Merry Christmas

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Pulubi

Kapag ba nakakita kayo ng pulubi, ano ang nararamdaman ninyo?

Dito sa Pilipinas, nagkalat ang mga pulubi lalo na dito sa Metro Manila. Bata, matanda, may kapansanan o wala, makikita mo sila kung saan saan. Nariyan iyong kumkalabit sa likuran mo habang nakasakay sa jeep at andyan din iyong nagbibigay ng envelope pagkatapos ay tutugtugin iyong daladalang lata. Sa Recto na malapit sa Divisoria, may mga nanay pang kalong kalong ang anak at nanghihingi ng barya. Hayyyy third world country nga ang Pinas!

Kung minsan nagbibigay ako ng barya pero kadalasan ayoko kong magbigay. Ang alam ko may batas na nagbabawal magbigay sa mga pulubi lalo pag bata. Sa tingin ko may katwiran ang batas na ito. Kasi nga naman nakakabawas dignidad sa isang tao ang pagiging pulubi. Isama mo pa iyong mga sabi-sabi na miembro sila ng sindikato. Kung bata naman ayaw kong masanay siya doon.

Subalit nakakaawa tingnan iyong mga pulubi. Sabi ng isang kaibigan, paano kung ikaw ang ganyan? Tapos hindi ka bibigyan at mumurahin ka pa?

Ang turo ng simbahan ay dapat ibahagi ang mga blessings sa nangangailangan. Pero sa tingin ko may tamang paraan para magbahagi. Tulad ng pagbibigay donasyon sa mga foundation na kumukupkop sa mga batang lansangan.

Pero hindi ba nasa kultura nating Pinoy ang paghihingi. Isa rin itong klase ng pagiging pulubi. Nandyan ang mga kapitbahay o kaupisina na hingi ng hingi.
Hingi ng pagkain. Hingi ng tissue. Hingi ng kung anu-ano. Di ba pulubi din sila? Nariyan din ang mga citizens o local officials na hingi ng hingi ng tulong sa mga politiko kung kayat naghahanap ng makokorap ang politicians natin. Pero ibang usapan na ito.

Nandyan din iyong tuwing nagdadasal ay hingi ng hingi ng pabor kay Lord. O di ba lahat tayo ay pulubi?

Kanina lamang ay dumaan ako sa EDSA. Malayo pa ay may naririnig akong malakas na kumakanta. Noong malapit na ako ay kumanta siya ng "Give Love on Christmas Day". Napakaganda ng kanyang boses kung kaya't hindi na ako nagdalawang isip pang maghulog ng ilang barya sa kahon niya. Ito siya...

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The Heart

What is the color of your heart? The photo below was taken at the War Memorial Park in Kiangan, Ifugao.

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Masaya Pero Malungkot

Kahahatid ko lamang ang aking pamangkin sa airport. Masaya ako kasi pagkatapos ng isang taong paghihintay ay nakalipad na rin siya patungo sa ibang bansa. Ay sa wakas kako, may katuwang na ang kanyang nanay sa pagpapaaral ng kanyang mga kapatid, well hopefully. Subalit nang pauwi na ako ay biglang nawala ang aking kasiyahan at ako'y nanlamig at nalungkot. Isang malaking katanungan ang summaglit sa aking isipan: Bakit kailangan niyang umalis?

Tulad ng napakaraming Pilipino, hangad ng aking pamangkin ang mangibang bansa upang doon makapagtrabaho. Kailangan daw sabi ng aking pamangkin dahil kakaramput ang kanyang kikitain kung dito sya magtratrabaho. Di baleng domestic helper sya doon. Di baleng tagapaglinis sya ng puwet ng isang matandang banyaga. Di baleng malayo sya sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay.

Hindi ito ang first time na pagpunta ni Icel sa abroad. Noong first time ay may apat na taon na ang nakaraan. Limang buwan lang siya doon sa abroad ay bumalik siya dahil hindi niya nakayanan ang pagmamalupit ng kanyang amo. Sounds familiar ba? Pero hindi pa rin siya nawalan ng pag-asa. Ito, bumalik ulit. Hanga talaga ako sa determinasyon niya.

