MikeLigalig.com

The regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas will host the sixth DTI-CARP National Convention on December 3 to 7 at the Bohol Tropics Resort here.

The event will gather 150 DTI-CARP personnel nationwide, 35 DTI provincial directors and 15 DTI regional directors, according to DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Ma. Elena Arbon.

Guests of honor will DTI Secretary Peter Favila, DTI Undersecretaries Carissa Cruz-Evangelista and Zenaida Maglaya who will speak on the fourth day of the convention. (AV-PGMA)

By June S. Blanco

Oppositors to the Alburquerque Cluster Sanitary Landfill Project, rejoice!

Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado Wednesday filed with the officer of General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Robert Dean Barbers of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) his letter seeking the suspension of civil works on the project in Barangay Dangay in Alburquerque town.

This after residents of upland and landlocked Dangay and nearby barangays clamored for the suspension, blaming the project for, among others, the turbidity of their drinking water piped to their houses. Dangay is the water source.

With the stand-off in Makati Thursday brought on by the adventurism of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV at the Manila Peninsula Hotel and Friday being a holiday, Aumentado expects Barbers to act on his request this week yet at the earliest.

Stanch oppositors however can rejoice only for so long.

The suspension the governor is seeking is only pending the completion of the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign to enlighten the people on the advantages of the project.

To note, the United Nations Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Ecological Governance (EcoGov), the Holy Name University (HNU) of Tagbilaran City , the Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO) and the Tanggol Kalikasan have lined up their respective IEC campaigns this month when the new set of barangay officials shall have assumed office and settled in.

Aumentado said it is his wish and that of local officials to complete the information dissemination to ensure the acceptance of the project and its orderly and hassle-free implementation.

Under the plan, Albur will host the landfill for the Tagbilaran and nearby towns including Panglao Island . Being a small island and therefore environmentally fragile, Panglao by law cannot embark into a landfill project. Both Panglao and Dauis have been throwing their garbage at the controlled dumpsite in Tagbilaran City.

The dumpsite, however, as in all open dumpsites nationwide, needs to be closed with the full implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Clean Air Act.

EcoGov reports that while some local government units have been successfully operating sanitary landfills, the Albur case is a first of its kind in that it will “host” the garbage of 10 to 12 towns, Tagbilaran City initially included, for which it collects tipping fees.

The idea of a cluster was born out of the principle that the more towns contribute for its establishment of a landfill, the less expensive it would come out. “Participating towns” stand to get shares from the landfill revenues.

Aumentado wants to complete the series of information dissemination, aware that those against the project can stage opposition rallies and negative IEC campaigns. These spell trouble as what then Mayor Efren Tungol realized too late â€" the landfill became a political issue that led to his debacle in the last elections, the governor observed.

He also contemplates that key municipal and barangay officials be brought on a study tour to the United Nations-awarded sanitary landfill successfully operated in San Fernando, La Union. This way, they can help explain the advantages of the project and allay fears of the unknown spread by the project oppositors, he explained.

By June Blanco 

The Philippines Australia Local Government Development Project (LGDP) Monday presented to Gov. Erico Aumentado the Bohol Integrated Water Supply System Master Plan.

One of two studies coordinated in Bohol by LGDP funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the draft water master plan inventoried surface water sources all over the province and intends to harness them for potable household use.

“I want to emphasize that the project is very timely in the light of the effort of the provincial government, with support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo not only to rationalize the use of water resources of the province but also to allocate the same for the overall development of Bohol ,” Aumentado said.

“The master plan could help us formulate strategic decisions on fully harnessing the province’s water resources for Bohol ’s total and sustainable development,” he added.

Rosalinda Paredes, partnership adviser, said LGDP pooled 16 consultants headed by Engr. Eduardo Santos, president of Woodfields Consultants, Inc. (WCI) to conduct the study.
It however excluded groundwater sources and irrigation purposes.

Instead, its financial feasibility analysis were based on technical design and cost estimates of river cluster areas that include intake structures, water treatment plants, transmission pipes, pumps, reservoirs, power structures and right of way acquisition; and estimated annual water sales based on average day demand per local government unit.

It also factored in the annual operation and maintenance expenses including salaries, energy, chemicals and maintenance; depreciation based on 30 years economic useful life for civil works and transmission pipes, and 13 years for pumps and power supply equipment; and five-year amortization for feasibility study and detailed engineering.

The facilities for each cluster include the intake structure, transmission pipes, pumping stations, storage facilities, water treatment plant, power source development, land and right of way acquisition, stored materials, spare parts and equipment, and vehicles or a total base cost (TBC) of P9,302 billion.
At three percent of the TBC, the feasibility study and detailed engineering would stand at P279 million; the contingency at eight percent is P744.21 million; while the construction management and supervision at two percent is P186.05 million or a total estimated project cost of P10.512 billion.

The Abatan Cluster covers Antequera, Balilihan, Catigbian, Corella, Sagbayan, San Isidro and Sikatuna towns while the Loboc1 Cluster covers Alburquerque,Baclayon, Cortes, Dauis, Dimiao, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Panglao , Valencia and Tagbilaran City.

The Loboc2 Cluster covers Batuan, Bilar, Carmen, Dagohoy, Pilar, Sevilla and Sierra Bullones while the Manaba Cluster covers Anda, Candijay, Duero , Garcia Hernandez/ Manaba, Guindulman and Jagna.
On the other hand, the Carood Cluster covers Alicia, Danao, Mabini, San Miguel, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia and Ubay while the Ipil Cluster covers Bien Unido, Buenavista, Getafe , Talibon and Trinidad and the Inabanga Cluster covers Calape, Clarin, Inabanga, Loon, Maribojoc and Tubigon.

Production cost is rather high, hence, service-oriented government is expected to play a big part in the implementation by operating or at least subsidizing part of the cost.

Other team members who attended the presentation include Dr. Lope Villenas, project director, Integrated Water Resource Management specialist; Engr. Renato Ong, team leader, water supply specialist; Engr. Ernesto Alcantara, geologist; Engr. Emmanuel Traviño, financial economist; Engr. Bienvenido Gilles, monitoring and evaluation specialist and Melanie Ortega, project coordinator.

By Sophia Chang
Newsday

A New York man who said he donated sperm to a female co-worker as a friendly gesture and sent presents and cards to the child over the years likely will owe child support for the college-bound teenager, according to a judge's ruling.

"What's the saying? No good deed goes unpunished," said Deborah Kelly, a Garden City lawyer for the man, who like all the involved parties remains anonymous because of privacy concerns.

