Nice Gifts for a Nice Mom from a Very Nice Friend

I am featuring here the things that makes the mom that rocks prouder!

Indeed, when it rains, it pours!

Thanks Bing! I love the Victoria's Secret bag, I love more the lotion (my favorite among Victoria's Secret's scented lotions line) and I love most, the new Canon Powershot A560!

Thank you!

Dreaming of A New Home

There is no place like home sweet home. A place you can call your own and in there it's you who calls the shot.

There is a website specially designed for sentimental fools like me. A site to guide you as you plan for a new home. They are at hand to address concerns about building and owning properties. They are experts in the management of single family homes, apartments and even homeowners associations.

We just have to remember that in building a home, the value of our money must be considered. If we are on a limited budget, the services of experts are needed. That is to save on cost and give real value to our hard earned money.

As we hunt for a new home sweet home, we might just as well look for the right entity to assist us. Everything will be coming on easy if they will be there to guide us.

Side A Band To Enliven YAMAN Gensan 2009

YAMAN Gensan 2009 poster grabbed from www.gensantos.com

Ooops, the Fishman did it again by coming up with this fabulous contest for all netizens in the blogsphere. This is in line with the grand celebration of YAMAN GENSAN 2009 otherwise known as YAbong MAliliit na Negosyo. This is a major activity spearheaded by the SMED Council, Department of Trade and Industry and the Local Government Unit of General Santos. YAMAN GENSAN 2009 showcases the importance of the SMEs as major contibutory factors to the growth of our city's economy.

A splendid program commencing YAMAN GENSAN 2009 was held the other day at the Gaisano Mall Atrium. It signaled the start of YAMAN Gensan 2009 month long activity of trainings, conferences, fora, exhibits, fairs and of course, concerts and live performances.

Another event to watch out for during the YAMAN Gensan 2009 is the staging of the 5th Annual YAMAN Awards. This is an evening of glitter, fashion and spectacular presentation as we honor our mighty entrepreneurs. The author herself is damn excited of this YAMAN Awards night because I am one of those who nominated several entities whom I think are epitomes of entrepreneurs worth emulating by our young generation.

YAMAN Gensan 2009 Side A Band Concert Poster

One YAMAN GENSAN 2009 activity that sent my adrenaline rushing is the upcoming concert of the famous Side A Band entitled "Side A All Hits Live in Gensan". This is brought to us once again by the same team responsible for us seeing in flesh the legendary David Pomeranz - the Dreamwork Ventures. Dreamwork Ventures is the brainchild of the great Michael Wee of the famous Grab A Crab Restaurant and Coffee Club 101.

The band who will be serenading the Generals during the YAMAN Gensan 2009

I have often adored the Side A Band. I love their songs. I love the singers. I literally blossomed into a woman of substance (charing lang po!) as they emerged as a band icon. Proud as I can be, there's no other band yet in this generation that could surpass the long list of hit songs of the Side A Band.

Truly, Side A Band will bring the generals swaying and swinging during an evening of the YAMAN GENSAN 2009!

Again, many thanks to the Fishman for this YAMAN GENSAN 2009 treat!

Nota Bene:

In line with the celebration of YAMAN Gensan 2009, a local and overseas Job Fair co-sponsored by the 1st Congressional District, DOLE and GSC Local Government Unit shall be held on June 6 & 7, 2009 at the KCC Mall of Gensan Convention & Events Center. For further details regarding this YAMAN Gensan 2009 Job Fair, you may contact our GSC Public Employment Service Office (PESO) through tel. no. (083) 553-3479.

Along with this also is the conduct of YAMAN Gensan 2009 Pre-Employment Orientation - Seminar (PEOS) this afternoon at the Casa Luisa Restaurant. Key personnel from DOLE and PESO will be there to facilitate the activity. This is our way of telling the whole world that the Department of Labor and Employment is in full support of the YAMAN Gensan 2009.

TAYO NA MAMAMAYAN SA YAMAN GENSAN 2009!

My Husband Loves to Play Billiards

Me and my husband are both workaholics. We work because it is needed and we love to do it.

We have different ways of relaxing. I feel relaxed while having spa, cooking good food, and of course, while blogging. My husband Arnel is my exact opposite. He abhors going to the sauna, he doesn't cook but he loves reading my blogs. He is fond of tinkling machines and other equipments. R and R for him means he's got the time for his favorite game, the billiards. He even has his own mini billiard table in my in-laws home. He really loves this game because he idolizes the famous Efren "Bata" Reyes.

