Andrewz MaXiMuS ... the master of his life

Family Swimming at Sun City

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:42:00 +0000

Last June 15, kasama ang buong Pamilya sa angkan ng Pioquid at Minglana, nagkayayaan kaming mag swimming sa Sun Ciy, Pansol, Calamba, Laguna. Double Celebration itong maituturing. Celebration ng 8th Birthday ni Sam at Father's Day na rin. Nakakatuwa lang at sa mga oras na yun, nagkaroon ng family bonding.

Nakakatuwang makita ang mga magulang, asawa, anak, pinsanan at mga pamangkin na nagkukulitan habang ini-enjoy ang hot spring. Sulit ang gastos at pagod sa preparasyon, atleast, nakita mong sila'y masaya.

Hay! sana, masundan!

A tribute to a Father

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:17:00 +0000

Nuong Linggo, June 15, umapaw ang CP ko sa mga text messages na dumating. Puro's pagbati ng "Happy Father's Day Drew"

Dapat nga siguro, 1 whole week celebration ang Father's Day, dahil kung tutuusin, hindi kakayanin ng 1 araw, o ng 1 linggo, o ng isang taon pa ang magagandang bigay ng mga ama sa mundo. Ipinagpapasalamat kong ang tatay ko ang numero uno kong idolo, sa kasipagan, sa kabaitan, sa pagaaruga at pagmamahal.

At sa araw ng mga Ama, magandang balikan ang mga kagandahang naiambag sa atin ng ating mga Ama, na dapat ipagpasalamat.

A Happy Fathers day to all the Dad's out there specially to my 2 Father in Law, Papang Fred, Daddy Romy and my only Dad, Lucito Minglana.

Honga pala, Dad narin pala ako! Happy Father's Day to me.

PS. Salamat sa lahat ng mag bumati.

Happy Birthday my dearest daughter Sam

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:54:00 +0000

My daughter's growing up so fast
eight full years have now past.
From infant it's quite the contrast
I wish those days could always last.

Letting her grow up, is so hard
I hold her in highest regard.
The works she's written avant-garde
my daughter is a brilliant bard.

Her writing started very young
words seemed to roll right off her tongue.
Some of her works are lyrics sung
it's the elite that she's among.

I hope my words aren't too cliche
and now without further delay.
The wishes that I now convey
I say Sam, Happy Birthday.

Alvin Minglana to Bermuda

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:21:00 +0000

Isang napakagandang oportunidad ang dumating sa buhay ng kapatid ko. Opportunity to work as a Senior Accountant sa isang Top Financial Company sa Bermuda. Direct hire sya dito, at ang maganda, lahat ng expenses nya sa preparation at pagpunta sa Bermuda, sagot ng company na nag hire sa kanya. Ayala Land ang pinanggalingang company ni Alvin or Bheng sa tawagan namin at Financial Analyst na sya doon.

Hinatid namin si Bheng kagabi (8pm) sa NAIA. He's flying to Bermuda, a British Colony sa Atlantic. 1 hour airplane trip lang eh nasa New York kana. Sabi nga nya, baka sa New York na lang sya mag spend ng Christmas at New Year.

Di ko nakakitaan ng kalungkutan ang nanay namin. Sana'y na raw syang pareho kaming nasa business trips parati pero ika nga, iba parin ang ibang bansa. Matagal tagal syang mawawalay sa amin. Kahit ang tatay ko, nagpakita ng tikas ng loob (ewan ko lang kung umiyak). Pagkatapos mag-paalam sa lahat, lalo na sa anak kong paborito nya, niyakap ko na ang kapatid ko at nag-biling magdasal, maging smart at mag-iingat palagi.

I wish all the best in life for my brother pero ang sabi nya, gagawin nya ang lahat para mas maiangat ang antas ng aming pamumuhay lalo na para sa mga magulang namin.

Manila Ocean Park

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Last June 3, sa request ng anak kong si Sam, nagpunta kami sa Bagong Manila Ocean Park. Sa likod lang ito ng Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park Manila.

Malaki na nga ang pinagbago ng lugar. Bagamat di pa gaanong tapos ang istraktura, marami nang mga tao ang dumadayo para masaksihan ang mga naggagandahang nilalang ng dagat na ngayo'y nasa park. Di lang ito basta park, may future plan din para sa mga hotel and mall settlement dito.

Sa halagang 400php per head sa adult at 350php sa seniors and children, maituturing na may kamahalan bagama't sulit ang pagbisita sa lugar na ito lalo't underwater enthusiast ka. Talagang nakaka-engganyong matanaw ang mga nilalang ng dagat na ito. Sana nga lang, di sila naaabuso.