Okay, okay...kailangan niyang umalis dahil sa kanyang sariling bansa ay walang disenteng trabahong para sa kanya period, period, period. Iyon lang naman eh. Kahit pa ilang ulit ko nang narinig na maganda at mayaman ang Pilipinas; Na napakaraming ginto at kung anu-ano pang kayamanan ang nakabaon sa lupa ng bansang ito. Ang lungkot isipin ang bagay na ito.

Mga ilan na rin ang nasaksihan kong nag-abroad. Mga kamag-anak, kababayan, kaibigan. Iyong iba, habang nag-aaply o nagtraitraining ay sa aking flat tumira. At siyempre hatid ko rin sila pag flight na nila. Iyong iba nangungutang pa. Ipapadala na lang daw ang bayad. Pagbalik nila magpapasundo sa airport at siyempre sa akin din titira pansamantala. Masaya ako kung may pasalubong. Pero okay na rin kung wala kasi nga biglaan daw ang uwi, o kaya hindi raw ibinigay ng amo ang huling suweldo, etc, etc.
May iba din na bigla ko lang narinig na nakauwi na pala sa probinsya. Okay na rin iyon. Ang importante ay nakatulong ako noong kailangan nila.

Nakailang beses ko na ring narinig ang katanungang - ikaw, wala ka bang planong mag-abroad? Ang madalas kong sagot ay saka na. Pero sa totoo lang, ayoko ko. Kahit noong bata pa ako ay wala akong balak magabroad para magtrabaho dahil kailangan. Gusto ko sana, (read it several times SANA) ay pupunta ako abroad as a tourist or businessman. Pero sa ngayon, nakakalungkot man sabihin ay napipilitan din akong gawin ang hindi ko gusto.

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Bignay Tea Vs. Viagra

Ever heard of agaricus, charantia, ganoderma, goji, or taheebo? I bet you do because these are some of the most advertised exotic ingredients of some health drinks or coffee. But what about bignay tea?

Well, from the resort town of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, 43 year-old Clarito A. Caisip has discovered what could save some men from embarrassment due to "junior's refusal to rise to the ocassion". This farmer was able to produce a herbal tea from the barks, leaves, and stems of the bignay tree which grows in the nearby mountains.

In an article which purportedly appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and written by Mel Magsino and which was reproduced in a brochure, some testimonials, including that of Carlito's wife, attested to the efficacy of the bignay tea in renewing sexual vitality and in curing arthritis. Not only that, the same brochure claims that the tea can:

1. stregnthen immune system
2. prevent camcer and premature aging
3. stimulate natural weight loss without exercising
4. and normalizes blood pressure.

The tea is now registered with BFAD and DTI. Its preparation is also patented. It comes in pack of 50 and 100 grams. The product is available in some selected distributors in Metro Manila and in the discoverer's home in Batangas.

Like other herbal teas, this bignay tea is stamped with "No Approved Therapeutic Claims" (NATC). Yet the producer claims it to be a powerful health drink that can cure many ailments. It may not be popular nowadays but if it is true that it can cure erectile dysfunction, it will soon, oh my Lord, become a big money maker. Then it will give the producer of the Viagra a run for their dollar.

Oh ano mga readers gusto nyo bang itry? But I would hasten to advice you that "if symptom persists, consult your doctor" and of course, to be always responsible with your decision. Lalo na ngayon nagkalat ang iba-ibang produkto with inflated miraculous claims.

P.S. Googling Bignay tea as of today yields 6,830 results.

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Award-winning Filipino Inventions

At the recently concluded Inventors week and Exhibition held at the Taguig City University, several world class inventions by Filipinos were displayed. It is really amazing to know that Filipinos can come up with gadgets, technologies, or products that can make an impact on the development not only of the country but also other countries that may employ such inventions. Take for example a device that can tranform ocean waves into electricity. It is said that the Philippines can achieve energy sufficiency by just tapping the power of the ocean. With this invention together with the advent of electrical vehicles, we can no longer be dependent on imported oil. Here is a photo of the device which is an invention of Engr. Macario Tagum from Laguna Province.




