The Best of Both Worlds

General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry turns 40!

2014-11-19T14:22:00.000+08:00

In unity there is strength. Entrepreneurs and businessmen have long realized that by banding together in the true spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and best-practice sharing, they become stronger, and their civic, commercial, social, and economic interests and rights protected. Such is the beauty of founding the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSCCCII).

Born on October 25, 1974 as the local business community’s response to the challenge of countryside business development, GSCCCII has grown strong and evolved through the years. Like all growing organizations, it obtains its share of victories and challenges.

In the early 1980s, it was given real impetus and renewed vitality when the city’s tuna and fishing industries, complemented by the rise of the mainly agri-based sector, began its phenomenal growth. In 1988, GSCCCII expanded its membership and range of services. As of to date, it has 160 individual and corporate members coming from all sectors of the business community.

These 160 individual and corporate members come from the following sectors: Industry and Manufacturing; Financial Services; Agriculture; Fishing and Aquaculture; Commerce and Trade; Transportation and Communication; Information Technology; Real Estate and Construction; Tourism; Livestock; General Services; and Sector-At-Large.

Young at 40, GSCCCII is still a growing organization. We advance as we prepare the business community to embrace the future, capacitate our members professionally, and ready everyone to welcome the full impact of the ASEAN economic integration. We will lead the business community to prepare, tackle, and mitigate the impact of climate change. We will continue to champion what is true, right, and just. Above all, GSCCCII remains steadfast in our quest for Excellence, unwavering Commitment, and effective Service.

We toast to our victories!

Excellence. Commitment. Service

2014-11-19T14:12:00.000+08:00

The General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GSCCCII) under the present leadership strongly pushes its projects and programs, all of which are strongly coordinated and collaborated with the local government of General Santos, national government agencies, civil society, and non-government organizations to achieve maximum positive impact for the city and its constituents. The efforts of the organization are directed towards creating opportunities for the City and its populace, and the business community.

GSCCCII’s competitive edge are anchored in the areas of Power Reliability and Sufficiency; ASEAN Connectivity; Solid Partnership with the local government unit, government agencies, non-government organizations, and civil society; Makar Port Development; Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts; and Conduit of Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro Peace Process.

POWER RELIABILITY AND SUFFICIENCY

In 2013, GSCCCII devoted time, energy, and resources to help South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. look for sources of power to help resolve the power crisis afflicting the city and its neighboring areas. The efforts paid off when in April this year, SoEnergy International Philippines, Inc. started operating its 15MW modular gensets reducing the regular brownouts that plague the city. Moreover, in November, 2014, Peakpower SOCCSARGEN, Inc., a power company investing in General Santos City, will provide an additional 20MW power supply. GSCCCII supported Peakpower SOCCSARGEN’s Power Purchase Agreement to ensure power availability. The additional 35MW enables SOCOTECO II to meet its 120MW peak power requirement. The high impact of this advocacy is the resolution of the power crisis affecting the city and the proper forecast of the city’s power requirements for the next five years.

ASEAN CONNECTIVITY IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL BUSINESSMEN

Consistent with our solid advocacy to create a healthy business environment with the end-view of connecting local businessmen and entrepreneurs with their ASEAN counterparts and helping them find markets, GSCCCII in strong partnership with MinDA lobbied for the operationalization of the Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung (DGTB) Shipping Service. Towards this end, IPP RK Salangsang and RG RL Billena went on a mission twice to Jakarta, Indonesia on October 7, 2013 and August 19-20, 2014, respectively to finalize and harmonize all remaining works to ensure the full operations of the DGTB Shipping Route of P.T. Kanaka Lines. Moreover, President Daniel Pesik of North Minahasa Chamber of Commerce visited General Santos City on May 24, 2014 and met with local businessmen and government leaders of the city and Sarangani on the proposed shipping route and the goods that will be traded. MinDA also facilitated the Stakeholders Meeting re the DGTB Shipping Route of P.T. Kanaka on July 11, 2014 to further clarify issues, concerns, and shipping policies.

SOLID PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF GENERAL SANTOS

Committed to its Mission of creating a livable, competitive, and socially-responsible General Santos City, GSCCCII involves itself in proactive governance by involving itself vigorously on the Proposed Revisions of Real Property Valuations and Assessment Fees. GSCCCII actively participates in all Committee Hearings and even formed a TWG to review the proposed increase in fair market value of real property. GSCCCII has submitted a Stakeholders’ Position Paper to the local Sangguniang Panlungsod to push for a reasonable adjustment. GSCCCII also strongly lobbied for the approval of the Revised Local Investment Code. To help local businessmen, GSCCCII convinced the local investment board to inform the Assessor’s Office that machineries were intended to be exempt from realty taxes upon the grant of incentives, and to include in the final draft of the new Local Investment Code such exemption. This was made possible through its Chairmanship of the Competitiveness Committee in the City Development Council of General Santos. GSCCCII sponsored the first-ever General Santos City Economic Summit on October 3, 2013 that tackled major governance issues like Inadequate Traffic Management System and Mass Transport System, Shortage of Tourism, Entertainment, and Recreation Centers and other concerns. In February this year, GSCCCII initiated a Breakfast Meeting with City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera together with all city department heads to follow through on the agreements made during the 2013 Economic Summit. The Chief Executive presented his Plans and Programs for the City and committed to set the 2^nd Economic Summit as a venue to check the progress of the Action Plan of the 2013 Economic Summit.

MAKAR PORT DEVELOPMENT

GSCCCII co-managed and co-presented together with the Port Management Office and SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Project Office the pre-Summit Focused Group Discussions and the subsequent 1st Makar Port Development Summit on July 2, 2014 in the city. The Summit tackled the priority Port Development Projects, Port Development, Port Labor Relations, and Port Operations and Tariff. The Summit produced a Position Paper “Strongly Recommending the Improvement and Modernization of the GSC Makar Port to Enhance Sea Connectivity and Strengthen Trade for Greater Economic Opportunities.”

BUSINESS RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

To help prepare and equip our businessmen on business risk assessment and the management of climate change impacts, GSCCCII teamed up and co-organized with the local government of General Santos, WWF-Philippines, and BPI Foundation, the General Santos City Scenario-Building Exercise for Climate Change Adaptation on 12-13 August 2014. The outputs of the exercises will be presented by WWF, BPI Foundation, and Brain Trust to the city government, the local chamber, and the participants in another forum in December 2014. The impact of this project is to generate awareness and preparedness among the business community of the effects of climate change and formulate measures to mitigate these effects.

As a spirited Green movement advocate, GSCCCII actively engaged in the 1^st Climate Change Summit on July 31, 2014 at the KCC Convention, General Santos City with Executive Director BS Canlas acting as Presentor. Moreover, ED BS Canlas joined the Climate Change Forum and Focus Group Discussions on June 25-26, 2014 at the Tierra Montana Hotel, General Santos City.

In the Green Business Forum on July 18, 2014 at Phela Grande Hotel, this city, with Senator Franklin Drilon as keynote speaker, GSCCCII with its Executive Director and some members actively joined in the forum discussions as moderator and participants, respectively.

