Saturday, October 31, 2009

Small Steps on Health

A pic of sick looking me grabbed from Mr. Orman Manansala's blog

Life in the fast lane finally took its toll on me and for this reason I am making this post in the comfort of Room 222 of the General Santos Doctors Hospital.

It's a good thing that the physical examination and series of tests done on me yielded negative results. My unhealthy condition was brought about by viral infection and stress as per findings of my physician. I agree when the doctor said that with my age it's important to slow down a bit on everything that I do. With this, I vowed to do and put everything now in moderation.

I am still in the fourth decade of my life and I intend to enjoy several decades more (even if I'll be wearing adult diapers then :-) ), of course with my hubby and kids, and you my everdearest friends! For this to materialize, I must bear in mind to hang in always and to never ever forget to take small steps. . . take small steps.

Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank everyone
who got worried and took good care of me
Dr. Lucy W. Yap, the SPC sisters, the beautiful GSDH nurses, their dynamic ER staff, the orderlies, the dietary and the janitorial staff, the med techs and
the very amiable ultrasound dept in charge and her staff.
BIG thanks also also to my blogger-friends and all my friends out there, you truly inspired and cheered me up. Thank you, guys!
To my sister Alpha, hubby Arnel and my kids - thank you, thank you for everything! Your love and support made me stronger and more eager to continue journeying through life.
To Father God, thank you for reminding me that sometimes in our journey we have to stop and re-assess if the road we are trodding is the right one. Also, sometimes we have to halt to gas up or address some fixing problems and be reminded once more of just taking small steps.
To God be the glory!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A New Look for My Blog

Hey, folks!

I just want to share this piece of good news with all of you. My beloved blog "Small Steps" will be having a total makeover soon! The author is damn excited of this new development in her blogging career.

Professional SEO is doing the makeover of my blog. This is courtesy of a heaven sent friend. I have long been wanting to have my blog redesigned for my friends to appreciate more. You are all important to me and it has been my desire to present you a blog with a better design.

Professional SEO specializes on optimizing anything that has got to do with the web. They are experts on web icons, flyer templates, educational templates, blog templates and a whole lot more web services.

My effort on continually exploring ways and means to improve my blog is just starting to heat up. May all of you continue on journeying with me as I look and find my way around this wonderful world of blogging.

Do watch out for a better and more fresh looking "Small Steps by Jinky" blog!

This is for all of you, folks!


Nov. 27 - 28 Holidays Amended (Updated!!!)

I am reprinting in full an article culled out from the DOLE Website.

Gov't declares November 27 and 28 as regional holidays only in ARMM
Friday, October 30, 2009

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today said that the MalacaƱang Palace has declared November 27 and 28, 2009 (Eid'l Adha) as regional holidays in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by virtue of Proclamation No. 1808-A.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque thus clarified that November 27 and 28, 2009 are not to be observed as holidays throughout the country.

Roque said that the new issuance effectively amended the earlier Proclamation No. 1808, issued earlier on April 21, 2009, which had declared November 28 and 29 this year as national holidays.

He advised the country's employers that as a result of Proclamation No. 1808-A, the pay rules for regular holidays will not apply during the said dates except in ARMM.

The Labor and Employment Chief said that consequently, there will only be three holidays nationwide this November by virtue of the earlier Presidential Proclamation No. 1699 issued on December 24, 2008.

He said these are the All Saints Day to be observed as special non-working day on November 1, the additional special non-working day on November 2 declared by the President for the purpose strengthening family relationship among the Filipinos on All Saints Day, and the regular holiday in celebration of Bonifacio Day on November 30, 2009.

Roque reiterated to employers in the country's private sector the pay rules that must be observed during the said nationwide holidays, as follows:

1) For the special non-working days on November 1 (All Saints Day) and 2, 2009:

a) If worked, an employee is entitled to 130% of his [or her] daily rate for the first 8 hours, and to an additional 30% of his or her hourly rate on the said day for work performed in excess of 8 hours;

b) If unworked, he or she is not entitled to any payment, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment for special days even if not worked;

c) If worked and falling on the employee's rest day, the employee is entitled for the first 8 hours to 150% of his or her regular daily rate, and for work performed in excess of 8 hours, plus 30% of his or her hourly rate on the said day.