Another interesting invention is the Magichanic Oil by inventor Johnny Nonog Sy.

This is an engine oil additive that gives several benefits to vehicle owners. These benefits include increase power and protection to the engine as well as better performance and savings. This has been tested by the Department of Science and Technology as well as by the Department of Transportation and Communication.

Still another great invention that is good for the environment is the rain harvester by Engr. Antonio F. Mateo who is an alumnus of Mapua Institute of technology. As the name implies, the device would catch rainfall, disinfect it and store it in tanks for ready use. The rain harvester can be installed in buildings, homes and even in vacant lots. Just think of what it will do if all buildings and homes will have it. There will be enough potable water and it lessens flooding! Here a photo of the device.


Another inventor who participated in the exhibit is Arquilio Y. Melano, Sr. whose products include gas safety regulator with adjustable flow control and adaptor unit
and Super Turbo Atomizer with Anti-Pollution Device. These products were exhibited even in Switzerland!




Other notable inventions in the exhibit are:
1. Aeronox electro-Nitrous converter a fuel savings and anti-pollution device;
2. Carmenbees synchrotherapy apparatus - detects and corrects electrical imbalances in the human body thus boosting human immune system by Engr. Leonardo Orijuela;
3. Cratage - a 8 in 1 portable cradle bed with self built cottage and hand carry pack bag.
4. MCGrill - a griller
5. U-Wash - a do-it-yourself coin-operated car and motor washer
6. ATM or Automatic Tubig Machine -a cold water dispenser
7. Ironmate - a device to save electricity while ironing clothes

Of course there were also the usual food and wellnes products on display. The point is there are many talented and skilled Filipinos who are capable of producing world-class inventions. If these talents are nurtured and supported, there will be more competitive businesses that we can be proud of.

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Cactus Garden

The photos above were taken from a garden show held recently in Quezon City.

Which of the two cactus gardens do you like? Or perhaps the question is "do you like to have cactus in your garden?

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November Events And Christmas Anticipation

It's December 1 here in the Philippines and in the Western Pacific countries. It is the merriest month for Christians because it is Christmas time. As one song says - tis the season to be jolly. But before we talk about christmas any further, let us first look back to the month of November which has just passed.

On November 1 and 2, we celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day respectively. We Filipinos idolize so much our santos and santas and we reserve our fondest memories for our loved ones who have gone before us. We try to be good like our favorite saints and some of us may have promised to be good before the passing of a dear parent or grandparent. Yet do we really behave like a living saint? What happened to those promises to our dearly beloved?

Then on November 15, we witnessed with great pride how Manny Pacquiao won his fight against Cotto to become the first boxer ever to win 7 titles. A week later, Efren Penaflorida won the CNN Hero of the Year Award. On November 29, we remembered the birth of Ninoy Aquino, a National Hero. Of Course, the next day (November 30) was a holiday because it is the birth of one of the greatest Filipinos - Andres Bonifacio.
But then the Maguindanao Massacre happened which catapulted the Philippines to become the world's most dangerous place for journalist. Oh my, whoever said that we Filipinos always shoot ourselves in the foot?

This month is supposedly the birth of the Messiah - Jesus Christ. Christians believed that He is the only Son of the Most High who became man in order to free us from the bondage of sin. It has been told and retold that Jesus came to teach about LOVE and PEACE. Who would not want love? Who would not want peace?

We Filipinos are known to be loving and peaceful people. Are we really? I believe so but I have to be honest that there are many times when I am in doubt. I am told not to be judgmental but when I see a "santong kabayo, natatawa talaga ako" I could only shake my head and accept my friend's observation that "karma nating mga Pilipino kung bakit may Maguindanao Massacre!." What about the corrupt politicians? Are they also our Karma?

With regards to the last question, my friend would only say, "Look at yourself!".

