose Breaking the Poverty Chain campaign received the International Council of Shopping Centers Foundation's Asia Community Award.
SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy and Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Jose Luis Oquiñena recently formalized the partnership by signing the MOA at the SM Prime Corporate Offices in the Mall of Asia complex.
SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia, Vice President for Operations Glenn Ang, SM Prime Vice President Ryan San Juan, Gawad Kalinga Partnerships Manager Tito Cajulis and GK Executive Assistant Anela Reyes joined them in the event.
- Pam Peters-Baun (Photo courtesy of SM Prime Holdings.)
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TED-Ed AIMS "TO CAPTURE
AND AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF GREAT EDUCATORS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD"
"A permanent initiative, TED-Ed harnesses the talent of the world's best teachers and visualizers, extending great lessons beyond a single classroom to anyone with internet access. In the first stage of this initiative, TED-Ed has launched a new education channel on YouTube. It offers up original video content that marries the talent of great teachers with top animators to bring concepts like neuro-science to life in short videos, typically 5 minutes long. The channel is part of the youtube.com/edu offering, a collection of half a million educational videos available in many schools as well as to the public online."
-- TED-Ed: Lessons worth sharing.
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ECO-BIKES REVIVE 3Rs FOR A FLOOD-FREE HAGONOY
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle more necessary than ever
following Pedring and Quiel typhoon disasters.
Representatives from different barangays give their unanimous backing to Hagonoy Mayor Angel Cruz (right),
PBSP Chief Executive Advisor Klaas Oreel (middle), and Dutch Ambassador Robert Brinks (left).
A NEW BREED OF ECO-BIKE HAS MADE ITS DEBUT. This one isn't made of bamboo, but its important function is to collect garbage from the 26 barangays in the municipality of Hagonoy.
Every day Hagonoy accumulates an average of 20 tons of wastes and this costs the local government PhP 21,750 per month by just hauling garbage into landfills.
The Eco-bike Project of the Municipality of Hagonoy through its Environment Management Office in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is an environmental solution to assist the barangays on proper waste management and recycling.
This supports the LGU's "no segregation, no collection" policy which will be enforced from April 2012. Using these new eco-bikes will result in much lesser cost to transport wastes from households to the materials recovery facilities, and eventually to the sanitary landfill. Hagonoy Mayor Angel Cruz asked for the active participation of his constituents by emphasizing the value of initiative or kusang pagkilos. He said that the efforts to implement the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) will be useless if the people will not work hand in hand with the local government.
Present in the turnover of the eco-bikes were representatives from PBSP's member companies Medicard and First Philippine Holdings; and Ambassador Robert Brinks of the Netherlands, who was also one of the responders during the disaster aid in Hagonoy. "By moving the eco-bikes around daily, people will be reminded to reduce, reuse, and recycle," Brinks said.
And the gentlemen go biking! (R-L) Hagonoy Mayor Angel Cruz, PBSP Chief Executive Advisor
Klaas Oreel, and Dutch Ambassador Robert Brinks did the first rounds of the eco-bikes.
Hagonoy is one of the municipalities severely hit by typhoons Pedring and Quiel in the last quarter of 2011. Its damage to infrastructure and agriculture in Central Luzon and Metro Manila reached PhP15 billion.
PBSP responded by mobilizing its members and partners to provide relief assistance to the affected families in Hagonoy and Calumpit, Bulacan, Sta. Lucia, Quezon City, and Porac, Pampanga.
The Eco-Bike Project is a product of the pooled funds allocated for the implementation of a post-disaster intervention in Hagonoy, Bulacan.
After the typhoons, the volume of wastes collected in Hagonoy reached 24 to 26 tons per day. This is more than the average volume generated before the calamities struck. Flooding became very frequent in the place due to improper disposal of wastes that clogged drainage and canals.
According to the Environment Management Office, 55 percent of the wastes collected are biodegradables while 25 percent are recyclables which can be sold to junk shops. Should these be segregated properly, only 20 percent would be considered residuals for dumping. - Joyce Franzly Racoma (Photos courtesy of PBSP. Video courtesy of YouTube.)
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FIRST PHILIPPINE HOLDINGS CORPORATION GIVES MILLION PESO BOOST TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
Lopez Group demonstrates its long-held core values.
Left to Right: First Philippine Holdings President and Chief Operating Officer, Elpidio L. Ibañez ; First Philippine Holdings Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Federico Lopez ; PBSP Executive Director, Rafael C. Lopa, PBSP Chief Executive Advisor, Klaas F. Oreel.
FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING 6.8 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE IN NEGROS ORIENTAL, victims received a welcome boost from First Philippine Holdings Corporation which donated PhP 1M enabling the Philippine Business for Social Progress to benefit more than a thousand seriously affected families who had been left in desperate need.
First Philippine Holdings Corporation, part of the Lopez Group, is a holding company whose core businesses are in power generation and distribution, with strategic initiatives in manufacturing, property and infrastructure. Its corporate social responsibility activities are linked to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, particularly education, environment, health and poverty alleviation.
Enlightened management has long made the Lopez Group a Philippine leading light, as described below in The Lopez Credo:
"We, as employees of the Lopez group of companies, believe that our primary reason for being is to serve God and the Filipino people.
Thus, we shall always conduct ourselves in a manner that is mindful of the long-term mutual benefit of the Lopez Group, and the various publics we serve.
We will be responsible stewards of all our resources, and conscious of our obligation to present and future generations.
Since 1928, and in the years and generations to follow, our commitment to the distinctive Lopez values will not change as we remain committed to serve our stakeholders." - Joyce Franzly Racoma (Photo courtesy of FPH.)
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PBSP ADDS ITS SUPPORT FOR THE ERNST AND YOUNG 2012 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Memorandom Of Agreement signed by co-presenters.
Left to Right: Development Bank of the Philippines Development Banking Sector Head, Benedicto Bitonio Jr.; Philippine Business for Social Progress Chief Executive Advisor, Klaas F. Oreel; Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines Program Director, Atty. Antonette Tionko; Philippine Stock Exchange, Office of the General Counsel OIC, Atty. Buenaventura Sanguyo, Jr.
ON FEBRUARY 28 THE CO-PRESENTERS SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT THE ERNST AND YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2012, which is managed by the SGV Foundation Inc., with this year's theme: Passion. Ernst and Young, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Philippine Stock Exchange are the co-presenters for 2012.
The search is open for all Filipino Entrepreneurs who may join the following award categories: Master Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, Industry-Specific Entrepreneur, Woman Entrepreneur, and Social Entrepreneur. The Entrepreneur of the Year will be chosen from the award categories winners, and will be representing the country in the World Entrepreneur of the Year in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2013.
For nominations, you contact Entrepreneur of the Year Program Manager, Maria Balmaceda at 891-0307 local 7766/7799 or email eoy.info@ph.ey.com or you may visit www.eoyphils.com for more information. - Joyce Franzly Racoma (Photo courtesy of PBSP.)
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WINS BEST EVER SUPPORT WITH EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD!
Women all around the globe are overcoming abuse, discrimination and oppression. For too long their talents have been suppressed. Just
look at this great Thomson Reuters slide show to see some of the amazing current achievements by women in different parts of the world. (You can find out more about International Women's Day on its official website.)
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A
tragic history of physical, mental, emotional and financial
abuse that many Filipinas experience from their husbands
only too often:
"THE PAINFUL TRUTH IS THAT I MARRIED AN ABUSER, A SCROOGE, AN INCORRIGIBLE PHILANDERER, AND WORSE - A PERVERT."
Susana Ortigas, the wife of Francisco Ortigas for 43 years,
stated the above in an affidavit to the police.
IN YET ANOTHER CASE OF IMMORALITY AND CORRUPTION IN HIGH PLACES, FRANCISCO ORTIGAS HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH CONCUBINAGE. His wife of 43 years also accused him of frequent sex with a company employee and a maid. If convicted, Ortigas will be sentenced to from 6 months to 4 years imprisonment.
Especially in the month that Filipinos with true integrity celebrate their love on Valentine's Day, this story was a sad confirmation of the decadence and spoilt-brat mentality of so many rich and powerful Philippine families. As one of the Philippines' richest, Ortigas enjoys enormous inherited wealth, and can afford to pay vast sums to all the crony lawyers who represent him and attempt to defend his corruption and immorality.
But what he no longer has is any credibility with stakeholders or leverage with SM's Henry Sy, who is negotiating the purchase of Ortigas Holdings Inc., owners and developers of prime Manila real estate. Corruption and immorality of existing management always sabotages investor confidence, especially when evaluating a takeover bid.
This means that under Ortigas control the stocks will fall in value, and under SM control they will rise. Not a good legacy for any rich man to leave either his immediate family or his company's wider stakeholders. And not a good reputation for any eminent citizen to bequeath as example to patriotic Filipinos who wish to believe in their country.
We applaud Susana Ortigas
for standing up for her rights, and we encourage all
Philippine wives - rich or poor - to do the same. Women
are equal to men and should not be subjected to such
humiliation and disgrace by arrogant, dishonorable,
immoral, unfaithful, degenerate husbands who act like
primitive dinosaurs long past their use-by date.
Every High School student, male or female, knows that Philippine Hero José Rizal warned us in El Filibusterismo of dangers that oppressed peoples must protect themselves against when seeking freedom from tyrannical foreign occupation. He asks: "Why independence if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?"
Now, after several decades
of independence on the surface, layer upon layer of
corruption below the surface have created more oppression
in the Philippines than that of the Spanish in Rizal's
time, camouflaged time after time by mentally retarded
bribe-taking lawmakers and judges who are paid by the
Philippine taxpayers to stop it.
Too many former "slaves" have indeed become today's "tyrants", just as Rizal feared, making our nation a global laughing stock and undermining all the good works that genuine patriotic Filipinos are doing to build the Philippines into the shining light of Asia that it can become.
All these pathetic parasites
living off the taxes of honest hardworking Filipinos
must be taught the lesson that they are not immune to
the law merely because they come from privileged backgrounds
or have influential friends. They must be brought to
justice and punished as the corrupt traitors and public
enemies that we all (including their own families and
cronies) know they are. - Angel Tugado
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WOMEN STUDENTS, DID YOU SEE GOOGLE'S CELEBRATION OF
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY?
Did you miss the Hangout On Air that Google hosted to celebrate International Women's Day? You can now watch the above video of it. Life at Google originally shared this post: Six women leaders from Google's EMEA offices commemorated International Women's Day
by doing a Hangout On Air. This recording has been made available by Google in case you missed it or want to see it again.
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SANTA ROSA CELEBRATES
ITS 220TH YEAR IN 2012
2011 was a year of excellence, honoring the spirit of its people.
A month of colorful celebrations in January 2012 provided Santa Rosa City with fun, festivities and entertainment for everyone.
"FROM
A CUB TO A ROARING LION." This
is how City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas equated the growth
of the Santa Rosa from a provincial municipality depending
on agriculture to a progressive city bustling with industries
and commercial establishments that reflect its national
and international appeal.
