MikeLigalig.com

pareha ta Princess.

A Croatian motorbike rider was knocked unconscious when lightning struck his penis during a roadside toilet break.

Metro.co.uk reported Ante Djindjic, 29, escaped relatively unscathed from the incident, suffering only light burns to his chest and arms.

He said: "I don't remember what happened. One minute I was taking a leak and the next thing I knew I was in hospital.

"Doctors said the lightning went through my body and because I was wearing rubber boots it earthed itself through my penis."

"Thankfully, the doctors said that there would be no lasting effects, and my penis will function normally eventually."

source: http://www.news.com.au

Most puzzle devotees no doubt just moved on to the next clue when they solved that one. But for Aric Egmont of Cambridge, those 14 letters on the grid were the actual proposal he’d been plotting for months to his girlfriend, Jennie Bass.

Egmont, 29, who works in the communications department at Fidelity Investments, contacted the magazine this summer to ask if the people who create the puzzles would be willing to write a special one for him. Sunday mornings for he and Bass, he said, have always included tackling the Globe magazine crossword, a tradition that started early in their relationship.

“On our fourth date, I knew I had found the kind of dork I could love,” Egmont wrote in a note to the magazine. “We had already had some more adventurous outings. But on our fourth date we just went to the local coffee shop and did the crossword. That date was the first moment when we stopped relying on some kind of event to set the agenda, and instead we took that first tiny step towards normalcy, spending time together doing the same things we would regularly do on our own.”

...read more <a href="http://boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2007/09/24/clued_in/">HERE</a>

Reuters - Malaysian doctors have reattached a man's nearly severed penis after his first wife, enraged by his comparison of her sex skills with those of his younger second wife, decided to chop it off with a kitchen knife.

The man, a 43-year-old Indonesian worker in southern Johor state, was lying in bed with his 48-year-old wife talking about his newly wed second wife, who is in her 30s, when the incident happened, the New Straits Times newspaper reported.

Despite his shock and pain, the man managed to pull on his trousers and ride his motorcycle to a nearby hospital, where doctors had to put in 11 stitches to reattach the organ.

source: news.yahoo.com

Mr. Efren Dominique M. Chatto, second child of Congressman Edgar M. Chatto’s elder brother Efren, flew to Paris recently for a scholarship program at the Audencia School of Management in Nantes, France.

The young Chatto is a junior student of the John Gokongwei School of Management in Ateneo, a partner University of the Audencia School of Management in France. Audencia is one of the top business schools in the country. It ranks 6th among the 200 business schools. The City of Nantes is a student City 40 kms away from the Atlantic.

The program intends to expose students in foreign schools to broaden their experience in the international business arena. Exposure trips in key Cities of Europe is part of the program package.

Efren Dominique graduated Salutatorian at the St. Louis University in Baguio before his enrolment at the Ateneo.

source: www.theboholstandard.com

...excerpt from the headline of the Bohol Standard - www.theboholstandard.com
as reported by Fred Amora

The latest conflict of Mayor Dan Lim and Vice-Mayor Toto Veloso was feared as the would-be-prevailing scenario at city hall for the next three-year term of Mayor Lim having to contend with a vice mayor belonging to an opposite political camp, a city hall worker who requested anonymity said.

Tagbilaran City is the only remaining LGU in Bohol not able to implement the 10% salary increase mandated by law supposed to take effect last July. Roads are full of potholes, drainage canals becoming health hazard and city crime rate rising.

“These officials are too engrossed in politics,” a source said.

Lim won his second term trouncing come backing former city mayor Joe Torralba but lost his running mate, then incumbent vice mayor Jas Montes.

Veloso who was on his second term as city councilor, joined Torralba as official running mate under the ruling party Lakas-CMD, enjoying the backing of his brother in law, incumbent first district congressman Edgar Chatto.

Mayor Lim said Veloso is in a hurry and too ambitious as a politician.

“Things will never be the same again. Now let’s separate the men from the boys,” Mayor Lim declared.

Published by the Bohol Sunday Post

The Inabanga Municipal Anti-Drug Awareness Council (MADAC) recently conducted drug awareness symposia in local high schools as part of its operation plan to lick the drug menace threatening the local youth.

Still a youth himself at 21 years old, Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy led the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign team that visited the Inabanga National High School (INHS), the San Jose High School (SJHS), the Saint Paul's Academy (SPA) and Southern Inabanga High School (SIHS).

Jumamoy, Vice-Mayor Wenceslao Lao, Chief of Police Melanio Artiaga, Fr. Felix Tabigue and Fr. Paul Pereno, Social Worker Lourdes Dela Torre and Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Judith Justol and the school principals took turns in reminding the students that drug addiction can ruin people's lives.

Jumamoy especially urged the students to stay away from drugs. Nothing good can be expected of adults if as youths, they have abused drugs.

He said they should stay healthy. After all, the youth are the hope of the motherland, he quoted Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero.

The speakers also expounded on the theme Healthy Citizen Equals Healthy Nation. They reminded the students that people who use drugs seek to make the world around them look and feel different.

The drugs often make them feel powerful, that's why taking drugs is called "getting high." Addiction occurs when a person compulsively attempts to continue that high by taking drugs over and over again.

The U.S. and the UN have said many things against Burma but to no effect. The ASEAN is meaningless to Burma.

Burma is basically sealed off from the rest of the world. Its currency is worthless.

More than a million of Burmese and counting are fleeing to Thailand as illegal immigrants because of poverty and oppression in their country.

My British friend is on a cycling tour for the Burmese refugees. His website is www.getusoutofhere.net, which has articles on the Burmese condition. By the way, I design and maintain this website.

Also, visit this link: www.tbbc.org

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 25, 2007, 11:31:09 AM
Do you think Russia and China will come in, Mike? If there were to be a revolution in Burma??

Bran, I have officemates who are Burmese. They said China and Russia have interests in the oil reserves of Burma.

But any help from China and Russia would come stealthily, otherwise an open support would spark a worldwide scorn, let alone a reprimand from the United Nations.

The U.S. may not intervene. The U.S. has no financial interest in Burma.

Quote from: galen on September 25, 2007, 11:24:22 AM
so meaning mas maayo ang spam filtering sa gmail.

btaw, depende sad na sa system nga ilang gamit. i've heard that yahoo is using ironport "daw", dont knw how true...

Gmail has the best SPAM filtering system, though it's not completely impenetrable.

Burma's military junta is reportedly backed by Russia and China.

Galen,

It seems unfair because Gmail never trashes Yahoo e-mails into Gmail's SPAM folder.

Yahoo is consistent. At times it places Gmail into the SPAM folder ug usahay dili pud.

Burma's ruling military junta has warned it is ready to "take action" against Buddhist monks leading mounting protests, state media have reported.

Brig Gen Thura Myint Maung, minister for religion, warned them not to break Buddhist "rules and regulations" as Rangoon saw the largest march yet.

He blamed the protests on "destructive elements" opposed to peace in Burma.

President George W Bush is set to announce fresh US sanctions on Burmese leaders, the White House says.

The sanctions, which will include a ban on US visas, will be announced during Mr Bush's speech at the United Nations on Tuesday, US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley said.

The military government has so far showed restraint against the protests.

Monks are highly revered in Burma and correspondents say any move by the junta to crush their demonstrations would spark an outcry.

But there are fears of a repeat of 1988, correspondents say, when the last democracy uprising was crushed by the military and some 3,000 people were killed.

...read more <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7010839.stm">HERE</a>

I have to sleep now. Two hours later I'll be at the office.

--press release e-mailed to Tubag Bohol

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) presents the newest cool and clean light drink in town: C2 Green Tea Apple Lite! It has the same refreshing and tasty flavor of your favorite C2 Green Tea Apple now made even lighter in a sugar-free, low-calorie variant.

C2 Green Tea Apple Lite contains Sucralose, a BFAD-approved sweetener that gives it a deliciously sweet taste minus the sugar. And it has only 10 calories per serving, so you don't have to worry about your diet. It's all tasty, all healthy apple with no sugar!

Like all other C2 flavors, C2 Green Tea Apple Lite is freshly-brewed from natural green tea leaves to retain the delicate flavor and powerful antioxidants. The natural catechins found in tea helps prevent cancer and promote weight loss by boosting your body's metabolism and energy.

Aside from apple, C2 Green Tea Lite also comes in green tea plain and lemon flavors. So  be healthy the delicious way with C2 Green Tea Lite, available in supermarkets nationwide.

         

This will be an unending thread.

List names and descriptions of people you meet today, or people you've met recently, or people you will be seeing soon.

You may describe what transpired in that meeting.

In the future, you can go back to this thread and check the names of those people just in case you'd have forgotten them.

So, start your directory of friends and strangers now...

By Rika
amishtables.com

Richard Branson is said to be a fan of lighting solutions. He has spent a fair amount of his millions on innovative and elegant lighting solutions in his numerous mansions. Even if your budget doesn’t quite fall in the same league, there is no stopping you from exploring your creative talent even with much lesser money. There is a huge variety out there when it comes to acquiring the right lighting solution for your dream home.

If you want to save on the money and yet have an elegant setting, take your time before moving straight to the lighting showrooms. Do your homework and decide the function of the room you are planning the lighting for.

The same house may have different lighting solutions as per the taste of the owner and the usage of the place. As the usage changes, so does the lighting style. A dining room or a lobby, for example, may be a very formal area in some households, while the same may be the hub of all household activities in others â€" the lighting would vary accordingly.

Why varied choices are available today is due to the increasing trend of people moving ahead and choosing the ambience of their own homes, rather than leave all the hard work to an outsider. Not only does it give a great deal of satisfaction, the money saved can also be well utilized in actually buying some of those expensive fittings you have been craving. “From basic solutions of simply illuminating the place, lighting today has graduated to a mood-decider or an ambience creator, even an expression of class”, says Jack Robinson of GE Lighting.

So where do you start? Let us work on the basics before we go on to the essential details.
Let us start with that most important of places â€" the dining room.

“You need good lighting in this portion of the house to first satisfy its basic function â€" see the food laid out on dining tables,” says Robert White, a New York based interior designer. Use halogen lights to highlight the tabletop, and improve the ambience of those dishes that have taken so much of time and effort in the kitchen. Try a pair of hanging lights rather than a single one so as to evenly distribute the light over the whole table.

For the overall lighting of the room and to bring out the best in the dining room furniture, use soft, non-glare wall lights in white or a color to compliment your walls and overall decor. A dining room hutch can be lit with small, concealed lights which, besides highlighting your expensive display items, would also add to the depth of the room.

In houses that have a common dining cum living room, lighting can be effectively used to separate out the two portions. Use different color lights in the dining and living areas to distinguish them. A dimmer works well to add an inexpensive option of varied lighting themes with the same lighting to suit your mood. They may not work with CFLs and florescent lighting, but adding a bulb here and there with a dimmer may not add prohibitively to your electricity bill, while it would definitely do wonders to the ambience. If you are a die-hard fluorescent fan, use mood lighting instead.

By Kim Knight
coachtogreatness.com

How can you change and be the best that you can be. People generally would rather complain about what is wrong than change the situation or their circumstances. I understand the reasons for individuals doing this and the reasons are varied. However, what most people don’t realize is that by complaining, blaming and being overly vocal without taking action, they give away their power to change the situation or themselves. By complaining we put ourselves in the victim role. Are you willing to change and be the victor instead of the victim? Maybe it is time to be your own Hero and take charge of your life. It may be easier than you think and it could also be the best gift you ever give to yourself.

Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Stand out from the rest and the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, take a step back and look at what you can do to solve it and let the others continue to complain and vent their frustration. And then take stock of who makes headway and who doesn’t. I have a sneaky suspicion it would be you. Bosses, romantic partners and friends do not like people who play the victim role, so by turning this around and being your own Hero or Victor you could also stand to attract more of what you want in your life: a promotion, a new relationship, umpteen invitations to do something special by friends and family.

What Is A Hero?

If you look at heroes such as Mandela, Ghandi, the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and so on, I believe they all practiced some common characteristics. The following factors, mentioned below, however, are not unique to such amazing individuals alone. We all have the potential to live our lives in the same way. You do not have to be famous to be a hero. The essential question though, is, “Are You Willing To Be a Hero”

In the words of Anthony Robbins - A Hero ==>

Courageously contributes to others even under the most trying circumstances
Acts unselfishly
Demands more from oneself than others would expect
Defies adversity by doing what he or she believes is right in spite of fear.
Moves beyond the “common sense” of the promoters of the status quo.
Is willing to set an example and ...
Live by the truth of their convictions

So, are you willing to practice these attributes, no matter the circumstances? Are you willing to stop complaining and instead, be part of the solution and find ways to improve the situation you are facing? The choice is up to you. But know that every time you blame someone or external circumstances for something, it puts you in the victim role. When we play the victim it leaves us without choices. Take charge or play the victim â€" the choice is yours.

By solutionstandards.com

Along with the evolution of internet and website making, changing and increase in the roles of web designer and web developer is rapid. To understand better what are the exact duties of both web designer and web developer, and what tools and technologies are to be used now a days, this article is written to make clear the boundaries.

Web designer is responsible to design the overall layout and look of the web site. This covers the area from design small and meaningful icons or creating logos to complete the web layout and present it in html format. Web designer is the one who knows which colors to select, and what images should be placed where, to greatly communicate the business sense of client. How to make page attractive for target audience? Whether it demands some flash intro or some other flash effects or the simple site will present the elegance of client’s organization? Which data is to be displayed at right place to get the best required viewer’s concentration? Web Designer’s role in the whole website making is to answer the above question practically by making relative web contents.

Now for doing the tasks of web designing what tools and technologies should be learned is the main aspect, as website making is changing and evolving and so is web designing. Web designer is not restricted to one, two or limited number of tools. Web designer is free to use as much tools as he want to produce the best communicative attraction for visitors. But still, there are some tools in market which are setting standards to design a website. Talking from the very beginning of website making there comes the basic look of website, one would like to see, how it looks after the whole story of making. This task begins with template designing usually designed in Adobe Photoshop. The template makes the first prototype of website. Then for filling it with real contents and images, web designer is supposed to use Adobe Illustrator to create icons and logo for website, and Adobe Flash for making intros or some other effects. Even there web designer is not restricted to exactly use Adobe Illustrator to make those icons or logos. Web designer can use some other software tools offered by Ulead and Xara to create 3d logo. After doing this much, turns begin to convert the image file into the html or any web format. For doing this web designer should have knowledge of HTML and layout of web like table based and div based. For the conversion of image to webpage, tools can be used like Adobe Image Ready for object slicing. Now Adobe Image Ready is obsolete and integrated with Adobe Photoshop, this job can be done by using Adobe Fireworks. Adobe Fireworks can be used to create buttons and different stages of button. It is also a great tool to get the object sliced, and prepare a web page in a very easy manner. The last task of web designer is to create CSS (cascading style sheets) for website.

