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Scott, you've got realistic pictures here. Regards to Paris Hilton.

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

“To whom much has been given, much is also required.”

  Bohol arts patron and Rajah Sikatuna Awardee Beatriz Susanna Zobel de Ayala sums up her message in stressing the call to unite some more to protect and sustain the tourism Bohol has started.

  Zobel de Ayala received the award together with Philippine Airlines President Lucio Tan, Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Lance Gokongwei and Philippine Ports Authority’s Atty. Oscar Sevilla during the 154th Bohol Day.

  The annual award is bestowed upon individuals and institutions who have shown remarkable contribution to the betterment of Bohol and its constituents.   

  Zobel, who had experienced the caves and forests, the communities, the heritage sites and structures, splendid beaches, islands and the angelic children’s choir admitted it is difficult to find all these together in a province.

  But reminding Boholanos not to pollute the rivers and tear down the heritage structures, she suggested to stakeholders instead using local architecture and the local styles to benefit the people of the community.

  Having seen the remarkable changes in tourism arrivals since 2003, she intoned that Boholanos should be reminded that it is not the number but the quality of tourists we should invite.

  Moreover, she said “it is not the quantity of resorts but the quality of service we give.”

  Zobel, along with Ayala Museum and Ayala Foundation has been helping communities in Baclayon, Pamilacan and Dauis to come up with integrated tourism activities to raise the conditions of the people and their communities.   

  In Poblacion Baclayon, the Ayalas help a local heritage conservation group in adaptive re-use of the old houses and transform them into home-stay program venues.

  In Pamilacan, along with Joel Uichico, the Ayalas help the islanders come up with better diving and dolphin and whale-watching package tours to lessen the impact of over-fishing.

  In Dauis, the Ayalas help the community rediscover the value and resources of the Assumpta Heritage Complex so the community could regain the glory of the town and transform the town’s economic landscape.

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

  One of the country’s longest running annual provincial trade fairs unroll this week at the Island City Mall, and fair organizers pegged a lofty goal: top the P26M in sales generated last year. 

  With the present regional economic crunch, surpassing the figure may be ambitious, but exhibitors of the annual Sandugo Product Showcase have high hopes it is attainable, with the fair’s track record. 

  After all, the annual products fair which has humble roots at the Capitol Plaza now displays in a mall, then a small town fair, now a regional marketing event featuring products from region 6, 7, 8 and Mindanao, has become a regular calendar event for buyers and exporters, admits Visayas trade and industry director Asteria Caberte.

  Sales means jobs and that should equate to food in the table, asserts Bohol DTI manager Ma. Elena Arbon, during the press conference before the fair opened. 

  Evidently proud of the long running product showcase that she helped put up as a provincial director in Bohol then, Caberte said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been fairly successful in harnessing the creativity of traditional craftsmen to showcase world-class products in the last 20 years that the showcase opens.

  Then a true volume market event for baskets and local crafts, the DTI assisted design development has woven into new niche, exhibitors agree. 

  The shift towards enhancing products design opened for local crafts manufacturers after realizing that competing with China puts the local industry in a compromising situation in the international market. 

  For Caberte, while competing with China would be futile, diverting into design opens a bright prospect for local manufacturers. So while the DTI forefronts in training craftsmen in products development and maximize their ingenuity, local producers also diversify into a fusion of local designs using a plethora of available raw materials, a trade and investment officer added.     

  The Sandugo trade fair is a culmination of a series of product development initiatives geared towards improving the quality and design of the export-oriented crafts and ethnic food in the region, states a prepared press material by fair organizers.

  Other than the local products, this year’s showcase also focuses on the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) as development and branding strategy.

  Leading Bohol’s 33 exhibitors is the OTOP Inabanga, with its raw material raffia and its by-products while local booths exhibit processed food, fashion accessories and souvenir items, Antequera baskets, mats, decors, toys and household items.   

  Cebu 23 exhibitors put up products ranging from fashion accessories, handicrafts, guitars and souvenir items.     

  Siquijor’s 13 exhibitors show fashion accessories and wearables, bags, housewares, and its tourism promotions booth. 

  Negros Oriental puts up 9 exhibitors displaying stone crafts, fashion accessories and home items.

  Guest exhibitors this year are Albay and Surigao del Sur.

  Here, as it is regional, Central Visayas’ best products, especially those using indigenous raw materials and local ingenuity take the booths, in a bid again to perk communities into home industry and handicraft productivity.       

  Now displaying at the first and second level aisles of the Island City Mall, the 2nd regional Product and Raw Material Showcase also exhibits raw materials gallery for buyers and designers for on the spot crafting.

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

  “Talking war must come before a shooting war,” 802nd Brigade Commander Raoul Reyes told a spellbound audience of military defense ministers from neighboring nations who visited Bohol Thursday.

  Col. Reyes expounded to top defense commanders of countries belonging to the strong Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the paradigm shift his men has to face when assigned in Bohol.

  Fresh from a fighting war experience, men of the 802nd Brigade and its affiliated units shifted to information patrols to schools and communities instead of meeting the enemies head-on in classic military clashes.   

  Reyes and his men came at a time when Bohol faces only an insignificant number of armed communist terrorists. The fighting war has then shifted to talking war against the legal fronts allied with the left who attempt to regain their areas and establish bases on the urban areas.

  According to Reyes, “when you lose the talking war, even if you win the fight, you still lose.” 

  The Reyes’ revelations earned the nod of top civil military operations chiefs belonging to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) who came to gain insights and possibly replicate the Bohol anti-insurgency formula to fight the regional threat of terrorists.

  Defense leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei joined their Filipino counterparts in a conference in Manila, which tackled the growing trend of civilian-military cooperation in the widening effort to arrest the problem of terrorism and communism.

  From Manila, the entire conference delegation flew all the way to Bohol where they met the army top leader at the Camp Rajah Sikatuna in Carmen to gather details on the Bohol experience. 

  Reyes, who now heads the implementation of a unique local internal security system as an anti insurgency drive, features coordination among community stakeholders and the convergence of resources has caught the attention of defense strategists in the Asian region. 

  Sharing his counter-insurgency experience in Bohol, Col. Reyes agreed that his predecessors have facilitated an environment ripe for his team to work on. 

  “Bohol is a province that knows what they want and we in the military only need to tell them what we would do to attain the goal,” he shared.

  Information, Reyes pressed, is the crucial thing that allowed this to work. 

  And since many perceive communism as a political problem, to counter it, a political solution was used, he confessed. 

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA

  “Yuta kong minahal” couldn’t be truer for 860 graduating students and pupils of Catigbian who planted some 4,355 fruit bearing trees during the inaugural launching of the Project “Plant and Care” timed with the 154th Bohol Day.

  Planted in students’ respective lots during simultaneous barangay activities following the launching program last Tuesday, the “plant a fruit tree project” is another of Salinas’ Administration’s pet projects.   

  The launching was covered by the Municipal Ordinance Number 2, series of 2008 which mandated that all graduating students should present at least five surviving fruit bearing trees before graduation, said Mayor Roberto Salinas. 

  “Plant and Care” jibes with the town vision of creating a green haven for development and progress, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Rey Lacea said. It is also in stride with keeping premium on environment and conservation.

  As stipulated in the ordinance, prior to graduation, students from the town’s 3 high schools and elementary would seek a certification from the 22 barangay chairmen on agriculture that the fruit trees planted were well cared of and really surviving.

  Without that, a graduating student may find it hard to take the graduation march. 

  Earlier, Salinas said, planting fruit trees now would stand to be the greatest gift to the next generations. 

  Catigbian, he said wants to be hailed as Bohol’s fruit basket in the next 7-10 years.

  Planted that day were 1829 mango, 768 lanzones, 833 jack fruits, 245 star apples,301 chicos,  152 rambutan, 82 avocado, 8 santol, 17 marangs, 93 guyabano and 27 pomelo seedlings, the mayor said based upon the reports coming to his office later that day. 

  Aside from the environmental premium of planting fruit trees, it can also be a huge investment for the people who have since aspired for better life by producing fruits of commercially quantity and quality, the mayor said in an earlier interview.

Too much coffee can reduce the chances of a woman with fertility problems getting pregnant, a study suggests.

Dutch researchers followed 9,000 women who had received IVF to see if they fell pregnant naturally.

Around one in seven did, but drinking more than four cups of coffee a day cut chances of conceiving by around 26%.

Experts said the findings, presented to a European conference, only applied to women with poor fertility who wanted to maximise their chances of pregnancy.

The researchers, from Radboud University in Nijmegan, studied all women who had received IVF treatment in the Netherlands between 1985 and 1995.

They found 16% of the women went on to conceive naturally, 45% within six months of their last IVF treatment.

They used questionnaires to analyse how lifestyle factors affected a woman's chances of pregnancy.

Drinking alcohol at least three times a week carried the same risk as excessive caffeine intake.

But smoking more than one cigarette a day and being overweight reduced the chances of pregnancy even more.

The researchers estimated that a 36-year-old woman who smoked, drank too much coffee and alcohol and was overweight, and who had been through three cycles of IVF, would have a 5% chance of a natural pregnancy.

If she was a healthy weight and did not smoke or have too much caffeine or alcohol, her chance would be 15%.

'Limitations'

Dr Bea Linsten, who led the research, told the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Barcelona that patients should be advised how they can maximise their chances of a natural pregnancy.

"We have to remind our patients that they may influence their chance of spontaneous pregnancy after IVF with a healthy lifestyle."

However, some experts warned that the findings of the study had to be examined with caution.

Fiona Ford, of the Centre for Pregnancy Nutrition, said: "Whilst the results of this study are interesting, there are evidently limitations to these findings as post IVF patients are a selective group who have already experienced problems with conception.

"There is nothing within this study that provides a reason to change guidance to patients."

She cited previous reseach which said there was no "convincing support" for the claim that coffee was linked to delayed conception.

Fertility expert Professor Bill Ledger, from the University of Sheffield, said caffeine could potentially have a mild, but toxic, effect on ovaries and sperm which could be a problem for those with poor fertility.

But he added: "A lot of women can have 20 cups of coffee a day and get pregnant while falling off a log, but if you're already subfertile it could push you over the edge. - source: BBC Online

A regular diet of even modest amounts of food containing soy may halve sperm concentrations, suggest scientists.

The study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, found 41 million fewer sperm per millilitre of semen after just one portion every two days.

The authors said plant oestrogens in foods such as tofu, soy mince or milk may interfere with hormonal signals.

However, a UK expert stressed that most men in Asia eat more soy-based products with no fertility problems.

Animal studies have suggested that large quantities of soy chemicals in food could affect fertility, but other studies looking at consumption in humans have had contradictory findings.

The Harvard School of Public Health study looked at the diets of 99 men who had attended a fertility clinic with their partners and provided a semen sample.

The men were divided into four groups depending on how much soy they ate, and when the sperm concentration of men eating the most soy was compared with those eating the least, there was a significant difference.

The "normal" sperm concentration for a man is between 80 and 120 million per millilitre, and the average of men who ate on average a portion of soy-based food every other day was 41 million fewer.

Dr Jorge Chavarro, who led the study, said that chemicals called isoflavones in the soy might be affecting sperm production.

These chemicals can have similar effects to the human hormone oestrogen.

source: BBC Health News

I have tested both speed of Photobucket and www.flickr.com. Photobucket is really slow.

I suggest you create a free account with www.flickr.com and have your pictures uploaded there.

Pictures from www.flickr.com that are posted in Tubag Bohol load significantly faster than pictures uploaded from Photobucket.

looking at the cornucopia of happy and succulent pictures makes me nostalgic. smiling faces of friends trigger outburst of recent memories in bohol. my heart rejoices pondering on our shared hearts and common heritage.

thanks Mari for posting the photographs. thanks Lumine and to the Pitoy family for hosting the jolly gathering.

When identical twin sisters Diane and Darlene Nettemeier met identical twin brothers Craig and Mark Sanders a decade ago, they could never have guessed just how much of their lives would be based around perfect sets of two

source: Telegraph

Bill Gates and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Wednesday that they will spend $500 million to stop people around the world from smoking.

The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco will kill up to a billion people in the 21st century, most of them in poor and middle-income countries. In an effort to cut that number, Mr. Bloomberg’s foundation plans to commit $250 million over four years on top of $125 million he announced two years ago. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is allocating $125 million over five years.

To read more, click here

Start an Art Collectible Hobby and Beautify Your Home

Collecting is a fun hobby, and one of the most interesting things to collect are art collectibles.  Many different items can be painted with artwork and become an art collectible.  Hobby enthusiasts collect such things as saw blades, and wooden eggs which have had artwork painted on.  People even collect designer rugs as art.  Another art collectible hobby is collecting limited edition plates, thimbles, Christmas ornaments, and figurines produced by such companies as Bradford Exchange.  And of course, many people collect fine art paintings.

The person with an art collectible hobby will probably find his or her own favorite artists whose works they appreciate.  They can choose to focus on one particular artist, either past or present, or they can choose from the works of many artists.  On the other hand, they may collect art and art objects around a theme they enjoy, such as cigars, wild animals, or piano music. 

One may think of an art collector as a rich person who has the money to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an original Van Gogh.  A person of more modest means can collect art too, however.  Post cards are a good place to start.  Most art museum gift shops offer high quality, glossy postcards printed with some of their more notable acquisitions.  By buying those cards one really appreciates, anyone can have an art collection.

Ebay is a good source of art collectibles whatever type of art or collectible you fancy.  In fact, if you are just starting out, the choices and options can be overwhelming!  Just remember that you can sell your own belongings as well as buying those of others.  This should make the impact on the budget a little less powerful.  Other ideas for inexpensively collecting art collectibles are scouring flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales.  You never know what treasure someone else may be getting rid of.

One nice thing about art collectibles is that artists can be found in every part of the world.  The art collector should scout the local art shows, museums, and artist's hangouts to find out just what sort of talent can be had less expensively and close to home.  Because of the local flavor of some artwork, art collectibles make good travel souvenirs.  For instance, the artist Linda Barnicott specializes in paintings of scenes, buildings, and landmarks found around  Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.  Similarly, collectors can find local artist almost everywhere.

An art collectible hobby will keep you interested in life and give you a home filled with art masterpieces as well.  If you enjoy pretty and interesting things around you, consider starting an art collectible hobby today. (free article)

By Abigail Malalis
Sun Star

An early dawn fire gutted the public market of Valencia City in Bukidnon Wednesday, destroying P40 million worth of properties and goods, officials said.

No one was hurt in the incident. But Mayor Leandro Catarata said they suspect the fire was "intentionally done."

"I am requesting a full investigation because we suspect this was arson," Catarata told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Senior Inspector Michael Ponferada, Valencia City fire marshall, said the fire started around 4 a.m. at the dried fish section and quickly spread throughout the building.

He said 12 fire trucks from adjoining municipalities came to help but there was little else to do because the fire has already gutted the market.

"Dako gyud ni nga sunog ug nahurot gyud tanan nga mga baligya sa maong merkado (This is a big fire and all the goods in our market are all gone)," Ponferada said.

He said their investigation Wednesday morning was hampered by the presence of many looters who went to the burnt market looking for goods to salvage.

Ponferada said one of the angles they are investigating is arson.

"Daghan kaming nadawat nga taho nga sunogon ang merkado pero unconfirmed kadto (We received a lot of reports that the market will be razed but all those reports were unconfirmed)," he said.

Catarata said the market traders were the ones who were hit the hardest.

The traders he added have huge inventories of commercial goods in anticipation of the coming fiesta on August 28.

A powerful earthquake struck off the northern Japanese coast early Thursday, injuring at least 91 people, triggering landslides and cutting power to thousands of people.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said there was no danger of a tsunami from the temblor, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8. It struck shortly after midnight about 65 miles (105 kilometers) underground and centered off the coast of Iwate, 280 miles (450 kilometers) northeast of Tokyo.

The 91 people mainly suffered from cuts and bruises from broken glasses and falling objects and none of the injuries was life threatening, said National Police Agency official on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

The earthquake caused strong shaking of up to 40 seconds in many areas of northern Japan.

"Everything has fallen off the shelves, scattered all over the floor," grocery store owner Tomio Kudo told national broadcaster NHK from the town of Hirono, where the shaking was most violent.

"Even a big refrigerator has moved about 30 centimeters (1 foot)."

There were no immediate reports of any problems at the nearest nuclear power plant, which continued operations, according to local media reports.

But Japan's "bullet" super-express trains were suspended in some areas, according to operator East Japan Railway Co. The earthquake also triggered landslides at several locations, the police agency official said.

Disaster Minister Shinya Izumi told reporters the earthquake caused a blackout in wide areas in the region, leaving about 6,700 homes without electricity. Izumi said a team of officials from the ministry was assessing the extent of damage.

Police said some of the more serious injuries included a woman in Hirono who broke a leg falling down stairs and another woman in Aomori city who broke her hip as she fled out a window.

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake is capable of causing serious, widespread damage.

Last month, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck sparsely populated rural areas in northern Japan, killing at least 12 people, leaving 10 others missing and injuring more than 300. - Associated Press

By Ben O. Tesiorna and Carlo P. Mallo
Sun Star Davao

Davao City Police authorities say a bomb has exploded on a bus inside the terminal of Digos City in the province of Davao del Sur before noon Thursday, injuring 27 other passengers, four of whom are in critical condition.

Military spokesman Maj. Armand Rico says the explosion hit the bus parked at a terminal in Digos City Overland Terminal. It stopped over at the terminal on its way to Davao City from Bansalan, Davo del Sur.

Security has been tightened at the commercial centers and vital installations in Davao City, setting up police and military checkpoints in and around the city.

Police probers are looking into extortion as possible motive behind the incident, but did not rule out possibility that terrorists could have perpetrated it.

Chief Supt. Andres Caro, regional police chief, said before the explosion, a man who identified himself as a member of Al Khobar Gang, known for its extortion activities in Central Mindanao, called up the office of Metro Shuttle at Ecoland Terminal in Davao City, asking for money, but did not divulge the amount.

By Malu Cadelina Manar
Sun Star Davao

Kidapawan City - Communist rebels attacked a banana farm associated with Dole Foods Co. Thursday and a land mine hit a security vehicle rushing to intervene, killing one and wounding three others, the military said.

Village officials and police tried to respond to the pre-dawn plantation attack in southern Makilala in North Cotabato province, but their vehicle hit a mine planted by suspected rebels, said regional military spokesman Maj. Armand Rico.

Authorities identified the perpetrators as members of the Herminio Alfonso Command of Front 52 of the NPA operating in Makilala and other hinterlands areas in North Cotabato.

The attack came two days after President Arroyo visited Makilala town where she was briefed about the situation of the rubber industry in North Cotabato.

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

  Dog owners who refuse to register and vaccinate their pets against rabies would be slapped P2,000, a national law’s implementing rules states.

  And if by any chance, the unvaccinated dog figures in a biting incident, the owner is obligated to pay for the victim’s medical expenses as well as his dog’s mandatory vaccination. 

  The policy is part of the national step to rid the country of the threat of highly contagious rabies, which has killed a lot of people. 

  The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9482 commonly known as the Anti Rabies Act of 2007 prescribes the procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the Anti-Rabies Act to facilitate nationwide compliance, states the joint department order of 4 participating concerned government agencies.

  Jointly issuing the Administrative Order are the Departments of Agriculture, Health, Education and Interior and Local Government.   

  According to the Section 11 of the joint department order, an owner is legally bound to put his biting dog under observation after it has bitten an individual, or he shall be slapped a penalty of P10,000.

  If he refuses to shoulder the victim’s medical expenses and have their biting-dog surrendered for observation, owner is also liable for P25,000 in fines.   

  As the new IRR for the Anti Rabies Act of 2007 asserts the role of the state to put up a system for the control, prevention of the spread and eventual eradication of human and animal rabies, it also impresses on the need for responsible pet ownership, says Bohol Provincial Veterinarian Stella Marie Lapiz. 

  Lapiz, also leads the multi-million Rabies Prevention and Eradication (RPE) Program implemented all throughout Bohol in a bid to declare the tourist island rabies free by 2010. 

  But with the legal and fiscal saddle the Bohol RPE Council, Lapiz recently appealed anew for cooperation among mayors gathered at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) meeting last week just as the local rabies watch noted a slight decrease in bite cases compared to the data from last year. 