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Fashion Accessories from Coconut Shell

Yesterday I met an enterprising woman from San Pablo City, Laguna. Her name is Ms. Edna Palad. She is a much sought-after resource speaker on designing handicrafts and fashion accessories. A graduate of UST school of Fine Arts, she owns a factory in San Pablo and her company is called Red Palm Ventures which is into the production of different items made from coconut by-products. Here are some of her designs from coconut shell:
A necklace
A kid belt
Earrings
Bracelet

According to Edna, these export-quality products are very affordable. In order to preserve the uniqueness of each design, they don't produce more than 10 items each unless it is for export.

She also mentioned that she earned the trust of her customers because her company produce items in accordance with specification especially in terms of materials and colors used.

"Marereject din ang orders kung mayroong hindi nasusunod na specification. Kaya ang advise ko sa mga nagnenegosyo, dapat sumunod lagi sa usapan kasi lugi ang aabutin mo kung nagkataon.", she warned.

Mabuhay ka Ms. Edna! Sana lumago ang business mo para mas maraming magtratrabaho sa iyo at makatulong ka sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa.

Ang gaganda ng products di ba? Saka sa halip na maitapon ung mga coconut shells ay napakinabangan pa.

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Galing Pook Winners

If you think all is lost in Mindanao due to the spate of killings and kidnappings, you are wrong. It is because these unfortunate events are limited to a few places. In fact most of the 33 provinces that comprised the island of Mindanao are relatively peaceful.

That is why it is not very surprising that, of the 14 Galing Pook Foundation awardees, 5 are from Mindanao. The other winners are from Metro Manila which garnered 5 awards, Visayas 2 and Luzon 2. These 14 winners were selected out of 123 nominees.

Galing Pook Award is given to promote excellence in local government. The criteria for judging were "Innovation, positive results, transferability and sustainability, and efficiency." This year's panel of judges was chaired by former economic development Secretary and now an Inquirer columnist Solita Monsod.

These are the winners from Mindanao:

1. Sarangani Province for its Kalinaw Sarangani Program which brought together different groups for peace-building;
2. Midsayap town of North Cotabato for its "Natularan Mu" project which is an alliance of six barangays to resolve conflicts;
3. Surallah, South Cotabato for its "paraiso Himsug" project which promotes organic agriculture and alternative medicine;
4. Malaybalay City of Bukidnon for its Integrated Survey System of development planning based on the needs of the different departments;
5. Barangay Barobo in Valencia City, Bukidnon for promoting vermiculture as a livelihood program in its "Project Bulawan".

On the other hand, the winners from Luzon and Visayas are:
1. Tabuk, Kalinga for its "Matagoan Program" of settling tribal disputes;
2. Bulacan Province for recognizing and honoring outstanding projects;
3. Marikina City starting a clean food and water laboratory;
4. Taguig City for its system of giving identification cards to residents for purposes of providing discounted social services;
5. Quezon City empowering barangays to develop parks through cost sharing
6. Makati City for its "Baratilyo ng Basura sa Barangay" which is a waste diversion and reduction program;
7. Paranaque City for its "Adolescent Friendly Reproductive Health Services" or ARFHS;
8. Barangay Luz in Cebu City for its "Kuarta sa Basura" program; and
9. Bayawan City in Negros Oriental for its "Ecosan" project of treating and converting human waste into fertilizers and soil conditioners.

These winning projects will each receive P100,000.00 from the Department of Interior Local Government.

Congratulation to the people behind these winning projects. I hope that all of these projects will be improved further and be replicated all over the country.

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Galit Ako!!!

Galit! iyon ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Galit ako dahil sa mga nangyayaring hindi ko maintindihan. Nagsusumiklab ang aking galit!

More than 50 people (read Filipinos) have died in the Maguindanao Massacre and I am afraid the number may still go up. Para ano? Para sa kapangyarihan? Para sa ambisyon ng isang tao? Para sa kapakanan ng isang pamilya o angkan? Ano ulit? papatay ka ng mahigit 50 tao - lalaki, babae, politiko, at journalists? para saan? Hello...