The only bad thing is that nobody among us in the family had the same passion for billiards as him. Good thing that there is this site that offers billiard playing online. Now, he can play his favorite game right inside our home. Who knows, I might just learn to love this sport also in due time.

My Good Bad Times

"Good times, become good memories. Bad times, become good lessons."

The author had a very exhausting week. It started with a terrible news that my daughter in Manila is sick and will be rushed to the nearest hospital. I wanted very much to book a flight at once just to be near her but I am compromised with so many things to attend to here.

Good thing that there are so many people who helped lessen the fear and pain in me during this very troubling week. I am taking this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you who stood by me and my family:

Sir Tim Gabuna, Director of ADMU Residence Halls for being there for Raffee;

Sir Mon and all the staff of ADMU Residence Halls who took good care of my daughter;

My daughter's Tita Leonie and Tito Alex, for their unwavering support and love;

My brother Alex who took his time out to watch over Raffee for a night;

Moms Linda, Chona, Jen and Sheng who prayed along with me for her speedy recovery;

The physicians, nurses and hospital staff of Quirino Medical Center(along Katipunan Ave.) who attended to and watched over her;

To all of you, guys, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

To God be the glory!

She's healed and is now recuperating in the comfort of her room in the

Eliazo-Cervini Halls.

Dream Vacation Destination

I have been to various vacation destinations in the Philippines. Those opportunities and travels made me very thankful to the Almighty by giving us beautiful and bountiful places to discover.

I also have plans of visiting other countries and see for myself what they have to offer. One of these places, I dream of setting foot into is Portugal. It is because I have always been fascinated by Portuguese people like the very brave Magellan who discovered our native land. I know by visiting his place, I'll get to learn more about their rich culture and traditions and discover more about the great explorer.

I am already starting to research vital information about Portugal. I am excited to to find out that we'll never find it hard to go into different locations once we are there because there is a long list of cars for rent available to take us where we want to. It is good that we now have the internet wherein we can surf for anything and everything we wish to know about certain destinations.

Kalayaan '09 Mega Job & Livelihood Fair Update

Updates on the just concluded Kalayaan '09 Mega Job and Livelihood Fair last June 13 - 14, 2009 at KCC Mall Convention Center:

Total No. of Registered Applicants - 1795

Total No. of Job Applicants Interviewed - 2468( including applicants registered during the previous jobs fair)

Total No. of Qualified Job Applicants - 1933

Total No. of Applicants Hired on the Spot (HOTS) - 194

Thanks to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for the pictures.

Looking For A Perfect Scent For Partners

I am looking for a perfect gift for my husband since it is Father's Day tomorrow. I am planning of buying him a nice shirt and a perfume to go with it.

Looking for a shirt comes handy because we have several stores here that offer trendy ones. Scouting for a nice scent is harder because we have so many factors to consider before we finally settle for one. Good thing that a site intended for reviewing scents is at hand to ease out my predicament. Browsing over the reviews made by several perfume users prove to be very helpful in my search for one that would surely fit my husband's personality.

I am choosing the Versace the Dreamer scent for him. I am already wearing this scent for several weeks now and he loves it as much as I love using it. I stated in my previous post that this scent represents a mixture of feminity and masculinity. True enough we both loved it, it is such a blend where you can smell cigar, flowers and tonic all mixed up together. It's greek themed bottle is simply elegant and could easily fit in my husband's bag everytime he travels.

I have found the perfect gift for the Father's Day celebration and if you're still looking for one, try scents.

RD Fishing Industry, Inc. Job Hiring

RD Fishing Industry, Inc., a subsidiary of RD Group of Companies, urgently needs applicants for the following positions:

Licensed Master Mariners

Chief Engineers

Chief Mates

2nd Engineers

RDFII offers very competitive package including COC trainings. No age limit as long as physically fit.

Send resume and pertinent documents to:

The HR Manager

RD Fishing Group of Companies

1st Road Calumpang, General Santos City

The Awakening of My Passion for Photography

I never thought I am going to love photography. Not until I became a blogger and been able to hobnob with famous photographers like Leonard Pe, Avelman Manansala, Ric Dumalay, Lyle Santos and many others whose works are really to be envied for.

I am not really critical on pictures. As long as I know the person or object on it and it is colorful, it's more than enough for me.

When I started blogging and realized the importance of pictures in every post we make, I also began and learn to appreciate the importance of the subject in every picture we feature.

To top it all, my passion to learn more about photography was triggered when I underwent a training of Basic Skills on Photography yesterday in Koronadal City. It felt like heaven when one of my shots during the workshop was adjudged as part of the Top 10 photos.

