MikeLigalig.com

By Gloria Jane Baylon

The Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC), all students of the sectarian St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA), won the world championship at the recently-concluded 5th World Choir Games held in the European city of Graz, Austria.

The competitions were conducted from July 9 to 14.

LPBC, which joined the competitions for the first time, earned the Gold Medal with the highest score in the Children’s Choir category, besting 70 mostly professional competitors from such repeat countries as the USA, Greece, Estonia, Great Britain, Russia and South Africa.

The LPBC also got the Silver Medal in the Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) category.

LPBC is composed of 20 boys aged 9 to 16 and had been training for the competitions for more than a year. The team was conducted by Prof. Armando Salarza.

Msgr. Albert Venus, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Parish church and School Director of the St. Joseph’s Academy, headed the team and Alejandro Consolacion II served as accompanist.

Albert was assisted by Rev. Fr. Benjamin Molina, Asst. School Director of SJA, and LPBC founder Leo Renier.

Others in the team were Donna Ofrasio, January Hernandez and Norie Salarza.

Most of the competitors in the Musica Sacra are professional choirs and consist of at least 40 members each, unlike LPBC whose members are just 20 teenagers and are full-time students.

The 5th World Choir Games is touted as the largest and most successful world choirs competitions.

Graz is the capital city of the Austrian province of Styria and is a world cultural heritage site of UNESCO.

By Kit Bagaipo
Published by the Bohol Chronicle

Tagbilaran City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso hits back at Mayor Dan Lim as he questioned the passage of a P15.2 million supplemental fund which was approved during his absence.

Last Saturday's "Mayor's Report", Lim taunted the vice mayor on the latter's disappointment regarding the adoption of a new schedule of regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) and the railroading of the new supplemental fund.

Veloso said he sees no urgency in adopting the two measures while intimating a "hidden agenda" of the SP's majority bloc allied with the mayor.

The vice mayor, who was invited for an official trip in Australia, was dismayed that for 3 months, the SP Committee on Rules did not act on the changing of the session day.

According to Veloso, before he left the country, a request by the mayor for supplemental appropriation amounting P4.9 million was rejected by the SP as it "was not properly addressed". The request was eventually withdrawn.

The mayor's letter was addressed to Kag. Oscar Glovasa, chair of the SP Committee on Appropriations, instead of being referred to Veloso and the SP as whole.

Veloso pointed out that the supplemental budget should not have been approved outright, as the mayor himself declared that financial matters and fund appropriations be discussed and reviewed thoroughly.

"We are only in the second quarter of the year, yet we are already having a supplemental budget," Veloso said.

The passage of the P15.2 million fund was calendared as special order of the day (SOD) and was not even referred to the Committee on Appropriations, according to the vice mayor who checked records of the minutes of the June 25 regular session.

"Budgets should be plan or program-based." Veloso added that the minutes of the executive session of the SP showed that several items were not discussed carefully.

Based on the minutes of the executive session, the vice mayor noted questionable items such as the payment of P200,000 for consultants' services under the office of the mayor, donations amounting P600,000, maintenance and operating expenses of P3 million, land purchase of P7 million and intelligence fund worth P1.5 million.

The P7 million allocated for the acquisition of land is not included in the annual investment plan of the city, Veloso said.

Moreover, it was also manifested in the minutes of the executive session that the intelligence fund was needed as the appropriation for it was already exhausted during the visit of Pres. Gloria Arroyo last May.

Reported by Ven Arigo
As published by the Bohol Chronicle

There are now three Boholanos confirmed dead while the missing have gone up to 57 over two weeks after the tragic sinking of MV Princess of the Stars, the country's biggest passenger ship, off Romblon at the height of typhoon Frank.

The missing Boholanos already included the two apprentice seamen of cargo vessel MV Lake Paoay which drowned off Masbate also during the typhoon's wrath.

The retrieved dead bodies of Princess' crewman Reuel Lariba, 37, of Catagbacan, Lonn and passenger Jose Ramil Toquib, 35, of Cabulihan, Tubigon were buried in their respective hometowns last week.

Authorities in Romblon buried the remains, already in the advance state of decomposition, of Loaynon Benjielyn Chua and of other victims days after their recovery. She was identified thru her identification.

From one of the dead bodies an identification card was retrieved, kept by the police and later confirmed by Chua's mother, Bebie, to be her daughter's, according to a cousin of the victim.

The missing Boholanos have totalled to 57 now based on reconciled and consolidated lists extracted or obtained from the Sulpicio Lines manifest, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office, newspaper reports and accounts from victims' relatives.

Rep. Edgar Chatto again contacted last Monday Boholano Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, Naval flag officer-in-command, on a missing passenger whose being earlier reported to have been found alive has remained unconfirmed.

Chatto's office has been updating Calunsag of the names of the unaccounted Boholano passengers after also compiling and reconciling the lists it got from several sources, including the sources earlier mentioned here), reports and accounts.

THE MISSING 58

(Per DSWD and Sulpicio Lines): Myla Abarquez, 38, Sta. Cruz, Calape; Romulo Logroño, 49, Sikatuna St., Tagbilaran City; Anastacia Rulida, 44, Banglasan, Calape; Xyron Josh, 25, Banglasan, Calape; Lucresio Sanguenza, 47, Tontonan, Loon; Richard Mejares, 41, Tubigon; Richard Mejias, Tubigon; Samuel Corsiga, 43, Potohan, Tubigon; Joan Ybañez, 18, Pres. Garcia; Jonathan Escartin, 18, Pres. Garcia; Pascualito Bohol, 45, Sierra Bullones; Simplicio Apad, Jr., 30, Poblacion, Sagbayan; Elisita Galanida, 41, Sagbayan; Herminigildo Garcia, 39, Tuburan, Bien Unido; Cirilo Aurestila, 46, San Isidro, Talibon; Roosevelt Atienza, 26, Bagacay, Talibon; Roberto Limocon, Jr., 37, Macaas, Tubigon; Jonathan Pahigdana, 26, Lumangog, Ubay; Roberto Malunes, 35, Valencia; Jemafelyn Vitor, 21, Hinambongan Is., Inabanga; Jesalyn Vitor, 19, Hinambongan Is., Inabanga; Alejandro Vitor, 38, Hinambongan Is., Inabanga; Ulysses Jayson, 24, Dagohoy, Inabanga; Jordan Cajes 21, Sto. Niño, Talibon; Reynaldo Bulabos, 32, Soom, Trinidad;

(Per newspaper reports and Sulpicio Lines): Florencio Marimon, Sr., 53, Catagbacan, Loon; Gloria Capayas; Benedicto Chua; Henry Chua; Dexter Molina; Ephraim Tayongtong, Jr.; Michael Paredes; Alejandro Ayade, 63, Kawayan, Mabini; Alvino Laborte; Emilio Laborte; Laborte Teresito; Cesario Talaboc, Pamilacan Is., Baclayon; Elmer Ganade, 39, Calape; Cherry Amor Ganade, 31, Calape; Dixie Filomeno; Bernanlita Lagura, 42, Mabuhay, Inabanga; Roldan Lariosa, Hambongan Is., Inabanga; Desideria Baguio, Hambongan Is., Inabanga; Marcelina Tabat, Hambongan Is., Inabanga; Daniel Estoria, 34, Suwa, Inabanga; Jimmy Roluma, Jr., 23, Cabagnitan, Calape; Lorna Auza, 18, San Francisco, Talibon; Socrates Garcia, 36, Talibon; Dennis Ranan, 29, Jagna; Dennis Anit, 27, Dampas, Tagbilaran City

(Per DSWD but not in Sulpicio Lines manifest): Maricel Germano, 36, Garcia Hernandez; Patrick Logroño, 15, Carmen; Felixberto Lagura, 42, Inabanga (Not yet reported but confirmed by kins to be missing): Benjamin Chua (Reported to have boarded and missing but not in Sulpicio Lines manifest): Oscar Damalerio, Lahug, Clarin (MV Lake Paoay missing apprentice seamen): Arnold Yuhengco, Poblacion, Panglao and Julius Bompat, Bil-isan, Panglao; Benjamin Chua, brother of Benjielyn Chua, was confirmed by his first-degree cousin, Weng Lagura, to have boarded the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars. They traveled with their father Benedicto, also missing.

Lagura told the Chronicle that his aunt, Bebie (wife of Benedicto), had personally went to Romblon and confirmed that the ID found from one of the recovered---and later buried---dead bodies there was of her daughter Benjielyn.

The Chuas have long resided in Butuan City but are Boholanos. Benedicto's father is a Lagura from Loay. He is an illegitimate son. He is a half brother of the father of Weng.

Thanks Bem for posting the result of the Miss Universe Pageant. Kumusta ang atong contestant from the Philippines?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY6BqQl87rs

This video is courtesy of Nestor Daarol of DYTR.

You're always welcome, Ryu. Feel free to visit Tubag Bohol if you need further assistance from anyone of us.

Quote from: benelynne on July 14, 2008, 10:28:29 PM
"Found" ra gyud kay daghan kayo kug nailhan nga buutanon nga tawo diri.

You are one of the buotan, Ben.

Quote from: ms da binsi on July 10, 2008, 09:16:49 PM

Macky ang mga JEWS nangabut diri sa Merika nga maleta ray dala, tan-awa kun kinsay kinadatuan sa Merika? JEWS!

I have an extensive list of Jewish billionaires.

1. Founder of Starbucks: Jew
2. Founder of Dunkin Donuts: Jew
3. Owner of the New York Times: Jewish Family
4. Owner of Washington Post and other giant newspapers in America: Jew
5. Founders of Google: Sergey Brin and Larry Page: Jew
6. CEO of Microsoft: Steve Ballmer is a Jew
7. Steven Spielberg, the film director, is a Jew
8. Allan Greenspan, Federal Reserve Thinkthank, is a Jew

Here's the complete list of Jewish Billionaires (millionaires not included, only Billionaires) in America. There are thousands of Jewish Billionaires in other countries in the world:

    *    Leonore Annenberg, billionaire owner of  TV Guide and  Triangle Publications
    * Philip Anschutz, founder and chairman of Qwest Communications International, and acquired United Artists Theaters, and Regal Cinemas
    * Edmund Ansin, billionaire owner of TV Stations
    * Ted Arison, U.S.-Israeli billionaire, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines.
    * Micky Arison Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation & PLC.
    * Sheldon Adelson, is a 71 year-old billionaire property developer in Las Vegas. He took Las Vegas Sands Corp. public in December 2004 by selling 10 % of the shares. He was born and raised in a Jewish neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts.
    * Steve Ballmer, U.S. CEO of Microsoft (Jewish mother)
    * Carl Berg, billionaire real estate and investments
    * Arthur Blank, billionaire co-founder and co-owner of Home Depot
    * Leonard Blavatnik, billionaire sharehoder in TNT-BP Sual and Access/Renova
    * Jeff Bleustein, Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
    * Michael Bloomberg, Billionaire, U.S. politician, founder of Bloomberg News
    * Neil Bluhm, billionaire owner of JMG Realty
    * Sergey Brin Russian-born U.S. co-founder of Google
    * Samuel Bronfman founder of Seagram
    * Edgar Bronfman, billionaire
    * Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Music Group
    * Emanuel H. Bronner, soapmaker
    * Sid Bernstein, promoter, "The Man That Brought The Beatles to America"
    * Chess brothers, Polish-born U.S. record company executive
    * Eli Broad is a billionaire who lives in Los Angeles California.
    * Harvey Chaplin, billionaire owner of Southern Wine & Spirits of America
    * Lyor Cohen, billionaire chairman of Warner Music
    * Steven Cohen, billionaire founder of SAC Capital Management hudge fund
    * Lester Crown, billionaire main shareholder in General Dynamics
    * Joshua Lionel Cowen, U.S. toy inventor and manufacturer (Lionel trains)
    * Mark Cuban, U.S. billionaire owner of Dallas Mavericks, founder of Broadcast.com (sold to Yahoo!).
    * William Davidson, billionaire owner of Gurdian Industries
    * Barbara Davis, billionaire energy tycoon
    * Clive Davis, U.S. founder of Arista Records
    * Michael Dell, U.S. founder of Dell Inc.
    * Barry Diller, billionaire owner of Usa Networks Ticketmaster
    * Stanley Druckenmiller, billionaire, famous for his "billion dollar bet against the British pound in 1992 that generated 30% returns for George Soros"
    * Larry Ellison, U.S. CEO of Oracle Corporation (adopted by Jews from Jewish biological parents)
    * Max Factor, Polish-American cosmetics industrialist
    * Paul Fireman, billionaire founder of Reebok aerobic shoes
    * Donald Fisher founder of The Gap
    * Robert, William, John Fisher, 3 billionaires main shareholders of The Gap
    * Sydney Frank, billionaire liquor (unconfirmed)
    * David Geffen, U.S. record executive
    * Rob Glaser, founder and CEO of Real Networks, makers of Real Player
    * Guiford Glazer, real estate shopping centers
    * Malcolm Glazer, billionaire owner of First Allied Corporation shareholder of Manchester United
    * Leslie & Louis Gonda, billionaires shareholders in AIG insuarance and real estate
    * Alex & Tom Gores, 2 billionaires leveraged buyout
    * David Gottesman, billionaire founder of First Manhattan (unconfirmed)
    * Pincus Green, billionaire commodities trader
    * Maurice Greenberg, billionaire main shareholder and ex chairman of AIG
    * Alan Greenspan, U.S. economist, chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve
    * Maurice R. Greenberg, billionaire, CEO of AIG
    * Andrew Grove, Hungarian-born U.S. co-founder of Intel
    * Leona Helmsley, real estate
    * Henry Hillman, billionaire owner of Pittsburg Coke & Chemicals (unconfirmed)
    * Carl Icahn, billionaire who Took over TWA and controlled it until 1993, also owner of Lowestfares.com
    * Irwin Jacobs, billionaire co-founder and main shareholder of Qualcomm
    * Jeremy Jacobs, billionaire owner of Delaware North sport concessions
    * Taribaldi Jaleelowitz, Star Fund Manager,9'B.S.D Corp
    * George Kaiser, billionaire owner of Kaiser-Fransis Oil
    * Jeffrey Katzenberg, former billionaire co-founder and co-owner of DreamWorks SKG films production
    * Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. leveraged buyout co-founder and co-owner of KKR
    * Bruce Kovner, billionaire, started Caxton Hedge Fund and is American Enterprise Institute Vice Chairman
    * Michael Krasny, billionaire founder and owner of CDW Computer
    * Henry Kravis, billionaire, American financier co-founder and co-owner of KKR
    * Edward Lampert, billionaire, founder of EPS Investments
    * Leonard Lauder, billionaire co-owner of Estee Lauder cosmetics
    * Ronald Lauder, billionaire co-owner of Estee Lauder cosmetics
    * Ralph Lauren, billionaire founder and chairman of Polo Ralph Lauren Corp fashion
    * Thomas Lee, billionaire leveraged buyout
    * Samuel J. LeFrak & family, billionaire, major developer in downtown Manhattan
    * Gerry Lenfest owner of Lenfest Communications cable TV
    * Norma, Randolph and Nancy Lerner, 3 billionaires main shareholders of MBNA Financial
    * Morris Levy, U.S. music industry executive
    * Peter Lewis, billionaire owner of Progressive Corp car insuarance
    * Alfred Mann, billionaire owner of Mankind Corporation
    * Bernard Marcus, billionaire co-founder and co-owner of Home Depot
    * Michael Milken, billionaire leveraged buyout
    * Roy Neuberger, U.S. art dealer of Neuberger & Berman
    * Samuel Newhouse, Jr., Billionaire who owns 26 Newspapers such as Parade Magazine, Conde Nast, Vogue etc.
    * Donald Newhouse, billionaire, is one of the owners of Condé Nast Publications.
    * Bernard Osher, bilionaire co-owner of Golden West Financial
    * William S. Paley, U.S. billionaire who built CBS
    * Nelson Peltz, billionaire Triarc Companies leveraged buyout
    * Ronald O. Perelman, billionaire, chairman of the board of Revlon Inc. and Products Corp.
    * Ron Popeil, U.S. inventor (Jewish father)
    * Michael Price, billionaire founder of MFP Investments (one Jewish parent)
    * Abram & Jack Pritzker founders of Marmon Group
    * Pritzker Family, 11 billionaires owners of Hyatt hotels and Marmon Group
    * Stewart Rahr, billionaire president and CEO of Kinray Corp
    * Sumner Redstone, U.S. CEO of Viacom
    * Charles Revson, Revlon cosmetics
    * Mark Rich, billionaire commodities trader
    * Robert Rich, billionaire shareholder of Rich Products Corp
    * George Roberts, billionaire leveraged buyout co-founder and co-owner of KKR
    * Arthur Rock, billionaire venture capitalist
    * William Rosenberg, U.S. founder of Dunkin Donuts
    * Helena Rubinstein, Polish-American cosmetics industrialist
    * Haim Saban, billionaire, television producer (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and media mogul
    * Henry Samueli, billioaire co-founder and owner of Broadcom
    * Marion & Herbert Sandler, 2 billionaires co-owners of Golden West Financial
    * David Sarnoff, General Manager of RCA corporation
    * Howard Schultz, entrepreneur, joined Starbucks founders in 1982 and bought it in 1987
    * Jonathan_I._Schwartz, COO of Sun Microsystems
    * Robert Shapiro, former CEO of Monsanto
    * Evgeny Shvidler, billionaire shareholder of Sibneft oil production
    * Herbert Siegel, billionaire CEO of CrisCraft Industries
    * Zev Siegal cofounder of Starbucks
    * Melvin Simon, billionaire owner of Simon Property real estate shopping malls
    * Sheldon Solow, billionaire real estate
    * George Soros, Hungarian-born U.S. billionaire, investor, philanthropist
    * Steven Spielberg, billionaire co-founder and co owner of DreamWorld SKG films production
    * Leonard Stern, Billionaire, Manhattan real estate mogul who owns the Soho Grand, and Tribeca Grand Hotel in Manhattan
    * Alfred Taubman, billionaire Sotheby's action and shopping centers
    * Laurence Tisch, U.S. billionaire, owned CBS
    * Preston Robert Tisch, U.S. billionaire, owned several companies with his brother including CBS
    * Paul Warburg, U.S. banker, Federal Reserve founder and board member
    * Sandy Weill, U.S. billionaire, chairman of Citigroup
    * Leslie Wexner, billionaire main shareholder of The Limited
    * Stephen Wynn, billionaire casinos
    * Ed Zander, CEO of Motorola
    * Samuel Zell, billionaire chairman of Equity Residential Properties Trust
    * Daniel, Dirk and Robert Ziff, billionaires owners of Ziff Davis
    * Mortimer Zuckerman, billionaire owner of New York Daily News and US News and World Report

sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Sheynhertz-Unbayg/List_of_Jews_in_business
http://wake-up-america.net/list_of_jews_in_business.htm

I love the Jewish People. Long Live the Jews. God bless the Jewish People and their Nation!

