Erik's Random Blog

The Tragic Death of 'Fr Macky'

2009-09-08T17:22:00.003+08:00

I got this through email from the DBTC yahoo e-group. I am posting this in full.

Report on tragic death of 'Fr Macky', FIN, after Thai Salesianity Seminar
By Fr Rolo Alcasid

BANGKOK: 6th September 2009 -- "After our seminar in Hua Hin, Saturday, 5 September, we all headed for Bangkok. Fr. Macky (Fr Gerardo Macapinlac) took a different car from us because he wanted to meet his former classmates, particularly Suthep in the provincial house in Bangkok.
We went ahead of Macky's car. When they reached the road near the airport at Hua Hin, a pickup vehicle floated across the road and hit the vehicle Macky was in. This pickup came from the opposite direction and it crossed the road because it was also hit from behind.

The pickup landed on the road where Macky's vehicle was cruising. It hit the driver side and broke Fr Banchong's arm. Macky seemed unhurt because the report said he has no injuries, but he complained of breathing difficulties due probably to the impact caused by the accident. At this stage I'm not sure if he expired on the way but the report told us that they were trying to revive him in the hospital. The report said he died due to heart failure.
As of this writing, they are bringing the body to Bangkok for autopsy. We were already making arangements here in the provincial house for the possibility of bringing his body to the Philippines. The embassy and PAL are already contacted but we are still waiting for their response.

Macky was very active in distributing gifts to Fr. Boenzi and Fr Dheparat at the end of the seminar. He made everybody happy because of his funny remarks. He was also the one who made arrangements for our tour. He acted as the leader of our FIN delegation. He was very joyful during the seminar and made a lot of people happy with his usual enthusiasm and liveliness. Everybody noticed him not only because of his unusual height and weight but also because of his animating presence.

He died with his "boots on" doing what the Congregation wants him to do - enriching himself in Salesianity so that he could better fulfill his role as the rector of the provincial house. May the lord reward him for his fidelity."

Ninoy's Letter To His Beloved Daughter Ballsy On Her 18th Birthday.

2009-08-21T10:00:00.005+08:00

Just want to share with you all on this anniversary of Ninoy's death, his letter to his beloved daughter Ballsy on her 18th birthday.

August 18, 1973

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.

An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!

I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.

The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.

I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.

From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.

Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.

Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.

Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.

Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so.

Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.

You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.

Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.

I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.

I love you,
Dad

2 more airports in Negros by 2014

2009-05-20T22:01:00.001+08:00

2 more airports in Negros by 2014

Posted using ShareThis

1st Bacolod chicken inasal fest launched

2009-05-20T14:04:00.001+08:00

1st Bacolod chicken inasal fest launched

Posted using ShareThis

Lessons from Don Bosco and Vicmico

2009-03-26T16:16:00.005+08:00

My good friend and former schoolmate Butch Bacaoco (picture below) wrote a great article about the lessons learned from Don Bosco Technical Institute-Victorias and Victorias Milling Company. I am posting it here in its entirety. Butch writes for the Sun Star-Bacolod Opinion Section.

JANUARY 31 marks the feast day of St. John Bosco, founder of Don Bosco schools which advocate education, skills training and spiritual formation for the young all over the world. From the first school founded by Don Bosco (Don = Father) in what is now part of Turin, Italy in 1845, the Salesians of Don Bosco now operate almost 3,000 such technical schools and shelters worldwide.

On January 31, all Don Bosco-Victorias alumni and past pupils and their families will troop to their alma mater to celebrate Don Bosco's feast day. Batch '84, the silver jubilarians and host of this year's homecoming, has lined up a variety of games and activities which the young and the young at heart will definitely enjoy.

Negros counts itself blessed with a Don Bosco school in Victorias which was founded in 1951. The first Salesian priests came from Hong Kong where they sought shelter after they were expelled from their missionary work by Mao Zedong during China's Cultural Revolution. Don Miguel Ossorio Sr., founder of Victorias Milling Company, invited the Salesians to continue
their apostolic mission in Victorias. The rest is history.

Don Bosco-Victorias was initially intended to serve the dependents of Vicmico employees so that they can later on also work in the mill like their parents. As such, the school's operations were wholly subsidized by Vicmico. A six-hectare lot was given to the Salesians where they constructed the school out of materials, equipment and labor provided by Vicmico.

Vicmico provided the Salesians with vehicles, water, electricity and telephone services for free. Cooks, janitors, drivers and other support staff necessary for the school's operations were also granted, all of whom were under Vicmico's payroll. Teachers, including Salesians, received the same pay and perks as supervisory employees of Vicmico while the head of the Salesians enjoys the same salary and privileges as a department head of Vicmico.

Thus, without having to worry about their daily needs during those years, the Salesians were able to totally concentrate on educating the young under their care. Don Bosco graduates became much in demand, even if they finished just highschool, because they were proficient in welding, lathe machine operations, electricity, electronics, carpentry, and other highly employable skills.

World sugar prices collapsed in 1985. That was the year we graduated from Don Bosco. Our guest speaker was economist Bernie Villegas. We had the feeling that Villegas was invited not so much to inspire the graduates but to enlighten their parents on what was happening to the sugar industry.

I vividly recall Villegas saying: "The economic difficulties we are experiencing is because of the collapse of world sugar prices and Negros, particularly Vicmico, is right in the midst of this economic storm."
Numerous mills capsized from that economic storm. Fortunately, Vicmico
kept itself afloat because of its diversification projects, notably the prawn industry which was booming at that time.

School Year 85-86 held bleak prospects for us, Batch '85 graduates. Some of my well-to-do classmates were able to proceed to college but, instead of Manila, they had to content themselves with studying in Bacolod. Some of us who were not well-off accepted the fact that we have to find work to help sustain our families and, if circumstances allow, somehow pursue our college education.

Here is where our training from Don Bosco-Victorias served us in good stead. Though we were just highschool graduates, we were endowed with technical skills which enabled us to find jobs immediately. Some of our classmates who cannot afford to go to college went to work with Vicmico, in Cebu, in Marsteel in Manila, and in other machine shops. I myself worked in a machine shop in Victorias by day and studied at La Salle by night.

We survived the sugar industry's downturn in 1985, thanks largely to our holistic formation in Don Bosco-Victorias. Our hearts were filled with faith and hope. Our minds were honed to arrive at judicious decisions. Our limbs were trained to perform industry-specific skills. Thus, we survived and prevailed. Next year, our batch will already be the silver jubilarians in Don Bosco-Victorias.

The Salesians were able to cater to the youth of Negros and of the neighboring islands because of the benevolence of Vicmico. Thousands of Vicmicans finished their college education and impoved their lots in life because of Vicmico's support, in coordination with SIFI.

Alas! Vicmico withdrew its subsidies from Don Bosco in the late '90s when the company "over-extended" itself. But what Vicmico has done in support of its employees and their dependents in the many years prior to that is the benchmark in corporate social responsibility which all sugar industry stakeholders must measure up to.

Vicmico and Don Bosco had shown that education and training can equip the young to survive even the worst crisis that hit the sugar industry. May sugar industry leaders take heed of these lessons!

-0-

To all Bosconians, especially to my fellow Batch '85, "We survived! We prevailed! Hail Don Bosco, our loving father!"

To Butch, thanks for granting me permission to post the entire article here. Altiora Quero.

Don Bosco Victorias - Grand Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day Homecoming - Updated

2009-01-15T10:14:00.007+08:00

“PAMILYA KO, BUGAL KO”
Grand Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day Homecoming
January 31, 2009 Saturday at the DBTI Gym

Schedule of Activities:

7:00am - Registration
8:00AM - Don Bosco Day Mass
9:30AM - National Anthem

Welcome Address-Stephen Santillan
Alumni Federation Victorias Chapter Hour
Presentation of Officers
President’s Report
Presentation of Plans and Proposals

11:30AM – Lunch Break with live Acoustic Band

Clown Appearance
Acknowledgment of Sponsors
Acknowledgment of Batches

1:00PM - PROGRAM PROPER

Production Number
Raffle Draws
Intermission Number-Don Bosco Talents
Turn-over of Alumni Key to Batch 1985
Clown Appearance/Games
Raffle Draws
Acknowledgment of Sponsors
Distribution of Batch’84 Cup of Life
Special Number-Joaquim E. Gabayeron
Raffle Draws
Dance Number
Acknowledgment of Sponsors/Raffle Draws
Jollibee Fun and Games/Jollibee Time/Jollibee Mascot
Raffle Draws
Videoke Time
Grand Raffle Draw-(Five Thousand Pesos)
Live Band (Party Time Proper)

For inquiries call : +63 (34) 453-4602 or +63 919-3651101

Hear the radio advertisement of this event here:

My Trip Back To Reality

2009-01-13T11:55:00.005+08:00

After a 14 day vacation, I reluctantly packed my bags to head back here in Singapore. Reluctantly because I am leaving behind my wife and daughter, we have been apart since 2002 (I do visit them at least once a year) due to my job here and some unavoidable circumstances. But soon all that will change. My wife, Tess and daughter, Tea, will be joining me here on June 2009. I will be applying dependent permanent resident (PR) passes for then. Hopefully these will be approved without much problem. Till then, I will just have to contend myself in using Skype and YM in communicating with them every night. I miss them terribly and can’t wait for them to be here.

Below are the pictures that were taken at the start of my trip. These were taken at the visitors’ area (departure) of the Silay-Bacolod Airport.

Also with us is Tea's cousin, Belle, my sister-in-law Jo Ann and her husband, Isagani "Gani" Flores.

DBSM84 Reunion 2008

2009-01-12T15:03:00.009+08:00

We had a great time during our reunion at the Coco Cabana in Luxur Place Bacolod. We did not reach our target number of attendees but we had a fun time none the less. I believe the fun spilled to one or more bars/clubs in the area. Plans and preparations for the Silver Jubilee Homecoming were discussed by the batch president Mr. Kerwin Tongson. Good luck and more power.

For the complete set of pictures, head to my Multiply Site.

Tea with her Gifts

2009-01-11T21:14:00.003+08:00

Truly Christmas are for children. My daughter really had a great time this Yuletide Season especially with the numerous gifts she received from relatives and god-parents. I think the pictures above are proof of that.

Cabatuan, Iloilo Trip

2009-01-08T16:40:00.007+08:00

Last December 21, 2009, a day after I arrived from Singapore, my wife Tess, daughter Tea and I went to Cabatuan, Iloilo to visit my wife’s aunt in her farm there. Accompanying us during this trip were Jo Ann, my sister-in-law and her husband Isagani “Gani” Flores. We took the Weesam fast craft from Bredco Port, Bacolod City to Iloilo City and from there we were fetched by Tess’ cousin and were whisk through the seemingly narrow streets of Iloilo City to Cabatuan. There we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch and traded stories with my wife’s relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended relatives). Also there to greet us were my in-laws (Ed and Paula) and Dolly my wife's aunt and the farm's owner and financier. All in all, it was a fun trip albeit a tiring one but the food was great as well as the company. The pictures above where taken at the pre-departure area while we were waiting for our one hour fast craft boat trip to Iloilo City.

Photo Shoot: Tea and Rinelle

2009-01-08T16:19:00.004+08:00

Tea and Rinelle had a fun time doing this photo shoot. Thanks to Rinelle’s mom, Richel, for making this happen. This was the second time that Tea and Rinelle figured in a photo shoot. Both seemed to enjoy posing for the camera. Here are some of the pictures that were taken from the photo shoot while the entire set are in my Multiply Site. So head to my Multiply Site to view the entire collection of photos that were taken during this shoot.

The First Don Bosco Victorias Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day (January 31, 2009) - Update

2009-01-08T09:34:00.005+08:00

It is a few days away from the first ever Don Bosco Victorias Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day and the preparations done by the DBTI High School Batch 1984 (the Silver Jubilarians and host) are on its last phase. Featured here are the images for the campaign materials and banner.

We were briefed by the current batch president, Kerwin Tongson, on the details of the said event during our annual batch reunion last December 29, 2008. Watch our for a separate blog entry for this event complete with pictures and maybe a short video clip or two.

It must be noted that we are helped by our sister batch from the SMMS. As far as I know we are the only batch from DBTI-Victorias that celebrates its annual batch reunion together with our sister batch from the SMMS. We even have a Yahoo e-group where hang-out most of the time when we are online.

Visual FoxPro 9 Report Preview Extended

2008-12-18T17:28:00.004+08:00

Visual FoxPro 9’s (VFP9) report preview has gone a long way since it was first introduced. Now VFP (starting with VFP8) has an object assisted report engine paving way to enhancements and providing greater control to report generation.

But what remained was the rather “outdated” albeit functional preview window toolbar and pop-up menu .Looking closely at the toolbar and pop-up menu one finds out that the icons are old (probably dating back to VFP3).

Anyway in attempt to upgrade the report preview looks (the default functionally of the preview window is enough for me, for the moment at least) so that it will blend well with my applications general look and feel, I took a look at the source code of the ReportPreview.app. My application utilizes the silk icons courtesy of Mark James of http://www.famfamfam.com, thus I wanted to use the same icons in the preview window toolbar and in pop-up menu. In order to achieve this I dove into the source code of the ReportPreview.app. I took out some parts that I did not need and added some of my own. Along the way I changed the icons so that the toolbar and pop-up menu will have a unified look with my application's standard toolbars and menus. In the toolbar, notably gone is the clunky combobox that controls the zoom. It has been replaced with the zoom in and zoom out buttons that is in sync with the pop-up menu.

The icons originally came in portable network graphics (PNG) format, but with the help of Cesar Chalom's code, I was able to convert these to BMP with pure white backgrounds suitable for VFP buttons and menus.

It does not take a lot of effort to understand the code for the ReportPreview.app. I can’t release my code as I am not sure if it’s allowed by VFP9’s EULA. Anyway, I was hoping that my little adventure will inspire some of you who feel the same way as I did regarding VFP9’s report preview window. I leave you with some screenshots of my application featuring the extended ReportPreview.app.

By the way, my application utilizes Dale Dedoroy's updated Sizer2 resizer class.

