9.29.2005

SUCCESSFUL PINOY IN NZ

Heto ang ilang mga taong nakatagpo ko dito sa New Zealand na maari kong masabing mga Success Story dito:
Si Pareng Romy. Tapos siya ng Civil Engineering sa U.S.T. Nag-migrate siya dito 12 years ago pagkatpos ng stint niya sa MWSS sa Pilipinas. Sinuwerte siyang mapapasok sa Metro Water sa Auckland. Ngayon project manager na siya dito. May sariling tahanan sa mismong Auckland City sa isang magandang location. Mura lang niyang nakuha ito at kung maisipan niyang ilabas kikita na siya dito ng may labing limang milyong piso. Siya ang may sabi sa akin. Pare hindi nadadaan yan sa talino at scholastic record nasa diskarte yan at tiwala sa sarili mo. I agree pare.
Si Mae. Isa siyang chinese na sa Pilipinas nagdalaga at nagcollege. Graduate siya ng Mapua. Batchmate ng hipag ko. Naging napakasuccessful real estate agent niya dito sa aming lugal. May sarili na siyang building sa town, may gasolinahan at iba pang property. Sa ngayon lang lumipat na siya sa hongkong kasi dito talga siya original na nanggaling at nandito mama niya and business decision niya ito kasi ang realty ngayon ay doon patok. Pero hindi pa rin niya iniiwan ang New Zealand kasi every 6 months bumbabalik sila dito.
Ang sister in law ko. Dapat ifefeature sa documentary ng gma 7 para sa mga success story ng pinoy dito. hindi nga lang siya pumayag. Graduate siya ng computer engineering sa Mapua. Isa siyang tunay na migrante. Nagsimula sa Hongkong, napalipat ng Singapore. Naging product at marketing manager siya ng kompanya at kung saang bahagi ng mundo nakarating. Naging singapore citizen, nakabili ng bahay dito at sasakyan at naging stockholder sa kompanyang pinagtatrabahuhan at ng kagandahan ng stocks ng internet at computer nailabas niya ito. Naisipan niyang lumipat dito sa New Zealand at sa category siya ng investor visa. Dati pwedeng ang bahay ay kasama sa investment. Noong nagpapagawa na siya ng malaking bahay dito, biglang nagbago policy kaya hindi na siya qualified sa investor visa kahit may tinayo rin siyang kompanya sa computer at tindahan ng lifestyle gallery kaya skilled na lang ang kanyang pinasok na category. ngayon residente na siya. maganda na rin ang kanyang computer parts and services at ang kanyang lifestyle gallery ay nakakatransaction na ang mga establishment at hotel dito sa aming paligid.
Si Mareng Eves. Nakapangasawa siya ng isang Kiwi. Batanggenya siya. Accounting graduate ng U.E. Katukatulong siya ng asawa sa booming business nito na involve sa construction. May mga crane sila na bawat isang equipment ay 1,000 nz$ per day ang bayad. May bago na ring siyang kotse bigay ng kanayang asawa at siya ay halso isang taon pa lang dito. Nakauwi na rin siya sa Pilipinas para magbakasyon ng isang buwan at ang kapatid niya at pamangkin ay napapasyal na niya dito. Suwerte niya at ang napangasawa niya ay mabait na kiwi. Marami rin kasing kuwento dito ng mga pinay at asian na minamaltrato ng mga asawa.
Sana kayong mga kababayang makakarating dito ay maging mapalad at maganda ang buhay,dahil sabi nga malaking bahagi ng success ay hindi suwerte kundi pagsisikap at tiyaga. Goodluck !

9.26.2005

CASE STUDY


Noong ako ay nagpapamedical sa makati (pa tatlong beses) para sa pag-punta ko muli dito may 2 pamilya akong nakasabay. Magkakamag-anakan sila, mga teacher at mga taga dulong Northern Luzon. Nagpapamedical sila kasama ang kanilang mga maliit na tsikiting para sa requirement na medical ng immigration sa New Zealand. Kitang-kita ko ang hirap at ang malaking abala nila para sa requirement na ito. Nagkukuwentuhan kami at nalaman ko pati mga application forms nila at iba pang libre lamang at pwede mong idown-load sa computer binayaran pa nila sa immigration consultant nila. Malaki na rin ang kanilang nagastos bukod sa hinihingi sa kanilang consultation fee, nagreview pa sila para sa ielts, bumayad sa pagkuha nito, bawat luwas pa nila sa Maynila sumisita sila ng sasakyan. Malaki na ang nagastos nila at lahat na mauutangan inutangan na nila. Pinaalalahanan namin sila ni misis dahil naawa kami, pinaliwanang namin yong mga bagay na makakatulong sa kanila at sinabihang naming alalay sila sa paglalabas ng pera, pakiramdaman nila at baka naman sila ay mauwi sa wala't-wala. Iniwan namin sa kanila ang aming numero sa New Zealand. Tumawag sila noong marso wala pa raw nangyayari sa kanilang aplikasyon, kanina nakausap ko sila nagastos na nila ay 300,000 piso bawat pamilya ay sila ay hindi pa nakaalis ng Pilipinas. Ano na lamang ang mangyayari sa kanilang medical na hanggang tatlong buwan lamang pwedeng gamitin. May sinasabi silang iniaapeal daw pero dapat nasa New Zealand sila. Mukhang malabo yata ang paliwanang na ito sa kanila ng consultant nila. Ito ang dahilan kaya nagpapaalala ako sa mga tao na bago sila maglabas ng pera pag-aralan muna. Baka sa paghahangad ng kaginhawaan lalong mabulid sa kapahamakan. Sa tingin ko naman mukhang mas marurunong ang ibang nag-aaply kaysa dito sa sinabi kong tunay na pangyayaring aking nasaksihan, kaya ang akin lamang ay isang paalala sapagkat ayaw ko sana uling maulit ang ganito.
Ang kapatid ng hipag ko ay nais pupuntahin dito niya. Itananong ko ito kay KU at ang payo niya student visa. Naalala ko ang kaso ng isang nakausap. Filipino Chinese na taga Baguio. Nandito siya sa lugal namin at student visa ang ginawa niyang pamamaraan. Napakalaking gastos nito kung ang hangad mo ay pumunta rito tapos magtrabaho. Ang ginastos ni M. ay mahigit na $20,000 NZ na kung converted kulang kulang 800,000 piso. Malaking gastos at marami ka pang prosesong pagdadaanan kung ang hangad mo ay residency. Ngayon nagtatrabaho na siya sa hotel dito sapagkat naiconvert na niya sa work permit and visa ang student visa niya, at 2 taon pa bubunuin niya para maging residente.
Ganito ang ginawa para yong hipag ko ay madali ng pagpunta rito. May regulasyon kasi dito na pag-inadvertise mo ang trabaho sa loob ng isang buwan sa diyaryo o sa advertising media at wala kang nakuha justify ka ng kumuha sa ibang bansa. Inaadvertise sa diyaryo ang pangangailangan sa skill na kagaya ng sa hipag ko (kailangan talaga siya ng sis in law ko dahil tapos ng computer engineering) walang nag-aaply kaya ngayon pwede ng kumuha sa labas ng New Zealand. Pwede ng padalhan ng offer of employment ang hipag ko at mapapabilis na ang processing ng kanyang work visa at permit.
Ito namang si E. ay iba ang kaso. Siya ay kapatid ng asawa ng bayaw ko. Nakarating na siya dito galing U.S. Doon siya kumuha ng visa para makapunta ng N.Z. Nakapagtraining na siya sa trabaho ng maungkat na ang visa pala niya na ginamit ay hindi pwedeng iconvert sa work visa. Kaya pinauwi muna siya sa Pilipinas. Pagkalipas ng ilang buwan eligible na uli siyang mag-apply ng visa. Pinadalhan siya ng employer na kanyang pinagsanayan ng offer of employment at ngayon siya ay nag-aayos na ng papel at maaring makabalik na dito bago matapos ang October. Pag pumunta siya rito may sigurado na rin siyang trabaho.
Itong dalawang huling binanggit ko ay may malaking adbantahe sapagkat may mga kasamahan silang nag-aasikaso nito dito. Yon talaga ang malaking advantage ng may pamilya o tunay na kasangga sa bansang iyong balak na patutunguhan. Kaya sa mga nagbabalak tumungo sa ibang bansa pag-aralan ninyong maigi ang inyong hakbang , pag-isipan bago bitiwan ang pera, humanap ng kakilala na maaring sumambot sa inyo at umalalay na pwedeng pagtiwalaan, at maging handa sa buhay sa ibang bansa, sakripisyo at tiyag, pawis at dugo siyang puhunan kung nais dito ay mabuhay at makapagsimula ng bagong bukas.

