Pete Jacobs wins Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines
It's second time lucky for Australian Pete Jacobs, who has returned to The Philippines after a fourth place finish here in 2009.

Jacobs, who led the entire day, built a healthy lead over the 2009 champion Terenzo Bozzone early in the run, as the heat and humidity intensified. It's been a tough day at the office, and certainly a well earned Ironman 70.3 win.

In front of a huge crowd here in CamSur, Pete Jacobs just crossed to take the 2010 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines crown.http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?race=philippines70.3&year=2010

Bozzone takes second
He knows he had a tough day at the office, but 2009 champion Terenzo Bozzone is still lapping up the crowd support, as he crosses for second place at the 2010 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines.http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?race=philippines70.3&year=2010

^^Mas maganda talaga yung competitin pag kasali yung Ateneo...nakakamiss yung hiyawan ng UNC at Ateneo during the Awarding Ceremonies....

hope Ateneo re-join the Military Parade. I miss the drum and bugle corp of Ateneo High School:) especially the famous "taho"
I hope, ROTC will be brought back...
marhay na aga Sir Bob, Hakz and Garz! everybody is busy right now hope we can have meeting next week.

elementary students of Carolina Elementary School are busy pounding their drums in preparation for the Civic and Drum and Lyre competition this Penafrancia Fiesta.

Fiesta fever is on!

Ramdam ko na ang fiesta :banana::banana:

Pete Jacobs wins
10:57 am
Pete Jacobs overcame the toasting hot weather to win the second edition of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines in the CamSur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.

“It feels so nice to win it. This is my first win in the 70.3 distance. This (Cobra Ironman) is my favorite race. The support was non-stop. It was a little bit disorienting. You couldn’t tell whether you were in a town or outside. The cheering was non-stop,” said Jacobs.

Placing second just over a little five minutes behind Jacobs was last year’s champion Terenzo Bozzone. Jacobs had to outlast Bozzone in the run leg, even trailing the former champion briefly early in the run.

“The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 is my favorite race in the world. It is because of the organizers: Fred Uytengsu and Alaska Milk. It is such a beautiful race. It is such a beautiful place,” said Jacobs.

On hand to welcome Jacobs was Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte and Sunrise Events, Inc. president and Alaska Milk CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu.

http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/gallery/pete-jacobs-wins/jacobs.jpg
http://www.ironman703phil.com/

I hope, ROTC will be brought back...

It wasn't scrapped last year...maybe you were referring to the proposal to bring back the mandatory ROTC for boys....that's a proposal in the 15th Congress.

BPCI, nakiramay sa pagkasawi ni Gersbach
http://bomboradyo.com/images/stories/gerbach.jpg

Labis umanong nabigla ang Bb. Pilipinas Charities Incorporated (BPCI) sa biglaang pagpanaw ni Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach sa edad na 24-anyos.

Anila, katulad ng nararamdaman ng iba ay nalulungkot rin sila sa sinapit ng beauty queen.

Sa kabila nito, mananatili umano sa kanilang isip at puso ang alaala ni Melody.

Kung maaalala, "halos mawasak ang kaliwang mukha, maputol ang dalawang paa" ang ilan sa pagsasalarawan sa maligim na kinahinatnan ni Melody matapos na masawi sa trahedya kasama ang dalawang iba sa bayan ng Bula, Camarines Sur.

Sa panayam ng Bombo Radyo Naga kay JayAr, isang tauhan ng punenarya Del Carmen, sinabi nito nang binuhat ang malamig na bangkay ni Gersbach ay halos humiwalay ang mga tuhod nito sa ibang bahagi ng kanyang mga paa, habang ang kaliwang bahagi naman ng kanyang mukha at noo hanggang ulo ay puno ng sugat.

Ang pinakamatinding sugat niya ay sa kanyang ulo at sa kaliwang baba na nahati hanggang sa kanyang bibig.

Halos ganito rin ang tinamong sugat ng dalawang iba pang biktima na sina Santos Ramos ang driver ng Innova van at Alvin Orense, ang designer at talent manager ng beauty queen.

Patuloy namang ginagamot sa BMC ang isa pang kasamahan na kinilalang si Ronald Emlita, isa ring designer.

Sugatan din ang anim pang ibang mga pasahero mula naman sa nakabanggang Guevarra bus line.

Sa panayam kay police provincial director Col. Jonathan Ablang, sinabi nito na ang mga biktima ay galing sa lungsod ng Legazpi at papunta sana sa lungsod ng Naga para dumalo ngayon sa screening ng Miss Bicolandia dahil sa kabilang siya sa executive committee nito.

Sa kabila ng pangyayari "the show must go on" sa isinagawang screening ng Miss Bicolandia Beauty pageant na dadaluhan sana ni Melody.

Ayon kay Councilor Nene De Asis, chairman ng Miss Bicolandia committee, bagama't sobrang kalungkutan ang nadarama nila sa pangyayari kay Gersbach ay itinuloy pa rin nila ang okasyon.

Nakakulong na ang driver ng Guevarra bus line na si Wilson Pontillas, 39-anyos, ng Agos, Bato, Camarines Sur na agad namang sumuko matapos ang banggaan sa Sitio Banasi dakong alas 11:40 kahapon ng tanghali.

Nakidalamhati rin sa pamilya ang mga taga Legazpi lalo na at "pride of Albay" si Gersbach dahil ito ang kauna-unahang nakoronahan bilang Mutya ng Magayon Festival.

Napakaswerte umano ng lalawigan dahil 1st Magayon queen si Melody ay naging beauty queen ng bansa matapos koronahan bilang Bb. Pilipinas International 2009.

Sinabi sa Bombo Radyo Legazpi ni Board Member Glenda Bongao, labis siyang nalulungkot sa pangyayari lalo na at napamahal na sa kanya si Melody dahil itinuring na niya itong anak.

Bagama't nawala man daw ang Bikolana beauty queen ay mananatili itong buhay sa bawat puso ng mga Albayano na sa maikling panahon ng pananatili sa mundong ito ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataong makapagbigay ng karangalan sa mga kababayang Bikolano.

Si Melody Adelaide Manuel Gersbach ay 24-anyos na ngayon na isinilang sa Offenbach, Germany subalit kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Cullat, Daraga, Albay na isang half-Filipina at half-German kung saan ang kanyang ina ay taga Bicol.

Noong 2008, itinanghal siya bilang "Mutya ng Magayon" sa Magayon Festival ng Albay at "Miss Bikolandia" ng Peñafrancia Festival ng Cam Sur.

Siya ang namamahala ng kanilang family restaurant sa Legazpi.

Nagtapos ng management si Gersbach sa University of Asia and the Pacific.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/top-stories/15820-bpci-nakiramay-sa-pagkasawi-ni-gersbach


Bus line na nakabangga sa sasakyan ni Gersbach, suspendido ng 1 buwan
Suspendido ng isang buwan ang prangkisa ng bus na nakabanggaan ng sasakyan ni Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach sa bayan ng Bula, Camarines Sur.

Kung maaalala, nasawi sa aksidente ang beauty queen kasama ang dalawang iba pa.

Ayon kay LTFRB Chairman Dante Lantin, lumabas daw kasi sa unang pagsisiyasat na nagkaroon ng mechanical problem ang Guevara bus line.

Dagdag pa ni Lantin, kailangan din daw na humarap sa pagdinig ng LTFRB board ang operator ng Guevarra bus line sa susunod ng linggo para ipaliwanag kung bakit hindi dapat masuspende ang kanilang prangkisa.

Bukod dito, isasailalaim din umano sa inspeksyon ang lahat ng unit ng Guevarra bus line para masuri ang roadworthiness ng kanilang mga sasakyan.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/latest-news/15825-bus-line-na-nakabangga-sa-sasakyan-ni-gersbach-suspendido-ng-1-buwan

Tisseyre takes the crown
Canada's Magali Tisseyre is the 2010 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines champion, crossing the line just moments ago in a time of 4:27:01.

Sitting at the front of the women's field throughout the race, Tisseyre broke away from co-leader Michellie Jones early into the run.

Like the men's champion Pete Jacobs, Magali was very thankful to the huge crowd that turned out throughout the course to cheer her home.http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?r...70.3&year=2010 (http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?race=philippines70.3&year=2010)

Michellie Jones takes second
http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/gallery/bikers-hit-60-kilometer-mark/michellie-jones.jpg

2006 Ford Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones has just finished here in CamSur, taking second place. The Australian finished in a time of 4:29:23 - 2:22 behind today's winner in Tisseyre.http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?r...70.3&year=2010 (http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?race=philippines70.3&year=2010)

Sad news T_T tsk tsk tsk :ohno::ohno:

Two Bicolana beauties made us proud last year dahil 2 kababayan natin ang nag shine sa Bb. Pilipinas, 2010 Ms. Universe Candidate Venus Raj and 2009 Miss International semifinalist Melody Gersbach, who was also the trainer of Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj for the 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant.

My Deepest sympathy..!!

Nakakalungkot talaga ..!!

Sad news T_T tsk tsk tsk :ohno::ohno:

Two Bicolana beauties made us proud last year dahil 2 kababayan natin ang nag shine sa Bb. Pilipinas, 2010 Ms. Universe Candidate Venus Raj and 2009 Miss International semifinalist Melody Gersbach, who was also the trainer of Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj for the 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant.

My Deepest sympathy..!!

Nakakalungkot talaga ..!!

Ms. Gersbach is actually heading to the Ms. Bicolandia presentation in Naga City when she met an accident in Bula, Camarines Sur.

Tisseyre takes women’s crown
11:18 am
Magali Tisseyre of Canada, 2009 Ironman 70.3 Boise champion, won the women’s category of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines at the CamSur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Michellie Jones of Australia, 2006 Ironman World Champion and 2000 Olympic silver medalist, grabbed second place.

Earlier, 29-year-old Pete Jacobs of Sydney, Australia overcame the hot weather to win in the men’s division. Jacobs timed 3:58:41

“It feels so nice to win it. This is my first win in the 70.3 distance. This (Cobra Ironman) is my favorite race. The support was non-stop. It was a little bit disorienting. You couldn’t tell whether you were in a town or outside. The cheering was non-stop,” said Jacobs.

Placing second behind Jacobs was last year’s champion Terenzo Bozzone, 25, who timed 4:05:54. Jacobs had to outlast Bozzone, of Auckland, New Zealand, in the run leg, even trailing the former champion briefly early in the run.

Thirty year old Fredrik Croneborg of Sundborn, Sweden, took home third place with a time of 4:14:36.

Magali Tisseyre
http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/gallery/tisseyre-takes-womens-crown/magali-win.jpg
http://www.ironman703phil.com/

Rudy Fernandrez, agaw-atensyon sa triathlon
]NAGA CITY - Pig oropakan kan mga paradalan an biker na si Rudy Fernandez an pigkokonsiderar na Iron Man of Asia kan Iloilo City na ngonian saro sa mga partisipante sa cycling event na parte kan triathlon digde sa probensiya kan Camarines Sur.

Liwat na pigpahanga ni Fernandez an mga bikolano huli sa tibay kaining mag bisekleta sa tahaw kan pagkakaigwa ning putol na hita o titanium prosthetic leg.

Nag kaway man ini sa saiyang mga tagahanga na garu man sana nagpapasalamat sa pagsuporta sa saiya sa kompetisyon na ini.

Napag-araman kan Bombo Radyo Naga na apuwera sa cycling, kasali man ini sa running asin swimming.

Pira sa mga competition na pigbalihan kaini iyo an Guimaras to Iloilo swimming competition kan 1996, competition sa nasyon kan Singapore kan 2002, sa 3rd International MoutainBike Festival sa Guimaras kan 2008.

Mas orog na naging pamuso siya kan maging torchbearer sa 2001 SEA Games asin sa Palarong Pambansa 2005.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/regional-news/bicolano-news/15830-rudy-fernandrez-agaw-atensyon-sa-triathlon

Jacobs champion sa Ironman 70.3 Philippines
NAGA CITY - Si Pete Jacobs an nangenot sa pig gibong traithlon 70.3 Philippines digde sa Camarines Sur ngonian na aga.

Kasunod kaini sinda reigning champion Terenzo Bozzone asin Leon Griffin.

Napag-araman kan Bombo Radyo Naga, na sa enot na rangkadahan nangenot si Bozzone alagad ini an nalampasan ni Jacobs.

Sa enot na trese kilometro si Griffin man an nangenot.

Pigdalagan kan mga bikers an distansyang sisenta kilometro poon subagong aga pabuwelta sa Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex.

Si Jacobs an sarong Autralian national na pamuso sa enterong kinaban sa arog kaining linyada.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/regional-news/bicolano-news/15831-update-jacobs-champion-sa-ironman-703-philippines

congratz! Thread 35!

^^Thanks...

Welcome to this thread, yranoa! :cheers:

Ms. Gersbach is actually heading to the Ms. Bicolandia presentation in Naga City when she met an accident in Bula, Camarines Sur.

Yeah..I'm sure the pageant's organizer were all shocked that time. Nag proceed po kaya sila on that event? Ms. Gersbach is said to be one of the judges pa naman sana.

^^papunta pa lang sila sa event na gaganapin sa Avenue Plaza sa Naga.

Top 10 Men (http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?race=philippines70.3&year=2010)

1. PETE JACOBS 3:58:41
2. TERENZO BOZZONE 4:05:54
3. FREDRIK CRONEBORG 4:14:36
4. LEON GRIFFIN 4:17:30
5. COURTNEY OGDEN 4:21:00
6. ERICH FELBABEL 4:32:36
7. AJ ANDERSON 4:34:20
8. NEIL CATIIL 4:37:10
9. PREDDY GRANT 4:40:38
10. ARLAND MACASIEB 4:44:08

Top 6 women (http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?race=philippines70.3&year=2010)

1. MAGALI TISSEYRE 4:27:01
2. MICHELLIE JONES 4:29:23
3. RACHAEL PAXTON 4:42:38
4. MONICA TORRES 5:00:19
5. ANI KARINA DE LEON 5:01:56
6. ALESSANDRA GONZALEZ 5:05:17

Camsur tests best of the breed (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605088&publicationSubCategoryId=69)
By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star) Updated August 22, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (2) View comments


PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines – Some of the best and the brightest Ironmen gather today to clash for honors in the second edition of the Cobra Energy 70.3 Ironman Philippines at the Camsur WaterSports Complex in this quaint city 800 kilometers south of Manila.

Unless it stops raining, the record 841 participants including the toughest of the breed should have no problem threading through the race consisting of 1.2 miles of swimming, 58.6 miles of biking and 13.2 miles of running.

New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone is back to defend the title he won last year by edging Ironman champion Chris McCormack of Australia and fellow Kiwi Cameron Brown.

“If this kind of weather continues, we’ll have a great race,” said Bozzone in the press conference staged two days before the main event.

It also helps that McCormack, who checked in 53 seconds behind the eventual winner last year, will not be returning, leaving Brown, whose time of 3:52.31 was good for No. 3, as the biggest threat to Bozzone’s title-retention bid.

UK’s Paul Amey, Australia’s Justin Cole, Rachel Paxton and Leon Griffin, Hong Kong’s Erich Felbabel, the US’s Lance Watson and Michelle Jones and Canada’s Magali Tisseyre are the other top pros.

Nonoy Jopson, last year’s top Filipino finisher, leads the locals’ bid in this event that has lured the best Ironmen and women who will try to extend the limit of human endurance in three back-breaking events.

The swim part will traverse the Lago del Ray of the CWC – a state-of-the-art water structure built three years ago out of a vast, untended rice field.

Participants will then weave through 25 barangays of the province including the Nato Port, which boasts of the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Mt. Isarof, for the bike part before conquering the rolling hills of Maycathon and San Antonio for the run part of the race.

Cobra Energy Drink, Alaska, CWC and Villafuerte, Globe Telecoms, the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, Century Tuna, Power Bar, David Salon, Dusit Thani Manila, Oakley, Timex, Purdential Guarantee, K-Swiss and Gatorade are the sponsors with The Philippine STAR, ABS-CBN Publishing and Multi-sports as media partners.

The champion will pocket $6,000 while the next two finishers will get home $4,000 and $2,000, respectively. The top Filipino placers get P50,000, P30,000 and P20,000.

The organizers have made sure all participants would be safe after adding eight expert divers to check the underwater of the Lago del Ray, putting a lifeguard every 200 meters and placing warning signs in every corner of the race course.

There would also be a sprinkler system every five kilometers to freshen up the participants.

Guevarra bus franchise suspended
MANILA (Updated 11:01 a.m.) -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended for one month the franchise of Guevarra Bus Line after the accident in Camarines Sur province Saturday morning.

Binibining Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach was among the three people killed in the vehicular accident that took place at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday at Maharlika highway in Barangay Pawili, Bula town in Camarines Sur.

Police identified the two other fatalities as Santos "Dodong" Ramos and Alden "Owen" Orense, the driver and make-up artist of Gersbach, respectively.

Police said the 24-year-old Gersbach and her two companions died instantly when her Toyota Innova van collided head-on with a Guevarra bus driven by Wilson Pontillas.

Major Harold Cabunoc, public information officer of the Army's 9th Infantry Division, said the bus was going to Legazpi while Gersbach's vehicle was heading to Naga City.

Gersbach was supposed to attend Ms. Bicolandia Executive Committee meeting for Ms. Bicolandia 2010 at the Avenue Hotel in Naga City, Cabunoc said.

Cabunoc said the bus driver voluntarily surrendered to the Municipal Police Station in Pili town.

Pontillas told police that he was trying to avoid a tricycle in the Maharlika highway when it rammed into the Toyota Innova van from the opposite direction.

LTFRB Chairman Dante Lantin said initial investigation showed that the bus line had a mechanical problem that led to the accident.

Transport authorities will conduct a hearing next week in connection to the accident.

Lantin said the operators of Guevarra bus that crashed in Camarines Sur need to explain why their franchise should not be suspended.

Aside from this, all units of Guevarra Bus Line will be inspected to assure the roadworthiness of the vehicles. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/guevarra-bus-franchise-suspended

Rudy Fernandez was in PBB Celebrity Edition before right? I cant's imagine him swimming hahaha napaka galing talaga ..!!

^^yup....mahusay pala siyang triathlete :cheers:

Salamat for posting these pics of Iriga! For the longest time, we rely only on Irigueno23 for updates. I am happy that you are back and is able to post real time...whatever happened to the moviehouse?

Alan theater with its "sister" moviehouse JAC theater also in Iriga City were bought then remodelled into other establishments since late 90's (if I am not mistaken). :)

Would love to take more photos of my surroundings now, but the weather for the last week I have been here is just stopping to do so. I have not seen Iriga dry in the afternoons since I arrived. :D

Another Camarinense to watch out for beginning tomorrow night on GMA 7!

Ian Magistrado Batherson
from Iriga City

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4317279009_5497b0f297.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs381.snc4/44377_149521505073742_148799248479301_384106_7195419_n.jpg


HNGN8Z8cChg&feature=player_embedded

maayong hapon kaninyong tanan gikan sa sugbu! greeting you from the jesuit parish church of sacred heart on jakosalem street.

thanks sa updates sir hakz!

AFAIK delayed telecast of Ironman coverage @ Studio 23 12NN today.

star studded Magsaysay last night. Ironman participants, media partners and guests troop every available restos and bar. Piolo Pascual at Chef Doys:)

looks like someone's a big fan here. nice pao hehe... show us your autographed shirt, okay? :banana:

^^we'll expect more of fun-filled Magsaysay this whole September as the province gears up for the Penafrancia festivities and Marathon events.

the crowds will be there. after lining up to pay homage to INA (at the cathedral or the basilica), magsaysay is a good place to relax and renew ties with friends.

maurag kayang gumibo si brattRap...:cheers:

It's our pride to update those from other threads.....:cheers:
Is Ateneo joining the Military Parade and competiton this year?

hope Ateneo re-join the Military Parade. I miss the drum and bugle corp of Ateneo High School:) especially the famous "taho"

^^Mas maganda talaga yung competitin pag kasali yung Ateneo...nakakamiss yung hiyawan ng UNC at Ateneo during the Awarding Ceremonies....

no idea if ateneo is participating again in the parade. i myself (and many other ateneo alums) hope so. we who in the past braved sun and rain on that friday of our young lives wish that the younger generations would experience the same excitement. :banana:

think of the adoring, cheering crowds who are suddenly hushed at the approach of their school's contingent at the Kinastilyohan area for the traditional pass-in-review.

think of the balloons, banners, flags, cheers and yells in support of the teams.

the whole drama is part of everyone's 4th Yr HS memory. (waxing senti :-)

i can imagine the "taho", pao! :cheers::cheers:

kaya po baga sabi ko "ate" ka talaga. hehehe joke.
parehas po kitang akion pa. :nuts::lol::lol: magkabatch palan sinda ni ate. hehe sisay daw. :D
Madali lang ako aramon. :D

Pero dai mo na aramon ta mapabisto man ako saindo. :lol:


mayo man nagguguran igdi! :D

puro mga joven, tapos mga mas joven asin mga mas joven pa duman... iyo lang yan! haha!

ay, gusto ko yan, getting younger and younger through the years ba? :D

Jacobs Rules Cobra Ironman 70.3
http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/jacob-rules.jpg

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines – For Pete’s sake it’s Jacobs.

Pete Jacobs of Sydney, Australia withstood the hot and humid weather to win in the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines in the CamSur Watersports Complex. Jacobs timed 3:58:41

“It feels so nice to win it. This is my first win in the 70.3 distance. This (Cobra Ironman) is my favorite race. The support was non-stop. It was a little bit disorienting. You couldn’t tell whether you were inside the town or outside. There were always so many people. The cheering was non-stop,” said Jacobs.

Placing second behind the 29-year-old Jacobs was last year’s champion Terenzo Bozzone, 25, who timed 4:05:54. Jacobs had to outlast Bozzone, of Auckland, New Zealand, in the run leg, even trailing the former champion briefly early in the run.

Thirty year old Fredrik Croneborg of Sundborn, Sweden, took home third place with a time of 4:14:36.

Magali Tisseyre of Canada, 2009 Ironman 70.3 Boise champion, won the women’s category. She timed 4:27:01. Michellie Jones of Australia, 2006 Ironman World Champion and 2000 Olympic silver medalist, grabbed second place. She had a time of 4:29:23. Rachael Paxton, with a time of 4:42:38, took third place.

The next finishers in the men’s category were Leon Griffin of Australia, Courtney Ogden of Australia, Erich Felbabel of Hongkong and AJ Anderson of Australia.

Neil Catiil of Cagayan De Oro, who placed eighth overall, was the top Filipino finisher. In ninth place was Preddy Grant of Australia.

Jacobs, Bozzone and Griffin were the first three athletes to finish the swim leg of the race.

Bozzone tried to repeat his strategy which resulted in his triumph last year. His game plan was apparently to stick with the leaders in the swim and bike legs and then try to outsprint his competitors in the run.

Dozens of people crowded the start portion of the lake as early as 6 a.m. Hundreds more crowded the eastern side lining the route of the race. Many just stood around to watch. Dozens were early bird participants eager to get some warm-up for the swim.

A few minutes before 6:30 a.m. the race course, clearly marked with ropes and dinghies all along its sides, was cleared of all swimmers to start the race.

The athletes had their numbers marked on their bodies as early as 6 a.m. even as darkness slowly lifted like a grey veil and the morning light illuminated the sky. Mt. Isarog slowly became visible on the horizon, first as an outline and then in all its pristine glory.

Pop music blared from the loudspeakers lending a festive, carnival atmosphere to the race.

At exactly 6:30 a.m. Camarines Sur governor LRay Villafuerte sounded the horn to officially start the race.

The first wave included the professional male and female triathletes led by defending champion Bozzone, Cameron Brown (who could not finish because of mechanical problems with his bicycle), Paul Amey, Jacobs, Jones and Paxton.

Also in the first wave were the Filipino elite men and women triathletes including male top contenders Catiil and Arland Macasieb.

Like last year the first triathlete out of the water was Jacobs. He eventually placed fourth in the first Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3. He also won the title in the 2009 Australian Championships.

The age-group men, 18 to 39, went into the water two minutes later. Five minutes later the age-group men, 40 and above followed. The rest of the athletes followed in waves.

The last wave of athletes to take to the water were the relay teams.

Dozens of people crowded one end of the lake where the race was supposed to start as early as 6 a.m. Hundreds more crowded the eastern side lining the route of the race. Many just stood around to watch. Dozens were early bird participants eager to get some warm-up for the swim.http://www.ironman703phil.com/jacobs-rules-cobra-ironman-703

korek ka dyan father Xave..
when i was with my parents last friday night..after visiting the last night of our neighbors wake.. they said that.. ang manian sa centro ang panka inot daang 24 hours kadto. :lol:

iyong gayo, jo! and all the paramani there have offered us a wide selection of peanut treats - boiled, roasted, salted, sugarcoated, burlesque (hehe), hot, etc.

long before there were burgers and pizzas in naga, there was our lowly, nutritious, tasty, ever-reliable mani that fueled naga's brains.

or for that matter, supplied one's dose of uric acid. :lol::nuts:

nag-aasong kinalas asin abang ragsik na baduyang hapon saindo gabos! :banana:

congratz! Thread 35!

welcome to Ang Maogmang Lugar, our happy thread, yranoa! keep coming back and sharing your thoughts.

Alan theater with its "sister" moviehouse JAC theater also in Iriga City were bought then remodelled into other establishments since late 90's (if I am not mistaken). :)

Would love to take more photos of my surroundings now, but the weather for the last week I have been here is just stopping to do so. I have not seen Iriga dry in the afternoons since I arrived. :D

your photos of iriga (as well as other places) are much appreciated, myonee. that will serve as a good penance hehe..

it's always encouraging to see other places in the province and region developing as well.

btw i am a josephian, too (Elem 87 hehe); my younger sister is HS 95.

can you post pics of Holy Child School (or academy)? i have heard so many good things about this grade school. the ateneo de naga valedictorian two years ago and the salutatorian this year are both alumns of Holy Child.

^^It's the Holy Child Educational Center. It has a campus in Buhi as well.

Wuhoo new thread,thanks po sa Ironman updates!! tska mlungkot na balita tlga ung pagpanaw ni Ms. Melody..| good thing this thread prang live feed real-time.i got to hear it first here huh.,hyped!

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/ralph_balanta07/congrats2.jpg

the Ironman gallery site was hacked - http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=289&Itemid=109.

:ohno:

Madali lang ako aramon. :D

Pero dai mo na aramon ta mapabisto man ako saindo. :lol:



ay, gusto ko yan, getting younger and younger through the years ba? :D

hinapot ko na po si ate. your family name starts with M, and your family owns ___ in Iriga.. your younger sister po na kabatch ni ate is a D.. wehehehhe :banana:

the Ironman gallery site was hacked - http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=289&Itemid=109.

:ohno:

tsk tsk not nice! :ohno:

Jacobs champion sa Ironman 70.3 Philippines
NAGA CITY - Si Pete Jacobs an nangenot sa pig gibong traithlon 70.3 Philippines digde sa Camarines Sur ngonian na aga.

Kasunod kaini sinda reigning champion Terenzo Bozzone asin Leon Griffin.

Napag-araman kan Bombo Radyo Naga, na sa enot na rangkadahan nangenot si Bozzone alagad ini an nalampasan ni Jacobs.

Sa enot na trese kilometro si Griffin man an nangenot.

Pigdalagan kan mga bikers an distansyang sisenta kilometro poon subagong aga pabuwelta sa Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex.

Si Jacobs an sarong Autralian national na pamuso sa enterong kinaban sa arog kaining linyada.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/regional-news/bicolano-news/15831-update-jacobs-champion-sa-ironman-703-philippines

the Ironman gallery site was hacked - http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=289&Itemid=109.

:ohno:

..tsk2 mpagsamantala lang yan mga gumawa nyan sa panahon.bad!

btw,check nyu po submit ako design pra sa shirt.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/ralph_balanta07/SHIRT2.jpg

^^wow, cool!

pwede mo ba siyang lagyan ng wakeboarder photo dahil kilala ang CamSur diyan?

pakipost din nyan dito - 1ST SSC PHILIPPINES NATIONAL MEET (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1143547&page=14)

August 22, 2010
if you want to see green, go rural

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs193.ash2/45622_458565160189_747670189_6737234_3403580_n.jpg

Sta. Justina, Buhi
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs158.ash2/41255_458564350189_747670189_6737199_2199673_n.jpg

pabalik na kami Naga.. closed road, kala namin Ironman pairn, this was around 1pm this afternoon yun pala ay...
Happy Fiesta Baao!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs373.snc4/45619_458567620189_747670189_6737334_4727386_n.jpg

garo na stock si mga trucks dahil sa Ironman, madami kami nakasalubong eh
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs193.ash2/45619_458567625189_747670189_6737335_2498783_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs373.snc4/45619_458567635189_747670189_6737336_5064562_n.jpg

^^wow, cool!

pwede mo ba siyang lagyan ng wakeboarder photo dahil kilala ang CamSur diyan?

pakipost din nyan dito - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1143547&page=14

coolness!

uu pwede nga, kahit silhouette lng ang dating, it's up to you po kung ano ang magayun.

^^Sta. Justina is near Iriga City....bumper to bumper sigurado yung traffic kanina sa CamSur....napakaraming foreigners daw according to the radio stations covering the event....

^^wow, cool!

pwede mo ba siyang lagyan ng wakeboarder photo dahil kilala ang CamSur diyan?

pakipost din nyan dito - 1ST SSC PHILIPPINES NATIONAL MEET (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1143547&page=14)

Sir,naga city cam sur ba or cam sur lang?
sure po post ko after ko mlagyan ng photos.