Form to XML

2008-12-10T12:39:00.005+08:00

Recently an ex-colleague of mine wanted to send a VFP9 form over the internet through web. His initial method was to compress (zip) the VFP9 form files (SCX and SCT) and then launch a download process on the client side to download the zip file. But he thought why go through all the “trouble” of zipping and downloading when it would be "cooler" to send the VFP9 form files via XML. By converting the files (SCX and SCT) to strings and storing these in memo fields of a cursor and in turn convert the cursor to XML he then can send the files through the internet without zipping these first but he ran into a stumbling block. The form he wanted to send contained several ActiveX controls and using the FileToStr() function posed a problem.

The form files could not be re-converted back to their original states once these have been embedded into memo fields and converted to XML using the powerful CursorToXML() and XMLToCursor() functions. His flat-mate who is incidentally my colleague mentioned to me his predicament. Since I had some slack time, I set out to try to help him. I remembered during my development of an email application I did several years ago, that email attachments are encoded/decoded to/from Base64 and then attached. So I used the same technique. I used StrToFile() to convert the files to strings and then encode these strings to Base64 using Strconv() and then the embed resulting strings to memo fields. After that convert the cursor to XML and back to cursor and to form files again and guess what it worked like a charm. Below is the code I used to achieve this.

Set Safety Off

Use In Select("cursMyForm")

Create Cursor cursMyForm (cfilename c(25),mfile m)

lcFormName = "frmMyForm"

m.cfilename = Forceext(lcFormName,"scx")
m.mfile = Strconv(Filetostr(m.cfilename),13) && encode to base64
Insert Into cursMyForm From Memvar
m.cfilename = Forceext(lcFormName,"sct")
m.mfile = Strconv(Filetostr(m.cfilename),13) && encode to base64
Insert Into cursMyForm From Memvar

Cursortoxml("cursMyForm","MyForm.xml",3,512)
Xmltocursor("MyForm.xml","cursTemp",512)

Select cursTemp
Scan
lcNewFileName = Forceext(Juststem(Alltrim(cfilename)) + "_new",Justext(Alltrim(cfilename)))
lcNewFile = Strtofile(Strconv(mfile,14),lcNewFileName) && decode memo then convert to file
Endscan

Visual FoxPro and MS Outlook Automation to the Rescue

2008-11-28T17:44:00.007+08:00

After I first heard about O2 Atom Life supporting Windows Mobile 6.0, I really wanted to upgrade my O2 Atom Life’s operating system to Windows Mobile 6.0 but never found the time. To cut to the chase, I did have some slack time last Wednesday and proceeded with upgrade process.

In order to back-up the contacts on my O2 Atom Life, I used ActiveSync 4.5 to sync my contacts to a new and empty MS Outlook 2003 profile. Before all of you raised your collective eyebrows on my move, let me say the following: I don’t sync the contacts in my O2 Atom Life and my MS Outlook 2003 profile. I only sync the calendar and tasks. After successfully pairing my O2 with the new and empty MS Outlook 2003 profile I proceeded to sync the contacts only. So with all the contacts from my O2 safely transferred to the MS Outlook, I followed the steps in O2’s website in upgrading my operating system to Windows Mobile 6.0. The upgrade process went without a hitch. So now after doing the usual settings on my O2 after the upgrade, I sync’d it with MS Outlook profile which contained my contacts. Again like a charm my contacts are now in my O2 sporting the Windows Mobile 6.0 operating system. Now I wanted to sync my calendar, so I close MS Outlook and opened it again this time using my usual profile and bam it hit me, I need to un-pair my O2 with the new profile and then pair it with the my usual profile. No big deal right, but since I don’t sync my contacts (with my usual profile and O2) only the calendar and tasks, I need to remove the check mark on the sync options for the contacts but by so doing effectively deleting all the contacts in my O2. So now I was in a dilemma. What should one do in such a predicament? Well, when things can’t be done using the software itself, I turn to my expertise in Visual FoxPro (VFP) and automation of MS Outlook. So here are the steps I took:

I opened MS Outlook with the new profile containing the contacts from my O2 Atom Life.

I ran a snippet of VFP code to extract all the contacts and save these as individual VCard files (extension .vcf).

Send the VCard’s from my laptop to my O2 Atom Life via Bluetooth and viola all my contacts were transferred to my O2 Atom Life.

The Visual FoxPro code snippet I used is found below:

 lnContactsFolder = 10
 lnVCardType = 6

 loOutlook = Createobject("Outlook.Application")
 loNamespace = loOutlook.GetNamespace("MAPI")
 loContacts = loNamespace.GetDefaultFolder(lnContactsFolder).Items

For Each loContact In loContacts
  lcName = loContact.FirstName + loContact.LastName
  Wait Window "Saving: " + lcName Nowait
  lcPath = Forceext("C:\temp\" + lcName,"vcf")
  loContact.SaveAs(lcPath,lnVCardType)
Next

The Next Super Model

2008-11-25T17:51:00.006+08:00

My daughter Tea, is really fond of doing outrageous poses in front of the camera every time her Mom is about the take a picture of her. My wife, Tess, has been diligent in taking pictures of our daughter in almost any event most especially when Tea is all dress up for some special occasion or to attend a party and I appreciate it very much as this is one of the few means that I can see how my daughter has grown. She then sends me these pictures thru Skype. So with out further ado, here is Tea, The Next Super Model .

The 1st Don Bosco Victorias Alumni and Past Pupils Homecoming and Family Day Advertising Material

2008-11-13T10:00:00.005+08:00

The plans are rolling for the 1st Don Bosco Victorias Alumni and Past Pupils Homecoming and Family Day to be held on 31 January 2009 at the administration building of DBTI-Victorias. My batch will be the hosting together with the current batch 2008. Here’s the proposed adverting material.

The First Don Bosco Victorias Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day

2008-11-04T19:39:00.002+08:00

The First Don Bosco Victorias Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day
January 31, 2009-Saturday

6:00-7:00 - Caravan from Bacolod (Optional) Starting area-Capitol Lagoon
7:00-8:00 - Mass-Don Bosco Chapel
8:30-9:30 - Motorcade DBTI-VMC-VICTORIAS PLAZA

Registration

10:00-12:00 - PROGRAM PROPER

National Anthem / Prayer
Welcome Address
Recognition of Batches
Door Prizes / Games
Acknowledgment of Sponsors
Recognition of Outstanding Alumni
Door Prizes / Games
Recognition of Deceased Batch 84 members thru their families
Door Prizes / Games
Turnover of Alumni Key to Batch 85
Entertainment / Lunch

1:30-6:00 - Dog show / RC cars/planes

6:00 - Batch Bonfire

Above is the proposed program of activities for the first ever Alumni and Past Pupils Family Day of Don Bosco Technical Institute - Victorias City. The festivities will be on the 31st of January 2009 and will be hosted by my batch, HS Batch 1984 who will be celebrating the Silver Jubilee.

Tea's MassKara '08 Escapades

2008-11-04T15:38:00.007+08:00

Bacolod City Celebrated MassKara 2008 last October 2008. I gather it was a fun event that has evolved from a civic-military parade to celebrate the Bacolod City’s charter anniversary. It is now in its 27th year. The MassKara comes from the fusion of the English word “Mass” or numerous or many and “Kara” which is a Spanish word for “face”. The fusion of these two words gave us MassKara which mean “mass of faces” and since Bacolod City is oftentimes called the City of Smiles, MassKara would also mean a “mass of smiling faces”. Joining the celebrations is my 6 year old daughter. She even sported a fake tattoo of a butterfly on her cheek.

DBTC Greywolves clobbered University of Caceres

2008-11-04T15:08:00.003+08:00

DBTC Greywolves clobbered University of Caceres 73-64 to move within 1 win away from a slot in the "Sweet Sixteen" of the 2008 PCCL.

It was a tight first half with neither team enjoying a lead more than 4 points and ending at 34-33 in favor of Don Bosco.

The Greywolves came out cold in the 3rd, allowing the Bicol Champions to lead 45-35 by making FTs from their fouls and early penalty situation. But they were able to rally and regroup forcing their opponents to commit turnovers with their pressing defense. With the steady hand of Bjorn Andrei Casibang, they took the lead 52-49 going into the 4th quarter.

Marlon Casaldon, the one-man-wrecking crew of UC scored on back-to-back lay-ups enabling them to regain the lead 53-52. DBTC's Robbie Cruz, Marvin Parajes and Luis Garcia connived to answer Casaldon's every conversion from then on.

From a slim 65-64 advantage and 3:12 remaining, the Greywolves blanked their opponents while converting on back-to-back triples by Madamba and Casibang to take a comfortable lead 73-64, 23 ticks left. And the busload of Bosconians in full uniform started celebrating in the stands.

Casibang finished with 18 points to lead the Greywolves.

They will meet a more formidable opponent in Lyceum of the Philippines, a wild-card winner tomorrow at 10AM.
---
www.donboscoforum.com

Happy 6th Birthday, Therese Erika

2008-10-16T11:31:00.002+08:00

My daughter turned six yesterday, sadly it is also the sixth time that I missed her birthday. But I talked to her on the phone yesterday morning and last night via VoIP. I gather she had a blast celebrating her birthday with her classmates in school and later in the day at my in-laws house. Knowing Therese Erika, she enjoyed more the gifts she received from my wife and I, grandparents, her aunt and uncles and from some of her friends. To my beloved “unica-iha” a very happy birthday and I will always long for the day to celebrate all of your future birthdays with you. I love you and always remember that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your Mom. Take care and God bless. May you have many more birthdays to come.

Having Faith...

2008-10-01T11:53:00.002+08:00

While trying to sleep after a long difficult and busy day at work, I was rummaging through my collection of VCD’s and DVD’s and found an old movie I bought long ago. The movie was “A Walk To Remember”, starring a young Mandy Moore and Shane West. For me it was a great love story but it was not the love story that stayed with me but the attitude of Mandy Moore’s character of accepting death and trying to live life to the fullest and not be affected by what others thing about her, especially what the popular and rich kids at school think about her. Her outlook in life and her faith in God affected Shane West’s character that he eventually fell in love with her. As I’ve said it was not the love story that "hit" me but it was something Shane’s character said to his mother after realizing that he has fallen for Mandy;s character. He said that Mandy’s character had “faith” in him and that made him to be different, to change for the better. Yes, most of the time, it is the faith of others in us that makes us strive to be a better person. It is surely true with me. My wife’s faith in me always inspires me to do better, to overcome all the difficulties my work throws at me. At time’s when I want to give up and just walk away, I will always remember that my wife has faith in me and I take that faith and turn it into a positive action and so far it was carried me through 8 years of hard work here in Singapore and fending off homesickness.

For my part I have faith in my wife that she will do her best to raise our daughter and shower her with all the love and care. My only wish and prayer is that our daughter will eventually grow up to be a good and God-fearing woman someday. No amount of money will give me more joy than seeing our daughter grow up and be the best that she can be. Lastly I have faith in God that He will take care of my wife and daughter as I can’t be with them always. I know in the near future all that will change. I, my wife and my daughter will eventually be together. Until that day, I have my "faith".

A Call for Election for the New DBMAAI Board of Officers for 2009 -2011

2008-09-30T16:01:00.002+08:00

To: All Don Bosco Mandaluyong Alumni Batch Presidents

RE: A Call for Election for the New DBMAAI Board of Officers for 2009 -2011

Date: September 27, 2008

This is to formally advise you on the election of the new DBMAAI Board of Officers for February 1, 2009 – January 31, 2011.

This is scheduled on Oct. 18, 2008, Saturday, 10:00 AM at the BICC room, DBTC, Mandaluyong City. If you are not available on the scheduled date kindly send your batch representative with a written authorization in order for him to vote for you.

For confirmation of attendance and other matters kindly call Alumni Office at 531-6222 / 531-6288 / 5318081 loc.1280.

Maraming Salamat po!

Nap Manalo
HS'75
DBMAAI, President 2006 - 2008

United Nations' International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

2008-09-16T10:47:00.005+08:00

Today (16 September 2008), the global community observes the United Nations' International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Celebrated on 16th of September of every year, the event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.

It has been 21 years since the signing of the said Montreal Protocol but I believe that the Ozone Layer is still in danger due to the CFC’s and other chemicals harmful to the ozone layer (which is very vital for the earth’s and its inhabitants’ survival) escaping to the atmosphere. But countries and its citizens are now fully aware of the consequences and have been taking steps to minimize if not totally ban the use these chemicals that are breaking down the ozone layer. A lot of horror scenarios have been painted in the event the earth’s ozone layer becomes so depleted that it cannot prevent the harmful effects of solar radiation. There’s this show on the Discovery Channel that tries to give the viewers a preview of what will happened to Earth with population zero, meaning the earth after we are gone. They have this tag line that goes something like this: “Anything man creates carries with it, its own destruction…” I want to go further and add, that not only that it carries the seed of its own destruction but it may also carry the seed to man’s destruction. But now man strives to clean up its own mess. I just hope it is not too late that we are not to late. The most visible moves are finding other sources of power other than fossil fuel. We have turned to bio-diesel, solar energy, wind energy and the like. Converting waste water to potable water without using chemicals and processes needing power, but utilizing sedimentation process, marsh plants and aquatic animals capable of removing contaminants in water. Refrigeration without the use of ozone depleting refrigerants. One very interesting device is a refrigerator cooled by a thermo-acoustic device and rooms being cooled by channeling cold air from outside in inherently cold areas. All these measures and inventions are well and good but still the key is man’s own actions. We need the have the discipline to conserve, reduce, reuse and recycle. It is our own small way that will eventually pave to the preservation of the ozone layer and our survival. So let us do our share and help preserve the ozone layer before it’s too late.

The Philippine Olympic Team Debacle

2008-08-29T10:27:00.002+08:00

The Beijing Olympics has come and gone. Thus the Philippine politicians and sports officials have started the never ending who is to blame and finger pointing game. Tons of reasons were given why for 3 consecutive Olympics the Philippines failed to deliver a single medal of any color let alone the much hoped for first ever gold medal. Most of the athletes did not even get past the first or elimination round. The usual reasons like the lack of budget, inferior equipments and sports facilities, minimal international exposures and lack of government and corporate support are some of the reasons for the debacle that were thrown around and shoved down the Filipinos' collective throats. As if we Filipinos are idiots that we will just buy all the alibis they are churning out.