Isa pang sayang ay ang nakakadismayang hitsura ng manila bay na nasa likod lang ng park na ito. Makikita mo ang napakaraming lumutung na basura. Senyales ba ito ng maunlad ng bayan o bayang kulang sa disiplina. Hay!

Di bale, nag enjoy naman ng husto ang aking anak at ang aming buong pamilya sa Ocean Park.

See more pics!

Amazing Fireworks Display at MOA

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:42:00 +0000

I'm once amazed on how the dark sky of Manila Bay turned out to be a stage of fantastic and colorful lights brought by the World Pyro Olympics held in our country. It was my first time watching it near the venue.

People watching did really enjoy the night. Families, Friends, what an awesome night. For sure, many of us will wait for another year to watch this fantastic exhibitions. Oh, don't worry, 7 months to go and its NEW YEAR once again!

See pics!

My SAM's 1st communion

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:33:00 +0000

Before her 8th birthday, my daughter took 2 more catholic sacraments. Confession and Holy Communion.

I took a leave to attend my daughter's 1st communion on May 30, 2008, Friday at St. Joseph Parish Church, Taguig City. Proud to say, she's on the right path. Thru the guidance of my mom, who took care of her in my absents (since i'm working), she guided my only child on defining what is right and wrong.

Oh one more, May was also dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary, and my daughter took part in the celebration of the Flores de Mayo

I'm one proud Dad!

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CELTICS vs LAKERS after 21 years

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Sat, 31 May 2008 04:31:00 +0000

21 years in the making for a comeback match between this 2 stellar NBA Teams. Its final, CELTICS win the EAST and LAKERS on the WEST, and they will now face-off for the prestigious Larry O'Brian trophy, the NBA Title. No doubt from the start that Celtics is a strong contender,with thier BIG 3 (Pierce, Garnette and Allen). But we can't under estimate Briant's MVP form together with Odom and newly hired Gasol on their lineup.

This will be Phil Jackson 11th appearance in the finals as head coach. (10/11 WIN/LOSS). I consider the tri-combination of Bryant, Odom and Gasol can match the power of the BIG 3. Their respective bench will determine the end result.

The matchup between this 2 celebrated teams could be described as POWER vs WILL, HUNGER VS MUCH HUNGER and LEGACY vs LEGACY.

On my prediction, CELTICS will grab it 4-2.

Guimaras: Island of Promise

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:09:00 +0000

Kilala ang Guimaras sa pagiging source ng sweetest mango sa buong mundo. Pero hindi lang pala ito, madami din silang maipagmamalaki gaya ng mga beach fronts nila na ubod ng linis.

Naalala nyo pa ba ang oil spill na tumama malapit sa isla na ito, salamat at wala na!

Sinadya namin ang Guimaras, salamat kay Jho (kasama namin sa work sa Manels) na taga dun. 15 minutes boat ride lang from Iloilo City papuntang pantalan ng Guimaras sa Jordan. Mula doon, nag trike ride kami papunta sa bahay nila. Dun na kami nagpalipas ng gabi.

Umaga na ng tumungo kami sa isang beach front na pag-aari ng pamilya ni Jho. Ika nga, di na namin kailangan pang pumunta sa mga developed na beaches sa area. Maganda ang paligid, ang tanawin. Ang tubig dagat, malinaw. Di ka magsisisi. Talagang nakakapang-relax ang lugar.

Di ko nakalimutang bumili ng manggang Guimaras!

See more pics!

Iloilo: Festivities Capital

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 26 May 2008 06:56:00 +0000

45 minutes lang ang flight from Cebu to Iloilo. Kung di gaanong maulap, matatanaw mo lang ang Negros Island before Iloilo. Puro bukirin ang tanawin pababa ng Iloilo Airport. Honga pala, ang Iloilo Airport ang pinakabagong gawang Airport sa bansa. Situated ito sa Sta.Barbara. Mas maganda pa ito kaysa sa NAIA Airport, mas maliit nga lang.

Sa Jaro, Iloilo City kami tumuloy. Bagamat maayos ang panahon, medyo humid din. Masasarap ang pagkain. Recommended ang Lapaz Bachoy ng Iloilo. Di ko rin pinalagpas ang Biscocho. Binisita rin namin ang Nuestra Senora de Candelaria ng Jaro. Dito bininyagan ang isa sa ating mga bayaning si Graciano Lopez Jaena.

Isa sa mga sikat ng festival dito ay ang Dinagyang. Bagamat hindi Enero, pinalad akong makasaksi ng isang performance nito sa SM Iloilo. Sobrang ganda. Sana, makapunta ako na may actual parade na!

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Great Lunch at Casa Verde with Jayzel

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:02:00 +0000

May 19, 2008

Pinaunlakan ko ang yaya ng alumni friend kong si Jayzel dito sa Cebu. Sinundo pa nya ako sa Ayala mall. Together with my colleagues sa Manels, we went to Casa Verde where Jayzel work as the Accountant.

