WRITING EDGE

Aga Muhlach in Straight Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:39:22 PDT

Most respected celebrity actor Aga Muhlach talks about his reflection on the current issues of the Philippine governance under the Arroyo administration.

All Out of Love ( Here I Am )

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:22:12 PDT

Hating gabi na hindi pa ako nakapagbuo ng aking blog tungkol sa What Air Supply Song Are You? Blog Contest. Medyo antok na ang aking mga mata at malamig narin ang kape, sapagkat nalipasan na ako ng panahon at kailangan kong matulog muna.

Nang pagkaraan ng higit apat na oras, nagising ako. Alas-5:30 nang maisipan kong buksan ang aking PC at mag-isip kung ano na naman ang sasabihin ko sa aking entry.

Tipong maganda naman ang aking mood sa pag-isip ng isasagot ko sa pa-contest ng GenSan News Online Mag -- habang nakikinig sa All Out Of Love album ng Air Supply upang bumalik ang aking ala-ala, ang moments of truth ng mga nakaraang dekada 80.

Here I am playing with those memories again
And just when I thought time had set me free
Those thoughts of you keep taunting me

Sa ilang oras nakaharap ko ang aking PC, mayroon makulay dilaw na impresyon ang nabuo ko para gunitain ang nakaraan noong August 21, 1983. Higit 26 taon na ang kasaysayan (ni Ninoy) ng maging simbulo ng rebolusyon laban sa batas military… sa pahanong hindi puwedeng sabihin nang deretso ang nasa isip kaya dinadaan na lamang sa pagkanta.

Holding you, a feeling I never outgrew
Though each and every part of me has tried
Only you can fill that space inside

Kung tama ang alala ko, hindi lang si Cory ang popular noon. Ganoon din ang kanta ng Air Supply tanyag sa mga bagits, rockers, bading, sosyal, yagit at mga tipong aktibista ng yellow ribbon. At sa loob mismo ng campus madalas naririnig ko ang kantang Here I Am …awitin ng mga estudyante mahilig sa banda at bitbit palagi ang gitara kaysa sa libro. Hindi naman ganun ka-striking ang kanta. Subalit ito’y isang classic melody at mayroon himig ng pusong feeling in-love. Aaminin kong naging admirer din ako ng Air Supply. Nasimot din ang natirang piso ko sa joke-box, at malimit din magbukas ako ng radyo.

So there's no sense pretending
My heart it's not mending

Kaya marahil labis-labis ang naging paghanga ko sa Air Supply. Pagkat tulad ng iba, ako’y nagdaan din sa dilaw na panahon. Hindi kataka-taka na matagpuan ang mga katulad ko sa kilusan ng timeless classic. Maraming salamat kay Manoy Avel sa paghamon na sumali ako sa blog contest.

Bukal sa loob ko ang mapahanga sa malapad na papel ni Michael Wee at ang kanyang Dreamworks Ventures, Inc. -- as concert producer ng Air Supply Concert in GenSan. Hulog talaga ng suwerte si Mike sa mga Generals… cheer!!!

Bilang sumpungin na blogger sa pa-contest, nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga sponsors in cooperation with the City Government of GenSan, the GenSan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., ABS-CBN. Other partners are Grab A Crab Restaurant, MISO Hardware, San Miguel Corporation, Coca Cola Bottlers Inc., East Asia Royale Hotel, Coffee Dream, NY Fries and Dips, Giacominos, Gaisano Mall of GenSan and Gregoria Printing Press.
Padayon... MAGANDANG GENSAN!!!

Because You Loved Me

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:52:40 PDT

A young Filipina girl gifted with a golden voice sings for her Mom who taught her to sing… She is Charice Pempengco - now is 17 years old with much promising future in the music entertainment industry.

Hold on your tears… while watching Charice on Oprah video taken a year ago…

Charice Pempengco duet with Celine Dion

Because You Loved Me

(Lyrics)

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

Moon River

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:46:19 PDT

Blogger Notes: I’ve no words to say, but my heart I’m sure is in love with Sungha Jung plays 'Moon River' arranged by Shun Komatsubara.