Family Court Judge Ellen Greenberg ruled Nov. 16 that despite the mother's willingness to have the child's DNA tested, the man could not seek a paternity test to determine if he is the biological father because the results could have a "traumatic effect" upon the child, who is now 18 and lives in Oregon with the mother.

The next step is a meeting with a support magistrate to determine the amount of child-support payments â€" if any â€" the man would have to pay until the child turns 21, Kelly said.

Even without genetic evidence, the man's interactions with the child over the years had a patriarchal nature, said Jeffrey Herbst, a county attorney who represents the mother in the lawsuit through a federal agreement called the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.

"It's still a parental relationship," Herbst said.

According to the man's testimony, in the late 1980s he was a physician at the same Nassau County hospital where the child's mother was a resident. After learning the woman and her female partner wanted to have a baby, the man donated his sperm and the woman gave birth July 26, 1989. The man, married at the time, agreed he would not have any rights or benefits in rearing the child, but the oral agreement never was put in writing, according to court documents.

But he took the unusual step of allowing his name to appear on the child's birth certificate because he thought it was in the child's "best interests that he would have an identity when he grew older," he said in court documents.

Before the mother, her partner and the child moved to Oregon in 1993, the man had contact with the child, he said. He also sent the child money, gifts and cards and letters signed "Dad" or "Daddy," and spoke to him by phone about seven times in the past 15 years.

That correspondence, coupled with an affidavit from the child stating that he "has never known anyone other than [the man] to be his father," is enough for a parental relationship, according to Herbst.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axqXMuW8x1U

None But Jesus Lyrics (Hillsong United)

In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored

When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will

When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smq52DPpaiE

Hillsongs - Australia

Great is the Lord,God Almighty
Great is the Lord on high
the train of His robe fills the temple
and we cry out highest praise

Glory to the risen King
Glory to the son
Glorious son

Lift up your heads open the doors
Let the King of glory come in
and forever be our God

Holy is the Lord,God Almighty
Holy is the Lord on High
let all the earth bow before You
and crown You Lord of all

By Chito Aragon
Cebu Daily News

A Filipino engineer, who was here on a Cebu visit after working as an aircraft engineer in the Caribbean, was robbed and killed inside a hotel room in Cebu City.

Hotel workers found the body of Rogelio Alemania, 53, sprawled inside the bathroom of his hotel room at 10:30 a.m. yesterday morning at the Metro Park Hotel in barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Alemania had stab wounds in his chest and a cut in his forehead.

Police said the victim was stabbed by an icepick. The cut in his forehead could have been caused when he fell down.

The victim's relatives told police that an undetermined amount of money, a cellular phone and a Rolex wristwatch were missing.

Cebu Daily News tried to contact the hotel for a statement on the killing but Heide Villa, who works in the front desk of the hotel, said that the management told employees to refer questions to the police.

Investigation showed that Alemania, who is from barangay Canduman, Mandaue City arrived last Nov. 28 from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean.

He checked in at the Metro Park Hotel because his house in Danao City was still under construction.

Camla Baldado, who was in charge of the sales and reservation of the hotel, told police that they opened Alemania's room after he failed to answer calls from the front desk to inform him that his wife and son were waiting at the hotel lobby.

His wife, who is staying with their son in Canduman, said her husband would check in a hotel when he was here because their house in Danao was not yet finished.

Police said the victim's body was already in rigor mortis when it was found, which means that the victim died six hours earlier.

The victim's belongings were in disarray boosting the theory of robbery in the killing.

Police dusted for fingerprints inside the room including the door knob where a blood stain was found. with a report from Correspondent Rene F. Alima

Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

-Mary Schmich, Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen) (1997)

Don't marry for money. You can borrow it cheaper.

-Scotts Proverb

When you have a number of disagreeable duties to perform, always do the most disagreeable first.

-Josiah Quincy

The secret of business is to know something nobody else knows.

- Aristotle Onassis

Always remember others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.

- Richard M. Nixon

Always be nice to people on the way up; because you'll meet the same people on the way down.

-Wilson Mizner

Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never happen.

-James Russel Lowell

Never cut what you can untie.

- Joseph Joubert

What you don't see with your eyes, don't invent with your tongue.

-Jewish Proverb

Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap...

-Thomas Jefferson.

When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it.

-Edgar Watson Howe

Never get married in the morning, 'cause you may never know who you'll meet that night.

-Paul Hornung

By Minerva BC Newman

Cebu, Philippines (1 December) -- The Adopt-A-School program (ASP) of the Department of Education has generated about P4.5B worth of program interventions in terms of donations and pledges as of September 2007.

DepEd secretary Jesli Lapus reported that from 2000-2006, the private sector has given the ASP some P2.1B worth of support that came in various forms and packages.

The two largest areas where most donations were poured in were Technology Support to Education and health and Nutrition with 1.2 billion and 2.3 billion respectively, Lapus added.

Lapus disclosed that for infrastructure and physical facilities for instance, over 100 million pesos worth was received. Some P100 million was also received for all learning support and direct assistance to the schools. For teacher training and development, P90 million and P700 million for donor-driven and combine packages.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in her keynote speech during the national convention of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines held at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu recently, she said that for every Filipino family, education is the central guiding value as key to the next generation.

"Education is the best gift of a leader, a nation to a child," that is why most local real estate taxes go to the education fund, the President added.

Recently, the DepEd honored 93 of its private sector partners and thanked them for their contribution in improving the state of the country's education.

Secretary Lapus said that the private sector and government partnerships have provided the public schools with more resources and have solved some problems on infrastructure, increasing drop-out rates, poor health an nutrition, poverty and the decreasing over-all quality of education in the Philippines.

As can be recalled RA 8525: The Adopt-A-School Act of 1998, allows private entities to assist all public schools in the country and in return, can avail of 150% tax incentives, promote goodwill in its community and strengthen its corporate image. (PIA-Cebu)

Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything.

-Mary Hemingway

Don't tell your friends about your indigestion. "How are you." is a greeting, not a question.

-Arthur Guiterman

By Machets of flickr.com

Model: Nicolai Terry;
Hair and Make-up: Joan Uy

Filipina Bride by Nikato of flickr.com

Belle, pwede na ka mokatkat.

Na-worry lang ko ni Ethyl, Grace, ug Orchids.

Filipina bride by whiteknight of flickr.com

by Avaloncm of flickr.com

I like this picture.

