An Ina-Tay Writes

Positive Discipline: What Every Parent Should Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 13:14:00 +0000

By now, most of you must have known that I left a relatively comfortable life in Davao and my four-year old Leia to work in Zamboanga City for Save the Children. I handle the communications of the emergency response team to the 23-day armed conflict. But that is for another post.

I was confident that I was raising Leia well, except for those times when I'm on my wits' end on how to instill discipline. As a solo parent, the responsibilities of raising her to be a complete individual all fell on my bony shoulders. I rarely spank her and I would always comfort and assure her after each episode of physical discipline. And I was proud of it - until I worked for Save the Children where children's rights are at the crux of everything we do.

Children can't wait. - Save the Children

One of our national advisers, Ms Wilma Banaga (for Child Protection) came to Zamboanga to handle a training and I mentioned to her how her posts on Save the Children's official Facebook page made me realize a lot of things about disciplining my little one. In one of her FB comments, she mentioned that spanking is spanking whatever the purpose may be. She suggested that I download the ebook on Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting by Save the Children.

This ebook is priceless BUT free!

I did and it shattered my long-standing notion on discipline. Well, my brother and I grew up under Daddy's belt. The rod was never spared when we do wrong. When I became a parent, I promised never to pass it on to Leia and instead resorted to using a "special" wooden spoon to spank Leia's bottom. I swallowed the bitter pill while reading the ebook. My actions towards Leia is doing more harm than good despite my good intentions. It was an eye-opener.

The book's introduction hit bullseye. "There are times in all parents’ lives when the challenge seems overwhelming. Sometimes we just don’t know what to do. Sometimes nothing we do seems to be right. And sometimes we are overcome by all of the other stresses in our lives. Most of us learn parenting on the job. We have little information about child development, so we rely on our instincts or our own childhood experiences. But many times our instincts are really just emotional reactions that aren’t well thought-out. And sometimes our own childhood experiences were negative, or even violent ones."

As a parenting blogger I knew I had to share the link of this gem of a resource to you my dear readers and blogger friends. Unlike other resources from other organizations, Save the Children uses very simple language and provides concrete, daily examples we can all relate to. It's not judgmental at all I promise. I will bet that the few hours or days we spend reading and digesting this material will benefit our children. We parents should read this before it's too late - emphasis on the urgency intended.

To my Leia, I am sorry, please forgive Mama for not knowing any better. Babe, I promise not to spank you anymore with that "special" wooden spoon but that does not mean that I will no longer correct your behavior. I will all the more affirm your person and try my hardest to see things from your point of view. I will also not tell you anymore that you are already too heavy because of your penchant for eating, for me to carry around. Never.

My last love letter to my heiress

I love you with all of me - and I will be your rights' staunchest defender until my last breath. I will put your best interests first as I always have, only this time I will kiss wooden spoon goodbye.

To download Save the Children's Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (Third Edition), simply click this link. Please share it with your family and friends, let us make this world a better place for children, one parent at a time.

Oh, and don't forget to like Save the Children Philippine Country Office official Facebook page! Lots of good materials are posted there on children's rights, education, protection and be in the loop of our work.

One Year After Typhoon Pablo

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:05:00 +0000

Increased support is needed if families are to fully recover from the impact of Typhoon Bopha on their livelihoods, Save the Children says.

Photo from Save the Children website

A year after the category 5 typhoon – the highest category for a storm – the children’s aid agency says tens of thousands are still struggling to find work to feed their families. The Typhoon, which struck on 4th of December 2012, affected over six million people and left nearly 2000 dead or missing.

The storm caused widespread damage to agriculture, which account for the livelihoods of 80 per cent of the residents in the affected area. The Filipino government’s disaster agency estimates a loss of over US$700 million in agricultural damage, including bananas, coconuts, rice and maize.

“The job that aid agencies need to fulfil shouldn’t stop at immediate relief,” said Tom Howells, Team Leader for Save the Children’s Bopha Recovery Program. “But many are forced to end their projects as there is little to no funding available for long-term rehabilitation of livelihoods. Our worry is that these families will no longer be able to send their children to school, provide nutritious foods and a protective home environment once aid stops.”

Save the Children conducted two livelihoods projects in the Bopha-affected areas, unconditional cash grants for vulnerable families and cash-for-work to rehabilitate schools. Roselyn Cabatlao, 34, was one of the program’s beneficiaries in Davao Oriental after her family lost their only source of income – a coconut plantation – in the storm. It will take them at least seven more years to get back on their feet as coconut trees take about eight years to mature.

“I can see there are still many families here that do not have stable income because many of our coconuts have been damaged by the typhoon,” she said.

Through income generated from Save the Children’s cash-for-work program, Roselyn is now able to buy food, vitamins and condiments for her children. The mother of three was also given the tools and seeds to plant vegetables in their backyard for consumption and income. The vegetables and direct nutrition interventions helped Roselyn’s son, Jericho, to recover from severe acute malnutrition.

“Families like Roselyn will be left to their own devices once aid agencies leave. We have given them the basic tools to sustain themselves, but it will be years before Roselyn harvests coconuts again and builds a sturdy house for her family,” said Tom Howells.

Save the Children responded to the needs of affected families in Typhoon Bopha, delivering an integrated package of child protection, education, health and nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, disaster preparedness in schools, food security and livelihoods in Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Overall, the children’s aid agency has reached about 138,000 people

Ina-Tay Recommends: SM Science Discovery Center

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Childhood is one of the best moments in a person's life. It is the time where the most meaningful memories are created both in the mind and heart. Memories that serve as a foundation that shape the persons children grow up to be. Coupled with proper guidance and education, these memories become the values and stir their imagination that gear them to succeed in the future.

Along with some members of the Davao Bloggers Society, your Ina-Tay and the heir to her stilettos Leia, were invited to the launching of the newest attraction at SM Lanang Premier - the SM Science Discovery Center. After six years of bringing the fun in science to the families and students in Luzon, this out-of-this world attraction has finally set foot in Mindanao!

Edu-tainment: Education and entertainment at SM Science Discovery Center

The SM Science Discovery Center features ten interactive galleries that allow students to learn about Geology, Biology, the Climate, the Human Body, Energy and Transportation, Technology and Engineering, and the future in the most enjoyable and entertaining way. Since its launch in 2007, the country's first interactive science center has always been in the forefront of edu-tainment (education plus entertainment). They are firm believers that meaningful experiences and learning occurs when one provides children with an enjoyable atmosphere in an encouraging and interactive environment.

Ribbon cutting ceremony with Davao City and SM officials

Science Discovery Center mascots entertained guests in a dance number

I like that the galleries can be touched and played with because from my almost six years experience with the BEAM Project, I became a believer of the Constructivist teaching approach. The more the learners are involved in a process of meaning and knowledge construction, the more they learn and understand the concepts compared to passively receiving information - like how things were in my time. Anyway, constructivist teaching foster critical thinking and creates motivated and independent learners.

Here are some photos of Leia exploring the different galleries at the SM Science Discovery Center:

Galleries on electricity, the human body, transportation and geology

In the heart of the 2,000 square meter science center is the 80-seater full dome Digital Planetarium powered by the world's most sophisticated and advanced planetarium projector system, the Digistar 5. The bloggers made a beeline to watch the film about planet Mars and even for me who's way past her childhood - the experience was jaw-dropping! It felt so real that Leia asked me if the "spaceship" was already flying. After the film she told me that we have to go out because we have already landed. Not only did Leia learned about Mars and the long history of its exploration but Mama also fed the geek in her. In fact I can spend an entire day inside this planetarium with popcorn and soda in tow!

Two of the fascinating 3D images from the Invaders of Mars film shown at the Planetarium:

"We are very proud to finally announce the grand opening of the newest and most exciting attraction to open in the south. This is inline with SM's dedication to spread world-class "edu-tainment" for families not only in Davao but the whole of Mindanao. We are excited to be part of this community," shared Arturo Carballo, Jr., SM Science Discovery Center's Senior Operations Manager.

Entrance fee is Php 250.00 good for all-day gallery pass and one planetarium show; additional Php 150.00 for extra planetarium show. The Science Discovery Center will formally be open to the public this Saturday, October 5, 2013. It is located at the Third Level of SM Lanang Premier (take the cinema entrance then turn right to the bowling center then take the escalator). You may call 2854428 for inquiries.

The Catch 22 That is Mark Solis

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 00:31:00 +0000

Forgive my hard stance on this one.

I cringe over the new word netizens have coined the last few days inspired by one Mark Joseph Solis – “SOLISIFIED”. The word became synonymous to plagiarism.

The photo that earned him the fame but was not his in the first place (Rappler.com)

Solis, a graduate student at UP’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG) admitted to using other people’s work to enter photo contests and for which he recently won the top prize. He earned public ire last week when social entrepreneur and founder of Children at Risk Foundation Gregory John Smith came forward and cried foul, saying that “an impostor... abused my copyright.” Rappler reported that 22-year old Solis submitted an entry to the Smiles for the World photo contest to celebrate Chile’s National Day on September 18. The photo of a smiling boy “Nilo” from "Zamboanga City" who was captioned as helping his father in a seaweed farm bagged first place along with the $1,000 and round trip tickets to Chile and Brazil. No less than Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Roberto Mayorga handed the prize to a beaming Solis during the awarding ceremony.

Apparently, the prize-winning photo was not taken in Zamboanga, although I admit there are a lot of seaweed farms there, but in Brazil as clarified by Mr. Smith in a statement.

Reports say that this is not the first time Solis plagiarized photographs to enter contests. Since 2011, he has been using images download from different individuals’ Flickr accounts.