^^okay na yang naga city camsur...i will just quote your post or you can post it there na lang para makita na ng ilang forumers ang proposed t-shirt design....but I will note that features will be added and the final design will be posted....:okay:

Alan theater with its "sister" moviehouse JAC theater also in Iriga City were bought then remodelled into other establishments since late 90's (if I am not mistaken). :)

Would love to take more photos of my surroundings now, but the weather for the last week I have been here is just stopping to do so. I have not seen Iriga dry in the afternoons since I arrived. :D

There is a theater in Bato, CamSur and opens every Saturday and Sunday...:)

T-shirt design
(features will still be added)


btw,check nyu po submit ako design pra sa shirt.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/ralph_balanta07/SHIRT2.jpg

final design will be posted here by brattRAP....:cheers:

Raj, alay kay Gersbach ang laban sa Miss U
http://bomboradyo.com/images/stories/venus4.jpg
Venus RajVenus RajLalo umanong naging determinadong manalo ang pambato ng Piliipinas na si Maria Venus Raj sa nalalapit na Miss Universe pageant sa August 24 sa Mandalay Bay Hotel sa Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ito ay matapos na masawi sa aksidente ang kanyang mentor at matalik na kaibigan na si 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach.

"I'm sure gugustuhin ni Melody (Gersbach) na ituloy ko ito...I'm dedicating this Miss Universe to her," nalulungkot na pahayag ni Raj.

Una ng naiulat na labis na na-shock si Venus sa pagkamatay ng kababayang beauty queen lalo pa't si Gersbach pa umano ang humimok sa kanya na sumali sa Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

Kung maaalala, isa si Gersbach sa mga nasawi kahapon nang masalpok ng bus ang Toyota Innova na sinasakyan nito sa Bula, Camarines Sur.

Samantala, ikinuwento rin ng lola ni Melody na si Adelita Manuel na noong 2008 umano ay magkalaban pa ang dalawa sa beauty pageant sa Tabaco City kaugnay ng ginanap na Tabak Festival.

Sa kabilang dako, katulad ni 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe na si Bianca Manalo, hindi rin matanggap ni Binibining Pilipinas World 2009 Marie Ann Umali ang sinapit ng kaibigan.

Naiiyak nitong sinabi na labis siyang nabigla sa aksidenteng kinasangkutan ni Gersbach.

http://bomboradyo.com/images/stories/bb-pilipinas-2009-winners.jpg
http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/story-of-the-day/15851-raj-alay-kay-gersbach-ang-laban-sa-miss-u

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FRIENDS, FAMILY AND RELATIVES OF MS MELODY GERSBACH....

maayong hapon kaninyong tanan gikan sa sugbu! greeting you from the jesuit parish church of sacred heart on jakosalem street.

looks like someone's a big fan here. nice pao hehe... show us your autographed shirt, okay? :banana:

the crowds will be there. after lining up to pay homage to INA (at the cathedral or the basilica), magsaysay is a good place to relax and renew ties with friends.

no idea if ateneo is participating again in the parade. i myself (and many other ateneo alums) hope so. we who in the past braved sun and rain on that friday of our young lives wish that the younger generations would experience the same excitement. :banana:

think of the adoring, cheering crowds who are suddenly hushed at the approach of their school's contingent at the Kinastilyohan area for the traditional pass-in-review.

think of the balloons, banners, flags, cheers and yells in support of the teams.

the whole drama is part of everyone's 4th Yr HS memory. (waxing senti :-)

i can imagine the "taho", pao! :cheers::cheers:

Re: The annual military parade is a duel before between UNC and Ateneo but, recently CSNHS has become the dark horse of the considered "longest military parade in Bicol" (probably not just only here in Bicol IMO).

My bro was then the drum leader of Ateneo drum and bugle. He started playing an instrument he fondly called as "taho", it is a long drum similar that of snare drum but has a length of about 3 feet, it is usually at the vanguard of the Ateneo drum corp probably 5 - 6 members, it create that resounding beat that echoes across the reviewing stand which reverberated in the corners of the plaza and accompanied with cheers and hurrays of the FB (Forever Blue) stude and alumni.

Iron Kids share inspiring stories
http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/iron-kids.jpg

Iron Kids, the junior counterpart of international triathlon challenge Iron Man 70.3, had children as young as 6 prove that nothing is impossible with the will to win.

HEART OF A CHAMPION

Five years ago, Benjamin Pangilinan did not even think he would be able to participate in any sport after an open heart surgery. Now, he isn’t just joining triathlons, he is winning rethem.

The 9-year-old placed third in his division in the first Alaska Iron Kids Triathlon at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Camarines Sur, on Saturday.

“Benjamin is the ‘healed-est’ boy there is. It’s really a miracle that he is able to do this,” said his mother and actress Maricel Pangilinan.

“After his surgery, nobody ever imagined him like this. I certainly did not think it. I actually had him do table tennis because it is less strenuous, nag-champion pa siya dun. With kids, you can’t really cage passion. When they want something, you can’t stop them. They don’t give up. Benjamin really seems to like triathlons and dualthons.”

But while other kids focus on the finish line or the medals that come after, Benjamin thinks of food. “In this race, I had bacon in mind. I just had to finish the race fast so I can eat bacon already.” His food fantasies seem to work. In the last two races where he placed in the top three, he had blueberry and chicken visions. Indeed, sports is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.

COME FROM BEHIND

Tara Borlain also proved this when she won in the 6 to 8 years old female division despite her second to the last finish in the swimming part of the triathlon.

“When I saw the finish line, I just sprinted. I gave my all. Running is my favorite sports. Someday, I want to be a world champion in marathon,” exclaims Tara.

Of course, it also helps that her parents Ringo and Caroline Borlain are world champions for bodybuilding. They taught her and her sister Samantha, who placed came third in the same category, that sports is as much a mental game as well as physical.

“She never lost her focus. She knows that she can still catch up. We taught her to never give up. The game is not yet over until they reached the finish line,” says Ringo.

YOUNG TRIATHLETES

Benjamin, Tara, and Samantha are among the 60 participants who joined the Iron Kids triathlon in CamSur along with kids of sports enthusiasts Anthony Pangilinan and wife Maricel Laxa, Ernie Lopez, and David Almendral, among others.

Superkids who dominated the triathlon were Gabrielle Allen Santiago, Denise Garcia, Isaiah Dizon and Therese Santos, all claiming the top spots in their respective divisions.

Superkids is the youth development program of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP).

Other members of the program, Isaiah Dizon, Andrea Santos, Dexter Bea Salera and Josephine Santos also placed in the top three.

An early favorite, Santiago triumphed in the 13 to 14 division with a two-minute lead, followed by Justin Mapalo and Luis Barangan. Garcia, on the other hand, claimed the top spot for the female category with also a two-minute lead. Magali Echauz and Josephine Santos came in second and third respectively.

It was a close fight in the 11-12 division.

Isaiah Dizon and Therese Santos sprinted past their competitors, leading only by a few seconds.

Samuel Ranque and Kurt Garcia claimed the second and third spots for the male category while Andrea Santos and Dexter Bea Salera bagged the top 2 and 3 in the female.

Eric Almendral won by default in 6 to 8 male division when his competitors backed out the last minute. His sister Sophia Almendral placed second, just 15 seconds behind Tara Borlain. Tara’s sister, Samantha, came in third.

Rafael Penafiel dominated the 9 to 10 male category with more than a minute lead. Craig Uy came in second, followed closely by Benjamin Pangilinan.

It was a close fight in the female category with Ingrid Dizon leading the pack. Sophia Vizcarra, who recently won in the Animo Spirit Triathlon came in second while Shaia Uy settled for third.

The kids in the 6 to 8 and the 9 to 10 categories finished a 100-meter swim, a 3-kilometer bike and a 1-km run while those in the 11 to 12 and 13 to 14 categories completed a 300m swim, 10-km bike and a 2-km run.

Alaska Milk Corporation CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, the event is a perfect way to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among kids. With the overwhelming response, there will likely be a repeat next year. Iron Kids competitions are held in different countries around the world.http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273674/iron-kids-share-inspiring-stories

Kung may lungkot may sayang kapalit... lets hope the sadness we feel for the untimely demise of Melody will be replaced soon by the happiness and pride na dadalhin sa atin ni Venus ... heard shes one of the Top 15 now... lets pray she will bring home the bacon!

Good luck Venus !

..tsk2 mpagsamantala lang yan mga gumawa nyan sa panahon.bad!

btw,check nyu po submit ako design pra sa shirt.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/ralph_balanta07/SHIRT2.jpg

:applause::applause::applause:

nice brat! hope u can join us for the meet.

Official Race Results

http://www.ironkidsphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pdf-icon.gif Individual (http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/individual-results.pdf)


http://www.ironkidsphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pdf-icon.gif Relay (http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/relay-results.pdf)


http://www.ironkidsphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pdf-icon.gif By Age Group (http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/by-age-group-results.pdf)


http://www.ironkidsphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pdf-icon.gif Top 10 (http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/top-10-results.pdf)


http://www.ironkidsphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pdf-icon.gif Pro (http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/pro-results.pdf)


http://www.ironkidsphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/pdf-icon.gif Filipino Elite (http://www.ironman703phil.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/filipino-elite-results.pdf)

Raj, alay kay Gersbach ang laban sa Miss U
http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/story-of-the-day/15851-raj-alay-kay-gersbach-ang-laban-sa-miss-u

i think this the second time na nagkaroon ng aksidente sa mga kalahok and organizer ng Ms. Bicolandia. 3 or 5 years ago another candidate for Ms. Bicolandia - Ms. Moira Yarr, died on a road mishap along Pacol, Naga City. The candidate is half German-half Filipina who studied at UNC HS and pursued college at AdNU.

Torres keeps crown; Catiil triumphs
PILI, Camarines Sur — Monica Torres achieved what her three other co-champions failed to accomplish this year as she retained her title in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines Sunday at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) here. Monica Torres achieved what her three other co-champions failed to accomplish this year as she retained her title in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines Sunday at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) here.

Torres, 26, defended her women’s Elite title as she came from behind to overcome the nearly seven-minute lead established by former national champions Ani Karina de Leon and Alessandra Araullo-Gonzales in the swim leg.

The three ladies fought neck-and-neck in the bike event but Torres, also the top Filipina duathlete, pulled away in the run leg where she outclassed Gonzales and De Leon by more than nine minutes.

Torres clocked 5:00:19, more than a minute faster than De Leon in this multi-sport endurance event that consists of 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike race and a 13.1-mile run.

Meanwhile, last year’s Pro King Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand fell short of keeping his crown as Pete Jacobs of Australia crossed the finish line first with plenty to spare as he posted an impressive time of 3:58:41.

In winning his first ever 70.3 title, the 29-year-old Jacobs actually bucked a wrong bike direction given him by event marshals that momentarily gave Bozzone (4:05:54) the lead.

“I had an awesome day and the heat didn’t bother me as I ran fast to the finish,” said Jacobs who will next campaign in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii this October.

In the Women’s Pro, Magali Tisseyri of Canada (4:27:01) won the title by defeating Sydney Olympics silver medalist Michellie Jones of the United States (4:29:23). The division was set to crown a new champion with the retirement of last year’s winner Lisa Bentley also of Canada.

In the men’s elite event, 24-year-old national team member Neil Catiil (4:37:10) snatched the crown from Nonoy Jopson who could only finish third (4:54:32). Fil-Am Arland Macasieb (4:44:08) came in second.http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273673/torres-keeps-crown-catiil-triumphs

Ironkid has heart of steel
PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines – Benjamin Pangilinan, who underwent a heart surgery at four, is, lo and behold, into ultra-tough sports competition five years after the operation.

And he’s doing great.

Benjamin, one of the four sprightly and sporty kids of celebrity parents Anthony and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, came in third in the 9-10 age level of the Alaska Ironkids Philippines.

Rafael Penafrel and Craig Uy finished first and second at 15:37.9 and 16:06.0, respectively, with Benjamin finishing third 16 minutes and 32 seconds behind the winner.

“He’s healed now because it’s been five years,” said Benjamin’s mother, the former actress Maricel. “But to see somebody who had gone through something like that, it’s really heartwarming.

“It should also be encouraging and inspiring for other parents probably undergoing something like ours. These are good values we can teach our children that there’s always hope,” she added.

Sisters Tara and Samantha Borlain, daughters of former world bodybuilding champion Ringo, also emerged winners in the Alaska Ironkids Philippines, the children’s version of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines set today at the Camsur Watersports Complex here.

The seven-year-old Tara topped the 6-8 female class in 20:34.3 while Samantha, 8, wound up third in 20:54.9 behind second placer Sophia Almendral, whose six-year-old brother Eric topped his category.

Ringo, who cheered his daughters alongside wife Carol, was impressed with his kids.

“I see the potential. Tara was second to last when she came out of the water, then went on to finish first. She’s a consistent winner in the girls’ category,” said the Borlain patriarch.

“My kids love it anyway. I had planned to compete myself but I was just not ready. Instead, I just trained my daughters for eight weeks to prepare them for this event,” he added.

The other winners were Isiah Dizon, Samuel Roque and Kurt Garcia (11-12 boys), Therese Santos, Andrea Santos and Dexter Bea Salera (11-12 girls), Ingrid Dizon, Sophia Vizcarra and Shaia Uy (9-10 girls), Allen Santiago, Justin Mapalo and Luis Barangan (13-14 boys) and Denise Garcia, Magali Echauz and Josephine Santos (13-14 girls).

Alaska Ironkids organizer Wilfred Steven Uytengsu vowed to make the event bigger next year.

“We’re just really excited to have the first successful Alaska Ironkids, this event is really getting bigger and bigger,” he said.http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605087&publicationSubCategoryId=69

1st week of september baka maconfirm na natin..

your photos of iriga (as well as other places) are much appreciated, myonee. that will serve as a good penance hehe..

it's always encouraging to see other places in the province and region developing as well.

btw i am a josephian, too (Elem 87 hehe); my younger sister is HS 95.

can you post pics of Holy Child School (or academy)? i have heard so many good things about this grade school. the ateneo de naga valedictorian two years ago and the salutatorian this year are both alumns of Holy Child.

Penance? I'm too sinful to have only this for my penance. hehehe jowk lang po. :D


ohh, I think I know your younger sis. I am not sure though if she still recognizes my name po. :)

I have photos of the HCEC (holy child education center) in this computer i am using now - that of my niece's. But none of the photos are good enough to be posted here. Anyway, I have advised my niece to take photos of their school as soon as possible so I may post it here soon as well. :) My nephews and nieces go to HCEC. My eldest niece is graduating in grade VI and we are hoping she'd get the highest academic honor. I have been encouraging her to go to Pisay-Main for her high school, but she already made up her mind
to go to ADeNU instead. Not bad though. :)


Here's my share for tonight :lol:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/myonee/Iriga/Picture017.jpg

Mt. Iriga on a clear sky day. Ganda nya coz it still boasts of its greenness. :)


@Sir Hakz: Thanks for all the photos and the updates for the Ironman Challenge. Galing galing. pang real time talaga! :)

^^last year pa namin yan ginagawa..yung live coverage ng Ironman

My first visit @ Starbucks Coffee Magsaysay Ave., Naga City..

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs185.ash2/44819_1602669946208_1219860648_31701607_3148388_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs385.snc4/44860_1602667506147_1219860648_31701604_6296410_n.jpg

More pictures to upload..

I ordered Venti size (16 oz) Cafe Mocha + extra shot + Mint Syrup :cheers:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs146.ash2/40659_1602677906407_1219860648_31701615_3646717_n.jpg

nice! when kita ma meeting diyan?? hehe

^^wow, sarap magkape diyan....madara na lang akong 3 in 1....mahagad na lang akong mainit na tubig :lol:

yung sa CWC kailan naman kaya maopen?

^^wow, sarap magkape diyan....madara na lang akong 3 in 1....mahagad na lang akong mainit na tubig :lol:

yung sa CWC kailan naman kaya maopen?

:lol::lol: try mo man giraray sir hakz.. at least for experience.. naka SB ka naman po siguro before?

i think iba ang nailaag duman sa supposedly SB sa CWC... garo na post na yun ni doc or ni kuya pao

repost from THread 35


My first visit @ Starbucks Coffee Magsaysay Ave., Naga City..

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs185.ash2/44819_1602669946208_1219860648_31701607_3148388_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs385.snc4/44860_1602667506147_1219860648_31701604_6296410_n.jpg

More pictures to upload..

I ordered Venti size (16 oz) Cafe Mocha + extra shot + Mint Syrup :cheers:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs146.ash2/40659_1602677906407_1219860648_31701615_3646717_n.jpg

^^iyo naman sa Rockwell, Robinson's Malate nd Greenbelt :D

brewed coffee an pig-oorder ko diyan.....piglalagan kong non-fat milk.....solve na....

yung sa CWC, yung Pasta and Happy Ending Bar siguro.....

^^Is that true that SB Coffee costs to as much as 500 pesos?

^^I paid only less than 200 pesos for a brewed coffee then....

Gersbach, may pahiwatig na bago namatay?; libing, sa Biyernes na
LEGAZPI CITY - Nakatakdang ihatid sa kanyang huling hantungan sa Biyernes si Bb. Pilipinas-International Melody Gersbach na nasawi matapos na nasalpok ng bus ang sinasakyan nitong Toyota Innova kahapon ng umaga sa Bula, Camarines Sur.

Napag-alamang bandang alas 9:00 kaninang umaga nang dumating ang labi ni Melody na nakalagak na ngayon sa kanilang tirahan sa Barangay Culliat, Daraga, Albay. Mananatili ito roon hanggang sa araw ng Martes para sa mga nagnanais na masilayan ang dalaga sa huling pagkakataon.

Sa Miyerkules, dadalhin ang bangkay ng 24-anyos na beauty queen sa Metro Manila kung saan ito nag-aral ng kolehiyo upang masilayan naman ng mga kaklase at kaibigan nito.

Sa Biyernes ay ililibing na si Melody sa may Angeles Pampanga, ang lugar kung saan umano nanggaling ang pamilya nito.

Samantala, sinasabing nagpahiwatig na si Gersbach bago ito masawi sa aksidente.

Sa panayam ng Bombo Radyo Legazpi kay Ginang Marina Manuel Gersbach, ina ng beauty queen, ikinuwento nito na ilang araw bago ang aksidente ay naging sobrang masayahin daw ang kanyang anak habang nakikipagkuwentuhan, nakikipagsayawan at nakikipagkantahan habang nasa birthday celebration ng kanilang malapit na kamag anak.

Ayon pa kay Ginang Gersbach, nakapagtataka din umano na sa gitna ng napakainit na panahon nitong mga nagdaang araw, madalas umanong nababanggit ni Melody na sobra itong giniginaw.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/latest-news/15846-gersbach-may-pahiwatig-na-bago-namatay-libing-sa-biyernes-na

Palace: Deadly bus mishaps ‘wake-up call’
The latest deadly bus mishaps should serve as “wake-up call” for concerned authorities to strictly enforce the country’s road safety regulations, Malacañang said Sunday.

Ramon Carandang, secretary of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said the country has adequate laws and other regulations to ensure safety in land transportation but apparently lack enforcement.

Carandang said they are saddened by the bus tragedy in Benguet province that claimed dozens of lives, as well as the road collision in Camarines Sur that killed a beauty queen and her two companions.

“We hope these accidents would serve as wake-up call to our traffic regulators and other agencies to enforce traffic regulations,” Carandang said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

He said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) should review the enforcement of road safety regulations to save lives.http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273667/palace-deadly-bus-mishaps-wakeup-call

^^Is that true that SB Coffee costs to as much as 500 pesos?

^^I paid only less than 200 pesos for a brewed coffee then....

My order costs 145 + 50 for the add ons.. The French Apple Tart was delicious (P70)

Trains for Manila to Bicol rail service delayed
The Southrail operation of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will commence after the celebration of the Peñafrancia festival in Naga City because the new train coaches suited for long distance travel are not expected to arrive on time.

According to PNR operations manager Estelito Nierva, they have initially targeted to start the commercial operation of the Tagkawayan, Quezon to Del Jallego, Camarines Sur route in time for the Peñafrancia festival next month but the shipment of the train coaches from Kawasaki, Japan will be delayed until the last week of September.

“We were expecting that at least 10 sleeper coaches suitable for long distance travel will arrive by the last week of August but the manufacturer in Japan could not make it on time. So even if we have already rehabilitated the tracks covering the Tagkawayan-Del Jallego route, there are no new train coaches that will run along them,” Nierva said.

Aside from the 10 sleeper coaches, at least 200 commuter type coaches are also expected for delivery starting next month. Nierva said that come October, train sets comprising three coaches each will be ready for commercial operations from Manila to Ligao, Albay.

“Once delivery of the new train coaches is made, even if staggered, we will open the Bicol operation from Manila to Ligao, Albay, to provide our riding public the cheapest means of transportation they could use to visit their provinces. After all, the PNR was established for our less privileged people,” he said.

Nierva encouraged the public to use the PNR to visit Southern Luzon, once it is fully operational, and consider it as the most economical transportation means available to them.

“With the rising cost of oil products, increasing of toll rates, and looming implementation of value added tax on toll, the train system will be the cheapest means of transportation available to our riding public. We at PNR hope that our commuters will realize that and patronize the PNR,” he said.http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273627/trains-manila-bicol-rail-service-delayed

..tsk2 mpagsamantala lang yan mga gumawa nyan sa panahon.bad!

btw,check nyu po submit ako design pra sa shirt.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee51/ralph_balanta07/SHIRT2.jpg

wow iba talaga ang mga gawa mo.. kung sakali po magkano ang tshirt pabili ako ha..

^^umattend ka rin jhomss sa national meet natin at sa mga meeting natin....

Will stars align for Venus?
IT has never happened in the entire history of the Miss Universe pageant that a Filipina has been intensely favored to win the diamond-studded crown.

Neither during the time of Maria Desiree Erese Verdadero (1984) and Miriam Redito Quiambao (1999) who ranked second during the preliminaries but placed third and first runners-up, respectively. Not even during the era of Gloria Maria Aspillera Diaz (1969) and Maria Margarita Roxas Moran (1973) who both brought home the bacon.

Only this year, and only with Maria Venus Bayonito Raj!

Will Venus be the center of the universe during the competition’s conclusion at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas come August 23? Will her hardships and hard work be finally rewarded?

Her road to the Miss Universe pageant was never a straight one. It had loads of bumps and curves. Twenty-three days after her coronation, the organizers of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. stripped Raj off her title after they found out inconsistencies between her birth certificate and the personal account of her birth.

But thanks to the heavy uproar of her supporters who spearheaded and supported online petitions—to the extent of reporting this mess to the Miss Universe Organization. Local pageant chairperson Stella Marquez de Araneta surprisingly reversed their decision due to “humanitarian reasons” and reinstated her 41 days after she finally obtained a valid Philippine passport.

“I’ve been through a lot of things... I think God wanted me to be stronger and to find meaning in what happened to me by seeing those experiences as gifts or lessons. I wouldn’t be this happier now if all those [things] never transpired,” a teary-eyed Raj enthused during her send-off press conference held at the Gateway Suites in Cubao three Mondays ago.

“At last, I am representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant and I am so honored. It’s my first time ever to travel abroad, and sa Amerika pa! It’s a great opportunity to visit places that I only get to see over the Internet. But more than anything else, I am very excited to meet our kababayans there.”

Actor and Celebrity Apprentice 3 winner Bret Michaels and NBC Today co-anchor Natalie Leticia Morales will present this year’s pageant. The three-hour extravaganza will be televised on Star World on Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. (Manila time) and on ABS-CBN thirty minutes later.

‘The girl to beat’

The 22-year-old suntanned beauty blessed with 5-feet and 10-inch frame and to-die-for hourglass figure—she has a 22-inch waistline by the way—hadn’t stepped into the American soil back then, but she was already the highest-rated candidate in the Miss Universe website’s ongoing poll.

What more? The Miss Universe Organization also called Araneta and requested that she be sent to the United States four days earlier than her supposed date of arrival as she was among the six ladies chosen to join outgoing queen Stefania Fernandez Krupij of Venezuela in the Miss Universe media tour in Los Angeles.The other five lucky ladies were Jesinta Campbell of Australia, Natalia Navarro of Colombia, Sarodj Berin of Haiti, Jimena Navarrete of Mexico, Mariana Paola Vicente of Puerto Rico. The online survey result and her inclusion in the promo tour, however, will have no bearing in the final outcome of the pageant.

Just a few days after her arrival in Las Vegas, she was again handpicked to do a promotional tour with the equally controversial Rima Fakih—the first Arab-American and first Muslim to win the Miss USA crown—in San Francisco.

These are all “good signs” that Raj might finally end our 11-year dry spell or absence in the semifinal round of the Miss Universe pageant. But knowing how unpredictable pageant co-owner Donald Trump is—just like what happened last year when not a single Asian made it to the top 15—Raj can only keep her fingers crossed. “I will just grab every opportunity that they will give me, to prove that I am worthy of the crown, that I have something to say, and that I can do something.

“A lot of people ask me if I am pressured with all the attention or hype I am getting from the media and over the Internet. Well, I think it’s more of a confidence booster. It’s like all my worries disappear when I find out that more and more people keep on believing in me, who keep on supporting and praying for me.”

Farm girl

The modest life of this 22-year-old native of Bato, Camarines Sur, has equipped her for whatever physical and mental demands that pageants might have in store for her. She grew up in a nipa hut made of wood, bamboo and anahaw leaves that stood in the middle of a sprawling rice field. “I was in grade five when I started dreaming to become a beauty queen, to be a Miss Universe someday!”

With no electricity to light her path, she would use the narrow rice paddy dikes to pretend that she’s walking down the fashion runways. “If you finished a wide stretch without slipping or tripping off, puwede ka ng rumampa sa stage,” she quipped. Her childhood dream slowly took shape. She began joining minor beauty contests at the age of 17.

Through the cash prizes she accumulated with her winnings in various tilts, she was able to buy land on an installment basis for her mother, Ester Bayonito, a tenant farmer and dressmaker. Raj went on to successfully graduate with cum laude honors at the Bicol University in Legaspi City with a degree in journalism.

Price of fame

Her being born out of wedlock in Doha, Qatar, when her mom and her Indian father separated never broke the surface when she tried her luck in Miss Philippines-Earth tilt in 2008 where she placed fourth runner-up to eventual Miss Earth Karla Paula Henry. It was only after joining, winning and getting dethroned in the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant last March that her situation came up. Did she ever feel ashamed of being an illegitimate child? “No, I don’t care! I am still thankful because I was born… even though I never had a chance to meet my biological father.”

But Raj admitted: “I’ve been searching for my dad in Google… and whenever I get to see people named Vincent Raj, I immediately send them an e-mail. They answer back, but it’s always, ‘I am sorry I am not the one you are looking for’. I wouldn’t know where he is right now [or if he’s still alive]. If it’s God’s will that we would meet in the future, I would thank him. I will not say bad things to him or blame him for whatever happened to me. If there would be an opportunity for me to hug him, I would do that. But I also love my stepfather so much. He made me feel that I am indeed his real daughter.”

Days ahead

While she is not quite sure of her plans for her seven more months of reign as Miss Philippines, or possibly a year-long reign as Miss Universe, Raj said she would love to enter show business, not as an actor but as a TV presenter. “I want to have my own talk show because I am a very lively host.

“It’s also my dream to build a house for my mom because I wanted my family to live a more comfortable life, para naman hindi na nila ako palagi aalalahanin kahit malayo man ako sa kanila.”

When asked what the Miss Universe crown means to her: “Oh, if I win that crown, it would not only be God’s gift to me, but to each and every one of us. It’s been 37 years since a Filipina was last hailed as the most beautiful woman in the universe. It’s about time for the Philippines to be back again in the global beauty map.”http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2010/august/21/lifestyle1.isx&d=2010/august/21

umattend ka rin jhomss sa national meet natin at sa mga meeting natin....


^^try ko po promise..

hinapot ko na po si ate. your family name starts with M, and your family owns ___ in Iriga.. your younger sister po na kabatch ni ate is a D.. wehehehhe :banana:

confirmed you on Facebook. Thanks :)

Turugon na ang sis kong hahaputon. :lol:

^^It's the Holy Child Educational Center. It has a campus in Buhi as well.

thanks for the info, hakz.

:applause::applause::applause:

nice brat! hope u can join us for the meet.
nice shirt design.

Caceres to Launch Tercentenary Commemorative Stamps
Bikol News News
Vox Bikol
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Naga City (20 Aug) -- The Archdiocese of Caceres will launch commemorative stamps to mark the 300 years of devotion of the Bikolanos to Our Lady of Penafrancia on September 11, 2010 at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, at 10 o'clock in the morning.

The Philippine Postal Corporation granted the issuance of commemorative stamps in four different designs, plus other philatelic products such as first day issue, souvenir sheets, souvenir folders and souvenir frames.

The Postmaster General Hector Villanueva and Most Rev. Leonardo Legaspi, OP, DD, shall grace the occasion.

The launching of the commemorative stamps is one of the major activities in observance of the tercentenary of the devotion in Naga City, introduced to the Bikolanos by a Spanish clergyman, Fr. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias.

A lecture on the history of the devotion shall be delivered by Prof. Danilo Gerona, a renowned local historian.

"Stamps are miniature works of art. These commemorative stamps will serve as 'evangelizers' to promote the devotion all throughout the world," says Fr. Wilmer Tria, Chair of the Committee on commemorative stamps.