The killing or mass murder or massacre or whatever name you will use is really shocking, outrageous, barbaric, gruesome, unacceptable, unimaginable, inhuman, distressing, disturbing, senseless, pointless, uncalled for, unprecedented, objectionable, unnerving, upsetting, immoral, and what else. In Filipino, it is nakakakilabot, karumaldumal, nakakasindak, nakakatakot, napakarahas, makahayop, at anong ginagawa ng inutil na gobyernong ito para sa peace and order ng bansa? pasensya na. My stomach is revolting.

Biruin nyo pagkatapos ng tatlong araw, wala ni isang naaresto? Hello PNP? Hello Versoza? Hello GMA? O baka naman isang pakunwari na naman ito para sa isang malawakang kaguluhan na may kaugnayan sa eleksyon? Sana, sana hindi. Sana imahinasyon ko lang ito.

Pero kung sakali na tama ang hinala ko, panahon na para lumabas ang pagka-hero ng taumbayan. Sure ako na marami dyan sa tabi-tabi ang tulad ni Efren Penaflorida.

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Orchids Galore

One glamorous industry that the Philippines can be developed into a big business is the production of cutflowers particularly orchids. As a tropical country, the Philippines is home to different orchid varieties both native and hybrids. Many Filipino homes and gardens are adorned with one or two kinds of orchid. It is no wonder then that many hobbyists and entrepreneurs are engaged in orchid growing.

Here are some of my photos of orchids which I took at a garden show. By the way, for those interested in the orchid business, you may contact the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) at Los Banos, Laguna. E-mail address is pcarrd@pcarrd.dost.gov.ph









Actually marami pang ibang pwedeng idevelop ng gobyerno na pagkakakitaan tulad nga ng cutflower. Pero ewan ko kung bakit napakarami pa ring Pilipinong "unemployed".

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Poverty Reduction Award for Ilocos Sur

For the third time, the province of Ilocos Sur received the 2008 Outstanding Local Government Poverty Reduction Program Implementer for Region I. Previously, it won the award in 2004 and 2007. It was noted the number of families living below the poverty level was reduced from 8,250 to 7,095 based on the Minimum Basic Needs survey conducted on fourth- to sixth-class municipalities of Ilocos Sur.

The Award was personally given to Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano by National Anti-Poverty Commission Assistant Secretary Catherine Mae Santos. In receiving the award, the governor said that the provincial government is committed to continue poverty reduction efforts such as the Prosperity, Kabsat, Kalahi, and Siglat to which he attributed the success of the campaign to eradicate the scourge of poverty.

Ilocos Sur Province is located in the northwestern part of Luzon Island specifically in Region I. It is composed of 32 towns and 2 cities namely Vigan and Candon. The province is the hometown of former President Elpidio Quirino. At present, one of the most noted personalities from this province is Chavit Singson who was a long time governor of Ilocos Sur.

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Cubao by Nightfall

I happened to passed by Cubao yesterday hoping to find a particular book at the biggest branch of National Bookstore but was not able to find it. When I went out of the store, it was already past 6:00 PM. But I was awe-strucked by the sight of dazzling lights all around. So I hastily brought out by Camera and started clicking.




I stared at this giant Christmas Tree hoping to draw some "Christmas Inspiration". This is considered as the tallest in the country.


No doubt one of the best shopping and entertainment complexes in the Metro Manila is Araneta Center Cubao. The center is owned by the influential Roxas-Araneta clan whose members include, of course, Senator Mar Roxas. If you have been to Cubao these days, you will have noticed the massive construction of high rise buildings. If only this frenzied economic activity is replicated all over the country. But this is another story.

Araneta Center was in fact the most glamorous shopping centers before Glorietta of the Ayalas, Ortigas, and now Fort Bonifacio came into being. But it has lost its luster in the previous decades. In partnership with Megaworld, it hopes to revive its former glory of being the premier spot for not only for shopping and entertainment but also as the address of the rich and famous. Thanks in part to its central location which is easily accessible from all parts of the metropolis. It is in fact located at the intersection of MRT and LRT2.