After the finishing of web designer’s role, web developer becomes active in website making. Web developer makes logic, functions, and makes the website come alive. Web developer has to look after the working of website’s functionality, and he can guess and correct if there is any malfunctioning in website. Web developer has tasks from very basic, like authenticating a user, and as much complex as to develop a complete web application. Tasks in between those two extremes may include following.

Email processing
Building simple function logic
Database handling
Displaying catalogs
Making online forms alive and effective
Dynamic page generation
Development of shopping cart
Payment processing
Development of CMS (Content Management System)
Development of Order Management System
Development of any type of Tracking System
Any type of web application demanded by client.

Web Developer uses different platform, languages or technologies to accomplish the task, but unlike web designer, web developer is sometimes restricted to develop the website in some specific language or platform as per specified by client. Languages used in development of websites include PHP, ASP, JSP. These languages are used to call as server side languages, which run on the server where the website is being hosted and results are calculated on server and sent to the requested browser. There are some scripts which used to run on the client’s machine. These scripts can be written in javascript, vbscript, actionscript and other scripting languages.

We may conclude that web designer is the one who should have good aesthetics and able to create good quality web content to attract the target audience efficiently, and the web developer is the one who works on the technical aspects of website and make it functionally available to client and let him do what he desires.

Written By Andrew John
energize-your-future.com

Working at home is generally much easier to cope with than a regular job. The possibility to work at one's own speed is something so wonderful, that there is hardly anyone who could resist it. It does not mean however, that you can't make your work at home even more efficient and less stressful.

Lots of Storage Space

Looking for notes and contact information you need for work, but can't find at the moment is one of the most irritating pastimes in a home office. While tearing your house down may seem an interesting alternative, try other ways first. Usually the best idea to get rid of such problems is to organize enough storage space in your office to keep all such stuff in a single place.

First of all, installing a file cabinet seems to be a good idea. Just remember about labeling all folders. Shelving and some containers may also do their job, though a file cabinet will certainly be the best when it comes to finding what you need. It would make everything much easier to find! A contact book - a notebook with phone numbers and emails that you have at hand is necessary to keep your business going slowly. Finally, remember about saving all emails and phones you have on your computer on an outside disk every time you attempt to reinstall the system.

Separate Office Area

Regardless of whether you work at home or at the office, one thing remains constant: you need a lot of space to get along well with all the documents and paperwork. While many home businesses started in the kitchen, you have to get yourself a large desk as soon as possible. The best solution is usually to get an 'L' shaped desk - this gives you maximum space while still letting you to reach for everything without getting up.

Enough room and organization are two most important issues when it comes to assure that we run our company as effectively as we can. If you think you can make something better, usually there is only one thing you can do: do it and get busy! Some serious money is waiting for you right now.

Written by Andrew John
energize-your-future.com

Have you chosen to start working at home and set up your own business? Congratulations! Remember however, that while such businesses can make you rich in no time, they can also make you bankrupt just as fast if you've made the wrong choice. So, choose wisely, taking the following issues into consideration.

What's Hot and What's Not - The most important thing for starting businesses is good research. Sniff around at forums and blogs. See who has now the upper hand - which websites get most clients, who boasts over his or her financial success and generally, what everyone seems to be doing. You may choose something else, of course, but it is wise to start a business related to those of everyone else.

What You Can - Most successful small businesses have been based on things their owners had already been doing and enjoying for years. They just decided to sell it to a wider customer base for a change. Do you do anything like doing and which could help you create a working business? Even if you have only been doing something for kicks (like playing the guitar), it is a good idea to consider it as an option for starting a business on your own.

Choose Products Wisely - If you are thinking about selling or advertising some products, make sure you enjoy them yourself. Never agree on selling things you do not truly believe in. First, is you are not 100% sure yourself that they work, how can you convince your customers? Then, if you feel your products are below the average quality, chances are you will quickly be swept away from the market. Finally, it is also the matter of honesty and in extreme cases even the consumer organizations. Generally, substandard products are too dangerous and hard to sell to really consider selling them.

Will You Have Any Help? - No company is better than the support they offer. Any good company wants their sellers to succeed, right? If you get professional training and/or some mentor from inside the company (or another "senior" seller), everything is as it should look like. However, if you are left all alone with the product, it's best to look for another business opportunity. Either the company's sales department is a mess and the company itself is going straight down, or they are scammers planning to make you buy a lot of stuff and they don't care what you are going to do with the products then.

Get all pieces of information before you act. Remember that information is the most precious asset you can have in business. Without it you risk making some really bad moves, likes getting involved with selling products no one wants to buy at the moment.

Written By Andrew John
energize-your-future.com

Working from nine to five is hardly everyone's dream. No wonder that more and more people decide to change their everyday trip to the office for the comfort of their computer chair. There are countless reasons for that, but let's discuss only the top five.

1) Being one's own master - if you work at home, you are your own boss. You may get up as late or as early as you want. You may take a day off anytime you wish. No one yells at you that something is not done. Finally, no one will try to force you do things you don't want to do. Freedom is probably the best thing in working at home.

2) No salary limits - Basically speaking, you may earn as much money as you are able to make. Your salary depends on how good and fast you are at what you are doing. Normally, you are often limited and your work is never fully rewarded. In home businesses you simply get exactly as much as your work is worth. Also, you can set your own limits. All overtime will be paid!

3) Kids - If you work at home, you can spend much more time with kids and offer them help and assistance whenever they need it. If we spend a lot of time with them and are always there for them, we build a much stronger relationship - one which can withstand all identity and relationship problems every teenager comes through.

4) Extra money when you need it - Those working for others often have problems with some extra unexpected spending of their regular salary can't cover. This problem is nonexistent in case of home businesses. If you need some extra cash, you may just invest a few more hours in work and get all the money you need without needing to take another loan.

The most important reason which makes people switch to work at home businesses is, of course, money. If there is any real way to greatly improve one's financial status, it is the Internet. There are many more online business opportunities than in the unplugged world - the Internet has made it possible to connect people and businesses from all around the world, creating a new quality in businesses and lives of millions of people from all around the world.

By Andrew John
energize-your-future.com

The name of your business shapes the thoughts of others. If your potential customers like it, they will flock to your products or services. If they don't enjoy it, they will usually prefer contacting someone else. The name itself is only a visiting card - it does not affect your products or services per se. However, it affect how others see them. That's why you simply have to choose the right one - financial success awaits only for those companies which have good names. Others may only struggle for some small success, declare bankruptcy right away or... change their names and identities into something better.

The first thing you have to remember is that it takes time to find the best name for the company. All too often we decide to use the first name that comes to our minds even if it sounds and looks terrible.

First, remember that names directly affect your customers. Is it doesn't make them feel interested in your company or curious about the services you offer, that's good. Most of the times however, all they feel is boredom. Not surprisingly, such companies often end their operations soon after they started them. Take your time and try to choose a name that brings certain positive feelings towards your company.

Create as many business names as you can. Only then you can hope for making a good choice. Also, think about each name and check if it brings the message and collocations you intend. For example, a dessert company's name can be Sweet Magic, but not Oven Magic - the latter makes us think more about cleaning products than cookies.

Your friends are an invaluable resource. As you have to spend days or even weeks on creating a good business name, what you will lack is a fresh perspective. Ask your friends or relatives to give you their opinions and ideas about your company name. While you do not have to agree with them, the information they may give you are important when it comes to predict the customers' response to your name.

Before you start a business under your new name, make sure it is free. If that is such a great idea, it is possible that someone has already named their company or website using your name. What is especially important, check with your lawyer if there is any company under the same or similar name in your area.

Never hurry up anyone trying to make up a new business name. The process takes weeks and there is little you can do to make it shorter without endangering the name's quality. Take your time and simply make sure that all projects of names will help your company to improve its image.

Ang influence sa mga Spanish nia pa nato.

By Andrew John

Staying home with children while still bringing money home is one of the most common dreams of mothers. Small wonder that more and more of them choose to work at home instead of in an office. This makes being a mother and an employee at the same time much easier. However, in order to work efficiently, you have to organize your time very well if you are to be a good mother and a good employee.

Prepare A Schedule

Creating a work schedule for each day separately is a great way to organize your work and other duties with only minimal thinking. Without a schedule you will forget about things every so often and as the result, you will become more and more stressed. How to make an effective work-at-home mom schedule? See the tips below.

Most importantly, make sure that your schedule blocks some time for playing with or talking to children. What's the point of staying at home if you have no time for them? Then, remember that you are not alone at home - you can easily ask your children to help you with all household issues. It would also be a great way to strengthen your relationship. Finally, make sure that your spouse will not feel forgotten. Try to schedule a "date night" every week or two. If necessary, find a babysitter for that night.

Try To Combine Things You Do

The one thing you should learn while working at home is multitasking. Never allow spending too much time at work - if you can minimize it, do it! If only you can both work and do something else, use this opportunity.

The devil is, as usual, in the details. We know the general rules, we just don't know how to use it in practice. Take a look at these two examples of multitasking - each of them can save you five-six hours a week. First off, remember to make a list of errands. This way you can do everything on your list when you're out. Otherwise you may rest assured that you will forget about something. Another example is doing the secondary tasks such as reading through the offers or emails while doing housework.

Another great idea for work-at-home moms is to employ a timer. When the time for you work is over, simply cease working and create schedule for tomorrow adding to it all tasks you failed to do today. While you may feel that it only postpones your problems, this allows you to avoid spending nights at work and keep you in prime condition all the time. In the long run such attitude always pays off.

source: energize-your-future.com

(FSB Magazine) -- Two of the best workers at Blue Chip, a manufacturing shop in Columbus, don't take lunch breaks. These model employees draw no salary, work unlimited shifts, and weld at lightning speed. Their performance isn't just superhuman it isn't human at all. "My robots are wonderful," says Steve Tatman, vice president of engineering at Blue Chip (bluechipmanufacturing.com). "Since adding them to the team, we've become more competitive and more efficient."

Blue Chip grosses about $5 million a year machining spare parts for the U.S. military. "I always thought robots were out of our league, pricewise," says Tatman, 47, who owns and operates the company in partnership with his wife, Tammy, Blue Chip's president. "They were a mystery to me." But when Blue Chip landed a Pentagon contract to manufacture thousands of drift pins (L-shaped tools the military needed to change tank treads), he decided it was finally time to explore automation. "It takes a human seven minutes to weld a drift pin," he says. "It takes a machine 45 seconds."

source: cnnmoney.com

   1. Take out a map of your area, close your eyes, and plant your finger on the map. Go to that spot, wherever it is, and explore the area. (It's usually best if it's a drive of an hour or less.)

   2. Go on a coin-flip date. After meeting downtown or on main street, you and your date decide whether to go right (heads) or left (tails) by flipping a coin. Every time you stop, flip the coin again to determine the next direction.

   3. If you already have a GPS, try geocaching. It's a combination of a hike and a treasure hunt. Get the coordinates of where the cache is hidden, then go to those coordinates and try to find it (many of them are very tricky!) Sites like Geocaching, Terracaching and Navicache have searchable directories of geocaches.

   4. If you don't have a GPS, letterboxing is similar but relies on detailed directions instead of a global positioning system.

   5. Old cemeteries can be another cheap date locale. Visit and do grave rubbings together.

source: mahalo.com

Here are the tips:

# If the weather is good, have a picnic. Do it low-key with cheese and crackers to save even more money. (If the weather turns, an indoor picnic on the living room floor can be fun, too!)

# Go out on a day hike.

# If you live in an area with snow, take advantage! Go sledding, build a snowman or have a snowball fight.

# Take a walk on the beach. Even in cool weather, you can appreciate the views and the ambiance.

# Visit a playground. Try out the swings and seesaw together.

# Many universities and public spaces have botanic gardens that are low-cost or free to visit. Take a long walk. (You may also want to take an antihistamine if you have hay fever - nothing ruins a romantic moment like a sneeze!)

# Nature sanctuaries often have nature walks or animal-sighting hikes.

# Watch the sun set together.

# If you already have the equipment for it, go camping together. Being alone in the woods can be one of the more romantic settings you'll experience on a date.

# For an even more romantic outdoors date, plan to go star-gazing. Try to identify constellations together. You can also check Space.com's nightsky report or your local paper to see if there will be a meteor shower you can watch together.

source: mahalo.com

# Many venues have inexpensive tickets, if you're willing to sit in back.

# Call local museums and historic sites to find out about free tours and events.

# Historical and architectural societies often offer downtown tours.

# Many museums and zoos have one night or day a week that is free. Call for details.

# If you live near a college or university, they often have interesting lectures, films, and other events that are open to the public. Call or check their website for information.

# Many colleges - and even some high schools! - have an observatory. Go and check out the stars!

# Tickets for community theater productions are often inexpensive. If it's terrible, it will give you something to talk about!

# Many cafes have open mic nights.

# Libraries often have free lectures, sometimes with the author.

# Large bookstores often have authors visit to give readings and talks. It may cost money to buy the book, but listening to the author is generally free.

# Have your own film festival. Rent classic films or scary movies, wherever your date's tastes lie. Then make a big bowl of popcorn and prepare to snuggle.

source: mahalo.com

   1. Wine shops often have free or cheap tastings on certain nights.

   2. Wineries are opening up all over the country, and many of them have inexpensive tastings. Check to see if there is one in your area.

   3. Find out your date's favorite meal, and cook it yourself. Dinner in is much cheaper than dinner out. Don't forget to light candles and put out flowers!

   4. Go out for dessert and coffee. It's less expensive than buying dinner, but with the same ambiance.

source: mahalo.com

   1. Ask your date the kind of things they're interested in. An outdoor hike might not be the best thing if your date prefers air conditioning to bug spray. If your date is on a diet, that perfect ice cream sundae you've prepared might be less than impressive. If your date is an art history major, that free night at the museum might be just the ticket!

   2. Look in the events section of local newspapers to find out about free lectures, tours, and other events. If your city has an arts and entertainment newspaper (many do), these are especially good resources.

   3. If you live in a major city, try web resources such as Flavorpill, MyOpenBar.com (a great resource for art events) and Metroblogging for information on free and inexpensive events.

source: mahalo.com

Quote from: Mari on September 17, 2007, 03:56:31 AM
mr. administrator, i'd like to attach a slideshow of Bohol here. how can i?

Mari, is it a flash format?

Here's the link:

http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=961.0

Quote from: Melrose on September 24, 2007, 04:32:03 PM
guys! mag-eb ta sa bday ni mike? hehe! when gani?

This Thursday, Melrose.

A motley crew of 500 people have gathered beneath the surface of a swimming pool in Acton, west London, to set the record for the world's largest formal underwater dinner party.
   
Their aim, to get into Guinness World Records and raise thousands of pounds for six charities including Save the Children and The British Heart Foundation.

There was also the chance of a free, three-course gourmet lunch.

It was the three-course lunch with a difference. The smoked salmon and candied lemon certainly sounded appetising, as did the medley of crab with asparagus.