By Photojo72 of flickr.com

Bride Doll by abielskas

Japanese Bride by i_photo of flickr.com

By The Road Here of flickr.com

By Jake1.0 of flickr.com

An Iranian Bride

By Sparks68 of flickr.com

By Amelia PS

By Lyndon Johnson Gallery

A Different Kind of Bride

By Mahe Teshne

By Catherine Blake

by PICphotoimaging

tan-awa ang usa ka arm...

Dia koy idugang nga picture...

Don't ask the barber whether you need a haircut.

-Daniel Greenberg

Never mind whom you praise, but be very careful who you blame.

-Edmund Gosse

Make your life a mission -- not an intermission.

-Glasgow

Don't be afraid to take a big step when one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small steps.

-David Lloyd George

Don't find fault with what you don't understand.

-French Proverb

Wait till it is night before saying it was a fine day.

-French Proverb

Never lend books, for no one ever returns them. The only books I have in my library are books that other folks have leant me.

-Anatole France

If you go in for argument, take care of your temper. Your logic, if you have any, will take care of itself.

- Joseph Farrell

First, learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.

-Epictetus

Beware the fury of a patient man.

- John Dryden, Oedipus, 1679

Quote from: ms da binsi on December 02, 2007, 01:51:13 PM
Mike, come to Yosemite and you'll feel the same...

wa man ko ka anha sa Mt Apo pero i think it would feel the same ug maka kita ka sa Yosemite...

it really is God's Art!!!

Mike ganus-a man mi mo baktas???

12 hours ra ba ang baktas, tungas, ug katkat sa Mt. Apo. Chances are kung madakin-as or madahili ang climber, makatkat gyud ang panty.

Once you're on top of Mount Apo, mag-emote tang tanan.

Bitaw, dili na ka ganahan mobalik sa patag once naa ka sa taas sa Mount Apo.

Naghilak jud ko didto nagsud-ong sa mga panganud sa ubos. You'd stand above the clouds.

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

-Charles Dickens

To be honest, ganahan ko kaslon ka top sa Mount Apo. I climbed Mt. Apo in 2002.

Hinay-hinay na mo ug practice ug mountain trekking.

By Loy Palapos

Politicians today talk about unification, but most are not privy to the stings and hazards the decision can generate. Chaos and confusion seen to be uncalled for result. Both the administration and opposition parties aspire the image of one-ness; but this has become an illusion, with candidates unable to bring their cots together. If self-interest is the main motivating factor in a group, with members unwilling to relinquish their undivided claims for the good of all, the direction is muddled and incomprehensible. It takes a real man to be steadfast on a move that he knows would not please all. What carries more weight is the conviction that the decision, no matter how crucial, is for the good of the majority. Sacrifices have to be undertaken if upliftment is the goal. The local front is not an alien to this problem, but there are those who can sacrifice their own whims for the general welfare. And if it is the future of Bohol which is at stake, Vice Governor Julius Caesar Falar Herrera is as headstrong as his Roman namesake.

Born on April 21, 1953, under the sign of the bull, where decisive and determined leaders are known, Atty. Julius Caesar F. Herrera is a source of pride for his parents, Sofio Herrera and Narcisa Falar. The fourth and youngest in a family, where leadership is a dominant trademark, Vice Governor Herrera’s innate inclination to excel and succeed has been evident even in his childhood and teen years as a student and fledgling campus leader.

Driven by a strong desire to be of service to the less fortunate in society, he discovered that his passion was in the legal profession and not in the medical world. At this stage in his young life, he crossed the Rubicon, just like the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, and never regretted his decision. He then pursued the calling of the legal discipline at the University of San Jose-Recolletos and successfully hurdled one of the toughest bar examinations in 1981.

Married to Atty. Florenda Leyson Herrera, an equally intelligent and strong-willed woman who is the Labor Attache II, Washington, DC. The couple has 6 children. Herley Ann is a Hotelier in Dubai. Georgia May is a business entrepreneur. Nicole Francis is at the San Beda Law School. Marcus Julius is taking Business and Economics in North Virginia Community College. Margaux Lee is a student at the Cebu Medical Institute. Carla Leandre, is studying International Affairs in North Virginia Community College.

He started his public life as City Legal Officer of General Santos City in 1983. he became Assistant Executive Secretary of the SSS Commission in 1985, and then Labor Arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission â€" Region VII in 1986. In 1987, when labor leader and brother Ernesto was elected Senator, he was appointed to the very challenging and colorful post of Chief of Staff until 1992. Lawyering, being his second nature, he ended his tour of duty as Chief of Staff and joined the prestigious Soler, Rodriguez, Valerio law firm in Manila as Senior Associate Counsel and devoted his time in defending the causes of his various clients. Despite his mounting success in the legal profession, public service beaconed once again, and inspired by his brother, he decided to focus his full attention in the pursuit of the workman’s welfare, an inclination that made him a Labor Consultant for two years. Another crucial decision which ultimately changed his life.

Still in quest for more defined way of becoming an effective public servant, he finally found his life’s calling when he ran and won as Mayor of Calape in 1995. Like the turtle that was thrown into the water, he discovered his natural talent in leading people to accomplish a common goal with their elected leaders. Under his dynamic leadership, Calape reaped various regional and national awards. He himself was cited in many occasions as Outstanding Mayor for his effective implementation of local projects. DILG bestowed unto the young Mayor an award in Modern Management in Local Administration and DSWD gave him the National Paglilingkod Award. This was capped by his being chosen as a Scholar of the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Federal Republic of Germany, in Berlin, under the Deutsche Fur Internationale Foundation.

His exceptional leadership did not prevail unnoticed; he was elected President of the Provincial Mayor’s League of Bohol. He later moved on to become the National Executive Vice President from 1998 until 2001, and then Acting President of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines.

Only a few and select municipal executives can claim such numerous national and regional citations for local initiative and leadership. It is not promises, but the accomplishments of a leader that speaks most of his true desire to be of service to the people. Thus, Mayor Julius Herrera did not fall short of what was expected of him as Calape’s Chief Executive, and he moved on to put across his message of service to the entire province.

His continued dedication to public service was further manifested when he accepted the challenge of heading the provincial legislature. With the faith of the Boholano electorate, he won the 2001 elections hands down and was officially elevated to the post of Vice-Governor of Bohol. Early in his term as head of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan he was elected by his peers as National President of the League of Vice-Governors of the Philippines because of his exceptional track record in local governance. This feat was duplicated in 2004, when he again was elected Vice Governor, attesting to the trust the Boholanos have for him.