  In Bohol towns, only San Isidro has successfully attained a 100% vaccination rate for dogs while elimination programs in Maribojoc, Duero and Panglao have met legal opposition from animal rights groups and residents who seem not aware of the threat of rabies spread in their places, Lapiz reported.   

  Over this, Lapiz added the presence of a provincial ordinance that metes similar penalties prescribed by the national law.

   The ordinance also includes mandatory leashing of vaccinated dogs when they are brought outside the homes, or owners are liable for a P500 fine for each incident. 

  This way, Bohol minimizes the incidence of stray dogs contaminating the vaccinated population, just as the Bohol RPE Council push for massive impounding of stray dog prior to elimination across the province.

Question of the day: What’s your favorite Bible verse and why?

Question of the hour: What is one phobia that have you struggled with?

Question of the week: What’s your position on capital punishment or death penalty?

Question of the day: What is ONE way that you attempt to inspire or motivate people?

Question of the hour: Who’s one of the greatest leader of all time? Why?

Question of the hour: How Do You Define True Love?

Happy Birthday Yet. God bless you always.

Happy Birthday Teng. God bless you always!

photo courtesy of kinakusgan.com

photo courtesy of kinakusgan.com

photo courtesy of kinakusgan.com

By Keith Moor
News Au

Two decades after their murders shocked Victoria, a man has been charged over the horrific deaths of a Ferntree Gully mother and daughter.

Russell John Gesah, 43, was today charged with the brutal murders of Margaret Tapp, 35, and her nine-year-old daughter Seana on August 8, 1984.

Seana had been sexually assaulted before both victims were strangled to death in their beds.

Homicide detectives this morning were granted permission to question Gesah before charging him with two counts of murder.

The Herald Sun today exclusively revealed how a police secured a breakthrough in the case using DNA technology.

Investigators compared DNA evidence found on an item of Seana's clothing with tens of thousands of profiles on the national DNA computer database before coming up with an alleged match.

"We had already eliminated all the known suspects in the case through a DNA sample, but because this man was never a suspect he was never tested," Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Maher said.

Do you have even the slightest reliance on anything or anyone other than God? Is there a remnant of reliance left on any natural quality within you, or on any particular set of circumstances? Are you relying on yourself in any manner whatsoever regarding this new proposal or plan which God has placed before you? Will you examine yourself by asking these probing questions? It really is true to say, "I cannot live a holy life," but you can decide to let Jesus Christ make you holy. "You cannot serve the Lord . . ."â€" but you can place yourself in the proper position where God’s almighty power will flow through you. Is your relationship with God sufficient for you to expect Him to exhibit His wonderful life in you?

"The people said to Joshua, ’No, but we will serve the Lord!" ( Joshua 24:21 ). This is not an impulsive action, but a deliberate commitment. We tend to say, "But God could never have called me to this. I’m too unworthy. It can’t mean me." It does mean you, and the more weak and feeble you are, the better. The person who is still relying and trusting in anything within himself is the last person to even come close to saying, "I will serve the Lord."

We say, "Oh, if only I really could believe!" The question is, "Will I believe?" No wonder Jesus Christ placed such emphasis on the sin of unbelief. "He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief" ( Matthew 13:58 ). If we really believed that God meant what He said, just imagine what we would be like! Do I really dare to let God be to me all that He says He will be?

source: My Utmost for His Highest

By Jes Tirol
Bohol Chronicle Columnist

Proem

When Bohol was reverted in control to Cebu in 1857, it was a queer type of organization. Bohol as a province was called the District of Bohol. It was under the jurisdiction in the civilian aspect with the District of Cebu. Both Cebu and Bohol were under the District of the Visayas with a District Governor who was a military man.

Flow of Authority

Bohol as a Politico-Military province had a military governor of at least the rank of Captain. Cebu as an Alcaldia province had a governor that must be a lawyer. The District of the Visayas was under a military general.

When Bohol was reverted in control to Cebu, the governor of Bohol Captain Juan Navarro stayed in Bohol but he no longer had the control over the civilian functionaries.

However, he was within the flow of command in the military.

The Warehousing Method

When Bohol was reverted in control to Cebu, everything from money to supplies was put in what was called "Camarin de Almacén de vinos del fielato principales de Bohol" or "A warehouse for the store (supply) where the upper-class can go to obtain provisions."

The care and maintenance of the building or camarin was under the care of the Gobernadorcillo (now: Mayor) of Tagbilaran. However, there was no proper rule as to who will control the flow of supplies and money.

The Two Functionaries

Don Domingo de Escondrillas was the Director of Public Works of the District of Bohol.

Don Juan Palacio was the perito (expert) or auditor for the District of Bohol. For a long time the two functionaries were working harmoniously. However, about the middle of year 1861 the two functionaries had a parting of ways.

Don Juan Palacio, the auditor-appraiser, accused Don Domingo de Escondrillas of making a double budget. One budget, which was higher, was submitted to higher authorities for projects in Bohol but actually he implemented a lower budget in the project.

The report of Don Juan Palacio to higher authority did not actually accused Don Escondrillas of corruption but it was insinuated in the report that the Director of Public Works benefited in the projects.

The Director of Public works answered that the budget became higher because he had to purchase the materials that were of good quality, which were not usually available in Bohol.

The communications between the functionaries in Bohol and higher authorities were plentiful. The controversy was finally resolved at the end of year 1863.

The Observation

It was finally observed by higher authorities that the fault was due to the absence of someone who was in-charge of the Almacen. Also, there were no proper rules to follow on what to do when the civilian functionary would perform his work. This was due to the fact that the Military Governor no longer had the authority over the civilian functionaries.

The experience was one of the primary reasons why Bohol was put again under the authority of the Politico-Military Governor the next year 1864.

Happy Days Has Ended

From year 1857 to 1861, the civilian functionaries in Bohol had a good time in making money. They were on their own because supervision from Cebu and Manila was minimal.

We must bear in mind that the functionaries were prohibited to own properties such as land and houses. So they must obtain cash from the contractors.

Do you think that government functionaries obtaining money from contractors are new? No sir, it was done in Bohol 157 years ago.

It was made easier because the money and supplies were all gathered in one warehouse and the warehouse was equivalent to the present day PX store of the military. All upper class people were allowed to obtain from the PX.

By Kit Bagaipo - Bohol Chronicle

For a major and urgent project such as the multi-million peso waste water treatment facility - bureaucracy, funding problems and project modifications are main issues for its delay.

The three reasons cited proves true to the much-needed water treatment plant of the city as flooding in city streets and threat to the environment if the drainage outfall at Graham Avenue is opened continue to hound the city officialdom.

City environmental consultant Engr. Cecil Corloncito told the Chronicle that the waste water treatment facility may be operational in late 2009 if the project is bidded out within this year and the contractor starts civil works by January.

Among the reasons mentioned by the ISO certified engineer is the decision of the project's planners to build the treatment facility in barangay Taloto instead of setting it up at the outfall in Graham Avenue.

This means, according to Corloncito, digging up another outfall and renovating the drainage system in CPG Avenue so that water wastes will flow all the way into the treatment plant in Taloto.

That alone could take some time plus the actual construction of the facility.

City Mayor Dan Lim himself declared that the project, which costs over P100 million, has to undergo review by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with the approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

As of this time, the mayor bared, a team led by former Vice Mayor Nuevas Montes, has been working on the requirements needed by NEDA.

By Kit Bagaipo - Bohol Chronicle

A leading transportation bus company in the province is cutting down its daily trips as a new round of increase on the prices of diesel and kerosene took effect yesterday.

Meanwhile, starting tomorrow jeepney and multicab drivers can collect the P8 new minimum fare.

Diesel and kerosene, both increased by P1.50, has dealt another blow to public utility transport especially buses that are yet to be granted a fare increase by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The LTFRB approved on Friday the new P8 minimum fare for Central Visayas.

In an interview with the Chronicle, LTFRB regional director Romulo Bernardes said jeepney and multicab drivers must get the new fare matrix from their office before implementing the P8 fare.

"No matrix, no increase," he said. The fare matrix will cost P510.

It may be recalled that fares for multicabs and jeepneys increased by 50-centavos last May 21 from P6 to P6.50 and later increased to P7 last June 30.

According to Bernardes, the 20 percent discount for students still apply.

In the new fare rate, there will be an additional 90-centavos for the succeeding kilometers, Bernardes added.

Meanwhile, St. Jude Bus Company, Bohol's biggest public utility bus line that serves the three major routes in the province bared that the soaring prices of fuel and goods have brought down the number of passengers.

According to an employee of St. Jude, several bus routes have been reduced as four to five buses of their company do not take trips from Monday to Thursday.

Meanwhile, the increasing number of vans-for-hire (V-hire) has also affected operations of bus companies.

There are some 23 bus firms in the province while the number of V-Hire has risen to over 3,300 units.

Bernardes said most bus companies have not increased their fare to the approved P8.50 for the first five kilometers and the additional P1.40 for every succeeding kilometer.

Instead, passenger buses are collecting a much lower rate, according to Bernardes.

By Ven Arigo
Bohol Chronicle

Three more overseas workers have followed the recent ill fates suffered by their fellow Boholanos in the Arab lands and neighboring Asian countries.

One returned home dead yesterday. Another will get back also lifeless tomorrow. The third was raped and is arriving tonight.

The wish of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Argeo Gulay Bumotad to live to the time when all his three children shall have succeeded in their studies has died with him.

The lifeless body of the 43-year-old oil refinery foreman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from Guindulman was met by his grieving wife Marigel and kids Glenn Jes, Jerson Paul and Jiether at the Tagbilaran City port yesterday afternoon.

Glenn Jes just graduated his marine engineering and Jerson will finish marine transportation in March next year while the youngest is still in elementary grade. The Bumotads reside at Tamblot Street here.

The OFW was reported to have died of cardiac arrest caused by heat stroke in Tunda, his specific Saudi job site, last June 12 but his remains were not released since his family here initially wanted his corpse autopsied.

Rep. Edgar Chatto facilitated the return of dead Bumotad and even had an office staff accompanying the family in meeting the remains of the OFW at the city port.

But hours to Bumotad corpse's arrival, Chatto got a request for help to facilitate the transport also to Bohol of one more dead OFW named Ricardo Omas-as, a Loaynon who worked in Semporna, East Sabah, Malaysia.

Omas-as reportedly died in prison few months ago but his remains had not been repatriated until the First District congressman learned of the OFW's case.

The OFW, 40 and unmarried during his death, had been almost half a year jailed for alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl whose nationality was yet to be ascertained.

Omas-as' remains will arrive here tomorrow.

He is the fifth OFW from Bohol after Bumotad who would return home dead this year.

Chatto already arranged the Bumotad remains' transport, including funeral car service here.

The third latest case of returning OFW involves a 30-year-old married OFW from Tagbilaran City who was raped in Kuwait where she worked as a domestic helper.

Nelle (not her real name) was raped by an Arab police officer who threatened to tear her passport apart should she not go with him to his house.

The lawman was described as a victim's "sponsor," not her employer.

Nelle sought assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and was later brought to the office there of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The crime of flesh was committed by the police officer against the Boholana maid already months ago.

Nelle yearned to be immediately repatriated to the Philippines but her flight was cancelled thrice for yet unknown reason.

Her sister sought help from Chatto, who immediately contacted OWWA and other agencies here, even the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

There are no clear details yet on how did she met her sexual attacker and why her passport had gone to the possession of the police officer.

Nelle then kept to herself her ordeal, thinking she could manage be her own in that situation.

Later on June 28, her sister informed Chatto in a letter that Nelle "was in jail."

Her sister lamented why Nelle suffered from such a consequence when she is the victim in the first place.

Finally, Chatto got assurance from Ambassador Endaya that Nelle would be repatriated and flown to Manila aboard Kuwait Airways today.

She is the second Boholana OFW repatriated from an Arab country after being subjected to the cruelty of the sex-starved.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Two women are charged on Friday with large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa after defrauding overseas bound Boholanos of almost half a million pesos in processing fees for non-existent jobs in Dubai.

The National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) Bohol filed complaints at the City Prosecutor's Office against Erlinda Jamaldin, also known as Erlinda Evangelista y Pondoc, a resident of barangay Tiptip, this city together with her cohort, Eduardina Estrella who is residing in Dubai.

If Jamaldin and Estrella will be found guilty, they will be meted with life imprisonment which is the punishment for large-scale illegal recruitment.

The complaint was based on affidavits of three victims identified as Joseph Joy Evangelista, a resident of Lamdagan Street, this city; Arnold Soliva, a resident of CPG Avenue, this city; and Alejandro Arena of barangay Libertad, Baclayon town.

Warrants for the arrest of the two illegal recruiters, who are said to have victimized several others, is already issued to the NBI.

MODUS OPERANDI

Jamaldin rented an office space along at the second floor of the Soliva Building, CPG Avenue, this city, for her recruitment firm AVR Consultancy and posted a banner of job opportunities abroad.

The victim Soliva, a registered nurse and son of the owner of the rented office space, said that sometime on the first week of 2007, he learned from Jamaldin that there were vacancies for nurses in Dubai.

He added that Jamaldin even showed him and five other companions an e-mail from a certain Estrella, an alleged business associate in Dubai, with the information that there are indeed job openings for nurses in the said country.

The suspect allegedly told Soliva that the fastest way in going to Dubai is to go there as a tourists. Once there, her business associate will help him facilitate his working visa so he could work legally.

In his affidavit, Soliva said that Jamaldin bragged that the employers are already waiting there and that he should just choose which hospital he would work.

Jamaldin demanded from the victim the amount of P65,000 for the processing of his tourist visa, plane ticket, accommodation, authentication documents and for e-mail and scanning.

Soliva said he gave Jamaldin P25,200 sometime on the second week of June 2007 and another P45,000 one week after, or a total of P70,200.

On July 5, 2007 Soliva went to Dubai together with the 5 other recruits of Jamaldin only to find out to their dismay that the promised jobs did not exist.

Jamaldin's alleged business associate in Dubai, Estrella, refused to help them secure a working visa and even demanded for a fee as payment for their stay in her Dubai residence.

The 5 Boholano recruits were forced to look for jobs to survive and pay for their rent however, they found nothing regular.

Soliva decided to come home after two months.

Evangelista, on the other hand, first met Jamaldin in one of the malls here in June 2007.

Jamaldin allegedly said the she would help him go to Dubai and work there as an office clerk. She said that initially he will go there as a tourist and her partner will help him process his working visa so he could be legally employed.

The suspect demanded from Evangelista a total of P71,200 for the processing of all the papers.

Evangelista was able to fly to Dubai on July 5, 2007 together with 5 others.

Unfortunately, just like Soliva, the promised job for Evangelista as an office clerk was non-existent.

On the other hand, Arena said he learned of Jamaldin's recruitment agency through a signboard he saw at CPG Avenue, this city which printed the words "the fastest way to Dubai".

According to the victim, this got his interest and immediately inquired at Jamildan's office where the latter personally entertained his queries.

Jamildan then promised Arena employment in Dubai as a carpenter. He gave a total of P65,000 for processing of his papers, visa and plane ticket.

But he suffered the same fate of Soliva and Evangelista upon arriving in Dubai and that there was no job waiting for him as promised by Jamildan.

By the Bohol Chronicle

Vice President Noli de Castro will keynote Tuesday's celebration as Bohol turns 154 years old.

Tuesday is declared non-working holiday in the province.

Gov. (on leave) Erico Aumentado and Acting Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera will lead ceremonies commemorating the day that Bohol, together with Siquijor, became a separate politico-military province from Cebu on July 22, 1854.

"In this time of global crisis wherein everyone - even the rich nations - is feeling the crunch of the high cost of fuel and food, I urge the Boholanos to join hands even more. It is time for unity, cooperation and prayer that the Almighty will pluck us from the clutches of extreme poverty," Aumentado said.

Bohol Day is also time to recognize the deeds of Boholanos and non-Boholanos who have contributed much for the welfare of the Boholanos and the development of the province through the conferment of Datu Sikatuna awards.

This batch comprises of Dr. Lucio Tan, chair of the national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL); Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive officer of Cebu Pacific Air; Beatriz Zobel de Ayala, Bohol's patroness of the arts and lawyer Oscar Sevilla, general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Tan is recognized for his invaluable contribution to the immense development of Bohol's tourism, trade and industry, and the well-being of the Boholano people through PAL flights even at the time that the Manila-Tagbilaran-Manila route was considered as missionary, and for his visionary leadership in the airline industry by providing new aircrafts to answer the growing flight requirements for the present and the future of the country as well as in his strong support for the Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project (PBIADP) with a commitment to fly PAL therein once it is operational.

Barazel Salazar, PAL's assistant vice president for sales for Cebu and the Visayas will represent him during the awarding rites.

On the other hand, Gokongwei is recognized for his "invaluable contribution to the immense development of Bohol's tourism, trade and industry, as well as the well-being of the Boholano people through the Cebu Pacific Air flights in the Manila-Tagbilaran-Manila route, and for providing an alternative carrier thereby developing a healthy competition therein."

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific's vice president for Marketing and Products, will similarly represent him.

For her part, Bea Zobel Jr. is recognized for her "being Bohol's patroness of culture and the arts development, which has strengthened the Boholanos' identity as a people and has brought their cultural heritage to the national consciousness through the Ayala Foundation's public presentations thereon."

Meanwhile, Sevilla is recognized for his "invaluable contribution for the unprecedented ports development of Bohol and its strategic inclusion in the Strong Republic Nautical Highway that has accelerated the province's progress in tourism, trade and industry, redounding to the well-being of the Boholano people."

Both Zobel and Sevilla have confirmed their attendance to the event.

Aumentado and Herrera, assisted by Acting Vice Gov. Cesar Tomas Lopez, Bohol's Reps. Edgar Chatto, Roberto Cajes and Adam Relson Jala, as well as the Provincial Board (PB) members, will confer the awards.

The activities for the day are the flag raising ceremonies, unveiling of the marker and blessing of a water treatment facility at the Plaza Rizal at 7:30 a.m, a commemorative mass and the Bohol Day program and awarding rites at the Bohol Cultural Center at 9:30 a.m.; the Hot Shot and Bull Ride Fun at the Tagbilaran City Hall Compound at 1 p.m.; presentation of the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) by Momentum Plus at the Bohol Tropics Resort at 2 p.m. and a cultural show called Gabii sa Bol-anong Garbo, Gawi ug Kultura (Boholano Pride, Tradition and Culture Night) at the City Hall Compound at 8 p.m.

A surgical-medical mission at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City has also been ongoing since July 16 to 24, sponsored by the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Jaycees Senate of Bohol.

 If you are twins born at Ramiro Community Hospital in a year between 1975 up to the present, come to a gathering of twins. Parents of twins under the age of 16 are enjoined to be part of the celebration.

We will see double as we celebrate Ramiro Community Hospital's Twin Festival on Aug. 16, 2008, 11 a.m. at JJ's Seafood Village.

The affair will start with a fellowship lunch and end with a hospital tour. There will be fun, games, prizes and surprises in between so come and be part of this out of the ordinary event.

Please register by calling 411-3515 local 1100 and look for Pruding or local 1112 and look for Jaja.

- published by the Bohol Chronicle

By Severina B. Palingcod

"High yield of rice through the adoption of scientific farming technologies is the answer to the rice shortage in the country today."

Last Thursday, Dr. Roland Buresh, scientist of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Laguna with Marianne Samson, associate scientist, and Weng Castillo in coordination with PHILRICE, Nueva Ecija represented by Apple Suplido, Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (APC) and the Municipal Agriculture Office met Carmen rice growers for a consultative meeting wherein a courtesy call with Municipal Mayor Manuel "Boy" Molina was made before the consultative meeting started.

During the consultative meeting, the rice growers are given the opportunity to voice their farming problems and concerns. The most grievous concern of the farm growers is the very high cost of organic fertilizer which discouraged them in tilling big areas. The farmers plead the IRRI representatives to bring these issues to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for possible solutions. If this problem remains unsolved, it will aggravate rice shortage.

The IRRI representatives brought Field Specific Guidelines on Nutrients Management for Rice.