CONDUIT OF FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON BANGSAMORO PEACE PROCESS

GSCCCII in strong collaboration with the Third Party Monitoring Team actively supported the top-priority policy of the Aquino Administration by facilitating consultations on the Bangsamoro Peace Process on June 6, 2014. This was done in order to raise awareness among local business people on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed bill. By laying the ground work for peace and harmony, future investors will not hesitate to take part in the growth of the city. More importantly, public security will be upheld at all times.

In March this year, GSCCCII joined, supported, and manifested its position at the KANDULI for Peace, an activity endorsing the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), at the Covered Court, Oval Plaza, this city. The signing of the CAB was on March 27, 2014. It was covered nationally and programs were simultaneously organized in major cities in Mindanao.

CONCLUSION

The hallmark of our strong advocacies as an organization is captured in our quest for Excellence, steadfast Commitment, and effective Service.

The Chamber is only forty years old. It is a very young organization. It has new horizons to conquer given the new challenges that the 2015 ASEAN Integration will bring about. We will sustain our strong advocacy points; strengthen our areas of improvement; think outside the box; be open to paradigm shifts, but most importantly, we will press on as the champion of the business community.

Good governance mocked!

2014-08-05T18:01:00.000+08:00

One of the saddest realities that confronted me while serving the government for sixteen solid years is seeing with my two naked eyes, supposedly government “servants” turn abusive, arrogant, high-handed, and totally unprofessional individuals mocking good governance.

Look around you. Look around your work place. They are lurking there. Plain-looking people pretending to be important to cover up for deep-rooted insecurities and utterly lack of skills. Pathetic. Why are they in government in the first place? Your guess is as good as mine. What a disservice to the government.

You can be sure their favorite past time is sowing and peddling intrigues poisoning the environment of the work place. I totally pity the office they are in. What a rotten office atmosphere they would create and inhabit. Woe to the rest of mankind.

Not only that, they congregate in small groups to form a power base. Ah, people and their insatiable love for power. These small-minded mediocre supposedly government servants think that by creating a power base through a group of like-minded scoundrels, they have become a powerful clique and a force to reckon with. Such insipid thoughts.

With their lack of brilliance (will they ever have one?), they will never know that power comes from within. But what do they really know apart from name-dropping, passing second-hand information, and exploiting government resources? Small wonder the younger employees – those who are supposed to be guided and mentored – get totally disillusioned about good turned “bad” governance. Poor kids.

What a sad reality in government. Public servants turned rotten eggs. Good governance mangled, mocked, and ridiculed by the very people working in it. And how do they do this? Simple. By conveniently leaving the office during office hours, in groups served by a government vehicle to do their personal errands including a visit to the parlor! Not only that. They have themselves driven to their homes in the guise of official trips. And mind you, a one-way trip to their hometown consists of a two-hour land trip from Gen. Santos City. Calculate the fuel consumed for these so-called official trips to serve the whim and caprice of abusive government personnel (to transport them to their hometown), multiplied by the number of days a government vehicle is used for a year, and you will see how much they have corrupted government funds.

On top of that, these erring government servants also use government vehicles after office hours and during weekends for their “other” activities. And they stay in government facilities as well, in the guise of being itinerant workers for years! Give me a break. Seven years of government aid because you can’t find your own boarding house? Pathetic. Always at the mercy of government? They are probably our modern day nomads.

Oh well, that is good governance mocked. Rotten government workers paying lip service to good governance. What a shame. You should be ashamed of yourselves! In fact, you should resign from government. The government sector does not deserve you.

You are a mockery to good governance.

Note: This article was originally written as a newspaper column in February, 2007.

Beautiful ducks

2014-07-04T17:09:00.000+08:00

Hundreds of ducks are released on the rice paddy adjacent my house. The ducks are scouring for food while making strange noises. They are obviously relishing the abundant supply of food in the newly-plowed, water-filled ride paddy. Lovely. A lovely sight on a restful Sunday.

My daughter Shiloh Ruthie and I watched the ducks. They are very graceful creatures on the water. Their life is so much simpler. No stress. No cares. No trouble. Yet when life is so much simpler, life could become boring too. I am not talking about the ducks anymore.

Like many people, a comfort zone is a sense of security. Yet a comfort zone when enjoyed for a long time can make us lose our steam in life. One has to go out of the comfort zone from time to time to see how the world is moving. How other people are facing difficulties and challenges. How one can help.

The ducks are only allowed near the house after harvest time when food is aplenty. They are also freed to scour for food when the paddy is filled with water after farmers have done plowing just like today. Not much challenge there, is it? They follow their leader. Somebody has to bring the flock where food is found. They enjoy the place for a time before they are herded back to their habitat. Not much thinking, too. Everything is thought of for them. It’s not a free life.

Our lives are so much better. We have a choice over things, over circumstances. Yet, we admire the ducks. Their beauty and simplicity is naturally awesome. Admirable creatures. I wonder what the ducks have to say to us – human beings. Would they have admired us for our intellect? Would they have appreciated our free spirits? Our choices? Oh well, it takes a duck to tell us.

But one thing profound about the ducks I saw today and that brings me inspiration, life could be lived simply. No unnecessary stress and trouble. It’s a new attitude. At times, we falter – it’s not easy after all. But we should decide to take on the challenge - the challenge to simplify our lives.

Note: This article was published as a column in 2007.

Single women and Valentine's Day

2014-07-03T15:40:00.000+08:00

On Sunday, I arrived from Cebu City after a brief visit to Bohol on occasion of my father’s birthday. Being a sentimental soul, homecoming is not only melancholic; it’s very restful and relaxing as well. It’s very comforting and works wonders to the soul. ”There’s no other place like home.” That sums up everything.

Sunday evening, I was staring on the computer screen wondering what in the world to write for my column this week when my dearest Chavacana bonita amiga Cecile inspired me to write about “single career women in their thirties and how they will celebrate Valentine’s Day”. Ha! What a master piece but tough job. How to write about it?

Let’s start. A lot of women these days are single. They are not only single; they have financial independence as well. Others call it careers. I have lots of single friends – gorgeous girls mind you - with good jobs and in their thirties. You may start wondering what’s with the age-thing? Oh well, women have different perceptions of life at thirty. Some look forward to it. Some fear it. Others celebrate it. Still some others want to get over it – the sooner the better.

In this modern age and date when women are hailed for having careers and living life with gusto, a lot of women still feel lonely at the end of the day. They still feel a void. They desire to belong to someone and be loved by someone. Isn’t this a universal need? Even men want to belong to someone, be cared for by someone.

Thus, single women in their thirties, and not in relationships bond together to celebrate their lives by maximizing their talents and gifts, not to mention their money. Look around; you will see them in groups in bars, restaurants, malls, movie houses, coffee shops, gyms, other likely places they tend to congregate. However, for some others who have excelled professionally and financially, and are comfortable by their lonesome from time to time, they have difficulty connecting with men because these able women have “ways” that intimidate men. I guess you have heard of the phrase: She is intimidating.

Women who have independent minds, are accomplished, moneyed, and going places almost naturally intimidate men who are just upstarts. So pray tell, how do they connect? There’s really no point of connection unless the more established party goes down one level to accommodate the upstart. Yeah I know it sounds harsh but the truth hurts. In any relationship, either of the parties involved has a bigger sacrifice over the other. That’s how a relationship works. There’s no perfect relationship. All relationships entail sacrifice.