As Vice-Governor, he targets agriculture, health and education to further bolster Bohol as one of the top provinces in the country. Among more salient projections, the Vice Governor wishers to give hope to all Boholanos, not just through legislations but also other projects and activities improving the health of barangay folks through medicines and medical equipment. He also initiated the highly successful Barangay Legislatives Training. With his length of dedicated service and the accomplishments that boldly marked the brand of his leadership, Bohol has more prosperous years to expect with a labor lawyer, trade unionist, implementer, advocator, and effective fiscal manager in Vice-Governor Julius Caesar F. Herrera.

A man with few words, Julius is indeed an epitome of the adage: “Actions speak louder than words.” A team-player, he does not want the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be a stamping pad.

Multi-awarded and accomplished, Atty. Herrera does not miss an opportunity for self-improvement, more so if it redounds to more competent service. From July 24 to August 29, 2003 he represented the country in the US International Visitor Program on Urban Development, a United States Government Study Grant.

This coming election the Vice Governor could have opted to run as Governor, if he were to listen to the advise of many of his friends and associates. But most important to him is the development of the province, not his personal glory. He decided to run as Vice Governor, virtually unopposed. Proverbially, he just cross another Rubicon in his career, all for the good of Bohol.

--published in March 2007

Nakulbaan ko sa inyong mga plano ug gipanulti. Unsa gyud kahay feeling kong kaslon?

Beautiful picture, Sis. I would be writing poems under the cherry trees.

By Manny Bautista
Bohol Chronicle

Local fight fans will take time out today, the second day of the Yuletide season to watch their ring idols defend their boxing crowns here and in the USA.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) titlist Nonito “Filipino” Donaire, Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, the reigning WBO Intercontinental super flyweight title AJ “Bazooka” Banal will stake their belts against dangerous Mexican brawlers in Connecticut, USA and at the Araneta Coliseum, respectively.

CALL FOR PRAYERS

The parents of the 21-year-old Bautista, Alberto Sr. and Susana appealed to Filipino fans especially from the pre-dominantly Catholic island province of Bohol to include in their prayers their son’s victory.  Today’s comeback fight is Bautista’s first after a shocking first round KO set-back his first in 24 fights, to current WBO superbantamweight titlist Daniel Ponce de Leon last August.

Tagbilaran City Dan Neri Lim, Bohol’s chief benefactor of both professional and amateur boxing here also echoed the same call for the victory of Tagbilaran’s adopted sons-Bautista and the 18-year-old Banal.

VOW TO GET A WIN

Boom Boom is prepping himself for a stretched out battle, while Mexico’s Antonio Meza yesterday downplayed speculations he would be slaughtered in early rounds, saying he trained hard at the high mountains of Mexico.

The two fighters, who will today’s huge “Payback” card, met for the first time during the final press conference at the PICC graced by the very attractive Amy Hayes, who will announce the fights.

“I did not come here as a sacrificial lamb. I trained for months at the Otomi Mountains, at the gym of Jose ‘Olivaritos’ Morales. I will give you a great fight you will remember,” declared Meza through his manager-interpreter Fernando Dominguez.

Promoter Noli Eala and GAB chairman Eric Buhain also graced the press conference, as well as Tagbilaran City Mayor Lim of Third Force Promotions and GAB Commissioner Monju Guanzon, ALA Gym’s Michael Aldeguer and boxing division chief Nasser Cruz.

Also in attendance were AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Mexican champion Jovanny Soto as well as Miland Milendo and Indonesian foe Jack Amisa. Michael Domingo and opponent Anthony Mathias also graced the event.
First bout starts at 9 a.m. today at the Araneta Coliseum, while the “live” telecast will start 10:30 a.m. over ABC-5, according to Eala.

“Nonito Donaire’s fight should start around 10:30 a.m., and we will pause for a while to see that fight on the big screen at the Aranet, then continue the fights afterwards,” said Eala yesterday.

Notes. Bautista received a much-needed morale support yesterday especially after he was informed that Cebu City officials led by Vice Mayor Mike Rama and Councilor Jack Jakosalem are flying in to watch his fight ringside. Also in town is businessman Jerry Malixi, who is watching the fight ringside with his dad Pablo . . . Amy Hayes surely did not disappoint yesterday, coming in ultra chic, pretty and sexy to the delight of the crowd, “And she’s very articulate!” said somebody from the gallery . . .

Tagbilaran City Mayor Lim has reportedly invited Ms. Hayes and her dad to drop by the famous Bohol city for an R&R . . . Cebu media will be fully represented with writers from the three big dailies and two Cebuano papers all in town for the big show. Chicago’s Lando Hiso and Las Vegas’ Ferdie Dalope are also in town to watch the fights. For those from outside the Philippines, you can still watch the fights live via www.netvision.com.ph through live streaming for a minimal fee.

Charming lady ring announcer Amy Hayes will do the ring introductions. Hayes wowed the press with her wit and amiable personality during the fight’s press conference last Thursday. Hayes yesterday had an autograph signing session with fans after the preview.

A special bonus for all who will watch the fight live at the Aranet Coliseum is in store as the first title defense of world flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. will be shown thru a closed circuit circuit television screen inside the venue.

Donaire will defend his IBF flyweight crown against Luis Maldonado of Mexico at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.

Other fights included in the card is RP bantamweight champion Michael Domingo against Anthony Mathias and WBO Asia-Pacific champion Milan Melindo in a title defense versus Jack Amisa of Indonesia. (Manny B)

Quote from: orChids on December 02, 2007, 08:54:39 AM
Maayo unta ug naa ka inig uli nako Bro kay mangadto ta...hahaha saon dili man ta mag-abot oy.Anhi na lang sa Japan Bro,aron dire na lang ta manuroy..

I wish to see the Cherry Blossoms in Japan, Sis.

I just wonder...

The so-called star witness in the rape and murder of a 15-year old girl in Panglao three years ago has come out in the open but is retracting his testimony that would have pinned down the main suspect of the brutal crime.

George Marceli, alias Bono, resurfaced last Wednesday, a month after he executed an affidavit implicating one Pingmay Dumaluan, brother of former Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan, as the mastermind in the rape-slay case.

Marceli was presented to the media Wednesday at the Dumaluan Beach Resort in Panglao.

According to Marceli, he was threatened by the police investigator who made him sign “a prepared affidavit” admitting he was among the workers of Dumaluan Beach Resort instructed to throw away the body of Vivian Dumaluan, the rape and murder victim.

The police investigator, Marceli said, who extracted the statements in his affidavit, identified as SPO4 Dominic Ragusta, allegedly threatened to kill him if he will not incriminate Dumaluan.