Carmen rice growers are advised to visit Carmen FITS center located beside the Office of the Municipal Agriculture and see the FITS Center manager Susie B. Galang for additional inputs to achieve the above goal. - published by the Bohol Chronicle

By Ven Arigo
Bohol Chronicle

Raped overseas Filipina worker Nelle (not her real name) needs an expert translator of some Arabic documents which she managed to bring home. This may lead her to justice.

The 30-year-old domestic helper had been jailed in the Arab land despite her being the victim. She won in a lower Arab court but was told months after that the decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals there.

She was not given a copy of the alleged verdict reversing the previous ruling against her influential abuser.

Nelle secured the only papers in her possession now when her case was decided by the lower court.

Rep. Edgar Chatto, who helped the OFW, immediately contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to interpret for Nelle the Arabic contents of the legal documents.

Accompanied by her sister, Nelle visited the congressman and thanked him at his house here on Thursday after arriving in Tagbilaran City a day earlier.

Chatto had tirelessly kept contact with Ambassador Endaya and networked with other key Philippine Embassy men in Kuwait as well as the overseas workers welfare officers in the country for them to do all until she could safely return home.

Nelle mentioned of "claims" which could be an order-entry among the contents of the court documents she has but were never awarded to her.

MISFORTUNE

Nelle met her rapist while she was looking for a "sponsor-employer" who could grant her a "transfer visa" after she left her original employer whose wife is a fatally jealous type.

The maid decided to find another job because her female employer, who had violent tendencies, would often threaten her.

She borrowed money from some of her OFW friends in Kuwait to pay the "unexpired term" of her contract with her first employer.

Nelle was referred to a military official as her sponsor-employer but who later turned out to be most cruel.

The military official got her passport and civil ID while assuring to issue her with corresponding fee, a transfer employer visa that would actually serve as her permit from her supposed "new employer" to work outside as a part-timer.

She would not actually work for the military officer as her real employer.

While the Arab was home, the military official contacted and instructed the OFW to go to her house and get her passport and visa.

While they were talking on phone Nelle heard voices she thought could be members of the military man's family.

But when she got inside, he suddenly locked her inside with him. That was on December 31, 2006.

Drunk, the military official forced her to drink but she refused and insisted to get her visa and passport as assured.

The Arab demanded that she should be her mistress in exchange of her visa and passport.

Nelle was surprised that they were alone inside the residence when she heard other voices in their phone talk earlier.

On the following day, New Year's Day 2007, the military official raped her in the living room.

A medico-legal examination found her positive of being raped.

RULING REVERSED?

Months later, Nelle was told by her hearing officer, who is a Filipino connected with the Philippine embassy, and her Arab lawyer that the decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals and that a motion supposedly from her had been consequently filed at the Supreme Court.

Nelle told Chatto how she could have formally asked the highest tribunal to reconsider the appellate court's reversal ruling when she had not even given a copy of the alleged verdict.

She was further told that "she was defeated in the Court of Appeals because she was only after of the money of the accused."

Meanwhile, the OFW worked as a saloon helper to sustain her stay while under the embassy's custody.

The embassy had her sign, however, an affidavit of voluntary exit as waiver before she was allowed to get outside and work to send money to her children back home.

COUNTER-CHARGED

The OFW thought she could finally return home but was instead detained by the CID, Kuwait's version of NBI, because she was countercharged by her "transfer visa sponsor-employer" for absconding or running away.

In Bohol, her sisters heard of Chatto's cause for the OFWs so that they asked assistance from the congressman to workout Nelle's repatriation.

Nelle was transferred to a jail where she met fellow OFWs Marilou Ranario and May Vecina, both sentenced for execution. Vecina was reported in national televisions here Friday night to have been pardoned by the Kuwaiti king after long intervention of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

THE RETURN

While in jail, Nelle was discouraged from pursuing her case against her rapist when she learned that her hearing officer provided by the embassy had gone back to the Philippines. The latter's work contract with the government had reportedly expired.

Nelle lost hope as she languished behind bars, but not until the Arab authorities last week released her, with six other Filipina migrant workers, and directly transported them to the airport to board a Kuwaiti Airways flight all the way to Manila.

She had kept some clothes and gave them to her fellow freed OFWs who were still wearing prison uniform even at the airport.

Nelle said she had not seen Chatto until her return here.

The solon's staff in Congress met here at the Manila airport brought her to the house of the Chatto's in Quezon City to rest while waiting for her trip back to Bohol.

The married OFW is slated to proceed to Mindanao where her three kids await her. Her children stay with their grandparents. Nelle's all four sisters are in Bohol.

Nelle had decided to find job in Kuwait to raise and educate her kids back home after her husband left them.

Bran,

The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Always remember this line from Proverbs: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own understanding - in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path."

Tattoo all over...

Finding out your pregnant is the best news of all. Well, second to hearing the grand proposal of a lifetime. After a successful wedding ceremony, hearing that your love has borne fruit is the icing on the cake. For first time expecting mothers, it is a difficult and herculean task to search and look for all the right stuff and equipment the baby will need.

Moms-to-be need to list down all the things the baby would need at the soonest possible time so that little by little, each item can already be purchased and readied for the baby's arrival. But there is another easy way to almost have it all, without getting too much headache over it. The solution is to hold a baby shower party! The only headache mom-to-be would have is the menu she would have to prepare on that day and that is easier for her.

Now the burden of searching and looking for baby stuff is passed on to the invitees.  But another concern is raised. How will the baby shower go about? The best answer there is, is to have a theme that would guide the flow of the baby shower. There are several ways of choosing and deciding on a theme. Do you want it to be based on color?

In case you already know the gender of the baby, pink or blue is used to universally represent a baby girl or a baby boy. Or baby items such as a pacifier or a baby bottle? How about character-themed baby shower such as the Sesame Street, Power Puff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory or the Looney Tunes? It could also be a time-of-the-day baby shower whereby each invitee is tasked to bring something the baby would need or use during that time of the day.

From www.best-baby-gift-guide.com, it suggests wonderful baby shower gift ideas such as  a baby gift basket, a layette gift set, vital baby equipment, beautiful baby linen, a baby massage set, or a baby gift certificate.  Each gift idea is unique. For the baby gift basket, some ideas they suggest is to create your own baby gift basket or go for the classical clothing baby gift basket where you can never go wrong. You can also go for monogrammed baby gift baskets, fun baby basket, mother and baby basket, gift basket for twins, or a pampering baby gift basket. They also have different suggestions for baby girl and baby boys. For the complete descriptions for each item, just visit their website and read on to find fantastic baby gift ideas.

Once the baby shower is finished, take stock of what is already there and not. For those items still missing from your list, make the necessary arrangments to have it readily available once the baby arrives.

Just some last few tips for a successful baby shower: hold it four to six weeks before the due date, establish a theme, write down the guest list, set the tone and size of the baby shower, plan the games, plan the menu, create baby shower party favors, and last but not the least, set the time and location, if it will not be held in your residence. Remember, baby showers are a fun way to welcome the baby that would be coming soon enough.

Tired of searching for that perfect baby gift for someone special? Fear no more! Here is the rundown on where and how to have the most perfect baby gift of all time. As I have searched the world wide web for the best sites that would answer my need, here are the more user-friendly sites that I find to give the best baby gift ideas around.

As with Linus in Peanuts, a baby blanket is a perfect baby shower gift to give that is full of love and thoughtfulness. Having it personalized is even nicer. For those with more formal tastes and preferences, monogrammed baby linen would give that sense of tradition. While those with eclectic tastes and full of adventurous spirit, baby shower gift baskets, wall art for the nursery room, personalized baby gift items are just some of the baby gift ideas that you could give. Each baby gift suggestion can be found in www.best-baby-gift-guide.com where they give a fine description to each item.   

Baby gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes and they speak of your thoughtfulness for putting it all together. Baby gift baskets are so unique because you can personalize it, make it blue or a pink basket depending on the gender of the baby, you can make a gourmet basket, or a food baby basket or even a baby bath gift basket. There are a lot of ideas you can think of to make it a unique baby gift. 

Another good site that you can visit is www.babyshowers.info where they list all the possible things and other necessary equipment that the baby might possibly need. This site narrows down your choices since it would constrain you to search for items that are within your budget for those budget conscious spenders. Each item is under a heading such as clothing, nursery, bedding, meal time, play time, keepsake, jewelry and other items. If you have the funds, why not start the baby  in a starter savings account? The receiving parents would surely appreciate this baby gift that would start their baby in his or her million dollar goal at 12 years old!

A click at www.enactwi.org for those who are into the environment or into organic stuff suggest some baby gift ideas you can give as they are easy to make since the materials used are very accessible in stores and groceries.

Visit www.kiddiegiftidea.com to find an extensive choice of baby gift stuff that you can never go wrong with. Its product index extends to more than two pages to view all of its offering so there are a lot of items to choose from.

Baby gifts are the best when the gift-giver poured love and attention to give that very special baby gift. It is not that difficult to look and search for baby gifts as some would think. It is just a matter of creativity and time to think what the baby might need or use in the future. There are other web sites and web links that you can visit and find other good ideas for that perfect baby gift to give away. There are also web blogs of parents that provide not only gift ideas but other concerns regarding on how to take care of your baby better.

Babies are so much fun. But baby games shower are much more fun since moms-to-be, godparents, grandparents, and other invitees in the baby shower can get to play childish games again. Some of the baby game shower that can be played include Sing It, Baby!, Measuring up Mommy, Here's Looking at You, Kid!, Don't Say Baby, Baby Truth or Dare,  The Seventh Gift,  and Dig out the Pins.

These baby games are the common baby game showers usually played. They are a great way that would let the guests mingle and get to know each other, if they aren't acquainted yet. This is also another great way to give honor to the mom-to-be for having that precious baby on the way.

How do we play these baby game showers? Here is the run-down on how to play the baby game shower and create good memories of a great baby shower.

In Sing It, Baby!, the guests participants form a circle. They can sit or stand. Then, each guest must sing a line or two from a song that has the word "baby" in it. When the first game player has finished, the next person seated on her right has ten seconds to sing another "baby" song. "Baby" songs cannot be repeated, thus, participants who repeat a song or cannot think of a "baby" song gets booted out of the game. Last person singing in this baby game shower wins the prize!

How big has mommy become? Measuring Up Mommy is the baby game shower to play as this gives the guests the freedom to measure mommy's size. Have a couple of toilet paper rolls ready and ask each participant to estimate the size of mommy's girth by cutting the toilet paper to their guess size. Then each one wraps around the new mommy's stomach the toilet paper they cut. The nearest length approximating to the mommy's stomach wins the prize!

Remember how you looked when you were a baby? This game takes you down memory lane as you need to dig up those baby pictures of yours. Because you need them to play the baby game shower Here's Lookin' At You, Kid! Before the party itself, request all the guests coming to bring the cutest baby picture of themselves. Upon their arrival, secure each baby picture and assign a number per picture. During the game, lay all baby pictures and give each participant paper and pen and ask them to identify as many baby pictures as they can. The guest with the most number of correct guesses is the big winner.

This baby game shower makes you NOT say what you are suppose to be attending to! The game Don't Say Baby is precisely that! Don't say "baby" during the entire length of the baby game shower for the diaper pin that was given to you upon your arrival will be taken away from you. The person with the most number of diaper pins collected at the end of the shower party wins a prize.

This baby game shower is for those who love baby trivia and the like. Play Baby Truth or Dare by writing down some baby trivia, some correct and others purposely written incorrectly. During the baby game shower, ask randomly if the baby facts are either true or false. Those who guess correctly gets a prize while those who don't will be dared to perform in front of everyone else.

We all know that the single lady who catches the bride's wedding bouquet is said to become the next bride. In The Seventh Gift, it is not so much a baby game shower but more of a fable that says that the giver of the seventh gift unwrapped will be the next expecting mother. However, avoid "planting" the seventh gift.

Last but not the least, Dig Out the Pins is the baby game shower that tests the agility of the guests as they fish out the most number of diaper pins from a large bowl filled with uncooked rice and diaper pins in under two minutes. The participant that has the most number of pins brings home the prize.

Having a baby is the most wonderful experience a woman can have as it is a fulfillment of the biological function of the female species. After the giving birth process, the real work begins. Feeding bottles, diaper changes, immunization records are just a few of the things the new mom have to learn quickly. And one important thing to consider in the arrival of the baby is the kind of baby bedding he or she will use. 

According to Dr. Mark Brandenburg (http://www.baby-place.com/crib_safety.html), the number one rule to follow in choosing the right baby bedding for your precious infant is safety.  The second rule says safety and the third rule emphasizes safety. We are to conclude that it is not enough to say it, it must be emphasized that baby bedding is critical for the comfort of the baby.

In his article on how to find the perfect baby bedding, it must be neither too hard nor too soft. In the past, sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS was attributed to very soft baby bedding. This happened when the baby's mattress is too soft that his nose and mouth gets covered and the air he exhales is the air he breathes. This is dangerous for him since he would breath carbon dioxide rather than oxygen and the effects could lead to drowsiness, coma or even death.

There are a lot of styles and makes in choosing the baby's bed. And with that, it follows that the baby bedding must be a perfect fit with the chosen equipment.  The three major selections are: a bassinet, a crib or a cradle.  What differentiates one from the other? A bassinet is an oblong-shaped basket that serves as a bed for an infant.  But sometimes, round bassinets are also available. A crib is a bed that is flanked with high side bars for a baby or young child's safety. Cribs are usually more economical since the baby can use it from infancy to two years. While a cradle is a small low bed that an infant uses that has rockers on its stand.  In all these, the material used to make the equipment should alert and signal to the mom how much safety precautions are needed.

Bassinets are usually lacey and full of trimmings.  The baby bedding must fit the bassinet so that the baby's space is enough for him or her to be able to roll from side to side. The crib is usually square, thus, mattresses can be fitted to the size of the crib. The baby bedding usually is a set of coverlet and small pillows. Hotdog pillows can also be placed inside. However, the pillows should not be more than two or three lest the baby can stand on them and could fall over. The cradle can come in various sizes and shapes. Some moms prefer cradles so that when the baby is cranky, he or she can be rocked to be calmed down. The baby bedding for a cradle should follow the shape of it.  Not much can be placed inside it since it is used mainly to rock the baby to sleep. However, one need not the three to keep the baby safe, warm and secure. One will do and this would depend on the parent's preference.  The most preferred would be the crib since it can be used for a long time.

Now that we've covered the basic equipment, how do we furnish it with baby bedding? We have already established that the baby bedding should fit the sleeping equipment to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents.  The most suitable material to use is cotton as it is absorbent and cool to the baby's skin. Different designs must be used to stimulate the baby's color and pattern recognition.  Therefore, the baby bedding is a crucial factor in keeping the baby happy and healthy.

Baby beanies haven't been around that much since they were "born" only in 1994 when Ty Warner introduced the first baby beanies in the market. Not many people know that a baby beanie or more officially known as beanie baby were first made by him. He made the baby beanie to be more lifelike by giving it more air. In other words, there was less stuffing inside each baby beanie.

The usual baby toys were stuffed to the hilt and they were stiff. While Ty's beanie baby was half filled with stuffing and half filled with beans. Hence the name beanie baby. Other competitors sneered and said that his toys would not last long. But exactly the opposite is what happened!

Now, the "original nine" as they are officially referred to are the first nine baby beanies Ty Warner made.  These are the Spot the dog, Squealer the pig, Patti the platypus, Cubbie the bear, Chocolate the moose, Pinchers the lobster, Splash the killer whale, Legs the frog and Flash the dolphin. Collectors have dubbed them as such since these where the first baby beanies available that were selling at less than $5.00 each. Each baby beanie comes with a short poem to introduce it to the toddler. This was written on a red heart-shaped tag that is attached by the animal's ear.

Not much is known how many baby beanies are totally in existence since there are lines developed that create a family of baby beanies. The most famous is the teddy-bear baby beanie that was created. The basic pattern was just re-used and different colors were utilized to create a family. Different names were given to each teddy bear in keeping with the tradition of having a name. Some teddy bear baby beanies are usually used for commemorative uses such as in the Fourth of July or there is a Diana, the Princess of Wales have been made as a commemorative collector's item.

However, the official baby beanies were mostly animal shapes such as cats and pigs, dogs and hippopotamuses. These are usually brightly colored and stylized to make them pleasing in the eye. The official baby beanie comes with his or her own name. It has its own date of birth. And most important of all, a short poem that describes its personality.

The baby beanie crazed happened in the late 1996 when a frenzied collection of baby beanies started. This prompted Ty Warner to retire some of the baby beanies to  hype up even more the sales and marketing side of his products. There were people who bought wholesale in anticipation of the possible future value of a single baby beanie. However, as with other fads that easily rise and can be easily forgotten, the baby beanie craze was just another fad that quickly fizzled. Or what the expectation of those "investors" did not materialize at all.

Inspite of what happened, baby beanies are here to stay since babies usually prefer soft  toys that they can easily hug and bite and hold easily in their hand.  Baby beanies need not be in the same family of baby beanies to be appreciated. A collection of baby beanies show the kind of personality the baby has  or it speaks the kind of personality the giver has.

Birthdays are one of the most important events in our lives. This day signifies our arrival in the world and the celebration of it is a commemoration of that first time we've ever came into the world. Most especially for our precious baby.

Here are some tips to get that baby bash on the roll and be the talk of the baby land for a week or so. One, preparation of the baby bash is extremely important! Create a theme that you would like to follow. Would you like your baby bash to be a sci-fi adventure? Or would you want your baby bash to be a costume party? Or rent even an amusement park complete with the merry-go-round and a clown or two. Whatever you decide, the baby bash needs to be well-thought of to keep it organized as well as the safety of the guests can be assured.

The baby bash depends on the age of the baby. For one year olds, clowns would do so that he or she can facilitate the party since the most important guests would be the little children. Magic shows and puppetry would be sufficient to keep the children interested and satisfied. While for two years old and older, since by this time, they are already mobile and have learned to walk, a costume party or an amusement park theme would be the solution to keep the kids happy.  Balloons to keep them preoccupied, cotton candy to keep them busy and lots and lots of kiddie food.

Second, sending out the invites. It seems that babies are conversational pieces. Thus, your network of friends increase since you meet other moms and dads who have babies near your baby's age group. They can become your buddies, swapping babysitting time when you need to unwind and relax. Their kids are your guests in the baby bash and not the parents. Thus, the baby bash must be geared towards the kid's enjoyment.

Third, preparation of the food. Since this is a kiddie party, finger foods should comprise most of your menu. Kids easily tire of food and so small portions must be served at them. If possible, separate the food of the parents with the kids, if the parents were invited.

Sometimes, a baby bash becomes an adult get-together when there are no other babies that could be invited.

Whatever you have decided what the baby bash must be like, keep in mind that the baby's comfort is more important. Sometimes, there are babies who are afraid of clowns. You must have an alternative activity in mind in case this happens.

Fourth, post baby bash activities. After all the food, the favors and trimmings gone, it is time to clean up. The most convenient way to finish all the food left is to ask mothers to take home a portion of the food served. This not only minimizes food spoilage, it would also keep the kids occupied during the drive home, in case they start asking for food. Because there are kids who play all throughout the party and do not pay attention to the food. But once they have settled down, usually during the ride home, then they start to feel hunger pangs. Thus, you would be helping parents keep the kids behaved during the ride home.

Then baby bash need not be a strenuous and nerve-racking activity that moms would rather not plan for. It could also be enjoyable for the parents as well.

Communication - that's what a baby's crying is for. This sweet thing that suddenly turn into a fit of tears is just craving for your sweeter attention. All cultures in the world nod to this pattern all infants are accustomed to. 

A baby cries the most during his or her first three months. Though the amount of crying steadily increase, the crying time period may vary from an hour to most of the day and this could still be considered within normal range. Like, whoah, right? Babies are also known as howling tear factories.

Some thought that a baby cries more during the afternoon accounting it to the anxiousness of the mother or the stressed mood of the father after going home from work. But the most accepted assumption now is that babies have this automatic screening ability they use to shut off all the noise that may stimulate some response from them so they could get enough rest. But in the long run, this filter weakens and totally disappears during the approximate age of six weeks. This, then, make a baby very sensitive to the external factors such as noise, movements, etc. And these generally elicit a reaction from a baby and how best could he or she respond but only through crying.

There are many reasons why a baby succumbs to crying. Deciphering these reasons is the major feat a parent must surmount. Here are some of the things your sweetsome baby is making you understand through crying.