She said with the
genuine passion of a family member true to its historic
generations of dedication to Santa Rosa: "Today, we
are not only celebrating our 220th Foundation Anniversary,
but we are also celebrating the spirit of our people,
the people who worked so hard for Santa Rosa to become
what it is now -- the Lion City of the region," .
She went on to say
that the past year has been a very good year for the
City. Major achievements include landmark legislations
such as City Ordinance No. 1675-2011 otherwise known
as the City of Santa Rosa Revenue Code. In October 2011
Santa Rosa City started to implement the new schedule
of rates of taxes, fees and charges. This new revenue
code revised the 1992 Revenue Tax Code, which has not
been amended nor revised for 19 years.
Another milestone
legislation is City Ordinance No. 1720-2011 or the City
Environment Code. A first in Laguna, it is a comprehensive
compilation of rules and regulations to effectively
manage the environment in the City of Sta Rosa thereby
helping mitigate climate change and other environmental
problems. The Environment Code provides for Land Resources
Management, Air Quality, Noise Management and Energy
Saving Practices, Water Resources Management, Integrated
Waste Management, and Institutional Mechanisms. Also
included in the Code are the provisions in the prohibition
of the use of plastics and styropor.
There were also
reforms in governance and efficient delivery of basic
services backed by the awards received. "Truly this
has been a year of excellence," she added.
Year 2011 was also
capped by the highest honor that any government official
can receive in performance of her or his duty. Our City
Mayor Arcillas is now officially included in the list
of public servants who are "models of honor, excellence
and integrity in public service". She received the Presidential
Lingkod Bayan Award last November 9, 2011 at the Rizal
Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace.
Santa Rosa's winning team of City councilors, led by Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Vice Mayor Arnel DC Gomez.
Another recognition
was conferred to the City for its dedication and commitment
towards transparency and accountability when it was
awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department
of Interior and Local Government last December 13, 2011.
According to govt. Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo,
who handed the award to Mayor Arcillas very late in
the proceedings. Seal is for achieving the first level
in transparency and accountability.
Only recently, the City is among the five (5) cities in the Philippines cited in the top 100 destinations for information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) services in a report by technology investment and research firm Tholons. Santa Rosa ranked (86th) after Metro Manila (4th), Cebu City (9th) and Davao City (69th). Iloilo City is ranked 92nd.
Mayor Arcillas shared
some priority projects that the City will commence this
year including a planned convention cum sports center
that will promote the City as a cultural, sports and
recreation area; the Aplaya de Santa Rosa Waterfront
Development Project that is set for takeoff once approved
and endorsed by Regional Development Council CALABARZON;
a Flood Control and Drainage Master Plan.
which includes
hazard and vulnerability assessment of Santa Rosa as
major input in updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
incorporating the disaster risk reduction management;
and the socialized housing project for the city’s informal
settlers.
"For these, I am positive that the 220th year and the coming years would be better for the City," the Mayor said.
Laguna Governor George "ER" Ejercito-Estregan and his wife Maita were very welcome guests at Santa Rosa's Sikhayan celebrations, sharing the honors with Mayor Arlene and Vice Mayor Arnel in presenting competition winners with trophies and prizes.
Every January 18, the City celebrates its Sikhayan Festival in conjunction with its Founding Anniversary. Sikhayan, which stands for Pagsisikap sa Kabuhayan, is an annual event celebrating the Rosenians’ spirit of enterprise that has, through the decades, fueled the city’s economic growth. The event was highlighted by the annual street dance competition participated in by eight (8) public elementary schools. The winners are Southville IV Elementary School (4th place), Malitlit Elementary School (3rd place), Dita Elementary School (2nd place), Don Jose Elementary School (1st place) and Sto. Domingo Elementary School (Grand Winner).
Present to witness the event were Governor George "ER" Ejercito-Estregan with wife Pagsanjan Mayor Maita Ejercito, Vice Governor Caesar Perez, Board Members Emil Tiongco and Carlo Almoro, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Leonardo Ragaza Jr. Guest performers include Yeng Constantino, Alden Richards, Sarah Lahbati and Derrick Monasterio. (Information and photos courtesy of Santa Rosa City Government.)
Footnote: Santa Rosa Magazine is independent.
It isn't part of the city government. Neither its stakeholders
nor its contributors have any personal or business connections
with city officials, whether elected or appointed.
SRM, its stakeholders and contributors reserve their individual rights to agree or disagree with past, present or future administrations.
This is the magazine's core value to the Santa Rosa City electorate, which is regarded and respected by SRM, its stakeholders and contributors as an informed and responsible electorate comprised of intelligent individual voters with equal rights.
At election times, we do not support incumbents if we feel their performances in office did not live up to their past election promises, nor do we support new candidates if we disagree with their proposals for change and we feel that they will not bring any improvements.
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SM CITY NORTH EDSA INDUCTED INTO PHILIPPINE RETAILERS' ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME
Acclaimed by the "Pulse and Voice of the Philippine Retail Industry".
Hall Of Fame induction is the highest, most valued and most prestigious recognition that the Philippine Retailers' Association can give.
THE PHILIPPINE RETAILERS' ASSOCIATION (PRA)
is the country's most prestigious national organization of retailers and service providers. During its Outstanding Retailers Awarding Ceremonies held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, SM City North EDSA was awarded as the Outstanding Shopping Center of the Year in the Large Category for the second year in a row and inducted into its Hall of Fame.
The organization gives highest honors every year to retailers and shopping centers that have epitomized success in terms of growth and ethical practice. Recognized as a paragon of a genuine partner in nation building, the PRA has earned distinction as the "Pulse and Voice of the Philippine Retail Industry".
For this year’s competition, a total of 16 copies were chosen from close to 100 nominees for their outstanding business practices that epitomized excellence in their business.
Symbolic key is received for 25 homes in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, from Gawad Kalinga in partnership with SM North EDSA.
SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy received the award from PRA President Bernie Liu together with SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia and the SM City North EDSA team: Vice President for Operations Steven Tan, Vice President for Leasing Daisy Chua, Regional Operations Manager Renee Bacani, AVP for Marketing Ruby Reyes, and Mall Manager Hershe Angeles.
At 425,000 square meters, SM City North EDSA is today the largest mall in the Philippines and among the largest in the world. It is also SM’s first mall, opening in November 1985 in the midst of a major political and economic crisis. SM Founder and Chairman Henry Sy, Sr., who had earlier seen the shopping center development in the US, however, remained steadfast in his vision that this could be possible in the Philippines. And the rest, as they say, is history.
The original mall had a gross floor area of 120,000. And like a city that keeps on growing, a Carpark Plaza and an Annex were added to the original City Center in 1988 and 1989, respectively.
The mall’s redevelopment began with the opening of The Block in 2006, and went into high gear with the launching of the renovated Annex in 2008 and the Sky Garden in 2009.The Carpark Plaza has been transformed into an Interior Zone and SM City North EDSA continues to be a work in progress with the renovation of the City Center and the development of the North Link.
SM City North EDSA has also been active in community efforts, giving back to the less fortunate. Since 2004, SM’s Disability Affairs Committee has aimed to create a friendlier, safer, and more comfortable environment for persons with disabilities in its supermalls through its installation of world class PWD facilities, training programs for its tenants and employees, and events like Photography with a Difference. With its close coordination with the National Council on Disability Affairs as well as different PWD organizations, SM has made significant strides in making its malls barrier free and non-handicapping for persons with disabilities.
In partnership with Gawad Kalinga, SM City North EDSA has built 25 homes in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.
Likewise as part of its 25h Anniversary celebrations, SM City North EDSA built 25 homes in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Caloocan City in partnership with Gawad Kalinga.
SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy conducted a ceremony where each family received a new home. Overwhelmed by the joy of the recipients, Mr. Hans decided to extend his initial campaign and create an entire SM City GK Village to benefit over 100 families. The campaign not only impacted the families who have received homes, but also allowed the community to flourish. Once a slum area, it has since been converted into a successful, fully functioning community.
SM City North EDSA has also received numerous industry, marketing, and corporate social responsibility awards including prestigious international awards like the International Council of Shopping Centers Gold Award in the Marketing Category for its Safari Summer Campaign in 2010; the ICSC Foundation Gold Award for its program with Gawad Kalinga in 2011; and the Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Brand Gold Award in the Mall Category in 2011.
- Pamela Peters-Baun (Photos courtesy of SM Prime Holdings.)
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US FIRST LADY SHARES WITH THE WORLD HER ADVICE FOR CHILD NUTRITION
Compassionate, personal and inspirational assistance to those who need it most.
First Lady Michelle Obama joins students for a "Let's Move!" Salad Bars to Schools launch event at Riverside Elementary School
in Miami, Florida, USA. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
PARENTS, BUSINESSES, EDUCATORS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY, CHEFS, PHYSICIANS, ATHLETES, CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, COMMUNITY AND FAITH LEADERS, AND KIDS THEMSELVES have made substantial commitments to improve the health of American children.
Through working together with Let's Move!, these groups have provided children in the USA with healthy food, physical activities in schools and communities, helped get families the information they need to make healthier decisions, supported a healthy start in early childhood, and have worked to ensure that the poorest people - especially their children - have access to healthy, affordable food.
As with every country around the globe, direct government assistance can only be provided to each independent nation's own citizens and communities, but the difference with the USA is that its general advice to parents for the health of their children is made available to even the poorest countries of the world by means of the free and open internet.
If this global freedom of information was blocked by those who wish to make the internet exclusive to a privileged few, the increase in world poverty and disease would be exponential. President Obama, we are happy to say, opposed the draconian bids of the US Congress and Senate to censor and control the internet, and make it impossible for not-for-profit organizations like Wikipedia to operate globally.
Michelle Obama should be applauded, congratulated and honored for her work in this respect. While her husband, the US President, is fighting daily battles at the highest level of government, the First Lady brings compassionate, personal and inspirational assistance to those in US society who need it most. And she openly shares lifesaving advice with the rest of the world. Thanks Ma'am, we appreciate it.
Eduardo Garcia (Photo courtesy of the White House.)
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BATANGAS CREATES BODY TO FIGHT TB
BATANGAS
GOVERNOR VILMA SANTOS-RECTO
led the awarding of local government units (LGUs) that
performed best in detecting cases of tuberculosis in
her province-wide goals to finally eradicate the disease,
which remains as one of the leading causes of deaths
among Filipinos.
The governor also led the signing of
a provincial government executive order creating a multi-stakeholder
council of public-private partnership with various committees
from different municipalities affirming their commitment
to make the entire Batangas TB-free.
The council was
created with the technical assistance of the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID)
through the Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control
TB (TB LINC) implemented by the Philippine Business
for Social Progress (PBSP). Among those recognized were
LGUs that performed high in case finding and case holding
of TB cases and individuals involved in "external quality
assessment in sputum microscopy."
During the awarding
ceremony at Hotel Ponte Fino here on Wednesday afternoon,
the mayors of San Juan, Lobo, and Balayan towns were
recognized for being the most supportive local chief
executives, primarily based on the event theme of "Stopping TB in my lifetime".