These commemorative stamps and other philatelic products shall be available during the launching ceremonies and shall be exhibited and sold at Peñafrancia museum, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary museum and the Bishop Gainza Trade Fair at SM Naga. For orders and more information, call 473-6445.

www.voxbikol.com

Ang Sakramento ng Libog
Isang Pagbasa sa mga Rawitdawit ni Adrian V. Remodo sa koleksyong Ini An Sakuyang Hawak

Kristian Cordero
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Katulad ng libag sa katawan, kinakailangang ikubli, disiplinahin, alisin (depende sa kung anong reseta ng relihiyon at kultura) ang libog ng tao. Tila pulgas na maituturing ang libag samantalang matabang garapata ang libog. Sityo ng libag at libog ang katawan ng tao. At dahil hindi lamang simpleng nanahan o kumakapit ang libag at libog sa atin, mas higit nitong pinapatindi ang sidhi ng sigalot na nangyayari sa buong katawan. Ang mga sigalot, anomalya, o ang mga kaisipan patungkol sa katawan o sa mundo ng mga katawan, ang kumukundisyon sa kung paano inaangkin, tinitingnan, ginagamit ng kinikilalang nagmamay-ari ang katawang ito. At dahil tila may taglay na balani ang mga katawan na humahatak sa iba pang katawan o kaya'y dahil tuluyan ng sumabog ang grabedad sa uniberso at naging itong libog, hindi na talaga natin maisaisantabi ang usapan/usapin ng iba pang katawang nakapaligid sa atin. Sa simula pa lang ay naroroon na ang siklo ng pagsasakatawan at ang pangangailangan ng katawan upang mailuwal ang tao sa mundo.
Hindi rin maiiwasang tingnan at ihambing na habang kumakapit ang libag sa nakabalot na balat ng tao maituturing naman na isyu ng laman o loob, at nanunuot sa buto, ang libog ng tao. Maaaring sabihing pagnanasa ito o pananabik o gana, isang enerhiya na mas higit sa katawan ng tao. Kung kaya hindi malayong isipin na ang usaping libog ay isyu rin ng espiritwalidad. Ngunit iba ang pagtingin ng ilang makapangyarihang institusyon kabilang na ang relihiyon sa libog ng tao. May turing na isa itong kasalanan o maaaring magdala sa kaparusahan sa impyerno. Kayâ habang nag-aalis tayo ng libag sa ating mga pribadong espasyo, inaatasan naman na maglinis tayo ng kaluluwa sa mga kumpesyonaryo dahil sa kalabisan ng ating mga libog. Siksik at liglig ang libog na umaapaw sa ating mga katawan. At dahil sa paglilinis na ito parehong maituturing na sagradong espasyo ang banyo at ang kumpesyonaryo dahil may "pagbibinyag" na nagaganap, may ginagawang "paglilinis" sa tubig sa una, samantalang pinaliliguan at binubusog tayo ng mga pangaral ng laway ng ministro. Kailangang sabihin na ang paliligo at pangungumpisal ay masasabing mga anyo ng pagdidispilina sa katawan upang makuha nito ang angkop at itinakdang kalinisan.

Mahaba ang listahan ng sari-saring relihiyon sa kung paano tinitingnan ang katawan ng tao: abo, bahay/templo, kulungan, teritoryo, sakramento. Sa limang ito makikita na nagsisilbing manipestasyon lamang ng kung anong maituturing na kaluluwa o enerhiyang nagpapadaloy ng "silbi at kahulugan" ang katawan. Ang abo sa apoy, ang bahay/templo sa nananahang may-ari, ang kulungan sa bilanggo, ang teritoryo sa mananakop at ang sakramento sa biyaya ng ipinapangakong kaligtasan. Sa mga dayalektikang ito umiinog ang mga kaisipang patungkol sa ating mga katawan na makikita rin sa kung paano may dalawang salitang Bikol na tumutukoy sa katawan: ito ang hawak at lawas.

Sa unang koleksyong na ito ng mga rawitdawit ni Adrian V. Remodo, makikita ang ganitong dayalektika sa pagpili at paggamit niya ng hawak sa kanyang pamagat upang ipakita ang mismong pag-anib niya sa mga kritikal na diskurso ng mga kaisipang bagamat may bagahe at sigalot ng kasaysayang kolonyal o/at postkolonyal ay nanatili pa ring mabulas sa kanyang eksplorasyon sa sariling katawan at sa mga katawang nakapalibot sa kanya. Sa katunayan, hindi na ito ang hawak na "bininyagan", kundi ito na ang katawang "nagpapakita", sapagkat matagal na itinuring na mga tawong-lipod. Ito ang katawang malay sa kanyang pangangailangan at obligasyon sa iba pang katawan. Ito ang katawang nagbibigay pugay sa linamlam at kaluwalhatian ng pisipis, sa sapog ng kamoteng-kahoy, tamis-asim ng santol o sa Mayon na ngayon ay sumasabog ng ladang (sili/anghang) lava at guta ng niyog.

Mahihiwatigan na ang pamagat ng koleksyong ito na "Ini An Sakuyang Hawak" (Ito ang Aking Katawan/ Est Enim Corpus Meum) ay direktang sipi mula sa binabanggit na deklarasyon ng pari sa pagbayaw sa banal na hostiya, ang sagradong tinapay na nagiging katawan ng Diyos. Kayâ masasabing ang hawak, ang "bininyagang katawan" sapagkat ito ang pinili at ginagamit ng Katolikong simbahan at iba pang Kristiyanong grupo upang tukuyin ang katawan ng tao man o Diyos na naging mortal. Pansinin ang gamit ng salita sa bokabularyo ng Katolisismo: "Hawak ni Kristo", sa komunyon "Sa sakong hawak, mahihiling ko an Dios na sakong kagtubos" sa dasal para sa mga patay, An Pagsakatan ni Virgen Maria, Hawak asin Kalag sa misteryo ng rosaryo, at maging sa Bikol na Bibliya hawak ang ginagamit na salin sa katawan. Samantalang, may paniniwala akong ang lawas ang nasa labas ng basbas ng simbahan. Ito ang hindi nasakop na katawan. At ito ang tinatangkang paghawak sa hawak ng makata.

Sa La Lengua Vocabulario del Bicol, ang diksyunaryo ng Fransiskanong si Marcos de Lisboa, tinukoy niya ang hauac (hawak) bilang 'cuerpo', samantalang ang lauas (lawas) bilang 'persona'. Subalit hindi na malinaw ang ganitong gamit ngayon sa wikang Bikol. Hindi ginagamit sa pormularyo ng liturhiya ng Katolikong simbahan ang lawas. Sa kontemporanyong gamit lumalabas na ang dalawang salita, ang hawak at lawas ay magkasing kahulugan na lamang. At dahil namamayani pa rin ang kaisipang naniniwala na ang matatas na Bikol ay nagmumula lamang sa bakuran ng simbahan, higit na ginagamit ang hawak at nawala na ang pang-unawa sa lawas bilang ang kabuohan ng tao o ang persona. Inuunawa na lamang ang lawas bilang hawak o katawan.

Sa pananakop sa hawak, naging katawan na lamang ang tao, at kayâ patuloy namang pinaghahawakan ng hawak ang mga katawan at ang produksyong ng mga ganitong uri ng katawan. Ang paglayo sa mga kahulugang/kaibahang ito ay dulot ng iba't ibang ahensya at puwersa na malay na binabalikan ni Remodo sa kanyang mga tula, upang muling suyurin ang landas kung saan dinadala ang makata sa estado ng kamalayan, kung saan ang katawan at kaluluwa ay banal na nag-uusap: "Lugod darahon /kan kapungawan/an hawak kong sinanglitan/duman/sa panahon na daan,/kun sain an hawak asin kalag/banal na minaulay-ulay. " (Siya nawa/ Dalhin ako ng matinding/ kalungkutang ito/sa bugtong kong katawan/doon/ sa antigong panahon/ kung saan ang katawan at kaluluwa'y/ banal na nagtatalaban.)

Nasa anyo ng mga personal na meditasyon ang marami sa mga tula sa koleksyong ito na nagsimula sa pamamagitan ng tula tungkol sa batang piniling burahin ang kanyang mga iginuhit sa kalsada dahil sa banta ng paparating na unos. Sa pamamagitan ng paglatag sa ganitong tagpo, babaybayin ni Remodo ang mga landas kung saan makakatagpo niya ang marami niyang sarili, ang sariling namamaybay sa mga hiram na kama at kinasanayang kalsada, sa mga gurang sa waiting shed, sa isang nanay na nagtutupi ng mga lumang damit at gamit sa aparador o sa isang katuod (kaibigan) na napupung'aw sa minamahal na nakikita na lamang sa mga ligaw na liwanag. Buburahin niya ang mga dayalektika ng diklom (dilim) at liwanag, ng lalaki at babae, ng banal at tampalasan (makasalanan), dahil na rin sa kung paanong ang mga kategoryang ito ay nagsisilbing mga pangunahing pwersang kinakasangkapan at kumukudisyon sa relasyon, emosyon, at katayuan ng tao sa mundo. At makkita ito sa kung paano natin tinitingnan ang ating mga katawan o maging ang katawan na ito na itinatanghal sa atin ng makata.

Makikita rin na hindi ganap na tinatalikuran ni Remodo ang kalagayang espiritwal, subalit mariin niyang tinatanggihan ang mga alagad ng tataramon (salita), na nagsasalita ng hiwalay sa kanilang katawan (suhay sa hawak). Katulad ng makatang si Rainer Maria Rilke na higit na naniniwala sa dilim bilang sagrado sapagkat ang tanging ginagawa lamang ang "liwanag" ay ang paghiwalayin ang tao sa tao o ang katawan sa sarili, bumabalik si Remodo sa isang kaayusang ang eukaristiya ay komunyon ng mga katawan at hindi isang ritwal kung saan ibinabaling ang lahat ng atensyon sa ministro: ang nagtatanghal sa katawan ng diyos.

Mahalaga kay Remodo ang 'pagsusod' (pagbabalik) sa panahong ang mga dasal ay tula at ang mga alamat at epiko nagsisilbing bukal ng ebanghelyo. Kay Remodo, (kailangang) nagsasalita ang bawat dila, maging dilang-apoy, upang magkaroon ng isang bagong Pentecostes. Nagiging itong isang pagdiriwang, katulad sa kung paano nagawang sirain ng bata ang kanyang mga guhit, upang sa kabila ng mga ebidensya ng pagguho katulad ng nangyari sa tore ng Babel, umaawit pa rin ang makata ng mga rawitdawit, dahil sa mga kaibahan lamang ng mga salita niya mapanghahawakan ang kapung'awan, ang kamatayan, ang mga bersong naaalala sa kanyang mga paghihintay sa kalsada man ito o sa mga umpukan kung saan pumapailanlang ang mga tigsik at rawitdawit na ngayon ay muling sinusuyod ni Remodo bilang mga tilamsik ng gunita sa kanyang mga tula. Sa koleksyon, masusundan ang paggalaw ng batang ito sa kung paano niya tatanungin ang mga mismong nakapalibot sa kanya, ang mundo ng Kabikolan, ang mga sistema, ang mga hawak, ang mga may mga hawak ng kapangyarihan. Kapansin-pansin ito sa tulang May Mga Gusto Akong Ihapot, Tay (May Mga Gusto Akong Ipagbaka-sakali, Tay), kung saan hinahamon ni Remodo ang mga insitutusyong nagtataguyod sa katawan bilang isang organikong organismo kailangang paamuhin, pasunurin at panatilihin sa mga kalagayan at kaisipang itinatanghal ang katawan bilang ang nariyan ngunit hindi maaaring salingin, hindi maaaring hawakan.

Ang mabunying pagwika na "Ini an Sakuyang Hawak" ay isang pagpapahayag sa katawan bilang sakramento ng libag man ito o ng mahiwagang libog. Sa mga rawitdawit/tula ni Remodo, hindi Diyos na nagsakatawang tao ang nagsasalita, kundi taong hinahanap at ginagagap ang kanyang pagiging ganap na tao sa pamamagitan ng pag-angkin at pagtanghal sa kanyang katawan. "Ini An Sakuyang Hawak", ang nagsisilbing bagong Amen sa komunyong maging ang mga tawong-lipod ay maaaring dumalo. Sa paggamit ng tawong-lipod sa kanyang koleksyon, inilulugar ni Remodo, ang kanyang sarili bilang isa sa mga hagbayon na makata na sumusunod sa mga sinimulang hakbangin nina Merlinda Bobis at H. Franscisco Peñones Jr., kung saan muling binabalikan ang mga alamat at mito upang magsilbing mga bagong metapora sa rehiyong nanahan sa mata ng bagyo at sa singsing ng apoy-ang Bikol.

Tunay na isang maningning na katangian ng koleksyong ito ang patuloy na itaguyod ang wikang Bikol bilang wikang pampanitikan sa pamamagitan ng eksplorasyon sa mismong wika, ng mismong mundo. Nabibigyan ng mga bagong diin at dulog ang mga salita, (tataramon). Ang mga tataramon na ito ang nagsasalita bilang sakramento ng primodyal na libog na bumubuo at nagbubunyi sa katawan na napanghahawakan ng ngayon at patuloy na nanatili sa siklo ng mga panahon, sa mga tagisang higit na bumubuo sa ating mga pagkatao, gaano man karahas ang pamamaraan at kondisyon na ating pinipili o pinipili para sa atin. Sa mga tunggaliang ito nanatili ang katawan bilang makapangyarihang elemento sa uniberso, at sa makatang si Remodo, ito ang katawang buhay na nagbabanyuhay.

Masdan ang unang himala sa altar ng panulaan ni Remodo:

Tao, narito ang iyong katawan. Katawan, narito ang Tao.

(Editor's Note: This is the Introduction written by Bikol poet Kristian Sendon Cordero to the first book of poetry of Adrian V. Remodo, Ini An Sakuyang Hawak asin iba pang Bersong Bikol, as part of the UBOD New Writers Series 2, published by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP). Remodo is one of the fourteen writers in the country who received the said grant. The fourteen collections of stories and poetries in various languages in the country were launched at Ateneo de Manila University last August 8, 2010. Next issue will be the review on Jerome's Hipolito's Oda Sa Tadik Asin Iba Pang Bersong Bikol.)

www.voxbikol.com

My first visit @ Starbucks Coffee Magsaysay Ave., Naga City..

^^
Wala na cguro mas ssarap pa mag strbucks s sriling bayan..haiz..:cheers::cheers: sa Penafrancia cgurdo puno yang starbucks jan...:lol:

nice! and great updates too sir Hakz!

nice T-shirt design by BrattRap! :)

Thanks for the Photo of Mt. Asog... buti na lang at green na yan. Kasi nung Summer, tuyo sya at nagkaroon pa ng forest fire dyan. Buti na lang at naging green na ulit sya!

@Sir Garz
SB Coffees... from 65 - 200 ata...

check nyo pala yung dark roast coffee jelly nila... order kayo ng Venti(185) then bibigyan kayo ng survey form, answeran ninyo then redeem ninyo yung free tall Coffee Jelly drink... :)
I think promo will end Aug. 30... check nyo na lang!

Welcome sa thread Yranoa! :)

Manay jo! very relaxing ang pictures sa Rural Buhi! hehe!

Sayang di makakahabol ang new coaches for the Manila-Bicol Trip...

ano pa ba... hmm...

Hope to see more updates guys! :D

Madali lang ako aramon. :D

Pero dai mo na aramon ta mapabisto man ako saindo. :lol:



ay, gusto ko yan, getting younger and younger through the years ba? :D
haha! well, not exactly... basta forever young...

hinapot ko na po si ate. your family name starts with M, and your family owns ___ in Iriga.. your younger sister po na kabatch ni ate is a D.. wehehehhe :banana:
hmm... judging from the shots... I think taas yun ng MCM restaurant eh... inyo ba yun!? :D

Kung may lungkot may sayang kapalit... lets hope the sadness we feel for the untimely demise of Melody will be replaced soon by the happiness and pride na dadalhin sa atin ni Venus ... heard shes one of the Top 15 now... lets pray she will bring home the bacon!

Good luck Venus !

yes! hope Ms. Venus wins! :D

at your service, aidz! :D

Jacobs, Tisseyre Win Ironman 70.3 Philippines
Australia’s Pete Jacobs beat a seemingly unstoppable Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand by leading the entire day in the Philippines, while Canada’s Magali Tisseyre turned in a fast run to take the women’s title.

Jacobs started the day with a field-leading 24:52 swim. Bozzone headed onto the bike just ten seconds back of the Aussie and quickly made up the gap. The two battled throughout the entire 56 miles, with Jacobs gaining the slight edge heading into T2. From there, it became a battle of who could withstand the hot and humid conditions. Jacobs’ impressive 1:21:15 half marathon earned him the victory in 3:58:41. Showing the tough conditions of the day, Bozzone’s 1:28:28 half marathon (a time relatively slow by 70.3 standards) was the second fastest of the race, giving him second place. Sweeden’s Fredrik Croneborg earned third, nine minutes back of Bozzone.

Tisseyre also gained her victory by withstanding the conditions on the run. She started the day by showing great improvements on her swim, exiting the water just seconds behind former Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones of Australia. Tisseyre went on to post the fastest bike split of the day in 2:22:10. Despite the strong swim/bike performance, Tisseyre headed onto the run with Jones right on her heels. The Canadian eventually broke away to take the win in 4:27:01. Jones showed she is in strong form, finishing just two minutes later for second. Australia’s Rachael Paxton enjoyed third place from the end of the swim to the finish line.http://triathlon.competitor.com/2010/08/news/jacobs-tisseyre-win-ironman-70-3-philippines_11723

Magsaysay Avenue
Sunday 10 AM

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SM City Naga
Sunday 11:30 AM
22 August, 2010

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Will Venus join the Miss U Honor Roll?
2010 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj shows her winning form in front of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino where the Miss Universe pageant will be held tomorrow morning (9:30 Manila Time, which is Aug. 23 Monday night US Time)

In 24 hours, a new (the 59th, count ‘em!) Miss Universe will be chosen from more than 80 candidates now gathered at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for the grand finals set for tomorrow (actually Aug. 23 US Time) night (starting at 9:30 a.m. Manila Time, aired live on ABS-CBN, with primetime telecast also tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. on Velvet [SkyCable Channel 53] and at 9:30 p.m. on Studo 23).

Since the Philippine bet, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj, has been consistently topping the on-line popularity poll sponsored by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and figuring prominently among the Top 10 in two other surveys, Filipinos are pinning their hopes on her to bring home the country’s third Miss U crown (after Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1963).

“She has a good fighting chance,” according to Stella Marquez-Araneta, head of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), who flew to Las Vegas a few days ago to give Venus moral support. “So far, she’s doing very well.”

During the preliminaries held Thursday night also at Mandalay Bay, Venus stood out with her “cat walk” and kayumanggi-kaligatan charm with her hair collected in a bun. She got the loudest applause from the audience during the portion in which the candidates introduced themselves.

“The smile never left her face,” observed Funfare’s “other beauty expert” Celso de Guzman Caparas who watched the affair on the YouTube.

The 15 semi-finalists were chosen that night but they won’t be known until the precious envelope is opened on coronation night.

On this page are some of the Miss U winners from 1952 (Finland’s Armi Helena Kuusela) to 2009 (Venezuela’s Stefania Fernandez Krupij) compiled by Celso.

Will Venus join the Miss U Honor Roll?http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605284&publicationSubCategoryId=70

Australian, Canadian share same birthday, triathlon honors
http://a.imageshack.us/img841/7471/spo4.jpg
Female triathletes begin the swim leg of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 at the CamSur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur yesterday. Inset shows Australian Pete Jacobs crossing the finish line to win the race.

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines – Australian Pete Jacobs and Canadian Magali Tisseyre, born on the same day on Oct. 27, 1981, shared top honors in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines at the Camsur Water Sports Complex here yesterday.

Jacobs, fourth placer last year behind New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone, countryman Chris McCormack and another Kiwi Cameron Brown, came back strong, dominating the punishing race consisting of 1.2 miles of swimming, 58.6 miles of biking and 13.2 miles of running.

Jacobs, who performed well in the swim and bike stages only to slow down in the run part last year, was on top of his form all throughout this time, completing the event in three hours, 58 minutes and 41 seconds.

The Australian champ said he’s happy with his effort although he failed to beat Bozzone’s winning time of 51:25.53 last year.

“I got out strong and eventually built up enough confidence to finish strong and win this,” said Jacobs.

He still looked fresh when he reached the finish line, raising his two hands and shouting “Yeah” with a good smile on his face.

Tisseyre, for her part, clocked 4:27.01 to edge American legend Michellie Jones (4:29.23) and Aussie Rachael Paxton (4:42.38) in this event made possible by Sunrise president and Alaska CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and host Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte.

Cobra Energy Drink, Alaska, CWC and Villafuerte, Globe Telecoms, the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, Century Tuna, Power Bar, David Salon, Dusit Thani Manila, Oakley, Timex, Prudential Guarantee, K-Swiss and Gatorade are the sponsors with The Philippine STAR, ABS-CBN Publishing and Multi-sports as media partners.

“I really needed a race like this because I’m building up for the World Championship,” said Tisseyre. “Instead of feeling tired, I felt like it was really refreshing for me.”

Bozzone, who couldn’t muster the same energy he showed last year, said he tried his best but Jacobs proved the better athlete this time.

“Pete (Jacobs) was just having a wonderful race. I was struggling to keep up with him. In the run, he just took me away,” said Bozzone, who settled for second in 4:05.54.

Swedish Fredrik Croneberg wound up third in 4:14.36 while Leon Griffin and Courtney Ogden of Australia, Erich Felbabel of Hong Kong and AJ Anderson also of from Down Under, came in next in 4:17.30, 4:21.00, 4:32.36 and 4:34.20, respectively.

Brown, who was one of the favorites being third placer last year, encountered problems in the bike portion and was forced to withdraw.

Neil Catiil, a 23-year-old pride of Cagayan de Oro, blew away the local field that included former national triathlon champion Fil-Am Arland Macasieb and last year’s top RP finisher Noy Jopson to emerge the best Filipino finisher.

Catiil timed 4:37.10 to finish eighth overall and bag the local purse worth P50,000.

Macasieb clocked 4:44.08 and Jopson 4:54.32.

Monica Torres reigned supreme in the distaff side in 5:00.19, edging Ani Karina de Leon and former RP No. 1 Alessandra Araulio Gonzales, who clocked 5:01.56 and 5:05.17, respectively.

“It’s a happy feeling winning again,” said the 26-year-old Torres.http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605320&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Cobra Ironman sidelights
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Businessman Fernando Zobel de Ayala (front) emerges out of the water in the first part of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines held at Camsur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.

PILI, Camarines Sur, PHilippines – Movie heartthrob Piolo Pascual competed in the relay races for Timex where his teammates included marathon race organizer Rio dela Cruz.

* * *

Alaska Milk assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa brought along his wife Buchik to watch the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines organized by his boss, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu. Jolas joined Aces coach Tim Cone in the gallery, rooting for the latter’s wife Cristina and Alaska assistant Richard Bachman.

* * *

One-legged athlete Rudy Fernandez was one of the participants here. The 63-year-old Fernandez is a fierce competitor in triathlon, running, swimming and cycling events despite his obvious handicap. He shot to fame in 1996 when he swam Guimaras to Iloilo to eclipse the record of Terry Fox.

* * *

Globe’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Sen. Pia Cayetano and Cobra vice-president for marketing Hubert Tan were some of the top executives who saw action in the event.

* * *

For the second straight year, race organizers brought in popular race announcer Whit Raymund to make the event more lively and interesting. Raymund was impressive in making blow-by-blow updates of the race to the delight of the appreciative crowd. His favorite word for this year was “Mabuhay.”http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605321&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Cone's wife in Ironman relay
August 22, 2010
Alaska coach Tim Cone motored from his Alabang home to Pili, Camarines Sur, to cheer for his wife Cristina who’s competing in the run leg of the relay event of the second Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 this morning.

The Cones made the trip last Friday – just two days after the Aces clinched the PBA Fiesta Conference crown at the Araneta Coliseum with several foreign triathletes, including Cam-Sur defending Ironman 70.3 champion Terenzo Bozzone, watching at courtside.

Cone brought his wakeboard to Pili but won’t get to use it until after the competition is over this afternoon.

Cristina is teaming with former national swimmer Betsy Medalla and biker Lea Palou in an all-female crew, one of 79 entries in the relay event. She will anchor the team in the 13.1 mile run after Medalla negotiates the 1.2 mile swim and Palou covers the 56-mile bike trail.

There are 16 all-female, 27 all-male, 31 mixed gender and five corporate teams competing in the relay.

“Cristina’s ready for it,” said Cone. “She’s a serious runner, doing 14 to 18 kilometers a day then 30 kilometers on weekends. She works out in the gym, too. We’re all excited about the Ironman 70.3.” Cristina, Medalla and Palou are carrying the Army-Navy Southtri team colors.

With 227 participants in the relay, the Ironman 70.3 sequel has 841 total registrants including 604 in the individual class. Among the triathletes who flew in from 34 countries are pros Bozzone and Cameron Brown of New Zealand, Erich Felbabel of Hong Kong and Justin Cole, Leon Griffin, Michellie Jones of the US and Canada’s Magali Tisseyre.

* * * *

Expected to threaten Bozzone’s bid for a second straight crown is Brown who finished third in last year’s event. Brown wound up only one minute and six seconds behind Bozzone in a close race. He’s out for pay back.

In the Filipino elite category, defending titlist Noy Jopson is up against a strong field of 10 challengers, including US-based Arland Macasaeb, Neil Catiil and Mark Candelaria.

Jopson, 35, was a whiff away from qualifying for the 2000 Sydney Olympics where triathlon made its debut in the Summer Games but opted to retire from the national pool the year before. The three-time Philippine triathlon champion felt it was time to move on to a new chapter in his life.

“I was receiving P4,000 a month from the Philippine Sports Commission as a national triathlete,” said the 1997 Ateneo graduate. “I thought it was time to concentrate on our family business.”

In 2002, Jopson married national triathlete Amale Mendezona and a year later, decided to go back to competitive triathlon, this time beyond the Olympic limits. Today, Jopson lives in Cebu – where he manages his family’s security services company – with his wife and their two children, Mikele, 4, and Rafa, 1.

For topping the Filipino elite category last year, Jopson got a ticket to compete at the Ironman 70.2 world championships in Clearwater, Florida. His trip was sponsored by Cobra Energy Drink, Alaska and Timex. He chopped off 17 minutes from his Cam-Sur time that was good for 10th place overall and clocked 4:21.27. Jopson said if he times in the same in the Cam-Sur sequel as in Clearwater, it may be enough to retain the crown.

* * * *

Sunrise Events project director Princess Galura said today’s Cam-Sur event will be an affair to remember. It’ll be more spectacular, impressive and colorful than last year’s Ironman 70.3 inaugurals.

Alaska president and CEO Fred Uytengsu heads Sunrise as chairman and he’s relishing his role as chief organizer this year. Sunrise has made a name for itself globally as a major player in the business of hosting sports tourism events. After the Ironman 70.3 sequel, Sunrise will stage the Exterra off-road, bike-and-run fun competition at Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna, where the contestants go through the last 100 meters in muddy conditions. The event, called “Putik Pare,” is set on Nov. 7.

Uytengsu said the success of last year’s Ironman 70.3 in Cam-Sur has put the Philippines on the world map as a glowing sports hub.

“We’ve increased the participation in the Ironman 70.3 by 44 percent with 11 more countries sending entries,” said Uytengsu. “People are here from abroad because they heard how everyone had such a treat last year. I think we’re succeeding in our mission to promote the Philippines as a viable and friendly sports destination for tourists.”http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605110&publicationSubCategoryId=69

CWC Promos

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http://www.cwcwake.com/images/beginner_mondays/beginner_mondays_800x600.jpg

That tshirt design looks more like a print/billboard ad, or a TV commercial. :colgate:

2nd ICT Congress August 26 @ Villa Caceres

with the participation of Google Philippines and Ateneo Digital Animation

marhay na hapon!

Trains for Manila to Bicol rail service delayed
By KRIS BAYOS
August 22, 2010, 3:51pm

The Southrail operation of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will commence after the celebration of the Peñafrancia festival in Naga City because the new train coaches suited for long distance travel are not expected to arrive on time.

According to PNR operations manager Estelito Nierva, they have initially targeted to start the commercial operation of the Tagkawayan, Quezon to Del Jallego, Camarines Sur route in time for the Peñafrancia festival next month but the shipment of the train coaches from Kawasaki, Japan will be delayed until the last week of September.

“We were expecting that at least 10 sleeper coaches suitable for long distance travel will arrive by the last week of August but the manufacturer in Japan could not make it on time. So even if we have already rehabilitated the tracks covering the Tagkawayan-Del Jallego route, there are no new train coaches that will run along them,” Nierva said.

Aside from the 10 sleeper coaches, at least 200 commuter type coaches are also expected for delivery starting next month. Nierva said that come October, train sets comprising three coaches each will be ready for commercial operations from Manila to Ligao, Albay.

“Once delivery of the new train coaches is made, even if staggered, we will open the Bicol operation from Manila to Ligao, Albay, to provide our riding public the cheapest means of transportation they could use to visit their provinces. After all, the PNR was established for our less privileged people,” he said.

Nierva encouraged the public to use the PNR to visit Southern Luzon, once it is fully operational, and consider it as the most economical transportation means available to them.

“With the rising cost of oil products, increasing of toll rates, and looming implementation of value added tax on toll, the train system will be the cheapest means of transportation available to our riding public. We at PNR hope that our commuters will realize that and patronize the PNR,” he said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273627/trains-manila-bicol-rail-service-delayed

Cobra Ironman sidelights
By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star) Updated August 23, 2010 12:00 AM

Businessman Fernando Zobel de Ayala (front) emerges out of the water in the first part of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines held at Camsur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.

PILI, Camarines Sur, PHilippines – Movie heartthrob Piolo Pascual competed in the relay races for Timex where his teammates included marathon race organizer Rio dela Cruz.

* * *

Alaska Milk assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa brought along his wife Buchik to watch the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines organized by his boss, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu. Jolas joined Aces coach Tim Cone in the gallery, rooting for the latter’s wife Cristina and Alaska assistant Richard Bachman.

* * *

One-legged athlete Rudy Fernandez was one of the participants here. The 63-year-old Fernandez is a fierce competitor in triathlon, running, swimming and cycling events despite his obvious handicap. He shot to fame in 1996 when he swam Guimaras to Iloilo to eclipse the record of Terry Fox.

* * *

Globe’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Sen. Pia Cayetano and Cobra vice-president for marketing Hubert Tan were some of the top executives who saw action in the event.

* * *

For the second straight year, race organizers brought in popular race announcer Whit Raymund to make the event more lively and interesting. Raymund was impressive in making blow-by-blow updates of the race to the delight of the appreciative crowd. His favorite word for this year was “Mabuhay.”