So what do we do with thirty-something single career women on Valentine’s Day? Tough question. We cannot play cupid and find them their Valentines. I will not volunteer for the job.

I guess it’s the same thing every year then, minus the years that they were involved in a relationship. It’s like any other ordinary day. They go to work and at the end of the day, they go home and sleep. For some others, they congregate together and have dinner in a fancy restaurant culminating in either singing or dancing. For the more romantic, two single career women or three can have either a dinner date or simply lounge in a coffee house, chat about their “miserable hearts” while soft music appeases their romance-deprived souls. Ah, who’s stopping you from inventing anything to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Some would probably watch a concert, show or movie.

Still at the end of the day, our single, thirty-something career women will always find ways and means to enjoy life on Valentine’s Day, Valentine or no Valentine. After all, human beings whether man or woman, will constantly work on surviving ANY lonely day.

So girl, cheer up! It’s just one of those days when you feel the lack. The upcoming days will be better. Just fill your life with the little joys of the moment while Valentine is finding his way to you.

Note: This article was published in a local paper sometime in 2008.

Fish life

2014-05-02T14:33:00.001+08:00

What would you do if you were a fish? Strange question. Strange life. But seriously, what if you were a fish?

The past four weeks, I’m amused and entertained by the behavior of six fish creatures in our hexagon-shaped aquarium. My daughter Shiloh Ruthie has been harping about an aquarium for the longest time ever, and finally four weeks back, her dream came true.

It was a weekend when the hubby finally set up the hexagon-shaped aquarium. I had to mention the shape because I found it unique. Naturally it was designed by the hubby who is an artist. So one cannot question his motivation on the aquarium’s shape.

I was at home when the first live fish came in. It was a medium-sized fish, which at first looked like a gold fish to me. I was delighted because it was medium-sized already and most of all, because it was given free.

Alas! I learned quickly that this fish creature was banished by the previous owner because she (let’s assume the fish is female, or would you rather male?) is a predator fish! She attacks smaller fishes until they gradually die. And so when the kids came, we started arguing about the predator fish. Now, isn’t that fun? The family of four argued about a fish.

That weekend, I decided to buy another fish specie. This time, we chose a fish with big eyes with the safe assumption (or so we thought) that the Predator would get intimidated by the bulging eyes. The fish name is “Extremities”.

When Extremities finally made it to the aquarium water, and we were counting on his bulging eyes to intimidate Predator, here comes Predator on the attack! Ha! Talk about intimidation.

From then onwards, Extremities had to fend for herself by staying away from Predator, and ultimately finding herself a safe sanctuary - a big shell that we have decorated the aquarium with. As I ponder on the pitiable situation of Extremities – she is held hostage in her own habitat, and worst, by her own kind, I can’t help but situate her story with us – humans. It’s an analogy. So, even in fish life, there is predator and victim; tyrant and slave; friend and foe; mighty and little; proud and meek; arrogant and humble.

Extremities only surfaces during feeding time but immediately returns to her sanctuary after taking a bite or two. She is so intimidated by Predator.

The next weekend, we bought four more fish creatures: a pair of Ryukins and a pair of hammer heads – which my daughter insisted are shark variety. No use arguing with the kid when her mind is set – about the fish.

We hoped and prayed that Predator wouldn’t hurt anyone lest, she’ll be banished to oblivion. Alas! the same thing happened. Predator immediately took a liking to one Rayukin and started hurting her. Poor thing. So immediately, Predator was banished to the pail where she stays up to this day for wanting of a recipient. Poor thing.

The moment her shadow left the aquarium, fish life became alive. Extremities swam up and joined the rest of her kind. What joy she must have felt now that she is free. She must have shouted FREEDOM!

Then, lo and behold! We saw something magnificent unfolding before our very eyes. Extremities changed colors. Now I understand why she is called Extremities: she can change color from very light to very dark and in-between. It’s beautiful seeing her transformation from a light-colored fish to a black one. Then, she sheds black for gray retaining dark stripes like a zebra before turning light again.

Analogy, in fish life, when one is truly free; a fish creature shows her true colors and beauty. Sounds human.

(This article was originally written for a column in a local newspaper.)

Get real! (For the gender-insensitive man)

2014-04-14T16:54:00.000+08:00

Have you ever had the misfortune of meeting or knowing a gender-insensitive man in your office, workplace or organization? They are not difficult to spot. These are the bunch of people who turn resentful whenever a woman is given the opportunity to shine and captivate an audience including management or leadership; and feel threatened whenever a woman is acknowledged capable to execute a man’s supposedly highly sensitive work. Get real! This is not the forties man! Today is 2004, and with that the changes in mindsets, attitudes and paradigms.

Have you ever heard of the cellular phone and texting? Telecommunications has become the global paradox. With it, the world has become both bigger and smaller at the same time. The world has turned bigger because with each technological advancement and discovery, we are expanding our horizons; and smaller because now, we can easily connect to the farthest country on earth. Thanks to telecommunications.

And yet, here we are confronted with adult men whose mindsets are remnants of the Spanish era - where women were boxed and their opportunities limited to getting married and raising children. Hello!

I can only commiserate with the miserable lives of these men whose attitudes on women are very parochial and stereotypical. Their minds are so small and shallow. No wonder they have not gone a notch higher in stature and prominence.

It’s not enough that they sabotage a woman’s best effort; they even go to the lengths of assassinating her character. And with that, they start thinking they have won the game. Sorry people, women are cut out differently. Let us revisit the strength of women, shall we? Women are stronger emotionally. Women keep families intact. Women hold the balance in the family. A woman is the epitome of equilibrium through all the bad and tough times. That’s why we dearly love our mothers.

There are also supposedly younger men who have become disciples of these narrow and shallow-minded gender-insensitive adult men. You think that because they were born much, much later, they are more attuned to the changes in the world. You think wrong. These young gender-insensitive men easily fall on the list of disciples because they don’t know anything at all. They don’t read books and don’t adopt new thoughts and paradigms. They simply remain ignorant, dull, and worse, mediocre. Poor men. To think, they come from a younger generation.

So what do women do given the undeserved criticism of these traditional, dull, mediocre small-minds? I can only venture one recommendation. Take the high road and continue making a difference. You owe it to your Maker to maximize your gifts. According to the “Purpose-Driven Life” book, “by maximizing your potentials, you give greater glory to God who in the larger picture, made you for a purpose. Remember you did not happen by chance; God planned you.”

Sustain the desire to excel in the areas of your expertise and be the best in your field. The world will not stop to listen to the gripes and bitterness of a gender-insensitive man. If you listen to him, you give him undeserved attention. What good does that do to you? None. Remember, it’s not a woman’s problem if a man’s mind is small, shallow, traditional, and mediocre. If an adult man wants to grow up, by all means, let him. If he needs help, assist him. Bring him to gender-sensitivity trainings; women forums, and other women-related activities; provide him good books.

But if his only concern is to criticize you and drag you down, forget it. As the book “Maximize the Moment” says, “some luggage is not worth carrying with you. It will only pull you down with its weight. You are better off without it."