Newly-installed regional health
officer Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga of Region 4A (Calabarzon)
and TB LINC chief of party Dr. Dolores Castillo expressed
their full support for the goal of a TB-free Batangas.
Dr. Gonzaga also consulted with municipal health officers
in the province and took immediate action on how to
make the newly-issued executive order of Gov. Santos-Recto
more operational in the province.
The executive order
said Batangas would be committed to control TB "by ensuring
the availability of sustained resources for TB control
and management activities through standardized treatment
regimen, recording and reporting of TB cases, and instituting
directly observed treatment".
With the provincial
governor as chair of the "Batangas Tuberculosis-Free
Provincial Multipartite Council," the EO further identified
the president of the Batangas chapter of the League
of Municipalities of the Phils (LMP) as vice-chair.
Council members include provincial planning and health
officials, as well as representatives from TB LINC and
private groups, community and faith-based organizations,
academic institutions, and government agencies like
the departments of health, social welfare and development,
and interior and local government.
Other representatives
are from a league of government nurses, an association
of midwives, a barangay federation of health workers,
the local association of municipal health officers,
and other municipal and private hospitals associations.
The EO said the council’s interim policies and guidelines
for provincial management and implementation of TB care
would be according to the Philippine Plan of Action
to Control TB (PhilPACT) and the International Standards
on TB Care (ISTC).
In her keynote message, Gov. Santos-Recto
said Batangas would aim to eventually become TB-free
just as it earlier aimed to be malaria-free among its
provincial health advocacies. - Mitch Confessor
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ACCENTURE, PBSP, CONDUCT TRAININGS FOR SMEs
KNOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF SKILLS MASTERY FOR BUDDING BUSINESSMEN, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with Accenture, Inc., and ABS-CBN Bayan Academy created two-day training for BiD entrepreneurs.
Sixteen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owners took part in the said training held last November 28-29, 2011 in Manila to hone their abilities in Self Mastery and Critical Thinking. They also went through series of lectures and workshops on Market, Operations, People, and Financial Assessment, and Investing.
These entrepreneurs are either winners or finalists of the Business in Development (BiD) Challenge Philippines, an annual business plan competition for innovative business ideas that combine poverty reduction and profit. The emerging winner of the BiD Challenge will receive a grant to materialize their business plan and set up their business. This course will help the participants to further enhance their enterprises.
The entrepreneurship course was mentored by Prof. George Quitoriano and Prof. Estrelita Chavez-Catacutan, faculty members of the ABS-CBN Bayan Academy. And was sponsored by Accenture through their global corporate citizenship focus, Skills to Succeed program. Another training will be conducted at Davao City on February 21-23, 2012 for BiD enterprises located in the Visayas and Mindanao.
"Accenture will be here to provide the grant, and if there are partnerships we can do to provide training and, or give assistance to selected entrepreneurs…The selection process will be handled by PBSP," said Nescel Asuncion, Senior Executive of Accenture Philippines.
The grant amounting to PhP 3.49 million is now being utilized by PBSP to set up and manage training development programs for promising entrepreneurs in the country. - Joyce Franzly Racoma
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WHAT'S THE BEST? NO NEED TO
CHOOSE BETWEEN MARKET AND
MALL WHEN SM GIVES YOU BOTH WITH A DOUBLE WHAMMY NEW MARKETMALL CONCEPT.
VISIT IN DASMARINAS, CAVITE!
Cavite Congressman Pidi Barzaga and Vice Governor Recto Cantimbuan share honors at the Marketmall’s opening ceremonies together with Mrs. Felicidad Sy and SM Food Retail President Herbert Sy. Also in photo are officiating Priest Reverend Father Leoben Peregrino, SM Prime Holdings’s Hans Christian Sy, Jr., SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia, and SM Hypermarket President Robert Kwee.
AN INNOVATIVE NEW SHOPPING CONCEPT RECEIVED A WARM AND ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME from residents of the City of Dasmariñas, Cavite, when SM Marketmall opened its doors to the public.
In the SM tradition, SM executives led by SM Food Retail President Herbert Sy personally greeted the first wave of shoppers, as the eager and excited crowds quickly packed this mall of firsts.
This 5-storey, more than 10,000 square meter Marketmall is the first public-private partnership between a City Government and SM Prime Holdings, and is envisioned to be a destination for foodies in search for fresh products and homegrown cuisine.
It is housed in a modern, well lighted and well ventilated building, is open 24 hours, and is the first vertical wet market development with a Hypermarket, 1,073 wet and dry market stalls, restaurants, services, and a bagsakan area. Shopping in the Marketmall is easy, because the stainless steel stalls in the wet and dry areas are properly zoned and color-coded.
And then, there is the convenience of the multi-level parking area with provisions for 252 vehicles, as well as accessible transportation for commuters.
During opening day, customers had a glimpse of Cavite’s homegrown food offerings at the Tiendas de Dasmariñas where foods like the famous Imus Kutsinta, Tinapang Salinas, Seaweed Crackers, Gatas ng General Trias, Cafe Amadeo, Paella Negra, Marinara, and other Cavite products were showcased.
Earlier in the day, no less than Cavite Vice Governor Recto Cantimbuhan, Dasmariñas City Congressman Pidi Barzaga, and Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga shared honors in the ribbon cutting ceremonies with Mrs. Felicidad Sy and SM Food Retail President Herbert Sy.
SM Prime Holdings’ Hans Christian Sy, Jr., SM Hypermarket's Robert Kwee, SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia, and Reverend Father Leoben Peregrino also joined them.
The first wave of shoppers gathers outside, excited to experience the
first one stop mall in Cavite with Hypermarket,
wet and dry market stalls, restaurants, services and bagsakan area.
Located along Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan Congressional Road, Dasmariñas, City, Cavite, the SM Marketmall serves customers from Dasmariñas City and nearby towns such as Imus, GMA, Carmona, General Trias and even some part of Trece Martirez City.
Apart from the SM Hypermarket and the wet and dry market, it also has food tenants like Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking; as well as services like BDO, Test Point, Mr. Quickie, Dermcare, LBC, Inkrite, APD Travel, M. H Burton, A-1 Driving and Lucky Circle.
The SM Marketmall is not only clean, well maintained, and secure, but also has PWD friendly facilities. Furthermore, it showcases environmentally sustainable practices with a sewage treatment plant that recycles water, and also has proper garbage segregation and disposal.
The SM Marketmall’s design and construction team includes Jose Siao Ling and
Associates, Architects and Designers; and R. M. Cabanela Construction and ManagementCorp, General Contractor. Pamela Peters-Baun (Photos courtesy of SM Prime Holdings.)
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We're hoping that President Obama will veto Congress and Senate bills to censor and strangle the internet. Click above to watch his
2012 State Of The Union Address on this page or click here to watch it on YouTube.
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BILL BEFORE US CONGRESS
PROPOSES TO CENSOR AND STRANGLE THE INTERNET
America did not invent the World Wide Web and does not own it.
It does not have most users. China has the most with 485 million.
Globally there were 2.1 billion internet users in 2011, and the
USA has no right to enslave and control the whole planet.
Join the resistance and make your views heard. Even
President Obama is against this latest example of
political lunacy that would kill global freedom.
WATCH THE ABOVE VIDEO OF CNN'S INTERVIEW WITH JIMMY WALES, THE FOUNDER OF WIKIPEDIA. The free non-profit online encyclopedia is one of the busiest sites on the internet, and Wales is protesting because the proposed laws would make it very difficult or even impossible to operate. He says they would force American laws on foreigners without representation, as the English language Wikipedia is referred to by people all over the world.
President Obama's statement said "Proposed laws must not tamper with the technical architecture of the Internet." His opposition was immediately attacked by one of the bill's backers, Rupert Murdoch, the tycoon who is under investigation for alleged authorization of illegal tapping of private phones by some of his newspapers to obtain "inside stories".
The internet does not belong to the USA. It was not even invented by an American. The rest of the world needs to unite in response to this attempted hijack of our global community by the US Congress in complete disregard of other nations' human rights. Do ordinary tax paying honest Americans really want the planet to be controlled by corporate thugs buying their congressmen and senators in order to manipulate the internet and evade even more US taxes than they do already?
You can see the video interview with Jimmy Wales on CNN's website. See also Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion page.
Watch also the video below.
WHAT DOES A BILL LIKE PIPA/SOPA MEAN TO OUR SHAREABLE WORLD?Clay Shirky delivers a proper manifesto -- a call to defend our freedom to create, discuss, link and share, rather than passively consume. He believes that new technologies enabling loose collaboration and taking advantage of "spare" brainpower - will change the way society works.
Shirky's work focuses on the rising usefulness of decentralized technologies such as peer-to-peer, wireless networks, social software and open-source development. New technologies are enabling new kinds of cooperative structures to flourish as a way of getting things done in business, science, the arts and elsewhere, as an alternative to centralized and institutional structures, which he sees as self-limiting.
In his writings and speeches he has argued that "a group is its own worst enemy". His clients have included Nokia, the Library of Congress and the BBC. Shirky is an adjunct professor in New York University's graduate Interactive Telecommunications Program, where he teaches a course named "Social Weather".
He's the author of "Here Comes Everybody", about the power of crowds, and "Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age". WIRED magazine said about him: "Shirky is one of the handful of people with justifiable claim to the digerati moniker. He's become a consistently prescient voice on networks, social software, and technology's effects on society."
(Video and write-up courtesy ofTED.) - Sarina Fernandez
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Aside from giving birth to male heroes, the amazing historical role of women in their own right has been for too long circumvented, ignored, neglected and suppressed. Click on the above graphic to see for yourselves how women are willing and able to speak for themselves on subjects that make a difference to everyone in the world today. - Sarina Fernandez, Editor of Santa Rosa Magazine.
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GOOGLE SCIENCE FAIR 2012
Contestants aged 13 - 18 have now submitted their
entries in hope of winning some amazing prizes.
"HAVE YOU ASKED A QUESTION TODAY? WHAT DID YOU DO WITH IT? Did it take you somewhere new? Did it bring you here? The Google Science Fair is an online science competition seeking curious minds from the four corners of the globe. Anybody and everybody between 13 and 18 can enter. All you need is an idea. Geniuses are not always A-grade students. We welcome all mavericks, square-pegs and everybody who likes to ask questions. The video below from last year gives you more of the competition's background.
Simply upload your project to win some life changing prizes. Everyone has a question. What’s yours? All entries must be submitted by 1 April 2012. Get up and running by registering today. The first Google Science Fair was held in 2011, when three young women beat allcomers to win the three top prizes.
Shree Bose was last year's grand prize winner, Lauren Hodge was last year's winner in the age 13-14 category, and Naomi Shah was last year's winner in the age 15-16 category. Above, courtesy of TED, they describe their extraordinary winning projects -- and their route to a passion for science at a time when science was still considered by many to be dominated by men.