Following the social media uproar, he has written the owner and issued a public apology and promised to return the prize money, claiming that he was “driven by my youth, lack of experience and inability to see the repercussions of my actions.”

Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga and Mark Joseph Solis after winning in the Smiles for the World photo contest (gmanetwork.com)

When interviewed by Rappler, Solis said him apologizing publicly took the “moral high ground” and that everything else he achieved in his life will go to waste over these mistakes.

I do not want to add insult to the injury but I can’t help but be appalled over Solis’ serial and blatant plagiarism. And no, I will not subscribe to him blaming his youth and lack of foresight not to know the ramifications of his action. This is a guy who has been a recipient of scholarship grants to Japan and Thailand, a member of the UP Debate Society and until June was a legislative staff member of Sen. Pia Cayetano. It does not take a rocket scientist or a septuagenarian to know that stealing is a sin and theft is a crime. One does not have to finish a master’s degree in order to understand and imbibe the basic rules of the universe.

Wisdom they say comes with age, but I’ll be willing to bet my money that there are people younger than him lucid enough to know that the end does not justify the means. That the money and round trip travel are not acceptable reasons to use other’s work for fame and fortune. Youth is not necessarily evil. When I was 22, I was giddy and frivolous and can’t wait to see what this world has in store for me. That energy and drive prodded me to take in as much as I can from people that I came across with, people who became my mentors without them knowing or some, hoping that I can at least get near to that they have become or achieved. From them I saw the value of passion coupled with hard work. Those are what make you a force to reckon with.

There is no substitute for experience I agree. Success is never a straight line but rather full of sharp turns and curves. It entails continuous honing of skills, of evolving and being gung ho for more learning and discovery. It should not be equated with time or the speed by which you got to where you eye yourself to be. When we want to railroad the process, when a person becomes addicted to the accolades and succumbs to the lure of fame, it is when we find ourselves looking for shortcuts. In the case of Solis, it was going to web, creeping around for good photos on Flickr to claim as his.

The Catch 22 of this story is that in his intense desire to win and be above everyone else, the courses of action and decisions he took were the ones that pulled him down. A good case of misguided passion.

I do not know if he would still have the chance to rectify his wrongs and turn a new leaf. Perhaps he needs to look inside himself and do a check on his personal values. I always believe in second chances and if he would be fortunate to have one, he will use this experience to make young people like him realize that at the end of the day, the rat that finishes first in the rat race is still a rat. And those words are not mine, by the way.

I will end this by quoting one of the most unforgettable movie characters from my youth, Mr. Kesuke Miyagi of the Karate Kid. “Ambition without knowledge is like a boat on dry land.”

And this knowledge is knowing right from wrong and choosing to do what is good and honorable sans the lights and fame.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Read Mark Solis' letter of apology here.

El Cuento de Un Ciudad (The Tale of One City)

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 20:39:00 +0000

The feeling of disbelief and devastation has never left me since that morning of September 9 when a cousin phoned mom to ask her to pray over reports of attack by the MNLF in Zamboanga. Mom was clearly worried and I reassured her that it will be over in no time and it is only an isolated scuffle pertuated by Misuari loyalists.

“Acaba lang se dayun Mom. Tiene lang gaha se demands el maga MNLF por causa serca ya el signing del Bangsamaro framework. Mira tu, hinde caba este dia sale ya sus maga hente (It will soon be over Mom. The MNLF may just have demands since the Bangsamoro framework signing is near. You’ll see, before the day ends, they will retreat).”

But the day progressed with TV reports of terror and violence engulfing the six coastal areas of Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Rio Hondo, Talon-Talon, Mampang, Arena Blanco and Kasanyangan.

Aerial shot of the coastal areas engulfed in fire (Source)

I was wrong with my belief that it was going to be temporary - now the armed conflict in Zamboanga enters its 15^th day.

Every time I watch the news, my anxiety level grows in astronomic increments and I find it hard to breathe. As images of Zamboanga erupting in sporadic flames, people running for their lives, soldiers and tanks passing the streets and gunfire heard on the background dominate the screen, pain creeps into my heart. It hits home – this city is where I trace my roots.

The picture of Zamboanga the past two weeks is NOT what welcomed me and my relatives last April when we had our clan reunion. We spent four days in high spirits surrounded by relatives to the nth degree, revisiting places that are important to my family’s history, sharing a hodgepodge of stories and giving the younger generations a crash course in speaking Chavacano. Zamboanga to me is synonymous to things money cannot buy - family, friends, memories and security. Este el Zamboanga yo ta accorda (this is the Zamboanga I remember).

Me gazing at Basilan Straight. April 2013, La Vista del Mar, Zamboanga City.

I was born in Zamboanga Hermosa but was raised in Davao City. My parents, mom especially, encouraged me to maintain a relationship with the city of my birth y su vivientos (and her people) – spending a few summer vacations there, knowing most of my relatives, speaking Chavacano at home and her stories of how life was for them when they were growing up in a house above a store that sold dried fish in Magay, near the tiangge (market).

Zamboanga was home to me until I was five years old. I still have hazy recollections of playing with my Tausug childhood friend Awud, of going to the pueblo (downtown) on weekends with mom and my brother to eat at what today is the equivalent of Jollibee – Food Paradise to dig on their bright red spaghetti then to Tai Chiong which was the place where all Zamboangeno kids buy their toys from before there were malls. On my last year in high school, dad took me with him back to Zamboanga where he opened a branch of a bank he used to work for. At fifteen, I added new memories of the city in my memory chest – the old buildings and century-old acacia trees of WMSU where I studied and eating saging rebusao or sati after school in the hole-in-the-wall eateries, much to the dismay of my grandmother. Or sitting by Cawa-Cawa in the afternoon to watch the colourful vintas set sail against the setting sun. The once poignant and beautiful memories I have turned into this aberration. Bien triste (so sad).

As of Thursday, it was reported that more than 118,000 residents have been displaced by the hostilities and around 11,000 houses burned to the ground. Zamboangenos are now camping in makeshift tents at the Baliwasan Grandstand. Innocent civilians – the elderly, men, women and children - forcibly taken by the MNLF fighters to be used as human shields. 125 lives were lost – 12 of which are non-combatants, meaning they are collateral damage of the hostilities. It was so disturbing to hear of a two-year old boy killed after a bullet hit him while he and his mother were attempting escape from their captors. A five-year old child raped by a relative in one of the evacuation areas. Despite the call of various government and non-government agencies to spare the lives and property of civilians under the precepts of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the destruction and loss of lives continue to rise. The lines clearly have been blurred, bullets and mortars do not know who to hit. The trauma caused by the armed conflict between the government and MNLF forces is so palpable in the faces of those homeless, hungry and lost their loved ones. My people have been subjected to atrocities that left them scared, scarred and broken like the shards of glass along the pavements.

Some 200 houses in Sta. Catalina were burned to ashes caused by the continuous fighting in the area (Source)

Evacuees from affected areas seek protection at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex (Source)

I do not want to dwell anymore on the antiquated issue of Christian versus Muslims since for the longest time we have seen it being addressed on the negotiating table albeit the pockets of skirmishes in some areas in ARMM. In the first place this is not a religious war. The rift between MILF and MNLF and underlying reasons that I leave to the political pundits to dissect. Even the report that PNoy underestimated Misuari thus this brazen game of violence and power play is a topic I am not keen on sinking my teeth on. But I join my fellow Zamboangenos who are clamoring for a stop to this carnage that marred the city and subjected thousands of innocent people to a life of uncertainty, fear and oblivion. Those who had nothing or very little to gain out of this were the ones who lost everything.

My heart bleeds over my incapacity to help. I hear my city calling me and believe me when I say I am trying to find ways to respond.

I know that my words are not enough and this rather lengthy post may be a futile effort of a blogger who wants to send this message across. But time and time again, in the pages of history, it has been proven that violence is never the answer. On the contrary it only weakens the idealism for which men are willing to lose their lives for. It only leaves the door ajar to reprisal.

Zamboanga is a city proud and rich and her people resilient. In the midst of this protracted conflict that rocked them to the core, are the people’s indomitable spirits who refuse to give up. Yes, they are weeping in pain, outrage and desolation but my people continue to prove day in and day out that their unity will kill the seeds of terror sown in their soil. Enough is enough! I am comforted though by the fact that once dust settles and all these madness comes to a halt, Zamboangenos will stand again and rebuild their lives. Like what they have done in the past. Like how they always will.

Levanta otravez Zamboanga, rise again Zamboanga!

"There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands." - Plato

For Just A Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:51:00 +0000

We laughed until we had to cry
And we love right down to our last goodbye

We were the best,

I think we'll ever be

Just you and me
For just a moment

About five years ago someone asked me nonchalantly while I was busy tapping my laptop keys, “When we get to the inevitable, will you blog about me?” I had to stop what I was doing, took a sip of his beer and gazed at the shore outside our hotel window. “I promise to write about you. When - that I do not know. But all of these are blog worthy.” He cupped my face, kissed me and said he will be waiting to read what I will have to say about him.

His question tugged a chord in my blogger heart and until this day I can still vividly hear his voice asking me that. I have done a few blog posts about him in the past but it was written with much ambivalence, a perfect example of when love and hate collide. The recent events in my life and hours spent talking with my best friend Anthony and inner posse Myla made me rediscover essentials that I buried after the demise of our relationship. Perhaps when you are deep in pain, you choose to think about the bad memories and negate the happy ones. Yet when you reach the point when you are good and healed, your eyes become objective and yes, acknowledge those times when you were so happy you didn’t mind if you were to die the next day.