I was actually hesitant to add my own views on this, but then again I think I will. I will be brief and will not claim to an expert. Maybe my views are already known to the sports officials, but just the same I’d like to offer it. In order for the Philippines to succeed in the Olympics is to have a long term national sports program. Also needed are for all schools (elementary, high schools, colleges and universities) to have a decent sports program as well. Schools must be serious in implementing their respective physical education curriculum. Potential and talented athletes must be identified as early as possible. Lastly, keep politics and politicians out of sports organizations and unite; no bickering and in-fighting. The BAP fiasco that has led to a 2 year suspension of the Philippines by FIBA has left a very bad taste in our mouths. When we have achieved these, we can expect a better performance from our athletes in the Olympics to come. My hope is that I can hear the "Lupang hinirang" played in the Olympic Games.

But even though the Philippines where shut out of the recent Beijing Olympics, we still have something to smile about, the Philippine Wushu team who competed on the Olympics special event collected several medals including a gold medal by Willy Wang. He emerged as the gold medalist in the wushu nanquan and nangun events. The other medalists were silver winner Mary Jane Estimar and bronze medal for Benjie Rivera and Marian Mariano.

Poverty in the Philippines

2008-08-15T16:26:00.002+08:00

Poverty has been and still is the root cause of crimes in the Philippines. Criminals caught in the act of committing a crime or after a police manhunt is ask why he committed such crimes (like armed robbery, hold-up and the like most end up to murder), their simplistic reply, they need money to feed their respective families.

To a father, nothing would hurt him more than seeing his family go hungry. Not that I condone the crime. I still believe in the old adage “the end does not justify the means”. Each of us is responsible for our actions.

Poverty in the Philippines is a very old problem. Numerous presidents have come and go without solving this problem. The gap between the poor and the rich seems to be getting wider and wider with each passing year. The rich becomes richer while the poor poorer. I don’t claim to be an expert on this topic, but I have experienced it first hand. So based on my experience, poverty is brought about by several factors. It would be too long to mention the factors, but one thing is for sure, to alleviate poverty, it will take a lot more than the empty promises by politicians. It will take first of all discipline and a lot of sacrifice for everyone concerned. By everyone in mean all Filipinos, those who are in the Philippines and those abroad working as overseas Filipino workers or those who already migrated but are still Filipinos at heart. A major TV network as this slogan "walang iwanan sa bayan ni Juan", which translate to “no one will be left behind in John’s country” or something like that. This is true, but are we doing our share, or are we tired of all the politicking and have already decided that the best way to survive is to have the “to each his own” mentality? What ever we (Filipinos) decide to do will affect the lives of our country men. I’ve heard this saying before “start them young”, yes we must start with our children, instill discipline in them but we too must “talk the talk and walk the walk”, practice what we preach and as they say, "God helps those who help themselves".

My Blog Site's Worth

2008-07-22T12:22:00.005+08:00

Recently I found a website through one of the many forums I frequent. This website computes the worth of a certain website. Well just for fun, I entered my blog's URL, lo and behold it churned out a result stating that my blog site is worth around U$ 1,000.00, not that I wanted to sell my blog site (I can't anyway LOL). I've added the code generated by the site. An FAQ on how a website's worth is computed can be found here.

This website is worth
What is your website worth?

Be Happy

2008-07-13T00:12:00.002+08:00

In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......

The above lyrics came from the song Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Booby McFarren from the movie “Cocktails”. This song just popped into my mind when I saw some pictures of my daughter having a very good laugh. Times are tough, rice shortage, oil prices skyrocketing, fare hikes and escalating price of food and almost everything else. It is easy to dwell on the bad side of things and lose our perspective. Times will get better, mankind had shown resilience over the past years, we can make it through this. I may not have answers to offer to all the problems but I have faith in men. Man is inherently good, so good things will happen. So I am taking the advice of Bobby McFarren’s song don’t worry, be happy. One thing for sure that make’s me happy is hearing my daughter’s laugh.

MS Outlook To, Cc and Bcc Entry Fields when composing emails

2008-06-06T10:31:00.004+08:00

I have long wanted to post something related to my work with Visual Foxpro. Here is one of those:

I have been toying with the idea of mimicking MS Outlook's way of handling email addresses being keyed-in in the To, Cc and Bcc entry fields. Here is my take on that:


Public oform1

oform1=Newobject("form1")
oform1.Show
Return


**************************************************
*-- Form:         form1 (d:\utility4vfp\ol_textbox\form1.scx)
*-- ParentClass:  form
*-- BaseClass:    form
*-- Time Stamp:   06/06/08 09:55:13 AM
*
Define Class form1 As Form


Top = 0
Left = 0
Height = 128
Width = 482
DoCreate = .T.
Caption = "Form1"
Name = "FORM1"


Add Object text1 As TextBox With ;
 FontName = "Verdana", ;
 FontSize = 8, ;
 Height = 21, ;
 Left = 12, ;
 Top = 24, ;
 Width = 458, ;
 Name = "Text1"


Add Object edit1 As EditBox With ;
 FontName = "Verdana", ;
 FontSize = 8, ;
 Height = 49, ;
 Left = 12, ;
 Top = 60, ;
 Width = 459, ;
 Name = "Edit1"


Procedure _selectaddr
Lparameters oControl

Local cSep,cText,nCntSep,nSelFr,;
 lnX,lnY,nFr,nTo,nSelLen,nAdd
Local Array aPos(1)

cSep = ";"
cText = Alltrim(oControl.Value)
nCntSep = Occurs(cSep,cText)
nSelFr = oControl.SelStart
Dimension aPos(nCntSep+1)
aPos(1) = 0
For lnX = 2 To nCntSep+1)
 aPos(lnX) = At(cSep,oControl.Value,lnX-1)
Next

If Right(cText,1) <> cSep
 nAdd = Alen(aPos,1)+1
 Dimension aPos(nAdd)
 aPos(nAdd) = Len(cText)
Endif

nFr = 0
nTo = 0
For lnY = 1 To Alen(aPos,1)
 If aPos(lnY) <= nSelFr
  nFr = aPos(lnY)
 Endif

 If aPos(lnY) >= nSelFr And nTo = 0
  nTo = aPos(lnY)
 Endif
Next

nSelLen = nTo - nFr

With oControl
 .SelStart = nFr
 .SelLength = Iif(nSelLen<=0,1,nSelLen)
Endwith
Endproc


Procedure Init
 * sample email addresses in textbox and editbox
With This
 .text1.Value = "myemail@company.com.sg;customer@sales.com;erik@gomex.com"
 .edit1.Value = "myemail@company.com.sg;customer@sales.com;erik@gomex.com"
Endwith
Endproc


Procedure text1.Click
This.Parent._SelectAddr(This)
Endproc


Procedure edit1.Click
This.Parent._SelectAddr(This)
Endproc


Enddefine
*
*-- EndDefine: form1
**************************************************

Feedbacks are always welcome. Please feel free to use and improve the above code.

Message to the Foxite Community from Gail Murphy

2008-05-23T13:43:00.002+08:00

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned the loss I felt when Ken Murphy passed away. But I was happy to know that in my own small way, I touched Ken's life and indirectly affect the lives of others through him. His wife Gail, posted a message in the www.foxite.com.

I reproduced Gail's message below.

May 19, 2008

Dear Foxite members:

I want to say thank-you for taking the time to write of your memories of Ken on the thread and on the memorial page. Your words have been a great comfort to myself, our friends, and family.

Today is Ken’s 52nd birthday and though he is not here to celebrate with us as a family, we are celebrating him with music and memories.

I must say that I did not understand much about the work Ken and the members of your community do in using VFP but I know the end result of Ken’s work was to enable Chalice (formerly Christian Childcare International) to connect sponsors with children in 36 countries. So while we did not have children of our own, Ken always considered the children he was helping through his work and that kept him going when he became frustrated.

Many of you may be like Ken and work in relative isolation even though you work for organizations. I think the isolation comes from the fact that most people you work with and for are like me- we truly do not understand how much your work makes it easier for us to do our jobs.

Many of you have spoken of what Ken gave to you but please know that you gave as much or more to him through your insight; suggestions; and positive feedback on his helpfulness. I think Ken is a teacher at heart and Foxite allowed him to teach what he could. I must admit that at times I did get a bit impatient with the time he spent with “the Foxes” which was my name for you.

A couple of you asked if Ken had a life beyond Foxite and if you read his obituary on the memorial page you will see he had many connections to our community as well as to the global community through Foxite. Words can’t express what he was good at- a great cook; wonderful musician; adventuresome camping and canoeing partner; patient nurse through my various illnesses; creative carpenter- having built a wonderful garden shed; and the best friend I will ever have. I think Pete Sass said it best in one of his posts- the best tribute you could give to Ken would be to continue to support each other as members of a global community both professionally and personally.

I want to say a special thanks to Eric den Doop for putting up the memorial page; facilitating access to the thread for Ken.; sending flowers on behalf of Foxite; and forwarding some special messages from Foxite members. Thanks as well to Craig Baily for the link to the Youtube clip with footage from the Global Summit in Seattle.

Thanks again to each of you for giving Ken the support to do what he did. I am forever grateful.

Gail Murphy
John 8:33

I am wishing Gail some measure of peace despite her great loss. I hope that she can seek comfort in the knowledge that Ken had greatly touched my life and the lives of others particularly the members of the Foxite community.

Gail wrote above and I quote "Many of you may be like Ken and work in relative isolation even though you work for organizations. I think the isolation comes from the fact that most people you work with and for are like me- we truly do not understand how much your work makes it easier for us to do our jobs." Gail, thanks for the kind words.

FERNANDEZ DOMINATES BUSKO FORE FUN 3

2008-05-05T10:23:00.003+08:00

FERNANDEZ DOMINATES BUSKO FORE FUN 3
by Judd de la Vega, M.D.

CALAMBA, LAGUNA Youthful Mil Kepner Fernandez (ITC MT –B’03)captures the Class A championship of the Busko Fore Fun 3: Friendship Cup Golf Tournament held here at the Ayala Greenfields Golf and Leisure Club last April 25, 2008.

Fernandez, 24 tied Bong del Rosario as they tallied a net score of 2-under-par 70. But the former prevailed by scoring more pars as he proved to be steadier in the more troublesome back nine.

2nd Runner-up went to Don Martin Fernandez, the youngest player at 14 and a brother of Mil with a net score of 1-under-par 71. He also won the special award of “Longest Drive” (350+yards on Hole#13).

Alvin Martinez (B’87) emerged victorious in Class B garnering a net score of 3-over-par 75. Jake Picache and Ace Garcia were the 1st and 2nd Runners-up respectively.

Fernan Magallanes, 40 won the championship for Class C with a net score of 6-over-par 78. Reggie Waje and Rommel Pascua took the 1st and 2nd Runner-up trophies.

Maricar Malonzo, the only rose among the thorns automatically won the Ladies Division with a net-score of 9-over-par 81. To her credit, she actually performed better than 7 other male counterparts in her maiden golf tournament.

All in the family

The tournament had 32 participants. It almost became an all Fernandez show as Milo, the father of Mil Kepner and Don Martin placed fifth with a net score of 1-under-par 71. When asked whether they felt any pressure playing alongside their dad, jungolfer Don Martin said in jest, “Nagagalit nga po kapag mali iyong tira”.

The other special award was given to James Payoyo for being “Nearest to the Pin” (hole#3). The winners of the major raffle prizes were the ff: 1st Prize P10,000 free subscription of Bayantel Wireless Landline went to Deng Cruz, 2nd Prize Ping Putter won by Dick Cristobal(B’85) and 3rd Prize DVD player went to Bong Alano(B’80).

The organizers would like to thank the sponsors of this event: Bayantel, Autogas LPG, Commscope, Exide, Ark-One Solutions - Agilent Technologies, Timezone, Asea Brown Boveri, Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, Councilor Franz Pumaren and Mr. Babari Gozum.

Busko Fore Fun is a biannual fund-raising golf tournament organized by Don Bosco Technical College High School Batch ’85 Association, Inc. The next tournament is tentatively scheduled for December.

* To view the photos and scores, visit www.busko85.org/Golf.htm

Ken Murphy, surely you will be missed.

2008-05-02T12:02:00.003+08:00

On Sunday, April 27, 2008, our mentor and inspirer and good friend Ken Murphy passed away at the age of 51. He died of a heart attack after he had done the music for the Sunday Mass.

Ken has been a pillar of strength and a guiding light in www.foxite.com not only in terms of offering solutions for VFP but in personal and oftentimes sensitive issues as well. He had offered prayers for my Mom when she had her second heart attack as few years back. Ken will surely be missed, though I feel sad that he is gone, I also am sure that he is now in place void of all problems and pain. We have never met in person but I consider him a friend. Ken, thanks for everything. Goodbye my friend.

Please visit Ken's Memorial Page. You can also read the views of the numerous people Ken has help in the past and who's life he had touch here.

You can download his obituary here.

May the Good Lord grant you eternal rest
And may His perpetual light shine upon you.
May you rest in peace. Amen.

VFP Studio

2008-04-15T11:33:00.004+08:00

Every time I get stuck with bugs or what not in a certain Visual FoxPro (VFP) application or the more tedious ASP.Net/VB.Net application I am working on, I tend to post entries to my blog just to get my mind off things. Just to clear my head with work stuff, you know.

Anyway there is a great and upcoming product from Craig Boyd of Sweet Potato Software. He has given a lot back to the Visual FoxPro community and now he is in the verge of introducing something really big for the VFP community. It is called the VFP Studio which utilizes the Visual Studio 2008 Shell. So click here to jump to Craig’s entry in his SPS Blog that features the first of a series of screencasts for the VFP Studio.

Finally I just want to wish Craig good luck and more power. I can't wait for VFP Studio to be out. Great work.

Busko FORE Fun 3!

2008-04-11T09:58:00.004+08:00

Good day! The DBTC HS ’85 Association, Inc would like to invite all golfers from other batches to “Busko FORE Fun 3 : The Friendship Cup” , a fund-raising golf tournament.