(Left to Right): Cecile Loretizo, ELRO Commercial and Industrial Corporation Marketing Manager; Roland Salazar, ELRO Commercial
and Industrial Corporation Human Resources Manager, and Rafael Lopa, PBSP Executive Director.
ELRO COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION donated 1M pesos worth of slippers to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to benefit underprivileged children in Mindanao. The slippers were distributed by PBSP's Mindanao Regional Operations (PBSP - MRO) to schools in the Island Municipality of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
A total of 1,600 Grade 3 to 6 students from Baluk-Baluk Elementary School, Lukbungsod Elementary School, Lubukan Elementary School, Tausan Elementary School, Panducan Elementary School, Palahangan Elementary School, Sangbay Big Elementary School, Sangbay Small Elemetary School, Mananggal Elementary School, Dansalan Elementary School, Salisa Primary School received a pair of slippers. - Joyce Racoma (Photo courtesy of PBSP.)
PBSP CORPORATE PARTNERS COLLECT P3.6M FOR SENDONG RELIEF EFFORTS. Member companies and other corporate partners of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) were able to collect as of January 6 at least P3.63 million in cash and goods for victims of typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao.
Philex Mining and EPSON Precision Phils. each donated P1 million, while Megaworld Corp. poured in P600,000.
PBSP itself together with Global Fund, an international organization that fights AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, contributed P249,000, while NEH Phils. added P200,000.
Brother International, the Angelo King Foundation, and the Salome Tan Foundation each gave P100,000. The Phil. Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. (PASAR) contributed P65,270.
TSM Shipping and the Marriage Encounter Foundation each shared P50,000, while Aboitiz Co. and The Bookmark also shared P25,000 each.
Flour gave P20,000 and IBM gave P15,000, while Apostolic Beloved of Christ shared P12,000.
Medicard Phils. gave out cash and goods amounting to P11,350 while Garces Royal Garden and Biotech each had P10,000.
Asalus Corp. and Hersheys contributed various food and non-food items, while employees from Abbott Phils. shared boxes of canned sardines, used clothing, new shirts, and mosquito nets.
Companies that have also expressed their intentions to help Sendong victims include Cathay Pacific, Manila Water, and Nesic Phils.
- Report by Mitch Confesor
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More than 250 underprivileged Santa Rosa children received brand new toys from SM Foundation's Make A Child Happy Program.
SM FOUNDATION BRINGS JOY TO 450 DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
SM FOUNDATION WAS SUPPORTED BY THE SANTA ROSA CITY SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION THROUGH ITS "MAKE A CHILD HAPPY" PROJECT. SM Foundation together with SM City Sta. Rosa gave away both old and new toys which were donated by its mall shoppers via their Share A Toy program.
A picture tells a thousand words: this little girl's smile says it all.
200 kids from different barangays in Sta. Rosa City converged at the basketball court of Central III Elementary School to receive the toys while more than 250 children with their parents trooped to SM City Sta. Rosa's Exhibit Area to attend the Make a Child Happy Christmas Party organized by the SM Foundation.
The whole afternoon was filled with laughter as the children excitedly participated in the parlor games. Their excitement intensified when the host introduced McDonalds' ever lovable mascot Kid McDonald as the afternoon's special guest.
Employees of SM Sta. Rosa and SM Foundation participated in distributing the gifts.
Brand new toys were given away as well as snacks and treats from the event sponsors namely Mr. Donuts, Dunkin Donuts, Go Nuts Donuts, Quantum, Tom's World, Fruits and Waffles, Potato Corner, Potato Madness, Ice Breaker, Pick & Mix, Do Eat Cotton Candy, Whippy Soft Ice Cream, Grizzly Bear Ice Cream, Frost Bites, Milo Soft Serve Ice Cream, Purefoods TJ Hotdog, Magic Pop, Plato Wraps, Coco Fresco and Popperroo. - Pamela Peters-Baun (Photos courtesy of SM Foundation)
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JACK CANFIELD CAN HELP YOU
JACK
CANFIELD
has established himself as the world's #1 motivational
speaker and trainer for personal, family, community,
business, and government success. Check out his official
website.
SRM has thoroughly
reviewed his performance and products, with the result
that we wholehearted recommend Canfield's authentic
sincerity, ethics, and effectiveness.
Furthermore, if
you wish to examine academically the core principles
that form the foundations on which Jack Canfield's empire
is built, we suggest you start by watching the videos
below, posted here courtesy of Google, YouTube, and
the individuals and organizations involved. They will
open your mind to different ways of looking at the world.
BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
We spend our lives being seduced by the outside world, believing without question that happiness and suffering come from "out there." In reality, Buddhist teachings explain that they come from the way we perceive and interpret things, not the things themselves.
This deeply held misconception is at the root of our dissatisfaction, self-doubt, anger, depression, anxiety, and the rest.
But our minds can
change. By becoming deeply familiar with the workings
of our own cognitive processes through introspection
and learning to deconstruct them - truly, being our
own therapists - we can loosen the grip of these neuroses
and grow our marvelous potential for contentment, clarity,
and courage, which are at the core of our being.
Venerable Robina
Courtin is a Tibetan Buddhist nun for 30 years, beloved
teacher and power-house personality. She's the Executive
Director of Liberation Prison Project, based in San
Francisco. A lifeline
for people with nothing and no one to turn to, since
1996 Liberation Prison Project has supported the spiritual
practice of over 15,000 prisoners, mainly in the US
and Australia.
These days, the project spends $50,000
every month, nearly half of it on salaries and benefits
for a fulltime staff of ten (eight in the US and two
in Australia, including three former prisoners), supported
by a team of 150+ volunteers worldwide.
Ven. Robina
travels the world, teaching and raising funds, touching
countless hearts and minds with her down-to-earth, no-nonsense
packaging of the Buddha's teachings, often filled with
tasty stories from her own real-life struggles, attachments
and relationships.
She is able to put across to her
students in and out of prison that change is possible;
everyone can learn to develop their qualities, to be
joyful in the face of difficulties - even on death row.
"Ven. Robina has taught me to look at everything that
occurs in my life with a different view," writes one
Australian prisoner. "She has given me dignity, courage,
and honor."
TRANSFORM YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN
In this talk, Richard J. Davidson explores recent
scientific research on the neuroscience of positive
human qualities and how they can be cultivated through
contemplative practice. Distinctions among different
forms of contemplative practices will be introduced
and they will be shown to have different neural and
behavioral consequences, as well as important consequences
for physical health in both long-term and novice practitioners.
New research also shows that meditation-based interventions
delivered online can produce behavioral and neural changes.
Collectively, this body of research indicates that we
can cultivate adaptive neural changes and strengthen
positive human qualities through systematic mental practice.
THE EXTENDED MIND: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE
We have been brought up to believe that the mind is located inside the head. But there are good reasons for thinking that this view is too limited. Recent experimental results show that people can influence others at a distance just by looking at them, even if they look from behind and if all sensory clues are eliminated. And people's intentions can be detected by animals from miles away.
The commonest kind of non-local interaction mental influence occurs in connection with telephone calls, where most people have had the experience of thinking of someone shortly before they ring. Controlled, randomized tests on telephone telepathy have given highly significant positive results. Research techniques have now been automated and experiments on telepathy are now being conducted through the internet and cell phones, enabling widespread participation.
Rupert Sheldrake
Ph.D. is a biologist and author of more than 75 technical
papers and ten books, the most recent being "The
Sense of Being Stared At". He studied at Cambridge
and Harvard Universities, was a Fellow of Clare College
Cambridge and a Research Fellow of the Royal Society.
He is currently Director of the Perrott-Warrick project,
funded from Trinity College Cambridge.
CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN
If happiness is an inner state, influenced by external conditions but not dependent on them, how can we achieve it? Ricard will examine the inner and outer factors that increase or diminish our sense of well-being, dissect the underlying mechanisms of happiness, and lead us to a way of looking at the mind itself based on his book, Happiness: A Guide to Life's Most Important Skill and from the research in neuroscience on the effect of mind-training on the brain. Matthieu Ricard is a gifted scientist turned Buddhist monk, who is now a best selling author, translator, and photographer. He has lived and studied in the Himalayas for the last 35 years.
SRM is completely
independent, and is not affiliated or connected with
any of these research programs. Our recommendations
are totally impartial, and we gain no financial or other
benefit whatsoever from any recommendations that we
make.
Without any outside
advertising or political pressures or inside ulterior
motives, and unlike US and European media controlled
by the likes of Rupert Murdoch, our OFW and foreign
investor publishers allow us to say editorially exactly
what we think. Always. Period. -
Sarina Fernandez, Editor of Santa Rosa Magazine
Luguna De Bay could be a beautiful attraction as well as a haven for nature and a rich source of food, but it badly needs help.
WE APPLAUD OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR FOR HIS EFFORTS TO MAKE LAGUNA GREAT. He's already doing great things to improve housing, medical care and education for the poor, and has launched high profile campaigns and initiatives to clean up pollution, nurture the environment, and attract the wide range of investments needed for future development and growth.
Visit the Laguna Province official website for a free Investor's Guide and details of the Save Laguna Lake campaign. Also see the lead story on our Opinion Page. - Sarina Fernandez (Photos courtesy of Laguna Provincial Government).
Luguna Governor Jeorge "ER" Ejercito-Estregan has made it a top priority to clean up our lake's pollution and restore its natural beauty.
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SRM SALUTES EACH AND EVERY PHILIPPINE TEACHER
"It is no secret that teachers in the Philippines are the most affected by the economic hardship," - Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora-Apsay
TEACHERS ARE THE FRONT LINE OF OUR NATION'S FUTURE. Every parent knows that as well as a joy it's also very hard work to bring up children. From birth they have minds of their own which quickly develop, giving each a distinctive character and personality.
Some are quiet and docile, others are noisy and hyperactive. Some are focused and eager to learn, others have shorter attention spans and are not interested in learning. The differences are infinite, and no two children are the same.
Yet some public school teachers have classes of up to 60 children to control and teach. It's a daunting prospect even for the most dedicated, devoted and patient teacher, and a teacher's salary should reflect the importance of the job and the qualities required to do it.
Scroll down this page for the informative report by Joyce Franzly Racoma. - Sarina Fernandez (Graphic courtesy of PBSP).
Support the stand of Wikipedia, US President Obama, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Boing Boing, Reddit, Flickr, Cheezburger network,
and many others against the draconian bid by computer-illiterate American lawmakers to destroy the international freedom of the internet. Voting on the offensive proposed bills has now been postponed pending further consultation, but to combat the continuous lobbying and bribing of corrupt congressmen and senators by lawless corporations we will need to maintain our global pressure. To find out more and to stay updated on this issue just click anywhere on the above graphic.
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WHY ARE BILL AND MELINDA GATES
SALMAN KHAN'S GREATEST FANS?
(Because they know
his online tutorials make
world-class math education free to
anyone anywhere.)