Treat nya ang lunch. Mga 20 minutes travel from Ayala mall, sa Ramos, matatagpuan ang Casa Verde. Sinasadya ang restau na to. Famous ito for their Baked Ribs, na dinadayo pa. Class restau sya, pero mura ang food, highly recommended talaga. Adding the ambiance na parang nasa old mansion house ka facing the garden, the experience will really entice you na bumalik balik.

Hmm, kaya pala malusog si Jayzel. Thanks sis for the lunch! We really enjoy!

See more pics!

Meeting up the Cebu Grads

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:00:00 +0000

May 18, 2008

May gathering pala ang cebu alumni last May 18 sa Tungkop, Minglanilla. Di ko tinanggihan ang yaya ni Ruben. Pinilit ko talagang ma-meet sila. Hapon na ako ng dumating sa Venue. Malapit lang sa Minglanilla campus.

Naalala ko tuloy ang mga manila grads pag may get together. Ganun din sila. Sobrang saya, puro kulitan din. Di ako namahay. Hehehe! Very accommodating sila. Nakakahiya nga lang , wala kasi akong dala. I’ve met Ruben, Ate Analyn, Cebu alumni President Lizabeth, the cebu grad na Atty. And marami pa.

Sana, maka-attend ulit ako. Babawi nalang ako pag sila naman ang nasa Manila. Kudos to all you guys!

See more pics!

Visit to The Sisters of Mary, Minglanilla, Cebu Campus

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:00:00 +0000

May 17, 2008

Nasa Cebu narin lang ako, bakit di ko pa isingit na bumisita sa Sisters of Mary School Branch dito sa Cebu. An hour travel from Cebu City. Sa tulong ni Ate Analyn (Cebu Alumni Coordinator) at ni Ruben Rallos, madali akong nakarating sa school.
From Cebu City, you will ride a jeep or taxi going to CT-Link (South Station). From there, may mga byahe nang pa Minglanilla, either bus or van. Pwede rin ang taxi from Cebu city to Minglanilla campus. May mabilis dahil may option kang dumaan sa SRP (South Reclamation Project) Highway na lusot agad ng Minglanilla. Nasa gilid lang ito ng dagat.

5pm na ako dumating. Along highway lang ito. Naabutan kong nagga-gardening ang mga bata. Napansin kong mahilig silang mag tumbling. Hmm. Tumuloy agad ako sa alumni office kung saan na meet ko in person si Ate Analyn. We toured the whole campus. Very cool ang place. Matatanaw mo lang mga bundok, na nasa tapat lang ng campus.

I’ve met my 4th year sister in-charge and former Biga principal, Sr. Teresita Prudente, along with Sr. Emma. At syempre, di mawawala ang mga picture picture.

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The Travel to Cebu by Sea

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:57:00 +0000

First time kong nakasakay ng malaking barkong pampasahero. Byaheng Cagayan de Oro papuntang Cebu City. Madami kaming kasabay, palibhasa na-cancel ang mga byahe the other day.

Gabi kami nung magbyahe kaya di ko maiging natanaw ang CDO pag-alis ng barko. Tourist ang kinuha naming ticket sa Cebu Ferries. Wala man kaming kasamang naghatid, nag pretend nalang kami nang makikaway kami sa mga taong naghatid sa mga kamag-anak nila nung paalis na. 10 hours ang byaheng CDO to Cebu.

Since medyo masama ang panahon, pati ang dagat, maalon. Ramdam mo at talagang nakakahilo. Di ko pinalagpas ang pagkakataong umakyat sa deck at mag site seeing kahit gabi. Malalaki ang mga alon, pero bali wala sa malaking barkong nasakyan ko.

5am ako nagising, pinilit kong tumayo para tanawin ang sunrise. Breath taking ang view. At 6am, dumaong na kami.

Cebu, here we come!

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Cagayan De Oro: City of Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:49:00 +0000

May 14-16, 2008

Yan ang makikita mo paglapag mo ng Cagayan de Oro Airport. Kakatuwa dahil nasa bundok ang airport nila. Ito ang kabisera ng Misamis Oriental, part ng Northern Mindanao. Nakakaintindi man ako ng bisaya, malamang, maibebenta parin ako dito.

Madami akong napansin sa lugar na ito. Ang mga taxi nila, tinalo pa ang manila. Karamihan, mga bago! Hmm, nakaka-engganyo talagang mag taxi. Ang mga tricycle naman, sinulit ang espasyo para magkasya ang 11 pasahero, kasama na dito ang driver. May ilan na akong nakitang trike na ganito sa bicutan noon, pero dito, ito ang uso. Mura lang ang pamasahe sa mga PUB’s and trike nila compared sa manila. P6.00 lang ang minimum fare.