This tournament is open to all Bosconians and friends. This will be held on April 25, 2008 at the prestigious Ayala Greenfields Leisure and Golf Club in Calamba City, Laguna. Registration starts at 6:00 am while the tee-off starts at 8:00 am.

Tickets are priced at Php 2,500 inclusive of a buffet meal, green and caddie fee. Exciting raffle prizes and fabulous freebies awaits all participants. The game itself will be a good venue for Bosconians and friends to take a break, interact, show their stuff and enjoy each other’s company while playing a round of golf.

Beautiful trophies awaits the winners of the 4 different categories (Class A,B, C and Ladies) and special awards. The overall champions of the 2 previous editions were Mr. Ben Jacinto and Mr. Mike Stephen respectively.

For ticket inquiries, sponsorship details and on-line registration, please visit our website, http://www.busko85.org/Golf.htm or contact the following persons:

Tournament Director
Gilfred Gonzales
(0917)528-0073

Promotions Head
Obet Esagunde
(0918)912-2592

Batch President
Fletch Aquino
(0917)844-8484

We would like to request everyone to forward this invitation to all our fellow Bosconians and friends. Thank you very much for your support.

Hope to see you there!

Email us: BuskoForeFun@busko85.org

The Graduate

2008-04-07T21:54:00.004+08:00

Therese Erika “graduated” this year from her kindergarten class. It was a fun day for her as she gets to wear a very nice dress and receive congratulatory gifts from her Mom, aunt, uncles and grandparents. Did I tell you that she loves gifts as well? Well she passed kindergarten and will be in the Preparatory class next year, In the meantime, this summer she will be taking up swimming lessons and will have tutorial sessions in her subjects for the next school year. Hopefully these sessions will help her more in dealing with her prep classes. Congrats to my lovely daughter. Hope that you will do well if not better next school year. I really wish that I can see you and your Mom soon. I love you both very much and miss you both terribly that it hurts.

Take care and God bless you both.

Making Faces (",)

2008-04-07T21:13:00.009+08:00

My daughter is really fond of posing in front of a camera and have her picture taken. She does this in almost any conceivable occasion or situation. Not only that she loves to pose she also likes to make faces when her picture is being taken. Here are some of the pictures my wife took with our daughter making faces.

The Don Bosco Forum

2008-04-07T20:38:00.006+08:00

Recently I was invited to join a certain forum. The invite came by way of a comment on an entry in my blog. The forum turned out to be the Don Bosco Forum, It was nice to know that such exists. It has become a sort of a hang-out for me in the net aside from Foxite. The forum has members spanning the entire spectrum of Bosconians in the Philippines as well as those abroad. I think that this site was put up by a bosconian from DBTC-Mandaluyong, but this does not mean that this is an exclusive forum. As I’ve said earlier, this forum is open to all bosconians. So I just would like to commend the staff of the Don Bosco Forum, great work guys and more power and to all bosconians out there join us at the Don Bosco Forum.

On days like today...

2008-03-08T12:51:00.003+08:00

On days like today, all gloomy and blue, a lot of deadlines to beat, things to organize (my office table’s a mess right now), programs to debug and an assortment of things to do (I still need to pack my luggage as I’m heading to Honk Kong tomorrow for a 5 day business trip), I can't help but wish that I’m back home (in the Philippines I mean) spending quality time with my wife and daughter.

Last night I was talking to my wife via Skype and we were discussing the current weather in Hong Kong. My wife was commenting that it’s rather cold there and I may have to pack some cold weather garments. Suddenly my daughter (Tea, as we fondly call her) joined the conversation telling me that I need to bring a jacket because it’s cold in Hong Kong and added that I am not used to cold weather and I may get sick. Hearing that from my 5 year old daughter just warms my heart and produce a smile in my lips as she sounded like a mother reminding a son to take care of himself. Well that’s Tea for you. She talks like an adult but that’s no surprise as she is surrounded by adults in the house. I just miss them so much you know, that I just want to pack my bags and go home for good. Homesickness is really something not pleasant and can eat you up inside if you don’t know how to handle it. Anyway, I still look forward to the day that my family and I will be together for good. I just hope the situation permits it sooner rather than later.

Well that’s it. I expect a pleasant trip to Hong Kong but a very hectic week of conducting training to our clients staff in using the ASP.Net/VB.Net/AJAX application we developed for them.. I will back here in Singapore by Saturday next week.

Being A Mother

2008-03-08T11:35:00.003+08:00

I got the story below from an email. It was sent by my cousin from Canada. It's a long read but I think a fitting entry since today is the International Women's Day. I particularly like the part that says:

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time'.

Reading this piece reminds me of my Mom and my wife and my family in general. I miss them very much. I've embedded a video from YouTube depicting the International Women's Day in a video. Here is the link to the INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - 8 MARCH 2008

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.' The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my two children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

'What's wrong, are you well,' she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date.

She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said.

'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her.

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.

An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time'.

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby .. somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct; somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring .. somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

Somebody said if you're a 'good' mother, your child will 'turn out good'....somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said 'good' mothers never raise their voices... somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother.... somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first... somebody doesn't have two children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books.... somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery .somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back... somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.... somebody isn't a mother.

Tea in a Singing Competition

2008-03-01T21:27:00.003+08:00

My daughter joined a chorale group made up of kindergarten and preparatory pupils at her school last 22 February 2008 at Silay City. It was for a competition of the parochial schools in Negros Occidental. There were around 15 groups in the chorale and folk dance competitions. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the said event as I was already here in Singapore. Anyway, I was able to accompany her during the numerous practices she attended in preparation for the said competition. I was also pleasantly surprised that their trainer was a former colleague of mine in a company I was previously connected with. I nearly did not recognized him, as we have not seen each other for almost 8 years now. I have not seen him since I left the Philippines to work here in Singapore. The picture here shows Tea in her dress/gown for the chorale competition. By the way, her chorale group were awarded the second prize.

Appeal to Fellow Filipinos

2008-02-29T11:19:00.003+08:00

Below is an email from a Salesian priest. This was emailed to me by an old friend who I have not seen for a very long time now. I really did not want to put anything political in nature in this blog. But I was compelled to put it here because most of what the letter says share my views. What those views are, I shall keep to myself. This email also includes and anonymous letter that mentions the problems we are facing as a country right and but more importantly also offer solutions unlike most of the opinions of writers or the so called journalists in the news these days. Full of finger-pointing but lacking in giving solutions however naive or mundane the solutions may be. So without much further ado below is the email:

From: Marico Nollora
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:36 AM
To:
Subject: FW: [candlesparklers] appeal to fellow filipinos
February 27, 2008

My Dear Friends,

I have been a silent, if aggrieved, observer of all that has been going on over the recent past. I have long been wanting to write on it, but have found neither time nor energy for it, busy as i am with teaching, preaching, and counseling.

I would like to laud the bishops for their wise, prudent, & pastoral statement that goes beyond mere moralizing and more of the sick finger-pointing that has apparently become the sickening hallmark of our culture (apart from and distinct from the pervasive culture of corruption in all levels and sectors of our society).

I thank them for not succumbing to the temptation of an easy solution (which is really a non-solution) called for by certain sectors who think that another EDSA people power revolution (sic) would make the problem go away. I laud them for naming the real issue at bottom and that is the deeply embedded culture of corruption in and out of government, in the very fabric of our personal and social lives. I couldn't agree more with them in calling for the dismantling of everything that obstructs truth. Together with them, i make a passionate plea to everyone to desist from prostituting even the value of truth-telling itself for their own selfish and sinister ends. I support them in reiterating the call to "communal action" which is not reducible to another noisy, manipulated mob at EDSA, roused possibly to non-thinking and non-reflecting status by partisan manipulated masses. Misled, misguided, & mis-educated by well calibrated sound bytes & carefully scripted and crafted grandstanding by politicians (crooks all!) Who stand to personally gain from all this frenzy of finger-pointing and blaming!

I make a call for prudence and sobriety – precisely what the bishops mean by "communal action" based on prayer and reflection – and only then – action!

I support the bishops for addressing the root issue of this crisis which is, at bottom, a moral and not primarily, a political crisis.

I make a personal plea to all Filipinos to go beyond EDSA, beyond the massive pull of the carefully orchestrated "media moment" and think about the bigger picture, think about the common good, and refuse to join the bandwagon of knee-jerk reactions (to borrow from kahlil gibran) "to build a fence, by destroying the wall on the other side.." i support, not the empty rhetoric of a sour-graping trapo who mouths the call for a moral revolution – a facetious slogan coming from one who should have started with himself five terms ago!

I make a call to everyone in government who has been implicated in scandal upon scandal of massive proportions. Kung may natitira pang hiya sa puso ninyo, please make the ultimate sacrifice by bowing out of your so-called "public service." please do not insult out intelligence and what little is left of our national self-respect by hiding behind the convenience of legality, the semblance or charade of your honorable status and work actively so that truth prevails, and justice served.

I make a call to everyone who is already drooling for the top offices of the land, who make maximum use of the media moment to prop up their ill-concealed ambitions, now playing the good guys in comparison to the evil woman and the fat guy at the residence by the pasig river … the people like us who belong to the silent majority are watching. Please do not add more insult to our already jaded and fading hopes. We do not need grandstanding heroes. We just need honest people who are sincerely out to serve the common good, not to invent grandiose projects, loan oodles of money, and steal even before those questionable projects even take off the ground! Stealing is bad enough. But robbing future Filipinos of their right to national self-respect is a crime that cries out for justice to high heavens!

To all of you already caught with your dirtied fingers in the cookie jar … now is your turn to salvage what little dignity is left in you before the people's court. Resign and do your children and grandchildren some good. To all of you poised to dip those very same dirty fingers in the same cookie jar of dishonesty and corruption … desist … and become the unsung heroes of gospel fame, the poor of Yahweh whom the Lord declared as "blessed."

and to everyone like me, frustrated and angered by so much brazen dishonesty, corruption, and hypocrisy … pause, reflect, and pray "for there but for the grace of God, I go " i am enclosing herewith an anonymous letter from a fellow Filipino. I share his sentiments … i could not agree more with what this letter says. These are words i'd like to make my own.

To all Filipinos Everywhere:

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?

Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my TV to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these so-called "honorable" crooks lambaste each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!

I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator" , "Justice" , "General" and worse, "President." Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."

It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat, and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience.
Heaven forbid!

I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.

And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!" slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security.And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?

And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. "Love (of power) is blind" takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals.And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.

They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand.It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.

But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.

Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!

I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all
fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion "right from the sandbox" till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models.Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor.

I call on educators and teachers, we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.

I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage..Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and
pray that your children will do better than you did.

Remember that there are a few handfuls who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. I voted for Atty. Martin Bautista and his team and I sure hope they will run again. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.

For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition.

We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.

Fr. Vitaliano "Chito" Dimaranan, SDB
Paranaque City, Philippines
CP +63.917.536. 5384

Bacolod-Silay International Airport

2008-02-29T10:32:00.008+08:00

I was in the Philippines during the first week of this month. It was the week during the celebration of the Lunar New Year or more popularly the Chinese New Year. So I took this opportunity to visit my family in Bacolod City and in Victorias City. My domestic flight from Manila was uneventful and I was pleasantly surprised on how good the facilities in the recently opened Bacolod-Silay City International Airport was. Hopefully the facilities will be well maintained and the services will be at par in most of the modern airports in the world. After my rather short vacation (10 days), I started my journey (reluctantly that is) to Singapore from the Bacolod-Silay City International Airport. The photos accompanying this entry were taken at the visitors area of the airport. Click here to view more pictures of the airport.

Filipino Food Stalls @ Lau Pa Sat

2008-02-20T13:23:00.001+08:00

In April of last year I mentioned in one of my blog entries here, that it’s about time that a Filipino food stall opened at Lau Pa Sat. Well the good news is that two more opened shortly after Panyeros catered to its first customers. These are Ka Roger’s and Jolly Chicken. Now there are talks of another one opening soon. Well, Panyeros is still my favorite as the food there brings back the fond memories of my childhood in Victorias City. So my fellow countrymen, if you happen to be near La Pas Sat in Singapore’s business district, do drop by and dine in one of the Filipino food stalls there. Enjoy and happy eating.

Mabuhay!

DBTC-Manda Offers B.S. Architecture

2008-02-20T11:56:00.004+08:00

Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong City in the Philippines (DBTC) now offers Bachelor of Science in Architecture,

DBTC surely has come a long way since I graduated in 1990. Back in those days (1985-1990) it only offered degrees in Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. It also offered Industrial Technology Courses with specialization in Automotive, Industrial Drafting and the like. I graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering. Also back then, DBTC is an exclusive school for boys in the elementary, secondary and college levels. This is true for most Don Bosco schools in all over the Philippines. My high school alma mater, Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias City in the province of Negros Occidental, has been an exclusive boys school since it was founded in the 1950’s up to the present. Anyway, just recently, DBTC-Mandaluyong opened its doors in the college level to girls for the first time since it was founded in 1953.

With this recent move in offering a degree in Bachelor of Science in Architecture, DBTC can only go forward.

More power “DBTC-Manda”!

Pro Deo et Patria

Lent and Charties Week

2008-02-20T11:04:00.006+08:00

It’s the Lenten Season once again. We Catholics, put a great deal of importance to Lent as this season commemorates the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and in so doing reunited man to our God the Father. There is no fitting gift to give to God the Father except for the passion of his one and only beloved Son.

One of the disciplines observed by Catholics during the Lenten Season is alms giving. Thus here in Singapore, it’s Charities Week.

Personally, I would try my very best to adhere to my faiths teachings on observance of disciplines for Lent. For as long as I can remember, the Salesian priests who run the Don Bosco schools in the Philippines which I enrolled in during my elementary, secondary and college days, have always reminded me that when giving alms, “give until it hurts”. I think there is no need for me to elaborate on this further as the phrase “give until it hurts” speaks for it self. Mind you I am not a saint. I do have my shortcomings. But I’d like also to think that I am goon Catholic, a good husband to my wife, a good father to my lovely daughter, a good and grateful son to my parents and a good brother to my siblings.