Quote from: Glen on July 14, 2008, 02:46:49 PM
Asa naman si Lian? Aho sa pangutan on og kinsa siya usa ko mohatag sa number ni Roselene! hahahahah
Bitaw Lian, Pm lang sa akin kung pwede ibigay mo sa akin ang real name mo para makilala ka ni Roselene.
Thanks.

Gem,

I sent you a PM on Lian's email. You may get in touch with Lian using that email.

Lian, we'll do our best to help you out. Please do return to our site more often to check on the status of your inquiry.

Written By Andy Carloff

For a great amount of time, perhaps for the greater part of the civilization of the world, mankind has been under authority.  And, when it came to the origin of the rights of this authority, it had always been force.  Barbaric rulers of an uncivilized people would not answer questions with arguments or reasoning, but rather with brute and unrestricted force.  To what right does a man, namely the king, or despot, or dictator, to what right does he have to control the lives of all the men around him  Philosophers, who are sometimes little better than absolute products of the societies they develop in, would defend these ridiculous and cruel governments.  They might point to the sky and say that the gods praise such an emporer, or that without a ruler there would be disorder and chaos, and the rights of the people would not be respected at all. 

Whatever the case may be, no thoughtful or intelligent person today believes that any ruler should have absolute power, that there should be no check to his political abilities.  Today, we hail the system of representative government as the great liberator, the mechanism of society that allows each of its members to engage in the process of governing the whole.  For a great deal of the world, this system of representation has replaced the system of monarchs and kings.  There are still countries in Europe, even ones we consider "progressive," which hold positions for kings and queens, whom weild powerful political powers.

Revolutions were waged, in which millions of people would die, so that the system of monarchy was completely removed and the system of representation installed.  What was the essential desire of these revolutionaries, when they were overthrowing their governments.  What hope, or goal even, was it that they desired to achieve, when they entered the battlefields to end the power of despots and kings.

Without a doubt, I think that everyone knows the answer to this: people wanted to create a government system of representation because it most effectively allows the people of that nation to govern themselves.  The people of every nation and of every age have given an importance to the matter of governing their own lives.  When the government of the time decides to take some action, whether it is military, or commercial, or domestic, or international, or when it raises or decreases taxes, or starts a war or not, all of these are issues of the whole body of a nation. 

The citizens of that country make up the tissues and organs of this body.  Their ancestors from far ago had come together as countrymen and as citizens of the same nation, that they might offer mutual aid and benefit to each other.  The social contract was created based on the principles of reciprocity.  As members of a collective based on a reciprocal ethic, the members of this society believed that they each had an equal say in the determination of the future of this body they called the group.

The most effective method, to the opinions of these people, for creating a system in which all of their opinions were counted was that of a representative government.  People would elect a person to rule over them.  The creed that was attached to this representative system was that the people would be able to choose the person who would rule them, and therefore, they would be able to create a system of government that would be effective. 

If the people desired to alter the military standing of the government, or the policies of commercial dealings, or the matters of national, international, domestic, or other affairs, then the people had the right to vote.  By this vote, they could alter the government's standing on these affairs, by choosing a representative to change these policies.  In this respect, the people had control over the government, or so was their justification for this sentiment. 

The forms of government that are based on dictatorship or despotism or monarchy, these forms of government were regarded as the enemy of the people, and with reason.  If men are to be in control of their lives, then a king with great military might is in the wrong, when he can simply enforce whatever regulation or policy or law that he desires.

With that respect, it seems that there is enough justification for the theory of a representative government.  The trial of representative government has been tried in all parts of the world.  What has its result been  When trying to understand the mechanics of a representative government, there are certain things that must be taken into consideration. 

First, the representative government, no matter what branches it has, or what formation it might take, or whether it is combined with a hereditary government to create a sort of hybrid, no matter any of these circumstances, there is one thing that must be considered above all: there are two classes, the ruled and the ruling.  That is to say, there are essentially two types of people: those who are given the power to rule, and those who are not given the power to rule.  Individuals who support the idea of a republican government will not argue me in this fact.  There is a clear distinction in this society of who is in charge and who is under rule.

The second observation that must be considered is that of human nature.  That is to say, each individual person, whether ruled or ruler, has that set of emotions that we understand human beings to have.  Particular to our inquiry, the emotion of self-interest is to be considered.  When we look to the ruling parties, we see they are humans, not robots -- they are conscious beings, not constitutions or charters or laws. 

As human beings, they have this desire of self-interest.  What is it that this self interest impels them to do  I imagine some government enthusiasts, some aspiring promoter of the republican form of government, will come up to me and say, "They will do what is best for all of society.  They will only enact good laws, improving the society and their world."  If it is true that every politician thought this, then I imagine there would be no need to have a representative government at all. 

After all, if a politician honestly thinks this, no matter what politician, then I imagine that kings and queens would feel this as well, and that there would be no effective difference between a representative government and a dictatorship.  In fact, if one can bestow upon every politician the character of a saint, then I see no reason why such a character cannot be bestowed upon every member of the ruled class.

There is a not-so stunning realization that is had here.  The only reason, at least as far as supporters of the representative government go, the only reason why government exists is to protect the rights of the people.  If it proves to be true that all of mankind is saintly, without even a slight inkling of sin or cruelty or brutality, then there is no need for government, since there would be no infringement of anyone's rights. 

So, we come to the realization, that mankind is not inherently good, nor is he inherently evil.  Returning to the abovementioned question, what would the desire of self-interest lead the ruling class of society to do  Since like any humans, they have a self-interest that cares for their personal security and welfare, we can expect that the ruling class will act not completely unlike the ruled class.  What kind of interests do people normally have  Usually, to secure and protect their own rights: the right to life, liberty, and property.  As members of the ruling class, the easiest and most effective way of maintaining these rights is the capability of power.

Power.  By this word, I mean the ability to enforce a rule, or suppress an outbreak, or otherwise repress the natural tendencies of others.  We see demonstrations of power everyday, in our police forces and our militaries, united with courts and prisons, judges and juries.  The ruling class wants to maintain their power, because it is in their own best interests. 

There can be no doubt or skepticism towards this one fact.  After all, if the ruling class -- a group made up of kings and queens, presidents and governors, senators and congressmen -- if these people truly were saints and had the interests of the people as their best desire, then government would have no purpose of existing.  The ruling class, to maintain their interests as human beings, want to maintain their power.  That is, above all, their primary interest, as determined by their disposition in life.

I don't think any educated person honestly doubts this.  The ruling class has the interest of maintaining their power, above all other interests.  The rights of the people, the liberty of the citizens, all of these are second grade interests to any politician.  There may be some exceptions to these statements, but it must be admitted to act as a general rule.  What does it mean, then, for a ruling class to bolster its power  Among these first acts, there is the act of criminalizing the act of treason.  When I speak of a treason, what am I talking about.

Treason might rightly be regarded as perhaps the only act that is truly inspired by the will of free men and turned into a living life realization by men who are not only free of heart, but liberated of mind and with an undying will power.  For a collective of people to demand that their opinions be regarded, that the land they work must also be the land that they own, these are the true calls of freedom and liberty.  It can be granted without a doubt, that treason and rebellion, an armed revolution backed with the peasatry, may be considered the most sincere and the most honest reflection of the people's will.  The vote has done nothing. 

The representatives have done nothing.  The system of representative government has been a failure like every philosopher predicted.  It was not enough.  The people took up arms to change things for themselves, through direct action!  And yet, this most sincere, most honest form of the will of the people, of delivering power to the individuals who inhabit the countryside and the city, is considered TREASON!  It is an act of TREASON for any person to believe that they have a right to live their life as they desire.  And what is the punishment for this crime of Treason  In all nations, there seems to be a uniformity here: the punishment for treason is death. 

There are no negotiations, no arguments, only the logic of the guillotine, only the sense of justice omitted by the gallows.  Why is it that the most sincere form of human expression has been punished with the most brutal forms of punishment  Because, the ruling class has the interest of maintaining power, and by destorying any other uprising of power, they have succeeded in maintaining their positions.

Opposition to the government, that is to say, a support of the peoples' right to be heard, and an opposition to the government's right to smother them -- yes, true treason! -- has been regarded as the utmost of crimes.  But, only by the governments of the world.  What other acts have been forbidden by the governments of the world. 

The actions of freedom of speech.  The very first presidents of the United States of America made it a crime to say a single word when it was a word against the government.  I'm sure you are all familiar with the Alien and Sedition Acts.  Every time that the civil rights of the people were curtailed, every time an innocent person was behind bars for expressing some thought, it has always been for protection of the nation.  Well, I cannot speak for anyone else, but I am more inclined to feel afraid than to feel free, when men and women are placed behind bars without any evidence against them.  Why should I be forced behind bars and into a cell for expressing thoughts that naturally arrise when I am surrounded by these observations

The greatest punishments have be reserved for the greatest crimes.  Second to Treason: Tax Evasion.  When the government decided to issue an unpopular war, disregarding entirely the wills of the people who elected them to de their bidding, those people refused to pay their taxes to fund such a war.  Such criminals include Thomas Henry Thoreau, who sat in a jail cell because his senator and his representative had decided that imprisonment of the people was by for more important than freedom of the people.  By evading taxation, people are refusing to support a government that has neither their trust nor their intention. 

These scoundrels are locked up and their property seized anyway.  Sedition is another one of those greedy crimes, it reads as though it is to defend the state and the people, but when it is given to the police man, it is an excuse to abuse, to violate, and otherwise enslave every person he desires.  The Patriot Act is nothing more.  Far from giving us freedomof security, it has given us the fear of covert spying, of undercover police officers who have a proven track record of violence and brutality.  Those individuals who have proved themselves barbarians to the world have gained a width of power with the passage of the Patriot Act.

If the most sincere acts of truth, honor, and independence are the greatest crimes in our government, then there should be no question as to why freedom of speech has been limited so much.  The argument of the politician has always been: If men can speak as they wish, if they are allowed to think thoughts and say words, and develop ideas, they may come to the conclusion that we are vestiges, that the government of the world is a tyrant, denying the people their rights.  It is no secret that the government has for long outlawed Anarchist literature, that it disallows it from being printed in this country or imported from other countries. 

Then there is the investigation to what literature people are reading.  Library records are tracked by the government now, so that the opinions of the people can be monitored.  By decreasing the power of the independent citizen to think and believe as they wish, the state grows stronger with ferocity.  The FBI and CIA were hardly created for "national security," so much as they were created for the security of the ruling class. 

There was never a need to protect citizens from terrorist bombings until the government had agreed to unjust trade agreements.  If anyone doubts this, they can check the track record of 3Com and Enron, companies both that had the ears of the government, created tens of millions of dollars for investors, but left tens of millions of people broke, unemployed, and with no future.  Imagine the same catastrophe taking place internationally, imagine everyone knowing that it is the fault of the United States, and then you will understand completely why there are people willing to do all that is possible -- even sacrifice their own life -- to destroy the empire.

The ruling class has secured its rule in several ways: by making it illegal to question that rule, and punishable by death, as well as curtailing freedom of speech and all civil liberties that would peacably question that rule.  Finally, the government has instituted a propaganda program.  Every school, every government rally, every speach delivered, by these government officials -- they can all be regarded as propaganda at its best.  They will discuss lukewarm issues, things that are of least importance to the people. 

They will discuss how to decrease the national deficite, how to gain exclusive oil and mineral mining rights to a third world nation, increasing the pay of soldiers, annexation of third world nations, among other things.  Not once will they discuss how the government is a whore that tracks down the actions of the public, nor will they discuss the armies of unemployed, the tens of millions, the one hundred million Americans of this nation that do not have enough food to eat.  Not once will this be discussed.  The children that are starving in the streets, the education that is used to create an early response to authority, all of these institutions that exist today to make people think that it is just to have any government at all -- these things will stop people from thinking altogether.

In what ways have the ruling class established their rule  Through treason, through curtailing civil rights, through avoiding the issues and issuing propaganda in the form of "public education."  Here we have understood rightly the desires of the ruling class, as they can be seen in any nation, in any people.  Every torture chamber has united with every presidential podium to deliver a message to the people that with power in the hands of a small, few select, the safety of all can be guaranteed.  Yes!  There is no doubt that the first and sole interest of the ruling class is to maintain their power as human beings, and if this interest was absent, then it would be absent in the class of the ruled, and cruelty and brutality would wholly be absent from the people, and there would never be any need of government to begin with.  The most ironic of all facts that must be admitted by everyone, is that if George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Paine, had these three figures been erected today, in uttering less than one hundred words, they would be put to death by the Supreme Court on account of treason.  Finally, with the state defended, by the laws of treason and the mockery of civil liberties, there is a final blow that humanity takes, and it is in formal education.

Our schools may adequately be regarded as institutions of brainwashing.  Children attend at a set time, go to class at a set time, agree to rules that they had no decision in choosing, follow a procedure of "learning" that is opposition to actual education.  The facts that are given to the children in these inane textbooks are highly swayed and it seems that more attention is paid to the 200 years of our nation than the thousands of years that brought our way of life.  Before any child is allowed the right to use the bathroom, they must ask permission.  Allow me to repeat that.  Before a child can commit an action that is most human and most natural, they can be denied this right by a superior.  The rules are formed for the betterment of the teachers, not of the taught.  Every teacher is regarded as a professor, or a Mr., or a Mrs..  Orders are given with more fluency than a military bootcamp.  The fine contradiction that exists in compulsary education is this: BY TRAINING CHILDREN TO BECOME SLAVES, WE ARE EXPECTING THEM TO GROW UP AS FREE MEN.  No greater contradiction can exist in our modern society than just that.

So, it must be accepted, that to elect a senator, a governor, a congressman, a president, or any othe erroneous position, is essentially to put into place a tyrant, who can boast that he has the will of the people behind him.

If the Anarchists were to create a system of public rule, a method by which we choose laws and vote down other laws, it would be a common gathering of men and women, to discuss the issues, and to say what they will of them.  By choosing one man to lead all other men has created very little difference than having a man chosen for you, which is what two hundred million Americans do every four years complacently.  By Anarchy, I mean this: that there is no ruler, and that every law that is created is created by the will of the people, not the will of a person.  It must be accepted as a philosophy that adheres to justice as much as it adheres to the will of the people.  Two concepts which are based on the ideal of a better world.

We see there primary vices in the system of representative government: the interests of the representatives are opposite those whom they are supposed to represent, the boulstering effectiveness of power (in essence, making it more difficult for the public to see the mistake they've made), and propaganda on behalf of the system of government.  It is not enough to simply have control over an area.  Those in power must have the ultimate power of a district.  Thus, we have the system of representative government.  It is, I must admit, not much an improvement from the monarchial system.  In fact, it may be worse, in that it lends itself some credilibility which the monarchy were forever without.  People looked to the monarchial system, they saw the dictates of the kings and the arbitrary rules of the queens, and they all know that it was injustice, that it was the greatest form of debauchery and deceit.  When the republican system came along, people felt -- for a moment -- that they were in control of their lives, that they had some voice when it came to matters of public affairs.  But, they found themselves destitute of any real control.

The reality of the present system truly hits us when we realize that so many people hold the same view.  Every person simultaneously feels powerless in this system, as they are forced to vote for leaders that they don't believe in.  This past year was known to the Democratic Party as "Anybody But George Bush."  People who voted for George Bush felt that he was insufficient to governing the whole body of the United States, just as those who voted for John Kerry would tell you, "I only voted for him because he's not George Bush."  In France, an identical situation would come up, but only worsened to a great deal.  Their slogan would be, "Vote for the thief, not for the Fascist."  The alternative they had to a Nazi regimist was a man whose hobbies included stealing funds from the public and abusing power to the point that would make kings seem just.  And that is just the point I am trying to demonstrate in this treatise: rulers are rulers, no matter the origin or justification of their power, and as rulers, they will abuse their power, exploit their people, and do what they can to maintain their power.  I have ample evidence of this point.  For one, I have the greatest piece of evidence of all.  Americans are feeling more and more powerless with every passing year, as they find that the social ills that fill their lives with misery and pain remain unchanged.  An ethic of "choose the lesser evil" takes hold on the minds of the populace.  We start to feel that there is nothing that we can, that throwing our vote away is just as powerful an act as choosing the lesser evil.

One may interject, saying that the people are not sheep, that they can take control of their lives and have done so in the past.  Yes, I know this.  The error in such reasoning is thus: the government does what it can to maintain its power in the face of the people trying to make a genuine expression of their interests.  The Patriot Act, for example, was used by the government to imprison and otherwise obstruct the path that American revolutionaries today are on.  It's not protection.  It's control.  As much as they say that this is for the protection of the public, to save us from a handful of airplanes falling out of the sky, they think that a thousand distant prisons and an enormous police state is a more pleasing alternative.  Police and law enforcement officials search buildings for certain types of literature.  Not only has this happened to me, but it has occured to my friends on more than one incident.  Certain ideas, thoughts, and beliefs are considered too dangerous by the government for the people to have.  Free speech, free press, free minds.  Our American government has made clear where it stands in these areas, so it is our obligation as American citizens to revolt.  If anything, I am as guilty as Thomas Paine.  When I am persecuted for my conscience, then I can only know that I am not free.

We now have an accurate view of the representative system: it is ineffective and more apt to deceit than it is to any other vice.

When one thinks of the system of Anarchy, the greatest questions are asked.  Does it not mean chaos  Does it not mean unrestricted violence  Does it not mean the greatest and most brutal form of cruelty -- completely unrestricted  Does it not mean a perpetual war of every man against every other man

What is it about state power that makes it such an enemy of freedom and happiness  The answer is clear: state power hands authority over to people whose only intent can be to create misery and vice -- those who run the state.  And whether these people are picked by raffle or ballot, the actions they commit are always the same.  Anarchy means the absence of government, the absence of oppression, the absence of power belonging to a small and select few and being held within the hands of the people.  It is a simple yet beautiful idea, one that has captured the inspirations and hearts of every man to fall in love with freedom.


About The Author
Punkerslut (or Andy Carloff) has been writing essays and poetry on social issues which have caught his attention for several years. His website <a href="http://www.punkerslut.com" target=new>www.punkerslut.com</a> provides a complete list of all of these writings. His life experience includes homelessness, squating in New Orleans and LA, dropping out of high school, getting expelled from college for "subversive activities," and a myriad of other revolutionary actions.

By Austin Culley

This is a list of countries with proven reachable oil reserves in billions of barrels, and is a rough estimate based on the ability to recover the oil by current technological and economical means.

Saudi Arabia - 262

Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of petroleum in the world, and plays a leading role in OPEC, which stands for The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries; an international organization made up of eleven oil producing nations.

Canada - 180

Canada's Athabasca Oil Sands Project is what puts Canada on the map in this list. Current surface mining techniques and in-situ methods to extract bitumen from the oil sands make for an overwhelmingly positive future for Canada's oil industry.