What the menu didn't tell me, however, was that each course consisted of precisely one mouthful each.

source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

In a blatant, if rather clever PR stunt, the US based mobile phone retailer, YouNeverCall has offered a prize for the first mobile phone call to be made from the moon. Their announcement follows the decision by Google to support the X-Prize foundation's US$30 million in prizes for the first private vehicle to be landed on the Moon by 2015.

In order to claim the US$10,000 prize a cell phone call must be placed by a device or person present on the Moon's surface. This call must pass through a commercially available cellular phone to YouNeverCall's corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. The call may travel via any protocol or compression before reaching their offices, and it must be possible to for the caller to answer a few yes/no questions correctly.

That should allow for conventional radio broadcasts from the lunar surface back to earth, then for the signal to be passed over a conventional terrestial cellphone network - so it doesn't technically have to be a "cellphone call from the moon".

Like Google, YouNeverCall is offering a lesser prize for companies who achieve a related but lesser goal. YouNeverCall is offering a $500 prize to the first SMS message that travels via the moon and lands on one of our corporate cell phones.

source: http://www.cellular-news.com

By Fred C. Fuertes
Bohol Sunday Post

Maribojoc Mayor Leoncio Evasco Jr. yesterday led the local police team in apprehending a band of illegal loggers in Sitio San Isidro, barangay Jandig.

Caught on the act of transporting illegally cut logs were Roberto Ramirez, a former policeman, together with Catalino Paster and Carlos Cumodas of barangay Jandig.

Ramirez was earlier arrested for illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms, but is now out on bail.

Recovered from them were 33 pieces of cut Mapsa trees and two chainsaws allegedly used in their logging activities.
          

Evasco and some friends were on their way to Tanauan Peak in barangay Jandig when they chanced upon the illegal tree cutters.

Upon sighting the three, the mayor immediately contacted Acting Chief of Police Jose Arocha who responded right away with SPO1 Teodoro Arais, P03 Cirilito Curayag PO1 Garnet Gabaisenand Victor Majomot Jr.

Ernesto Vitor of the CENRO-Tagbilaran later joined the apprehending team to identify the illegally cut logs.

The mayor, some friends and Tourism Chair Peter Dejaresco toured the potential tourist spots in the town which include the Postan Forest along Abatan River, Savima Boardwalk leading to Tintinan Islet and Boloc-Boloc Spring which have been envisioned to be among the town's top tourist attraction.

It was on their way to the town's highest peak that Evasco and company saw the illegal cutters plying on their illegal trade.

By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
<a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

The novena for the Feast of St. Michael has began. So with the night - nights.

However, preparations for the celebration this year is not as elaborate as last year. Perhaps it would be, some three and a half decades from now. Jagna would be four hundred years old. It is understandable if Exsam will not put up a big bash this time. He is in his third and last term and he has nothing to prove anymore.

Perhaps, he is trying to build up a momentum, which would propel the progress of Jagna when he steps down a few years from now. That would be a noble legacy.

However, despite going through the motions of celebrating just to get things over, the fiesta will still attract expats as usual. It has been a tradition that expats whether of the national or foreign category will come home. There would be no lack of local fiesta goers. Hopefully, after the preparations furor of last year, the fiesta pageantry this year would still be a cause for tourist attraction. The SB Committee on Tourism should see to that.

This year, there will be flies in the ointment or cockroaches on the birthday cake.

Teenage gangs had proliferated. The so-called fraternities are engaging in nightly rumbles. Feria operators are getting annoyed. Street fights drive away bettors and their business grind to a halt. Motorcabs are stoned and drivers are filing charges in the barangays where those hooligans live.

The sad part of the story is; to hale those teenage thugs to court is tricky. The so-called Teenage Law of Sen Kiko Pangilinan had tied the hands of the authorities. If a barangay tanod knocks a few heads of those punks to enforce order, the tanod will be charged will child abuse. If brought to the police, the misbegotten s. o. b. is handled with velvet gloves. If the underage delinquent is haled to court, he is set free under the Pangilinan law.

If there is that teenage law, there should be also a law, which imposes the full penalty on the parent or the guardian of the culprit. If the youthful criminal finds out that his funds had dried up because its source is in prison, the culprit would think several times before embarking on a crime career. Aside from that, the legal minds of the local SB should enact an ordinance imposing a teenage curfew, where all apprehended teenagers would be rounded up and detained for safe keeping until morning. The ordinance would protect those thugs from themselves. If done nightly, those criminals would see no future in loitering around after curfew hours.

There are some Luzon provinces, which do not have problems in teenage hooliganism. They also do not have problems in drug pushing, drug addiction and petty thuggery. They are found lying in rice field or floating in creeks and rivers in mornings. No distinction is made. Men, women teenagers are qualified to depart from this world when the peace of the community is disturbed.

Leftists, rightists, centrists and vigilantes were blamed for their untimely demise.

For a time, funeral parlors were glad until the bodies ran out. Those people are not aware of the Pangilinan law. Even if they know of it, the law is more observed in breach than in observance. Here, vigilantism is unheard of. Yet. However, if those budding criminals hit some hotheads, they would be likely candidates fort Holy Name or St. Peter. They should know that forensic facilities in the local PNP is practically non-existent. They would end up in the unsolved crime list.

By Loy Palapos
Columnist
<a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

Webster calls it brain-drain; many brand it governance plague… a failure of government to keep prime-movers from seeking greener pastures abroad. Not that the Philippines is not green, but many so-called leaders' interest does not go beyond their own pocket, making a gloomy landscape. The only consolation to this ignominy is the influx of dollar to keep the economy afloat.

Atty. Bernardo Mag-aso (BM) is a self-made man who labored hard to earn his keeps, compared to his peer who twice took the Bar at City Hall's expanse and failed miserably. Enticed to try his cards in the political cauldron, even while he was teaching and enjoying a private practice of his profession, he made it to the City Council in his first try, until a subsequent victory catapulted him to the top of the Sangguniang Panlungsod roster. From that moment on, he was predicted to be good material to become "the next Mayor of Tagbilaran City."

Until he decided to leave politics, left Bohol, and seek his cup of tea in New York. The first time he came back, and the few times he visited Tagbilaran, manifested a resolve that he made the right decision. On September 2 (a Saturday, New York time) I met him, among many other Boholanos, during the Despedida Party tendered by the Boholanos of the East Coast and parishioners of Our Lady of Martyrs in Long Island, New York for newly appointed Bishop Crispin Varquez. I cornered him for a snap interview amidst the music and noise of merrymaking. Nards Mag-aso has not changed his humble ways; although quite evident was his more pronounced wisdom in the acceptance of reality.

LMP: Unsay imong impression sa gathering karon?
B M: Solemn tungod kay gisugdan man kini sa usa ka santos nga misa ug makaingon pud ko nga dako ug kahulugan.

LMP: How long have you stayed here?
B M: Since 1992

LMP: Are there no regrets?
B M: Naay gamay… Uban sa pangandoy nga mouli, pero ang pamilya man gyud atong unahon.

LMP: As of now, kumusta ang mga bata?
B M: Kaluoy sa Ginoo maayo. Ang duha nahuman na.

LMP: Unsay mga nahumanan?
B M: Ang eldest, Information Technology ang nahuman pero more on banking. Ang ika-duha ga-parttime ug trabaho sa hospital, pero nag-eskuyla pa. Ang ika-tulo, nahuman na ug Nursing naa magtrabaho sa usa ka Hospital sa New York. Ang ika-upat nag-eskuyla pa ug Nursing.

LMP: Kanus-a mo-graduate?
B M: Mga 3 years pa from now.

LMP: Mao nay barometro sa atong pagkaginikanan; mopa-eskuyla ug mga anak, unya paghuman tapos ang responsibilidad. Are you planning to go home after all of them have finished their studies?
B M: Mouli pero mura ug tanda-tanda na lang siguro, kay na-discourage ko sa pagpadagan sa pamolitika sa ato, ilabina sa miaging eleksiyon nga gisundan pod sa eleksiyon sa Philippine Councilors League. Wala naman ko mag[-apil-apil sa pamolitika sa ato pero masakitan ko nga makadungog nga dili na ang responsibilidad, dili na ang dungog, dili na ang pag-serbisyo ang gibasihan karon, kuwarta na.

LMP: From the point of view of a Boholano, who is observing from here, duna pa bay remedyo nga mahitabo, o surrender na ta kay way mahitabo nga maayo?
B M: Ug mausob man galing, murag giagi na ug milagro. Ang nakapait man gud sa ato kay hasta ang Sangguniang Kabataan gitudloan man ug unsaon pagpanikas. They learned corruption at a very young age.

LMP: Sa akong nahinumduman, when you left Bohol ang mga tawo morag nanghinayang as far as the political scene was concerned, because people were expecting you will be the next Mayor. Until today, it is still the thought shared by many Boholanos. What can you comment about it?
B M: Magpasalamat ko ug tinuod man gani na nga naa pa na sa huna-huna sa mga katawhan. Daghan man tag mga panghuna-huna nga gipanglangtaw para sa kaayuhan sa Tagbilaran unta, pero ang akong pamilya ang akong priority pagkakaron.

LMP: Wa ka na bay plan of coming to Tagbilaran and enter politics even, if it is a quagmire?
B M: Ako sa nga panid-an kay taas-taas pa man pod ang panahon. Tingali kapangitaan ug paagi nga maulian ta, mahibalik ta sa nindot nga pamaagi. Naglantaw gihapon ko ana, pero only time knows.

LMP: Along that line, because it is already the thought, dili kay ikaw lang ang nagsulti ini, but everybody, even myself. Ngil-ad gyud ang pamolitika sa Pilipinas; that you need money in order to win. Even how good are you, you really cannot be of winning if you don't buy votes. Sa imong tan-aw wala na ba gyud ni kasulbaran?
B M: Ug ibasi nato na sa mga sitwasyon karon mura ug lisod na.

LMP: Let's talk about the economy, because it is important, as far as Tagbilaran is concerned, what is your observation from the point of view of a Boholano who becomes an American citizen, sa progress sa Tagbilaran economically. Have you seen any significance?
B M: The last time miuli ko naa man pud, pero sa kong tan-aw milambo ang Tagbilaran gumikan pud sa mga ayuda ug suporta sa mga trabahante nga mga Boholano gawas sa Pilipinas. Although ang turismo sa ato milambo, mangita unta pud ta ug laing pamaagi aside sa mga sustento gikan sa gawas. Naa unta poy mga industry nga makapalambo sa ekonomiya sa Bohol, dili lang kay magsalig sa mga remittances gikan sa gawas.

LMP: Ang Bohol is the first or second every year among the provinces sa Pilipinas nga daku ang OFW remittances. But the province or city is not productive. Along that line, what should be done?
B M: I-improve ang peace and order. Ilabina karon nga uso na ug tulis, mahadlok ang mga investors.

LMP: Unsa man untay mahimo sa governance along that line kon ang mga tawo dili magpakabana?
B M: Importante pud ng ang mga tawo mo-cooperate. Dili man mahimo ug magsalig lang sa gobyerno. Walay mahimo ang governance if there is no cooperation of the people.

LMP: And you believe this is one that is lacking?
B M: Yes.

LMP: What will happen if ang mga tawo na mismo mura ug frustrated na kayo sa governance, because of the way things are run, so, therefore wala na pud sila ma-inspire sa pagtabang?
B M: Mao pud nay butang nga tan-awon pag-ayo sa mga tawo nga naa sa gobyerno. They have to consider that naa sila diha tungod kay gisaligan sila sa mga tawo.

LMP: If we compare the economic stability sa mga tawo sa Bohol ug sa mga tawo sa States dako ba guod kayo ug kalainan?
B M: Sa Bohol, ibutang ta 8:00 o'clock AM ang schedule of duty, pero moabot sa trabahuan ug 8:30 na, mo-break…unya mu-dong sa kan-anan, hinay kaayo molakaw unya ug naay makatagbo nga amigo mag-istorya pa, mo-order pa unya mo-kaon pa, istorya na pud; inig balik sa office 11:30 na. Mogawas na pud kay maniudto. Walay output, dili man mahimo na diri sa States.

LMP: You would like to imply nga if possible i-istrikto unta ang pag-implement sa working schedule and working attitude?
B M: Yes.

LMP: Unsa may imong ikasulti sa CONBUSAC pagkakaron?
B M: CONBUSAC is growing. Nagkadaghan ug nagkalig-on.

LMP: How was your convention in San Francisco?
B M: Bibo and it was very successful.

LMP: Let's talk about TBTK. If you compare TBTK before and now?
B M: Magsugod ko nganong naa ang TBTK. Nahimo ng TBTK tungod kay sa panahon ni Dr. Nak Lopez in 1997, nagkasinabot nga adto mag-convention sa Bohol. Ang theme sa CONBUSAC sa convention is "Tigum Bol-Anon", pero tungod kay nagkasinabot nga adto sa Bohol mag-convention unya nangimbitar man pud ug daghang mga Bol-anon sa laing lugar, mao nga nahimong Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan in 1999. Daghang officials sa CONBUSAC ang nalain sa nagdala sa TBTK karon tungod kay mi-rehistro man ang TBTK sa SEC. I don't know how true. Ang concept unta sa TBTK is just a movement to spearhead a gathering of Boholanos.

LMP: Ang TBTK Gathering 2009, unsa may imong projections? Will it be successful?
B M: Basin pa pud ug ma-successful. Mag-convention man pud ang CONBUSAC karon 2009 adto sa Washington.

LMP: Same time?
B M: No, same month, una ang CONBUSAC ug one week.

LMP: Unsang petsaha ang CONBUSAC convention?
B M: July 9, 10, 11 and 12.

LMP: So, may panahon pa?
B M: Naa pa.

LMP: Kumusta man ron ang leadership sa TBTK? I remembered when there was an election in 2006. Unsa man ang update?
B M: Wala na ko ma-updated ana kay after sa election sa TBTK last year, wala naman pud ko mo-apil sa TBTK.

LMP: Was there really an election that took place?
B M: Wala ko kahibaw kay wala ko mitambong.

LMP: Unsay imong mensahe sa mga taga Bohol?
B M: It's time to wake up, ablihi ang inyong huna-huna ug ayaw na mo palalo ug kuwarta kana ug madala pa, hinaot pa unta.

During the first Sandugo celebration in 1988, as Over-All Chairman, I requested the then Councilor Bernardo Mag-aso to help in the preparation, representing the City Hall. I saw in him a consistent and passionate worker who forgot time when he was engrossed in a task. We even worked after five, when all others had gone home.

There are those who believe that Atty. Mag-aso move to migrate to the United States was a mistake. But true to his values of placing his family above politics, and not seek personal accolade, he made a crucial decision of leaving a flowering political career. He had to adjust to an entirely new environment, even professionally. But now, looking back, he knew he had made the right decision.