It has always been said that acceptance of a new reality or paradigm is a difficult and painful process. It involves embracing a new life – new attitude; new approach; new outlook while discarding the old life – old attitude; old approach; old outlook. It takes courage to take on something new, which brings discomfort and lots of fears at the start; and more courage to get rid of something that we have been comfortable with for a long, long time. Continuing on the path of denial may seem easier for a time, but if we honestly try to have a fresh look from the outside, we will soon realize that we have more to lose than gain. After all, the world will not stop turning on our behalf. It will continue turning without us.

If he wants to learn it the hard way, so be it. Sooner or later, it will sink in and from his new awareness, growth. But by then, you will have made your mark.

(This article was originally written for a newspaper column in 2004.)

Core values

2014-04-08T18:21:00.000+08:00

What is the essence of leadership? Integrity. It’s as simple as that. I have read so many books on leadership written by both female and male authors, and their dissertation all boils down to one basic ingredient of leadership – integrity.

The past many weeks, we have been bombarded with attacks and counterattacks, offense and defense, call it whatever you want, on television, print and radio, by either the opposition or administration camp, and all because of a recorded conversation between two persons.

I do not wish to explore the issue. It’s an overkill, to say the least. What I care about is the integrity of the leader, the first person referred to in the recording.

Why it took the leader so long to admit that she was the first person referred to in the recording is beyond me. Perhaps lack of courage. Perhaps waiting for the opportune time – after all, timing is everything. Perhaps waiting for the right public relations spin. Whatever maybe the reason, it is moot and academic now. Everything is in the open. In fact, it’s like a market place now. It’s a circus. It’s very lamentable.

The leader has apologized to the country. It must have been an excruciatingly painful moment to admit one’s mistake after having been silent for a time. After the public apology, the circus has expanded.

Integrity cannot be compromised. When one occupies the highest position of the land, there are certain core values one has to uphold. A close friend of mine who occupies a position of leadership himself says, “all elections are dirty”; “all politicians do dirty tricks”; “is there a better substitute?”; “what we can do now is unite, support and contribute for the welfare of the country”; “the Filipinos are not politically mature as a people”, etc... I remember saying, “is that an excuse for us to condone lying and compromising integrity?”

I know that elections are perceived to be dirty in this country; all the more the lot of politicians, which is really unfair given the fact that there are many good women and men in politics, but maybe this is the beginning of maturity. Who knows? If we must walk on our bended knees to grow as a people, so be it. There is always a reason for everything. The good book says that. And I do not believe that we lack for good people to lead this country. That’s totally unacceptable. It’s a slap on the face of the Filipino.

I always respect righteous indignation. This comes out when deception is uncovered or a wrong is exposed. Naturally, people get angry when they are taken for a ride.

Time and again, we have always been asked to unite, support and contribute for the welfare of the country. I have heard this appeal since I was a kid. That’s why most of my professional life is devoted to government service because I want to contribute to society. But that is no excuse for compromising the truth.

John Maxwell, an author specializing on Leadership books, puts it bluntly, “it’s lonely up there”. True, it’s lonely to occupy a position of leadership for you are viewed from a magnifying lens, and everything you do or not do, will be interpreted differently by different people. Most of the time, you are alone. That’s how lonely it can get. But that is part and parcel of the sacrifice if one aspires a position of leadership. One will not become a leader if he or she does not aspire it. You have it because you aspired for it. It’s as simple as that.

That’s why it is essential to be surrounded by good men and women with impeccable character to consult with; supported by a group that consistently prays for the leader to be guided by wisdom and discernment when decisions are made on issues that affect the country and its people.

It’s not easy to be a leader. It can break one’s heart. It is a big sacrifice. But no matter how gargantuan the sacrifice is, there is still no compromise on integrity.

Note: This article was originally written by the author in 2005 for her newspaper column.

December break

2014-01-29T10:49:00.000+08:00

December was truly an experience. It was the first for me. I returned home in late November for my much-needed break after the nerve-wracking earthquake experience in Bohol and the succeeding blackout affecting the province after Yolanda. It was not an easy time for Boholanos. So you can imagine my desire to go home. Ah rest, I craved for it.

By December, I was beginning to enjoy the homecoming when I got sick. I confined in the hospital before Christmas. My friendly doctor made sure I discharged on December 22, days before Christmas day. Instead of getting well, I felt sicker. Talk about peri-menopausal discomforts and the harsh effects of antibiotics on my system.

Well, I just let December 24 passed. No frills, no fuzz. By afternoon of December 25, I went back to the hospital. This time I was treated for gastritis. My first time to experience two confinements in less than a week. It was also my first-time ever to undergo endoscopy. There’s always a first time for everything huh! Well, endoscopy was not a pleasant experience I tell you, but I survived haha. Best part is my stomach is clear. Thank God.

When I left the hospital by evening of December 27, I was looking forward to a wonderful New Year celebration with my young adults. I used to call them teens but they have turned into young adults now with their own unique mind sets.

True, we had a more fun New Year’s Eve devouring a giant pizza. The pizza lasted until mid-morning. It was huge, I tell you.

January 1 was pleasurable. Hezekiah turned twenty and his high school friends came over to the house for an afternoon of guess what? You would never guess! Two giant pizzas. The fun lasted until late into the night. It was so good to be with young people. You imbibe their zeal, energy, and passion for life.

Well, thank God December ended with January 1st. And it was fun!

Bohol needs base-load power plant

2013-11-25T18:02:00.000+08:00

Bohol is beset by a power crisis. The available power supply coming from the Bohol Diesel Power Plant (BDPP) and the mini-hydro power plants of BOHECO 1 is more or less 15-megawatts, given no unit of BDPP suffers from mechanical trouble, while the entire province’s requirement is 55-megawatts. Out of the combined power capacity of 15-megawatts, BOHECO 1 is allocated 5-megawatts; BOHECO 2, 3-megawatts; Tagbilaran City, 5-megawatts; and a spinning reserve of 2-megawatts.

How to divide the very scarce resources is beyond me. While there are some areas with very limited but available power supply at night like portions of Loay, Lila, and Dimiao; other areas are pitch black. I drove Saturday and Sunday nights from Tagbilaran to Lila. I saw sparse electricity lighting portions of the highway. Then on Monday night, we drove from Dimiao to Lila. Electricity lit a stretch of the highway.

This scarcity of power supply is brought about by the devastation unleashed by typhoon Yolanda in neighbouring Leyte. Major power lines were felled by the typhoon including one that carries the bulk of power supply from Leyte to Bohol. With the restoration work still on-going, Boholanos are left with only ingenuity.

Many business owners have invested in generators. This is true not only for the city but for the entire province as well. Without reliable power supply, the business sector suffers the most. Many homeowners have bought generators, as well for the comfort they provide. For the rest of us ordinary mortals, we live each day as best we could. We use gas lamps or lampara at night. Some use candles while others use LPG-operated lamps that remind me of the Petromax lanterns of old.

The day before and after Yolanda struck my power industry colleague Elmer Cruz of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) was regularly sending Power Advisories which were very helpful to me. I also forwarded his Advisories to my contacts both in government and the private sector. In times of crisis, information is vital. Time and again, I have been saying that information is essential during crisis situations. Without information, people get confused, angry, frustrated, and then would start speculating. Speculation is the enemy of information. Communicators are trained to confront the vacuum and disseminate rightful information as fast as any available means could.