PHILIPPINE STUDENTS CURRENTLY REBELLING AGAINST
HIKES IN TUITION AND OTHER FEES
may take heart in the fact that rich and
powerful people in other countries are
doing a lot to assist them. The Khan
Academy (www.khanacademy.org)
is a a not-for-profit organization with
the mission of providing FREE
WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION TO ANYONE
ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD VIA THE INTERNET. It started with
math and over 30 million lessons have
been delivered to-date. More than 2000
free online video tutorials cover
everything from basic addition to
advanced calculus, physics, chemistry
and biology. The founder, Salman Khan,
holds an MBA from Harvard Business
School (www.hbs.edu), an M.Eng and B.S. in electrical
engineering and computer science from
MIT (web.mit.edu), and a B.S. in mathematics from MIT. Bill Gates in the above video describes what Salman Khan is doing as "the start of a revolution".
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (www.gatesfoundation.org)
is now helping to fund Khan Academy's
expansion to embrace other subjects than
math, and to develop analytical software
that will be an enormous boon to
students and teachers alike. The Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation is also
helping to fund other empowering
educational work such as The Big History
Project (www.bighistoryproject.com), which has already proved to be of
tremendous benefit to high school and
university students. Read
and view more on our special Education Revolution page.
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"WHAT
WE HAVE IS A
PLANETARY EMERGENCY.
WHAT WE NEED IS A
GENERATION OF HEROES.
A hero generation
brought democracy to the planet.
Another hero generation ended
slavery. Another hero generation
brought women the right to vote.
We
now need a generation of heroes with
a generational mission to save our
planet. If we had just one week's
worth of what the USA spends on the
Iraq war, we would be well on the
way to doing this."
In the
above TED
video, Al Gore presents
evidence that the speed of climate
change is much faster than
previously predicted, and he warns
of the urgency to act NOW.
Once the
US Vice President, then star of "An
Inconvenient Truth", now Nobel Peace
Prize winner, Gore found a way to focus
the world's attention on climate change.
In doing so, he invented a new medium --
the Keynote movie -- and reinvented
himself. Unlike most people in public
office, Gore always intended to get
things done and, since leaving
Washington in 2000, he's still at it.
His campaign for alerting the world to
the dangers of climate change is gaining
momentum. His Oscar-winning "An
Inconvenient Truth" is the third
most successful documentary ever
released at the box office. It is being
used by governments around the world to
inform the local public, and the UK
government even sent a copy of the film
to every high school in England, Wales
and Scotland. Gore's famed PowerPoint
presentation, with its meticulously
researched content and lucid style, has
energized rapidly increasing numbers of
worldwide activists -- both young and
old. Meanwhile, Gore has transformed his
image as a communicator. The once
'wooden' style has given way to a warmth
and humor that reveal the depth of his
experience as a soldier, congressman,
senator, Vice President, TV executive,
teacher and author. Arguably, he is
better positioned today than ever before
to affect the future of our environment
and world. Along with the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in
2007 he was awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize "for efforts to build
up and disseminate greater knowledge
about man-made climate change, and to
lay the foundations for the measures
that are needed to counteract such
change". Rolling Stone magazine has
commented: "The only Vice President ever
to mock his own stiff image by imitating
a wax-museum figure, Gore turns out to
be the best professor that you never had
-- easygoing, knowledgeable and funny."
To find out how you can get involved,
visit The
Climate Project official website.
Al Gore has written an article published
in the June 22, 2011, issue of Rolling
Stone that you may read
online. Also read the report in USA
Today's online edition of June 22
confirming that "97
percent of scientific experts agree
that climate change is very likely
caused mainly by human activity" based on Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences,
and USA Today includes an excellent interactive
graphic that explains clearly how
global warming occurs.
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FILIPINA IS DECLARED HERO
BY HILLARY CLINTON
Darlene Pajarito from Zamboanga receives the
2011 Hero Acting to End Modern Day
Slavery Award.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO DARLENE PAJARITO ON HER AWARD
from the
US Secretary of State, and
congratulations to everyone else in the
Philippines and Singapore whose
dedication, hard work and persistence
resulted in the removal of both nations
from the American blacklist of countries
most heavily involved with human
trafficking. They are all heroes too, and it is more
heroes like them that we now need to
save all Asia from the scourge of
political corruption, and our entire
planet from the ravages of man-made
climate change (for which
paradoxically the worst offender by
far is the USA.)
To
provide our viewers with more
information about the human trafficking
in Asia, below is the video of a talk
given by Somaly Mam. She is Cambodian,
was sold into sexual slavery as a child,
and during her several years of
captivity was repeatedly tortured and
raped every day before eventually
managing to make her escape.
For
women in other countries who have never
experienced anything remotely similar
themselves, such a situation is
extremely difficult to imagine. But for
girls abruptly caught up in human
trafficking as innocent young children,
the trauma is soul-destroying and its
effects last a lifetime.
Which makes it all the more amazing that Mam
later set up AFESIP (Agir Pour les
Femmes en Situation Précaire -
English translation: Acting for Women in
Distressing Circumstances), a nonprofit
non-government organization that
rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates
victims of human trafficking, and that
she still works tirelessly to increase
awareness and support in the rest of the
world.
She
has received innumerable international
accolades for her work, including being
named one of the world's most
influential women by Time magazine.
Visit the AFESIP
official website to find out
more. (Courtesy of DLDwomen.)
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WHAT IS THE GLOBAL SUMMIT
OF WOMEN?
IRENE
NATIVIDAD, President of the
Washington USA based Global Summit of Women, explains what the
Summit is all about to Daljit Dhaliwal
on PBS' Foreign Exchange.
An
acclaimed participant in southeast Asia
is the Women, Family and Community
Development Minister of Malaysia,
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. After
the Malaysian corporate sector was recently given
a five-year transitional period to
increase the number of women in high
positions or on the board of directors
of companies, she said this was because
many women had the qualifications,
potential, talent and experience needed
to be at the decision-making level.
"Based on studies done by other
countries which practise the same
policy, having women on the board of
directors or as chairmen has been found
to have raised productivity of the
companies," she announced. "It also does
not threaten the security market, the
corporate field or businesses in
Malaysia. In fact, we've seen growth in
the companies." Shahrizat added that her
ministry would soon start a training
program to prepare women with the
potential to sit on boards of directors.
"Women represent half of the nation's
population and we are a critical
consumer mass, so I don't see why women
should be left out in the
decision-making process," she said. Why
does the Philippines lag so far
behind? Is it because there are no
successful Filipina corporate leaders?
No. There are many. Is it because
there are no successful Filipinas
already running their own established
businesses? No. There are many. Is it
because there are no talented and
ambitious Filipina entrepreneurs eager
to create their own new startups? No.
There are many.
In
our situation, which stems from all
kinds of historical factors, SRM cannot
and does not apportion blame. What we
say is that the time has come for
change. It is our considered belief that
Philippine women must be fully
recognized, appreciated and rewarded for
their contribution not only to family
but to society. For too long their
contribution has been taken for granted
and continuously neglected.
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Aside from giving birth to male heroes, the amazing historical role of women in their own right has been for too long circumvented, ignored, neglected and suppressed. Click on the above graphic to see for yourselves how women are willing and able to speak for themselves on subjects that make a difference to everyone in the world today. - Sarina Fernandez, Editor of Santa Rosa Magazine.
Welcome to Santa Rosa
Magazine - the
accessible open e-magazine of Santa Rosa
City, Laguna, Philippines. No payment, no
registration, no login required.
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With summer in full swing, you can now buy Enchanted Kingdom tickets at all branches of Ticket World and SM Tickets, as well as at the park itself and at EK's Makati sales office. Summer wouldn't be the same without at least one visit, maybe two, maybe more. An exciting time is guaranteed for all the family, and even the most adrenalin-pumping rides comply with all the latest international safety standards. Students, expats, armed services and tourists can avail special promos. Please be aware that tickets purchased from unauthorized individuals, companies or groups are considered scalper tickets and EK won't honor them.
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THIS
MONTH'S BIG 4 VIDEOS
(See our Special Features for a monthly selection of great videos.)
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ABS-CBN PARTNERS WITH DepED IN LARUNUNGAN TOY DRIVE
1.9 Million Children Entering Kindergarten In 2012 Will Receive Gifted Toys
Left to Right: Irwen Ong, Bangkulasi ES PTA officer; Reynaldo Reyes, Barangay Bangkulasi councilor; Rowena Cruz, KABAKA school teacher; KABAKA kindergarten students; Emmanuel Magsino, ABS-CBN IPS communications officer; and Edwin Cuartero, PBSP senior program officer.
ABS-CBN'S ACCLAIMED LARUNUNGAN TOY DRIVE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION is collecting new or used toys this summer for kids who will enter kindergarten this year in 38,000 public schools.
Studies show that children who experience one year of kindergarten are more prepared for the primary grades, and their chances of dropping out during this period are significantly lowered. This year the Universal Kindergarten Bill passed into Philippine law "to provide equal opportunities for all children to avail of accessible mandatory and compulsory kindergarten education that effectively promotes physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and skills stimulation and values formation to sufficiently prepare them for formal education".
Among the ten-point education agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the universal kindergarten program will prepare the young learners for the rigors of regular schooling. Specifically, the R.A. 10157 or the Kindergarten Education Act is important so that the program becomes a permanent stage in the school children's school life without it being affected by changes in the political landscape.
With generous support from member companies, the Philippine Business for Social Progress has turned over educational toys to the campaign. Companies who donated toys through PBSP include IBM Philippines Inc, Richwell Trading Corporation, and Hospira Inc.
Among the beneficiaries of the campaign are Bangkulasi Elementary School, Northville 2 Day Care Center, and KABAKA Day Care Center.
- Joyce Franzly Racoma and Grace Muncada (Photo courtesy of PBSP.)
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STUDENT VICTIMS OF TYPHOON SENDONG RECEIVE SCHOOL AID THEY YEARN FOR
Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas comes home to assist PBSP and partners in enabling quick recovery for disaster-stricken students.
IT
MAY TAKE A LONG TIME TO HEAL THE WOUNDS AND TRAUMA BROUGHT
BY TYPHOON SENDONG LAST YEAR,
but survivors, particularly the young ones, have
shown great determination to start anew.
Despite difficulties, Jasmin Pagador, 6, and two of her elder siblings still go to school with just a few sheets of paper. The flood damaged their village and washed away their belongings which included school bags and uniforms. Fortunately, none of their family members perished during the flood as they were able to climb at the rooftop of a neighbor's house.
Like the rest of the survivors, their determination encouraged compassionate individuals and organizations to help. Humanitarian aid continues to pour for students affected by the deluge. This time, the aid came in the form of an educational assistance consisting of assorted school supplies, shirts and skirts for uniforms, footwear, and books among others.
Jasmin is one of the 471 students of Cabili Village Elementary School who benefited recently from the assistance facilitated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Her school was among those badly hit by the flashflood last December. Jasmin's damaged classroom forced her teacher to find another place to hold classes.