My wife's b-day at Bacolod Chicken House

2008-02-14T13:09:00.003+08:00

My wife and my 2 brothers-in-law celebrated their birthdays last January. All three of them were born on the same day on different years of course. Since I can’t be with them, my wife Tess send me pictures of the food they were eating. They celebrated by dining out in the newly opened Bacolod Chicken House in Mandalagan Branch in Bacolod City. My mouth was watering when I saw the pictures. I think Bacolod Chicken House has the best chicken “inasal” (translation: inasal means grilled). This opinion is also shared by many who have tasted this uniquely Bacolodnon dish. So if by chance you are in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in the Philippines. Do dine in one of the numerous Bacolod Chicken House restos in this City of Smile.

New Year

2008-02-14T11:17:00.003+08:00

As I bade farewell to 2007 and welcome 2008 on New Year’s eve, I can’t help but feel very sad. Like Christmas, I have to spend it here in Singapore away from my family. Even though I share the flat with several Filipinos, still nothing beats spending the yuletide season and the New Year in the Philippines. As a song goes by Yeng Constantino, “Iba talaga ang Pasko sa Pinas” (translated: Christmas is very different in the Philippines). This holds true for the New Year. Really, how can you beat the varied dishes prepared for the welcoming the new year? The smell of firecrackers and the loud bang ushering the New Year and bidding farewell to the old makes one realize that he or she should make a conscious effort to do his or her best to be with ones family for the yuletide season and the New Year. Now I can truly say that Filipinos working abroad and away from their respective families have given up a lot and spend numerous Christmases and New Years sad and tremendously homesick. I just hope and pray that I and my family be together finally. I have missed so much of my daughter’s growing years. I missed them very much during those days.

A Very Belated Merry Christmas

2008-02-14T11:02:00.004+08:00

First things first, I have not update by blog for a long time now, primarily because I am very busy working on several projects in the 2nd half of last year. One is a major ASP.Net/VB.Net application for one of our clients in Hong Kong and which will also be deployed in Bangkok, the U.S. and probably in China.

So due to this huge undertaking I was not able to visit my family last December 2007. This was my first Christmas away from my family and spending it here in Singapore is a lousy and depressing way of spending a supposedly happy/merry holiday. It was indeed a sad and blue Christmas for me. With this in mind allow me to lighten the mood and share with you a funny video by Christine Gambito (a.k.a. HappySlip of www.happyslip.com) of a Christmas jingle.

Enjoy and A Very Belated Merry Christmas To All.

The Earthquake

2007-09-17T14:20:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday (12 September 2007), an earthquake shook the coast of western Sumatra, Indonesia and rattled four Southeast Asian countries including Singapore. It registered a magnitude of 8.4 in the Richter scale. Several aftershocks followed the quake which including two with a 7.8 and a 7.1 magnitude. I was still in the office together some of our staff when the main earthquake shook Singapore. We felt our office building sway making me somewhat dizzy (much like having motion sickness). Our office is on the 23rd floor. So I instructed my staff to go down using the stairs. Going down the building on the stair, we were met by other office workers on the lower floors hurrying down as fast as they could. Fortunately nobody panicked thus we got to the lobby without much incident. At one point, I stopped momentarily on the 15th floor trying to gather my breath and just to see if the building was still swaying. Well it was still moving and I prompted me to think if that was it. I was thinking if it continued for a longer period of time the building may collapse before I reach the lobby. All that time I was thinking of my family, my parents, my siblings, relatives and friends. With the risk of sounding melodramatic, I saw my life flashed before my eyes, not the dreamy and colorful scenes, the kind that are always portrayed in Hollywood movies. But a kind of realization how fragile life is and some sort of assessment how I lived my life and perhaps my miniscule contribution to this world. That we can plan all we want but our plans can just go down the drain in just an instant because nature had other plans.

One other realization is that Singapore is really blessed. Unlike the Philippines, it has not experienced super typhoons, earthquake, volcanic eruptions and other natural calamities in the 7+ years that I have been here. I read in the newspaper last weekend an article discussing the earthquake and the steps to take in an event Singapore is hit by a strong one (God forbid).

The discussion of the earthquake also prompted my flat-mate to share a very personal and painful experience of losing a loved one in the earthquake that hit Baguio City in 1990. I believe that it had a magnitude of 7.7 in the Richter scale.

Well life has to go on. After an incident like this prompts me to reassess my life. To try and live each day to the fullest, but after some time I go back be my old self, someone who’s living the somewhat lonely life of an OFW here in Singapore. My only consolation is that the hardships and loneliness I experience here is giving my family a chance of a better life and a secure future. My almost daily talks (through Skype) with my wife and daughter give me the strength to carry on.

There… I just wanted to get these out of my chest… thanks for allowing me to rant…

A Very Funny Video

2007-09-16T22:53:00.000+08:00

I happen to drop by this site when I was checking on the developments of the Malu Fernandez fiasco/controversy a few weeks back. Well this site features a blog, a video archive (by the owner of the site) and many more. Anyway the above video was so hilarious that I almost cried. I was pleasantly surprised that the said video was also the author's favorite (she mentioned it in her blog). So just don't take my word for it, head to www.happyslip.com and see for your self. I hope that you will have a "happy slip" while you are there.

Hapag ng Pag-asa 2008 Calendars for sale to benefit KUYA Center for Street Children, Inc.

2007-09-14T09:01:00.000+08:00

This morning I received an email from one of my former classmates in college regarding the sale of a beautiful Catholic Calendar. My friend and classmate Chin's email starts below:

To all,
Just wanted to let you know about this new 2008 Calendar coming out. According to Bro. Callo (Salesian Brother) sale of this abroad is possible if you include postage, which is probably an estimate of a couple of dollars per calendar (just estimating). But, if you know of somebody who is planning to come to your country (for those of us
abroad), baka pwedeng i-paki out of the kindness of their hearts (and if any space is available in their maleta). I have attached a flyer which shows a sample of the calendar. It might not appear on those yahoo groups that don't allow attachments. I will post them in the Photos section of the groups as backup.

I have also uploaded the flyer for this calendar. This will benefit the KUYA Center for Street Children, Inc.

SMMS Batch 1984 – 23 Years Later

2007-09-10T15:59:00.000+08:00

Last June 2007, Pangga, gathered her former classmates from SMMS Batch 1984. She decided to throw a party as an advance birthday celebration for herself. She thought that it would be nice to celebrate it among friends from high school.

By the way, a little trivia, the ladies in pictures above were members of the pioneer batch of graduates of the high school department of SMMS. St. Mary Mazzarello School (SMMS) of Victorias City, prior to 1982 did not have a high school department. Most of the girls graduating the elementary department continued their secondary education in other schools like St. Teresita’s Academy in Silay City, La Consolaton College – Bacolod City, Colegio de San Agustin also in Bacolod as well as in other schools. As far as I can remember, in 1982 SMMS started the first and second year of secondary education for girls. SMMS was and still is, an exclusive school for girls. So in the following two years the third and eventually the four year of secondary education were established. Thus SMMS High School Batch of 1984 earned the distinction as the “pioneer” graduates of the secondary education in SMMS.

Back to the pictures above, during the said advance birthday patry of Pangga a number of her former classmates attended. I’m sure they had a wonderful time. Judging from the wide smiles they had in their faces.

Antonio “Boy” Tan, M.D. (with his wife and tw0 daughters) attended the party as well. He’s related to Pangga (he’s some sort of an Uncle to Pangga).

Thanks to Pangga for posting these pictures in her multiply site.

The Good Old Days... revisited

2007-09-05T00:19:00.000+08:00

In a recent entry, "The Good Old Days", I mentioned that the pictures Gary sent me were taken in the year 1973 or 1974. But my good friend Jack Biantan, who now resides in London and by the way writes for www.pinoysoccer.com (Bend It column) posted a reply that the pictures were taken in 1975-1976 when we were in Grade 2. He further added that these were pictures of Grade 2 Section J and he (Jack) and I were from Section M. Another good friend of mine Merle who’s in the USA wrote me an email via our e-group, DBSM84 if I could possibly give names to the faces in the said pictures. Well, I can always try….

Jack posted his reply in my multiply site. Why you may ask, well it's the feature called cross posting between my bogs in blogger and multiply.

Coffee and Pastries at Kuppa’s : What's a few decades between friends? Part III

2007-09-04T12:21:00.000+08:00

Here are the pictures Bobby took at Kuppa's. Unfortunately, Gary and I needed to leave a few minutes after Bobby arrived so were not in the picture. Stephen and his wife joined the group some time later. Judging from the huge smiles in their faces, surely they had a blast.

What's a few decades between friends? Part II

2007-09-04T11:43:00.000+08:00

In my previous blog entry entitled “What’s a few decades between friends?”, I posted several pictures which I took using my cell-phone. Bobby took some more pictures and forwarded these to Anna Carmela (Pangga) who in turn posted in her mutiply.com site. So I took the liberty of grabbing those images (fortunately, Pangga posted these in their original sizes) and posted it here in my blog. Some of these pictures were taken at Kuppa were we had coffee and pastries. Later (after Gary, John, and I left) they were joined by Stephen and his wife. Boy left after we had lunch at Aboy;s as he had patient to attend to.

The Good Old Days...

2007-09-04T09:55:00.000+08:00

Recently, my good friend Gary Javelosa sent me the above images that he managed to find tucked away in his “treasure chest”. These pictures where taken in St. Mary Mazzarello School, VMC, Victorias City. I can’t really pin point the year but if my memory serves me right, this was in 1973 or 1974. The nun, in the other picture is I think Sister Paz. I can't recall her last name. I was not in the picture since Gary and I (I think???) were in different sections.
I will be in Victorias City this coming September 23, 2007 to visit my parents. I hope I can dig up some old photos as well. Till next time, stay safe everyone.

Gomez-Regalado Reunion 2007 (Lunch @ Freddie's)

2007-07-11T14:52:00.000+08:00

Standing (L-R): Tito Cesar, Tita Terri, Tita Judy, Tito Ramon Jr., Tita Letty, Tita Mercedes, Tita Rudy and of course me. Seated are my Dad and Mom.
Standing (L-R): Tito Cesar, Tita Terri, Tita Judy, Tito Ramon Jr., Tita Letty, Tita Mercedes and Tita Rudy. Seated are my Dad and Mom.Left to Right: Rhea, Tita Judy and Fritz, discussing the importance of letting go of the past and looking ahead on what you can do in the future.

One the activities during the recently concluded Gomez-Regalado Reunion 2007 was to visit my dad (Freddie Gomez) at our house in Victorias City. So it was agreed that the sons and daughters of Ramon and Silveria Gomez had lunch last June 24, 2007 at our house, I was also there with my younger brother Fritz. Unfortunately our youngest brother Tyrone Glenn (TG) was not able to join us as he is in Canada at that time. We all had our fill with native dishes and seafood. The guys had a few bottles of beer while the ladies had the much needed manicure and pedicure. It was great to see the brothers and sisters reunited again after a very long time. Those who where there were Tita Mercedes, Tito Ramon Jr., Tito Rudy, Tita Terri and Tita Judy. Unable to attend was Tito Molong. Also there were Tito Cesar (Tita Mercedes’ husband) and Tita Letty (Tito Ramon Jr.’s wife).

What's a few decades between friends?

2007-07-11T00:26:00.000+08:00

Last June 20, 2007 Anna Carmela invited me and several close friends for a lunch at Aboy’s in Bacolod City. Anna Carmela, whom we affectionately call Pangga (which means “loved one”) and I have not seen each other for more than 16 years. Those who attended were Antonio “Boy” Tan, Roberto “Bobby” Puerta, John Tupas, Gerard Benedicto and Gary Javelosa. The ladies who joined us were Auleine “Au-Au” Solito, Joy Pomperada-Famini and Yvonne Martinez-Carcar. Bobby’s wife also joined us. We had a great time at Aboy’s. The food was grert and the fun spilled to Kuppa where we had coffee and some had slices of pastries with their coffee or tea. Boy and John needed to leave after lunch to attend to prior commitments. Gary graciously offered to take me to the OWWA/POEA office where I took the OEC after lunch. Gary and I went back shortly to find the rest of the gang still deep in talks of what we’ve been upto after high school and/or college. Anyway, a lot of things were discussed. But one thing which we had a lot was laughter. We traded experiences and stories about places we’ve been and family life. We had a mini class picture taking. You see, we are members of the high school batch 1984 in DBTI and SMMS in Victorias City. An initial discussion ensued about what we would like to happen on our silver jubilee in 2009. Hmmmm…. our silver jubilee a topic worthy of another post in my blog. My thanks goes out to Pangga for making this happen.I hope to see her again in the not too distant future. Hopefully during our silver jubilee in 2009.

Formal Dinner @ L’ Fisher

2007-07-02T18:51:00.000+08:00

The formal celebration of Lola Lolet’s 100th birthday was a success. It was a formal dinner combined with story-telling and catching up with relatives I have not seen for a very long time, After the numerous photo ops, the formal party turned into a dance rave. The live band played a varied selection of music from the swing, cha-cha-cha to the very Filipino, Manila Sound. But it was the boogie that was a sure hit to the young once. When the first stains of "In the Mood" blasted from the speakers, the dance floor erupted to a resounding “yeah”…. Well the say that the event was a success is an understatement. It was for a lack of words to describe it… it was “PERFECT”.

With Babette @ The Fort

2007-06-25T17:09:00.000+08:00

I was in Manila last June 17-19, 2007 on a business trip and had a chance to meet up with my cousin Cydsel Regalado who I’ve last saw in 1995 (I think). So that makes it more than a decade since we last saw each other. We were both single then and have been discussing and betting who will get married first. Well I guess I won that bet.