Both Anthony and Mymy are in the same opinion that my relationship with Leia’s dad was the time they saw me the happiest. It was the relationship where I was comfortable in my own skin, where I didn’t wear a facade. They said that although our story didn’t have a happy ending, it was a fairy tale. Of course we had fights and we argue but I remember that each time we disagree; it never made us insecure about the relationship. We didn’t have the same opinion on things but we never took it personally. We were mature enough to know that our differences had nothing to do with how we feel for each other.

One close friend who is twenty years older than me quipped one night while we were sitting outside our temporary home in GenSan that “Derek” is my soul mate. The cynic in me never believed in the archaic idea of a soul mate. But Mama Rose, in her wisdom explained that she looked at me and him not as individuals but as one soul. We meshed so well that it blurred our distinctiveness.

In retrospect, I have to agree with them. This was the relationship where I felt most accepted, most valued and yes, most loved. He never patronized me and instead valued my outlook and strengths. He never competed with me but saw me as an ally, the proverbial strong woman behind his success as a neurosurgeon. On the other hand, I allowed myself to be weak knowing full well that he will take very good care of me. The situation may have been complicated but the emotions we felt for each other was unpretentious. We can easily admit upfront jealousy, happiness and fear that one day it will be over. Every time we talk about what was looming, we would be so full of emotions that only silence can convey its true depth. We made an unspoken rule that we will not touch on our fated separation because to discuss it won’t prevent it from happening. Reality was so palpable that we allowed ourselves to be dumb and deny it. It was respite, it was our way of dealing with the painful truth that while we can shout to the whole world how much we love each other, the world would mock and scorn at us.

My daughter is a strong reminder of those wonderful and intoxicating times I was “Meredith”. You may have an idea what happened but I never heard people close to me speak ill of him. To me it was proof that they knew the breadth of the love he had for me. Leia may be born out of wedlock but she was conceived out of love. No one can question that. Derek and I chose to do the right thing but it will not erase the fact that our relationship was real and passionate as it can be.

We gave it a good fight until there was nothing left to do but say goodbye.

“For the best is only bought at the cost of great pain.” – EPL

Starbucks VIA - Great Coffee Anytime, Anywhere

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:49:00 +0000

Starbucks new coffee line - Kape Vinta Blend and every coffee lover's dream - VIA Ready Brew

I am a coffee addict. Not exactly the connoisseur type but I know good coffee when I taste one – minus all the add-ins that can mask its real flavor so I rarely order coffee concoctions. I settle for either plain brewed or espresso especially when I badly need to stay up.

In my experience, good coffee can only be found in specialty coffee shops or with the help of a coffee maker when you’re too lazy to go out. But when the going gets tough, I sometimes find myself having to make do with instant coffee for my caffeine fix. Until I tried Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew. To this coffee lover, it is heaven-sent!

My favorite - VIA Colombia

Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew is made from responsibly grown and ethically sourced high quality Arabica beans. It is roasted and brewed according to Starbucks standards. It includes microground coffee, wherein beans are ground so finely that they dissolve in the cup. This adds aroma, body and flavor to the coffee. Starbucks believes their customers should never be without great coffee. Great coffee provides inspiration and "Inspiration can occur anywhere" as long as you are not caught empty handed.

I had my first Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew experience during their Davao Bloggers event. We were served two kinds of coffee and were told to choose which cup is VIA. After my first sip I knew which one it is! Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew has the same full-bodied coffee flavour like the ones they serve at their branches. It’s smooth and rich taste undoubtedly only comes from using quality beans. I even finished mine in no time and coyly asked for a refill. It was that GOOD!

Excited to try VIA Italian Roast one of these days

The Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew comes in 3-pack and a 12-pack. The single-serve sachets currently come in two flavors: Colombia and Italian Roast.

Now, when I’m smacked in the middle of a deadline, I need not go out to have good coffee, thanks to Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew. It so easy to prepare, just add hot water, stir and enjoy. It is enjoying a perfect cup anywhere, anytime!

Solutions for the Domestic Goddess

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 11:49:00 +0000

After the success of the first two Good Housekeeping workshops in 2011 and 2012, 3M Philippines together with Good Housekeeping magazine brought a rebranded workshop entitled Home-mazing Ideas Workshop. The provincial leg of the workshop kicked off at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City last August 31.

Blogger Koni Esteban shares her crafting tips

Now on its third year, the Home-mazing Ideas Workshop goes around the Philippines to conduct workshops at malls, residential areas, and condominiums about the best of home improvement ideas including topics about clutter management, and space saving home organization tips, from the country’s best interior design and home experts. 3M Philippines early set of workshops were conducted at Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, The Columns and One Serendra in Makati City. The workshop featured Ms. Koni Esteban, a freelance DIY and Craft Specialist; and cool guys from Mad Science.

Make your homes and spaces more organized with 3M Command Damage-Free Hanging Solutions

“We are aware of the different needs of Filipino families on their homes. The needs of a family living in a condominium are different from one living in a house. Thus, we at 3M Philippines brings different home improvement ideas to maximize home space and improve the ambience of their homes” shares Vivian Faustino, 3M Philippines Construction and Home Improvement Markets Division Head.

Who says Duct Tapes only come in grey and black?

It was timely for me to be invited to this event because we are undergoing home renovation and already planning how to redecorate. I was amazed that 3M’s Command hooks can support the weight what-have-you without damaging walls! Yes, just follow the instructions on proper installation on smooth concrete, wood or tile and voila – you can hang just about anything while preserving the surface. Ingenuous!

Of course, who haven’t heard of Post-its? Yes, those convenient colorful notepads that help you keep track of your busy lives! As a development worker, Post-its became my ally in handling all the deadlines and to-do lists of a working girl. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors in case you want to add to make your work space less boring.

Post-it is LOVE

3M Philippines showcases its Command™ Damage-Free Hanging Solutions, Filtrete Aircon Filters, and the Scotch® Duct Tape and Scotchblue™ Painter’s Tape at the workshop, providing space management solutions to improve living quality of homes.

To know more about 3M Philippines and its Command™ and Scotch® products, visit www.3m.com/ph or follow @3mnews on twitter. Command™, Filtrete, and Scotch® are registered trademarks of 3M.

Bravo! The Best of Philippine Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 07:58:00 +0000

"If I didn't have kids, I would be at the theater or the ballet every single night of my life." - Sarah Jessica Parker

I was treated to an evening of breathtaking and powerful performance of Ballet Philippines last Saturday night at SM Lanang Premier. I was immediately transfixed to a time where I believed in princes and princesses and when I would perform in front of relatives and friends for the crisp 100 peso bill every Christmas.

Along with fellow Davao blogger Lovely, we were ushered to our front-row seats for Bravo: The Best of Philippine Dance by the country's premier ballet company - Ballet Philippines. Bravo showcased their twin mastery of classical ballet and contemporary dance by BP 2, Ballet Philippine's junior performing company. I went over the performance repertoire and was glad that there was a mix of timeless classics such as excerpts from Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote highlighting the dancers' impeccable technique. The modern pieces such as Reysing, Rurok and Moslem (yes, that's how it was spelled in the repertoire) gave them freedom to express themselves and show off their dramatic abilities.

Ballet Philippines was established in 1969 by Alice Reyes with the support of Eddie Elejar and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Since then it has become known worldwide for its repertoire of classical and modern pieces. Its school, CCP Dance School, continues to produce dancers of international caliber and earned accolades for their performances abroad. What a great honor to have fine dancers perform in front of you!

This was not my first time to go to a ballet performance but it was a long time ago, thanks to a date who had a cousin in another ballet company. Anyway, I chose to be more dressy that night compared to what I would wear to an event where bloggers are invited. My favorite part of the repertoire was the contemporary pieces - it was like watching So You Think You Can Dance live!

The third to the last performance was the most unforgettable to me. It was a contemporary ballet to Shirley Bassey's This Is My Life. Ma. Celina Dofitas battement and grand plie perfectly told the story behind the song - a woman resolved to look beyond life's pains and misses to see the brighter side of things. Truly it was poetry in motion watching strength and grace all at the same time! Magnifique! Close second would be the all-male duo of Victor Maguad and Mark Grantos who danced to Barbara Streisand's Flowers. I think the inspiration for this piece is that prime-time soap My Husband's Lover. It was beautiful!

Thank you to SM Lanang Premier for inviting us to this rare chance to watch Ballet Philippines perform. Don't miss other exciting events happening at SM Lanang Premier. Like them on Facebook and follow @SM Lanang on Twitter for news and event updates.

Me and Lovely after watching Bravo (photo by Lovely Boiser)

PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao 2013: Region's Leading Construction Show is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 05:25:00 +0000

PHILCONSTRUCT is known as Manila's most anticipated trade event for those in the construction and contracting sector. On September 5-7, 2013, the show will hold the fourth years of its Mindanao edition at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. This is open to the public, no admission fees from 10:00am - 7:00pm.

"We are ushering in a new phase for the exhibit," shared event chairman and past president of the Davao Constructors Association Center, Inc. (DCACI), Engr. Ramon Allado. "PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao has certainly changed the way we do business in the industry and we are prepared to open an even bigger show with more than 180 exhibitors offering only the best and the latest products in the building and construction industry."

The PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao 2013 will comprise of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and providers of top brands in heavy equipment, hardware products, paints, cement, air-conditioning, power tools, safety and security systems, water treatment facilities and more. Contractors, architects, engineers, interior designers, property developers, specifiers, consultants and end-users will surely find something to suit their needs in the more than 1,800 square meters exhibit area.