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605321&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Australian, Canadian share same birthday, triathlon honors
by Joey Villar, The Philippine Star
Posted at 08/23/2010 7:17 AM | Updated as of 08/23/2010 7:19 AM

PILI, Camarines Sur, Philippines – Australian Pete Jacobs and Canadian Magali Tisseyre, born on the same day on Oct. 27, 1981, shared top honors in the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines at the Camsur Water Sports Complex here on Sunday.

Jacobs, fourth placer last year behind New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone, countryman Chris McCormack and another Kiwi Cameron Brown, came back strong, dominating the punishing race consisting of 1.2 miles of swimming, 58.6 miles of biking and 13.2 miles of running.

Jacobs, who performed well in the swim and bike stages only to slow down in the run part last year, was on top of his form all throughout this time, completing the event in three hours, 58 minutes and 41 seconds.

The Australian champ said he’s happy with his effort although he failed to beat Bozzone’s winning time of 51:25.53 last year.

“I got out strong and eventually built up enough confidence to finish strong and win this,” said Jacobs.

He still looked fresh when he reached the finish line, raising his two hands and shouting “Yeah” with a good smile on his face.

Tisseyre, for her part, clocked 4:27.01 to edge American legend Michellie Jones (4:29.23) and Aussie Rachael Paxton (4:42.38) in this event made possible by Sunrise president and Alaska CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and host Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte.

Cobra Energy Drink, Alaska, CWC and Villafuerte, Globe Telecoms, the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, Century Tuna, Power Bar, David Salon, Dusit Thani Manila, Oakley, Timex, Prudential Guarantee, K-Swiss and Gatorade are the sponsors with The Philippine STAR, ABS-CBN Publishing and Multi-sports as media partners.

“I really needed a race like this because I’m building up for the World Championship,” said Tisseyre. “Instead of feeling tired, I felt like it was really refreshing for me.”

Bozzone, who couldn’t muster the same energy he showed last year, said he tried his best but Jacobs proved the better athlete this time.

“Pete (Jacobs) was just having a wonderful race. I was struggling to keep up with him. In the run, he just took me away,” said Bozzone, who settled for second in 4:05.54.

Swedish Fredrik Croneberg wound up third in 4:14.36 while Leon Griffin and Courtney Ogden of Australia, Erich Felbabel of Hong Kong and AJ Anderson also of from Down Under, came in next in 4:17.30, 4:21.00, 4:32.36 and 4:34.20, respectively.

Brown, who was one of the favorites being third placer last year, encountered problems in the bike portion and was forced to withdraw.

Neil Catiil, a 23-year-old pride of Cagayan de Oro, blew away the local field that included former national triathlon champion Fil-Am Arland Macasieb and last year’s top RP finisher Noy Jopson to emerge the best Filipino finisher.

Catiil timed 4:37.10 to finish eighth overall and bag the local purse worth P50,000.

Macasieb clocked 4:44.08 and Jopson 4:54.32.

Monica Torres reigned supreme in the distaff side in 5:00.19, edging Ani Karina de Leon and former RP No. 1 Alessandra Araulio Gonzales, who clocked 5:01.56 and 5:05.17, respectively.

“It’s a happy feeling winning again,” said the 26-year-old Torres.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/08/22/10/australian-canadian-share-same-birthday-triathlon-honors

Smart provides connectivity, livelihood via GK Access program
(The Philippine Star) Updated August 23, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Gawad Kalinga Foundation and Smart Communications Inc. recently launched the GK Access Package not only to enable some 211 GK employees to stay connected in the field, but also to give them an additional means of livelihood.

Under the GK Access Package program, the employees will be able to enjoy mobile Internet connectivity via 211 Smart Bro plug-it units and the chance to own a netbook via a reasonable loan scheme.

At the same time, they are registered under “Load Mo Sarili Mo (LMSM),” a business opportunity which enables Smart subscribers to augment their income by using their cellphones to load themselves or share load to others.

Through the LMSM’s member-get-member program, GK employees earn a commission from their own load and the load of their members and increase their profits the more people they are able to recruit into the LMSM network.

During the launch, Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea also turned over a check amounting to P801,000 to help in the implementation of the GK Access Package program.

The program is part of Smart’s continuing efforts to provide connectivity via the “Broadbanding GK” project.

Launched in 2007, the project has resulted in the provision of Internet access to 18 GK regional offices, including those in Metro Manila, La Union, Isabela, Tarlac, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Davao, and Sultan Kudarat.

The following year, Smart and GK signed a memorandum of agreement on the development of GK’s management information system.

Under the agreement, Smart donated P4 million to GK for the development of the Unity Global Database, the procurement of financial accounting software and other requirements for the development of the GK MIS system.

Smart, together with parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and the PLDT-Smart Foundation, has adopted 10 PLDT-Smart Amazing GK villages nationwide.

In Metro Manila and Luzon, the sites are located in Baseco Compound, Tondo, Manila; Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija; and Barangay Anoling, General Nakar, Quezon.

Meanwhile, the sites in the Visayas include Barangay Budlaan, Talamban, Cebu City; Barangay Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo; and Barangay Guinsaugon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte.

In Mindanao, the sites are Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao; Camp Abubakar, Barira; and Panglima Estino, Sulu.

Aside from funding the construction of houses in each village, beneficiary residents are also assisted through various livelihood and environmental protection programs.


http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605203&publicationSubCategoryId=71

2010 MBC NATIONAL CHORAL COMPETITION
Contest Mechanics

Since 2007, MBC has held a choral competition as part of its Paskong Pinoy festivities. The first edition featured a Children’s Choir Competition featuring school groups from Metro Manila In 2008, the contest expanded to include an Open Category for groups with members above the age of 14. And in 2009, we began drawing participants from various parts of the country in what has been premised as a nationwide choral contest.
Eligibility
· The competition shall be in two divisions – Children’s Choirs and the Open Category
· A choir may represent a school, parish, district, company, agency, or interest group;
· Participants in the children’s choir category must be 14 years old and below; photocopies of birth certificates should be submitted together with the registration form
· A choir should have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 members;
· A chorister can only participate in one choir;
· Choral conductors may be professionals.
· No child conductor is allowed.

Competition format

Children’s Choir Division

· Participation in the children’s choir competition shall be by invitation.
· Choirs will be bracketed in groups of three for the daily contests on December 6-9 at the Star Theater;
· Each choir is required to sing three songs within 12 minutes -- the competition piece “Away in a Manger” to be sung a’capella; a novelty number; and one of three elective musical selections proposed by the choir from which the judges will select
· The four daily winners will face off in the grand finals on December 10;
· 3-time children’s division champion Hiyas ng Pilipinas has been elevated to the Hall of Fame and shall not be eligible to compete for a two-year period.
Open Category
· Prospective participants from Luzon will be auditioned at specific sites : Cauayan (Aug 24), Laoag (Aug 26), Baguio (Aug 2, Lucena (Sept 11), Naga (Sept 25), and either Oct 23 and 24 or Nov 6 and 7 at Star/Aliw;
· Regional contests will be conducted in Iloilo (Oct 7), Cebu (Oct 9), and Cagayan de Oro (Oct 15).
· Last year’s grand prize winner in the Open category (University of the Visayas) shall automatically be invited and does not need to join the regional eliminations.
· For the semifinals in Manila, the goal is to achieve participant choir ratio at: Mega-Manila (12), Luzon provincial (, Cebu regionals (2), Iloilo regionals (2), Mindanao regionals (3), plus the defending champion. Should any of the qualifying choirs in any region back out of the competition proper, the next highest scorer shall be offered a slot in the semis.
· For the semifinals, choirs will be bracketed in groups of seven, to compete in daily contests at the Star Theater on December 6-9.
· Each choir is required to sing three numbers within 12 minutes – the competition piece “Himig ng Pasko” to be sung a’capella; a novelty number; and one of three elective musical selections proposed by the choir from which the judges will select
· Two winners will be declared each evening.
· Daily winners compete in the grand finals on December 10.


Music Requirements

· Accompaniment, if any, is limited to one acoustic instrument – either piano, guitar, or other instrument specified by the score.
· Use of any electronic instrument or recorded accompaniment is not allowed.
· The choirs in the competition proper should submit their sheet music to MBC on or before November 26.
Running Order
The running order for each evening will be decided by drawing lots before each programme.
Jury
· The jury will be composed of people of recognised repute in the music and artistic world (including education and music criticism).
· In order to avoid possible repetitions, the jury may choose which piece will be performed from the roster of elective musical selections.
· The judges’ decisions will be final and irrevocable.
Criteria for Judging
· Musicality 40%
· Presentation 30%
· Audience Impact 30%
Penalties - Any choral group exceeding the time limit allotted for their performance will be penalized as follows:
· Less than one (1) minute over time allotted – 1% subtracted from total cumulative score of all judges
· One (1) to two (2) minutes over time allotted – 2% subtracted from total cumulative score of all judges
· More than two (2) minutes over time allotted – 3% subtracted from total cumulative score of all judges
Prizes at Stake
Each top winner in the regional contests to be held in Cebu, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro will receive a travel subsidy to help cover the group’s fare to Manila; this will be given to them upon booking their trip. 2nd and 3rd placers who qualify for the semis may compete in Manila but will have to cover their expenses
Each of the choirs that qualify for and compete in the semifinals are guaranteed P7,500 take home prize. Daily winners on each semifinal night will receive P15,000 each. For the Grand Finals, the winning choirs will receive trophies plus cash prizes as follows:
Children’s Division

Fourth place P 15,000 and trophy
Third place 30,000 and trophy
Second Place 50,000 and trophy
Champion 100,000 and trophy

Open Category

Fourth place P 20,000 and trophy
Third place 40,000 and trophy
Second place 75,000 and trophy
Champion 150,000 and trophy

Consolation prizes of P10,000 each will also be given to the four runners-up in the open category

http://www.istorya.net/forums/parties-and-events/312375-2010-mbc-national-choral-competition.html

http://a.imageshack.us/img801/7356/40641419531103847562248.jpg (http://img801.imageshack.us/i/40641419531103847562248.jpg/)

Kalesa ride @ Barlin

pic courtesy of Jessy Florendo FB

http://a.imageshack.us/img801/7356/40641419531103847562248.jpg (http://img801.imageshack.us/i/40641419531103847562248.jpg/)

Kalesa ride @ Barlin

pic courtesy of Jessy Florendo FB

Garu birestado ko po yan naka sakay sa kalisa ay..??? hahaha:lol:

Garu birestado ko po yan naka sakay sa kalisa ay..??? hahaha:lol:


I miss my kalesa riding days in Naga when I was a kid. Kaidto mayo pang trimoibile puro kalesa maski sain ka maduman sa Naga. Kaya lang an parong sa buong Naga puro tae ng kabayo. :nuts:

It's nice to go joy riding in the kalesa. Dai lang magwala an kabayo. :lol:

I miss my kalesa riding days in Naga when I was a kid. Kaidto mayo pang trimoibile puro kalesa maski sain ka maduman sa Naga. Kaya lang an parong sa buong Naga puro tae ng kabayo. :nuts:

It's nice to go joy riding in the kalesa. Dai lang magwala an kabayo. :lol:

haha!!kalesa na sir yung may pinaka baratong pamasahe sa Naga.
3 pesos lang po:)

^^magayunon man, buhay na ulit ang kalesa sa naga.

kaeto nagsasakay pa ako sa kalesa pasiring sa san roque, camaligan. ang sakayan nya duman sa atubangan kang dating jade cinema sa abella. P0.25 pa kaeto ang pamasahe.

Iron Kids share inspiring stories
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273674/iron-kids-share-inspiring-stories

Ironkid has heart of steel
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605087&publicationSubCategoryId=69

great way of promoting health and fitness among our young people. starting them young! :banana:


I have photos of the HCEC (holy child education center) in this computer i am using now - that of my niece's. But none of the photos are good enough to be posted here. Anyway, I have advised my niece to take photos of their school as soon as possible so I may post it here soon as well. :) My nephews and nieces go to HCEC. My eldest niece is graduating in grade VI and we are hoping she'd get the highest academic honor. I have been encouraging her to go to Pisay-Main for her high school, but she already made up her mind to go to ADeNU instead. Not bad though. :)

certainly not bad, myonee! that i can guarantee :cheers:

Here's my share for tonight :lol:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/myonee/Iriga/Picture017.jpg

Mt. Iriga on a clear sky day. Ganda nya coz it still boasts of its greenness. :)


iriga remains green and this is great. ipadagos man logod!

Garu birestado ko po yan naka sakay sa kalisa ay..??? hahaha:lol:

uu ako rin kilalala ko rin...hehehehehe....

ang ganda naman ng gate.....(^^,) ilike it..

AIRPHILEXPRESS SEAT SALE for only P88 one-way

SELLING: Aug 23-25, 2010
TRAVEL: June 1 - JUly 15, 2010

www.airphilexpress.com

naunahan ako ni Kuya Pao ipost yan kalesa ay.

i'm preparing an entry for that sa website kang naga city smiles.. hopefully makaiba. and most of all bago yan, hopefully magibo ko. :lol:

hayyy maiba kita.. i posted this on my fb wall.. nakakapanghina kasi ang nangyari sa country ta ngunyan..

we are living in a 3rd world country alright..it's an accepted reality.. but what has happened today just made it worse :( it's a challenge to Pnoy and Sec. Robredo.
CNN, BBC, Aljazeera etc etc.. almost 11 hours fame out of humiliation. :ohno: we don't know the full details yet about the incident but for sure people will be pointing fingers at someone by tomorrow and next few days to come. *Sigh* for the meantime, let's just pray for those who were killed and injured.. let's pray for the law enforcers and our gov't :(

yup.. me too.. i dont like it.... let us make it simple yet reflective of the SSC dynamics and the host city...

hi, i've been following this forum for quite some time already and i'm glad i finally was able to register. yey! actually, i've been addicted to this thread and i immediately check for updates once i get online. nabibitin nga ako minsan eh. hehehe.

nyway, thanks a lot guys for posting the wonderful developments in our place. will be looking forward for more. happy threading!

:banana: <-- and wow nakakalagay na rin ako nito. cute. hehehe

hi, i've been following this forum for quite some time already and i'm glad i finally was able to register. yey! actually, i've been addicted to this thread and i immediately check for updates once i get online. nabibitin nga ako minsan eh. hehehe.

nyway, thanks a lot guys for posting the wonderful developments in our place. will be looking forward for more. happy threading!

:banana: <-- and wow nakakalagay na rin ako nito. cute. hehehe

Hi justin! welcome to the thread! where are you from? post away!! :banana:

I've have followed the hostage crisis in Manila until its bloody end on ANC. It's very unfortunate that it happened at the time when the Philippines is trying to position itself as among the best travel destinations in the region. The Philippines is projecting (targetting) 3M foreign visitors for this year (Malaysia and Thailang each has annual visitors of 10-15M). A good number of our visitors which in recent years are increasing in number are coming from China. With this tragic event happening right at the heart of the country with their compatriots as victims, they will have second thoughts coming here.

I hope it will not impact much on foregin tourist arrivals in Cam Sur.

^^ in addition to that.. a few hours from now will be Ms. Universe 2010, :ohno:
sana dai maapektuhan si Venus tomorrow as well as those who are counting on her to win the title :(
and next month will be the CamSur marathon :ohno: hayyzz

i found this link on facebook, check this out (http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota/) :(

hi, i've been following this forum for quite some time already and i'm glad i finally was able to register. yey! actually, i've been addicted to this thread and i immediately check for updates once i get online. nabibitin nga ako minsan eh. hehehe.

nyway, thanks a lot guys for posting the wonderful developments in our place. will be looking forward for more. happy threading!

:banana: <-- and wow nakakalagay na rin ako nito. cute. hehehe
Hi! welcome to our thread!!! Where are you from!?

naunahan ako ni Kuya Pao ipost yan kalesa ay.

i'm preparing an entry for that sa website kang naga city smiles.. hopefully makaiba. and most of all bago yan, hopefully magibo ko. :lol:

hayyy maiba kita.. i posted this on my fb wall.. nakakapanghina kasi ang nangyari sa country ta ngunyan..

we are living in a 3rd world country alright..it's an accepted reality.. but what has happened today just made it worse :( it's a challenge to Pnoy and Sec. Robredo.
CNN, BBC, Aljazeera etc etc.. almost 11 hours fame out of humiliation. :ohno: we don't know the full details yet about the incident but for sure people will be pointing fingers at someone by tomorrow and next few days to come. *Sigh* for the meantime, let's just pray for those who were killed and injured.. let's pray for the law enforcers and our gov't :(

I've have followed the hostage crisis in Manila until its bloody end on ANC. It's very unfortunate that it happened at the time when the Philippines is trying to position itself as among the best travel destinations in the region. The Philippines is projecting (targetting) 3M foreign visitors for this year (Malaysia and Thailang each has annual visitors of 10-15M). A good number of our visitors which in recent years are increasing in number are coming from China. With this tragic event happening right at the heart of the country with their compatriots as victims, they will have second thoughts coming here.

I hope it will not impact much on foregin tourist arrivals in Cam Sur.

^^ in addition to that.. a few hours from now will be Ms. Universe 2010, :ohno:
sana dai maapektuhan si Venus tomorrow as well as those who are counting on her to win the title :(
and next month will be the CamSur marathon :ohno: hayyzz

i found this link on facebook, check this out (http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota/) :(

What happened last night was a tragedy... a tragedy that could have been avoided... :ohno:

our sympathies to the victims and their loved ones...

^^ It's very unfortunate that we have known a certain Rolando Mendoza in public service. If he did anything good in service, it was entirely outweighed by what he did last 2008 and last night. He is one stupid person to unrelentingly commit mistakes yet has the guts to get back what he so-called deserve. All people like him should be incarcerated.

^^Is that true that SB Coffee costs to as much as 500 pesos?

Nope. Average coffee cost is about P150. You can buy fruit juices and shakes for less than a hundred bucks. :)

nice T-shirt design by BrattRap! :)

I want a shirt with that print. :D

hi, i've been following this forum for quite some time already and i'm glad i finally was able to register. yey! actually, i've been addicted to this thread and i immediately check for updates once i get online. nabibitin nga ako minsan eh. hehehe.

nyway, thanks a lot guys for posting the wonderful developments in our place. will be looking forward for more. happy threading!

:banana: <-- and wow nakakalagay na rin ako nito. cute. hehehe

Welcome Justin!:)

Caceres to Launch Tercentenary Commemorative Stamps (http://www.voxbikol.com/bikolnews/4860/caceres-launch-tercentenary-commemorative-stamps)

Vox Bikol
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Naga City (20 Aug) -- The Archdiocese of Caceres will launch commemorative stamps to mark the 300 years of devotion of the Bikolanos to Our Lady of Penafrancia on September 11, 2010 at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, at 10 o'clock in the morning.

The Philippine Postal Corporation granted the issuance of commemorative stamps in four different designs, plus other philatelic products such as first day issue, souvenir sheets, souvenir folders and souvenir frames.

The Postmaster General Hector Villanueva and Most Rev. Leonardo Legaspi, OP, DD, shall grace the occasion.

The launching of the commemorative stamps is one of the major activities in observance of the tercentenary of the devotion in Naga City, introduced to the Bikolanos by a Spanish clergyman, Fr. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias.

A lecture on the history of the devotion shall be delivered by Prof. Danilo Gerona, a renowned local historian.

"Stamps are miniature works of art. These commemorative stamps will serve as 'evangelizers' to promote the devotion all throughout the world," says Fr. Wilmer Tria, Chair of the Committee on commemorative stamps.

These commemorative stamps and other philatelic products shall be available during the launching ceremonies and shall be exhibited and sold at Peñafrancia museum, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary museum and the Bishop Gainza Trade Fair at SM Naga. For orders and more information, call 473-6445.

Dios marhay na aga!

There is nobody here...must be busy watching the pageant. Just finished with the swimsuit. Venus scored the 2nd highest!!!

^^ Good!:applause:

Unfortunately, I'm at school. Dai ako makadalan. :cry:

^^ Go Venus! I'm excited for her.:D

^^ Good!:applause:

Unfortunately, I'm at school. Dai ako makadalan. :cry:

am sorry. She is one of the top ten and is parading in their evening gown!!!

this is the cover picture of Global Beauties website's article entitled: Who will win the Miss Universe?

http://www.globalbeauties.com/universe/2010/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/review-600x335.jpg

klarong klaro...VENUS! the goddess of beauty and love :D

:D:D:D

Bicolanos let's rejoice!! Go Venus!!!!

Venus was just named one of the top 5 finalists!!!

omg! karabado na! this is it Bicolanos!!!

Venus was just named one of the top 5 finalists!!!

Wow!! Saan po pweding manood ng live nyan sa Internet?

I'm not sure if her answer was good enough. We'll hope and pray that it was...GTG. Good morning and good night!

Wow!! Saan po pweding manood ng live nyan sa Internet?

None in the internet right now! I believe it will be available at eleven am at the Miss Universe website!

what was the question???

None in the internet right now! I believe it will be available at eleven am at the Miss Universe website!

dito ako nanood http://www.dailyfun4u.us/2010/08/miss-universe.html

what was the question???

something about mistake(s) she committed and what she did to alleviate it (paraphrasing).

4th Runner-up Venus, good job!!!

4th runner up tayo

Venus Raj got the 4th Place in this years Ms. Universe. Congrats

^^ Congrats Venus!

4th? not bad at all. kayo kaya rumampa dun :lol:

Congrats! Ms.Venus Raj! 4th Placer:banana::banana::banana:

:) congratz Venus ... I think she represented as very well. Bicol must be very proud. Im proud of her too. Its been a 10 year drought at least ngayon nag placed tayo ulit Miss U. CONGRATZ! :)

just turned the TV on and saw the Q&A. noticed the big cheers for Venus. dakul sigurong pinoy sa audience! cheers to our kababayan for making it to the 4th spot.

rainy greetings from cebu!

Hi justin! welcome to the thread! where are you from? post away!! :banana:

welcome to the thread, justin. keep coming back and posting- and join the fun!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs384.snc4/44725_1589357899780_1410829921_31639162_285597_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs292.snc4/40957_1589358099785_1410829921_31639163_8319824_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs254.snc4/40049_1589382420393_1410829921_31639227_3764908_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs392.snc4/45504_1589382820403_1410829921_31639229_5027625_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs153.ash2/41011_1589417661274_1410829921_31639466_7842470_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs293.snc4/41011_1589417701275_1410829921_31639467_4390477_n.jpg


CONGRATULATIONS VENUS RAJ, 22, BICOL REGION!!!

Miss Philippines' Q&A:
Q: (Asked by William Baldwin) "What is one big mistake you made in your life and what did you do to make it right?"
A: (Answered by Venus Raj) "In my 22 years of existence, there is no
major, major problem that I have done in my life because I am very
confident with my family and the love they give to me."

Congratulations Venus Raj - 4th Runner up in Miss Universe 2010.
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

For sure, the late Melody Gersbach is so proud of you. Congrats Ms. Venus :)

Miss Mexico crowned Miss Universe 2010; Venus Raj fourth runner up
(http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273923/miss-mexico-crowned-miss-universe-2010-venus-raj-fourth-runner)

After the tough question and answer, 22-year-old Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete was crowned as the Miss Universe 2010 on Monday, August 23 (Tuesday, August 24, Manila Time).

Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj, a 22-year old native of Bicol province, was named the fourth runner-up.

Jimena Navarrete of Guadalajara was first to answer an interview question Monday night and the last of 83 contestants standing in the headline-grabbing pageant on the Las Vegas Strip.

Her one-strap gown flowed behind her like a sheet as she walked. Earlier, she smiled in a violet bikini as she confidently strutted across the stage.

Asked by Olympic gold-medal figure skater Evan Lysacek how she felt about unsupervised Internet use, Navarrete said the Internet is important but parents need to be careful and watch over their kids.

"I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time," she said through an interpreter. "We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family."

First runner-up was Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps, while second runner-up was Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell.

Navarrete — who's been modeling since she was 15 — is Mexico's second Miss Universe. Lupita Jones of Mexico won the title in 1991. Navarrete replaces Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela.

Navarrete's win thwarted Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson from giving the South American country a third consecutive win. Neither Gibson nor Miss USA Rima Fakih made the top 15 finalists.

With fans in some 190 countries watching on television and keeping tabs on Twitter, Navarrete and her competitors introduced themselves while wearing over-the-top national costumes. They then danced in silver and black dresses for the show's opening number before the top 15 finalists were announced.

The final 15 walked in swimsuits while Cirque du Soleil musicians played Elvis Presley songs including "Viva Las Vegas." The last 10 impressed in their gowns while John Legend and the Roots played a soulful medley including "Save Room."

By the end of the show, seven of the top 10 trending topics on Twitter had to do with the pageant, its contestants, its judges or owner Donald Trump. The mogul co-owns the pageant with TV network NBC.

Navarrete won a package of prizes including an undisclosed salary, a luxury New York apartment with living expenses, a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy with housing after her reign, plus jewelry, clothes and shoes fit for a beauty champion.

Campbell won the Miss Congeniality Universe award. Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul won Miss Photogenic Universe and a second award for having the best national costume.

Raj, meanwhile, was visibly nervous by the question thrown at her by William Baldwin ("What is one big mistake you made in ur life and what did you do to make it right?") but was still able to respond with grace and poise, saying that she has never had any major problem so far because she was confident with her family and the love that she receives from them. (With a report by Patrick Acorin)

:) congratz Venus ... I think she represented as very well. Bicol must be very proud. Im proud of her too. Its been a 10 year drought at least ngayon nag placed tayo ulit Miss U. CONGRATZ! :)

10-year drought brought with the 4th runner up title! Good job Venus!:banana:

congrats poh sa thread 35..!!!
sorry din poh kung hindi ako masyadong active..!!!
busy poh kasi sa study..!!
sorry poh talaga...!!!

congrats poh sa thread 35..!!!
sorry din poh kung hindi ako masyadong active..!!!
busy poh kasi sa study..!!
sorry poh talaga...!!!

Welcome back sa thread "uragon nicko":):)

Cobra Ironman sidelights
By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star) Updated August 23, 2010 12:00 AM

PILI, Camarines Sur, PHilippines – Movie heartthrob Piolo Pascual competed in the relay races for Timex where his teammates included marathon race organizer Rio dela Cruz.

* * *

Alaska Milk assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa brought along his wife Buchik to watch the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines organized by his boss, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu. Jolas joined Aces coach Tim Cone in the gallery, rooting for the latter’s wife Cristina and Alaska assistant Richard Bachman.

* * *

One-legged athlete Rudy Fernandez was one of the participants here. The 63-year-old Fernandez is a fierce competitor in triathlon, running, swimming and cycling events despite his obvious handicap. He shot to fame in 1996 when he swam Guimaras to Iloilo to eclipse the record of Terry Fox.

* * *

Globe’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Sen. Pia Cayetano and Cobra vice-president for marketing Hubert Tan were some of the top executives who saw action in the event.

* * *

For the second straight year, race organizers brought in popular race announcer Whit Raymund to make the event more lively and interesting. Raymund was impressive in making blow-by-blow updates of the race to the delight of the appreciative crowd. His favorite word for this year was “Mabuhay.”

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605321&publicationSubCategoryId=69

FELI turns around with P2.63-million profit in 9 months
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated August 24, 2010 12:00 AM Comments

MANILA, Philippines - Sobrepeña-led Fil-Estate Land Inc. (FELI) posted a net income of P2.63 million in the nine months ending June this year, a reversal of the P73.12-million loss incurred in the same period a year ago.

In a financial report filed with securities regulators, FELI said the turnaround was a result of the reduction of costs and expenses despite a drop in revenue. The net income translated to earnings per share of P.0011 as against a loss per share of P.02183 last year.

Cost and expenses dropped 28.5 percent from P549.47 million to P392.82 million.

Revenues amounted to P392.9 million from October 2009 to June 2010, down 16.7 percent from P471.49 million the previous period.

Sales of real estate and golf club and resort shares reached P136 million, coming from the sale of condominium units in Sto. Domingo, Quezon City; condotel units and forest cabins in Camp John Hay, Baguio City; residential subdivision lots in Manila Southwoods in Cavite; Forest Hills in Antipolo City; Riverina in San Pablo City; Goldridge Estate in Guiguinto, Bulacan; Puerto Del Mar in Lucena City; Plaridel Heights in Bulacan; Holiday Homes in Gen. Trias; Cavite City; Bentley Park in Antipolo City; Monte Cielo De Naga in Bicol; Puerto Real De Iloilo in Iloilo City; and golf club and resort shares in Fairways and Bluewaters in Boracay.

As of end-June this year, FELI had total assets of is P14.88 billion. But cash and cash equivalents decreased 58 percent to P81 million as funds were utilized for operations.

FELI is primarily engaged in the horizontal development of residential subdivision lots, integrated residential, golf and other leisure-related properties, and vertical development of mixed use complexes.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605493&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Miss Philippines' Q&A:
Q: (Asked by William Baldwin) "What is one big mistake you made in your life and what did you do to make it right?"
A: (Answered by Venus Raj) "In my 22 years of existence, there is no
major, major problem that I have done in my life because I am very
confident with my family and the love they give to me."
:)

Major major is trending in twitter, lol
http://twitter.com/search?q=Major+Major#search?q=Major%20Major

http://web24.twitpic.com/img/150629816-f34d3e8df51a36bdd00b8e02cc22790c.4c73c958-full.jpg

testing...

http://www.facebook.com/v/1377729722648

kainis! di ko ma-embed!

http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/z4OG5/hash/7qkbs3nb.swf?v=1377729722648&ev=0

di ko ma-embed dito... :)

http://www.facebook.com/v/1377729722648

FELI turns around with P2.63-million profit in 9 months
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated August 24, 2010 12:00 AM Comments

MANILA, Philippines - Sobrepeña-led Fil-Estate Land Inc. (FELI) posted a net income of P2.63 million in the nine months ending June this year, a reversal of the P73.12-million loss incurred in the same period a year ago.