**********

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

© 1961 Paramount Music Corporation, ASCAP
music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Download (MP3 file) to hear Audrey Hepburn sing "Moon River" – from the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Side trip contribution in Caraga region

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:16:21 PDT

Because of the StRIDe Mindanao Project of the GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme, I had once again the opportunity to side trip Caraga Region and visited particularly the historic landmark of Butuan City. My 2-day stay in Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City was officially commissioned by the Project to facilitate the Consultation Workshop on the Promotion of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

JUN TUBURAN the Area Coordinator of the GoP-UN ACT for Peace Programme in Caraga region gave the closing message in behalf of the StRIDe Mindanao Project consultation workshop on the promotion of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement recently conducted at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City in July 22-24, 2009

Thank You, Jannette Toral

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:55:52 PDT

READY TO JUMP In this photo: Gumer Liston, Marz Fernandez Bendol, Hector Miñoza, Avel Manansala, Jinky Borela, Janette Toral and Ariel Marco Oclarit. | Photograph taken by Cidz Bascon at the Oval Plaza in General Santos City

UNGPID - a rights-based approach to development

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:54:10 PDT

Delegation from the Municipality of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat actively participated in the planning workshop for disaster response, protection and rehabilitation of the IDPs in their respective area. The activity was recently conducted on June 17-19, 2009 at Grand Ficus Plaza Hotel, Kidapawan City

THE CHALLENGE OF ACHIEVING sustainable peace and development has become increasingly complex and demanding. Mindanao has become a national concern given the armed conflict that hit several provinces in Mindanao last year that attracted international attention such that peace building efforts and development initiatives were directed at the affected areas by various local and international humanitarian agencies.

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID) is now taking place in Mindanao conflict areas - as an awareness campaign to the humanitarian service providers. UNGPID is a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), which was submitted to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on its 54th session in 1998.

UNGPID is intended to serve as an international standard guide to governments as well as international humanitarian and development agencies in providing assistance and protection to IDPs. It is a rights-based approach to development.

Home Project on the occasion of World Environment Day

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 11:24:34 PDT

In 200,000 years on Earth, humanity has upset the balance of the planet, established by nearly four billion years of evolution. The price to pay is high, but it's too late to be a pessimist: humanity has barely ten years to reverse the trend, become aware of the full extent of its spoliation of the Earth's riches and change its patterns of consumption.

By bringing us unique footage from over fifty countries, all seen from the air, by sharing with us his wonder and his concern, with this film Yann Arthus-Bertrand lays a foundation stone for the edifice that, together, we must rebuild.

On the occasion of WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY on June 5th 2009, HOME will be the FIRST movie to be released simultaneously on ALL MEDIA (Theatre, TV, DVD, and Internet) and across 5 CONTINENTS.

On June 5th, we all have a date with the planet!

visit this website: http://www.home-2009.com

Way Forward of Pacquiao in Sarangani Province

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:01:48 PDT

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao gets a new uniform during his conferment with honorary membership to the Philippine Army 73rd Infantry Battalion by battalion commander Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon. | Photograph by Cocoy Sexcion - SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

IT WAS PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE that the boxing champ Manny Pacquiao had already move his residence from General Santos City to Kiamba Municipality. This way forward is amid the 2010 election plan of the People’s Champ Miscellaneous (PCM) to campaign for Pacquiao in the congressional race for Sarangani district. The mayor of Malungon municipality, Reynaldo Constantino who act as Pacquiao spokesman had already announced the possibility of forming a new political coalition in Sarangani province.