Matao rin ang kanilang centro, kahit hating gabi, parang Olongapo rin. Nasa Divisoria ang centro! Opps! Di ito ang Divisoria ng Manila, talagang Divisoria ang pangalan ng lugar.

Mga authentic food na famous from:
- Marang, kaso seasonal fruit sya kaya di ako nakabili
- Chedeng (Brand pala ito ng roasted peanut, proudly from CDO)
- Pastel (Bread na may lamang special yema, and also comes with different variety)

Sayang at sarado na ang Davao branch namin, dito na ako sa CDO namili ng mga malong na pambasalubong.

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The BORA Experience

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:28:00 +0000

BORACAY: A perfect summer destinations for couples and friends. Di namin to pinalagpas. Experience to believe. Totoo nga!

Day 1 (May 2, 2008):

Sa airport palang, ang gugulo na namin. Di halatang excited. Dito nabuo ang bagong depenisyon ng solo. Na delay ng konti ang flight, mga 5 minutes lang naman.

From Kalibo airport, nauna na ang mga sms alumni friends namin ni Mina papunta ng Caticlan habang dumalaw muna kaming dalawa sa grand pa ko sa New Washington, Aklan. Di ko man nasaksihan ang eksenang “taga IYA ako”, nasulit ko naman ang pagdalaw sa mga kamaganakan ko. First time ko sa Barrio nung 3 taon palang ako at ngayon palang nasundan.

Hapon na kami sumunod sa Boracay. Bagamat di ko nagamit ang discount ko bilang half blood aklanon, narating naman namin ang Paraiso ng Boracay ng maayos. Pagdaong panga ng Boracay, nag-alangan pa ako dahil naiksian ako sa byahe ng Bangka mula Caticlan hanggang Bora.

Sa Sanders White kami tumuloy (Station 2). Humabol nalamang kami ni Mina sa Dinner Buffet kasama ang mga alumni friends namin. Nagpa brayed si Mina habang nag bar hopping naman kami nung gabing yon.

Day 2 (May 3, 2008):

Scheduled island hopping namin. May nakuha ng contact sina Apol. Complete package ito, kasama na ang lunch buffet. Nilibot namin ang buong isla ng Bora. Isa sa mga nakita namin ang umanoy bakasyunang bahay ni Manny Pacquiao. Una naming tinigilan ang “reef-reefan: pretending reef pero hindi na”. Dito kami nag snorkelling. Sunod, sa isang beach front na konti lang ang tao. Photo event ito. Puro solo “solo: kumpulang pagpapa-picture, bagong depinisyon”. Picture perfect ng group at breath taking underwater shots (sa pangpang nga lang).

Dahil inabot na kami ng tanghali, tinungo na namin ang aming pagdarausan ng lunch buffet. Sulet ang food. Napagkamalan pa si Sam na waiter ng isa ring customer. Taray phenomenon ang effect ng nasabing pangyayari…Hehehe.

Huli naming tinungo ang Crystal Cove. May mga breath taking sceneries dito at 2 caves. Dun kami naligo.

Buffet nanaman pagdating ng gabi at deretso tulog pagkatapos. Kapagod din kasi. Di ko pala nakakalimutang birthday ng mom ko.

Day 3(May 4, 2008):

Schedule namin maligo at mag relax sa isang private beach owned by Cojuanco’s (ASYA). Thanks kay Athel, we got great deal dito. Maganda ang views, facing Caticlan. Consumable ang package, the food and the amenities including kayaking, snorketing and beach volleyball. Nilibot pa namin ang area, recommended ito sa mga nagha-honeymoon. Hmmp!

Isa isa ang mga boys na nagdive sa isang dive spot don din sa area. Super swabe talaga. Sensya sa mga di tumalon. Ika ni Sam, sup*&*. Dito na kami ng buffet lunch.

ATV (All terrain vehicle) ang kasunod naming activity. First time ko kaya excited. Nag test drive muna kami bago sumabak. Perfect sa practice pero di parin nakaiwas sa accident sa actual. Hahaha, nasugatan lang naman ako sa daliri ng paa after sumemplang kami ni Nick….NickkkkkK! Hehehehe! No worries naman ako besides nalapatan agad ng First Aid. Thanks kay Russel ni Athel and Tin na wife ni Tone.

Na reach namin ang summit ng Mt. Luho. Tanaw namin dito ang buong isla ng bora 360 degrees. Since less than an hour lang yung ATV, nakakabitin talaga.

Nagpa-baba kami sa Station 1 para ma-experience ang very publicized “Jonah Shake”. And the verdict, masarap naman. Try nyo ang Sago!

Another buffet dinner and after nito, drinking galore hanggang mag-umaga sa shore. 4 na bottles ng Tequilla and many more. For sure may nabangenge.