Hunger. Yes, your attention-hungry baby is craving to let you know that his tummy is grumbling. This is the most common reason for a baby to cry, especially, during his early months. The pattern of the hunger howl could be characterized as being persistent, demanding and almost rhythmical. But that rhythm is not at any rate close to becoming musical, of course.

Boredom. What can I say? Aren't these babies just plain spoiled? Crying because of boredom, errr, I'd find that a bit more twisted or weird if it's with an adult that is. But babies are really built like this. Crying is their way of telling you, "Hey get me a life here!" Aside from attention and food, consequently, babies need a lot of stimulation. And when they don't get this, there you get your waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!! The trick is to pick the baby up and play with him. This move may be frowned upon by some because of its amounting to spoiling the baby. But it is important to know that stimulation is also one of the major necessities of an infant and it won't hurt to provide him with some while in his growing age. This boredom cry is said to be also rhythmical and full of sobs and moans.

Discomfort. Pain is another precursor of the baby's crying. Who won't cry when in pain, right? Babies are not Major Paynes to endure the most excruciating discomfort they could undergo. They are little, vulnerable beings that need to be attended to when injured or when in an inconvenient situation. This cry could be more persistent, louder and more demanding. Shrieking and screaming, those are words that better describe the crying pattern roused by pain.

Another cause may be disturbance; surely, howling will proceed just when they're about to sleep or are already fast asleep and suddenly gets surprised by some noise, or movement. An illness that causes discomfort to a baby may also be the reason for a baby's bursting into fit of tears.

If Toys ‘R Us is a company that offers various toys for kids, what does Baby R Us offer? No way! It’s not babies! Baby R Us offers baby products.

In 1996, Westbury, New York, Baby R Us opened its first store. It has been immediately followed with opening six more branches on different locations at the end of the year. After tremendous expansion and joining the Baby Superstore chain, Baby R Us store count has reach 218 at the beginning of 2005. What a mammoth feat for a baby store, right?

Babies R Us is considered a pioneer in retailing premier baby products. It is said to be the biggest store chain in the world that provides baby products. They have stores and online stores that assist in giving a unique and fun shopping experience for their consumers. It has a state-of-the-art baby registry service that provides more convenience when shopping for your baby’s needs. Baby R Us also has a Mother’s room that attends to babies’ necessities.

It has an online store that contains various helpful features that include the following:

The Baby Registry service is a product of Babies R Us teaming up with Amazon.com. Parents that are expecting their baby are permitted to create an online baby registry or update a registry that was set up on one of the Babies R Us stores nationwide. What this registry rids the parents is the inconvenience of surmounting geographic barriers and presumption of which products suit your baby. This way, when your friends and relatives plan to buy your baby a gift, it won’t be that much of a hassle anymore. All that they have to do is go online, select, buy and get the gift delivered to you on time. All the land-based Baby R Us stores allow all purchase returns as an added feature.

Baby R Us also constantly maintains a “Top Seller List” that usually include educational baby equipment, baby books, a pregnant mom’s book, diaper accessories, comfy baby bouncer, play gyms, baby call nursery monitors, a changing pad, monitors with dual receivers, an infant car seat base, baby wraps, toddler rockers, baby swings, nursery care kits, feeding bottle set, etc.

Baby R Us online store also allows browsers to check on different brands of baby products that suit their preferences. The following are the categories that Baby R Us provides various brands of products on: gear, activity, toys, nursery, health and safety, specialty stores, feeding, bath and potty, and clothing and layette.

Baby R Us also presents gift ideas to those who want to share some goodies to their little kids, nephews, nieces, granddaughter or grandsons. A gift set is always considered a hit in making parents with their babies smile with appreciation. These are often in baby gift basket forms that contain various items that deal with the parents and baby’s needs. There are also these “Parents Favorite” items and Babies R Us’ basic gift ideas that are never surmounted by novel items. Gift certificates are also available as treats to the parents-to-be. Baby R Us even added “new baby” or “pregnancy” e-card. Along with this e-card, the option of an e-mail or a paper gift certificate is still offered.

Babies R Us online even has this resource center page that includes various buying guides, checklists, articles, advices and other information that will both benefit the parents and the baby.

Choosing a baby name for your child is almost like choosing his identity. Ever heard about the association of a person’s name with his personality? That’s how our names really work. A name molds a person’s identity like a cookie-cutter. So, better get that best baby name for your son or daughter. Read on for some tips on how to provide that best baby name for your little angel.

1. Stop it already with the dictates of your family’s tradition. Choosing the right baby name does not have to always rely on what your elderly relatives deem to be the best baby name. It is your baby’s name, not theirs. So, better act like it. Once your baby is born he will be stuck with that baby name for life. That means it’s not wise to just settle for any baby name that will suit your grandma’s or auntie’s taste.

2. Take a look of a picture of his future. You don’t want your baby to be always called with a monicker that will forever ridicule him or will allow his playmates to make a big laughingstock out of him, right? Research about the meaning of the baby name you are eyeing to give to your baby. Don’t consider Beelzebub as a prospective baby name just because you heard it from a TV show and you find it cute. Don’t use Rodelfa just because a certain Mexican TV show’s hunky lead actor is called Rodolfo. Just plainly saying yes to your gutfeel, thinking of the people that pops into your head upon hearing somebody spout a certain name, trying to follow a fad by naming your baby a certain celebrity’s (sometimes notorious) or NOT THINKING AT ALL in giving your precious one his or her baby name are huge no-nos!

3. Consider reading the initials of the baby name you are planning to give your baby. Make sure they don’t stand for anything funny, disturbing or something utterly stupid. Christine Sue Irving? What will happen on the next episode? Alvin Stephen Stuart? He’ll surely remember not to get near any hole. Fran Ursula Catherine Klein? Uh-oh! See? Can you imagine the sickening situation you may put your child into when he or she grows up?

4. Go check your family tree once and for all. Some can’t still get away from some traditions regarding baby name decisions, especially when they have a special bond with a certain family member that they want that person’s name to be a part of their baby’s name. If your planning to still follow the tradition of putting a part of your elder relatives’ names on your baby’s name, you have to know whether anybody else in your family use that name too. You don’t want to confuse people when they’re calling a name that’s owned by two. Ask around.

5. Don’t go for the overkill. Being too creative on thinking of a baby name can backfire, I’m telling you. Examples are too unique spellings. It will be hard for the kid to keep on spelling his or her name to people who only know the common spelling of such name.

6. Decide with your partner in coming up with the best baby name for your sweet baby. It wouldn’t be nice to be always blamed when people ask who chose that awful baby name, right? Okay, kidding aside. Sharing on this kind of decision-making is a good way of furthering your bond as a couple, not to mention the possibility of coming up with a better baby name. Remember that the “two heads are better than one” thought also applies to dealing with the troubles of finding the most suitable baby name for your baby.

Sound, appeasing relatives and friends and avoiding embarrassing initials and discovery of disgusting meanings are some of the major concerns that should be considered in your quest for the perfect baby name. You might find them a bit taxing. But in the long run, you’ll see that doing your homework will make your baby thank you when the right time comes. Happy baby naming!

Planning to host a baby shower? Or a friend of yours recently gave birth to a healthy bouncing baby? How else could you express that you care for that friend of yours and her baby? A baby gift basket could be the best present that would express your concern.

A baby gift basket is one of those themed gift baskets that are presented containing items that are of value to the recipient. Oftentimes these baby gift baskets contain the following items that will surely give delight to the new parents and to the new addition. You could make use of this information to create or stuff your own baby gift basket that will rid you of those more expensive commercialized kinds.

Nursery room items. These include colorful mobiles to keep the baby busy, lullaby music to soothe the infant, and nursery rhymes CD's. Bigger items like layettes, changing mats for tables and cribs, and other furniture for the baby may be found in de luxe baby gift baskets. Educational toys are also good to make the baby gift basket more beneficial in stimulating the baby's mental development.

Toys R Us. The following toys are also nice to place inside your baby gift basket. Rattles, pacifiers, teethers, feeding bottles, infant cups, bibs and spoons are also useful add-ons in your baby gift basket.

Bath Bath Baby. Bath products for babies are also commonly found in baby gift baskets. These include baby shampoo, baby powder, baby towels, wipes, bubble bath, brush set and tub toys that the baby will surely enjoy in the near future. Baby clothing's could also be considered as one of the best baby gift basket goodies that one could ever give. Just be sure that the clothes you'll give suit the gender of the baby.

If you are to a baby gift basket to someone with a toddler or a young kid, the items should also suit the baby's age. Soft toys, board books, board games, piggy banks will certainly win the jump with delight of a toddler. Clothes for toddlers are also nice to include in your baby gift basket.

If one is intending to give the baby gift basket as a baby shower present, it will be nice if baby cookies, baby cakes, jelly beans and other baby foods will be found there. Announcement and invitation cards may also bring some added surprise to the recipient of the basket. Small picture frames and albums could also add more fun to your baby gift basket. Surely, this sweet gesture will be appreciated.

Gourmet food, wines and other fine food may also be placed inside a baby gift basket for the parent's celebration.

Oftentimes, bows and ruffles adorn the baby gift basket. But one could still be more creative by doing a decoupage of baby pictures or baby items. Other handmade crafts may add personal touch to your basket. They could be in the form of papier mache', origami, sculpture, small painting, woven or knitted items, etc.

If the one giving the baby gift basket intends to give it during a christening celebration or baptism, a small bible, silver cups and any symbolic item that adheres to the theme of the celebration and that the recipient's religion appreciates may also be placed in the basket.

A small gesture like giving out a well-thought of baby basket can surely go a long way. The recipient's smile is enough to mean a sincere "thank you".

Top 10 Beaches in the World according to Yahoo Travel

1. Boracay Island, Philippines
2. Nassau, The Bahamas
3. Cebu, Philippines (cebuprovince.com)
4. Phan Thiet, Vietnam
5. Montego Bay, Jamaica
6. Phuket, Thailand
7. Cozumel, Mexico
8. San Diego, California
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
10. San Juan, Puerto Rico

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cy2SNnZBe4

Top 3 Places to Visit in the Middle East according to a Lonely Planet Traveller.

Many US tabloids have been flooded with rumors of George W. Bush’s family misfortunes recently. The latest gossip is about George and Laura Bush to divorce after November elections.

Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper wrote with reference to The National Examiner tabloid that George and Laura Bush were planning a divorce after the presidential election in the USA.

According to the supermarket tabloid, George and Laura Bush hardly ever speak to each other. George feels very unhappy and does not want Laura to leave him. However, the newspaper wrote, Laura is tired of everything; she is determined to live her own life.

The couple still keeps their relationship alive just because they are contractually obliged to stay together during George W. Bush’s presidency; it is not a matter of feelings at all.

They are both certain that they have rendered a huge service to their country. They pretend that their marriage is still alive in spite of the fact that it was buried long ago. The divorce will be kept a secret until the president retires, the newspaper wrote.

The tabloid dwells upon the reasons which could lead to the possible divorce. The newspaper believes that George . W. Bush has been having an affair with US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. A former employee of the presidential administration told The National Examiner that Laura Bush once spent her night in a hotel to stay away from the White House.

Laura Bush will reportedly be paid $20 million in case she divorces her husband.

It is worthy of note that it was not the first time, when US tabloids wrote about George W. Bush’s affair with Condoleezza Rice. Ms. Rice became the center of tabloid gossip in the USA two years ago in July. Many US newspapers wrote back then that Condi had a love affair with President Bush.

Wayne Madsen, a national security expert, wrote in 2006 that George W. Bush confessed during a session with his psychologist that he was attracted to other women. Bush reportedly named Condoleezza Rice as an object of his fantasies.

Laura Bush soon heard of the rumors. The first lady spent that night in Washington’s May Flower Hotel. Tabloids wrote that Laura Bush had escaped from the White House after an argument with President Bush which happened because of his supposed affair with Condoleezza Rice.

Evil tongues recalled the story of a Freudian slip which happened to Ms. Rice during an official meeting in Washington. Condoleezza Rice, who is always meticulous in the choice of her words, reportedly said the following: "As I was telling my husbâ€"" before abruptly breaking off and correcting herself: "As I was telling President Bush."

Ms. Rice has earned the reputation of the Bushes’ family friend. She became close to President Bush mainly because of the fact that she is the only person who finds a common language with Bush to teach him wisdom of foreign politics.

Indeed, unlike her predecessor, Colin Powell, Ms. Rice is in a very close relationship with President Bush. She talks to him on the phone at least once a day.

Mark McKinnon, former media advisor for President Bush, said that it would not be hard for Condoleezza Rice to take a higher position because this woman has unlimited political potential.

“She's a superfecta: a Republican, a woman, an African American and secretary of state," he said. "I don't think there's a hotter star on the Republican political horizon than Condi Rice," McKinnon said.

source: Pravda News

Please send your greetings to Bran on July 23. It's his birthday.
Happy Birthday Bran. May Christ continue to pour out His peace and love upon you and your family. God bless you always my friend.

Happy Birthday Boyet. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to pour out His grace and love upon you. God bless you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w62hXbkWtUY

A GMA report uploaded by Nestor Daarol

Comment: We are killing our own Filipino models. Our very own models are losing income because of this invasion.

Britain is determined to prevent Iran developing nuclear arms, Gordon Brown has warned in an address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset.

He said that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's call for Israel "to be wiped off the map" was abhorrent.

Tehran must abandon its nuclear programme or face "growing isolation".

He said the UK stood ready to lead in taking firmer sanctions and was also set to vow to stand beside Israel in its "fight for liberty".

'Lifelong affection'

Mr Brown's speech, the first speech to the Knesset by a British prime minister, marks the end of his three-day tour of the Middle East.

In a message likely to go down well with his hosts, he insisted that the UK, the European Union and the United States were determined to prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon - Israel's key strategic fear. - BBC News

By Kit Bagaipo
Bohol Chronicle

An alleged "illegal recruiter" who is facing charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for victimizing overseas bound Boholanos said she is just an agent for tours to Dubai.

Erlinda Jamaldin, together with business associate Eduardina Estrella, was slapped with large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa at the Office of the City Prosecutor after three of their purported victims complained to the NBI.

Jamaldin however told the Chronicle she is filing counter complaints against the three complainants Joseph Joy Evangelista, Arnold Soliva and Alejandro Arena.

According to Jamaldin, she is operating a travel consultancy company here in the city to help Boholanos go to Dubai as tourists.

Contrary to the allegations made by complainants, Jamaldin said, she never gave assurance for them to get jobs in Dubai.

She admitted having collected about P70,000 each from the complainants for the processing of their visa, airplane tickets and accommodation upon reaching the foreign country.
         

The NBI complaint, based on affidavits of the three alleged victims, said the suspects defrauded at least 6 Boholanos by promising them of non-existent jobs in Dubai.

Dubai is currently one of the favorite destinations of local job seekers. In order to gain an easy access abroad, many of whom pass as tourists and hunt for employment in Dubai.

Jamaldin said she explained to the complainants that she could only process for their papers going out of the country but never told them of job placements.

She also denied misleading the complainants into believing that her agency is a job recruitment firm for overseas placements.

Evangelista, Soliva and Arena accused Jamaldin that the latter posted a banner outside her firm's office of job opportunities abroad.

They were purportedly told that Jamaldin's business associate in Dubai will process their working permits and that there are indeed job openings in the said country.

However, when they reached the country, they were never able to work legally and Jamaldin's partner Estrella did not process their working visas.

A 60-year old Saudi man who was set to marry a 10-year old girlâ€"he 'won' in a bet with her fatherâ€"has postponed his marriage after protests from human rights groups, press reports revealed.

The fate of the little girl was decided after her father dared the elderly man to marry a second wife and teased him about being afraid of his current wife. The elderly man accepted the challenge and asked for his daughter's hand in marriage, Saudi newspaper Al-Madina reported.

The father couldn't retract the challenge and accepted the proposal, asking for a 100,000 riyal dowry, the paper said, adding the two men finalized the marriage procedures and the couple even underwent pre-marital tests, which shocked staff at the lab.

The Saudi National Human Rights Association sent a letter to the Emir of the northwestern city Hail, where the girl lives, and to court to stop the union.

The Association stated that the union is in violation of the international treaty for the protection of children from early marriages, of which Saudi Arabia is a signatory.

The residents of Hail shared the same sentiments and were actually the ones who demanded that the Association intercede to stop the marriage.

Last March, the Association stopped the marriage of a 12-year old boy and his 11-year old cousin in the southwestern province of Jizan.

Saudi sociologist Abdullah Al-Harbi said that in these kinds of marriages the father technically sells his daughter, since the groom-to-be usually pays huge amounts of money to marry a younger girl to "satisfy his sexual desires."

"These marriages usually end up in failure, and the girl usually goes through trauma due to living with a man who is much older," he said. source: Alarabiya News

By Engineer Jes Tirol
Columnist
Bohol Chronicle

Proem

When the first governor of Bohol, Captain Guillermo Kirkpatrick, arrived in Bohol his first project was construction of a jail. On October 26, 1854 the construction of the jail was started and became functional on July 5, 1856.

The reason forwarded by Governor Kirkpatrick was to imprison those who did not perform their polo service. However, as time went by many kinds of "crimes" were the causes of imprisonment.

Poor Man's Prison

Majority of those who were put in prison were the poor. Eventually the jail was known as Poor Man's Prison.

On 3 March 1874, the Politico-Military Governor of Bohol Joaquin Bengoechea made a report to the Director General de Administration Local de Filipinas (Director General for Local Administration in the Philippines). The report has the following prefatory statement, Relacion de los presos pobres destinados por medida gubernativa (Information regarding the poor prisoners imprisoned by order of the government). In the report were the names of the prisoners, their crimes, their sentences, and the time they were actually detained.

Types of Crimes

First on the list was Don Domingo Gomapac. His crime was Mal creacion de caudales or bad way of creating wealth. He was imprisoned for one year, 6 months and 24 days.

We do not know what is meant by "bad way of creating wealth." Basically it is the same as today's crime of "unexplained wealth." So even during Spanish times in Bohol, it was already a crime for a poor man to become wealthy.

Herewith is the list of other crimes:
1. Failure to pay debt
2. Failure to pay tribute-tax and personal (polo) service
3. Occultism and demon worship
4. Undocumented
5. Malversation of wealth
6. By order of the government
7. Failure to give assistance
8. Slight physical injuries
9. Thief of cattle
10. Committing abuse to a private gentleman
11. Desertion from the military draft

Among the eleven crimes listed above the longest sentence was for "Slight physical injuries," which was for 1 year, two months and 10 days. It was followed by "Failure to pay debt," which merited 11 months and one day, followed by "Desertion from military draft," which merited 10 months and six days. It was followed by "Thief of cattle," which merited 5 months and six days.

"Malversation of wealth," merited 6 months. Being "Undocumented," merited an imprisonment of 5 days. The "Abuse to a private gentleman," which is practically equivalent to present day "libel" or "slander," merited 13 days imprisonment.

The most arbitrary crime was "by order of the government." It merited a penalty of 5 days. The other crimes were only for some days.

Comment

The major crimes like murder, etc. were put in another part of the jail and were usually tried in Cebu or Manila.

The most "common crime" was being "undocumented." It was followed by "failure to pay tribute or render polo service."

Even though there were only two cases of "by order of the government," we can still see that this type of "crime" really existed in Bohol during Spanish times.

To my mind, the most oppressive "crime" was "Bad way of creating wealth" or "Unexplained wealth." Any rich Boholano who would resist giving away a wealth that a Spaniard covets can be accused of this crime and be put in prison for more than a year.

By Bohol Sunday Post

      As expected, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last week approved P8 as the minimum PUJ fare effective July 14, following the series of increases in the prices of petroleum products.

      The new fare rate means an increase of P1 to the old rate.

      While the regular fare for the first five kilometers is P8, students, senior citizens and disabled persons will just have to pay P6.50.

      To the minimum fare, P1 will be added on for each succeeding kilometer. This means drivers charge P9 for ferrying passengers to six kilometers, P10 for seven kilometers and so on.

      For students, senior citizens, and disabled persons, the add-on is only 80 centavos for every succeeding kilometer, to be rounded off to the nearest multiple of 25 centavos.

      This means, students, senior citizens, and disabled persons will have to pay P6.50 for a travel of five kilometers or less, P7.25 for six kilometers, and P8 for seven kilometers, and so on.