Rafael Lopa, PBSP executive director, visited the damaged schools in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to see what other areas can PBSP and its corporate partners extend its help.
During the early
stage of relief operations, PBSP mobilized its member
companies to donate basic survival necessities for the
flood-stricken families. Filipinos here and abroad generously
responded. PBSP also facilitated the CDO visit of the
Filipino-American hip-hop artist Apl.de.Ap
of the Black
Eyed Peas.
Archive video of Apl De Ap of the Black Eyed Peas guesting
on ABS-CBN's Wowowee, chatting with host Willie Revillame,
dancing with Luningning, and performing "You Can Dream"
with Billy Crawford.
Touched by the present condition, Apl extended his share by giving an upbeat performance to ease the burden of the survivors. He also sent his team to do followup visits in CDO and Iligan to know the other possible needs of survivors. Jennifer Belle, one of Apl’s managers was moved by Jasmin’s story. She doesn’t speak the dialect but she fully understood the girl’s situation.
From relief operations, PBSP is now mobilizing resources to make the challenging rehabilitation efforts happen. With local partners like Goodwill Mindanao Philippines, Inc. (GMPI), projects will be implemented to help the affected communities. - Joyce Franzly Racoma and Danny Escabarte
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Protesters outside the US Embassy in Poland demonstrate against the bid to pass laws in America that would remove freedoms their grand- parents and parents fought the Nazis and the Russians to obtain. See the Yahoo Slideshow for a few examples of people around the globe whose lives would be directly affected by these laws.
Watch the above Yahoo Slideshow to see its enlarged photos of people around the world of all ages, including President Obama, and US servicemen on active duty overseas, using laptops to connect with their home, their office or their global social network. More than 2 billion people, most of which are not Americans, would be adversely affected if bills to control the internet are ever passed by the US Congress and Senate to become American law. The internet gives us all the freedom to communicate and learn and help others. It is not owned by the USA, and our need to protest is not over. Postponement pending consultation isn't the end. The world must keep up its global pressure. (Screenshot courtesy of Yahoo). Also see Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion page.
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TWO GREAT EVENTS WITH HUGE GLOBAL IMPACT THAT SIMPLY CAN'T BE MISSED THIS YEAR!!!
Yeosu, Korea, and London, England, bring the world together.
WHETHER VIEWED ON TELEVISION OR ATTENDED IN PERSON, the two most spectacular and exciting world events this year will be Expo 2012 from May 12 to August 12 in Yeosu, South Korea, and the 2012 Olympics from July 27 to August 12 in London, England.
See the videos and graphics below:
The first is an inspirational overview of Expo 2012's main theme of "The Living Ocean and Coast" with its three subthemes of "Preservation and Sustainable Development of the Ocean and Coast", "New Resources Technology", and "Creative Marine Activities".
Following North Korea's failed rocket launch on Friday April 13, 2012, which eastern sages, Buddhist monks, and Feng Shui experts had advised North Korea against, more than the hoped for 100 countries and international organizations will now participate in, and more than the originally anticipated 8 million visitors will now attend Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea.
During Expo 2012 the City of Yeosu will make a formal declaration demanding international response to situations, such as pollution and overfishing, that threaten conservation and sustainable development of the ocean's resources. It will emphasize the importance of international cooperation and feasible joint actions to solve problems concerning the ocean.
After Expo 2012, the city will be developed as a model environmentally-friendly coastal community, and used as a test bed of Green Home projects. There will also be a focus on ocean-themed timeshares and premium dwelling places.
The Beijing 2008 Olympics was a hard act to follow. Its large-scale approach and new iconic modern buildings transformed Beijing into the major tourist destination that it is today. At its closing ceremony in 2008 the flame was passed to London, which becomes the first city in the world to host the Olympic Games 3 times, and athletes from 147 countries will be taking part in 2012.
As its Grand Opening Ceremony approaches, the biggest question of all on everyone's lips is: "Will China dislodge the USA from its Beijing top spot and win the most Olympic medals 4 years later? Or will Russia leapfrog them both to regain the domination it once enjoyed as the force behind the USSR before collapse of communism in eastern Europe?" Take a look at the below final rankings after Beijing Olympics 2008.
FINAL MEDAL TALLY FOR BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008: Before the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, the two dominant Olympic forces were Russia and East Germany. Since then it has become a sporting battle between the USA (world's richest nation) and China (world's most populous nation), with
China rapidly gaining ground. Russia, Great Britain and Australia look too far behind to be a real threat.
The above video is a humorous indication of how the London 2012 Olympics will have a fresh down-to-earth approach based on the factual theme that ordinary people anywhere in the world, who are interested in sports, can and do take part and become champions.
Both approaches are valid within the Olympic Charter, and to get this into perspective, Britain's population (63 million) is less than Thailand (66 million), Germany (82 million), Vietnam (88 million), the Philippines (95 million), Japan (128 million), Russia (143 million), Nigeria (163 million), Brazil (193 million), Indonesia (238 million), the USA (313 million), India (1.2 billion), or China (1.4 billion).
London has prepared for the massiive influx of tourists in 2012 with a new eco-friendly double decker
bus, brightly decorated new underground trains, and the Olympic Javelin high-speed overland trains.
See more videos about the 2012 Olympics. They're funny, heartwarming, inspirational, and packed with thinking outside the box.
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THE MOST ROMANTIC DAY OF THE YEAR BEGAN AND ENDED WITH "I LOVE YOU"
Eric Santos sings to lucky wedding couples at SM City Sta. Rosa.
City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, looking like a Hollywood movie star, flanked by Vice Mayor Arnel Gomez and city councilors, made sure at SM City Santa Rosa that Valentine's Day 2012 would be a day for 355 wedding couples to remember and tell their children about.
THE ANNUAL KASALAG BAYAN was held at the mall's Event Center on February 14. A total of 355 couples exchanged marital vows in a ceremony overflowing with promises of undying love and devotion. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas, together with Vice Mayor Arnel Gomez and city councilors, made their special wedding day an event to remember for the rest of their lives.
Later, like cream on their wedding cakes, the newly married couples were serenaded by popular romantic crooner Eric Santos. This emotion-packed Valentine's Day tradition at SM City Sta. Rosa gives couples engaged to be married a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their weddings on the day of the year that's dedicated to love, and enhanced by sharing it with others who also wish to marry on the same symbolic day. Without a doubt, it's a tradition that their children and grandchildren will wish to follow when their time comes.
Relatives and friends shared this special occasion, enjoying every moment, full of love and joy for the happy couples who invited them.
Today Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, mostly in the West although it is gaining popularity in the East. The original St. Valentine was an early Christian saint named Valentinus, but romantic connotations were added centuries later by English poets. The date February 14 was first associated with romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer. To honor the first anniversary of the engagement on February 14 1381 of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, he wrote in 1382: "For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
In the next hundred years it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other with flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards known as 'valentines'. Edmund Spenser wrote in 'The Faerie Queen' (1590): "She bathed with roses red, and violets blue, And all the sweetest flowers, That in the forest grew." William Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet', written 1600-1601, has Ophelia saying: "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day, All in the morning betime, And I a maid at your window, To be your Valentine." And John Donne's 'Epithalamion' (1613) says: "Let not this day, then, but this night be thine, Thy day was but the eve to this, O Valentine."
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, mass-produced greeting cards have replaced handwritten 'valentines', but the fundamental message remains the same: "I Love You."
- Pam Peters-Baun (Photos courtesy of SM Prime Holdings. History courtesy of Wikipedia.)
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Forget the negative attitudes of stick-in-the-mud critics and do a Google search to see the creativity of Filipinos who have posted on the internet their own versions of DOT's inspiring
new tourism slogan. Who cares what the Swiss did in 1951? They didn't invent the English
language and they didn't coin the "it's more fun" phrase. Positive-thinking Filipinos like the
new slogan and are having lots of fun proving the truth in it. DOT deserves congratulations!
(See Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion page.
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COMPUTER GAMERS' DREAM MACHINE
External and internal views of the Alienware Area-51 ALX personal gaming computer.
FORWARDED TO US BY ANGEL TUGADO, WHOSE TWO MAIN LOVES IN LIFE ARE APPLE AND ALIENWARE COMPUTERS, SRM CAN ONLY GAPE IN ENVIOUS WONDER AND QUOTE FREELY FROM DELL (THE MANUFACTURER OF ALIENWARE COMPUTERS):
"The new Area-51 ALX is Alienware's most powerful desktop, giving you the most bone-shaking, body-quaking performance in the universe. With the highest overclocked CPUs, the most extreme graphics and new aggressive design, you'll be the deadliest force that's known and feared by all other gamers. Go ahead -- the bragging rights are now yours.
Accelerate your gaming speed to heart-stopping levels with Intel Core i7 975 Extreme processors, pre-overclocked by Alienware's experts for ultimate power. Get the advantage of CPUs pushed up to two or three additional bin speeds -- as high as 3.86GHz. With the highest overclocked speeds around, you'll be amazed by what you can do.
Conquer and destroy any competition with the most powerful graphics in the universe. ATI CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA® SLI graphics deliver higher frame rates at HD resolutions, all while maxing out game settings. Choose the GPU brand that best fits your needs. Then add a second graphics card to experience a new level of spectacular performance -- all of it cooler and quieter, thanks to the liquid-cooled configuration.
ATI CrossFireX - Dominate any game with the ultimate multi-GPU performance gaming platform, enhanced by the latest Microsoft DirectX technology.
NVIDIA SLI - Don't dial back game settings; crank 'em up. With NVIDIA SLI graphics and Microsoft DirectX technology, you will experience your digital media like never before.
Multi-GPU Support - Add a second graphics card to increase your gaming performance by up to 100%, while enjoying more vivid images and faster transitions. With dual graphics cards, you can power up to four independent digital displays. Stay deep within your game on a main monitor and still keep up with your other tasks.
Build your system with the best gaming GPUs and still have room for the other essentials of an immersive experience, including crystal clear sound and optimized networking.
Alienware Command Center provides intuitive, user-friendly access to exclusive applications, including AlienFX® lighting effects, Alienware thermal controls and AlienFusion power management. Updates and new releases download directly into Command Center, creating a constantly evolving tool for personalizing your system.
AlienFX Lighting -- Choose from an array of 20 colors -- up to an amazing 64 million lighting color combinations -- to customize the effects across several distinct zones.
The Alienware Area-51 ALX Desktop is designed for Total Domination. Its power is undeniable -- inside and out. Take command immediately with Alienware's all-new, anodized aluminum case design that includes motorized vents for managing your thermals and intimidating the competition.
Active Venting -- This Alienware-exclusive feature helps your system stay cooler in the heat of battle. Controlled through Alienware's Command Center, the series of motorized vents can be programmed to allow greater airflow in high-performance situations.
Easy, Lighted Access - Look inside the Alienware Area-51 ALX, and you'll see why it's easier than ever to make this desktop your own. You can access most of the core components without any tools for faster upgrades. And the chassis includes two-zone, internal theater lighting -- powered by rechargeable batteries -- so you can service the system even when the A/C cord is unplugged.