By Romy Teruel
Columnist
<a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

The absence of our three Congressmen in the list of Administration and Party-List Members of the House of Representatives who signed Resolution No. 212 calling for Congressional inquiry on the effects of the seismic survey for oil exploration in the waters of Bohol and Cebu has puzzled not just a few Boholanos, to include the Agora.

The affected population, especially the fishermen, marched the streets and picketed the provincial capitol to convey their sentiments when M/V Pacific was poised to undertake the seismic survey that would deprive them of a few days of income and perhaps destroy marine life in the area and their livelihood permanently.

In fact Gov. Erico B. Aumenado had to organize a task force that would study the effects, either temporary or permanent, of the undertaking to the environment if only to show where his heart belongs.

The Boholanos expected that the least the three Boholano Congressmen could have done, to show that they have the welfare and interest of the people in their heart and mind, is to join their colleagues from the Visayas.. After all, that is the reason why they are called Representatives because they are supposed to represent the sentiments of their people in the halls of the Lower House.

Or they could have gone to the press to explain why they did not join their colleagues. At least we would know where they stand.

The inquiry would clear the issue once and for all. Then we would know whether we will continue to oppose it if the undertaking will cause permanent damage to the environment especially if it can be determined up to what extent it would be harmful to the environment. Or that we will allow it to continue if the damage is minimal and can be mitigated especially if the Province and the people will benefit from it.

There is nothing wrong or objectionable in House Resolution No. 212. The signatures of Members of Congress (Party-List) rumored to front for the local communist movement, does not make the motive of passing the resolution questionable. So why did our Congressmen shy away from it?

If the inquiry will answer many unanswered questions and doubts in the minds of our concerned agencies and affected population, why not support it? The issue is not drawn on political lines; the signatories to the resolution should not also require political alignments.

We laud the Cebu Congressmen for standing up for the sentiments of their constituents. Sadly for Bohol, we don't see that from our own Representatives. Or may be I just missed their statements and their explanations to the media.

By Joe Espiritu
Jagna-based Columnist
<a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net">Bohol Sunday Post</a>

While politicians in Bohol are going their way in making the province a better place to live in, those whom we had elected to run our country are starting to make a mess. First of all, while it took the Ombudsman and the Sandigang Bayan six years to render judgment on the charges of perjury and plunder of an ex President, a known womanizer and wheeler dealer, a move has already started to grant him executive clemency. If there had been an intention of letting him go free after his conviction, why has he been brought to court in the first place?

For the sake of national unity, they say, Erap should be pardoned. How then could the government justly keep Atong Ang in prison when Erap is set free? Would the cases against co accused Yolanda Ricaforte, Jaime Dichaves, Dante Tan and the rest be dropped? Erap insists that he would accept a presidential pardon if there are no conditions attached. Which means he does not have to return the dirty millions he had amassed during his term. Contrary to biblical sayings, crime does pay after all.

The "Hello Garci" scandal surfaced after the last presidential elections. The conversation between the then presidential candidate President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano was surreptitiously recorded when the technicians of the Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines wiretapped the telephone lines of the Commission on Election. The taped conversation was presented in a Senate hearing and took the elected president to task for calling a Comelec commissioner while the votes are counted.

When the "Mother of all Tapes" meaning the whole tape recorded conversation between Comelec commissioner and his callers were brought out, it turned out that it was not only President GMA who called but including a host of others.

According to law, wire-tapping is illegal. According to the laws of evidence, any evidence illegally obtained cannot be used. Why then is the Hello Garci tape and the Mother of all Tapes used in a Senate hearing? Can a law making body twist the law? This leaves us ordinary citizenry confused. It seems as if we had elected a wrong set of legislators.

In trying to keep up with the times, the government intended to put up sophisticated communication lines that would allow face to face contact when important orders or vital information is sent or exchanged with every government offices in the country. This would be made possible with a countrywide broadband network. When the President went to Mainland China on official visit, someone clinched the deal with ZTE Corporation to build the system. Immediately after the contract was signed the papers disappeared. News said the contract was overpriced.

To start, was there any plan to establish a broadband network before the President left for China? To acquire such a costly system, it is but natural that a project study is done to at least to ascertain the project costs. If there was, the NEDA should be aware of the proposed project. Is the broadband network be used in a computerized election, system? If it could not be, why does the broadband network take precedence before the automated election system, which we sorely need so there will be no more "Hello Garcis"?

We in the barangays have to go through the motions of drafting resolutions, making program of works, detailing the expenditure and going through the bidding and awarding process. News says that the ZTE project did not follow such moves.

There are accusations that there are other companies, which can provide the same services a lesser costs. There is an accusation that the ZTE deal had been brokered by the Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos. The name of the First Gentleman was dragged into the mess. The accuser is no less that Jose de Venecia III. Strange.

Jose de Venecia III is a son of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He is the head of Amsterdam Corporation, which also builds broadband networks. It is not possible the deVenecia III is not aware that the government is intending to establish a broadband system all over the country. Is he is not, then he is sleeping on the job or we can assume that he is not in talking terms with his father. There must be something wrong somewhere.

The Hello Garci case and the broadband deal have all the intentions of shooting down the Arroyo administration. The Erap pardon has the intents of earning pogi points for the administration. All those tend to move the country backwards or sideways, never forward. We do not know whether to condemn or applaud those maneuvers. We do know that we have enough of politics. It is high time to shift the system to a parliamentary or federal parliamentary one where politicians can be changed or forced to resign at the first hint of scandal.

Published by the <a href="http://www.boholsundaypost.net>Bohol Sunday Post</a>

The political gap that separated Mayor Dan Neri Lim and V-Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso has widened with the bones of contention centered on the appropriation of casuals and the sale of city ordinances.

The trigger mechanism was the letter of V-Mayor Veloso to City Budget Officer Rosemarie Palma.

In that letter, the vice mayor chided the city budget officer for her refusal to certify the availability of appropriations for wages of job order casuals to the Sangguniang Panglungsud.

According to Veloso, of the less than two months that he assumed office, Palma continually refused his requests, the latest of which was on the appropriation of casuals.

Palma did not take Veloso's admonition sitting down. She forwarded Veloso's letter to Mayor Lim setting off the bitter exchange of communications.

Taking the cudgels for his budget officer, Mayor Lim took to task Veloso by citing the limitations of the vice mayor's jurisdiction of his duties and responsibilities.

The mayor informed Veloso that city budget office performs an executive function and therefore directly under the city chief executive.

The mayor further said that in any event that the vice mayor has any complaint on the conduct of the city budget office or any officer under the executive department, the correct procedure would be to address any query or complaint to the city mayor himself.

Dissolve the Philippine government and have our country ruled by the U.S., or Canada, or Australia.

Our leaders are immature and selfish.

Melrose, ayaw kalimot ug pakodak inig magtapok-tapok mo aron makakita mi sa inyong mga pahiyom.

Many of my e-mails sent from Gmail have been relegated to Yahoo's SPAM Folder. Why Yahoo cannot distinguish what is spam and what is not. While those e-mails from Nigeria sweetly landed to Yahoo's Inbox?

I don't understand Yahoo. Something is wrong with its parameters on determining what is trash and what is not trash.

I am slowly leaving Yahoo mail altogether.

The damage to my e-mail world is enough already.

By Ricardo Lo
Funfare Column
Philippine Star

I stayed overnight last weekend in Bohol, at Metro Center Hotel (by all means, stay there, and enjoy to the hilt the warm Bohol hospitality), with my friend Raoul Tidalgo and his sister Nenette (and husband Carl Supe) as hosts.

As in previous trips, we visited the Loboc River (set of Panaghoy sa Suba, starring and produced by Cesar Montano, a Boholano who owns a vacation house in Baclayon, his hometown) where we had an eyeball-to-eyeball moment with the Tarsier, the famous Chocolate Hills (one of FPJ’s favorite location sets), the old churches and later got a massage at the Panglao Island Nature Resort (owned, like Metro Center and the hotel, and operated by the family of Raymond Ong) which is the perfect place for recharging and soul-searching, providing an enchanting view of the sunset from any of the cottages built around trees.

Besides Raoul and his family, Raymond and the Veloso family (led by its matriarch, Primetiva and son Toto Veloso, vice mayor of Tagbiliran City, and his wife Tata), Rose Soy also acted as a guide during our quick tour, with a short stop at Amarela, a new resort ideal for artists because of its antiques as part of the interior decor. I learned from Boy Echavez, another prominent Boholano (and a good friend of DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, also a frequent Bohol visitor) that it was Rose who jumpstarted the tourism industry in Bohol as early as 1976.

But I was sad to learn that Jerome Sala, another Boholano, winner of the ABS-CBN talent search Star in a Million, is back in his hometown a few kilometers from Tagbilaran, earning a living by driving a jeepney. What!?! Has the ABS-CBN Talent Center "abandoned" him? What a waste!

Aside from Cesar Montano (and, among others, the late Yoyoy Villame, Luke Mejares and Giselle Sanchez), other Boholanos in showbiz include Rich Asuncion, one of GMA’s 2007 Starstruck finalists, who as a little girl used to help her fishing family sell fish.

Last year’s Bb. Pilipinas-World winner, Anna Marie Igpit, is also from Bohol.

Three nights ago, over dinner at Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ylang-Ylang with Raoul, Boy Echavez, "Miss Melody" and I, Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto (married to Pureza Veloso, sister of Toto and New Jersey-based nurse Betty Veloso-Garcia) was upbeat about turning Bohol into one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

Funfare suggested something like the "Amazing Thailand" tourism campaign, so why not... Beautiful Bohol (Not Just The Place, But The People)?

Perfect! Once you visit Bohol, you will go back again and again.

I should know.

By Ricardo Lo
Philippine Star

In grade/elementary and high school, we did it every day during the flag ceremony that singing Lupang Hinirang, the National Anthem, came as easy as saying The Lord’s Prayer. Every pupil/student knows the lyrics by heart, and they sing the anthem from the heart, so it was as easy as singing Bahay Kubo.

But singing Lupang Hinirang before a crowd as huge as one that would fill up a boxing arena can be daunting and nerve-wracking, so the Herculean task should be entrusted only to singers who are up to the challenge, such as world-class singer Lani Misalucha who sang it during the bout between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Erik Morales in L.A. (where Pacman lost), and not a newcomer like Jennifer Bautista who drew flak when her voice faltered as she tried to hit a high note (in the line Ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo) during the Pacquiao-Morales return bout (won by Pacman) in Las Vegas a year later.

Recently, even the award-winning singer Christian Bautista fared miserably when he sang Lupang Hinirang at the exhibition match between Gerry Penalosa and Bernabe Concepcion in Alabang. Christian didn’t sing off-key, all right, but he forgot some lines (Aming ligaya na pag may mangaapi ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo), finishing the song minutes ahead of the audience. Some people said that Christian’s "sin of omission" was unforgiveable even if Christian had promptly apologized for it, saying that he had just recovered from an ailment and promising to do it right next time.

And now comes Ara Mina who is being eyed â€" nay, "strongly recommended" â€" by Pacquiao to sing Lupang Hinirang when he fights with Mark Anthony Barrera in Las Vegas on Oct. 6. Ara is starring with Pacquiao in Anak ni Kumander, which he himself is producing, included in the Metro Manila Filmfest this December, and Ara’s "singing" presence in Las Vegas is designed to play up their movie.

Eyebrows are soaring â€" you know, Ara is sexy and a good actress (with an award to boot) trying hard to be a singer (with an album to her credit) but will she, can she, live up to the Lupang Hinirang "challenge"? If she gives in to Pacquiao’s wish, Ara should start taking extra voice lessons. Las Vegas is Las Vegas; it’s a hundred times bigger than the Music Museum where Ara holds concerts every now and then.

Two down (Jennifer and Christian)... one to go?

Knock on wood.

My unsolicited advice to Ara?

Back off!

By Ricardo Lo
The Philippine Star

Is Vina Morales pregnant? That’s what ABS-CBN’s Entertainment... Live! reported last Saturday, which my friend Liklik Schroeder vehemently denies. The one pregnant, according to Liklik (a Boholana), is Vina’s younger sister Sheryl Magdayao-Martinez who is based in San Jose, California. "We are organizing a baby shower for Sheryl on Sept. 29," said Liklik in a text message to Funfare, direct from Sacramento, California, where she lives with her husband. Liklik watched Vina’s concert a few days ago at the Bob Hope Theater in Stockton where Josh Groban had a concert last Aug. 24. "Ang daming tao," said Liklik. "Vina lived up to her reputation as a Showgirl." Vina is coming home on Sept. 30 after another concert in McAllen, Texas, on Sept. 29. I forgot to ask Liklik if Vina’s boyfriend Cedric Lee is with Vina.

Quote from: C2H4 on September 24, 2007, 02:34:09 AM
Mr Admin,

is this the same tribe that makes its women wear those steel braces to elongate their necks?

They're beautiful. Women are works of art.

That's in Burma.

A world we haven't seen. Of different kind. It's culture.

Africa.

Quote from: Lorenzo on September 24, 2007, 01:30:40 AM
uy uy, mo call ko next weekend ha? sayang na run out ahong phone card! hahaha
haha friendster...god im such a noob at it haha..

im just watching in the sidelines.....

please roll the carpet for Brian.

Welcome to Bohol's new sensation... Tubag Bohol!

The thing I greatly feared has come upon me. â€"Job 3:25

Death, divorce, and disease could be called the three Ds of misery. They slice through life like a tsunami of sorrow, raising doubts and destroying dreams.

Recently, a friend and I agreed that the previous year was one that we both would just as soon forget. Each of us had suffered one of the three.

Our conversation brought Job to mind. In a short period of time, he lost his children, his health, his wealth, and his wife’s respect. Job’s distress was so great that he pleaded, “May the day perish on which I was born” (Job 3:3). Job wanted God to erase not just a year, but all memory of his existence! He had enjoyed years of success and respect. Now, he questioned the purpose of living (3:20).

Job wanted to die and be forgotten, but instead God made sure his name and story would be remembered forever. Rather than give Job what he asked for, God gave future generations what they would needâ€"an inside look at the spiritual battle between God and Satan. The result is a God-inspired document about suffering that has comforted countless people.

When what we fear actually happens, we know, thanks to Job, that God can use it for good. â€"Julie Ackerman Link

For Further Study
Why does God allow us to experience the “fires of life”?
Read Knowing God Through Job

Our highest good may come from our deepest suffering.

source: www.rbc.org

Do not fear or be dismayed; . . . for the LORD is with you. â€"2 Chronicles 20:17

When our son Brian was small, I took him with me to pick up our babysitter. As I approached the house, I noticed that her dog, usually penned in the backyard, was lying on the front porch. At first glance, the dog looked benign. But to my alarm he sprang to his feet and attacked Brian, who leaped for my leg, shinnied up to my waist, and somehow ended up wrapped around my neck and shoulders.

I, on the other hand, was left to fend off the dog. We danced for a whileâ€"the dog trying to get in a bite and I a kickâ€"until, to my relief, the owner came around the house and called off the beast. All of usâ€"dog, boy, and Iâ€"escaped unscathed.