Pronouncements have been made that power supply to Eastern and Central Visayas will be made available before Christmas. We welcome the news as we grope in the dark at night. We trust that our line personnel from all over the Philippines who now converge in Leyte to undertake major restoration works will be able to meet the target set. Having worked with the linemen of NPC, TRANSCO, and NGCP for nineteen years, I have no doubt that the Secretary’s promise will be delivered. These line personnel will move heaven and earth to restore damaged structures to enable substation engineers to re-energize the affected lines.

Our present situation makes us appreciate the presence of a base-load power plant in Bohol. We need one that can supply us sufficient power in the event we are disconnected from the Visayas Grid, just like after Yolanda. This base-load power plant should have a capacity larger than 55-megawatts. It should factor in the annual growth of the power requirement in the entire Bohol Island. With the hard and painful reality confronting us now, the leadership of Bohol is best encouraged to consider seriously the construction of a base-load plant. A base-load plant runs 24 hours and is connected to the grid. In the event that we are disconnected from the grid, the base-load plant will operate independently to supply Bohol with the needed power requirement.

In the meantime, I urge my fellow Boholanos not to curse the darkness. It is best we accept our present reality, deal with it, and do something positive about it.

The day Bohol shook

2013-11-15T23:02:00.004+08:00

I was born and raised in Tagbilaran City, the capital city of Bohol. I remember being terrified when Typhoon Nitang snapped two coconut trees right in our own courtyard. The torrential rains didn’t stop. It flooded the whole yard. Thank God our house was a bit elevated the waters didn’t get inside. I remember Mother promising to cut all the remaining standing coconut trees as soon as the storm subsided. True to her word, the following day, all the remaining coconuts were felled. I didn’t feel sorry for them. I felt relieved. Nitang happened when I was in college.

A couple of years after, I relocated to Cebu City for my first job - my first power industry job. In Cebu, I remember being scared again when ferocious typhoon Ruping with its howling wind attacked Cebu. Power supply was cut off for several days in the city.

Then, I relocated to General Santos City. Boy was I petrified when the city was besieged by bomb attacks in May 2000. I was very scared I told my former boss I had better gone home to Bohol. Naturally he prevailed over my frightened reaction. He said something about succumbing to terrorists’ tactics if city residents left. The terrorists would have won then, hands down.

Fast forward to October 15, 2013. Nothing could have prepared me for the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol. As the house shook fiercely together with a thunderous roar and objects started falling, I thought the house was going to crumble and worse, would collapse on me. Imagine that scene. I would be pinned down dead. Only presence of mind kicked me out from under the table of my bedroom and raced towards the door directly to the street. People were already on the streets shaking and trembling in their sleep wear. It was a holiday after all and people took their sweet time sleeping. It was supposed to be a day of relaxation. People can get up late because there was no work and no school for students. But that day was meant for something else. Sinister, for some; life-changing for others.

A lot of people were terrorized by the experience. The aftershocks didn’t help diminish the fear. Even up to this writing, aftershocks are still felt. It’s normal to feel afraid. I think for the most parts, we are afraid to die. A wise man said we should embrace death for it is a natural part of life. But when disasters occur, we forget whatever any wise man says and run for our lives. Don’t we? It’s our survival instinct that prevails. We run for cover. So maybe we’re not afraid to die after all, but afraid to die a painful death. Imagine being pinned down by a collapsing house. You feel every bone of your body breaks and you cry for help. It’s pure agony and it’s heartbreaking to even write about it.

There are so many painful stories from this side of the archipelago but all these have been heard, seen, and viewed from everywhere, thanks to advanced technology.

Suddenly, you’re thrust out of your comfort zone. Within seconds, you feel insecure about your life. It does not matter what type of house we live in. An earthquake can flatten it in seconds. That’s right. A very powerful 20-30 second mainshock alters everything. If it were longer, the devastation could have been greater. The loss of lives could have doubled.

While at it, I asked Engr. Nolan Evangelista, an expert from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and who happens to be a city neighbor about the recent earthquake. Nolan said, “The mainshock was characterized by slow ground shaking for about 10 seconds. This was followed by a strong vertical motion from 10 to 20 seconds.” I am not an expert but we can surmise logically that the vertical motion caused the collapse of the centuries-old churches.

Loon Church

The churches are another story. Being a provincial lass, I have seen all these churches up close and personal. I have been inside these churches. I have even taken photographs of these grand structures. They are huge, mystical, and transcend time. Imagine centuries. So many callused and dainty feet have walked either the wooden or tiled aisle. So many veiled and unveiled heads have looked up to admire the arches and columns. So many weddings and funerals held. Truly, the churches are a class of their own. A writer said, “We will also mourn their destruction because they have been part of our history and culture”. She said, “They will leave a scar as well.”

Boholanos will have to accommodate the changes brought about by the recent earthquake. There will be many changes. For the badly-hit municipalities, life will never be the same again. It will be a fresh start, a new beginning.

For all of us who are affected in various ways by the disaster, our perspectives have totally changed. There is a new appreciation for life, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. There is a deeper relationship with the Creator; a stronger faith. We discover our own depths of generosity, compassion, and empathy. We have bonded as a people. More importantly, we have become truly attuned to our own humanity.

The seal of history

My favorite book

2013-10-09T13:17:00.001+08:00

Two months after my mom passed away in 2001 while I was reeling from the pain of loss, we decided to spend our Christmas in Davao City. Our intention was to diminish a bit of the loneliness and emptiness that we all felt. It was Christmastime and the city was alive with mirth. Christmas was in the air.

My favorite book

Part of our itinerary was to visit the malls and bookstores. In one of our window shopping sessions, we proceeded to the National Bookstore. There I chanced upon the book, Maximize The Moment by T.D. Jakes. I started browsing and boy was it a wham! The book was totally a revelation. It was like the author directly spoke to me. The lessons were mind-boggling and I was excited to apply them in my life. I didn’t want to return the book to the shelf so I bought it pronto.

By the time we went home, I was reading the book with gusto. Since I was going through a lot of pain then owing to my mom’s death, the book spoke to me in ways I can only fathom. It opened my mind to a larger world. It changed my perspective on things. It elevated my way of thinking and doing things. It’s like the world has totally changed for me.

Over the years, I have always kept the book nearby. When I go through some confusing times, I revisit the book. When I hit a roadblock, I reread the book. The book has become a companion leading me on.

I have lent the book to several friends and one close friend told me something brilliant: “I now understand why you think they way you do. It’s the book. You have totally applied it in your life.” I was amazed at her discovery. It was a confirmation that the book totally impacted my life. I was never the same again.

Now, I smile at the thought that Mother guided me to pick that book that fateful day. She knew I needed it then.

Thanks Mother.

The man with a big heart

2013-09-20T10:34:00.000+08:00

Life is a constant journey for this big man with a big heart. Born more than forty summers ago, Kenneth Ronald “Kiking” Constancia Camacho was very athletic growing up. He involved in many sports activities, most particularly basketball where his 5’10” height and huge frame played to his advantage.

Blending with nature

He is born to prominent parents. His father, the late Dr. Estanislao Camacho practised medicine and once served as Chief of Hospital at Catigbian District Hospital. Following his retirement, he ran and won as Board Member representing the second district of Bohol. His political career was cut short by his demise. Kiking’s mother served as budget officer at the Sagbayan local government unit until her retirement. She is a public servant at heart. She served the local government while raising a family. It is solid proof that women can manage multi-roles and multi-functions.