Liquid Cooling - Eliminate distractions with high-performance CPU liquid cooling, which is more than twice as quiet as the standard heatsink and fans on other PCs. The efficient cooling also increases the reliability of your overclocked settings."
(Drop by the Alienware website to see more about gaming computers, and read Angel Tugado's compliments about the educational value of gaming and the ingenuity of gamers on our Opinion page.)
"Let us
end the culture of negativism; let us
uplift our fellow Filipinos at every
opportunity. Why are there people who
enjoy finding fault in our country,
who find it so hard - as though it
were a sin - to say something nice?
Can we even remember the last time we
praised a fellow Filipino?"
"Let us
stop pulling our fellow man down. Let
us put an end to our crab mentality.
Let us make the effort to recognize
the good that is being done."
"If you
see something right, do not think
twice - praise it. If you see a
policeman directing traffic, coatless
beneath the rain - go to him and say,
"Thank you.""
"If you
fall sick, and you see your nurse
caring for you, when she could easily
be treating foreigners for a higher
salary - say, "Thank you.""
"Before
you leave school for home, approach
your teacher who chose to invest in
your future - say, "Thank you.""
"If you
chance upon your local leader on a
road that was once riddled with holes,
but is now smooth and sturdy - go to
him and say, "Thank you, for the
change you have brought.""
Thank you PNoy for winning against all robber
politicians and giving our nation
back to its lawful owners: the
Filipino people.
"Do you
want the corrupt held accountable? So
do I. Do you want to see the end of
wang-wang, both on the streets and in
the sense of entitlement that has led
to the abuse that we have lived with
for so long? So do I. Do you want to
give everyone a fair chance to improve
their lot in life? So do I."
"I say to
those who would lead us astray: if you
will further disadvantage the poor, do
not even think about it. If all you
would do is to fill your own pockets,
do not even think about it. If it is
not for the benefit of the Filipino
people, do not even think about it."
"If we
ignore the crimes of the past, they
will continue to haunt us. And if we
do not hold people accountable, then
they will do it again and again."
"To those
of you who would turn back the tide of
reform: you will not succeed."
SRM APPLAUDS WOMEN IN TOTAL CONTROL OF THEIR OWN ATTRIBUTES AND THEIR OWN AMBITIONS
Some so-called developed countries attempt to ban beauty
pageants that are universally popular all over the globe. SRM takes the opposite view.
We wholeheartedly welcome
every opportunity for the women of the world to express
themselves in any way they choose, just as men do.
We don't want to ban martial arts or hunting or other lawful
male-dominated sports or social activities. In fact more and more
women are beginning to enjoy the same things.
Men have their Mr
Universe contests. Why shouldn't we women have our Miss Universe
contests?
So our congratulations go out to to Miss Universe
2011 Leila Lopes from Angola (above right), and to our
own Shamcey Supsup (above left), who was placed 3rd
Runner Up in 2011 - one position higher than Filipina Venus Raj in 2010.
Editorial photos courtesy of Miss Universe Organization.
(More...)
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You don't need to live in Manila to get
superfast internet. Now you can apply online in
Santa Rosa.
Globe continues to lead the way in Sta. Rosa with its innovative customizable broadband plans.
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Filipinos are making their presence felt
abroad!
MESSAGE FROM CESAR GUARIN
AND ISPORT BOTAK
WE AS FILIPINOS HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO
BE PROUD OF. Today, more than
ever, we are growing as an important
part of the international community.
Slowly, but surely, our presence is
being felt abroad, from the unanimous
recognition of Many Pacquiao as the
world's current best boxer to the
massive expansion of local brands such
as Jollibee, SM, and Bench. We are
proving that indeed, the Filipino is
world-class.
Products
include high quality custom-made
Filipino sportswear.
Given
these exciting new opportunities for us
to show the world our talents, we would
like to solicit your support in helping
us raise awareness for our homegrown
brand, Isport BOTAK. We are the
trademark for Filipinos who are
passionate about their sports and
require high quality custom-made sports
apparel and competition wear. By
supporting us, you are not only helping
local brands to flourish, you are
declaring that anything foreigners can
do, we can do also!
Kabayan, thank you for your time, and we
sincerely hope to make you a part of our
effort to promote what is truly
Filipino! You can find out more on the Botak Philippines website.
Mabuhay ang Pilipino! Ipagmalaki ang galing
ng Pinoy!
Cesar Guarin / TeamBOTAK
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IAAPA CHAIRMAN'S
VISIT WELCOMED
Bob and Jenny Rippy are Enchanted by the Philippines!
Bob and Jenny are warmly welcomed by
Mario and Cynthia.
THE
CHAIRMAN OF IAAPA (International
Association of Amusement Parks and
Attractions) Robert "Bob" Rippy and his
beautiful wife Jenny on arriving in
Manila were given a very warm welcome by
Mario O. Mamon, Chairman and President
of Enchanted Kingdom and Third
Vice-Chairman of IAAPA, and his
beautiful wife Cynthia.
A
former Wall Street Executive as well as
licensed pilot, the gifted Bob Rippy was
able to walk through almost every corner
of America and travel through different
parts of the globe. While working for
this glamorous citadel of money,
prestige and power, he was only able to
find fulfilment in the world of family
entertainment, specifically the Family
Entertainment Center (FEC) business.
He
left Wall Street to create the famous
Wilmington, North Carolina, attraction
known as the Jungle Rapids Family Fun
Park, as its president and owner. This
expansive family entertainment site
hosts an array of wholesome, enjoyable
and captivating amenities that will make
each member of the family happy. It
features a miniature golf course, a
full-scale waterpark as well as a
go-kart track. It also boasts of the Sky
Tower, a ride very similar to the
EKSTREME Tower Ride at Enchanted Kingdom
in Sta. Rosa Laguna. With its
ever-changing, always exciting amenities
and features, park goers not only in
North Carolina, but all along the US
eastern seaboard can always look forward
to visiting Mr. Rippy's Rapids.
Following
the phenomenal success of Jungle Rapids,
Mr. Rippy went out of his way to give
back to the industry he loves by being a
very active volunteer member of IAAPA,
especially in its Family Entertainment
Center constituency. He became one of
the most highly respected leaders in the
industry and was elevated to Chairman of
the Board for 2011 at the IAAPA Annual
Trade Show & Convention held in
Orlando, Florida, USA, last November
2010. This makes him the first Family
Entertainment Center (FEC) operator and
sole proprietor to hold that position
throughout the 92-year history of IAAPA,
a significant new record for the
industry and for history.
Rippy
manages IAAPA through a Board of
Directors and Staff, and with the help
of the incumbent officers composed of
First Vice-Chairman Roland Mack,
Managing Director of Europa Park in
Rust, Germany, Second Vice-Chairman Will
Morey, President and CEO of Morey's
Piers located at Wildwood, New Jersey,
USA, and Third Vice-Chairman Mario O.
Mamon, Chairman & President of
Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines. Mr
Mamon is the first Asian, and proudly
the first Filipino, to be elected as a
Vice-Chairman of IAAPA and will become
its Chairman in 2014.
While in the Philippines Rippy met with
personalities from the private and
public sectors that work in the
amusement and attractions industry and
tourism. DOT Secretary Alberto A. Lim
welcomed him during a courtesy call at
his office where he was briefed about
the renewed thrusts and priorities of
the tourism sector and how the amusement
and attractions industry can play a key
role in these future plans. Rippy also
delivered a message and inducted new
members of PhilAAPA (Philippine
Association of Amusement Parks &
Attractions), the local national
industry association that is aligned
with IAAPA, during an afternoon
networking activity. Other highlights of
his trip included visits to various
IAAPA member institutions in the country
led by Enchanted Kingdom, the country's
first and only world-class theme park,
SM Family Entertainment Centers Inc,
Star City, Manila Ocean Park, and
Zoomanity Group.
Indeed,
Bob and Jenny Rippy were enchanted by
what the Philippines can offer, from its
array of world class family amusement,
attractions and entertainment sites to
the warmth and hospitality of the
Filipino people. To this end, he can be
certain that all the programs that he is
espousing and envisioning through the
IAAPA will reach fruition and beyond in
our country.
See
more news in our special Enchanted Kingdom section.
Flores de Laguna flourishes in Santa
Rosa, sustaining and enriching our
local culture.
FLORES DE LAGUNA CELEBRATION
AT ENCHANTED KINGDOM FOSTERS
CREATIVITY, ENVIRONMENTAL
AWARENESS AND LOVE FOR FILIPINO
CULTURE
Designers,
models and sponsors are celebrated
in a profusion
of elegant and stunningly
beautiful Philippine formal wear,
with tradition ingeniously
enhanced by modern flair.
DONNING
ECO-FRIENDLY TERNOS AND BARONGS
specially
designed by the most renowned
designers from Laguna, these
good-looking ladies and gentlemen
flashed their best smiles and exuded
the grace and confidence that made the
park guests bow down in their
presence.
Of
course, those who stood out were able
to take home awards and fabulous
prizes courtesy of Eldar the Wiz and
his sponsors. This year's top awards
include the Reyna Delos Flores, who
was awarded to the same lovely lady
who bagged the special sponsor award,
Ms. Pink Water, Ms. Ymarie Larios. She
is joined by Mr. Flores de Laguna, who
also took home the Mr. Black Water
award, Mr. Darius Bayron. This year's
Reyna Elena who is also the winner of
the Best in Cultural Gown award went
to Ms. Ria Catrina Barquin.
The
awardees of the special prizes are Ms.
Neisel Anne Cabangbang , who won Ms.
Photogenic, with Mr. Paulo De La
Merced who was awarded Mr. Photogenic.
The Ms. Slimmer's World award went to
Nicole Villabros while Mr. Aficionado
went to Carlo Solarte. And the lady
who carried her gown the best is no
less than the winner of the Best in
Gown award, Ms. Jaira Estrella.
The
creative designers behind the fabulous
gowns also took home prizes from
pageant sponsors. The winner of the
Best Designer award is Mr. Luisito
Pangilinan, who competed in the best
designer for bridal, burda and
indigenous attire category. Mr. Cris
De Leon won Best designer under the
industrial category. A special
citation for the indubitable support
to the annual flores de Laguna and
winner of Best Designer for three
straight years (from 2008-2010) was
given to Mr. Chico Estiva.
Enchanted
Kingdom also honoured the prestigious
HACO of Laguna, led by Mr. Tony
Bernardo and Ms. Rodalyn Delgado for
their valuable support through the
years, along with the many other new
designers who participated in the
event, namely Jose Mondido, Romeo
Oracion, Naneth Orajay, Leo Romero,
Mon Panganiban and Obet de Keisha.
This
year's Flores de Laguna is made
possible through the support of Yushi
production, Slimmer's World, Trans
Ocean, Careline and Ever Bilena.
This
parade of beauty, art and culture is a
testament the dedication of the
citizens of Laguna and Enchanted
Kingdom, in fostering creativity,
environmental awareness and love for
our own rich Filipino culture.
