Phoenix Facts

Fun Facts About Phoenix

Phoenix is the United States’ fifth-largest city with a population of nearly 1.5 million. (The largest four are NYC, LA, Chicago and Houston. Phoenix is the fastest growing among the five).

Greater Phoenix (which includes, among others, the cities of Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe) has a population of nearly 3.8 million and covers 2,000 square miles.

Maricopa County—where Greater Phoenix is located—covers 9,127 square miles.

Phoenix's elevation is 1,117 feet.

Greater Phoenix is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Phoenix averages more than 300 sun-filled days per year.

Phoenix has an average annual rainfall of 7.66 inches, an average annual temperature of 72.6 degrees and an annual high temperature of 85 degrees.

Greater Phoenix has more than 55,000 hotel rooms at nearly 400 hotels and more than 30 resort properties.

Greater Phoenix is home to over 200 golf courses.

Greater Phoenix consistently ranks among the nation’s top cities in the number of Five and Four Diamond and Five and Four Star resorts.

More than 13.5 million people visit Phoenix each year. More than 30 million people visit Arizona each year.

The typical visitor to Phoenix is 50 years old, has an average household income of $74,700 and spends 4.6 nights in the metro area.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is served by more than 20 airlines, and is a hub for two low-fare carriers: US Airways and Southwest Airlines.

Sky Harbor serves more than 41 million passengers a year, ranking it among the 10 busiest airports in the nation.

Phoenix is one of only 13 U.S. cities with franchises in all four major professional sports leagues: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL) and Phoenix Coyotes (NHL).

Phoenix is one of only six U.S. cities with eight professional sports franchises: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Arizona Rattlers (AFL), Arizona Sting (NLL) and Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL).

Greater Phoenix hosted Super Bowl XXX on Jan. 28, 1996, and will host Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3, 2008.

Phoenix hosted the 2001 World Series and is the home of the World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Phoenix Suns have brought the NBA playoffs to US Airways Center 16 times in the past 18 seasons.

12 Major League Baseball teams conduct spring training in the Cactus League, which in 2007 drew more than 1 million fans for the sixth consecutive year.

Greater Phoenix is home to nine Cactus League franchises: San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Anaheim Angels. (The Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox train in Tucson.)

University of Phoenix Stadium, home of Super Bowl XLII, is the only stadium in North America with both a retractable fabric roof and a roll-out grass field.

Three pro golf tournaments have regular stops in Phoenix: The FBR Open (PGA), the Safeway International LPGA Tournament, the Standard Register Turquoise Classic (LPGA) and the Nationwide Tour’s Gila River Classic.

The FBR Open, played each February at the TPC Scottsdale, is the best-attended event on the PGA Tour, averaging more than 500,000 spectators. The event raised a PGA Tour-record $6.8 million for charity in 2007.

Greater Phoenix is home to college football’s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and Insight Bowl. The 2007 BCS National Championship was played at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Phoenix is home to many different motor sports. Included are Indy Car and NASCAR events at Phoenix International Raceway, drag racing at Manzanita Speedway and boat racing at Firebird International Raceway.

Greater Phoenix’s major industries are (1) high-tech manufacturing, (2) tourism and (3) construction.

Greater Phoenix is the corporate headquarters for companies such as Intel, Avnet, Motorola, AlliedSignal, Honeywell and Boeing.

Phoenix is home to the largest municipal park in the world. South Mountain Park and Preserve covers more than 16,500 acres and has more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

There are six lakes within a 75-minute drive of Phoenix.

Phoenix has museums to suit nearly every taste. The Heard Museum (Native American); Desert Botanical Garden (the world's largest collection of desert plants); Taliesin West (home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation); the Phoenix Art Museum (the Southwest's largest art museum); the Fleischer Museum (American Impressionism); the Arizona Science Center; the Hall of Flame (featuring the world's largest collection of fire-fighting equipment); Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park (Native American) and the Phoenix Museum of History are among the cultural hot spots.

The Heard Museum has an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including the largest kachina doll collection (donated in part by the late Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater) of any museum in the country.

Arizona is home to 23 reservations representing 21 different Native American tribes.

My Fearless Predictions for 2008

Here are some of my predictions for 2008. I'll be updating it in the next few days.

1. A showbiz couple will have marital problems but they will not separate.

2. A showbiz love team on and off screen will have problems and will call it quits.

3. Someone will get pregnant. Or at least two. One is from showbiz, the other is not. Their respective lovers will be the culprits.

4. Camille Pratts will give birth to an illegitimate baby. (Kaya?)

5. A popular star will star in a primetime soap. She will have a leading man. The soap will air in the evenings. (I am not very sure on this, though).

6. Somebody connected in some way to showbiz will die. (Sana di magka totoo).

7. Mother Lily will produce at least one movie in 2008.

8. There will be NO altar date yet for Makisig Morales. Ditto with Mel Tiangco. I don't know about Ogie and Regine.

9. At least two giant networks will produce soaps. (Not the Palmolive variety).

10. A destructive typhoon will hit the country late in the year. Crops will be destroyed!

11. There will be some flooding in Metro Manila due to some thunderstorms. (Hope I'd be proven wrong)

12. Ruffa Gutierrez will mention Ylmaz's name at least once in 2008. Annabelle Rama will comment.

13. Kris Aquino will most probably talk!

14. Boy Abunda will be Boy Abunda.

15. Philippine politics will continue to be interesting but not as interesting as showbiz. Or are they one and the same?

More to follow. How about your predictions?

I Am The God That Healeth Thee

I Worship You

Like Eagles

Rescue by Don Moen

RESCUE

You are the source of life
I can’t be left behind
No one else will do
I will take hold of you

(chorus)
(Cause) I need you Jesus
To come to my rescue
(tell me) Where else can I go
There’s no other name
By which I am saved
(O) Captured me with grace

I will follow you
I will follow you

My heart is yours for life
I need your hand in mine
No one else will do
I put my trust in you

(Chorus 2x)

I will follow you
I will follow you

I WIll Run To You

I
Your eye is on the sparrow
And your hand it comforts me
From the ends of the earth
To the depth of my heart
Let your mercy and strength be seen

II
You call me to your purpose
As angels understand
For your glory, may you draw all men
As your love and praise demands

III
And I will run to you
To your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by your spirit of God

IV
Yes I will run the race
Till I see your face
O let me live in the glory of your grace

II and III, IV then III, IV

Shine Jesus Shine

Prayer for the New Year

A New Year’s Prayer

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
Friday, December 28, 2007
Philippine Star

Lord, with a grateful heart, we come to You today to thank You for all the things that You have brought into our lives the past 365 days of the past year.

We bow down and kneel before You, O Lord, and praise You as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, a forgiving and merciful Father that You are.

Grant us the grace of a deeply repentant heart. Forgive us for all the times that we have been so selfish and proud, for the things that we have said and done which may have hurt others, for doing the things which were not in accordance with Your teachings. Pardon us, Lord, for all our sins and shortcomings.

Lord, thank you for the good life — good health, good food, good friends, good tidings, good cheers. Thank you for all the times that You have been there for us through our family and friends who stood by us in good times or in bad.

Lord, we ask for Your graces and blessings as we start another year, and as we continue and go on with life’s many journeys. We offer to You our children: Guide them in their daily activities, never allow them to be separated from You. We offer to You our family: Grant us good health and guide us in our directions and decisions in life. Let there always be love, peace, and harmony in our home. Help us to treat everyone fairly and justly regardless of who they are. Remind us always to have good thoughts, to say good words, and to do good deeds. But most of all, to be humble all the days of our lives as we are all but passing visitors on this earth. In all these, Lord, always remind us of Your love, and from that love, help us to build and live life with You in our hearts and minds. For always. At all times.