Manny Pacquiao shares views with Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon during the Hero’s Welcome in Kiamba. | May 12, 2009 Photograph by Cocoy Sexcion – SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Peace visit to Zamboanga

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:32:39 PDT

Last week I was invited to visit Zamboanga City to provide training on basic group facilitation course such as the Technology of Participation (ToP) for the selected local government personnel coming from two municipalities in the main island of Sulu namely: Patikul and Panamao. The said training is part of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) supported ODA on-going programs and projects known as the Mindanao Peace and Development (MPAD) Program through the Transparent and Accountable Governance (TAG-3) Project intervention, with grant assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

International Women's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:32:09 PDT

It’s not a Man’s World any more… the International Woman's Day (IWD) is marked on March 8 every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. This date (March 8) is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

At the Generals Brew

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:29:20 PDT

AS IF THE PARTY along Pioneer Avenue that night was like a Plurk Fiesta at the Generals Brew situated in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown Dadiangas. With about more or less 16 of us members of the Soccsksargen Bloggers Network had come together once more to taste the homegrown café in town.

Thanks to Quin & Leti Du (the proprietor of The Generals Brew) for their welcome to sponsored the bloggers gathering.

Gary Granada vs GMA Kapuso

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:38:30 PDT

The controversy story behind the project “Tipid handog edukasyon ng GMA Kapuso Foundation and Procter & Gamble.

Gary Granada, an established composer and lyricist in the Philippines is upset about GMA, he complained about the illegal use of his music. This issue is about intellectual property rights and the struggle of powerless individual against the abuse of giant corporation.

Click here to hear the audio
From DOSOMETHINGWORTHWHILE soundcloud entry

This is a recording of Gary Granada. If you don't know who Gary Granada is, google him. His songs are both humorous and poignant. And though his songs cater to the common folk, they are accessible, easy to listen to and do not belittle his audience's intelligence nor taste. He is a BIG DEAL. So, for GMA execs to do this to him is an even BIGGER DEAL.

One step ahead for this year

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:40:43 PDT

The 2009 will be a great year to make a difference for our fragile environment. Given today’s high cost of living and very low income, those who are supposed to feed the cities cannot even afford to feed their families. The issue of low income has always been a facet of the farmers’ sad plight.

The agricultural sector has not changed throughout the years. Despite past efforts to redistribute land and undertake necessary reforms, most farmers are still poor and remain chained to the land they till.

We need to take a lesson from the eagle. Its habitat is the forest. If we degrade the forest, we endanger the eagle’s existence. This only shows that agriculture is the backbone of our economy. If we don’t take care of our farmers, our basic need will ultimately menace.

Our economic security depend much on the security of our environment. If we make our environment unsafe, we endanger human existence.

Are we now following the fate of the eagle?

Playing music for change

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:42:56 PST

"It is well for people who think to change their minds occasionally in order to keep them clean. For those who do not think, it is best at least to rearrange their prejudices once in a while." -- Luther Burbank

De La Hoya vs Pacquiao biggest boxing business trailer this year

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:57:47 PST

Celebrity boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya versus Manny Pacquiao fight in December 6, 2008 at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA could not fail to generate huge revenue and gambling interest to worldwide commercial boxing. With millions of followers both from Mexican and Filipino fans. For sure, Oscar would earn at the range of $50M plus and Manny about $20M on this fight – so both of them would like this fight to happen.

And you know, this is a big business going to happen in boxing this year.

Here is the 30-minutes long video of De La Hoya–Pacquiao 24/7 on HBO Special TV series.

What happen to PLURK?

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:21:24 PST

Plurk is off-line. It says that:

Plurk is currently under routine maintenance, which should be finished in under 10 minutes.

I think this is not the first time that PLURK went off-line... Perhaps, Plurk would have more improvement when it goes on-line again.

Plurk seems to appeal like micro-blogging community, where people are much more likely to welcome and engage new friends. Building social network is much easier in Plurk, and people looking to make many personal connections with others are the biggest services offered by this new social media network. The conversations on Plurk, is just like a cog containing great deal of emotion and openness.

Here is the connection: http://www.plurk.com/user/dadiangas -- try to visit my plurk. (^_^)

ABS-CBN featured MBS2

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:04:51 PDT

Here is the video feature of ABS-CBN Socsargen's morning program, Magandang Umaga Socsksargen on the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit in General Santos City.

Daghang salamat to Avel Manansala for sharing this featured video.