Later, as we were walking to the car, Brian looked up to me and said, “Dad, I’ll go anywhere with you.” His confidence was misplaced; I can fail him. But I often think of his words when I grapple with fear.

As Moses faced uncertain circumstances, he implored God, “Show me now Your way, . . . that I may find grace in Your sight” (Ex. 33:13). The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you” (v.14).

Whenever we enter frightening circumstances or face furious assaults, we can say with confidence, “Lord, I’ll go anywhere with You.” â€"David H. Roper

Anywhere with Jesus I am not alone,
Other friends may fail meâ€"He is still my own;
Though His hand may lead me over dreary ways,
Anywhere with Jesus is a house of praise. â€"Pounds

You need not fear where you’re going when God is going with you.

source: www.rbc.org

Simplicity Inc, a supplier of baby furniture to Wal-Mart Stores and other big retailers, is recalling about 1 million Chinese-made baby cribs which have been linked to at least two infant deaths, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

The drop-side can detach from the crib, which can create a dangerous gap that leads to an infant being trapped and suffocated, the safety agency said in a statement. It urged parents to check all Simplicity-made cribs to ensure the drop-side is installed correctly.

The cribs, priced between $US100 and $US300 ($A116 and $A350), were sold by US retailers and chains including Target Corp, Big Lots Inc and family-owned Meijer Inc.

"The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design, which allow consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside down," the safety commission said. "This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side detaches, it creates a gap in which infants can become entrapped."

Two separate infant deaths involving a nine-month-old and a six-month-old occurred when cribs with older-style hardware had the drop-side installed upside down, the agency said.

source: http://www.smh.com.au

(Reuters) - About 16,000 words have succumbed to pressures of the Internet age and lost their hyphens in a new edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary.

Bumble-bee is now bumblebee, ice-cream is ice cream and pot-belly is pot belly.

And if you've got a problem, don't be such a crybaby (formerly cry-baby).

The hyphen has been squeezed as informal ways of communicating, honed in text messages and emails, spread on Web sites and seep into newspapers and books.

"People are not confident about using hyphens anymore, they're not really sure what they are for," said Angus Stevenson, editor of the Shorter OED, the sixth edition of which was published this week.

Another factor in the hyphen's demise is designers' distaste for its ungainly horizontal bulk between words.

"Printed writing is very much design-led these days in adverts and Web sites, and people feel that hyphens mess up the look of a nice bit of typography," he said. "The hyphen is seen as messy looking and old-fashioned."

source: Yahoo News

In a twist of legal irony, BitTorrents site Pirate Bay of Sweden announced on its blog Friday that it has alerted Swedish authorities over allegations that it has been the subject of "infrastructural sabotage," "denial of service attacks," hacking" and "spamming" by some of the biggest names in the media.

The alleged evidence comes from some of the 6,000 e-mails and other information the clandestine group, MediaDefender-Defenders posted Saturday on BitTorrents sites. MediaDefenders-Defenders said it obtained the information from hacking e-mails from California's MediaDefender, a company that charges Hollywood to police their copyrights.

source: wired.com

Galen, sila ba ang mga linalang nga nakapapiko sa tapaludo sa imong pagbati? 

Reading all your profound insights here has boosted a runaway dream of compiling all our Tubag Bohol comments/insights into a book. Let's start with Volume 1.

Quote from: junayag on September 23, 2007, 03:30:34 PM

Mike,
It happened in Mabini, Bohol.  There were also stories that the death of my father was politically motivated as he was active then in politics (being an ABC President)... even composed songs for campaign sorties for the Liberal Party... my analysis, they correlate the issue of alleged infidelity with politics...

Jun,

Reading your story is too painful for me. My would-be wife's father was a soldier who was killed during a gun battle in Jolo, Sulu, and my gf's mother was left alone raising four children.

I just don't know how to describe the pain that your mother has gone through during those times.

And I don't know how I would react if I would meet a killer - that is if I were in your shoes.

Mao nay giingon sa usa ka magbabalak:

Mas palabihon kong mabilanggo sa imong gugma
kaysa mahimong gawasnon apan hinikawan sa imong pagmahal. 

Quote from: C2H4 on September 23, 2007, 02:03:27 PM
luoy lagi si Mr Admin, Miss Melrose...

gitabangan sa mga kinky girls

I miss to follow this thread.

Here's my rebuttal:

Love is about Sweet Surrender.

"Make me a slave, my love," a poet once wrote.

Quote from: C2H4 on September 23, 2007, 01:36:13 PM
Wow! A nice one, Mr Admin.

This is a lyrical way of telling people to, "leave me alone!"...

Ethyl, it's just a poem. I welcome questions.

Ayaw Ako Pangutan-a
sinulat ni m. ligalig

Ayaw ako pangutan-a ngano nga nasulat,
ngano nga gisulat ko kining maong balak
Ayaw na pakisayri ang sinugdanan
ug bisan ang kataposan sa akong mga balak
Ayaw na sulayi ug tugkad ang akong balak -
magpusnga lang ka sa imong pagtunga...
Ayaw na pangutana kung unsa nga mga gumunhap,
sugilanon, kagahapon, kaugmaon
nga nagpaluyo sa akong mga balak.

Wala ako magsulat ug balak. Wala ako masayod.
Wala ako masayod kung unsa ang mga pulong
nga migawas ning mga tudlo. Wala ako masayod.

Wala ako masayod sa kahulogan sa akong balak.
Seguro ang mga langgam sa kahoy nasayod niini.
Wala gani ako makahibalo kung unsay ulohan
sa akong mga balak. Wala ako nasayod.

Ayaw ako pangutan-a.
Hikalimti ang akong mga balak.
Hikalimti ako.

Gimino ako sa mga eskina sa akong mga damgo.
Nagsukarap ako sa mangiob nga dalan
paingon sa kagawasan sa pulong wala masulat.
Nabilanggo ako sa gahom sa balak
ug kini naggapos kanako ilawom
sa langob sa akong dughan,
sa sabakan ning alimpatakan, handurawan.

Ayaw ako hasola sa imong mga pangutana
kay nagsalimuang ako pagpangita
sa kahayag, sa daganasan, sa pultahan
paingon sa paraiso diin makita ko
ang dugokan, sinugdanan, kataposan,
ug kinabuhi sa akong mga balak.

Ayaw ako pangutan-a.
Hikalimti ang akong mga balak.
Hikalimti ako.

Macky, we should furnish the wife a copy of this poem.

This could be the only poem in the world written for the slain Boholano security guard.

Thank you for this balak.

From the sound of it, the island of Bohol was one of the last places in the world that you wouldn't want to invade.

From a sightseer's point of view, certainly, it had everything -- had there been any sightseers: beautiful weather, beautiful beaches, interesting and ornamental old churches, a sparkling sea.

It even had souvenirs: native mats and straw hats and exotic fruit. Its people were picturesque too, a handsome, hard-working, placable folk who were sometimes known as the "Chinamen of the Philippines," in part because they were (many of them) ethnic Chinese -- but also because their industry and their skill as traders were a source of envy.

In 1898 the island had become its own country, and the people of Bohol had governed it with tact and moderation and shown a broad-backed self-reliance in rebuffing an invasion from Cebu.

It was the sort of place that could make you wistful. And "Indeed," confessed George Scriven, thinking back, "if I were ever tempted to play Robinson Crusoe Bohol would be my island." All that was missing really, from a sightseer's point of view, was hard currency. All that was missing was an American owner.

source: A Diary of Norman Cameron, U.S. Soldier 1900-1902
Duke University

In what follows I've referred to "my grandfather" and to things that he wrote in a diary he kept, and I should probably explain who he was.

Diary entry:

The Spaniards had sent friars; the Americans sent teachers. And they didn't waste time: they sent seven or eight hundred in the first year alone (1901-1902). The majority of these men and women - some with teaching experience, some without - came across on a steamer called the "Thomas"; my grandfather, then twenty-six, was one of them. His name, like mine, was Norman Cameron.

After graduating from college in 1895, he had taught for six years in the public schools in Blacksburg, South Carolina, but up until 1901 he had never been west of the Allegheny mountains. In the Philippines, where he arrived aboard the "Thomas" in August 1901, he was assigned to teach school at Tagbilaran, Bohol.

The war was still in progress when he got there and culminated just a couple of months later (on Bohol, that is). He remained at Tagbilaran till 1904, when he was reassigned briefly to the grade school at Tubigon.

Throughout his sojourn on the island he kept a diary, which, though it runs to five volumes and covers two hundred pages in typescript, grows increasingly perfunctory as time goes on and as the novelty of his surroundings began to wear off.

In March 1904, he left the Philippines, discontented and disillusioned by the fights that he'd had with the Bureau of Education in the islands.

Back in the United States, he resumed his career, first at the Kalamazoo Teachers College in Kalamazoo, Michigan and later at the West Chester Normal School (now West Chester State University) in West Chester, PA.

Somewhere along the line he acquired a Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. While serving as the principal of the Baltimore Teachers Training School, in 1920, he met and married my grandmother, a 26-year old teacher trainee named Lula Sehrt.

In 1928, he returned to the West Chester Normal School (with his wife and two children) and remained there as president for the next eight years, when he was ousted from the place for political reasons. He ended his career as superintendent of schools for the Garfield (New Jersey) public school system (1936-1941). In 1947, without warning, he died of a heart attack in Towson, Maryland. He was 72 years old.

source: http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/scriven/bohol-history.html

Reported By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The province is considered as one of the dumping areas of carnapped vehicles as authorities from Cebu-based regional offices of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) seized at least eight vehicles during operations conducted here last week.

More than 20 hot cars were reportedly sold here by dealers believed to be members of a nationwide syndicate engaged in carnapping, according to P/Senior Inspector Eduardo Mara who coordinated the operations.

The TMG Cebu team led by P/Insp. Doroteo Tolentino, TMG regional chief, seized four Mitsubishi Adventure, two Nissan Urvan, Isuzu Crosswind and Starex mini van, four of which were immediately shipped to the Cebu TMG offices while four other units are still at Camp Dagohoy awaiting budget for shipment to Cebu City.

The Starex, owned by City Planning Officer Ed Macalandag was reportedly carnapped in Dilliman, Quezon City in 2002. He bought the car from a local businessman who also acquired it from one of the city-based dealers of second hand vehicles.

One of the Mitsubishi Aventure was allegedly owned by UCPB Cagayan de Oro branch but was carnapped in Davao City. The unit was bought for P400,000 by a retired employee of the provincial government.
Accordingly, the owner knew of having purchased a hot car but ignored the warning until his AUV was flogged down by the TMG team

published by the Bohol Chronicle

Former governor and third district congressional candidate (May 2007 polls) Rene L. Relampagos has moved on from his contested defeat in the hands of newcomer Rep. Adam Jala but has decided to "light a candle instead of cursing the darkness."

Relampagos said that by citing irregularities and helping document election fraud particularly in the towns of Sierra Bullones and Loay, he had effectively challenged the more enlightened public to be more vigilant in the next polls and fight for clean elections.

By taking that step, Relampagos hoped to erase "passive culture and fear" that predisposes an attitude that "election cheating is part of the game." This is the "candle he has lighted" for electoral reform advocacy.

Moreover, he dismissed Rep Jala's call for unity for Bohol's development since as former governor and now private citizen, Relampagos declared, he is quietly working for the development of Bohol and its third district.
He refused to be baited into filing a formal protest at the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) saying it is "futile given the alignments in the House which is dominated by the partymates of Rep. Jala."

Written by Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

City Hall's task force investigating into the padding of hospitalization claims charged against the Blue Card program is asking for P1.5-million in damages and refund of fraudulent claims involving employees and top management of the Cooperative Hospital.

The task force, created by City Mayor Dan Lim, found that 83% of total claims coming from Coop Hospital, amounting to some P1,815,825 were overstated.

What made matters worse is that at least two top officials of said hospital allowed the overcharging not only to the city's Blue Card but also to patients with Philhealth (Philippine Health Insurance) coverage.
In its investigation report, the task force uncovered that there “was indeed an intentional deception” on the part of Coop Hospital's key employees and management.

In its 9 months of operation, there were 173 Blue Card members who were admitted at the Coop Hospital.
According to the task force report, the billing patterns of Coop Hospital has “shown a huge difference” in terms with hospitalization costs compared to two other Blue Card accredited hospitals â€" Gov. Celestino Gallares Regional Hospital and Englewood Hospital.

It may be recalled that the Blue Card controversy was uncovered when the city mayor received a letter-complaint from one Anastacia Bertumen, a Blue Card holder and employee at the Coop Hospital, who suggested that the hospital is making fraudulent claims charged to the Blue Card.

published by the Bohol Chronicle           

            A piece of legislation authored by Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso was vetoed by Mayor Dan Lim who claimed it was "flawed in form and in substance".

The veto, which was criticized by the Veloso camp allegedly because a resolution cannot be subjected to a veto, brought out into the opening a simmering feud between the city's two top officials.

            Resolution No. 07-94 authored by the vice mayor is "Authorizing the Disposition and Sale of Copies of the Ordinance No. C-201 Otherwise Known as the 2007 Revised Code of Administrative Ordinances of the City of Tagbilaran".

            The resolution said copies of the Code in book form are available at the office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) secretary.

            It added that the mayor, vice mayor, city councilors, heads of offices, department heads and city secretary to the SP, reading centers in the different barangays and all barangay captains "should be given complimentary copies of the said Code for their ready reference."

            The measure added that libraries in the city, provincial, national offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the provincial governor and vice governor and accredited people's organizations and NGOs in the city "should likewise be given complimentary copies".

            However, the resolution said taxpayers and other interested parties should be given copies of the said Code "upon payment of the copies at cost and the proceeds thereto shall go to the city coffers."

            In his veto letter to Veloso, Lim said he "cannot sign a legislative measure that is flawed in form and in substance".

            "It is flawed in form because a resolution is merely 'an expression of legislative opinion' or sentiment while an ordinance 'pertains to governmental functions'," the mayor added.

            Lim said even a mere glance at the title will show that it is "more than just an expression of legislative opinion and rather pertains to government function."

As the province will host five of the 90 candidates of Miss Earth 2007, the affair would give a chance for Bohol eco-tourism be featured over at least 35 television networks in different countries.

The Miss Earth 2007 pageant will cover activities from October 25 to November 2.

The Carousel Productions, Inc. proposed to the provincial government that by hosting the candidates, Bohol’s environmental advocacy will get international mileage and will be featured as one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Bohol will accommodate four Miss Earth delegates and Miss Philippines-Earth for two days.

The telecast over ABS-CBN at 9:30 in the evening of November 11 will be replayed in 35 countries on Star World Channel, the largest cable television network in Asia and the Middle East and over 26 countries through The Filipino Channel and some participating countries in their local television stations.

The Miss Earth delegates will visit different Asian countries to see the highlights on peace, culture, environmental issues and tourism industry.