Lord, help us to start the new year right, with You as the center of our lives today, tomorrow, and the coming days of the year 2008. All these we ask in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord and God’s Holy Spirit. Amen.

Libertango WOW!

Excelente!!!!!!! Me gusto todo. La musicalidad, lo técnico, la idea, el erotismo... todo. Felicitaciones!!!!! Bravo!!!! There are more piano duets of these two in their website. Ang galing-galing nila po.

The Best Christmas Gift

"He comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace - His peace - in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace."

A peaceful Christmas to you all.

With God's love and all the love in the world,

Art

I Surrender All

There Is None Like You

Give Thanks

Church Pics

Which church in Manila is this? Somebody tell me please.

I love this picture. The fountain is big bold and beautiful and the calesa is so cute and tiny from the camera's perspective. The shutter speed was just right to freeze yet still denoting some movement of the water falling from the fountain. The sun rays add some celestial character to the church picture.

I only wish the fountain would have taken only a third of the frame. As it is the composition is such that there seems to be two pictures joined to form one. A big no no in photography, that one. But again, I love this picture.

Which church is the above pic again?

The church shown below I definitely know. It's the San Agustin church in my beloved town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. I love the fountain and how it took only a third of the frame. Remember the rule of thirds in photography?

A Pretty Sight

I've been away from Manila for some time and I heard of the Pasig River ferry that runs from Guadalupe to Escolta(?). I really hope the ferry is a success. We need this one. It also might bring to light the plight (and filth) of the river and that the authorities will do something about it. I'm heartened to remember that the Singapore river used to be very filthy but is now clean and a beautiful sight after a major cleanup.

I received this picture from a friend who've tried the ferry. He thinks everyone should try it for the interesting sights like the Malacanang, Escolta and even the slums along the banks.

One building along the banks is the Manila Central Post Office, almost postcard pretty in the above picture until one looks closer and sees a really disgusting sight. Look closer at the picture above before moving down to the enlarged portion below.

Tarannnnn!




At left is a close up of someone defecating by the Pasig.

Let's save the Pasig river from people like him/her.

I Will Sing

Sing along with the video, the lyrics are shown below



I Will Sing by Don Moen

Lord you seem so far away
A million miles or more it feels today
Though I haven’t lost my faith I must confess right now that it’s hard for me to pray

(Chorus 1)
But I don’t know what to say
And I don’t know where to start
But as your give the grace
With all that’s in my heart

(Chorus 2)
I will sing, I will praise
Even in my darkest night
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing, I will praise
Lift my hands to honor you
Because your word is true
I will sing

Lord it’s hard for me to see
All the thoughts and plan you have for me
But I will put my trust in you
Knowing that you died to set me free

(Chorus 1 and 2)

I will sing, I will praise
Lift my hands to honor you
Because your word is true
I will sing

Shout To The Lord

Lord I Offer My Life To You

The Power of Your Love

God Will Make A Way

Praise Looks Good On You

December in Phoenix

It's Decemberrrrrrrr. Bring out your warm and thick jackets. So they say

But in Phoenix? Nope. A light sweater will do at nights. During the days, a shirt is all one wears.

It will get a little cooler though in January. So I heard. I will be ready.

Elsewhere as in Yosemite, California (below), a thick jacket is a must.

Photography Tip

Did you notice my headress? That's an autumn tree growing out of my head! I remember a tip I learned from a photography class years ago - Look out for trees, or other funny things, seeming to grow out of the subject's head. Avoid them.

The picture above was taken years ago one autumn in West Point. I didn't get to see fall colors this year as trees in Phoenix don't turn red and gold.

I really miss the fall foliage. At left is a picture of fall foliage in the northeast United States.

Agree or Diasagree?

Never Allow Someone To Be Your Priority While You Remain Their Option.

A quotable quote. I believe it's not entirely correct though. We should risk loving people no matter how they regard us.

Let me hear what you think.

Falling In Love Is Like Owning A Dog

This is Francois, my cute French Bulldog

And at right is my other dog Justin, half Chow Chow and half Labrador.

They live thousands of miles away from me (hu hu) in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

And here's a lovely poem by Taylor Mali (http://taylormali.com/), with some minor edits

Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog

It's a big responsibility,
So think long and hard before deciding on love.

Love gives you a sense of security.
When you're walking down the street late at night
and you have a leash on love
ain't no one gonna mess with you.
Who knows what love could do in its own defense?

Love is warm.
On cold winter nights,
it lies between you and lives and breathes
and makes funny noises.

Love has needs.
Love needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy.
Love needs attention, it doesn't like being left alone for long.
But come home and love is always happy to see you.
Love may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life,
but you can never be mad at love for long.

Is love good all the time? No! No!
Love can be bad. Bad, love, bad! Very bad love.

Love makes messes.
Love leaves you little surprises here and there.
Love needs lots of cleaning up after.
Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper
and swat love on the nose,
not so much to cause pain,
just to let love know Don't you ever do that again!

Sometimes love just wants to go for a nice long walk.
Because love loves exercise.
It runs you around the block and leaves you panting.
It pulls you in several different directions at once,
or winds around and around you
until you're all wound up and can't move.
Throw things away and love will bring them back,
again, and again, and again.

But most of all, love needs love, lots of it.
And in return, love loves you and never stops.

When I first arrived in Phoenix, I lived with friends who have two beautiful dogs (above). For a month I enjoyed their company and I miss them terribly now. Now that I have my own apartment, I am thinking of getting a dog to share microwave dinners with.

Phoenix Rising

Wednesday, 10:55 am, October 31, 2007
Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, Arizona

Today, Phoenix, AZ is one good nurse richer!

And this North Mountain Medical and Rehabilitation Center much brightened.

SOP's Tribute to Glorietta Explosion Victims

SOP Tribute to Glorietta Blast Victims
Uploaded by starmometerdotcom

San Diego On Fire

It's been three days since the fires around and in San Diego started and there's no end in sight. As of posting time, 500,000 people (and growing) have evacuated their homes.

I have relatives and friends in San Diego. My sister, brother and I visited with the very active Paoay (our town) Association there last year. I was there again two months ago job hunting.

The undulating residential hills captivated me. Unfortunately these hills with their dried summer vegetation lend to easy burning as a result of embers from the surrounding burning mountains.

Abetted by high winds and hot weather, fires continue in many other places in Southern California. Let's pray for this region.

I love San Diego. It was beautiful and it will be beautiful again.

Just As I Am

I love this video. Ang galing ng boses ni David Phelps. He used to be part of the Gaither Vocal Band, a popular gospel group. Sing along with him as I've posted the lyrics with this video. Watch more of his videos in You Tube.


Just As I Am
sung by David Phelps

Dear Lord, I'm on my knees again
I come to you because you understand
I've tried so hard but I just can't change myself
That's why I know I need your hand

(Chorus)
So here I am, this is my plea
My only hope is your love for me
I'm reaching out so desperately
Come take my hand, take all of me

Just as I am O Lord
You make what's broken new
Why can't I just learn to follow you
I want to know you to feel you in my soul
I surrender all control

Chorus

Just as I am, I'm not afraid
To follow you where you lead me
I can leave the past behind me
I'm forgiven and I'm free

Chorus

I'm reaching out so desperately
Come take my hand, take all of me
Just as I am

Here I Am

Above All

Draw Me Close

Lakbayan

This is a cool site. You get to color the Philippine map by ticking off the places you've passed through (very light blue), been to (medium blue) and frequent (darker blue). You get a grade after the exercise. Below is my personal colored map. I have a link to the site below.