The witness said he was given P22,000 as initial payment for executing the affidavit but was promised another P500,000. He did not know where the amount came from.

However, Marceli who had returned to his hometown in Zamboanga del Norte, said armed men came to his residence saying that they were looking for him as former mayor Dumaluan wants him killed.

Marceli said he fled to his hometown and sought refuge at his relatives in Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental.
However, according to Marceli, his elder brother Ricky, a worker at the Dumaluan Beach Resort came to their home last month in Zamboanga.

It was then that Ricky discovered armed men whom he said were just pretending to be instructed by the former mayor to kill his brother.

According to the Ricky, he went immediately to Negros Occidental and explain to his younger brother that it was not Dumaluan who wanted him dead but those who paid for him to execute the affidavit implicating the former mayor’s brother in the rape-slay.

George agreed to come with his brother to Bohol and talk to Dumaluan.

The cry for justice for the victim Vivian Dumaluan has been a major issue during the 2004 and 2007 elections.

Vivian, poor relative of Dumaluan, was an incoming high school senior and temporarily worked for the former mayor’s brother as a nanny.

Her dead body was found lifeless about 50 meters from the Dumaluan Beach Resort last April 27, 2004.

-- The Bohol Chronicle

Quote from: orChids on December 02, 2007, 08:14:58 AM
Oy.......gusto lagi ko makaanha Bro... Layo ba na?..karon pa man ko kadungog anang Catigbian.. ..Oh no!

Duol sa Balilihan, Sis. Labay lang pud ko ani nga town.

By Kit Bagaipo
Bohol Chronicle

A lone motorcycle rider who was about to go home after a drag race met an accident along V.P. Inting Stree in barangay Mansasa, this city early morning yesterday.

The victim, identified as one Dennis Lajot, 25, a resident of B. Aquino Avenue, this city, came from a drag race which started at the Bool Junction to Baclayon town about 1:20 a.m. yesterday.

According to his fellow drag racers, Lajot was driving his Honda Wave motorcycle and was running at high speed when he suddenly swerved into a roadside canal near the Mansasa Chapel.

The victim rammed into a wall along the road and suffered serious injuries to his head and other parts of the body.

Lajot was rushed to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital but died an hour after.

Bohol PNP Director Edgardo Ingking has coordinated with the Tagbilaran Land Transportation Office (LTO) in apprehending drag racers here in the city which is the subject of complaints by residents.

By Ric V. Obedencio

Tagbilaran City, Bohol - Chief Justice Reynato Puno of the Supreme Court put across the message yesterday that the key to national progress and peace as well as moral transformation is the change of heart that must begin with each one of us.

“Change of hearts is the key to the peace, key to prosperity, that is the key to success. That change cannot be brought by any man, that can only be brought by our belief, by surrender to our Lord Jesus Christ,” he told the press conference yesterday morning at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club.

He was here in what he described as spreading the good news through the Full Gospel of Businessmen Fellowship Incorporated (FGBFI).

He was met at the airport by officers of FGBFI Bohol chapter, including provincial administrator Atty. Tomas D, Abapo, Jr. and provincial legal officer Atty. Handel Lagunay. He was accompanied by Cesar Guy, who is the concurrent presidential consultant on power and energy of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In his opening statement before the press and FGBFI members, the Chief Justice said that spreading the good news of the Lord is his lifetime profession. “I’m only a chief justice incidentally.”

He pointed out that he is roaming around the country to spread the gospel of salvation and message of peace. 

Asked how would the ministry help uplift morality especially the government? He said they help changing the hearts of men by spreading the good news.

Puno said that moral transformation has been a call for time immemorial. Lately, he said, a clarion call was made by House Speaker Jose de Venecia. De Venecia called for a moral transformation of our people led by our government.

Moral transformation is part of Jesus Christ gospel. He said the Lord, while on earth, “was confronted with the same problems. There was violence in the society. There were abuses by the Roman government.”

“The panacea proposed by Christ was a change in the hearts of men. That is the essence of transformation. Change of men by changing their hearts. And that is the message. You’ve got this message and therefore the hearts and mind and all the other problems of society will just fly away. And we are continuing to bring that to the people. The change of society lies in the hearts of men. So we help to change the hearts of men,” he said.

As to the question of the government adopting the moral transformation as advance by the Speaker, Puno said he believes this moral recovery program is supported by everybody it would the “passport to peace and progress.”

Puno delivered the message as guest speaker and inducted new members of the FGBFI before the crowd last night at Metro Center Hotel in this city.

By Rey Anthony Chiu
PIA - Bohol

All roads lead to Catigbian as it becomes not just mecca because it would be spreading the banqueting table for the feastday of the Immaculate Conception Saturday December 8. It would be so, for several more profound reasons.

From being just another ordinary town saddled with the political and social baggage, Catigbian has streamlined itself to be one of the fastest sailing towns and for Mayor Roberto Salinas, this should be one big reason enough for a grand celebration.

And for the rest of the Catigbianons, this Saturday, they shall again light their candles of devotion as they lay the banqueting table of thanksgiving for the Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The Feastday has also become an apt cap for a town that has reaped enough laurels for the year, and Mayor Salinas with Vice mayor Necita Digaum are certain its worth a celebration.

Both pointed out that when Catigbian plotted the course and made the right decision, it was just a short time after it pegged itself as a name synonymous to innovation in governance.

And it also became quite a name to reckon with.

To cite a few astounding achievements, Catigbian bagged the regional Pamilihang Bayan award as the third best market in the Visayas. The accolade would even pale in comparison to the millions that the market has generated in revenues, one which enables the town to gain greater spending power for its programs, Municipal Information Officer Ardissa Estavilla shared.

Change in Catigbian came two ways, an abrupt change in landscape and a rather subliminal change of heart of the people.

While on his first few days in his Administration, Salinas admitted it was hard to plot a course for an unknown agricultural town barely subsisting from its own produce with people so hopelessly tied to their farms.

Then, the idea was even complicated by the fact that the town earned the taunt as an insurgency haven more than a struggling agricultural town.

“It was a decision we made after having consulted the Catigbian management team”, recalls the retired navy captin who ventures into a practically unknown water of politics.

But with everyone attuned and committed to the vision for the town, everybody hoisted the sails and rowed if the need comes, he said his analogy.

Catigbian adopted battlecry smile for sports and youth development, mobility and communications, infrastructure, livelihood and environment protection for the administration’s priority projects.