Day 4 (May 5, 2008)

After nang magdamagang inuman, naligo ako sa beach. Mas masarap talagang mag swim ng madaling araw. Namili na kami ni Mina ng mga pampasalubong at naghanda sa pag-uwi. Nakita ko pa yung neighbour namin habang nag-iinternet ako sa isang wifi spot ng station 2.
Hapon na kami umalis ng Bora. Nasita nanaman kami sa Pier. This time, sinabi kong taga Jugas ako. Nakalusot man ako, di pinalagpas ang ilang kasamahan namin. Hirap palang mag-aklanong barok, bagamat nakalusot kami, mga pinsan ko kako kasi sila.

Delay flight nanaman kami though ilang minuto lang naman. 8pm, nasa manila na ulit kami.
Next time, susubukan ko naman ang Siquijor.

See the pics: click here

Paying homage to my Mom's root in Aklan

noreply@blogger.com (minglana.andrew) — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:52:00 +0000

I still have this great recollection of what my mom's ancestral house looks like, the environment, the houses, the rice fields, the river. But, to SEE AGAIN is to believe. I'm fortunate to see that last May 2, 2008.

I've scheduled a summer getaway heading to BORACAY with my wife. 4 days in this treasured Philippine beach. Conscious of the location (AKLAN), I immedietely think of visiting my Grand Pa at Jugas, New Washington, Aklan, a town after Kalibo going to Iloilo. So before our Cebu Pacific Flight by 8am at Manila Domestic Airport, I immedietely ringed my cousin, Psyche Mae. I asked her to accompany us to our Grand Pa's house. In short, she became our tour guide.

We are at Kalibo Domestic Airport by 9am and my cousin Psyche are waiting for us on the airport gate. I've asked our friends who came along with us to Boracay if me and my wife Mina could pay a trip to my Lolo's house. No one oppose...hehehe.

First, we visited my Aunt Mila's house, near Kalibo Airport. She came along with us, with another cousin of mine (sorry, forgot her name). Then, we went to Aunt Susettes house (she's the Aklan Provincial Capitor assistant Provincial Treasurer). Our cousin Hanna also came along. We made sure that lolo will be surpised on our visit. I've bought chocolate cake and black forest cake of Red Ribbon from Kalibo Gaisano Mall. Before going to Jugas, we took rest at my cuz Psyche Mae's house.

Heading to the Barrio took as almost an hour of mixed cement and rough road. Though the weather is too hot, I manage to enjoy the sceneries as we pass by what my mom foretold places to us like Candelaria and Banga, the rice fields and the Nipa plantation, the fish ponds.

Lolo, here we come! Atlast, after a long winding rough road, I stepped in the house, to where my mom came. I'm really astonished on the place. A real old barrio, were handicraft and farming is the main source of income. I saw my Grand Pa, very old and weary, always asking apologies for he's familiar with our face, not with our names anymore. He's more than 90 years of age. I can't withstand my Grand Pa's condition and immediately called my mom of the situation. What assistance we could offer.

I've also noticed my cousin Joan carrying sacks of "palay" on her shoulder. Imagine, a 21 year old girl. I was touched by heroics, standing as the light of the house. She even cried when she saw us. She was overwhelmed I guess. (Don't know where her mom by that time).

We thank GOD for the food on our table (lots of Fried Galunggong, Sinigang na Galunggong din and steamed talbos ng camote - my request). We ate altogether. One of the happiest moment I've experienced. I've let them show some pictures our our family in Manila via my laptop. We went to our Aunt Pilings house. I manage to see the new unfinished bridge connecting two barrios in between river. Before this bridge came, one of my Grand Pa's business is transferring people from one side to the other using their boat. My mom usually tells us story bout that. I came close on seing the NIPAS where my mom confessed she hate to tie up to make the "SASA", later will become the native roofs of the "Bahay Kubo".

Ah! too much of the memories isn't it. But one thing I notice, I really felt sorry for the condition of my Grand Pa, his room, no fan, not to mention other unhygienic things... It caught me mad once in a while.

Time comes, need to go to Bora. I gave my Aunts and my Lolo a very warm hugs and kisses, promised to visit them again. I've even inserted money to my Lolo's pocket.

Miss my Grand Pa so much.

Mom's May Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:34:00 +0000

Almost all the festivities in the Philippines are held during the month of May. Don't know exactly when it did start. But one thing I know, this month also marks my mom's natal day.

On May 3, that will be her 65th year in this world. I salute my mom for bringing us to this world, providing us all our needs and being our best teacher. She had made us what we are right now.

Not to mention all her sacrifices for us, she had made every second of our life fruitful, for us to enjoy the world, others aren't lucky to have. My mom is the instrument of my success. We, her sons and grandchildren are her living treasures she had made to. And I am proud to be her son, her eldest.