A highlight of the event is TECHNOFORUM Mindanao, a technical seminar series that will focus on road construction safety, scaffold works safety, authorized managing officers and crane lifting/rigging safety. "This is part of our thrust for capacity building. This year, we focus on training AMOs and Liaison Officers with the help of the Phil. Contractors Accreditation Board. We have also invited the Association of Carriers and Equipment Lessors to conduct some of the trainings," According to Bong Cristobal, TECHNOFORUM's Davao chairman.

Another anticipated facets to the PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao 2013 show is TUBOD, a pioneer showcase launched in Cebu last June. It is a one-of-a-kind furniture showcase where designers exhibit world-class furniture pieces and making it available for the local market. The TUBOD Mindanao will feature the works of top manufacturers and designers from Cebu and Davao.

For those who are interested to attend the TECHNOFORUM, you may contact the secretariat office through telephone number (082) 222-5859.

PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao 2013 is co-organized by the Philconstruct Events, Exhibitions and Conferences Corp. together with the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) and the Davao Constructors Association Center, Inc. (DCACI). Among the biggest exhibitors is its co-presentor Boysen Paints; major sponsors Hilti Phils., Lafarge Cement Services and Maxima Machineries; as well as minor sponsors Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. and Good Morning International Corp.

Home is Where the Heart Is

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 15:31:00 +0000

When people ask me of my descent, I always answer with pride that I am from the best place in the entire Philippine archipelago – Davao City. Then I would give a litany of my self-compiled reasons why my claim to such fame for the city that has become my home and could give the Department of Tourism people a run for their money. But I am not a true-blue Dabawenya. Unlike others who can trace their roots to one place, my family are just migrants to this great city. I was born in Zamboanga City but my father’s work as a banker took us to Durian-burg in 1985. And I was not always a Davao fan. It took a good amount of separation and isolation to gain a different perspective. This is my "Walay Kaparehas" story.

When I graduated from college, I was like most of the idealistic young minds who wanted to show and prove the world I have what it takes to make it big. Fortunately I was immediately hired by the biggest chain of malls in the country as one of its pioneer batch of supervisors for their first mall in Mindanao. Despite that, there was a desire in my heart that was seeking fulfillment After six months, I summoned enough courage to tell my parents I’m packing my bags to go to Manila because my career growth will move in a snail’s pace if I were to just stay in Davao. I was ecstatic to join a multinational firm as part of their communications team. Finally, I told myself, I can start living the life I always dreamed of.

In Manila, I had the time of my life. I felt this was it! I was walking in high heels along the busy streets of the country’s central business district in Ayala Avenue. I was doing what I thought was my dream job in what I thought was the perfect place for me to make a dent. I would work hard during office hours and party harder come evening. It was my daily routine. I congratulated myself for having the guts to be where I was.

Three months into my new found freedom, I got sick with acute respiratory infection. I reckoned the daily dose of pollution was the main culprit. After the initial self-indulgent period, I often catch myself gazing out my apartment window wishing I was back home in Davao. I burned the phone lines talking to my family and friends, half-admitting that there was still a void. Mommy would always recite to me the famous line, “be careful what you wish for, you might just get it” every time I tell her I want to go home. There were a few times while going around the mall, I would stop after hearing some passers-by talk in Bisaya. I have had the chance to dine at popular places and sampled creations of fine chefs but in a heartbeat I would exchange it for Davao’s sinugba, kinilaw and the hole-in-the-wall eateries that offer their signature dishes to everyone regardless of status. My palate has been introduced to sinful and fancy deserts yet the Dabawenya in me cannot compare the flavour of Durian to any of these. Of course these gastronomic offerings won’t be complete without ice-cold Coca-Cola. My office mates asked me once to describe Durian to them. I answered – like rotten crème brulee! They all made a face.

I craved for that familiarity but refused to admit it.

During those nights when I was filled with melancholy – sad and lonely, my constant companion was my dear friend Coca-Cola. The refreshing taste of ice cold Coke was always synonymous to happy memories of Davao. I would smile reminiscing how as a little girl, I would save my “baon” from Monday to Thursday so by Friday I have enough to buy an 8oz bottle that I would consume to the last drop. It was my earliest training in delayed gratification. I promised myself that when I get a job, I will make sure to have Coke inside the fridge. During summer vacations and over Coke litro, my best friend Anthony and I laid the foundations of our strong friendship – talking about our crushes at school, what we want to become after college and how at times we wanted to physically torture our younger siblings. I remember how Mommy and I would cook together her recipes then share our finish product with Ton-ton and Dad along with our favorite ice-cold Coke. When I had my fill of the party and action Manila could offer, all that my “probinsyana” heart wanted was to get away from the urban jungle that is Manila and return to Davao.

After I finished my six months probation period, I reluctantly informed my boss that I was no longer staying, that I have decided to go back to Davao. She asked what the problem was because she said I was doing well and that I will already be a regular employee. There were even projects lined up for me to be part of. I told her that Manila may always be teeming with good opportunities but being away from home taught me how much it meant to me and I began to cry. It helped that she herself was from the province and understood what I was trying to drive at. On my last day at work, my team gave me a farewell dinner at the office pantry. They raised their wine glasses and wished me the best. I raised my glass of Coke in gratitude.

When the pilot announced that we are on our final approach to Davao, I could hardly contain my excitement. I looked out the window and saw the aerial view of the city that embraced me and my family since the first time we set foot on it in the mid 80s. With fresh eyes I caught sight of its beauty and splendor, of its promise and never-ending possibilities. I was finally home.

Since that experience, I pursued my passion in development work and helped my city in my little way. Everything fell to its place because I had the chance to work for a foreign-funded education project in Mindanao, the BEAM Project which became my fairy tale job. As an NGO worker, Coca-Cola has been my companion in the far-flung areas of Mindanao to the cacao farms in Indonesia. There is no better way to end the day than to just sit and relax with a glass of Coke – wherever I may be.

I am a Zamboangena by birth but a Dabawenya by heart. Davao City will always be where I discovered who I am and what my values are. Looking back at all my experiences, I can confidently say I will never be the person that I am today if not for the places and faces this beautiful city offered me the past 27 years of my life. Life may take me and my daughter to other paths in the future, we may see a multitude of great sights but Davao is just irreplaceable – it is where the heart is, it is home. Just like the refreshing signature taste and happiness that Coca-Cola brings to all of us.

Nothing replaces life in Davao, nothing replaces Coca-Cola!

How about you guys, what are your Walang Kaparehas moments?

Comment and share below, would love to read your stories!

Davao's "Bato" (The Rock)

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 01:04:00 +0000

For all Dabawenyos, his name has become synonymous to a man of action - an officer that the common people can rely on and a nemesis to criminals. His 18 months term as Davao City Police Director will soon end in a few days following his transfer and promotion to Camp Crame as Chief of Staff, Police Training Service of the Philippine National Police. I may not know him personally, but as a blogger and Dabawenya by heart, this post is my tribute to one tough guy called "Bato".

PSSupt. Ronald "Bato" M. dela Rosa (source)

Police Senior Superintendent Ronald M. dela Rosa hails from a small barangay called Bato in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur who entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1982 and joined the Philippine Constabulary in 1986 after his graduation. Since then, Sir Bato earned his stripes in the field, facing real dangers against notorious criminals and terrorists. Indeed, he has come a long way from his humble beginnings selling stuffs in Bansalan to earn additional income. He earned the moniker "Bato" from his place of origin and his solid, stocky physique that has become a familiar sight to all Davao residents.

Col. Bato dela Rosa (extreme right) during yesterday's operations against the KFR group in Claveria, Davao City

One of Sir Bato's major accomplishment for me was the Oplan Toktok-Hangyo (TokHang) where he would personally pay visit to suspected drug users and pushers in Davao City and talk them into giving up their illegal activities before it becomes too late for them, hence the term toktok-hangyo (knock and request). His grassroots approach and unpretentious manner of talking helped these individuals see the folly of their actions. What I appreciate about Sir Bato the most is his willingness to be where the action is even if it means going into barangays notorious for crimes and leaving the comfort of his air-conditioned office. Yesterday, during the operation that saved business woman Sally Chua from her kidnappers, Sir Bato was seen carrying a high-powered gun, in plain clothes and calling the shots to his men right in the middle of the street. His quick response and calculated moves has made Davao City one of the safest places in the country - except for those who live a life of crime such as the kidnappers who met their end of days here yesterday afternoon. Despite his success and effectiveness in his role, I have never heard of a report where he disrespected local officials even when his performance was being questioned. A true gentleman and officer.

Photos courtesy of Sunstar Davao

After July 16, Tuesday, Sir Bato will be flying to Manila and wear new shoes. He will be leaving Davao City and Dabawenyos whom he served with selfless dedication. We may be sad to see a good police officer go but on the other hand, this move means you will be serving more Filipinos and be a role model to the men in uniform, hungry for someone who has the integrity and leadership. But he promised to one day return to his roots. He is not shy talking about his goal to become regional director after his latest assignment. We will be waiting for your return.

Thank you for serving all of us in Davao with the best that you can for a year and a half. Thank you for showing that albeit the corruption and bad reports involving the police, there are those like Bato dela Rosa who has imbibed the values of what public service truly is. You will be missed and I will always be a fan.

Daghang salamat ug hangtod sa imong pagbalik sa dakbayan sa Davao (thank you very much and until your return to Davao City)!

An Appeal for BREAST MILK!

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 15:37:00 +0000

This is from http://dvogarage.wordpress.com. I am re-posting this in my blog to help call out support for a 29-weeks premature baby at San Pedro Hospital. Your BREAST MILK CAN HELP SAVE THIS BABY'S LIFE!