Anyway, Cydsel or Babette as we affectionately call her took me to The Fort or was it called the Global City in the heart of Metro Manila. It was as if you have entered into a time warp and emerge in some time in Manila’s future. The contrast between the Global City and the other cities and places around it was so profound that I was amazed. I’ve been working in Singapore for more thant 7 years now, so I was used to a very modern cityscape. But this place is unique. Well, Babette treated me to a very nice and tasty dinner at Cotti. I had American grilled ribs while she had lengua estofada. We both had garlic rice with our dish. During the meal we discussed how our casual talk of setting up a yahoo e-group to discuss our grandmother's 100th birthday turned into a very big event. After the meal we strolled along the pathways besides the still to be opened boutiques and bars and restaurants. I marveled at the creativity of the artists who contributed in making the place both a shopping center with restaurants and an open air barbeque plaza (Market! Market!) as well as a place showcasing fountains, ponds and parks that are basically works of art. It’s an ideal hang-out for busy people. A place to unwind and to temporarily leave the worries of work behind and spend the time with your love ones in a very unique and beautiful place that is proudly Pinoy.

I hope that I can visit the place again in one of my future trips to the big city of Manila. The Fort, The Global City, whatever it is called is one heck of place. So if you're in Manila, try to drop by and visit this marvelous place.

Rant....

2007-06-16T02:04:00.001+08:00

I will be going to the Philippines tomorrow (17 June 2007). I have to meet with our business partner in Makati. I will be there for 3 days, after which I will be heading to my hometown of Victorias to visit my parents and to attend the Gomez-Regalado Family Reunion in Bacolod. I hope to visit my alma mater Don Bosco Technical Institute - Victorias and meet my teachers, walk the hallowed halls of the school which has given me so much in the past and made me what I am today and just to cruise down memory lane. Cherish the memories of my childhood and teenage years.

This will be hectic week for me as I need to be back here in Singapore to attend to some pressing issues in the office. I hope to have a safe and pleasant trip and an enjoyable week with my family, relatives and friends.

I will also be taking a lot of pictures and hope to post them as soon as I can have the time.

Thanks for letting me rant....

Why I blog...

2007-06-15T22:54:00.000+08:00

Hmmmmm.. I been asked by friends and family alike why blog, well the short answer is, most of the time I have a lot of things to say and since I can't have people listen to me all day so I post entries in my blog. The long answer? Well it's long and I'm sleepy now.... Ok here are some of the reasons why I blog, blogging gives me an opportunity to rant and vent all my frustrations at work as well as to share my views and things I learn almost everyday. It gives me a place to share my photos, videos and ideas to friends, relatives and even to people I have not met. So there it is....
Now I really have to sleep zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Random Thoughts

2007-06-15T22:24:00.000+08:00

I hope to me my friend Anna Carmela in Bacolod during my visit there next week. She and her husband took time out of there busy work schedules to bring their children back to their respective hometowns. We (Carmela and I) planned to meet on the 20 June 2007 in Bacolod. I hope it will push through as we have not seen each other for a very long time. Although we keep in touch thru emails, nothing beats meeting in person and trade stories and reliving our fun and exciting teenage days.

International Weblogger's Day 2007

2007-06-14T17:29:00.000+08:00

Today (June 14, 2007) is International Weblogger's Day.

I was invited to participate in the 4th International Weblogger's Day. So I gave it a try and see what happens.

I you're a blogger come and join the fun.

Preparations for the Gomez-Regalado Family Reunion 2007

2007-06-14T11:42:00.000+08:00

The preparations for the Gomez-Regalado Family Reunion 2007 is well underway and in its final stages. Most of the major activities will be held in Bacolod City in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. A trip to the Gomez-Regalado hometown of La Castellana is also in the list of activities. This will prove to be an exciting trip for some as they have not set foot in La Castellana for quite a number of years, for some maybe over a decade.

At the helm of the preparations is Kayte Aguilar. She has done a great job in taking charge of the venue preparations and other necessary arrangements. Good job, Kayte! Thanks for everything.

The activities are as follows:
June 23, 2007 (informal day) at Palmas Del Mar. Recommended attire: Casual, but for those who enjoy a good swim, swim wear is required in all of the pools, This event will start at around 9:30AM (registration) until the afternoon at around 4:00PM

June 24, 2007 (formal day) at L'Fisher (Attire: Formal) Registration will start 6:00PM.

June 25, 2007 (day trip to hometown). Trip to La Castellana. A public bus will be chartered for this event and a lunch will be prepared at Indo's Restaurant courtesy of Allan Gomez

W O R K

2007-06-14T09:54:00.000+08:00

I got this from the numerous emails I get from friends and relatives. I think it's funny. So here it is.

There is a dangerous virus being passed around electronically, orally, and by hand. This virus is called Worm-Overload- Recreational- Killer (WORK).

If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss, or anyone else via any means DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK put your jacket on and take two Good friends to the nearest grocery store. Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolating- Neutralizer- Extract (WINE) or Bothersome-Employer -Elimination- Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote Repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should forward this warning to 5 friends. If you do not have 5 friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

Common Sense: A Sense Not Common To All

2007-05-30T22:09:00.000+08:00

Below is part of an email I received recently from my good friend, Maricor who is residing in Phuket with her family for some time now and have been in Thailand for more than 10 years. Anyway here is the part of the email I was talking about.

Common Sense:

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a band aid to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Author Unknown

Well there you have it. May Common Sense rest it peace. For those who believe in reincarnation, I hope Common Sense reincarnates in to a better being.

Football Versus Basketball

2007-05-21T16:19:00.000+08:00

My good friend Jack has been writing for www.pinoysoccer.com for some time now. In his latest article, he touched on the subject of the Philippine Football Team not getting the support it needs from the private sector while RP Basketball seems to be getting the bigger piece of the pie. While Jack raised valid points on this, I think it has something more to do of the Filipinos "loving" basketball more than football. Personally, in my elementary and high school days, I liked playing football but I loved playing and watching basketball games. So for me the difference if very apparent. I "like" football but "love" basketball. But this preference should not stop the government and the private sector in giving Philippine Football all the support it needs to be a competitive team internationally. Anyway, below is the comment I left in Jack's column at www.pinoysoccer.com.

Hi Jack,
Great piece on the FA Cup Championship. Unfortunately my favorite team (Man U) lost. Thanks for the highlights. I missed the game on StarHub cable TV

I agree with you that football needs all the support it can get from the private sector. But I believe there is enough for both basketball and football. True, height is what lacking in the RP 5. But I think they compensate it with talent. Anyway, just to add, the RP 5 is playing "import-less" in a tournament where all other teams are allowed 2 imports of unlimited height.

Hopefully, more support will be given to football (soccer) by the private sector as well as the government in the years to come.

Once again, good luck and more power. Keep the article coming.

Stay safe,
Erik

It is my fervent hope that one day, an RP team in both football and basketball will be able to participate in Olympics. RP Basketball is on the right track as it has the backing of the Philippine Basketball Association and has a program in place. I hope RP Football will follow suite.

Computer : Male or Female?

2007-05-16T11:45:00.000+08:00

The text below came from an email that has been forwarded to me several times already since last year or maybe earlier than that. Anyway, I always have a good laugh reading it again and again and since I studied the Spanish language in college, I can definitely relate to it. Here is the text from the email:

A Spanish teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

"House" for instance, is feminine: "la casa."
"Pencil," however, is masculine: "el lapiz."

A student asked, "What gender is 'computer'?"

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether "computer" should be a masculine or a feminine noun.

Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender ("la computadora"), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ("el computador"), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The Women Won!

Gomez-Regalado Reunion 2007 T-Shirt Print Design

2007-05-08T12:13:00.000+08:00

The Gomez-Regalado clan will be having a grand family reunion this June 2007. To make the said event more memorable and meaningful, souvenir T-shirts will be made available. Brian Roberts sent this initial design for the print. The design really looks "cool".

Jack is back @ PinoySoccer.com

2007-05-05T11:58:00.000+08:00

My good friend and former classmate in DBTI-Victorias is back in to writing articles for www.pinoysoccer.com and his latest article is I am Back. Jack loved football when we were in elementary at DBTI-Victorias. I just would like to congratulate him in this endeavor he is undertaking. I wish him good luck and more power and more articles. By the way, he's in the opinion section of www.pinoysoccer.com and his column is entitled Bend It. As he will tell you in this article I am Back, it (his opinion column) was named after the movie Bend It Like Beckham. Like Jack I also loved the film. Oh it seems that this is getting too long. I was only planning to write a short entry. Anyway I'll reserve my thoughts on the said film which stars one of my favorite actresses, Keira Knightley on another entry as I'm up to my eyeballs with work this month and the following 3-4 months. Enjoy.

A Special Day - New Version

2007-05-03T10:49:00.000+08:00

Here is yet another version of the song A Special Day composed by my cousin Mawi. I hope that you all will enjoy this.

TG in Vancouver

2007-04-18T11:07:00.000+08:00

Around 2 months ago, my brother TG migrated to Canada (specifically in Vancouver). He sent me these images when he visited the olympic clock. I hear that he is having a great time there. Hopefully he'll stay safe and healthy.

Cancer Installer???

2007-04-13T16:55:00.000+08:00

I just thought that this is very funny. I got this from a signature of one of the members of a forum I frequent. When I saw this for the first time I was laughing so hard I almost cried. Hopefully you will have a great laugh too. To all smokers out there, no offense intended. I was a smoker once but decided to quit.

It's About Time

2007-04-09T22:06:00.000+08:00

It's about time. After a very long wait, a Filipino food stall has opened shop in Lau Pasat along Boon Tat street.

When our office transfered near Lau Pasat from Harbourfront Center in 2002, I was hoping that a Filipino food stall will open. Well that day has come. A Filipino food stall called the Panyeros opened sometime last month much to the delight of the numerous Filipino professionals working in the various offices in Singapore's business district. Of course that includes me.

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Our Office Map & Building Image
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A Special Day (Take 2) Music Video

2007-04-09T21:10:00.000+08:00

My cousin Mawi composed a song entitled A Special Day and I wrote about it in my previous blob entry. Well my cousin's back with a new version and a matching music video boot.

ENSURING THE BOSCONIAN IDENTITY OF OUR FAMILIES - 2007 National Convention

2007-04-03T21:23:00.000+08:00

April 3, 2007

To all Chapters!

18 days to go and we will be seeing here in Tarlac City! Much preparation was done and we are excited to host this national convention!

The theme this year is "ENSURING THE BOSCONIAN IDENTITY OF OUR FAMILIES". We have invited Fr. Vitaliano Dimaranan SDB to share his expertise in this topic. Indeed we are not alone in enjoying our bosconian identity.

Our annual gathering is a sign of our fidelity to our father and teacher, Don Bosco. Our camaraderie is a sure mark in sharing of our lives and commitment to each bosconian.

Herewith, is the over view of our convention.

Yours in Don Bosco,

Deoval Lopez '73 Cleng Lababit ¡'86
President Event Coordinator
Tarlac Chapter

Fr. Gerardo E. Macapinlac SDB ¡'75
Local Delegate

Don Bosco Alumni Philippine National Federation
2007 National Convention

ROMY MACLANG FRIENDSHIP GAMES 2007

DBTI Tarlac Grounds
April 20, 2007

BASKETBALL

1. One-day tournament
2. Each team will have a minimum team members of 8 players
3. Each team will pay a minimal amount of P1,500
> this is for the officials, trophies and other awards
4. Amateur rules and regulations will be followed
5. If there are less than three teams joining, food will be
served and there will be no trophies awarded

FOOTBALL

1. One-day tournament
2. Each team will have a minimum players of 10 players
3. Each team will pay a minimal amount of P1,000
this is for the officials, trophies and other awards
4. 7-A-Aside rules will be followed
5. If there are less than three teams joining, food will be
served and there will be no trophies awarded

BADMINTON, BILLIARDS and GOLF details and rules will follow

For details please feel free to contact:

Event Coordinator: Cleng Lababit: (0920) 222.19.69

Basketball: Arnel Vistro: (0919) 609.66.10

Football: Kit De Ocampo: (0916) 642.06.43

Don Bosco Alumni Philippine National Federation

2007 National Convention
La Maja Rica Hotel
Tarlac City
April 21. 2007
Time Activities In-Charge Remarks
8:00 a.m. Arrival
Registration of Delegates (Convention Kits) Cleng Lababit
Registration Committee
8:50 Call to Order Lawrence Simpao
9:00 Parade of Colors Bong Luis (Emcee) Chapter
Banners/Flags
9:30 Invocation Fr. Macky sdb
Acknowledgement Emcee
10:00 Welcome Remarks Mr. Deo Lopez
10:15 Keynote Speech Fr. Chito Dimaranan, sdb
Working Break-time Fr. Chito, sdb
Workshop Fr. Chito, sdb
ComElec Hour Fr. Larry Tan, sdb & ComElec Persons
involved will have a separate group while workshop is going on
Election of the Directors at Large/Officers same
12:00 Lunch
1:30 p.m.
Presentation of Convention Resolution Fr. Chito, sdb /
Lawrence / Deo Convention Chair
Styling Committee
3:00 Asia Australia Presentation /
Announcements Mr. Jun Bernad
Presentation and Acceptance of New Officers Comelec
Adjournment/Snacks
5:00 Anticipated Mass / Oath Taking of New DBAPNF Officers /
Inspirational Message Fr. Larry Tan, sdb / Cleng Lababit
Blessed Philip Rinaldi Servant Leader Awards Fr.
Provincial / Fr. Larry, sdb Emcee
6:00 Dinner Tarlac Chapter DBTI Grounds
Fellowship & Entertainment

Don Bosco Alumni Philippine National Federation

2007 National Convention

ACCOMMODATIONS

ROOM RATES

LA MAJA RICA HOTEL (Convention site)
„« Single room with matrimonial bed: P1,210 with 1 complimentary
Breakfast
„« Twin Sharing with 2 single beds: P1,512 with 2 complimentary
Breakfast
„« Triple Bed Room with 3 single beds: P1,764 with 3
complimentary Breakfast

LA MAJA RICA MOTEL (behind the Convention site)
„« 12 hours (9am ¡V 9pm, first come-first served): P900. Plus P96
for succeeding hours

SUN GARDEN HOTEL (near the Convention site)
„« King Bed with matrimonial bed: P872 with 1 complimentary
Breakfast
„« Twin Sharing with 2 single beds: P928 with 2 complimentary
Breakfast
„« Triple Bed Room with 3 single beds: P1,140 with 3
complimentary Breakfast

Dumaguete, Tondo, Sta Rosa, Sta. Cruz, San Jose, Pasil. liloan and
Banquerohan please coordinate with Ms Juvy Montalbo, DBAPNF Makati,
(02) 817.37.38 or (0918) 649.38.15

Please provide your own transportation to the National Convention
Site, La Maja Rica Hotel, McArthur Hi-Way, Tarlac City.