My Lakbayan grade is B-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Upon This Rock

I can't get enough of Sandy Patti. Circa 1980s this song so my age is showing.

He's More Than Wonderful

Years ago, this song was the universal anthem of many of my friends from church. Sandy Patti was a gospel superstar then. Where is she now?

The picture quality is not the best but the song is.

Our Daily Bread

Romans 8:28 We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.

(New Life Version)

Missing Pagudpud

I miss Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. I'd trade the autumn chill for the warm breeze over there anytime.

Do you know why Pagudpud is named so? It is so far at world's end, at the northern tip of Luzon. When you get there, you are so pagod and your gulongs are so pudpod. He he. Homesickness does a lot of no good.

A Goodbye Kiss

A Goodbye Kiss
http://www.inspirationalarchive.com/inspirationalstoriesblog/

The Board Meeting had come to an end. Bob started to stand up and jostled the table, spilling his coffee over his notes. “How embarrassing. I am getting so clumsy in my old age.”

Everyone had a good laugh, and soon we were all telling stories of our most embarrassing moments. It came around to Frank who sat quietly listening to the others. Someone said, “Come on, Frank. Tell us your most embarrassing moment.”

Frank laughed and began to tell us of his childhood. “I grew up in San Pedro. My Dad was a fisherman, and he loved the sea. He had his own boat, but it was hard making a living on the sea. He worked hard and would stay out until he caught enough to feed the family. Not just enough for our family, but also for his Mom and Dad and the other kids that were still at home.”

He looked at us and said, “I wish you could have met my Dad. He was a big man, and he was strong from pulling the nets and fighting the seas for his catch. When you got close to him, he smelled like the ocean. He would wear his old canvas, foul-weather coat and his bibbed overalls. His rain hat would be pulled down over his brow. No matter how much my Mother washed them, they would still smell of the sea and of fish.”

Frank’s voice dropped a bit. “When the weather was bad he would drive me to school. He had this old truck that he used in his fishing business. That truck was older than he was. It would wheeze and rattle down the road. You could hear it coming for blocks. As he would drive toward the school, I would shrink down into the seat hoping to disappear. Half the time, he would slam to a stop and the old truck would belch a cloud of smoke. He would pull right up in front, and it seemed like everybody would be standing around and watching. Then he would lean over and give me a big kiss on the cheek and tell me to be a good boy. It was so embarrassing for me. Here, I was twelve years old, and my Dad would lean over and kiss me goodbye!”

He paused and then went on, “I remember the day I decided I was too old for a goodbye kiss. When we got to the school and came to a stop, he had his usual big smile. He started to lean toward me, but I put my hand up and said, ‘No, Dad.’

It was the first time I had ever talked to him that way, and he had this surprised look on his face.

I said, ‘Dad, I’m too old for a goodbye kiss. I’m too old for any kind of kiss.’

My Dad looked at me for the longest time, and his eyes started to tear up. I had never seen him cry. He turned and looked out the windshield. ‘You’re right,’ he said. ‘You are a big boy….a man. I won’t kiss you anymore.’”

Frank got a funny look on his face, and the tears began to well up in his eyes, as he spoke. “It wasn’t long after that when my Dad went to sea and never came back. It was a day when most of the fleet stayed in, but not Dad. He had a big family to feed. They found his boat adrift with its nets half in and half out. He must have gotten into a gale and was trying to save the nets and the floats.”

I looked at Frank and saw that tears were running down his cheeks. Frank spoke again. “Guys, you don’t know what I would give to have my Dad give me just one more kiss on the cheek….to feel his rough old face….to smell the ocean on him….to feel his arm around my neck. I wish I had been a man then. If I had been a man, I would never have told my Dad I was too old for a goodbye kiss.”

-Bishop Thomas Charles Clary

One Solitary Life

One Solitary Life

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in an obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty, and then for three years he was an itinerant teacher.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never travelled, except in his infancy, more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompanies greatness. He had no credentials but himself.

While he was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies. He went through a mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth, his seamless robe. When he was dead, he was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave through the courtesy of a friend.

Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today he is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of all human progress. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever were built, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has this one solitary personality.

- Unknown

Karaoke - I'd Rather

Sung by Luther Vandross. Kasing taas ng Petronas Towers ang pitch nito. But I love the song so ang ilusyon ko kaya ko ito.

Great Views

I saw the famous 'lone cypress tree' near Monterey recently. Fantastic view! I tried to recall a similar place in the Philippines. First to come to mind are the towering limestones in El Nido, Palawan. Not quite similar but even a more fantastic view in my opinion.

This is a view of El Nido town in northern Palawan, from atop a limestone cliff. Numerous limestone formations beautifully jut out of the sea around Palawan.

El Nido town has a beautiful white beach (see pic) but scores of more beautiful, secluded and blindingly white beaches may be discovered on the many islands nearby.

Free Hugs, Manila

This Free Hugs movement has been going on in many cities around the world. I am pleased to know it has reached Manila already. We need more of these and less of animosities and hostilities.

You Raise Me Up (Ilocano Version)

I love this song and am very pleasantly surprised by the Ilocano translation. I think it's great. Nauneg ti Ilocano na ngem nagpintas.

Pamulinawen

Biyahe Tayo!

Lea is Fantine in Broadway's Les Miz

John 3:16

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Big Love, Small Problems

I lifted this up from beliefnet.com, entitled Big Problems, Little Miracles. I believe it the title Big Love, Small Problems is more apt, though.

Big Problems, Little Miracles

A sewn-on button, a hug card, and a sunshine box. How these small gestures helped one woman through big-time blues.

By Patricia Lorenz
Chicken Soup for the Soul.

My pastor called it my "midlife crisis." Personally, I think it was just a string of rotten luck, including horrendous income changes, my son's poor health winging its way into its sixteenth straight month, medical bills that could choke a buffalo, bewilderment following cross words with two of my grown children, the empty-nest syndrome looming just months away when my youngest would be leaving for college eighteen hundred miles away, daily lower back pain due to lack of exercise, arguments with a woman in Texas over a book we were coauthoring and the fact that I'd only seen the sun for about twenty-six hours all winter.

Call it any old psychobabble thing you want--midlife crisis, midwinter funk, too many lifestyle changes at once, mild depression, premenopausal angst, seasonal affective disorder or simply being sick of being a single parent after twelve years. Whatever it was, the fact remained that I was not my usual cheerful self from the end of January until mid-March that year. By then my friends and family had caught on that the big-time blues had invaded my home, heart and health.

For a time, it was all I could do to barely take care of the three basics around the house: food, clothing and shelter. For about a week, during the bleakest days of all, the smallest things could reduce me to tears. I bit my lip a lot, trying to hold back tears.

One day after a job interview, I stopped at my friend Sharon's house for a cup of tea. She knew something was wrong, even though I didn't go into all the details. She hugged me, poured a second cup and tried to make me laugh. As I was leaving, Sharon noticed one of the two buttons that hold the decorative belt on the back of my winter coat was missing, causing the belt to dangle ridiculously in the back.

At that moment, during that extremely low point in my life, I honestly could not comprehend how or when I would manage to sew that button back on. Mortified, I felt hot tears sneaking into my lower lashes as I headed for the front door.

Sharon pulled open my coat at the bottom. "Hey, look here. There's an extra button sewn inside. Take your coat off and I'll sew it on for you right now."