Read on:

Today, Nyck and I came across a post on Facebook that took us back to the day I gave birth to our first born. The mother died during childbirth. It is heartbreaking. The post was from a doctor of San Pedro hospital trying to reach out to nursing moms in Davao City for breast milk donation. The baby is currently fighting for her life born 29 weeks and weighed 700 g. In the photo, she looks very fragile. As parents, the story broke our hearts into pieces and the photo brings back challenging times when we fought the same battle. Our preemie was 32 weeks old then. We were fortunate to survive the terrible battle for life. Our daughter is turning 3 next month, praise the Lord. Everyday is still a struggle, but we take one day at a time. So, we can only pray that Jesse Gallardo, baby Rhory’s father, draws enough strength to win over every difficulty in this journey.

Rhory Mae, that is her name after her mom, remains in the incubator. The ICU expenses at San Pedro costs Php22,000.00 daily. The family needs a dose of generosity. More importantly, the baby needs to feed on breast milk. Mommies in Davao who are breast feeding especially infants 6 months and below are encouraged to drop by San Pedro hospital’s NICU at the second floor to donate milk even an ounce or two that will be frozen for her supply. Thanks to these Dabawenya Mommies who were quick to respond to the call and generously pumped milk for baby Rhory. Rhory needs continues supply of milk that hopefully moms in Davao can help supply.

We later learned that Rhory’s mom, Rhory Salvador Gallardo, was working as a secretary at Dr. Karen Alabado’s clinic. In the parting message by Dr. Alabado, she wrote on her wall:

“I will miss you, Rhory Salvador Gallardo. We started my professional journey together. Some lose their secretaries because they stole or they sought greener pastures but you have been loyal and trustworthy and I have lost you too soon, beyond anyone’s earthly reach. You’ve seen me through my ups and downs and I have been with you through yours. You gave up your studies to help your siblings finish theirs, and were your family’s staunchest defender. But my loss is nothing compared to the loved ones you’ve left behind – Jesse your beloved husband, your siblings Kat, JP and April and your parents. And three, now four little ones who will be missing their mommy the most. Rest in peace my dear Rhory.” — Dra. Abalado.

This mom left four little kids to her loving husband. So, we pledged to help this father, Jesse Gallardo, in small ways that we can. This post hopes to reach generous people with loving hearts who can share their blessings in cash or in kind. Baby Rhory needs clothings, diaper, and cash to pay for her hospital bills and the medicines she needs as she fights for the life her mom lovingly gave her even if it meant giving up hers. You can help and give this baby a chance at life by any of the following ways:

1. In kind donation — you can donate clothes, diaper and all other baby stuff. You can contactDr. Karen Alabado

2. In cash — you can donate any amount. Please contact Jesse Gallardo directly.

3. Breastmilk — you can donate breast milk. You can pump b-milk from home (please make sure bm container is sterilized) or at the hospital: San Pedro Hospital NICU, 2nd Floor.

4. Share the story — you can help us spread the story until it reaches generous people who can help baby Rhory. Share this on Facebook, Twitter, Blog and all other social networks; tell your friends to do the same. We can make this story go viral.

At this time, Nyck and I am preparing some clothes for baby Rhory and sorting other items that her dad might find useful. I will be posting once we have our share delivered.

I hope this baby’s story touched you in some way and join the community to help this little angel.

Bulgogi Brothers Davao Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 11:38:00 +0000

Hi everyone! Yesterday I posted my review on Bulgogi Brothers Davao and raved about the Korean dishes they served us during the food tasting event. Since it was a great gastronomic experience, Bulgogi Brothers Davao is having this giveaway for you my Ina-Tay readers to treat your taste buds to an authentic Korean meal minus the hassle and expenses of going to Korea! :)

Prizes:
4 winners will each win

Two (2) 50% voucher on two Bulgogi Brothers Davao signature dishes - Premium Boneless Short Ribs (Php 675.00) and Bulgogi Brothers Special (Php 895.00). Present the coupon and get these two delicious dishes (one of them is my favorite) at 50% off. Hence you only have to pay Php 337.00 and Php 447.00 respectively.
Two (2) Php 500.00 voucher that gives you Php 500.00 discount on your total bill for a minimum order of Php 1,500.00.
You can only use one voucher per visit.

To enter, simply follow these super simple mechanics:

Like Ina-Tay's Facebook page here and Bulgogi Brothers Davao here. I will check so please be sure to like BOTH pages. :)
Comment below with your name and email address.

This giveaway is open for Davao residents only. I will randomly draw the names from the magic bowl on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 9:00 pm. Winners will be announced here.

So what are you waiting for? Enter now and treat yourself, your family, loved ones and friends to a Korean dining experience! Bulgogi Brothers Davao is located at the Fountain Court, 2nd Level, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

Good luck!

More Than Kimchi - Bulgogi Brothers Davao Review

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 16:30:00 +0000

When one hears Korea - we immediately think of KPop that has invaded the country faster than you can say "anyeonghaseyo". Davao City has also welcomed many Korean nationals either for study/business or plain leisure.

Personally, I associate this country with that Korean novela I religiously followed on TV - Jewel in the Palace and of course, Kimchi. The former showed Korean cuisine and the painstaking process which goes into preparing even the simplest of dishes that it has become more of an art. So when invitations were sent to try the dishes at Bulgogi Brothers Davao, I knew it was going to be an experience I can't afford to pass. Ina-Tay along with three other Davao bloggers Jonas, Quims and Sarah sampled a mix of new and iconic dishes. Bulgogi by the way literally means "fire meat" and is most commonly translated as Korean barbecue. These are thin slices of beef, pork or chicken specially marinated in a combination of Korean sauce and other seasonings to enhance flavor and tenderness.

We were first served their Tea of the Day which was the healthy Bori Cha (Barley tea). My companions kept refilling their cups and said it tasted good. I had to forego tea because it has a filling effect on me and I was saving my appetite for the main courses. While chatting with the branch's friendly manager Sir JayPee, the staff then brought the side dishes called Banchan. There were of course Kimchi, boiled quail eggs and sweet corn, fried dilis, eggplant and sauteed kangkong complete with condiments like salt, pepper and ssamjjang. Did I mention these are all for free every time you dine there?! I had to definitely sample Bulgogi's version of the Kimchi. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not very spicy contrary to the other Kimchis I have tried in the past. It still had the signature combination of sweet, salty and spicy but at a level comfortable to most Pinoys.

Nothing to be afraid with this Kimchi!

I think some of us are familiar with the Korean favorite bibimbap and it was served next. Bulgogi Bibimbap is rice topped with julienne zucchini, brown mushrooms, bean sprouts, carrots, eggplant and meat with raw egg on the center. The mix of colors was so appealing the four of us had to take photos before mixing it. Despite the many ingredients, it all came together! It is best to add the Bibimbap sauce to enhance the flavor but overall it was a beautiful symphony of flavors and colors in bowl!

Bulgogi Brothers Bibimbap - Php 325.00 (serves 2)

Then we sampled Bulgogi Brothers' Haemul Gungjung Mandu or Seafood Royal Dumpling in English. This Korean dumpling is filled with ground meat and vegetables then fried and served with a mix of mussels, shrimp and squid. It has its own sauce also to boost the flavor. I found it interesting and was different from the usual fried dumplings.

Haemul Gungjung Mandu - Php 350.00 (serves 2-3)

Next on the list was the Bulgogi Brothers Special - a duo of Unyang and Gwangyang-style Bulgogi. The heart-shaped beef patties and thin slices of beef are fried with the juices used to saute the onions, bean sprouts and sweet potato. WOW! The patties were bursting with flavors and it was an experience having the staff cook it right on our table! No extenders were used on the beef patties and the veggies were still crisp!

Bulgogi Brothers Special - Php 895.00 (serves 3-4)

Last but definitely not least on the list was Kkotgalbisal or Boneless Beef Ribs. It was cooked right on the table like the previous dish, barbecue-style along with onions and garlic. Massineun (delicious)! The beef was so tender and flavorful in itself I only tried dipping it in the Bulgogi Brothers special sauce on my last serving. I'm not a beef fan but this is the dish I will surely order on my next visit!

Kkotgalbisal (Boneless Beef Ribs) - Php 675.00 (serves 2-3)

And I must not forget their rice - Quimz called it Special Sticky Rice and rightly so because it was the best bowl of rice I had outside of home. It's very soft and white and I felt like royalty to be eating this along with the delicious dishes!

Uber-delish rice - Php 75.00

We also tried their signature drinks - Citrus Mint and Raspberry Tea - to flush down our authentic Korean meal. I prefer the first drink since I'm a huge mint fan but the Raspberry is also good especially for those who prefer a fruity concoction.

Citrus Mint and Raspberry Tea - Php 95.00 each

For dessert, we were served with Korean ice cream bars. I tried the Cledor Berry Mix and finally answered why a lot of people are starting to patronize Korean ice cream! It is similar to that popular Magnum but I loved the ice cream base which has an unadulterated berry flavor with just the right level of sweetness. A perfect ending if I may say!

Korean Ice Cream bars - Php 95.00 each

My Bulgogi Brothers Davao experience was truly worth sharing with all of you hence this rather lengthy post. You can't blame me if I want to give justice to the food we tried without having to go to Korea just to experience the best of Korean cooking. Thank you Bulgogi Brothers Davao and to their very accommodating staff headed by their manager Sir JayPee Oquendo. Don't be surprised to see me again one of these days!

Bulgogi Brothers Davao is located at the Fountain Court, Second Level of SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. If you want to try the dishes I just mentioned and other authentic Korean fare, visit them and you will surely have a delicious time like what he had.

Like their official Facebook page here and be updated of their events and promos.