Iran - 126

Iran's economy relies heavily on oil export revenues, and as oil prices rise, Iran's economy improves. Iran is in the process of diversifying by investing some of it's oil reserves into other areas, such as petrochemicals; and is in the process of creating more favorable climates for foreign investment.

Iraq - 115

According to oil industry experts, new exploration may raise Iraq's reserves up to 300 billion barrels. This has created global foreign interest to re-establish within the country. The US, UK, France, China, Russia, and Japan all vie for major concessions complicated by unrest in the post-Saddam Hussein era.

Kuwait - 102

Though the loss has been estimated at 2% of total oil reserves, Kuwait has recovered fully from the invasion of Iraq. The KPC, or Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, has grown to become one of the ten largest oil companies in the world.

U.A.E. - 98

At one time an underdeveloped region, by 1985 the United Arab Emirates had the highest per capita income in the world. The largest areas of petroleum production occur in two of the seven constituent parts of the UAE; these being Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi qualifies as a oil state in the same sense as Kuwait.

Venezuela - 77

Venezuela is the fifth largest oil exporter in the world, and a founding member of OPEC. Oil output has been hampered at times due to protest and controversy, but the country remains an active contributor to the world supply of oil.

Russia - 60

Russia has the world's largest natural gas reserves, the second largest coal reserves, and the eighth largest oil reserves. The country is the world's largest exporter of natural gas and the second largest oil exporter. Reorganization of the Russian Energy Sector has shown improvements in the industry over the last few years.

Libya - 39

Though sanctions against Libya had been removed by United States President Bush and also by The United Nations, some Libyan authorities caution foreign optimism about prospects in the country's socialist driven economy. Nonetheless, the removal of sanctions allows Libya to drive forward.

Nigeria - 35

Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa, and is a major oil supplier to both the United States and Western Europe. Proven oil reserves are expected to be expanded to 40 billion barrels by the year 2010.

About The Author
Austin Culley is the Vice President of <a href="http://oil-net.com" target=new>Oil-Net.Com</a> Inc.

<a href="http://www.oil-net.com" target=new>http://www.oil-net.com</a>

Hello Sis Aya, how old na your Mama? I haven't seen her for a long time. Tagsa naman gud pud ko maka adto sa Anda.

May our Lord Jesus Christ heal Aya's mother. She lives next to my barangay.
Aya, where will she be operated?

Makahinumdum man jud ko Zel kay sige man ka ug remind.

Nahisagmuyo ko sa dihang pagbalik nako sa Thailand via Manila on board Cebu Pacific flight gisukit-sukit ko ug maayo sa airport immigration official ug nga daw buot mobabag sa akong pagbalik sa Thailand.

Bisan ug klaro kaayo nga aduna koy Student Visa nga gi-issue sa Thai Immigration two years ago ug nga kapin nako sa duha ka tuig nga nagngadto-nganhi sa Pilipinas ug Thailand, grabe pang sukit-sukit sa Manila Immigration nako.

Actually, kung gusto mong makakita sa nagyatak nga corruption, anaa sa airport inyong mahinagbuan. Liboan na ka mga Filipino nga moadto sa Thailand ang gipangbabagan sa immigration sa walay laing katarongan mao ang pagpangayo ug kwarta para makagawas ka sa Pilipinas.

Atong nahibaloan nga kung moadto ka sa Asean countries dili na ka magkinahanglan ug visa kung dili Filipino passport lang.

Pananglitan kung moadto ka sa Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, o kaha Indonesia, passport lang ang kinahanglanon kay automatic man nga tagaan ka ug tourist stamp upon arrival sa imong passport niining mga nasora. Dili usab ka kinahanglan ug visa kung moadto ka sa Hong Kong ug Singapore.

Dili na maihap sa mga true-to-life stories nga akong nahibaloan sa mga Filipino nga gipangayoan ug kwarta sa Immigration sa Manila. Ila lang gyud ka nga biklon ug estorya aron mokuot ka sa imong bulsa.

Makapungot ngano nga sukit-sukiton ka pa kung asa ka mopuyo, mag-unsa ka didto, nganong nia ka ug unsa pa nang mga way hinungdang pangutana. Luoy intawon tong mga bag-o pang mo-travel kay magulat man sa Immigration. Kung pamati sa Immigration nga magulat ka nila, it means money for them. Shameless corruption.

Ang nakaparat man gud ani kay inig abot nimo sa Thailand o sa bisan asang dapit sa Southeast Asia, walay pupangutana ang mga Immigration Official nimo kung ngano nga nagtravel ka. Niadtong pag-adto nako sa Hong Kong ug China, dretso-dretso man lang ug tatak sa imong passport ang immigration. No questions asked. Labina sa Thailand, way kuti-kuti iniglinya nimo sa immigration sa airport.

Nabali ang nahitabo dinhi sa ato. Ang Filipino immigration official kusog kaayo mosukot-sukot sa usa ka Filipino nga motravel nga mura ba ug criminal ka nga gidudahan nga moikyas sa Pilipinas nga klaro man nga wala kay hold-departure-order sa NBI. Naa pay travel tax nga labihang mahala ug airport terminal fee, pwera gaba, apan hisgutan ra ni nato sa umaabot nga yugto dinhi sa Bohol Standard.

Sa ako nang gikaingon sa unahan, naghitak ang corruption sa airport. Ginoo nalang mahibawo aning mga tawhana. Mao dili na ko matingala ngano ang mga Filipino nga makagawas sa Pilipinas dili na ganahan mobalik kay bisan sa imong kataposang panamilit sa imong yutang natawhan, panginhason pa man imong bulsa sa Manila Immigration.

Hinuon public knowledge naman nimong kahugaw sa airport immigration. Ang wala lang seguro mahibalo ani kadtong mga wala pa maka-travel gawas sa nasod.

Kung mahitabo nga pangayoan mo ug kwarta sa airport immigration aron lang makagawas, ayaw ug hatag. Hinuon kuhaa ang pangalan anang buot mopahimulos kanimo ug isumbong sa media.

Ayaw usab pagulat anang sukit-sukit sa immigration kay gapa-O.A. lang na sila sa tumong ug tinguha nga pangwartahon ka.

Matingala nalang ka nga inig abot nimo sa imong destinasyon, welcome kaayo ang ilang mga immigration officials sa airport.

Pero sa ato, gamugtok lang ang mga nawong anang immigration nga daw mga buaya nga naniid kinsay sunod nga matukob nga mga igsuon nilang Filipino.

- published by the Bohol Standard

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

Stakeholders of the famous Loboc River Cruise is using the word enchantment to describe the  experience of  making a leisure navigation up the famous Loboc River during night time.

This is possible starting July 18 when night cruises  will be allowed for the first time after a P10 million lighting facility goes in full throttle.

Amidst the streak of blazing lights from both sides of the river banks, the  enchantment hooves into view as soon as the night trekkers reach the portion  of the river where lush vegetation looms in the direction of the Busay Falls.

A philanthropist who is the special envoy to China  drew from his own pocket the P10 million to make night  time cruise of the mighty Loboc River a possibility.

Since then, Ambassador Carlos Chan became a regular fixture in any Loboc undertaking that needs financial assistance.

It was through the true grit of Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan that  make things happen for the town’s top tourist attraction, of course, with Mr. Chan as principal patron.

Providing the entertainment fare of the night launching of the Loboc river cruise are its homegrown Loboc Children’s Choir and Loboc Youth Band.

The launching ceremonies will be held at the Loboc’s Children’s Palace another project built along the river bank fronting the historic Loboc church and through the courtesy of Mr. Chan.

With the entry of the Village Resto and Cruises, a night time trip along Loboc’s waterway is an experience billed as more enchanting.

The Village boat cruises, now managed by  travel and tour guru Walter Sultan, are so far the authorized bancas to make use of the night time trek  at the magically lighted Loboc River.

By Angeline Valencia
Bohol Sunday Post

      Some con artists are out claiming they have the contract for the civil works of the Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project (PBIADP) and pose to be looking for sub-contractors- -the victims who shall post bond that might end up in loot bags, Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. warned the public.

      Abapo said somebody recently called up the Governor’s Office to verify reports that a Manila-based firm already has the contract of the civil works for the PBIADP and is, in fact, inviting sub-contractors so they can proceed with the construction of the project.

      The caller even expressed interest on a sub-contract scheme proposed by the person who claimed to be the contractor who won in the bidding.

      The provincial administrator issued the warning over the weekly radio program, Governor Reports on July 11.

      In belying the idea that the civil works on the project has already been awarded to a contractor, Abapo clarified that PBIADP’s detailed engineering design is still up for bidding. So, it is impossible that the contract for its civil works has already been awarded to a company, since the bidding is still to be done.

      Abapo explained that the feasibility study of the project was already finished and the bidding for the drafting of its detailed engineering will follow soon.

      After the bidding for the draft of the project’s detailed engineering, just then a firm gets the contract and will start drafting the details for the construction of the airport.

      When the detailed engineering is finished, just then the bidding for the civil works will be done. That’s when the construction of the runway and the terminal starts.

      This, Abapo said, clearly explains that the persons going around posing as contractor scouting for sub-contractors can be a bounty hunter.

      As unsuspecting victims fall prey on the con, the person who claimed to be the contractor of the PBIADP will ask the sub-contractor “wannabes” to put up bond.

      “Busa ayaw kamo pailad ha kay naay naground-round nga sila maoy nidaug sa bidding. Nangita sila og sub-contractors. Ang sunod ini pa-putpon man og kwarta ang sub-contractors. Dili na tinuod kay wa pa nahuman ang atong bidding sa detailed engineering ug bidding sa civil works. Moabot na. Di na madugay. (So don’t get deceived because there are persons going around claiming they won in the bidding. They look for sub-contractors. Next, they will ask the sub-contractors to post bond. It is not true because the bidding for the detailed engineering and the bidding for the civil works were not yet done),” Abapo clarified.

      Meanwhile, Abapo also informed the public, through the radio program, that DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza had sent a letter to Governor Erico Aumentado informing that the DENR had already issued an ECC for the PBIADP on June 3.

      In his letter, Mendoza said the ECC that DENR issued through Environment Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 7 covers the proposed Panglao airport project with an area of approximately 216 hectares traversing portions of barangays Bolod, Danao, Tawala and Lourdes in the municipality of Panglao town.

      But since it is the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) that is the principal funder and the lead implementing agency of the project, Mendoza said the ECC will be transferred from DOTC to MIAA.

Happy Birthday, Ate Annie. How will you celebrate your birthday?
God bless you always. May you have many more birthdays to come...

Published by Bohol Sunday Post

Avid fans of the highly-rated Mayor’s Report over Station DYRD were frustrated not to hear a volley of “shotgun blasts” when City Mayor Dan Neri Lim appeared during his weekly radio program yesterday.

Even the supposed beneficiary of the mayor’s attack, Councilor Zenaido Rama, was prepared to absorb whatever was thrown in his direction including may be the kitchen sink. But nothing of that sort  came Rama’s way.

Knowing the volatility of the issue, the public was expecting a  double doze of  fire and brimstone if past experiences with the city mayor in a one-on-one confrontation was any gauge. Mayor Lim is known to call a spade a spade when critics bombarded him with unsavory remarks especially concerning his pet projects.

But it was a different Mayor Lim that greeted the radio audience during yesterday’s Mayor’s Report. Cool and calculating in his repartees, he did make some retaliations to Rama’s assault but it was within the parameters of proper decorum and decent language.

As soon as Rama unleased  before the Sangguniang Panlungsod session Friday his tirades against the mayor's Rehabilitate, Operate Transfer scheme of the Agora, not a few city hall watchers were expecting fireworks explosions when the mayor’s  turn to answer the charges  took place.

But no verbal calisthenics came into play. If it was an artillery duel in a real combat, the best description befitting the  somber occasion was that of a hitman having a target practice.

Although there was sporadic burst of verbal gunfire coming from the mayor’s direction ,it was not the kind of retaliation that the public expected.

The loyal radio following was expecting nothing than a mayor  acting like a two-fisted gunslinger shooting everybody in sight.

City hall watchers interpreted the mayor’s calculated response to Rama’s barbs as a better part of discretion. Some suspected that the city executive chose not to add fuel to the fire or he was jus6t being careful not to dignify the perorations of a former ally.

Lim and Rama used to be the closest of friends until a wedge was driven between them making their relations looking as if it is beyond  conciliation.

RAMA’S BEEF

Rama’s beef was the alleged talk of the town in the manner of implementing the ROT of the Agora.

Short of branding the transaction a “sweetheart deal’, the maverick councilor echoed some questions being raised by so-called concerned city residents.

He said questions “which I cannot answer being a neophyte member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Zeroing in on the meat of his concern, Rama sought clarification on the agreed rental of P5 million per year. He said translating the rental of P5 million, it would appear that the prime property located in the heart of the city  is only valued at P41/sq.m. per month.

The opposition alderman said  this amount was too low considering that there are even vacant lots far from CPG Avenue, (the city’s main thoroughfare) which are currently renting at P100/sq.m. per month already.

In one of his sporadic blasts to Rama’s   barbs, the city mayor said the city councilor got his figure all wrong.

He said it was not entirely correct that the city will get P5 million from the Agora developer per annum.

The mayor said it was stipulated in the ROT contract that  in the event that the contractor generates more than P5 million every year or whichever is higher, the city is still entitled to the amount more than agreed  yearly rental.

Mayor Lim added that the income from the Agora is on top of other revenues the city will get like business taxes, business permits, sales tax and many others.   

Against the backdrop of a sober exchange of two former friends, Rama appeared consoled with the thought that his concern was tackled by the SP. Considering apparently  the urgency if his questions about the Agora deal, a public hearing was scheduled tomorrow morning to be conducted by the committee on economic enterprises and committee on appropriations.

Our very own Mari can create an image like this using Adobe Photoshop.

This a new board in Tubag Bohol. Post and discuss here anything about cars, engines and machines.

I wish none of my MUs would google me...

Tubag Bohol is highly optimized for search engines. That's why we always rank no. 1 in thousands of search results.

More than 50 % of new visitors to Tubag Bohol found this site through Google Search - that's according to Google Analytics.

Belle, limog-mogi lang na ug suka kay mawala na ang toothaches.
You have such a lovely boat. Can it stand against typhoon?

We have a new board named "All About EBs". Please post here all EB-related pictures, announcements, news, schedules, and updates.

Global admins, please move all EB-related pictures to this board. Thank you.

By Susan Wong

Pet sitting can be a rewarding job but can also be tiring. If you are interested in making your own business as a pet sitter, here are answers to most frequently Asked Questions about this career.

1. What does a pet sitter do What he/she is responsible for

Pet sitters care for your pet just as a baby sitter cares for your children. While most pets do not demand the same amount of supervision and care that a child does every pet has a certain amount of physical requirements as well as social needs. What is necessary for your pet will depend on the personality as well as species you are looking to have cared for.

In addition, pet sitters perform a variety of tasks. They may simply check the food and water supply of your animal. Dogs may require a walk while cats and caged animals may need their litter boxes cleaned or the papers changed. If you have an exotic animal or bird you should look for specialized services that can adequately meet the needs of your pet.

With pet sitters, your pet will be allowed to stay in its own environment without the stress of travel or new accommodations. Pet sitters will follow the schedule your animal is use to and the diet it is accustomed to. Pet sitters also provide the one-on-one attention your pet will be missing when you're away.

2. What does a pet sitter cost

You can expect to pay at least $15-25 for a daily visit of 30 minutes - possibly more if you require the sitter to walk your dog. Usually the cost for multiple animals is only a few dollars more per animal. If you need the sitter to stay overnight you will probably pay $50 or more. Holiday visits (during the day or overnight) will have an increased rate.

Please note that rates will vary according to region and specialty. Some pet sitters will visit twice a day or include other tasks, such as collecting the mail, with their pet sitting services.

3. How do I find a pet sitter

You may find a pet sitter listing in your phone book or online. You can also ask friends, groomers and veterinarians for referrals.

It is wise to only hire pet sitters who are bonded and insured since they will not only be responsible for caring for your pet but must be trusted in your home and with your belongings. Even when trust is not an issue the sitter will be responsible for being respectful of your home and properly securing your home when leaving.

4. What do I have to do to become a pet sitter

It depends on where you live you may have to have a business license to operate a pet sitting business. It is also important to acquire bonding and insurance, not only for the possibility of negligence but to assure customers of your professionalism.

While you do not need experience to start your own business you will need to research businesses in the area and talk to groomers, vets and others about the market. It is important to be organized and take your business seriously - others are depending on you. Use contracts to establish the tasks and costs agreed to and keep paperwork and schedules organized.

About The Author
Susan Wong maintains many interesting contractor websites, including <a href="http://www.roofingcontractorsecrets.info" target=new>http://www.roofingcontractorsecrets.info</a> , and <a href="http://www.eczemasolutions.info" target=new>http://www.eczemasolutions.info</a>. Please visit her websites and read more useful articles.

If your "Ex" will Google you, what will he/she find about you?

Quote from: asianfairy on July 13, 2008, 03:29:05 AM
Mike, salamat ani.

Hala ka basin imo nako i-ban dires TB kay wa ko motoo tanan sa storya sa bible? Di nalang ko makigdebate bahin ani kay basin di gyod ta maghuman unya. :-))

Cheers to you and doy Bran!!
Love yah both.

Dear Alicia,

Freedom of speech is the sweetest gift of democracy.

Love you always...

More from John McArthur on the belief that the Bible is God-breathed and its every word is inspired by God.

1. It (the Bible) is God-breathed

Second Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (Gk.,  theopneustos, "God-breathed").

Scripture proceeded from the mouth of God. In a sense both special and natural revelation are the product of God's spoken word. Psalm 33:6 says, "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth". God breathed the universe and the Bible into existence. Thus when Scripture speaks God speaks. For example in Exodus 9:16 God says to Pharaoh, "In very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, to show in thee my power." But Romans 9:17 says, "The scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee." Paul attributes to Scripture what was spoken by God. God and Scripture are used interchangeably. As Paul says in Romans 3:2, the Scriptures are the "oracles of God."

a) Jeremiah--In chapter 1 he wrote, "The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the womb, I knew thee; and before thou comest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" (vv. 4-5). Then Jeremiah records God as saying, "Whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (vv. 7, 9). In chapter 5 God says to Jeremiah, "I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them" (v. 14). Jeremiah responds to God in chapter 15, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them" (v. 16). Later, in the same chapter, God gave this promise to him, "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth" (v. 19).

b) Ezekiel--God said to Ezekiel, "Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee, receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. And go unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them" (Ezek. 3:10-11). God gave Ezekiel the exact words to say.

c) Paul--Ananias said to Paul, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto men of what thou hast seen and heard" (Acts 22:14-15).

d) John--In Revelation chapter 1 John wrote, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter" (vv. 10-11, 19).

So the men who wrote the Old and New Testaments were commissioned by God to write His words. Paul's words to Felix reinforce the fact that we can trust the Bible as the Word of God: "This I confess unto thee that, after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets" (Acts 24:14).