Hindi naman malaki ang nagagastos kung mag-mimigrate ka dito sa New Zealand sa lehitimong paraan. Compare sa Canada mas malaking baba dito ng gastos at requirements. Hindi mo na rin kailangnang gumamit ng agent puwedeng ikaw na mismo ang magasikaso ng mga papeles mo. Pati nga submission ng expression of interest ay online. Lahat ay within your fingertips kung nais mong malaman ang mga detalye. fees, forms, mga infos na kailangan mo. www.immigration.govt.nz . Ito ang maganda sa may samahan at kaibigan na napapagtanungan nagkakapalitan ng mga inpormasyon. kaalaman ang panlaban upang hindi maligaw ng daan at ng maiwasan malaking gastusan.

9.25.2005

GLOBAL WARMING





Global warming could cause up to 10,000 deaths per year in Asia-Pacific, WHO official says 09/22 12:26:36 PM NOUMEA (AP) - Up to 10,000 people in the Asia-Pacific region could be dying each year as a result of factors associated with global warming such as severe weather and mosquito-borne disease, a World Health Organization expert said Thursday. Based on data gathered in 2000, the U.N. health agency estimates that changing weather patterns already has a substantial impact on people in the Western Pacific region, which includes most of North Asia, parts of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, according to Dr. Hitoshi Ogawa, WHO's regional environmental adviser. "Roughly 10,000 people ... are estimated to die due to various factors" resulting from climate change every year, Ogawa told The Associated Press during a break in a WHO conference in Noumea, New Caledonia. But, he warned: "That number could increase" over the next 50 to 100 years. Preliminary research suggests that rising global temperatures have already led to an increase in extreme weather patterns in the region, including cyclones, typhoons, droughts and floods, he said. For example, the incidence of storms in the Western Pacific region had risen by about 2 percent from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, Ogawa said. "But the number of deaths due to various natural disasters-- droughts, floods, storms-- has increased (by) about 30 to 40 percent," he said. Ogawa said it was not possible to pinpoint the exact reason for the rise in deaths, but said the region's increasingly aged population was more vulnerable to adverse weather conditions. Rising temperatures also may reduce water quality in some areas and lead to a rise in diseases spread by mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water, Ogawa warned. He said regional governments should step-up measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but should also boost surveillance of climate change related illnesses. "Of course we need to reduce the emissions," he said. "But in the meantime, knowing the increase in global temperature, we need to adapt ourselves or our way of living to ... the changing climate (and) weather patterns." On Wednesday, WHO member states in the region held a ministerial round table to discuss the need for improving the health response to natural disasters.

9.21.2005

MIGRANTENG PINOY

Bakit nga kaya tayong mga pilipino kinakailangang pang lisanin ang ating sariling bayan, mag-tiis ng kalungkutan, malayo sa bayang minahal at kinagisnan, sa mga minamahal na magulang kapatid at kaibigan upang kumita ng sapat para sa ikakabubuhay ng ating sarili at mahal sa buhay. Sa mga MIGRANTENG PINOY mabuhay kayo! at sana ay tatagan ninyo ang inyong loob matutong magtiis sa hirap at kalungkutang binabata sapagkat sa balikat natin nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mahal sa buhay. Tunay kayong mga bayani sapagkat hindi niyo inaalintana ang dusa at sakit, kinakalimutan ang sarili handang pumawis kahit dugo maibigay lamang ang kaginhawan sa anak, asawa, magulang ,kapatid, kamaganakang ginigiliw.
Ang kuwento ng buhay ko nitong mga nakakalipas na panahon ay maaring hindi isang tipikal na kuwento ng isang Migranteng Pilipino. Ngunit naniniwala akong kapupulutan ninyo ng mga aral at patnubay na maaring makatulong sa inyo na nasa ibang bansa o bumabalak pang umalis ng ating bansa. Masakit man sa karamihan sa ating gawin ito tayo ay napipipilitan dahil sa kadahilang hindi natin maiwasan. Pag kumakalam ang sikmura at tiyan gusto man ng puso ay walang magawa sapagkat walang lakas ang buong katawan. Hiling ko lamang sana kung dumating na busog na ang ating tiyan at may nakaimbak na tayo para sa kinabukasan, balikan natin at tulungan at lugal kung saan puso natin ay iniwanan.
Taong 1995 may pagkakataon na kaming tumungo dito sa New Zealand. Pinadalhan na kami ng aking bayaw ng sponsorship form mula sa "The Filipino Society Inc." Noon kasi pwede sponsor ka ng Community ng bansa mong panggagalingan. Napakadali pa noon ito siguro ang time na nagmigrate din si KU dahil ten years ago na ito. Pero pinalampas namin ang pagkakataon na ito sapagkat ayaw naming mag-asawang mangibang bansa sapagkat mas gusto namin ang mamuhay sa bayan natin. Dadalawa pa noon ang aming anak at buntis noon si mrs. sa aming bunso. Sabi pa nga ng bayaw namin maganda kung doon na mangangak si mrs. para automatic na kiwi kaagad ang bata at walang gastos sa panganganak at may tulong sa pag-aalaga ng bata. Tuloy ang buhay namin sa Pilipinas si Mrs. nagtatgrabaho sa P.N.B., isa siyang C.P.A. ako naman may mga bukid at hayop at nag-aahente ng lupa na inaasikaso. Madali noong kumita ng pera buhay na buhay pa noon ang realty pati piggery.
1997. Namatay ang aking anak sa sakit na dito lamang sa tropikal na bansa mayroon na dala ng lamok. Dengue. Traumatic. Gulo ang aming isipan. Pinagresign ko si Mrs. sa trabaho. Ingat na ingat kami sa mga anak namin na halos mabuwang kami sa paglalagay ng mga mosquito repellent, halos ayaw na naming palabasin ang mga bata sa bahay naming kon todo screen, konting pagkakasakit ng mga bata alang-alala kami. Dito muling nabuhay ang pag-aadmonish sa amin ng mga kapatid ni mrs. na mag-abroad. Ang pag-iwas sa sakit na dengue, ang kalusugan ng mga bata ang isang napakalaking dahilan kung bakit kinonsider na rin namin ang pagtungo sa abroad. Tinamaan pa nga ang Pilipinas at buong Asya ng Financial Crisis biglang nawala ang mga investor na dayuhan na namimili ng mga rawlands. Biglang taas ng palitan ng dolyar sa piso. Humihirap ang buhay. Kinakailangang isalang-alang ang kinabukasan ng mga bata.
Dahil sa may mga lupa akong inaasikaso sa Pilipinas, ang mrs. ko at ang mga bata na lang ang pinag-aaply ko ng residency sa New Zealand. Medyo matagal-tagal na rin ang proseso kumpara sampung taon na ang nakakaraan . Sa Hongkong ang application noon, pero hindi katulad ngayon na kinakailangang mong magpakita ng personal sa Thailand para sa interview okey na ang email at slow mail na communication. Pinadala din ni mrs. ang kanyang mga original na diploma, transcript sa NZQA for assesment. Ang isang dapat pakatandaan ng nag-aaply ingatan ninyo lahat na dokumento ninyo, pati lahat na form ninyo ng communication sapagkat hindi ninyo alam kung kailan ito ninyo kakailanganin. Nararapat lahat na ipinadadala ninyo xinexerox ninyo. Masyadong istrikto sa dokumento ang New Zealand Immigration sa mga bansang kagaya natin sapagkat alam nila na dito uso ang mga pekeng diploma, transcript, pati marriage certificate pinadadala mo sa kanila ang original o sa case ng mga marriage at birth certificate yong galing sa n.s.o. Kulang-kulang isang taon natanggap na nila ang residency at ako ay hindi kasama sa application sapagkat ako ay mag-papaiwan o bibisitahin ko na lamang sila para maasikaso ko ang aming ari-arian dito sa Pilipinas. ito ang napakalaki kong pagkakamali sapagkat ang kanila palang mga immigration policy ay pabago-bago kaya noong maisipan kong bibisitahin sila sapagkat miss na miss ko na sila at gusto kong makasama ang aking pamilya kung ano anong requisite at documents ang hiningi sa akin kaya nga dito ako naging sagana sa karanasan sa pag-aaply (dahil yong application ng mrs. ko siya ang mga lumakad ng papel at pakikipagugnayan sa immigration.) Napakatamad ko pa namang maglalakad ng mga papel at yong magpamedical. In the course of my acquiring the visas in my passport I have to undergo 3 medicals and every visas have a corresponding fee aside from submitting again papers and documents (paper works, kaya nga ayaw kong maging clerk, basurero pwede pa). Kaya sa mga nagbabalak mag-apply ng visa ang payo ko. alamin ninyo na talaga kung ano ang purpose ninyo ng pag-aaply, kung gusto ninyong mag-residency residency visa na kaagad ang iaaply ninyo at ng wag na kayong paikot-ikot pa. kung visitor visa kayo dito nil ang chance ninyo sa employment. kung mabibigyan kayo ng work permit or visa na magagamit ninyo sa residency mas ok kaysa gumastos kayo na tourist visa kung ang habol ninyo ay makapagtrabaho dito at magwork to residency. Mas madaling mahuli dito ang nagtatrabaho ng walang kaukulang permiso (maliban na siguro kung doon kayo pupunta sa mga kabukiran, pero magpagayunpaman recently may nabasa akong nadeport kasi nagtatrabaho sa plantation na walang tamang visa) kasi maliit lang ang populasyon ng New Zealand. Payong kaibigan bago ninyo bitawan ang salaping pinaghirapan inyo munang pag-isipan, huwag manalig sa bulung-bulungan sapagkat panahon na ngayon ng makabagong kaalaman, nasa daliri na lamang ninyo ang mga inpormasyong gusto niyong malaman, sa computer na nasa inyong harapan. research niyo ng husay kanilang polisiya mahirap na ang bahala na diyan maraming nadidisgrasya. Gaya nga ng pinost kong message doon sa pinoy2nz sa yahoo(kapuri-puri at may mga samahang ganito na tumutulong sa kapwa para magbigay inpormasyon para sa kabutihan ng nakakarami) kung sino mang may visa na lehitimong pwedeng magtrabaho na dito at walang mapasukan may mga bakante dito sa mga hotel na baka pwede nilang pag-aaplyan, cook, mga room attendant, receptionist hindi kataasang posisyon tama lang na pag-umpisahan para sa mga baguhan na naghahangad ng working experience sa New Zealand.
Hayan pa pala ang gusto kong ipaalaala hindi gaanong kadaling makapasok kayo sa kurso at trabaho niyong nakagawian maraming halimbawa dito tulad na lang ng bayaw ko at hipag na parehong civil engineer at mahigit na silang 10 taon dito. kung sa talino rin lang at scholastic record at experience I can vouch for them kasi hawak ko ang files nila kasi sama-sama kami sa isang kompanya sa bayan namin at ako ay nasa personnel department. Hindi nila nagagamit kanilang tinapos bagkus sila ay nasa casino, tulad din ng kapatid ni mareng leiny na dentista pero sa casino rin nagtatrabaho. Huwag ninyong pakataasan ang inyong expectation at ng hindi kayo madisappoint, habang wala pagtiyagaan muna kung ano ang available at kung hindi kontento sa napasukan ituloy ang paghahanap sa hinahangad na mapapasukan.