Love you mom! Wishing you good health, long life and all the best in your life. Happy birthday and mothers day too! Ariba! to the best mom!

PS.: Don't worry Pop's, it will be your turn next month.

sam minglana: top 6 out of all grade 2 students

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:09:00 +0000

Indeed my little girl is tough! I'm a proud dad of this little achiver girl. she made it to the top inspite of tight academic competition. As her reward, I'll let her choose between music summer class or swimming lesson.

TOTAL Head Office at Puerto Galera

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:01:00 +0000

March 6-7, 2008

Nagsimula lang ito sa simpleng yayaan, hanggang sa naging Head Office outing na. Sa totoo lang, na finalize lang ito, 2 days before the event. Ayus din!

Kakatuwa, kasi ba naman, na-assign akong sumama sa pamimili ng veggies and fruits. I suggested na sa Libertad, Pasay nalang since malapit lang yung sa Buendia at dun kami sasakay papuntang Batangas Pier. In short, 4am, gising na ako (di pa excited to..hmmp) at tumungo na sa Pasay Rotonda to meet Eloi, Ryan and Janice who will accompany me in buying. Ayus talaga kasi fresh at mura pa ang mga napamili naming.

We are supposed to leave Buendia at 7am kaso, since we are Filipino, our time culture is really distinctive. Nah! So since ang napa-reserve naming boarding time is 10am, na-adjust to to 11:30am which means, naiwan na kami and we have to be transferred nalang sa next hour schedule. Nah again! Buti nalang at sikat na sikat si RSA dun. Biro mo ba naman, sa Balagtas, Batangas City palang, may sumasalubong na naghahanap ng nagpa-reserve na “Rosalin Amaki (it should be Amaqui)..hahaha! This time din pala, di Bryan ang nasakyan naming kundi yung Commandos / Russel John.

Exciting ang travel from Batangas Port to Puerto Galera. Nabigo man kaming makakita ng dol-phin-nal, nag-mukha naming surfing board ang bangka namin. Malakas ang alon dahil sa amihan. Wala naming nasuka, merong nahilo pero nag-enjoy parin naman.

As usual sa White Beach kami nag-punta at sa Nipa Hut Resort kami tumuloy. Napa-reserve na to actually, a day before the said schedule (Thanks RSA!) First things first, syempre kumain diba. Thanks sa mga chefs namin na sina RSA, FMS, CMV, MMP, Janice and Sharon. Galing nyo guys!

Syempre, we’ve done the most important thing. To enjoy the sand and the salty water of the beach. Weather is quite calm na though may konting raindrops nung gabi that’s why na-udlot ang inuman galore sa beach front. Maraming namulot ng tinatawag naming “gratitude stone” or “good luck stone” (Thanks sa movie na “The Secret”). Tinuloy naming ang gimik nung gabi. Nag bar pa kami don.

The next day was even more exciting kasi we planned na mag-snorkeling. Muntik nang mabulilyaso pero natuloy parin. Though di na ganong kaganda ang coral reef nila, atleast some of us manage to experience seing these corals and ofcourse, lumutang sa lagpas taong layo sa shore diba. Plus factor nalang ang ganda ng views.

Till next adventure.

Taho a day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:08:00 +0000

I love “taho” so much that I made it a routine of consuming a cup of taho every morning. I really love the taste, fantastic! It makes my day complete. (Not bad for an additional 10 bucks from my pocket). My mom taught us since we’re young about the health benefits of taho, which it was made of soya and it is good for the health. But up to know, I don’t really absorb it. I kept on saying taho is sweet (yes because of the “arnibal” added, of course it’s made of sugar, brown sugar I guess which they said healthy too…nah!)

According to wikepedia (thanks for the resources), Tahô is a Philippine snack food made of fresh soft/silken tofu, arnibal (brown sugar syrup), and sago "pearls" (similar to tapioca pearls). This staple comfort food is a signature sweet and can be found all over the country. The Indonesian and Malaysian equivalent of this dish is Tahu

The main ingredient, fresh soft/silken tofu is processed to a consistency that is very similar to a very fine custard. Brown sugar is then heated and caramelized to create a viscous amber-colored syrup called arnibal. Sago "pearls," purchased from the local market or palengkê, are boiled to a gummy consistency until they are a transluscent white.

But whats about the soya?

Again according to wikepedia, The soya bean (Glycine max) is a species of legume native to East Asia. It is known that the progenitor of the modern soybean was a vine-like plant that grew prone on the ground. Beans are classed as pulses whereas soybeans are classed as oilseeds. It is a versatile bean, having a diverse range of uses.

The benefits of soya.