At that moment, I felt more love and more compassion from a friend than ever before in my life. Granted, over the years, my friends have been wonderful to me, with me and for me. But this gesture, when I was at such a state emotionally, dragging so low that a missing button was about to send me over the edge, the gift of Sharon's time, her caring and intuitive knowing that I could not muster the energy to sew that button on myself, meant more to me than if someone had come to my door with a sweepstakes check.

When I got home that afternoon, I found a silly greeting card in the mail from another friend, Kay. Inside, it simply said, "I've got a hug here with your name on it." Every time I looked at that card for the next couple of weeks, I felt loved and buoyed by the light of Kay's friendship.

A few days later, on what was probably the darkest day of all, a day I seriously considered begging my doctor for a Prozac prescription, my Texas coauthor, the one I'd had arguments with as we worked on our book, sent me a "sunshine box." Little miracles of love spilled out of that box: chocolates, red silk tulips, sunflower candles, ginger-lily bath gel and three little juice boxes of pure Florida gold.

My heart melted as I noticed for the first time that day that the sun was actually shining. I took one of the juice boxes and the candy out to the deck and sat in my favorite yellow rocker in the forty-degree weather, sipping juice and basking in the glorious sunshine and in the wonderful miracle of friendship.

That sewed-on button, the hug card and the sunshine box got me through those dark days without drugs or further mental deterioration.

And when I began taking brisk half-hour walks every morning the following week, I did a lot of thinking about those friends of mine and their gifts of love. Before I knew it, I understood one of the most amazing, most profound aspects of life: God has designed the world and his people in such a way that no matter how big our problems, the smallest gesture given in love from a friend can become the biggest miracle of all.

Top 10 Awesome Restaurants of the Philippines

Ourawesomeplanet.blogspot.com
Sunday,September 16, 2007
Top 10 Awesome Restaurants of the Philippines

What makes restaurants awesome? One would say as long as it serves great food. However, “great food” is subjective and it varies with each person's experience and background. To be considered awesome, restaurants have to take the food and overall dining experience to a higher level. Food that leaves an indelible mark in your taste buds, experience that imprints lasting memories in your mind, and ambiance that carves a special place in one's heart for you to share it with every person that you meet.

Each restaurant is carefully chosen to be prestigiously included in this list. Each one serves gourmet food with the freshest ingredients. It combines nature elements, artifacts or a sense of history in its overall ambiance. Simply, these restaurants have a story to tell which spreads out via word-of-mouth. I can proudly say that you can only find these restaurants ONLY in the Philippines.

KUBLI SPRINGS @ KINABUHAYAN CAFé, DOLORES, QUEZON

The road to Kubli Springs is literally a road less traveled where you'll be glad you decided not to drive your sedan car. Flashlights, candles, mobile phones, and the moon are the only source of light. Occasionally, they would put up Christmas lights connected to portable battery source to make the place special. You will find yourself in the middle of the forest, with boulders as your neighbor. The spring water flows through your feet as you look up and appreciate a clear black sky with twinkling dots. You sit on rocks and make shift benches as you smell the steak grilled on the spot. Ah, this is the perfect time to play the acoustic guitar and sing with the barkada without shame and the fear of disturbing anybody.

For P500/ person, you get fresh salad with flowers, grilled steak, Jay's special rice and fruit platter. The meal ends with friendly Lambanog and special roast of Barako coffee. Water is served from a bamboo "faucet" with mineral water coming from the mountains. Drinking and taking a bath from fresh mineral water is one unique experience. Your dining experience is a mixed emotion of satisfaction, fear, and happiness. Somehow, you wished the night will never end.

Kinabuhayan Cafe Bed and Breakfast Tel (042) 565 6828 Jay +63 917 368 0054 Winston +63 917 327 1106

ANTONIO'S, TAGAYTAY

You'll get excited every time you enter the entrance doors of Antonio's. It is like entering a magical portal to a world where any of the food you choose is something worth raving about. The service feels like you are in a six-star hotel where you don't have to worry about anything. Even going to the restroom is a chance to appreciate nature and its beauty. The positive energy in the place encourages conversation and it bears witness to thousands of memorable life stories.
You don't mind waiting for your food because you know that it is being prepared to perfection. The real flavor of the meat and ingredients stands out without any of the sauce overpowering its taste. Any of the wine selections seems to match with the food that you order. My favorite in Antonio's includes the Salad with Foie Gras, the steaks or sea bass dish, and the soufflé dessert to end the night. I envisioned our silver marriage anniversary to be held in Antonio's because of the food, service and its garden.

Antonio's Mobile No.: +63917-899-2866

UGU BIGYAN, TIAONG, QUEZON

It still continues to be a secret place in the Tiaong area because Ugu never advertises the place. There are no road signs that points you to it and even their neighbors never realized that such place exist. One of the amazing things about Ugu's Pottery Garden Restaurant is that the entire place is a labor of love of the entire family. They designed everything from the huts, layout of the garden, the pottery designs, and its food concept.

Ugu is known for his dishes namely, Kulawo and Lato. Kulawo is charcoal grilled banana heart with a smokey flavor taste and it taste like Tuna while Lato is seaweed in vinegar. Both are traditional Filipino dishes that you seldom find in Metro Manila. It is home cooked Filipino food artistically presented and served in Ugu Bigyan's signature pottery. I do hope it remains to be a secret.

Ugu Bigyan Address: 490 Alvarez Village , Brgy Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon Telefax: +63 42 545-9144 Manila #: +632 250-8416

ISLA NABUROT, GUIMARAS

Isla Naburot resort is like wine – the older it is the more exotic it becomes. Electricity is supplied by solar panels that can only support the incandescent bulbs in the room. Your mobile phone will be lucky to survive after one day because there are no charging stations nearby. All you have to do is swim in the clean beach, play sunka, and spend quality time with the family.
The main attraction is doing nothing and eating gourmet Filipino dishes prepared the traditional way. Fresh seafoods are patiently grilled in a way that their natural juices are kept intact inside the meat. You enjoy each meal with home made sinamak vinegar. Fruits are abundant specially the famous Guimaras mangoes. The taste of the food is enhanced by the fresh air environment and by the love of the people cooking it. It is a foodie heaven and I can’t wait to go back this summer.
Isla Naburot Mobile #: Ana +63920-9275372

LA COCINA de TITA MONING’S, MANILA

As you enter the gates of this old mansion, you can't help but be transported back to the Old Rich ambiance in the Malacanang area. You are welcomed with drinks and pica pica in the patio before starting with the mini-tour of the mansion. You'll be fascinated with the antiques and the old-fashioned design of the living room, bedroom and especially, the bathroom. The dining area is small enough for a big group to easily dominate with their presence and laughter.

It is a treat to enjoy Spanish food cooked from recipes handed down from generations. You will leave La Cocina raving about its paella and its bread pudding. The former could rival the paella’s in Manila’s Spanish restaurants. The latter tastes like milk bread leche plan that melts in your mouth. The service is slow but sure. What is important is that they serve you with a smile and put every effort to make the experience memorable. I never forgot our La Cocina experience ever since January 2005.
La Cocina Address: 315 San Rafael Street, San Miguel, Manila Philippines Telephone Number: (632) 734-2141, 734-2146 Mobile #: (63917) 538-3490

KUSINA SALUD, SAN PABLO, LAGUNA

We need to give credit to Kusina Salud for making the Viaje del Sol travel route popular. It is the "Sonya's Garden" of San Pablo, Laguna but even better because of its wide selection of gourmet dishes. Occasionally, you could chat with Nina and Chef Paul Poblador about the story of Kusina Salud. The place would always smile back anywhere you point your camera. It combines the odd pieces of furniture and accessories with different style harmoniously.