(Sponsorship form noong una, kahit wala kang kasamahan at inisponsor ka ng community ng Pinoy dagdag points na rin ito sa application mo noong madalang pa ang nag-aaply na pinoy immigrant sa New Zealand.)

9.18.2005

QUEENSTOWN ADVENTURE AND OPTION "A"



For Owen FV, Olive, Tanggerz and other who are contemplating or planning to have a vacation in New Zealand I scan the brochure of Queenstown Guide Book. I also copy and paste the conversion rate of New Zealand Dollar to other monetary currencies so that they will have an idea of its pricing kung iconvert nila ito sa currency ng bansang kanilang kinaroroonan at sa Pilipinas maging sa U.S. dollar and Euro. Tungkol naman sa visa please go to this website www.immigration.govt.nz . For additional information about Queenstown puntahan naman ninyo ang www.queenstown-nz.co.nz

xe.com Universal Currency Converter ® Results
Live
mid-market rates as of 2005.09.16 23:10:28 UTC.
1.00 SGDSingapore Dollars
=
0.843998 NZDNew Zealand Dollars
1 SGD = 0.843998 NZD
1 NZD = 1.18484 SGD


xe.com Universal Currency Converter ® Results
Live
mid-market rates as of 2005.09.16 23:11:28 UTC.
1.00 PHPPhilippines Pesos
=
0.0252715 NZDNew Zealand Dollars
1 PHP = 0.0252715 NZD
1 NZD = 39.5702 PHP


xe.com Universal Currency Converter ® Results
Live
mid-market rates as of 2005.09.16 23:12:28 UTC.
1.00 USDUnited States Dollars
=
1.41925 NZDNew Zealand Dollars
1 USD = 1.41925 NZD
1 NZD = 0.704597 USD


To give you an option in the course of my bloghopping I found an interesting article in the blog of Jo na nakuha naman niya sa blog ni Denny kaya pinasyalan ko ang website ng particular place sa France and I've copy and paste if for you . Kung gusto ninyo ng di kabigatan ang dala ninyong baggage I recommend this place.
Cap d'Agde, "Naked City"

Visit The World's Capital Of Nudism
Want to bank naked? Shop naked? Dine naked? Buy baguettes at a brasserie naked? Lay out on a vibrant Mediterranean beach naked? Visit Cap d'Agde, the world's capital of nudism.
This coastal town features a nudist resort with a three-mile beach, as well as its own doctors, banks, shopping and dining, just for the nudists.
France is, of course, known for its laid-back attitude about nudity. Visitors can freely go topless at just about any Mediterranean beach. But Cap d'Agde takes it all to a new level of hedonism and free living.
In the summertime, the population of the nudist section swells to 40,000. Any self-respecting nudist must visit this spot, considered THE naturist destination. The Naturism Quarter is in the northeast section of town.
Nudity is optional in the nudist area, except at the beach.
Locals still dress for dinner here.
Cap d'Agde, situated in the lush Languegoc region, is also close to many other wonderful French destinations. The port city of Sete is nearby, where visitors find some of the world's best seafood. The medieval fortified city of Carcassonne is to the west. Visitors are also close to Nimes, Montpellier and Arles. It's also a five-hour TGV train ride from Paris.
Whether you are new to nudism or a seasoned naturist, Cap d'Agde is the ultimate place to get naked. Few places in the world take the nude body as seriously, or offer such a vast community for enjoying it. Visit this site for info and pics
http://www.cap-d-agde.com/ Heto naman conversion ng Singapore dollar sa Euro pag dito nyo naisipang mamasyal. Sama ako ha, pag dito ninyo naisipan kahit sa baggage na lang ako tutal hindi naman ninyo kailangan magdala ng mga damit. He, he, he, he.

xe.com Universal Currency Converter ® Results
Live
mid-market rates as of 2005.09.16 23:13:28 UTC.
1.00 SGDSingapore Dollars
=
0.485924 EUREuro
1 SGD = 0.485924 EUR
1 EUR = 2.05793 SGD