STA Batch 83 Get Together

2007-03-31T22:57:00.000+08:00

The STA Batch 83 had a get together at Tama Plaza, Balaring, Silay City, Negros Occidental on March 31, 2007. They are preparing for their Silver Jubilee, which actually marks the 25th year after they graduated from their Alma Mater, St. Theresita's Academy. I suppose most of their discussions were centered on the activities surrounding the silver Jubilee celebrations which will be held on October 1, 2008. My wife is a member of the STA Batch 1983.

Jacinto rules Busko Fore Fun

2007-03-26T10:34:00.000+08:00

This is a follow-up entry to my previous blog regarding the Busko FORE Fun golf tournament which was organized in honor of the late Gerry Martinez. The piece below was sent by Judd de la Vega through http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DBTC/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DonBoscoPhilippines/.

Jacinto rules Busko Fore Fun

Ben Jacinto(Batch ’66) beats Mario Pagunsan(Guest) in a tightly fought contest as he rules the Class A category of the 1st Gerry Martinez Cup, the inaugural Busko Fore Fun Golf Tournament held recently at the Ayala Greenfields Golf and Leisure Club in Laguna.

Both Jacinto and Pagunsan were tied with a net score of four-under-par 68. But the former’s strong charge in the back nine spelled the difference as he prevailed via the countback rule to take the championship plum. 2nd runner-up goes to Ayi Beech(G) with net score of two-under par 70 points.

In Class B action, all the winners were tied with a net score of two-over-par 74, with Jun Golingay(G) emerging as champion via birdie on the 6th hole. Ariel San Pedro(G) takes 1st runner-up via par on the 9th hole edging Danny Batino(G) who claimed 2nd runner-up honors.

For Class C, Jun Matriano(B’85) emerged as champion with a net score of six-over-par 78 points. Richard Bonifacio(G) and Dondo de la Vega(B’82) were tied with a net score of eight-over-par 80 points. But the former won 1st runner-up via par on the 11th hole leaving the latter to settle for 2nd runner-up honors. The Ladies Category winner was Arlene Martinez (G).

Special awards were also given. The “Nearest to the Pin Award” went to Edmond Datuin (B’79) while Mario Pagunsan won the “Longest Drive Award”. Champion Ben Jacinto ran away with the “Most Number of Birdies Award” and “Most Number of Pars Award.”

“It was a challenging course,” said the triumphant Jacinto. “I should have invited more friends,” he added.

A total of 71 players composed of Bosconians and friends joined the tournament organized by DBTC HS ’85 Association, Inc. Ayala Greenfields is an 18-hole Par 72 golf course nestled atop the slopes of Calamba, Laguna, overlooking majestic Mt. Makiling, serene Laguna de Bay and breathtaking Tagaytay Ridge.

Ceremonial tee-off was gracefully hit by Ms. Arlene Martinez, widow of the late Gerry Martinez. Batch President Fletch Aquino and Tournament Director Gilfred Gonzales awarded the trophies. Auditor Edwin Tamayo presided during the raffle with the following major prize winners: first prize(Philips DVD Player) - Atty. Ruben Tobias(G); second prize(Washing Machine)- Vicente Gregorio (B'82); and third prize(Multi-Function Mineral Water)-Alex Ng(G).

“We were overwhelmed by the turnout of participants in our maiden tournament. A few of them are clamoring for a team event. We’ll consider this in the future, ” Gonzales said with glee.

The organizers would like to thank their generous sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible. Sponsors of the event were American Power Corporation(APC), Ark-One Solutions - Agilent Technologies, Direct Link (A Sweden Post Company), Frames by Elizabeth, Macro Wiring Technologies Co. Inc., Superstar Packaging Corporation, Systimax Solutions and Maritime Services and Management, Inc. Trophies were courtesy of Seagull Glassworks, Inc.

Note:
You can view and upload the photos by visiting the website http://www.busko85.org/Golf.htm or click the link http://saxmanobet.multiply.com/photos/album/11

A Get Together @ Pier One, The Fort (16th March 2007, 7:00 PM )

2007-03-19T17:50:00.000+08:00

A get together of my former college classmates (Class of 1990) from Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong, last 16 March 2007, @ Pier One, The Fort.

L-R: Patrick Jacinto, Gilfred Gonzales, Teodoro Matriano and Edwin Tamayo

L-R (seated): Teodoro Matriano, Jun de Castro, Angelo Gibe, Fletcher Aquino, Ramon Mendoza, Ricardo Silva and Rommel Pasia
L-R (standing): Roman Rivas, Henry Lagarejos and Gilfred Gonzales

L-R: Teodoro Matriano, Edwin Tamayo, Jun de Castro, Roman Rivas, Angelo Gibe, Henry Lagarejos (standing), Gilfred Gonzales, Ramon Mendoza, Ricardo Silva and Rommel Pasia

Don't Leave it on the Desk

2007-03-18T21:44:00.000+08:00

I got the story below from one of the numerous emails I receive from my former schoolmates in high school and in college. I am not sure if the story is true or not but I felt that it is timely since it's the Lenten Season. I was about to ignore the email that contained this story but was intrigue by the first few paragraphs. So here it is. It is quite a long read but I guess for me being a catholic, it's a modern reminder of the reason why Jesus died on the cross.

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministr! y. Stev e was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class..

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

"How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night"

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know... I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it?

I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good. I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room.

When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson' s class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked,

"Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups ! so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push ups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't w! ant one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push ups.

Scott said, "Hey, I said I didn't want one" Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it."

And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out round his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were a! ll thes e uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all
of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the
professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next.

Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want."

And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO, don't come in Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push ups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten push ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christian! son fin ished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity.. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push ups for Linda.

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book.

Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?" As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well ! done, g ood and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever.

Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, THE PRICE has been paid."

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

Stay With Me

2007-03-05T09:40:00.000+08:00

I got the email below from a former college classmate of mine. I've also uploaded the attached image. This is about a Lenten Acoustic Gospel Concert by the Jubilee Music Ministry. This will be held at the San Carlos Seminary Auditorium on this year's Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday (April 2-3, 2007).

Hi Batchmates/Friends,

Please see attached document/pix. Fr. Mimo Perez is a
very close friend of my family and myself. I hope you
find a meaningful experience during this season by
attending this event.
Bring the whole family together!!!!!:)

Thank you.
Robin Rivas

Prayer For Generosity

2007-03-02T14:20:00.000+08:00

The Lenten Season has started. So I decided to post something that has religious significance. Here in Singapore, I attend the 12:30PM mass at the Church of St Teresa. The reason I go to mass every Sunday at this time, is because the choir is mainly composed of Filipino professionals working in the various industries here and the songs they sing are songs that I can relate to. Most of the songs they sing I know by heart as I have learned these during my elementary and high school days in DBTI-Victorias. Another thing is that, the choir's guitarist is a former student of mine in DBTI-Victorias. His name is Ramil Brion and is currently working as a system administrator in one of the numerous trading firms here. One more reason is that the celebrant is Rev. Fr. Romeo Yu Chang, CICM. Fr. Romeo reminds me a lot of the Salesian priests from my alma mater. Anyway, late last year I heard them (the choir) sang a song entitled Prayer For Generosity. This song is based on a prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyala and is by Bukas Palad.

Prayer for Generosity
by Bukas Palad

Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous
Teach me to serve You as I should
To give and not to count the cost
To fight and not to heed the wounds
To toil and not to seek for rest
To labor and ask not for reward
Save that of knowing that I do Your most holy will.

This song for me describes how we should serve God and our fellowmen. We need only to know that we are doing God's most holy will and that for me is a big enough reward.

Thiemo den Doop, "Youngest www.foxite.com Member"

2007-03-01T13:27:00.000+08:00

Thiemo den Doop became the youngest member of the www.foxite.com community.

Please feel free to visit Thiemo's website. Thiemo is a great addition to proud parents Eric and Linda.

Eric den Doop is the owner and webmaster of www.foxite.com which has become my home in cyberspace. I know Eric for a long time now though I have not met him personally. It is my wish to meet him in the not too distant future. Eric is a generous and helpful person who has given solutions to several programming difficulties I encountered in the past. He and the other members of the Visual Foxpro Community have been a constant refuge for me in the past when I first started programming in Visual Foxpro as well as when I got my job here in Singapore in January 2001.

I just want to wish Thiemo den Doop all the best in life. May you live a long and prosperous life. Welcome to the world and to the Visual Foxpro Community.

Busko FORE Fun!

2007-02-27T15:47:00.000+08:00

I got this email from my batchmates at DBTC-Mandaluyong (BSECE 1990). I am very glad that they are having this event. This in honor of the late Gerry Martinez. Even though I am not a member of the DBTC-Madaluyong HS Batch 1985 (I am from DBTI-Victorias HS Batch 1984), Gerry was a very good friend of mine when I was in DBTC. I can still remember the numerous talks (over several bottles of beer, San Miguel Beer of course) about the future and what it would be like to have a family and the jobs we would be having after we graduate. One thing I won't forget was what Gerry said. He said that, "It's moments like this (he was referring to our bonding sessions) that we will remember when we are older." Well so far he was right. Anyway to all Bosconians out there I hope you will support this endeavor.

Busko FORE Fun!

Good day! The DBTC HS '85 Association, Inc would like to invite you to our first golf tournament entitled "Busko FORE Fun : The Gerry Martinez Cup". This is a fund-raising project in honor of one of our batch mates, the late Gerry Martinez---a golf aficionado.

This tournament is open to all Bosconians and friends, with men's and ladies' categories. This will be held on March 22, 2007 at the prestigious Ayala Greenfields Leisure and Golf Club in Calamba City, Laguna. Tee–off time is 6:45 am.

Tickets are priced at Php 2,000 inclusive of a meal and caddie fee. Exciting raffle prizes and fabulous freebies awaits all participants. The game itself will be a good venue for Bosconians and friends to take a break, interact, show their stuff and enjoy each other's company while playing a round of golf.

Tickets are available at the DBTC Alumni Office, 2nd flr Big Chapel c/o the secretary, Ms. Ching de la Cruz. For ticket inquiries, sponsorship details and on-line registration, please visit our website, http://www.busko85.org/Golf.htm or contact the following persons:

Tournament Director
Gilfred Gonzales
+63 917528-0073

Promotions Head
Obet Esagunde
+63 918912-2592

Batch President
Fletch Aquino
+63 917844-8484

Holy Family Home Of The Orphaned And Abandoned Children Is Born

2007-02-15T09:54:00.000+08:00

Below is an email I received last Valentine's Day 2007 from my cousin who together with his wife started a very noble and no doubt a challenging endeavor. This email was sent through our clan's e-group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gomez-regalado/). I wish them well and will support them in anyway I can.

HELLO FAMILY FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

AS OF 5:15 PM PHILIPPINE STANDARD TIME, FEBRUARY 13, 2007 HOLY FAMILY HOME OF THE ORPHANED AND ABANDONED CHILDREN (www.theorphanedandabandon.com) WAS OFFICIALLY REGISTERED WITH THE PHILIPPINE DEPT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT AND THEREFORE, DECLARED OPENED.

Today, February 14, 2007 we have our first resident -- a two-day old baby girl we named BLAISE. She is healthy and feeling comfortable in her new home.

Please welcome her to our great family and into your hearts individually.

KRIS & MELEN AGUILAR

Dancing Queen

2007-02-10T22:11:00.000+08:00

Therese Erika danced in a presentation number during her school's Foundation Day last 9 February 2007. She "religiously" practiced for about two weeks to master the dance steps. She and her classmates danced to the song I Just Can't Get Enough by The Depeche Mode. These pictures where taken by my brother-in-law, Arnel Aliboso. My wife, Tess and my father-in-law, Ed Aliboso were with Therese Erika to cheer her on.

For Valentine's Day

2007-02-08T10:46:00.000+08:00

A week from now will be Valentine's day, so I just wanted to share something I find very interesting and meaningful. This is what I consider a love song from the Bible, specifically from the Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 1:1-17, GNB). From what I can remember in religion classes in elementary and secondary school and theology subjects in college, the love between the bridegroom and his bride (as written in the Bible) symbolizes the love Christ and the church. There are so many love songs recorded by artists over the years as love is always a topic that all people can relate to. But this love song is unique as it comes from the Bible and for me hold a deeper and spiritual meaning.

Song of Solomon 1:1-17

The most beautiful of songs, by Solomon.
Your lips cover me with kisses; your love is better than wine.
There is a fragrance about you; the sound of your name recalls it. No woman could keep from loving you.
Take me with you, and we'll run away; be my king and take me to your room. We will be happy together, drink deep, and lose ourselves in love. No wonder all women love you!
Women of Jerusalem, I am dark but beautiful, dark as the desert tents of Kedar, but beautiful as the draperies in Solomon's palace.
Don't look down on me because of my color, because the sun has tanned me. My brothers were angry with me and made me work in the vineyard. I had no time to care for myself.
Tell me, my love, Where will you lead your flock to graze? Where will they rest from the noonday sun? Why should I need to look for you among the flocks of the other shepherds?
Don't you know the place, loveliest of women? Go and follow the flock; find pasture for your goats near the tents of the shepherds.
You, my love, excite men as a mare excites the stallions of Pharaoh's chariots.
Your hair is beautiful upon your cheeks and falls along your neck like jewels.
But we will make for you a chain of gold with ornaments of silver.
My king was lying on his couch, and my perfume filled the air with fragrance.
My lover has the scent of myrrh as he lies upon my breasts.
My lover is like the wild flowers that bloom in the vineyards at Engedi.
How beautiful you are, my love; how your eyes shine with love!
How handsome you are, my dearest; how you delight me! The green grass will be our bed;
17 the cedars will be the beams of our house, and the cypress trees the ceiling.

Just Another Day in the Life of Therese Erika

2007-02-05T22:38:00.000+08:00

Lazing around the family room watching her favorite cartoon show on TV and whiling the hours away waiting for her Mom to arrive. Well this is just another day in the life of Therese Erika.