In a financial report filed with securities regulators, FELI said the turnaround was a result of the reduction of costs and expenses despite a drop in revenue. The net income translated to earnings per share of P.0011 as against a loss per share of P.02183 last year.

Cost and expenses dropped 28.5 percent from P549.47 million to P392.82 million.

Revenues amounted to P392.9 million from October 2009 to June 2010, down 16.7 percent from P471.49 million the previous period.

Sales of real estate and golf club and resort shares reached P136 million, coming from the sale of condominium units in Sto. Domingo, Quezon City; condotel units and forest cabins in Camp John Hay, Baguio City; residential subdivision lots in Manila Southwoods in Cavite; Forest Hills in Antipolo City; Riverina in San Pablo City; Goldridge Estate in Guiguinto, Bulacan; Puerto Del Mar in Lucena City; Plaridel Heights in Bulacan; Holiday Homes in Gen. Trias; Cavite City; Bentley Park in Antipolo City; Monte Cielo De Naga in Bicol; Puerto Real De Iloilo in Iloilo City; and golf club and resort shares in Fairways and Bluewaters in Boracay.

As of end-June this year, FELI had total assets of is P14.88 billion. But cash and cash equivalents decreased 58 percent to P81 million as funds were utilized for operations.

FELI is primarily engaged in the horizontal development of residential subdivision lots, integrated residential, golf and other leisure-related properties, and vertical development of mixed use complexes.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605493&publicationSubCategoryId=66

FilEstate has actually developed several Subdivisions in Naga.

These are:

Monte Cielo de Naga
Monte Cielo Centro
Monte Cielo Verde
Isarog Hieghts in Carolina
Buenavista Village in Pacol

congrats to venus!! :banana::banana::banana:

ako if they will ask me what was the biggest mistake i ever made in my entire life isasagot ko... not joining Ms Universe when i was in my twenties.. oh di ba bonggang bonngang sagot yan... hehehehe...

Miss Philippines' Q&A:
Q: (Asked by William Baldwin) "What is one big mistake you made in your life and what did you do to make it right?"
A: (Answered by Venus Raj) "In my 22 years of existence, there is no
major, major problem that I have done in my life because I am very
confident with my family and the love they give to me."

Congratulations Venus Raj - 4th Runner up in Miss Universe 2010.
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

For sure, the late Melody Gersbach is so proud of you. Congrats Ms. Venus :)

This may not have been the best answer she could have delivered and certainly not the most impressive but Venus gave her best this morning... the girl was truly oozing with self confidence... shows in the way she walks and carries her best self... spontaneity pa rin ang nagpapanalo sa Miss U... i guess thats how Ms Gloria Diaz and Ms Margie Moran bagged their crowns in the past... they were not the most beautiful certainly not hte sexiest and the tallest etc etc but their answers during the interview portion made a big impression to the judges...

CONGRATULATIONS MS VENUS RAJ!!!:banana:

Mabuhay ang mga Camsur and Rinconada beauties!!:cheers:

testing...

http://www.facebook.com/v/1377729722648

kainis! di ko ma-embed!

http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/z4OG5/hash/7qkbs3nb.swf?v=1377729722648&ev=0

upload mo muna yan sa youtube hehe. youtube lang ang narerecognize dto sa vbulletin

Rudy F. Alano

Si Rudy F. Alano ay retiradong guro ng Literature, English, at Art Appreciation. Sa nakaraang 29 taon siya ay nakapagsagawa ng mga workshops sa teatro at malikhaing pagsusulat. Naging fellow siya sa mga writers’ workshops tulad ng Dumaguete at UP. Maraming lecture na rin ang kanyang naibigay sa buong rehiyong Bikol tungkol sa literatura at wikang Bikol. Catanduanes na lang ang hindi niya pa nararating sa pagle-lecture. Nailathala na ang mga tula at kwentong sinulat ni Rudy sa iba-ibang magasin at dyornal tulad ng Nation, Haliya, Bikolnon, Focus, Ani, Journal of Bikol Writing, atbp. Siya rin ay isa sa mga tampok na manunulat sa librong ”In Our Own Words: Filipino Writers In Vernacular Languages” ni Isagani Cruz. Siya ang unang pangulo ng Kabulig-Bikol Writers Group, isang organisasyon ng mga manunulat na Bikolano. Sa ngayon, siya ang Bikol Coordinator ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) sub-committee on Literary Arts.

http://panitikan.com.ph/authors/a/rfalano.htm

Rudy went home to the Creator two days ago. A published poet in both Bikol and English, he taught English, creative writing and literature (including Bikol Lit) at the Ateneo de Naga for decades. He inspired and mentored good number of contemporary Bikol writers.

Rest in God's peace, Rudy.

In literature, sky is the langit." (Rudy F Alano)

from http://www.dilg.gov.ph/sec_page/1
Secretary's Corner

Message from the Secretary

We are your DILG.

This is the key message we want to impart to all the local government units, national government agencies, and other concerned sectors, most especially the public as we welcome you to the official website of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).


Through this website, we would like to give you access to relevant and up-to-date information about the Department’s thrusts, programs, projects and activities. More importantly, we would like to know how we can be of better service to you.

Hence, the website will feature news and updates on the key programs and policies of the Department, a brief history of the DILG, its vision and mission statements, information about local chief executives of the different local government units of the country, and legal opinions on local administration.

In our effort to reach out to the public, we have installed an interactive feature in this Website, the Public Assistance Desk (PAD), wherein the general public can e-mail their queries or report important information or complaints concerning the Department and its attached agencies.

Realizing the power of text messaging, another feedback mechanism that we institutionalized is Text DILG (“DILG [space] name [optional] [space] message”), wherein the public can text their important messages and queries to 2256 for Globe/Smart/Sun subscribers.

We also take pride in the fact that we post in this website the budget and status of funds of the Department and its attached agencies. This is one of our initiatives not only to ensure transparency in all of the Department’s transactions, but more importantly, to secure feedback from the public on how we can judiciously utilize the funds of the DILG for their benefit. Aside from the DILG budget, we shall also be posting the Department’s procurements, bidding processes and other pertinent information that the public may wish to know.

Other interesting features of the website include: frequently asked questions (FAQs) about local governance, highlight of monthly events, important issuances or directives, and links to the websites of DILG attached agencies, regional offices, local government leagues and the Office of the President.

To all the visitors of this website, let us work together to become an instrument of change in the local governments, peace and order and public safety sectors of our society. Work with us to make a difference in the lives of our people.

Again, welcome to the DILG website!

...........
I like how the Secretary open his message- with a warm, friendly, familiar-sounding "WE ARE YOUR DILG". :-)

^^ welcome back, matt&abby. good to see your post again on the thread.

a serving of midnight fun, in the spirit of Q&A's, hoping to bring you major major laughter.

Host: If you were an animal what would you like to be?
Contestant: If I were an animal I would like to be a horse.
Host: And why a horse?
Contestant: Because I would like to ride on it!
:lol::lol::lol:

[tangkilikin ang sariling atin!]

hindi naman sablay sagot ni Ms. Raj. kinabahan lang kasi mga hiyawan ng mga Pilipino ang pinakamalakas sa Las Vegas. talaga naman sigurong wala pa siyang major mistake na nagawa. dapat patas din yung questions, dapat social issue din question sa kanya

Isa rin ako sa the rest ng ibang mga pinoy sa mundo na nakiki-cheer kay ms. Raj. I am so proud of her!!! Pilipinang Pilipina ang ganda niya, morena, tapos napaka sexy pa!!! 11 years na di nakasali ang Philippines sa semi-finals, at ngayong nakapasok sa semifinals, Ms. Raj made it as the 4th Runner up.This is still so much to be proud of her!!!:banana::banana::banana::cheers:

Hopefully next year Miss U na ang bet natin hehehe.

Major major proud!

haha!

a brighter news than the one a day before yesterday...

THE FIRST ANNUAL BISHOP FRANCISCO GAINZA TRADE FAIR


http://a.imageshack.us/img137/6981/dsc01124re.jpg

upload mo muna yan sa youtube hehe. youtube lang ang narerecognize dto sa vbulletin

di ko nga ma-extract eh...

Major major proud!

haha!

a brighter news than the one a day before yesterday...

Hindi lang major, pero super super super agree!!! At pag nanalo sana si Ms. Raj na Miss U sigurado, mas malilimutan na ng mga foreigners ang nangyari dito sa Pilipinas noong lunes.

upload mo muna yan sa youtube hehe. youtube lang ang narerecognize dto sa vbulletin

di ko nga ma-extract eh...

had to look for it in the temporary internet files... haha! ok! post ko sa kabila!

Citipointe in Naga City

R4LwwrXcyVo

Hindi lang major, pero super super super agree!!! At pag nanalo sana si Ms. Raj na Miss U sigurado, mas malilimutan na ng mga foreigners ang nangyari dito sa Pilipinas noong lunes.

oo nga! sayang talaga! pero, yan na yan eh! pasalamat pa rin tayo! :)

congrats to venus!! :banana::banana::banana:

ako if they will ask me what was the biggest mistake i ever made in my entire life isasagot ko... not joining Ms Universe when i was in my twenties.. oh di ba bonggang bonngang sagot yan... hehehehe...

10 points! :cheers::cheers:

This may not have been the best answer she could have delivered and certainly not the most impressive but Venus gave her best this morning... the girl was truly oozing with self confidence... shows in the way she walks and carries her best self... spontaneity pa rin ang nagpapanalo sa Miss U... i guess thats how Ms Gloria Diaz and Ms Margie Moran bagged their crowns in the past... they were not the most beautiful certainly not hte sexiest and the tallest etc etc but their answers during the interview portion made a big impression to the judges...

CONGRATULATIONS MS VENUS RAJ!!!:banana:

Mabuhay ang mga Camsur and Rinconada beauties!!:cheers:

Yes that is quite true. Venus answer was ok naman kaya lang medyo kulang. But then its still a major win nonetheless. :) Pero sayang talaga, Miss U sana nasa atin na ulit.

Yes that is quite true. Venus answer was ok naman kaya lang medyo kulang. But then its still a major win nonetheless. :) Pero sayang talaga, Miss U sana nasa atin na ulit.

still a major major relief... haha!

this "major major" stuffs kinda getting overused now... lolz!

still a major major relief... haha!

this "major major" stuffs kinda getting overused now... lolz!

in tagalog "bongang bonga" :lol:

malipot na pagka aga!

Madali na ang fiesta!!! woohhh makakauli na ako heheheh :) :) :)

THE FIRST ANNUAL BISHOP FRANCISCO GAINZA TRADE FAIR
http://a.imageshack.us/img137/6981/dsc01124re.jpg

hmmm ask lang if anu relevance Bishop Gainza with such undertaking? why is it named after him?

hmmm ask lang if anu relevance Bishop Gainza with such undertaking? why is it named after him?

Good morning Pao, just taken the picture yesterday at the side of San Francisco Church. I haven't learn much about it. But i think there was an interview this morning in ABS CBN Naga. But didn't get the details.

Good morning Pao, just taken the picture yesterday at the side of San Francisco Church. I haven't learn much about it. But i think there was an interview this morning in ABS CBN Naga. But didn't get the details.

thanks sir!

nweiz, here's what i got


Bishop Gainza Trade Fair Set on September

Vox Bikol
Sunday, July 4th, 2010

The first "Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair" which would showcase the best of Bikol products is set to be conducted on September 9 to 20, 2010 at the Open Parking Area of SM City Naga from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The activity is named in honor of Bishop Gainza who pioneered the first agricultural and industrial expo in Bikol in 1875 as a feature of the Peñafrancia Festivities.

According to the Archdiocese of Caceres who spearheads the trade fair, it is aimed to serve as an avenue for poverty alleviation by promoting entrepreneurship in the region, and to conduct activities that capacitate micro-, small-, medium-enterprises and boost products' competitiveness.

Invited exhibitors are Bikolano entrepreneurs and other institutions in Bikol; each province will be represented.

During the trade fair, daily trainings and seminars on entrepreneurship as well as nightly cultural presentations will be conducted.

Awards and recognitions to participating exhibitors such as Best Booth, Most Promising Product and Most Innovative Packaging are also eyed to be given during the occasion.

The Trade Fair Secretariat is headed by the Consuelo "Chito" Madrigal Foundation - Bikol with office address at the Madrigal Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Ateneo de Naga University.

http://www.voxbikol.com/bikolnews/4673/bishop-gainza-trade-fair-set-september?page=7

thanks sir!

nweiz, here's what i got


Bishop Gainza Trade Fair Set on September

Vox Bikol
Sunday, July 4th, 2010

The first "Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair" which would showcase the best of Bikol products is set to be conducted on September 9 to 20, 2010 at the Open Parking Area of SM City Naga from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The activity is named in honor of Bishop Gainza who pioneered the first agricultural and industrial expo in Bikol in 1875 as a feature of the Peñafrancia Festivities.

According to the Archdiocese of Caceres who spearheads the trade fair, it is aimed to serve as an avenue for poverty alleviation by promoting entrepreneurship in the region, and to conduct activities that capacitate micro-, small-, medium-enterprises and boost products' competitiveness.

Invited exhibitors are Bikolano entrepreneurs and other institutions in Bikol; each province will be represented.

During the trade fair, daily trainings and seminars on entrepreneurship as well as nightly cultural presentations will be conducted.

Awards and recognitions to participating exhibitors such as Best Booth, Most Promising Product and Most Innovative Packaging are also eyed to be given during the occasion.

The Trade Fair Secretariat is headed by the Consuelo "Chito" Madrigal Foundation - Bikol with office address at the Madrigal Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Ateneo de Naga University.

http://www.voxbikol.com/bikolnews/4673/bishop-gainza-trade-fair-set-september?page=7


That's a very interesting historical information about the Bishop. Maybe that's the reason why Naga and the rest of Camarines is known for TRADE :)

11 years na di nakasali ang Philippines sa semi-finals, at ngayong nakapasok sa semifinals .....

Hopefully next year Miss U na ang bet natin hehehe.

Sir hugo, 10 years lang po, from 2000 to 2009...

1999 po 1st runner up tayo.

still a major major relief... haha!

this "major major" stuffs kinda getting overused now... lolz!


It was the first time I watched Miss Universe yesterday after so many years (last time i watched it- it was Charlene Gonzales who was the Miss Philippines).

Ang dami din palang nanood nito sa ibang bansa.

asdfl kjasdojsdofjsodfjsaldkjfalsdjfas

haha mayo nako masabi lolz.

kaya po baga sabi ko "ate" ka talaga. hehehe joke.
parehas po kitang akion pa. :nuts::lol::lol: magkabatch palan sinda ni ate. hehe sisay daw. :D

All the best to her!!!







Oracle Paul was consistent... lolz! imagine giving him pictures of all the contestants in Ms. Universe...
wonder how he'll choose from all those! haha! ;D





mayo man nagguguran igdi! :D

puro mga joven, tapos mga mas joven asin mga mas joven pa duman... iyo lang yan! haha!

hinapot ko na po si ate. your family name starts with M, and your family owns ___ in Iriga.. your younger sister po na kabatch ni ate is a D.. wehehehhe :banana:

haha! well, not exactly... basta forever young...


hmm... judging from the shots... I think taas yun ng MCM restaurant eh... inyo ba yun!? :D



yes! hope Ms. Venus wins! :D

testing...

http://www.facebook.com/v/1377729722648

kainis! di ko ma-embed!

http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/z4OG5/hash/7qkbs3nb.swf?v=1377729722648&ev=0

upload mo muna yan sa youtube hehe. youtube lang ang narerecognize dto sa vbulletin

di ko nga ma-extract eh...

had to look for it in the temporary internet files... haha! ok! post ko sa kabila!

*POKE*TAG*
Hhahha!

Major major morning to all.:banana::banana:

DILG chief admits problems in hostage handling (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100824-288543/DILG-chief-admits-problems-in-hostage-handling)


MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo admitted Tuesday that there were “problems” as to how authorities handled the 11-hour hostage crisis in Quirino Grandstand in Manila, where eight Hong Kong tourists were killed.

“We should be very forthright. We – not only PNP, it’s everyone involved in the incident – recognize that we lack equipment; we could have been better trained, better equipped and there should have been better response. We’re not saying that there wasn’t a problem. There is,” Robredo said in a phone interview.

“You can clearly see that we have not adjusted our capacities in responding to the situation,” he added.

At the same time, Robredo also said that the ground commander could have taken control of the situation by policing media and kibitzers.

“To a certain extent, the situation was jeopardized,” Robredo added.

He also pointed out that journalists covering the crisis should not have shown live video of the crisis since the hostage-taker, former Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, was monitoring via the bus’ television.

“Our only request is not to show it at the time at the incident is ongoing. Let’s not also sacrifice the security of the hostages because at the end of the day, the police will be put at risk but the primary concern is the hostages,” Robredo said.

thanks sir!

nweiz, here's what i got


Bishop Gainza Trade Fair Set on September

Vox Bikol
Sunday, July 4th, 2010

The first "Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair" which would showcase the best of Bikol products is set to be conducted on September 9 to 20, 2010 at the Open Parking Area of SM City Naga from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The activity is named in honor of Bishop Gainza who pioneered the first agricultural and industrial expo in Bikol in 1875 as a feature of the Peñafrancia Festivities.


That's a very interesting historical information about the Bishop. Maybe that's the reason why Naga and the rest of Camarines is known for TRADE :)

Bishop Gainza is certainly one of the brilliant lights in Caceres/ Bikol Church History. He was a great visionary, man ahead of his time. He was passionate and tireless in caring not only for the spiritual but also the material needs of his Bikol flock.

During his term, Colegio de Santa Isabel was established as well as other schools, hospitals and charitable institutions. It was he who put down into writing the history of the Penafrancia devotion (in Bikol, if i'm not mistaken).

Penafrancia Avenue used to be called Via Gainza in his honor. Perhaps it's high time that we immortalize this great man by naming a city street or some other significant place after him.

The town of Gainza is named after him.

Training on climate change adaptation assessment up for agriculture and forestry sectors
(http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=8&rid=296580)
ILOILO CITY, Aug. 24 (PNA)-– A training to capacitate stakeholders of the agriculture and forestry sectors on vulnerability adaptation assessment kicked off here in Iloilo Monday.

The training was aimed to assist stakeholders look for adaptation options to prevent the impact of the climate change and reduce vulnerability, according to Romnick S. Baliton, Research Associate of the School of Environmental Science and Management from the University of the Philippines in Los Banos (UPLB).

The UP institution was tapped by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to capacitate stakeholders, he added.

The NEDA was commissioned by the United Nations and the Spanish Government to become manager of the Millennium Development Goal Fund (MDG-F) 1656: Strengthening the Philippines’ Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change” project together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Service Administration (Pag-Asa).

The project covers five sectors namely which UN and the Spanish government deemed vulnerable namely coastal, health agriculture water and forestry (CHAW-F).

Iloilo was chosen as pilot area together with Camarines Sur and Agusan del Norte for agriculture and forestry.

Baliton said they have already conducted separate trainings for Camarines Sur and Agusan del Norte.

The result of the activity he said will be provided to the NEDA which will do the consolidation of results together with other sectors.

The NEDA then is expected to come up with a national plan that will be downloaded down to LGUs for their adoption. (PNA)
LOR/ajp/PGLena

got an info from the tech dept of Sutherland that Cisco will put a branch here in Cam. Sur

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO, SEHK: 4333) is an American multinational corporation that designs and sells consumer electronics, networking and communications technology and services. Headquartered in California, Cisco has more than 65,000 employees and annual revenue of US$36.11 billion as of 2009. The stock was added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average on June 8, 2009, and is also included in the S&P 500 Index the Russell 1000 Index, NASDAQ100 Index and the Russell 1000 Growth Stock Index.[4] Cisco is one of the world's biggest technology corporations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisco_Systems

http://www.camsur.com/images/stories/dragon2.jpg

http://www.camsur.com/images/stories/CamSurNews/THE%20IRONPEOPLE.jpg

uy uwi pala si jerz

post ka nalang dito or txt or call hehe the rest of the camsur pips will be delighted to meet you this coming September. are you joining the national meets?

TAG-POKE afternoon to all!
:banana: :banana: :banana:

10 points! :cheers::cheers:

Father joke lang po yan i know im short for Miss U 5'5 " lang po ako....:lol:

anyways in the dailies yesterday they said if Venus mentioned her dethronement she could have won over Miss Mexico but the question was what was HER biggest mistake in life and certainly the dethronement issue was not totally her mistake so why mention it...

http://www.camsur.com/images/stories/dragon2.jpg

:eek2::cheers2:

last month, the operations manager of CWC told me about the bid of Cam Sur to hold here the International Dragon Boat Competition. This will be much bigger in terms of attendance as compare to Ironman as what he said. The major problem faced by CWC is how they can accommodate the more or less 2k-3k participants and guest who will troop to Cam. Sur and Naga City in this most prestigious gathering of world paddlers.

Congrats to Sir Rivera and Cam. Sur!

Prior to this, the Inter-collegiate Dragon Boat Competition shall unfold at the famed Lago del Ray also this October that would include schools in Camarines Sur.

in tagalog "bongang bonga" :lol:

malipot na pagka aga!

i wonder if William BAldwin understood what Venus meant by major major? :lol:
sana nga she just said bonggang bongga :lol:

It was the first time I watched Miss Universe yesterday after so many years (last time i watched it- it was Charlene Gonzales who was the Miss Philippines).

Ang dami din palang nanood nito sa ibang bansa.

Yup .we were there at PICC that time when Charlene competed.... we bought tickets worth more than a thousand pesos pa... Dayanara Torres , Sushmita Sen, Michelle van Eimeren's time pa... Charlene's famous "high tide low tide" answers naman ang sikat na sikat nun...

i wonder if William BAldwin understood what Venus meant by major major? :lol:
sana nga she just said bonggang bongga :lol:



Yup .we were there at PICC that time when Charlene competed.... we bought tickets worth more than a thousand pesos pa... Dayanara Torres , Sushmita Sen, Michelle van Eimeren's time pa... Charlene's famous "high tide low tide" answers naman ang sikat na sikat nun...

Do we send representative to Miss. Universe yearly?

yes Doc thru BB Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI)...

yes Doc thru BB Pilipinas Charities Inc (BPCI)...

Thanks Ina.

It's just that this is the first time that this yearly contest made a lot of "noise" that made us aware of Venus Raj.

Otherwise, I have not heard of other past Miss. Philippines contestant being sent to this pageant.

I get confused on who's who in this contests kasi and daming beauty pagents sa Manila.

May Mutya ng Pilipinas, Miss Philippines, may Binibining Pilipinas, Miss International (where the late, beautiful Melody won), there is another beauty contest being shown in ABS CBN (I think it's Miss World or is it Miss Earth where Ruffa won in the past). Dami nila.

Anyway, congratulations to Venus for representing the country and the Bicolanos well.

Raj! Raj! Rah!

every year thru the BB Pilipinas beauty pageant (headed by Ms Stella Araneta) they choose the Philippine representatives to the Ms Universe, Ms World and Ms International pageants...am not too sure what happens to the local winners of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Ms Earth etc...

Ruffa won the BB Pilipinas World in the past hence was sent to the Ms World and won as First Princess... Miriam Quiambao won First runner up Miss Universe in 1999 i think... Precious Lara Quigaman won Miss International a few years back... the late Melody Gersback was one of the Top 15 semifinalists in the 2009 Ms International ... and now Venus po...

maybe ABS CBN will be airing the upcoming Ms World ... i forgot the name of the Phil rep now... last name is Gatbonton if im not mistaken...

every year thru the BB Pilipinas beauty pageant (headed by Ms Stella Araneta) they choose the Philippine representatives to the Ms Universe, Ms World and Ms International pageants...am not too sure what happens to the local winners of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Ms Earth etc...

Ruffa won the BB Pilipinas World in the past hence was sent to the Ms World and won as First Princess... Miriam Quiambao won First runner up Miss Universe in 1999 i think... Precious Lara Quigaman won Miss International a few years back... the late Melody Gersback was one of the Top 15 semifinalists in the 2009 Ms International ... and now Venus po...

maybe ABS CBN will be airing the upcoming Ms World ... i forgot the name of the Phil rep now... last name is Gatbonton if im not mistaken...


Salamat for the info.

So Miss World and Miss Earth are two different contests.

Yes, I remember Lara Quigaman (another Bicolana) winning a beauty contest in Japan.

Bicolanas are really good at it.

hope i gave out the accurate info here... yes so far we have 2 international beauty title holders who are Bicolanas-- Venus and Lara... more to come sana po...

PNOC geothermal exploration of Isarog alarms mayor, INECAR


Monday August 9, 2010


CITY OF NAGA - A so-called ‘Mt. Isarog Geothermal Project’ is sending alarm to the city government here and to the Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR) of the Ateneo de Naga University.

A press release issued by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC)-Renewable Corporation, dated February 23, 2010, said the company “was awarded a geothermal exploration contract by the Department of Energy to develop the Mount Isarog” and “will commence exploration activities for Mt. Isarog in the third quarter of 2010.”

Upon learning of this, City Mayor John Bongat expressed his concern to Engr. Roger V.E. Buendia, president of PNOC-Renewables Corporation, through a letter, dated July 27, 2010.

Bongat said that “activities not consistent with nature preservation therefore alarm us, including exploration for potential geothermal energy sources in the premises of Mt. Isarog, one of the earliest declared national parks in 1938.” He also asked for the copies of all legal documents supporting the project.

In an interview, Emelina G. Regis, director of INECAR, declared that the proposed Mt. Isarog Geothermal Project is impossible according to the present laws.

“There are two laws protecting the Mt. Isarog from this project. One is Proclamation No. 214 declaring the mountain as a natural park. The other is Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as NIPAS ACT of 2002,” Regis disclosed.

According to RA 7586, a natural park means “a forest reservation essentially of natural wilderness character which has been withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except in conformity with approved management plan and set aside as such exclusively to conserve the area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants therein and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas.”

“It is funny that then Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes issued a certificate to PNOC allowing the company to explore Mt. Isarog, wherein it was President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who signed Proclamation No. 214,” Regis added.

Mt. Isarog is home to endemic species such as the Isarog shrew mouses, Isarog striped shrew rats, Philippine hawk eagles, serpent eagles, and the Isarog shrew rats, declared as the largest rat in the world by a study of a professor of Chicago University.

Unverified reports also say that there are sightings of the endangered Philippine Eagle, or commonly known as Haribon (meaning King Bird). If this will be confirmed, it will make Mt. Isarog as the fourth mountain in the Philippines where the Haribon can only be found.

The other three natural parks are Northern Sierra Madre National Park in Luzon, Mount Apo and Mount Kitanglad National Parks in Mindanao.

“The ecosystem of the Mt. Isarog is very rich. It is also being used for tourism purposes,” says Alec Santos, executive secretary of Naga City Mayor John Bongat, “I believe it is a must to preserve the flora and fauna in the mountain.”

The mountain also houses the Mt. Isarog Watershed which is the primary source of running water for Camarines Sur.

Taken from:
http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2010/aug5/xisarog.html

every year thru the BB Pilipinas beauty pageant (headed by Ms Stella Araneta) they choose the Philippine representatives to the Ms Universe, Ms World and Ms International pageants...am not too sure what happens to the local winners of Mutya ng Pilipinas, Ms Earth etc...

Ruffa won the BB Pilipinas World in the past hence was sent to the Ms World and won as First Princess...

maybe ABS CBN will be airing the upcoming Ms World ... i forgot the name of the Phil rep now... last name is Gatbonton if im not mistaken...

2nd Princess lang po si Ruffa in 1993 Miss World Pageant. Ang 1st Princess po ay si Ms. South Africa and the crown went to Ms. Jamaica.

^^ Tanong ko lang kung may rail service from Manila to Naga?:)

Meron special train sa Peñafrancia Festival. Pero wala pang magiging regular train run sa ngayon.

wala pa sir...hopefully magkaroon na before Peñafrancia Fiesta IMO this is one priority project of PNR na magkaroon na ng Naga-Manila. Lats month nagkaroon na ng test ride..pretty sure before fiesta magkaroon na. Brand new coaches from Korea and not the refurbished one shall be use for the Bicol-Manila route.

Yung pong mga bagong ROTEM units ay hindi gagamitin sa Manila-Naga run pag bumalik na regular service ng PNR. Yung mga asa Japan po ang gagamitin.

10 points! :cheers::cheers:
:applause:

Madali na ang fiesta!!! woohhh makakauli na ako heheheh :) :) :)
enjoy nyo! :D

*POKE*TAG*
Hhahha!

Major major morning to all.:banana::banana:
a major major evening to all!
Poke and tag!

uy uwi pala si jerz

post ka nalang dito or txt or call hehe the rest of the camsur pips will be delighted to meet you this coming September. are you joining the national meets?

TAG-POKE afternoon to all!
:banana: :banana: :banana:
POKE-TAG evening to all!

Father joke lang po yan i know im short for Miss U 5'5 " lang po ako....:lol:

anyways in the dailies yesterday they said if Venus mentioned her dethronement she could have won over Miss Mexico but the question was what was HER biggest mistake in life and certainly the dethronement issue was not totally her mistake so why mention it...

yep, HERs... kaya wala syang maisasagot dahil wala pa naman daw... :)

PARA SA MGA CRITICS NI VENUS RAJ.
by Yham Daen on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 6:04pm



MISS PHILIPPINES – VENUS RAJ GAVE AN HONEST ANSWER AND IT COSTS HER THE CROWN

Let me enlighten you as to why?

Venus Raj lives a simple and poor life. She lives in a province, sort of your rural America or the boonies. The house she lives in is a simple thatched-roof hut made of bamboo and wood, located in the middle of the rice paddies. Her immediate support are her family, friends, and relatives. She was born illegitimate. In the Philippine society, it is still a stigma. She strives to do her best to study hard and succeed in life. She graduated Cum Laude in Communication Arts and managed to find a job as Information Assistant in a governmental agency in her province. While doing that, she helps her mother, a farmer, buys land on installment basis. Her goal is to help her mother and family improve the quality of their lives and lift from the life of poverty.