Snapshots of the summit

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:24:13 PST

view here my photo gallery

********

AN ARMY of cyber nuts -- mostly young, hip and even outlandish looking -- has taken to form in General Santos City to "shut down" the elusive star that has stunted the full economic growth of resource-rich Mindanao for decades by way of blogging. << read more at Sun Star >>

Here are some of the captured shots taken from the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit -- which I've uploaded in my << multiply and flickr >>

Likewise, more snapshots link are available here below:

[1] [2] Ariel Oclarit
[1] [2] Gumer Liston
[1] [2] Migs Hipolito
[1] [2] Pierre Galla
[1] [2] Raphael Gregor
[1] [2] Charles Ortiz

You can click the image here below to widen the pixel

I got my MBS2 e-pass now

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:46:45 PDT

I would like to thanks MiGs who send my e-pass and the following sponsors for making 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit possible:

CO-PRESENTERS:
City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.
Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio
NOKIA
Department of Tourism XII
ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
Bariles Republic
Gen. Santos City Tourism Association
SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers

GOLD SPONSORS:
Friendster
Globe
AMA Computer Learning Center
Grab A Crab Restaurant and Coffee Club 101
Gregoria Printing Press

SILVER SPONSORS:
Nokiahost.Com
Asia United Bank
Family Country Hotel & Convention Center
East Asia Royale Hotel
Fine Pixel Advertising
IDEAS

BRONZE SPONSORS
GenSan Sale.Com
Blogging from Home Book
Pacific Seas Seafood Market
Generals Logimark Exponent
Prints and You
Writing Edge.Com
Forest Lake San Carlos Park
Rolee Bakery & Cafe
Jehzlau Concepts
Techykid.Com
Jaypee Online.Net
Blue Media Communications
International Container Terminal Services, Inc
Shalom Wizard Academy
Dreamworld Travel and Tours
Sta. Cruz Seafoods, Inc.
Dellosa Design Build Services
Kristan Bookstore
DOLE Philippines
Husky Bus Lines
Shakey's Pizza
Family Brand Sardines
Gaisano Mall of GenSan
Chowking - KCC
Jollibee National Highway
Procter & Gamble Philis., Inc
Mega Sardines

MBS2 moving so close

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:43:17 PDT

Just a few days more... ilang tulog na lang MBS2 na!

Volunteers of the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit is so eager about the coming event this October 25, like those bloggers who registered prior waiting for the E-pass to be emailed this week.

Bloggers of GenSan with sweet and smiling behavior (from right): Rhona May Navarrete, Carmela Vega, Hecky Minoza, Avel Manansala and Jose Mari Flores. The snapshot was taken after the MBS2 Volunteers meeting.

See for more snapshots here..>>

Breakthrough on social building

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 03:33:07 PDT

ALL goes according to plan, the partnership initiatives of the Philippine Statistical Association (PSA) SOCCSKSARGEN, Inc. and the General Santos Sarangani Social Workers Association (GENSARWAI) Foundation, Inc. that co-hosted the 1st Natioanl Conference on Social Planning, Evaluation and Statistics -- made the breakthrough in creating opportunities for collaboration and cooperation among the local government planners and social development workers nationwide.

Professor Jerome Babate (the president of PSA SOCCSAKSARGEN) invited me through email a week ago before the scheduled conference on October 3-4, to participate as their resource facilitator for skills building workshop on Social Planning. Jerome told me that my school mate in college, Butch Batilong (the Executive Director of GENSARWAI Foundation, Inc.) is the chair of the conference organizing committee.

The two-day conference was a very fruitful learning exercise among the participants during the skills-building workshop sessions which provides an open discussion and sharing of various social development practices and work experiences in their respective local government areas.