He has two other brothers and one sister. Their eldest is Father Jesus Frederick who is now parish priest at Sto. Nino parish in Anda, Bohol. Joseph Lemuel, a younger brother presently serves as staff of Congressman Aris Aumentado while sister Eymardine, a nurse who was also a high school classmate of this writer, is based in the U.S.

He completed his elementary education at Sagbayan Elementary School; obtained his high school diploma from the University of San Carlos–School for Boys; and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of San Carlos–Technology Center. He took the Mechanical Engineering Board Examinations in October 1988 and passed it in March 1989.

He joined BOHECO I in 1992 fully acknowledging that the company is the proverbial greener pasture. He desired to have a first-hand experience in running a hydro power plant. He has served the company since then.

At work, he’s the big brother to many. People are naturally drawn to him because of his good nature and easy personality. He is literally a big brother. To this writer, he is a suave driver.

Kiking is married to the former Fritzie Lasco, daughter of the former Mayor of Tubigon, Bohol. She served as BOHECO I nurse for eight years. It was an office romance for this couple which culminated in marriage. Presently, they have three kids aged 10, 7, and 4. Suffice it to say, he married late in life. He enjoyed his bachelor days to the max!

His work functions include overseeing the over-all requirements of the electric cooperative in terms of materials, supplies, equipment, and other logistics. He makes sure that he is on top the situation and anticipates all needs to ensure the smooth operation of each functional unit.

Like most everybody, Kiking has future plans but is not ready to disclose them yet. In time, he will. In the meantime, the man with a big heart is enjoying his life journey to the hilt.

Loyalty is a virtue

2013-09-09T14:59:00.000+08:00

After a day’s bonding with the daughter Sunday, we proceeded to a new shopping complex in the city. It’s a little exploration for her since she just returned to Bohol last week.

She had organic ice cream from The Buzz. We sat on the corner bench provided for The Buzz’s spa clients. A few minutes later, I had Batchoy at Binalot. It’s the food shop where everything you eat has to be wrapped in banana leaves. But the Batchoy was not wrapped huh!

Anyways, as I was relishing my Batchoy ala Boholano with gusto, it rained harder. Shiloh and I watched the rain as well. We absorbed everything in our present environment. In simpler terms, we tuned it. A utility man was busy mopping the wet floor. Customers from the complex hurriedly got inside their vehicles but were afraid to get wet. I thought they could have waited for the rains to stop. Wishful thinking. More cars arriving. The rain didn’t stop.

Then the head security officer (he looks the part) approached the utility man who was mopping the floor. I remember the guy from my high school days. I didn’t forget the face. I then narrated to Shiloh how I remember the guy. I told her the guy has been serving this business establishment since I was in high school. He used to wear the blue security guard uniform back then. Shiloh responded by saying, “talk to him Ma”. I rose to the challenge. I called him and said, Sir I remember you from my high school days. You were serving their original store. He smiled broadly and said, yes Ma’am; I have served this company for 35 years. I was 19 when I started working here and now I have produced an Engineer who works at Panglao Island Nature Resort; a Nurse who works at a local hospital, and a CPA. The company helped me educate them, he added. He was beaming with joy and pride as he shared his story. He said the bosses helped him. I also met my girlfriend who eventually became my wife at the same company, he further explained.

He asked, you do remember me Ma’am? I said yes. He looked glad I did.

We spoke about how city folks used to watch movies at the old movie houses located on the second floor of the original business arcade. In those days, those were the only air-conditioned movie houses. Boy, I remember the days.

Thirty five years is no small feat. It is loyalty etched in the heart and mind of this simple man. What an inspiring story.

That’s Roque Yana. His story is worth emulating.

BOHECO I celebrates 42 years of service

2013-08-24T09:02:00.000+08:00

Ring of loyalty

BOHECO I, Bohol’s pride has grown immeasurably by leaps and bounds through the years. Indeed, its “cup runneth over”. From its humble beginnings on August 11, 1971, it has expanded practically in all areas – from operations to physical expansion, as a distribution utility. It has evolved side by side with the evolving and dynamic power industry.

With a strong workforce of 307 plantilla personnel, it efficiently operates and maintains five substations namely: Maca-as Substation in Tubigon, Villarcayo Substation in Carmen, Loay Substation, Dampas Substation in Tagbilaran City, Maribojoc Substation, and Panglao Substation; 3,457 circuit kilometres of distribution lines; serves 128,236 households broken down into 108,580 residential, 1,075 residential (Cabilao), and 1,661 residential (Island Barangays); 5,332 commercial small, 328 commercial large; 33 industrial; 2,708 public buildings; and 8,519 street lights. It has a total combined asset of P1,545,494.00 as of June, 2013.

Maintaining its competitive advantage, BOHECO I has also diversified its operations by putting up the BOHECO I Sevilla Mini-Hydro Corporation. The distribution utility also owns and operates the Janopol Mini-Hydro power plant. The Sevilla mini-hydro power plant has a capacity of 2.5-megawatts while the Janopol mini-hydro power planthas a capacity of 5-megawatts. The combined power generation of both power plants supplies the 2.2-megawatt requirement of BOHECO I’s franchise area. The rest of the power requirement is supplied by the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM, Cebu Energy Development Corporation, and Sta. Clara Power Corporation.

Consistent upgrading and modernization of its equipment and facilities to be at par with industry standards is a leadership commitment. The electric cooperative invests in equipment, facilities, and modern transport to ensure a fast, efficient, and optimum delivery of services.

“BOHECO I: Lighting the Past; Blazing the Future”, a coffee table book discusses in detail the developing years of the distribution utility. It’s a must-read book since it walks you through the early beginnings of the electric cooperative: how it came to be; its early successes; the visionary leaders; among others. It is also a detailed description of the early years when power supply in the province’s municipalities was scanty and only available for a few hours daily.

Through the years, BOHECO I has been a consistent awardee of various awards coming from the National Electrification Administration. For 2011 alone, the electric cooperative garnered the following awards: Grand Diamond EC Award, Best in System Loss Performance Awards (Single Digit System Loss), Consistent Single Digit System Loss for the last 10 consecutive years, Best in Collection Performance Award, Best in Region Award, Award to an EC Regional Association that interacts regularly with each other via video link and Information Technology and informs the member consumers through printed materials and other means that tackle issues common to the ECs, and Consistent 100% Collection Performance for the last 15 consecutive years.

BOHECO I does not rest on its laurels as it consistently advocates a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that harmonizes the electric cooperative’s operations and its corporate responsibility towards the consumers it serves. Included in its holistic CSR package are Scholarship grants for deserving children of member-consumers, Brigada Pasiga, and other livelihood assistance projects.

The electric cooperative is also committed to the preservation of the environment through the Janopol watershed rehabilitation project. In 2012, 3,070 Mahogany seedlings were distributed to individuals who planted the same in alienable and disposal lands.

These seedlings were best planted in catchment areas in portions of Balilihan, Sevilla, Catigbian, and Sagbayan, and the whole of Carmen and Batuan, all in Bohol.As of December, 2012, BOHECO I has distributed a total of 197,273 seedlings covering 87.72 hectares of land.