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Puto-Bongbong Anyone?

One of the things I look forward to during Christmas season is the Puto-Bongbong. Yesterday, as I was waiting for a ride, I spotted two youngsters making and selling this delicacy. Off I went to buy one or two. I bought and consumed two actually. The taste was fine except that they did not add cheese but only margarine. Also there was much sugar in it.

Here's my photo of how they prepared the puto-Bongbong.





Kayo bayo ba, gusto nyo ring kumain nito?

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Manny Paquiao Jokes

With all due respect to our pound for pound king, allow me to share some jokes I have received from a friend. Here they are:

Quotes from Great Warriors:
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" - Julius Ceasar
"I Shall Return" - Macarthur
"I will fight INIWAN, INIWER, INITAYM! you know!" - Pacquiao


Pag panalo si Pacquaio sa Election
magpapatayo siya ng school.
Pacquiao University ang tawag.
In short: "PACQU"
"PACQERS" naman ang tawag sa mga students


Pacquiao - "hulaan mo ang alaga kong hayop. Nagsisimula sa I."
Erap - "Isda"
Pacquiao - "hindi"
Erap - "Ibon"
Pacquiao - "hindi pero malapit jan"
Erap - "sirit na ako."
Pacquiao - "Igol"


"Fooling her?.....try Head and Shoulders Shampoo..now you know." - Pacquaio


Dionesia (Pacmom) - "Karamehan pala nkalebeng sa simintiryo , genahasa!'
Jinky (Pacwife) - "Pano nyo nalaman, mom?"
Dionesia - "Kase, nakalagay sa lapeda, RIP!"


Reporter - "Ano similarity nina Rizal, Bonifacio, at Ninoy?"
Pacquiao - "Pagkaalam ko, lahat sila namatay sa HOLIDAY, now you know."


Ha ha ha

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Agora Awards

Nasubukan nyo bang kumain sa Mang Inasal? To date, it has now 170 branches all over the Philippines and is expecting to have 200 stores by the end of this year.

How about eating pizza from Lot's A Pizza? The company claims to have a total of 129 branches, 84 franchised and 45 company-owned outlets.

The two companies above have one thing in common - their respective founders are a recepient of this year's Agora Awards. Edgar Sia III, president of Mang Inasal, is the awardee for Large Scale Entrepreneurship while Teresita ngan Tian, president of Lot's A Pizza, is the awardee for Small Scale Entrepreneurship.

Other awardees are Sari V. Yap, president of Mega Publishing, for Medium Scale Entrepreneurship; Ma. Belen M. Fernando, vice-president for marketing, Alaska Milk Corp. for Marketing Management; Jonathan Yang Dee, president of Alliance Tuna International, for Export Marketing; Fama Francisco, General Manager for Baby Care Innovation, Procter & Gamble, for Overseas Marketing.

ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. and Sun Cellular received the award for Advocacy Marketing and Marketing Company of the Year, respectively.

The Agora Awards is an annual project of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) which is given to men and women who have shown excellence in their respective category. By the way Agora is a Greek word which means "an open place of assembly" either for military, political or commercial purpose.

This year's awards is now the 30th having its inception in 1979.

Congratulations to all the awardees. May they strive for expansion so that they will continue to provide jobs and contribute to the development of the country. Hopefully, the awards will also inspire other businessmen to go for better management in order to garner an award in the years to come.

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Wow Paquaio, Namakyaw

Here are the headlines of Philippine broadsheets:

Philippine Daily Inquirer : Greatest Fighter in his era is a Filipino

Philippine Star : Pacman's Magnificent Seventh

Manila Bulletin : Last Man Standing

Malaya : Pacquaio Wins by KTO in 12th

Manila Standard Today : Pacquiao Philippine Rockets to 7th Heaven

Oh Ah this is one of the greatest moments of Filipinos. We can not be more proud of our race.

Pero alam nyo ba kung ano ang susunod na laban nya? Balita ko, lalaban sya sa election 2010 sa pagkakongresista ng Sarangani Province. Payag ba kayo?