Streamlining his most powerful tool, the town focused on its market and implemented reforms in the market, one which was not just physical, he said.

When Catigbain public market won the Visayas’ third best market, it was something the local consumers took their pride in. And the learners eager to know the way started coming.

The livestock auction market even enriched the town’s physical landscape and when Catigbian opened the biggest livestock auction market, things moved in leaps and bounds.

What the town has generated in the auction’s opening day leveled of the sum revenues the old town auction market has bagged in years, records from the Municipal Treasurer shows.

Apart from effectively linking with international funding agencies to finance their priority programs and the national government for its project funds, local leaders have also prepared countefrpart amounts to leverage other funding sources.

This year alone, we were able to put up the twin gazebos in front of the town hall, one which affords the commuters comfort while awaiting for their rides. We have also put up a new municipal health center with five beds lying in capacity, paid for the land and leveling of out Municipal Materials Recovery Facility, opened a farm to market access road from a proposed tourism showcase and hit the rehabilitation of a crucial FMR to barangay Causwagan from poblacion to Alegria, Estavilla added.

If Catigbian has become a learning mecca, what does it teach? 

For Mayor Salinas, it is all about reining the full immensity of power at their disposal, especially when everybody is attuned to achieving a purpose.

“I have always been consistent in telling my people: Unity and cooperation is the key to progress and development,” Mayor Salinas stressed.

Next to that, when you have a full team committed to make things work, everything falls into place, he said.

And indeed, it has shown wonders when the town of Catigbian has become one of the most progressive towns, cites League of Municipalities of the Philippines president and Jagna Mayor Exuperio Lloren.

This next front-line team, to make sure that they start right, Catigbian opens the year with the joint oath-taking ceremonies done November 9.

The day was also exactly the first day of the novenario.

What has been purely thought of as a political activity, in Catigbian, it was done inside the Immaculada Concepcion Church with Mayor Salinas, Judge Jorge Cabalit and National youth Commissioner Benjie Oliva as inducting officers.

“Its something when you swear your service to God and men, more aptly in a church with God as a witness rather than have it anywhere else”, Mayor Salinas admitted.

The rest is history and the fact is, Catigbian has become an inspiration of fine governance for adhering to such a true, tested and valued motto.

What has been earlier touted as the haven of insurgents has now become a learning center for local government units willing to go their way and eager to replicate the top programs that made Catigbian an interesting dot on a map.

The town has so far committed to go by that rule of thumb of unity and cooperation and for retired navy captain, Catigbian has set its course.

Now to the poser: will Catigbian succeed and reap the same if not more profound lessons in investing in people, the thanksgiving next year may be a yardstick.

Bran, your fluency in Spanish is graded 3.8. My salute to you, Bran.

You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

The implementation of the proposed P10,600-million Bohol Integrated Water Supply System Master Plan can only be viable with the role of private sector.

This was according to Governor Erico B. Aumentado following presentation of the draft master plan Monday by Woodfields Consultants, Incorporated which was commissioned by the Local Governance Development Program or LGDP of the Australian Agency for International Development.

Aumentado advised Woodfields Consultants, Incorporated to refine the details of the master plan in a way that it would identify the role of private investors in the implementation of the project for the purpose of economic internal rate of return.

The governor wants the consultant to come up with more options.

LGDP Partnership Adviser Linda Paredes, however, announced that they will present the master plan again on Wednesday for the stakeholders.

Aumentado also noted that the project will less likely become sustainable with zero interest as presented by Woodfields Consultants.

The governor also said it would be difficult to gain support from NEDA with the concept of zero percent interest.

He stressed the significant role of a private investor to implement the proposed water supply system master plan.

Engr. Eduardo Santos, the president of Woodfields Consultants, Incorporated president said that Phase 1 of the project costs P10,512 million, while Phase 2 costs P88 million.

He said phase 1 covers the period 2010 to 2024 wherein the construction of major water facilities will be undertaken, and phase 2 covering 2025 to 2035.

Construction will start in 2010 and completed in 2012. The initial operation will start in 2013, Santos said.

Aumentado, for his part, said the provincial government don't have the necessary resources to back this ambitious project but will tap private sector, and it would be hard to convince the national government with this concept. And, the AusAID, who will give the grant, may not like it.

With private sector, implementation will be accelerated, and the people will be assured of its sustainability.

Aside from the monetary impact that will spell sustainability, Woodfields Consultants, Incorporated also needs to refine some details in water supply sourcing system.

The project involves tapping selected river basin which include the Rivers of Abatan, Loboc, Manaba, Carood, Ipil, Inabanga, which can consolidate total net quantity of 7.91 cubic meter per second.

On this, Aumentado commented that the Wahig must also be considered as main source of water stock in Inabanga River, and Pamacsalan River as one large water source.

As to the clustering of the rivers, NIA Provincial Administrator Calixto Seroje, commented that it won't be feasible because Bohol has many inland bodies of water that will serve as sources of supply.

Woodfields Consultants, Incorporated which was commissioned by the Local Governance Development Program or LGDP of the Australian Agency for International Development, also grouped the municipalities into clusters based on the source of water supply.

It was proposed that Abatan River Cluster shall provide for the municipalities of Antequera, Catigbian, San Isidro, Sagbayan, Balilihan, Sikatuna, and Corella, while the Loboc 1 river cluster will supply for Loboc, Loay, Lila, Dimiao, Valencia, Alburquerque, Baclayon, Tagbilaran, Dauis, Panglao, and Cortes.

Loboc 2 cluster will provide for Sevilla, Bilar, Batuan, Carmen, Dagohoy, Sierra Bullones, and Pilar, while Manaba cluster will be for Garcia-Hernandez, Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, Anda, and Candijay.

Carood river cluster will serve Mabini, Alicia, San Miguel, Danao, Ubay, and C. P. Garcia, while Ipil will serve Bien Unido, Trinidad, Talibon, Getafe, and Buenavista.

Inabanga River cluster will serve Inabanga, Maribojoc, Loon, Calape, Clarin, and Tubigon.

The project's alternative schemes involve development and evaluation for each of the seven river clusters wherein each scheme will include source development, pumping system, treatment system, reservoir and sumps, transmission lines for the purpose of delivering required bulk water supply at the off-take of each municipality at a pressure of not less than 14 meters.

The master plan will provide a total average daily production of 208,353 cubic meter that will benefit about 1,078,600 population.

The necessary facilities to be established include a source facility, water treatment plant, storage facilities, transmission facilities, pump stations, power source development, land and right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, stored materials, equipment and vehicles. (PGMA)

-- The Bohol Chronicle

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

There has to be an existing ordinance to be repealed or amended to carry out a referendum.