Kamsahamnida Bulgogi Brothers Davao!

A Small Town Boy's International Feat

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 20:17:00 +0000

One thing I love about blogging is the opportunity to meet different folks from different strokes. Individuals who followed their passions and eventually carved a name for themselves. This is the story of a small town boy who will inspire students to do their best and show the rest of the world the Filipino caliber.

I was given the chance to attend a media round table discussion with Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2013 award-winner Judel Jay A. Tabsing from Panabo City National High School (PCNHS), Davao del Norte. Although this is very far from my field of communications, my presence there were because one - I am and will always be a development worker (I worked five and half years for an education project) and two - stories like these I believe deserve everyone's time and attention.

Sixteen-year old Judel bested more than 300 entries from all over the world at the recently-concluded Intel ISEF 2013 competition in Phoenix, Arizona last May 22-27, 2013. His study entitled Impatiens balsamina Leaf Extract as Potential Fungicide Against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 Causing Fusarium Wilt of Banana won fourth award in the Plant Sciences Category.

Judel's winning moment at the Intel ISEF 2013 (Photo courtesy of Intel Phils.)

The title I know is a mouthful so here's a layman's explanation - Fusarium wilt is a devastating disease of the banana found in almost all banana-producing countries worldwide. A fungus called Fusariumoxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), which causes the bananas to wilt faster, has prominently affected about 80% of the world’s banana production, including the most exported banana variety in the Philippines, Cavendish bananas. Judel Jay A. Tabsing has developed an environmentally-friendly, effective and inexpensive treatment to the banana disease by proposing to use Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as Kamantigue, leaf extract as an alternative fungicide. The banana industry contributes to majority of the Philippine economy. About 80,000 hectares of banana plantations are based in Mindanao alone.

Judel Tabsing: Small town boy, international success

“My research has great impact to both the environment and the banana industry, because it encourages banana producers to use organic-based fungicide instead of synthetic fungicide.I envision a future where agriculture is safer and greener in the Philippines. I hope my project will be adopted on a local then national scale,” said Tabsing. During the media event, he explained that the Kamatigue plant contains high levels of flavanoids, steroids and Phenolic acid which were the active ingredients for his environment-friendly fungicide.

The Impatiens balsamina plant aka Kamantigue (eol.org)

Judel was part of a team of seven students, all from public schools, who represented the Philippines in the world's largest high school science research competition. Intel has been sponsoring this event since 1997 and is a partner of the country's Department of Education (DepEd) during the annual National Science Fair. "Intel commits to encouraging and helping students who show initiative, young people who at a young age are curious and keep asking questions. By providing affordable computing solutions and tools, we encourage the new generation to use technology to build that idea," Intel Philippines' Country Manager Calum Chisholm explains. Yvonne Flores, Intel's Corporate Affairs Manager added that "students like Judel are special because they are focusing on how to solve global issues and make this a better world for all of us."

Approximately 1,600 Grades 9-12 students from more than 70 countries participated at this year's Intel ISEF, competing in 17 categories like biochemistry, computer science, medicine and health, physics and astronomy, etc. This year's grand winner is Ionut Alexandru Budisteanu, a 19-year old student from Romania who used artificial intelligence to create a low cost self-driving car.

"One of my proudest moments!"

With the guidance of his award-winning research adviser Mervin Salmon and Engr. Gerson Dumpasan, administrator of the Special Science Curriculum of PCNHS, Judel presented his research to a panel of eight international judges, who threw thought-provoking questions at him for a good 15 minutes each. Intel provided Judel with consultants who helped him prepare for ISEF. TADECO also gave him access to their laboratory and other facilities so he can do the necessary tests for his Kamantigue fungicide. "It was an exciting and enriching experience for me. I especially liked the part where prominent people like Nobel laureates, NASA people and scientists spoke to us delegates and encouraged us to pursue our dreams," he shared to me. Panabo City Mayor Silvosa and the city council drafted a resolution for commendation and granted an award incentive for Judel, and recommended that he “patent” his work so as to guard the product of this research/labor.

Ina-Tay with Judel's research adviser and the Science Program administrator of PCNHS

Our young scientist is now a college freshman taking up BS Medical Laboratory Science at San Pedro College. Congratulations Judel for bringing honor to your school, your town, our country.

Now you students out there - shouldn't you give social network a break and get back to studying your lessons? Don't look at me, I have long earned my diploma.

Judel and yours truly

Wanna know more? Watch the video of Intel ISEF 2013 Team Philippines here.

A Letter for Tony

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:09:00 +0000

Dear Dad,

This is my mandatory blog post for you on Fathers' Day. I know you will not understand what a blog post is so let's reserve it for another time. But allow me to get sentimental with this letter and tell you things which I'd like to believe you already know - only this time the rest of the blogosphere is reading. Again, I'll explain what that word means when you're feeling techie.

Dad and Ina-Tay on her 33rd birthday

Let me start off by asking for your forgiveness for falling short with a lot of your expectations from your eldest. For starters, I never wanted to become a doctor because I have this extreme case of frog-yphobia and this means I probably won't survive premed. I'm sorry that on my way to my third year in accountancy, I decided against your will to shift to masscomm. I still remember how you told me that it will not make me rich but your father's heart allowed me to follow my passion nevertheless. I know it must have been disappointing for you and mom not to see me go up the stage to receive my diploma because I still had one subject to finish on my final semester. Despite that I saw how proud you were when I graduated sans the anticipated graduation rites. You told me then that the true test of the pudding is in the eating.

Dad forgive me for breaking your heart when I told you and Mum and Ton-ton that I was pregnant with Leia out of wedlock. It was the first time that I saw you cry. Seeing you in that state erased my fear only to be replaced by shame and guilt. No Dad, it was not your fault. I was old enough then at 28 to make decisions, unfortunately I made some bad choices. After the initial shock, you and Mum stepped on to the plate and encouraged me the entire nine months of the pregnancy. Having you around gave me strength to move on and refuse to wallow in self pity. Truly, you both are the wind beneath my wings. I saw how you doted on Leia hence I made sure she has "Antoinette" as her second name as a way of giving tribute for the very important role you have played and will play in my daughter's life.

Him who spoils her

There are very few people I know who still exchanges "I love yous" with their parents. You are an exemption. At the end of each phone call, you still tell me those three words - except when we argue. Now that I'm 33, I appreciate that you look at me as a professional and not as the little girl you would buy tetra pack juices for. Every time you ask for my opinion on matters, my confidence gets a boost because having someone of your stature come to me for advice is a feat.

Daddy's girls - the past and the present

I'll end this letter by saying that I got to be where I am now because you and Mum first believed in me. Your presence and support in all the competitions I entered - win or lose was more than enough. You never fail to tell me how proud you are to have me for a daughter. Thank you for being on my team, for cheering me on and for telling me I will always be the apple of your eyes - until Leia came and replaced me. And by the way, I know we have already argued about this but can you try not to spoil Leia too much, please?

I love you Dad... always.

Your not-so little girl,

Lany

P.S.

I haven't given up on finding The One. This is the song that will be played on our father and daughter dance come the time you will give me away to that man the Lord preserved for me. We still have a lot of time to practice. :)

I Want to be a Maricar

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:19:00 +0000

I just finished watching on YouTube the video of Richard Poon and Maricar Reyes' wedding held last Sunday. It was touching, my eyes were welling up and I can't help but utter a silent prayer - Lord, in Your faithfulness and love, please let me be a Maricar.

Source

We all know who Maricar Reyes is. Who hasn't heard of that video scandal way back in 2008 that involved Hayden Kho and a string of women who never had the slightest inkling that they were being video taped? Maricar was one of those. In the midst of the media frenzy, she took a different road from Katrina Halili and kept silent. She showed dignity and strength and was rewarded with a flourishing showbiz career after that dark episode. I instantly became a fan.

Dubbed as "secret", the couple's wedding based on the video was somewhat low-key and intimate. A departure from most showbiz weddings. I liked it that they made their own vows. When it was time for them to kiss, the bride candidly wiped her lips clean before her husband, crooner Richard kissed her. It was actually their FIRST KISS! Aawwww... tissue please!

Of course, to be Maricar Reyes is wishful thinking. Her pretty face and slim physique is every girl's dream but my prayer to be her comes from the fact that she has found the man of her dreams - inspite of everything that happened. I want to be her and be the answer to a man's fervent prayer for a life partner. I want to be her and be respected and cherished even though I have made bad decisions in the past. I want to be Maricar and be honored so much that someone will only kiss me on that big day even if half the country may have seen me get betrayed and toyed with by another man's twisted machismo. I want to be like her and be accepted for my past and be that favor from the Lord.

In preparation for that, I have began the purging process in my life. I am re-embracing what I have taken for granted for a long time. The passions which I let go just to make some people feel good about themselves, well, I'm resurrecting that. I will only welcome people who will make me feel that I am worth a lot, someone who will not feel weak just because I am strong and can hold my own. I will not second-guess myself, this time I will trust my instincts. "You can set your standards high, and trust that God will give you that standard," Maricar said in an interview.

I want to be a Maricar and be found by a Richard who will make me forget all the Haydens.

Yes, there is still hope for a happy ever after.

15 Things to Give Up to Be Happy - a Repost

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:19:00 +0000

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” ― Dalai Lama

Hi y'all! Allow me to share this article I chanced upon on the web... Because we all need a good knock on the head at times just to be reminded that happiness is a decision. I myself found this timely and made me do a good amount of introspection.

May this week be productive for us dear readers. Live. Laugh. Love!