Going back to the question posed by Mr. Baldwin, “what is the one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?” When Venus answered, “In my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major – major problem that I have done in my life. Because I’m very confident about my family and the love they are giving me. So thank you so much…”

IF YOU ANALYZE HER ANSWER, SHE IS TELLING THE AUDIENCE THE TRUTH! WHEN DOES TRUTH BECOMES A LIABILITY?

In her 22 years of life, she did not commit a ONE BIG MISTAKE WORTH UNDOING OR REGRETTING! SHE THANKS HER FAMILY BECAUSE THEY ARE HER GUIDE AND SUPPORT.

Let’s see…where could she make a big mistake?

DID SHE SLEEP AROUND AND CATCH HIV/STD DISEASES? – No, she did not. Remember, she lives in a rural area in a conservative Catholic society, acting whorish is a big NO NO!DID SHE GET PREGNANT AND HAVE AN ABORTION? – NO, she did not. She is one wholesome girl. Her family watched, protected, and nurtured her. She can’t escape the watchful eyes of her 4 brothers. Suitors will have a hard time to be near her. If there is going to be one, he will be talking to the whole family instead of talking privately with her. That’s the way life in rural Philippines. Everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows what everybody is doing.DID SHE SMOKE OR DID DRUGS? – NO, she did not. She came from a poor family. She has no means of buying it. These bad habits are only enjoyed by the wretched people, who are typically shunned by Philippine conservative society.DID SHE FAIL IN SCHOOL? – No, she did not. She excelled in school. Graduated Cum Laude.DID SHE COVET A MARRIED MAN? – No, she did not. She doesn’t have a boyfriend at the present time.IS SHE A BAD DAUGHTER? – No, she is not. In fact, she helps her mother and family improve their lives.

OVERALL, VENUS IS A WHOLESOME, GOOD GIRL, WHO GREW UP IN A RURAL CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY, PROTECTED, NURTURED, AND WATCHED BY HER LOVE ONES AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE BIG MISTAKES IN LIFE. SHE LEAD A CAREFUL AND NORMAL LIFE THAT IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOU EXPECT OF A LIFE OF A YOUNG LADY IN THE MODERN WESTERN SOCIETY.

UNFORTUNATELY, SHE WAS JUDGED BY A PANEL OF MODERN SOCIETY JUDGES AND AUDIENCES WHO CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT THEY WERE HEARING. TRUTH IS INDEED STRANGER THAT FICTION. BUT JUDGES, BY VIRTUE OF BEING A JUDGE, SHOULD ALSO LOOK AT FACTS AND TRUTHS, NOT SOME GENERALIZED OPINION THAT SOUNDS GOOD TO THE POLITICALLY CORRECT. VENUS ANSWER WAS FACTUAL AND BRAVE, AND SHE SHOULDN’T BE LAMBASTED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH, AND IT SHOULDN’T COST HER THE CROWN.

VENUS COMING FROM A POOR EXISTENCE AND MAKING IT INTO THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR PEOPLE LIVING AND BORN INTO POVERTY, WHICH APTLY APPLIES TO THE 70% OF THE WORLD POPULATION, AND FOR THOSE BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK. SHE CAN BE A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD THAT:

1. THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF BEING BORN OF OUT WEDLOCK. IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. LIFE OFFERS REDEMPTION AND MANY POSSIBILITIES.2. BEING POOR IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCEED IN LIFE.3. STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND OF FINISHING COLLEGE.4. HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF MORAL CHARACTER AND A GIRL’S WHOLESOME IMAGE5. FAITH OF A CREATOR WITH UNLIMITED GIFTS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE ~NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. HE CAN USE A MESSENGER FROM THE LOWLY AND POOR AND EXALT HER TO NEW HEIGHTS. SHE CAN BE A LIVING TESTAMENT OF GOD’S GRACE AND POWER THAT HE CAN DO ANYTHING AND CAN CHANGE LIVES.6. GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG GIRLS ~BE VIRTUOUS~BE HONEST ~HONOR THE PARENTS~EXCEL IN SCHOOL~HELPS FAMILY, ETC.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A RARE AND SPECIAL GIRL LIKE VENUS RAJ?

MR. TRUMP AND THE PANEL OF JUDGES FAILED TO DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE. THEY FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB AND IN FAILING TO DO THEIR JOB, THEY MISSED THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO IS CONVINCINGLY BELIEVABLE TO THE WORLD, BECAUSE SHE IS A LIVING AND BREATHING PROOF OF A POOR GIRL BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK WHO OVERCOMES HARDSHIPS, OBSTACLES, AND CHALLENGES IN LIFE. JUST LOOK AT HER LIFE … AND HOW FAR SHE GOES.

IF THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION WANTS TO BE RELEVANT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, THEY SHOULD SEND THE RIGHT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO WOULD INSPIRE THE WORLD BY EXAMPLE, AND WHO CAN WALK THE TALK. A PRETTY FACE WON’T CUT IT ANYMORE.



-comment posted by Elle from the article abt Ma. Venus Raj....www.newsopi.com

SUPER LIKE MS ELLE...HOPE U DONT MIND SHARING IT IN MY PROFILE..THANK U.

PARA SA MGA CRITICS NI VENUS RAJ.
by Yham Daen on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 6:04pm



MISS PHILIPPINES – VENUS RAJ GAVE AN HONEST ANSWER AND IT COSTS HER THE CROWN

Let me enlighten you as to why?

Venus Raj lives a simple and poor life. She lives in a province, sort of your rural America or the boonies. The house she lives in is a simple thatched-roof hut made of bamboo and wood, located in the middle of the rice paddies. Her immediate support are her family, friends, and relatives. She was born illegitimate. In the Philippine society, it is still a stigma. She strives to do her best to study hard and succeed in life. She graduated Cum Laude in Communication Arts and managed to find a job as Information Assistant in a governmental agency in her province. While doing that, she helps her mother, a farmer, buys land on installment basis. Her goal is to help her mother and family improve the quality of their lives and lift from the life of poverty.

Going back to the question posed by Mr. Baldwin, “what is the one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?” When Venus answered, “In my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major – major problem that I have done in my life. Because I’m very confident about my family and the love they are giving me. So thank you so much…”

IF YOU ANALYZE HER ANSWER, SHE IS TELLING THE AUDIENCE THE TRUTH! WHEN DOES TRUTH BECOMES A LIABILITY?

In her 22 years of life, she did not commit a ONE BIG MISTAKE WORTH UNDOING OR REGRETTING! SHE THANKS HER FAMILY BECAUSE THEY ARE HER GUIDE AND SUPPORT.

Let’s see…where could she make a big mistake?

DID SHE SLEEP AROUND AND CATCH HIV/STD DISEASES? – No, she did not. Remember, she lives in a rural area in a conservative Catholic society, acting whorish is a big NO NO!DID SHE GET PREGNANT AND HAVE AN ABORTION? – NO, she did not. She is one wholesome girl. Her family watched, protected, and nurtured her. She can’t escape the watchful eyes of her 4 brothers. Suitors will have a hard time to be near her. If there is going to be one, he will be talking to the whole family instead of talking privately with her. That’s the way life in rural Philippines. Everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows what everybody is doing.DID SHE SMOKE OR DID DRUGS? – NO, she did not. She came from a poor family. She has no means of buying it. These bad habits are only enjoyed by the wretched people, who are typically shunned by Philippine conservative society.DID SHE FAIL IN SCHOOL? – No, she did not. She excelled in school. Graduated Cum Laude.DID SHE COVET A MARRIED MAN? – No, she did not. She doesn’t have a boyfriend at the present time.IS SHE A BAD DAUGHTER? – No, she is not. In fact, she helps her mother and family improve their lives.

OVERALL, VENUS IS A WHOLESOME, GOOD GIRL, WHO GREW UP IN A RURAL CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY, PROTECTED, NURTURED, AND WATCHED BY HER LOVE ONES AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE BIG MISTAKES IN LIFE. SHE LEAD A CAREFUL AND NORMAL LIFE THAT IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOU EXPECT OF A LIFE OF A YOUNG LADY IN THE MODERN WESTERN SOCIETY.

UNFORTUNATELY, SHE WAS JUDGED BY A PANEL OF MODERN SOCIETY JUDGES AND AUDIENCES WHO CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT THEY WERE HEARING. TRUTH IS INDEED STRANGER THAT FICTION. BUT JUDGES, BY VIRTUE OF BEING A JUDGE, SHOULD ALSO LOOK AT FACTS AND TRUTHS, NOT SOME GENERALIZED OPINION THAT SOUNDS GOOD TO THE POLITICALLY CORRECT. VENUS ANSWER WAS FACTUAL AND BRAVE, AND SHE SHOULDN’T BE LAMBASTED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH, AND IT SHOULDN’T COST HER THE CROWN.

VENUS COMING FROM A POOR EXISTENCE AND MAKING IT INTO THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR PEOPLE LIVING AND BORN INTO POVERTY, WHICH APTLY APPLIES TO THE 70% OF THE WORLD POPULATION, AND FOR THOSE BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK. SHE CAN BE A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD THAT:

1. THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF BEING BORN OF OUT WEDLOCK. IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. LIFE OFFERS REDEMPTION AND MANY POSSIBILITIES.2. BEING POOR IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCEED IN LIFE.3. STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND OF FINISHING COLLEGE.4. HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF MORAL CHARACTER AND A GIRL’S WHOLESOME IMAGE5. FAITH OF A CREATOR WITH UNLIMITED GIFTS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE ~NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. HE CAN USE A MESSENGER FROM THE LOWLY AND POOR AND EXALT HER TO NEW HEIGHTS. SHE CAN BE A LIVING TESTAMENT OF GOD’S GRACE AND POWER THAT HE CAN DO ANYTHING AND CAN CHANGE LIVES.6. GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG GIRLS ~BE VIRTUOUS~BE HONEST ~HONOR THE PARENTS~EXCEL IN SCHOOL~HELPS FAMILY, ETC.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A RARE AND SPECIAL GIRL LIKE VENUS RAJ?

MR. TRUMP AND THE PANEL OF JUDGES FAILED TO DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE. THEY FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB AND IN FAILING TO DO THEIR JOB, THEY MISSED THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO IS CONVINCINGLY BELIEVABLE TO THE WORLD, BECAUSE SHE IS A LIVING AND BREATHING PROOF OF A POOR GIRL BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK WHO OVERCOMES HARDSHIPS, OBSTACLES, AND CHALLENGES IN LIFE. JUST LOOK AT HER LIFE … AND HOW FAR SHE GOES.

IF THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION WANTS TO BE RELEVANT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, THEY SHOULD SEND THE RIGHT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO WOULD INSPIRE THE WORLD BY EXAMPLE, AND WHO CAN WALK THE TALK. A PRETTY FACE WON’T CUT IT ANYMORE.



-comment posted by Elle from the article abt Ma. Venus Raj....www.newsopi.com

SUPER LIKE MS ELLE...HOPE U DONT MIND SHARING IT IN MY PROFILE..THANK U.

I agree on this comment...:okay:

hope i gave out the accurate info here... yes so far we have 2 international beauty title holders who are Bicolanas-- Venus and Lara... more to come sana po...


Miriam Quiambao is from Albay. Her father is I think from Bacacay and her mother from Oas. She went home to Bacacay after she won 1st runner-up in the Miss Universe Pageant.

PARA SA MGA CRITICS NI VENUS RAJ.
by Yham Daen on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 6:04pm



MISS PHILIPPINES – VENUS RAJ GAVE AN HONEST ANSWER AND IT COSTS HER THE CROWN

Let me enlighten you as to why?

Venus Raj lives a simple and poor life. She lives in a province, sort of your rural America or the boonies. The house she lives in is a simple thatched-roof hut made of bamboo and wood, located in the middle of the rice paddies. Her immediate support are her family, friends, and relatives. She was born illegitimate. In the Philippine society, it is still a stigma. She strives to do her best to study hard and succeed in life. She graduated Cum Laude in Communication Arts and managed to find a job as Information Assistant in a governmental agency in her province. While doing that, she helps her mother, a farmer, buys land on installment basis. Her goal is to help her mother and family improve the quality of their lives and lift from the life of poverty.

Going back to the question posed by Mr. Baldwin, “what is the one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?” When Venus answered, “In my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major – major problem that I have done in my life. Because I’m very confident about my family and the love they are giving me. So thank you so much…”

IF YOU ANALYZE HER ANSWER, SHE IS TELLING THE AUDIENCE THE TRUTH! WHEN DOES TRUTH BECOMES A LIABILITY?

In her 22 years of life, she did not commit a ONE BIG MISTAKE WORTH UNDOING OR REGRETTING! SHE THANKS HER FAMILY BECAUSE THEY ARE HER GUIDE AND SUPPORT.

Let’s see…where could she make a big mistake?

DID SHE SLEEP AROUND AND CATCH HIV/STD DISEASES? – No, she did not. Remember, she lives in a rural area in a conservative Catholic society, acting whorish is a big NO NO!DID SHE GET PREGNANT AND HAVE AN ABORTION? – NO, she did not. She is one wholesome girl. Her family watched, protected, and nurtured her. She can’t escape the watchful eyes of her 4 brothers. Suitors will have a hard time to be near her. If there is going to be one, he will be talking to the whole family instead of talking privately with her. That’s the way life in rural Philippines. Everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows what everybody is doing.DID SHE SMOKE OR DID DRUGS? – NO, she did not. She came from a poor family. She has no means of buying it. These bad habits are only enjoyed by the wretched people, who are typically shunned by Philippine conservative society.DID SHE FAIL IN SCHOOL? – No, she did not. She excelled in school. Graduated Cum Laude.DID SHE COVET A MARRIED MAN? – No, she did not. She doesn’t have a boyfriend at the present time.IS SHE A BAD DAUGHTER? – No, she is not. In fact, she helps her mother and family improve their lives.

OVERALL, VENUS IS A WHOLESOME, GOOD GIRL, WHO GREW UP IN A RURAL CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY, PROTECTED, NURTURED, AND WATCHED BY HER LOVE ONES AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE BIG MISTAKES IN LIFE. SHE LEAD A CAREFUL AND NORMAL LIFE THAT IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOU EXPECT OF A LIFE OF A YOUNG LADY IN THE MODERN WESTERN SOCIETY.

UNFORTUNATELY, SHE WAS JUDGED BY A PANEL OF MODERN SOCIETY JUDGES AND AUDIENCES WHO CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT THEY WERE HEARING. TRUTH IS INDEED STRANGER THAT FICTION. BUT JUDGES, BY VIRTUE OF BEING A JUDGE, SHOULD ALSO LOOK AT FACTS AND TRUTHS, NOT SOME GENERALIZED OPINION THAT SOUNDS GOOD TO THE POLITICALLY CORRECT. VENUS ANSWER WAS FACTUAL AND BRAVE, AND SHE SHOULDN’T BE LAMBASTED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH, AND IT SHOULDN’T COST HER THE CROWN.

VENUS COMING FROM A POOR EXISTENCE AND MAKING IT INTO THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR PEOPLE LIVING AND BORN INTO POVERTY, WHICH APTLY APPLIES TO THE 70% OF THE WORLD POPULATION, AND FOR THOSE BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK. SHE CAN BE A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD THAT:

1. THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF BEING BORN OF OUT WEDLOCK. IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. LIFE OFFERS REDEMPTION AND MANY POSSIBILITIES.2. BEING POOR IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCEED IN LIFE.3. STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND OF FINISHING COLLEGE.4. HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF MORAL CHARACTER AND A GIRL’S WHOLESOME IMAGE5. FAITH OF A CREATOR WITH UNLIMITED GIFTS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE ~NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. HE CAN USE A MESSENGER FROM THE LOWLY AND POOR AND EXALT HER TO NEW HEIGHTS. SHE CAN BE A LIVING TESTAMENT OF GOD’S GRACE AND POWER THAT HE CAN DO ANYTHING AND CAN CHANGE LIVES.6. GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG GIRLS ~BE VIRTUOUS~BE HONEST ~HONOR THE PARENTS~EXCEL IN SCHOOL~HELPS FAMILY, ETC.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A RARE AND SPECIAL GIRL LIKE VENUS RAJ?

MR. TRUMP AND THE PANEL OF JUDGES FAILED TO DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE. THEY FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB AND IN FAILING TO DO THEIR JOB, THEY MISSED THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO IS CONVINCINGLY BELIEVABLE TO THE WORLD, BECAUSE SHE IS A LIVING AND BREATHING PROOF OF A POOR GIRL BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK WHO OVERCOMES HARDSHIPS, OBSTACLES, AND CHALLENGES IN LIFE. JUST LOOK AT HER LIFE … AND HOW FAR SHE GOES.

IF THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION WANTS TO BE RELEVANT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, THEY SHOULD SEND THE RIGHT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO WOULD INSPIRE THE WORLD BY EXAMPLE, AND WHO CAN WALK THE TALK. A PRETTY FACE WON’T CUT IT ANYMORE.



-comment posted by Elle from the article abt Ma. Venus Raj....www.newsopi.com

SUPER LIKE MS ELLE...HOPE U DONT MIND SHARING IT IN MY PROFILE..THANK U.

hindi lang Major, pero super duper duper true!!! She gave a very very very honest answer. wala pa naman talaga siguro siyang major mistake na ginawa, or else hindi na dapat siya isinali sa Binibining Pilipinas noon pa man.

very discriminating din ang judges.

Anyway, again, I'm so proud of Ms. Raj. She's beautiful, elegant, humble and smart. may nalimutan pa pala ako, suuuuper sexy niya! hehehe

Senate commends Raj for 5th place finish
MANILA (PNA) – The Philippine Senate adopted on Wednesday a resolution, congratulating Filipina beauty queen Maria Venus Bayonito Raj for making it to the top five and eventually being named 4th runner-up of the 2010 Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Introduced by Senator Lito Lapid and unanimously approved by all senators present, the Senate Resolution No. 140 commended the 22-year-old Raj for making the country proud and showing the world “the spirit of Filipino beauty, excellence and grace."

”This honor brought by our Filipino beauty queen deserves to be commended for the pride and recognition she brought to our country,” the resolution stated.

The 5'9" tall beauty from Camarines Sur is the first Filipina to earn placing in the prestigious beauty pageant since Miriam Quiambao bagged first runner-up in 1999.

The Philippines has two title holders; Gloria Diaz and Margarita Moran, who were crowned Ms. Universe in 1969 and 1973, respectively.

Observers said the blooming Bicolana could have earned higher placing and could have even won the title if not of her answer in the final question-and-answer portion.

Actor William Baldwin asked her to name one biggest mistake in her life and what did she do to make it right.

Venus answered that she had made no “major, major” mistake during her “22 years of existence.”

In a television interview, Raj admitted that she was really nervous since she did not expect to reach the final five of the world’s most prestigious beauty contest.

”I’m really nervous every time I climbed on the stage,” she said.

The Filipina beauty also believed that she never committed a mistake, saying she would give the same answer if asked the same question again.

”I think it’s not a mistake, never ever… I’m a very positive person. Everything that happened to me, I take it as a challenge, something that would become positive in the end despite the negative things that happened to you,” Raj said.

As the Senate adopted the resolution, Senator Serge Osmena III said in jest that he would vote in favor of the resolution if the Miss Universe fourth runner-up would agree to visit the Senate.

Presiding officer, Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada responded “immediately after her return” while giving his big smile in obvious celebration of Raj’s victory.

Raj is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Thursday when there is no Senate session.http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/274194/senate-commends-raj-5th-place-win-miss-universe-2010

got an info from the tech dept of Sutherland that Cisco will put a branch here in Cam. Sur

Could they be referring to a Cisco account in Sutherland, not a stand-alone Cisco store or something?

PARA SA MGA CRITICS NI VENUS RAJ.
by Yham Daen on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 6:04pm



MISS PHILIPPINES – VENUS RAJ GAVE AN HONEST ANSWER AND IT COSTS HER THE CROWN

Let me enlighten you as to why?

Venus Raj lives a simple and poor life. She lives in a province, sort of your rural America or the boonies. The house she lives in is a simple thatched-roof hut made of bamboo and wood, located in the middle of the rice paddies. Her immediate support are her family, friends, and relatives. She was born illegitimate. In the Philippine society, it is still a stigma. She strives to do her best to study hard and succeed in life. She graduated Cum Laude in Communication Arts and managed to find a job as Information Assistant in a governmental agency in her province. While doing that, she helps her mother, a farmer, buys land on installment basis. Her goal is to help her mother and family improve the quality of their lives and lift from the life of poverty.

Going back to the question posed by Mr. Baldwin, “what is the one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?” When Venus answered, “In my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major – major problem that I have done in my life. Because I’m very confident about my family and the love they are giving me. So thank you so much…”

IF YOU ANALYZE HER ANSWER, SHE IS TELLING THE AUDIENCE THE TRUTH! WHEN DOES TRUTH BECOMES A LIABILITY?

In her 22 years of life, she did not commit a ONE BIG MISTAKE WORTH UNDOING OR REGRETTING! SHE THANKS HER FAMILY BECAUSE THEY ARE HER GUIDE AND SUPPORT.

Let’s see…where could she make a big mistake?

DID SHE SLEEP AROUND AND CATCH HIV/STD DISEASES? – No, she did not. Remember, she lives in a rural area in a conservative Catholic society, acting whorish is a big NO NO!DID SHE GET PREGNANT AND HAVE AN ABORTION? – NO, she did not. She is one wholesome girl. Her family watched, protected, and nurtured her. She can’t escape the watchful eyes of her 4 brothers. Suitors will have a hard time to be near her. If there is going to be one, he will be talking to the whole family instead of talking privately with her. That’s the way life in rural Philippines. Everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows what everybody is doing.DID SHE SMOKE OR DID DRUGS? – NO, she did not. She came from a poor family. She has no means of buying it. These bad habits are only enjoyed by the wretched people, who are typically shunned by Philippine conservative society.DID SHE FAIL IN SCHOOL? – No, she did not. She excelled in school. Graduated Cum Laude.DID SHE COVET A MARRIED MAN? – No, she did not. She doesn’t have a boyfriend at the present time.IS SHE A BAD DAUGHTER? – No, she is not. In fact, she helps her mother and family improve their lives.

OVERALL, VENUS IS A WHOLESOME, GOOD GIRL, WHO GREW UP IN A RURAL CONSERVATIVE SOCIETY, PROTECTED, NURTURED, AND WATCHED BY HER LOVE ONES AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE BIG MISTAKES IN LIFE. SHE LEAD A CAREFUL AND NORMAL LIFE THAT IS TOTALLY OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOU EXPECT OF A LIFE OF A YOUNG LADY IN THE MODERN WESTERN SOCIETY.

UNFORTUNATELY, SHE WAS JUDGED BY A PANEL OF MODERN SOCIETY JUDGES AND AUDIENCES WHO CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT THEY WERE HEARING. TRUTH IS INDEED STRANGER THAT FICTION. BUT JUDGES, BY VIRTUE OF BEING A JUDGE, SHOULD ALSO LOOK AT FACTS AND TRUTHS, NOT SOME GENERALIZED OPINION THAT SOUNDS GOOD TO THE POLITICALLY CORRECT. VENUS ANSWER WAS FACTUAL AND BRAVE, AND SHE SHOULDN’T BE LAMBASTED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH, AND IT SHOULDN’T COST HER THE CROWN.

VENUS COMING FROM A POOR EXISTENCE AND MAKING IT INTO THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR PEOPLE LIVING AND BORN INTO POVERTY, WHICH APTLY APPLIES TO THE 70% OF THE WORLD POPULATION, AND FOR THOSE BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK. SHE CAN BE A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD THAT:

1. THERE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF BEING BORN OF OUT WEDLOCK. IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. LIFE OFFERS REDEMPTION AND MANY POSSIBILITIES.2. BEING POOR IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCEED IN LIFE.3. STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND OF FINISHING COLLEGE.4. HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF MORAL CHARACTER AND A GIRL’S WHOLESOME IMAGE5. FAITH OF A CREATOR WITH UNLIMITED GIFTS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE ~NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. HE CAN USE A MESSENGER FROM THE LOWLY AND POOR AND EXALT HER TO NEW HEIGHTS. SHE CAN BE A LIVING TESTAMENT OF GOD’S GRACE AND POWER THAT HE CAN DO ANYTHING AND CAN CHANGE LIVES.6. GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG GIRLS ~BE VIRTUOUS~BE HONEST ~HONOR THE PARENTS~EXCEL IN SCHOOL~HELPS FAMILY, ETC.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND A RARE AND SPECIAL GIRL LIKE VENUS RAJ?

MR. TRUMP AND THE PANEL OF JUDGES FAILED TO DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE. THEY FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB AND IN FAILING TO DO THEIR JOB, THEY MISSED THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR A GREAT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO IS CONVINCINGLY BELIEVABLE TO THE WORLD, BECAUSE SHE IS A LIVING AND BREATHING PROOF OF A POOR GIRL BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK WHO OVERCOMES HARDSHIPS, OBSTACLES, AND CHALLENGES IN LIFE. JUST LOOK AT HER LIFE … AND HOW FAR SHE GOES.

IF THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION WANTS TO BE RELEVANT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE, THEY SHOULD SEND THE RIGHT MESSENGER TO THE WORLD, WHO WOULD INSPIRE THE WORLD BY EXAMPLE, AND WHO CAN WALK THE TALK. A PRETTY FACE WON’T CUT IT ANYMORE.



-comment posted by Elle from the article abt Ma. Venus Raj....www.newsopi.com

SUPER LIKE MS ELLE...HOPE U DONT MIND SHARING IT IN MY PROFILE..THANK U.

I agree on this comment...:okay:


hindi lang Major, pero super duper duper true!!! She gave a very very very honest answer. wala pa naman talaga siguro siyang major mistake na ginawa, or else hindi na dapat siya isinali sa Binibining Pilipinas noon pa man.

very discriminating din ang judges.

Anyway, again, I'm so proud of Ms. Raj. She's beautiful, elegant, humble and smart. may nalimutan pa pala ako, suuuuper sexy niya! hehehe

very well said! there's no major-major problem she made in her life... :)

Miriam Quiambao is from Albay. Her father is I think from Bacacay and her mother from Oas. She went home to Bacacay after she won 1st runner-up in the Miss Universe Pageant.
yep! Miriam also! :)

Precious is also from Albay. Is she from Ligao!? I saw a Quigaman hardware there...

hope i gave out the accurate info here... yes so far we have 2 international beauty title holders who are Bicolanas-- Venus and Lara... more to come sana po...

what about miriam, melody, and georgina sandico (?)

As the Senate adopted the resolution, Senator Serge Osmena III said in jest that he would vote in favor of the resolution if...

here we go again

Arrival and and Registration (http://cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=291&Itemid=109)

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7873

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7875

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7880

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7876

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7877

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7878

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7879

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7881

Raj sa mga bumabatikos sa kanyang 'major major' na kasagutan: So what? (http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/entertainment-news/16219-raj-sa-mga-bumabatikos-sa-kanyang-major-major-na-kasagutan-so-what)
Patuloy na naninindigan ang pambato at Miss Universe 4th runner-up na si Maria Venus Raj na walang naging problema sa kanyang isinagot sa question and answer portion.

"So what?" ani Venus sa isang panayam.

Para sa Bikolana beauty queen, ang importante raw ay napabilang siya sa naturang pageant at higit sa lahat nakapag-uwi ng karangalan sa bansa.

Kung maaalala, naging trending sa buong mundo ang kanyang naging kasagutan partikular ang mga katagang "major, major."

Narito ang naging kasagutan ni Venus sa tanong kung ano ang pinakamalaking pagkakamali nito sa buhay at kung paano niya ito itinama.

"Good evening Las vegas! You know sir, in my 22 years of existence in my life, I can say... there is nothing major major, I mean problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here. Thank you thank you so much!"

Samantala, sinasabing "major major" din umano ang ginagawang paghahanda ng NAIA sa nakatakdang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas ni Venus.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/entertainment-news/16219-raj-sa-mga-bumabatikos-sa-kanyang-major-major-na-kasagutan-so-what

Arrival and Registration (http://cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=291&Itemid=109)

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7885

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7893

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7909

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7918

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7911

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7906

Venus Raj, nakabalik na sa Pilipinas
Dumating na sa Pilipinas ang pambato at Miss Universe 4th runner-up na si Maria Venus Raj.

Kaliwa't kanang pagbati mula sa kanyang mga tagasuporta ang sumalubong kay Raj pagdating nito sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Kung maalala, kahapon pa lang ay pinaghandaan na umano ng NAIA ang pagbabalik bansa ng Bikolana beauty queen.http://bomboradyo.com/index.php/news/latest-news/16246-venus-raj-nakabalik-na-sa-pilipinas

Waterworld
(The Philippine Star) Updated August 25, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Camsur. It’s every extreme sports lover’s paradise. Especially with the Kaogma Festival which highlights various competitions, gathering wakeboarders, motorbike and 4x4 riders, cyclists and more in a nine-day festivity of happiness. It was in the midst of all this that Lightwater recently spread its pure and guiltless hydration. After wetting down the water bunnies and party denizens of Boracay, it was the right time for Lightwater to come south to the adventure-filled province of Camsur.

A distinctive blue and white Lightwater hydration lounge was set up at the world-class Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC). With the sun high in the sky, everyone appreciated Lightwater — quenching their thirst, cooling them down, and getting them fully hydrated for the day’s activities. The hydration lounge offered free Lightwater bottles, as guests took photos of themselves for the interactive 3D photo wall — themed with a wakeboard and cable to boot.

Guests also went online, becoming Lightwater fans on Facebook. As in Boracay, an online promo was held: those who posted their photos from the 3D photo wall won limited-edition Lightwater + Analog Soul tees and coolers. Also, upon adding the water brand to their Facebook page, a pick-a-prize game awaited guests, including stickers, lanyards and coolers stocked with Lightwater.

At the fifth Philippine Wakeboard Nationals, all riders were supplied with free bottles, too. They were sent up into the air by the Lightwater kicker as they competed for the win. Foreign wakeboarders also showed off their stunts in the exhibition, and some of the country’s best riders took the cable park by storm, flipping and gliding while tapping strategically-located Lightwater flags all over the course.