They will also visit the different tourist spots in the Philippines and, at the same time, experience the taste of the Filipino culture and hospitality.

There will also be a search for “Li’l Earth Angels” among boys aging seven to ten years old at the different malls and schools in different municipalities, environmental campaigns against global warming in schools, tree-planting, clean-up drive, and waste segregation, among others.

Special events include fashion shows showcasing swimsuit, long gown, talent and national costume competitions in different establishments. (AV-PGMA)

Sea Corals Beach Resort in barangay Doljo, Panglao town will be serving both local and foreign guests as it opens on Friday, Sept. 28.

Owners, spouses Luisa “Loty” Humol-Karkkainen, of barangay Mariveles, Dauis town and her husband, Jorma Vaiño Karkkainen, an Australian national will personally manage the resort.

A holy mass will start activities to the opening ceremonies, while lunch will be served to guests and well-wishers.

Sea Corals Beach Resort covers a concretely fenced area of 5,000 sq. m. along the provincial road.
Six cottages with 10 air-conditioned rooms are initially ready for accommodation, complemented by a bar and restaurant that caters dine in or take out orders and three sound- proof VIP rooms for sing-a-long enthusiasts.

A 200-meter radius wireless Internet provides Internet access within the premises.
In the next six months, the construction of a function hall and a three-storey building including a swimming pool will be completed.

The upcoming additional facilities can accommodate functions like seminars, conventions and huge gatherings, providing enough space for not less than 500 persons.

For reservations and inquiries, contact 0919-305-7956, 0918-578-7118 and 502-8255 or through the website: seacoralsbeachresort.multiply.com

A freshman student of the newly opened Bohol International Learning Center, ideally located at the boundary of Tagbilaran City and Cortes Municipality stood out remarkably from among Asian young Mathematics, during the recently concluded 2007 China Primary Math Olympiad last Aug. 10-16, held in Shijiehuang, China.

Carlo Timothy Racho, romped away the bronze medal award in the individual category of the problem solving competition, beating all other Math Wizards in their respective countries. After having been under the tutelage of the MTG, Philippines, through its local Bohol Chapter, at BILC, the young Carlo represented as one of the members of the Philippine delegation to such prestigious international competition.

Carlo’s academic feat has brought honor to the Boholanos in particular, and to the Philippines in general. Surely, such achievement in Mathematics, perceived to be a higher level of intelligence, deserved our pride and recognition.

--press release
The Bohol Chronicle

Quote from: PrincessSaDagat on September 23, 2007, 11:24:05 AM
Bitaw.  Busy raba si Santa karong Pasko dili gyud mo tagaan og regalo. 

Yes, Santa, I cannot afford an iPod.

The First Consolidated Bank this week donated one IBM personal computer and LCD monitor to the Bohol Criminal Investigation and Detection Group under the OPLAN Sumpo Krimen, a Community-Based Anti-Crime Campaign.

Assistant Vice President Dionisio Cabrera turned over the donation to Police Chief Inspector Gernano Mallari, provincial chief, Bohol CIDG in a simple turnover ceremony.

So far, FCB has donated three personal computers to Bohol CIDG, and three IBM personal computers, three LCD monitors, two HP Deskjet printers, 50 units Nokia Cellphones, and situation map to the Bohol Police Provincial Office, all valued at over P200,000.

The FCB donation is in response to the call of Police Senior Supt. Edgardo Ingking, Bohol Peovincial Director for the business establishments and the community to participate in OPLAN Sumpo Krimen.
The BPPO, through the encouragement and support of the Provincial Government, has initiated OPLAN Sumpo Krimen, designed to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, and maintain peace and order in the province.

Earlier the Provincial Government, the Bohol Police Provincial Office, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (Bohol Chapter), the First Consolidated Bank, and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently signed an agreement supporting the implementation of OPLAN Sumpo Krimen.

Under the agreement, the Bohol Provincial Government will donate computers and provide logistical support to OPLAN Sumpo Krimen.  FCB will also give computers, cell phones, location map and funds for the refurbishing of the Provincial Tactical Operation Center of BPPO.

--press release
The Bohol Chronicle

Holy Name University High School Department, now in the height of the observance of Mathematics Week since last Monday, will cap activities on Wednesday, Sept 26, 2006.

With the theme, “Spell MATH as F-U-N and E-X-C-I-T-E-M-E-N-T and Make a Difference!!” several activities are in store for the students like the Math Sayaw Contest for the third and fourth year levels, Math Jingle for the first and second year levels, Math Painting Exhibit, Search for Math Wizard and Number Card Game for all the students. 

The celebration was launched last Monday through a paraliturgy officiated by Fr. Milo Mapaye, S.V.D. with an inspirational message by Ma. Delia Arcales, Math Area Coordinator. 

“Holynamian, Deal or No Deal” a very quick and colorful gameshow patterned after the original TV show, followed at the quadrangle and was hosted by Lucia Balatero.

The Math celebration serves as a venue for the students to further enhance their mathematical skills and their love for the subject.  Also, the activities are tools in the continuing quest for quality mathematics education.

The Mathematics Celebration will culminate with “1 vs. 26” Quiz Bowl, an interactive game show which will be hosted by Marlon S. Jala, with Lucia Balatero, “Deal or No Deal,” and Ace Uy, “Number Card Game” hosts. 

Culmination program will be at the Holy Name University High School Gym. 
Liza Malanog, Reinelda Rafinan and Damaso Pasilbas are program managers of the said celebration.

--published by the Bohol Chronicle

The highlight of the University of Bohol Days and Intramurals, the UB Personality 2007 Pageant and Coronation Night, was successfully held last Thursday at the UB Quadrangle.

The chairwoman of the Panel of Judges was Lani J. Schoof. The members were Inabanga Mayor Jono C. Jumamoy, Bien Unido Mayor Niño Rey Boniel, consultant dermatologist at Ramiro Community Hospital Dr. James Goco Sombrio and Miss Bohol Sandugo 1994 1st runner-up Miss Genevieve Jamisola of Tarsier Travel and Tours.

The evening was full of spectacular events with a magnificent production number in relation to this year’s “Wild, Wild West” pageant theme.  The young, gorgeous and dashing candidates were clad in cowboy and wild western-inspired outfits.

A lightly short rain shower hardly surprised everyone though the show went on. Added to the spectacular stage setup is the rotating center platform, show-casing each candidate to a full 360-degree.

For the female category, this year’s 2nd Runner-up is striking Jerranica Anna Cespon of the College of Education.  She also bagged the Miss Talent Award of September 18th’s Talent Night, were she showcased her voice prowess.  The 1st Runner-up award went to dazzling Leslie Jane Capedoza of the College of Nursing, who was also awarded Miss Dunkin’ Donuts, Miss Pepsi Max, Best in Production Number, Miss Body Beautiful, Best in Interview and Best in Gown.  The prestigious Miss UB Personality crown was turned over by last year’s Miss UB Personality 2006 Anne Crusit of the College of Education to the stunning German beauty Anni Wachsmuth of the Day High School Department.  Anni also received the Miss Photogenic Award and Face of Exquisite Award from Exquisite Photography, the official Photographer of the pageant.

The 2nd Runner-up title for the male category went to affable Jason Caguin of the College of Engineering and Technology who also received the Mr. Friendship Award.  Splendid Homer Jose Virtudazo of the Day High School Department was named 1st runner up, was also Best in Production Number and Best in Talent.  The winner of the Mr. UB Personality Pageant 2007 was radiant Rolf Roland Reyes of the College of Nursing, who also received the awards for Mr. HBC, Mr. Pepso Max, Mr. Photogenic, Face of Exquisite, Mr. Body Beautiful, Best in Interview and Best in Formal Wear.

Other awards like Miss Friendship went to amiable Mirva Polo of the College of Criminology and the Miss HBC award went to Miss April Mariz Taburaza of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management.  Certificates of Appreciation were given to Eric Shia and Adeline Taer of the College of Commerce Secretarial, Accountancy and Customs Administration, Jenelyn Barbosa of the College Engineering and Technology, Rhesa Gene Cerio of the College of Pharmacy, Arvin Gubantes of the College of Criminology, Edil Tan, Jr. of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Parker Boalanio of the College of Engineering.

The evening was also grace by the presence of no less than the Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan N. Lim , Philanthropist Hans Schoof and Boom Boom Bautista.

The victory of this even was attributed to the joint effort of the consultants in the persons of Atty. Nuevas T. Montes as adviser, Dr. Lumin T. Pamaran for the flow of activities, Miss Luanne T. Pamaran for the dress designs, Mrs. Nomi P. Cañuto for the awards, certificates, etc., Mrs. Elma A. Canuto as pageant chairperson, Mr. Jun Millar and Miss Richiel Ann Banluta as emcees, Mr. Vidal Platino as concept and dance choreography, the UB dance troupe run by Mrs. Jasmine Jabonite, the UB Supreme Student Government and its president Ruth Cahulugan and the active and dedicated Committee members who worked behind the scene.

press release
published by the Bohol Chronicle

‘Early bird catches worm.’

This could apply to the 1,001 primary and elementary public school students in the town of Alburquerque.
School principal Anunsacion Salon was first to submit complete Snellen’s Test results of all the primary and elementary pupils under her jurisdiction to Tagbilaran City Host Lions Club.

The school’s 32 pupils are the first beneficiaries of the Sight for Kids Program of the City Host Lions Club. It provides vision screenings and free eyeglasses to children with error of refraction.

According to a study made by the U.S. National Eye Institute in some Asian countries, myopia (nearsightedness) causes significant vision loss in more than 15% of children under the age of 15. Half of all cases of refractive error (nearsightedness, farsighted-ness, and astigmatism) remain undetected and untreated, the leading cause of blindness in children and adolescents in uncorrected refractive error. Also, since learning is often visually based, uncorrected vision severely hinders a child’s development.

Day after the City Host Lions Club received the Snellen’s reports from the principal, some members of the club immediately trooped to Albur Central School headed by its president Lion Fely Lim as early as 8:30 in the morning.

With Lim were chairman of the Sight First Project Lion Edna Malalis, an optometrist; and the members of the project Lion Eumere Malalis, an optometrist, Lion Rufing Malalis, Lion Betty Labado, Lion Velma Lim and Lion Babie Melicor.

Lion Edna Malalis brought her sensitive and modern instruments for eye examination so that the students do not have to go to the optical clinic in the city. The Lions were very thankful to Mayor Ugdoracion who was instrumental in transporting the beneficiaries who are living in remote barrios of Albur to the town proper in order for them to avail the services of the Lions.

However, the Lions urges principals who have not submitted the Snellen’s test results to please submit the earliest possible so that their pupils with error of refraction could avail of the free eyeglasses from the Lions. For inquiries, contact Lion Fely Lim, president of Tagbilaran City Host Lions Club; Lion Nap Nazareno, president of Bohol Island Lions Club; and Lion Joe Torralba, president of Dagohoy Lions Club.

Quote from: ms da binsi on September 23, 2007, 10:34:02 AM
wa gyud ko mailad ana bisan mga chain letter....


Im glad you did that Mike...

I even reprimanded a close friend for forwarding me such crap message.

I told him: "You are a Christian and you are intelligent and you are forwarding this message to all in your lists? Where is your common sense?"

Martial Law Revisited
Written By Jes Tirol
Columnist
Bohol Chronicle

Proem

Exactly 35 years ago, President Ferdinand Marcos announced on television that he has placed the entire country under martial law by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1081.

Presidential Proclamation 1081 was dated September 21, 1972. By September 22 many people were arrested and the Philippine Congress was closed. Thereafter, Press Secretary Francisco Tatad announced in black and white television the names of the people who were “notoriously undesirable.”

The Antecedent

The few years before the declaration of martial law were turbulent years. Student demonstrations were rampant. Peace and order was in disarray.

The most massive student demonstration in Manila was the so-called “First Quarter Storm” held on January 20, 1970. It was a turbulent student demonstration where bullets from the METROCOM were answered by pillboxes thrown by the student demonstrators.

The hotbed of student activism was at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus. During that time I was a graduate student taking up my Master in Engineering and was living at the Narra Dormitory within the Diliman Campus.

I was an eyewitness of the so-called “Battle of Diliman” wherein soldiers belonging to the METROCOM battled the activist students during the so-called “Diliman Commune.” I remembered very well how the students tricked the METROCOM into defeat.

The students poured gasoline on the asphalt road. When the METROCOM riding on their vehicles were on the asphalt road, the students lighted both ends of the road at the same time. It was the first time I knew that the asphalt road would actually burn (Note: asphalt is oil) and with it were burned the trapped vehicles of the METROCOM. The soldiers of course were able to disembark and run away. The helicopters were shot by the students with kwitis (fire-rockets) and one helicopter was actually hit with the kwitis exploding within the helicopter. Luckily the helicopter did not crash.

After one week of fighting, the METROCOM gathered in mass for an attack. The phillboxes of the students were not match to the bullets of the soldiers.

Student activism continued. On September 21, 1971 the rally of the Liberal Party senatorial candidates was bombed with hand grenades where most of the candidates were injured. The political situation was in turmoil.

Was Martial Law Justifiable?

When martial law was finally declared on September 23, 1972 the general populace heave a sigh of relief. The imposition of general discipline was a welcomed situation. However, little did the people know that President Marcos had no intention of removing the imposition of martial law.

The second term of President Marcos was about to end. He was prohibited to run for a third term in office.
When the people realized that President Marcos had no intention of relinquishing power, the student activism returned. In fact it was during the imposition of martial law that the newly created Communist Party of the Philippines gathered strength.

Riding the Tiger

The situation of President Marcos was similar to the proverbial story of the man who rode the tiger. The man knew that while he was on top of the tiger he was in control. He knew that the moment he will step down he would be eaten by the tiger.

President Marcos made so many enemies. He arrested all the prominent and non-prominent people he perceived to be an opponent. He knew that the moment he will relinquish power he would be devoured by his enemies.

President Marcos chooses to continue riding the tiger until he was thrown down from his perch in February 1986.

A feature article from the Manila Bulletin

‘’God’s little paradise’’ â€"this is what Bohol natives or Bol-anons, fondly call the province of Bohol. With its majestic old churches, diverse wildlife, spectacular beaches and scenery, Bohol certainly captivates.

While Vice Mayor Toto Veloso proudly declares that Bol-anons are very aware and proud of their treasures, this has enabled Bohol to be declared a ‘’Heritage Province’’ and one of the country’s top eco-cultural tourism destinations by the Department of Tourism."

To ensure that the province maintains its beauty and competitiveness, the provincial government strictly implements laws that preserve the cultural and ecological diversity of Bohol.

One of Bohol’s most noted landmarks aside from the breathtaking Chocolate Hills and the pristine beaches of Panglao is Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the country. Erected in 1595, the massive edifice still retains its centuriesâ€"old architectural design. Both the external and internal portions of the church feature various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century.

Another famed Bohol attraction is the tarsier, one of the rare faunas found in the Philippine archipelago. Regarded as the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier measures from four to five inches and has a tail that is longer than its body.