This was the statement made by City Local Government Operations Officer Mardonio Roxas during an interview over dyRD's Inyong Alagad yesterday.

According to Roxas, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) adopted an ordinance last year for the city's New Growth Center.

Considering the amount involved for the project, City Mayor Dan Lim declared to submit the New Growth Center development project to a referendum.

The city will borrow a total of P770-million for the land acquisition and infrastructure of the project.

The loan will be payable in 15 years with an interest amounting to about P1-billion.

REFERENDUM PROCESS

A referendum or initiative that will affect an existing law, resolution or ordinance passed by a legislative assembly, such as the Sangguniang Panlungsod, has to be approved by at least 10 percent of the registered voters of the local government unit (LGU).

In the case of Tagbilaran City, there are 41,848 registered voters. From which, 10 percent must approve the proposed project through a signature drive.

Each barangay in the city must be represented by at least 3 percent of its registered voters.

The Commission on Election (Comelec) will supervise the referendum and may set a special registration day at least 3 weeks before the scheduled referendum.

The Comelec Registrar will verify the signatures on the basis of the registry list of voters.

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The provincial police command has sought the transfer of Supt. Eduardo Saavedra to a post in the regional police headquarters after he was linked to a P20-million worth of robbery of heavy equipment in Ubay town.

Saavedra, who was the chief of police in Ubay, is currently on "floating status", according to Bohol Police Director SSupt. Edgardo Ingking in an interview with the Chronicle yesterday.

Ingking bared that he has requested the PNP regional office to transfer Saavedra to prevent undue influence of ongoing investigations levelled against him.

An administrative complaint for grave misconduct and serious irregularity in the performance of duty was filed by Ingking against Saavedra at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Central Visayas.

Meanwhile, charges of theft is being prepared by SCP Construction, which owns the heavy equipment pilfered and stolen by two suspects allegedly with the knowledge of Saavedra.

The case stemmed from a series of pilferage and the eventual loss of 11 heavy equipment stationed in barangays Bulilis and Himbabauran, Ubay town.

The heavy equipment were owned by SCP Construction, one of the contractors building lateral canals of the BHIP-2 (Bayongan Dam).

In his affidavit, SCP Construction administrative officer Engr. Ismael Malagar identified two of the suspects as Ciriaco Bulilis and Anita Felisilda. Both are residents of Ubay town.

According to Malagar, the first theft happened sometime in July where the suspects allegedly cut-up and stole parts of the parked heavy equipment.

This incident was followed by major thefts of body parts of the said equipment.

These incidents were reported to the Ubay police station headed by Saavedra, according to Malagar.

However, Malagar claimed there was no sincere action on the part of Saavedra regarding the incidents.

On October 20, Malagar received a text message that one of their equipment, a Kawasaki KLD 95 pay loader was again cut up by unidentified persons.

The pay loader's parts including its bucket, hydraulics and cylinder booms were reportedly loaded in a boom truck in barangay Himbabauran, Malagar said.

He immediately informed Ingking regarding the relayed information.

Ingking called up Saavedra instructing the latter to seize the stolen parts and apprehend the suspects. Ingking asked for immediate reports of Saavedra's action.

Instead, one SPO2 Ferdinand Vergara of the Ubay PNP was sent by Saavedra to respond to the incident.

When Malagar went to the site on said day, however, he was surprised that the parts and the equipment where already gone including the suspects.

According to Malagar, despite the report that the equipment were stolen, Saavedra allegedly had a "lukewarm attitude" towards the incident.

In a separate affidavit, Vergara stated that when he responded to the scene, he saw several armed men together with the suspects. Vergara said he could not arrest them as he did not have a back-up.

According to Vergara, he was later told by Saavedra to allow the suspects to leave with the stolen parts as these were "justified payments" for rental owed by SCP Construction to the lot owner where the equipment were placed.

Malagar told the Chronicle that the amount of the stolen equipment amounts to some P20-million.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) of the Republic of Korea and the National Irrigation Administration and the provincial government of Bohol yesterday signed the record of discussions on the feasibility studies and detailed design on the improvement of Malinao Dam.

Kim In, leader of the implementation team represented KOICA, while NIA Administrator Marcelino Tugaoen Jr. represented NIA and Governor Erico Aumentado represented the provincial government of Bohol in the signing ceremony at noontime yesterday at the Tarsier Hall in Bohol Beach Club.

The terms include the grant of not more than US$1 million from the Korean government.

The Korean Implementation Survey Team organized by KOICA stays in the country since November 25 to 29 to work out the details of the project, the record of discussions cited.

The team had a series of discussions with the National Irrigation Administration and the provincial government of Bohol on the desirable measures that the Korean government and the Philippine government shall undertake in implementing the project for 12 months in the municipalities of Pilar and Trinidad.

As what had also been discussed, details of the project will serve as the terms of reference that the representatives will present to their respective governments.

The project intends to contribute to the improvement of Malinao Dam and irrigation facilities by providing the feasibility studies and detailed design, improve technology related to water resources development in the country by sharing Korea's experience and knowledge on the same area of technology, and strengthen the relationship and cooperation between Korea and Philippines.

Implementation of the project includes a 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.

The Korean government will train five managers for one week and ten engineers for two weeks in Korea during the project period.

The Philippine government shall also assign counterpart personnel to the Korean experts that include a project manager, hydraulic structural engineer, hydrologist, geotechnical engineer, cost estimator and electro mechanical engineer.

Site survey and analysis runs from the first year up to the fifth and a half year, while inception report will be submitted on the second year, then the review of the feasibility study will be from the first year up to the fifth and a half year. The detailed design and preparation of bidding documents will be on the third and a half year up to the brink of the 12th year, while the draft of final report will be submitted on the 10th year. The Final report and final evaluation will be submitted on the 12th year. (PGMA)

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

Deputy Mayor Mariano Uy has filed a complaint of slander with damages against City Councilor Edgar Kapirig yesterday.

The complaint was lodged at the Lupong Tagapamayapa of barangay Poblacion 1, this city.

According to Uy, the city councilor "maligned his honor and integrity" when the latter allegedly told several individuals that fund donations for the Botika sa Katawhan were misused by the deputy mayor.

Certain employees of the Botika sa Katawhan were also told by Kapirig of the mishandling of funds, Uy alleged.

Uy said he is filing the complaint not only to clear his name but to let the Botika sa Katawhan donors know there is no such misuse of funds.