      LTFRB set up a mobile service at the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) on Friday and yesterday to cater to PUJ operators and drivers who needed to get their copies of the new fare rate matrix which LTFRB requires them to post inside the passenger jeeps.

      LTFRB Memorandum Circular 90-020 dated September 21, 1990 makes it mandatory for PUJ operators and drivers to post an updated copy of the fare rates matrix.

      For motor tricycles-for-hire, the city government approved the one-peso fare increase from P6 to P7.

      On May 21, LTFRB granted a nationwide provisional 50-centavo fare increase wherein Metro Manila’s minimum fare rate became P8, while in Central Visayas, it became P6.50.

      Later in the ensuing deliberations, LTFRB-7 Regional Director Romulo Bernardes convinced the LTFRB en banc to grant another 50-centavo increase for Central Visayas.

      So the starting June 30, the minimum fare in Region 7 became P7 for the first five kilometers.

      Bernardes further succeeded in convincing the LTFRB en banc for raising the minimum fare rate to P8 now.

By Bohol Sunday Post

     The National Labor Relations Commission sub-regional branch in Tagbilaran City ordered Garcia-Hernandez Mayor Myrna Schreurs to pay her former employee a total of P159,000 for salary differential, backwages and other withheld benefits after losing in a labor case.

      Labor Arbiter Fructuoso Villarin of the NLRC Sub-Regional Arbitration branch 7 in Tagbilaran City found that without just cause and due process, Schreurs terminated the employment of Arlene Sayson, whose name used to appear as the owner/general manager/proprietor/president of Garcia-Hernandez Mechandize.

      In her arguments, Schreurs used Sayson’s ceremonial ownership of the business in trying to refute that she summarily dismissed her (Sayson) as it could have been a factual error to tag her (Schreurs) as “the employer”, since the documents indicate Sayson as the proprietor of the establishment from which she (Sayson) was separated.

      After Sayson’s separation from the business establishment, it was transferred to the name of a certain Fe Jamero Pagulcan, with the new business name, Garcia-Hernandez Enterprise.

      In an eight-page decision dated April 25, 2008, Villarin explained that though Sayson’s name appeared as proprietor of the business being the mayor’s dummy, “a cursory examination of the position papers of the parties shows that the fact of [her] employment in the business of Garcia-Hernandez Merchandize has not been put in dispute.

      According to Villarin, Sayson “was working in the said establishment” though her role was debated.

      Villarin also found Sayson deprived of the minimum wage, 13th-month pay, service incentive leave pay, overtime pay, holiday pay and premium pay due her.

      On this, the labor arbiter ordered the mayor to pay Sayson salary differential of P46,800, backwages from the time of her dismissal until the finality of a decision tentatively amounting to P93,600, 13th month pay of P15,600, service incentive leave pay amounting to P3,000 and attorney’s fee equivalent to 10 percent of the total amount due her.

      Sayson also hinted that registering the business under different names other than the mayor’s was just a ploy to evade graft issues as the establishment has been transacting business with the government in the mayor’s stint at the municipal hall.

      Also in the complaint she filed against Schreurs, through legal counsel, Isabelo Sales Jr., Sayson narrated that before her summary dismissal from work, she “felt the mayor’s resentment towards her caused by jealousy over the suspicion that the mayor’s husband, Wilhemus Schreurs, was giving her too much attention”.

      Hostility then reached to a point that “she was barred from entering the company office and other places in the compound”.

      Upon her summary dismissal, the mayor “threatened to kill her if it was found out that she had sexual relationship with [the mayor’s] husband”.

      Sayson started working as a sales clerk and cashier of Garcia-Hernandez Merchandize on May 14, 1997 until 1999. She returned to work at the establishment on March 10, 2000 for a salary of P150 a day until November 23, 2006 when she was “dismissed without just cause and due process”.

      Before the establishment was named under Sayson in 2004, it was named under a certain Vidal Pagaran from 2001 to 2004 and its business name, Bohol General Merchandize, holding office in a rented space owned by the mayor’s husband.

      Now, it’s called Garcia-Hernandez Enterprise registered in the name of Pagulcan.

      Sayson presented certifications from the Municipal Assessor’s Office, the Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development, and the office of the barangay captain that she has no property holdings, disputing the mayor’s argument that she owned the establishment that she (Sayson herself) sued for illegal dismissal.

      Moreover, though the business is now registered in the name of Pagulcan, its address is the same as the location of the mayor’s and her husband’s house and business compound.

      Villarin led to a conclusion that Sayson was a regular employee of the mayor, who was entitled “to security of tenure and could not be terminated from employment without just cause and due process. (

By Loy Palapos

      Loboc and Panglao are the current twin in local tourism. The main variation is the obvious hand of the former’s governance in the planning-directing process. It has set its goals and spearheads the action. For which reason, there is a fast-trucking that is easily perceptible.

      On top of the situation is the Mayor of Loboc. Seeing him in his office last Tuesday, July 15, made me observe the various improvements of the Municipality, not only in the physical side, but also the new sense of well-being of the populace. Mayor Calipusan is another proof that a gifted businessman in the private sector makes an effective administrator.

      Never did it come to his mind that these days, he would be seated at the helm of a town. It started with an easily-dismissed joke, which ripened into being accepted as a possibility, at first among his friends; until later he was persuaded to give it a try. Now, more than four years hence, the Mayor can look back and give a sigh of relief. After all he has learned to love his job with a passion of a man filled with altruism for the municipality he wants to lead in prosperity.

      Affable and soft-spoken, Mayor Calipusan’s demeanor belies a checkered life bedecked with its ups-and-downs. He has experienced more setbacks and triumphs than many of his compatriots. For instance, do you know of any Boholano whose establishment constructed a school in Beverly Hills, California? He has seen numerous and delectable places here and abroad which he would like to pattern his local attractions. What will he do to that monstrous bridge which has been dubbed “a monument of stupidity?”

      This interview with Mayor Leon Asane Calipusan (LAC) is one of its kind, with the interviewer impressed and awed by his subject for a 30-minute tete-a-tete over a cup of coffee.

      LMP: This is your second term, how would you compare this term from the first one?

      LAC: Mas sayon na ang trabaho compared sa primero. Kaniadto, nagtuon pa man ta kon unsaon pagpadagan sa atong lungsod; unsaon pagsilbi ug ensakto ang atong constituents. Ang importante, ang bureaucracy sa Local Government should work. Mao man god na’y importante.

      LMP: Wala ba diay kay exposure about governance when you became the Mayor?

LAC: Wala gyod. Miditso naman ta pag ka-mayor.

LMP: What prompted you to enter politics?

      LAC: Ang tinuod, dili gyod ko gusto aning kinabuhi sa politika. Ang politiko man god , pirmi mag-agad sa gusto sa mga tawo. Mao nga dili unta ko musod ani. Apan gi-encourage man ko sa akong mga amigo.

LMP: But during that time, wala ka dinhi magpuyo sa Loboc?

      LAC: Wala ko dinhi magpuyo. Didto ko sa Mindanao sa 1987, then sa States sa 1989; mibalik ko sa 1996. Milarga na pod ko sa Cebu tungod sa mga negosyo. Pag-balik nako dinhi before sa 2001 elections, didto na nagsugod ang istorya.

LMP: Di ba imong gipulihan si Sarigumba?

LAC: Kadto si Sarigumba, wala to makahuman kay nasakit man to siya.

LMP: So you took over right after?

      LAC: Wala pa. Ang Vice-Mayor mao’y mi-assume pagka-Mayor. Pero paglansad nako primero, si Sarigumba akong kontra, apan napildi ko.

LMP: Pagdagan nimog balik, kinsa imong kontra?

LAC: Pagbalik nako, wala na ko’y kontra.

      LMP: Karon, medyo relax na ka kay kabisado naman nimo ang pasikot-sikot sa politika?

      LAC: At least, kaila nako sa mga tawo. Sila pod, nakasabot na nako, kay ang akong tumong sa LGU is economic enterprise gyod.

LMP: Sa economic side, unsa ang mga problema pagsugod nimo?

      LAC: Ang income gikan sa IRA ug ang local income, gamay ra kayo para gamiton sa mga projects; dili pa ka-develop. Naho’g nga bisan naa’y gamay nga projects, wala’y impact. Mao nga among gipangitaan ug paagi unsaon pagdako sa income.

LMP: Sa pagsugod nimo, unsa ma’y mga proyekto nimo sa economic side?

      LAC: Ang waterworks, kay dili 24 hours ang pag-agas sa gripo. Kon muagas man gani, dili pod steady. Mao to nga akong gipangitaan ug solusyon.

LMP: Pila ka buwan man nimo nasulbad ang problema?

      LAC: Tulo ka buwan pod kadto. Ang mga tawo nga among gisilbihan stable na, unya naka-additional pa gyod mi ug lima ka barangay.

LMP: Is this an enterprise nga makakuha pod mo ug income?

      LAC: Kon imong balansihon, as a business, wala gyod ni’y income. Alkansi gyod ni nga negosyo kay wala ma’y return sa investment. Nag-collect mi pero igo ra sa sweldo, dili maka-recover sa investments. Suwerte lang kon naay mohatag.

LMP: Unsa pa may mga plano nimo bahin aning tubig?

      LAC: I-improve gyod ang quality sa tubig. Mo-expand pod ang services sa ubang barangay.

      LMP: Unsa katinuod ang mga hugong-hugong nga ang Bohol hilabi na ang Tagbilaran, ani manguha ug tubig sa Loboc.

      LAC: Actually, diha nato’y miduol nga mangayo ug water rights pero wala man pod ma-materialize kay ang ilang proposal dili acceptable. Kita maoy nag-supply ug tubig sa Loay. Wala’y problema ang Loboc when it comes to water support kay naa man ta’y source.

      LMP: Aside from the water system, unsay mga proyekto nga matawag nato ug mi-click gyod labi na sa mga tawo?

      LAC: Ang among gitutokan aside sa water system, kining tourism. Paglingkod nako, akong nakita nga daghan gyod ang mga turista nga moanhi sa Loboc, apan pagtan-aw nako sa income sa Lungsod, gamay lang kayo; P60, 000 a year lang.   Nakahuna-huna ko nga dili maayo ang situwasyon. Sikat ang Loboc but pobre ang mga tawo; napuno ug problema ang local government. So why not make this an asset nga makahatag ug revenue and employment and at the same time prestige sa lugar.

      LMP: Years ago, adunay Gold project nga it will be eco-tourism, then agriculture para sa lalawigan. Do you have the same plans karon, which is tourism before agriculture?

      LAC: Naa man mi’y program sa tourism, naa pod sa agriculture. Mokuha man ug support ang tourism sa agriculture. Naa na ma’y market sa agricultural products. Maong gi-encourage sa mga mag-uuma nga mananom ug mga produkto aron mahalin sa mga floating restaurant operators.

      LMP: Pag-abot nimo, diha na’y river cruise. Unsa pa man ang mga improvements nga imong gihimo? I’ve heard, nadugangan na ang mga restaurants; aduna nay traffick?

      LAC: Paglingkod nako, ako nang gikuhaan ug average daily basis ang mga arrival sa turista nga mosakay sa cruise. Kay naa ma’y mga turista nga mutan-aw ra sa tarsiers or sa simbahan. Kon mosakay sila sa cruise, adunay 200 a day nga average. That was before ko maglingkod. Pagkakaron, muabot na ug 800 a day. Before ang income was P60, 000 a year, karong 2008, moabot na ug 14 million.

LMP: Ana nga puntoha, would you like to consider yourself as successful?

      LAC: Dili pa. Dili ta makaingon nga successful gyod kay daghan paman ta ug angay nga buhaton. Kana man gong tourism, behikulo ra na aron ma-improve ang kinabuhi sa mga tawo.

      LMP: Ang imong target gyod is to improve the lives of the people. Not tourism per se?

      LAC: Yes. Even in my speeches, moingon gyod ko nga “don’t judge me kay makakita mo nga malami inyong kalsada. Makakita mo nga mi-gwapo ang atong munisipyo. Or nakagama ta ug CR nga aircon or tiles na ang pantalan. I-judge ko kon na-improve ba nako ang inyong kinabuhi. Kon wala mo nako ma-improve, failure ko sa akong pagka-Mayor.

      LMP: I would like to ask you this very old question. Unsay plano anang taytayan? 

      LAC: I-transform na siya into a hanging garden. Inig saka nimo sa taas, naa na’y mga tanom. Kon adlawan, pwedi na na kaagian.

LMP: Would this be a project of the government or the private sector?

      LAC: Kini nga tulay, gi-turn over na sa local government. Karon, ang taga FCB, mi donate. They will spend 3 million para sa first phase.

LMP: How about the income, will it go to the town?

      LAC: Kon adunay economic activity, adto na sa lungsod. Wala ko mangayo sa FCB, sila ang mi boluntaryo. Siguro nakita pod nila nga angay tabangan ang Loboc kay nakita man pod nila nga naningkamot gyod ang Lobocanon.

LMP: Unsa pa man ang mga on-going projects nimo karon?

      LAC: Gagama mi ug commissary sa para sa mga river cruise operators. International standard na. Stainless steel ang tanang gamit sa sulod.

      LMP: At least ma safeguard ang quality sa pagkaon. Dili na sila mangutana kon giunsa pagluto o kon hinlo ba. Now, there were some sectors nga nagdumili pag-balhin didto sa pikas side. How did you convince them?

      LAC: Una, naa man ta’y balaod nga gipasikaran. Wa sila’y choice kay nagsunod man ta sa balaod. Apan pag-balhin na nila didto, nakita man pod nila ang advantage.

      LMP: Loboc is the music capital of Bohol. Naa man ang Loboc Children’s Choir. Naa pod ang Loboc Youth Ambassador Band. Pila kabuok ang miyembro ani?

LAC: Ang first batch was 153.

LMP: How did you come about this project?

      LAC: Sa hapit na ko ma-Mayor, ingon sila nga magsugod ta ug ginagmay. Poverty alleviation through music.

LMP: Giunsa man nimo pag-kumbinsir sa mga bata?

      LAC: Ako ning gisugyot sa mga ginikanan nga angay tudloan ug instrumentation ang mga bata aron inig college, ma-libre ug eskwela. Kinsa man pod ang dili mosugot ana? As of today, we have almost 600 students under Loboc Youth Educational Association. Nagsugod na pod mi ug eskwelahan gitawag ug Loboc School of Music. Naa na’y building among gigama.

LMP: Will you still be here for the third term?

LAC: Wala pa pod ta kahibaw kon unsay mahitabo. It’s up to the people.

LMP: Unsay imong message sa mga taga-Loboc?

      LAC: Ako lang hangyo, atong ipadayon ang atong panaghiusa. Let’s work as one para sa atong lungsod.         

      That Mayor Leon A. Calipusan has done wonders to Loboc is undebatable. His biggest advantage is his varied exposures and experiences in and outside of the country, which he can put to good use as the need arises. Besides, he knows how to listen to those around him; consequently, he does not credit to himself the improvements that are discernible, but to those who contributed their time and talents in putting up some projects. For instance, he mentioned in particular Mr. Argeo Melisimo who spends his weekends in Loboc conferring with the Mayor various concerns for the town, aside from many others who are adamant for economic upliftment of the townfolks.

      The first time he ran as Mayor, albeit reluctantly and only prodded by his friends and relatives, he made it hands down because there was no adversary to contest him for the post. The second time, there was an opposition, but when people voted for him, it only meant that they approved of his performance in the first three years.

      How about in 2010? Although Mayor Leon Calipusan openly declared, he would not know the pulse of the town, several quarters have already concluded that his constituents now are fully convinced that they have made the right choice. Remember, one term is too long for a bad Mayor, and three terms are too short for a good one. With the progress Loboc now enjoys, a lifetime Mayor could be the answer.   

By Boy Guingguing
Sunday Post Publisher

Politicians are like machine guns. In the case of the later, their main characteristic is that they have an insatiable appetite for bullets. Politicians? It goes without saying that they are as voracious for corruptible funds (read: kickbacks and commissions). Tell this BGlante of any politician who is not on the take.

Have you ever noticed why politicians are treating public office like their own private kingdoms? Because there is money in politics and getting rich is part of the agenda. And have money will win reelection. And when reelected, woe unto those who are motivated by public service. You may be the right person for the right position you are aspiring for. But before you know it, you discover later that you are the right person in the right party but in the wrong place and wrong time.

That is the reality of politics. If you do not understand what I mean, then you were just born yesterday.

In this era of political dynasty becoming a badge of honor, there’s no way that you miss the handwriting on the wall. When politicians become so callous and insensitive to cries of corruption in public office, it is because people have short memories. This explains why politicians have developed a sense of security to honorable positions as if they have earned the birth right to hand it down to whoever is next in line of successionâ€"wife, son, daughter, niece, nephew, uncle, etc. Under this milieu, it is as if political positions are so coveted that they turned over by the outgoing like an heirloom to the succeeding generation. 

Notice the scenario evolving like a political rigodon. This early, configurations of political tandems are taking shape two years away from the point of no return of graduating politicians.

You have heard of Cong. Edgar Chatto being paired with Cong. Roberto Cajes for the top elective posts of the province. To his rah rah  boys, they are unbeatable. Both loaded for having completed their three terms in Congress, pound for pound, money for money, any combination pitted against them will look like political toothpicks even if their handlers have been trumpeting them as political timbers. 

A dream team no less, this is the kind of love duet that Gov. Erico Aumentado, still the undisputed baton leader of Bohol’s political orchestra (his three terms ending in 2010 notwithstanding), will not miss a beat.

Ever the skillful power broker, the newly recharged Aumentado (he just arrived from the States for a medical check up), the graduating governor will see to it that he will give Cajes an offer he cannot refuse. Or else the incumbent solon will have a hard time selling his wife, Trinidad Mayor Baby Cajes, as his successor in the second district. Although as always, the governor who he is described by both admirers and critics as slippery as an ell (danglog pa sa halwan), is playing coy of his future political plans, his slip is showing that he is coveting a comeback of his old Congress post. 

Then what happens to the obvious positioning of V-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera who wants to become a bride this time after a bridesmaid for nine long and agonizing years?

As we have been saying all this time, the Solomonic formula is for Herrera to be handed down the first district congressional plum, of course, in a silver platter. Meaning, he should be unmolested of any pretender to the congressional crown to be left behind by Chatto.

Forget about the yarn that Pureza Veloso-Chatto, the incumbent congressman’s wife, will take over her husband’s Congress slot. For all you know that is Chatto’s way of “killing the monkey to scare the chicken”. With the Pureza card being laid on the table, all bets are off for a Chatto bid undisturbed from the imposturing of Herrera.

Trust Aumentado to do the dirty work. A rabid advocate of so-called win-win solutions, the governor by authority of his party’s mandate, is the mediator of choice in case conflicts arise when one or two contenders are vying for the same elective post. If it worked before, why the hell will it not work in 2010.

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

  Capitol recently bares holders of active quarry permits in Bohol in a bid to inform local government units and barangay leaders about existing legitimate operations and urge them to report to authorities of any perceived mining operations.

  Through Task Force Kabukiran, Governor Erico Aumentado has launched an in-house environmental watch group which binds hands with national agencies to extend muscle flexing power and effectively implement applicable environment laws, said Engr Renato Villaber during the recent League of Municipalities of the Philippines meeting at the Bohol Tropics. 

  Villaber, who head the Bohol Environment Management Office also named at least 45 active permittees in Bohol operating quarries in about 30 towns of Bohol’s 47.

  According to a list furnished by Bemo, Shirley Bungabong operates for sand and gravel (SAG) in West Poblacion, Alburquerque, Rodrigo Labunog and Christopher Uy for limestone in Napo Alicia and Joel Bomediano for limestone in Cabatang, Alicia.

  In Antequera, S&CU Construction mines for limestone in Danao, Rodrigo Labunog and Romeo Salon extracts the same quarry material from Cambanac and San Roque, Baclayon.   

  Calape has three valid permitees: Giovani Nazareno for limestone in Catmonan, Dennis Josol for limestone in Tultugan and Barangay Calunasa has river sand quarry permit in its barangay.

  Candijay has only Hench/H Chua as permitee for manganese in barangay Panas. 