Here is a list of 15 things which, if you give up on them, will make your life a lot easier and much, much happier. We hold on to so many things that cause us a great deal of pain, stress and suffering – and instead of letting them all go, instead of allowing ourselves to be stress free and happy – we cling on to them. Not anymore. Starting today we will give up on all those things that no longer serve us, and we will embrace change.

Ready? Here we go:

1. Give up your need to always be right. There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?”Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?

2. Give up your need for control. Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.” Lao Tzu

3. Give up on blame. Give up on your need to blame others for what you have or don’t have, for what you feel or don’t feel. Stop giving your powers away and start taking responsibility for your life.

4. Give up your self-defeating self-talk. Oh my. How many people are hurting themselves because of their negative, polluted and repetitive self-defeating mindset? Don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are better than that.

“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive.” Eckhart Tolle

5. Give up your limiting beliefs about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. From now on, you are no longer going to allow your limiting beliefs to keep you stuck in the wrong place. Spread your wings and fly!

“A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” Elly Roselle

6. Give up complaining. Give up your constant need to complain about those many, many, maaany things – people, situations, events that make you unhappy, sad and depressed. Nobody can make you unhappy, no situation can make you sad or miserable unless you allow it to. It’s not the situation that triggers those feelings in you, but how you choose to look at it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

7. Give up the luxury of criticism. Give up your need to criticize things, events or people that are different than you. We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and we all want to be understood. We all want something, and something is wished by us all.

8. Give up your need to impress others. Stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not just to make others like you. It doesn’t work this way. The moment you stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not, the moment you take of all your masks, the moment you accept and embrace the real you, you will find people will be drawn to you, effortlessly.

9. Give up your resistance to change. Change is good. Change will help you move from A to B. Change will help you make improvements in your life and also the lives of those around you. Follow your bliss, embrace change – don’t resist it.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” Joseph Campbell

10. Give up labels. Stop labeling those things, people or events that you don’t understand as being weird or different and try opening your mind, little by little. Minds only work when open. “The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” Wayne Dyer

11. Give up on your fears. Fear is just an illusion, it doesn’t exist – you created it. It’s all in your mind. Correct the inside and the outside will fall into place.

“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

12. Give up your excuses. Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.

13. Give up the past. I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.

14. Give up attachment. This is a concept that, for most of us is so hard to grasp and I have to tell you that it was for me too, (it still is) but it’s not something impossible. You get better and better at with time and practice. The moment you detach yourself from all things, (and that doesn’t mean you give up your love for them – because love and attachment have nothing to do with one another, attachment comes from a place of fear, while love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.

15. Give up living your life to other people’s expectations. Way too many people are living a life that is not theirs to live. They live their lives according to what others think is best for them, they live their lives according to what their parents think is best for them, to what their friends, their enemies and their teachers, their government and the media think is best for them. They ignore their inner voice, that inner calling. They are so busy with pleasing everybody, with living up to other people’s expectations, that they lose control over their lives. They forget what makes them happy, what they want, what they need….and eventually they forget about themselves. You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.

Reposted from World Observer Online

Why I'm Nitta Sayuri

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Tue, 28 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Image from the web

I’ve been asked this question so many times I’ve actually lost count. The question pertains to my alias in FB. People’s question range from who the hell is Nitta Sayuri, why Nitta Sayuri and does my real name sound so bad that I have to use someone else’s? Once and for all I will answer everything.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the geishas of Japan. To me they appear like nymphs and there is so much mystery surrounding them that I wanted to know about them as much as I can. Contrary to popular belief, geishas are NOT prostitutes – they are artisans who mastered the art of entertaining guests with their skills in singing, dance, calligraphy or music. Before one becomes a geisha, she has to go through years of training in a geisha house called the okiya.

Nitta Sayuri is the protagonist in Arthur Golden’s 1997 novel Memoirs of a Geisha. Never mind the screen adaptation because I was utterly disappointed after watching it. I have the movie poster though. “Speaking with the wisdom of age and in a voice haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when as a nine-year old girl Chiyo Sakamoto with unusual blue-gray eyes, is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house – the Nitta okiya. She transforms as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha – dance, music, wearing kimono, elaborate makeup and hair, pouring sake to reveal just a touch of the inner wrist, competing with a jealous rival for men’s solicitude and the money that goes with it.” Once an apprentice geisha “graduates, she will have to change her name. Hence, the girl Chiyo took the name Sayuri then changed her family name to Nitta which is the name of the okiya she came from.

One of the most unforgettable lines from the book was from Sayuri which stayed with me even to this day – a geisha has studied a man’s moods and his seasons; she fusses and he blooms. This embodies what a geisha is all about. One of my lifelong dreams is to go to Japan and dress up like an authentic Gion geisha.

Sometime last year, someone played a very cruel joke on me through Facebook. An account was created using my real name and concocted lies to shame and destroy me. I had it reported to the police and kept a copy of the blotter in my files just in case. I did not erase my real FB account but I changed my name. I don’t know but somehow this felt like my way of showing this person that I won’t yield to his evil plans. I promised myself that I will not revert to my real name unless some form of legislation will be passed and implemented against those who malign people on the social network. The next time this amoeba goes back to his dirty tactics I vow to take legal actions and put him behind bars.

I picked Nitta Sayuri as my FB name also because there is one memory carefully written at the last page of my second-edition paper back. On it was the only love letter that Doc wrote to me after lending him my book because he found my penchant for geishas cute. When he returned it two days after, he looked into my eyes, kissed me and quoted this line from the book "If you aren't the woman I think you are, then this isn't the world I thought it was." He told me to read the last page when I get home. Since then he started calling me “Chiyo”.

The pages of the book are now yellow but I am preserving it. There are times when I ask myself if it was all worth it. I read this letter and I get the answer. Someday when Leia grows up, I will tell her the story of Nitta Sayuri and read to her the letter written by the man who became her father.

I've read this so many times and still, it feels like the first time ;)

Your personality in a cookie

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Mon, 27 May 2013 13:04:00 +0000

My current companion is a title from one of my favorite motivational speakers Francis J. Kong. The Early Bird Catches the Worm But the Second Mouse Gets the Cheese - Stories that Make You Think, Stories that Make You Laugh and Stories that Make You Love (whew!). In a gist, his new book is about teaching readers that life is a matter of perspective, it's not what happens to you - it's how you look at it and how you take it.

Anyway, here's a personality test based on how you eat an Oreo cookie. I just want to share it with all of you, for fun of course. There are just days when I wish knowing a person can be as easy as this (sigh)...

Image from the web

Choose which method best describes your favorite method of eating Oreos:

1. The whole thing all at once.
2. One bite at a time.
3. Slow and methodical nibbles examining the results of each bite afterwards.
4. In little feverous nibbles.
5. Dunked in some liquid (milk, coffee...).
6. Twisted apart, the inside, then the cookie.
7. Twisted apart, the inside, and toss the cookie.
8. Just the cookie, not the inside.
9. I just like to lick them, not eat them.
10. I don't have a favorite way. I don't like Oreo cookies.

1. The whole thing.
This means you consume life with abandon. You are fun to be with, exciting, and carefree with some hint of recklessness.

2. One bite at a time.
You are lucky to be one of the 5.4 billion other people who eat their Oreos this very same way. Just like them, you lack imagination, but that's okay, not to worry, you're normal.

3. Slow and Methodical.
You follow the rules. You're very tidy and orderly. You're very meticulous in every detail with every thing you do. People like you oughta stay out of the fast lane if you're only going to go the speed limit.

4. Feverous Nibbles.
You have a tendency to work too much and do too much. You always have a million things to do and never enough time to do them. Stop reading this and get things done already!

5. Dunked.
Every one likes you because you are always upbeat. But, dunking is a messy business and you can be untidy at times.

6. Twisted apart, the inside, and then the cookie.
You have a highly curious nature. You take pleasure in breaking things apart to find out how they work, though not always able to put them back together, so you destroy all the evidence of your activities.

7. Twisted apart, the inside, and then toss the cookie.
You take risks that pay off. You take what you want and throw the rest away.

8. Just the cookie, not the inside.
You enjoy pain.

9. I just like to lick them, not eat them.
Stay away from small furry animals and seek professional medical help - immediately.

10. I don't have a favorite way. I don't like Oreo cookies.
You probably come from a rich family, and like to wear nice things, and go to up-scale restaurants. You are particular and fussy about the things you buy, own, and wear. Things have to be just right. You like to be pampered. You are a prima donna. There's just no pleasing you. Why are you here with us little people?

I'm a number 2 - normal and boring. LOL What are you?

Hey you pretty momma!

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:54:00 +0000

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. - Buddha

Photo from the web

There were quite a few times when people would tell me I don't look like a mom after finding out I'm raising a three-year old daughter alone. Quite honestly I don't know how to react because initially, statements like this is supposed to be a compliment but on the other hand, there lies the preconceived notion that mothers are expected to look a certain way. To elaborate, it means you have to let go of yourself because once you give birth you are to fit the motherhood mold. It is the sad truth that the moment we take ourselves for granted, we are also killing little by little our self esteem.

I was sitting in front of my laptop one night and while cleaning my face and reading an article all at the same time, I had my light bulb moment. Why not make a beauty/fashion blog for moms? Yes! So after hours of set up, I gave birth to my second blog - Hey You Pretty Momma!

Of course moms need to devote every possible waking moment nurturing their offspring/s but it does not mean not taking care of yourself anymore. It is a crime! Society expects that you kiss goodbye feeling good and looking good. And I say screw that thought! First and foremost, a mother is a person, a woman and childbirth does not alter that but instead enriches her existence. Happy moms equal happy kids. A mom who takes care of herself while juggling the demands of motherhood and family is her own hero. So before I completely go philosophical and boring, let me tell you what I intend to do on this nouveau blog of mine.