Here below is the listing of the conference sessions:

Visioning a Province-Focused Development	Manual Lastimoso Sultan Kudarat Provincial Administrator Engr. Adella Fiesta MPA, Asst. CPDC LGU Cotabato City Engr. Agnes Daguro MPA, CPDC LGU Koronadal City
Perspective and Techniques on Social Planning	Hector Miñoza Development Consultant, PROUT Study
Community-based Survey: Sampling Methods	Celedonio Ines MOS (Statistical Consultant)
Asset-Based Community Development	Faustino Jerome Babate RN MBA (Research Specialist)
Small Area Estimation	Engr. Zarinah Aligsao MAS (Applied Statistical Consultant)
Professional Conversation	Tom Hart MAEd (Consultant)
Poverty-based Mapping	Tony Irving Development Consultant, UK
Social Planning in Community Development	Florita Villar DSWD Assistant Secretary Hermocilos Batilong MSW, MAEd (Development Consultant)
Behavioral Surveillance	Wilfredo Bidad PhD (Research Consultant)
Appreciative Inquiry	Juniper Bibliolata RN (Development Consultant)

cheer to the conference organizer!!!

Economy of U.S. in depression

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:47:40 PDT

Capitalism in entire Western world stood on the verge of collapse -- and is subject to unique internal traumas that had been fathomed long before other economists began to diagnose this malady, whose symptoms were discernible as early as the birth of the republic. According to the author Dr. Ravi Batra (in his book: “The Great Depression of 1990”) – the U.S. capitalism was in its infancy when it had its first bout with economic depression in 1782; it went weathered that storm, only to be hit by it again and again.

Today, the Lehman Brothers, the fourth-largest capitalist investment bank on Wall Street in America, collapsed into bankruptcy in one of the biggest financial stocks in years.

The Lehman Brothers company was founded in 1850 had faced an uncertain future for months, having lost billions of dollars through the credit crunch. It failed for bankruptcy protection after rescue talks failed.

Would the bailout of US$700 billion as proposed by U.S. President Bush save the financial crisis of Western capitalism?

Let us wait and see the miracle.

The ever-excellent Clay Bennett is now publishing his stuff here.

Anyone interested? Enlist now “MBS2” ready-to-go!

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:28:17 PDT

Our team captain of the Convenors Collective finally announced. "Guys, ready-to-go na tayo let us promote now the MBS2,” my Notre Damean manoy Avel Manansala had told us over the e-loop in soccsksargen googlegroups. Manoy Avel said, “let us inform the people to leave a message at Bariles Republic or Mindanao Bloggers.Com para mapadalhan na natin ng email for further instructions to BLOG ABOUT THEIR PLAN TO JOIN THE MBS2.”

Anyone interested to participate in the MBS2, kindly enlist now and contact Manoy Avel for further directive.

WOW BONGGA! The following will sponsors the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit:

CO-PRESENTERS:
NOKIA (Philippines), Inc.
Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.
Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio
ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
Mindanao Bloggers
Bariles Republic

GOLD SPONSORS:
ACLC-Skeptron Ventures, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS:
Asia United Bank
NoKiAHOST.COM
Family Country Hotel & Convention Center
East Asia Royale Hotel

BRONZE SPONSORS:
Digital Filipino
Pacific Seas Seafood Market
Shalom-Crest Wizard Academy
Generals Logimark Exponent
Prints and You
Sta. Cruz Seafood, Inc.
Dellosa Design Builders, Inc.

Synthesis of our collective life

noreply@blogger.com (Hector Miñoza) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:15:13 PDT

Today there are too many obstacles on the path of peace in Mindanao. Many ordinary people (the toiling mass) at the streets are busy finding ways on how they can survive to have a decent living… while on the other side, the intellectual elites at a very comfortable air-condition room are busy on their debates about separatism of nation states. This is the irony of our society being dominated by what they called themselves as revolutionaries, reformists, nationalists, activists, peace advocates, etc.

Muslim and Christian workers share a seat as they take their lunch on a roadside eatery in Cotabato City. -- Rommel Rebollido's Photostream

Our Mindanao society requires a true sense of civic dialogue that will make provisions to ensure an increase in the living standard of every individual. Minimum necessities must be provided to every individual. This should be the synthesis of our collective life, our battle cry for self-determination.