  In Corella, only Cesar Maluenda holds a limestone permit to quarry in Cancatac.

  Duero has Teofanes Acenas and Bonifacio Cagape operating for SAG in Cansuhay, Herenita Peligro in Lobogon and the municipality of Duero for SAG and salt in San Antonio and Cansuhay. 

  Active permitees operating in Guindulman include Emmanuel Tubig, Asterio Casing and Sinforiano Labastida for SAG at barangays Catungawan Sur and Norte.

  Gatafe has Sinforiano Labastida mining for boulders at Corte-Baud, while in Inabanga, Anita Gudez, Jose Cellan and Segundo Anud mine for SAG in Saa, Napo and Lonoy respectively.

  Maximo Roluna solely mines for limestone in Pondol Loon.

  Loay has got Rodrigo Labunog for limestone in Tocdog Dacu while Isidoro Cesar for SAG in Tambangan. 

  Rodrigo Labunog and Municipality of Lila mines for limestones in Poblacion and Lomanoy respectively in Lila, while Tantrade Coproration extracts R-Phosphate in Marcelo, Mabini.

  Maribojoc has Ramir Yu mining limestone in Candavid, Colonia Hinay for limestone in Libjo Sikatuna and Gershon Dulang extracts silica in Santo Nino, Talibon along with Luzviminda Dulang for silica in Tanghaligue, Garry lou Dulang for diorite in Bagacay and Carlito Hernias for boulders in Sto. Nino.

  In Sierra Bullones, Uldarico Butron operates for SAG in Poblacion. 

  In Trinidad, silt is extracted by the MDCC, Claro Jabines gathers boulders in Kina-oan, Paul Caberte for limestone in Kauswagan while Johver Minerals Inc. gathers silica in San Vicente and Kinan-oan.

  Finally, Ubay has Hanjin mining limestone in Ilihan, Deodato Butawan for limestone in Bood, Barangay San Vicente for SAG in their place, the PEO for limestone in Tipolo and Cesar Maluenda for limestone in Sinandigan.

The Balicasag Dive Resort in Balicasag island in Panglao is up for sale along with  eight other tourism facilities operated by the Philippine Tourism Authority.

This was announced by Tourism Sec. Joseph Ace Durano who was in Cebu Thursday to award the   certificate of entitlement to 20 scholars of the Banilad Center for Professional Development under the Turismo Mismo program of the DOT.

Durano said operating and managing these properties is not the primary mandate of the PTA.

“The policy really is to privatize (ownership of these facilities and properties) through private operations if not sell the  property so that PTA can carry out its mandate of building infrastructure”. he sad.

“PTA has no capability of managing hotels or resorts because what we have are accountants and engineers, said Durano, who sits as PTA board chairman.

Saying that PTA is subsidizing the operations of these properties, Durano said up to P700 million is given as subsidies to these facilities to keep them afloat.

Of the properties up for sale, the  Balicasag resort is one of  those  not being subsidized since its earnings are enough to support operations but it does not have enough money for capital outlay or for improving and building infrastructure.

He reported that at least three hotel and resort operators are interested to operate the Bal;icasag facility.

Located off Panglao Island in Bohol, the island resort sits in a . 1.5- hectare lot  out of its total 25 hectares PTA-owned property.. The island's crystal blue waters provide a clear, vivid view of its corals, fishes and other marine life.

The resort is frequented by divers, foreign and local. It has a dive shop which offers instructions on scuba diving.

Naturally ventilated, native-inspired duplex cottages have private baths. Its cozy restaurant serves local and international cuisine.

Of interest are shells and fresh fish that are sold by the islanders to guests of the resort.

source: Sunday Post

By Rey Anthony Chiu - PIA

  The Department of Finance (DOF) agreed to bankroll in part Catigbian’s proposal for a P10.2 M Municipal Health Center with a lying in capacity through its Local Government Finance Development (LOGOFIND) Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) facility.

  The development elated local government officials led by Mayor Roberto Salinas, who needed to appeal for reconsideration on the extension of the LOGOFIND to get an active status and still be eligible for funding.

  Earlier, Catigbian submitted the proposal to DOF through Usec. Roberto Tan of the MDFO for funding of a construction of Catigbian Main Rural Health Unit. But it came at a time when the LOGOFIND was on the tail end of its program implementation.

  According to Mayor Salinas, the proposal they submitted includes construction of a 5-bed puericulture center with family planning center, chemical lab with laboratory equipments and supplies, dental clinic, minor surgical clinic with equipment and supplies as well as provision of additional medicines and supplies.       

  In his letter of appeal to the DOF, Salinas begged for program extension as the government has already spent around P800 thousand for the sub-project preparation. He hinted that a denial would seriously affect the morale of the people preparing the projects and Catigbianons who have been waiting and wanting for a better health service.

  To the appeal, the MDFO management committee passed a resolution approving the Catigbian proposal for a 628.68 square meter 2-storey Infirmary Hospital Building with a perimeter fence and concrete pavement on a subproject basis.

  The subproject follows a 35% loan, 50% grant and 15% equity to the tune of P10,247,436.00 an amount Salinas said could go higher with their equity now being based on current rates. 

  Not only seen as a potential means to increase the effective rendition of the LGUs health social services and empower its health workers, but also as revenue generation tool, the project proposal states.

In fact, Salinas showed a no objection letter from DOF telling him to go for the procurement of works via a competitive bidding as well as the corresponding standard bidding documents on the LOGOFIND project. The letter, dated July 4 was signed by Helena Habulan, LOGOFIND executive director. (rachiu/PIA)   

Mayors opt to regulate

than “junk scrap biz” 

REASON prevailed over an amassing frustration at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) special meeting Thursday, July 17, 2008 when mayors instead voted to regulate rather than impose a total ban on the scrap metal industry.

  Admitting a total ban is too harsh for the thriving scrap buying industry, Tubigon Mayor Luna Piezas withdrew an early motion against the junk business and proposed to the LMP to regulate the business instead.

  But by regulation, scrap metal buyers may not sigh in relief yet. 

  The LMP contemplates on adopting stricter policies before scrap buying permits could be granted.

  In fact, Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco, who earlier expressed alarm over the indiscriminate use of minors and school children in the industry said he still would find ways to flag down the mobile scrap metal buyers who pass through his town.

  Mayors have been alarmed of the rising cases of live service dropwire thievery cases, the stolen items ending up in junk shops or in the hands of scrap metal buyers.

  Majority of them also air apprehension over the apparent attempt of buyers employ an army of kids who at times steal but are immune from apprehension due to an existing Juvenile Justice Act.

  Provincial lawyer Handel Lagunay, who shed his expertise at the meeting said a total ban may be unconstitutional being restrictive of free trade. 

  Over this, he went for stricter regulations from the end of mayors who can demand when business operators get permits.

  Atty. Lagunay proposed qualifications before permits can be granted, where an agreement on age regulations requirements be imposed, additional clearances before a permit grant, the right to do on the spot inspections at their shops, and buyers keeping a daily establishment logbook which traces which items are sold by whom. 

  Piezas added that there indeed is money in the business and the LGU might as well use its power to maximize its gains on the matter. 

  Meanwhile, Inabanga mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy suggested that a technical working group be organized to make a thorough study on such a broad topic. The TWG, he said would draft an ordinance as a template for all local government units to work on and enhance according to their needs.

            A couple lost more than P90,000 in cash and valuables to three unidentified suspects in Sagbayan town.

            The victims were identified as Florencio Sr. and Angelita Gambi, residents of Sitio Hillside, Barangay Poblacion, Sagbayan.

            A child of the victim identified as Flor Gambi personally reported the incident to the police. According to the younger Gambi, the hold-up took place about 8:25 pm last July 13.

            The suspects divested the victims of P50,000 in cash and expensive jewelry valued at P40,000, a cellular phone worth more than P2,000 and important documents.

            The hold-up is still the subject of follow-up operations by the Sagbayan police.

            In another development, a pregnant woman was arrested in Baclayon town in connection with a snatching incident that took place in the public market.

            The suspect was identified as one Jocelyn Abalto, 24, a native of Bindoy, Negros Oriental but presently residing in Gallares street, Tagbilaran City.

            Initial reports revealed that the victim identified as one Gelyn Ednalgan, 35, was in front of the Baclayon public market about 2 pm last Wednesday.

            The suspect suddenly grabbed the bag containing P2,700 and other important documents from the Mayana, Jagna native.

            Responding policemen and witnesses chased the suspect who fled towards the seawall and arrested her while she was hiding in the mangrove swamp. The authorities recovered the bag with the cash and valuables from the suspect.

source: Sunday Post

            In Bilar town, a tourist claimed that a tourist guide and a companion robbed him of valuables last July 15.

            The victim was identified as one Mark Anthony Calimutan, 27, a resident of no. 28, Maligaya subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City.

            Calimutan alleged that he lost P4,000 in cash, a Nokia N70 mobile phone, i-pod and other valuables.

            The suspects was identified as a certain Edwin Eloriaga, 25, and his companion known only as Dodong.

            SPO1 Florido Gabito of the Bilar PNP told Station DyTR that the victim clamed he and the suspect met at a mall in Tagbilaran about 7:30 pm last Tuesday. The suspect reportedly offered to accompany Calimutan to the Chocolate Hills that same night by motorcycle.

            The victim said he did not know the address of the suspect whom he met in Cebu during the Sinulog celebration where the latter also acted as his tour guide.

            According to Calimutan, after divesting him of his valuables, the suspect left him in the forest with P200 for his fare.

            As this developed, the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tours Operators (BOFETTO) disowned Eloriaga saying his name was not among the accredited tour guides. - source: Bohol Sunday Post

     The Municipality of Tubigon will receive the Green Banner Award for topping in the 2007 Regional Search for the Most Outstanding Municipality in Nutrition Program Implementation conferred by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), with a final score of 93.49 percent.

      It was based on the regional nutrition evaluation that the National Nutrition Council of the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) conducted on June 19.

      In a letter dated July 7, 2008, Nutrition Program Coordinator Parolita Mission of the National Nutrition Council of DOH-7, invited Mayor Luna Piezas to receive, for Tubigon, the Green Banner Award at the 2008 Grand Nutrition Awards ceremony in the afternoon of August 4 at the Cebu International Convention Center, Mandaue City.

      Mission also asked Piezas to give a five-minute response highlighting the Tubigon’s accomplishments, for other local government units (LGUs) to emulate.

      Tubigon will be conferred the Green Banner Award after winning the regional search for the Outstanding Municipality for Nutrition Program Implementation conducted by the National Nutrition Council- Region 7.

      The award is in recognition to the municipality’s outstanding performance in implementing its nutrition program through the Municipal Nutrition Committee chaired by Mayor Piezas.

      DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III is expected to grace the awarding ceremony as the keynote speaker.

      Prior to the awarding ceremony, the regional awardees will be presented to the media.

      Like those of other outstanding LGUs, Tubigon’s best practices initiated in 2007 will be included the mini-souvenir program that DOH will produce, Mission said. - source: Sunday Post

      Believed to have been depressed from a misunderstanding with his wife, a 34-year-old man committed suicide by hanging himself with a nylon rope from a Santol tree early morning of July 7 in barangay Ubujan, Tubigon.

      Based on police report, one Asterio Junasa of Sitio Malisod, Barangay Ubujan called up the municipal police station to report the incident.

      On this, the police sent a team composed of three personnel to investigate the report, together with Municipal Health Officer Bob Batausa.

      Dr. Batausa conducted an autopsy on the body of the victim, Jonathan Tapayan, a resident of Barangay Pinayagan Sur.

      According to the victim’s father, Ernesto Tapayan, he had observed that his son was so depressed in the last few days before the incident, following a misunderstanding with his wife, Rowena.

source: Bohol Sunday Post

      Maribojoc, Bohol - Punta Cruz Barangay Captain Faustino dela Serna joined forces with Fish Wardens Nicolas Meguillio, Marcelo Galan Jr., and Eduardo Obenza Jr.; and Barangay Tanod Leopoldo Busa; and in coordination with the police team, in arresting six illegal fishermen catching aquarium fishes along the seawaters of Punta Cruz, this town.

      Caught in the act were Zacarias Enoc, Ruel Tradio, Ernesto Enoc, Jaime Tradio, Trifon Tradio and Reneboy Tradio, all of Sta. Rosa, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

      Confiscated from them were white pumpboat, fishing gears and other paraphernalia.

      The Police released them, though, after the vessel owner, Christopher Allan Tisoy, paid a penalty of P9,000.

      Early this month, Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera lauded the sterling performance of the municipal police team here under the tutelage of Mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr. and Chief of Police Christian Garcia during the Integrated Transformation Program Run on July 3 at Camp Dagohoy, Tagbilaran City.

      Related to the protection of marine resources in the province, the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the local government unit (LGU), conducted a two-day Marine Sanctuary Management Council Seminar at the Punta Cruz Function Hall for the stakeholders from barangays Dipatlong, Bood, Lagtangon, Guiwanon and host barangay, Punta Cruz.

      In a portion of the activity, Mayor Evasco had inducted to office, the following officers: Vicente Castillion, president; Hermes Cimafranca, vice-president; Cristita Sablay, secretary; Anastacia Silva, treasurer; and committee chairpersons- -Clarita Abecia, livelihood; Danilo Enderes, eco-tourism; Isagani Barafon, legislation; Diosdado Descallar, information; Patrocinio Nalzaro, education; and Fortunato Mendez, monitoring. (Fred Fuertes with reports from Boy Descallar)

     A tip relayed through the Bohol Law Enforcement Communication System (BLECS) set up at the Governor’s Mansion along North CPG Avenue led to the arrest of a wanted person from Loon in his trip to Tagbilaran.

      According to a tip reaching the municipal police station here, the suspect took a bus on his way to Tagbilaran City and would pass by this town.

      Acting on the tip, the municipal police here coordinated with Loon station in setting up checkpoints.

      Indeed, the suspect- -one Franklin Calipes- -a subject of a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Achilles Melicor for qualified theft, succumbed to the composite police forces.

      He was then turned over to the Loon police station.

      Composing the police team from this municipality were SPO1 Cirilito Curayag as team leader, PO3 Magdaleno Barnido Jr., PO1 Neil Arocha, PO1 Victor Majomot Jr., PO1 Maximo Arocha, PO1 Maximino Nacua Jr., and Michael Armildez.

      SPO2 Alfredo Arocha led the Loon police team.

source: Sunday Post

      When Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren showed up at the launch of the Arabic language classes only proved the local chief executive’s undiscriminating service that reaches the constituents regardless of sectoral affiliation.

      Classes in Arabic language with Islamic values was formally launched recently, showing off the classrooms conveniently accommodated at Jagna Central Elementary School (JCES).

      The more than a hundred members of the Muslim community clad in their traditional costumes made the opening parade colorful.

      During the opening program, Muslim religious leader Imam Ibrahim Abdullah led the invocation, while the Asatidz or Muslim teachers in Madrasah classes were introduced- -Cebu Normal University graduate and Arabic language instructor, Aliakbar Maruhom and Laarni Abbas, also an adequately-trained teacher in Islam values who is officially hired by DepEd.

      Another interesting part in the program was the pledge of financial support to make classes sustainable by Mustah Almasri, a Muslim national cum visitor from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) whose wife is a Kaliwat-Jagnaanon and the sister of Municipal Councilor Pacheco Rances.

      Officials of DepEd-Division of Bohol, who attended the launching rites included the supervisor of Alternative Learning System (ALS) who also represented Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Elpidio Jala, Generosa Lumayag and Area Coordinator Lilia Cahig.

      Maruhom’s demonstration lecture for a 19-pupil class in Arabic language followed the program. The said learners were the actual enrollees of the newly-opened classes is under the direct supervision of the Jagna ALS Coordinator Felipe Tan. (Gregorio A. Tavera - Bohol Sunday Post)

By Ben Cal
PNA

A Filipino inventor has claimed to have made a breakthrough in formulating the right amount of alkaline level in water as the natural way of treating all kinds of diseases,including cancer.

Pablo Planas who invented earlier the "Chaos Turbo Gas Saver" device that is now being exported to 17 countries, said his latest discovery is the formula of extracting alkaline from a special type of mineral from the earth's surface, which he said has been proven to the antidote against cancer cells.

"Alkaline is very important to our body to fight toxic, the root cause of all diseases," Planas said.

He said after years of research here and abroad, he discovered that "alkaline is the best natural way of curing diseases."

Planas said that practically all water, including seawater contains alkaline, but the alkaline content is below the level of what is called "hydrogen potential" (pH) that measures the degree of acidity or alkalinity in water or any solution.

He said that the higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is, and the lower the pH reading, the more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is, he said.

Planas explained that the pH range is from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral, adding that "anything above 7.0 is alkaline and anything below 7.0 is considered acidic."

"The pH of what you drink becomes important when you consider the function of water in the body. The cells in the human body produce acids as by-products of normal cellular function. These acids must be removed for the body to remain healthy," Planas explained.

He continued: "The presence of too much acid in the diet may reduce the body's ability to function correctly and may increase the risk of disease."

"Based on his intensive research, Planas said the studies show that "an alkaline body pH may provide improved cellular function and reduce these risks," adding that "proper hydration of the body with water (near neutral pH, not acidic) improves removal of the body's cellular wastes.

After years of experiments, Planas discovered that natural alkaline comes from the earth's surface, which after a long process using a 'secret formula' he formulated produced an outstanding alkaline content.

According to Planas, the level of alkaline he formulates is 8.5 or slightly over, enough to kill toxic wastes in the body, including cancer cells, the mother of all toxic cells.

"If you have health problems, most likely you are acidic," he said.

"The alkaline level is very important because research has already proven that disease cannot survive in an alkaline-state and yet they thrive in an acidic environment," he said.

Planas said that "the body has to have a balanced pH like most living things on earth or it does not function correctly."

He pointed out that in an acidic state, the body's ability to absorb nutrients and the production of energy cells decreases tremendously.

If the body cannot detoxify it would be susceptible to tumor cells and other illness to thrive, he said.

However, this could be compensated by using alkaline attaining a level of 8.5 for cancer cells to be exterminated.

"Terminal cancer patients are around 1,000 times more acidic than normal healthy people," Planas said, adding that "in the absence of oxygen, glucose undergoes fermentation to lactic acid that causes the pH to drop from between 7.3 to 7.2 down to 7 and even to 5.7 or lower in advanced stages of cancer.

"There is a need to have a pH at slightly above 7.4 for cancer cells to be dormant, and at pH 8.5 cancer cells will die and healthy cells will live," Planas said.

"In other words, alkaline or die," he said.

Planas demonstrated how his alkaline formula works by pouring into a glass of water a muriatic acid, which was boiling hot and cannot be touched.

But once he put the powder of alkaline into the oozing muriatic acid, the burning was "tamed."

Planas then dipped his finger and even had his mouth touched on the muriatic acid, but he did not experience any harm.

Everyday people from all walks of life troop to his office in Quezon City to buy alkaline in bottled water or capsule with a high pH of 8.5. or more.

Planas' alkaline water may yet be the solution of curing man's illness, particularly, and live a healthy and longer life. (PNA)

By Teofilo Garcia

Instead of wasting away precious time while serving their jail terms, women inmates at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) here have banded together by making high quality handicrafts and selling them at affordable prices.

From a seed money of P13,000 provided by the government through its Gender and Development (GAD) program, the inmates produced quite a big number of beautiful stuffed toys, dolls with crochet dresses and wallets that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is now looking for an outlet to sell these world-class products.

The money was used to buy the needed materials.

ZCRC warden Supt. Ester Pepito said the inmates underwent a livelihood training conducted by the Department of Extension Services of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), so that when female prisons would finish serving their prison terms, they would become good citizens by earning a decent living.

"They (WMSU personnel) come here every semester to teach or provide livelihood training to out inmates," Pepito said.

She said this is part of the BJMP rehabilitation program.

Initially the plan was to sell the handicraft products in one of the department stores downtown but they were short of funds to pay the space rental.

For the meantime, Pepito said they will open a souvenir shop within the premises of the ZCRC where they will display and sell the handicraft products.

"We can produce as many as we can but the problem right now is we do not have the means to market the products," she said.

Pepito appealed to businessmen who are interested to finance the production of these world-class handicrafts.