For me, the best time to go is breakfast as early as 9am and this will serve as your jump off point to explore the Laguna and Quezon area. I long for the hamonado-style longganisa, fried adobo flakes and banggus belly for breakfast. They serve buffets on special occasions but I still prefer to order from the ala carte menu. Massage service are available which would be perfect if you make this your last stop before heading back to Manila.
Kusina Salud 285 Bgy. Sta. Cruz (Putol), San Pablo City, Laguna Mobile No: Jerome @ +63 921 772-6985 Tel# +632 699-5035 or +63 49 246-6878 Email kusinasalud@yahoo.com

VIEUX CHALET, ANTIPOLO

Operating for more than 20 years, Vieux Chalet remains to be mysterious. This place is literally a house cum restaurant on top of the hill in Antipolo. Your patience in looking for this place will be rewarded by an awesome view of Manila especially at night. It never failed to impress the people I recommended to go here to celebrate their special occasion.

What keeps me going back to this place is the passion that Susan Hassig brings in preparing the food. You'll never forget the taste and softness of the homemade pasta or the home baked fresh bread and homegrown cheeses. Some people go to Vieux Chalet for simply the taste of its refreshing lemongrass drink or to indulge in its version of the Osso Bucco. This is our favorite hang out if we want to escape and eat good gourmet food.
Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant Taktak Road, Antipolo City Tel# +632 697-0396, Mobile # +63 917 856-5175 Email: srhassig@yahoo.com

CLAUDE TAYAG’s BALE DUTUNG, PAMPANGA

You've never tasted Pampanga cuisine until you have eaten in Claude Tayag's Bale Dutung house. This is one of those long lunches you love to have with your friends where you won't even noticed the hours that passed by. Once you arrived, you will be greeted with a frozen baby cologne towel and steamed peanuts that will bring back memories of your childhood years. The entire house is a showroom of Claude Tayag's creation and a glimpse into his artistic brilliance. You'll never get tired of wandering around and taking photos at each artistic piece that you see.
Mr. and Mrs. Claude Tayag will serve you personally with their simple kapampangan dishes served with an artistic presentation. Also, they will entertain you with the history of how they built Bale Dutung. My favorite dishes include the catfish with buro and green mustasa, and Pampanga's version of the Paella. The meal ends with a simple Paradiso dessert made of smoked ube, camote, macapuno on sweet Carabao milk pastillas. After the meal, it is nice to lazy around his house and chat with Claude Tayag to know him a little deeper before saying goodbye.
CHARLEY'S at LIPA CITY, BATANGAS

I fell in love with the place after seeing the beautiful horses at Leviste’s Equestrian Farm in Lipa, I usually see the tired horses in Baguio and in Tagaytay and I never thought of seeing these thorough breeds in Philippine soil. Lunch or Dinner is courtesy of Les Roche trained Chef Popit de Leon who is passionate about cooking his foodie creations either in his Makati Condo or in Charley’s on weekends. Popit uses the fresh herbs in Charley’s garden as a prerequisite ingredient in all the food served in the farm. Often times, you’ll get a personal tour of the entire farm by Charley herself after the meal.

Unfortunately, the place recently closed down its doors to out-of-town diners. Popit now cooks exclusively in his Makati Condo. This is a simple tribute and thank you for becoming part of our foodie memories, accompanied by a wish that hopefully it opens its doors once again.
Popit De Leon Mobile #: +63917-893-1938

ENTALULA ISLAND, EL NIDO, PALAWAN

Just imagine having an exclusive picnic with gourmet food in an island with white sands that is better than Boracay’s. Entalula island in El Nido is definitely a piece of paradise that you can enjoy privately for lunch or dinner. Everything is setup for you and you can request what food you would like to have. Your imagination is the limit to how creative you want the experience to be.

It is worth saving for and this is my main motivation for hopefully going back to El Nido resorts. When you book an El Nido vacation make sure to reserve the island already for lunch or dinner. Next time, I would like to spend dinner here with my wife and just lay down in its pristine white sands with limestone cliffs as backdrop.

For more information about these restaurants, please visit www.ourawesomeplanet.com.
Anton is the publisher of Our Awesome Planet (OAP), one of the top 10 blogs in the Philippines. OAP is a photo food and travel blog about Manila's food and travel secrets shared through word of mouth. He is known as a food critic and has recently been passionate about running marathons. Currently, he works and loves his job as an IT manager in P&G Philippines.

Pedro and Some Corned Beef

Tingog.com
February 21, 2007

In high school, a night that I soon would never forget, a simple celebration in the backdrop of poverty. It was the first time, that I really knew the plight of the poor, as it hit close to home.

I remember that night when a cousin and I went out and decided to go to a local bar. We met a friend of my cousins, and the friend turned out to be a distant relative of ours as well.

He was a tricycle driver (not motorized), and he was at the bar after a long days work, but still waiting for a few customers as well. He was at a table by himself, drinking some beer and watching a few drunk individuals make a fool of themselves at the karaoke.

We were also watching the same drunk fools, when we noticed our relative (we’ll call him Pedro) and called him over to our table.

After a few drinks, Pedro decided to invite us to his house. We got into his tricycle, and he drove (peddled) us to his house.

I vividly remember, stopping by the corner of the street, Pedro parking his tricycle with a few other tricycles, all in a row, then he signaled us to come with him.

He guided us to this narrow alley, between a few poorly made houses. The kind of houses where there were some brick, bamboo, wood, and aluminum sidings.

As we moved past the houses, and came behind them, there in front of us, was the actual side of a mountain, and we started to walk a pathway of dirt and stones, uphill, no lights, and the voices of people to our sides who lived in that area…

We must’ve traveled a good 150 meters up this hill, through this dark trail, with some semblance of light, because every few meters or so, we would encounter a house with some candles lit up, and this is all that was lighting this area of town. And I couldn’t see even one house that had electricity.

It wasn’t a good trail either, every odd step or so, you’d encounter a few stones, but that was it. The trail was mostly dirt, and it was slippery too, because it had just rained a few days back.

I remember, not wanting to go, but my cousin told me that it would’ve been rude of us to decline the offer. But seeing that the time was around 11:30 pm in the evening, I really, and honestly did not want to go. It’s really kind of amazing how forthright a high school student can be, even when he doesn’t want to do something.

Anyway, getting back to the walk. We finally arrived at his house, and like every other house in that area, it didn’t have any electricity. He called out to his wife that he was home, and that he had brought some company for dinner — that was us. To my surprise, she was all smile, and excited too. He had told her to set up some plates.

Now, the place wasn’t big either. You could probably fit 4 or 5 single beds side by side and it would be about the same area. They had one daughter, she was around 3 years old.

Pedro bought some rice and some corned beef, and we celebrated… If I remember correctly, it was the Argentina brand of corned beef, because it was the more costly of the corned beefs that were selling at the time.

It was a simple meal, and yet I couldn’t get rid of the fact that this meal was a special celebration for this man and his family, catering to someone who was a so-called “Amerikano”, and I couldn’t eat happily, because it was the knowledge, that on any other day, they would probably be eating some dried fish, or some noodles, eggs… the food of the poor, I guess.

So, here we are, on the floor, they had no tables, and we were sharing two cans of corned beef, some eggs, and some rice. All five of us, sitting by candlelight. It was one of those self made candles. I used to make ‘em all the time too. You fill up an old Nescafe glass coffee container with some rock salt, then pour some oil into it, stick a Q-tip in the middle, with the cotton facing upwards. The Q-tip would be just above the oil.