BOHECO I invests P150,000.00 annually in the Janopol Watershed Rehabilitation Project. This is top management’s commitment to sustain the Janopol watershed.

BOHECO I is also a committed partner of the Multi-Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC). The organization of MSEAC is an offshoot of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).The MSEAC strengthens the role of the electric cooperative’s member-consumers as important players in the rural electrification program under the changes and challenges of the EPIRA regime.

The future looks very bright for BOHECO I as it continues to flesh out its Vision of “An electric cooperative with highly-professionalized services for customer delight.” Supportive of this vision is the cooperative’s mission “To deliver quality electric service for the cooperative's area coverage up to the last sitio as well as the delight of its customers and manpower.”

Indeed, BOHECO I consistently pioneers and carves its leadership role in the electrification of the Bohol countryside pushing the economic progress of these areas. We are proud of our humble beginnings, grateful of the people’s support, and inspired by our accomplishments even as we continue to deliver quality electric service to all.

Weema: Healthy lifestyle advocate

2013-08-23T21:24:00.000+08:00

Opt for a healthy lifestyle.

“A healthy employee is an efficient employee.” Nurse Weema advocates a healthy lifestyle for all, regardless of rank, status, age, and gender. This is the reason why she initiates programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle. In fact in the workplace, she has initiated the Annual Medical Check-up; sustained information campaign on health trends and tips through lectures by medical specialists and experts on topics like Breast Cancer, Anti-Rabies, Heart Attack, Hypertension, Diabetes, among others; Biggest Loser campaign; Anti-smoking campaign; Vaccination program; and related activities. These are only some of the activities that she has implemented for BOHECO I management and personnel through the years that she has served the electric cooperative.

In tandem with the Human Resource Section, she will implement a comprehensive Wellness Program to encourage a healthy lifestyle among the human resource component of BOHECO I.

It’s time to get to know Roweema Magna Amila Amodia, the Coop Nurse who started serving BOHECO I on February 9, 2004. The job was an answered prayer to her having resigned from her job in Cebu City two years earlier. Like this writer, she believes that when a job comes along without stress and hassle, it is an answered prayer.

Weema, as she is fondly called by family and friends alike, believes in doing everything from the heart. She maintains an attitude of gratitude. She is grateful for the little things and feels fulfilled when she is able to extend help.

She is married to Arnulfo Estrella Amodia, an OFW. She has three kids: two teenagers and one four-year old. Eldest is Joses Moses “Mojo”, 16 years old; Renzo Miguel “Renz”, 14 years old; and Alessandra Maria “Light”, 4 years old, the baby in the family. As a mom, she dotes to her kids. She pampers them with love, care, and attention, and yet she is a believer in discipline. Her parenting style is “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” Discipline to her is very important because her husband is working away from home.

She is the second daughter of retired Judge Venancio Amila and public servant Romelia Rojas. Her mother passed away on August 1, 2012. She has three other siblings but one just recently passed on. Their youngest brother Marlon is the local chief executive of Tubigon, Bohol.

Born on February 24, several summers ago, in the coastal town of Tubigon, Weema has lived out her profession personally. She is a nurse by profession true, but her profession has become her life vocation. She is truly a total health care provider who appreciates and sincerely renders work from the heart.

The lady with humble beginnings

2013-08-23T20:54:00.000+08:00

She is set to conquer the horizons.

What inspires us motivates us. Meet Maris, a brainy lady who finds inspiration from this quote: “Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.”

Maris is Marissa Go Rebayla Leorna, a Certified Public Accountant serving BOHECO I since April 2008. She married young at 23 to Pedro T. Leorna, Jr. The young couple was blessed with a son named Piolo. Sadly, Piolo passed on in June, 2012 due to complications arising from his multiple congenital defects when he undertook intensive surgical procedures.

She joined the power industry because she found a suitable employment opportunity that enables her to prove, enhance, and challenge her ability and competence, as well as her commitment to work. Indeed, she is in the right industry. For most young and competitive professionals, the evolving and expanding power industry is an alluring challenge.

Maris believes that the most wonderful and valuable virtue she possesses is LOVE. She is convinced that all things are possible when you value love of God, love for family, co-workers, friends, and yourself. She believes that “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” Indeed, career women must always balance the home and work fronts. It’s a delicate balancing act and task and Maris is determined to meet the challenge.

Maris is a consistent honor student from her elementary years up to her college days. She is an achiever, thanks to her parents Ceferino T. Rebayla and Thelma Go Rebayla who were very supportive of their youngest daughter’s dreams and aspirations. She is the youngest among four children.

Her parents are very simple people who had to work hard to realize their family goals. Her father was a Boholano “viajedor”, a vendor-peddler who commuted to and from several places in Mindanao where he met his wife Thelma Go, Maris’ mother. Her mother is the eldest daughter of Ohhya Go, a Chinese businessman from Mindanao.

Maris comes from humble beginnings. Her father is a high school graduate who presently drives his own jeepney while her mother Thelma is a homemaker.

The family originally hails from Talisayan Misamis Oriental. Back then, they owned a store but a fire razed it when the entire market of Talisayan was burned. To start anew, the family relocated to Bohol.

Like this author, she likes reading books. Her choice cuts include Beauty of the Ashes by Joyce Meyer, Secrets of Success by Sandra Anne Taylor, among others. She likes watching TV shows that entertain, and having great conversations with friends. Her one and only sports is badminton which is also her form of exercise.

Very young at 32, Maris has still a long way to go in the power industry. Personally, she is excited to enlarge her horizons.

Grounded on the Boholano’s old-fashioned values of honesty, trustworthiness, hard work, flexibility, grace under pressure, and deep faith in God, Maris is yet to conquer the wide horizons.

Sunday afternoon with Yoli

2013-08-20T10:48:00.000+08:00

Sunday was so refreshing, love-filled, and relaxing. I spent time with Yoli. Yoli is a lady who has come to Bohol on a mission: to help a person engaged in business. Yoli and I went to the same church in General Santos City for many years.

One of the perks of her job is being billeted in a resort facing Tagbilaran Bay. This resort has a history of its own. We frequented this place in my young life whenever we wanted to listen to good music. Back then, my brother played in the band that regularly performed in the bar. Moreover, when I took up Law last year, my classmates and I came to this place to sing.

Tagbilaran City port

But that’s not the subject of this blog. This blog is about how relaxing, refreshing, and comforting Sunday was. We started with Sunday church service. I picked her from her cottage by the sea. After the service, we bought some stuff for her house transfer then proceeded to the cottage for our lunch. Lunch was served against the backdrop of the blue sea with our hair blown by the relaxing wind. Such a gem!

After a good meal and exceedingly good chat, we deposited ourselves in her cottage and napped.

By afternoon, we went to the mall. She had her relaxing pedicure. I did groceries. After all the chores, we went back to her small cottage and had dinner under a moonlit sky characterized by a strong breeze blowing on our faces while cooling our soup fast. Haha talk about irony. We conversed until we were full until it’s time to retire for the night.

It’s truly amazing how the calm sea, its powerful breeze, a moonlit sky, good food, and wonderful conversation can comfort, relax, and refresh us on a weekend. No stress. No pressure.

Sunday afternoon with Yoli was the best yet so far.