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Teenpreneurs Challenge

During the past 2 days (November 14 and 15), students from different high schools all over Metro Manila showcased their products in an exhibit held at SM Megamall. Dubbed as "Teenpreneurs Challenge", the exposition is an initiative of the Entrepreneurs School of Asia (ESA) and the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship Education (I4SEE). On display were fabulous bags, clothes, accessories, food products, and other hand-made items.

The expo was a culmination of a three-month challenge whereby the students formed teams to develop new products together with their mentors and respective product owners. These teams attended workshops on product innovation, marketing, leadership and teamwork.

Mindful that business can be a powerful tool to fight poverty, the students were challenged to become agents of change by being more socially and environmentally aware. These potential future tycoons are learning very early the basic tenets of being a social entrepreneur.

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Filipino Best Entrepreneurs

Recently, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards were given to the following:

1. Jesus Tambunting - awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2009. He will represent the country in the World Entrepreneur of the Year '09 to be held in Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 1, 2010. Tambunting is the Chairman and president of Planters Development Bank.

2. Eduarda V. Ayo - awarded the Small Business Entrepreneur for demonstrating excellence in managing a small business with less than 100 million pesos worth of assets. Her business is seed production and rice farming and milling. She is now into integrated farming that includes breeding goats, cows and other poultry animals.

3. Justin S. Uy - awarded the Manufacturing Entrepreneur for building a sustainable fruit business that exports dried mangoes and other fruit products to many countries. His company is Profood International Corporation.

4. Gemma N. Bullos - received the Social Entrepreneur Award for pioneering in the water business for poor communities. She is the founder of the A single Drop for Safe Water. She is also a song writer and was able to build a global peace movement called Million Voice Choir.

5. Antonio L. Tiu - awarded the Emerging Entrepreneur for excellence in managing a business with more than 100 million but less than 1 billion asset. He is the CEO of AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) which is involved in trading and processing of fresh fruits and vegetables.

6. Corazon D. Ong - received the Woman Entrepreneur Award for her CDO brand of meat products and which is now promoting the San Marino brand of corned tuna.

7. Kenneth C. Cobonpue - selected as the Innovation Entrepreneur for applying innovative approaches to business management. His use of indigenous raw materials to create fabulous furniture items earned him worldwide accolade and his products now being exported to many countries.

The Other finalists are:

1. Mylene R. Abiva who is involved in the business of providing educational materials
2. Dustin V. Andaya who is earning millions for selling roses and other flowers through the internet
3. Mary Grace Arboleda-Young for promoting coffee from the Cordillera Mountains
4. Henry P. Cureg who is in the printing business
5. Michael L. Escaler with his trading activites in agricultural products like sugar and fertilizer.
6. Bonifacio P. Fernandez who found money by exporting charcoal
7. Antonio I. Gloria - the man behind Unitel Productions, the producer of short advertisement and movie trailers
8. Marianne G. Quebral who pioneered professional fund raising
9. Ricardo E. Reyes Jr. - the founder of the familiar Ricky Reyes Hair Salon.
10. Carlos C. Salinas the best friend of seafarers
11. William Tiu Lim of Mega Sardines fame.
12. Salvador V. Veluz of Buddy's Pizza and Restaurant.

You see, the Philippines is not really lacking in business talent. Sabi nga, maraming magagaling na Negosyanteng Pinoy!

Hope to meet and interview them in the future.

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2nd AHPADA Expo

I was privileged to attend the exhibit of the 2nd ASEAN Handicrafts Promotion and Development Associations (AHPADA) last month. The exhibit was organized in celebration of the United Nation's declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers. The picture above is a glamourous hat made of natural fibers.



This is the booth of the Philippines. Many fantastic handicrafts made of natural fibers were on display. Other countries which participated were Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea.



These mannequins are also made of natural fibers specifically abaca and bamboo.