2. It includes all Scripture

The Greek term  pasa can be translated "all" or "every." However, when Paul wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 the New Testament canon was not closed. Therefore some believe "all" can refer only to the Old Testament. But that interpretation places a time restriction upon "all" that is not warranted by the text. All Scripture is inspired of God whether it precedes or follows Paul's second epistle to Timothy.

Jesus said "the scripture cannot be broken" (John 10.35). That includes Scripture that had been written, was being written, and would be written.

3. It points only to Scripture

The Greek word translated "scripture" (graphe) means "writing." However not all writing is God-breathed. Paul said to Timothy, "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures" (2 Tim. 3:15). Only holy writing is God-breathed. 

To read more of John McArthur's article, please click this link

From author and preacher John McArthur on the belief that every word in the Bible is inspired by God and is used by God to speak to humans.

a)1 Corinthians 2:13--Paul said, "We speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth." Paul claimed it was the words, not just the thoughts that are inspired.

b) John 17:8--Jesus said to the Father, "I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me." In the Old Testament phrases such as "thus saith the Lord," "the word of the Lord came," and "God said" are repeated over 3800 times. Clearly God communicates by words.

c) Galatians 1:11-12--Paul said, "I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul got the gospel from God, not men.

d) Exodus 4:12--God said to Moses, "I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say." Forty years later Moses said to Israel, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I commanded you, neither shall ye diminish anything from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). Words spoken by God are not to be taken away from or added to.

e) 1 Peter 1:10-11--Peter wrote that "the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ who was in them did signify." This verse is a power argument against thought inspiration. The Holy Spirit gave the prophets a message about the Messiah, which they recorded. Then they sought to understand the meaning of their own proclamations. So there were times when the prophets received and recorded words that they did not fully understand. So it was words not thoughts that they pondered on, which again is evidence that inspiration is verbal.

f) Matthew 24:35--Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." It is the words in the Bible that God has given. Pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions are important.

g) 1 Corinthians 14:37--Paul said, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." A spiritual man will recognize that Paul's writings are the very words of God.

to read the full version of this exposion, please click this link

"ang pagdumili nga dili na molingi sa maong bintana"

Hello Bran, it's 2 a.m. in Thailand. Here's the translation:

"the refusal not to glance at that window anymore"

I am not certain whether that is the right translation.

By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippines has obtained more flights and cargo entitlements from the Netherlands to serve the growing demand from overseas Filipino workers and tourists.

A new air services agreement with the Netherlands will allow Philippine carriers to serve Europe and give more choices to Filipino overseas workers as well as tourists and business travelers, said Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

It will also open up Philippine skies further, particularly at Clark international airport, the country's new gateway, he said.

The Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is currently the only European airline flying between Manila and Amsterdam.

Carmelo L. Arcilla, the Civil Aeronautics Board executive director, said the new air services agreement provides for seven Manila-Amsterdam flights per week, seven Clark-Amsterdam flights, and another seven to be distributed among the country's other international airports.

An equivalent number of flights from Manila to Amsterdam will be allowed to enter these destinations.

Fifth-freedom rights were also thrown into the deal. This means that carriers flying between the Philippines and the Netherlands can go to a third country and pick up passengers there before completing the route. For example, KLM can go to a gulf country before proceeding to Manila, and vice versa.

The agreement was a major victory for Clark, which did not have entitlements from Amsterdam until now. Besides passenger flights, the new Philippine gateway also obtained cargo entitlements of 700 tons weekly compared with only 250 tons for Manila.

Data from the Department of Tourism shows that traffic between Manila and Amsterdam has been increasing from a two-way volume of 186,504 in 2005; 208,255 in 2006, and 212,078 in 2007. Load factors also improved steadily from 85 percent in 2005 to 88 percent in 2006 and 89 percent in 2007.

The rate of tourists coming to the Philippines from the Netherlands has grown 3.4 percent and from the rest of Europe, 13.84 percent.

Kanus-a Ako Mahimong Gawasnon Sa Pagkaulipon
ni M. Ligalig

Composed in 2002
Mati, Davao Oriental

1.
Kaganiha lang nangutanan si Junfer,
akong iga-agaw, kung gawasnon na ba ako
sa mga paghandom kanimo.
Gitubag ko siya sa text
nga sa gihapon sama ka
sa usa ka gamhanang animo
nagpahipi, andam moangkon ning hunahuna.

2.
Gawas sa Tourism Dormitory sa Mati
nagpaharuhay ko sa agbay sa kamingaw sa palibot
ug sa hamis nga hangin, naghangad-hangad
sa binuklad nga mabituon nga langit.
Misulod ko sa usa ka restaurant, miinom ug tubig,
ug akong naaktohan sa salida sa TV -
ang mga artista: Charmaine Arnaiz ug John Estrada -
sila ra akong nailhan.
Sa hilom gipugngan ko
ang pagpanghupaw ning dughan
kay nakita ko ikaw pag-usab
sa panagway ni Charmaine Arnaiz.

3.
Ang iyang mga mata malulot;
sama gyud kamo ug ilong -
linya sa kilay -
korte sa nawong -
kaluha kamo ug aping;
ug sama ang plastar sa buhok.
Ug kung si Chairmain mopahiyom
sama kanimo madaliton,
sama kanimo madanihon.

4.
Gisud-ong ko si Charmaine sa makadaghan
ug nalumsan ako sa kamingaw.
Kanimo.
Wala ko humana'g tan-aw ang salida,
miadto gilayon ko sa kwarto,
gitagik kining balak
pamasin, bisan kita wala na magkita,
dugay na -
mahimo akong gawasnon sa pagkaulipon -
mahimo akong gawasnon sa mga paghandom.
Kanimo.

Human Sa Imong Paglabay
sinulat ni M. Ligalig

adunay nagpangablit nga Kasakit
sa dihang nagkaduol ka sa Dapit
diin kataposan mo syang Nakita
nagdala niadtong pula nga Bulak -
ang bulak nga salingsing sa Kalinghod
sa imong Panghuna-huna

makita mo gihapon ang Bintana
nga bugtong saksi sa pagkatawo sa mga Balili
nga naglibot sa mga kahoy nga Acacia

igo ka nalang mopasapidpid sa mga Sagbot
molingi, unya moduko human mopasiplat sa Bintana

human sa imong paglabay niadtong maong Dapit
imong nabatyagan ang kainit sa udtong Tutok
ug maoy mitulisok sa imong Pangisip
ang pagdumili nga dili na molingi sa maong Bintana

Natawo Pag-usab Ang Balak
sinulat ni M. Ligalig

Miingon ko kaniadto
nga dili na ko
magsulat ug mga balak
alang kanimo...
apan didto palang ako
ibabaw sa mga panganod
ug sa dihang nakita ko
mga bukid ug dagat
kansang hulagway hanap
gikan sa akong mga mata
milupad ang akong hunahuna
paingon kanimo -
ug sa pagtugpa
sa akong handurawan
sa yuta sa mga saad
natawo na diay pag-usab
kadtong usa ka balak
nasuwat sa gamayng papel
nga tingali hangtud
sa kataposan kong ginhawa
ang balak dili mo mabasa

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA

  Have commercial fishers finally left the waters of Pamilacan island for good in fear of a spreading maritime law enforcement dragnet or are they merely playing cats and mouse with enforcers? 

  On exactly the same days when Baclayon local officials had to relent due to repairs for their pumpboat, illegal fishers had the time of their life casting nets at the barangay marine sanctuary on the evening of June 23.

  How they came to know about the incapacity of the local enforcers is still a thing of wonder though.

  A text message, this time sent by an informant in Pamilacan last June 23 at about 8:29 PM said, “Sir, gud eve, dia na pud tawon manaktak ari duol sa sanctuary ang mga way batasan.”

  He was advised to positively get the names or identify the perpetrators and report the matter to any barangay official. Moreover he had the explicit instruction to file a police blotter on the incident.

  When the same text message was forwarded to Mayor Uy, he responded that they could not respond because their pumpboat was in repair. He assured however that “we are doing everything for our seas.

  This as Capitol Administrator Tomas Abapo, at the weekly Governor’s Reports Friday June 27, said fishing at Pamilacan and Baclayon seas has “returned to normal”. 

  By that, he means that marginal fishermen from the island and nearby towns sharing the municipal waters can now venture into the territory, which was once ruled by commercial fishers. 

  According to him, the return to normalcy happened after Governor Erico Aumentado pressed the provincial police brass to do everything to curb illegal activities in the area.

  Complaints have surfaced in Bohol papers about the seeming disappearance of dolphin and whales in the seas of Pamilacan. 

  Tourism stakeholders ascribe to the presence of big-time commercial fishers in the area as a major which has scared dolphins away.

  As a reaction to the complaints, radio programs and citizens jammed the air lanes to jointly call on authorities for action. On the other hand, the renewed interest has boosted Baclayon local government’s efforts at activating and deputizing its own fish warden group against the bigtime fishers straying into the territories set for marginal fishers. 

  Meanwhile, Abapo said the governor also met with Baclayon officials under Mayor Alvin Uy, Vice mayor Elena Uy, local police commander and Bohol Environment Management Office head Renato Villaber last June 2. They discussed and gathered commitments to pursue illegal fishers and go tough on them. 

Ben, I have changed the thing that you told me in PM.

Please report to me by PM all details of the email that you got from scammers. I need to do something.

Welcome to Tubag Bohol, SirIvan. Tubag Bohol would love to hear more often from you. God bless.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA

Lowering the price of commercial rice is beyond the small stall owners who source out their stocks at already high prices.

  This also sums up the reactions from local market stall owners in Tagbilaran City’s main market who still continue to sell commercial panda and pearl rice at P38-39 and P40-43, while their bukid rice still sells between P37-38.

  This is despite the fact that commercial rice in Metro Manila has gone down to P35 due to the continued government intervention such as flooding the markets with cheap rice and going tough on hoarders and scrupulous businessmen.

  “We can not go lower because we will already lose,” a stall owner who refused to be identified shared. 

  “As much as we wish we could do it to compete with the P25 NFA rice, we also have to consider getting our money back,” she stressed in Cebuano. Her stall sits at close proximity to a Tindahan Natin outlet that sells the NFA rice at P25 a kilo twice a week. 

  “We buy our stocks at already a high price and so we can not just absorb the losses because we also wish to earn a living here,” she explained.

  Admitting that she has noted the price of commercial rice go down from P40 two weeks ago to P38 now, she added that is the lowest they can offer to the consumers.

  That time, ‘bukid” rice sells at P1900 per bag, now it has gone down to P1700, she admits, referring to the traders price two weeks ago. 

  She also speculated that the price may have been brought down by the cheaper NFA rice which at times can be better than the broken bukid rice. 

  “If we buy commercial rice at P1,800 per sack, we could not sell it in retail at P38, we would lose by then.” 

  If there is a need to lower the prices in the markets, then the traders have to sell their stocks at a much lower price. 

  She however did not name her trader source, but hinted it has cornered the biggest rice market in Bohol. 

  Asked what could be the effect if the National Food Authority makes the weekly ration to its outlets at 100 bags, she said she would have to reduce her commercial rice stocks.

  She shared that before the rice crunch, her stall of 4 meters by 8 meters could sell between 4-5 sacks a day. Mow, selling a sack a day is already a feat. 

  Over this, consumers here have also wished the NFA has a better and more efficient distribution system. 

  This as several people have pointed out that some of those people queuing for the cheap rice are better off. 

  A freelance government consultant also stressed that the government-subsidized rice must reach its intended beneficiaries, the dirt poor. 

  Dr. Fermin Adriano, a Doctor of Philosophy on Political Economy from the City University of London, said the government is losing about P15 for every kilo of rice its subsidizes.

  “The good news is that the government has the funds, for now, from the implementation of the expanded value added tax (EVAT) law.” 

  He said “it should really go to the dirt poor” to which it was intended for---the poor and not the rich, who buy the subsidized rice for their helpers while they eat the pricey variety of rice.”

  This must be done because the government cannot “go against the market forces” forever.

  He then suggested that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government units (LGUs) must work together to improve on the delivery of NFA rice.

  “We have to make them accountable and the people must be informed that this much NFA rice has been delivered for their community,” he said. 

  He stressed though that the NFA will never earn from the subsidized rice as it is a “social welfare function and that the government exists to help the poor.”

  “No way NFA will earn back the P250 billion it uses to subsidize rice,” he said.

Els, kindly PM our Bohol-based friends regarding this matter. Better, please text them as they may not be able to get online today and tomorrow. Thank you Els for organizing this event.

Thank you Ate Lee. I have so much to say... Later...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw8G2BaubSU

Miss Bohol Sandugo video is courtesy of Nestor Daarol of DYTR.

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

Nestor Daarol provides this video for Tubag Bohol.

I know that my heart belongs to Bohol and I don't want to say goodbye to Bohol that soon. Now I'm back to Thailand. Full of sweet memories. Camera out of memory. Yes, Virginia, more than 2,000 pictures of EB...

I don't know but there is pain in my heart. It was really hard to say goodbye to loving and caring friends from across the globe.

There is pain in my heart.

I wish Tubag Bohol friends are just staying next door.

Back to work, Mike. The workload is screaming. The school assignment is shouting.

Obese men have poorer quality sperm, perhaps because too much fat around their testicles causes them to heat up, scientists have suggested.

University of Aberdeen researchers looked at the sperm of over 2,000 men in couples having problems conceiving.

The heaviest men had a higher proportion of abnormal sperm, as well as other problems.

The scientists told a European fertility conference losing weight probably boosted fertility.

Being obese is already known to affect women's chances of getting pregnant.

The men were divided into four groups, according to their BMI (body mass index).

Other factors which could affect fertility, such as smoking, high alcohol use and age, were taken into account by the researchers.

Men who had a healthy BMI of 20 to 25 were had higher levels of normal sperm than those who were heavier.

They also had higher semen volume, the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting in Barcelona was told.

But those with a higher BMI had lower volumes of seminal fluid, and a higher proportion of abnormal sperm.

There was no significant difference between the four groups in sperm concentration or activity.

Other studies have also linked obesity to DNA damage in the sperm.

source: BBC News Online

Because giant media networks are puppets of the taste of the masses.

Blogs will change the world somehow. Many journalists are running their own websites. They post their own stories online independent of the dictates of giant media outlets.

The Internet will obliterate these non-sense TV shows as anyone can now become an independent filmmaker.

Raise the Internet standard in the Philippines!

Ben, sorry to hear of the untimely death of your friend - Sheilla Okabe. Not only was her death untimely, it was painful, too.

May Sheilla's loved ones, relatives and friends find comfort from you and from us who are dejected over this tragedy.

Here's hurting lines from Goodbye song by Air Supply band:

I can see the pain living in your eyes
And I know how hard you try
You deserve to have much more
I can feel your heart and I sympathize...

For those who have not been aware of the noble Tubag Bohol Village dream, please read this thread first... and then come back here aron iyagyag ang atong mga luha sa pagmahay.

To make a long story short, Tubag Bohol Village dream has been hijacked - courtesy of those who don't know how to start a dream, but they know how to create nightmare to friendly, kindred souls...

Now, tell the world "how to say Goodbye to Tubag Bohol Village"...

1. When God closes a door, He opens a window. Remember the story of Joseph in the Old Testament.
2. This is the world wide web - all that we discussed here are viewable by the public.

There are thousands of ears and eyes coming from all corners of the globe that can spy on our movement and crusade. Thus, a Tubag Bohol Exclusive section dedicated for sensitive planning and information will be set up. Only trusted Tubaggers will be manually allowed to access the exclusive hideout.

3. The manager of China Bank is not China Bank. Let's find out whether the bank manager's move is sanctioned by China Bank or dictated by his personal interest.

If such move was the official voice of China Bank, then we'll declare war against China Bank. When we say "war," we mean either pulling out our existing savings accounts from China Bank or carrying out a worldwide crusade to boycott China Bank's services. Let the Davids of Tubag Bohol triumph over the Goliaths of the world.

But if such action was goaded by pure personal interest, we already know that God rewards the meek but despises the proud.

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By Dave Branon
Our Daily Bread

When my son Steve walks into a room, he often gets immediate respect. People want to shake his hand. They smile. They congratulate him. They thank him.

It happens at church. It happens in restaurants. It happens wherever he goesâ€"as long as he is wearing his uniform of the United States Navy.

While in uniform, Steve gets instant respect because everyone knows that he is serving. He has given up many personal freedoms and desires so that he can serve his country.

People respect service. We honor police officers who serve. We pay homage to military personnel who serve. But do we give the same honor and respect to those who are in an even greater serviceâ€"service to God? Do we show respect to our pastors, missionaries, Sunday school teachers?

Scripture tells us to give honor to whom honor is due (Rom. 13:7). Specifically, it tells us that double honor goes to those who direct the affairs of the church through teaching and preaching (1 Tim. 5:17).

Instead of criticizing your pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader, let others hear your words of gratitude and praise for their service. Hold them up in prayer. God’s servants deserve our respect and honor. - www.rbc.org

By Marvin Williams
Our Daily Bread

When Sha’Ri Eggum was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, doctors told her that only a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative could save her life. Complicating matters, Eggum, 32, was adopted and didn’t know anything about her biological family. But a private investigator tracked down her brother, Mike Ford, who was a perfect match. Today, Eggum’s leukemia is in remission. Ford was the right person for the right moment.

The book of Esther tells another story of love, sacrifice, and God’s timing. Mordecai, a Jew in exile, refused to bow to Haman, second in command to King Ahasuerus. Haman became furious and plotted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. So Haman deceived the king and persuaded him to issue an edict condemning the Jews to death. When Mordecai told his cousin Queen Esther about the edict, he urged her to intervene. “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” he said (v.14). Approaching the king uninvited was punishable by death. But Esther seized the moment to save her people!

When we are able to rescue others, we should do so at all costs. Ask God for His direction and act! He may have placed you here “for such a time as this.”

Thank you, Kiamz, for posting this picture. I don't know, but I'm so touched by the courage and determination of this dog.

I love dogs. We had four in our house before. They're all dead now and I still miss them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JmfHSpZ6Ps

This video was provided by Nestor Daarol of DYTR.

From UXcell website:

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By Ernesto M. Pernia, Ph.D
Published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer

International airports are a humdrum topic until one realizes that we seem to have too many of them, yet not enough food, power, water, and other basic needs. The subject has become particularly intriguing because another international airport is to break ground this month in Panglao Island, Bohol. President Arroyo herself is scheduled to preside over the ceremony.

The project was first conceptualized more than 20 years back when hardly anyone even dreamt that the island would become a world-renowned tourist attraction. With the typical on-again, off-again manner of government planning, not too many people paid attention to the project. Of late, however, it’s been rushed supposedly so that it can be completed in two years before the end of the President’s and the provincial Governor’s term in 2010.

The key question is: does the country need another international airport in addition to nine existing ones [Laoag, Clark, Subic, NAIA, Iloilo, Mactan (Cebu), Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, not to mention the one planned for Cagayan de Oro]?