As the candle was casting some light on the faces of my distant relatives that night, I saw happiness, a closeness that was heartwarming. The little girl hugging at the arms of her mother, and the mother feeding the girl with her own hands. It was a beautiful moment and a sad one at the same time. I couldn’t figure out why, every minute that I was there, my heart sank even deeper. Sorrow started to creep up, until it filled my body, as if it wanted to overflow.

It was one of the worst meals I’ve ever had, because it was a sad moment, a realization that the poor, is not some person in your neighborhood, sometimes, it can be someone in your family tree.

How I could have such a diversity of emotions all at the same time, was new to me.

Pedro was lucky because he had a livelihood, but what about those who aren’t so lucky, if you can even call this kind of life… lucky.

I’ve never been the same person since. Nor should anyone be the same person, when they finally come to the realization, that even though, there has been progress, it is still a signal for any of us, to push forward even greater.

I’m not telling anyone who winds up reading this that they should drop everything out of their daily lives. Because in order to spark change, and start working towards a brighter tomorrow, you must first work on yourself. The world does not need a leader that cannot help himself. But know this, that your goals as a Filipino, must always include the nation that brought you into this world.

And as my cousin and I walked down with Pedro, he offered to take us to the station where we would head home. I was actually full, but then again, I had been eating since we were in the bar. Pedro dropped us off at the station, and I offered Pedro some money for the hospitality, but he refused.

As we sat in the mini cab, waiting for it to fill up with passengers, we told Pedro to take it easy going home. He smiled and looked back at us… “I’m not going home yet, there’s still some passengers that I could probably find” (In our dialect)… No doubt, he probably needed some money to gain back all that he had spent that night…

The word “probably” kept replaying in my mind as we headed home — the cool breeze hitting my cheeks.

I hope he found some more passengers for that night, and that goes for every other night as well.

I never saw Pedro again. I haven’t gone back to the province in two years. But, Pedro stays in my prayers, his wife, and his daughter.

They are my inspiration, as I try to make a difference, when I write this.

Tears are finally rolling down, the memory of Pedro, is so vivid.

Christmas Wish List

It's not too early for this, is it? Naaaaw! I want one please.

Bakekang, R.N.

This to me is a classic. Let's enjoy it again and again.

Bakekang, R.N.
Registered nurse si Bakekang sa L.A. Kasama niya ang kanyang ina na nagpagamot doon. Namatay ang ina nito. Dahil sa kamahalan ng pamasahe pabalik sa Pilipinas, nagtipid si Bebeng. Pinauwi na lang niya ang kabaong ng kanyang ina na mag-isa.

Pagdating ng kabaong, napansin ng mga kapamilya niya na nakadikit ang mukha ng ina sa salamin ng ataul. Nagkomento tuloy ang isang anak, "Ay, naku! Tingnan mo 'yan... hindi sila marunong mag-ayos ng bangkay sa Amerika! Nakudrado tuloy ang mukha ng inay."

Upang ayusin ang itsura ng bangkay, binuksan ang kabaong. Aba! May sulat na-nakastaple sa dibdib ng ina. Kinuha nila ito at binasa. Ang nilalaman ng liham na mula kay Bebeng:


Mahal kong tatay at mga kapatid:

Pasensya na kayo at hindi ko nasamahan ang nanay sa pag-uwi riyan sa Pilipinas dahil napakamahal ng pamasahe. "Ang gastos ko pa lang sa kanya ay mahigit $10,000 na. Ayoko nang isipin pa ang eksaktong halaga. Anyway, ipinadala ko kasama ni nanay ang mga sumusunod...

Nasa likod ni nanay ang dalawampu't apat na karnenorte at isang dosenang spam. Ang adidas na suot ni nanay ay para kay tatay. Ang limang pares ng de-goma ay nasa loob ng dalawang asul na Jansport na backpack na inuunan ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo.

Ang iba't-ibang klase ng tsokolate at candy ay nasa puwetan ni nanay. Para sa mga bata ito. Bahala na kayong magparte-parte. Sana'y hindi natunaw. Ang pokemon stuffed toy na yapos-yapos ni nanay ay para sa bunso ni ate. Gift Ko sa first birthday ng bata. Ang itim na Esprit bag ay para kay Nene.

Ate, nasa loob ng bag ang pictures ni inay, japanese version ng pokemon trading cards at stickers. "Suot ni nanay ang tatlong Ralph Lauren, apat na Gap at dalawang Old Navy t-shirts. Ang isa ay para kay Kuya at tig-iisa ang mga pamangkin ko. Maisusuot ninyo ang mga iyan sa fiesta.

Suot din ni inay ang anim na panty hose at tatlong warmer para sa mga dalaga kong pamangkin. Isuot nyo sa party.May isang dosenang NBA caps sa may paanan ni nanay. Para sa inyo, itay, kuya, dikong, Tiyo Romy. Bigyan nyo na rin ng tig-isa 'yung mga pamangkin ko at 'yong isa ay kay Pareng Tulume.

Ang tigdadalawang pares ng Nike wristband at knee caps na suot-suot din ni nanay ay para sa mga anak mo, diko, na nagbabasketball. Tigdadalawang ream ng Marlboro lights at Winston red ang nasa pagitan ng mga hita ni nanay.

Apat na jar ng Skippy Peanut Butter, dalawang dishwashing liquid, isang Kiwi glass cleaner at tig-aanim na Colgate at Aqua Fresh ang nakasiksik sa kilikili ni nanay. Hati-hati na kayo, huwag mag-aagawan.

Isang dosenang Wonder bra (Victoria's Secret ata ang tatak) gustong-gusto ni Tiya Iskang society natin, suot-suot din ni nanay. Alam kong inaasam-asam nyo 'yan, tiya. Anim na lipstick lang ang kasya sa bra. Ang Rolex na bilin-bilin mo tatay, suot-suot ni nanay. Nakatakip sa Nike na wristband. Kunin mo agad, Itay.

May isinisik akong zip-loc sa bunganga ni Inay na naglalaman ng $759 dollars. Hindi na ako nakatakbo sa ATM. Puede na siguro sa libing iyon.

Iyong tong na makokolekta, i-time deposit niyo Kuya para pag namatay si Tatay may pambili na ng ataul.Ang hikaw, singsing at kuwintas (na may nakakabit pang anim na nail cutters) nagustong-gusto mo, ditse, ay suot- suot din ni nanay. Kunin mo na rin agad, ditse. Ibigay mo ang isang nailcutter kay Jay bakla sa kanto.

Tanggalin niyo ang bulak sa ilong ng inay, may isiniksik ako 3 diyamante sa bawat butas. Ibangon niyo lang si inay at tiyak na malalaglag na ang mga iyon. Konting alog lang siguro ng ulo.

Marami pa sana akong ipaglalalagay kaya lang, baka mag-excess at si nanay pa ang maiwan. Basta parte-parte kayo, tatay, kuya, ate, dikong, ditse. Para sa inyo lahat ito. Bahala na kayo kay nanay. Pamimisahan ko na lang siya rito.

Balitaan ninyo na lang ako pagkatapos ng libing. Alam ni ate ang email ko. Paki-double check ang lista kung walang nawala sa mga ipinadala ko.


Nagmamahal,
Bakekang

TV PATROL Feature of Pinakbet Pizza

TV PATROL, ABS-CBN, March 12, 2007

The video's resolution is not the best but if you are patient enough you will be rewarded by the appearance of your blogmaster (that's me, Art) as one of the five food tasters of Pinakbet Pizza. Tastes really very very good! How do I know? Now you know I know. Press PLAY button to watch video.

World's Tallest Building

Source: Inquirer.net

The Burj Dubai Tower, still under construction in the booming Gulf Emirate of Dubai, has become the world’s tallest free-standing structure according to its developers on Thursday.