The Philippines is blessed with many natural fibers such as abaca, pineapple, coconut coir, ramie, and bamboo. These plants can be developed to become big industries for the benefit of farmers, traders, designers, and manufacturers. I was hoping to find products made from water hyacinths and saluyot but there were none. Perhaps the organizers will include these two fibers next time.

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To Be Or Not To Be In Business

One of the reasons why there is so much poverty in our country is the lack of bold or daring Filipino entrepreneurs. Many of our countrymen would rather find a good paying job than venture into business. How often have we heard that most Filipinos go to school in order to have a good job later. In short, Filipinos are trained to be become employees! That is why when you ask a Filipino child what he or she wants to become in the future, the answer would likely be doctor, lawyer, engineer. Most probably you won't hear any child wanting to be engaged in business.

Nowadays many educators and government officials want the situation to be changed. They want the pursuit of profit to be inculcated in today's youth. The subject entreprenuership is now being integrated in high school and college curriculum. In fact, some colleges and universities offer a course in entrepreneurship.

One of the best argument to be an employee rather than a businessman is job security. In business, one can lost everything including his or her shirt so to speak. Yet in today's environment where job vacancy is scarce as can be gleaned from the long lines during job fairs, the only alternative is to go into business.

Well, to be in business is not really easy. It entails lot of hardwork and perseverance. Aside from the myriads of problems especially for start-ups, it may take a long while before profits can be realized. Indeed, starting a business is not for the faint-hearted.

Still, nobody would dispute the benefits to be gained from business. Aside of course from accumulating much money, having the power to control others, and being famous, there's the feeling of self-fulfillment, the joy of giving employment to others and the chance to contribute to the development of the country.

Want to become rich, powerful, and famous? Try being an entrepreneur!

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Glamorous Products from the Philippines

It seems that the perception about the Philippines as a non-competitive country with regards to manufacturing is becoming true. Many well-known manufacturers have already left the country including Colgate-Palmolive, Caltex, Intel, and now Goodyear. And then those who are left behind are not expanding. It seem also that there are less and less businessmen investing in manufacturing. The reasons are many, such as undeveloped infrastructure, high power cost, inefficient bureaucracy, and what else, graft and corruption. All these make products made in the Philippines uncompetitive in the world market.

Well, the problems besetting the Filipino manufacturers are real. Yet I, for one, believes there is a way out. Let's produce high quality products that do not compete on price alone.

Let us focus on quality. Let us train and equip the Filipinos with design skills. I believe the Philippines can become a design capital not only for handicraft products but also for industrial products as well. It is often said that Filipino engineers and workers are world-class. It is for this reason that Filipinos are deployed in factories in many countries.

Let us name a few glamorous products where the Philippines can become a formidable competitor:

1. Designer clothes and footwear
2. Jewelry
3. Furniture and home furnishing
4. Handicraft items
5. Textiles and fabrics from natural fibers
6. Processed foods such as organic and halal products
7. Herbal products like medicines, essential oils and fragrances
8. Industrial products with unique designs

Of course there is a need for a strong support from big business and the government especially in the areas of marketing, technology transfer, and financing. Yes we can do it.

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Promoting the Philippines

The Philippines is no doubt one of the most blessed countries in the world. It has rich natural resources and varied wonderful tourist attractions. Yet millions of its people do not enjoy a standard of living that is worthy of a dignified person.

Is there hope for a better future? Of course there is, provided every Filipino must act now.

There is a need to promote our country - our beautiful land, our glamourous products, and our wonderful festivals. Above all, our people must change. We have to patronize our own. Perhaps before travelling abroad, why not visit one of the idyllic islands in the Visayas? And in going abroad, why not wear Filipino-designed clothes and accessories? While enjoying oneself in one lazy afternoon, why not sip duhat wine from one of the towns in Quezon Province? These are some of the things we can do to help in making the Philippines a more progressive country.

For government officials, it is really high time to make a massive push for industrialization and export. Without factories in the countryside, there can be no decent jobs for the millions of unemployed Filipinos. There is no other way to achieve a sustainable economic growth of at least 7% if integrated industries are not located here.

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