9.12.2005

VISITOR FRIENDLY TOWN, VISITOR FRIENDLY SITE



qQueenstown is a visitor friendly town. Hospitality is a virtue sa kanyang mga local resident. that's the reason siguro kaya ito ang isa sa leading destination ng mga turista sa New Zealand. Madalas ang mga establishment dito ay manalo ng award dahil na rin sa mga tao niyang likas na palakaibigan at mahusay umistima ng bisita. Heto ang mga patunay ng pagiging visitor friendly ng lugal at ang kanyang mga winning ways.
Winning Ways
The 2004 Tourism Awards once again highlighted the quality experiences Queenstown has to offer and superb events that are held in the region. Of the 7 finalists in the district, 5 won their award category.
Major Category Visitor Accommodation, Mercure Grand Hotel Saint Moritz, Queenstown
Major Category Visitor Attractions and Activities, Shotover Jet Queenstown
Category Visitor Accommodation, Mercure Grand Hotel Saint Moritz, Queenstown
Category Visitor Attractions and Activities, Adventure Activities, Shotover Jet, Queenstown
Category Visitor Attractions and Activites, Leisure Activities, Nomad Safaris, Queenstown
Tourism Innovation Awards, Innovation in Events, Meetings and Incentives, SBS ITU Triathlon World Championships 2003
Green Globe 21 Award, Nomad Safaris, Queenstown
Distinction Award, Mecure Grand Hotel, Saint Moritz, Queenstown
Finalist NZONE "The Ultimate Jump"
Finalist Heritage QueenstownCongratulations to all the winners and finalists
Eichardt’s Private Hotel named ‘best new small hotel in the world’ by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report
Glenorchy’s Blanket Bay named as top ‘Rising Star’ in September 2002 issue of Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report. The elite accommodation property also made second place in the report’s ‘Top 20 International Resort Hideaways’
NZONE - The Ultimate Jump winner Adventure Activity, 2002 New Zealand Tourism Awards
Mercure Grand Hotel St Moritz Queenstown winner Major Hotels and Resorts, 2004 New Zealand Tourism Awards
Evergreen Lodge winner Overall Supreme Award, 2002 New Zealand Tourism Awards
Home of great wine lists – Gantley’s Restaurant at Arthurs Point 2002 award for outstanding wine list winning the New York Wine Spectator Award. Gantley’s also picked up an award for the best dessert in the Californian Winter Warm Up Challenge and another for the best promotion in the Montana Wine & Food Challenge
Home of numerous award-winning wines across several varietals and almost every Central Otago Vineyard
Home of the World’s best pinor noir as judged at the London International Wine Challenge 2001 Gibbston Valley Wines - Gibbston Valley Reserve Pinot Noir 2000
John Travolta’s favourite place to relax, "Whenever I get stressed I just want to hop onto a plane to Queenstown"
Entire region was film location for the 3 film Hollywood blockbuster Lord of the Rings
“With just 13 carefully appointed rooms – 7 of them suites – and a friendly, attentive staff of 20, Blanket Bay is the perfect amalgam of Idaho hunting lodge and Californian spa”. Conde Nast Traveller
Dahil sa ako ay taga Queenstown pero mas higit sa lahat dahil likas sa kaugalian ng Pilipino ang maging mabait at maasikaso sa kanyang bisita ang site na ito ay nakikiisa sa " Visitor Friendly Site Movement" para sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang pagtrato sa mga bisita sa kanilang blogsite. Sana pasyalan ninyo ang site na ito at kung naniniwala kayo sa kanyang cause ilagay rin ninyo ang logo at link sa nasabing samahan. http://vfsmovement.blogspot.com/

9.11.2005

NATURAL HIGH AT HIGH NA HIGH



Queenstown according to the chart of the Lonely Planet guide to New Zealand have the highest elevation among the major cities and town of N.Z. It has an elevation of 1181 ft. above sea level compare to Auckland 101 ft. above sea level and Christchurch 118 ft. Napakaraming bundok na matatayog na sa kanya ay pumapalibot kaya natural na dito ang mga aktibidad na involve ang kanyang mga mountains. From mountaineering, to skiing,mountain biking, paragliding, snowkiting at iba pang activities na kailangan ang taas at kabundukan meron ang Queenstown. Kaya masasabi natin pag naririto ka talaga literally High ka at magagawa mo ang gusto mong aktibidadna natural sa kanyang environs. Hindi lang kabundukan niyang napakascenic ang kanyang maipagmamalaki pati ang lawa niya at ilog ay napakakaganda at napakalinis. Marami rin ditong activities na magpupump ng iyong adrenaline upang maranasan mo ang natural high tulad ng jetboating, bungee jumping sa kanyang mga tulay pabagsak sa ilog at maging bungee jumping habang hinihila ka ng isang mabilis na boat at nakataas ka sa isang malaking parachute.
Kaya kung ang hanap mo kaibigan ay adventure at natural na kasayahan halina kabayan at bisitahin mo ang Queenstown. (Ang mga pics dito ay nagmula sa website ng Destination Queenstown)

Mula naman sa natural high magtungo tayo sa isang balita dito rin sa New Zealand na high na high. Ang pinakamalaking premyo kasaysayan ng Lotto dito ay tinamaan na at isang taga-Auckland ang nanalo nito. (Hindi kaya si Ka Uro, Balato naman diyan, Ka Urockefeller kung ikaw man yang nanalo tuloy na iyong empire). Kumpara sa malalaking bansa medyo maliit pa ito kasi maliit naman ang populasyon ng New Zealand aapat na milyong katao. Pero napakalaki na nitong premyong mahigit na $15. 2 million New Zealand Dollar kung icoconvert sa Philippine Pesos mahigit na .6 billion o 600 milyong piso. Suwerte naman ng nananalo siguro high na high siya wag lang sanang masakit siya sa puso at baka sa sobrang high niya lumipad na siya patungo sa kalangitan kung saan hindi na niya madadala ang kanyang kayamanan.


Media Release
10 September 2005
For Immediate Release
$15.2 MILLION POWERBALL JACKPOT WON BY TICKET BOUGHT IN AUCKLAND IS BIGGEST NZ LOTTERY PRIZE EVER
A Lotto ticket bought in Auckland has won $15.2 million in tonight’s Lotto draw, the biggest lottery prize ever won in New Zealand, says New Zealand Lotteries Commission (NZ Lotteries) Chief Executive Trevor Hall.
The owner of the ticket, bought at Amigo's Paper Power & Lotto, Mt Roskill, Auckland, will take home a total of $15,233,068, made up of $14,500,000 from Powerball and $733,068 from being a Division One Lotto winner.
“Its amazing to think we’ve just made one of our players a multi-millionaire. Imagine how that must feel,” Mr Hall said.
“With a total prize payout of $15,233,068 million, this is the largest Powerball jackpot ever won in New Zealand. The win will be a life-changing experience for whoever has the winning ticket,” he said.
Until now, the largest Lotto Powerball prize ever won by an individual ticket was $14,763,254, won in April last year from a ticket bought in Kawerau and the second biggest prize was $12,053,517, won in June this year on a ticket bought in Napier by a Hawkes Bay family.
Mr Hall urged all Lotto players who bought tickets at Amigo's Paper Power & Lotto to get their tickets checked and to immediately contact NZ Lotteries if they have won.
“We can provide winners with advice about the next steps to take,” Mr Hall said.
Three other Powerball jackpot prizes have exceeded $5 million this year. In June, a ticket bought in Napier won a $12 million prize, which was at that time the second biggest Powerball prize ever won by a single ticket. In February a Rugby Sevens fan scooped a cool $6.5 million on a ticket bought in Paraparaumu, near Wellington, and in April a ticket bought in Devonport, Auckland, won $5.5 million.
Other big wins have included $11.4 million from a ticket bought in Hokitika in November 2002, and a $9.9 million prize won in the 2004 Christmas Day draw on a ticket bought in Wellington, said Mr Hall.