Consider the most recent available data below comparing the Philippines with its ASEAN neighbours. It seems clear that the Philippines has over-extended itself. It already has more international airports than Thailand and Malaysia, and certainly many more than warranted by pertinent indicators.

Country Land area International Tourists GDP p.c. Poverty incidence (%)

(sq. km) airports (2007) (2005) (year)

Philippines 300,000 9 3.1 million $1,300 32.9 (2006)

Thailand 513,100 6 14.5 million 2,750 9.8 (2002)

Malaysia 329,800 6 17.5 million 4,960 5.1 (2002)

Indonesia 1,904,600 11 5.5 million 1,280 16.7 (2004)

---------------------

Source: ADB, Basic Statistics 2007, and respective country websites.

How can so many international airport be justified in the Philippines with the smallest land area among the four countries, the least number of tourists, a GDP per capita just slightly above Indonesia’s which is the lowest, and â€" shamefully â€" the highest poverty incidence (percent of population below the official poverty line)?

One has to wonder how our country’s leaders can in good conscience countenance the proliferation of international airports that are mostly underutilized, while more basic infrastructure and social services remain inadequate and one of three Filipinos languishes in deep and grinding poverty! An additional international airport will be superfluous, a misallocation of resources, and a sheer waste of scarce investible funds in a poor country.

There’s another sobering thought. Upon us appears to be an era of increasing supply-demand imbalances and ecological instability, highlighted by the global food crisis, inexorable rise in oil prices, and climate change. These are likely to adversely affect international travel and tourism.

It follows that an international airport in Bohol (and, for that matter, the one in Cagayan de Oro) will be hard to justify on sound economic grounds. The case is made additionally weaker given the proximity of Mactan International Airport. One can’t avoid likening it to the controversial NBN-ZTE project, a broadband network that was to electronically link the national government with the LGUs up to the remotest barrios. It has been criticized, among others, as wasteful because there already exist two such privately-provided broadband networks that could well be extended for the purpose if electric power in the provinces can be improved.

However, assuming for argument’s sake that Bohol needs an international airport. Why in Panglao of all places? It’s the province’s crown jewel. Its powdery white-sand beaches and world-renowned biodiversity coupled with its rustic character are what make the island unique and particularly inviting. Indeed, it has been declared by UNESCO a world heritage site, a recognition of the province’s vaunted policy of ecotourism and balanced development.

An airport would damage Panglao’s ecology, if not in the short run, certainly in the long run. When that happens the very purpose of the airport would be defeated as tourists would shun a damaged environment. Note, for instance, the deterioration of Boracay’s ecology owing to wanton overbuilding and commercialization even sans an international airport.

Bohol may need a more adequate domestic airport which could be located elsewhere. And, obviously, that would cost only a fraction of the amount for an international airport. The extra resources could then be put to better use in boosting food production, improving water and power supply, and enhancing education and health services. Bohol’s poverty incidence (34.9% in 2003) is higher than the national average.

One can rephrase the earlier question. How can Bohol’s leaders in good conscience be proud of an expensive (cost estimate P4.2 billion = $100 million) and questionable project when more than one of three Boholanos are in absolute poverty? Do our local Neroes fiddle while people suffer?

A major reason advanced by political leaders for going ahead with the project â€" despite unanswered questions â€" is that preparations are far too advanced and funds have been committed. Doesn’t this reflect bankrupt thinking? First, funds are fungible, i.e., can reallocated to better use. Secondly, it’s never too late. An analogy is a person who is in imminent danger of contracting cancer. Shouldn’t his physician give the right advice and shouldn’t the patient dutifully oblige just because it’s too late?

The analogy is limited, however. If the patient ignores doctor’s advice, that’s his personal choice with no negative externality (societal impact). By contrast, if the international airport is pursued despite reservations and risks, the negative externalities will be on society at-large â€" of the present and future generations.

Ernesto M. Pernia, Ph.D., is Professor of Economics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, and former Lead Economist, Asian Development Bank. Email: empernia@zpdee.net

Admission to over 40 of New York City's best attractions:

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Two ranking Boholano police officers are promoted to the operations division of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Visayas.

Newly promoted Lapu-Lapu City Police chief SSupt. Louie Oppus will head the Regional Operations and Plans Division while Tagbilaran City Police head C/Insp. Jacinto Cesar will also be the new head of the Regional Firearms and Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision which is also under the regional operations division.

Oppus, who also served as station commander here in Tagbilaran, had been city police director of Lapu-Lapu for four years, including when it was still a police station under the command of the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Opus recently took his oath of office before Pres. Arroyo after being promoted to senior superintendent.         

Meanwhile, Cesar told the Chronicle yesterday that he will formally be relieved from his post at the city PNP today and that he is just awaiting orders from C/Supt. Federico Perte, the regional deputy director for administration.

He said, the orders from the regional command came even after City Mayor Dan Lim requested for him to stay until after the Sandugo festivities next month.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Provincial lawmakers yesterday unanimously passed an ordinance reverting P10.8 million in salary savings for the purchase of 13 new vehicles.

The new cars will be used by 10 elected provincial kagawads and three ex-officio members of the provincial board.

During yesterday's regular session of the provincial board, the lawmakers approved the measure after a request from the office of the governor for the reversion of the P10.8 million funds saved from salaries of unfilled positions in the different offices of the provincial government.         

In an interview with the Chronicle, senior board member Cesar Tomas Lopez, currently acting vice-governor, said the lawmakers plan to purchase 13 Isuzu Crosswinds.

For several years now, board members have been asking for the new vehicles since most of the present issued cars are already old and would entail so much costs for repairs and maintenance.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

At least 14 Boholanos could now be dead while two have survived from two separate sea disasters at the height of the lashing of typhoon "Frank" over the weekend.

Reports gathered by the Chronicle until presstime yesterday showed that 12 Boholanos, including a veteran ship captain, may have drowned along with 700 others who were aboard the ill-fated "MV Princess of the Stars" that capsized off Romblon province last Saturday.

Meanwhile, two other apprentice seamen who just graduated their maritime studies in two colleges here, were among missing crewmen of the coal cargo vessel "MV Lake Paoay" that also sunk near Burias Island in Romblon last Saturday.

Sulpicio Lines Inc., owner of Princess of the Stars, reported at least 57 survivors and confirmed 20 fatalities from the ship's 862 passengers and crew members. This included three who were bound for Bohol - Minerva Toremucha, Niño Lauro and Rodel Laborte.

Reported missing are "MV Princess of the Stars" ship master Capt. Florencio Marimon Sr., Sanguenza Lucrecio, Anastacia Rulida and son Xyron Rulida, Alvino Laborte, Emilio Laborte, Teresito Laborte, Myla Abarquez, Elmer Ganade, Cherry Amor Ganade and crewmen Dexie Filomeno and Ruel Lariba.

Also missing from the sunken "MV Lake Paoay" are Arnold Yuhengco and Julius Bompat while their fellow trainee Julius Tolang was among survivors of the vessel's crew who were washed ashore in Masbate yesterday.

The Philippine Coast Guard have expanded its search areas starting yesterday and started drilling a hole of the overturned "MV Princess of the Stars" to start recovery of bodies still trapped inside the 23,800 ton ship.

According to Sulpicio Lines officials, they received a distress call from Marimon around 11:30 a.m. Saturday that the ferry had run aground.

By that time, Capt. Marimon, a native of Loon town, ordered all passengers to abandon the passenger ferry before it capsized about 15 minutes later.

The 24-year old "MV Princess of the Stars" was purchased by Sulpicio Lines from Japan in 2001 at a cost of $5 million and had no record of any malfunction or mechanical trouble. It was the biggest passenger vessel of the shipping company's fleet.

Based on official manifest, the vessel carried around 81 children of the 724 passengers, 27 contractors, concessionaires and sea marshals, and 111 crewmen.

Only a few passengers were able to don lifejackets after the captain's alarm while others jumped into the water towards the ship's 14 life rafts.

Meanwhile, "MV Lake Paoay" was from Simirara Islad in Mindoro and was on its way to deliver their cargo to Toledo City.

CAPTAIN MISSING

The 55-year old Boholano ship captain is being blamed for the sea tragedy, considered the biggest in 20 years, for sailing out even when Storm Signal No. 1 was already out.

However, Sulpicio Lines officials pointed out that the ship's size allowed it to sail even under Storm Signal No.1 under maritime rules.

The company said the ferry was in good running condition and that it had just undergone regular "dry-dock" inspection in February last year at the Subic shipyard.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) requires dry-dock inspections every two and a half years.

An interview with a relative of Marimon in Loon yesterday revealed that they do not yet have information regarding the fate of the ship captain.

SAVED BY BAMBOO PILE

In an interview with survivor Tolang, who is from Bilar town, he said that when their cargo vessel lost engine function off Capiz province Saturday, they drifted off to Burias Island in Romblon where it capsized.

The ship was carrying 5,000 tons of coal.

According to Tolang, most of the ship's 26 crewmen huddled on a stack of bamboos that was included in their cargo. However, most of the crew, including the two other Boholano apprentices could no longer keep hold of the bamboos.

Investors on information, communication technology may find obstacle in their interest to put up business here with the lack of vital support facilities in the locality.

Emmanuel D. Cortero, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) development officer said Bohol and Tagbilaran City in particular, can qualify for the establishment of an economic zone but there must be put in place first facilities like fiber optic connectivity and stable power supply that would ensure efficiency of these technologies.

PEZA zones are established in areas with business potentials and offer investors many incentives like tax holidays in their first five years of operations, exemptions in tariffs and import fees and many others.

Cortero said PEZA have received initial proposals of establishing a call center here by a big company and their office is ready to assist them for eco-zone recognition.

The big Alturas Group of Companies is ready to provide 2,000 square meter area at the Island City Mall for such call center and IT companies are showing interest in this venture.

“Unless communication facilities comparable to other cities like Cebu are put up here, these call center business won’t be ready yet,” Cortero said.

The prospects are getting brighter, however, with the report that the Philippine Long Distance Company is ready to connect fiber optic lines here.

TransCo, a power distribution subsidiary of Napocor is also studying the viability of putting up another 100MW station here to supply the additional power needs in anticipation to the rising demands when the proposed Panglao, Bohol International Airport goes operational. - The Bohol Standard

A forwarded email

These are actual medical comments found in patients' medical charts from Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
2. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it
disappeared.
3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
5. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.
6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
7. The patient refused autopsy.
8. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
9. She is numb from her toes down.
10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
11. The skin was moist and dry.
12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.
15. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.
16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
17. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.
18. Skin: somewhat pale but present.
19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

Melanie M. You know who? Forwarded email...

- True good to be true
- When it rains, it's four.
- Once in a new moon.
- Please don't make fond of me.
- The more you hate, the more you laugh.
- alma mother
- no holes barred.
- keep your mouth shock!
- Ats if?I?
- Well, well, well, look do we have here!
- it's just the tip of the icing.
- here's more to come.
- connect me if I'm wrong.
- I'm in the break of death.

May God have mercy on our nation. Evil is present.

You can see your own email address but the public can't see it. Try to log out and look into your profile.

Can you PM me your real email address because I will use it for your original profile.

Bol-anon, I'll check it out after my class.

The Official Fox TV Store. Learn more about the site by <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2529327-10461535">clicking here</a>

May our good Lord God be with her. We are still anxiously waiting for reports of those who survive in the tragedy.

By Ric Obedencio
Bohol Chronicle

In a bid to boost tourism industry by providing easy access to visitors particularly Boholanos, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved a Resolution supporting the move of Davao City asking the airplane companies to establish direct flights between this capital city and Davao City.

The SP found merit of Davao City's approved Resolution No. 0768-08, requesting Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit to explore the possibility of establishing direct flights between Dvao City and Tagbilaran City, Bohol, said Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera after the approval of SP measure.

Gov. Erico Aumentado, who was in receipt of the said Davao City Resolution, stressed the direct air travel "will definitely be to our mutual and equal advantage, as it will further promote tourism and investment in our places."

Davao City officials said that it's the city's policy to promote the City as a tourism, investment and trade destination, hence, it is needed that it has to have a direct transportation links with other cities and countries.

The Resolution recognizes that Davao and Bohol share the same thing because both are the country's prime tourist destinations, visited by both foreigners and locals alike.

"Davao City and its neighboring provinces are home to hundreds of thousands of residents tracing their roots to Bohol, who travel on a regular basis, particularly to attend town fiestas, family homecoming and to transact business."

The SP Resolution was adopted en masse during the regular session on June 10, 2008 presided over by Herrera, the Chronicle learned.

Davao City Resolution was signed by Vice-Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, daughter of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and approved by 24 city councilors as certified by Zuleika T. Lopez, secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Police remain clueless regarding the identities of two suspects who robbed the owners of a gas station in barangay Dao last Tuesday.

The two armed robbers fled with P240,000 in cash after they held-up Felix and Thelma Ayeng, owners of Dao Caltex Gas Station, who have just boarded their service vehicle to deposit their collections at a bank here about 8:30 a.m.

The still unidentified robbers who were aboard a motorcycle blocked their path and took the bag in the possession of Thelma that contained the P240,000 cash.

According to the couple, one of the suspects disembarked from the motorcycle pointing a gun at Thelma who was holding the bag containing the money to be deposited.

The victims could hardly provide police a description of the suspects as they covered their faces with t-shirts and the incident took only a few seconds, according to Thelma.

The gun toting suspect approached the victims without saying a word and went straight to grab the bag which contained the gasoline station's four-day cash collections.

The lady-victim said she did not attempt to resist the suspect fearing she and her husband would be shot.

Nobody among the gas station employees even noticed the incident, according to the couple. It was only after the suspects fled that the victims called for help.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The Energy Regulatory Commission will have to decide on the legality of the franchise held by Bohol Light Company Inc. before ruling on the application by the utility firm to pass-on charges of franchise taxes paid since 2001.

Some P36.5-million have been paid by Bohol Light to the national and city government in franchise tax and this will be charged on the monthly billings of electric consumers within a period of three years if the ERC grants their petition.

During the public hearing last Thursday, a pre-judicial question was raised by City Mayor Dan Lim questioning the legality of the power company's franchise which was issued by the National Electrification Commission (NEC).

Citing the provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that gave exclusive authority to the House of Representatives in issuing franchises in the transmission and distribution of electricity, Lim asked the ERC, through Commissioner Rauf Tan, to rule first on the franchise issue before giving due course to Bohol Light's petition.

Bohol Light was issued a certificate of franchise by the NEC on July 10, 2003 while the EPIRA took effect on June 26, 2001.

By BINGO P. DEJARESCO III
Editor In Chief
Bohol Chronicle

Devoted wife that she was, Rosario "Charing" Pernia-Dejaresco, 85, bade farewell to her charmed life to gift her beloved departed husband - Zoilo "Jun" Dejaresco, Chronicle founding publisher-editor - the best present there is.

"Charing" joined her anxiously-waiting "Jun" - just in time for them to celebrate "Father's Day" today. This time, the soft-spoken Matriarch of the Bohol Chronicle enterprises showed some flair for drama. A blessed reunion made in Heaven.

When the Patriarch Chronicle Editor "Jun" wrote his last on June 8, 2002 - the critics thought the enterprise would crumble and die. They underestimated the understated but powerful presence and the diligence she poured her energy into some of the facets of Jun Dejaresco's management repertoire that held the employees glued around the emblem of the Dejaresco enterprise.

She was not just a symbol but an extension of "Jun's" dedication to the twin media facilities.

Six years and 6 days unto her role as Matriarch of the ship, "Charing" was allowed to give up the ghost mid-morning yesterday at the Ramiro Hospital as she succumbed to medical complications abetted by the weakness of old age.

But her anticipated reunion with Jun will be a fitting reward - their second honeymoon in Heaven - after ably holding the fort while he was away.

SURROUNDED BY FAMILY

"Charing" was surrounded at her death bed by the very people who witnessed her legendary compassion and warmth "up close and personal" - her nine children and some of the members of their immediate family. They came far and wide - the United States, Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete and this city to stand by her up to the last breath she took.

When the competent and amiable team of doctors at the hospital, namely, doctors Bong Angelito Lechago, Napoleon Nazareno, Mayda Ybañez, James Sombrio, Reuel Relampagos, Edgar Pizarras, Romualdo Ruiz and family friend visiting doctor Claver Ramos allowed the family members their "private moments" with the ailing Matriarch Saturday dawn, we all knew the end was a matter of time. Individual prayers were said for her.

The final alarm was set at Saturday's breakfast time, when the Code DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) was in play and the maximum medical dosage was in progress. All nine children were able to deliver their "farewell" piece. They are: Ely, Chato, Bingo, Malou, Bobong or Luis, Peter, Milet, Mamel and Kathy. A niece Kathlyn practically grew up under her wings for many years. After a nephew Atty. Jay Dejaresco and daughter-in-law Zarah spoke, she peacefully faded to her Creator and those who went ahead of her to a Blissful Place Beyond - secured in the thought that she left behind a united clan - ready to build years of the enterprise's fabled history - dating back 54 years ago.

CIVIC LEADER

Dejaresco capped her years of conscientious civic leadership when she was awarded during "Mother's Day" on May 14, 2006 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Manila as the Ulirang Ina Awardee given by the National Mother's Day and Father's Day Foundation Inc. led by the Honorary Chairperson Chief Justice Consuelo Santiago.

An avid supporter of the Sunshine Home, she was President of the Catholic Women's League from 1994-1996 and 1996-1998 as well as Tagbilaran City Host Lioness Club President 1975-1977.

A member of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), she also served during World War II at the Women's Auxiliary Service (WAS). The RP tri-color wraps around her casket as a tribute to her courage and service during the last war. Her demise came after being able to send some seminarians to priesthood which brought her closer to the church.

Some of Tagbilaran residents became her student since for years she was a piano teacher and a teacher at the then St. Joseph Academy.

Interment is set on Thursday right beside the tomb of her beloved Jun at the Dampas Catholic Cemetery. A requiem mass and necrological rites at the St. Joseph Cathedral, 1 p.m. on Thursday precede the burial.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

A warrant for the arrest of City Kag. Edgar Kapirig was issued Tuesday by the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) in connection with charges of serious slander filed against him by businessman Mariano Uy.

Kapirig however voluntarily surrendered and paid P6,000 bailbond on Wednesday for his provisional liberty.

MTCC Presiding Judge Sisinio Virtudazo issued the warrant of arrest following the filing of charges against Kapirig by the City Prosecution Office of the crime of serious slander.

Uy accused Kapirig of maligning him for allegedly spreading lies regarding unaccounted donations for the Botika sa Katawhan.

The Botika, dispensing free medicines to city residents, was established by Uy with the help of doctors and benefactors in the United States.

Kapirig denied the allegations of Uy.

The city lawmaker, upon knowing that a warrant of arrest was issued against him, voluntarily posted bail.