For more information, visit the official Enchanted Kingdom website.
Stories by Beth Gokauchi (Photos courtesy of Enchanted Kingdom.)
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Visitors absorbed and impressed by the practical, informative exhibits and the friendly, helpful team.
AQUABEST TEAMWORK SCORES AGAIN AT FRANCHISE ASIA
HOT ON THE HEELS OF THEIR SUCCESS AT THE FILIPINO FRANCHISE SHOW, team Aquabest, led by CEO Carson Tan with his crowdpulling celebrities and mascot Aquabuzz, made it two in a row at Franchise Asia.
The company, a long time member of the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), which organizes Franchise Asia, has a nationwide network of around 500 stores, making it a leading player in the water franchising industry.
Aquabuzz and celebrities entertained the crowds and led the exciting activities, games and raffles.
Being the one of the top crowd drawers in the show, the company's booth generated a large number of inquiries from interested franchisees whilst its lively activities games and raffles created public interest and awareness. Aquabest also launched the second leg of its Shift Happens Campaign at the show, focusing on its new Combostore concept as the future of the water refilling industry.
"We see the Combostore as comprising a majority of new franchisees in the coming years. Since we introduced it in April, there are already several Combostores opening. This confirms our belief that the industry is moving away from price driven to value driven," said Carson Tan, adding that he sees more combostores opening in the next few months especially from applicants from the show.
The Combostore franchise integrates three tried, tested, and successful concepts into one. Bundled in the package are GQWEST's Aquabest, Laundrybest, and Oxyplus brands. Aquabest is the company's flagship brand, which is shifting to offer structured water. Laundrybest is the company's Laundromat franchise, while Oxyplus is their oxygenated alkaline water brand. Individually, the brands are all very successful and widely known; together they form a revolutionary and holistic way of looking at the water franchise industry.
Exhausted by their efforts and thrilled with their success, team Aquabest bids goodbye till next year.
Franchisees of the Combostore stand to benefit from the expanded target market and synergies resulting from the fusion of the three brands. This triples their opportunities and chances for success without spending to individually invest in the three brands. The concepts offer a faster return period and better margins. Compared to other water franchising concepts, it is more efficient and sustainable. It does this by maximizing the use of every resource from the water to the manpower of each store.
- Almira Antiporda (Photos courtesy of Aquabest.)
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Aside from giving birth to male heroes, the amazing historical role of women in their own right has been for too long circumvented, ignored, neglected and suppressed. Click on the above graphic to see for yourselves how women are willing and able to speak for themselves on subjects that make a difference to everyone in the world today. - Sarina Fernandez, Editor of Santa Rosa Magazine.
LG
is one of the global companies
leading the world with its
eco-friendly corporate mission.
See what LG products are available in the
Philippines.
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Prize winning photographer Yen Baet grew
up in Laguna.
YEN BAET'S STUNNING SUCCESS
AT HER VERY FIRST ATTEMPT
IT'S NEVER
EASY TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE WORLD OF
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS,
no
matter what your nationality. The
technical standards are astronomical,
the physical stamina is equal to an
Olympic marathon runner, the mental
focus beats any rottweiler or pit bull
terrier, and the international
competition is sharp and fierce as Manny
Pacquiao's split-second punch that
knocked out the weight division's
reigning world champion Ricky Hatton. That is, if you're a man....
If you're a woman, forget it. No way.
Top professional photography is a macho
profession, right? You've no chance
whatever, anywhere, anytime. WRONG!
Our own
brave and brilliant Yen Baet has now
convincingly proved this to the whole
world. If a woman can conquer the
supreme male bastion of National
Geographic, then truly women can conquer
anything....
Above is Yen's winning photo of a rainy
night at Hallstadt in Austria. To local
Austrians the general scenario is part
of their everyday lives, but it takes a
true photographer's creativity and
patience to envision, wait for and
combine the right weather, right time,
right angle, right camera, right lens,
right filter, right tweaks and
adjustments and finally to produce this
deeply moving 3-D effect of a peaceful
scenic alpine lakeside village in
central Europe at twilight.
Based at present in England both for its own
photographic attractions and for its
easy access to all parts of Europe and
the world, more than anything else Yen
would like to spend some time taking
photos in the land of her birth and
upbringing. In confirmation of this
ambition she quotes Philippine hero Dr.
Jose Rizal: "Don't be a stranger to your
own country." We look forward to her
photos of the Philippines.
You
can see more on the competition at National Geographic and find out more about
Yen on her official website.
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October's 25th Anniversary Performance sold out within minutes, but it's now available on DVD.
"PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" IS THE LONGEST RUNNING LIVE MUSICAL EVER TO BE STAGED IN BOTH LONDON'S WEST END AND NEW YORK'S BROADWAY.
ALL SEATS FOR THE 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT WERE SOLD OUT WITHIN MINUTES WHEN THE DATE AND VENUE WERE ANNOUNCED. Not even the immensely popular "Les Misérables" has achieved such incredible worldwide success, although the French musical based on Victor Hugo's novel is undoubtedtly the first and closest runner-up.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer of "Phantom Of The Opera" and of many many other successful musicals, has received so many international awards that he would need a museum to display them all.
But it wasn't plain sailing. Just like other new enterprises there were never any guarantees, and the original production needed total self-belief combined with total belief in the cast and production team.
If you are an entrepreneur here in the Philippines, never be deterred by the size of competitors. The bigger the enterprise the higher the risk, and the greater the losses if it should fail. It's the same all over the world. When you start small you have less to lose, and in many situations this is a big advantage.
A small enterprise can respond much faster to changing situations, because a big enterprise has a hierarchy of management that delays response and often diverts it round and round the organization to avoid responsibility for making a decision.
Lloyd Webber as creator and Cameron Mackintosh as his producer both started small. They went through all the same ups and downs of managing money and people that everybody starting a business anywhere in the world has to go through. They proved that with talent and determination it's possible to start from nothing and achieve international success.
In doing so they paved the way for performers too, including our eternally beloved Lea Salonga, who starred in several Mackintosh productions in both London and New York and is now a highly respected United Nations Ambassador.
BEWARE!!! BEWARE!!!
"FUN TOUR" PROMOS
OF CEBU PACIFIC AIR
CEBU PACIFIC'S ONLINE CHEAP FLIGHT PROMOS ARE GENERALLY FINE BUT IF YOU BOOK A "FUN TOUR" PACKAGE TO INCLUDE A HOTEL STAY, YOUR TRIP CAN BECOME A NIGHTMARE.
Some friends of mine booked a 5 day 4 night "Fun Tour" with Cebu Pacific and paid in full online 3 months in advance including the 4 night stay at a hotel chosen from the recommended list on the Cebu Pacific website.
Before their trip, on searching for the hotel's website to print out a location map, they discovered to their astonishment that the hotel had closed down almost 2 weeks previously, yet no word of this had been communicated to them by Cebu Pacific.
Then came the serious problem with CP's online bookings: contacting anyone about them is almost impossible. Their website gives no email address. Just "Hotline" telephone numbers in Manila and Cebu that are permanently busy.
My friends spent nearly a whole day repeatedly dialling before at last getting through. But these "Hotlines" are not to Cebu Pacific. They are to a Call Center with the function of filtering, taking notes, and passing queries to a supervisor who decides whether or not to pass them on to Cebu Pacific. It's a slow, laborious, frustrating, inconvenient, costly (you're paying for phone call) process.
In this case my friends' message was considered serious enough to pass on, and some hours later they received a call from Cebu Pacific saying they had contacted the destination hotel which informed them it had only been closed for a single day and there was no problem with it.
My friends questioned this because it contradicted the notice on the hotel's own official website, and were asked to hold while Cebu Pacific double-checked. The caller, who gave no name or direct line for future contact, returned to say the hotel had confirmed it was open and there would be no problem. "Just go there." So they did.
"Fun Tour" was Nightmare Trip for vacationers who booked Cebu Pacific online promo.
Upon late night arrival at the destination airport and clearance through immigration and customs, they encountered another regular difficulty with "Fun Tour" promos. No transportation to hotel is included. After trying unsuccessfully to find a bus going in the right direction, they were finally forced to take a taxi, which cost them as much as a night at the hotel, which they reached at about 2am.
When they got there, the door was open but the reception desk was unattended. Calling out and knocking on the counter a few times eventually resulted in the appearance of someone clearly irritated at being disturbed. She looked at the reservation details on the Cebu Pacific e-ticket, brought a man out from inside and told my friends to follow him.
The man, whose manner was equally disinterested and offhand, made no attempt to help carry their baggage and walked out of the hotel into the street, where it had started to rain. Carrying their own baggage and struggling to keep up, my friends followed him in the rain through narrow dimly lit streets, then up some stairs, through an empty building, down the stairs on the other side and further along another dark and wet street to end up at a different hotel.
This hotel was part of the same group of budget hotels, but it was not the one my friends had chosen and did not provide the same room facilities. The hotel receptionist was aggressively rude on being questioned about the one they had booked, confirming that it had permanently closed and adding that if my friends did not like this one they could get out and go somewhere else.
They pointed out that they had paid for 4 nights in advance, had already lost half of the first night, and asked if they could get their money back. The receptionist replied that they had paid the owner, not him, and there would be no refund if they did not stay there. He then demanded a substantial deposit for the room key, although no such deposit was mentioned on the Cebu Pacific website.
The Cebu Pacific e-ticket shows 4 nights' stay with checkout on Friday September 30.
By then it was too late and my friends were too tired to search for another hotel, and without refund they did not have enough spare cash to pay another hotel for the same 4 nights they had already paid Cebu Pacific for. Reluctantly they paid the room key deposit and stayed there 4 nights.
On the positive side, next morning their included American breakfast was fine, and the hotel's eatery staff were efficient and friendly. When they wandered out to walk around, they found that the location was in a tourist area largely frequented by backpackers so there was plenty of cheap transportation for sightseeing and a pickup point nearby for the airport shuttle bus.
However, my friends' "Fun Tour" package vacation nightmare was by no means over. The worst part was yet to come...
- Edu Garcia (Story of Cebu Pacific customers' ongoing nightmare to be continued.)
See also www.ThePhilippineWay.org
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Protesters outside the US Embassy in Poland demonstrate against the bid to pass laws in America that would remove freedoms their grand- parents and parents fought the Nazis and the Russians to obtain. See the Yahoo Slideshow for a few examples of people around the globe whose lives would be directly affected by these laws.
Watch the above Yahoo Slideshow to see its enlarged photos of people around the world of all ages, including President Obama, and US servicemen on active duty overseas, using laptops to connect with their home, their office or their global social network. More than 2 billion people, most of which are not Americans, would be adversely affected if bills to control the internet are ever passed by the US Congress and Senate to become American law. The internet gives us all the freedom to communicate and learn and help others. It is not owned by the USA, and our need to protest is not over. Postponement pending consultation isn't the end. The world must keep up its global pressure. (Screenshot courtesy of Yahoo). Also see Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion page.