2) For the regular holiday on November 30, 2009 (Bonifacio Day):

a) If the holiday falls on an employee's regular workday:

- If worked, [the employee] is entitled to 200% of his [or her] basic wage for the first eight (8) hours and, for work in excess of the 8 hours, to an additional 30% of his or her hourly rate on the said day;

- If unworked, the employee is entitled to 100% of his or her regular daily rate, provided he or she was present or was on leave with pay on the workday immediately preceding the holiday.

b) If the day is the employee's rest day:

- If worked, the employee is entitled, for the first 8 hours, to 200% of his or her daily rate plus 30% and, for work in excess of 8 hours, plus 30% of his or her hourly rate on the said day;

- If unworked, the employee is entitled to 100% of his or her regular daily rate, provided he or she was present or was on leave with pay on the workday immediately preceding the holiday.

c) Where the day immediately preceding the holiday is a non-work day in the establishment or the scheduled rest day of the employee, he or she shall not be deemed on leave of absence on that day, in which case he or she shall be entitled to the holiday pay.

Any clarifications regarding the pay rules may be made with the DOLE's Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) at tel. no. 527-3000 local 301.

source: Information and Publication Service

For Gensan residents, you may call DOLE SARGEN Field Office at tel. no. (083) 552-3952.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Donna's D Day

The birthday girl, Ms. Donna Mae Congson, together with two loves of her life!
(one is ganda ever and the one is pogi ever :-))
by the way, tnx to Sir Ormz for the pics here

and, of course
blogger-friends
who are all out to support Donna during her big day!

Happy, happy birthday sexy Donna!

Gold Coins as Golden Investments

I am no numismatics expert but I do know that gold, gold coins and gold bullion are wise investments.

It has been told that due to the intrinsic value of gold more and more investors are putting their investments on gold coins. These investors usually determine the value of these gold coins through it's rarity, age, condition and the number originally minted for the purpose. They have to make sure also that these gold coins are made entirely of gold.

Others reasons why I find it wise to invest on gold, gold coins and gold bullion is that because gold is liquid or easily trade-able, it is transportable, it can be divided into smaller units and it does not decay.

Also because of its' scarcity, gold's value is always stabilized unlike other commodities or precious metals.

Longing for Long Hair

(It's emo time for me, guys! :-()

I am blessed and I'm thankful to the Almighty for all the good thing He has bestowed on me. The only regret I had is that I was not blessed with healthy looking beautiful hair. I have long been wanting to have silky smooth long hair since I was young and yet it still remained a wild dream until this very moment. Maybe it's in the genes because most of us in the family have thin and unhealthy looking hair. Nevertheless, despite the less hair I have now, I am still optimistic that someday or one day I will wake up with my dream hair on.

Easing Lawsuits

Is it possible to feel at ease while facing a lawsuit?

I came across a site offering assistance to people facing lawsuits. This website is tagged as www.anylawsuits.com. I know this could be of great help especially when we talk of sensational cases wherein celebrities are involve. Aside from popular personalities, anybody who's got a case may find this site meritorious. This website is offering to plaintiffs assistance in form of cash advance. Of course, subject to existing regulatory requirements. For more about this topic, please feel free to visit this site about lawsuit loans.

Of course, nothing beats the ideal peaceful life of having no lawsuit whatsoever. But if a lawsuit is unavoidable due to events which were not of your liking, then maybe considering the offer of this site can be a good option.


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fastbreak for Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal for the day. A typical fare for me is usually composed of fried rice, beef tapa, pickled papaya and sunny side up egg. I discovered a place offering this breakfast menu at very affordable price. I am referring to Mang Gorio Restaurant located along National Highway infront of the old city terminal. I've been there with hubby one morning and true enough, the food was great aside from being reasonably priced.

A Tip for Cars A/C Needs


Having a hard time looking for A/C compressor and other A/C parts?

You need not sulk anymore because DiscountACParts.com is at hand to help you in your predicament. All orders from them comes with FREE SHIPPING offer. This site proved helpful to my friend who's got a problem with his car A/C lately. All he did was surf the net and presto, his order was delivered right at their doorstep.

Next time you have a problem with your Car Air Conditioning Compressor, try DiscountACParts.com!

Monday, October 26, 2009

2nd Batch of NARS Project Kicks Off

35 nurses belonging to the 2nd batch of the NARS Project posed with the
Hon. DOLE Regional Director Atty. Ma. Gloria A. Tango


The training officially started on October 15, 2009 and will end April 15, 2010.
Best of luck to this new batch of nurses! Carry on, guys!


first batch of NARS trainees with program implementors

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Boundless Bonding for the Borelas

Ates Rafee and Tina bonding with each other. . .

I am sharing with you my dear friends some pics taken during our bonding moments with the kids. My eldest daughter is here for a short vacation so we're taking time to spend quality time with them as much as possible. How I wish all my daughters will remain kids forever (wishful thinking on my part, I know!).