Moreover, a motion filed by Kapirig to defer further proceedings of the case on the ground that he has filed a petition for review at the Regional State Prosecutor in Cebu City was denied by Judge Virtudazo.

By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

After more than a century of celebrating Independence Day, last anniversary of the declaration of freedom was not only austere but also mistimed. Austerity and simplicity of the celebration could be justified. Inflation, high prices of basic commodities triggered by the rise in oil prices made it necessary for us to skimp. It is acceptable to dispense of elaborate preparations for the celebration for now.

However, the celebration must not be moved just because of holiday economics.

Industrialized countries do practice holiday economics. Holidays falling on the middle of the week are transferred to the nearest Monday. Thus they have what they call long weekends. However, such holidays of most importance like Christmas, New Year, Holy Week and Independence Day are celebrated exactly on the day the fall. It does not matter whether the celebrator opts for a simple or elaborate observation as long as it is observed exactly on time. Hopefully, Independence Day next year will be exempted from holiday economics.

Some years after liberation, we celebrated our Independence Days on the fourth of July. That was when the United States of America allowed us to become a sovereign nation. History says that after centuries of Spanish domination, several provinces of the Philippines revolted. In the penultimate decade of the nineteenth century, on June 12 General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippines to be independent of the Spanish rule. After that the infant republic became a victim of international politics.

After several battles, the Spanish were losing the Philippines to the rebels. She sold the Philippines to the United States for twenty million dollars if our memory serves us right. The eyes of the world, America owned the Philippines by the right of purchase. The rebels, patriots to the Filipinos, were labeled insurrectionists by America and the world.

Although America owned the Philippines by the right of purchase and conquest, the ruling party in the US during those tines were isolationist who allowed the Philippines to be free, on July 12, 1944. Several; years after the liberation, Pres Diosdado Macapagal restored June 12 as our Independence Day.

Jagna followed the decree of the President to keep Independence Day celebration simple. Flag ceremonies were held in all barangays seven in the morning or thereabouts. After that everyone is free to do what he wishes. Some returned to their daily pursuit of earning a living. Some decided to call it a day to relax.

However, the barangay officials of Canjulao decided to celebrate the event.

Under the leadership of barangay captain Florentino Yap, barangay officials from the council to the SKs, tanods and BHWs decided to call the day a barangay day and hold some sort of celebration. All barangay personnel brought foods, bought drinks and held contests. Barangay constituents were invited to join. Games like tug of war, sack race and others were held.

The oldest basketball player was Kagawad Melquiades Abrea. Despite his age he was still able to heave a ball. However, we took precautions to buy Salonpas for him. We still do not trust the touted herbals advertised over the local radio. He might go to Matapay. Barangay captain Tony Yap said the council might call June 12 a Barangay Day for Canjulao so they can celebrate Independence Day. Well and good. He might set a trend, which may be followed by every barangay in Jagna.

Written by Loy Palapos
Columnist, Bohol Sunday Post

Before the birth of the Alturas Group of Companies, there was only the Alturas Supermarket Corporation which, on its first years of customer service to the Boholano public, was concentrated on the grocery business. With the growth of Tagbilaran as a city comparable to the burgeoning metropoles of the country, the Corporation needed to expand to many more and much varied clienteles. Thus, the formation of the 18-company conglomerate.

Even during its infant stage, Alturas attracted the talents of a Cebuano who, for 23 years worked as Senior Flight Controller at the Philippine Air Lines. He finished Bachelor of Science major in Accounting at the University of San Carlos-Cebu City, and he has been with Alturas for 13 years as Interior Designer and Head of Visual Merchandisers in the Creative Arts Department.

Although his formal studies did not include art and design, this inborn talent has been honed in his travels all over the country and abroad, partly because with PAL is the built-in privilege to have an annual vacation in a foreign city of his choice.

Until today, he frequents Metro Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, and other cities abroad in the course of his responsibility to be abreast with the latest trends globally.

This hasty interview took place an hour before he packed his needs for an unscheduled trip to Manila. Jose Atamosa Ignacio (JAI) is a real gem of a talent in interior design, which the Alturas Group of Companies has been lucky to have.

LMP: What course did you finish and in what school?
JAI: I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at the University of San Carlos.

LMP: During your student years, was there already an obvious inclination for arts and designs?
JAI: I would say that an early age I already had a strong passion for the arts starting on my drawings with the use of colors in crayons, pastels and paints. Designing came later with emphasis on fashion. I opened a boutique, but I closed my shop later when I shifted to interior design.

LMP: Where were you employed right after graduation? What were the designations/ assignments given to you?
JAI: Right after college, I worked for Filipinas Life, now renamed Ayala Life- an affiliate of the Ayala Group as Staff for Sales Promotions handling ad campaign designs and visual presentations for policy holders.

LMP: You were working with Philippine Airlines; what was your job and how many years did you stay with PAL?
JAI: After Ayala Life, I then moved to Philippine Airlines where I stayed for 23 years and 8 months (the longest so far, and I am now a lifetime ticket holder for free travel) as Ticket Representative for Domestic Ticketing at Mactan International Airport. I was then transferred to Domestic and International Reservations Office as Senior Passenger Analyst, better known as Senior Flight Controller, until my retirement in 1998.

LMP: What prompted you to work in an airline?
JAI: My desire to see the world for free.

LMP: What were the privileges you enjoyed while working with Pal?
JAI: Airline ticket privileges both for PAL and other International Airlines, which PAL holds interline agreement with.

LMP: I have been informed that one of the privileges a PAL employee enjoys is a paid vacation in any city abroad of your choice? What were the cities you have visited and how did it enhance your love for the arts and aesthetics?
JAI: It's actually not a paid vacation but only a paid ticket for a vacation to places of your choice (both domestic and international). In my stay with PAL, I have been to several places in the US, London, Rome, Hongkong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. The travels I made has greatly influenced my passion for the arts and designs and improved my artistic disposition.

LMP: When did you start working in Alturas Supermarket Corporation? When you came to Tagbilaran, how did you assess the culture and arts of the people? Did you find it easy to blend with the local aesthetic climate?
JAI: When I first came to Tagbilaran to work for Alturas Group, I simply worked on something aesthetically appealing to the market - design and color-wise. I was a partimer in 1985 (2 times weekly, every day-off with PAL).

LMP: When Plaza Marcela started operations, and years later, followed by Alturas-Talibon, did you feel another challenge as far as artistry is concerned regarding your job?
JAI: Every undertaking I did for the Alturas Group has always been a challenge as far as artistry is concerned. It is a learning experience, a testament to my skills and creativity.

LMP: When you consider the art and design of a particular place, do you put into consideration the culture and attitude of the people living in that place? Why?
JAI: As a contemporary designer, I focus on the artistic and practical value of my designs. As long as you are one of the very few people who have a knack for knowing how things fall into place at just the right stroke.

LMP: In the past 4 years, you have been using your talents for Island City Mall. Do you consider this as a highlight in your profession?
JAI: Every talent put into good use is more than an accomplishment or achievement of your profession. I always try to learn something new and to improve my craft.

LMP: If you were to recall your travels abroad, what were some distinct features in some cities which you have incorporated or will still incorporate in your task here in Bohol?
JAI: Whatever impressions I gather from my travels abroad, I normally innovate and improve it, adding a concept of my individual touch every now and then. When I involve myself in everything I do, then whatever is out there is part of me.

LMP: How do you credit your artistry and creativity? Did it come out as an inborn talent or a product of your exposure?
JAI: My artistry and creativity is a built-in knowledge, a God-given gift enhanced and developed by books and my travels abroad.

LMP: You have made a great job in the anniversaries of ICM, and during special occasions, like Christmas, Valentines Day, etc…… do you believe you can surpass these previous accomplishments?
JAI: You would think that your accomplishments from your previous jobs were already better; but here comes a new one. And you suddenly realize that what you're doing right now is far better than before. So what comes next is a great challenge, a challenge to be the best.

LMP: What are your plans for the 4rth anniversary of ICM in as far as artistry, and creativity in design are concerned?
JAI: We are going a bit conservative.

LMP: Comparing your jobs before and at the Alturas Group of Companies, what are some of the basic differences?
JAI: There's not much difference. It boils down to dedication, full time and unlimited effort.

LMP: Are you a fulfilled individual now most particularly in terms of the profession you are practicing?
JAI: I may have achieved something but not fully accomplished in terms of how much I have to learn out there and be able to grow with it.

LMP: What are some challenges that you expect in your job in the near future?
JAI: My philosophy has always been to make the people/clients happy, and giving them the best of what they expect out of your job. Always aim for perfection, as this will make or break you in your profession.

LMP: Do you believe that in your profession you have to keep on improving? How do you do it?
JAI: I always try to learn something new to improve my craft; I do not like to stay stagnant. I intently focus on meticulous planning, creative thinking and hardwork. Definitely these will pay off.

Written by Boy Guingguing
Publisher, Bohol Sunday Post

Who will disagree with this Bglante's observation that the lending business has its downside and upside. To some, it is a virtual gold mine. It is so lucrative that people we know who are in the lending business have themselves become rich and famous.

But in some cases, lending is not always sugar and spice and everything nice.

For all you know, the lending industry is also littered with the carcasses of all those who fell by the wayside. Why, is it what they call in the vernacular as nahurot ug panukli?

For all intents and purposes, lending is not for the faint of heart. Or for the kind hearted. You've got to have a heart of steel, if one likes to succeed in this kind of business.

One component of the business is the collector. For one, the main qualification of this kind of people is that they will take no for an answer. If these collectors are of the uncompromising kind, the best word to describe them is that they must be ferocious as a mad dog.

With this kind of combination-ferocity of the collectors and lending investors giving no quarters to clients during paying time, there's no way that the business will not prosper.

What about the downside? Although usury had long been vanished in our statutes, the Gook Book is still explicit in its caveat about "taking advantage about the misery of others". And to put it bluntly, lending let alone if it is reinforced in usurious rates, is still considered a mortal sin.

What motivated us to make a piece about lending?

We have this friend (a faculty member of a local college) who took pity to many of his students who could no longer pursue their college course because of poverty. The students asked their teacher if he can find somebody who can offer them scholarships. Not one who thought of solving the students' problem by taking the immoral way, say tapping the lewd designs of DOMs, the poor teacher sought this Bglante's help if we can be a benefactor.

Actually, the scholarship idea (the no strings attached kind) titillated us no end. But we have our own king size problem to contend with, thus disqualifying us from the hassles of maintaining scholars.

This led us to recommend why not tap the benevolence of those who are in the lending business. Knowing that they are the kind that oozes with cash, why not explore the idea of asking a share of their bounty for our less fortunate brothers.

Our contention here is that if irreverent lenders do not suffer from the karmic equivalent of divine justice, they might as well engage in some apostolic work in order to mitigate the impact of bad karma.

We knew of several people whose lending wealth were slowly dissipated because of unknown illnesses or some other catastrophes befalling them. Look around you and you will know what I mean.

What we are saying is that, if you engage in lending, make it a two-way traffic. Make it one way and sooner or later, you will suffer the harsh consequences. Just moderate your greed so that you will be provided the right cushion in case a free fall becomes inevitable. All told, consider the value of sharing and who knows if it will have its own rewards.

As to the college teacher, at least we offer him one option to explore. There's no harm in trying and for all you know a good samaritan may just be lurking among lenders and lying beneath their notorious cover is a person with a heart of gold.

By Romy Teruel
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

The Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) is seeking the recovery of its franchise tax by passing it on to its consumers. BLCI thinks it can do this under the Energy Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) passed by Congress years back.

At a time when people are suffering from the effects of high prices brought by forces that are not within the control of government, the BLCI move is not only bad timing but also smacks of insensitivity to the needs of its clientele and is not good business practice.

It was good that the Energy Regulatory Commission postponed the public hearing it conducted this week pending a resolution of a prejudicial question. Both the Provincial government of Bohol and the city government of Tagbilaran submitted their opposition along with the opposition of a horde of electric consumers who would be affected by what BLCI wants to happen.

Even if BLCI is entitled to recover its franchise tax under the law, the move is just unconscionable during these difficult times. The incomes of low income group that consist of most of the electric consumers are eaten up by the increasing cost of prime commodities and services like food and education.

Passing on to the consumers the burden of recovering a franchise tax payment is not only bad business practice but downright immoral. Where is the corporate social responsibility of BLCI? Why emaciate the consumers who give you the business and the profit? When things get better, no consumer will complain against helping out the business to recover some expenses especially if the service is excellent.

The Boholanos are warm and gracious. They have never been known to fail those who are kind to them. In time they will reciprocate the kind consideration of BLCI.

Let's hope BLCI withdraws its application without waiting for the solution to the prejudicial question of whether indeed their franchise tax is one that can be recovered under the EPIRA.

It may be a timely reminder to BLCI that the company is not pure private company. The provincial government of Bohol owns 30% of its original worth. Even if that 30% is just a voice in the wilderness it is still a voice that represents the city consumers who are the constituency of the provincial government, the City of Tagbilaran being a component city of the province.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

She must have known that she had it coming. For how else explain her resignation had she had known that she would face the final curtain after years in public service.

The sad ending of the public career of Elvira Clenuar, municipal accountant of Panglao, was summarized in an 11-page decision handed down by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas where it found sufficient evidence for serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The penalty was harsh by any standard.

Aside from dismissal from service, the accountant during the time of ex-mayor Doloriech Dumaluan was also meted out the penalties that included cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service.

Following her resignation as municipal accountant during the time of acting mayor Pedro Fuertes, who took the place of Dumaluan when the latter was suspended, she was taken in as head accountant of the Flushing Meadows Resort in Dao, Dauis.

Dumaluan, her superior during her stint as municipal accountant, was also named respondent in the administrative case. It was filed by Councilor Cerino Hormachuelos. The ex-mayor, however, was cleared of his involvement in the administrative charges.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

The biblical injunction "to give Cesar what is due to Cesar" has never been truer in the case of Chief Inspector Jacinto Cesar who is slated to be promoted to another assignment outside Bohol.

When news broke out of the impending transfer of Chief Inspector Cesar as city police chief, not a few tongues started wagging.

But S/Supt. Edgardo Ingking, provincial police director came to the rescue of Cesar's transfer saying that there was nothing irregular in his promotion.

Although he has yet to receive the order, Supt. Ingking said like a good soldier, Cesar should follow the directive where he is to be assigned.

In a check with Cesar, he confirmed that he was slated for transfer at the PNP planning office in Cebu. He denied, however, that he sought for his own transfer because he no longer likes his present assignment.

But rumors persisted that there was something fishy in Cesar's Cebu assignment.

Ascribing bad blood between the chief of police and City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, the yarn peddled around given Cesar's transfer was that the animosity has finally exploded into the open.

Cesar's impending transfer provided grist to the city's rumor mill saying that the chief of police sought for another assignment because the city was remiss in releasing intelligence funds for police mobility.

Political enemies of Mayor Lim have time and again feasted on these rumors that he was not transparent in the disbursement of intelligence funds.

Confronted with this nagging issue, Mayor Lim countered that by operations of law, intelligence funds are treated as confidential in nature and therefore not subject to audit.

When asked if the discharge of his function as city police chief was hobbled by lack of funds, he said it was possible that law enforcement was hampered.

But knowing that funds are scarce, he has to make do with what he has in order to keep the crime volume under his jurisdiction at bay.

Debunking insinuations that he was not getting intelligence funds from the city mayor's office, Cesar said it was simply not true. He said that funding support from the mayor's office may not be coming in regular basis but at least there is something to expect when the need arises.

Supt. Ingking for his part admitted that he was not privy to arrangements involving the disbursement of intelligence funds from the city mayor's office.

However, if he is going to be asked if the regular intelligence allocation coming from his office is always available when needed, he can say with all sincerity that it is there when the recipient needs it, say the city police station.

The local police were placed in a bad light recently after a series of killings and robberies. It even earned the city the unsavory moniker "crime city".

According to Cesar, it would be unfair to blame the entire city police organization for an increase in crime incidents in this city.

Commenting on the recent hold-up involving a gas station in Dao, Cesar admitted that the police are yet to solve the crime because no witnesses have showed up to bolster the solution of the robbery.

The chief of police also admitted that several robberies in the past remain unsolved with the same familiar reason-lack of witnesses.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA - Bohol   

  The queues for the much sought government-subsidized rice was not as long in the past few days, the National Food Authority (NFA) here has put up in its retail outlets the P25 per kilo rice while the P18.25 is still up in its Tindahan Natin and parish distribution outlets. 

  This, and the government calls to spare the government subsidized rice for the needy has by any indication, made the long queues shorter. 

  In a radio interview, NFA Bohol assistant Manager Ma Fe Evasco said opening up the P25 per kilo rice in the NFA accredited retail outlets is a good move especially that the prices of commercial rice has gone up.   

  Nevertheless, she assured Boholanos that the P18.25 NFA rice is still available at Tindahan Natin and Parish distribution outlets, for the province’s poor. 

  Evasco, who also makes a regular report on the daily situation of NFA rice in a Bohol radio station shared that the NFA has noted the rise in commercial rice price.

  She said most commercial rice available in the markets are priced at more than P30, which has pushed the NFA to upgrade its distribution program with the opening of the P25.00 per kilo rice. 

  Even then, she added that the local government rice distribution agency is planning to open up more distribution outlets here to present wider options wider for Boholanos to access low priced rice.

  She reasoned out that the NFA is opening up more outlets to allow the poor to get the low-priced rice over the commercial rice sold at the markets.

  In her regular daily update on the NFA status, Evasco also said the rice allocation for Bohol is still coming regularly, and recently the total shipment since January has reached 210,000 bag. 

  The weekly arrival of shipments is set to sustain the NFA distribution, she said.

  The P25 per kilo rice is soon to be supported by American imported rice, which would be sold at P20 and P35 in July, information leaked to the press also bared.

  Over this, the government has sought in the double, means to raise the country’s rice sufficiency rating faster so that it could weather the rising tide of food and oil which has by far, determined the country’s economic conditions. 

May the Lord keep safe those who are still alive. May God guide the rescue team to locate the missing survivors.

I wonder why Sulpicio Lines had to sail despite a clear and present typhoon danger.

Written By Ben Cal
Manila, Philippines

Bohol's media matriarch is dead.

Mrs. Rosario "Charing" Pernia Dejaresco, died in peace at her hospital bed at 10:36 a.m. yesterday after receiving the Extreme Unction, the last rites of the Catholic Church. She was 85.

I have known Nang Charing even before I went to school way back in 1949 when I accompanied my mother, Mrs. Milagros B. Cal's regular visit to the Dejaresco family in their rented apartment near the residence of former President Carlos P. Garcia in Tagbilaran City.

At that time, Nang Charing's husband, the late Atty. Zoilo Dejaresco Jr. was a practicing lawyer but at the same time a professor at the Holy Name College (now Holy Name University).

But in between, Atty. Dejaresco was a correspondent of the now defunct Manila Chronicle.