Soy improves bone health

Soy products, such as soy milk, do not contain a lot of calcium but the soy isoflavones may help to reduce the osteoporosis risk. Several studies have suggested that soy isoflavones may be a factor in helping to prevent bone loss. The isoflavone genistein seems to inhibit bone breakdown and may have similar effects than estrogens in maintaining bone tissue.
Soy can also indirectly improve bone health. Diets which are high in animal protein cause more calcium to be excreted in the urine. Replacing animal protein with soy protein may help to prevent calcium loss from the bones.

Soy relieves menopausal symptoms

Epidemiological data show that Asian women suffer less from hot flashes and night sweats compared to Western women. These symptoms of menopause are caused by low estrogen levels. Estrogens play a role in the body temperature control. Soy isoflavones can through their estrogen-like effect control these menopausal symptoms.

Soy reduces risk for heart diseases

In countries were soy products are ingested regularly, the rates of cardiovascular diseases is low. Research suggests that soy may help to prevent heart disease by reducing total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries, which could lead to stroke or heart attack. These health benefits are also mainly attributes to the soy isoflavones. The soy isoflavone genistein may also increase the flexibility of blood vessels.

Soy helps to prevent certain cancers

Several studies have indicated that a regular intake of soy foods may help to prevent hormone related cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer.

Soy is very nutritive

Soy products such as tofu, tempeh and soy milk are very rich in protein. This protein is of very high quality because it contains all essential amino acids. The amino acids of soy combine very well with the amino acids of cereals. The soy protein is therefore very important for vegans.
Soy is a good source of lecithin and vitamin E. These natural antioxidants prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Soy is rich in magnesium, which plays an important function for the bones, heart and arteries.

I’m glad to know that what mom said is true. And thanks GOD I love taho. Hahaha!

Forgot to tell that I regularly bought my taho to a female taho vendor (taho vendor are usually men, whom carry two large aluminum buckets that hang from each end of yoke). Promise, I will post her picture one of these days. Wah! What a twist!

Summary Of Secret Teachings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Money

Money is magnetic energy. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings.

To become a powerful money magnet:

Money Be clear about the amount of money you want to receive. State it and intend it! Don’t think about how much you can earn, but how much you want to receive.

Fall in love with money. Most people do not love money, because they always feel that they don't have enough of it.

Visualize and imagine yourself spending all the money you want, as though you have it already.

Speak, act, and think from the mindset of being wealthy now. Eliminate thoughts and words of lack such as "I can't afford it", "It is too expensive".

Do not speak or think of the lack of money for a single second.

Be grateful for the money you have. Appreciate it as you touch it.

Make lists of all the things you will buy with an abundance of money.

Do whatever it takes for you to feel wealthy.

Affirm to yourself every day that you have an abundance of money, and that it comes to you effortlessly.

Appreciate all the riches around you, including the riches of others. Look for wealth wherever you go, and appreciate it.

Be certain that money is coming to you.

Love yourself and know that you are deserving and worthy of an abundance of money.

Remind yourself everyday that you are a money magnet, and ask yourself often during the day, am I attracting money now or pushing it away with my thoughts?

Always, always pay yourself first from your wage, then pay your creditors. In that single act, you are telling the Universe that you are worthy and deserving of more.

Repeat over and over every day, "I am a money magnet and money comes to me effortlessly and easily."

Write out a check to yourself for the sum of money you would like to have and carry it in your wallet. Look at it often.

Do whatever it takes to feel good. The emotions of joy and happiness are powerful money magnets. Be happy now!

Love yourself!
Wealth is a mindset. Money is literally attracted to you or repelled from you. It's all about how you think.

Relationships

You can completely transform any relationship, no matter what it's like right now.

Every single relationship you have is a reflection of how you feel inside about you. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings. Every relationship you have and every interaction with every person, is a reflection of your own thoughts and feelings in that very moment.

To transform every single relationship you have in your life:

Relationships

Fall in love with YOU!

Make lists of hundreds and hundreds of wonderful things about you. Keep adding to it every day.

Know that you are perfect. Do not think any negative thoughts about you.

Know that you are worthy and deserving of anything and everything you could possibly want in your life.

Focus on the wonderful things in every person. Look for only those things.

Do not blame or criticize anybody, ever.

Set an intention that you are going to see the best in everything and everyone.

Make your happiness the number one thing in your life. Happiness is an inside job.

Free yourself of the responsibility of trying to make other people happy. Respect and love them enough to allow them to take care of their own happiness.

Get your attention off those things in others that don't make you feel good.

Appreciate and love yourself in every moment you can.

Do not expect others to behave in a way you want, so you will be happy. Release yourself forevermore and know that you alone control your happiness and it is a choice, no matter what anyone else is doing.

Love and respect yourself completely.

Know that you are perfect right now.

Health

You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings.