Cool Gwen with the father on the background. . .

the aso't pusa trying to be sweet to each other (Tricia and Sam). . .

sweet Jasmine showing her ever reliable partner, Auntie Vangie, how to eat french fries :-)


posing time with Mommy D! (Jasmine says " Someday I'll grow taller than her!")

Sunday, October 18, 2009

NARS Batch 1 Trainees: Awesome Nurses

A picture of mountains our nurses have to cross in order to administer medication to victims of the
typhoid outbreak in Datal Anggas (the farthest barrio of Alabel)


I am writing this post to pay tribute to the 1st batch of Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (NARS) trainees assigned in Sarangani Province. Their six-month training started last April 1, 2009 and ended September 30, 2009. The zest and endurance they have shown during the training made me think that these bunch of young nurses are simply amazing and awesome! I really, really admire your guts, young people!

Brave nurses navigating their way through steep mountail trails (if this is not utmost public service, I don't know what is this all about anymore!)

a smile on the face despite the imminent dangers in crossing deep rivers
just to reach their destination and help multitude of people afflicted with typhoid fever


holding on for dear life while traversing on shallow rivers passable by 4 x 4 vehicles

During the brief moment given to these tough nurses during the orientation of 2nd batch of NARS Trainees held last week at Tiboli Hotel, I couldn't help it but feel very proud and blessed to have known and been associated with these young people who have so much that lies ahead of them.

beautiful and handsome nurses during their culmination activity

I will surely treasure the memories I had with these people and I am thankful to have been a part of their NARS training months.

Go on, young people! Soar high with the great and not so great experiences you had
with this NARS project. Make the moments you spent with our less fortunate brothers and sisters your guide in order for you to become better and successful people in the future!

Good luck, everyone!


Thanks Xyrabelle for the pics!

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Honorable Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio

Darlene Magnolia Ricasa Antonino-Custodio
Representative of the first district of South Cotabato and Gen. Santos City

Born on December 26, 1973 at Stanford, California, USA. Educated the O.B. Montessori way during her primary and secondary school years. Finished college education at the Dela Salle University and had post graduate studies in Cordon Bleu, London, England.

Davao and Gensan bloggers with the diminutive but feisty Congresswoman!

Tnx to Sir Ormz and Chattee for the pics!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Treat For Shopaholics


I love bags, dresses, shoes and more great shoes! Who doesn't, anyway?

I really love these stuff specially if they're of good quality and being offered at very affordable prices.

This is the first time that I'm writing about this topic. I opted to write about this because aside from being passionate about good food and good company, I am also into good clothes and shoes. Although not the pricey ones because I just buy what's fitted within my budget.

It's a good thing that there is Shopwiki. A site created for all the shopaholics out there. One could find a wide array of affordable shopping items without having to leave the comfort of your homes. All you have to do is just let your fingers do the clicking in order to have a glimpse of what's being offered in their website. It's up to you to choose whichever or whatever items you deem you can afford and you think would look good on you. Cool stuff indeed for shopaholics!

Inkai's a KKK

That's Meh with ABS CBN's Anne Santos and her cameraman during the Air Supply blog contest awarding held at Coffee Club 101

This is absurd, but it surely does matter to me . . .
I am a certified Kapusong Kapamilya na may K ____________________n!

(Kaseksihan (?), Kagandahan (?), or whatever)

How about you folks, what do you think? :-)

This time, it's Meh with Davao bloggers and proud kapusos during the recent Tuna Festival

Monday, October 12, 2009

Activating ActivTrak


The world of work nowadays is highly globalized. For always, innovations are being introduced so as to keep abreast with the times.

Computerization is the name of the game. Majority of the companies now are relying on computers for their programs. There is another breakthrough now in computer usage. Employers now can keep an eye on how their computers are actually being used. This is through a monitoring software called ActivTrak. This is now available in the market. Websites visited including document titles and URL's can now be recorded through this software.

Optimizing usage of this software would mean savings and raising employees efficiency. So why don't we give it a try?

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Heroes Don't Die Young, They Grow Old



Inkai grabbed this photos from an Italian blogger's site. . . they're simply hilarious ;-
)

Their own version of the "Speed" movie!


Supersmokerman!

and

Spidextroseman!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Air Supply's Frankie Moreno

who you gonna call?

During the Air Supply's momentous concert in General Santos City, there was a guy who elicited long and loud oooohhs and aaahhs from the audience. I was one of them actually (LOL!). My curiosity about this guy brought me to different spheres on the net. OMG, the guy's got talent and very popular.

Frankie Moreno is a singer, songwriter and pianist rolled into one. He joined Air Supply last February and from then on he's been a part of every great Air Supply performance.