Another contributory factor to my eagerness now to learn more about photography is an overseas call from a good friend that says "A Canon Digital Camera for you is on board an airline from the US of A and is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines tomorrow!"

I have nothing to say now, but THANK YOU! Thank you, Lord for your goodness. Thank you, bloggers for your continued guidance and inspiration. Thank you, Bing and family for this one of a kind gift. Thank you, my hubby and my family for the support.

Comfort in Cars with Cool A/Cs

I was doing my research about auto air conditioning because we are planning of getting a new car this year or early next year. As I browse over the net, I came across diesel fuel pump and at one glance I know this could be of help to me and to other car users.

Nothing beats the comfort of traveling in a cool vehicle. You feel good upon reaching your destination since you traveled sans feeling the heat and ruffled weather. If you feel good, everything good follows. Good mood, good health and good outlook towards everything. Who wouldn't want this?

Good thing that there is Diesel Parts Pros at hand to help us in our auto air conditioning problems. They are just a click away to get us out of the dilemma of having to travel in oven hot vehicles. So to spare us and our families of this nightmare, always check our auto A/Cs and should there'll be problems, let your fingers and your PCs do the clicking.

Happy traveling, everyone

1st LGBT South Central Mindanao General Assembly

I am giving way to this announcement of my good friend Cris Lopera for all gay and lesbian community:

The only way to shape history is to make it!

Join the 1st LGBT South Central Mindanao General Assembly & Strategic Planning!

Leaders of gay, bisexual, transgender & lesbian organizations and other interested parties are welcome. . .

July 10 - 11, 2009

Grab A Crab Restaurant

Laurel Avenue, General Santos City

Please call or text 09158504876 for reservation and info.

The Mighty Secretary Roque of DOLE

One Thursday night turned out to be a lucky evening for the author. I had my dinner spent unexpectedly with the current highest official of the Department of Labor and Employment, the Hon. Marianito D. Roque. A classic Italian dinner that for me seemed in perpetuity and most likely, will be remembered for a long time.

The Hon. Marianito D. Roque, Nitoy to his peers, friends and family, started his stint as Secretary of DOLE in 2008. He was the former Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). He was once a teacher. He was one of those government officials who categorically rose from the ranks. He started his career in the government as a Statistician and Planning Officer. Through hard work and sheer determination, he eventually became the person who calls the shot at OWWA and ultimately at DOLE.

OWWA people, whom he had been with longer than DOLE people, regarded him as an action man, a very dear friend and mentor to each and everyone who had the opportunity to work with him and whose lives he has touched.

The dinner happened to be my second encounter with the man who was responsible for the negotiations with the Kuwaiti government for the mass evacuation and repatriation of 28,000 Filipinos during the Gulf war. I first bumped into him three weeks ago during President GMA’s cabinet meeting in Gensan. Having read and heard so much about him from the media, I was sort of starstrucked seeing in person the very dignified looking DOLE Secretary. Having met him personally was already enough for me then and having the prospect of talking while having dinner with him seemed like next to impossible.

It all happened out of the blue. I don’t know what made me beat the odds. It just seemed that everything fell into its’ place and before I knew it, I am face to face and started making chitchat with our mighty Secretary Roque over plates of pizza, pasta and garlic bread.

The brilliancy in him came out as he talks and elucidates on things we were talking about. Truly, the radiance of a true man can be measured if we do not only see him on TV but in person as well. If I admired him by what I saw and heard, the more I admired and salute this government official after having a friendly and cherished talk with him personally.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary and till we meet and dine again!

Looking forward to another rare chance of meeting personally people I look up to in government service and hoping that when that time comes, the tab is on me!

The Prestigious 5th Annual Yaman Awards Night

The Yaman Awards, being part of the YAMAN Gensan (http://yamangensan.ph) celebration is presented annually. This is spearheaded by the very active GSC - LGU, SMED Council and the Department of Trade and Industry.

The YAMAN Awards, now on its' 5th year, is continually giving honor and recognition to the Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) who have shown exemplary performance and growth in the world of entrepreneurship. Previous awardees who have proven their mettle in their respective fields are NDDU, Villamor Furniture, Allied Pacific Packaging Solutions, Cargill Philippines, Sarangani Rural Bank, KM Foods, Frescomar Seahelm Corp., and Kuya Chito's Takuyaki.