Lucky day

2013-08-14T20:30:00.000+08:00

I know it’s cliche but Monday was truly a good day. It started with my entrance at the local airport. The x-ray machine was down, thus I had to give my backpack and bags to the aviation security personnel. They checked it. I was advised to check in my backpack. I declined since I was on promo fare. They told me the security at the pre-departure area is very tight. It’s manned by female officers and they are very strict. I coyly said, I will use my charms haha.

Off I went to the check-in counter to get my boarding pass.

Then, I proceeded to the pre-departure security area. My bags were inspected. I didn’t notice that the Officer at the entrance followed me. He was the one who suggested that I check in my backpack. He was probably trying to confirm if my charms will work there.

Anyhow, the inspection went smoothly without a trace of trouble. Off I went to collect my bags. When I slightly turned to collect my bags, I saw the Officer standing on the corner. I couldn’t help but say: “Told ya” and chuckled.

He then followed me to my seat and we chatted about life, family, and work. Turns out he’s not a local in the city. He’s from another city. I know what that means. He is expanding his friendship base. I am not from this city myself; I relocated some twenty years back so I genuinely know how it feels to be isolated, alone, and lonely. I accepted the hand of friendship.

Then we had to board the plane. Now, this is the part where I really feed special. He escorted me up to the plane. Haha not inside the plane of course, but at the landing of the stairs. That looks like VIP to me, and some others I think. We shook hands and off I climbed the stairs.

We had a smooth flight. Touchdown was even smoother. Great pilot huh.

I walked from the plane to the entrance of the arrival area. Lo and behold! There were two aviation security personnel there in their crisp uniforms and shiny shoes. I walked past them when one said, “Ma’am Belinda”? I acknowledged and in a split second I realized that the Officer at the airport of my origin must have called them up to meet me! What a great surprise! I asked: How did you know it’s me? One Officer said, my classmate described you Ma’am. Haha it’s moments like this that I truly feel flattered and very special. He took my backpack and both Officers escorted me out. They accompanied me up to the taxi waiting area and waited with me until it was my turn to get into a taxi. We shook hands. They opened the door and safely saw me in.

Wow! What a great way to feel special! More flights please.

Hezekiah's passion

2013-07-29T21:11:00.001+08:00

The lighthouse

2013-07-22T10:44:00.002+08:00

Quaint Sunday afternoon

I am in this beautiful house with huge windows. I have always loved huge windows. They connect you to the sky. They connect you to the world. Windows also usher in cool breeze. It helps that I’m on the second floor overlooking the city port. It is totally picturesque. It is a cool day today. King sun is still hiding somewhere. Earlier on, I heard sirens from the pier to signal the celebration of the province’s day. I understand the city is joining the province to celebrate the occasion. There’s a festive mood in the city.

The past two weeks, I saw my FB account filled with reunion photos. July is indeed a reunion month for many Tagbilaranons and Boholanos. A friend told me it is on account of Sandugo which is commemorated every July. Indeed reunions are a wonderful, fun experience.

Back to the lighthouse where I am staying, the host is now playing classic music from her classic player. She bought it from the U.S. and brought it all the way home. It’s such a beauty. Classic music, cool breeze, charming view from the pier, high room, and huge windows. This is the perfect place to write a book.

Below are the photos I took from the windows and terraces of the lighthouse.

Contrast

Lolo Cris Lungay's favorite pasalubong for us.

From the terrace. I could almost reach it.

City port on a Sunday

Girl, listen to your body

2013-07-19T21:27:00.003+08:00

There is such an age when a woman has to listen intently and care more about her body. Some may say, oh she’s too fragile. But the reality is you really are because you’re going through a certain phase. That phase could be peri-menopause. And mind you, a woman goes through a lot of discomforts during this period. It ranges from hot flashes, cold flashes, excessive perspiration, profuse bleeding, unexplained fear, nervousness, hypertension, insomnia, and the like. You could only sigh and say, it’s not easy being a woman.

Rocks of Maasim, Sarangani

I am just grateful that I find myself in an understanding environment. My colleagues understand my present reality, as well as my family, and closest friends.
Oh there will be good days and bad days. They happen. Let us just learn to keep it in stride.

It also helps to talk about it so people get educated, and as a result will understand what you’re going through. Some may not understand true, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is you know your body more. So listen to it. Take good care of it. Love it. Pamper it. Above all, thank God for the grace and comfort to go through it naturally.

Such a time as this

2013-07-06T22:51:00.000+08:00

All five ladies share the same age. Two celebrated their birthdays in June,
this year. Two just returned home from abroad to spend their
respective vacations with their families in the country.

Everyone goes through a life phase. Birth, childhood, teen life, young adulthood, adulthood, marriage, marriage issues, separation, annulment, empty nest, illness, perimenopause, menopause, old age, the list can go on. Such is life. It is very dynamic. It is constantly moving. We celebrate our victories; we mourn our losses.

The transition is not easy. Even the most flexible person will stagger and stammer for a time while coping with the transition stage. If one goes through it without a hint of difficulty, I would say that person is super human. Invincible perhaps?

The wise advice is to embrace our humanity. Surround ourselves with a supportive and loving group that will commit to see us through in such a time as this. Entrust the life phase to a caring, comforting, and sovereign God.

If and when the transition period happens to us, let us not resist. Let’s glide along and ease the path. If we need to let go of a baggage, confront a tricky issue, give up something, someone, or anything we deemed no longer relevant because of the new life phase, so be it.

This is the best time to critique, evaluate, and assess what’s important and what’s not. What’s “important and urgent” as taught in the time management quadrant of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Personally, with all our preparations, we may still feel challenged when confronted by such a time as this.

The morning after

2013-06-26T20:02:00.000+08:00

I was again on travel mode in May, 2013. I took the slow boat en route Cebu City. When I woke up, lo and behold!

The pure, tranquil, natural, irresistible, and calming beauty of dawn. I'm so glad I woke up to it.

Philippine elections: Choose upright leaders

2013-05-11T21:00:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Flag

Elections are just around the bend. I pray that we Filipinos rise from our bad habits and elect rightful leaders. It is sad when we elect our leaders and then criticize them afterwards. We elect them, we stand by our decision. They commit something grievous we speak out, we press for an explanation, or bite our tongues and wait for the next elections to make sure these leaders will not win anymore. We cannot continue blaming our leaders for our bad choices. We have bad leaders, we made bad choices. It’s as simple as that. It’s not rocket science.

The sad thing is politicians belong to a party. Most times, individually they can no longer manifest their personal convictions because the party thinks otherwise. Sad but true. Politicians serve the party leadership, as well. There are dynamics. They cannot just deviate from party norms. If and when they do, they could stand the chance of being junked from the party.

So it really is up to us. Politicians come and go, well, they don’t literally go because of dynastic politics, but the electorate remains.

It is within our power to choose upright leaders, leaders with convictions, leaders who can keep their characters intact amidst political schemes and intrigues, and leaders who can rise above patronage politics. I know it’s a tough act. These ideals are very high but should we not impose the highest standards on our politicians? We must because we give them the mandate. A mandate is very sacred; given in trust. If it is given in trust, then it’s serious business. If it’s serious business then it’s time we take our elections seriously. No buts; no ifs.

If you love your country, and I assume you do, elect upright leaders.