His passion in news writing gave him the idea to pioneer Bohol's first community newspaper - The Bohol Chronicle in May 1954. Since then, the Chronicle has not missed an issue to date even during martial law.

Through thick and thin when The Bohol Chronicle was in its infancy, Jun and Charing Dejaresco held on together. They pulled through every obstacle the fledgling newspaper encountered with flying colors.

But it was Nang Charing's perseverance, constant prayer being a Marian devotee and faith in God that made the big difference.

When big problems occurred, Nang Charing was always there on the side of her beloved husband, giving advice to take things easy and leave the matter to the Almighty.

One summer vacation when I was nine years old, I found myself as a newsboy, selling Bohol Chronicle, Manila Chronicle and Alimyon, a Visayan vernacular magazine which the Dejaresco family was the exclusive distributor in the province of Bohol at that time.

As a doting and loving wife, Nang Charing was the treasurer of the Bohol Chronicle, dutifully keeping an accounting of all the sales of the struggling community newspaper.

Every Christmas Jun Dejaresco and Nang Charing would host a Christmas party for the newsboys.

When I graduated from high school, I was employed in the Bohol Chronicle initially as proofreader-messenger in 1963 through the recommendation of my mother.

I was unaware at that time that it was the start of my journalism career.

Jun Dejaresco, the Chronicle's editor-publisher, and Justino "Ning" Romea, a prolific writer, not only gave me the encouragement to be a journalist, but taught me how to write straight and feature articles.

However, Nang Charing, an English teacher in her own right, was there not as an editor but my unsolicited adviser, giving some pointers of the story I have written.

It was Nang Charing's friendly coaching that I had to be careful in my grammar and choice of words when I submitted my stories for the Chronicle's Sunday issue, especially when her husband was in Manila or abroad for a conference or official business.

It was Nang Charing's dominant presence in the newsroom, her ever smiling face that we, the employees would double our efforts - working overtime every Saturday for the Chronicle's Sunday issue.

The last time I talked to Nang Charing was in 2004 when the Chronicle observed its golden anniversary.

She was so happy to meet me after years of not having seen each other.

I did not know that it was the last time I would meet her in person.

For me, I would always remember Nang Charing's big heart, her kindness, always helpful, and her wide smile.

Though she may not be larger than life, but Nang Charing was at the forefront when she and her husband pioneered the press and radio network in Bohol and watch the Chronicle's growth into a media empire and watchdog of press freedom.

Through the years, Nang Charing was ever conscious of the shortness of life. That way she had gained wisdom of heart for her fellow being.

Goodbye, Nang Charing.

Published By the Bohol Standard

Frustrated farmer beneficiaries of the multi-billion Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bohol get a new lease of hope for their farmlands to finally get fully irrigated.

Studies are now started to determine if doubling the holding capacity of the multi-million Malinao Dam is feasible, says Governor Erico Aumentado, who met a team of Korean experts recently.

The feasibility study worth $1US dollars is a grant by the Korean Government upon the governor’s request on upgrading the Malinao Dam and enlarging its service area.

Militant farmers calling themselves Panagbugkos Kontra K4 have been openly airing their dismay over the water services of the dam. They still depend on rainfall since they are able to irrigate their fields only during the rainy season, not year-round as expected from the constructed dam.

Concerns over failure to deliver the desired results especially in lands leveled and converted to rice fields but are way beyond the service capacity of the dam still pop as sore issue among farmers.

Malinao Dam, of the Bohol Irrigation Project Phase 1 cost 1.4B yen and was designed to catch the waters off Wahig-Pamacsalan River and irrigate 4,960 hectares of prime rice lands.

The governor said he personally persuaded Korean authorities to fund the study through a grant, when he was in Korea last year, Aumentado reported in his weekly radio program aired over Bohol radio stations.

The governor, who was also instrumental in establishment of the P3.6 billion Malinao Dam, reported his meeting with the representatives from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KoICA) June 12 night, as an offshoot of his earlier request.

By The Bohol Standard

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Bayani Fernando recently led inauguration rites for a two-classroom school building of the Buenavista Community College in Barangay Cangawa, Buenavista town.

The newest addition to the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) system became a beneficiary of a P600,000 school building after the Provincial School Board (PSB) that Aumentado heads identified it as one.

In his message, the governor admitted he holds Buenavista dear in his heart because of the exemplary unity and cooperation that the municipal officials headed by Mayor Elsa Tirol and school officials led by College Director Rena Duallo have shown.

Besides, he said, the school has an almost perfect passing average for the past three years now in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) â€" besting some bigger schools in the province.

Aumentado said under normal circumstances, contractors would pass off the chance to bid for the project because the already low floor price would leave nothing much for profit especially with the escalating price of cement and steel bars.

As such, he lauded Col. Arnaldo Fernandez Jr. of the 53rd Engineering Brigade (EBde) for rising to the occasion by constructing the building at only P300,000 per classroom already fully painted and complete with toilet, plumbing, electric wiring, insulator ceiling, blackboards and bulletin board through troops of the Macaas, Tubigon-based Engineer Support Battalion (ESBn) under Lt. Col. Ramon Ruiz.

Published by the Bohol Standard

The next biggest cataract-surgical mission is set on July 17-24, 2008 in time for the Sandugo celebration.

It is sponsored by the provincial government thru Gov. Erico B. Aumentado and Vice Gov. Julius Caesar F. Herrera and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan thru Health Committee chairman Dr. Cesar Tomas “Yul” Lopez, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) thru Chairman Sergio O. Valencia and PCSO Area Vis/Min Supervisor Mr. William Malicsi, the Philippine Jaycee Senate â€" Bohol thru Pres. Atty. Rolando Butalid and Vice Pres. Atty. Jose V. Torralba.

The venue will be at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, courtesy of Chief of Hospital Dr. Nenita Moraga-Po, M.D.

Mrs. Fancy S. Baluyot, Consultant for Health and Social Services advised that the Philippine Gift of Life and its officers and members of the Board of Trustees thru Chairman Dr. Ramie Cadag, Vice Pres. Rev. Fr. Victor Bompat, the PGMA Outreach Team, Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists (PAMS) thru Dr. Federico A. Malubay and PAMS Bohol thru Pres. Ruel Relampagos and the Hildegarden ’89 thru Pres. Joseph S. Alagon, the Home Reach Foundation thru its Chairman Dr. Pepe Recitas, Co-Chairman Dr. Ramie Cadag and Director Richard Uy and the Department of Health (DOH) thru Sec. Dr. Francisco Duque and Asst. Sec. Dr. Elmer Punzalan will be coordinating on this great mission.

Atty. Tomas D. Abapo, Jr. Provincial Administrator said this humanitarian project is also being supported by the three congressmen Rep. Edgar Chatto (1st), Rep. Roberto Cajes (2nd), Rep. Adam Relson Jala (3rd), the League of Municipalities-Bohol Chapter thru its President Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren, and the Association of Municipal Health Officers (AMHOP) thru Pres. Dr. Arnold Cagulada.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot added that the indigent beneficiaries will come from the 47 towns and one city of the province. The target number of cataract cases is expected to reach 1,000 and the consultation and examinations at 6,000 patients.

Written by Engineer Jes Tirol
Columnist, Bohol Chronicle

Proem

Happy FATHER'S DAY! Today is the celebration of Father's Day. The Germans and Russians call their country as the "Fatherland." The Americans and the Filipinos call their country as the "Motherland."

There is a song that says, "Women are changeable." Would it explain why the "mother" of our country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has a convoluted sense of celebrating holidays?

Father's Day is held every third Sunday of June. The day is fixed but the date is changeable. Philippines Independence Day is fixed on June 12 every year. The date is fixed but the day is changeable.

This year President Arroyo made a convoluted decision. The Independence Day was still June 12 but the holiday was moved to June 9. Since Christmas this year falls on a Thursday, like our Independence Day, would the President transfer the holiday on Monday December 22? Let us wait and see.

Lackadaisical Celebration

The effect on transferring the holiday for our Independence Day was that there was no celebration at all. To be lackadaisical is to be half-hearted for lack of proper concern.

The celebrations held on June 12 were only perfunctory or done for the sake of getting through.

President Diosdado Macapagal, the father of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, transferred the celebration of our Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. The main reason was to commemorate the heroic struggle of the Filipinos against the Spaniards as compared to the July 4 Independence "granted" by the Americans.

As it turned out, the reasoning of the father did not have an effect on the reasoning of the daughter. Both of them hold a Ph.D. in Economics degree. The economics of the father was geared towards patriotism. The economics of the daughter is geared towards tourism. The reason why the holiday was transferred to Monday, June 9 is to have a long week end for tourism purposes. The holiday on June 12 is no longer viewed as a means of ennobling the souls of the Filipinos.

The Bohol Republic

On 11 June 1899, the Boholanos declared Bohol as an Independent Republic. The Bohol Republic had a constitution and set of officials. It functioned independently from June 11, 1899 to March 20, 1900. From March 20, 1900 to September 1, 1900 it had a precarious existence due to the presence of the occupying Americans. However, its mails, bearing the Republic of Bohol stamps, were still honored by the Americans and delivered regularly anywhere in the world.

The President of the Republic of Bohol was Don Bernabe Reyes. He was from Dauis, Bohol. He was a lawyer and former Alcalde de Ayuntamento (now Provincial Board Member) of the Provincial of Cebu just before the start of the Philippines Revolution.

The Vice President was Don Salustiano Borja from Tagbilaran. The Minister of Finance was Don Rafael Reyes, from Dauis, Bohol and had business concerns in Mambajao, Camiguin. The Minister for Justice was Don Eduardo Calceta, a native of San Francisco de Malabon, Cavite (now General Trias town). He came to Bohol as a young school teacher and got married and stayed in Tagbilaran. The one in charge for education and religion was Fr. Mariano Baluyot.

It should be noted that in the Republic of Bohol the religion was part of the function of the republic. Roman Catholicism was the "state religion." In this regard, the Eskayas of Bohol came to Tagbilaran to protest because they want "Aglipayan" to be the state religion. It was of no avail.

Do you remember the Republic of Bohol? Of course not; our provincial officials would not even recognize this facet of our provincial history. While the Republic of Negros, which immediately collaborated with the Americans, is found in history books studied in school, nobody is studying the Republic of Bohol in our schools. Why? It is because our minds are still colonized by the Americans. The Republic of Negros was deemed good by the Americans because they collaborated while the Republic of Bohol dared to fight the Americans and defeated the Americans in some major battles. Therefore the Republic of Bohol, according to American viewpoint, ought not to be remembered.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines in the hiring of teachers for vacancies in the city's public elementary and high school are being strictly followed.

This was the assurance given by City Schools Division Superintendent Norma Varquez amid complaints that the ranking system of teacher applicants is not observed.

Dr. Varquez said she exactly adheres to DepEd Order No. 4, series of 2007, every time a vacancy is to be filled up.

The schools division head clarified that the ranking system is in fact a registry of qualified applicants for teaching positions which is a result of careful rating by a selection committee.

Among the criteria considered for applicants to be ranked are: their education, licensure examination for teachers (LET) rating, teaching experience, training and skills, and ratings during the selection committee's interview, teaching demonstration and English proficiency.

Varquez pointed out that filling of vacancies is based on the needs of a particular school, as requested by the school's head.

By Angeline Valencia

"Don't rock the boat." An appeal for progress sounds like this for Governor Erico Aumentado as he reiterated the merits of the eyed P4.2-billion Panglao-Bohol International Airport Development Project.

The governor contained it in a paid ad published Sunday in major newspapers in the province, the same vehicle that economics professor Dr. Ernesto Pernia used in raising issues against the project.

Describing the multi-billion-peso project as a golden opportunity Boholanos shouldn't miss, the governor made an appeal to Pernia, "not to rock the boat while it is on its steady course to progress".

"It cannot be denied that the pouring of more investments in the province will generate more jobs, livelihood and wider economic opportunities for our people," Aumentado told Pernia.

Aumentado hinted that though it was not necessary to entertain the unsigned paid ad entitled "An Appeal for Clarification on the Proposed Panglao Airport" published on May 4 issue of The Bohol Chronicle, he really came up with a reply and made it known to public through a paid ad containing his letter to Pernia dated May 30, 2008. It is to show his respect for Pernia "as a man of stature and a fellow Boholano.

In the paid ad entitled, "An Appeal for Progress", Aumentado expressed lament that the opposition to the airport project led by Dr. Pernia only came "at a time when it is in the process of implementation.

There had been consultations made in the past and it has been in the newspapers for a while already, yet the group of Pernia only came about half a month before its groundbreaking where the President herself led the time capsule-laying ceremony, according to the governor.

In fact, environmental impact assessment (EIA) study, generating a series of consultations and meetings in the municipality of Panglao, was already done as a pre-requisite for the issuance of the environmental clearance certificate (ECC) by DENR-EMB for the project.

Social preparations have already been in place with the Center for Integrated Development and Social Marketing, Inc. presently attending to some concerns.

The preparations for the project already reached that far, but "parenthetically, no one from the alleged signatories of your May 4 appeal came out to oppose the PBIA during the series of consultations on environment and social preparations," Aumentado told Pernia.

He considers the Panglao international airport project as one of the golden opportunities for the economic boom of Bohol, an opportunity that Boholanos should not miss this time or the same opportunity may not be available in the future.

"I am sure that you share our vision for a greater and progressive Bohol. The establishment of the PBIA is one of the golden opportunities for us to push Bohol forward. And this is one opportunity that we must not miss for our beloved province.

Let us remember that opportunity knocks but once," Aumentado explained. - The Bohol Chronicle

Reported by Angeline Valencia
and Aida Tanghal

      The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will soon be finalizing its feasibility study and detailed engineering design that will double the water storage capacity of Malinao Dam and irrigation facilities in Trinidad and Pilar.

      Before the governor left for the United States last week to join Boholanos who compose the Conbusac, he announced that KOICA estimated to finish the feasibility before end of the year.

      This was based on the governor’s recent meeting with representatives of KOICA on June 12.

      They will be here until July to finish their mission so they can finalize the feasibility study before yearend, as assured by Director Kim In, resident representative of KOICA and leader of the Implementation Survey Team for the feasibility study.

      Once the feasibility study is completed, the Provincial Development Council can consider the proposals in the feasibility study for the actual implementation of improvement works on Malinao Dam which will later be endorsed to the Regional Development Council and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

      The study covers the review of the preliminary plan for improvement of Malinao Dam and irrigation facilities including spillway and intake tower, conduct of detailed investigation and survey, preparation of detailed engineering design and cost estimation, preparation of Construction Drawings and Specifications, preparation of bidding documents, preparation of implementation and financial plan, training of managers and engineers in Korea, and provision of equipment.

      Through the feasibility studies and detailed design, KOICA intends to improve technology in water resources development in the Philippines by sharing Korea’s experience and knowledge and strengthen the relationship and cooperation between the two countries.

      Aumentado reiterated that he personally negotiated for the grant with KOICA Executive Director Lee Hae-Kyoon in October last year at the latter’s office in South Korea.

      Giving in the governor’s request, KOICA extended a US$1-million grant to finance the feasibility study and detailed design on the improvement of the Malinao Dam in the municipalities of Pilar and Trinidad.

      Aumentado also appreciated the assistance of Hanjin Project Manager Yung Qu Park who accompanied him to Lee’s office.

      The feasibility study considers improvements that will double the storage capacity of Malinao Dam and extend its services to areas that its irrigation facilities has not reached at present.

      This to solve the woes of farmers whose ricefields have not been reached by the irrigation water of Malinao Dam yet, Aumentado said.

      With the improvement of Malinao Dam, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will be able to irrigate all the ricefields in its service area even during dry season. - Bohol Sunday Post

  The search is on for the 2007 Presidential Award for Child Friendly Municipality â€" and Inabanga intends to keep its crown.

  A team has started evaluating the town’s child-friendliness atmosphere by surveying children themselves, families, communities, church groups and the government.

  To qualify, a town must have placed children at the center of all development efforts.

  The search is also in recognition of the role of the local government unit in promoting and protecting children's rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

  Specifically, it aims to give national recognition to municipalities, encourage local government to prioritize and address issues and concerns affecting the full realization of the rights of children, monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs and services for them.

  The Provincial Child Friendly Evaluators headed by Pablo Tabaranza apprised the local government unit (LGU) Technical Working Group headed by Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy on the upcoming regional and national competitions.

  "Let us continue our commitments to make our municipality a town for children to grow up in. With all our combined efforts we can prevent sickness and diseases in children, child abuse and neglect, maltreatment, drug abuse and juvenile delinquencies. Building our town as a Child Friendly Municipality is a call for us to take action and protect the rights of children,” he said. - Sunday Post Newspaper

      The Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC) sent an evaluating team here for the local government unit’s qualification in the Search for the Most Child-Friendly LGUs” among the first class, second class and third class municipalities in Bohol.

      In addition to Charle Magne Lindo, a child advocate from barangay Pooc Oriental, this town, one more representative will be chosen.

      Mayor Luna Piezas led the evaluators who met on June 17 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall here. They were Jun Tabaranza of PECCO Bohol, T. Galamba of DSWD, PO3 Melinda Basalo of PNP-Bohol, Cecilio Co of DepEd, Zenaida Jumawid of PNP, Salome Llorente of FIC, the principal and staff of Tubigon Central Elementary School, the municipal health officer of this municipality, DSWD staff assigned here, municipal government staff.

      The evaluation team had fast-tracked the accreditation process in time for the competition before end of this year.

      This is in line with the forthcoming Search for Most Child-friendly LGUs among first to the third class municipalities of Bohol.

      Mayor Piezas expressed gratitude to the evaluators that a child advocate and another representative of the municipality were chosen to join the participants to represent in Region VII level. 

source: Sunday Post

Published by Bohol Sunday Post

      The concreting of the vital P78-million Catigbian-Macaas-Tubigon road will soon start, seen to accelerate the economy in the areas that the road traverse.

      First District Rep. Edgar Chatto announced the scheduled implementation of the project to the leaders and people gathered during the opening of Catigbian’s 59th Foundation Day and 4th Katigbawan Festival Sunday last week.

      Meanwhile, Chatto, after the Catigbian event, joined Provincial Board (PB) Member Cesar Tomas Lopez, Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez and DPWH District Engr. Celestino Adlaon in leading the inauguration and turn-over of the rehabilitated barangay Cuasi farm-to-market road, which also connects Loon High School to the south from the national highway, and the improved barangay hall.

      Once concreted, the Catigbian-Macaas-Tubigon road is expected to hasten rural economic movements, particularly in the transport of goods from interior Bohol farms and villages to the coastal markets.

      It will provide easy access to the ports of Tubigon and Clarin, both seagates to Cebu.

      The road project will also serve the tourism and education sectors as Tubigon now has a school that offers nursing courses and its port being linked to the port in the eastern town of Jagna as part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

      As envisioned, tourist buses aboard ferries passing Bohol from Luzon to Mindanao will disembark at the Tubigon port and speed on the shorter land route passing Catigbian, Sagbayan, Carmen and Sierra-Bullones to Jagna port where connecting vessels await for Mindanao trip.