In fact, according to Uy, monetary donations to the Botika is minimal as most doctors in the United Sates who contributed to the success of the project give medicines instead of cash.

The Botika was conceived and turned out to be a success even just a year after its operation.

Presently, some 7,000 residents have already benefited of free medicines distributed through the Botika, Uy claimed.

According to Uy, the accusations levelled against him could affect the Botika and its beneficiaries, as donors may longer send medicines due to accusations of Kapirig.

Medicines at the Botika are largely coming from doctors in the US that have been befriended by Uy.

The deputy mayor said, the generosity of Botika benefactors greatly depends on his reputation.

A confrontation is scheduled on December 3 between Uy and Kapirig at the Poblacion 1 barangay hall.

Now accepting applications for the East-West Center's 2008 Changing Faces Women's Leadership Program

Program Dates: July 20-31, 2008
Application Deadline: February 15, 2008

Changing Faces is a program designed to bring together women from the United States and the Asia Pacific region to participate in dialogue on leadership and issues specific to women in leadership around the region. The theme for the 2008 program is "Women and Conflict Transformation in Asia, the Pacific, and the United States." Women from all professional backgrounds, including elected officials, government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, education, and the media, who have 5-12 years of work experience and are active in community development, inter-communal/ inter-religious dialogue, or current conflict/post- conflict peacebuilding efforts are welcome to apply. Applicants must have the ability to use English in a multi-cultural, professional setting. Preference will be given to candidates without significant previous international travel experience.

For more information please visit our website at < http://www.EastWest Center.org/ changingfaces>. A newsletter with highlights of the 2007 program is available at: < http://www.eastwest center.org/ fileadmin/ resources/ seminars/ Changing_ Faces/2007newsle tter.pdf>.

The 3rd TravelXchange will be held in Bacolod  City from February 1 to 3, 2008 featuring not only the country's top tourist destinations but those within the ASEAN region as well.

In its third year since its inception, TravelXchange 2008 will bring together sellers from different hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, hospitality and leisure products, tour operators, travel agents, dive resorts, fast-craft operators and destination companies to Bacolod to offer its residents attractive tour packages and rates.

Supported by the Department of Tourism, PAGCOR, City of Bacolod , Office of the Governor and Skal International the three day event will also feature variety shows and dances from the different participating regions. Attractive travel products and holiday packages will be raffled off daily during the show.

Amongst the early confirmed participants are Cordova Reef Village Resort, Island & Sun Beach Resort (Cebu); Malaysian Tourism Board, White Rock Beach Resort (Subic), Cebu Pacific,  Seahorse Tours, DOT Region 10, DOT Region 11, Travel Club, Enchanted Kingdom, Casino Hotel Bacolod, Baron Travel Corporation, Star Hotels, Marist Royal Holidays, Smile Tours & Travel and Mountain Woods Resort (Subic).

Tourism Secretary, Joseph Ace Durano is expected to join local dignitaries in opening the 3rd TravelXchange on February 1, 2008. Travel product updates will be presented by the Department of Tourism for the public during the fair while tour operators, corporate accounts and group organizers from Bacolod and Iloilo will attend workshop sessions.

The event is supported too by Panay News and Sikat TV as its media partners.

Parties, within the travel, hospitality, wellness and sports industry, interested to participate may call Selrahco Management (6332) 231.7673 or email: starhtel@mozcom.com or contact Mr Toots Jimenez Jr.  - 0922.8211705 or 0927.2507080.

Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into, the mind.

- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time--a tremendous whack.

- Winston Churchill

The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.

- G. K. Chesterton

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness; no laziness; no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

-Lord Chesterfield

In action, be primitive; in foresight, a strategist.

-Rene Char

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop.

- Lewis Carrol, from Alice in Wonderland

When fate hands us a lemon, let's try to make a lemonade.

- Dale Carnegie

Quote from: C2H4 on December 01, 2007, 12:50:44 PM
And what kind of something?

Be careful with the answer, tread lightly...

Hahahaha

I have the right to remain silent. 

If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.

-Dale Carnegie

Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves.

- Dale Carnegie

Quote from: C2H4 on December 01, 2007, 12:46:16 PM
They say pigs experience 'pleasure' (I assume y'll know what kind) that lasts 30 mins...

Mao nalang na consuelo de bobo sa ilang life nga adto intawon ang ending sa atong mga lamesa sa lechon

c2h4, you remind me of something. 

Quote from: C2H4 on December 01, 2007, 12:43:25 PM
Have you read her book about children with cancer?

That one was her best, I think. It made me laugh and cry at the same time.

Lukso-lukso nga basa, Thyl. I haven't completed reading one of her books.

Quote from: orChids on December 01, 2007, 12:43:06 PM
Send me some Bro.. share me ha?bisan putol putol..

Akong utingkayon sa mga karton didto sa Dampas house, Aya. Sa balay ni Loudee anak ni Nang Unyang, tua didto akong mga books.

You cannot acquire experience by making experiments. You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.

- Albert Camus

I read his book. It's poignant.

To make pleasures pleasant, shorten them.

- Charles Buxton

Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow. Delay may give clearer light as to what is best to be done.

- Aaron Burr

Quote from: Lorenzo on December 01, 2007, 12:40:02 PM
I like this quote, Mike.

Bran, this quote needs to be dissected. The possibilities are unlimited.

Quote from: C2H4 on December 01, 2007, 12:35:47 PM
LOL

Have you read her books, Mike?

She is (was) one of the funniest writers I know. Her books just warm my heart.

Even in the throes of death (she died of cancer), her heart's fire never dimmed.

I love her!

I have copies of some of her books, Thyl.

Quote from: ms da binsi on December 01, 2007, 12:38:58 PM
wehhehehehhehehehehhhhehhehhe

I can't help but laugh with you Ms Da Binsi.

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Snore and you sleep alone.

-Anthony Burgess

If you can't return a favour, pass it on.

- Louise Brown

Remember the movie "Pass It Forward"?

Always behave like a duck -- keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath.

- Jacob Braude

Quote from: orChids on December 01, 2007, 12:32:44 PM
Wala pa ko nahuman ana Bro..gi click sa akong baby ang post naa pa koy isumpay unta...

I mean I won't....dili ko mubatok ug tawo oy...After everything happened bisan lisod tunlon,I will forgive lang gihapon..that will set my heart free and happy.

sister Aya, forgiveness is for our own freedom. Bitterness is putting ourselves in prison. God will help you release the gift of forgiveness.

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

- Erma Bombeck