The stuffed toys are priced from P80 to P450 each, depending on the size, while wallets and dolls with crochet dresses are pegged at P150 a piece. - PNA

By Sator P. Apoyon
Davao City

The Cebuano (Bisaya Language), as a lingua franca in Central Visayas and Mindanao, is bedeviled by a lot of negative factors for its growth in the New Millennium.

Among the causes of the anemic stride of the language, popularly known as "Sinugboanong Binisaya", are the disparity in numbers of media outlets between Tagalog and Cebuano, radio and television programming imbalance, apathy of the Cebuano-speaking people themselves to nurture the Lapulapu tongueâ€"and Filipinization.

As of the present, only Bisaya Magazine, one of the publications of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, has remained as the major absorber of literary and poetry outputs of Cebuano writers.

Her rivals in the industryâ€"Lamdag, Alimyon, Silaw and Bag-ong Suga -- have been dead many, many years ago.

Way back in the l990’s, the SunStar Publications started to run Cebuano sections in their sister newspapers in the cities of Cebu and Davao. However, the undertaking only achieved a minimal contribution to the strengthening of the "Sinugboanong Binisaya."

Occasionally, some vernacular writers guilds in northern Mindanao and Cebu City also conduct literary and poetry contests to boost the efforts of the Bisaya Magazine’s to enhance the promotion of Cebuano literature alongside with Tagalog which is the main foundation of Filipino.

But whatever gains in relative directions of the Bisaya, SunStar and those of local literary and poetry tilts are not enough to combat the negative effects of most radio and television broadcast spelling, phonetics, vocabularies and grammar.

Even the official inclusion of the teaching of regional literature in public school secondary and collegiate classes in this decade, Cebuano among them, has somewhat failed to make an impact. Most of the literature teachers are incompetent to motivate students in literature to appreciate the subject.

There are even Cebuano-speaking Visayans who shun speaking the endangered tongue of Lapulapu as well as that of Padriga, Ranudo, Sotto and Bacalso, perhaps driven by the wrong notion that their mother dialect is inferior to Tagalog and English.

For his part, Edgar S. Godin, associate editor of the Bisaya Magazine, has strongly expressed disappointment in the Filipinization of the l70 dialects in the archipelago on selective manner in addition to the dominance of Tagalog in the established national language.

“Gipangahoyan lang ang Sinugboanong Binisaya ug ubang lumadnong pinulongan ug ang kadaghanang mga pulong gawas sa Tagalog napasagdan nga dili maapil sa pagtudlo sa Filipino,” griped Godin in his weekly column “Magtuon Tag Binisaya”, published on July 2, 2008.

And what are not selected for adoption in the now national language â€" Pilipino â€" are gradually gobbled up by Tagalog and English-influenced radio and television programs obtaining in the country today, Godin stressed in his column.

Let it be noted that Pilipino, a precursor of Filipino, was the outcome of the suggestion of Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon to the Philippine National Assembly on October 27, l936 to create a body for the founding of a common national language.

On November 9, 1937, the Institute of National Language was established with the participation of representatives of the leading seven dialects in the country, Tagalog and Cebuano among them. The INL is now known as Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF).

Entertaining fear that "Sinugboanong Binisaya" might be obliterated with the surge of the Pilipino language, Godin urged every concerned Cebuano-speaking region in the country to help save the tongue of their births.

Rallying behind Godin are vernacular writers and enduring contributors to Bisaya Magazine from Bohol, Leyte, Negros, Cebu and Mindanao, especially the literati from Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Surigao, Agusan and Davao as well as those in Manila and abroad. (PNA)

A study made by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) said Davao City has emerged as the most competitive Philippine city in recent years, surpassing Makati, Marikina, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa, in terms of social and economic growth.

SPECIAL REPORT
BY ILUMINADO VARELA JR.

Davao City, which ranked first in terms of the Cost of Doing Business, has also re-established its image as a convention city, boosting both foreign and local tourism. It has attracted migrants because of its semi-urban appealâ€"a dynamic business hub in a seemingly laid-back, serene setting.

The opening of the Davao-Bukidnon-Cagayan de Oro road route and international flights to Indonesia (Manado) and Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu) allowed Davao to benefit from an increase in agricultural trade and influx of tourists. With this vital infrastructure in place, the city saw a surge of growth in its food, telecommunications, agribusiness and service industries.

Light and industrial manufacturing enterprises, low and medium-cost housing and building and construction have also been on the rise.

Davao is also perceived to be generally clean, peaceful and an ideal place to raise a family.

The city, the capital of the Davao Region (Region 6), is strategically located at the Southeastern part of Mindanao. Bounded by Davao del North and the Davao Gulf on the east, it is the center of trade not only in the Southern Mindanao region and the whole of Mindanao but also in the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA).

The study said: “Among neighboring Asian city economies, Davao City has maintained its most competitive position in attracting fresh investments and in penetrating foreign markets owing to its resilient exports base, peaceful business climate, better quality of life and rich pool of skilled workforce.”

“With more than 1.2 million residents as primary market base, the city is conducive to business as evidenced by the presence of the top 200 companies in the area. From mere million-peso level investments poured in two decades ago up to 1992, investments peaked with a spectacular 63% growth in the succeeding years until the Asian financial crisis erupted in mid-1997,” it said.

Davao City’s ranking against other Philippine cities in terms of economic drivers

MAIN GROWTH DRIVERS OVERALL RANK

Cost of Doing Business 1st
Gynamism of Local Economy 2nd
Linkages and Accessibility 2nd
Infrastructure Development 3rd
Quality of Life (for its residents) 4th
Human Resources and Training 11th
Responsiveness of LGU to Business Needs 6th As of 2005

“Davao City emerges as one of the most competitive metro cities. The city has the highest scores in terms of Cost of Doing Business. Although it ties with Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities in terms of ‘perceived high business profitability’ quantitative indicators show that the ‘local minimum wage’ and the ‘average rent of commercial space’ are lower in Davao than in the two cities. Furthermore, the city also has a higher score in terms of perceived ‘non-existence of informal fees’ in local government offices compared with Cebu and Lapu-Lapu and other major Philippine cities,” the study indicated.

The city also ranked high in terms of ‘perceived non-existence of informal fees’ in local government offices or LGU and national government offices, when applying for business and doing business transactions.

Overall competitive score ranking of Philippine metro cities

City Score
Davao 6.39
Marikina 6.36
Makati 6.33
Las Pinas 6.27
Muntinlupa 6.10
Cebu 6.05
Mandaluyong 6.02
Pasig 5.92
Quezon City 5.91
Mandaue 5.91
Manila 5.91
Lapu-Lapu 5.68
Pasay 5.55

As of 2005

Assessing socio-economic development The AIM study defines city competitiveness as the ability and the extent to which a city is able to provide an environment that nurtures the progress and dynamism of its local enterprises and the prosperity of its residents. City competitiveness is considered futile if it is not accompanied by a decent standard of living for its residents. Sustainable development dictates that the city makes efficient use of its natural resources, minimizing adverse effects brought about by undirected urban growth. The study said the task of local governments is to ensure that the prerequisites are laid down by fostering an environment pushing its businesses and residents to become better-off. In the next 15-20 years, the main drivers of a city’s competitiveness will be:

The Cost of Doing Business
Dynamism of the Local Economy
Linkages and Accessibility
Human Resources and Training
Infrastructure Development
Responsiveness of LGUs to Business Needs; and,
Quality of Life

Dynamism ranking of local economy of metro cities

City Score
1. Manila 6.26
2. Davao 6.20
3. Makati 6.12
4. Quezon City 6.08
5. Pasig 6.00
6. Las Pinas 5.89
7. Muntinlupa 5.86
8. Mandaluyong 5.74
9. Marikina 5.73
10.Cebu 5.73
11.Pasay 5.60
12.Lapu-Lapu 5.09
13.Mandaue 5.08

Linkages and Accessibility ranking or metro cities City Score

1. Cebu 6.93
2. Davao 6.91
3. Mandaue 6.86
4. Lapu-Lapu 6.79
5. Makati 6.72
6. Muntinlupa 6.57
7. Las Pinas 6.52
8. Manila 6.47
9. Pasay 6.30
10. Mandaluyong 6.23
11. Quezon City 6.15
12. Pasig 6.06
13. Marikina 5.72

Fast Phase Growth Other cities, which registered a fast-phased socio-economic development, include: Makati, Marikina, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa.

Dubbed as the “Commercial and Financial Center” of the Philippines, Makati used to be a marshland before it was developed by the Ayalas into a modern cosmopolitan area in the 60s. Today it is considered to be the country’s premier city in terms of commerce, entertainment and recreation.

Makati is bounded on the north of Pasig river facing the city of Mandaluyong, on the east by the municipality of Pateros, on the northwest by the city of Manila and on the south and southwest by the city of Pasay. A short 15-minute drive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Manila Domestic Airport, Makati has a total land area of 27.36 square kilometers or 2,736 hectares. It constitutes 43 percent of the National Capital Region’s total land area and is bigger than the neighboring cities of Pasay and Mandaluyong.

There are six five-star hotels in Makati, 461 banks, 140 insurance companies, 51 embassies, 35 consulates, 233 cooperative organizations, 2,901 food establishments, 45 pension inns, lodging houses and apartelles, eight commercial centers, 11 wet markets and 12 international organizations.

The Dynamism of Makati’s Local Economy ranks high. It has a very high score under the indicators on ‘average household income,’ ‘percentage of top 200 companies’ and ‘market size.’ ‘Growth of registered business’ is in the above average level with a score of 6.0, which is second among metro cities.

As far as Human Resources and Trading is concerned, the city is at the top rank.. The increasing presence of satellite campuses of top universities, colleges and vocational institutions in the city strongly reflects the eagerness of the local pool to further develop their skills.

In terms of Infrastructure, Makati, the Philippines’ center of finance, has very high competitiveness scores under the indicators on ‘number of ISPs.’ It has an average score in ‘vehicle density’ and a very high rating under the indicator ‘adequacy of cell phone signals.’ However, Makati goes below average in the area of ‘road congestion during peak hours. Overall, the city claims an above average rating in qualitative indicators under this driver.

Lastly, in the Quality of life driver, Makati displays high scores under peace and order-related indicators. Average to above average scores are also seen in health-related indicators. A very high rating in ‘adequacy of rest and recreational facilities’ and above average scores in the areas of ‘cleanliness of city roads and open spaces’ and ‘conduciveness of security environment for business’ seem to be wasted by below average scores on the indicators on ‘cleanliness of open bodies of water’ and ‘air quality.’

Marikina

Marikina City, considered as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, is a lush valley bounded by mountain ranges and sliced by a river. It is located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, bounded on the west by Quezon City, on the south by Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal, on the east by Antipolo City and on the north by San Mateo. Politically subdivided into 14 barangays, it has a population of 391,170 inhabitants.

Since the mid-nineties, it has been the recipient of numerous awards in urban governance, waste management, education, cleanliness and peace and order. It is the only city in Metro Manila implementing the Solid Waste Management Act of 2003, which specifies segregation of waste at the household level. The local government has provided job assistance to thousands of unemployed citizen through the launching of job fairs and skills development program. It is one of the few cities in the Philippines that have effective commuters preferring to ride the bicycle for mobility. The rehabilitation of the Marikina River from a polluted body of water to a tourist attraction has been impressive.

Marikina has adopted an integrated approach to the pursuit of its development goals. Its local leaders declare as their vision, “to become the Philippines’ Little Singapore.”

In the study, Marikina achieves an overall score of 6.36 and is one of the most competitive metro cities. The city’s strong competitiveness can be attributed to a responsive local government led by a visionary local executive whose emphasis on good governance has inspired its constituents to cooperate. The city also got the highest scores in both drivers on infrastructure and Responsiveness of LGU to business Needs which strongly reflect the city’s well managed traffic management and waste management system, efficient business licensing process and on-line services, reasonable taxes and land use and regulatory policies and the city mayor’s effective leadership.

The city has been called “City in the Pink of Health.” It also got a high score of under the Cost of doing Business driver. It is found to be highly competitive in rent of commercial space and got an average level score for ‘local minimum wage.’

Las Pinas

Las Pinas is envisioned to be a city in the process of change, progressive but remaining to be a caring, warm community that is ideal for raising families. To fulfill this vision, the city government aims to focus on three main areas: expand its public services; upgrade its human resources and develop its tourism plan. The city sees itself as a “Home,” as exemplified by its official logo where a Mother and a child live safely inside a dwelling, in the middle of modern progress, while still maintaining family and neighborly ties.

The booming city of Las Pinas is bounded on the north and northeast by the city of Paranaque; on the east and southeast by the city of Muntinlupa; on the south by the municipality of Imus, Cavite; on the southwest and west by the municipality of Bacoor, Cavite; and the northwest by the scenic Manila Bay. Half of its land area has already developed for residential purposes, while the remainder is being utilized for commercial, industrial and institutional purposes.

It was in 1976 that Las Pinas was officially recognized as one of the towns and cities comprising the then Metropolitan Manila Area, now Metro Manila. In the mid-1980’s, the economic growth of Las Pinas was furthered boosted with the construction of the Coastal Road which directly linked Metro Manila to Cavite. Since the early 1990’s, Las Pinas has served as a gateway to the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) industrial growth corridor south of Manila, rapid urbanization and the influx of several large commercial establishments in the municipality.

Las Pinas is known for the famous Spanish-era bamboo organ, its jeepney factories and the white sparkling salt it produced in a traditional way, by sun drying, compared with Metro Manila’s 2.8 percent average annual growth rate, Las Pinas has grown by about 8.08 percent during the last decade, making it one of the fastest growing communities in the country. From a salt center, the city is now considered a popular shopping center.

This booming city got a score of 6.24 in Responsiveness of LGU to business Needs placing it on the second rank in this driver. This is mainly due to the city’s high ranking in indicators such as ‘effective investment promotion center’ (1st); ‘fair administration of justice’ (1st); ‘relevant policies and regulations’ (2nd); ‘responsive master development plan’ (2nd); ‘reasonable land-use policies’ (2nd) and taxes (2nd); and ‘existence of online services’ (2nd). Furthermore, the city’s self-sufficiency through aggressive revenue collection resulting in low dependency on IRA also explains the remarkable performance of Las Pinas in this driver.

Muntinlupa

Muntinlupa City lies on the southwestern coast of Laguna de Bay. Taguig, bound it on the north on the northwest by Paranaque, on the west by Las Pinas, on the southwest by the province of Cavite, south by the province of Laguna, and on the east by Laguna de Bay. It is 22 kilometers south of Metro Manila, easily accessible through the National Highway and South Luzon Expressway.

Muntinlupa is the only local government in the Philippines to be accredited by the International Standards Organization (ISO). It has an efficient one-stop shop which can process business licenses and permits in 30 minutes. The City, in fact, was recognized as the “Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines” for 2001 and 2002. No other city in the country was ever awarded twice with such an award.

Growth in Muntinlupa can be characterized by the presence of various business locators in the new business district. The city also operates a hospital (the Ospital ng Muntinlupa) thru a non-government organization. It is run like a private hospital, that has few of the usual inefficiencies of typical government hospitals.

Muntinlupa prioritizes several developmental projects that include: education and youth, health, peace and order, environment and sanitation, socialized housing for the urban poor, economic development, livelihood and employment and local governance.

With regard to infrastructure, Muntinlupla has an above average score with a ranking of 10th among the 13 metro cities. Meanwhile, the quality of life of the city has above average ratings. Recreational facilities, cleanliness of city roads and security to businesses were also rated ‘above average’.

Over the last five years, Muntinlupa has made tremendous efforts to tie up with towns and cities overseas as a way of exchanging culture and techniques in local governance. This strategy has had multiplier effects in the continuing development of the city.

Meanwhile, the city had scored high under adequacy of ‘rest and recreational facilities’ and above average ratings in terms of cleanliness of city roads and open public spaces, as well as conduciveness of security environment for business. It could be noted, however, that the city achieved below average scores in cleanliness of open bodies of water, quality of air, and number of policemen and health workers per 100,000 population.

Most competitive mid-sized cities

Meanwhile, most competitive mid-sized cities include Bacolod, Batangas, Iloilo, San Fernando in Pampanga and Iligan emerge as the most competitive cities in this round of the PCCRP.

Bacolod city is number one in the Quality of Life driver particularly in the ‘conduciveness of the security environment to business’ indicator. It also scores high(2nd place) in ‘cleanliness of road and open public places.’ In the Infrastructure driver, Bacolod also has the highest scores in the following indicators: ‘reliability of ISPs’ and ‘well maintained road/ road networks.’ This was further confirmed in the FGDs when participants considered the expansive and wide road networks of the city, as well as the ample supply of water as the city’s strengths.

Although the reputed “ City of Smiles” does not top in any of the quantitative indicators, its high scores imply that the survey respondents had a good perception of Bacolod’s competitiveness.

Over the past two decades, Batangas City has been experiencing a tremendous growth in trade and industry. The city, according to respondents, anchors its competitiveness on power, its port and people.

San Fernando, Pampanga’s strategic location within the Manila-Clark-Subic Economic Triangle makes it a growing agro-industrial-commercial metropolis. A growing business district, a cluster of educational institutions and several transportation stations share the city’s center. The quality of life in San Fernando, the city of giant lanterns, is rated high. Health related and incidence of crime-related indicators strengthen its good rating.

Zamboanga, Iligan and Iloilo, meanwhile, are the top three mid-sized cities in terms of competitiveness. The cost of doing business is found to be most competitive in Zamboanga. Iligan is second in competitiveness in cost of doing business. With its famous hydroelectric power, the cost of power for industrial use in Iligan is cheap.

Iloilo City, meanwhile, is ranked the highest in terms of ‘relatively low existence of nominal fees’ associated with securing business permits and licenses in national agency offices. (PNA Features)

Quote from: Bambi on July 20, 2008, 11:03:45 PM
                  GIMAHAL KA NAMO GLEN (Gemma)

Sayod ka...ikaw among gimahal ug gipangga
Dili lang tungod sa imong gipakita nga kaayo ug
ug pagka-matinabanggon.
Paabuton namo ugma nga ikaw mobalik diri sa atong Forum.

Salamat kaayo Ate Annie sa imong balak nga gihukad gikan sa kinauyokang bahin sa imong kasing-kasing ug imong gibayang kanamo ang mga paghandum ug pangilaba nga lingion pag-usab ni Gemma ang atong payag.

Gem, kung asa ka man karon, ako ug ang tanan nga nagmahal kanimo padayon nga nagtuaw ug nahibulong sa imong pagbiya.

Kung kinsa man kanamo ang nakasala ug nahidakin-as sa matarong gawi, manghinaot kami nga imong ipakita kanamo ang kalumo ug kaaghop sa imong kasing-kasing... kay lagi ang pagpakasala tawhanon apan ang pagpasaylo balaanon.

Sama sa pag-ampo nga gitudlo sa atong Ginoo: "Pasayloa kami sa among mga kalapasan, maingon nga kami nakapasaylo sa mga nakasala kanamo" - kami usab mangaliya sa Labawng Makagagahom nga ning madanlog nga kalibutan dili kami mahidakin-as sa walog sa kasaypanan ug nga unta tabangan mo kami sa pagsubay sa dalan nga matarong hangtud sa among kamatayon.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi is currently in the United States for a week of talks centering on the Iranian nuclear program, local daily The Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday.

The visit, to be followed by the one of Defense Minister Ehud Barak in early August, comes amid swirling speculations that the Jewish state is planing an attack on Iran's nuclear sites. The Islamic republic has warned of harsh retaliation if attacked.

During the visit Ashkenazi will meet with Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen, Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, as well as top members of the Senate Arms Committee and senior U.S. intelligence officials, said the newspaper.

The talks, the report quoted Israeli officials as saying, would focus on a wide range of regional issues, including Hezbollah and Hamas's military buildup, Syria's continued support of terrorism and the Iranian nuclear program, which would top the agenda.

Both the United States and Israel accuse Iran of developing secretly nuclear weapons under the cover of civil nuclear program, and refuse to rule out the possibility of military actions over the charge which Iran firmly denies. Barak has said Israel will not hesitate to attack once its key interests are threatened. - PNA/Xinhua

Prepared by Leo Udtohan

Winning a beauty title can be radically life-changing. How do you think the Miss Bohol Sandugo title will change your life?

Joy Marie:  There are very big changes in my life especially that I am now working… and I don't know yet of my schedule.