      Chatto had also facilitated, earlier, the concreting of the Catigbian highway to Sagbayan.

      Catigbian and Balilihan have emerged into Bohol’s vegetable basket attributed by Chatto to the two town’s integrated vegetable and fruit production system.

Published by Bohol Sunday Post

      A 16-year-old housemaid in barangay Libertad complained that she was raped by two men while her employers were away Sunday last week.

      Based on police report of SPO4 Aniceto Alipoyo, officer-in-charge of the Tubigon Police Station, Libertad Barangay Captain Adan Cacho called up at around 7:30 p.m. of June 15, requesting a police team to look into a reported rape incident.

      Responding to Cacho’s call, PO3 Elbuen Budlong, PO1 Ryan Otngol and SPO2 Fernando Peroramas proceeded to Libertad to verify the incident.

      In Libertad, the barangay captain met them and told them general details about the incident and led them to the house of the victim’s employer.

      The victim’s employer, Henry Yuan, told them that he was with her wife in Tagbilaran City to attend to their daughter who was confined in a hospital when the incident happened.

      So, their housemaid, Dyesebel (not real name), was left alone in their house that day.

      He was just surprised when he got back at around 7 p.m. that day, to see that no one’s home and the backdoor was left open. He checked inside the house and found out that the radio was on, but Dyesebel was not around.

      He looked for Dyesebel and was surprised further to see her at the Home Economics building of the Libertad Elementary School nearby, naked and appeared strangled and was very silent.

      Near where Dyesebel was, Yuan found a pair of yellow-green panties, a gray brief bearing the brandname Playboy, a blouse, an empty bottle of Generoso brandy and a bottle of soft drink.

      In her testimony, the victim said that at around 4 p.m. that day, one Ian Atabelo and one Jinggoy Canteros came to her employer’s house and borrowed a drinking glass and then offered her a shot of the liquor.

      She refused but on Atabelo’s and Canteros’ insistence, she gave in. A few minutes later, her sight dimmed, then she lost consciousness. She did not know what happened next.

      The victim appeared weak and complained of abdominal pain.

      Initial information reaching the police later had it that the two men who borrowed drinking glass from Dyesebel were the ones who brought her to the HE building and raped her.

Published by Sunday Post

      The spruce up of the riverside here catering to floating cottages, adventure activities, and art and crafts marketing leads to the development of a new project up for opening this week to encourage livelihood enterprise.

      The new project envisions to provide a mechanism to encourage Maribojochanon entrepreneurs and craft persons to develop and market their products and services for specific demands.

      The project intends to help propel Maribojoc’s development to a faster pace through a sustainable approach.

      It aims to showcase Maribojoc’s products, crafts, services and adventure sites and activities through periodic exhibits, mini-fairs, livelihood demonstrations, home stays, floating markets, display and other appropriate marketing media.

      Spearheaded by the Maribojocanon enterprise team (MET), a newly-organized group of entrepreneurs here, the project’s initial activity will be a riverside floating studio café and traditional massage near the Abatan bridge, according to MET coordinator Lourdes Tan Endo.

      The floating nipa huts are made of natural bamboo materials with designs inspired by floating villages in Mindanao and other Southeast Asean countries, she added.

      There will be free traditional massage and reflexology services on June  24, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the riverside café and floating massage site near Abatan bridge in Abatan, Lincod, according to said James Mabilin, placement officer of the Manpower Development and Employment Services, one of the project’s coordinating offices.

      The Office of the Mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr. has endorsed MET’s use of the livelihood center in connection with the project called, “Developing, Showcasing and Marketing Maribojoc crafts, Traditional Services and Adventure activities”,  subject to certain conditions.

      In a letter dated June 10, 2008, Mayor Evasco said that the use is temporary, since its original purpose, which is to serve as display and demonstration area for products and processes of the handicrafts industry of Maribojoc, “should be upheld at all times, and that cleanliness and sanitation be maintained”.

      In a talk with MET representatives, Vice-Mayor Gabino Redulla also favored the project, noting that the center’s original suppliers of handicrafts should be tapped.

      The project will facilitate periodic training-workshops that encourage product development, packaging and marketing, as well as increase the capacity of the youth and entrepreneurs to engage in enterprise development and management through mentoring and direct involvement, according to MET Co-coordinator Cooper Resabal.

      “There is a vast potential to develop products, introduce new designs, transform traditional practices into viable enterprises, or to showcase and adventure activities and natural tour destinations in the municipality,” Resabal added.

      Project implementation will be coordinated with the MPDC, the manpower development office, the Sangguniang Kabataan, craft enterprises, and NGOs and POs in specific Maribojoc communities. 

By Onad Munalem
Press Release | Sunday Post

      Heavy downpour brought about by Typhoon Frank failed to hinder the ceremonial turn-over of five personal computers to President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial High School in barangay San Agustin here from the First Consolidated Bank (FCB) Foundation.

      Representing the Local Government Unit of Talibon (LGU-Talibon), Mayor Juanario Item received the new five personal computers (PCs) with softwares handed by Dionisio Baseleres, community relations manager of FCB.

      Mayor Item then turned them over to barangay Kagawad Roberto Buno, PTCA president and finally to Demetrio Tuston, secondary school principal of PCPGMHS.

      Under its Computer Capability Program for Public Schools (CCPPS), the corporate social responsibility program of FCB through FCB Foundation, had been donating PCs to public elementary and high schools in the province.

      The PCPGMHS is the third of the six public high schools opened in this most progressive northern town of Bohol.

      It was purposely opened to give easy access to students coming from the neighboring barangays of San Agustin who want to pursue secondary education and to decongest the mother high school, San Jose National High School (SJNHS) in barangay San Jose, this municipality.

      PCPGMHS now has a total of 710 students. It only has 659 students last year with only one computer unit for use of the students and 23 teaching forces.

      Baseleres, in his statement, said that the FCB CCPPS program is already on its second year of giving computer to public schools in Bohol.

Published by Sunday Post

      Bohol Island Tour Guides Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BITGAP) will grill Friday senior high school students in the first district during the annual tourism quiz which will tackle Bohol’s tourism sights, standards, arts and culture.

      Organized by BITGAP, an organization of Department of Tourism-accredited tour guides in the province, the Annual Provincial Tourism Quiz seeks to generate awareness and strengthen knowledge and appreciation of Bohol’s pride and eco-tourism assets among young Boholanos.

      Participants from various high schools in first district towns, that excludes Tagbilaran City, will converge at the New Calape Cultural Center and Sports Complex on Friday, June 27, at 1 p.m. for the first leg of the competition.

      The academic feat is open to the public.

      Each team is composed of two senior high school students.

      BITGAP believes that graduating students even in the towns should have a grasp on and exposure to the tourism industry in Bohol.

      The quiz will consist of two rounds- -the elimination and finals.

      The three teams with the highest scores in the elimination round will move on to the final round, while the team with highest score at the end of the final round (either municipal or city level) will be declared the champion.

      Fabulous prizes await the lucky winners in the elimination and the championship round.

      Two overall champion teams will be declared- -one at the district level and one at the city level.

      “We are having this and the succeeding year’s competition at the district level in order to give high school students from the various towns greater opportunity to participate in the contest,” according to BITGAP president Danny Nazareno.

      In the past eight years, the quiz was conducted only during the tourism month in September when high school students from the municipalities all over the province usually come to Tagbilaran City for the competition.

Ifonoclast, Inc. announced its Phoneviteâ,,¢ http://www.phonevite.com service is now available as a mini-application in the latest version of AOL's popular instant messaging software, AIM version 6.8. With the Phoneviteâ,,¢ mini-application, AIM users can instantly record and send phone alerts and reminders for free.

Phonevite makes it easy to communicate with many people at once, in your own voice. Rather than rely on email notifications or group text messages, Phonevite lets you record a personal voice message and send it to a group of recipients. Your number will appear in the caller ID, and you can send the message instantly, or schedule it for later delivery. To see how it works, visit http://www.phonevite.com/express

"Phonevite was designed to make phone reminders and alerts free, easy and convenient for anyone," said John Nahm. "We get so much email these days that a lot of important reminders and notifications end up buried in our inboxes. Phonevite combines the latest in web telephony to allow people to send these important messages across to their friends, with their own voice, to the universal device, the phone."

Phonevite is among the first mini-applications to be featured using a new Open AIM API. To start using the Phonevite service, AIM users can simply click the "Get More" button on the base of the AIM Buddy List. Once added, Phonevite can be detached in a separate, resizable window.

Traditionally, phone alert systems were only accessible to large organizations, due to the huge setup expense and complexity of such services. However, using the latest in Internet telephony, Phonevite is breaking the barriers of phone communications from one-to-many, empowering anybody to get in touch with their groups instantly and easily, through the phone. Source: PRWeb

Written By Loy M. Palapos
Bohol Sunday Post

      Island City Mall, more popularly referred to as ICM, is now on its fourth year of catering to the basic needs of the Boholanos, and even those who have been lured to visit the province as a tourist destination. Previous expectations figured that it would take at least five years before the establishment would gain wide patronage. The conjectures, although well-founded, turned out to be an exaggeration. On its first year of operation, ICM proved beyond reasonable doubt that it was what people have been waiting to materialize in their midst. Marketing strategies were planned and implemented, albeit with a tint of anxiety. Now, the ICM clientele has increased more than a hundred percent since the Mall first opened to the public in 2004.

      ICM has been a unique experience for all its customers, and in keeping with its corporate image, the Mall has successfully answered the needs of the people. As one of the 18 companies of the Alturas Conglomerate, ICM stands alone in terms of customer service. Its Operations Manager, Mario Florig Cirujales (MFC) himself, can attest that managing Bohol’s Pride is the most unique and most challenging experience he had in his entire professional career.

      This interview took place after a meeting of the Execom, the spark-plug of the Alturas Group of Companies last Tuesday.   

LMP: How long have you been the Operations Manager of Island City Mall?

MFC: I’ve been here even during the planning stage of ICM. I’ve been the Operations  Manager since it opened to the public.

LMP: Considering that Island City Mall was a new kind of job you involved yourself in,  was there any adjustments you had to make?

MFC: I’ve learned so many things as I go along the way. I may not have a background in  mall management, but as to administrative matters, like people handling and  teamwork, I am well-experienced.

LMP: In the years that you have been with Island City Mall, what are the things  that you  have encountered?

      MFC: How to deal with the tenants, considering that they are Manila-based; how to do target setting, and detailed operational planning. And also how I deal with my subordinates who come from all walks of life. .

LMP: What kind of subordinates do you have?

MFC: They vary, Sir. Different age level, different maturity level. Different educational  attainments. They have mixed work attitudes. We have newcomers, and those nga  dugay na sa ICM.

LMP: Comparing these newcomers to those who were with the Mall since its opening,  who give you the problem?

      MFC: With the seniors, the advantage is they respect you. They have adapted already the culture and nature of the company. With the newcomers, Sir, they are aggressive which is why you need more time to guide them. There are  also some times nga makurat sila kay ang ilang tanaw, negative ang style sa akong management; meticulous and strict.

LMP: Approximately, how many people do you have here, including those from the  agencies?

MFC: Almost 1500, including the security, janitorial and general services.

LMP: What are the peak months of ICM?

      MFC: Second half of March to first half of June. Then second half of October to second half of January.

LMP: Pagsugod sa ICM, did you notice an increase in the number of people coming here?

MFC: Considerably. Compared to 2004, more than 100% ang increase.

LMP: How about the use of the Carpark?

MFC: Unexpectedly, ang Carpark mapuno gyud, especially during week-ends. The  clientele keep on increasing every year.

LMP: I can still remember during the first year of operation sa Mall, dihay, morag libre  nga transportation going to ICM.

MFC: The objective, Sir, was to make the people get used to coming here at ICM, and it  paid off.

LMP: Pagkakaron, wala na ba’y mga libre?

MFC: Wala na, Sir. Everybody comes here on their own volition and their own means.

LMP: How about sa mga tenants?

MFC: Sa bag-o pa ang Mall, naa ra sa mga 50% ang tenants. Karon 99% na ang  occupancy.

LMP: There are some talks nga migamay na ang ICM kay nagkadaghan na ang mga  tawo. Do you feel the same way?

MFC: Yes, Sir. In fact, there are some inquiries kon kanus-a mag-expand.

LMP: If you have your own way, kinahanglan ba gyod ang expansion?

MFC: Kinahanglan gyod, Sir, especially sa building, sa Carpark and the facilities.

LMP: Pila na ang banko diri?

MFC: Two banks and six ATMs.

LMP: Nakatabang ba ni sa mga customers?

MFC: Nakatabang gyod ug dako, Sir. Landbank is just an extension office. But there is a  plan by the top management of Landbank to make it a full branch. With BPI, it’s a  branch already.

LMP: Ang World of Fun, miabot naman sa lobby; is that a sign of progress?

MFC: Definitely, Sir. In fact, sige sila ug pangayo ug additional spaces aron ma-spread  out ang ilang facilities. Unfortunately, wala na gyod ta’y mahatag nga space.

LMP: How about BOHECO; kanus-a nag-start ug operate sa Mall.

MFC: Year 2006, Sir.

LMP: Nakatabang ba kini sa mga tawo?

MFC: Nakatabang, Sir, especially nga duol ra ang Bus Terminal dinhi. Ang mga tawo  nga gikan sa lungsod, moderetso na dinhi sa Mall para mobayad. Dili na sila  kinahanglan pa nga moadto sa opisina sa BOHECO sa Cogon. The BOHECO branch  in the mall is open even on Sundays and everybody is happy about this  convenience, ilabi kadtong Domingo lang makagawas sa balay ug opisina. .

LMP: What is the news about National Bookstore? Is there any increase in the number  of  patrons?

      MFC: ICM is privileged to have National Bookstore for the first time in the province. They have their own market. The people don’t have to go to Cebu anymore kay naa naman ang Bookstore dinhi.

LMP: Most of the time, mapuno na ang Foodwalk, especially during lunchtime. What is  the action of the management in order to solve the problem?

MFC: Ang solution, Sir, is to modify the sitting arrangement of the Foodwalk.

LMP: We have different kinds of gourmets. Ang Foodwalk which is open to anyone; ang  favorite sa mga middle class nga Jollibee, KFC, and Greenwich; then for the upper  class, ang Rai-Rai Ken and Prawn Farm. Kini nga mga establishments, have they  already gained clientele?

MFC: They have different markets, Sir. The Prawn Farm is now a favorite in fine dining.

LMP: How about the coffee shops, unsay mga improvements?

MFC: Na-maintain ang clientele sa mga coffee shops. The problem lang is when you are a  coffee drinker, it goes with smoking, but limited ra atong smoking areas. The  solution is to expand.

LMP: ICM’s Supermarket is considered the biggest in Bohol. Unsa man ang ikasulti sa  mga tawo nga anhi mopalit, especially those nga nagdala ug sakyanan.

MFC: Convenient gyod daw, Sir. Second, is maayo pod ang pricing and we have a variety  of products.

LMP: Ang Bread Cottage, adunay panahon nga labing taasa ang linya. Do you have any  solution?

MFC: Before, duha ra man ka counters. Karon, gipun-an na nato ug duha pa. Upat na  tanan.

LMP: In entertainment, who were the celebrities who came here part of 2007 and part of  2008?

      MFC: Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson were here, and also Makisig Morales. Bea Alonzo was also here, same with Dominic Ochoa.

LMP: What are the plans for the 4rth year celebration of Island City Mall?

      MFC: It will be a one-week celebration which will kick off on Monday, June 23. On that same day, until the 29th, na’ay whole day food fair at the lower ground level of the Mall, fronting the Foodwalk. It’s a showcase of native foods; On the 26th, there will be a thanksgiving mass in the morning, and Kwarta o Kaban, local version of Pera o Bayong at 1:00 PM. It’s sponsored by Unilever and Save ‘n Earn. On the 27th, a Friday, would be the Guess It Right Game Show sponsored by Pepsi. The  following day, there will be a motorcade at 8:00 in the morning, Fantastikid by Nissin at 2:00 in the afternoon, Breakdance Competition by Dunkin Donuts, and the Grand Finals of Sexy Babes at 5:00 PM. At 7:00 in the evening will be Parokya ni Edgar, live Concert at the Carpark. There will be a grand fireworks display before the band comes on stage. We also have an anniversary sale on that same day, wherein the Mall is open until midnight with 50% discount on selected items. On the 29th will be the Grand Finals of Quest for the Voice and Mossimo Fashion Show.

LMP: Are we expecting a very significant celebration for the 4rth  anniversary of Island  City Mall?

MFC: This would definitely be another significant event, Sir. It’s all systems go for the 4th  anniversary of Island City Mall.

      The success of Island City Mall is not a product of one brilliant mind, but a contribution of varied talents and attributes honed by experience and ability to react positively to the opportunities at hand. The commitment and dedication of these people, exquisitely motivated by top management, has produced a landmark every Boholano is proud of.

      As far as Mario Cirujales is concerned, the habitués of ICM are the real heroes in this business endeavor. “Without them, there is no ICM,” he answered. Thus, the week-long fourth anniversary celebration is the Mall’s “way of expressing its gratitude to the people who have made Island City Mall what it is today and the many years to come.”   

By June S. Blanco
Provincial Capitol

  Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado may be in the United States for a series of speaking engagements, but he is strictly monitoring the goings-on in the province.

  Yesterday, he ordered the filing of charges against the perpetrator who mined manganese from allegedly the Chocolate Hills area in Barangay Montesuerte in Carmen town.

  “I cannot condone the act. The Chocolate Hills have been declared geologic monuments and therefore, protected. I purposely revived Task Force Kabukiran to ensure that they remain so,” said the governor who is in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  He will keynote the mid-term conference of the Council of Leaders of the Confederation of Boholanos in the United States and Canada (CONBUSAC) headed by Carlos Cagaanan of Lila town.

  He will also meet some individual Boholano groups under the umbrella organization in at least two other states.

  Shortly before leaving Bohol, Aumentado received a confidential report supported by photographs on the mining operations in Montesuerte.

  He immediately instructed Sr. Supt. Edgardo Ingking, Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) director and Forester Nestor Canda, provincial environment and natural resources officer, to investigate the same. Ingking is his task force co-chair.

  Environment Secretary Jose Atienza recently named Aumentado as deputy environment and natural resources officer (DENRO). As such, he takes to heart the implementation of environmental, mining and quarrying laws.

  Meanwhile, SPO4 Manuel Jamero of the Carmen police led a team to the mining site in Sitio Taun, Montesuerte to investigate the report.

  Among others, the police team found a backhoe belonging to the alleged culprit, Alvin Mining, in the area, and 664 sacks of manganese-rich ore although they observed no operation, it being a Sunday.

  A short while later, personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Talibon town led by Niño Lofranco arrived. He instructed Montesuerte Brgy. Capt. Romano Jaum to tell Alvin Mining to cease operations because it had no permit.