Lightwater also provided hydration at the other Kaogma Festival events such as the Tour of Camsur, Downhill Bike Competition, and Miss Kaogma where bottles of Lightwater were given away to participants.

Lightwater is pure water infused with electrolytes — calcium, magnesium, and potassium, chosen for hydrating benefits as well as the ability to maintain the body’s nutrient balance. The combination of electrolytes in Lightwater also accounts for its clear and smooth taste compared to other bottled waters. Best of all, Lightwater doesn’t have any of the bad stuff — no coloring, no salt, no sugar.

Jasper Ong, Suncoast Lightwater general manager, says “Our riders make us very proud. We are honored to be the official functional water of the Philippine Wakeboard Nationals. We’re glad that Lightwater kept all the competitors performing at peak levels during the entire competition which was conducted under very sunny and hot conditions.”

Lightwater is available in 7-Eleven, Ministop, Rustans, Shopwise, Landmark, South Supermarket, Pioneer Center and other major supermarkets and convenience stores in Metro Manila. Learn more about how Lightwater hydrates your body better at www.drinklightwater.com.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=605738&publicationSubCategoryId=446

^^ Siisay na ang nakapa-SB? Musta ang ambiance? Garo man lang si mga SB sa Manila?

4Ps launched in Camarines provinces
Legazpi City (23 August) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has officially launched the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte last August 10 and August 11, 2010 respectively.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program also known as 4Ps is a poverty reduction strategy of the government that provides cash grants to extremely poor households intended for their health, nutrition and education especially of their children aged o to 4 years old.

Some 484 families of Minalabac, Camarines Sur benefited from the program covering the barangays of Tariric, Malitbog, Sagrada, and Salinggugon. Meanwhile for Camarines Norte 465 families of San Lorenzo Ruiz benefited from the program covering the Barangays of Daculang Bolo, Matacong, Sa Isidro ad Mampurog.

The beneficiaries received their first 4Ps cash grant through over-the-counter payment in the LandBank of Naga City for Camarines Sur beneficiaries and LandBank Daet Branch for Camarines Norte beneficiaries. A beneficiary received a maximum of P7,000 or P1,400 a month covering the months of November to December 2009 and January to March 2010.

"Magtarabang-tabang po kita," said Mayor Leovegildo Basmayor of Minalabac, Camarines Sur. In his message, he urged the beneficiaries not just to help each other but also to give importance to the projects granted to them by the government.

DSWD Regional Director Remia T. Tapispisan on the other hand reminded the beneficiaries to comply with the program's conditionalities so as to continue receiving the cash grants. Non-compliance would result to delistment or termination from the program.

The beneficiaries positively responded and committed support to the program. http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r05&y=&mo=&fi=p100823.htm&no=38

Camsur International Dragonboat Fest - Oct 15-17, 2010 (http://camsur.com/CamSur-News/latest-news/camsur-international-dragonboat-fest-oct-15-17-2010.html)

Download the forms Here (http://camsur.com/dragonboatforms.zip)
Submit filled-out forms at camsurdragonboatfest@yahoo.com

http://camsur.com/images/stories/dragon2.jpg

^^ Siisay na ang nakapa-SB? Musta ang ambiance? Garo man lang si mga SB sa Manila?

sinda Joan at Pao yata...nakaduman na...

Venus back from Miss Universe competition
MANILA, Philippines - Miss Philippines-Universe Maria Venus Raj arrived in Manila on Thursday morning, two days after the coronation night of the 59th Miss Universe in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 5'9" beauty from Camarines Sur was proclaimed 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up. She lost to Jimena Navarrete of Mexico.

Raj touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) onboard Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR 107.

In a mini press conference at the NAIA, Raj thanked the Filipinos for supporting her.

She also appealed to the public not to take her much-talked-about "major, major" phrase against her. "Major, major" was part of her response during the question and answer portion.

Many were dismayed by Raj's answer when asked by an actor-judge to cite her one biggest mistake in life.

Raj's answer was: "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say that there's nothing major, major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

Raj, who was very excited about her return to the country, was also surprised when she received a bracelet and necklace as surprise gifts from the flight crew of PAL.http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/25/10/venus-back-miss-universe-competition-thanks-filipinos

Salceda on Venus Raj: It's a major, major sayang talaga
MANILA, Philippines - Venus Raj's "major, major" answer to the question posed to her in the Miss Universe 2010 is being picked up by many Filipinos, including her fellow Bicolanos.

No less than Albay Governor Joey Salceda has caught on the "major, major" bug.

When asked to comment on the 4th place finish of Raj, who hails from Bato, Camarines Sur, former President Arroyo's economic adviser said: "It is a major, major sayang talaga."

Salceda recalled that Miriam Quiambao also nearly won the crown in the Miss Universe beauty pageant in 1999.

"Second time na ito. The first was Miriam Quiambao, who had the title except the crowning after the Q and A," he said.

Nonetheless, Salceda said Raj's fourth runner-up win was a "major, major achievement for Bicol."

"Venus put up a good fight, despite the Melody [Gersbach] tragedy and Quirino [Grandstand] embarassment, just as Bicolanos fight for a better life. So for us, she is the Miss Universe," Salceda said. "Mabuhay ang Bicol!!!"

He was referring to the untimely death of Bb. Pilipinas International Melody Gersbach from a car-bus collision in Bicol last Saturday, and Monday's bloody ending to a hostage crisis involving Hong Kong tourists at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Raj was asked by American actor William Baldwin during the question-and-answer portion about the biggest mistake she made in her life and what she did to correct it.

She replied, "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major, major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me."

Her "major, major" answer has become a trending topic on social networking sites worldwide.http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/25/10/salceda-venus-raj-its-major-major-sayang-talaga

:lol:sabagay when i was also 22 wala rin akong major major mistakes pa in life... maybe when i was 32 kasi dapat nagpakasal na ako nun but then again i was too engrossed with work and career that time so no regrets at all...

anyway Venus said last night di na nya mababawi pa ang nasabi na nya at yung bading na alalay nya tawag sa kanya ngayon MAJOR MAJOR....:lol::lol::lol:

also despite everything Donald Trump still believes in her...

lets wait for Ms World... thats next but so far too quiet wala masyadong publicities...

Carmen revelation
A TRIATHLETE from the northern town of Carmen, Cebu was the best Cebuano finisher in the prestigious Cobra 70.3 Ironman Philippines 2010 in Camarines Sur last Sunday.

Ralph Martin Sios-e, a proud Carmen resident, made a name for himself after finishing third place in the 18-25 age group with a time of five hours and 22 minutes.

Sios-e has only been doing the sport for two years when he decided to embark on the taxing challenge. All he wanted was finish within a respectable time but he did better.

“I was surprised because I was eight minutes earlier than my expected finish,” said Sios-e, who checked in after Australia’s Preddy Grant and Cris Dimaano of Naga City.

The other Cebuano with a third place finish was last year’s Filipino elite champion Noy Jopson, who lost the title to elite triathletes Neil Catiil and Arland Macasieb.

“I still very happy with my achievement. I couldn’t really believe that I took the third spot because the world’s best triathletes came to race. We were 25 in our category and I finished third,” Sios-e said.

Born and raised in Carmen, Sios-e said he didn’t see himself competing in the prestigious event. He gave credit to the Sugbutriathlon community for motivating him to get into the sport.

Subgutriathlon

Sugbutri is a group of triathlon enthusiasts who train together and organize events to give the athletes a chance to compete. It is also responsible for the promotion of the sport here in Cebu and neighboring provinces.

Sios-e said the swim event was the most challenging after 803 coampetitors crowded the 1.9-kilometer swim course.

“I still managed to finish the swim event even if it was very crowded. The swimmers were already hitting each other’s elbows, legs, feet and face. The run course was also very taxing because I was already tired from the two other disciplines and it very hot and the uphills were killers,” said Sios-e.

On the other hand, had Jopson not suffered severe cramps, he said he would have done better than his third place finish.

“It was the hardest race I’ve ever done. I had a bad swim, a good bike but I was cramping severely on both legs the whole run. If I had my normal running legs, it would have been a close fight. So given the circumstances, I am satisfied to be able to salvage third place. I lost to Catiil and Macaseib—two great champions who train full time and live for the sport,” Jopson said.

Jopson and Sios-e will start preparing for next weekend’s Milo 21K marathon elimination here in Cebu.

Team Reborn

A Cebu team, Reborn, also competed in the tournament.

Team member Reel Bontol said Cebuanos have a good chance of making a better finish in triathlon competitions if only more events are made available for them.

“We went there for the experience and to inspire the Cebuano community to get into the sport. Unlike the common misconception, triathlon is not just for elite triathletes,” Bontol said.http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/carmen-revelation

2nd Princess lang po si Ruffa in 1993 Miss World Pageant. Ang 1st Princess po ay si Ms. South Africa and the crown went to Ms. Jamaica.


I stand corrected po... :) hope that was a minor minor mistake...:lol:

Miriam Quiambao is from Albay. Her father is I think from Bacacay and her mother from Oas. She went home to Bacacay after she won 1st runner-up in the Miss Universe Pageant.


ok thanks gary so for the record we now have 3...Miriam, Lara and Venus

dapat talaga sumali ako sa mga contest na yan nuon pa dapat sana 4... joke!:lol:

I stand corrected po... :) hope that was a minor minor mistake...:lol:

of course naman po, its no big deal. its for correction purposes lang po.

A ‘major, major’ win nonetheless
http://www.asianewsnet.net/photo/news/venus%20raj-P_copy1.jpg

Seemingly overlooked in the face of Miss Philippines Venus Raj’s “major, major” answer during the interview portion in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant in Las Vegas is the fact that her top-five finish was the country’s first since 1999 when Miriam Quiambao placed second.

Also, that traditional beauty contest powerhouses Venezuela and USA were shut out as early as the semifinals for the first time in many years. Raj was also the only Asian candidate to make it to the top 15 this year.

To think that this young woman from Bato, Camarines Sur, in southern Philippines was dethroned briefly, and the Philippines almost lost the chance to be represented by the determined candidate.

Some post-pageant comments by Filipinos on Facebook and Twitter stressed that Raj’s fourth runner-up showing was a welcome, if temporary, diversion from Monday’s grim hostage-taking incident in Manila and its aftermath. Malacañang’s (presidentail palace) statement was appropriately upbeat: “(Venus’) success ... is a bright spot in an otherwise sad day for our country.”

For hundreds of Filipinos who came from all over the world to cheer the Bicolana bet, waving Philippine flags expressing support for her evoked priceless camaraderie and patriotism.

Crazy experience

“The fact that Venus was called last (when the top 15 were named) was a crazy experience,” said Yari Paris, an LA-based Fil-Am beauty pageant expert.

“We all wished she’d be called first, to confirm right away our earlier assessment that she deserved one of the top slots. Having watched the candidate for a good part of the last 12 days, I could tell she would make it, but her being called last was a scare. The floor director approached to remind me not to raise my flag because it covered the Teleprompter. That, to me, was a hint that Venus name was about to be called out.”

Paris continued: “You should have seen the Mandalay Bay Events Centre - Philippine flags all over, like it was President Noynoy’s inauguration. I jumped from my seat when Venus’ name was called. I lost my Swarovski necklace but who cares?”

Maxi Tone (Antonio Guino Maxino), an A-list Pinoy makeup artist in Los Angeles, said he and his friends “cried tears of joy” when Raj got a slot in the top 15. “When she made it to the top 5,” Tone recounted, “we all thought, here it comes again, our biggest oversight - not having an interpreter, so every Miss Philippines could answer in the language she’s most comfortable in.”

Make or break

It turned out that Miss Mexico, who prevailed over 82 competitors from six continents to win the title, was fluent in English, but still opted for an interpreter.

The question-and-answer segment - rocker Bret Michaels and fellow emcee Natalie Morales, an NBC correspondent, repeatedly pointed out during the programme - was a make-or-break portion of the tilt.

Jimena Navarrete, 22, from Guadalajara, was crowned Miss Universe 2010 after telling the audience it was important to teach children family values.

Navarrete was first to answer a question from the panel of judges. Asked by Olympic gold-medal figure skater Evan Lysacek how she felt about unsupervised Internet use, Navarrete said parents need to watch over their kids.

“I do believe that the Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time,” she said through an interpreter. “(But) we must be sure to teach children the values that we learned as a family.”

Proclaimed first runner-up was Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps; second runner-up was Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell.

Navarrete, who’s been modeling since she was 15, is Mexico’s second Miss Universe. Compatriot Lupita Jones won in 1991.

Replacing Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela, Navarrete thwarted this year’s Miss Venezuela, Marelisa Gibson, from giving the South American country a third consecutive victory (2008 title holder was Venezuelan Dayana Mendoza). Neither Gibson nor Miss USA Rima Fakih was in the top 15.

Navarrete was crowned in a flowing, single-strap red gown. Earlier, she strutted across the stage in a purple bikini, and then in a flowing, single-strap red gown.

Still earlier, with fans in some 190 countries watching on television and keeping tabs on social networks, all 83 competitors introduced themselves while wearing over-the-top national costumes. They then danced in silver and black dresses for the show’s opening number.

Campbell won the Miss Congeniality Universe award. Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul won two - Miss Photogenic Universe Best National Costume.

Trending thrills

By the end of the snappy two-hour show, 7 of the top 10 trending topics on Twitter had to do with the pageant, its contestants, its judges or owner Donald Trump. The mogul co-owns the pageant with TV network NBC.

Before the pageant, Venus Raj was a strong favourite in an online poll on the pageant’s website. During the programme, for many Internet devotees, Facebook updates on the progress of Raj from top 15 to top 5 were sometimes more thrilling than watching the televised show. The virtual cheering was simultaneous as Raj made each cut.

In the end, many who watched at the Mandalay venue still came away impressed by Raj. Jb Adkins, US franchise holder of the Miss Philippines Earth pageant, said: “I have been watching beauty pageants for many years. I have been here in Las Vegas for two weeks. I (witnessed) how Venus stood out from the pack. She carried herself well, lit up the room with her mere presence. She is this year’s Miss Universe in my book.”

Miss U for life

In Bato, Camarines Sur, Venus Raj will be Miss Universe for life.

Tuesday morning in Raj’s hometown of San Vicente, her family’s simple wooden house - roofed with dried palm anahaw leaves and walled with woven bamboo - in the middle of a rice field, was covered with tarpaulins of all sizes and colours.

“We love you Venus,” said one. And another: “Ika ang Miss Universe kan buhay mi,” (You are the Miss Universe of our lives). The tarps were from the local government and other organisations that supported the beauty queen.

Her fourth runner-up finish was cause for widespread celebration, even in the nearby villages, reported Bato Vice Mayor Ruben C. Pili. The day had been declared a special holiday so the townsfolk could watch the pageant on television.

Pili said big plans were afoot for the homecoming of their homegrown beauty queen.

Meanwhile, nearly the whole of San Vicente gathered at Raj’s home, around a huge TV set.

One resident likened the event to boxer Manny Pacquiao fight, with people glued to the screen.

Raj’s mother, Ester Bayonito, was supposed to be at the pageant in Las Vegas, but ran into problems with her travel documents. She watched the pageant from Antipolo, Rizal.

She was seen on television earlier - on ABS-CBN’s “Simply KC” - proud, hopeful and tearful. “You are always a winner for me, nene (child), Bayonito said, recalling the time when she was offered $60,000 for her newborn Venus (youngest of five children).

“I did not even think about it,” Bayonito said. “I was sure I wanted to raise her myself, and I never regretted that decision.http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=13860&sec=8

Smart targets 1.5M trees planted by 2010
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is close to hitting its target of planting over 1.5 million seedlings and mangrove propagules under a three-year tree planting agreement inked in 2008 with parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and the PLDT-Smart Foundation together with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

To date, Smart has already planted some 425,750 of the 995,000 seedlings targeted for 2010 alone. Sites include the Marikina Watershed in NCR; Bulacan, Batangas, Palawan, Subic, Marikina, Pampanga,and Camarines Sur in Luzon; Bohol, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Siquijor, Guimaras, Kalibo, Roxas, and Antique in Visayas; and Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Sarangani in Mindanao.

"Our program partners and employee-volunteers continue to be instrumental in our campaign to increase the country’s forest cover. Since 2008, they have been helping us surpass our yearly targets," said Ramon R. Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Group head.

On the first year of the agreement, Smart surpassed its target of 150,000 by planting some 167,000 seedlings and propagules in close to 10 provinces nationwide. The following year, the company stepped up its tree planting campaign to exceed its target of 350,000 for a total of 363,000 seedlings.

In each site, Smart is closely in partnership with the local offices of government agencies that include the DENR, the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), and non-government organizations like the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to ensure proper implementation of the tree planting program.

Smart and its partners not only plant trees but also conduct activities that benefit the communities in the area.http://www.malaya.com.ph/08262010/busi10.html

oo naman its a major major win. Biruin mo it took us 10 years to cracked the semis and a 4th place finished is just an icing on top.

Ang hirap kayang makapasok sa top 15 kasi the candidates are all crown-worthy.

But then the formula is just there... the time I saw Venus I knew our country is up on the battle again at the international arena. Yan kasi ang tipo ng kandidata na unang tingin pa lang alam mo na. May 'aura' ika nga sa amin. :)

Yung mga previous rep kasi natin, mga so-so beauties lang. How can you compete with a latin countries which has the likes of Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Venus is a refreshing treat for all pageant observers. Ngayon lang yata naexcite ng ganito ang mga pageant fans in the country.

IronKids Race and Ironman Briefing (http://cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=292&start=2&Itemid=109)

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=8003

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http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7997

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7995

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7993

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7989

nung panahon ni miriam, 12 years old pa lang si Venus.? sana naman yung susunod sa yapak at kagaya ng kalidad ni venus ay hindi na 12 years old ngayon dahil pag nagkataon, naku 10 years na naman tayong maghihintay???

oo naman its a major major win. Biruin mo it took us 10 years to cracked the semis and a 4th place finished is just an icing on top.

Ang hirap kayang makapasok sa top 15 kasi the candidates are all crown-worthy.

But then the formula is just there... the time I saw Venus I knew our country is up on the battle again at the international arena. Yan kasi ang tipo ng kandidata na unang tingin pa lang alam mo na. May 'aura' ika nga sa amin. :)

Yung mga previous rep kasi natin, mga so-so beauties lang. How can you compete with a latin countries which has the likes of Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Venus is a refreshing treat for all pageant observers. Ngayon lang yata naexcite ng ganito ang mga pageant fans in the country.

mukhang alam na alam mo ang mga details ng beauty pageants...di ko napanood ang Miss Universe...nasa Caramoan ako for three days...

mukhang alam na alam mo ang mga details ng beauty pageants...di ko napanood ang Miss Universe...nasa Caramoan ako for three days...

oo naman sir... basta something that makes our country proud, inaalam ko.

Kaya nga nalungkot ako sa Manila incident... yung long-term effect nya at yung mga kababayan natin sa HK. tsk tsk tsk .... kalungkot talaga :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

What is one big mistake that you’ve made in your life and what did you do to make it right?
(Reflections on Venus and the Miss Universe contest)

I WIPED my eyes after the Miss Universe 2010 host announced Venus Raj was 4th runner-up. Coming from watching the coverage of the tourists’ hostage taking the day before, I felt that we were a nation hungry for a break, for a spot of good news, that her loss was like a kick to one already down on the ground.

http://verafiles.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/venus-raj2.jpg

It was, however, not fair to pin so much on a woman who had already fought her own battle and won. She flipped what previously could have been a humiliating personal setback into an inspiring story. In the midst of mounting her successful challenge to retrieve her Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010 crown, it was revealed that she is an illegitimate child born of a parent who was then an overseas Filipino worker in Qatar.

The question asked by the actor and pageant Judge William Baldwin was: “What is one big mistake that you’ve made in your life and what did you do to make it right?”

It was a textbook Miss Universe question. My knee-jerk reaction was it was also the perfect one for Venus, considering her personal circumstances.

Her response: “Thank you so much, sir, for that wonderful question. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening, Las Vegas!

“You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there is nothing major, major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I am here. Thank you, thank you so much.”

One wire report referred to her response as the night’s major social gaffe.

With only minutes away from the announcement of the results, possible alternative responses rushed through my mind, and the one that stuck, the one I thought could seal her win with the gallery and the judges was: That I stand before you now is proof that I did not only survive but made the right choices against the many challenges I faced to get this far. I fought a good fight for social acceptance, against circumstances beyond my control such as my birth and my poverty. I am here, and if only for that, I am already a winner.

I think with Miss Universe, you don’t need to make a specific reply – vague can work. Unfortunately, allayed against the responses of her four other competitors, hers stood out for clearly not answering the question.

A friend who watches pageants zealously, and who is familiar with Venus’ history of question -and-answer performances, said her response this time was actually already her best. Youtube videos of her previous responses support this.

To Binibining Pilipinas 2010 judge Claudine Barreto’s question on March 6, 2010, “How far would you go to achieve your dreams?” Venus replied, “Thank you so much, ma’am. I think to achieve my dreams, I will really do my best—everything that I can do to really achieve what I want in life because at the end of the day it is only me whom I can lean on, it is only myself whom can help me a lot so I think I would prefer to be with myself and to have God within me so that I can achieve every dream that I want. Thank you.”

At the Miss Philippines-Earth 2008 question-and-answer portion on May 11, 2008, the question was: The lack of awareness is a primary reason why the degradation of our environment continues, if you win tonight how will you teach the ignorant and the illiterate about the ill effects of global warning to our environment?

http://verafiles.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/venus-raj.jpg

Her reply: “If I will win tonight, I will teach … (looks at the question printed on paper held by the host) if I will win tonight, I will teach the ignorant and the illiterate about the ill effect of global warming to our environment by educating them first and foremost. First, in their homes it should start in their homes because once they are aware of what they are doing they can … they can … they can… do away of those things that they should not do. And second, aside from the family, next is the society. And in the society it should be the government who will teach, who will educate the people on how to preserve, conserve our environment because if we want a ten year of prosperity we should let’s say plant corn. But if we want 10 years of prosperity let us plant trees. But if we want hundred years of prosperity, we should educate people.”

The two competitions were only two years apart, but they showed a person markedly improved in her looks, poise and confidence. Gone is the unruly hair that detracted from her features, her meandering answers have become shorter though no less vague, and her catwalk has evolved from the rice paddies of Bato, Camarines Sur in Bicol to the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.http://verafiles.org/main/focus/what-is-one-big-mistake-that-you%E2%80%99ve-made-in-your-life-and-what-did-you-do-to-make-it-right/

oo naman sir... basta something that makes our country proud, inaalam ko.


Wow, that's good....there are lots of good things that makes our country proud...

Mandalay Bay in Vegas smells of ‘adobo’
MANILA, Philippines—Why does the Mandalay Bay Events Center smell of “adobo”? Because so many Filipinos have turned up to watch Bb. Pilipinas Venus Raj make her final bid for the Miss Universe 2010 title on Tuesday.

And that’s a giddy Pinoy reporting one of the best-selling jokes from the pageant venue in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Members of the huge Filipino contingent that cheered Venus during the preliminary contest on Thursday have been buoyed by her top ranking in Miss U watch polls.

Expect them to be waving Philippine flags whenever they can throughout the show. A delegation from Raj’s hometown, Bato, Camarines Sur, led by Mayor Jeanette Bernaldez, brought most of the flags.

Apart from Raj’s dusky good looks and regal bearing, her focus and steely determination are proving to be strong factors in her favor.

Why, she even won a chicken wing-eating contest at the Diablo’s Cantina in Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on Aug. 15, finishing a plateful!

Mentally prepared

Yari Paris, a Los Angeles-based Filipino-American beauty pageant expert, told the Inquirer that polls conducted by at least five leading beauty derby websites, including globalbeauties.com, placed Raj in the top five contenders.

Pointing out that these websites are not run by Filipinos, Paris added: “One more thing going for Venus is that she’s mentally prepared to compete and do well.”

The reigning Miss Universe, Venezuela’s Stefania Fernandez, has been quoted as saying it was clear in her mind who the most likely winner was out of 83 contenders from six continents.

She wouldn’t divulge her choice, but this year’s Miss Venezuela is ranked by pageant fans as being in the top 5, several slots down from Venus.

Paris said the Filipino support for Raj was the strongest he had seen in all his years as a Miss U aficionado. Raj got the loudest cheers in the Thursday preliminaries.

Even online betting sites, from Nevada to the United Kingdom, have listed Miss Philippines among the favorites to win the title, which has eluded the country since Margie Moran Floirendo won in 1973. Gloria Diaz, who took the crown in 1969, has also expressed optimism about Raj’s chances. One sports book put Raj’s chances at 5-1; another, at 6-1.

Impressive showing

An early stunner, Raj gained momentum with her impressive showing on Thursday, dazzling spectators—fans and new admirers alike—in the swimsuit and evening gown segments.

Maxi Tone, also known as Antonio Guino Maxino, a Fil-Am makeup artist to Hollywood celebrities, watched Raj compete in the event that determined the 15 semifinalists to be announced during Tuesday’s show.

His observation: “There are a lot of beautiful candidates [this year] but they didn’t shine onstage. Venus outshone most of them. She stood out because of the color of her skin, her height, her pleasant disposition, which few of the girls seemed to have. Best of all, she came across as intelligent and humble.”

Like Paris and Tone, Venus’ supporters often cited her humble background among the reasons that they had gone all out to cheer for her.

These Filipinos explained that, when they learned of the Bicol native’s modest means—especially when she was briefly dethroned due to questions about her birth history—she won their loyalty. Many of them brought gifts of clothes and financial assistance for Bb. Pilipinas.

Tone offered his makeup services for free when Venus spent a few days in Los Angeles before proceeding to Las Vegas. She was one of six contenders picked by the organizers to promote the contest in LA.

Pageant watchers believed this was proof of her good standing. She also appeared prominently in video clips released to the media.

Mirian Buena, Raj’s aunt who resides in Kansas City, may be the only relative who will watch Tuesday’s pageant.

Chicken feed

Buena was reportedly amused that Venus had won the chicken wing-eating contest, and told a journalist that, as a little girl, her niece was very good at catching live chickens to be cooked for the family meal.

Buena also recalled how the young Venus had practiced her “beauty queen walk” on rice paddies. The girl grew up to be a beauty with brains, graduating cum laude from Bicol University, and a heart in the right place.

Venus always said she was proud of her provincial upbringing, and posed for snapshots beside the nipa hut that she called home.

A sad note amid Venus’ strong showing was the sudden death of her close friend, Binibining Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach, in a car accident.

Gersbach, who also hailed from Bicol, was among those who encouraged Venus to join the Binibining Pilipinas tilt and then helped prepare her for Miss Universe. An interview in which Venus was asked to comment on Gersbach’s death was reportedly halted when she became emotional.

Observers believe the tragedy would push the Philippine candidate even more to win the crown and scepter on Tuesday.

The program, hosted by rocker Bret Michaels and NBC correspondent Natalie Morales, airs live on NBC (which co-owns the pageant with Donald Trump) and Telemundo, and will be distributed in some 190 countries and territories.

In Manila, the pageant airs live on Star World starting at 9 a.m., and on ABS-CBN starting at 9:30 a.m.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100824-288469/Mandalay-Bay-in-Vegas-smells-of-adobo

More photos of IronKids Race and Ironman Briefing (http://cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=292&start=2&Itemid=109)

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7996

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7986

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7985

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7982

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7980

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7979

what about miriam, melody, and georgina sandico (?)

As the Senate adopted the resolution, Senator Serge Osmena III said in jest that he would vote in favor of the resolution if...

here we go again

fil i corrected myself in the previous post that we have 3 MAJOR MAJOR INTERNATIONAL beauty title holders na bicolanas-- miriam, lara and venus. the late ms melody gershbach was a top 15 semifinalist last year (sayang talaga) and who is georgina sandico?:)

from http://www.dilg.gov.ph/sec_page/1
Secretary's Corner

Message from the Secretary

We are your DILG.

This is the key message we want to impart to all the local government units, national government agencies, and other concerned sectors, most especially the public as we welcome you to the official website of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).


Through this website, we would like to give you access to relevant and up-to-date information about the Department’s thrusts, programs, projects and activities. More importantly, we would like to know how we can be of better service to you.

Hence, the website will feature news and updates on the key programs and policies of the Department, a brief history of the DILG, its vision and mission statements, information about local chief executives of the different local government units of the country, and legal opinions on local administration.

In our effort to reach out to the public, we have installed an interactive feature in this Website, the Public Assistance Desk (PAD), wherein the general public can e-mail their queries or report important information or complaints concerning the Department and its attached agencies.

Realizing the power of text messaging, another feedback mechanism that we institutionalized is Text DILG (“DILG [space] name [optional] [space] message”), wherein the public can text their important messages and queries to 2256 for Globe/Smart/Sun subscribers.

We also take pride in the fact that we post in this website the budget and status of funds of the Department and its attached agencies. This is one of our initiatives not only to ensure transparency in all of the Department’s transactions, but more importantly, to secure feedback from the public on how we can judiciously utilize the funds of the DILG for their benefit. Aside from the DILG budget, we shall also be posting the Department’s procurements, bidding processes and other pertinent information that the public may wish to know.

Other interesting features of the website include: frequently asked questions (FAQs) about local governance, highlight of monthly events, important issuances or directives, and links to the websites of DILG attached agencies, regional offices, local government leagues and the Office of the President.

To all the visitors of this website, let us work together to become an instrument of change in the local governments, peace and order and public safety sectors of our society. Work with us to make a difference in the lives of our people.

Again, welcome to the DILG website!

...........
I like how the Secretary open his message- with a warm, friendly, familiar-sounding "WE ARE YOUR DILG". :-)

there are calls for the DILG Sec. to step down from his post...

fil i corrected myself in the previous post that we have 3 MAJOR MAJOR INTERNATIONAL beauty title holders na bicolanas-- miriam, lara and venus. the late ms melody gershbach was a top 15 semifinalist last year (sayang talaga) and who is georgina sandico?:)


She won one of those beauty titles some years back. I know her because she's a daughter of a friend from Legazpi.

im sure local winners from the Bicol region in the the past are now more than a handful... lets just hope and pray that in this lifetime another lucky Bicolana will occupy the 4th slot...and the 5th and 6th and so on and so forth...