The Burj Dubai tower is now 555 meters (1,831.5 feet) tall and has surpassed the 553-metre- (1,824.9-feet) CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, which held the record for the world’s tallest free-standing structure since 1976, developers Emaar Properties said in a statement.

The skyscraper, being built by South Korea’s Samsung and set for completion at the end of next year, is one of several mega projects taking shape in Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates.

The statement did not reveal the tower’s final projected height or its final number of storeys, which Emaar has kept secret since launching the project in January 2004.

The developer announced in July that Burj Dubai, Arabic for Dubai Tower, had exceeded Taiwan’s Taipei 101 which is 508 meters (1,676.4 feet) tall, to become the tallest building in the world.

Pinakbet Pizza anyone?

Pinakbet Pizza is available at the Herencia Cafe fronting the world heritage Paoay church in Ilocos Norte.

Philippine Idol Mau Marcelo

Mau sings 'Try It On My Own' during the grand finals on December 10, 2006.

Better Days - Mau Marcelo

This is a music video of Better Days, the 1991 Dianne Reeves classic. Mau Marcelo is the first Philippine Idol winner. This video was taken during her stint as finalist in the Star for a Night search (of GMA 7) which Sarah Geronimo won. If my memory serves me right, Sarah sang To Love You More by Celine Dion. I'll try to post a video of Sarah singing that song soon.

FYI, Channel 7 has bagged the rights for the next season which will air early 2008.

Victory - Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams is definitely one of my all time favorite singers.

Microsoft Surface - Coming Soon!

Windmills in Ilocos

The windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte generate 40% of the province's power needs. It is also a popular tourist destination in the North. And rightly so, because they're really a beautiful sight.

SHOWBIZ OUTTAKES

Inquirer
Last updated 03:12am (Mla time) 09/16/2007

Top of the tabloids

The top show biz stories in local tabloids this week. (And why we are moved, if we are moved.)

•Vhong Navarro at Desiree del Valle, hiwalay na.

•Aiko, nilayasan ang asawa!

•Dyowa ni Aiko, may ibang ka-date. (All together now: That’s the way the cookie...)

•Pops Fernandez, itsapuwera sa bagong album ni Martin Nievera!

•True ba: Snooky at Lito Lapid mag-dyowa na? (Sa’n galing ’to?)

•Cherie Gil: “Roni Rogoff and I are still very much together.

•Seryoso: Shaina Magdayao at John Prats, 4 months na raw mag-on.

•Shaina, umamin sa relasyon nila ni John.

‘K’ for kilig?

•KC Concepcion, kinikilig kina Piolo Pascual at John Lloyd Cruz.

•KC nairita kay Billy Crawford tungkol sa ‘She is a good kisser’ isyu.

•Panliligaw ni Billy, inamin ni KC.

•Billy, binasted noon ni KC.

•KC mum about Lino Cayetano but says, “My heart is happy now.”

•KC, respetado ni Billy.

•Billy, sinungaling? (Di totoong respected niya si KC?)

•Sa pagli-link sa kanila ni KC, Billy nag-sorry kay Sharon!

•Billy on KC: “Nakakahiya.”

•KC, nilustay ang pera ng ABS-CBN.

•Gabby Concepcion, puro cards lang bigay kay KC.

•KC wants to visit Gabby once a year. (She likes cards.)

•KC nagtrabaho bilang sekretarya sa press agency sa Paris. (E ano naman?)

•KC hindi nabuntis; hindi nag-drugs!

•KC palaging may katabi sa Paris. (It’s a crowded city.)

•Sharon, ‘di papatulan si Billy.

•Sharon, pinagbawalang magsalita ng duktor. (Suwerte ni Billy.)

Frozen delight

•Edu’s active sex life no secret.

•Underwear ni Richard Gutierrez, inaabangan sa ‘Rrrampa.’

•Yasmien Kurdi at Jennylyn Mercado, ‘di pa rin nag-uusap.

•Jennylyn, ayaw ng guesting, gusto regular show.

•Jennylyn isinugod sa ospital dahil sa pag-palpitate ng puso.

•Jennylyn, inisnab ang birthday ni Patrick Garcia.

•Jennylyn, binibuwisit ang GMA 7?

•Jennylyn, ‘di naman frozen delight.

•Mag-utol na Camille at John Prats, iritang-irita sa BF ni Toni Gonzaga.

•Camille’s BF wants to be with her for life.

•Sa kanyang pagbubuntis: “Wala akong dapat ikahiya! It’s a blessing.”—Camille

•Super rich ang tatay ng anak ni Camille.

•Camille, pakakasalan daw ng super rich BF.

Good call

•Kris Aquino, walang balak bawiin ang “Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba?” (Good call.)

•‘Game Ka Na Ba’ isosoli ni Edu kay Kris. (Bakit naman?.)

•Pagka-tsugi ng game show ni Kris, marami ang natuwa.

•Pagsisihan kaya ni Kris ang pag-alis sa ‘The Buzz’ at ‘PGKNB’?

What women want

•Juday, ayaw makatrabaho ni Angelika dela Cruz.

•Sharon-Goma movie, palit sa Sharon-Binoe. (An ex, by any other name...)

•Anak ni Angelu de Leon, ayaw kilalanin ng ama.

•Angelu hates the fathers of her two daughters.

•Angelu, hate sina Joko Diaz at Jojo Manlongat. (Pick another letter next time.)

•Ama ng pangalawang anak ni Angelu, BF ni Sunshine Dizon ngayon.

•Sunshine, pipirma ng guaranteed contract sa Siyete.

•Ruffa at Yilmaz, 11 araw nang di nag-uusap.

•Ruffa, ibinuking ni Annabelle na di sila sweet ni Yilmaz.

•Ruffa, pinahiya ni Annabelle?

•Ruffa pinaiyak ni Annabelle!

•Mom set me up, says Ruffa.

•Feeling ni Annabelle pina-plastik siya ni Ruffa.

•Annabelle laments Richard Gutierrez-Georgina Wilson split.

•“Di na kailangang maghubad para maging seksi.”—Billy Crawford

•Jean Garcia, pinipilit magpaseksi si Jennica!

•Wish ni Jean, ‘wag magaya sa kanya si Jennica. (Medyo confusing.)

Enough, enough!

•Joey de Leon, payag ipagamit sa mga novelty items ang salitang “Explain before you complain.”

•Dahil sobrang siniraan siya, Joey de Leon seryoso sa hinihingi kay Willie Revillame. (Meanwhile, who remembers the name of the “cheated” contestant?)

•Richard Gutierrez at Angel Locsin, nagkita sa commercial shoot sa Bangkok.

•Gary Estrada’s wife pregnant again.

•Gary quotes wife Bernadette Allyson: “Kaysa sa iba ka pa magka-anak, sa akin na lang.” (Korek ba ‘yon?)

•Roxanne Guinoo, Matt Evans malalaki na raw ang ulo.

•Carlo Aquino cries on breakup with Angelica Panganiban.

•Angelica at Derek palaging magkasama pero ‘di nagli-live in.

•Angelica, ayaw pagalaw kay Derek Ramsey.

•JC de Vera natulog sa kuwarto ni Yasmien Kurdi!

Plastic ware

•“Si Wendy Valdez ang pinaka-plastic sa akin!”—Uma Khouny

•“Wala pang kapalit si Ara sa puso ko!”—Polo Ravales

•Maraming naprodyus na enemies ang “Pinoy Big Brother 1.”

•Manny Pacquiao ayaw talagang hiwalayan si Ara Mina.