HEALTHY BOL-ANONS

Complementing their love for nature and appreciation of history is the strong drive of Bol-anons to take up and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Milo thus made a stop in the capital city Tagbilaran, to bring the message of a healthy lifestyle to countless Bol-anons via the 31st National MILO Marathon, held in time for the monthlong celebration of the Sandugo festival, an annual historical event that is inspired by the blood compact, or Sandugo, a friendship treaty between the Philippines and Spain that took place in 1565.

During the race, thousands of students, office workers, families and running enthusiasts gamely took on the marathon challenge with the 147-year-old city capitol building near the town plaza providing an excellent backdrop for the starting point. After the starting gun was fired, the participants ran a route that was dotted with grand ancestral homes, lush greeneries, centuries-old churches and breathtaking coastlines, which, in a way, made the race more pleasant and inspiring for everyone involved.

The annual spectacle of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and street dancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Gracing the event were Vice Mayor Veloso, provincial administrator Atty. Thomas Abapo, board members Jose Veloso, Ace Damalerio and Marikit Oppus and Tagbilaran race organizer Atty. Dionisio Balite. Joining them were Nestlé Philippines, Inc. executives led by Nestlé AVP for MILO sports events Pat Goc-Ong, Visayas regional sales manager Rica Esteban and regional field operations executive Leng Hizola.

Atty. Balite is quick to admit that the National Milo Marathon has played a part in improving Bohol’s status in the country’s sports landscape.

"Bohol is starting to keep up with its neighbors in sports competitions. There were only three or four races prior to the National MILO Marathon but now that it’s here in Bohol, we can clearly see the development of talent plus the improvement of Bohol’s performance in regional meets," says Balite.

He enthuses that last year’s female champion from Bohol topped the 5,000-meter run in the Private Schools Athletic Association competition held in Pangasinan.

press release       

      The dismissal of the disqualification case filed by Diosdada C. Ytaoc against erstwhile Calape mayoralty candidate Sulpicio N. Yu, Jr., has already become final and executory according to defendant counsel Jesus Y. Bautista, Jr.

      The dismissal of the Petition/complaint of Ytaoc docketed under SPA No.07-0327 was ordered on July 25, 2007 by the First Division of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) composed of Presiding Commissioner Resurrecion Z. Borra and the ponente, Commissioner Romeo A. Brawner a copy of which reached the office of Mayor Yu only recently.

      Bautista said Ytaoc charged Yu of violating the provisions of republic Act 9006, the Fair Election Act when a whole page picture of the defendant was published by the Sunday Post Weekly urging voters to vote for him for Mayor during the last elections in May this year.

      The complaint said the political ad has exceeded the one-fourth (1/4) page in broadsheet and one-half page in tabloid requirements set by Section 6 of RA 9006.

      The Comelec resolution noted that the subject propaganda revealed that it did not include the necessary words and data required by law and exceeds the mandated size of publication, such non-compliance and violation are not sufficient to disqualify respondent from seeking public office.

It added that the petition failed to present solid evidence showing that the respondent himself initiated and authored the publication of the campaign ad.

      It was proven that it was the respondent’s brother, Engr. Nelson N. Yu who paid the publication as certified by Ciriaco “Boy” Guingguing, the Publisher of the Sunday Post.

      The Comelec said the respondent cannot be punished for a supposed wrongdoing of his brother merely on the basis of their relationship.

      According to Atty. Bautista, a criminal culpability is personal and cannot be transferred to other parties.

Paon Sa Pasol Ang Hinungdan
published by The Bohol Standard in my column "Tumoy Sa Bangaw"
www.theboholstandard.com

Ang amahan sa akong inahan gipatay niadtong unom pa ka bulan sukad matawo ang akong inahan â€" mao nga wala gyud makakita ang akong inahan sa tinuod niyang amahan kay human niadto, gisagop naman lang siya sa iyang mga uyoan ug iyaan.

Unom ka bulan human sa haya sa akong lolo, mitaliwan usab ang akong lola, inahan sa akong inahan. Tungod sa iyang pagbangutan sa kamatayon sa akong lolo, nasakit si lola ug wala siya makalahutay sa pagsagubang sa kasakit sa kamatayon sa iyang kapikas.

Ug ako wala gyuy kasayoran ug handuman mahitungod sa akong apohan. Bisan ang mga gasagop ni Mama didto sa Zamboanga, kausa lang nako sila ikita niadtong lima pa ang akong panuigon, ug human niadto wala na ako makahibalo kung unsay ilang dagway kay lagi gamaytitoy pa man ko nga bata dihang nagkita mi sa usa ka semana sa unang higayon. Mipanaw nalang sa laing kalabutan ang mga nagsagop ni Mama nga giisip nakong lolo ug wala na kami magkita pag-usab ug gani hangtud karon, 20 kapin na katuig human sila mipahulay sa dayon, wala pa gani ko kakita sa gilubngan sa akong apohan â€" kadtong lubnganan sa tiyo ug tiya nga nagsagop ni Mama.

Ug hangtud karon, kapin na sa 55 ka tuig human sa pagpatay sa akong porsoso lolo ug kamatayon sa akong lola, wala pa usab ako makakita o makaadto sa sementeryo diin sila gilubong.

Niadtong tuig 2005, nakadalikyat ko ug adto sa Pagadian baynte kapin ka tuig human sa una kong pagtamak sa maong lugar, ang natawhan sa akong lolo. Sa unang higayon nagkita mi sa igsuon sa akong porsosong lolo â€" kadtong gipatay.

Sauna sige nako mangutana ni Mama kinsa ang akong grandfather apan si Mama dili makahatag nako ug detalyadong sugilanon sa panghitabo kung ngano nga wala koy grandfather. Miabot ang higayon nga wala na ko mangutana ni Mama ilabina niadtong nakamatngon na ko ug buot nga si Mama na ilong tuwapos diay sa bag-o pa siyang gianak.

Sagol luha ug sip-on ang nakita ko sa mga mata ug panagway sa akong Mama Lading, igsuon sa akong grandfather nga si Raymundo sa dihang iyang giasoy ang ngilngig nga kamatayon sa akong lolo Raymundo.
Matod niya nakasaksi gyud siya kung giunsa pagtabang ug tigbas ang akong lolo didto sa usa ka baryo sa Pagadian. Duha ka managsuon ang nagtabang ug patay sa akong lolo. Walay hinagiban ang akong lolo ug wala gyud siyay dag-anan kay ang duha ka managsuon puro man naggamit ug sundang nga taas ug hait.

Si Mama Lading (my grandfather’s sister) (ang tawag ni Mama Bebe kaniya nga amo ra usab nga gisundog) bata pa niadtong nakasaksi sa pagtigbas-tigbas sa akong lolo sa duha ka managsuong laki â€" ug niadtong higayona daghan ang mga tawo nga nakakita sa nahitabo kay diha man sa dalan ug adlawan kadto nga gitabangan ug tigbas ang akong lolo nga wala gyud nagdahom nga mao to iyang dangatan ug mao ba diay kadto ang plano sa mga magsuon. Igo lang mibakho sa hilom si Mama Lading ug mitago kay basin siya ang isunod ug patay.

Ang akong lolo gipatay kay gipasanginlan sa duha ka managsuon nga mao ang nagkawat sa paon sa pasol. Akong usbon:paon sa pasol lang ang hinungdan nga ilang gitabangan ug tigbas akong lolo. Ang akong lolo, sa dihang gipanabi sa mga magsuon nga siya ang gipasanginlan nga nangawat sa gamay nga paon sa pasol didto sa sakayan sa managsuon, miadto sa balay sa nagpasangil niya aron unta mopadayag sa iyang pagka-inosente sa maong pasangil. Buot niyang ipasabot sa mga magsuon nga wala siyay sala ug wala siya manghilabot sa maong paon sa pasol. Mao kini ang sulti ni Mama Lading nako.

Apan igo lang nakasaka sa balay ang akong lolo aron makig-estorya sa magsuon, gikalitan ug tigbas sa kilid ang akong lolo sa usa ka igsuon. Midagan ang akong lolo nga nagkadugo apan gigukod siya sa duha ka igsuon ug hangtud nga naapsan siya.

published by the Bohol Chronicle

Nestor Balatero filed his resignation as treasurer of the Philippine National Red Cross, Bohol chapter, amid some discrepancies in the ongoing construction of a two-storey PNRC building, this city.

He said the construction discrepancies caused him “sleepless nights considering that he is the person in-charge of the funds of the PNRC board.”

The resignation of Balatero followed after a report inspection conducted by Prov’l Engr. Rosalinda Yu found some construction defects in the P1- million building, which most contractors commented to be a tight budget for such an edifice.

Yu in her report asked the Davao Constructors Development  Cooperative (DACODECO) to prepare plans and methods for the corrections of deficiencies.

The contractor, represented by Ramon V. Cabasis, was asked to provide base plates of the kind, size and thickness specified on the plan including the water leakage through a portion of a concrete roof slab.
Irregularities were also noted in a portion of column and beam intersection where a concrete column is not filled up to the beam level.

Gov. Erico Aumentado, PNRC-Bohol board chairman convened an emergency meeting last Monday after he received the resignation letter of Balatero. Instead, he asked the PNRC treasurer to reconsider his resignation while measures were taken to check on the deficiencies of the building construction.

By Angeline Valencia

          An exactly symbolic gesture of addressing the scarcity of supply and degradation of quality of Tilapia, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Andres Bojos led local staff in the ceremonial dispersal of at least 525,000 Genetically Enhanced Tilapia Excel (Get Excel) fingerlings to the Bohol ’s largest dam in Bayongan, San Miguel on Thursday last week.
         Additional fingerlings will be dispersed this week to meet the targeted 700,000 Get Excel Tilapia fingerlings that BFAR and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) intend to grow in Bayongan Dam as pioneering batch.
         The activity was among the highlights in the local complement of BFAR’s year-long 60th anniversary celebration.
         Joining BFAR in the event was NIA led by its assistant manager, Engr. Felipe Delima and administrative officer, Clarin former mayor Trifon Sanchez.
         BFAR-Bohol Provincial Chief Chris Pahamutan, BFAR-Ubay Chief Dionisio Colantro, BFAR Planning Officer Gloria Olavides, BFAR staff Jenny Mayol, Ubay Brackish Water Fish Farm Production Chief Antonio Pillotes, Farm Administrator Roselle Hilot, Farm Finance Officer Francisca Aratan,
         BFAR’s Fisheries Extension and Training Division Chief Tiburcio Donaire served as moderator in the interaction between BFAR and Bayongan barangayfolk.
         During the short interaction, Director Bojos announced that BFAR will be providing Get Excel fingerlings for free to neophyte Tilapia pond operators.
         This is to encourage more farmers to go into Tilapia culture for the local supply pool to meet the demand.
         In Bohol , Candido Samijon operates the Tilapia Central Hatchery in barangay Caluasan, Clarin.
         Based on the 2002 data of BFAR, Central Visayas region needs 5,416 metric tons of Tilapia, while only 103 metric tons were produced which means a deficit by 5,313 metric tons.
         Bojos explained that residents in barangay Bayongan and the neighboring barangays of Canmanaga, Sto. Niño, Buenavista, and San Isidro can fish from Bayongan Dam for their household consumption when the fingerlings mature in a few months.
         It would only be for their own benefit, that they would cooperate in the measures to be drafted for the sustainability of the program which is an extension of the Aquasilvi Culture Project of the Ubay Brackish Water Fish Farm in Sitio Son-oc, barangay Poblacion, Ubay.
         Also, with alternative stock of fish, fishermen in the areas covered by the Bayongan Dam would tend to deviate from illegal fishing activities in the seawaters nearby.
         This proves one of the indirect benefits that the Bayongan giant dam extends, aside from providing millions of cubic meters of water to irrigate the croplands of 3,549 farmers in the neighboring towns including Ubay, and Trinidad.
         Sanchez, for his part, said that though NIA has a memorandum of agreement with the municipal government of San Miguel to consider the dam as one of the sources of drinking water for the residents in the town, they still have to come up with measures to make the stock of water in the dam safe for the households, considering the technology adopted for the Tilapia culture.
         On the other hand, San Miguel Municipal Councilor Victor Boncales, chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Committee on Fisheries and Agriculture, said he is tasked to draft an ordinance regulating activities at the dam, including possible fishing and activities of visitors as it has been observed that the dam has started to attract tourists.
Former Bayongan barangay captain Carlos Narisma expressed concern on the necessity of the regulatory ordinance for the sustainability of the project.
         Among the concerns facing BFAR’s Tilapia project are degradation of quality fingerling stocks due to inbreeding, insufficient supply of quality tilapia fry in far flung areas, high cost of farm inputs and poor quality feeds, lack of manpower to effectively transfer technology to the municipal level, marketing layers between producer and consumer, and lost opportunities to participate in global market for value-added products.
         The government developed and launched the Get Excel Tilapia “to further increase tilapia production in the country, increase income and provide livelihood opportunities among local fisherfolks.
         The establishment of central hatcheries in strategic areas nationwide assured the success of this intervention, according to BFAR.
         Bojos also announced that BFAR will hold the 44th Fish Conservation Week on the third week of October.

            No less than the operation manager of the Bohol Light Corporation (BLC) has admitted that after five years, the utility firm has not issued dividends to it shareholders.

            Engr. Noel Alingig told a joint committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) that the reason for this is due to the financial standing of the company which he described as “still break even”.

            Alingig’s admission, which was noted in the joint committee report, went as far as claiming that the company is not yet profitable.

            The committee report was read by SP Member Alfonso Damalerio II during Tuesday’s session. Damalerio chairs the committee on public utilities and franchises.

            Alingig’s admission bolstered the position of Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera that BLC must render a report of its financial position to the province which is a shareholder of the utility under the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA).

            Herrera, who has expressed opposition to the rate increases applied for by the BLC, said the firm should first present a public accounting of its operation in the last five years because the people are entitled to know about the real status of the firm.

            “There should be transparency because the people have the right to know,” the vice governor noted.
            Among the recommendations made by the joint committee was to request the provincial legal officer to check and review the nature of the JVA where the province has a 30 percent share of equity.
The committee also expressed doubts about the validity of BLC’s franchise, a position which is being held by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim.

According to the committee, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act otherwise known as the EPIRA Law vested in Congress the power to grant franchises for entities who engage in the transmission and distribution of electricity.

It noted that the National Electrification Commission (NEC) granted a permanent franchise to the BLC on July 10, 2003, two years after the effectivity of the EPIRA Law.

The joint committee said that assuming that BLC does not have a congressional franchise from Congress and if its franchise from the National Electrification Administration is not within the coverage of five years set by the agency after the EPIRA Law enactment, BLC should comply with the EPIRA Law.

At the same time, the committee proposed a resolution enjoining all three Bohol congressmen to oppose any application for franchise by the BLC.