xe.com Universal Currency Converter ® Results
Live
mid-market rates as of 2005.09.10 19:36:28 UTC.
15,233,068.00 NZDNew Zealand Dollars
=
604,525,320.71 PHPPhilippines Pesos
1 NZD = 39.6851 PHP
1 PHP = 0.0251984 NZD

9.09.2005

PAG-ASA SA PAGBABAGO NG PANAHON



Spring
Stretch out as the trails, golf courses and gardens defrost and bloom. Fresh clean air, warm daytime temperatures, cool evenings and a time when the skiing is often at its best. Restaurant tables creep on to the sidewalks and the beaches fill with people enjoying warm late afternoon sunshine. Sit in a cafƩ and people watch, browse the markets and shops, hike the hillside trails, take in the new colours and scents, reawaken adrenaline with adventure. Plan to dress in layers for rapid weather changes as equinox winds and sudden, quick showers regularly refresh the landscape and air between hot sunny periods.
SpringSpring – officially 1 September to 30 November. Weather is unpredictable, sublime one moment, spring showers the next. Temperature range is C8 degrees to C15 degrees.
A great time to take a garden tour. You’ll find an astonishing range of bulbs, annuals and perennials creating colourful displays as a prelude to the more showy blooms of summer.
The high alpine tracks are just open. Early in the season is a relaxed and unhurried time to walk in the mountains. In Central Otago, the hills are mauve with flowering herbs, particularly wild thyme – a great time to wander the vast and scented landscape.
The low lying river fishing season opens on October 1. The alpine river fishing season opens on November 2. Low lying rivers are generally described as those flowing out of the great lakes, the alpine are those flowing in. Buy a fishing license (the price is nominal) from any sports shop in Te Anau, Cromwell, Alexandra, Wanaka or Queenstown. For full regulations, information and fishing tips, visit www.fishandgame.org.nz
“In Queenstown the locals are on a natural high. Dosed up to the eyeballs on clean air and breathtaking sights such as serene Lake Wakatipu and the majestic peaks ringing the town”Don Townsend,Travel Away
The Frisbee Golf course in the Queenstown gardens was the first of its kind established in New Zealand
spring eventscelebrate blossoms, jazz & spring skiing
Take in the blossoms and gorgeous colours at the Alexandra Blossom Festival, New Zealand’s longest running community festival. Among the celebrations is an awesome float parade. In the mountains there’s still snow, celebrate the fun during The Remarkables Spring Carnival held mostly at The Remarkables Ski Area, or take in some jazz at the annual Queenstown Jazz Festival.
Queenstown
Remarkables Spring Carnival
Queenstown Jazz Festival
Outrageous Arts Festival
NZ Goldpanning Championships
Wanaka
Sacred Hill Opera in the Courtyard
Merino Muster – cross country ski race
Central Otago
Alexandra Blossom Festival
Central Otago Masters Games
Cromwell Gorge Half Marathon
Otago Goldfields Cavalcade
Thyme Celebration, Alexandra
Gutbuster Mountain Bike Race


Pagkatapos ng Tag-lamig (Winter) unti-unti na namang bumabalik ang sikat at init ng Haring Araw kasalitan ang Ulang nagmumula sa kalangitan na siyang dumidilig at bumuhay sa kanyang kapaligiran. Muli na namang nagkakadahon ang mga ibang puno na dati akala mo ay wala ng buhay ang mga halaman ay muli na namang namulaklak at ang kapaligiran ay nagkakamayroon na naman ng ibat ibang kulay at halimuyak. Tag-sibol (Spring) na muli nagbabadya ng muling pagbabalik ng buhay ng sanlibutan. Pagkatapos ng mahabang pagluluksa panahon na upang muling magbalik ang saya sapagkat hatid ng ng bagong panahon ang bagong pag-asa sa mga taong umaasang at nanalig na ang buhay pagkatapos ng Taglagas (Autumn) at Taglamig may dadating na panahon ng Tag-sibol at Tag-init (Summer). Sana hindi sila mabigo sa kanilang mga inaasam sa pagbabago ng kanilang kapaligiran.

(ang mga litrato at article ay hango sa website ng Destination Queenstown www.queenstown-nz.co.nz bisitahin ninyo ang site na ito kung nais ninyong makita pa ang ibang magagandang tanawin at maaring gawin at pasyalan sa lugal na ito na kilala sa bansag na "Adventure Capital of the World" ayon sa tourism agency ng New Zealand.)

To my fellow bloggers: kung kayo ay naniniwala sa pagbabago ng ating kapaligiran pasyalan ninyo ang url na ito:

http//vfsmovement.blogspot.com/

9.07.2005


(ISANG PAG-LULUKSA SA KAMATAYAN NG PAGHAHANAP NG KATOTOHANAN)


Impeachment dead but still no closure Arroyo wins; fight on with two widowsFirst posted 00:39am (Mla time) Sept 07, 2005 By TJ Burgonio, Norman BordadoraInquirer News Service Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Sept. 7, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE MARATHON SESSION OF the House of Representatives yesterday ended in a rout of the opposition attempt to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but presaged a continuing political crisis, even another "people power" revolt.
The 236-member House in plenary session upheld -- by a vote of 158 in favor and 52 against -- the committee on justice report dismissing all three impeachment complaints alleging that Ms Arroyo rigged the 2004 election, was involved in corruption and condoned human rights violations.
Six abstained and 20 did not vote.
At over 23 hours, the session that started on Monday was one of the longest in the post-war history of the Philippine Congress.
"It is time to put behind us this divisive episode of impeaching the President. It is time to embrace a period of healing and reconciliation for the nation," Speaker Jose de Venecia said after Bukidnon Representative Jose Miguel Zubiri explained the 158th "yes" vote for Committee Report No. 1012.
But