Chandrina: I will be busier, since I'm also studying and SK chairman in our town. Yeah, I will have to be more conscious of my actions.

Michelle: I think this is just the beginning…maybe following the footsteps of Miss Anna Maris Igpit.

Who's your role model?

Joy Marie: The people of Catigbian. They inspire me a lot.

Chandrina: Anna Maris Igpit because she is the first Boholana to win a Binibini crown and represented our country in the Miss World. She's deserving of the title.

Michelle: Anna Maris Igpit. She is really proud to be a Boholana. 

What is your best asset and why?

Joy Marie: Just being my self... wherever I am, what ever I do, I'm just being myself.

Chandrina: Smile. My smile brings encouragement to the people.

Michelle: My smile. Giving your warmest smile you can really show to the people you're sincere what you feel for them.

Would you go for beauty or brains?

Joy Marie: You can be beautiful if you're intelligent.

Chandrina: Brains. What is beauty if your brain is empty, right?

Michelle: Can I choose both? I rather choose for brains. Even if you have the beauty but if your brain is empty…and having a brain with a good character you look beautiful in the eyes of the other. 

What is the essence of being a Miss Bohol Sandugo?

Joy Marie: Being 23 years old, just be yourself… I believe in my self. I show to tem the real me.

Chadrina: A role model and a goddess of beauty.

Michelle: Sandugo festival is a celebration of treaty of friendship. If we will relate this to our present times, our country is facing problems, we should live the ideals if Sandugo--peace, brotherhood and friendship.. with that we would achieve our goals betterment of the Filipino nation. I will be a role model for life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHOUk1hClcM

This video was provided by Nestor Daarol of DYTR.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA

  Being blind is no hindrance for Mateo Quilas, who has been pretty tied up with an advocacy of elevating Boholanos with disabilities into getting the same treatment as ordinary persons.

  Quilas reported that the Bohol Federation of Persons with Disabilities Incorporated (BFPDI) formerly Bohol Federation of Disabled Persons (BFDP) in cooperation with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), peoples organizations and non-governments are now completing the final steps in networking with local persons with disability (PWD) organizations so identification cards can be granted.

  The identification cards are part of the nationwide plan to implement the rights of persons with disabilities as mandated by the Magna Carta for PWDS.

  The Magna Carta mandates full PWD access to 7 rights: education, employment, health, auxiliary social services, telecommunications, accessibility and political and civil rights, explains a regional social worker Shalaine Marie Lucero. Lucero attended the launching of local activities in celebration of the week here in Tagbilaran. 

  The aim is to mainstream PWDS and urge government and non government authorities and private companies to give chance to PWDs, Quilas stressed, while explaining “access”. 

  “Just give them a chance and they would surely excel. They have the work ethics, and the sincere attitude,” bared Lucero

  The amended Magna Carta also provides that the country’s working force should at least include 5% from the PWDS, she added.

  At the recent Kapihan sa PIA, Quilas along with a non-government organization operating the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Centers in Bohol, and PSWD Constancia Tuñacao discussed and assessed the level of access that has been granted to Boholano PWDs.

  The activity was in celebration of the 38th National disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week every July 17-23.

  This year’s national celebration adopts the theme; “Kapag may access, May Success”.

  For PSWD Tuñacao, their attempt of setting up reliable partners for persons with disabilities “so they could fully enjoy their rights” may be her last official act before she hits her retirement. Tuñacao is already at a ripe age for retirement.

  Their efforts, along with a heaven sent NGO, the Breaking Barriers for Children and Youth (BBCY) in Bohol has finally allowed them a closer look at the social and cultural dimensions of PWDs.

  Seeing that the PWDs now are slowly given their rights and privileges due them may be my last noble act to cap my government service, Tuñacao said.

  BBCY, through Irene Villa reported that their setting up of the STAC centers allowed them to note about 400 children with dis-abilities here, an alarming number considering that they only have Tubigon, Ubay, Jagna, Batuan and Tagbilaran main STAC center operating. 

  She then calls parents who have children with cognitive, behavioral and sensory disability problems to come to any BBCY STAC center to avail of free rehabilitation and therapy, special education classes or referrals for treatment.

  With this, the PSWD has called BBCY the “right institution to intervene to prevent and rehabilitate differently-abled persons” and without these efforts, she “could imagine beggars filling ours streets.” 

  She added, “It’s not desirable to have persons with disabilities getting dependent on the public.”

Aya sis, how's your mother? May the Lord pour out His compassion and mercy on her during these difficult times.

Gem, we are living in an imperfect world and at times we experience difficult moments. Gem, like what Mari had said, your friendship has personally touched my life in ways more than you can imagine.

Many of us would like to hear from you again.

Mao Niy Giingon Ni Nong Batoy
sinulat ni M. Ligalig


Miingon si Nong Batoy,
ang bantugan nga manghihilot
sa matag kanto sa among baryo
ang nahiwi ug nabali
usa lamang ka lisa,
mao dili ta mabalaka
anaay daghang kasla
ihampol matag ngul-ngol

Miingon si Nong Batoy
nga kon ugaling mohubag
ang napiang nga kamot
kumoton lang ang luy-a,
sagolan ug banyos
sama sa Efficacent oil
ang duga ihid-hid
sa hinawob dahon sa kasla

Miingon si Nong Batoy
aron dili mabikil ang piang
magdasag ug duha ka lipak
bisan unsang panyo ibangan
libot sa kamot apan di hugtan

Tanang giingon ni Nong Batoy
anaay pahinungod nga sinsilyo
bisan ug dili ta motuo
nga ang bali nga kamot dili lisa
mobalit ta ug ugma ni Nong Batoy
aron, sa makausa, magpakonsulta

Quote from: asianfairy on July 18, 2008, 06:41:24 PM
basin mo farewell pod kos TB kay mosympatized ko nimo.
Wa man ay mohawid nako kon moresign pod ko.

Alicia, dili ko buot nga mosamot ang kaguol ug kasakit nga akong gibati karon.

Gem, I am speechless. I am still in a state of shock. I am mourning, Gem. We are mourning, Gem.
I don't know how to describe my sadness, Gem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhTCKi1Mlno

The video was provided by Nestor Daarol.

This is a SCAM EMAIL sent to Tubag Bohol members. My cousin just forwarded me this email. Please disregard this kind of message from Africa and tell others of this SCAM.

This type of SCAM is common in the Internet. Tubag Bohol Team is doing their best to stop this SCAM.

Letter of Relationship and Establishment Aid.
From : Nkomo Kamara
Abidjan Cote d' Ivoire.
Tel : +22507924282
For logistic reason contact me on e.mail:(nkomartka@yahoo.fr)
Attention: Respectful,
Greetings and How are you Dear Friend. I am Nkomo Kamara from Cote d' Ivoire (Ivory Coast)in West Africa.Please  I would like you to kindly permit me to apply through this medium for your cooperation  to secure an opportunity to invest and do joint relationship and establishment with you in your country.

I got your contact address From Tubagbohol.mikeligalig  Forums Memberlist. Hence I have  substantial capital which I honourably Inherited from my late father Chief Kamara Emile  Doudou who was the minister of Interior and also have Cocao and Coffee plantation and deals in Gold, Diamond mining and Trading in bouake Northern District of Coted' Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in Western Africa. Before the Epmigo rebels killed him during the political crisis on the  mutiny rebellion upraising that equally lead to the death of former military junta Robert Guei.
I am contacting you because of my need to deal with honest person whom I can lay trust and personal confidence on with hope that he will not let me down,because since the murder of my father,I have been subjected to all sorts of harassment and intimidation with lots of negative reports emanating from the rebellion people due to this political crisis we are facing,which have resulted to war in some part of our country Cote d' Ivoire since this past years.I legitmately inherited this sum from my late father who died recently and I intend to invest this money in profitable areas in your country into a very lucratives business venture of which you are to advise and execute the  venture over there for the mutual benefits of both of us.
Most especially is for you to help me come over to your base if possible for You be able co-operate with me to become my business partner in your country and create ideas on how  money will be invested, properly managed and the type of investment after the money  is transferred to your custody with your assistance.

I inherited this sum from my late father  whom the rebels killed because he was not supporting their selfish interest to topple the present government .I want you to consider my situation and reply me on  indication of your willingness to  handle this transaction sincerely by protecting my Interest and upon your acceptance of this proposal.I will furnish you with the full details information, procedure on how to continue.The exact amount involved is the sum of Nine Million Five Hundred Thousand  USD ($9.500.000.00)USD .If you accept to associate with me,both of us will mutually agree on your percentage interest and share holding for helping me to secure the release of the deposit and investing the money into  lucratives profitable venture in your care.I will be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you if you so desire to relate with me with good mind and honesty. I do urge  you to kindly give this matter your immediate attention and the maximum seriousness it deserves for the smooth achievement of the aim.
I want you to be rest assured that everything is in order and legitimate it was due to the political crisis in our country that have resulted to war in some part of our region which have cause everybody to find a way of geting out from  the country,for this reason I use this medium to request for your assistance with hope that you will not let down the confidence I have already reposed on you.
This money is legitimately acquired by my late father from sales of Cocoa and Coffee and Diamond dealings. If it interests you Please forward your reply including your telephone number and fiscal address to my private email address so that I can provide you with more clarifications and details about it all.
Looking forward for your prompt response on e.mail:(nkomartka@yahoo.fr)
Thanks for your understanding and future cooperations.
Sincerely
Nkomo Kamara
Abidjan

The Talibon website has its last update 2 or 3 years ago. It is not run by people of Talibon, but by a team in Manila who does not have the data about Talibon.

There is not much to expect and hope for from government-generated website.

You're welcome, Belle. It takes Faith to step out from our current circumstances and embrace the promises of God.

If Jesus carries the weight of the world, we know in truth that He can carry you and me and all of us...

By Vernon C. Grounds

Our gratitude is deepened when we remember the price others paid to help obtain freedom. In the United States, one such person was Richard Stockton.

Stockton was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was a prominent lawyer and a wealthy landowner. Because he supported the war efforts, he and his family were driven from their home. That home was sacked and burned. Stockton was imprisoned for several years and subjected to harsh treatment that broke his health. He died a pauper at the age of 51. Yet few Americans remember this hero who paid such a high price for the cause of liberty. His sacrifice is largely forgotten.

Even more important, have we become so familiar with the gospel that we fail to appreciate what our salvation cost the Savior? We rejoice in the spiritual freedom we enjoy by faith in the sin-canceling death of Jesus, but do we realize at least to some small degree the price He paid?

Are we truly grateful to Jesus for all He sacrificed to set us free spiritually? If so, we are to “stand fast . . . in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” (Gal. 5:1). No matter what else may be demanding our attention, let’s take time to remember the unpayable debt we owe Him.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free. â€"Galatians 5:1

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. â€"Philippians 4:6

By Cindy Hess Kasper

Whenever a preacher begins to talk about worry, I sense a pair of eyes staring at me. Without even turning my head, I know that my husband is looking at me to see if I’m paying attention.

I hate to admit it, but I’m a worrier. And precisely because there are a lot of people just like me, Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 6:25-34 when He said: “Do not worry.” Don’t worry about the basic needs of lifeâ€"food, clothing, shelterâ€"and don’t worry about tomorrow.

Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it’s a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or perhaps it’s a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Or it may be a refusal to depend on God instead of ourselves.

Some people expand the worry circle to their families, friends, and churches. They’re a lot like the 10 spies in Numbers 13:26-33 who spread their fear and doubt to everyone else. But those who put their trust in God alone can stand alongside Joshua and Caleb, the only ones in the group of 12 whom God allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Don’t let worries hold you back from what God may be trying to teach you. He invites you to bring your anxious thoughts directly to Him (Phil. 4:6).  - Our Daily Bread - www.rbc.org

Tire Retreads Save Money and Resources for Many Industries
By ARA Content

(ARA) - Retreaded truck tires represent a savings of more than $2 billion annually for truckers and trucking companies in North America.

For most fleets, tires represent the third largest item in their operating budget, right after labor and fuel costs. The lowest possible cost-per-mile is achieved with a good tire management program that includes the use of quality retreads.

Retreads are the replacement tire of choice for most truckers. Of the nearly 33.8 million replacement tires purchased by fleets in 2000, over 18.1 million were retreads and only about 15.6 million were new replacement tires.

Retreads are not only cost effective, but they are also dependable, reliable and safe. Truckers with scheduled delivery times, small package delivery companies with guaranteed delivery times, commercial and military jets and most school bus operators use retreads.

Retreads are also environmentally friendly. Tires are made of petro-chemical products. It takes 22 gallons of oil to manufacture one new truck tire. Most of the oil is found in the casing, which is reused in the retreading process. As a result, only seven gallons of oil are used to produce a retread.

Retreaders, like trucking companies, have experienced considerable consolidation. Today, the most successful retreaders are those with the highest quality products, delivering the best possible return on the investment to the fleets. Because of the competitive nature of the retreading industry, truckers can expect to see continuous improvement in the quality, durability and reliability, as the major retread suppliers annually invest millions of dollars in research and development.
Imagine a world without retreads:

* Groceries would cost more, since virtually all grocery delivery trucks use retreads.
* Our dependence on oil would rise. Since tires contain a very high percentage of synthetic rubber, which is petroleum based, we would have to import huge additional amounts of oil.
* New tire prices would probably rise significantly. Retreads act as a brake on tire price increases.
* Airline tickets would cost more. Virtually all commercial airlines use retreads. Surprised?
* Scrap tire piles in landfills would skyrocket with about 30 million additional tires every year. Every time a tire is retreaded there is one less tire for our already overloaded landfills.
* Construction costs for roads, bridges, factories, housing, etc., would rise dramatically if the large tires used on earthmoving vehicles were not retreaded.

In fact, just about everything we buy would cost more since practically everything we eat, wear, use at home or at work is delivered on trucks using retreads.

For more information about the many economic and environmental benefits of retreaded tires, contact the Tire Retread Information Bureau toll free, at (888) 473-8732 or by e-mail at info@retread.org.

Hard Economic Times, Expensive Gas & Oil Prices -- No Problem
By ARA Content

(ARA) - People of all ages are zipping around towns and cities on scooters these days. Back in the early 1960's, scooters were considered merely a toy for boys to get around their immediate neighborhoods before they had a license. Yet today, scooters have transcended the sexual divide and are now being used as a serious form of transportation. With reasonable pricing, members of all economic classes -- from school children to ecologically minded commuters to Wall Street types who don't have time to wave down a cab at rush hour -- are new scooter converts.  There have even been reports of companies purchasing scooters for their workforce to cut down on the time it takes to walk between departments!

As some people are not content with using their own muscle for propulsion, a whole new motorized scooter breed has materialized.  One company has capitalized on this trend and has been selling an electric powered scooter called the Zappy in the U.S. and abroad.  Able to reach cruising speeds of 13 miles per hour for up to 20 miles -- the scooter has reached a new level as a worthy contender among transportation choices.

But are they a fad?  Good question.  Considering recent research performed by Business Communications Co. reveals that the U.S. electric vehicle market will grow at a rate of 27 percent through 2005, when it is estimated to become a $7 billion dollar industry -- it's doubtful. ZapWorld, a Nasdaq publicly traded company (ticker ZAPP) and the maker of Zappy, has seen their sales of electric vehicles in 1999 reach $6.5 million and the company's 2000 sales doubled, coming close to $13 million.

ZAP, which stands for "Zero Air Pollution," has created a complete line of electric and inline scooters, bicycles, motorcycles and electric-powered water propulsion products. Contributing to hot sales is the fact that towns in Colorado and California offer $250 rebates to buyers of electric powered vehicles, which makes the total cost of owning your own electric scooter quite reasonable.

The best thing about electric-powered products is that they provide personal transportation without the noise and pollution of gasoline-powered vehicles.  They are not going to completely replace cars, of course, but they are starting to change the way people get around in cities, in suburbs and rural areas.     

Scooters continue to sell briskly worldwide, not only for use by school children, but also for high school and college students, young adults, ecologically minded commuters and executives. Seniors, too, are a growing segment that wants an inexpensive, safe, ecologically friendly, fun way to go further faster.
For more information, or to order your EV today, visit www.ZapWorld.com.

Internet Provides Wealth of Information on Car Maintenance
By ARA Content

(ARA) - A thorough check of your vehicle's major systems is a good idea before the snow flies, and checking your tires, brakes and battery is a good start. But if you're like many drivers, you may not know enough to recognize a problem when you see one.

For instance, do you know the telltale signs of a weakening battery? Do you know the difference between all-season tires and performance tires, or which one is right for your vehicle?

The Internet can provide a wealth of information for the car maintenance novice who is looking for tips on how to winterize a vehicle or make a specific purchase. Online resources, such as motorist.org and some manufacturer Web sites, can provide basic information on how systems such as brakes, shock absorbers and batteries work, why they're important, and what car owners should be aware of when preparing their vehicles for winter conditions.

For example, if your car cranks slowly when you try to start it, has trouble starting in cold weather, or if your headlights dim when the car is idling, have that battery checked. And if you're buying tires, all season radials are designed to handle dry and wet surfaces as well as some snow, while performance tires provide more grip and a sportier feel.

A new Web site, sears.com/auto, lets drivers compare features and prices of batteries and tires, gather information about automotive maintenance, and find answers to commonly asked questions and definitions for useful terms related to vehicle maintenance.

On the site, car owners can enter the year, make and model of their car to receive a list of tires and batteries designed to fit their vehicle. Items can be sorted by price, brand or product name, and car owners can compare as many as four similar items side by side. By entering their ZIP code, car owners can then find the nearest Sears Auto Center, where they can discuss questions and options with the experts on staff.

"With the information they gather online, car owners gain a better understanding of what they need and why, before they even begin comparison shopping," says Bill White, president of Sears Automotive. "Savvy consumers frequently come into their local Sears store with their printout of side-by-side comparisons when they are looking to purchase major appliances, lawn tractors, home theatre and other big-dollar items," he says. "Now, automotive tires and batteries are two more areas where sears.com can help consumers make fact-based decisions for major purchases."

The "Automotive Advisor" section of the site offers information on buying, maintenance, safety and more -- ideal as owners prepare their vehicles for winter driving. Common questions, ranging from how and when to check tire pressure to why "cold cranking amps" in your car battery are important, are answered in this section of the site.

The site also provides information on services Sears Auto Centers offer, such as alignments, brake service and wheel balancing, as well as a list of what is included with each service. All information from the site can be printed for quick reference. Because the products offered on the site must be installed on a vehicle, they are not available for online purchase, but can be obtained at Sears Auto Centers nationwide.
"On the Internet, auto owners can research the advantages of various products, compare prices and make decisions in the comfort of their own home," says White.

Sears also offers a wide variety of merchandise and services through its Web site, www.sears.com.

A Filipino version of key concepts in science and mathematics is scheduled for launching on Wednesday by Education Secretary Jesli Lapus and Intel-Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag in Mandaluyong City.

The online educational website, http://www.skoool.ph, can be accessed on the internet for free, the DepEd said.

Also going automated are the payments for the salaries of “asatidz” or Muslim Arabic-language teachers in public schools, via automated teller machines (ATM) of the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines, the DepEd announced.

Astidz are volunteer teachers trained by DepEd for language as well as Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) for a maximum monthly compensation of P3,000. They may get an extra P2,000 from local government units that can afford it.

In madaris, basic subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Filipino and Makabayan are integrated in the ALIVE program.

In the new arrangement, the Regional Office of DepEd consolidates the payroll for astidz by Schools Division by indicating the actual work hours of the teachers. - PNA

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

In order to give them better skills in handling robberies and responding to threats, some 100 security guards of banks here will undergo intensive trainings in different firearms.

The Bohol Bankers Association (BBA) in cooperation with the City PNP and the Bohol Licensed Firearms Association is conducting the firearm proficiency workshop and shooting competition on Sunday to improve the capabilities of bank-deployed security guards.

The retraining of guards in gun handling came amid intelligence reports of a notorious robbery group from Mindanao that has gained entry in the province.

According to reports, the group is planning to hit business establishments during the month-long Sandugo festivities.

Some 24 member banks of BBA will participate in the firearms training at Camp Bernido Firing Range together with some bank staff and officers.

The training will be supervised by certified firing range officers of the City PNP with volunteer members of the BLFAI.