A Special Day by Mawi Regalado

2007-01-26T10:35:00.000+08:00

My relatives and I are gearing up to eventually celebrate the 100th birthday of my grandaunt on the 24th of June 2007. Her numerous grandchildren as well as grand nephews and nieces fondly call her Lola Lolet but to most of her nephews and nieces she is simply Nay Lolet. But to me she is this strong, ever smiling and unassuming grandaunt who insists in doing everything by herself. I remember her playing Panggingge (a card game which uses the Spanish Deck of Cards) and Mahjong.

In honor of this great occasion, my cousin Mawi composed a beautiful song (lyric and chords below) A Special Day. An mp3 file of this can be found in the Gomez-Regalado e-group File section.

A Special Day


Intro: G D F C 2x


I
G            D                 C                 D
Today's a special day; we're here to celebrate

G                        D            C              D
With hearts that's full of joy, to you we dedicate

G                F                     C                     D
It seems like yesterday those memories in your mind

G                 F                 C                   D
Rewind those tribulations in love you are entwined

II
G               D              C           D
A new dawn had begun, inspiring everyone

G               D                C                 D
Life's secrets in you head, good lessons we must learn

G                  F                     C                        D
And when one day the light you shine comes from above

G              F                     C                            D  
With all the ones we loved, a place we're dreaming of

Bridge
D#            F              G         D#             F           Dsus D
For all the life you've shared   A hundred years you cared

Refrain
G                F                     C                     D
It seems like yesterday those memories in your mind

G                 F                 C                   D
Rewind those tribulations in love you are entwined

G                  F                      C                      D
And when one day the light you shine comes from above

G              F                    C            D                     G  Em7 (C Dsus)
With all the ones we loved, in a place - we're dreaming of

Repeat I (softer), Bridge then Refrain

Dsus          D7         G   Em7 C            
This is your special day… 3x

2007 DBTC-Mandaluyong Grand Alumni Homecoming

2007-01-12T10:09:00.000+08:00

I got this email from the Don Bosco Philippines Yahoo E-group. Hey you guys from DB-Manda come and join the fun. I hope there will be a webcast so that I can watch the event online.

Enjoy....

Message from our Silver Jubilarians....High School Batch 82!!!!

Hi Fellow Bosconians,

Tuloy na tuloy na! January 27 is the date for the Alumini Homecoming. As the Host Batch, we would like to invite all DB MANDA Alumni to attend this event. We promise to give you the following:

A good show… THE KIND THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. We prepared a number of surprises for the night. We will take you to a trip down memory lane with some of the best hits of the 80’s delivered by the most attractive entertainers. And if you’re in the right mood, you can dance along with the band and some of the entertainers for the night. For the other batches that are also celebrating their anniversary, if you are preparing for any presentation on the homecoming, you need to inform us by next week.

For the benefit of all the alumni, we lowered the price of beer. So, couple that with the entertainment we prepared, you definitely want to be a part of this homecoming. A good variety of food and appetizers available for you. We will also request the vendors to maintain their prices at a fair level. Our only request to our Bosconian brothers is to patronize the food and beverage within the homecoming grounds… para naman the vendors will make some money rin. Bringing in of food and drinks is really discouraged. But if you really must, kindly coordinate with us.

For more details go to http://www.clickthecity.com/uwianna/

Hope to see you all on January 27 in OUR SCHOOL… OUR SECOND HOME.
UWIAN NA!

With My Family

2007-01-05T23:10:00.000+08:00

This picture was taken in our room in Bacolod City. With me is my wife Tess and our daughter Therese Erika. I was with them for about 18 days from December 17, 2006 until January 4, 2007. Those days were filled with so many activities. I was able to bring my child to her nursery class for the first time as well as attend her school's Christmas party together with my wife Tess. Then there were those masses in church we (I, Tess and Therese) attended during Sundays, holy days of obligation (Christmas Day and New Year's Day). January 1st is a holy day of obligation for us Roman Catholics because it is the feast of our Blessed Mother Mary.

Today marks the second day that I'm in Singapore, and I miss my wife and daughter very much that it hurts. Well this is the life I am leading right now. All the sacrifices are for my family's future. We have to endure the times we are apart so that we can provide a better future for Therese Erika. Whenever I'm too tired to get up in the morning for work, I just say to myself that this is for my family's future and it is enough to give me the strength to go on. I know that I am not alone in this situation. I share this with all the OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers) all over the world.

I look forward to the day that I, my wife Tess and our daughter Therese Erika will no longer be apart.

Therese Erika about to attend her school's Christmas Party

2006-12-22T22:13:00.000+08:00

Taken as Therese was about to attend her school's Christmas Party. Both pictures were taken using my Panasonic VS6 phone.

Back to the Philippines

2006-12-22T22:06:00.000+08:00

Taken last 16 December 2006 inside my brother-in-law's pick-up truck. Therese Erika fetched me at the Bacolod Airport. It was really great to be back home and with my family, especially my daughter Therese Erika.

DBTI Victorias Alumni Manila Christmas Party 2006

2006-11-28T10:41:00.000+08:00

Date: December 2, 2006 (Saturday)
Assembly Time: 10:00 a.m.
Assembly Venue: DBTI Makati Parish (Please see attached vicinity map)

Concelebrated Mass: 10:30 a.m.
Venue of Concelebrated Mass: Side Chapel DBTI Makati Parish Makati

Luncheon and fellowship will be at the Deli Dining beside the DBTI Makati Swimming pool.

For details please contact:
Francis Legaspi 09215794322
Jefty Garque 09177491644
Leo Villarico 09177945285

www.foxite.com now in version 5.0

2006-11-21T21:27:00.000+08:00

My favorite hang-out in the net is now in its 5th version. Below is Eric den Doop's message detailing the new version's features. Eric den Doop is the author of www.foxite.com and he also owns the server computer that hosts this fine site.

I would like to thank Eric for his unwavering support to the Visual FoxPro community. It is with great honor and pride for me to be part of this wonderful site. This site in its infancy has helped me a number of times in the past. I can truly say that I owe a great deal to www.foxite.com To Eric den Doop and the numerous experts and members of this great community of Visual FoxPro develoers.

Eric's message follows:

I'm proud to announce Foxite 5.0. New features include:
- Cross browser support: the site should now behave almost the same in any popular browser (IE6, IE7, Firefox/Mozilla, Opera, Linux Konqueror).

- Resizable thread window.

- Thread date range filter is increased to 60 days (was 30).

- The Author search textbox in thread filter window has been replaced with a Keyword search textbox (you can still enter a Name).

- You can submit FAQs, Tips and Tricks etc to the new FAQ section at http://www.foxite.com/faq/. The new FAQ section has an RSS feed: http://www.foxite.com/faq/rss.aspx

- You can specify your local culture settings in your account options. Date fields will automatically use your culture's date formatting rules and language.

- There's a new Black theme.

- You can now submit feedback to Downloads, Articles and FAQ's.

- Sticky Threads to keep important threads visible and accessible at all times.- Borislav Borissov has optimized a number of VFP queries and should now execute up to 3 times faster than the old version.

- Auto Login: the site will now automatically create a user session if it can authenticate logon information stored in a cookie.

- There's a new "Open Thread In Forum" button on the archive pages (available only if you're logged on).

- Expanded/collapsed state of tree nodes is now preserved (server-side) (IE6+, Netscape, Mozilla/FireFox only, still working on support for Opera).

- Ratings page now also displays the number of postings.- You can now see who's rated a message by clicking the "# Ratings" link on the message reading page.

- Added new account option called "Category Sort Order". With this option, you can change the way the Category dropdownlists are ordered.

- Since foxite requires JavaScript to be enabled in your browser, the site will now display a warning message if you login while javascript is disabled.

- When refreshed, the Thread Window now sets focus to the last selected node. Unfortunately, I cannot instruct the browser where to display that node after the refresh. IE and FireFox display the node near the bottom of the treeview, while Opera displays it in the middle.

- I've removed the line decoration from the links in the treeview

- I now display your Drafts in the treeview. Your drafts are not visible to other members. I'm doing this because too often, people think they have posted a message, but forgot to click the "Post This Message" button on the Preview window.

I'd like to test the beta testers for giving me feedback. I'd also like to thank Infragistics for providing me with a complimentary license of their NetAdvantage controls library that I'm using on the new site.

The new site has been rewritten from the ground up. No doubt I left a number of bugs for you to find :). Please report problems to the "Foxite: Feedback" category or contact me by e-mail: eric@foxite.com.

Enjoy!

--Eric den Doop

www.foxite.com - The Home Of The Visual FoxPro Experts

Fr. Danny and Bro. Elmer in Singapore

2006-11-17T16:08:00.000+08:00

Last night my friend and classmate Elrie and I met with two of our former mentors at Don Bosco Technical Institute - Victorias here in Singapore. We met up with Bro. Elmer and Fr. Danny. It was a reunion of sorts as we have not seen each other for a very long time. Elrie and I have not seen fr. Danny since 1984 and Bro. Elmer for more than 12 years. Well after a short chat at the Allson Hotel (where Fr. Danny and Bro. Elmer were staying) lobby Elrie decided that we will have dinner at the Filipino restaurant at Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road. Before the meal Fr. Danny said grace and ending the prayer before meals with "Mary Help of Christians, Pray for Us." It sort of transported me back in time. It made me realized how I missed so much to be in the company of the Salesians. But also felt lucky that our batch in DBTI and SMMS (both by the way are run by Salesians) are still still in touch even if it's through the internet. We had a great time eating Filipino food and just catching up. But what amazed me were Fr. Danny's and Bro. Elmer's memories. Both of them bombarded Elrie and I with questions regarding our other classmates and their whereabouts. I mean they could still remember their full names and the foolishness they did in high school. Well after dinner, we decided to take the MRT from the Orchard Station to City Hall station since both them have not taken the MRT yet (it was their first visit to Singapore). After alighting at City Hall station, we went to CHIJMES just walking around and taking several pictures. After that we decided to part ways as it was getting late and Elrie and I still had work the next day. So we said our goodbyes and thank you's for a wonderful albeit short time together.

Theresa Louise Coombe plays June in CHICAGO The Musical

2006-11-14T11:04:00.000+08:00

Theresa Louise Coombe plays June in CHICAGO The Musical. Theresa is my cousin. Her mother is my Dad’s younger sister.

Theresa Coombe hails from Vancouver, Canada and is a former "Miss Vancouver" and a dancer for the NBA Grizzlies. You may have seen her in the movie Chicago

CHICAGO The Musical 2007 Venues
Dallas, TX June 4-17
Portland,OR May 28-June 3
Maui, Hawaii May 21-27
HONOLULU, HAWAII May 7-20
Clearwater, FL: Ruth Eckerd Hall : April 20-22
St. Louis, MO : Fox Theatre : April 13-15
Davenport, IA : Adler Theater :: April 10-11
MONTREAL, CANADA Mar.26-April 1
Grand Forks, ND : Chester Fritz Auditorium : March 20-21
Kalamazoo, MI : Miller Auditorium : March 16-18
Youngstown, OH : DeYor PAC : March 12-14
Toledo, OH : Stranahan Theater : March 8-11
TOKYO JAPAN : February 5 - March 4
Washington, DC January 22 - February 4
St. Paul, MN : Ordway Center : January 16-21
Hartford, CT : Bushnell : January 9-14
Baltimore, MD : Hippodrome :: January 2-7

CHICAGO The Musical 2006 Venues
Philadelphia, PA : Merriam Theater : December 20-31
San Antonio, TX : Majestic Theatre : December 12-17
Rochester, NY December 4-10
TORONTO, CANADA November 20 - December 3
LAYOFF November 13-19
Temecula, CA : Pechanga Theater : November 9-12
San Bernardino, CA November 6-8
San Francisco, CA : Golden Gate Theater : October 24 - November 5
Tempe, AZ : ASU Gammage Auditorium : October 17-22
Thousand Oaks, CA : Fred Kavli Theatre : October 10-15
Long Beach, CA : Long Beach Performing Arts Center :: October 6-8
Fresno, CA : Saroyan Theatre : October 3-5
Eugene, OR : Hult Center : September 30-October 1

For tickets in the current US Tour visit ticketmaster

I sure hope that Chicago The Musical will have an asian tour and have a stop in the Singapore and have a show in The Esplanade.

Visit her website http://www.teresalouise.com/ to know more about her and her works.

DBTI Victorias Alumni MANILA CLUSTER Christmas Party 2006

2006-11-13T12:02:00.000+08:00

DBTI Victorias Alumni MANILA CLUSTER Christmas Party December 2, 2006 (Saturday) Assembly Time: 10:00 a.m. Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati, A. Arnaiz Ave., Makati City

Come bring your family to a Christmas party celebration of DBTI Victorias Alumni with the Salesians. We will start with a concelebrated mass at the side chapel Don Bosco Parish Makati at 10:30AM. Luncheon and fellowship will be at the Deli Dining beside the Swimming pool. Your P500.00 contribution includes lunch, raffle and gifts for Ampon ni Don Bosco. Food and drinks donations are welcome. Student alumni are free. We encourage everyone to bring gifts such as office freebies gifts for sharing with Ampon ni Don Bosco. These can be in form of cash or in kind.

For details please contact:
Francis Legaspi +63 9215794322
Jefty Garque +63 9177491644
Leo Villarico +639177945285

Elrie's Birthday 2006

2006-11-08T14:56:00.000+08:00

Elrie's birthday celebration is fast becoming a tradition here with us in Singapore. Elrie celebrated his birthday last 03 November 2006 in the function room at Parc Oasis Condo. It is the same venue as last year and the year before that. As usual the food was great and more that enough for everyone who attended and the drinks were over flowing. Somebody brought Elrie a birthday cake and much to Elrie's delight the candles that came with the cake were not enough to represent his actual age (LOL). I saw familiar faces as well as new ones. Singing English and Tagalog songs was a favorite to most of the guests. It become a sort of an impromptu entertainment. Well it was a great time to be with friends, catching up with old ones, rekindling recent friendships and establishing new ones.