San Juan Representative Ronaldo Zamora, the lead impeachment lawyer, said he and his colleagues might consider the option of taking the fight to the Supreme Court. He said, however, the opposition had yet to discuss its next moves.
"I'm distressed that we will end up this way by killing the one impeachment complaint that contains a truly substantial case and its evidence, killing a complaint that the President should answer and the public wants her to answer," Zamora said.
He said peaceful protest action in the streets was likewise an option.
"We will also give our evidence to Bukluran [Para sa Katotohanan] to see what they can do with it. Our effort of gathering evidence for three months will just go to waste if it won't achieve anything," Zamora added in reference to the newly formed coalition led by former President Corazon Aquino and Susan Roces, widow of movie idol and 2004 opposition standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr.
'Glorious day'
Ms Arroyo, who reportedly closely followed the debate all night Monday, issued a statement thanking her family, her political allies and the Filipino people "who have stayed the course of responsible democracy."
"Let us move on to a brighter tomorrow with the grace of God, ever grateful for His guidance and His blessings," she said.
MalacaƱang was apparently expecting a victory for the President as the statement was marked: "Embargo until the final voting results are known."
"The Filipino people mark a glorious day in history, when instead of forcing a President out of office through 'people power,' they chose to keep a President through voting in the halls of constitutional democracy," Ms Arroyo said, adding:
"The opposition put up a good fight and I now offer my hand in reconciliation for the national interest."
House Minority Leader Francis Escudero, however, said: "We respect and honor the decision. But it does not mean we approve of it."
And Bayan Muna party-list Representative Satur Ocampo said: "The people's hope for truth and change has inexorably passed from Congress to the parliament of the streets."
Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Manuel Roxas II observed that while the pro-Arroyo lawmakers followed the legislative process, they failed to put to rest the questions raised against Ms Arroyo, including the legitimacy of her presidency.
Said Enrile: "Yes, it went through according to form and substance. There was debate, acrimony, theatrics. There was too much verbiage, and finally ... a voting process. So the process was attained.
"...But to say that [the issue] has been totally resolved, no. The problem lingers on. It will affect you and me, everybody else, the entire country."
Added Roxas: "While the system may have worked procedurally, it possibly did not work because the issues remain outstanding and in fact will find expression in other venues."
'Unfinished business'
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan predicted that senators would seek an inquiry into the House's "unfinished business," or the "allegations against President Arroyo that were not addressed in the impeachment process."
The 39-page committee report dismissed the betrayal of public trust charges filed by lawyer Oliver Lozano on June 27 and by lawyer Jose Lopez on June 30.
It also dismissed the amended Lozano complaint filed by the minority on July 25 for culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
"[The Lopez and amended complaints] are prohibited complaints which are barred by the complaint filed by ... Lozano pursuant to [the constitutional provision barring multiple impeachment complaints from being filed against one official within a year of each other]," read the report signed by 37 members of the justice committee.
The Lozano complaint, on the other hand, was dismissed for insufficiency of substance. The committee pointed out that the complaint alleged electoral fraud committed before Ms Arroyo's current presidential term.
'Silliest' session
House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles said the session that started at 4 p.m. on Monday and ended at 3:40 p.m. yesterday could easily be the longest and "silliest" in Philippine history.
According to House records, the session was the longest since 1987, when Congress was reopened after being padlocked by martial law in 1972.
"Imagine debating on the number of times the gavel was banged" during the referral of the three impeachment complaints to the justice committee," he said.
Nograles was referring to Escudero's questioning of Camarines Sur Representative Luis Villafuerte, who defended the committee report on the floor from 2 a.m. to around 3:35 a.m. yesterday.
The debate involving the banging of the gavel actually dwelt on whether the original Lozano complaint, the Lopez complaint and the amended Lozano complaint were referred to the committee with just one bang of the gavel or with three bangs (one after the referral of each complaint).
Escudero argued that the three complaints were referred to the committee at the same time and with just one bang of the gavel.
But Villafuerte said the gavel was banged once after each complaint was referred.
'A sad day'
"It's a sad day because effectively we have told the world, our children, [and] our people that it's OK to do something wrong because you can just sweep it under the rug," said Senator Pia Cayetano.
The senator, only sister of Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter Cayetano, spokesperson of the pro-impeachment lawmakers, lamented the failure of certain people to see the wisdom of seeking the truth on allegations of electoral fraud and graft and corruption.
"We're telling everybody that it's OK to stop searching for the truth, it's OK not to explain why one person who had a lot to do with this problem is missing ... That's the kind of message we're sending," she said
.
Senate President Franklin Drilon said the dismissal of the impeachment complaints did not constitute closure: "While the impeachment has been killed, that would not solve the political crisis. There are still protests in the streets."
He also warned of "the more serious economic crisis that should be coming when the full impact of oil price increases will come to us and the VAT (expanded value-added tax) will become effective."
Senator Rodolfo Biazon cautioned Ms Arroyo's allies in Congress against celebrating early.
"The public's judgment has yet to come," he said. "The public was given a glimpse of what probably is the truth, but Congress failed to provide a conclusive resolution to the issues..."
But Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Ms Arroyo's staunch ally, urged the pro-impeachment lawmakers to accept defeat with grace.
"It's an equally attractive virtue of the opposition to be gracious in defeat ... at least to indicate they're willing to obey the decision of the House. After all, this is the decision of the people," she said.
At the same time, Santiago said, this would be a good time for the President to reiterate her invitation to the opposition to join her Cabinet.
Reconciliation
Asked how the President intended to go about her reconciliation offer to the opposition, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said: "I don't think there will be any recriminations. The President is open to reconciliation on a principled basis."
Bunye said the House vote showed the "will" and "voice" of the people. "And as we say, the voice of the people is the voice of God," he said.
For Presidential Management Staff chief Rigoberto Tiglao, the House vote was "a shining moment for Congress: reason over rabble rousing, sobriety over sophistry."
"If our congressmen can channel the passion and energy they displayed in this episode, we can become a developed country in our lifetime," he said.
Bunye also told reporters that while there was no "100-percent acceptance" of the committee report, the vote would "tone down the political noise."
He did not comment on claims by the opposition that the marathon session merely proved that the House majority voted for Ms Arroyo's political survival.
Bunye said that when the President agreed that the allegations against her should be brought to Congress, "she only expected that the [impeachment] process would be strictly observed and that the voting would be free."
"And that is what happened," he said. "The House committee on justice gave everybody a fair chance to ventilate their opinion on the matter. We are quite satisfied with the results and the process. We all saw how the lawmakers worked hard and how long they went without sleep discussing the matter." With reports from Christine O. AvendaƱo and Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

9.06.2005

(Bakit kaya matapos ang mahigit na isang siglo ng ating "kalayaan" tayo ay sa halip na umuunlad ay mukhang baligtad ang nagaganap. Humigit kumulang sa kalahating siglo ang Pilipinas ang pangalawa sa pinakamaunlad na bansa sa Pilipinas sa Asya. Ang bansa natin ay powerhouse sa larangan ng palakasan. Nasa atin na ang umpisa ng mga industriya tulad ng pag-
gawa o pag-assemble ng mga sasakyan, telebisyon, bakal, mga goma at iba pa habang ang ating karatig na mga bansa ay sakop pa ng ibang bansa o kasalukuyang pang may digmaang sibil at naghihikahos. Ngunit matapos ang kalahating siglo halos tayo ay nasa ilalim ng Asya kung paguusapan ang kaunlaran, Maaring bago matapos ang dekadang ito maungusan pa tayo ng Vietnam na kung matatandaan natin noong dekada '70 ay nakikipagdigmaan pa sa Estados Unidos. Kinakailangan pa ba nating muling magkamayroon ng isa pang "rebolusyon" kagaya ng ibang bansa upang makamit natin ang ating minimithing kaunlaran. Pilipino laban sa Pilipino,
mayaman laban sa mahirap, elitista laban sa masa. Kinakailangan pa ba nating muling magbuwis ng buhay at magpatulo ng dugo upang diligin ang halaman na itinanim na na ang ating mga ninuno at minsan ay dinilig na ng kanilang sariling dugo at binuwisan ng kanilang buhay para sa kinabukasan at kalayaan ng kasalukuyan at darating pang henerasyon. Halaman ng kalayaan na ating pinabayaan kaya hindi mamunga ng matamis na prutas ng kaunlaran. Oo, kailangan natin ng isang rebolusyon isang himagsikan hindi laban sa kapwa natin kundi sa ating sarili, sa ating mga maling kaugalian, sa ating pagiging makasarili, sa ating pagkakawatak-watak. Patayin natin at ibagsak ang ugat ng hindi natin pagkakaisang mga Pilipino ang labis na pagpapahalaga sa sariling kapakanan at isipin ang kapakanan ng higit na nakakarami. Ito ay isang napakahirap na laban kagaya rin ng himagsikang pinagdaaanan ng ating mga ninuno ngunit kung hindi natin magagawa huwag na tayong umasang ang "Halaman ng Kalayaan" na ipinunla at dinilig ng ating mga ninuno ay mamunga pa ng kaunlaran para sa atin, sa ating mga anak at sa darating pa nilang mga anak.)