To learn more abut this gigolo, go and hop over
Frankie Moreno
,
FrankieMoreno.com,
MySpace,
FaceBook,
BermudaRecords,
WhiteElephantNoise
www.frankiemorenoband.blogspot.com


By the way, he added me as friend on his FB account, that's why am writing this post. :-)

(photo grabbed from Kyawster's collection)


Monday, October 5, 2009

Feasting at PiYESta KTV & Resto Bar


Glenn, Reyu, Arnel and I had a feast last night at PiYESta KTV and Resto bar located at Robinsons Mall, this city. We ordered tinolang native na manok, chopsuey, humba and tapang usa (dili duha) partnered with their unique and yummy violet rice. It was truly a gastronomic feast. We ended up burping and fully satisfied with the very affordable dinner we had.

PiYESta manager, the alluring Ms. Donna Mae Congson, posing inside the KTV room with Sheng, Alpha, Glenn, Meh, James and Arnel

My sister Alpha and cousin James O. during the bar's blessing with the colorful PiYESta wall as background.


The beautiful couple, Emman and Donna, as they smiled for the cam. You will see and meet these two young and dynamic entrepreneurs if you happen to visit and dine at PiYESta KTV and Resto Bar. They are at hand to give you full customer satisfaction.

So, if you're craving for truly pinoy food and honest to goodness resto service. . . visit PiYESta KTV and Resto Bar!

The place to feast on good food at less cost!

Tnx Sir Ormz, Kiyawster and Brian for the photos!


Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sharing Rapidshare

I aready have a previous post about this key to fast searches. This is a new taker in the internet industry that is starting to make its presence felt.

Through rapidshare, downloading of latest movies, soft music and other files now becomes faster and more accessible. This is because they are constantly updating their links for the consumers to be at ease when using this latest search engine.

Searching for any material now comes handy because of this new search engine. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that they will be putting customers' satisfaction above anything over their horizon. That is if they truly want to be the force to reckon with when it comes to finding files.

I Just Can't Get Enough of Air Supply

It all started with Bariles' blog contest wherein I had my love story made public (charing!).
To make the story short, I won together with other lucky bloggers out there. We were afforded a fourth row view of the Air Supply concert. BIG thanks to Mr. Michael Wee of Dreamworks Ventures and to other generous sponsors. Special thanks also to Hecky for this pic as well as to the gorgeous Ms. Mark Wales.

Aahhh Russell Hitchcock. . you almost made me cry. . .

Graham Russell, you're awesome!

Jinkys B and P (ang ganda niya!)

James Olaer and Glenn Fernandez who both enjoyed the concert immensely. . .you cheered for Frankie Moreno, James?

and, of course

happy bloggers clowning it up for the cam! Thank you, guys!
The night was fantastic not only because of Air Supply but as well as
because of you!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Typhoon and Cars

Typhoon Ondoy literally crushed and crumpled many cars. Pictures of cars being carried by strong current of waters and cars on top of other cars were splashed all over our newspapers and even on the net.

We also feel the agony felt by the owners of these cars destroyed by the ruthless typhoon.

At this point in time, as aftermath of the tragedy, people are starting to rebuild their lives. Part of the normalizing process is ,of course, rebuilding homes while conquering the trauma brought about by the unfortunate incident.

Others who got the capacity to find replacement of their damaged cars may now use the internet to scout for vehicles fitted within their budget. It is good that there is this site allowing consumers to search and inquire about new cars. This is one wonder of technology that could be of great help to people whose cars were affected by typhoons and other calamities.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Ondoy Out, Pepeng Coming In


Barely a week after Typhoon Ondoy lashed out mercilessly a big part of Luzon particularly Metro Manila, Filipinos are again faced with the imminent danger Typhoon Pepeng might bring.
This super typhoon is expected to hit the Philippines this afternoon . All we could do now is to prepare for the worst and pray hard for a miracle to happen.
Most of those affected by Typhoon Ondoy has not recovered yet from the traumatic events they have been through. Almost everybody lost everything they worked for. This is because all were not ready for Ondoy's coming. Lives and properties could have been saved if we, filipinos, are properly oriented on what to do during times like this. Judging from what had happened, Mother Nature is a good ally if we all care for it but it's the worst enemy if we neglect her.

As we brace for another storm coming in too strong for everybody to topple down, let us all bear in mind that God is with us but our actions depend on us and us alone. We may be wounded and scarred by Ondoy but let us not allow Pepeng to leave the same mark in us. Let us hope that better and survivor Filipinos who are ready to face and lead normal lives will emerge amidst all these tragedies.

May God be with us all!

The Mom Blogger is Back

I used to be active in the blogosphere but went in hiatus due to overwhelming responsibilities needing my full attention.  Because of my l...