•Gina Alajar, hinimatay sa baho.

•Mariel Rodriguez, pineke sa computer!

•Rochelle Pangilinan, nagparetoke.

•Rochelle, dapat bang mag-“Thank you, duktor”?

•Jean Garcia, takot sa retoke!

•Tattoo, body piercing at drugs, bawal sa Sex Bomb!

•Basehan sa pagpili ng bagong Sex Bomb: Kahit pangit, basta magaling sumayaw.

•Pokwang, magtigil ka, hindi ka kagandahan!

Sound priorities

•Cristine Reyes, sexier than Katrina Halili?

•Katrina, mas gusto pang matulog kaysa magpaligaw.

•Sid Lucero, tinutukan ng guwardiya.

•Nadine Samonte, ninakawan din.

•Alfred Vargas denies building a love nest for him and LJ Reyes.

•Sitti, pinagselosan ng GF ni Aiza Seguerra.

•Ayaw ma-link ni Sitti sa tomboy.

•Piolo, mahina sa takilya ‘pag ‘di si Juday ang kapareha.

•Gov. Vi at Korina Sanchez, bati na!

•Allan K, pinatanggal si Chokoleit sa movie ng OctoArts?

•“Hindi bading si Christian Bautista!”—Rachelle Ann Go

•Dawn Zulueta, bawal nang pahalik.

I Love You Bhoy! The UP Madrigal Singers

Baby Cobra

Together, we can do anything!

This is amazing! A herd of lions prey upon a baby carabao. Some crocodiles try in vain to help the baby carabao. This one has a happy ending. Watch it.

A Chuckle A Week

What’s the difference between in-laws and outlaws?

Outlaws are wanted.

To The Point

By Emil Jurado
Manila Standard Today
August 31, 2007

(excerpts)
I’d just like to ask what end-result the opposition senators intend to achieve by reopening the “Hello Garci” tape issue. If it’s to pin down the wiretappers, since T/Sgt. Vidal Doble has already identified them to the members of Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, then they should be charged, including Doble himself, for committing the crime of illegal wiretapping.

This means that it’s no longer the Senate that has the responsibility of not only implementing Republic Act 4200, otherwise known as the Wire-Tapping Law, but filing charges against people committing the crime.

Since the mere act of possessing it and playing it or relaying to others its contents is criminal and can even ban senators doing it from public office in perpetuity. People don’t expect anything to come out of it. Certainly this is not going to be in aid of legislation.

I say it’s all in aid of publicity and the presidential ambition of Senator Panfilo Lacson, who hopes that that issue of the legitimacy of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the “Hello Garci” scandal would be his ticket to Malacañang.

Can you imagine if media were to simply ignore Lacson and his cohorts in the Senate? My gulay, he will have nothing else to say or do.

***

Why make an issue of the legitimacy of GMA when by 2010 when she steps down, she will no longer be an issue?

The answer to this, to my mind, is that so long as media become a tool of rabble-rousing and publicity-seeking senators like Lacson and his cohorts, they will make all the noises against Malacañang believing that it’s a popular thing to do.

Here I think the opposition insults the intelligence of people, who are sick and tired of the “Hello Garci” issue. The people also believe and expect that nothing will ever come out of the investigation. In other words, resurrecting the issue is just a waste of time and money on the part of the people.

***

I am beginning to wonder why Senator Jamby Madrigal has become the foremost defender of the communist insurgents and the political Left to the extent that she’s now defending Communist Party of the Philippines founder Joma Sison, who is now incarcerated in a Dutch prison for allegedly masterminding the execution of his former comrades.

Perhaps Jamby wants to become Suprema once the communist succeed in overthrowing the government and install their kind. Santa Banana, is Jamby really naïve to think that the Madrigal billions will be spared by the communist?

In any case, if Jamby believes that siding communists will endear her to the people, she’s sadly mistaken. But, if it’s media publicity she’s after, she’s getting it. Which brings me back to a basic question: What has Jamby done in the Senate to make us notice her? Nothing, absolutely nothing!

Educating Our OFWs

By Emil Jurado, To The Point
Manila Standard Today
Friday, August 31, 2007

THE brouhaha over the article of Malu Fernandez in People Asia Magazine triggered outrage from migrant workers and organizations.

For a bit of background, Fernandez write a travel piece in June titled “From Boracay to Greece.” Here she recounted her experiences in economy class, where she was seated with overseas workers. That she is said to have denigrated this country’s “new heroes” is a perfect example of making a mountain out of a molehill.

The unfortunate and sad aspect of this issue was that Malu had to resign because of the public’s reaction to her article.

What exactly did she write? According to Malu, she took an Emirates flight with a stopover in Dubai. She said she “wanted to slash [her] wrist at the thought of being trapped in a plane” with Filipino migrant workers and domestics. She added that she was tormented in her sleep with endless yelling of “Hoy, Kamusta ka na? At taga saan ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba?” Malu said further: “I thought I had died and God had sent me to my own private hell.”

On her flight back, she “resigned herself to being trapped like a sardine in a sardine can with all these OFWs smelling like AXE and Charlie cologne while my Jo Malone evaporated into thin air.”

No doubt, Malu offended the sensibilities of our migrant workers. The outrage was natural and forthcoming. But something else bothers me.

I think Malu was simply writing what she thought and sensed. That’s freedom of the press. And what she wrote was just the truth. Everybody knows that.

***

The Fernandez incident brings to fore the need to educate our workers how to behave, not only at work and in relating with their employers, but also when they get together or take transportation, airplanes included.

Malu was not the only one complaining about the uncouth and rowdy behavior of these “new heroes.” I myself have had sad experiences in the economy class. They are not expected to dress up like “sosyals,” the derogatory term they give to people who dress up or take the business class.

But the least we can expect from them is to behave properly and not to give foreigners an impression that all Filipinos conduct themselves the way they do.

Once in a flight back home from Europe, I heard a flight attendant says “I’ll never take this flight again at the rate these animals are behaving.” I tried to take issue with the attendant but my wife prevented me from doing it.

The flight attendant made that remark because when we landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport—the plane naturally still taxied until it came to a full stop, all passengers were told to sit until the seatbelt sign was turned off.

However, some migrants at once started to get their heavy hand luggage from the bins. In fact, one big bag almost hit my wife. Of course she complained. And the worker remarked: “Masyado ang mga sosyal!”

I wanted to confront the person who uttered that but again my wife prevailed upon me to just be quiet.

In Singapore, Filipinos are no longer allowed to congregate at the well-known Lucky Mall along Orchard Road because of the noise and the litter they make. Filipino domestics seem to be at their loudest when they are together.

In Hong Kong, during Sundays and holidays, I am embarrassed as a Filipino to see them spreading out mats at public places both in Kowloon and Hong Kong sides and eat with their hands. Some of them go on manicuring and pedicuring their compatriots. In fact, they are now banned from congregating at the Landmark Mall because of complaints.

***

My heart bleeds when I see domestics acting the way they do.

In writing all these, I know I am courting condemnation from the “new heroes,” who leave home and family to earn dollars to shore up our economy.

But in the wake of the Fernandez issue, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Department of Foreign Affairs should educate our migrant workers how to conduct themselves in public places.

I have nothing about them smelling bad or dressing with their usual uniform of T-shirt and denims with sneakers, because many foreigners, especially Americans, do the same while traveling.

I think that it is the responsibility of the POEA and the foreign affairs department to educate them on correct conduct before they go abroad to work. I don’t mean to look down on our “new heroes,” but really, how foreigners perceive us Filipinos has gone from bad to worse.