I AM A FILIPINO
By Carlos P. Romulo
I am a Filipino - inheritor of a glorious past, hostage to the uncertain future. As such I must prove equal to a two-fold task- the task of meeting my responsibility to the past, and the task of performing my obligation to the future. I sprung from a hardy race - child of many generations removed of ancient Malayan pioneers. Across the centuries, the memory comes rushing back to me: of brown-skinned men putting out to sea in ships that were as frail as their hearts were stout. Over the sea I see them come, borne upon the billowing wave and the whistling wind, carried upon the mighty swell of hope- hope in the free abundance of new land that was to be their home and their children's forever.
This is the land they sought and found. Every inch of shore that their eyes first set upon, every hill and mountain that beckoned to them with a green and purple invitation, every mile of rolling plain that their view encompassed, every river and lake that promise a plentiful living and the fruitfulness of commerce, is a hollowed spot to me.
By the strength of their hearts and hands, by every right of law, human and divine, this land and all the appurtenances thereof - the black and fertile soil, the seas and lakes and rivers teeming with fish, the forests with their inexhaustible wealth in wild life and timber, the mountains with their bowels swollen with minerals - the whole of this rich and happy land has been, for centuries without number, the land of my fathers. This land I received in trust from them and in trust will pass it to my children, and so on until the world no more.
I am a Filipino. In my blood runs the immortal seed of heroes - seed that flowered down the centuries in deeds of courage and defiance. In my veins yet pulses the same hot blood that sent Lapulapu to battle against the alien foe that drove Diego Silang and Dagohoy into rebellion against the foreign oppressor.
That seed is immortal. It is the self-same seed that flowered in the heart of Jose Rizal that morning in Bagumbayan when a volley of shots put an end to all that was mortal of him and made his spirit deathless forever; the same that flowered in the hearts of Bonifacio in Balintawak, of Gergorio del Pilar at Tirad Pass, of Antonio Luna at Calumpit; that bloomed in flowers of frustration in the sad heart of Emilio Aguinaldo at Palanan, and yet burst fourth royally again in the proud heart of Manuel L. Quezon when he stood at last on the threshold of ancient MalacaƱang Palace, in the symbolic act of possession and racial vindication.
The seed I bear within me is an immortal seed. It is the mark of my manhood, the symbol of dignity as a human being. Like the seeds that were once buried in the tomb of Tutankhamen many thousand years ago, it shall grow and flower and bear fruit again. It is the insigne of my race, and my generation is but a stage in the unending search of my people for freedom and happiness.
I am a Filipino, child of the marriage of the East and the West. The East, with its languor and mysticism, its passivity and endurance, was my mother, and my sire was the West that came thundering across the seas with the Cross and Sword and the Machine. I am of the East, an eager participant in its struggles for liberation from the imperialist yoke. But I also know that the East must awake from its centuried sleep, shape of the lethargy that has bound his limbs, and start moving where destiny awaits.
For, I, too, am of the West, and the vigorous peoples of the West have destroyed forever the peace and quiet that once were ours. I can no longer live, being apart from those world now trembles to the roar of bomb and cannon shot. For no man and no nation is an island, but a part of the main, there is no longer any East and West - only individuals and nations making those momentous choices that are hinges upon which history resolves.
At the vanguard of progress in this part of the world I stand - a forlorn figure in the eyes of some, but not one defeated and lost. For through the thick, interlacing branches of habit and custom above me I have seen the light of the sun, and I know that it is good. I have seen the light of justice and equality and freedom and my heart has been lifted by the vision of democracy, and I shall not rest until my land and my people shall have been blessed by these, beyond the power of any man or nation to subvert or destroy.
I am a Filipino, and this is my inheritance. What pledge shall I give that I may prove worthy of my inheritance? I shall give the pledge that has come ringing down the corridors of the centuries, and it shall be compounded of the joyous cries of my Malayan forebears when they first saw the contours of this land loom before their eyes, of the battle cries that have resounded in every field of combat from Mactan to Tirad pass, of the voices of my people when they sing:
Land of the Morning,Child of the sun returning…Ne'er shall invadersTrample thy sacred shore.
Out of the lush green of these seven thousand isles, out of the heartstrings of sixteen million people all vibrating to one song, I shall weave the mighty fabric of my pledge. Out of the songs of the farmers at sunrise when they go to labor in the fields; out of the sweat of the hard-bitten pioneers in Mal-ig and Koronadal; out of the silent endurance of stevedores at the piers and the ominous grumbling of peasants Pampanga; out of the first cries of babies newly born and the lullabies that mothers sing; out of the crashing of gears and the whine of turbines in the factories; out of the crunch of ploughs upturning the earth; out of the limitless patience of teachers in the classrooms and doctors in the clinics; out of the tramp of soldiers marching, I shall make the pattern of my pledge:
"I am a Filipino born of freedom and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance - for myself and my children's children - forever.

9.05.2005

D E S I D E R A T A

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career,
however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
Be gentle with yourself

You are a child of the universe,
No less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
Whatever you conceive Him to be,
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
In the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.



Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952

9.03.2005


Naintriga ako at naaliw sa kuwento ng aking kasosyo na si Tanggerz sa bar na binabalak naming itayo sa Kapusodan ng isang bundok doon sa aming bayan. Umandar na naman ang aking pagka Green Archer, Yan bang lalaki pag pumatol sa bakla, masasabi nating talagang lalaki? Naalala ko tuloy noong ako ay may mapanood na tape sa bahay ng aking kakilala, muntik na akong masuka kasi ang nakita ko ay isang pagtatalik ng lalaki sa lalaki. Napakahalay para mo pala mapaligaya ang isang bakla kinakailangan hindi ka lang makikipagespadahan dapat ay gawin mo rin ang ginagawa niya sa iyo upang makarating rin siya sa rurok ng kanyang pagnanasa. Magagawa ba ng isang tunay na lalaki ang ganoong kahalayan, nakakarimarim kaya doon nabuo sa konklusyon ko na ang lalaking pumapatol sa bakla ay may tendency rin kung baga ac-dc(convertible o silahis) o totally ay bakla rin. Akala ko napakatotally liberal ko sa pananaw ko sa sex pero may limitasyon din pala ako. Hindi naman sa gay bashing ito kaya lang siguro may kanya-kanyang hangganan kayang sikmurain ng isang tao. Kung yan ba ang kanilang kaligayahan bahala sila may kanya kanya naman tayong pag-iisip at pananaw sa buhay. Nagtataka ako at nagtatanong ganyan din kaya ang nararamdaman ng mga babae pag nakakapanood sila ng babae sa babae? Kahapon napanood ko sa news yong tungkol sa same sex marriages o gay marriages sa isang State sa Amerika, lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae. Kaya ang naisipan ko iblog yong isa sa kuwento ng mga immigration dine sa New Zealand na kakaiba sa ating mga Pinoy na lumaki sa "konsebatibong bansa". Dito sa New Zealand bagamat hindi pinapayagan ang same sex marriages nirerecognize nila ang relasyon ng magkaparehong sex bilang mag-partner o de facto relationship(hindi kasal pero within a relationship). Kinakailangan mo ipakita ang proof na kayo talaga ay may relationship within a certain period of time. Iklik na lang ninyo yong pics sa itaas at ng lumaki para mabasa ninyo ang isang kuwento tungkol sa dalawang immigrant na pumapatak sa ganitong category. Sa kanilang dalawa hangad ko ang kanilang kaligayahan at magkamayroon sana sila ng maraming anak na kagaya nilang magaling sa eskrima. Siyanga pala bago ko makalimutan "Happy Fathers Day" sa lahat ng fathers tulad ni KU, Tanggerz, KaDyo at iba pa and also sa lahat ng Fafa. One for all and all for one, presenting the "two musketeers".

9.01.2005


(ang litrato na nasa itaas ang pics ng syota ko sa Pangarap at Pantasya si Tintin Hermosa aka Mary P. at kapatid ni Mariang P. I just would like to clafify P. stand for Pangarap and Pantasya respectively.)