PLDT-SME Nation targets enterprises in Bicol
Bicol, composed of the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate, is one of the Philippines’ fastest growing regions. In 2009, the region’s economic growth was registered at 8.2 percent.

In the small and medium and enterprises sector, Bicol is famous for its handcrafted products and ethnic food delicacies. Bicol’s signature products include native furniture, abaca decor and accessories, gold jewelry, pottery and chili- and pili-based food items.

For example, Calabanga, a first class municipality by the coast of San Miguel Bay wants to expand its production of export quality dried fish and enter the international market with the product processed through modern technology provided by government experts. At present, the fish is dried using an environment friendly mechanical dryer.

Earlier, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the local government would welcome a rise in bank lending to micro and small businesses in the area.

The local government helped put up the P3.5-million Albay Mayon Credit Surety Fund, hoping to double that so more small and medium enterprises could have access to loans.

PLDT SME-Nation recently teamed up with the Trade Department to hold a four-day seminar at the Regent Hotel in Naga City. The department brought in business owners from different industries to receive an orientation from PLDT SME-Nation on how IT software and hardware can give their enterprises a boost. Some 150 SMEs took part in the seminar.

PLDT SME Nation offers digital business solutions that will enhance the porductivity of large enterprises, small and medium companies.

“We are on a nationwide campaign to encourage a new generation of Filipino entrepreneurs. The Philippines needs more entrepreneurs in order to ensure our economic future. Today, about 90 percent of income in the Philippine economy is generated by SMEs. As we move forward into the 21st century, we’ll need more SMEs to provide more jobs, more income and more purchasing power,” says PLDT-SME Nation vice president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde.

The seminar’s objective was to help SMEs in the Bicol region grow their businesses with the use of PLDT SME-Nation’s packages as proper tools for their potential growth and success. Each business owner was given an orientation specific to his or her situation and the needs of the industry where the business belongs.

“Our regional SMEs, particularly in Bicol, are a thriving community of businessmen. They are extremely vigilant to new offerings in terms of running a business, and so we’re here to help them succeed even more,” said PLDT SME-Nation regional Luzon business head Anthony Fernandez.

The orientation for the first batch of SMEs focused on the export industry, discussing various improvements that could be made to known Bicol exports like pili nuts and handicrafts — all to make these products world-class and attractive to the overseas market.

Another batch received an orientation specific to the health and wellness industry in the region. The highlight of the four-day event was the food processing industry and the integrators workshop.

Products that were introduced included the PLDT Watcher, a real-time monitoring surveillance device; Negosyo Boost, a strategically bundled hardware for every level of SME; MyDSL Biz, a cost-effective and speedy DSL connection for SMEs; and Shops.work, among others.

“The Bicolanos have always been very welcoming to PLDT SME-Nation. We just want to provide them the necessary tools to help them grow their business and in turn, benefit the local community,” says Luna-Abelarde.http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMymoney.htm?f=/2010/august/26/mymoney1.isx&d=2010/august/26

Congress completes CA line-up (2:14 p.m.)
MANILA -- The House of Representatives has completed the composition of the Commission on Appointments (CA) after naming 12 members of the 25-man body whose duty is to confirm all appointments made by the President.

Although four of the 12 members are from the Lakas-Kampi party, only one represents the minority since the other three earlier voted for congressman Feliciano Belmonte as House speaker making them members of the majority coalition.

Representative Simeon Datumanong (second district, Maguindanao) is the sole representative of the House minority while Representatives Roilo Golez (second district, Paranaque City), Antonio Del Rosario (first district, Capiz), Rosendo Labadlabad (second district, Zamboanga del Norte), Erineo Maliksi (third district, Cavite), Rex Gatchalian (first district, Valenzuela City), Luis Villafuerte (third district, Camarines Sur), Ferjenel Biron (fourth district, Iloilo), Rodante Marcoleta (Alagad party-list), Rodolfo Antonino (fourth district, Nueva Ecija), Antonio Alvarez (first district, Palawan). and Pedro Romualdo (lone district, Camiguin) will represent the majority party.

The CA is composed of the Senate President as ex-officio chairman and 12 members each from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Senate elected Minority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Joker Arroyo representing the minority, and Senate Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Floor Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Senators Franklin Drilon, Gringo Honasan, Ralph Recto, Sergio Osmena III, Edgardo Angara, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Francisco "Chiz" Escudero and Miriam Defensor-Santiago representing the majority.http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/congress-completes-ca-line-214-pm

CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX, ECO VILLAGE, OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA CHURCH AND BEHIND THE SCENES SHOOT OF STAR MAGIC PRESENTS (http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/02/camsur-watersports-complex.html)

from http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/02/camsur-watersports-complex.html

anyone excited about the 300th Annual Penafrancia Fiesta on September the 19th? :) :) :)

I AM. <3!!!!

anyone excited about the 300th Annual Penafrancia Fiesta on September the 19th? :) :) :)

I AM. <3!!!!

excited ka na? makiki-fiesta kami sainyo...

CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX, ECO VILLAGE, OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA CHURCH AND BEHIND THE SCENES SHOOT OF STAR MAGIC PRESENTS (http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/02/camsur-watersports-complex.html)

from http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/02/camsur-watersports-complex.html

Very nice site. Hope you join us next time.

sinda Joan at Pao yata...nakaduman na...

pwede man daw tabi aco maka entra sa SSC national meet na iyan, papaano po? Urgollo can bicol an gabos na actibidades sa satuyang lugar. talagang world class na kita congratulations sa magña taga cam. sur. ARRIBA BICOLANDIA!

http://www.edcellagman.com.ph/media/press-statements/173-quirino-grandstand-hostage-tragedy.html

This kind of a statement irritates me... this guy from the 1st district of albay asking Robredo to step down...

Mr congressman, I think you overlooked the fact that Robredo just assumed as chief of the Department which oversees the PNP. SWAT existed long before Robredo took the post as the Chief.. and they said there were fatal mistakes on handling hostage crisis, obviously YES... WELL...., blame it on the PNP Officers for such incompetent act and NOT the GUY who just assumed his post . If they cant be fired, demote them.. what happened to the budget allocated to procure special weapons? How often does the PNP hold their drills?.. the common denominator here is CORRUPTION..

Mr. congressman before you point your finger to other people, make sure you are extremely clean and i doubt that..

This is sad because bicolano is trying to put down another bicolano instead of giving him a hand.. CRAB MENTALITY..

People, What is your say about this?..

^^ bicolano para sa bicolano, urgulyo kang rehiyon, mapahiling ning urag sa nasyon, bako para mamulitika ning kapwa bicolano.

dae na ako kumbinsido sa pinapahiling ni lagman, digdi sa first district kang albay, dakul na ang dae kumbensido saiya. nagkakataon lang na maperak pa sya kumpara sa mga kalaban nya sa politika. mas-naguurog pa pano digdi ang "vote buying" sa panahon kang eleksyon na mga bagay na dae ko namatian kang nasa naga pa ako nagboboto. kang nakaagi eleksyon ginibo ko man digdi ang bagay na "ang boto sa balota, ang perak sa bulsa" mala ngani ta nakaresibi man ako ning "sample ballot" na may naka"dukot na kwarta hali saiya pero dae ko na sya binoto.

Almeda Building
@ J. Hernandez Ave. Naga City

http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af196/nagacitydeck02/IMG_1450copy.jpg

the color of Naga? hehe
http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af196/nagacitydeck02/IMG_1453copy.jpg

after the bridge pakahali sa market
http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af196/nagacitydeck02/IMG_1455copy.jpg

http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af196/nagacitydeck02/IMG_1456copy.jpg

Naga wins 2 DILG awards
By Florencio P. Narito

LEGAZPI CITY --- Naga City received the Local Legislative Award for outstanding Sanggunian in independent component cities category during the awarding ceremonies held Aug. 25 at the DILG Regional Office, here.

The municipality of Guinobatan, Albay was awarded as outstanding Sanggunian in 3rd-class municipalities; Bato, Catanduanes as outstanding Sanggunian in 4th-6th class municipalities.

The following received the 2009 Excellence in Local Governance Award: Province, Albay; Independent Component City, Naga City; component city, Iriga City; 1st class Municipality, Pili, Camarines Sur; 2nd Class Municipality, Gubat, Sorsogon; 2nd Class Municipality, Malinao, Albay; 4th Class Municipality, Mobo, Masbate, and 5th Class Municipality, Gigmoto, Catanduanes.

Best practice Award for LGUs: Province of Albay, for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Bulan, Sorsogon for Ecological Solid Waste Management; and Minalabac Camarines Sur for CBMS Implementation.

DILG secretary Jesse M. Robredo was represented by Undersecretary Austere Panadero during the ceremonies. The guest of honor and speaker was introduced by Director Blandino Maceda of DILG Region V.

www.bicolmail.com

Bato town rejoices over Raj’s triumph
By Shiena M. Barrameda

BATO, Camarines Sur --- Arlene Landagan-Talagtag, second cousin and self-declared ‘stage mother’ of beauty titlist and Philippines’ Miss Universe 2010 candidate Maria Venus Raj gazed at the rice field fronting their nipa hut after Venus was named fourth runner-up.

“I always knew from the start that that girl is going to be a winner,” she says. “She has the looks of an Indian maiden, very appealing.”

Raj’s sister, Lily Beth Gabiana, and other relatives watched on TV in their humble homes in San Vicente, Bato, Camarines Sur the pageant’s proceedings which was happening on the opposite side of the globe in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Their other sister, Leny Beth, and mother, Elizabeth Esplana, went to Antipolo, Metro Manila to see the event broadcast live on TV, Esplana’s flight to USA having been cancelled due to time constraints.

“I am alone here with my grandmother, husband and kids. When Venus was called in the top 15, I was with my neighbors, friends and the other residents in the barangay hall. We hugged each other tightly after she was called,” Gabiana said, describing the flood of support she saw in the beauty titlist’s hometown. Barangay San Vicente folk rejoiced over the triumph of Bato’s favorite daughter as they watched her through the huge screen provided by Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, Sr.

“Nanghina ako nang natawag siya sa top 15 (I suddenly felt weak when I heard her being called in the top 15). We never had expectations of her making it,” Gabiana added. She proceeded to tell the Bicol Mail that Raj, before she left for the States, reminded her to watch the pageant on TV because she said that if she made it to top 15, she would have the chance to win the crown.

“My sister might have softened her answer during the Q & A portion of the pageant because I know she doesn’t want to create another stir with the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. which almost cost her the Binibining Pilipinas crown because of questions over her birth,” Gabiana opined, referring to the Venus’ reply to a judge’s question where she halted with “major, major [problem]” which when translated may have unwittingly referred to the gay lingo, bonggang bongga.

“Before any celebration, we just want to welcome her home,” she quipped.

Meanwhile, in Manila, Venus’s other sister related that their mother was immersed in prayer when the pageant was going on and did not expect her daughter to be included in the top ten at all.

Gabiana revealed that Venus has no plans of joining show business in the future, but she added that the Bicolana beauty queen dreams of becoming a ramp model someday.

www.bicolmail.com

TO SELL NAGA, BICOL
Foreign tour agents
slate meeting with Naga execs


NAGA CITY --- After capping their tour of this city’s sights and sceneries, as well as other Bicol destinations, ten foreign buyers will be meeting with city officials here in a dinner where the latter will highlight the charm, history and warmth of the community and convince the guests to actively sell and push Naga to their clients.

The tour is a culminating part of the 10th Philippine Travel Exchange (Phitex) slated to be held at the Manila Hotel on August 31-September 2, this year.

Phitex is being sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa). It is an annual gathering of international travel trade groups for possible business partnerships with Philippine tourism suppliers. Some 100 foreign buyers composed of tour operators and travel agents from key international markets of the country are expected to attend the travel exchange with their local counterparts.

City External Relations Officer Joe Perez, Tour Officer Lilibeth ‘Bitang’ Sanchez, and Tourism Officer Boy Aguilar have been instructed by City Mayor John Bongat to welcome the touring guests during a dinner meeting on September 6 at Bob Marlin Restaurant.

Dubbed “i-Travel, i-Explore,” the foreign buyers’ sojourn in Naga is a post-tour module where the visiting foreign buyers are given first-hand experience of the country.

As one of the leading travel destinations, Bicol, including this city, has been chosen to be showcased through the post-tour, according to Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. of the Department of Tourism who is also the project manager of the Task Force 10th Phitex 2010.

www.bicolmail.com

pwede man daw tabi aco maka entra sa SSC national meet na iyan, papaano po? Urgollo can bicol an gabos na actibidades sa satuyang lugar. talagang world class na kita congratulations sa magña taga cam. sur. ARRIBA BICOLANDIA!

you're welcome to join! the more the merrier :banana:

anyone excited about the 300th Annual Penafrancia Fiesta on September the 19th? :) :) :)

I AM. <3!!!!

we are!!! :banana:

http://www.edcellagman.com.ph/media/press-statements/173-quirino-grandstand-hostage-tragedy.html

This kind of a statement irritates me... this guy from the 1st district of albay asking Robredo to step down...

Mr congressman, I think you overlooked the fact that Robredo just assumed as chief of the Department which oversees the PNP. SWAT existed long before Robredo took the post as the Chief.. and they said there were fatal mistakes on handling hostage crisis, obviously YES... WELL...., blame it on the PNP Officers for such incompetent act and NOT the GUY who just assumed his post . If they cant be fired, demote them.. what happened to the budget allocated to procure special weapons? How often does the PNP hold their drills?.. the common denominator here is CORRUPTION..

Mr. congressman before you point your finger to other people, make sure you are extremely clean and i doubt that..

This is sad because bicolano is trying to put down another bicolano instead of giving him a hand.. CRAB MENTALITY..

People, What is your say about this?..

posted this on my fb wall.. :lol: :lol: :lol: i got funny reactions. :rofl: we are not in India. hahaha

kidding aside, disappointing lang tagala kasi Kapwa Bicolano pa.. let's pray nalang for Lagman. :D

there are calls for the DILG Sec. to step down from his post...

certainly these are funny "calls".
tomscrue explains the point perfectly. :)

http://www.edcellagman.com.ph/media/press-statements/173-quirino-grandstand-hostage-tragedy.html

This kind of a statement irritates me... this guy from the 1st district of albay asking Robredo to step down...

Mr congressman, I think you overlooked the fact that Robredo just assumed as chief of the Department which oversees the PNP. SWAT existed long before Robredo took the post as the Chief.. and they said there were fatal mistakes on handling hostage crisis, obviously YES... WELL...., blame it on the PNP Officers for such incompetent act and NOT the GUY who just assumed his post . If they cant be fired, demote them.. what happened to the budget allocated to procure special weapons? How often does the PNP hold their drills?.. the common denominator here is CORRUPTION..

Mr. congressman before you point your finger to other people, make sure you are extremely clean and i doubt that..

This is sad because bicolano is trying to put down another bicolano instead of giving him a hand.. CRAB MENTALITY..

People, What is your say about this?..

you hit the nail on the head, tomscrue. can't help but wonder (with amusement and disbelief) what has crossed the mind of the congressman. indeed what has been crossing his mind all these years?

wondering, too, who will buy his idea. :)
nice screen name, tomscrue.
still, the congressman's call makes me laugh more. :nuts:

pwede man daw tabi aco maka entra sa SSC national meet na iyan, papaano po? Urgollo can bicol an gabos na actibidades sa satuyang lugar. talagang world class na kita congratulations sa magña taga cam. sur. ARRIBA BICOLANDIA!

thanks for visiting and joining the fun, albayano. am sure pao and the others can give you more SSC meet details.

ok thanks gary so for the record we now have 3...Miriam, Lara and Venus

dapat talaga sumali ako sa mga contest na yan nuon pa dapat sana 4... joke!:lol:

never too late, matt&abby. you can expect this whole forum -- and so many more -- to cheer for you.

let us know which competition and we will be there right in the first rows :cheers:

sweet night everyone!

Slice of Black Forest Cake froM Baker's Plaza

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs427.snc4/47065_460225565189_747670189_6784602_4420725_n.jpg

Cafe Mocha from Baker's Plaza
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs207.ash2/47065_460225585189_747670189_6784606_5485971_n.jpg

Naga's city-wide sale reels off Friday
By Paul John F. Barrosa

NAGA CITY--- This award- winning city marks another breakthrough as the local government here, under a new leadership, along with its partners in the business community, will hold its first ever city-wide sale on August 27 to September 1.

Last August 23, City Mayor John Bongat met with representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), Centro Naga Business Club, Trias, a Belgium-based organization that assists LGUs on entrepreneurship development, business leaders and traders, to finalize plans and ensure their support in the discount sale extravaganza, dubbed as the First Great Naga Sale.

Within the inclusive period, participating business establishments will offer 10-50 percent discounts, or more, on their goods and/or services. Other sales promos, such as ‘buy one, take one,’ may also be available in other stores and shops.

Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday, August 27, that will kick off with a motorcade, a Centro Naga Walk, and ribbon-cutting. A grand launch party sponsored by LCC Mall will ensue in the evening.

Other cultural and entertainment events have been calendared on specific dates for the duration of the 6-day sale, which will be capped with the formal inauguration and opening of the Naga City Coliseum at CBD 2.

Inspired by city-wide sales in Macau, Singapore and Hongkong, the promos will also include discounts on massage and haircut services within the business district.

Some 200 business establishments, including the city’s three malls, SM City Naga, E-Mall and LCC, have pledged their support and participation in the sale extravaganza, which Mayor Bongat hoped to be sustained as an annual event every month of August before the onset of the Peñafrancia fiesta.

“August is the leanest month in business. It is where government intervention is needed to help our local businessmen and traders while attempting to establish Naga as the best place to spend consumers’ money wisely and promote the city as the Shopping Center of South Luzon,” Bongat explained.

“This endeavor will only be successful with the active participation of the business community. We are asking for your full cooperation,” Reuel Oliver, chief of the Naga City Investment Board and chairman of the First Great Naga Sale, reiterated his point before the local businessmen and stakeholders.

With the activity, the DTI has waived permit fees for declaring a sale by its establishment. “The project has good objectives. It will make history. As a partner in this endeavor, we are waiving the fee of P 500,” Jay Ablan, DTI public information officer assured.

He said DTI personnel will check, as a matter of procedure, if the enterprises or business establishments that have declared sale on their products and services are in fact doing so.

www.bicolmail.com

Fair Trade
Editorial

Thursday, August 26th, 2010
The recent press conference on the first Annual Francisco Gainza Trade Fair provided an opportunity to clarify not only its relevance to the celebration of the Peñafrancia Fiesta, but also to explain the presence of commerce during the religious festivity.
It was explained in the press conference that the current trade fair was began by Nueva Caceres Bishop Francisco Gainza in 1875 with the intent of showcasing the agricultural and industrial products-the wealth-of his diocese. With the upcoming 300th year of celebrating the devotion to Ina, the local Church saw it fit to reintroduce the trade fair as an effort to live the faith by installing programs and activities towards alleviating the poverty of her community members.

It has been asked, however, if the trade fair is yet another form of "commercialization of the Fiesta" which the Church and other concerned sectors had opposed in recent years, that is, it exploits the celebration of the Peñafrancia devotion-even INA and her image-as an opportunity and marketing tools to gain profit. The clarification provided by Fr. Nelson Tria, the Chair of the Gainza Trade Fair, proved insightful on this regard.

He explained that the Trade Fair was aimed at providing a venue and fair chance to small and medium-scale entrepreneurs to showcase their products. The Gainza Trade Fair allows these not-so-known and small-scale local businesses to compete in the local market that is often already crowded by well-entrenched and large businesses. In effect, the Gainza Trade Fair is to afford these local small players a fighting chance in a highly competitive market. The Trade Fair is thus directed towards establishing "fair trade" for these small local players, one which is hoped to help in alleviating poverty in the community.

Fr. Tria thus implied that the Trade Fair is to engage in commerce during the Fiesta without the commercialization of the Fiesta. One good reason for this is that the intent behind it is not the exploitation of INA's Fiesta solely towards profit-making. Rather, it is "to build God's Kingdom by alleviating poverty through entrepreneurship and solidarity that promote integral development." This is no mere semantics. Such a difference is indeed important in distinguishing commerce that dehumanizes and commerce that contributes towards integral human development, the aim of the Catholic faith.

http://www.voxbikol.com/bikolnews/4864/fair-trade

Naga Priest Elected President of Catholic Missiologists
Church News News
Vox Bikol
Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Naga City - Fr. Andrew Recepcion, a priest from the Archdiocese of Caceres has been elected president of the International Association of Catholic Missiologists (IACM) during the organization's fourth conference and assembly last 27 July to 1 August at Tagaytay City.

Recepcion, the Mission Director of the Archdiocese, was one among 80 participants coming from varied parts of the world engaged in Catholic mission activities.

Recepcion also currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Tercentenary Celebration Committee.


Together with Recepcion, the other newly elected members of the IACM Executive Board were Sr. Nzenzili-Lucie Mboma from Rome (Vice President ), Fr. Francis Vincent Anthony SDB from Rome (Executive Secretary), Fr. Kevin J. Hanlon MM from USA (Treasurer) and six continental representatives with Fr. John M. Prior SVD representing Asia.

His Excellency Most Rev. Edward Joseph Adams, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, was the main celebrant at the inaugural Eucharist of the IACM conference along with Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of Imus, and Bishop Selvister of Punalur, Kerala.

The papers presented in the General Assembly dealt with the main theme ''New Life in Jesus in the Areopagus of a Globalized World'' but from the perspectives of the different continents.

Later there was a study in groups under the following sub-themes: Proclamation and Witness, Dialogue and Religions, Religious and Secular Fundamentalism, Human Rights and Eco-justice, and Indigenous Peoples.

Fr. Joseph Puthenpurakal, SDB - Director of Don Bosco Centre for Indigeneous Cultures, was the leader of the group which discussed the subtheme: Indigenous Peoples.

The week-long Conference emphasized that the sense of mission and the systematic study of it (missiology) should act as a synoptic discipline bringing together other theological subjects at the service of the proclamation of the Good News.

The next Conference and Assembly in 2013 will be hosted by one of the African countries.

http://www.voxbikol.com/bikolnews/4879/naga-priest-elected-president-catholic-missiologists

CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX, ECO VILLAGE, OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA CHURCH AND BEHIND THE SCENES SHOOT OF STAR MAGIC PRESENTS (http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/02/camsur-watersports-complex.html)

from http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2010/02/camsur-watersports-complex.html

anyone excited about the 300th Annual Penafrancia Fiesta on September the 19th? :) :) :)

I AM. <3!!!!
Welcome guys sa thread! :D

pwede man daw tabi aco maka entra sa SSC national meet na iyan, papaano po? Urgollo can bicol an gabos na actibidades sa satuyang lugar. talagang world class na kita congratulations sa magña taga cam. sur. ARRIBA BICOLANDIA!
Welcome! here's the link...
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1143547&page=14

you may PM our President Oragon

http://www.edcellagman.com.ph/media/press-statements/173-quirino-grandstand-hostage-tragedy.html

This kind of a statement irritates me... this guy from the 1st district of albay asking Robredo to step down...

Mr congressman, I think you overlooked the fact that Robredo just assumed as chief of the Department which oversees the PNP. SWAT existed long before Robredo took the post as the Chief.. and they said there were fatal mistakes on handling hostage crisis, obviously YES... WELL...., blame it on the PNP Officers for such incompetent act and NOT the GUY who just assumed his post . If they cant be fired, demote them.. what happened to the budget allocated to procure special weapons? How often does the PNP hold their drills?.. the common denominator here is CORRUPTION..

Mr. congressman before you point your finger to other people, make sure you are extremely clean and i doubt that..

This is sad because bicolano is trying to put down another bicolano instead of giving him a hand.. CRAB MENTALITY..

People, What is your say about this?..

:ohno:

politicking... this early!? :ohno:
tsk tsk!

pwede man daw tabi aco maka entra sa SSC national meet na iyan, papaano po? Urgollo can bicol an gabos na actibidades sa satuyang lugar. talagang world class na kita congratulations sa magña taga cam. sur. ARRIBA BICOLANDIA!

join us....hope you can invite more Albayanos for the national meet.

Good news this morning

1. Naga City has the lowest incident of malnutrition according to DOH Bicol.
2. Ms. Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj will replaced Melody Gersbach as part of steering committee of the search for Ms. Bicolandia.

marhay na aga!

5 days na lang September na!

"sa ngunyan ang mga natad asin kagharung harung sibot sa pagpapakudal asin pagpapintura kan saindang mga natad asin atop para sa pag anticipar kan nararaning kapiyestahan nin Ina"

http://a.imageshack.us/img43/9100/15826730.png (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/15826730.png/)

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru5/products/statwatch/sw-naga.html

GUys,, kelan na meeting natin??

Soul Intentions
Sarah C. Imperial

Coffee talk

When the talk is good and time zips by it means you are in a coffee shop downing cups of latte, mocha or frappuccino while endlessly munching cheesecake, cookies and ensaymada. These days it’s hip to be in a café while Facebooking or simply chatting the time away with friends. A coffee shop is the place to be for long coffee talks or quick meetings.

One of my favorite places are coffee shops, not only for the coffee I love so much but also for the talk…coffee talk. The most famous coffee brand in the world opened here last Saturday. Much awaited and yes, a blockbuster soft opening, it was a thrill to see the famous sign light up and a tarp that says “now brewing” even when nobody really believed they could make it to their targeted opening date.

Of course I’m talking about Starbucks Coffee. Yes their well-trained, very courteous, expert baristas staff and their magic coffee mixes are here. Who would have thought that Starbucks will open in our Smiles city? Somebody told me that we were ready even then for Starbucks when Havaianas came and conquered our restless feet.

Before Starbucks there were cafes where you feel the warmth and care of the management and staff. On top of my list is The Coffee Beanery, that cozy place in Avenue Square where friends and business associates meet over cups of hot or cold coffee or tea, where you can sit for hours surfing the Net and nobody will throw dagger looks at you for not ordering more than you can eat or drink. TCB’s good looking and friendly staff is there to serve always with pleasure and a ready smile. TCB is also my benchmark for good coffee, great ambiance and most of all excellent service.

Naga pioneer in cafes, Starmark Café, which is open again comes a very close second. They have great tasting coffee, too, delicious and affordable cakes and pastries, the best Tiramisu, and the nicest owner, who, when not busy obliges us to a chat for a really personal touch. It’s good to see Starmark in business again. Welcome back Starmark!

I wish other places would try to be at least half of the way The Coffee Beanery and Starmark do their thing. These two cafes already have a happy steady clientele that should make them comfortable for a long time even with the coming of Starbucks. Brew it on! Go on brewing to keep the city’s “coffee-zens” awake with their coffee fixes every day.

Barkering

The great praise band Citipointe Live from Brisbane, Australia is coming to have a concert on September 14 at the Avenue Tent, at 7:30 p.m.

Citipointe Live is the worship team birthed from Citipointe Church with a “great passion and heart to see our God glorified across the globe and see people live in the freedom of Jesus Christ.” Devoted to their church vision “to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God; Citipointe Live travels internationally, bringing life-changing worship and training to churches and conferences worldwide.”

This is a once in a lifetime experience so hurry and get your tickets now!

The Camarines Sur Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Council had their second ICT @ Bicol Regional Congress today at the Doña Dolores Hall of the Villa Caceres Hotel. Another round of induction, me included being a pioneering officer of the council, was conducted.

This year’s congress theme, “ICT: Advancing the Global Digital Opportunities to the Bicolanos.” It gathered the major ICT & BPO industry stakeholders in government, the Industry and the academe with reps from Google, IBM, PLDT & Convergys. They all came to lend their expertise on the sunrise industry but already in the billion dollar mark which is business processing outsourcing and telecommunications, electronics and even animation. ICT is the future so get ready for the ride.

Finally, Johnny Casilang and Chef Doy Sto. Domingo of Grissini Ristorante launched their new products last week for all to enjoy. Osso Buco (hollowed bone in Italian is a dish whose name refers to the large piece of marrow in the center of the veal shank bone. It derives from the phrase osso buco, literally “bone hole” because the bone marrow is part of the appeal of the dish) and Pasta Chicken Parmigiana are the new dishes to die for in the only authentic Italian resto in Naga located in Cereza along Magsaysay Avenue.

Love hot drinks in this time of influenza, all of us at home caught it lately, and a cup of hot choco is the most soothing for the throat and the soul. Nothing beats Caramel Bakeshop’s hot choco coupled with their empanada, special inipit or biscocho to chase the fever blues away.

Let’s all support the first ever Great Naga Sale which will start on Aug 27-Sept 1. A “major major” idea of Mayor John Bongat that will boost businesses here, I laud the city government for initiating this event. Speaking of “major major” which is literally coming out of our ears already we should be very proud of our kababayan Venus Raj. She did her best and stood out in the Ms. U pageant inspite of initial difficulties.

At the same time we should pray for Melody Gersbach’s eternal peace. She was too young to die and it was a very shocking Saturday for us who first learned about the accident in the internet. Our deep condolences and prayers for strength to the loved ones she left behind.

Birthday greetings to these wonderful people who make life a lot brighter…my brother Nani Cariño, Aug 18; Jenelyn B. Teming of Mediscape, Aug 20; MJ Taladua Hopper in the US, Aug 21; Mayot Abainza, wife of Jere, Aug 26; Marie France Nuñez of CBSUA, Aug 27; lady vet of SMC Oset Arca; The logoman guru Maxmix, Aug 29; Diana Caponpon, Aug 30; Raymond Pascual, kababata and ka-birthday, Aug 31; Johnny Casilang of Grissini, Sept 1; Estelita & Bong Teming, mother & son, Sept 3; Italianni’s VP Paul Manuud, Sept 5; Maricor Badong Byrne, another kababata who is in Minnesota, September 6.

http://www.bicolmail.com