Well, let's call it another advocacy. I hope that You Pretty Momma can encourage mothers like me to revive taking care of themselves and break free from the mommy mold. You know what I mean - greasy, uncombed hair, dull faces and clothes of by-gone eras. My vision for this blog is to provide advice to mommas out there that there are fashion and beauty options which don't cost an arm and leg. I'm also conscious of my expenses because more than anyone else I'm a solo parent. I'm no beauty queen but I make it a point to clean, tone and moisturize my face. I'm no model but I try to find clothes that are multi-purpose, those that I can wear until they are threadbare. I advocate that is not a crime to smell, look and feel good. I look forward to the inputs of other moms too who can give their feel-good/look-good recommendations and experiences.

Single ladies too are welcome, I'm single anyway, only that I have a kid. :)

A love letter to Mummy

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:56:00 +0000

Dear Mum,

Let me tell you again that you are one of life's greatest blessings to me - and I mean every word that I just typed. Thank you for being the prayerful mother that you are. Quite frankly, I can't imagine where I or Ton-ton will be without your prayers for our success and protection. Sorry that sometimes I fall short of sugar coating things and I say it upfront. I'm sorry because I was hard-headed and didn't listen when you told me to steer clear of the man who eventually became Leia's dad. I'm sorry for the many times I failed you because I thought I knew what I was doing only to realize the folly of my actions too late. I'm sorry that I have to make the difficult decision to work away from home and be far from you and Leia, sorry that you have to do the cooking again (NOTE: Mum and I refuse to allow the helps to cook; my brother and I got our discriminating palates from Mum).

Ina-Tay, Mummy and Leia

Yet despite my wrong choices and occasional hard headed-ness, I've felt and I've witnessed the magnanimity of your love for me - and now for Leia. Thank you for cultivating in me a love for reading - I now understand why I never had a Barbie doll when I was a kid. Thank you for taking the time to write my oration pieces despite your busy work schedule. Thank you for molding us to be good people. I would have wanted some of your gentleness to rub off on me but apparently the Lord made me to become a woman with balls. Thank you for loving Leia the way that only Mommy Dear can, for stepping into my shoes five days a week when I'm working. Thank you for laying hands in prayer on my tummy when she was still inside my womb. Thank you for being there that allows me to focus on the things that I need to do at work and not worry too much about me leaving my daughter. Mum, I wouldn't be as strong as I am now if not for you beside me; for your counsel even when I don't follow; for your mother's love and for your faith even when you had cancer. I draw strength from you even when you were at your weakest after every each chemotherapy session.

Mum, I don't know what lies ahead for me and my child, but somehow the thought that I have you every step of the way dispels my fear of the future. I love you with all my heart and soul. People tell me that I'm doing a good job as a mother but it's only because I was raised by the best Mummy in the whole world. I could go on forever thanking you and asking for forgiveness but I know you shy away from fame. You always allow us to take the center stage and you're always on the front row to cheer us on.

Happy Mothers' Day Mum... a lifetime is not enough to tell you how much we love you.

I am Ina-Tay and I am my mother's daughter.

Why I love working with expats

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Lately, I have allowed myself to go to uncharted territories. The journey so far has been exhilarating, I can't confidently say though it's rewarding because I have yet to see. But these new directions caused me to be pensive and press rewind. I have gone this far because I learned from some of the best people to work with - expats.

Now before you raise that eyebrow and ask how much I must've been paid to write this post, allow me to qualify my statement. I know some of you have horror stories about working with foreign nationals and how they caused you sleepless nights and fleeting moments of insanity. Albeit some who made me work wounded to the point of almost second-guessing my capabilities that took so long to build, my experience is generally happy and meaningful.

We were one big happy family! (circa 2004).

I noticed that I actually work better with foreigners than with Filipinos. I'm not being critical of my own race here, however I personally find it relatively easier to share the four corners of an office with them. And from my years of experience with them, here are some reasons why:

1. They say things upfront. I think you would agree that the Filipino culture, like any Asian culture is very polite. We tend to sugar-coat things and soften the blow because we were raised to be polite by our parents. Remember "po" and "opo"? When I began working with expats, I was initially shocked by their lack of guile. My other Pinoy colleagues found it offensive. Looking at the big picture though, their being frank actually helps set the direction. No beating around the bush which saves a good amount of time. They will tell you what needs to be done, when it should be done. No reading between the lines. In return, they also expect you to cut the crap and say it as you mean it.

2. They are not afraid to ask questions. Nobody and I mean nobody has a monopoly of knowledge regardless of race, especially when working in foreign soil. My expat colleagues were not afraid to ask questions. Even my Australian BEAM boss D'Arcy is not shy to ask me how to correctly spell English words. I was his spell checker. Now that's the project director asking. He's not a big fan of using the computer and would rather turn to me. Him doing that did not make him less of a boss. Instead it made him more human to us. One of the things he taught me was never to be afraid to ask. It is better to ask when you do not know before doing anything rather than finish the wrong thing.

3. They openly appreciate good performance and says "Thank you.". Unlike most Pinoy bosses who are stingy with pats in the back and are somewhat haughty, expats have no qualms in praising a good job. They openly tell you that you did well and in turn this encourages you to do more and builds your confidence. I know, I've been there. They speak well of you when you have shown your worth and once they see your potential, they take you under their wing to help you develop your skills. When I would hesitate to jump on a task, my expat bosses used to crane their necks, look at me and encourage me to give it a shot.

4. They do not tolerate mediocrity. I am speaking from my own experience here guys. This is the bitter half of number 3. Once you hand in a mediocre output, they will tell you that it is not good enough and that you can do better than that. Call it constructive criticism and it's not towards you but they are pertaining to the job that you do. My attention has been called quite a number of times when D'Arcy is not happy and he tells me straight to my face what he sees wrong with my work. Initially I felt insulted but that built my character and work ethics. "Pwede na" (this will do) will never do.

5. They go out of their way to know their people. There were I think 160 plus of us in BEAM. But the expats know each of us by name and calls us on a first name basis. It made us feel acknowledged and important. During our last Friday get togethers at the end of the month, our foreign colleagues would sit and chat and joke with us and catch up on the goings-on of our private lives. D'Arcy was especially interested how his admin "angels" are faring in our love lives. When we were working for this mining firm in GenSan, some of our team mates were shocked when D'Arcy opened bottles for them and threw his arm around them. Those simple gestures of genuinely reaching out to subordinates is one of the surefire ways to gain respect, not barking orders on a daily basis.

6. They are not afraid to have a good time. One criticism I got from them is that Pinoys are so hardworking, we work our hands to the bone that we forget to have a life outside work. Expats work hard but they also party harder. Don't get me wrong. What I mean is that they are not so square and boring that all they do is churn reports. Foreign colleagues always encourage us to travel - even locally- and discover new things. As the adage goes, all work and no play makes Juan/Juana a dull boy/girl. They love good food and good wine and do Karaoke on Friday nights!

So to all my former expat colleagues and bosses, thank you for imparting good lessons. I have had the pleasure of working with you and some of you became my mentors and helped shape who I am today. I will end this with another of D'Arcy's teachings - respect is not how people call you; respect is how they react to what you say.

Oh and by the way, they don't want to be called Sir or Ma'am. Their names will do. Missing you D'Arcy Walsh and Ms Carol, Max Walsh, Gio McKay, Ali Douglas, Scott Cawrse, Rose Green, Peter Klar, Roger Saunders, Deb Moulton!

Some of the happy photos of my fairy tale job that was BEAM.

Get-together and catching up over pizza and wine

Can you find Ina-Tay?

No me here, me photographer?

Where art thou Wisely?

noreply@blogger.com (Lany) — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:01:00 +0000

I looked for Wisely yesterday on my ballot - such person did not exist. While watching the election coverage on TV Wisely was nowhere to be found. I was looking for Wisely and my search was in vain.

Image from inquirer.net

Pinoys trooped to their election precincts yesterday to cast their votes for the midterm elections. In tow was their right of suffrage and the hope that the names they would choose will be synonymous to a better life, that the candidates who promised to them the moon and the stars while campaigning will not develop selective amnesia after winning.

While waiting in line I wanted to tell Manang to vote wisely but she seemed busy writing something on her small notebook and I shied away. So each Juan and Juana carefully shaded the circles next to the names of their bets. Thankfully, the markers still hasn't run out of ink. Check. Next was to "feed" the ballots into the PCOS, lucky for those precincts that had working machines. My ballot was accepted only after the third try. Whew! Perhaps because I did not complete my list of district councilors and senators. I simply ran out of options.

Last night I was glued to watching the canvassing on TV. There was a sinking feeling while the numbers were climbing and some of those that I will never vote for even if my life depended on it slowly making it to the single digit ranking. While pundits and experts gave their analysis, I was scratching and shaking my head in disbelief and frustration. Clearly, we Filipinos still lack foresight. The few hundred pesos a candidate willingly pays in exchange for that one vote will be no more in no time. But that politico will stay in power for three years and work day and night to get their returns of investment. We are a very forgiving people, we easily forget what this and that candidate did in the past. To the tune of Gangnam, our mind and political resolve sway and the slate is wiped clean. We still go for the familiar names despite our clamor against political dynasties. We vote for people even if they have not lifted a single finger for the good of the common Pinoy.

I'm typing away to finish this blog post while the TV anchor recites the million votes some undeserving politicians received from us, gullible electorate. For now, it's all wait and see.

I have been looking for Wisely since I was old enough to vote. And I have always been in vain.

When will we ever learn?