To open yourself up and become a powerful magnet to wellness and health from wherever you are now:

Health

Love yourself! Deeply, profoundly! Make lists of all the wonderful things about you. Add to it every day.

Free yourself of any past resentments or disappointments you may be holding about you.

Let go of any and all resentments from the past you may be holding of everyone and everything.

See yourself as completely well in your mind and visualize yourself doing things in a complete state of perfect health.

Do not speak of your illness, or disease with others.

Love and appreciate everything and everyone, and especially yourself.

Know you have the power within you to heal yourself.

Never criticize or blame yourself or anyone else for anything.

Be grateful for the wellbeing that is coming to you.

See yourself as only well.

Be happy, knowing that in your state of happiness your body is healing itself.

As you appreciate, as you love, as you are happy, as you are grateful, you are summoning wellbeing and it is pouring through your body and disease is vanishing in the moment.

Laugh! Hire funny movies or recall any memories that make you laugh. Laugh your way back to health.

Make lists every day of all the things you are grateful for, including being grateful for your healing and complete wellbeing.

You must do whatever you can to remove your attention from disease.

Distract yourself from thoughts of disease, and put all of your focus and attention on doing things that make you feel good.

Make your happiness the number one thing in your life.

Resist nothing, love everything!

Know that there is no such thing as incurable.

As you love completely and feel the joy within you, disease cannot exist.

Know and accept that you are perfect as you are right now.

NOTE: This inspiring article came from this site The Secret
Please find time to read, it will surely help!

Big day ni Ate Lois sa January 12

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Nakakatuwang malaman na isa sa mga best friend mo sa office, ikakasal na. Hay! Naaalala ko pa a year ago kung paano ko tuksuhin ang taong to. Sabihin ko ba namang “ Uy ate, ilang taon nalang, mawawala ka na sa lotto, wala ka paring asawa”. Meron pang, “Kapag kinasal ka, sagot ko ang baboy…….(1kilo)”. “Ate, sayang ka kung di ka mag-aasawa….hehehe”. Daming pangaasar ano. Nandyan pang tinanong ko sya kung gusto nya, hanapan ko nalang sya ng makaka-date. Or baka pagmamadre ang bokasyon nya. Sa lahat ng pang-aalaska ko, ang ipinakita lang nya ay ang kanyang napakatamis na ngiti.

Si ate, adviser ko yan. Pag ako inaabot ng topak mapa-pamilya man o pang-opisinang problema, nandyan sya para gabayan ako sa tama. Napaka balance nya mag-isip. Mare-realize mo, tama ang mga suggestions nya. Hay! May edad na kasi eh…hehehe.

At ngayon, dumating na ang tamang panahon. Ikakasal ka na ate sa wakas! Sa wakas ha! Hehehe! Di kaya nabigla ka lang? Di kaya, nadala ka lang sa mga pag-aasar namin? Hahaha! Di naman sana.

Don’t worry ate. Happy talaga ako para sayo. Sana, maging maligaya ka sa magiging buhay may-asawa mo. At to Chris, Bro, ate ko yan….hahahaha

P.S. Abay nga pala ako….heheheh!

My 2007 Year End Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 03:30:00 +0000

Natapos nanaman ang isang taon sa aking buhay. Taon na punong puno ng karanasan, hitik sa mga kaalamang di matatawaran. Ipinagpapasalamat ko ito ng lubos sa diyos na syang may akda ng aking buhay.

Mga significant na nangyari sa akin sa taong 2007

January: Full Network Administration on Manels Corp
February: Baguio Panagbenga with friends from Manels
March: SMS Alumni Homecoming
April: Recognition day ni Sam
June: Sumali ako sa scandalous Francswiss
June: Birthday ng Sam ko
July: Member,Manels Champion Team, FTI League
August: SMS Foundation day
September: Naakyat ko na rin ang Mt. Pulag
November: Kinasal kami ni Maria Romina Diaz
December: Birthday namin ni Mina

At panalangin ko na sa pagdating ng taong 2008, isang panibagong pag-asa at ibayong sigla para sa aking pamilya at mga taong naka-paligid sa akin.

Happy New Year sa lahat!

Me and Mina's BIG Day - November 24, 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:32:00 +0000

After 3 months of preparation, finally, kinasal na rin kami ni Mina. We gone through lots of challenges bago naganap to. We've finally ripped the fruit of our sacrifices. Gosh, di pala biro mag-asikaso ng kasal. Hands-on kami sa preparation. Sa documents palang namin, dapat, accurate.

I'll write more on the details. Kaka-online ko palang, kaka-excite mag kwento. Sa ngayon, back to work muna.

Isisingit ko mamaya ang mga detalye.

Ito nga pala yung link sa online pix :

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/andrew.minglana/DrewAndMinaSWeddingNovember242007