This year's winners will be bared during the grandiose presentation of the 5th Annual Yaman Awards in the evening of July 18, 2009 at the very spacious KCC Convention and Events Center. This is a strictly formal affair wherein our mighty entrepreneurs, otherwise known as the primary engine of the growth of GSC's economy, are given full honors and recognition. A night to look forward to as it brings out the best of MSMEs in Gensan.

On a personal note, the guy who would be calling the shot in the staging of 5th Annual Yaman Awards on July 18, 2009 is my very good friend - the very artistic CEMCDO Asst. Dept. Head Egay Cadiente. Knowing Egay who would not let any stone left unturned in order to come up with a good presentation, the 5th Annual Yaman Awards would surely be a blast!

(Many thanks to Bariles of www.gensantos.com for the poster above)

List of Holidays

Again, for everybody's reference, here's a reprint of our holidays for this year as declared by the Office of the President:

Regular Holidays

Maundy Thursday - April 9

Good Friday - April 10

Araw ng Kagitingan - April 6 (Monday nearest April 9)

Labor Day - May 1 (Friday)

Independence Day- June 12 (Friday)

National Heroes Day - August 31 (Monday), Last Monday of August
Eidul Fitre (Feast of Ramadan) - November 3

Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Monday)

Christmas Day - December 25 (Friday)Rizal Day - December 30 (Wednesday)

Special (Non-working) Days

Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Friday)

All Saints Day - November 1 (Sunday)

Additional special (non-working) day - November 2 (Monday)

Additional special (non-working) day - December 24 (Thursday)

Last day of the year - December 31 (Thursday)

For more information, please click on the link below:

Proclamation No. 1699 (.pdf file) - DECLARING THE REGULAR HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAYS FOR THE YEAR 2009
or you may log on to:
http://www.op.gov.ph/

Mega Job & Livelihood Fairs in Gensan

Mega Job & Livelihood Fairs Schedule:

June 12 - Protech Center, Koronadal City

June 13 - 14 - KCC Convention Hall, Gen. Santos City

Partial list of participating local companies/government agencies:

Phil. Army Recruitment Center – Mindanao , KCC Mall of Gensan
Dadiangas Philippine Champion Industry Inc. , Dadiangas Glass and Construction Depot Inc.
Socsksargen AdvertisersMotortrade Nationwide Corp., RD Fishing Industry Inc. , Frabelle Fishing , Heavenlink – PLDT , JOJIJD Internet Cafe , X-Plosion Ventures, Bayan Telecommunication , Jollibee – Gensan Highway , Jollibee – Pioneer , Jollibee – KCC Mall , Jollibee – RD Plaza , Jollibee – GaisanoPizza Hut – KCC Mall, Global Training College, Vicente T. Lao Construction , Concentrix , Cyber City , Sutherland , Six Eleven, Etelecare , Ginebra San Miguel Inc. , Gentuna , Asiapro , San Miguel Purefoods , Alliance Tuna International Inc. , Philbest Canning Corp.

Participating overseas recruitment agencies:

LRC International Manpower, PISCES International Placement, GBMLT Manpower Services, Inc., Noor International Personnel Services Inc., Al-alamia International Manpower Services, Careplus International Services, Nonstop Overseas Employment Corp., Global Medical System Inc., Pacific Meditteranean International Manpower Agency, Inc., Anifel Management and General Services Corp., Placewell International Services Corp., EEI Corporation, DA Rodrigo International, Inc., JMac International Manpower Agency

For reference, please browse over my previous post about this topic:

http://jborela.blogspot.com/2009/05/111th-philippine-independence.html

2009 Productivity Olympics Grand Launching in Gensan

Gensan plays host as the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board XII (RTWPB) will be having its simultaneous grand launching of the 2009 Productivity Olympics and the Service Quality for Key Employment Generators (SQ-KEGs) on June 16, 2009 at the Grand Ballroom of the East Asia Royale Hotel.

The Productivity Olympics is a national competition of good productivity practices focused on people development and business excellence of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while the Service Quality Program is a management tool that enables firms to improve their service delivery through continuous skills development program and cost efficiency strategies. Target participants of the SQP are owners, supervisors and workers of hotels and restaurants and related industries.

This years' Productivity Olympics' theme is "Enhancing Quality and Productivity Towards Competitiveness".

Forming part of the activity during the launching is a media and press briefing will be held at 10:30 A.M. within the launching venue. Capping the activity is the formal launching of the Productivity Olympics and Service Quality at 1:00 P.M.

Inquiries regarding this event may be coursed thru Ms. Eva Karla H. Lacambra of RTWPB XII. She can be reached thru phone number (083) 520-0129 and e-mail via http://evakarla2003@yahoo.com