25 years ago more than less than more: College. I would like to take up A.B. History or any preparatory degree for law pero gusto ng tatay ko mag Medicine ako. Kung hindi dito na lang daw ako sa amin at mag Ahente na lang ako ng Baboy (A.B.) aba siyempre ayaw ko noon pero kung sinabi niyang yong isa pang (A.B.) Ahente ng Babae baka pumayag na rin ako. May bonus pang incentive bibigayan daw ako ng kotse basta matapos ko lang ang Pre Med bago ako mag Proper. Sunod naman ako. Pasok sa U.S.T. Med. Tech. Dahil hindi ko linya ang Science at dahil bagong salta sa Maynila ang sabik na promdi ang Med. Tech. ko nagpalintech lintech sa halip na Med. Tech medtiticket ng sweepstakes ang lalabas ko o sa halip na doktor medtiticket pa rin dahil konduktor na ako ng bus at mag-aabot ng ticket. Inuman, nood ng liveshow, sauna bath sabihin pa eh sabik eh, parang baboy na nakalabas sa kural ubos allowance. At 15 going 16 I lost my virginity to no. 8 in a curtain room in Quezon City Circle after the shower and the lotion. What a mind blowing experience felt like in cloud nine instead of the 2rd floor of Maalikaya. Pag labas yan ang masaya. Kaya pala when I was having my massage, massage pa lang ha kasi kong I was in the point of my ecstasy siguro hindi ko na notice I heard conversation na mga puntong Batanggenyo in the nearby cubicle di ko pinansin siyempre excited ay first time na makakatikim ng luto ng diyos eh. Pagkaligo ko iinom sana ako ng juice sa may counter nakita ko pupunta rin sa counter yong kamaganakan namin at kabrkada ng tatay ko, tago ako sabay yaya sa classmate ko para umalis. How memorable. Pero siguro mas memorable doon sa kasama ko kasi isang linggo umiiyak pa siya kasi tinamaan siya. Kasa-kasama pa nga niya ako sa infirmary ng U.S.T. pag tinuturukan siya ng antibiotic. Kung uso na noon ang Vulca Seal di sana tinapalan na lang namin. Ha ha ha, nasaan na kaya ngayon si Rafael B. anak yon ng doktor na taga Nueva Ecija. To cut the long story short napalipat ako ng ibang eskwelahan puro dropped kasi at bagsak mga subject ko.
Lipat muna ako sa Probinsiya. Isang Semester. Tapos balik Maynila. Pinagpatayo kami ng bahay ng lola namin sa Makati sa San Antonio Village sa halip na mag-board kasi nagcocollege na rin isa kong kapatid. Napasali naman ako sa fraternity at mga leftist leaning organization. Doon kami nag-iinitiation sa bahay namin, barikan, party, ginagawa pa nga naming motel kasi walang olds kami-kami lang. Lagi akong nakabalisong noon, kasi bukod sa napasali nga ako sa frat ugali na talaga ng mga Batanggenyo na kasama nila ito dahil sa katwiran na mas magaling ng umuwi ng nakapatay kaysa umuwi ng patay sa pagtatanggol ng sarili. Naalala ko naging negosyo ko pa ito kasi mabibili ko lang ng mura sa amin benta ko naman sa mga taga-Cavite ng mahal tubo almost 300% di ba raket. Arm Smuggling o trading ba yon.
Sa college dito na ako nagkamayroon ng tunay na syota. Si Mirriam D. (hindi defensor ha, taga San Pascual kababayan ni mar). nasaan na kaya siya ngayon? Nanjan pa rin yong katakot-takot na crush ko. Nandiyan si Fe I. (dito nagseselos mrs ko pagkat alam niya kahit hindi kami naging magsyota ito talaga ang ideal girl ko, lalo na noong nasa Pilipinas pa kami at nagkakatagpo sa simbahan or public places), Si Elizabeth A., Agnes Y., Elizabeth S., M.S., Marifel C., Miss Pangilinan, miss Dayrit(nakalimutan ko kasi ngalan tanda ko lang apelyido) madami pa bukod sa sideline na si n0. 88 no. 69 bakit ba madalas na ngalan ng mga ito Rose or Shane.
Nanligaw din ako ng aking professor si Miss Ramos. Nakaranas din ako isang araw dalawa ang napasagot kong babae bukod pa sa may syota akong isa (Tess E) napasagot ko ng umaga si Iris A. samantalang noong hapon si Raquel M. Nabasted din ako sis ko pa at recruit ko (Tess P.). Sama ng loob ko isang linggo akong hindi pumasok. MagValentine pa naman noon pero paguwi ko nakilala ko naman si Milarose sa schoolfair sa La salle highschool pa siya later on naging miss binibining pilipinas tourism kaya sa kanya napafocus atensyon ko. Ang dami kong rolyo ng film na inubos sa kanya noong graduation niya pinadevelop ko pa at binigay sa kanya. Nasaan na rin kaya siya ngayon. Naalala ko siya sa kantang "If you tell me you love me" at saka sa "king and Queen of Hearts" at sa movie na Zapped.


20 years ago. Nagtatrabaho na ako. Turo ako sa isang Catholic School sa amin. Dati nasa Bangko ako pero hindi ko gusto numbers mas gusto ko may interaction sa tao. sana papasok ako ng law kaya lang ayaw ko na ng Maynila (there was a time kahit may bahay kami sa Makati uwian ako Manila to Batangas) kaso nagsara na law school sa Batangas kaya hindi ako nakaenroll. Pagkatapos ng stint ko sa school pioneer ako ng P.K.I. sa amin sa Personnel and Admin ako. Siguro talagang malapit sa akin ang lugal kung saan maraming babae gaya ng pagtuturo ko karamihan ng titser babae pati eskwela, PKI puro babae rin (baka naman deep inside gusto ko dito talaga kasi masaya ako kapag maraming nakikitang magaganda, kaya siguro lungkot ko ngayon dito kahit anong ganda view walang pampabuhay ng dugo.)Hindi ko na lang sasabihin lifestory at lovestory ko baka sabihin sobrang yabang ko na at palikero basta dito naranasan ko ang talagang habulin literally sa bahay ng mga babae.

15 years ago. Namatay Tatay ko. Aho na ang nagpatakbo ng aming mga lupa. Tubuhan, niyugan kapehan wala akong background para dahil siguro nga medyo people oriented ako mas napaunlad ko ang lupa namin particularly tubo mas napalapad ko at napaganda yield. Nagpiggery rin ako, nagbakahan, at iba pang agricultural venue. Dito ko rin inumpisahan tamnam ng mangga yong unproductive na 6 hectares sa Rosario .

10 years ago. May asawa na ako dito. Halos taon taon nangangak si Mrs. Magaling siyang palahian malakdawan mo lang buntis o baka naman magaling semilya ko. Puro lalaki pa.

5 years ago. Nagumpisa millineum solo ako nasa singapore mrs at 2 na aking anak pagkat patay na si Gabriel. (Kung hindi siguro namatay si Boombaka mas marami pa kaming anak kasi natrauma na kami basta maysakit ang bata lagi na kaming di magkaintidihan. Inayos na rin namin ang papers para magmigrate sa New Zealand

3 years ago. Nasa New Zealand na pamilya ko una Auckland tapos dito na (sumunod ako ng narito na sa Otago. )

1 year ago. Umuwi ako ng Pilipinas para asikasuhin mga lupa namin. Binigyan ng authority sunod na kapatid sa akin para in case na maibenta ibang properties hindi na kailangan signature ko.

Yesterday. Idinownload namin ng mrs ko ang citizenship application form kasi mag-fifile na ng New Zealand Citizenship sila ng mga bata ako naman hindi pa Filipino passport pa rin.

Today. gawa ko itong part 2

Tomorrow. Day off ni Mrs. wala ang mga bata nasa iskul baka magssport mo na kami bahala na kung kaya puro dunk lang at layoff titingnan kung makaka3 pts paly o kung susuwertihin sa inspirasyon ni Mr. Walker baka sa pagtira ng 3 pts ay mafoul ay ma free throw either 4 pts. play or 5 pts basta siya lang ang magdidribble sa ibang play hirap na kasi sa kasho-shoot. he, he, he.

Next Year. Baka nasa Pilipinas uli kami pag tatama sa Lotto 12.5 million dollars x 35 sa pesos malalaki pwede nang lumabang mayor ng bayan namin. O dili kaya baka naumpisahan na ang negosyong strip club at bar sa PUsod ng Susong Dalaga (hoy bundok yan sa amin malapit sa Malarayat, kaya nga pag manyak golfer nawawala concentration katitingin jan).Siguro sa halip na pantasya pwede ko ng maging syota si Tintin bibilhin ko na lang siya kay Diether.

5 to 10 yrs from now. Pagkatapos maging mayor, bago governor na o congressman. Marami nang nakurakot at kukurakutin pa tapos ipamimigay ko sa mga nangangailangan.o dili kaya may sauna bath na aking strip club at casino plus legal na rin huweteng dito new zealand . Baka me anak na kami ni Tintin at iba na ang relihiyon ko para mapakasalan ko siya. (Yong pwede dalawa ang asawa o higit pa.)