Both provincial and city officials took offense at the manner the Energy Regulatory Commission conducted its public hearing on the rate increase application of BLC.

By June S. Blanco

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday released P1.5 million for the construction of 100 housing units for two new Gawad Kalinga (GK) sites in Bohol.

The release represents the first tranche of the P3 million from the President’s Social Fund that she committed to Gov. Erico Aumentado as her counterpart to the same amount that he prepared for the project.

Secretary and Director General Cerge Remonde of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) turned over the check to Aumentado in simple rites held at the former’s office in Malacañang.

The construction of 50 houses at the property donated by the Wong family in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Calape and another 50 units in Barangay Camambugan donated by the Sunga family in Ubay is now in full swing.
Earlier the President released P1 million and the provincial government, P1.5 million to build 35 houses for as many families whose houses and land tilled will be submerged with the operationalization of the Bayongan Dam of the Bohol Irrigation Project Stage 2 (BHIP2).

Inspired by the success of the Bayongan GK project that also tapped the private sector and the national and municipal government agencies, Aumentado leveraged P3 million to magnet an equal amount from the President.

The Gawad Kalinga Foundation headed in Bohol by Mario Ramir Yu and fully supported by the Couples for Christ (CFC) under businessman Jose “Pepe” Ong is undertaking the project.
Aumentado has one more term as governor.

“For as long as I am the governor of Bohol, I will provide at least P3 million a year to build houses â€" and dignity â€" for the poor,” he said. Groundbreaking for the Wong GK Village in Calape and the Sunga GK Village in Camambugan were held March 12 and 29 respectively.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that Remonde and Aumentado signed, the second tranche of P1.2 million will be released as soon as 50 percent of the job chargeable to the President’s Social Fund will be accomplished and favorable audit results have been attained.

The third tranche of P300,000 will be released upon 100 percent project completion, correction of defects/compliance with audit requirements and favorable performance and financial audit shall have been attained, as well as the submission of the terminal report, to include the submission of terminal report, among others.

Aumentado is slated to turnover the check to Yu and Ong tomorrow after the flag ceremony.
The move forms part of Aumentado’s efforts to reduce the housing backlog especially for the poor and the marginalized â€" in partnership with President Arroyo, the GK Foundation, CFC, government line agencies and the private sector.

      The different municipalities and the capital city, Tagbilaran will have a chance to find a funding institution for their respective poverty reduction initiatives during the scheduled Bohol Poverty Fair 2007 on October 16 and 17 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

      It would be the second annual poverty fair that would give the different local government units a venue to display their project proposals for possible funding by foreign and local funding institutions.

      Governor Erico B. Aumentado, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office or PPDO, started this kind of activity last year to provide municipal LGUs with a concrete opportunity to access and leverage Official Development Assistance (ODA0, national government, and the provincial government itself, as well as other sources of external funds for their proposed poverty reduction projects that respond to extreme levels of deprivation.

      According to Roger Alegado of the PPDO, the over-all action officer for the event, they invited about 250 prospective donors which include foreign and local- -including national government agencies.

      He said PPDO had set the ceiling for each project’s cost at P3 million and that projects previously offered had been refined and will be offered again this time together with new proposals.

      Ma. Trinidad Caseñas, contact person for the activity’s publicity, explained that the different municipalities will put up booths at the cultural center where they will display information materials about their respective proposed poverty reduction initiatives which the donors or interested funding agencies can examine and assess.

      On the first day, the funding agencies will visit the booths of the different LGUs and read the project proposals displayed.

      Then on the second day, they will sit down with the local chief executives or the municipal planning coordinators to discuss the potentials of their proposals and how to refine the others to qualify for funding, Caseñas explained. (Angeline Valencia/PGMA)

By Ven Arigo

There are “missing” checks issued for official capitol travels that turned out cancelled.

These checks for official trips that did not push through or were terminated have not been returned or reimbursed by the employees for whose travels they were issued.

To avoid public fund misuse or wastage, Gov. Erico Aumentado ordered in a memorandum all provincial government department heads to monitor the cash advances, particularly those intended for travels, of their respective employees.

The memorandum reveals that the Provincial Accountant’s Office (PACCO) has “admitted no way of knowing” the instances of unreturned or unreimbursed checks for cancelled or terminated official trips.

Aumentado told the department heads to direct the concerned employees to immediately return/reimburse their cash advances.

Signed by Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo, Jr. by authority of the governor, the memorandum also calls the attention of devolved hospital chiefs and heads of the satellite offices of the governor’s office.

Aumentado cited Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 96-004 which states, “Where a trip is cancelled, the amount paid in advance shall be refunded in full. In cases where the trip is cut short or terminated in advance of the itinerary, the excess payment shall likewise be refunded. These refunds shall be made immediately upon cancellation or termination of the trip. It shall be the primary duty of the agency heads to enforce promptly the refund.”

The department heads ought to coordinate with PACCO in securing the refund of cash advances.

In case of failure to refund, apt penalties will be imposed to include the withholding of salaries, subject, however, to due process.

Written By Ven Arigo

A former Catigbian vice mayor who is now a councilor shot dead one of the three notorious armed thieves from Carmen caught in the act of stealing his prized fighting cocks inside his residential compound early Monday dawn.

Councilor Virgilio Lorot had already lost about P150,000 worth of fighting cocks in past four thieveries believed done by the same group.

The awakened Lorot carefully got outside his house and tiptoed his way to the trio but one of them, Roy Umbahin, sensed his shadowy presence and attacked the councilor, said police chief Insp. Jovito Tampos.

The police official said instant instinct to defend and save himself from likely harm forced Lorot to shot the thief, who died on the spot, using his .38 caliber revolver.

Lorot voluntarily surrendered with his gun to the police.

The two other thieves, still both unidentified, fled aboard a motorcycle.

A 22.caliber revolver and a knife of the group were recovered by the police.

A fighting cock already hidden by Umbahin inside his jacket was hit by a bullet and died, too.

Umbahin, 21, of Poblacion Norte in Carmen town, was later identified and claimed by his parents, who borrowed a Carmen municipal vehicle to transport their son’s corpse back home.

His companions might have asked someone not a member of the group or a neighbor to tell the parents of Umbahin of the fate of their son as soon as they arrived in Carmen from Catigbian.

Umbahin’s group was suspected behind the strings of fighting cock thieveries in other Bohol towns.

The Catigbian police chief believed the group may have contacts to ready buyers outside Bohol for their stolen derby birds.

The thieves were sometimes seen together with scrap buyers operating from town to town.

By June S. Blanco

The light at the end of the tunnel on the clamor of judges, lawyers and litigants to house Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) currently spread across the province under one roof can now be seen.

This after the Department of Justice (DOJ) through its Hall of Justice Committee is now processing Gov. Erico Aumentado’s request for a 2nd Hall of Justice in Bohol.

Aumentado said the new building will be constructed on a 1,000-square meter provincial government-owned lot below the present Hall of Justice.

The two-storey building will replace the dilapidated building of RTC Branch 47. During the governor’s ocular inspection, Judge Suceso Arcamo reported that the building leaks. He expressed apprehension that his records might be destroyed when the rains come, not to mention the injuries his staff and litigants might incur when they scamper out of fear if they again see the snakes that have taken turns in converting his archives into a nesting place.

In a tracer letter to Chief Justice Reynato Puno dated Sept. 9, the governor leveraged a ready funding of P3 million to magnet P5 million from the Supreme Court for an P8 million building.

He attached to his letter a certification from Provincial Budget Officer Valeria Orig and Assistant Provincial Treasurer Primitiva Ontong that the amount is available as allocated under the non-office expenditures of Bohol ’s approved 2007 budget â€" and a vicinity map of the proposed site.

The documents are now with Supreme Court Administrator Christopher Lock and the Hall of Justice Committee.

Aumentado proposes the building to house six RTC salas â€" three in Tagbilaran City now housed in private buildings rented by the provincial government, and those in Loay, Carmen and Talibon towns.

When the project pushes through, the province will no longer need to rent private buildings. At the same time, it will free the spaces used by the out-of-town RTCs in favor of the lower courts, he pointed out.
In a resolution, all the presiding judges of Bohol ’s 10 RTCs headed by Executive Judge Fernando Fuentes III of Branch 49 supported the move. It will cut the travels of the out-of-town RTC judges to give them more time to study their cases and pen decisions.

Besides, lawyers prefer all the RTCs to be located in Tagbilaran City to enable them to appear as counsels in other cases heard in different salas on the same day.

At the same time, litigants will be able to cut on expenses as they no longer need to provide vehicles â€" usually taxis â€" or the equivalent tariff, for their lawyers â€" most of whom are based in Tagbilaran City or nearby towns.

“I trust for the speedy action on this matter by the Highest Tribunal of the land so we can provide justice to where justice is due,” Aumentado concluded his letter to Puno.

By Jeff Cornwall
tenessean.com

Traditional entrepreneurial virtues have been thought of in terms like ambition, ingenuity, diligence, perseverance, tenacity, and self-discipline. While these virtues are necessary for building a financially healthy and successful venture, they ignore the fundamental purpose that leads many people to become entrepreneurs.

When we survey entrepreneurs and ask them how they define success in their businesses they will include things like building a certain type of culture in their businesses and creating good jobs for people in the same breath as building profits and wealth. Building a culture that reflects our intention of how we want to treat employees, customers, and other stakeholders in a way that is consistent with our core values requires that we broaden how we define entrepreneurial virtues. It does not mean that the traditional virtues listed above are unimportant or irrelevant -- quite the contrary. They are necessary to create a financially successful business. But they are not sufficient to create what we call a truly good company.

Being a good entrepreneur challenges us to think about the virtues that define our character. Character forms with each act and each decision we make in our business. It is formed by the opportunities we choose to pursue, who we choose as business partners, who we hire, our product and market decisions, and how we engage our local communities. Every business decision or action we take, no matter how small, can shape this character.

The executives at Enron did not wake up one morning and suddenly decide to cheat their employees and shareholders. In all probability their actions were the culmination of a career of actions and choices that shaped who they became as people, which dictated how they would act when it came to the big decisions that led to that company's demise.

We choose to look at entrepreneurship in our book from the classic cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, courage and temperance.

Prudence refers to being good stewards of the resources we pull together from others to build the business. We understand the obligation we have to those who give us their money, their labor, their business, and ultimately their trust. The good entrepreneur does not take that trust lightly.

Justice refers to treating people fairly. For example, if our employees help us create profits and wealth, it is just to find ways to share that with them be it through compensation, profit sharing, phantom stock, stock options and so forth.

Courage doing what is right in spite of the added risks and challenges that this path in life creates.

Temperance is understanding that we are more than entrepreneurs. We are spouses, parents, friends and citizens. We need to take actions that lead us to be good in all that we do. That may mean that we temper our ambitions to make sure we have time for family and friends.

So who is the good entrepreneur?

The good entrepreneur is intelligent and technically competent. She is a good steward of the resources and gifts she has available. She is prudent.

The good entrepreneur builds strong relationships in his family, with employees in his business, and in the broader society. He does this by being just.

The good entrepreneur overcomes obstacles in building her company, but does so without ever compromising what she knows to be truly right. She does this with courage.

The good entrepreneur moderates his work ethic with rest. He does this through temperance.

Quote from: preciousNpolite on September 18, 2007, 02:04:28 AM
Time to wake up out of your bed and tune it into THE RUSH on DYTR's 911 FM! This last Monday DYTR radio made its soft launch of the all new talk  and music show "THE RUSH"! Your sweet, cute and new female sexxy radio jocks include Sandy, Charlie, and yours truly PRECY!
Our current schedule of being on air is going to be Monday through Saturdays 5am to 9am. My appearance will be certain days and from seven to nine am.
This program will also be live all around the world as we will be launching our web site for both AM and FM stereo.
We arecurrently making plans to the community to be able to get enticed  into voicing out and just to really be themselves and come out of the protective shell that they have been hiding under for so long with now.
I am sort of the Howard Stern moderator of the talk show we are doing. No way I could not be carass as he is on air but I will get pretty darn close to it though.
DYTR will change it's listeners format as "True Radio Station" for it's listenr's.
Most songs will be love songs as the girls on "The Rush" will help you get your day started as you rush and prepare for work or school.
SO PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO RETUNE YOUR FM DIAL TO "DYTR TRUE RADIO" THE RUSH! again that 5am-9am Monday through Saturday hope to see you there?

Official Launching will be Friday, September 21st, at 5 am-9 am see you there!

Precious, when is the launching date of DYTR's website?

Bootstrapping operating costs through outsourcing can help owners get to break-even sooner and improve profit margins as the business grows.

Outsourcing is a strategy that can work very well for a start-up and very small businesses. Rather than bear the cost of renting space and hiring a staff, these businesses utilize the excess capacity of someone else's business to make their product.

source: Jeff Cornwall, Belmont University

The best business opportunities come from things people already know something about. They come from work experiences, hobbies and everyday lives. Find something from your experiences that is also a need for others. If you are lucky, it may be a niche that nobody has discovered. Or there may be competition, but existing businesses are not meeting the need of customers in that market. Either way, solving problems that you understand is the best path for a first business venture.

Don't overthink ideas. Just like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz discovering how to get back to Kansas; the answer was right in front of her all along. And so are the best business ideas.

source: tennessean.com

The Chung family said it closed one of its dry cleaners in D.C. after losing money fighting the high-profile lawsuit involving a missing pair of pants.

South Korean immigrants Jim Na and Soo Chung, who operated Custom Cleaners...for seven years, were sued in 2005 by D.C. administrative law judge Roy Pearson for $67 million for mishandling a pair of pants.

The amount in the high profile case was later lowered to $54 million.

Despite winning the suit that went to trial in June in the D.C. Superior Court, the Chungs spent money fighting Pearson and ultimately had to close the store, according to a press release issued by their attorney.

source: Washington Business Journal

Quote from: Mari on September 01, 2007, 05:19:40 PM
ey peeps! where can i find raw materials for fashion accessories like wood, stones, shells, beads etc. here in Bohol?

Antequera, Tubigon, Sagbayan

Quote from: Macky Ferniz on September 23, 2007, 02:13:29 AM
I've heared this only from you Mike. Perhaps we have not grasp the power of Advertising and Marketing.

It is like a good writer who writes a good novel, but could not sell a book.

If you notice a famous novel will have a label "best selling author", not "best novel".

Macky, I was working in a travel magazine in Davao and every time we had an ad campaign we ended up frustrated.

Filipinos have not grasped the power of advertising, let alone the power of the Internet.

In Thailand, hot girls are even advertised in brochures.

Succession planning is important in any business, but it's sometimes overlooked in family-owned operations. This is a big mistake. There are numerous former family-run companies that no longer exist due to poor or no succession plan.

The plan needs to be well thought out and discussed with everyone affected. Don't just assume that a son or daughter will want to carry on the family business. Even if your children say they will take over, they may not have the true desire required to continue a successful operation.

source: http://forum.belmont.edu